Claremont News 1999
All change
Warwick has a new
home, Barrie moves to a new radio station, Wesley starts a new career ,
Matthew's living in a student house and Joan survives Ofsted.
Warwick
The change that's
had the biggest impact is Warwick's move into his own house. We hinted at it
last year, and an opportunity for Warwick to live independently came up early
this year. He was offered a place in a shared house in Huntington, a suburb of
York.
It's
a large bungalow where five people with learning disabilities live together.
It's run by an organisation called Northern Life Care who provide 24 hour care
and supervision for the residents. After a few short visits, Warwick moved in
for a six week trial period at the beginning of June. He soon adapted to his
new home and friends - much faster than his parents adjusted to him not living
at home with them!
The
trial was a success and so Warwick's new address is 150, New Lane, Huntington,
York. YO32 9ND.
He
usually comes home each weekend, but the arrangements are very flexible. He now
engages in a range of activities and has been to concerts, soccer matches, ten
pin bowling, shopping, swimming and the pub.
Home
had become much quieter since Wes and Matt left for University, so the activity
and noise in his new house is much more interesting for him.
Barrie
After six years working in Hull at BBC Radio Humberside, Barrie was asked to be the Managing Editor of BBC Radio York. While a sideways move in seniority, it has reduced travelling time by two and a half hours a day. It also brings him back to the station where he began his broadcasting career.
Leaving
Hull was a wrench. It was a successful station with a good team. But the
opportunity to run the station in his home city was very attractive. He took
over on November 1st so he's still in the early stages of the new job. He says
it feels very good to be back at one of the best BBC Local Radio stations in
the country.
Wesley
After completing
his post graduate course in broadcast journalism at Cardiff University, Wesley
took up a short contract with BBC Essex. He's working in the district office in
Colchester until the end of the year. He's hoping to pick up freelance work in
the area after his contract ends.
Wes
is sharing a flat in Colchester with one of the sports journalists form the
radio station. He's really enjoying building up his contacts in the area and
has made a good impression with his Editor.
Wes
spends as many weekends as possible back in Cardiff where his girlfriend,
Susannah, is completing her MA course in town planning.
Matthew
Matt is sharing a
house with four other students, one man and three girls. It's just around the
corner from the University in Bradford, where his Electronic Imaging and Media
Communications course has begun in earnest. Last year was a foundation course,
this year it's for real. He's now really enjoying it.
Matt
comes home now and again, but is more likely to take the train to Lancaster
where his girlfriend, Julia, is studying. We often visit him in Bradford where
the curry is delicious and very cheap!
Matt's
band, Squiffy has been disbanded. Another, called Pirjo, has risen from the
ashes.
Joan
The plan to expand Canon Lee School and close another York secondary school has left Joan working in a building site. The school buildings are being extended to take an extra 400 pupils. There's a lot of change in the school structure and one of the deputy heads was promoted to the new head teachers post.
In
the midst of the change it was the school's turn for an Ofsted inspection,
adding to an already stressful time. Joan survived, but it was hard work.
Church
There's an new vicar at St. Michael le Belfry. Roger Simpson took over in September. An evangelist at heart with a pedigree developed through All Souls, Langham Place; Edinburgh and Vancouver. He's an approachable man and seems to be good for the church.
New life
We
are now thinking about what all this change means. It's now much easier to go
out together and spending more quality time with each other is great. So far we
haven't taken on any new responsibilities, hobbies or ventures, but there's now
room for something new to happen. Until it becomes clear what it is, we are enjoying
the breathing space.
Holiday
This
year, Joan and Barrie walked the Kerry Way in South West Ireland. If you'd like
to see the view which greeted them as they approached Waterville at the end of
one of the toughest days walking, look at our Web version of this newsletter.
Barrie
and Joan Stephenson.