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garinda · 05-03-2010, 10:38

Besides your parents, who has made you the person you are today?

It might be a friend, a teacher, a neighbour, a relative. A person who came into your life, and affected who you are now, either good or bad.

I had two teachers who really had a big impact on who I am today. One was a teacher I had in my last two years at Moorend Primary School, Chris Ryan, and I've posted before on AW about the positive impact he had in my life.

The other person was also a teacher at the same school, Nell Owen. Wife of fellow teacher at Accrington Grammar School, Winky Barrel, as he was affectionately known, and mother to Dylan Owen, amongst her other children.

Mrs Owen taught me when I was five/six. I already knew her because she was also my Sunday School teacher, and I knew her socially because she was friends with my family. She was also my mum's Sunday School teacher, and one of the first pupils she taught after becoming a primary school teacher.

I remember the year she taught me with great fondness. It was the year my artistic talents first became evident. I painted a picture of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, and she entered it in a competition run by the National Theatre, and it won first place in the under tens catagory.

I also remember her casting the Nativity play she produced. The starring role didn't go to the prettiest, cleverest, or the clearest reading girl. The part of Mary was given to a little girl who was so introverted she was almost mute. She came to school in crumpled, dirty clothes, and some cruel children said she had nits. Giving this little girl her time in the spotlight helped her overcome her painful shyness, and I remember at the time being impressed by Mrs Owen's skill as a teacher, and her giving every child equal chances to shine.

Over the coming years I regularly saw Mrs Owen, either at Church, or out and about in Ossy, and we'd always chat. I recall getting the bus back from school in Blackburn in 1979, and Mrs Owen asking me what I thought about the forthcoming General Election. I was really shocked that this woman was really interested in what my opinion was, and what I thought might be important to someone else. I didn't know much about her politcs at this time. She certainly never preached her beliefs to anyone at church, or school.

When I'd moved to London very often I'd catch up with Mrs Owen on my regular trips home. She put me in touch with her grandaughter who was a doctor in London, who was as lovely as her gran, and we became friends and quiz team mates. Later in life our conversations were more political, and we shared many similar views, including some shared disillusionment with some of the things done by New Labour.

After my dad had died Mrs Owen mentioned little John Martin fondly in a speech at her eightieth birthday party at Lock St. My family all sat their with tears in our eyes, amazed that she'd use this happy celebration to remember someone who wasn't related to her, but who she was sorry that he'd died at fifty one, and that he was missed.

Until the end of her life Mrs Owen was always interested in other's people's thoughts and ideas. Knowing her helped shape my views on life, my morals, and my opinions.

She was a gentle, kindly soul, but also someone who also liked a joyous laugh. She was my idea of a true Christian, and a true socialist.

I miss chatting with her, but what she gave me will be with me for ever.

Who affected you, and made you the person you are today?

05-03-2010, 10:38	#1
garinda Give, give, give member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Overlookin' ducks & geese Posts: 32,411 Blog Entries: 293 Liked: 27 times Rep Power: 16466	Who's shaped you? Besides your parents, who has made you the person you are today? It might be a friend, a teacher, a neighbour, a relative. A person who came into your life, and affected who you are now, either good or bad. I had two teachers who really had a big impact on who I am today. One was a teacher I had in my last two years at Moorend Primary School, Chris Ryan, and I've posted before on AW about the positive impact he had in my life. The other person was also a teacher at the same school, Nell Owen. Wife of fellow teacher at Accrington Grammar School, Winky Barrel, as he was affectionately known, and mother to Dylan Owen, amongst her other children. Mrs Owen taught me when I was five/six. I already knew her because she was also my Sunday School teacher, and I knew her socially because she was friends with my family. She was also my mum's Sunday School teacher, and one of the first pupils she taught after becoming a primary school teacher. I remember the year she taught me with great fondness. It was the year my artistic talents first became evident. I painted a picture of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, and she entered it in a competition run by the National Theatre, and it won first place in the under tens catagory. I also remember her casting the Nativity play she produced. The starring role didn't go to the prettiest, cleverest, or the clearest reading girl. The part of Mary was given to a little girl who was so introverted she was almost mute. She came to school in crumpled, dirty clothes, and some cruel children said she had nits. Giving this little girl her time in the spotlight helped her overcome her painful shyness, and I remember at the time being impressed by Mrs Owen's skill as a teacher, and her giving every child equal chances to shine. Over the coming years I regularly saw Mrs Owen, either at Church, or out and about in Ossy, and we'd always chat. I recall getting the bus back from school in Blackburn in 1979, and Mrs Owen asking me what I thought about the forthcoming General Election. I was really shocked that this woman was really interested in what my opinion was, and what I thought might be important to someone else. I didn't know much about her politcs at this time. She certainly never preached her beliefs to anyone at church, or school. When I'd moved to London very often I'd catch up with Mrs Owen on my regular trips home. She put me in touch with her grandaughter who was a doctor in London, who was as lovely as her gran, and we became friends and quiz team mates. Later in life our conversations were more political, and we shared many similar views, including some shared disillusionment with some of the things done by New Labour. After my dad had died Mrs Owen mentioned little John Martin fondly in a speech at her eightieth birthday party at Lock St. My family all sat their with tears in our eyes, amazed that she'd use this happy celebration to remember someone who wasn't related to her, but who she was sorry that he'd died at fifty one, and that he was missed. Until the end of her life Mrs Owen was always interested in other's people's thoughts and ideas. Knowing her helped shape my views on life, my morals, and my opinions. She was a gentle, kindly soul, but also someone who also liked a joyous laugh. She was my idea of a true Christian, and a true socialist. I miss chatting with her, but what she gave me will be with me for ever. Who affected you, and made you the person you are today? __________________ 'If you're going to be a Kant, be the very best Kant there is my son.' Johann Georg Kant, father of Immanuel Kant, philosopher. Last edited by garinda; 05-03-2010 at 10:40.