Nottingham’s tram network will today (Thursday) recognise the work of a local man who has become one of the country’s leading writers for stage and screen.
William Ivory is to become the latest local literary hero to have one of NET’s new trams named after him, following in the footsteps of Alan Sillitoe and Stephen Lowe.
Originally from Southwell, William drew on his own experiences working as a bin man for one of his best known series, Common as Muck, and was nominated for a BAFTA for his work on the hit British film, Made in Dagenham. His latest TV piece, Burton and Taylor, starring Helena Bonham Carter and Dominic West was Golden Globe nominated.
As an actor, he’s appeared in national favourites such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale but he’s become a leading theatre writer and has a long association with Nottingham Playhouse.
His East Midlands roots continue to be a strong influence on his work and Mr Ivory said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this honour. I love Nottingham and to be somehow absorbed into its infrastructure gives me a lovely warm feeling!
“But it’s the fact that NET has chosen to honour so many local literary figures which really pleases me. Stephen Lowe, Alan Sillitoe, Lord Byron, DH Lawrence – it’s august company! It also shows how much we care about the written word in Nottingham which is particularly pleasing in the light of our current bid to become the UNESCO City of Literature.”
Jamie Swift, NET Marketing Manager, commented: “We are delighted to be able to name one of our new trams after William following the expansion of our network to Chilwell and Clifton. He has always been such a strong advocate for the city whilst entertaining millions of people through his work.”
Councillor Jane Urquhart, with lead responsibility for NET at Nottingham City Council said, “From his days of keeping the streets of Nottinghamshire clean by working as a dustman, to his gritty writing for the stage and screen, William Ivory has never forgotten his roots here in the East Midlands.
“We are really proud that Nottinghamshire continues to provide inspiration for his work and that we are able to celebrate his success by naming a Nottingham tram in his honour.”