We spoke to Carl Filby, Chair Of Creative Royston, to find out about his local life.
This month we chatted to Carl Filby. Carl has been the Chair of Creative Royston, which runs Royston Arts Festival, for the last two years and Secretary for the previous six. He is the website administrator for Royston Arts Society; volunteers for Royston Picture Palace and Repair Café, and was also the Secretary of Royston Celtic and Royston Town Youth Football Clubs for ten years.
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
My wife Tina and I moved from Kew to Royston in 1996 with infants Nick and Helen, and Robbie arrived in late 1997.
What’s your favourite local place to eat?
We have tried most places once or twice, but we’re not great ‘foodies’, though my friend Chris Lee and I can sometimes be found washing down a bite to eat in a local hostelry, exchanging views and putting the world to rights.
Your favourite local Shop?
Apart from food, shopping isn’t really my thing but Creative Royston tries to support local businesses by involving them in the festival and providing a publicity platform, and pubs and clubs more directly by staging Royston MusicFest.
What is the last book you read?
I’m enjoying Billy Connolly’s autobiography and anticipating the pleasure of reading the final book in Hilary Mantel’s trilogy about Thomas Cromwell.
What do you love about your work?
This sounds a bit pious but I genuinely love the collaboration and mutual support of working with local people and organisations for the benefit of the community. It’s also a great way to meet new people, try out new ideas and learn something new.
What is the most challenging aspect of your position? The most time-consuming is the amount of email correspondence but finding enough festival volunteers is always a challenge.
What makes you happy?
My home town team Middlesbrough FC doing well or England winning a rugby, cricket or football match. As long as the family are ok I’m pretty content, as far as anyone who has an interest in the wider world can be! I also love music and enjoy evenings amidst the friendly ‘Roystoneers’ at the Folk Club.
What is your favourite way to spend a Saturday?
In the company of old friends on a walking weekend, but otherwise watching sport on TV.
What is your favourite thing about living in Royston?
It’s small enough to have a real community feel but large enough to support some good local amenities and cultural activities.
What has been the most valuable life lesson that you have learnt? There have been many I hope, but owning up to (and learning from) your mistakes is a sign of strength not weakness.
Find out more about Creative Royston by visiting www.creativeroyston.org
