Autism Berkshire's adult art workshops in memory of late Maidenhead teacher

In 2020, Autism Berkshire received a donation of more than £6,000 raised in memory of the late Nancy England, a former assistant tutor for the charity’s community education courses and a well-known teacher in Maidenhead.

Nancy, who died at the start of that year, taught at schools in Maidenhead and Reading for more than 30 years and her family decided to raise funds for Autism Berkshire in her memory, to support projects linked to the arts and encouraging creativity for autistic people.

The COVID pandemic delayed the development of a suitable project but now the charity is running a series of free Art in the Summer workshops for autistic adults at Beech Lodge School, in Maidenhead.

Nancy’s husband, Chris England, said: “She would be thrilled to know that her work was being carried on in her name through this project.

“Nancy worked as a primary and junior school teacher for 37 years in Reading and in Maidenhead.

“She was popular with pupils, parents and colleagues alike.

“She was very child-centred and enjoyed working with and supporting challenging children who didn't always find school easy.

“Her forte was children with special needs and different learning difficulties.

“Nancy's manner was always a positive blend of enthusiasm and empathy.

“She channelled this through creative approaches, especially in art.

“In her later years, she transferred these talents to working with autistic adults, setting up and delivering courses in Slough and Reading.

“She had a deep understanding of their condition and needs.

“Even during her illness, nothing would stop her thinking of her students’ wellbeing.”

Nancy’s daughter Sophie visited the workshop on Monday, June 12, to find out more about the project, meet some of those taking part, and see artworks created at previous sessions.

She also talked to tutor Susi Hoyle, of Art Splash, and Autism Berkshire’s CEO Jane Stanford-Beale, and autism development worker Helen Harris, who leads the charity’s projects supporting autistic adults in the east of Berkshire.

Charity CEO, Jane Stanford-Beale, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Sophie to the workshop so that she could find out how autistic adults we support are benefiting from the amazing generosity of Nancy’s family and friends.

“Our thanks to Beech Lodge School for allowing us to use their art room to run the workshops and hosting events for our Bear With Me social group for autistic adults.”