HELEN O'GRADY WITH VILLAGE AFRICA FINDS AN AMBULANCE!

The founder of the charity, Village Africa, Caroline Johnston, is seen here with Jon McGuigan of the Southern Ambulance Preservation Society after taking delivery of the ambulance which has been kindly donated for the charity drive in conjunction with the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy. Caroline, and her sister Andrea (below) who is Principal of the Academy in Portsmouth, are delighted and more than a little relieved to have secured their transport and have thanked the organisation for their kindness and generosity.

The drive is to be launched at Queens Inclosure Primary School in Cowplain, Hampshire and will finish at Mill Rythe Junior School in Hayling Island. The Academy runs drama clubs at both these schools. If you wish to donate to the charity, click here.

VYAADAHIKANA - it is possible

Portsmouth Principal, Andrea Ward, is playing a big part in organising an ambulance drive around the UK to raise funds for The Village Africa Appeal. http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/ Andrea is seen above signing the Portsmouth Football Club bus! The Pompeys are supporting the appeal.

Village Africa is a small but very active, UK based registered charity set up by Andrea's sister, Caroline Johnston, four years ago in the remote area of Yamba in Tanzania. It's aim is to alleviate poverty through health, education and building projects.

The ambulance route, which starts and finishes in Portsmouth, will visit dozens of the UK's Drama Academies, covering over 1000 miles in total. The drive takes place between 11th and 27th June 2010.

RIGHT NOW THE CHARITY IS STILL LOOKING FOR AN AMBULANCE! Having contacted PCTs, St. Johns and the Red Cross, Andrea and Caroline are still looking for their ambulance! If any of our readers can help, please contact portsmouth@helenogrady.co.uk or info@villageafrica.org.uk

Check back here for pictures of the trip over the next couple of months and, if you would like to become involved, contact Andrea or Caroline on the emails addresses above.

AN ODE TO HELEN O'GRADY

Katie Spence, a student at Stratton Upper School and the Helen O'Grady Youth Theatre class in Cambourne was moved to write this poem about her time with the Academy.

I started at Helen O'Grady
When I was a youthful Year 9,
Little did I know
That I'd have such an awesome time.

I remember the first time
We played 'Survival Word Tennis',
The fierce competition
Is something that I'll miss.

Many costumes have I worn
Throughout my months spent here,
From disastrously scary,
To some just downright queer.

The production in 2008
Was about film stars and scandals,
I worked with their excited fans,
And made banners with wobbly handles.

The summer production last July
Was the definition of a 'laugh',
A Greek tragedy by teenagers,
I was the stressed-out member of staff!

We've done many wacky warm-ups
At the start of our weekly dramas,
From chewing hums and chanting
To impersonating llamas.

When the outside world was crazy
And school was such a 'mare',
I'd know that on a Friday
My friends at drama would be there.

From Rachel's insane outfits
To Navina's rise to fame,
Life after Helen O'Grady
Will not be quite the same!

Well done Katie!

If any other students, past or present, would like to submit poems for publication, we will happily consider your offerings. Just email margaret@helenogrady.co.uk and you could be on the blog!