Thomas Marston
Raj Singh Tattal
Raj Singh Tattal is a remarkable artist. He visited a local school to share some of his hyper-realistic pencil drawings and to talk about his experiences as someone with Asperger’s Syndrome. He is also known as the Pen-tacular Artist. Raj also told them about a great support group he belongs to called ALAG.
Raj told them how he turned his life around after his diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, about his fixed food habits (he eats baked beans every day) and how he finds it very difficult to be with people. They loved having his pictures in the RE room.
Raj presented their Arun with a brilliant picture of his hero, Guru Gobind Singh. Raj was surprised to hear that a class are named ‘Tattal’ in honour of his achievements.
Raj was also exhibiting a range of his Sikh drawings at City Hall. The exhibition was on the second floor next to the chambers at City Hall.
Alain English
Alain was kind enough to recite three of his brilliant poems at our last ALAG Christmas Social, including the excellent ‘Falling Forward’ – an ALAG favourite!
Alain has also written three books. His latest book of poetry titled ‘Outside – In’ Musing on life as an Autistic Poet can be purchased from William Cornelius Harris Publishing.
Friends, Ethney, ALAG! Lend me your eyes!
His second book, called ‘English is a Foreign Language’, marks his 10 years in London and deals with topics, such as mental health, snooker and politics. It is also published with WCH Publishing and London Poetry Books.
‘An Asperger Actor’ is Alain’s first book. This autobiographic work became the subject of his Edinburgh Fringe show in 2013. It is available for purchase from Chipmunka Publishing.
ASPITALK
Consultancy Service by Desmond Meldrum
I am available to give talks on my personal experiences as well as general advice in coping with Asperger’s syndrome to organisations and support groups. I have also written two books on the subject. Details can be found on Desmond’s website.
An Autumn Poem for Ethney
by Val Williams-Edwards
The journey was long
But not long
My mind turned inward
Yet outward
All in one
Colours of garments long gone
And autumn leaves trodden under foot
People half in shadow
Fireworks revealing shape and form
And spectacular moments
Each year my mind returns
To all those walks
The russet and the ochre
And the bright blue of dawn
And fiery sunsets