STEPHEN FRY OFFERS SUPPORT ...... FROM AFAR!

When we launched National Talking Day! in support of BBC Children In Need, we felt Stephen Fry would be an excellent ambassador, given his command of the English language and his love of conversation. His PA sent this reply to our invitation for him to join us on 10th November.

"If Stephen had five lives he would be delighted to consider becoming an Ambassador for National Talking Day. The fact is, however, he is deep in commitments to the charities, organisations and individuals he currently supports, as well as snowed under with promises, half promises and everything in-between to others.

Stephen is very sorry to turn you down but he cannot pretend he can find the time to offer you more than his support from afar."

We really appreciate the fact he bothered to reply and we know Stephen will remain a role model to anyone with a wish to hold meaningful and amusing conversations.

SPECIAL EDITION TEE SHIRT LAUNCHED

Branches around the country will be taking delivery this week of the Helen O'Grady/BBC Children In Need tee shirts. Children in drama classes nationwide will be wearing the limited edition tee shirts with pride as they head towards National Talking Day! on Wednesday 10th November.

For full details of how you can take part, visit our website - http://www.helenogrady.co.uk/

Please, put your money where your mouth is and support our massive fundraising effort.

FORMER APPRENTICE STAR SPEAKS FOR PUDSEY!

Business woman, Claire Young, who is passionate about youth enterprise, was originally known as an Apprentice finalist in 2008. She hopes to join children from the Academy on National Talking Day! and has this message: "To have reached the place I am now, I had to do a lot of talking - particularly in Lord Sugar's boardroom! I have never had a problem with speaking but, in these days of social networking and texting etc., verbal communication is a vital skill for young people to retain and, if they can use this skill to raise money for others less fortunate than themselves, we should support them all we can! Let's all get talking with the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy for BBC Children In Need!"

Perhaps Claire's old colleague's from The Apprentice should take note too - businesses can also take part in National Talking Day! Download details from www.helenogrady.co.uk

COUNTRYFILE STAR COMMENDS HELEN O'GRADY TALKERS!

BBC Children In Need is a charity close to the heart of television presenter, Julia Bradbury, who last year was a participant in their 'Around The World In Eighty Days'. Of National Talking Day! she said: "Children should be the next generation of talkers so I commend their efforts on National Talking Day! Having conversations to support BBC Children In Need will only not raise lots of money but also raise the children's awareness of others much less fortunate than themselves. Well done everyone in the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy!"

Julia is pictured here when she reached the top of Scafell Pike (Skyworks)

SUE PERKINS SUPPORTS NATIONAL TALKING DAY!

Comedian and television presenter, Sue Perkins, who recently invited viewers to 'get baking' for BBC Children In Need, whole heartedly supports the Academy's efforts on National Talking Day! "What better way to raise money than for children around the country to talk to each other so showing their support for children less fortunate than themselves?" she said. "We need to encourage the art of conversation so I urge everyone to put their money where their mouth is on 10th November and talk up a storm for BBC Children In Need!"

Momentum is building and we plan for every branch of the Academy in the UK to be involved in a day of talking. More information soon!

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.

REMOTE EMPLOYMENT AWARDS 2010

In a lavish ceremony yesterday at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London, National Director, Nigel Le Page, was delighted to present the Helen O'Grady Special Award to Janine Van Den Berg.

Janine was the outright winner from a shortlist of six candidates andwill become Principal of the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy in Harrow, Middlesex. Janine's background in the arts and, in particular, acting and singing, made her an excellent candidate to operate an Academy. Her passions for children and the theatre, along with her business experience, provide her with all the necessary credentials to be a most successful Academy owner. Janine will bring energy, enthusiasm and a positive approach to running her own business.

Janine said: “I have been striving towards this goal for a long time and to have won the Helen O’Grady Special Award and to have been recognised in this way is absolutely wonderful. I am over the moon and very excited to be joining such a well renowned organisation and can’t wait to start teaching the children and look forward to a long and fruitful career. I am deeply thankful to the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy and to Remote Employment for making this possible.”

Earlier in the ceremony, last year's winners spoke about the effect of winning awards. Karen Reyburn, who won last year's Home Worker Award and Polly Marsh who won the Remote Employer Award joined Nigel Le Page to answer questions. Nigel was speaking on behalf of Exeter Principal, Abbe Martin, who won the Helen O'Grady Special Award in 2009 and who was yesterday, with the new term fast approaching, busy with setting up her new classes for 2010 after a successful first year in business.

Before closing the proceedings, Ken Sheridan, co-founder of Remote Employment with Paula Wynne, introduced entrepreneurs Karen Darby (Call Britannia) and Claire Young (former runner up on 'The Apprentice') who were happy to pass on some of their knowledge to the assembled business people.

Janine is now looking forward to training with other new Helen O'Grady Franchisees in Bristol and to starting her very own classes in the New Year. All at Helen O'Grady welcome her to the network and wish her the best of luck!