Wirral Life July 2017 | страница 6

SIR TONY ROBINSON - A WEIRD WORLD OF WONDERS
NEW RETIREMENT WING GETS ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL

IN BRIEF

SIR TONY ROBINSON - A WEIRD WORLD OF WONDERS
NEW RETIREMENT WING GETS ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
Sir Tony Robinson , acclaimed writer , TV presenter and actor , visited Birkenhead School to talk to children about his book series on the ‘ Weird World of Wonders ’.
During the inspiring talk , Sir Tony spoke about his fantastic series of books , ‘ Weird World of Wonders ’ in conjunction with Linghams booksellers in Heswall .
The talk was part of the School ’ s English Enrichment programme , which aims to go beyond the national curriculum to inspire and engage students at Birkenhead School .
After launching himself onto the stage with characteristic energy , Sir Tony entertained a packed Bushell Hall full of students from Prep , Seniors and visiting local schools ( along with many members of staff – avid fans of his role as the bumbling ‘ Baldrick ’ in ‘ Blackadder ’).
Sir Tony ’ s boundless enthusiasm had everyone entranced as he took the audience through his unique way of looking at history . Sir Tony then spent time talking with students and signing their very own copies of his books to take away and treasure .
Paul Vicars , Headmaster commented , “ We were delighted to welcome Sir Tony to the School in conjunction with Linghams . The children were thoroughly entertained and enthused throughout his talk . Particular highlights were seeing the pupils on stage re-enacting parts of history as well as teacher , Mr Mike Ryan , taking part in Egyptian Mummy embalming . I am sure that this will be a memory that will inspire and stay with our pupils for many years to come .”
Sir Tony Robinson is one of a number of high-profile speakers to the School this year that have included former English Cricket Captain , David Gower , OBE and The Right Honourable Lord Storey , CBE .
A new multi-million pound , state-of-the-art retirement home at Nautilus International ’ s Wallasey-based , Mariners ’ Park Estate , welcomed its first residents following its royal unveiling .
The £ 2.7m Seafarers UK Centenary Wing – which includes £ 1.17m of funding from Seafarers UK – was formally opened by HRH The Earl of Wessex ; who is also the President of Seafarers UK , and is an extension to the existing Trinity House Hub . The Wing has seen a further 22 apartments added which will now offer accommodation to a maximum of 26 eligible residents . The new apartments have been designed to meet the needs and requirements of retired mariners and includes a wet room and call alarm system . Additionally , two apartments have been set up specially for wheelchair users . In total , there are now 40 apartments in the Hub and new Wing combined . Designed by Manchester-based architects Pozzoni , the Seafarers UK Centenary Wing enhances the range of accommodation offered by the Nautilus Welfare Fund : the registered charity administered by the Union . Communal facilities have also been extended in the Hub – which was opened in 2014 by the Princess Royal – including the creation of a new activities room that has been made available for the use of all Mariners ’ Park residents .
Speaking after the Wing ’ s opening , Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson said : “ We are delighted that the new Seafarers UK Centenary Wing is now open and ready for use . Nautilus has been protecting the interests of seafarers for 160 years , and supporting the increasing numbers of retired mariners and their dependents – in particular those over 75 and over 85 years – by providing additional purpose built accommodation , is a key priority for us . These apartments allow 21st century care for our residents and it ’ s a testament to the likes of Seafarers UK and our architects – Pozzoni – that such a fresh and vibrant building will become home to so many people .”
For further information about Nautilus International or the Nautilus Welfare Fund , visit : www . nautilusint . org or www . nautiluswelfarefund . org .
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