Local man, 58 year old David Hyde has been praised for his work by the BBC Skillswise website whilst undertaking a literacy course run by Kidderminster College.
David has worked driving a tractor for the Parks Department at Wyre Forest District Council for the past 23 years and spent 11 of those years as Chair of the UNISON branch. When tutors from Kidderminster College visited his workplace to promote Skills for Life' courses David admitted to having always had problems with reading and writing.
David wanted to do something about improving his literacy and so with the full support of Wyre Forest District Council he signed up to undertake a Skills for Life' course in his workplace. Over the past six years, David has spent two hours every Friday developing his literacy skills and little did he know, he was about to produce something worthy of publication!
David's tutor, Caroline Freeman, said: "I asked the class to prepare a short piece of writing; David wrote a story about his best friend', Max the dog. It was a fantastic, heartfelt story which really demonstrated the development in David's ability to write well.
"Having enjoyed his story so much, I submitted it to be featured as a learner's story on the BBC Skillswise Website - within weeks it was online and inspiring hundreds of other adult learners across the country."
David said: "I was so pleased to have my story featured on the BBC website. It was such an emotional time when Max passed away, I didn't really know how to cope with my feelings, so I picked up a pen and piece of paper and wrote about him - it really helped me cope."
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"I am so proud of what I have achieved and since starting my literacy course nearly six years ago, I am much more confident in myself and my abilities; so much so that I have become a Board member of the Wyre Forest Committee Housing Group, something I would never have done before."
Councillor John Holden, Wyre Forest District Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services said: "The Council is committed to developing employees to help them to achieve their full potential. We aim to support them through our training programmes and by working in partnership with the college we hope many more employees will benefit like Dave."
"David really has been an advocate for learning," concludes Caroline Freeman. "Although it seemed difficult for him at first he soon became relaxed and reassured that he could improve and achieve. And what an achievement to have a piece of writing published."
David, who is now never seen without his dictionary, is continuing with writing as part of his course and his abilities are continuing to go from strength to strength.
For more information on Skills for Life courses and workplace training please contact Kidderminster college on 01526 820811 or visit www.kidderminster.ac.uk
My best friend by David Hyde
I wouldn't know what to do without my best friend. He has been with me for over eighteen years. We used to go out a lot in the countryside. We would walk for miles sometimes. Now we are both getting older we don't go out as much.
I had to take Max to the vet's last week. I thought I would not bring him home with me as he has arthritis in his back legs and he is going blind as well. Max needs to take some tablets for his arthritis and some for his heart.
I know that he will not be with us much longer. He has had a good life and I don't want him to suffer at all as he has been my best mate and I will miss him when the time comes.
One week later ...
One week after going to the vet's I have had to have Max put down. He had got worse so we called the vet and he put him to sleep. I will not get another dog like Max again so I will not have one anymore. When I come down in the mornings I look for him to be by the door with the cat but he will not be there again.
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