Kick the tyres, light the fires: One man's vision for Britain's future and how we can make it work

Torquil Norman
257 pages (May 25, 2010); 940KB download
Infinite Ideas; ISBN: 9781906821531

DESCRIPTION

On June 1, 2006 a grade II listed north London landmark reopened following extensive refurbishment. The rebirth of the Roundhouse was the culmination of more than a decade's hard work, led by philanthropist Torquil Norman. The transformation was nothing short of remarkable, and whilst the Roundhouse's artistic plans include circuses, music festivals, large scale theatre, multimedia festivals, installations, talks and screenings it is the organisation's focus on young people that makes it a leader. The Roundhouse places young people at its heart, involving them at every level from membership of the Board of Directors to generating marketing campaigns.

"Kick the tyres, light the fires" is the story of Torquil Norman's extraordinary life, leading up to the acquisition and launch of the Roundhouse, as well as a series of reflections on how the welfare state, taxation and prison systems can be reformed to give disadvantaged young people a fighting chance of success.