Bournemouth and Poole's Green Book has developed out of the initial project. The Book is almost complete and I wondered if you could let me have about 225/250 words (unless you think there is enough to say to fill a page ie 475 words) - some suggested topics to include - what is Tip of the Pops, how does it work, what is your ethos/philosophy, when did you start, why, do you operate all over Dorset or just Bournemouth.....
Hello Debbie and thanks for giving me this opportunity,
Tip of the Pops is 'a disco with no carbon footprint' made by combining recycling and renewable energy, or as I like to describe it environmental activism with mass boogie appeal. The project began in 2004 at the Earthwise festival in Dorset where two passions of mine combined for the first time, community arts and sustainability. These two interests led to a career change, I bought my first solar panel after redundancy in 2006 and then started work as a recycling operative for Weymouth and Sherbourne Recycling W&S.
I did not know what project would materialise but I knew it would be environmental, community and creative. From the outset I was keen to promote renewable energy using the skills I had gained in the voluntary arts sector as fundraiser, promoter and organiser. So after years of attending Boscombe Community Fair, I tried my hand at coordinating a 'greenfield' attraction although this didn't really work culminating in a horrendous storm and flash floods in 2008.
At the time it seemed I would be better off focusing on my own solo project rather than community work, something I had never done. I had already started Tip of the Pops from some of the old records and equipment I had recovered from work and the response had been overwhelmingly positive. So I applied for a grant and was successful from UNLTD for social entrepreneurs, people who trade with social benefit. One of the first groups who benefited and I would like to thank are PEAT the Purbeck Environmental Action Team.
It was because of PEAT that I got my first 'official' booking and since then I have been doing a mixture of paid and unpaid gigs around Dorset such-as children's parties, fetes, festivals and weddings. The basic system is 'wheely' mobile, contained in a wheelbarrow and can be used anywhere, then there is a larger system for bigger functions that still uses the same recycled and renewable principles. I am currently working with teachers and professionals developing educational activities for children and adults with a view to touring local schools. Tip of the Pops has a lot of learning potential and I am looking for support locally to help unlock that. Whether we are talking about renewable energy, science, materials, recycling, dance, craft or careers I am certain we can cater for a lot of tastes and will continue to be touring in years to come.
