Emma Durkin #RUOSTURNS10

Tell us how you were/are involved in Right Up Our Street. Tell us about your experience.

I first became involved when RUOS helped to start Bentley Choir in 2016, I joined the choir and then became a trustee when we turned into a charity and have attended the meeting with RUOS and as a choir we've taken part in several events. RUOS are a big part of why the choir is still going with them funding projects.

What was your most memorable Right Up Our Street moment?

The Great Big Donco, its the first proper event I took part in and three of us from Bentley ended  up on a microphone in the market place. 

I've also done the Rossington Grand Parade, walking round in a hand made miners hat one year then a bee costume another stand out as well.

Has your involvement in the project changed your approach to working in the arts?

It's made me more engaged, I'm more involved with them now. I've gone from just attending a choir to helping to run it and being more involved in the community. It's reignited my creative aide.

In your opinion, how does having a project like Right Up Our Street benefit the borough of Doncaster?

It's made it possible for people to engage with the arts and with the community. Growing up in Bentley in the 90s there was nothing really. The choir has brought people together, given the community something to be proud of. Working with local artists give them a voice, encourages people from around Doncaster to get involved and meet new people. For me it's helped me to become more confident which has helped me both as part of the Doncaster community but also professionally.