I have known Oliver a teenager with Down syndrome since he was 2 years old. The years have marched on, however opportunities arise such that I get to dip into his life and observe his development and growing interests. I would like to begin this new blog with an account of one of Oliver’s passions and how his mum was able to organise a visit to the Autmnwatch TV programme so that Oliver could meet his favourite presenters!
Oliver has been fascinated by all aspects of wildlife and animals ever since he was very small and now has determined that when he grows up he would like to be a landscape and wildlife photographer. His stepfather Mike, who only came into Oliver's life a few years ago, is also mad about all wildlife and outdoor pursuits. Mike is a professional photographer and is very well known for his wonderful photography of children and young adults with Down syndrome. Oliver and Mike are fans of the Autumnwatch TV programme, so hearing the show was to be filmed at Slimbridge Wetlands and Wildfowl Trust (North of Bristol), Oliver's mum Wendy, contacted both Slimbridge and the BBC to ask if there was any opportunity for Oliver to meet the presenters and be part of the small select audience on Autumnwatch unsprung. The BBC production team were fabulous with Oliver, they, together with Iolo Williams, a guest Wildlife Presenter, took him under their wing and gave him a great day out as you can see!
Oliver reporting........
I went to Slimbridge with Mike to see Michaela Strachan, Martin Hughes-Games, and Chris Packham and Iolo Williams on Autumnwatch and Autumnwatch Unsprung.
A nice lady called Becky, from the BBC, showed us the ‘Set’ and the cameras and everything. Iolo (pronounced Yollo) Williams was going to be on the programme as well and he was really nice and talked to me about birds.
I had a chance to talk with Michaela Strachan and for tea I had vegetable lasagne and chips and bread and a Tango and we went back to see the BBC people. Then we sat in the restaraunt and watched the Autumnwatch Programme and then Becky and Sam took us down onto the actual set and we were in the audience for Autumnwatch unsprung. Me and Mike stood at the back and a man brought a fox on the programme and said it was about ten years old. At the end Mike took a photo of me with Michaela, Martin, Iolo and Chris Packham. I came home very late!
Oliver Hellowell
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