Katie Bottomley was recently promoted to music manager at the TCR Hub, in Barnard Castle, following the departure of Peter Bousfield.
She is hoping to raise awareness of The Hub’s music facilities and encourage more people to get involved. Having previously worked as a music teacher at the centre, she said: “Since Pete left, they got me involved. It just kind of happened really. It means a lot to me. I feel very honoured to be working here. It is daunting but at the same time it is exciting.
“I am trying to promote the music department at The Hub and do a lot more for the community.”
On the last Wednesday night of each month, Ms Bottomley will be hosting ‘We’ll Meet Again’ sessions for older people who would like to have a sing-a-long to music from the past.
Ms Bottomley said: “I will be playing the keyboard with music from times gone by. It is an opportunity to get like-minded, elderly people involved in The Hub. There is nothing like that around here.”
The sessions will run from 7pm until 9pm. Entry costs £5. Transport will also be available for a small charge.
Ms Bottomley will also be organising singing sessions for workplaces. She said: “It is a form of relaxation and a good way of colleagues getting to know each other. It also helps break up the working day. Colleagues can either sing a silly song or sing a song they want to learn.”
Born in South Yorkshire, the 43-year-old first moved to Teesdale with her parents when she was just three.
Her late mum, Rose Bottomley, founded the Mickleton and District Music and Drama Society otherwise known as Mad Mads. She was also a professional singer touring with the likes of Bernie Winters, Paul Daniels and Max Wall. Meanwhile, her father Rob Bottomley spent his life as an oil painter who specialised in country scenes and later seascapes. It was through her father’s love of art that Ms Bottomley moved to Saltburn.
Having landed a recording contract in Slovakia and lived for a short time in London, Ms Bottomley made her way back to Teesdale to visit friends. She now splits her time between Cullercoats, near Whitley Bay, and Barnard Castle, where she is keen to continue the legacy of her artistic parents in the dale. She said: “Music is my life and I am really proud to be working here. There is so much for people to do here and we have got a fantastic team who work well together.
“I am really passionate about The Hub. I think it is a really unique facility but some people don’t know what it is.” Earlier this year, Ms Bottomley formed an adult choir, Halcyon Singers, in memory of her mum who was renowned for bringing together the Renaissance choir. She said: “The choir has gone from strength to strength. We have about 20 members now but we are constantly looking for more.”
The group has been selected to take part in the Durham Vocal Festival in February.
Ms Bottomley now hopes to establish a children’s choir at The Hub too.
In the meantime, the centre offers CD-making sessions as well as the use of its four music rooms and recording studio to any budding artists who are looking for somewhere to practise. The Hub is also able to host ABRSM examinations.
Ms Bottomley added: “It is nice to carry on this legacy of my parents. They would have loved to have been in The Hub.
“They would be very proud.”
Contact Ms Bottomley on 01833 690150 for details.
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