Signing session in the library brought a gaggle of yoofs who were big readers along, including young Ben, pictured to the left in this picture. Ben's what we call 'a character'. By that, I mean he speaks in an American accent. Yet he lives in Widnes. I asked what had made him move to Widnes, and he explained he's always lived in Widnes. It transpires Ben watches a LOT of US telly and has adopted the accent. A cautionary tale for all, methinks. Those old duffers out there might remember Dexter Fletcher in Press Gang. That's what I'm talking about.
Super lad, though, as were all the students today. Even those who suffered with selective mutism in the final session. There were some startled faces out there, and I don't think it was on account of my hat and sideburns. At least I hope it wasn't - that would be hattist. Or hairist. Or somesuch...
I still had time at the end of the day to make it to Daughter #1's school sports day, where I triumphed in glorious fashion in the Dads Obstacle Race. There was a touch of the flamboyant about my performance, naturally, with a bit more wiggling, skipping and victory celebrations than was the norm. But I felt I'd earned it.
QUESTION: What's your greatest triumph? And did you fall to your knees, weeping hysterically, like you'd kicked the winning drop goal at the Wembley Challenge Cup Final? I'm not saying that's what I did... cough cough... some might though....
1 comment:
Hi - Ben showed me this picture and blog post yesterday.... only 5 years late! I realise that you are no longer blogging, but seeing as this post is still out there on the web I just wanted to clarify something.
Ben is autistic - that is why he speaks with an American accent. Lots of people with Autism speak with non-local accents, e.g. A child brought up in a family who all have a scouse accent might speak in a very formal RP way.
When Ben was younger he was often bullied about his accent - he used to get very upset when someone asked if he was American. To cope with this he started saying it was because he watched a lot of TV. Not really true - but it was his coping mechanism.
Anyway - 5 years on and with marvellous support from all the teachers and especially the SEND dept at Wade Deacon he passed GCSEs and is now at college doing a BTEC in engineering. He's also 6 foot 2 inches tall, has a beard, and still sounds American!
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