In Your Space Circus secures major grant to transform Old Cathedral School

Derry-based circus school and street theatre company, In Your Space Circus (IYSC), has been awarded a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £140,000 for an exciting heritage project that will reinvigorate the former school on London Street, just outside the grounds of St Columb’s Cathedral.

As new custodians of the Old Cathedral School, the money will facilitate the Derry-based arts charity to develop plans for the use of the building as a circus school and performance venue, deliver community and volunteer engagement programmes, build the capacity of IYSC’s board of Directors, secure professional advice and guidance, and fundraise for the capital elements of the project required to fit-out the building’s interior. This work will ultimately transform the stunning historic building into a flagship circus arts venue in the City.

Both In Your Space Circus and St Columb’s Cathedral are committed to breathing life back into the building and reinstating it as a ‘school’, offering access to children, young people, and adults from across the city and region to learn, play, and create. It will also support IYSC’s ambition to nurture local talent and attract artists from outside of the city in their new circus arts venue.

Commenting on the award, Cath McBride, Company Director said, “We have been searching for a suitable home for the past ten years, which has been challenging due to the unique requirements of circus.

Foyle Hospice Female Walk/Run raises vital funds

This year’s Foyle Hospice Female Walk/Run was a huge success again, thanks to the support of the local community and sponsors including Loganair, Seagate, and SmartPayNI.

“The Cathedral School is perfect for our work and our future aspirations for people of all ages to engage with our impactful work. We feel privileged to have become the custodians of one of Derry’s most stunning heritage assets. We could not be more delighted with this opportunity and the support received thanks to National Lottery players.’’

Robert McGonigle, Parish Administrator of St Columb’s Cathedral, also added, “St Columb’s Cathedral is thrilled to be entering into a new and exciting era in the life of one of the most iconic buildings in the city with In Your Space Circus. The Old Cathedral School has gone through quite a few years of uncertainty since completion of phase one of its restoration, and it is with great expectation that we have agreed this lease with IYSC as our tenant. We’re confident it has the potential to secure the future of the building. This is a very important milestone for both organisations and we will give them every support and encouragement as they progress the project and inject life back into the building.”

On Sunday 11 June, over 2,400 ladies joined together for the iconic annual event that has shaped the North West fundraising calendar since 1983. The event raises vital funds for Foyle Hospice which offers specialist palliative care through its Inpatient Unit, Day Therapy and ICC Clinic, Home Care Team, and Bereavement Counselling Services.

The collectible t-shirts are a sought-after item with many ladies cherishing them as a souvenir year after year. Entertainment was provided by Calms Stress Management Charity Choir who serenaded participants as a sea of pink t-shirts made their way towards the Peace Bridge.

Members of Foyle Valley and Spartan’s Running Club were responsible for marshalling the major route with Billy Scampton who served as Chief Marshall. Once again, St John’s Ambulance volunteers were also on hand for first aid emergencies.

Director of Income Generation and Communications at Foyle Hospice, Sheila Duffy said, “The event was a huge success and we are grateful to every person who came out in support of their local Hospice this year. It is vital that we continue to raise money in order to provide top-quality care for both patients and their families.

“We are privileged to have such amazing and loyal supporters who make Foyle Hospice what it is. Without you, it would not be possible and we are very grateful.”

If you would like to know more about Foyle Hospice or share a fundraising idea, please get in touch at 028 7135 9888. Your support is always vital and much appreciated.