In late 2009, the team from AnElephantCant, artist Phil Burns and writer Brian Cairnduff, were invited to Greenburn School in East Kilbride to – as they say: ‘do what we do, book readings and ‘magic’ art work-shops’.
When they got there, they were knocked out to discover that the children in this inspirational special needs school had, under the guidance of teacher Fiona MacGregor, created a Giant, bringing alive some of AnElephantCant’s published stories for children. And this Giant was truly gigantic, as the photo shows, towering over Phil (left) and Brian (right).
Brian and Phil had a great day and were invited back for the school’s recent annual assembly/prize giving. Phil wasn’t free to go on the date so Brian did solo duty so, as he self-effacingly says: ‘They all got 2nd prize’.
Expecting an audience of around 40, with the kids and some parents, Brian experienced a sharp intake of breath when, not a public speaker, he found himself in a hall with 250 out there in front of him. He summoned his nerve and did a reading of Nearly 5 – which the audience enjoyed.
But what, for Brian, was the enduring impact of the experience was seeing the star of the show, veteran DJ Tiger Tim Stevens with the children.
Tiger Tim is known across Scotland and in particular to listeners to Radio Clyde, from which he recently retired after decades on the airwaves.
He is well known to Argyll’s audience for Oban FM – covering the area around Oban and, with a satellite transmitter, the area around Tobermory in Mull. Oban FM takes a sustaining service from Radio Clyde, hading over its waveband to the Clydeside station for part of the day – so Tiger Tim has infiltrated Argyll. and is a big name in these parts as well.
The much-loved DJ contracted Multiple Sclerosis some time ago and has dealt with it with his characteristic groundedness.
He is now confined to a wheelchair and Brian Cairnduff saw for himself just what a relationship the Tiger can build with the Greenburn children, some in wheelchairs themselves. In every possible way, Tiger Tim could meet them on their level.
The young folk adore him and warm to the connection he makes with him and the respect he gives them from the heart.
Seeing this was a moving experience and when Brian fed the story back to Phil, they created their joint tribute to the remarkable man who is Tiger Tim Stevens. Phil painted the image that leads this article and Brian wrote – and as we’ve said, there are some things AnElephantCan, and this is one of them. Here are Brian’s lyrics to accompany Phil’s artwork.
Tiger Tiger
An Elephant can draw a great picture
And tell a story that is long short or tall
But when you need someone to joke
And entertain lots of folk
Tiger Tim is the person to call
The children all worship our Tiger
They flock to his side wanting more
An Elephant is no fool
He can trumpet real cool
But the kids cheer for the Tiger to roar
An Elephant can bring children some sunshine
An Elephant can try to make wrong things right
But the kids still know best
They love his humour and zest
Tiger Tiger is still Burning Bright
And there must be times when Tiger Tim Stevens feels that he is indeed ‘in the darkness of the night’ – but he doesn’t let on and he brightens the lives of the children at Greenburn School with his annual visits to them.
Tim was a hero in the seventies and obviously he still is
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