Page 83 - Phonebox Magazine December 2012

Sherington Church of England
Firework celebrations took on a much more ambitious look this year with the guidance of Pyrotechnic Engineer Neil Canham. Workshops around the village and lantern making in school were followed by a procession from the Knoll to the
school field where we were treated to a spell-binding display of fireworks. This was followed by hot soup, bread and tea to warm us all up. The atmosphere was also warming and community-led so we owe many thanks to the volunteers who
The children and staff at Olney Middle school were extremely privileged to welcome a special guest speaker this month. Anne Wafula Strike is a Kenyan born member of the British Paralympic team. She gave a wonderful talk during a whole school assembly and all the children and staff were inspired by her powerful message.
Originally from Mihu, Kenya; Anne’s life changed when she contracted polio at the age of 2. Anne spoke very movingly about her childhood experiences and the children were very impressed by the courage she showed in overcoming these early challenges.
Anne had been given the middle name of Olympia and this was to prove to be an extremely fitting name. Having moved to the UK, in 2004 Anne achieved the distinction of being the first person from East Africa to race in a wheelchair when she competed at the Paralympics in Athens. In 2007, Anne joined and became a valued member of Team GB. The children were very impressed by the array of medals Anne showed them, as well as the Paralympic torch which she had had the honour of carrying this summer.
Alongside her athletic achievements, Anne has worked extensively with charities, schools and other good causes and was officially recognised by the Queen
at a Buckingham Palace reception for her charity work for people with disabilities. Or ‘differently abled’, as Anne herself understandably prefers.
The children at Olney Middle school had thought of some very thoughtful questions to ask Anne, which she answered graciously and with great insight. Many of the children had watched or even attended the London Paralympics so they were already knowledgeable and keen to find out more. Anne’s belief that we should celebrate difference and always give our best really motivated the children and we are sure that they will never forget this very special assembly.
OLNEYMIDDLESCHOOLMEETANNEWAFULA, BRITISHPARALYMPIAN
helped resource and coordinate the workshops and provide the refreshments. Many thanks to Paul Noble for photographs.
If you have a child due to start school in September 2013 and would like to visit Sherington CE School then please call or e-mail us.01908-610470 sheringtonf@milton- keynes.gov.uk www.sherington.org.uk
Lavendon Playgroup
A Spooky Success For Lavendon Playgroup
Halloween in Lavendon was a spooky sight when many young local gouls, ghosts, witches and monsters all took over the village hall for the first of many young village events to be held. Hosted by Lavendon playgroup, the ‘Big Halloween Party’ was a non profit event designed to bring together village children of all ages all in the name of fun and community spirit.
The event was a sell out success and enjoyed by local children from 6mths to 12 yrs of age together with their families. Spooky party go'ers enjoyed professional disco entertainment and games alongside pumpkin crafts, face painting, fancy dress competition and suitably scary snacks and refreshments.
After the great success of this event, Lavendon playgroup which runs on Thursdays 10-11.30am at Lavendon Baptist Church, is now looking at hosting the next big event in the village...............’The Big Christmas Bash’ on 16th December! Look out locally for details.
School’s Copy
If you wish to tell us about something special that is happening or has happened at your school then please email your copy and pictures to:
schools@phoneboxmagazine.com
Phonebox Magazine 83