An audience of over 300 local residents, parishioners and special guests gathered at Holy Trinity Church, Lamorbey to listen to Sir Quentin Blake on his return to his home town of Sidcup.

Quentin Blake: Beyond the Page saw the former Children’s Laureate, give an illustrated talk about his early memories of Sidcup, his relationship with the stage and his work both in books and more recently in hospitals, museums and other public spaces.

The event launched Sidcup Words & Music, a creative project between Holy Trinity Church, Lamorbey and Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance which celebrates the work of creative talent linked with the town.

Fr. Philip Wells, Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Lamorbey was delighted that the event attracted so many local residents;

‘Community engagement is essential to the life of the local church so we are extremely proud to have hosted this first Sidcup Words and Music event with Quentin Blake, supported by Rose Bruford College. We very much hope that this will be an event for the whole community and will develop our artistic life in Sidcup.’

Professor Michael Earley, Principal of Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, was thrilled that the event set the stage for its increasing presence in the Sidcup and Lamorbey community;

“Sidcup Words and Music forms part of our ongoing outreach initiatives. Our aim is to invite the community to see what we do and work with a range of local partners on producing inclusive events that will have appeal to all ages and groups. The fascinating talk by  Quentin Blake, was a terrific beginning to our initiative.”

Earlier in the day, Sir Quentin visited his old school, Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School, where an exhibition of his work is being displayed in the Curve Gallery. He then visited Rose Bruford College for a tour of the campus, including Lamorbey House, where he used to attend Art lectures in his youth.

Speaking after the talk, Sir Quentin said;

“It was a pleasure to return to Sidcup and be part of the first Sidcup Words and Music event.”