Clive Robertson

For over four decades, Clive Robertson has championed community participation in video and creative activities in Reading, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives, said his nominator for the Legacy Award, sponsored by Vale & West.

In 1984, Clive established the charity Real Time to engage the Reading’s most marginalised groups to empower them through training in the use of video and digital media.

He has spearheaded thousands of creative sessions and hundreds of impactful projects across Reading, said the nominator.

“His dedication to empowering vulnerable individuals is clear in his work with mental health patients, initiating projects in the 1990s and now running weekly sessions for over a decade.”

Operating from 21 South Street, Clive has steered Real Time to work in nearly every school, SEN school, pupil referral unit and youth club in Reading, reaching out to young people who are not in employment, education or training, and individuals with learning difficulties.

He has run print workshops at Reading centre for the unemployed and in Reading Prison.

Clive also worked with students to create a film for the Millennium Dome celebration in 2000 and conducted projects with the Museum of Reading and the Museum of English Rural Life.

He led creative community development projects in Dee Park, Amersham Road and Oxford Road, and worked on video projects with the Royal Berks Hospital.

Additionally, Clive organised innovative screening and public art events such as a bus drive-in with Reading Buses, and recreating classic film sets In Broad Street and The Purple Turtle.

His work has helped change attitudes ion how the arts could be delivered to people who previously had few opportunities, said a nominator.

During COVID-19, Clive quickly set up online sessions for older people and provided work experience for Reading College students. He also serves as a trustee for the Rising Sun Arts Centre and a local homeless charity.

Clive has built an international reputation through work for the UN and other organisations in over 20 countries, raising global awareness of Reading.

“As Real Time celebrates its 40th anniversary, it stands as one of the UK's longest-established participatory media organisations," said his nominator.

“Clive's extraordinary sustainability and unwavering dedication have consistently worked with those most in need, truly making Reading a better place to live,” they added.

“Clive’s legacy is built on his tireless dedication to Reading’s most vulnerable communities and his influence will be felt for generations to come.”

He has also been nominated for Employee of the Year, sponsored by Reading Buses.