Creative Education
Entertainment Potential
Marv's Blog Page
July / Sept 08
Recycling Beavers
July kicked off at Barnard Castle Scout hut with my environment show 'Recycle Magic'. It's always nice to perform in my home town and this was extra special as my son 'Alex' was present - thats him on the left. I'd like to thank Jacqui Nicholson the Beaver Scout leader for inviting me along for the evening and all the Beavers who helped make it a great event.
Healthy Fun at Brandon Library
A great way to start any week is to have a great audience in a friendly venue; I had both when I presented my healthy lifestyle show at Brandon Library. Mary and Cheryl were perfect hosts and Brandon Primary year 3 students were a lovely responsive audience. It was also nice to see the teachers enjoying themselves. That's Mary and Cheryl on the left taking time out to have their picture taken.
Recycle Gig at Acre Rigg
A start of another week and a return visit to Acre Rigg Junior school in Peterlee. I was at the school a few months ago with my healthy lifestyle show 'Feel Good - Feel Magic', and this time I was performing my environment show, 'Recycle Magic' It was lovely to be back and received a warm welcome from all of the pupils; they were keen to show me the 'Feel Good Rap' they had learnt during my last visit. I'd like to thank Peter Todd, the head teacher, for asking me back and his staff for making my second visit a fun one. I'd also like to thank the dinner ladies for doing their part to help the environment by giving me some empty milk containers; I use the milk containers in my puppet making workshops.
Some final adjusments before the audience arrive.
Landfill Experiment
Left - Students at Acre Rigg Junior school doing the 'Recycle Rap'
Book Magic in Consett Library
The start of the school hols and I was off to Consett library on a lovely sunny day to perform 'Book Magic'. The children loved meeting my book friend 'Read' and and the wise lady owl 'Mis Page'. A big thank you to all the parents who joined in with the fun and of course to Liz and the rest of the library staff - Elaine, Julie, Judith and Karen, who worked hard to make the event a success.
Some of the youngsters who joined in the fun.
Julie, Elaine and Liz doing a spot of magic.
Making 'Rubbish' Puppets
I visited Eshwinning Library on the last day of the month for a 'Rubbish' workshop. It wasn't really a rubbish workshop, it was a creative session making puppets from recycled materials. All the children who attended had a great time and some amazing puppets were produced. A big thank you to Anne and Janet from the library, for helping out
Healthy Lifestyle Show
A busy August touring libraries throughout County Durham with my healthy lifestyle show, 'Feel Good - Feel Magic', It all kicked off at Clayport Library in Durham City, where Carol and the rest of the staff made me very welcome. The show went well and the children enjoyed themselves, and so did the librarians if the laughter from behind the counter was anything to go by!
My next visit was toShildon Library, where there was a good turn out and once again the parents seemed to enjoy the show as much as the children. A big thanks to Susan, Rosemary and Tracie for all your help.
Rosemary and Tracie at Shildon Library.
Later in the week I visited Newton Aycliffe and Chilton libraries. I was very impressed by the turn out and both shows went well. Thanks to all those who helped make the day memorable: the boys and girls who helped me with some magic routines, the audience - especially the parents who joined in with the fun - and of course the library staff.
Above - Sid talking about food - again!
Above right - Mayhem and madness in
Aycliffe library!
The new look 'Billy' messing me about - as usual!
A return visit to Clayport Library in Durham City. The 'Feel Good' show took place on a Sunday morning, a first for me. That's Carley and Kay joining in the fun and what a
about that for a wall - fantastic!
Another cracker of a show, this time at Crook Library. There was a great turn out,with the audience packed in - which all added to the excitement. I received a warm welcome from Linda the librarian, Carol and Jill and Helen above.
Magical Book Afternoon
A wet August afternoon didn't stop the fun at Lanchester Library. It was my first visit to the library and I was performing 'Book Magic'. The children were fabulous and laughed from start to finish. One particular 3 year old giggled his way throughout the show and loved 'Billy the Bird'. It was a lovely afternoon and I'd like to thank Monica and Janice for all there help.
A moment of concentration while getting ready for the show.
An attentive audience watching my 'Magic Stick' routine.
Left - Reading a letter from 'Billy the Bird'
Right - Introducing 'Ms Page' to the children.
Willing Crowd in Willington
The Feel Good feeling continued with a show at Willington Library. Another wet afternoon but inside we all had a great time. Alison and Elaine made sure everything was in place ready for the performance, and when everyone was seated off we went; hopefully everyone went home feeling good and feeling magic.
Left - Billy doing his 'Wayne Rooney' routine.
Sid talking about his
'Glad Seeds'.
Right - Susan and Carol take time out to have their photo taken at Woslingham Library. Susan is from Crook Library and missed my visit because she was ill on the day; So when asked if she'd like to attend the Wolsingham show, said she'd love to.
Wolsingham Visit
Back to Back Shows End The Week
Friday and its two 'Feel Good' shows to end the week. My first visit of the day was at Newton Hall Library in Durham City. Another good turn out - two of the children had seen the show before a few days earlier and were keen for second helpings. I'd like to thank Christine, Pat and Hannah for all there help on the day. My second visit was to Bowburn Library a few miles south of Durham. This time it was a Mother and daughter team - Susan and Kay-who helped me get ready for the show. I had a fun time performing in front of such an enthusiastic audience.
Newton Hall Library Team
Pat, Christine and Hannah
Above - Kay making friends with 'Billy the Bird'
Left - Susan meets 'Sid the Kid'. Can you see the family resemblance to Daughter Kay above?
What a Day at Parkway
September comes around again, kids back at school and I was making my way again to the 'Parkway Day Nursery' in Coulby Newham near Middlesbrough. It's hard to believe it was a year ago that I was there to help celebrate their 4th year of opening. So it was another fun day of puppets and magic for all the toddlers and mums. Thank you Rachel for asking me back again and good luck for the coming year.
A spot of juggling for the tots
All dressed up for the day.
Have your Say
Click 'Billy'
