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“Nicola helped the Trustees of a small charity in Kingston Upon Thames to slowly and with great skill re-established the work of the Charity. She led us out of the shadow of its talented and passionate founders and gave the charity the chance to grow and develop in its own right for the benefit of the community. She did all this will charm, skill and fortitude. Nicola is a first class arts administrator and a pleasure to work with.”

Nick Kilby MCIPR – Chief Executive Officer, Cratus Communications

 “Nicola managed our Voice for Disability oral history project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. She produced a marvellous, creative and sensitive exhibition and oral history artefacts, with backing from the Royal College of Surgeons. She brought imagination and creativity to the project, alongside resourcefulness and well honed organisational and project manangment skills. Highly recommended! “

Philippa Thompson – Chief Executive at Independent Lives 

“Nicola worked at Save the World Club, a Kingston Charity as Arts Development Manager. She was instrumental in reviewing and establishing the charities management processes as well as developing the artistic direction with funders, partners and local companies. She contributed to the strategic management in partnership with Trustees. Her management and creative knowledge and experience were an asset during a very difficult time. “

Linder Rothery – Consultant at SJ Infrastructure and Technology

‘As the Development Worker for the English Heritage project, Creative Landscapes, Nicola has consistently shown commitment, organisation and imagination in her work. She has supported the establishment of the Heritage Open Days team with quiet persistence and strong facilitation. It was through her determination that the project in Hastings received the Inspire Mark.’

Esther Gill – Outreach Manager, English Heritage

`I can heartily recommend and speak of the highest terms of Nicola Benge  from a  knowledge extending some 4 years.  Nicola trustworthy, conscientious,  punctual and professional  in her dealings with me. She is a kind-hearted person. I may add what I know of Nicola that you need have no hesitation in recommending her.´

Bert Williams MBE – Director, Brighton and Hove Black History         www.black-history.org.uk

‘Nicola has been a pleasure to work with, she is dedicated and trustworthy. Over the last three years she has delivered the WRVS Heritage Plus project successfully across Portslade, Brighton and Hove, with positive feedback from participants, volunteers and partner organisations. She is passionate and enthusiastic about her work, which she does in a creative, friendly and approachable manner.’

Kirsty Pattrick – WRVS Heritage Plus Project Manager
www.heritageplus.org.uk

‘The Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Geoff Wells, and Deputy Mayor Councillor Ann Norman, have asked me to write to say how sorry they are that your excellent Project in our city has come to an end. The Council, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and past Mayors, have been very aware of all the hard work, energy and enthusiasm you have put into the Project and how much good has resulted from it – and value greatly everything you have achieved. They have asked me to pass on to you, personally, their thanks for all you have done, and their best wishes’

Mayoral Secretary – Brighton & Hove City Council

‘QueenSpark Books has known of, and worked with, Nicola for nearly 5 years, and throughout that time we have been amazed at her capacity for facilitating and delivering high-quality reminiscence projects; she is committed to development work with people who have not previously been involved in heritage activity, and the evident esteem that the participants hold her in is eloquent testimony to the quality of her work.’

John Riches – Development Director, QueenSpark Books
www.queensparkbooks.org.uk

‘Nicola has worked on the Chichester Festivities lantern procession since 2005. On this project she runs lantern making workshops in the community, creates art for the event and then works on the actual event. We have found Nicola to be a good communicator and popular with the groups that she has worked with; she is a hard worker, good team player and has created amazing art for us. We would not hesitate in recommending her for similar projects.’

Heather Fray – Coordinator of Chichester Festivities

Nicola Benge is a well organised and competent project manager with whom I have worked during the Growing an Older Audience Project at Fabrica. During this time she has successfully organised events to introduce Fabrica to the local community of older audiences and assisted the project with valid suggestions. Her feedback and suggestions have proven constructive and useful at all times.

Lorenza Ippolito – Artist and Arts Professional