Abi Cobb (she/her)
Children's Capital of Culture Trainee Creative Producer alumni
What do you love about Rotherham?
One thing I love about Rotherham is that there is always something special happening. The town never sleeps!
Who is your creative role model?
My creative role model would have to be my theatre teacher/director who taught me everything I need to know for 11+ years! I wouldn't have the confidence to experience new everyday challenges without him. Most importantly, he taught me how to be me!
Ashley Leggott
Strategic Coordinator - Children, Young People and Families Consortium / Voluntary Action Rotherham
What inspires you?
Young people inspire me to become a better version of myself, so that, in turn, I can inspire them to uplift out of their challenging situations and succeed in life.
What is your favourite film?
Beat Street. I like to immerse myself in cultures that break boundaries and unite people of all backgrounds, such as breakin', graffiti, DJing and emceeing.
Christopher Badger
Children's Capital of Culture Trainee Creative Producer alumni
What inspires you?
What I have learned about inspiration is that you don't find it, it finds you - whether that is in the places you visit, the stories you read, the people you meet, or the songs you listen to.
What is your favourite film?
I have lots of fond memories watching Pirates Of The Caribbean with my brothers!
Deborah Bullivant
Founding Chief Executive - Grimm & Co
What do you love about Rotherham?
The people, the place, the parks. Rotherham has a big heart and huge ambitions for its future. This is really exciting for our next generation.
Who's your favourite band?
We're surrounded by the most amazing local talent that dominates my leisure time, including The Reytons, Kate Rusby, Lauren Housley, Richard Hawley and Arctic Monkeys.
Faisal Mohammad
Team Manager - Barnardo's Rotherham
What do you love about Rotherham?
Well, Rotherham is my home, where I have grown up, live and work. As they say, there is no place like home!
What inspires you?
I enjoy working with young people who others may see as challenging. It is very satisfying when they thrive, achieve their potential and become proud of themselves.
Councillor Dave Sheppard (he/him)
Cabinet member for Social Inclusion - Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Who are your creative role models?
Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe (Pet Shop Boys). Not only because of their great music, but also the way they collaborate with other artists and work in almost every area of the performing arts.
What's your favourite film?
The Travelling Players by Theo Angelopoulos, an amazing Greek film set in the Second World War and the horrific civil war that followed.
David McWilliams
Assistant Director: Early Help, Family Engagement and Business Support - Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Who is your creative role model?
Jo Peel
What inspires you?
Music, family, people, poetry, inequality, art.
Helen Jones
Director - Flux Rotherham
What do you love about Rotherham?
How friendly everyone is, the great cafes, green spaces, and all the stories!
Which artists do you admire?
The Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. She is open about her need to create artwork to maintain positive mental health. I adore her work and the fact that you get to become part of her artwork in all sorts of ways.
Julie Dalton (she/her)
Managing Director - Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts
What do you love about Rotherham?
The friendly and welcoming community. Rotherham has so many hidden gems too - places like Wentworth Woodhouse, Magna and Clifton Park. And what other town has somewhere as magical and inspiring to visit as the wonderful Grimm & Co?
What inspires you?
My team at Gulliver's inspire me every day. Their creativeness and proactiveness never ceases to amaze me.
Leanne Buchan (she/her)
Head of Creative Programming and Engagement - Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Who is your creative role model?
It's a close call between Maggie Smith, Bob Mortimer and Miriam Margolyes. They all embody a sense of mischief and silliness that reminds me that culture can be playful, joyful and daft. They all also show empathy in their work and their general character, which I like.
What's your favourite food?
Gyoza!
Sarah Christie (she/her)
Programme Director, Children's Capital of Culture - Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
What do you love about Rotherham?
How at home I feel here. The borough's diverse communities are so friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth - with a great sense of fun!
Who's your favourite band?
Don't make me pick just one! An eclectic five-way tie between Sufjan Stevens, Abba, Haim, Blondie and Prince?
Sithule Mguni
Young Minds Together
What inspires you?
Music and musical films like Mamma Mia!
