Cad Taylor: Honouring a Decade of Dedication Before New Adventures

This is a heartfelt thank you, a bon voyage, and a "see you soon" all wrapped into one. We want to express our deep gratitude to our friend and colleague, Cad Taylor, who has stepped down from her role as Non-Executive Director at ICM to focus on new projects.

Thank you for everything, Cad!

In the heart of Ipswich, where cobbled streets meet the lively Norwich Road, there’s one figure that everyone seems to know, love, and trust: Cad Taylor.

After a decade of inspiring change and championing local voices, Cad has stepped away from her role as Non-Executive Director of ICM to fully focus on an exciting new chapter: starting a family and running The Hive, a multifunctional creative space located on Norwich Road that Cad has been running for the past 3 years or so.

She’s a busy woman on a mission… nurturing growth and positive change right where she stands.

Cad was one of the co-founders of ICM 10 years ago and her journey with ICM has been nothing short of transformative. Over the past decade, she has been a tireless advocate for communities, art, fun, play, creativity, wellbeing, live music, and local young people, spearheading initiatives like South Street Kids (SSK).

South Street Kids stands out as a testament to her unique approach and commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for young people. It all began when she spotted a group of children from the Roma community on South Street without a place to connect or express themselves. Inspired, she quickly secured funding, teamed up with Angelle (whom she’d met just a week earlier), and launched SSK as a welcoming space for creativity and connection.

Since then, SSK has flourished, performing at the May Day Festival, Eastern Angles, and Snape Maltings, and going on trips to The Breaking Convention, New Wolsey Theatre, Dance East, and Red Rose Chain to name a few. They’ve become community ambassadors, tackling litter in Maple Park, planted trees with Suffolk Wildlife Trust, made T-shirts, art, community banners, films and animations, and now embarking on an exciting new project to create their own EP with original songs in Punch Studios.

Today, SSK’s impact resonates throughout the community, with many of the original South Street Kids now grown up, some with children of their own. Their journeys reflect how Cad’s work has enriched lives and strengthened community bonds, a lasting legacy of creativity, support, and development that continues to inspire new generations.

South Street Kids over the years.

Cad doesn’t just talk the talk; she walks the walk, often with a recorder in hand thanks to her love of radio, people, and her experience working with BBC Belongings. There, she gave voice to those who might otherwise go unheard, showcasing the stories that make this community unique.

Cad is known for her striking strawberry coloured hair, playful sense of humour, excellent foot wear and unwavering dedication to the community, if you see a van that looks like it just survived a paint fight, you know Cad is nearby!

Her dynamic approach to community building has left an indelible mark on Ipswich. She has this incredible ability to see the potential in people and bring them together. The impact she’s made is immeasurable and her time at ICM has been marked by innovation and a fierce commitment to people and place.

You can often catch Cad setting up the Global Village at Ipswich May Day Festival, or speaking Romanian or Portuguese with children playing in the streets, effortlessly bridging cultures with her warmth. She’s a familiar sight at local gigs, propping up the dance floor.

Whether she’s lighting up community events or championing important causes, Cad embodies the spirit of connection and resilience, always fighting the good fight for those around her.

As she embarks on this new adventure, we wanted to take a moment to thank Cad for her years of hard work and dedication at ICM. Her passion and commitment have transformed our community, and we’re excited to see what she does next.

While she may have stepped away from her official role at ICM, Cad Taylor’s legacy will continue to inspire and uplift. As she leads The Hive, one thing is clear: her passion for Ipswich and its people makes our community even more vibrant, funnier, kinder and sillier.

Here are just a few words from some of the ICM team:

• Your kindness and passion have made a lasting impact

• You'll be sorely missed

• I just want to express how truly grateful I am for your friendship, dedication, and the positive spirit you've brought to ICM

• You will always hold a special place in our hearts!

• Glue of community

• Great champion and asset for the community

• An inspiration

• Thank you, without you I wouldn't have found ICM

• You nurtured my creativity and my confidence

• I wouldn't be where I am today without you

• Love how you've championed the Norwich road community

• Your ability to build community by recognising the good in others by making people feel valued and seen and included. 

Thanks, Cad, for all you have done at ICM and good luck on your next adventure!