People / 10 Questions
10 Questions: Dennis Stinchcombe
Dennis Stinchcombe is the centre director of the Riverside Youth Project in St Paul’s.
Relatively small in stature but with the heart of a giant, he has helped generations of boys in the area, leading to him receiving an MBE and honorary degree from Bristol University.
He made national news headlines last year when he was able to take ownership of a Banksy artwork painted near to the club. It was sold for more than £400,000 and saved the club from closure.
is needed now More than ever
1. What was your earliest ambition?
My earliest ambition was to achieve my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and receive it at Buckingham Palace. I managed to achieve this by my 20th birthday and was one of the first young people in my youth club (Waves) to get it.
2. If you were mayor for the day, what would you do?
If I was mayor for the day I would visit as many youth clubs/groups and speak to as many young people as possible and ask them what their aspirations are.
3. What is your proudest memory?
To be awarded an MBE from the Queen in 2004 for Services to Young People.
4 What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?
To watch my grandchildren grow and develop into upstanding citizens of their communities.
5. What’s your biggest extravagance?
My biggest extravagance was the purchase of our holiday home caravan based in Donniford Bay, Somerset. At the same time it is my wife and family’s sanctuary, and we love going to it as many weekends as we can. It is the place where we are really at peace and are able to unwind.
6. What ambitions do you still have?
I am happiest when working at my club Broad Plain and Riverside Youth Projects based in Easton and St Paul’s. I really am so lucky to love my job.
7. How physically fit are you?
I am fitter now than ever before as in November 2013 I ended up having a triple heart bypass operation. Up until that point I really did not realise how poorly I had been for years, so after their fantastic work and care on me I have now got a new lease of life and probably another 15 to 20 years of healthy living.
8. Where is your favourite holiday destination?
My wife and I have very close friends in Cape May, New Jersey, USA, so this is without doubt my favourite holiday destination.
9. Can you sum up Bristol in a sentence?
Bristol is a very warm and welcoming city, and a really good place to grow up.
10. What is your favourite secret spot in Bristol?
As a Savage it has to be the Wigwam at the Red Lodge.
Photograph by Jon Kent
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