Autism superstar joins Head2Head Sensory Theatre as Ambassador

Head2Head Sensory Theatre, which is a disability charity dedicated to making theatre and film accessible for all, is pleased and excited to announce the appointment of Georgia de Gidlow (pictured) as its newest Ambassador.

At just 22, Georgia has already made a name for herself in the entertainments industry, recently rising to fame with her TV debut on BBC's hit series A Kind of Spark.

A Kind of Spark captivated audiences with its inclusive nature, featuring autistic characters played by actors who are autistic themselves. Georgia's involvement in the show further solidified her status as not only  prodigious talent, but also an autism advocate.

As an Ambassador for Head2Head Sensory Theatre, Georgia will lend her support to the charity's mission of enriching the lives of young people who aspire to experience the joys of theatre and performing arts.

Expressing her excitement about the new role, Georgia said, "I'm so pleased to be Head2Head Sensory Theatre's new ambassador! The work of this charity is so important and meaningful, and I feel honoured to help raise awareness for it and to be able to play a part in the amazing work H2H does."

Anni Rhodes-Steere, who is the founder of Head2Head Sensory Theatre, is said to be delighted at having Georgia on board. Anni said: "We're obviously really pleased ad utterly thrilled to have a superstar like Georgia on board. 

"She's enthusiastic and a real inspiration to young autistic people. The goal of an ambassador is to reach out to more people, inspiring them to support us via fundraising, volunteering, or donating. We're very much a volunteer-led charity, so people such as Georgia are a huge asset to us and are really fundamental to our growth."

In addition to her acting career, Georgia recently completed her final year in Politics and International Relations at the University of Birmingham. Her involvement in A Kind of Spark, a TV adaptation of Elle McNicoll's incredible book about the adventures of an autistic girl, showcases the series' commitment to inclusivity. 

Not only is the author autistic, but the actors playing the autistic main characters are also autistic too, and a significant portion of the cast and crew are all neurodivergent.

Head2Head Sensory Theatre continues to grow as a brand in the special needs community internationally, with its shows accessible through its YouTube learning channel. 

The charity is currently seeking Trustees with a genuine passion for theatre, the arts, or who are connected to the Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disabilities community.

For more information about Head2Head Sensory Theatre and its initiatives, please visit them here www.h2hsensorytheatre.com

Bringing the magic of the theatre to schools and families across the SEND community for over 15 years, Head2Head uses imagination to discover new lands, reimagined classics and bring new stories. Shows are inclusive, immersive and interactive and suitable for all physical, sensory and/or cognitive disabilities.

Based in Oxted, Surrey, this volunteer led disabilities charity works closely with a wide range of disabilities: wheelchair users, learning difficulties, neurodevelopmental disorders, autism, complex health needs, visual/hearing impairments. All activities are custom-made to help audiences to benefit from participation in an inclusive and accessible event, gain confidence and widen social opportunities

Darling Jake, Love, discovery and sequins – one man’s journey from farm to stage

A sequel to Keith Bond’s first book, Jake, this warm and optimistic story follows the protagonist as he continues his journey into adulthood and discovers his on-stage persona as a drag artiste.

When Jake leaves his rural homeland for a new life in 1960’s London, nothing could have prepared him for the turn of events that would change the course of his life. Accepting a rented room in a shared house leads him to meet a wonderful new friendship group, one that encourages and steers his life onto a new path.

With the support of his friends and the adoration of his fans, Jake’s new life as a drag artiste, Rusty L’amour, propels him into a new world – one of performance, glamour and big wigs. And all alongside his devoted partner Jim.

But it’s not all sequins and bling. Things go wrong. Disasters occur. But with the help of his friends and family, Jake persists in living his dream … and supporting those who have helped him get there.

Darling Jake reveals the ups and downs of performing as a drag artiste, as well as offering an insight into the supportive and rigorous life on stage.

About the author

Keith Bond was born in Warwickshire and over his career has lived in London and Brighton. He now lives in Hampshire with his partner, John, where he enjoys writing, photography, graphic design and cooking. Darling Jake is his third book.

https://www.tricornbooks.co.uk

A New Book Reveals How to Live in a Flow All of the Time

The Power of the Dao, by best-selling author Max Landsberg, reveals how to live in a state of flow all of the time.

The Power of the Dao: Seven Essential Habits for Living in Flow, Fulfillment and Resilience reveals how we can live in a state of flow all of the time. From best-selling author Max Landsberg, whose books have sold more than a million copies in fifteen languages, this book is based on the enduring wisdom of Daoist principles and practice.

Being in flow is when you are ‘in the zone’, ‘on your game’, or even ‘on fire’ as some people put it.

This is both a mental state and a physical one, too. You have a feeling of complete focus, full involvement and deep enjoyment in whatever you are doing. You feel the activity takes no energy from you – indeed you feel that it is giving you energy. You barely notice the passage of time. You feel calm but almost ecstatic. You are resourceful and resilient.

Max Landsberg comments: “I wanted to offer a comprehensive guide to living ‘in flow’. Most existing teachings explain how to achieve this flow state when conducting specific tasks. I wanted to show how to extend those ideas, through tweaks to mindset and habits, so you can live your whole life in flow. This also enhances mindfulness and resilience in our turbulent times.”

In The Power of the Dao, Landsberg uncovers seven of the ancient principles of Daoism which help us to see the unvarnished truth of our surroundings in a clear, open and unblinkered way. 

The first three principles are about the way a person and their environment work (Energies, Patterns, Self-so-ness). The following three are about how one chooses to interact with their environment (Simplicity, Effortless Action, Potency). Attaining Dao, or Mastery, is the final principle in the book, which allows one to live in a constant state of flow.

Dr Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There says about The Power of the Dao: “Insightful and engaging!... This book hits the mark with powerful techniques for living a more fulfilled life."

Max Landsberg is an internationally recognised authority on personal development, leadership, motivation and executive coaching. His books draw on expertise in strategy from his time as a Partner at McKinsey & Company, and his insights into leadership gained as a Senior Partner at two global head-hunting firms. He most recently led McKinsey’s SeniorPartners Office for seven years.

The Power of the Dao is published on 14 September 2023 by LID Publishing, available as hardback and e-book.

The Audiobook is coming out in December 2023. 

Please visit www.lidpublishing.com

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It's the ultimate family adventure destination: Beale Wildlife Park and Gardens

School holidays may be ending, but the fun doesn’t stop there. What is Berkshire's leading animal sanctuary, Beale Wildlife Park, is home to over 500 animals from Armadillos and Capybaras to Wildcats and Zebras, across their 350-acre riverside estate. 

Their newest additions to the park, two Lynx kittens and three young Arctic Foxes, have added extra cuteness to the whole experience.

Open all year round, Beale Wildlife Park offers a wide variety of family entertainment at affordable prices. 

With the cost of living affecting just about everyone, Beale Park has worked hard to keep their family- friendly prices to a minimum. Entry to the park costs £15.50 for an adult and £12.50 for children.

Lucy Costello, who is the CEO of Beale Wildlife Park, says: "It's incredibly important to us everyone feels welcome here at Beale Wildlife Park. 

"Our keepers and our team work hard to ensure families embark on a journey of exploration, learning, and fun which will create cherished memories for years. With over 109 species of animals from around the globe, we offer an immersive experience that will leave both young and old amazed."

At Beale Wildlife Park, prepare to witness the wonders of the animal kingdom up close and personal. Whether you are strolling through enchanting woodlands, picnicking by peaceful, tranquil lakes, or exploring themed gardens, every corner of the park offers unique opportunities to appreciate the wonders of the outdoors. It goes beyond a simple zoo experience. 

A selection of interactive experiences has been introduced for this year to ensure future generations continue to care for and protect animals. 

These include Animal Experiences (getting up close with the animals), Zoo Club (an after-school program for budding zoo-keepers) and a new five-week program designed to support 12-15-year-olds interested in animal-focussed careers. 

A combination of theory workshops and practical activities will include topics such as animal behaviour, welfare nutrition, conservation and enclosure design.

Lucy Costello continues, "We want Beale Wildlife Park to inspire people of all ages to learn something new about nature and help protect the future of the planet. By engaging with children from an early age and providing experiences that grow with them we aim to educate and instil a sense of responsibility for the planet's biodiversity in the hearts of everyone."

Young ones can burn off energy at the adventure playgrounds, while older children and adults can enjoy educational trails that provide insight into the park's conservation efforts. Plan your trip today.

For more details visit www.bealepark.org.uk or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

(Image courtesy of Beale Wildlife Park)