News item:  Chesil Outreach activity

The third Chesil Outreach activity was a Play in a Day at St Bede C of E School with a class of thirty 10 and 11 year olds.  Heather Bryant, Lisbeth Rake, Steve Rake and Sian Woodruff  led groups and directed scenes from Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations.

We had the support of the class teacher, David Metcalf and his assistant Erica Morton and the school hall soon filled with the sounds of children at the surgery, at the fair, in the library and marching with the big brass band. It looks chaotic to an outsider but it does all come together at the end.

The final presentation was watched by other pupils and staff, the head, Louise Fitzpatrick, and governors including the chair, Dominic Hiscock, who is a Winchester City Councillor for the St Bartholemew Ward and will be the next Mayor.

Both David and Louise commented on how well the pupils had responded to the Chesil team, even those who were reluctant at first, and what fun it had been for them to spend a whole day on drama. 

As a memento the children all received a certificate, designed by Malcolm Brown.

In her weekly Newsletter to parents Louise Fitzpatrick wrote:

"The children were only introduced to the script in the morning but by the performance, they showed that they could act, respond and really perform the play with great confidence.

It was a great experience for all concerned – the children had a wonderful time, thoroughly enjoying the whole occasion.”