Nuneaton Escape Bookshelf: Alison's Shelf
Participants attending Escape Arts Nuneaton Escape community group worked with Artist Jonny Nicholds on the Double Negative project. The group decided that they would want to use this theme to show their real selves and speak their hidden truths. In discussions, we decided that a library was the ideal setting for showcasing their stories and memories. Each member created a shelf housing book spines which are personal to them. This is Alison's shelf.
I was born in Walsgrave hospital in 1970 and went to school in Longford Coventry. Early on I was drawn to God and started going to Salem Baptist when I was seven, and later I became a Sunday school teacher.
St. John's: I was in St. John's up to when I was an adult, I enjoy doing the first aid there.
Girl’s brigade: I trained to be an officer in the girls brigade I loved the uniform and felt responsible.
Social care: My favourite placement was working with a special needs group, myself and other staff would take them swimming. I failed my social care because I had a breakdown.
Breakdown: I have bipolar disorder.
Husband: I met my husband Gary while working in social care with special needs he is the love of my life, and we got married when I was 21.
Children: Gary and I have two daughters Mary and Rayanne and a son Joseph. I also have a stepdaughter.
I changed from Baptist to Catholic
Art: I love art craft and write poetry.
Friends: I have some great friends but Jill, my sister is my best friend.
Yoga: I enjoy this hobby it really relaxes me.
Scouts: My children joined Scouts and soon after I became involved, I then became a scout leader.
Outdoors: I love taking my dog on long walks.
Gardening: Growing plants and vegetables, and also tending to a small wildlife pond are some of my favourite things.
Pets: As well as dogs we have a corn snake, a bearded dragon. Our bearded dragon has just had babies.
Illness: I'm looking forward to having a more normal life after my chemo and spending time with my family.
Grandson: I am a grandma now to Joel Dominic Edwards, I am so looking forward to seeing him this Christmas 2023.