Submarines brought me to Plymouth, then the city became a valued base for my international business projects, but I always had an affinity with Barbican Theatre – the theatre bar was in the Fisherman’s then! It was the go-to place for alternative theatre. I was privileged to chair through its revamp and loved the education and community theatre projects. It had a great team then, as it does now, and it is remarkable how this team have reconfigured and refreshed, to deliver such exciting projects in such difficult times! I am hanging on to their coat-tails as they fly! The value of such pioneering creative enterprise to both the city and nationally is often underestimated – this team provide a beacon for all to engage with and learn from.