MORE NATIONAL TALKING DAY! NEWS

The talking continues in Helen O'Grady classes this week as students head for the target of £50,000 to present to BBC Children In Need at their big show on Friday. From Glasgow to Portsmouth, Belfast to Cambridge, students have put their money where their mouth is and have wonderful stories to tell.

In Northampton (pictured in group below) Principal, Sarah Moloney, invited the local BBC radio station to join join in. Click here to listen to what the children, the parents and the Principal had to say.

It's not too late to be involved. Visit our website http://www.helenogrady.co.uk/ and download a sponsor form or send your donation to the address on this blog.

Our children are really making a difference to children less fortunate than themselves. You can too.

HELEN O'GRADY PRINCIPAL APPEARS IN 'ACCUSED' ON BBC1 TONIGHT!

The BBC tonight launches a new Jimmy McGovern drama series : 'The Accused'.

Preston Principal, Sarah Ibbotson (stage name Sarah Jane Corrigan) and teacher, Andrea Willams, both have small roles in the series. Sarah (pictured right) plays a bank clerk in tonight's episode alongside former Dr. Who, Christopher Eccleston.

CHILDREN IN SOUTH WALES VISIT THE WELSH ASSEMBLY ON NATIONAL TALKING DAY!

NATIONAL TALKING GETS UNDERWAY!

In drama classes all over the country, children are talking and raising money for BBC Children In Need.

NATIONAL TALKING DAY! 2010

Today, WEDNESDAY 10th NOVEMBER, is NATIONAL TALKING DAY! Children in drama classes all around the country will be talking with their families and with their teachers to raise money for BBC Children In Need.

Famous for its strong belief in verbal communication, the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy launched National Talking Day! in 2009 and, through sponsorship, its students raised almost £40,000. This year the target is £50,000.

The talking is not restricted to children. Business people, politicians and celebrities have been encouraged to join in too. And it's not too late to participate. The talking goes on right up to the 19th November when a team from Helen O'Grady Head Office will present a cheque on the television show. Visit http://www.helenogrady.co.uk/ for full information.

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.