PERSONAL APPEARANCES

BBC RADIO ULSTER – JUNE 2006

I had great fun doing an interview with the very lovely John Toal for The Saturday Magazine – BBC Radio Ulster. The programme came live from The Narrows in Portaferry. I got to do a CD review (I felt like a celebrity!!) and taste some of Paula McIntyre’s delightful cooking. The local folk made me feel so welcome. Thank you to all of you who stopped for a chat and introduced me to the joys of Northern Ireland.

HUGE thank you to fabulous producer Claire Burgoyne and Mervyn for the top class tour of Portaferry and Belfast! Hope you’ve started writing your book Mervyn!

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Easter Saturday 2005

SIGNING AT FENWICK TOY DEPT, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE- Sat 26 March 2005

I was amazed at the number of people who came along to say hello at Fenwick on Easter Saturday and especially those who traveled from as far as London and Scotland. It is always a pleasure to meet the fans of Balamory – and I have to say that I was more than impressed by one dad who knew the words to ‘Sort It’ better than me!

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LAUNCH OF SPORTS AND ARTS CENTRE, CHILLINGHAM ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL - 2004

I felt honoured to be asked to help children at a Newcastle school celebrate the launch of their new sports and arts facilities.

I officially opened the centre along with world champion triple jumper, Jonathan Edwards.

Sports and creative arts are a huge part of the curriculum at the school, but the school was struggling for space in which to express its work. The new facilities (provided through the Space for Sports and Arts programme run by Sport England and the Arts Council) include a huge PE hall, changing rooms, sensory room and a wonderful art studio that are now well used by pupils and the local community.

Whilst celebrating the launch of their new facilities, the pupils also put on a spectacular performance marking the school's 110th anniversary….drama skills that put me to shame!

Thank you to the staff and pupils of Chillingham Road Primary School for a morning to remember.

2004 – LINGEY HOUSE PRIMARY SCHOOL - GATESHEAD

It was such a pleasure to attend a Teddy Bears Picnic at my former nursery/primary school. The children were a delight to talk to and I was particularly charmed by their tales of how their teddies lost their voice in their washing machine!

The children’s knowledge and enthusiasm for Balamory was so endearing. They, of course, recalled the storylines far better than myself!

The children also kindly presented me with two teddy bears which I took back to Balamory to take pride of place on the shop counter in Pocket and Sweet.

It was emotional, to say the least, to return to a school where I have so many fond memories and to be reunited with some of my former teachers, especially Catherine Ritchie. How bizarre to be signing autographs for her grand daughter!

A BIG THANK YOU TO THE CHILDREN AND STAFF OF LINGEY HOUSE SCHOOL FOR MAKING ME FEEL SO WELCOME.

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