Tribute to our top teachers

Hello there folks I hope you’re doing well!

I thought I would dedicate my column this week to those who strive to positively influence and educate others. Where would we be were it not for those brilliant teachers who share their wisdom with others?

My primary school headteacher Mrs Petticrew at Ayr Grammar Primary School was a special kind of teacher and she saw potential in me perhaps where others did not. I will always be grateful to her for encouraging my singing and making it fun, bringing people together with music.

It’s always good to know there are people who see potential in you as that’s what it’s all about, potential and capitalising on it. There are many who work in education passing on their skills. It makes the difference when people share knowledge, inspiring them to learn and develop and encouraging confidence. There are few greater acts than inspiring and educating.

I’ve seen first hand the difference that positive influence and support can make. I believe everyone has natural talent – it’s a matter of being encouraged and developed. The greatest tragedy is potential unfulfilled and it’s obvious there are so many undiscovered talents out there, so let’s encourage them to the hilt. I’d like us all to do what we can to ensure people are encouraged to fulfil their potential and realise their ambitions.

A massive shout out to all the teachers and people in the community who make a difference to the lives of others. Keep on doing what you do!

Brothers have announced a headline show at the Students Union at the UWS Ayr Campus on Thursday, March 9. Also on the bill are George Farrell, Indigo Sixteen and Gracefell. Brothers will then perform at the Market Inn on Thursday, March 30 in support of The Hostiles with Royal Bloom and The Tips.

Largs man Matthew Hickman is putting on a night of songwriters this Saturday at the Hug & Pint on Great Western Road in Glasgow. Matt, of Brown Bear, has enjoyed fine adventures in music in support of The Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things, having met Peter Doherty via a mutual friend. Matthew is now putting on nights in celebration of all things songwriting and has Carly Connor, Katie Doyle and Billy Mitchell joining him. The gig starts at 8pm and tickets are £ 8.

There’s a night of Opera this Saturday night in Irvine. So you’ve never been to anything remotely operatic? Get yourself along for something a wee bit different then! This Saturday will see Ayrshire Opera present Pyramus and Thisbe.

Pyramus and Thisbe is a “mock opera” by John Frederick Lampe on the story of Pyramus and Thisbe.

The anonymous libretto is based on Richard Leveridge’s The Comickal Masque of Pyramus and Thisbe, itself inspired by the “play within a play” in Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Experience the story as never before in this fun and fresh production. Tickets are available priced £ 10/ 8 through the HAC Box Office on 01294 274059 Until next week, Stay inspired! @littlefire