BIG SURPRISE FOR GARDENERS IN LEICESTERSHIRE

Despite the wintry weather this week, life has continued in Helen O'Grady classes. This week saw the Mime to Music, The Garden Gnomes, performed in many classes. This is a favourite mime for teachers and children alike. When the gardener despairs about the mess in his garden, the cheeky gnomes all come to life and clear up for him. They just can't let the gardener know they are alive or he may find all sorts of other things for them to do.In North Leicestershire the children had a dress-up day and we think their Santa hats may have come in useful!

Congratulations to all the gnomes - and their parents - on the fabulous costumes. And congratulations to Principal, Beth Daniel, for inspiring them to get into the spirit.

There are still spaces left in classes around the country. Visit our website for details of your nearest classes and you, or someone special to you, could join in the fun!

SNIOW DAY IN THE SOUTH WEST

Lots of snowy pictures from Helen O'Grady people in the South West of the UK today. Some classes will be cancelled today - please contact your local branch for information.

Lots of our students will have had snow days home from school - look forward to hearing all about them in class next week.

SNOW CONTINUES TO AFFECT CLASSES - BUT NOT MORALE!

Bolton Principal, Karen Ryder, may have been kept away from lessons by the snow, but she is not one to miss a marketing opportunity! She just saw the snow as another chance to let everyone know about her wonderful classes!

Scotland has been one of the worst hit areas and Tayforth Principal, Barbara Brett, has faced a week of challenges. But, when you live in such a beautiful part of the UK, you can take a little time out to enjoy the views!

Most classes should be back to normal this week but the weather forecasters are not optimistic! There could well be more snow on the way.

GRADY BEAR'S ADVENTURES

Over the last twelve months, many branches have introduced the students in their younger classes to their very own 'Grady Bear'. A child is chosen each week to take home the bear and record his adventures in a scrap book which will be kept in class. Bolton Principal, Karen Ryder, decided to take her Grady on his own adventure. He is here in the snow with Karen.

Then (below) she took him to Blackpool, here is he is in front of the famous Black pool Tower and then ................. ............................................they went ice skating together.

The North West of England has not had as much snow as some parts of the country but Grady certainly had lots of fun in the cold wind and on the ice.

HELEN O'GRADY IN THE SNOW!

Like many others around the country, Leicester Principal, Beth Daniel, has been unable to run all her classes this week because of the heavy snow. Above is the view from her office window and below the fields nearby.

South London have a particularly bad few days with many classes cancelled.Croydon Principal, Ian Brown, dressed for the weather, did find some time to play in the snow.

BIG FREEZE AT HEAD OFFICE!

National Director, Nigel Le Page, reported there was two feet of snow in Guernsey this morning. It's certainly unusual for the Channel Islands! Here's his picture.

LET'S TALK IN 2010!

The beginning of the new Academy term in the UK has been very interesting! With snow covering much of the country and schools being closed, it could have been disastrous but Principals have battled through the elements to provide the classes they have promised!

This 'Christmas Card' scene, close to a drama studio in Somerset, has been repeated around the country. But the message is always the same - let's keep talking! Principals have spent hours on the phone reassuring parents and the children who have managed to arrive at classes have, of course, had a great time - often doing one to one exercises with their parents!

Pre-school Kindy classes are being rolled out across the country this term, full details of these can be obtained from local Principals, with adult classes following very close behind! The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy now offers award winning classes for all ages from 3 years upwards.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FOR LONDON PRINCIPAL

This week, Academy Principal, Emma Steel, had a wonderful white wedding in the snow! Emma, who is Principal in North West London, married Andrew Butler, an actor, who is also actively involved in running the branch. The couple met at drama school and when Emma decided she wanted to use her acting skills to inspire children and help them develop confidence and self esteem, Andrew remembered his own time as a student with the Academy and contacted Head Office. Emma has never looked back, now running classes for almost 250 students in her area. Their wedding took place on a farm in Cheshire, and, as the pictures show, it truly was a white wedding! Everyone at the Academy wishes them all the love and luck in the world for a happy marriage and a successful future.