Schoolchildren help launch local author Yvonne Weatherhead’s new book with performance

Children performing Lizzifly the Sea Scout

Year Six children from several schools performed a rendition of local author Yvonne Weatherhead’s latest children’s book, ‘Lizzifly the Sea Scout’, at St Andrew’s Primary School in Dearnley on 15 January.

‘Lizzifly the Sea Scout’ is a tale about a magical flying sand lizard and his friend, Griff the Seagull, who performed a daring rescue at sea, at Cemaes Bay in Anglesey.

Children from St Andrew’s in Dearnley, St Luke’s in Heywood, Heap Bridge in Heywood, Sedgley Park in Bury and High Bank in Liversedge met with Yvonne during the summer term to edit the book before it went to print.

The children’s performance of ‘Lizzifly the Sea Scout’ received rapturous applause from an audience at St Andrew’s. Following the performance, a book signing took place for the children.

Dave Williams from UrbanSoul Design, the printer of the book, was also present at the launch.

Yvonne Weatherhead, who has written many children’s books, performs writing and drama workshops with her publications in primary schools. Annually, she invites children to edit her new publications.

She said: “All the schools taking part are the schools I visit regularly with my children’s workshops.

“They are very special places and are full of talented children. It is important for children to be able to comment on draft publications and to see that their opinions have made a difference.

“All their names are printed in my books on the editor’s page. The launch at St Andrew’s was very special; the children, staff and governors were so thoughtful and enthusiastic.”

The headteacher of St Andrew’s, Mrs Rainford, said: “It was a privilege to host this special event. 

“Seeing children from different schools coming together to act out the story was spellbinding. 

“Thank you, Mrs Weatherhead; you are an inspiration for us all.”

Yvonne, who received an MBE in 2015, was the headteacher of Marland Hill Primary School from 1990 to 2014. Prior to this, she had also worked as a teacher at Matthew Moss Middle School and Heybrook Primary School.