Welcome to Culture Footprint, featuring one of the people of God making a difference in the world today, aiming to be an inspiring presence and telling the story of Christ in the culture.
Veron Graham is a press officer at The Salvation Army. Prior to this, he has worked as a researcher, producer and reporter on BBC TV/radio, a reporter and columnist on a variety of publications including The Birmingham Mail, The Voice, Boxing News, Press Gazette and (the dear departed!) Christian Herald.
He is also part of the family-run media/ PR business, The Grahamedia Agency.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A footballer, cartoon animator, a naturalist (someone who films animals not those who run around without clothes on - folk do get confused/ concerned when I tell them that), a car mechanic and a professional boxer.
How did you get involved in media?
It really started when I was 9 years old and failed to make the cut for the school football team. The coach was also my form tutor who knew I loved writing and so encouraged me to watch the match and write a report. I reluctantly agreed not knowing I would be called up to read the report in front of the whole school during the following morning's assembly - and get a standing ovation!
I considered other careers after that but eventually found my way back to journalism at 19.
Who has been the biggest influence in your work?
Jesus - my faith has steered me away from negative/ exploitative media.
My wife - an encouragement since the day we met.
Judy Simpson - the former heptathlete/ radio presenter who commissioned me to produce a series for her BBC programme in 2001 and turned me onto broadcasting.
What is the big issue you are facing in media?
The 'tabloidisation' of the local/ regional press - once-humble evening papers and local radio stations now seek negativity.
Who would you least be likely to share a taxi with?
Anyone who talks too much and listens too little.
What Christian story or biblical text motivates you in your work?
The Apostle Paul - writing in Philippians 3:13 that he is 'forgetting what is behind him and pressing on towards the mark.' I too have a lot of 'stuff' to forget about, and now to write about, to bring glory to God.
What one piece of advice would you give someone starting out in media?
Be persistent.
Tell us one of your most hilarious faux pas...
When realising that the reason the massive prehistoric PC we had in our classroom kept crashing had something to do with the reset button I kept pressing with my foot! Sadly I couldn't share my mirth/ mischief with the class!
Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream for society. What is yours?
For society to get back to the place where mutual respect and courtesy is the norm not the exception.
What is the main hindrance to living the dream?
The 'crabs in a basket' mentality in which others will climb over other peoples' backs to get ahead ... and think that it's OK.
What is your most and least green credential?
Most: I tirelessly recycle everything that I can.
Least: I don't give two hoots about my so-called carbon footprint.
What is the best thing about working in media?
Having the privilege to share news about people of faith that folk might otherwise never hear about.
Who would you put in a celebrity Big Brother house?
I can't stand the show but it would be Mr T - the first to show me it's OK to be a strong man, believe in God and love your mamma!
What's the worst rejection you've ever had?
There's been a few but they hurt most when based on race.
What would you like to be remembered for?
As a man who always tried to understand others and help where he could.
Who would you invite to your desert island?
My wife - who else?! (Besides she's going to proof read this before it goes online, so ....!)
I didn't get where I am today without...
...learning the importance of finding something positive in every situation I've found myself in.
What is your most treasured possession?
My wife. I know she's not a 'possession' but you know what I mean.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Not being able to fully pursue becoming a footballer - football was one of the activities that were hit by schoolteachers taking industrial action in 1984.
When are you the happiest?
Chilling out with the family at home, diving into a good book or in front of a decent TV show with a cup of tea.
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?
Not becoming the 'statistic' as expected (and sometimes communicated to me) by teachers and 'friends'.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Trust God. There's really no need to get into a flap about anything. We don't know the future but we know a man who does, so to speak.
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Culture Footprint: Phil Schluter Phil Schluter runs a family coffee business founded in 1858, which specialises in African coffees. The enterprise trades in a socially responsible and ethical manner. Phil grew up in Kenya, did most of his education in the UK, lived in Switzerland for 16 years, and has been in Liverpool since 2009. He is married to Helen, and they have four kids under the age of seven – Luc, Jasmine, Gabriel and Josselin.
Culture Footprint: Bridget Adams Bridget Adams started her working life as a physicist in university and government laboratories before moving into the high-tech business sector where she worked in sales, marketing, management, and consultancy. Bridget now works to help start, develop and network Christian-run businesses, and runs WorkPlace Inspired. Business as Mission is one of her passions.
Culture Footprint: Theresa Stone Theresa studied English Literature at Goldsmiths University in London, before doing a multi-media journalism masters at Bournemouth University. She has worked freelance at Premier Christian Radio, Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Micah Challenge International. She is now the prayer & communications coordinator for 24-7 Prayer UK. Theresa has a passion for prayer, church unity, mission, justice, and telling God stories.
Culture Footprint: Steve Legg Steve is an evangelist from Littlehampton in West Sussex who has travelled the length and breadth of the UK and internationally for the last 25 years using a daft mix of comedy, trickery, mystery and escapology to communicate the gospel. He has also written 13 books and these days devotes a lot of time to running Sorted Magazine. Originally from Bournemouth, he became a Christian as a teenager at a Boys’ Brigade camp. Steve loves a good curry, never misses Eggheads on BBC2 and plays badminton every day.
Culture Footprint: Andy Silver Andy Silver is director of Pop Connection. A Welshman, born in Cardiff, he studied music at Cardiff University and then taught for a number of years. Andy gave up teaching to do a theology course which led him to work in a church as music director and youth/children's worker in Southampton. Next, he became director of training at Capernwray in the Lake District and then joined the staff at Elmwood Church Salford in 2000, where he started working in primary schools using music to create a long-term relationship between school and church. Pop Connection is a charity aiming to unite schools, churches and communities through the power of music.
Date Created: 07 January 2010
Last Modified: 07 January 2010
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