This Is Guernsey

By Tom Edwards

Since winning Bright Young Things, James Turner has been working to turn his Street Academy idea into a business. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0575040)

A PLACE for Guernsey’s young people to chill out and learn performing arts is the vision of Bright Young Things winner James Turner. The 23-year-old former carpenter, joiner and mason has ditched his job to work 24/7 on his business brainchild, Street Academy.

As a teenager, he had always longed for somewhere to learn more skills to combine with his passion for music, DJ’ing and roller-skating. ‘There wasn’t anywhere when I was 16, so I launched a petition with Deputy Al Brouard to try to get a skate park up and running,’ said Mr Turner.

‘Because I was young, I left it to the States and it never took off, but this time I’ve got my friends and Bright Young Things to help me out and get it off the ground. When I saw the competition being advertised, I thought this was my chance to turn my idea into a business rather than just doing it in a community hall somewhere.’

Once he had made the final six for last week’s final at St James, Mr Turner was teamed with mentor Derek Coates to develop his idea.

The pair came up with ways for the business to make money, such as charging a membership fee, a cafe and Street Academy clothing.

‘Derek was brilliant because he understood the point of it all right from the start.

‘It’s not just a place to learn new skills. We also want there to be a mini gym and a socialising area as well.

‘A lot of people are talented but they’re afraid to share it with others, so perhaps if they’re around others with similar interests and talents it will build their confidence.

‘Derek has been a great help, not just in terms of the business side, but also where the academy could be in two or three years’ time.

‘And he hasn’t just left us to it since we won either. He is still with us trying to help find a suitable premises.’

What distinguishes Street Academy from other UK projects such as Stage Coach is that the performing-arts lessons will be taught by local young people for their peers.

Mr Turner said he has an army of willing teachers lined up and he enlisted three of them to help him with the Bright Young Things live show last week.

Matt Gouveia, Jenny Murphy, Lucy Hill and he gave an electrifying performance with rap, vocals, modern ballet and human beat box.

‘The public speaking wasn’t easy as I had never done it before so I didn’t know what to expect. To talk in front of 500 people was really nerve-racking, but it had to be done.

‘The team only rehearsed the routine a couple of days before, but I was never worried about that because I knew I had some really talented people on my side.’

Since winning the Schroders-sponsored competition, Mr Turner has dedicated his life to getting Street Academy off the ground.

He is spending every waking hour searching for the right premises and appealing to local businesses for sponsorship.

‘There aren’t a lot of places in Guernsey to start with and to do this I really need the Environment Department to grant change of use as well.

‘We are asking everybody for support and for any business people who think they can help to get in touch and sponsor us.

‘This has never been about making money but about doing something really positive for the young, creative and talented people in Guernsey.

‘It won’t make me a rich man, but it will enrich the youth of the island.’

Website www.streetacademy.gg goes live this week and to contact Mr Turner, email jamesturner1984@hotmail.com.