New Milton Advertiser 6th Nov 2020

14 · Friday 6th November 2020

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George an ‘inspiration’ to parents with autistic kids

A SWAY mum has hailed her autistic son as a “complete in- spiration” to the parents of oth- er children with the condition who fear for their future. Now 22, George Stooks was once “written off” by doctors who told his mum Jane Atkin- son when he was just two that he would be better off in care, and that he would never be able to function in society., She said that until he was 18 months old he was “like any other toddler” who hit all his developmental markers. But he started to show behavioural problems including continuous screaming and losing his vocab- ulary. Doctors eventually diag- nosed severe autism. Jane said: “He totally with- drew, going from a sociable lit- tle boy to one who was scared of his own shadow. As a mother I had no intention of giving up on my child. Doctors said he had no life ahead of him, but I set out to prove them wrong.” She travelled to the US with BY ANTONELLA LAZZERI Mum lauds progress made by son who was ‘written off’ by doctors

Thanks to Jane’s intensive work, he went to primary school at the age of nine, went on to gain GCSEs, and now studies at Brockenhurst College. Her reward has been to see George grow into a “very happy, sociable, involved young man” who is now studying to work with children. Jane said: “George is a re- markable young man. He has overcome amazing obsta- cles in his life and for the par- ents of children I teach ther apy to, he is a complete inspi- ration.” George has gained a diploma in child health and social care at Brockenhurst College, qual- ified as a coach for Kidzcamps and recently passed his driving test at the first attempt. Jane said: “George is a very determined young man who lets nothing hold him back. That is why he is where he is to- day. I cannot express in words how proud I am of him.” Last year Jane launched the Positive Path Foundation (PPF), which helps people aged over 16 with learning difficulties and physical challenges find friends, socialise and gain life skills through events and work- shops. It has been running on a

small scale observing Covid-19 restrictions. The reason for launching, Jane said, was the complete lack of provision she found after looking for social groups and activities for George. Jane said: “It means so much to me to know that he is gain- ing many friends and is able to socialise with them in a safe en- vironment. “I realised how important it is for George too when he said to me after an event, ‘Mum, thank you loads for setting up the charity. I am making such amazing friends and having lots of fun’.” Even through the first lock - down, the charity ran virtual events for members three times a week, allowing them to stay in touch, chat and be part of their own community. Recently Bashley FC donated tickets to members of PPF to attend a match against Shaft- esbury. Jane said: “Establishing Pos- itive Path Foundation is the missing piece of George’s jour- ney, and the icing on the cake would be for him to find a life partner.” For more information or to make a donation visit www.pos- itivepathfoundation.org

Eco group honours members on birthday Group members before the pandemic (from left): Eddie Holtham, Mike Sare, Barbara Clark, Steve Reed, Colin Agar, Sandra Sare, James Reynolds, Ken Drodge and Felicity Beard

A CONSERVATION group cel- ebrated its 10-year anniversary and more than 2,000 hours of work with honours for its long- est serving members. The Warren Copse and Hol- bury Manor Conservation Group was formed in 2009 and tasked by Fawley Parish Coun- cil to revitalise an unmanaged woodland area. With more than 2,100 hours of work between them, the group’s six leading members have been recognised by the council with certificates of appreciation that had been planned to be pre- sented in April before the first national lockdown intervened. As restrictions eased, the council were finally able to honour Felicity Beard, Pat Her- ridge, Mike and Sandra Sare,

Steve Reed and Eddie Holtham who has run the group since its inception. Eddie said: “At first, local res - idents did seem to be sceptical about plans for the Copse. How- ever, it is very gratifying to hear the nice, positive comments we receive today which makes it all worthwhile.” Parish council chair Cllr Alan Alvey said: “The area has changed so much over the last 10 years and we have received many compliments on the work that has been undertaken by the conservation group which, I can assure you, is very much appreciated by the council and its parishioners.” To join the conservation group, contact Eddie Holtham on 023 8089 4632.

George where she studied the Son-Rise Program, a form of home-based therapy which centres round motivating the child through play. Jane went on to develop her own form of therapy called Pos- Jane Atkinson and son George Stooks

itive Path Play Therapy which caught the eye of Oxfordshire’s special educational needs ser- vice. They funded Jane to keep George at home for six years to continue her therapy with him.

CHIROPRACTOR RELOCATED John Radin, DC (Now just 10 min. drive from New Milton in Somerford.) Low Back Pain, Neck Pain,

Obituary

CANGO BUS SERVICE A bus with a difference A regular service between Lymington, Sway and New Milton using most roads between. Serves everyone and Farepasses are acceptable. Leaflets and timetables are available from New Milton and Lymington Town Halls or ask the driver. Booking and enquiries 07.00-09.00 hours Monday to Friday 01983 716956

Bob Salter Former Highcliffe Rotary president was charity fundraiser and volunteer

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A FORMER Highcliffe Rotary Club president and longstand- ing New Forest Basics Bank vol- unteer, Bob Salter, has passed away at the age of 74. Described as a wonderful family man with a big person- ality and an even bigger heart, Bob was also a popular mem- ber of New Milton’s New Life Church. Born in 1946, Bob enjoyed a fun-filled childhood with his lov - ing parents. Being an only child, he would often look back on his early years with great fondness sharing stories of playing in the street, listening to records and enjoying milkshakes in town with his friends. He met his childhood sweet- heart Carol in 1959 when they were still students at secondary school. They both started ap- prenticeships shortly after leav- ing school, Carol in hairdressing and Bob in motor mechanics. At the age of 19, the couple were married in their home- town of Aylesbury in June 1965 before welcoming their son Lee and daughter Georgina. Bob went on to become a successful marketing manager, with his work involving travel across the UK and internation - ally. His early career as a me- chanic led to a lifelong interest in classic cars. The family later relocated to Watford for work, where Bob and Carol made many friends. A keen writer and poet, Bob penned many verses inspired by his life and experiences, and particularly enjoyed sharing his poetry with his five grandchil - dren. His book titled Touched by Life is a much cherished re- minder of the beauty Bob found in the everyday. Bob and Carol initially retired to Aylesbury before moving to Barton 14 years ago. Soon after settling in the area, Bob joined Highcliffe Rotary Club serving as president in 2015/16. Bob was passionate about raising money for Great Or- mond Street Hospital, a cause close to his heart, as well as oth- er charities.

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IT’S MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER to look after your mind and wellbeing this lockdown ..

As a member of New Life Church, Bob enjoyed fellowship and would reach out to any- one who he felt was in need of support, as well as playing an important role as a trustee. He and Carol also acted as regu- lar volunteer drivers for New Forest Basics Bank at Lyming- ton. His granddaughter Emma said: “My granddad’s kind, gen- erous nature and charity work impacted so many lives both lo- cally and internationally. “Always sharing a joke or funny anecdote, his positivi- ty would lift anyone’s spirits and his poetry touched many hearts.” Bob and Carol enjoyed trav- elling both overseas and in the UK. Special memories include

family holidays and a number of international cruises. His family said: “He would often tell us not to waste one second of this pre- cious life.” “So to quote one of his be- loved poems; ‘Put your dreams with my dreams and together they’ll chase the sky. With them safe and forever warm with- in our hearts, love will live on. Though time for us may fly.” Bob passed away on Sun- day 25th October after a short illness and is survived by Car- ol, his children and his grand- children. A family funeral ser- vice will take place tomorrow (Saturday) and anyone wish- ing to donate to Highcliffe Rotary or New Life Church in Bob’s memory can visit bit.ly/ 2TOHey2

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30 th OctOber 2020 Answers quiz answers

1. Queen 2. Youth 3. Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) 4. James Joyce 5. Hydrogen

6. rudge Park comprehensive 7. Latvia 8. silver 9. eight 10. Dylan thomas

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