LETTER: Positive news to be found
With two thirds of every daily filled with updates of a certain political minefield of the moment, or some new social media scandal, I thought it would be nice to bring a few experiences I have had over the last few weeks that show that the world isn’t such a bad place.
Through Aston and Black Country Radio, I get offered jobs that take me into all different parts of the community.
For a few weeks I have been working for a brilliant local group ‘Leaps and Bounds’ and local artists Peter Tinkler at Halas Homes.
Our group is made up of adults with learning difficulties and we are investigating how they see the world through different themes and creative exercises.
It is amazing what joy and energy they bring to each session.
Taking it out into a public domain is the very best way to educate the public and break down barriers.
I attended their Stars in Your Eyes Show and can honestly say it was one of the most energetic shows I have ever been to.
Another of my bookings came from East Park Academy in Wolverhampton where I completed some sessions on local history using my stories and songs.
It’s a bit of an unconventional way to bring history into the classroom, but it engages with the pupils in a less formal text book way and also offers opportunities to then go out and research for themselves.
The staff and the pupils were an absolute credit and I am hoping to run a writing competition there in the New Year.
So despite all this negativity that surrounds us these were examples of a real creative strength that is there all across our region.
To all those people that are working in these fields, I take my hat off.
Finally a quick thanks to everyone who supported the Omma N Chain Buskin’ For Parkinson project.
We will be handing over the cheque at the Maverick Amblecote on December 5 with a night of music and celebration, all welcome.
Thank you for all your support, look out for next year’s project.
Dr B Dakin (AKA Billy Spakemon)
Rowley Regis
