1000 Words

The location of this performance changes each day.

Thursday & Sunday's performances will be outside the Royal Sands Apartments, opposite Coasters.

Friday & Saturday's performances will be outside Custom House, max 10 people.

Performances will be every hour (5-10mins) - 12.30, 1.30, 2.30, 3.30.

Words from Mike:

“About four years ago, I retired from a global career in conference organising, consulting, and presenting courses. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Initially, it affected my balance, and within two years, I needed aids to walk. Changes in my voice soon followed, and now most people can't understand me.

Despite my mobility and speech challenges, I am otherwise healthy. These disabilities have made me appreciate life more deeply, and I now treasure my family, friends, and surroundings more than ever.

My three-minute talk will use a digitised version of my voice created two years ago. If you had only 1,000 words left to speak, what would you say? You might tell a story, a joke, or discuss your life and achievements. But most likely, you’d express love and gratitude to those you care about.

Speech is fundamental to our identity and relationships. Being speechless feels like being invisible in a room full of people.

At the end of my talk, I'll ask listeners to write down five words they would say in similar circumstances. These words will be added to a Word Cloud over the days of the performance. Younger audience members will meet Polly, a toy parrot that repeats everything they say!”. 🦜

Instagram: @histon_mike

X: @histon_mike

Further information

All ages welcome

Free to access (drop in). 15 people per installation, first come first serve.

🌧️ In extreme weather performance won’t proceed.

Trigger warnings:

Reference to illness.

Transport links:

Paid for parking in nearby car parks or around harbour.

Railings for bicycles.

20 min walk from Ramsgate train station.

The Loop bus route is 5 min mins walk from the harbour.

Venue accessibility:

This venue is step free.

Please contact event organisers for details on access and carer tickets.

Toilets:

Accessible public toilets are nearby along the beachfront and next to Weatherspoons pub.

Refreshments:

Drinking water available.

Description of the piece:

A pre-recorded musical piece lasting 2 minutes is played prior to the performance, designed to gather the audience and mark its beginning.

The performance itself is a spoken piece lasting for around 3 minutes, and is suitable for anyone who can listen quietly for that time. The talk is computer-generated, and unfortunately the software doesn’t allow it to be paused.

At the end of the performance the audience will be asked to write up to 5 words they might use if they were losing their speech. These will be added to a Word Cloud that will be exhibited and updated after each performance. Younger members of the audience will be introduced to Polly, a toy parrot that repeats everything they say!

A printed transcript in large print will be available. A volunteer will be available to assist if required.

Although the performance does not mention death, I will be disclosing my diagnosis of MND, which normally is life shortening (mine isn’t).