Sir Phil Redmond, CBE, appeared at an exclusive dinner for guests of Cheshire Community Foundation, held by kind permission of The Duke of Westminster on Grosvenor’s Eaton Estate, on Tuesday 3r October 2023, discussing his journey from council estate to Knight of the Realm.
Photos by Clicked by Kate
Cheshire Community Foundation is delighted to share the success of last night’s captivating evening, “An Audience with Sir Phil Redmond,” held at Grosvenor’s Eaton Estate in Cheshire. This exclusive charity event provided a unique opportunity to hear the remarkable life story of Sir Phil Redmond, from his humble beginnings in Huyton, Merseyside, to becoming the largest independent drama producer in the UK.
Sir Phil Redmond CBE, has been a household name for decades, known for his outstanding contributions to television and the creative industries. As the creator of iconic shows like Brookside, Grange Hill, and Hollyoaks, he left an indelible mark on British television. His journey, as shared with the assembled guests, was a story of resilience, innovation, and a passion for telling the stories of working-class lives.
In addition to his remarkable television career, Sir Phil Redmond, played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s success as the European Capital of Culture in 2008 and later in the UK City of Culture programme. His vision and dedication to the arts and culture have not only transformed Liverpool but also inspired a nation. He continues to inspire, through philanthropy, in partnership with his wife Lady Lieutenant Alexis Redmond, President of Cheshire Community Foundation. Guests at their spring awards event will remember Sir Phil’s impassioned reminder to “Do what you can, when you can, however you can, to help”.
The evening featured an intimate conversation with Sir Phil Redmond, where he shared his experiences, challenges, and insights into the world of television, culture, and creativity. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and gained a deeper understanding of the man behind the iconic TV shows that have shaped generations. In addition to the engaging conversation with Sir Phil Redmond, the event included a delightful reception and dinner, offering attendees a chance to network with fellow philanthropists, business leaders, and community members who shared a commitment to making a positive impact in Cheshire and Warrington.
The evening was hosted by Cheshire Community Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people in Cheshire, by providing grant funding to local charities and community projects. Zoe Sheppard, CEO of Cheshire Community Foundation, expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm, saying, “Last night’s event was a tremendous success and a testament to the generosity and community spirit that thrives in Cheshire and Warrington. Sir Phil Redmond is a longstanding supporter and such an inspirational figure. It was an honour to share a stage with him. His story is one of resilience but also of humility; every time Sir Phil creates a platform, he uses it to give a voice to those who are often unheard. This generosity of spirit is a lesson to us all, in how we run our businesses as well as how we live our lives.
We are deeply grateful to the Duke of Westminster for his support and for providing the use Courtyard space for this event. His commitment to our community is truly inspiring. Our events are always sponsored, to ensure all donations go where they’re needed most, so we are also hugely grateful to BCMS, and Mills & Reeve for supporting us as event sponsors.” Sir Phil Redmond added, “I’m pleased to be a part of this event and to support Cheshire Community Foundation. It’s a fantastic opportunity to come together, share stories, and make a difference in our community.” This event would not have been possible without the generous support of CCF’s sponsors and partners, who share our commitment to making Cheshire an even better place to live and work.
Quotes from Sponsors: BCMS: “BCMS is proud to support Cheshire Community Foundation and the incredible work they do for the local community. ‘An Audience with Sir Phil Redmond’ was a truly inspiring event that highlighted the power of storytelling, culture, and community engagement. We look forward to continuing our partnership with this outstanding organisation.” Mills & Reeve: “Mills & Reeve is delighted to be a sponsor of ‘An Audience with Sir Phil Redmond.’ This event showcased the importance of collaboration, philanthropy, and cultural enrichment in driving positive change in Cheshire. We believe in the mission of Cheshire Community Foundation and its commitment to creating a brighter future for our community.”