Some were farmers with engines as trackers which they had built, animals as small minature ponies, LLamas, sheep etc etc. Some were card makers, and many other talents which they showed these 6th,7th, and 8th graders, And I was asked to come present mine which was Checkers.
I had my own room in which I had placed all my trophies, pictures of countries I had traveled too. I also got the chance to speak to all of these kids about the one thing i loved playing Checkers.
From 8am to 2:30pm, Every 30 mins I had a group of 30 to 50 kids come into my room and sit and listen to my presentation. I spoke of many things and then these kids got to play checkers. At first I thought how many of these kids would listen to me. I found that from the start not only did they listen they asked questions and then asked if they could play checkers. This is when I had my breath taken away but the reaction. I then set up all the boards I had and I played all at once. Most of these kids did not want to leave my room, Why you ask, is because they wanted to stay and play this game. I had teachers playing, students, and many come into my room not knowing what to expect but in our 30mins found many who wanted to really learn how to play.
As the day continued some of these kids asked if at lunch time if I would set up boards in the lunch room for then we would have an hr to play. So I played them all. That is all that had asked me too. Many at the beginning of the day were laughing because they seen I had a checker board and supplies. But then it all changed as 1 class came in and left the word got out. Teachers came into the room saying the words out you were here Kim and they wanted to skip one room just soo they could get here to see you. many took pictures of me playing. Some of those teachers said, I had influenced many kids that day.
The councelor and principle wanted me to come again for they had heard and seen how I had worked my magic as they said when I was speaking about Checkers. threwout that day I found just 30 mins was not enough but I had opened the eyes of many boys and girls. Now they want me to teach them how to play.
Every 30 mins I had a new bunch of kids, and it was amazing. Many were bused there and many now have told their parents about me. Yesterday many parents came into my work and asked if I was available to teach their son or daughter how to play. I was shocked. I said of course yes. I do not know how many that will be but the city of Eldon contacted me and said I could have free access to our Community Center this summer just for me to start teacher checkers. But this does bring some concern to me for I do not have enough equipment to supply all. If anyone has any boards, checkers, that you would like to donate it would be appreciated because now I am at a point where it is critical to obtain anything I can get.
Come Monday afternoon I will be on our local radio station also to speak about once again Oma Noma Days at the Bagnell Dam Festival. I have been asked to attend this on May 14, and they will be setting up tables for me to play anyone coming threw. This will be my 3rd year doing this. The first time I played 20, last year 36, this year they want me to attempt to play 100 to mark this as a first in Oma Noma history. I told them I didn't have 100 boards but I would take on as many as possible at one time.
Hope I didn't bore you all but I am excited
Kim
I'm only 43 and started in the club in 1981 
This was the TUC centre on the banks of the Clyde. There was also Big brian Kilgour, Wee Jimmy McMonagal and old Angus mcClellan ( did you ever meet those guys? well I mean the las t two mentioned?) There was a smell in that club ... the boards , the men that still give me colorful memories even today 30 years on up the road. In those days there was Young Kilgour, wee Sammy , Joe and steven from Glasgow , and Ronnie Winton had a strong youth player of his own up north called Vernon. I remeber us all going down to Birmingham in the train and wiping out the English youth team in early 1982.Unfortunately Sammy , joe and Steven just slipped away as many do...