HELEN O'GRADY NATIONAL TALKING DAY! IN AID OF BBC CHILDREN IN NEED

Following the huge success last year, the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy is proud to once again host NATIONAL TALKING DAY! on Wednesday 10th November 2010, followed by a whole week of talking for money in its after school classes.

Last year, children in drama classes around the country spent a few minutes talking to parents, to teachers and to each other to raise money for BBC Children In Need. The same will be happening again in a few weeks time.

The Academy has once again set a target of £50,000 which it hopes to present, on national television, to Sir Terry and Tess at the Big Night In on Friday 19th November.

Schools and businesses will also have the opportunity to be involved, check back here for more information very soon.

The Academy is in the business of developing communication skills and this will be happening big time in November. Once again we ask everyone to "Put your money where your mouth is!" and join the country in conversation on 10th November.

TRAINING NEW PRINCIPALS

The end of July sees the latest training week in Bristol for Helen O'Grady Principals who will be commencing operating in September. Above, National Director, Nigel Le Page, Executive Principal, Alison Mazanec and Training Manager, Margaret Darley, prepare for the week ahead.

Training includes a lot of Principal participation, whether it be with the admin. systems (above) or with the Mimes to Music. Margaret demonstrates a vital administration point and, below, new Principals (L to R), Phil Jankovskis (Staffordshire), Natasha Kedrova (Kiev) and Beth Daniel (North Leics) act out The Eskimos mime. It's hard work!

So everyone needs to relax afterwards. Natasha is seen below with Barbara and Malcolm Ryder (St. Helens/Warrington) at the post training dinner. Barbara is demonstrating her traditional 'fluffy pen' award!

Later, the visitors to Bristol have to experience the local nightlife. Nigel, Beth and Margaret fought through the crowds to see a local jazz band.

Training week over, the new Principals return home to start planning for an amazing launch in September. All at Head Office thank them for making the week great fun and wish them all the luck in the world!

AMBULANCE - THE 'MISSING STOP'!

Helen O'Grady National Director, Nigel Le Page, was proud to be at the finish line with Portsmouth Principal, Andrea Ward.

And the 'missing stop' was in Sheffield, where Helen O'Grady Principal, Nick Chadwin, welcomed the ambulance at Eccleshall Junior School where he holds drama classes.

There's still time to donate - visit www.villageafrica.org.uk

AMBULANCE AT THE FINISH LINE!

On Friday, the ambulance finally drove across the finish line at Mill Rythe Junior School to be welcomed by the whole shcool with their teachers and Deputy Head, Mr Marshall. Also at the welcome reception were Helen O'Grady National Director, Nigel Le Page and Martin Ebbage from Cartridge World, sho sponsored the drive.

Portsmouth Principal. Andrea Ward, who helped arrange the events, said: "This has been a great team effort. People have pulled together all around the country and as well the donations - now in excess of £10,000 - we feel we have very much raised awareness of the work Village Africa does." Helen O'Grady National Director, Nigel Le Page, has been following the progress daily as the ambulance visited branches of the Academy around the country. He said: "This is the busiest time of the year for UK Helen O'Grady Principals. They are all in the final stages of their year end shows, with some of them missing rehearsals to support Andrea and Caroline and Village Africa. I congratulate them all for their support. For Andrea to make this massive committment when she too is working with her drama classes on productions is highly commendable. I am very proud the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy could help in some way."

In this picture a pupil from Mill Rythe school presents the results of their fundraising to Village Africa Director, Caroline Johnston, - and, of course, Oscar the dog!

Thousands of drama students around the UK now know a little more about a remote part of Africa and what is needed to improve conditions there. Caroline will be heading back there later this week and has the final message for everyone who has supported the fundraising effort: "On behalf of Andrea and myself - and, more importantly, the villagers of Yamba 'asanteni sana!' (Thank you very much)".

If you would like to read more about the trip and make a dontaion, go now to http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/

SIDETRACK TO GUILDFORD ON WAY HOME TO PORTSMOUTH

As the ambulance arrived back in Portsmouth, the Lord Mayor. Cllr Paula Riches, asked for a special stop. She is always keen on fundraising for African causes as she was born in Nairobi. She met with Portsmouth Principal, Andrea Ward, and her sister Caroline Johnston, who is director of the charity Village Africa. Naturally, Oscar was there too!

Before this the team sidetracked to Guildofr to visit Ravenscote Junior School, where Andrea runs drama classes and were invited to conduct an assembly to tell the school about their journey and the cause.

A couple of students helped Oscar check out the ambulance to make sure it was safe for the final leg of the journey. The ambulance arrives back in Portsmouth today after nearly 2000 miles and some 20 stops. Helen O'Grady National Director, Nigel Le Page, will be there with other dignitaries to welcome the team back after their adventures.

A final total of funds raised will be announced soon. It's not too late to help - go to http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/ to donate or visit the group's page on Facebook.

ON TO LONDON

First stop in London was organised by Christina Holden at Holy Trinity School, East Finchley. Christina is a past volunteer with Village Africa. Teacher, Francesca White, is seen here with organiser and Portsmouth Helen O'Grady Principal, Andrea Ward.

On to Helen O'Grady, South East London and Principal, Judy Adams, had a special headgear class to welcome the ambulance! Hats off to Judy and her students!

Finally on to Croydon where Principal, Ian Brown, was rehearsing his end of year play, 'Paradesia.' The tropical sunshine certainly added to the atmosphere!

The ambulance is now on the home straight back to Portsmouth where it arrives to huge reception on Friday. There is still time to donate. Visit www.villageafrica.org.uk for more details.

AMBULANCE STOPS IN SCOTLAND - EVENTUALLY!

Portsmouth Principal, Andrea Ward, whose sister, Caroline Johnston is Director of the Village Africa project, drove to Manchester on Friday night to meet up with the ambulance for the next leg of the journey. Sadly, after a couple of days of 'mechanical faults' the ambulance broke down on the motorway and had to be taken in for repair. But, not a team to be beaten, the girls managed to acquire an ambulance car to use while mechanics were trying to locate a part for their own vehicle.

After an overnight drive to Scotland, as well as visiting classes with Tayforth Principal, Barbara Brett, she and Andrea managed to scale a climbing wall under the watchful eye of Oscar the dog - who seems to be in on everything!

Oscar then met up with Barbara's students and told them all about Village Africa's work in Tanzania.

Next stop was Fettes College (above) in Edinburgh, which is the school Tony Blair attended - and also the inpsiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Fettes is already very involved in fundraising for Village Africa and last year sent an expedition of teachers to Yamba.

Don't forget to check back here later to learn of the fate of the 'real' ambulance and details of the next stop. Visit http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/ to donate.

AMBULANCE - LIVERPOOL

Liverpool Principal, Tracy Shirley, and her husband, Steve, put the 'fun' into fundraising yesterday when they hosted a barbecue for Helen O' Grady students as the Village Africa ambulance stopped by!

The ambulance has now raised over £4,000, and still has lots of stops to make! Please visit http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/ for more information and to donate.

AMBULANCE STOPS 7 & 8

At Leamington Spa, the ambulance met with Thare Machi, a Village Africa Partner. Thare Machi sends health DVDs to Village Africa and the charity sends them Kiswahili translations.



L to R in picture - Tina Freeman, a past volunteer and 'knitting queen' of Yamba, Caroline Johnston, Liz Collyer, Bev Pettle from Thare Machi.


Stop 8 was a visit to the Helen O'Grady branch in West Midlands. Principal, Jane Evans, arranged an African themed lessons with her class. We love the rabbits ears!

http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/

AMBULANCE - STOP 5

Late Monday afternoon, the ambulance moved on to Brimscombe Primary School in Gloucestershire where Lesley Young teaches Helen O'Grady classes. She was joined yesterday by Helen O'Grady National Training Manager, Margaret Darley. A class full of very excited children climbed in the ambulance, in their animal masks, pretending to drive but, more importantly, sounding the siren! Margaret said: "The children listened intently while Caroline explained about the work she and her team are doing in Tanzania and very generously threw lots of loose change into the collection tin!" Over £100 was raised in this very short visit.

Contact National Director, Caroline Johnston, at info@villageafrica.org.uk

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.

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!

CELEBS COME OUT IN SUPPORT OF DRAMA ACADEMY!

Principals around the country have been contacting local peoplein their areas and have received nothing but support for their business. Here are a selection of messsages they have received.

"To all the pupils and staff at the Academy,

I have recently received a letter from Claire Hollis [South Manchester] who told me about the Academy.

It is always good to hear about clubs and groups and it never ceases to amaze me the enthusiasm and dedication everyone gives ............ most importantly giving their time.

Drama is a great way of expressing oneself and can have so many positive impacts on people's lives. May I take this opportunity of wishing everyone connected with the Academy the best of luck in the future and, on a personal note, thank you all for your support of our club."

Sir Alex Ferguson CBE

Manager

"The Princess Royal has asked me to thank you for your recent letter concerning the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy in Cheltenham. Her Royal Highness was pleased to read of your work in developing children's self confidence and communication skills through drama, not least for those with special educational needs.

The Princess congratulates you on your work and sends you her best wishes for your continued success."

Nick Wright

Captain Nick Wright, LVO. Royal Navy,
Private Secretary to

HRH Princess Royal

"Miss Hurley would be delighted to lend support to development through drama and has asked me to forward the following quote:

'There is not a chance in the world that I would be where I am today had it not been for after school drama classes. They are brilliant for kids, regardless of whether they want to enter the acting profession.'

We hope your Drama Academy continues to thrive and help lots more children."

Claire Perry - Personal Assistant to Elizabeth Hurley

BAGS OF TALENT IN PORTSMOUTH!

The 'Academy Supremes' - teachers with the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy in Portsmouth -played their part in a recent talent show. Over 30 acts took part in front of an audience of approximately 130 people, who were very supportive and provided an excellent atmosphere with all their clapping and cheering.

Andrea said: "It was wonderful to see the confidence of our students and the standard was incredibly high. Everyone received a certificate for taking part and the variety of acts was diverse, from Indian dance to stand up comedy and from Irish dancing to recorder playing. We were all very proud of the young performers!"

Like all other Helen O'Grady branches in the UK, the staff in Portsmouth are building up to their end of year productions with rehearsals starting after the Easter break. For more information on classes in the Portsmouth area, call 023 9226 8256.

OVERWORKED TOUR GUIDES AND IDYLLIC ISLANDS IN CYPRUS!

In the UK, the summer term is production term for Helen O'Grady classes around the country. In Cyprus, because the school term finishes much earlier, and because the hot weather in June and July can make rehearsing uncomfortable, students in and around Nicosia have presented their end of year shows this week! Principal, Anna Pelekanos, directed the three plays including 'Jetlag Tours' (above) with Upper Primary and 'Paradesia' with the younger Lower Primary.

Anna said: "For some of these children, it was the first time they had performed in front of an audience and the atmosphere was electric! Parents were delighted with the results." Anna also directed her first Youth Theatre production, 'Slice Of Life' which gave her students the opportunity to develop some very interesting characters.

All lessons are taught in English and classes are held in several schools in the area. Visit our website http://www.helenogrady.co.uk/ for more information.

DRAMA CLASSES IN KIEV, UKRAINE

This month has seen the opening of the first Helen O'Grady Drama classes in Kiev. Training Manager, Margaret Darley, spent two days there with Principal, Elena Ischenko, and teacher, Maya Nickolayevna, helping teach the first classes. With Upper Primary aged children (9 to 12years), the programme will be taught mostly in English, using drama activities to help develop the students' command of the language. With the younger children (below), who have much less experience of English, specific words will be picked out of the exercises each week and reinforced during the lesson.

Margaret, pictured below (centre) with Elena (left) and Maya, said: "It was fascinating delivering the curriculum to children who do not have English as their first language. The skills we teach are, however, universal as all children respond to praise and encouragement, while having fun in a positive environment. Even the youngest child was able to leave the class understanding what a 'big chocoalte cake' is! I have no doubt classes in the Ukraine will be very successful."