Boss proud of Hereford theatre legacy (From Hereford Times)

Boss proud of Hereford theatre legacy

8:00am Monday 28th January 2013 in News

MARTYN Green, chief executive of The Courtyard, left The Courtyard on Friday after 12 years in post. 

He had believed that, as he left, the arts venue was in a stronger position financially, having turned around a £280,000 deficit.

But the possible withdrawal of a three-year-funding agreement with the council leaves the venue’s future hanging in the balance once again. As funding comes under the spotlight, Martyn recognises that, given a choice between street lighting and The Courtyard, there would be little contest.

But he emphasises that the choices are not always clear cut, pointing to The Courtyard’s work with the elderly and the potential savings it represents to care costs.

He said: “We worked with 6,500 elderly people last year, leading to a quantifiable reduction in the costs of sleeping medication and incontinence care.

“If the work we are doing, keeping people engaged, keeps six people from needing care for another 12 months, the council will have saved what it costs to fund The Courtyard.

“I am proudest of the outreach and education work done at The Courtyard, but I am also really proud of turning the organisation from a failing one to a success story, not just for Hereford but regionally and nationally, and developing a model of best practice for delivering the arts in a rural community.”