Go Play in the Sand, John

August 1, 2008 · Filed Under Go Play in the Sand, Kavanagh Tipping Publishing · Comment 

Great excitement. We have published my book ‘Go Play in the Sand, John’. It is published by Kavanagh Tipping Publishing. Frances Kavanagh ghost wrote my book for me and she is in partnership with Jill. It is going to be ready on Monday and we have already had loads of orders.

On Wednesday I did some filming for BBC South East Today. They did a really nice news piece on the 6.30 news. You can see it here

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7534177.stm

In the book I just talk about my life. The first part is called The Pit. Things were a bit grim at times. I remember having to sit in front of my 11 plus paper not being able to read the questions let alone answer them. How strange that they expected kids like me to do that! The second part of the book is called The Awakening which happened about 5 years ago when a simple change of attitude changed my life. I suddenly started to see all the things I had, instead of feeling bitter about what I didn’t have. From then on, I just started putting things in place to replace the reading and writing which I couldn’t do.

Technology has helped hugely and I would like to pass on my thanks to Shirley Meakins, my mate who helped me to get Access to Work to provide me with not only the equipment but also the training I needed. I don’t think I thanked her in the book which was bad of me, but without her, I wouldn’t have got as far as I have.

Monday is the last one in the series Can’t Read, Can’t Write and I am IN IT! It is official becasue it says on the Channel 4 website …’this week we meet John…’ That’s me. I bet I am going to make a right spanner of myself. Never mind.

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Channel 4 Fame on the Way!

July 16, 2008 · Filed Under Can't Read Can't Write, Channel 4, Dyslexia, Phil Beadle · Comment 

Phil Beadle and John Tipping Channel 4 Can\'t Read, Can\'t WriteLast year I did 6 months of filming with RDF media for a programme for Channel 4 called ‘Can’t Read, Can’t Write’. It’s all about adult literacy. You can see the Channel 4 link by clicking on the picture.

Well, after all the filming, we didn’t think that I was going to be on it BUT whilst we were on holiday I had a call from them saying that they were including me in the third episode. This should go out on the 4th August. The programme starts on 21st July and follows Linda, Kelly, Teresa and Jim. The three girls are now reading and writing but Jim and I didn’t manage to move on even though we tried really hard.

Phil Beadle tried really hard but he says himself that he doesn’t have all the answers – he didn’t for me. I suppose I knew deep down that there would not be an answer and that I wouldn’t be able to suddenly read and write but it was nice to hope for a miracle for a while.

Katy TippingLast night we went to a debate about adult literacy at Channel 4 in London in the run up to the programme coming out on Monday. It got a bit heated between the girls, Jim and the panel but I kept quiet (because Jill told me to!). They were talking about being taught to read and the help that is out there (or lack of it) but It doesn’t matter how many ‘phonics’ you throw at me, I won’t be able to read it, sadly. Never mind, I don’t think things are too bad and I manage using my software (and Jill’s magic typing fingers!).

I had some other good news today. My daughter Katy, who goes to Dover Boys Grammar (don’t ask!) and her gang have just come second in the National Young Enterprise Competition. Chip off the old block I’d say!

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