New children’s book set in Anglesey Abbey inspired by CRC SEN students 

A new children’s book has been released, set in the grounds of Cambridgeshire’s Anglesey Abbey, and created by a Cambridge Regional College (CRC) Learning Support Mentor (LSM) who has been inspired by the work of the College’s Green Team in the natural surroundings of Anglesey Abbey.

‘Sticks’ has been created and beautifully illustrated by Andrea McKenzie, LSM in CRC’s Supported Learning provision working with students in the Green Team, where students with complex special educational needs work in the community gaining horticultural skills, building confidence and independence for life after college. The team work on projects at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Grafham Water, and the National Trust’s Anglesey Abbey site. As readers progress through the book, set in autumn, they’ll see the beautiful grounds of Anglesey Abbey and locations where the Green Team students have undertaken maintenance and development projects.

Andrea’s work with the Green Team, along with being in the natural world at Anglesey Abbey, was the seed of inspiration for her book. Indeed, such is the focus on representation within the characters eagle-eyed readers might spot one of the protagonists has an artificial leg. Andrea said: “From that first day working with the Green Team in the most beautiful woodland classroom, I knew I had to write another children’s book. I had been a bit stuck for ideas, but not anymore.

“It was then that a friend, who had lost a leg a few years ago, asked if I knew of any inclusive books for her to read to her granddaughter.  That was it – I told her I would make her one!

“I work in a fully inclusive environment and have for 35 years. This book had to get written. In the Green Team the students and staff from both CRC and Anglesey Abbey are an absolute inspiration. They support each other, we laugh, we learn, we come together in a world of work like no other.  I feel so lucky to be a part of this incredible team and I needed to represent this world where ability is the focus, and where teamwork and friendships make all things possible.”

Jeremy Lloyd, Assistant Principal – SEND, added: “We are extremely pleased that the inspiration for this work has come from the transformative work that our students with SEND do in our local community. The pictorial representation and narrative in the book mirrors the adventures that our students have in developing key practical skills and a sense of belonging. It’s magical.”

Andrew Fountain, one of the Green Team’s lecturers, said: “Our students move on to the Green Team after attending courses at CRC to do real work in a real work environment – and they keep on doing that as part of the adult education provision.

“We’ve had people who have gone from us into full-time work and volunteering. We focus on the ability rather than the perceived ‘disability’ with our students.”

“Andrea is a real asset to our team and has helped so many students to realise their potential. She’s pushed students to develop their skills, be it horticulturally or even photographically, but that’s worked both ways as they’ve pushed her to do the same.

“We’re delighted to see her work come to life.”

The book has been well-received by the National Trust team at Anglesey Abbey, with the book now being sold in the on-site shop.

Meghan Curteis, Experience and Visitor Programming Manager at Anglesey Abbey, added: “It’s easy to imagine yourself on an adventure at Anglesey Abbey as you turn each page of Sticks. Autumn is an inspiring time to visit, and Andrea has brought the property to life so beautifully with her illustrations and storytelling.”

Andrea is continuing to work alongside the Green Team, so will there be another book on the horizon? “Absolutely! I have already started painting lots of snowy illustration for ‘Christmas Sticks’. I’m so excited!”