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.
6 wirrallife. com