1985 - 2019 Arts Manager at Thurrock Council including at various times management of Thameside Complex, Thameside Theatre, Thurrock Museum, Thurrock Civic Hall, London Cruise Terminal Tilbury and an ice rink at Lakeside Shopping Centre (yes it was mad but fun!)
Definitely the best job in Thurrock - meeting lots of lovely people doing what they really wanted to do. During this period I married Beverley and had two fantastic boys who have grown into wonderful people.
2002 - 2017 Governor at Gable Hall School Corringham
A great school in its time - and such a privilege to be involved in formal education.
2002-4 Secondment to Arts Manager role at Medway Council
Covering while Howard Barnes was on secondment to the legal department - a very enjoyable 6 months of stimulating problem solving
2002 - 2008 Management of Local Area Initiative bringing over half a million pounds of arts funding into Thurrock.
A real insight into what could be achieved when funding is available. And the right people - namely Mary-Ann Connolly.
2007 Awarded MA in Arts Management by Anglia Ruskin University
A great course under the stewardship of Peter Thornton which brought together my degree course and 27 years practical experience
2019 - 2024
Project Manager on restoration of sailing barge Raybel at Lloyd Wharf, Sittingbourne.
A complete change of course spending days in dirty and strenuous physical conditions, learning new skills and meeting great people and using all my transferable skills to keep a team of volunteers together. Fantastic leadership and fundraising by Gareth Maeer and others. Mission objective achieved in June 25 when Raybel sailed again
Facebook: Raybel Charters
2023 - 24 Working as research assistant for National Historic Ships on major report into future of the National Historic Fleet
2025 onwards - continuing voluntary work with Raybel Charters, Thurrock Arts and Culture Trust, Coalhouse Fort and Thameside Primary School Gardening Club
email: mark@markallinson.com
