14/06/2010 - Customs House Executive Director Awarded MBE
Customs House Executive Director Ray Spencer has been awarded an MBE for his services to the Arts in The North East.
Mr Spencer, 53, has been in charge of the Mill Dam venue for over ten years and has overseen the organisations transformation from being describe as having “ no regional or national significance” to a venue that is nationally renowned for its work with Find Your Talent and Creative Partnerships and A Night Less Ordinary the three Government programmes it delivers.
The Customs House works closely with North & South Tyneside Council engaging with over 35,000 young people each year and its Arts Education agency Custombuilt regularly guides young people into the arts and on to successfully complete the Arts Awards.
Ray said: “I passionately believe in the Arts as a tool for social and physical regeneration and I am honoured to Chair the Culture and Wellbeing group of South Tyneside’s Local Strategic Partnership.”
But to thousands of children – young and old – in South Tyneside he is known as Tommy the Trumpeter whose annual gunge filled Summer Parties attract hundreds of people to the seafront over the school holidays.
He also writes, directs and stars in the Customs House pantomime which has also become one of the best in the North East and regularly attracts almost 25,000 people.
Ray said: “I am of course hugely honoured to receive the MBE.
“I think it reflects the terrific work the whole team here at The Customs House has achieved over the last ten years.
“It is not only a great venue owned by the people for the people but it does work in the community that makes a real difference to people’s lives.”
He added: “I love The Customs House, my town and my Borough and I can’t imagine a better place to live, work and bring up my four children with my partner Trish.
“I am a very lucky man to do what I do and this award merely reminds me that I have so much more to achieve.
“It came as a complete surprise and I am sure there are many other worthy recipients, but I would like to publicly thank whoever it was who nominated me.
“This Biddick Hall lad is very humbled by the whole thing.”
The Rt Hon David Miliband, MP for South Shields said: “Ray Spencer is a very worthy recipient of an award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
“Ray is passionate about South Tyneside, he is a man who works hard to raise the profile of the arts in the borough and he does a fantastic amount of voluntary work for schools and charities.
“He is a very special person and I am thrilled that all his hard work and strong leadership over the years has been recognised with this award"
Bob Stott, who will perform alongside Ray in pantomime for 35th time this year, when they take to the stage for Puss in Boots said: “I am absolutely delighted to hear of Ray’s award - it is well deserved.
“Ray has developed an organisation that positively impacts on thousands of peoples, from all age groups and in so many different ways.
“One of Ray’s leadership strengths is surrounding himself with a great Customs House team to develop and deliver all the Customs House offers and I wish Ray, the team and the Customs House all success for the future as it goes from strength to strength.”
Paul Collard, Chief Executive at Creativity, Culture and Education England said: “Few people in the North East deserve this recognition as much as Ray.
“The passion and drive he has brought to creating a truly wonderful organisation has meant that the people of the North and South Tyneside have access to some of the finest cultural programmes in the UK.
“In addition he has secured for them a wide range of additional programmes, such as Creative Partnerships and Find Your Talent, to ensure that the impact of his work can be found far beyond the walls of the building.
“Almost everyone in the community has been touched in some way by his work.
“On behalf of all them I would like to offer Ray a big Thank You.”
Ed Waugh, who along with writing partner Trevor Wood, were given their stage debut by Ray Spencer said: "I can't think of a more deserving person for the award.
"Ray gave us our big break in 2002 with Good to Firm and I am extremely proud of the humble lad from Biddick Hall."
Mike Yeaman, whose play Canoeing for Beginners will have its world premier at the venue in July said: "A Customs House audience is a rare thing - ordinary people coming to an arts venue where they feel at home, whether it's to see a tribute band or the premiere of a new play.
"There's an inclusivity here that much better funded theatres fail to achieve. Ray has created something very special, for audiences and artists alike.
"There's more chance of a new writer adding a full-scale professional production to their credits here than anywhere else in the region."
Karri Prinn, Events Officer at South Tyneside Council who spends the Summer attempting to keep order at Tommy's Parties said: "I was delighted to hear the news that Ray had been awarded an MBE.
"This is a fantastic achievement for a man who works tirelessly in all roles he undertakes whether this be as Exective Director of the Customs House or as Tommy The Trumpeter at the parties and events he hosts.
"Ray’s passion and support to the local community is second to non.
"He shares social values and consideration for those he comes into contact with, his passion for the arts and local communities always shines and he is a marvellous example to all those within the Borough.
"I wish to congratulate Ray and I know the public who attend the parties will be really pleased that he has got the recognition that he deserves.”
Tom Kelly, the Jarrow born playwright said: "I have worked on many projects with Ray since 1976 and we eventually became colleagues in Performing Arts at South Tyneside College and the work he undertook on a day- to- day basis with our students underlined the commitment to working with young people, helping them to achieve their dreams and demanding and getting the best from the students.
"His infectious humour and affability have won him many friends throughout South Tyneside: he is a man people warm to.
"Ray has been my friend for over thirty years and I am delighted and take real pleasure in his receiving the MBE: well done mate, you deserve it and your mam and dad would have been proud of you. I know I am."
Jacqui West, Choreographer for South Tyneside Dance Workshop on hehalf of the group said: "We are over the moon for Ray.
"He works so hard and is brilliant at what he does and he puts 100% passion into everything!
"We have worked alongside Ray for many years and we are honoured to provide the dancers for the very successful Customs House Pantos and he helps us year in year out by compering and performing in our Gala shows.
"Ray is not just our colleague but a very very good friend. Huge congratulations Ray."
*If you would like to pass on your congratulations simply email Keir Waugh (keir@customshouse.co.uk) with the subject "Ray Spencer"
back to previous page