'assaulted while busking' LancsLive article - Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy

Article Update

Lancs Live approached me recently interested in writing an article about what happened when I was attacked last month whilst performing as a freelance Musician (Busker).

At first I was very nervous about even responding to the press.

However, from reading it today I'm pleased I spoke up.  

I hope that this article that they have written makes other musicians feel secure by just getting this story out there.

See the following link for the article:

https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/assaulted-busking-streets-preston-17171789

Court Case Results Online Review - Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy

Article Update

So the results from the court case are going online ...

Here's one source:

See the following link for more:

https://www.blogpreston.co.uk/2019/10/woman-jailed-for-attack-on-street-musician-outside-fishergate-marks-and-spencer/

I thought that it's quite a succinct article.  At the end of the article you can log in and make a comment.  Personally, I haven't made any comments.  Preston Blog's article about this only came to my attention today.  I found the 'bat out of hell' comment particularly amusing. 

Overall, I think it's a really good result.  I haven't been awarded any compensation by the court, however I may chase this up.  I had been left emotionally traumatised by the incident, though I'm pretty much over the bruises and scrapes - I will be indulging in purchasing a new pair of leggings.  Though I might consider setting a trend wearing them as they are - holes on both of my knees ... .  Might catch on, look quite fetching ... . If not, give some fellas a thrill ... .  I will be looking to replace my music stand at some point. Until then, I will make do with it's Leaning Tower of Pisa appearance ... .  

Fair enough, if someone hasn't got the means maybe they cannot pay for the damage caused.  Yes, it's minimal, but how about they be ordered to do community service so they can afford to pay for the damage?  It might even help turn their life around.  Maybe the system is too bound up with codes of practice, but it's just a thought.

Connected article:

https://handeldoesit.blogspot.com/2019/09/sophie-cox-oshaughnessy-appeal-for.html 

[Incidently, the second link in this article, by the LEP, when they printed it, they said that the offender had got granted unconditional bail.  That caused me anxiety at the time because the Police had told me that she had been sent to prison until the court hearing.  I asked the Police to check for me and it became apparent that what the LEP had printed was incorrect, that she was in prison.]

Save Our Arts Heritage by Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy

Arts Heritage rules OK

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2019 (2006)

Here I am performing 'Dea Ex Machina'.  This is a snapshot photo of a Dance piece I choreographed and performed to one of Phillip Glass's Dancepieces.  This, I performed in the Avenham Theatre (in the Harris Institute building) directly opposite Avenham Park in Preston Lancashire.  

It was an assessed piece, whilst also open to the public, in a complete Theatre/Show going ambience experience (as part of my Degree studies). 

The Theatre, which is set at the rear of the building has such character.  The seating is teared and resembles Christian Church pews complete with the panel in front of you, that you can lean forward on, all adjoined.  (Obviously there isn't a cushioned lower panel to kneel on.)  [I remember this well, as I scattered rose petals along this panel as part of the preparation for the set for another piece I presented to a live audience when one of my Teachers said that we could create a piece of theatre/dance etc, that wouldn't be assessed, though just for us to create and perform work, if we wanted, and I chose to.  (This was dance, music, singing and visual art that I revealed during the piece that I had made (mixed media).]  The stage is one level at door entrance level and panel/screens can be used for wings.  
For people not accustomed to theatre speak - 'wings' are part of the stage, but offstage, on either side of the stage and out of sight of the audience.
Then there is also space for the sound and lighting desk at the rear and at the top of the auditorium.  The flooring has capacity for dance flooring.
It's cute because it is a small Theatre, but fully functioning.
The other rooms are set as classrooms and there is a large dance studio complete with bars and mirrors and dance studio flooring.  The windows are high, so the space can let the light in, though provide excellent concentration/study conditions as no distractions from outside.
I should add there are two staircases that join on a landing and then go up again another set of two staircases - very novel and ornate.

At least, this was how it was in 2006.

Here I am on one of the pillars in front of the Avenham (Harris Institute) building today:

23/10/2019

I recently read an article by Blog Preston on 'Decaying Harris Institute remains on 'at risk' register'.  This inspired me to write, in support of it, this particular article.  See here for the article:

https://www.blogpreston.co.uk/2019/10/decaying-harris-institute-sees-price-dropped-as-it-keeps-at-risk-status/?fbclid=IwAR0qwxRKKFxHOri7MCw3QQ04klA9EVQxAhn2b68XQm6-gFFMGrxjPcusM9s

The Harris Institute building is central to Preston.  No, it's not on the High St (Fishergate) or slap bang right in the middle of the town ie. Friargate.  It is proportionally across the way from the Harris (Museum and Library), that is in the town centre.  It is in its own place.  

In my opinion, if successfully restored, it would only compliment other arts venues such as Preston Playhouse, the Media Factory (UCLan) and maybe the building beside The Guild Hall/Charter Theatre (sadly not in in use anymore), that I hear there is talks of turning into a music venue.  Incidently, I have volunteered as a Stage Hand for Preston Playhouse and also worked as an Usherette in The Guild Hall and Charter Theatre (2015).

Preston is a city now.  People walk and meander around cities.  Talking of walks, there is a most beautiful, pleasant promenade - officially called Walk directly opposite the building.  Originally it was known as a promenade.  

23/10/2019

Take a look at this link for more on Avenham Walk's origin:

https://www.parksandgardens.org/places/avenham-walk

I would dearly love to see the cute little Theatre in the Avenham building (The Harris Institute) restored.  Even, the large dance studio. It would be a fantastic project for an investor and/or Arts Council/Lottery Arts Funding.

I sincerely hope this article inspires any potential investor to consider being able to contribute to saving our arts culture here in the UK.

I personally would be willing to provide tuition and/or performances in the performing arts for anyone seriously considering reinstating the listed building's potentially impressive business for the arts and people of Preston and can be approached by email/phone to discuss any ideas.  See here, Contact, for more:

https://handeldoesit.blogspot.com/2016/10/performance-artistteacher-miss-sophie.html

I could write more, and go on and on, writing this Blog article, as I feel there is much more to say, however, there are people who have jobs who write bids for funding.

I write a Blog both to support myself as an Artist, and as a hobby and as such it is unpaid and you know what they say, time is money.

Photos c. S.Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2019

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Destination Fitness

Fitness is Fun 

Strike A Pose - Another Dimension

I'm really grateful for all of my education and training in fitness and the performing arts.  (The Jean Beyrl School of Dancing, Birkdale and Formby; The King School of Dancing, Southport and Hesketh Bank; Arts Education Schools, London; LABAN, London; Pineapple, London, UCLan; LUDUS Dance Agency; LAWMAC; Midgeland Riding School; Larkrigg Riding School)

Football; Caporeria; Karate; Gym; Ballet, Russian style Ballet; Pointe; Jazz/Modern; Tap (English/American); Belly; Step Aerobics; Contemporary; Horse Riding; Yoga; Flamenco; Greek, Character; National  

#Dancer #Instructor #Teacher

Probs missed out some establishments and styles ... .

My most recent qualification I attained at Myerscough College and whilst there I signed up to go to the Energi trampoline park.  

Although it's local to me being in Preston I hadn't actually ventured in for a sesh.  However, from this I've attended a few sessions and have incorporated it into my fitness work-out as an alternative way to enjoy keeping fit.

I particularly like this shot so have extended it to play as a video.  

#JustForFun

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2019

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy Photography - Nature

Arise and Conquer by Concurring!

#LoveAndPeace

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2019

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Appeal for Witnesses

Witness Appeal please

Busking is another way for the public to appreciate live music for free.  They can choose to give a contribution if they want.  Though, whenever I have passed another musician busking I have never felt a pressure as to when a homeless person will call out spare any change please.  Personally, I give to the homeless when I can, though to have a skill such as musicianship and create happiness when someone smiles, chooses to share a conversation or skips along because you are playing music, whether they give anything or not, that is a reward in itself.  Such an outcome is similar to teaching, and as well as being a musician I can teach.  Buskers are not beggars.  In the current economic climate, with so many shops closing down, to have a musician busking, more than likely in front of a To Let shop front brightens up not only the town, but the people in it.

A few years ago whilst busking in Preston I was attacked and robbed.  The offenders had committed another offence also and are serving time, still.

That is the first time I have ever been attacked whilst performing as a musician in public.

Recently, whilst busking I was attacked and robbed, yet again... !

I am writing this blog to appeal to any witnesses that saw what happened around 3pm on Sunday 22nd September when the said incident occurred to please come forward and inform the police.  Just telling them what you saw and perhaps giving a statement will help.  Or, if you know someone who saw something please encourage them to come forward.

You can contact PC Damien Brook directly.  You can call 101, quote ref. 0893 for 22/09/2019 also.  Email for PC Damien Brook is 8214@lancashire.pnn.police.uk

Please see the following links (click on/copy and paste) for direct information re. to the appeal:-

https://www.facebook.com/PrestonPolice/photos/a.165878103460460/2373601956021386/?type=3&theater

https://www.lep.co.uk/news/crime/woman-charged-after-street-performer-is-robbed-in-preston-city-centre-1-10015656?fbclid=IwAR3Vsw5DuYfVPYkzvty_YPv5u-iVGH3LNNqXaX5BpYU6fmTDd2HxedTcCdg

Musicians/buskers should not have to put up with such maltreatment.

So many pubs have closed down in the UK.  Many venues do not even pay musicians/bands.  Though, hey say to a plumber it's free advertising for the work that they've been called out to do is unheard of.

I have done lots of open mics. (these are unpaid), voluntary work as a musician and gigs for various charities (again, unpaid).

Whilst a music student I joined the Musicians Union.  Their slogan is Keep Music Live.  Well, I'd like to add to this, yes, keep music live though also you have a great night out so pay the musician(s)/band who creates that ambience for you.

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Equine - Just For Fun

Spot The Difference

Recently, I noticed Myerscough College's riding club was being advertised as an event this year, the day's changed, the fee's gone up and that I'm in the promotion pic. as well.

It seems ages ago I uploaded one of my pics. from riding club on to a social media facebook account of mine as a cover photo and it's very nearly the same as this one.

Just for fun see if you can spot the differences in these two pics..  You might win a prize.

See the links below for similar photos:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=316467829220837&set=a.165950197605935&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/myerscoughstudentunion/photos/gm.888093034894577/1689534181181741/?type=3&theater

I can spot at least three differences.  Can you spot them?  Or, can you spot more?

Let me know in comments or email me: sophiecox-oshaughnessy@outlook.com

all entrants must be in by 10/11/2019

prize is subject to entrants location for postage