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!
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.
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Stop 4 was in South Wales. Principal Becky Goodfield and her teacher, Gemma Carter, obviously enjoyed their ride in the ambulance! The stop was at the Welsh Assembly. Roy Gee, a past volunteer, is seen in the picture in his African shirt.
Liz Collyer, who is driving the ambulance, has a son who attends Helen O'Grady classes in Portsmouth. She is seen here (R) with the director of Village Africa, Caroline Johnston, and also with Chris Franks who is a member of the Welsh Assembly.
At Mill Rythe Junior School, where the drive finishes in two weeks time, with Cartridge World Stig and head teacher, Mrs. Queripel.
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The founder of the charity, Village Africa, Caroline Johnston, is seen here with Jon McGuigan of the 
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, 
