"Born In A Bucket"
For the benefit of all visitors to our website, please may I introduce a wonderful project by Charlie Wilson?
Charlie is a family friend and she works in education.

She was inspired to design and produce this project to bring to life, for today's pupils, the colour, vibrance and diversity of the life and times of our dear Ernie.

Charlie has sought to produce this as a perpetual link to Ernie, so that the wider public could become aware of the things which influenced Ernie's character and path in life. And where better to start than in schools? Charlie's Home Turf as it were.

"Born In A Bucket" was the opening line that Ernie spoke in his very popular slideshows, which he gave to public audiences and clubs and societies around East Anglia.

He would expand his opening sentence by describing that the "night-time toilet facilities" in their modest Rows home did not include an indoor toilet, let alone an upstairs one. 

So, when Ernie was born, unexpectedly, he was delivered into the nearest receptacle which was a bucket; the "upstairs toilet facilities" that were commonplace at that time.

I'll hand you over to Charlie now, so that she can tell you more about this page.
Charlie writes: 
"I was very lucky to have known Ernie; seen his works of art, heard some of his tales and visited The Great Yarmouth Potteries.

"As well as being adored by his family, he was a talented artist, a TV star, a storyteller and a community champion. Giving time to everyone he came into contact with was his speciality and pleasure.

"When he died, I realised that there were generations of people who had not yet heard of Ernie’s work and life and felt compelled to do something about it.

"My background is in teaching, so after trialling some of my ideas with an enthusiastic year six class, I decided to put together some resources for schools so that they too could introduce Ernie into their classrooms.

"Using the curriculum map as a starting point, teachers can choose how they approach the project to suit their learners.

"The project also has a physical set of resources and props to help engage children of all ages to get involved. Most of these have been kindly donated by Karen, Ernie’s wife."

"Before you begin ...


"This project would not have been possible without the support and hard work of Ernie’s wife, Karen, and Ernie’s entire family, who have helped at every phase of designing and creating these resources.


"Their dedication to keeping Ernie alive through his work, his stories and memories is a testament to what a truly inspiring and loved man Ernie was.


"Karen and I spent many a cup of tea talking over Ernie’s life and editing and tweaking the resources to ensure they reflect the legacy of such a special man. Thank you.


"A huge thank you to Roy Kelsey for his commitment to ensuring that the photographs for this project pack were prepared thoughtfully and in good quality for the children to enjoy. Your hours of technical support, historical knowledge and hard work are much appreciated.


"Also, thank you to Great Yarmouth Headteacher Mel Fearns and her team of schools, who volunteered to support the project and help with the running of the exhibitions.


"Thank you. We hope the Ernie Childs Project will be a fixture in the school calendar for many years to come.


"Have fun adding a little colour to your life".



Charlie Wilson.

Thank you Charlie.

What follows on this page are some project resources for teachers.
Teachers: When you have viewed
this page, please click here
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