Page 32 - link magazine

32 The Link Magazine • March 2003
Ringo the Flamingo shows the way
^^ e In this European Year of the Disabled, the author behind Swindon's world class literacy project has
written a book which helps young children learn that everyone can play a useful role in life, no matter
what their limitations might be.
Specialists in PVCU,
Former Westlea School head-
windows, doors and teacher Neil Griffiths has written
conservatories. Ringo the Flamingo, about a bird
born without the use of its legs,
who after much discrimination and
despondency, discovers that he has
talents that everybody recognises
and values.
In recognition of his twelve years
at Westlea School, before becom-
ing director of the National
Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596 Storysacks Project, Neil has dedi-
,22 Ravens Walk, Wootton Bassett, cated the book to the children and
staff he worked with. He said, "the
children at Westlea School, with
disabilities or not, are amazing and
show whatever their needs, all
J.F.K have something to offer.
"I'm dedicating this book to all
BUILDING the teachers and the teaching as- Neil Griffiths and Judith Blake with their books
and some of the Storysacks characters from them
sistants at Westlea for the wonder-
SERVICES ful work they do with the children, ers saw that he had abilities in can townships and Innuit commu-
particularly Gwen Metcalfe. They other areas and stopped seeing him nities within the Arctic circle."
Extensions, Alterations, are the inspiration for Ringo." as different." Neil and Judith's books can be
It is the fifth book from Neil's Ringo the Flamingo will be un- purchased by calling 421168.
Renovations
hand illustrated by Judith Blake veiled at the Education Show at www.storysacks.co.uk
All aspects of garden from Grange Park who said Ringo the NEC Birmingham in March. Access for all: Swindon Council
construction including fencing was an emotional book to create From his base in Eldene Primary has produced a disability access
images for. "It's a wonderful story School, Neil continues to travel the
All general building work guide to its attractions and facili-
that brings out all the concerns and world presenting Storysacks as an
ties with assistance of members
Tel: Mr J.F. Keenan worries of children with disabilities. aid to literacy to early years educa- from the Swindon Coalition of Disa-
"I was sad when Ringo was not tors and volunteers.
(01793) 727824 bled People.
being treated nicely and facing dif- First developed in the early 1990s Copies are available in libraries.
ficulties, but so proud when oth- with the help of parents at Westlea
museums and information centres.
School, Storysacks are now used
in every local education authority or call 463725.
in Britain and also in Canada, USA, The Disability Discrimination Act
Hong Kong, South Africa, Japan, ten years on: a conference organ-
Peru, Australia, Italy and Norway. ised by the coalition on 12 March.
Neil's diary is booked up for 18 Main speakers: Roger Berry MP,
months and include trips to Singa- Andy Rickell, chief executive of the
pore and China in April and May. British Council of Disabled Peo-
"I continue to be amazed by the ple, and Rachel Hurst OBE, direc-
ingenious uses Storysacks are put tor of Disability Awareness in Ac-
to," said Neil. "As well as schools ti on.
and nurseries, they are found in For details, call 430045; typetalk:
prisons, in museums, South Afri- 1 8001 01793 430045.
Activities at Peatmoor
Community Primary School
Football party packages: avoid chaos in the house with one of the party
options to make any birthday a fun event, including hire of the astroturf,
equipment, coaching and party bags.
The packages are available on Saturdays, 4.30pm to 5.30pm on the
astroturf, 5.30pm - 6.30pm in the party room
Badminton. A 6 week introduction to the game for 9 to 11 year olds
y
starts on Monda 3 March, 4.45pm to 5.30pm. Cost: £12.
The sewing group for anyone interested in cross-stitch, embroidery,
quilting and needlework arts meet on Mondays in term time, 10.30am
to 12noon. The cost per session is £1.
Peatmoor Community Toddlers meet on Tuesdays 10am to 12noon
and Thursdays, 1pm to 2.45pm. Cost £1 per family, includes refreshments.
The Over 50's meet again on Wednesday 5 March, I0am to 11.30am.
For information on any of the above, call 881613.
Annual meeting
Sparcells and Peatmoor Community Association holds its annual gen-
eral meeting on Monday 10 March, 6.30pm at Peatmoor Community
Primary School. All residents of the area are welcome to attend.
For details, mail: [email protected]