Frances and her books

Frances has done a Children's Trilogy, seven local history books, and has written for several womens magazines and comics.

At last we meet little Holly who won the 4 - 7 category of the Identity Competition

The Story Corner Day

I was a bit nervous - hoping that someone would turn up. It was pretty rainy, which meant that people might be saying 'I'm bored' or they might prefer to stay indoors.
I was glad to see my friend Rose and Amy and Adam. We were later joined by Holly, Courtney and family.
Frances told us a story and then asked Amy and Adam to write the next adventure. Amy wasted no time in getting on with her story which she illustrated very well. Her story was about a child that went into a wardrobe and ended up in a snowy land called Snowarnia with a Snow cat, that ruled Snowarnia.
Adam at first felt more comfortable hiding behind the chair on the floor, but later started colouring in a police car picture.
Rose wants to write herself and loved the opportunity to chat with Frances.
We were later joined by little Holly and family who listened to Frances's story.

Sophie and the Wardrobe by Amy Hassall

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Sophie moved house and there was a wardrobe so large that the mover men couldn't move it.

It had to stay in the new house.

Sophie opened the wardrobe doors and she climbed in the wardrobe.

When she got to the other side it was snowing and she realised that her clothes had changed.

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In the distance Sophie saw a sleigh with a fluffy white animal in it.

She was a Snow Cat - ruler of Snowarnia.

"Hi" said the Snow Cat.

"How are you doing?"

"I have lost my parents" said Sophie.

"Meow" went the cat,

"My kittens can help you with that, they have lost me!"

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In the morning Sophie was in bed and she was not in Snowarnia, it was all a dream.

Sophie ran to the room and the wardrobe was not there.

There was only a picture of Sophie's Mum and Dad.

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The End

Story Corner Family Workshop - Tomorrow

Frances is really giving a gift by sharing her experience with young children, I have about five places booked but I still would like to see more people coming to the workshop tomorrow. Please get in touch by either email: herron@globalnet.co.uk or phone 07808 924389

Northland's Park Children's Gallery

A further thought on wanting you to send me those pictures - creating an online Gallery just for the children of Northland's Park.
Go to http://www.childrensgallery.blogspot.com/

Revamped Myspace

I've revamped the Myspace to 'The Events' Myspace now and added a new song!
There are lots of photo's there from the Fun Day - so take a look.
www.myspace.com/artcafeinc

If you're over 25 or may be older you might recognise the tune. I was an avid fan of Vision On and good old Tony, er Tony? What was his name? Anyway he was good and definitely encouraged me in my art. These days you have Art Attack and SMART to do that. I've got links to both of their websites, you just have to look down on the right, quite a way down.
I have just found a link to the potted history of Vision On, and it was Tony Hart
http://www.its-prof-again.co.uk/vision_on.htm

I miss getting those pictures

I miss getting those pictures now. If you've got a computer and you want to send me a picture you could always send one by email and send the picture as an attachment. Or you could give me your picture at one of the events.

Don't forget it's Story Corner on this Saturday please either phone or email me to let me know you want to book a place.

herron@globalnet.co.uk

07808 924389

STORY CORNER FAMILY WORKSHOP

A simple poster - but I hope, noticeable!

Nicks cool puppet!

Claire made one of Nick's puppets - an accessory all young ladies should carry round with them I think.

The IDENTITY Art Competition

Holly's picture (aged 5) - Winner of the 4 - 7 Infant Category

Charlotte (aged 10) who won the 8 - 11 Junior Category.

Charlotte's picture

As you can see I braved it and announced the winners of the competition, I said it alright then I had to spoil it by saying 'bye!' at the end.

The 4 - 7 Infant Category was won by Holly aged 5, and the 8 - 11 Junior Category was won by Charlotte.

Charlotte came forward for her prize and I will get in touch with Holly very soon. All those who entered will receive a sweetie prize like I have said so you should receive them soon too.

I thought Charlotte's picture was outstanding, and I loved receiving the pictures from everybody, each one made me smile.

The Fun Day

We all enjoyed the Fun Day even though we had rain and black clouds quite a bit of the time. As you can see we were pretty busy in the marquee and also managed to get the word out as well. Click on the pictures to enlarge them. I had them placed perfectly on the post but they seem to have come out all higgledy piggledy.

What's a little bit of rain? Never done anyone any harm!

If your a true Brit' a little bit of rain won't bother you if you're thinking of coming to the Fun Day tomorrow. The weather report says that we will get intermittent rain spells, so we will also get intermittent sunny spells! - See you tomorrow.

One day to the Fun Day

The main things I have to do today is make my banner and signs hangable and gather things ready for bringing to the park tomorrow. I'm glad I did most of the running around on Thursday - phew!

Some links to what else is going on on the day:

http://www.shakyexperience.co.uk/index2.html
This character looks really cool and wise:
http://www.baldmc.com/
The Black Thunders:
http://www.essexfm.co.uk/sectional.asp?id=12999
The Billericay Dog Training School
http://www.bdts.org.uk/

A late but lovely picture

My Family in the Park - By Chloe

This came today, from a little girl who is six years old. Unfortunately I asked Lisa (Smith) to make the judgements on Wednesday evening so the competition is over now. But I like this very much - wow eleven in your family! It's lovely that you all seem to be holding hands.

So the winners will be announced on Sunday at the Fun Day, I will look forward to giving you winners the HobbyCraft Vouchers.

I hope you all come as there were only a few people - eight in all who took part in the competition I would like to give all of you a sweetie prize for making the effort. Well done!

Ticking off the things on my to do list

Well not exactly, but it's amazing what you don't think of until very near the day of the event - like water! We'll need water for painting Charlie and Sarah's masks, and I'm going to have painting and drawing available for the children too. So I've been on the look out for huge water containers. Another thing I thought of was aprons or cover-alls for the painting but Sue came to the rescue there and I have lots of old shirts now to use.
There are lots and lots of other things too but I won't bore you with them.

A bit about Sarah - Mask Making Workshop

Sarah is a second year degree student at Southend University. She did the Mask Making at the Fun Day.

A friendly, bubbly girl who has a passion for painting and aspirations to be a teacher.

I think if you met her, with her lovely personality you'd agree she'd make a great teacher.

A bit about Frances - Story Corner

Frances Clamp is a former teacher and Head of Year in a comprehensive school. She is the author of ten published books including a trilogy for children and seven local history books apart from many stories and articles for both adults and children in national magazines. She is also President of Brentwood Writers' Circle.

At the moment Frances is an enthusiastic member of the Basildon Heritage Project team. As a part of this work she is currently writing Basildon Our Heritage which will follow the establishment of the Basildon Heritage Trail and the part played by five local primary schools.

Getting ready for the Fun Day

Dean Smith giving me a cheque for £100 from START

As well as this cheque for £100 START has also contributed an A-board and a box of 18 plus paints. Many, many thanks to START for their support.