Ilkley Gazette, Thursday, September 15, 2011
Jasmine is back in tune
An 11-year-old girl is celebrating after her dreams of playing the -violin were revived thanks to the Ilkley Gazette. Jasmine Judd (above), from Ilkley, was nominated to win for The Happiness Centre/Ilkley Gazette Helping Hand award by her music teacher. And after being selected for the prize, the Ilkley Grammar School pupil can play to her heart’s content. See below for the full story.
Funding hits a high note with young violinist
by Jonathan Redhead
Hours of practice and dedication has paid off for a talented youngster after she was nominated for the Happiness Centre/Ilkley Gazette Helping Hand award. Jasmine Judd, 11, of East Parade, Ilkley, had violin lessons at Ashlands School for the past year and developed a passion for the instrument. She was desperate to continue when she moved to Ilkley Grammar School, but discovered funding for free music lessons was not available to secondary students and her dreams of continuing to learn were dashed.
Luckily, her violin teacher Lindsay Gledhill spotted the Happiness Centre appeal to give away donated money to deserving groups -and individuals in the Ilkley Gazette and filled in the coupon without telling Jasmine or her mother: “I was so thrilled to receive a call from the Happiness Centre while-I was on holiday to say they wanted to encourage Jasmine with this award,” said Mrs Gledhill. “She is such an enthusiastic pupil and I really feel it would be such a shame if the lessons were not available to her. I am delighted.”
Kimm Fearnley, founder of The Happiness Centre, said they were so impressed with Jasmine it had been decided to fund her lessons at school for as many years as she wanted. Happiness Centre profits are used to support groups and individuals like Jasmine, as well as charities and funding the education of children through MySmallHelp in Nepal. “We feel passion and commitment deserves to be recognised and look forward to seeing Jasmine progress,” Mrs Fearnley said.
The centre, based above The Veggie Cafe, on Leeds Road, is giving away another £300 to £500 this month, so if you-would like to nominate your group or charity, or a committed person such as Jasmine, a to achieve a dream, complete the form.
The centre is also running a children’s writing competition as part of Ilkley Literature Festival. This is on Saturday October 8th at 2.30, where the cash prize of £50 will be awarded by Leeds children’s author Emma Barnes. See the Happiness Centre Web Site for instructions on how to enter your child for the award. Also at this event there will be children’s Whirling Dervish led by Irshad the Happiness Centre’s Healer and Wing Chun Martial Arts Teacher, The Author’s Angel – a talk on the theme from dyslexia to published auther by Anna Louise Haigh, and a call to follow your inspiration by the ever-Inspirational Keren Assemper. Refreshments available. Location: The Ilkley Operatic Hall, Leeds Road, Ilkley.
Also as part of the Ilkley Literature Festival, there is a Happiness Centre Sacred Sound Healing Demonstration on Monday 3rd October 7.30pm-9pm with healer, Maggie Pashley. where you can discover the healing power of sacred sound, experience toning, mantras, a gong bath – and poetry: unforgettable new dimensions of healing.
The Centre also has a wide range cultural and holistic events, as well as daily free (non-religious) meditation, all suitable for beginners.
Other wonderful events include the first Happiness Day on Sunday, October 2, including mind-body-spirit, craft and entertainment stands and a chance to sample the therapies, and there’s a Bandstand Day on The Grove, Ilkley centre: Friday October 28th, 10 to 5pm: where you can just turn up any time during the day to see Sufi Master Irshad’s demonstrations of Whirling Dervish and Wing Chun Marital Art. There’s Sound Healing and gong baths by Healer Maggie Pashley, Harp music by Jean Duffy. Members of the public have the opportunity to meet the Therapists and hear about healing and spiritual approaches that are on offer.
Profits from all events are used to give away in The Helping Hand Fund. For a list of events and treatments go to www.ilkleyhappinesscentre.com
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