One a Penny, Two a Penny (#8)
An update on my progress through the weeks
Yay! Some sun at last – wait a minute – it’s gone again – here is rain and wind! But apparently a heatwave is now due… a typical British summer!
My only hope for the rain is that it might just deter the rioters – its less fun having a rant, if the rain is pouring down your collar! So here I am in Wells, wondering whether every town and city might be under potential threat. Living alone can have its disadvantages.
A lovely invitation this week; I did not know that Wells had an owl sanctuary nearby. Well now I do, and the upshot is that I am going to do a storytelling session for children, which may lead into a series. As I am just coming to an ending of Moose and Mouse and the Ducklings (instalments in the Substack paid Newsletter), perhaps the next story should be ‘Moose and Mouse and the Owl Baby’! What do you think?
I will keep you posted with more information and dates, as soon as things are concrete. Also, we shall soon have a publication date for Mouse and Mouse and the Ducklings, and I will be recording it on YouTube.
Following on from the last One a Penny, I was reminded of the time I was a chorus dancer in Zip Goes a Million – an old George Formby musical. Again it was the routine of two shows per night and Thursday and Saturday matinees. I was joining the show well into the tour, as one of the dancers had been offered work elsewhere for her and her dance partner, as a double act. The remaining dancers were in such a hurry as they were giving up their free time to initiate me in, and the head girl was responsible for me knowing all the steps. This was my first ever professional show and I was as nervous as stink. I was staying at a youth hostel in Northampton, during rehearsals and I remember being asked by other residents about my work, and I said I was rehearsing a show; they asked if that was at the repertory theatre, and I said no, the variety theatre. Theatrical snobbery at its worst! I was no longer worthy of shared coffees and chats. How things changed five years later, when I was back in Northampton at the Repertory Theatre. It was a production of Autumn Crocus by Dodie Smith, and I played the Lady in black button boots. My fellow residents could not wait to talk and hear about the play! And they all turned out to see the it and discussed it very excitedly over breakfast the next morning. A small part in a provincial rep! You would have thought it was the West End!
However that was how it would turn out for the next few years. Small parts in rep or chorus line in touring shows; no agent and no prospects of moving into the RSC or other leading companies.
I gave up trying to further a stage career and started teaching drama in special schools and adult colleges. Later this became the basis for venturing into Remedial Drama, (later to become Dramatherapy). There were many pit stops on the way!
With love,
Dr Sue
News and Views:
‘NDP and early onset dementia’ is the title of the recent research being carried out by Dr Clive Holmwood and team at University of Derby. There will be a sharing of research results next month – more information as it becomes available.
Remember that we have has free puppets, toys and books for play and dramatherapists, and others who work with children – these are new resources. They must be fetched from Wells. Please write in with your request. admin@ndpltd.org Perhaps you know of nurseries and infant schools who would like some additional free resources?
We have a new webinar coming up this week: Self Harm. Find out more and book here.
In September we have webinars on Attachment (with book included) on 11 & 14 September; and Dramatic Play and Role Play (with Role Cards included) on 21 & 25 September. Tickets for both will soon be released on Eventbrite.
There are two places available in my monthly, online Supervision Group: Tuesdays at 6.30pm. Please email for more details: admin@ndpltd.org
Stressed at work? Difficult negotiations? Complex clients? Remember that there will be a new, free, confidential support group starting in September; coffee provided. Please email for address in Wells, and autumn dates.
If you intend applying for the NDP Diploma, please submit your form sooner rather than later – full details and dates on our website HERE or send in any queries you may have: admin@ndpltd.org
The Self-Guided Course is for people who need to plan their own time – but live support is available when necessary; if you wish to work in your own time and not be hemmed in by dates, this is the course for you.
The Wisdom of Clients
Overhead in a Social Skills Class…
Teacher: ‘And what is difficult to talk to your friend about?’
Participant: ‘When you’ve got BO’.
Huge thanks to all you people who are paid subscribers of my Substack (members of ‘The Nest’) – it makes such a difference to enable me to write, instead of chasing other free-lance work. It is only £65 per year or £6 per month. As well as your own Newsletter every 10 days or so, you get 4 free webinars per year, and 10% reduction on any UK course. If you become a Founder Member then it is £120 per year, with all the above, and free consultations, and 6 free Webinars per year. Do join us!
With Love,
Dr Sue xxx