Testimonials

Having worked with 'Off Our Trolley' on the Birmingham St Patricks Day Parade for a number of years,I can highly recommend Garry he is the very best Artist/Carnivalist.
Brilliant with groups of any age,
I have the photos to prove it,anyone requireing a reference please contact me.

Pat Wright
Cultural Developement Co-ordinator
British Irish Forum
0121 772 9425

We have worked with Garry on a variety of projects over the last eight years including carnivals, flag festivals and lantern festivals.

Garry has impressed us with his ability to work with and motivate a wide variety of people, of all ages, from our diverse multi-cultural communities. He is clearly sensitive to their particular needs and has the skills to develop individuals, nurturing confidence and a sense of well being. Garry has also managed to diffuse potentially difficult and sensitive situations whilst maintaining a cohesive and focused group within workshops. The majority of the carnival workshops, for example, have included young children, teenagers, adults and the elderly, all of whom worked in harmony under Garry’s direction.

Also of particular note is Garry’s artistic ingenuity and versatility. This is demonstrated in his ability to rapidly develop ideas, work with any material (including apparent ‘junk’) whilst engaging and empowering even the least confident participants.

Margot Lambert
Director of Housing & Care Services
Caldmore Housing Association

Garry has been working with The Sexual Health Promotion Service over a number of years now; mainly on our Campaign Events for World AIDS Day each year. His enthusiasm and flare for using the arts as a catalyst for very challenging health promotion work is infectious. In 2008 and 2009 he planned and Co-ordinated a highly successful Fashion Show and got the support of Selfridges in Birmingham - not only culminating in a spectacular show in store but raising awareness of the stigma and discrimination around HIV with the fashion students he worked with. It was a media hit with air time on BBC Midlands today!

Garry has also managed the entire WAD Campaign on behalf of our service and added colour and vibrancy to all the events he Co-ordinated.

I think Garry’s work speaks for itself, but there is always more than surface pizzazz; his arts projects have depth and meaning and the processes he employs with the groups he works with ensure that they benefit in a multitude of ways- increasing confidence, self esteem, practical skills etc… It is always a pleasure to work with Garry and he would definitely be top of the list for any new arts –based or campaign initiatives we are planning in the future.

LIZ MORRIS

Co-Manager, Sexual Health Promotion Service

Heart of B’ham teaching PCT

‘Garry just gets it! He’s great at responding to briefs and working brilliantly with all ages. He’s professional, creative and talented and always delivers on time with panache and warmth’.

Rebecca Hardy:
Educational Consultant
Creative Partnership

Your backpacks really made the carnival procession & nice to work with you again.

Nick Ledbury
Glamba Samba

Wow! What can I say..Thank you so much for the fantastic 'Art'- the trolleys are amazing and the children have ALL enjoyed making their costumes.you are a star !

Ruth Wylie
Head Teacher Wrens Nest Primary School Dudley

Thankyou so much for all your support
in helping us prepare St Patricks Day Parade Birmingham 2011,
The children had a wonderful time
From all
at St Vincents Catholic Primary School