Background: In 1999, Pam Glover suffered a spinal injury to her neck, which seriously debilitated her and caused her to lose her ability to walk. She under went major surgery and since then has struggled to regain her health and her walking ability. Learning to walk again has been a matter of faith and determination for Pam, more so for her, since she was born with cerebral palsy (1952) and this is the second time around that she has had to struggle to walk! Her strength is slowly returning but she is still unable to walk unaided and uses a walking frame. Dancing, combined with physio, is now helping in the rejuvenation process. Successful Walking Challenges so far:
Pam’s Dancing Challenge Dec 04: Serious waltz training began Sept 03 under the able tuition of Mrs Heather Edwards (friend and dance fanatic but not an expert – although she’s doing great things with Pam!) and assistant Mrs Marita Oakley. The three of them meet each week at Congregational Church Hall in Wivenhoe for dance practice. Pam’s partners for the challenge waltz will be Fred and Roger Delves-Broughton (core actor with the Mercury Theatre Company), who have magnificently agreed to help out. Roger is playing the Emperor of China in this year’s Mercury Production of Aladdin and will dance with Pam in costume. Pam’s connection with the Mercury Theatre: Pam serves on the Access Committee of the Theatre. She is also a member of Dis:Play, the Mercury’s theatre arts group for physical and sensory impaired people, and performs with them each year in their Spring production. Why the Engine Shed Project as beneficiary: The Engine Shed Project is about turning a heritage site (the old Engine Shed at Wivenhoe Station) into a Community Arts Centre. Planning permission has now been granted and fund raising is a priority for the next stage of its development. The Mercury Theatre have an excellent and extensive community outreach programme and the space in the Mercury Studio is coming under more and more pressure from community groups like Dis:Play to use it. Therefore, once the Engine Shed is up and running, the new centre will be able to help all kind of local groups with rehearsal/performing space, including people from disadvantaged backgrounds and so reduce pressure on the Mercury studio. As a Dis:Play member, I have come to recognise the importance and value that drama can bring to disabled people. Learning theatre skills can help social interaction, broaden outlook and give confidence where confidence was lacking. I know; I’ve been a beneficiary for the 10 years that Dis:Play has been going. The Engine Shed can become an important player in this field. For more information about the Engine Shed Project, click here Pam Glover 1A Paget Road, Wivenhoe, Essex CO7 9DT. Tel: 01206 824959 Click here for more information about Pam and about her first challenge |
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