Wirral Life March 2020 | Page 8

IN BRIEF -SORTS LAUNCH OF NO LIMITS ALL 'NOT JUST PRETTY Granite on Paper JONATHAN KENNEDY SERIES WITH RECORD- PICTURES' BREAKING YACHTSWOMAN NIKKI HENDERSON Birkenhead School were delighted to welcome record- breaking Yachtswoman, Nikki Henderson, to the School recently. Nikki visited the School to launch the ‘No Limits’ workshop series at Birkenhead School. The workshops are aimed at inspiring girls, across all age groups, to see no limits to what they can achieve. As part of the School’s Inspiring Talks Series, the No Limits workshops will bring inspirational speakers to Birkenhead School from a wide variety of sectors, providing contemporary role models for students to aspire to emulate and to both seek, and seize, life's exciting opportunities. Nikki is a British professional yachtswoman who in 2018 became the youngest ever skipper to lead a team in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race at the age of 23. Nikki shared her own life story and life experiences during the day and what has led her to be in the position that she is today, one of the world’s leading sailors. She encouraged students to think about who they admire, their own values and the choices that they have. Nikki stressed the importance of being an ‘active’ participant in life by taking ownership of their choices, seizing opportunities and not setting limits on what is achievable. Paul Vicars, Headmaster, commented, 'It was a privilege to be able to bring one of the world's leading sailors to the School. Nikki was a natural at engaging with the students, of all levels, and making her story so far, and what she has learned of life's ups and downs, relatable to all. There was a great deal for every student to take from the day, not least that they are all in control of their own choices, and to drive their life in the direction of their passions.' Nikki is the latest speaker in the School’s Inspiring Talks Series which sees high-profile individuals visit the School to speak to students and the wider community. Guests have included Konnie Huq, George Alagiah, and JoJo Moyes who have visited during the current academic year. If you are interested in finding out more about the exceptional opportunities available at Birkenhead School, the School is holding an Open Day on Saturday 2nd May from 11am-2pm and further information is available on the school website. 8 wirrallife.com A fascinating art exhibition by the talented Wirral artist Jonathan Kennedy is showing at Theatre Clwyd from 30th March 2020 to 25th April 2020. This exhibition is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 8pm. This exciting semi-autobiographical body of work records a labyrinthine journey into the mind, thoughts and dreams of the artist. In his skilful drawings, Jonathan Kennedy transforms usual everyday objects into the extraordinary as they metamorphose into often beautiful, seductive shapes infused with hidden messages and often dark obscure meaning. By incorporating very subtle self portraits into some of his work, Jonathan is able to interact playfully and secretly with the viewer. Apart from his personal experiences and relationships, Life Cycles and Vanitas are also recurring themes and form the inspirations for his powerful images. Jonathan has been recently exploring these motifs in a series of three dimensional maquettes inspired by the mystery of ancient cremation urns. Jonathan Kennedy trained in Fine Art at Loughborough University and works from his studio on the Wirral.