New Year's Honours 2020
A PASSIONATE music teacher from Clanfield said his award from the Queen should be dedicated to members of his team and all their ‘inspirational’ students.
Rocker Mark Thompson-Smith is set to be given a British Empire Medal (BEM) as part of the New Year’s Honours for his popular Ready to Rock schools that give young people of all backgrounds the chance to learn a musical instrument.
Mark Thompson-Smith will receive a BEM from the Queen in the New Year's Honours for his work through his music schools raising money for charities and encouraging children to get involved with music. Picture: Habibur Rahman.
Mark Thompson-Smith will receive a BEM from the Queen in the New Year's Honours for his work through his music schools raising money for charities and encouraging children to get involved with music. Picture: Habibur Rahman.
Since 2013 Mark, 60, has run weekly classes at discounted prices in locations in Havant, Petersfield, Waterlooville and Portsmouth.
Pupils have the option of learning the guitar, bass guitar, drums and vocals from a group of experienced teachers – some of which were former students.
Vocalist Mark, who has had a long career in music since he joined his first band at 14, said he was ‘lucky’ to do what he does. ‘I am a very fortunate man,’ he said.
‘The kids are such an inspiration. ‘I’ve passed a certain age and yet I still get to do what I love.
Mark Thompson-Smith will receive a BEM from the Queen in the New Year's Honours for his work through his music schools raising money for charities and encouraging children to get involved with music. Picture: Habibur Rahman.
Mark Thompson-Smith will receive a BEM from the Queen in the New Year's Honours for his work through his music schools raising money for charities and encouraging children to get involved with music. Picture: Habibur Rahman.
‘I am accepting the medal on behalf of all the team. Without them I am just a guy who sings.’
Around 60 students currently attend the Ready to Rock classes. Some have learning difficulties and some wouldn’t be able to afford regular private tutoring.
They put on termly performances and give the profits from ticket sales to local causes. Their latest show at the Wedgewood Rooms in Southsea raised £1,400 for charity Daybreak.
Several have gone on to have success in the music industry, with some former students performing at the Isle of Wight Festival, Reading and Victorious among other venues and events.
Mark said: ‘They have got that love of music and we just build on that. We are full of passion for the whole thing.
‘We just want to pass that on to them.’
Mark has performed with several bands over the decades including Praying Mantis, Sweet and Fay Wray UK, and he currently works with group Leather and Lace.
From the Portsmouth NEWS 28th December 2019.
2014 FEBRUARY SAT 15TH THE HEROES, WATERLOOVILLE Fay Wray UK
2014 FEBRUARY FRI 14th THE CARISBROOKE ARMS, GOSPORT Fay Wray UK
2014 MARCH FRI 4th THE BUGLE, TITCHFIELD Fay Wray UK
2014 APRIL SAT 26TH WORKIES, HAVANT Fay Wray UK
2014 MAY SAT 24TH THE WORKIES, LEE ON THE SOLENT Fay Wray UK
2014 JUNE SAT 7TH THE HEROES, WATERLOOVILLE Fay Wray UK
2014 JUNE SAT 21ST PRIVATE PARTY, HAYLING ISLAND Fay Wray UK
2014 JULY SAT 26TH THE HARVEST HOME, DENMEAD Fay Wray UK
2014 AUGUST SAT 2ND THE WESTLEIGH, HAVANT Fay Wray UK
2014 AUGUST FRI 8TH THE LANGSTONE HOTEL, HAYLING ISLAND Fay Wray UK
2014 AUGUST SAT 9TH THE HAYLING BILLY, HAYLING ISLAND Fay Wray UK
2014 SEPTEMBER SAT 27TH WORKIES, HAVANT Fay Wray UK
2014 OCTOBER FRI 17TH THE HEROES, WATERLOOVILLE Fay Wray UK
2014 OCTOBER SAT 18TH THE LORD CHICHESTER, PORTSMOUTH Fay Wray UK
2014 NOVEMBER SAT 22ND THE HAYLING BILLY, HAYLING ISLAND Fay Wray UK
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