The aim of this blog is to give a small token of thanks to Alan O'Donohoe. I could write a heck of a lot about how helpful he has been over the past few years to me. From the podcast link, to the Raspberry Jams, the empowerment through pertinent and timely advice. He is a legend but here is what other people had to say .............
"In 2013 Alan introduced me to the
Python community in the UK via PyCon UK. This started my career writing Python
code for projects in publications across the world. Alan's tenacity and
enthusiasm are infectious and are a continuous source of drive for us all."
Rachel Lancaster
"I love everything about Alan. From his flamboyant shirts, to his infectious character. If I ever need advice then I know that I can simply ask Alan. I think I first met Alan whilst working at CPC maybe 5 years ago, but since then, I’ve attended many events alongside him, and we run Raspberry Jams together. Alan never fails to amaze me. He really knows his stuff and he leaves a lasting impression wherever he goes. Alan. I salute you."
"Alan is a good friend and a
very inspirational character. I first met Alan at Preston Raspberry Jam back in
September 2015 and he was amazed by a small project that I had made. He then
enthusiastically created a YouTube video about it. Since then Alan has
supported me with planning talks and sessions, as well as helping me with my
GCSE examinations."
"Alan has helped me by providing opportunities to meet others interested in computing in schools e.g. the monthly science museum get together. His friendliness has always made me feel included"
"Well, Alan started me off in the tech space
so I have a lot to thank him for. If it wasn't for the Jams and the people who
he connected me with, nothing that I have done in the past 6 years would have
happened and it's the same story for a lot of people. Our community all comes
back to Alan starting a small jam in Preston, ultimately."
Josh Lowe's dad Dave
"Joshua’s mum and I own Alan so much. When josh was 8 years old he was
really starting to get into tech and coding and we had no idea what to do to
help him. Lara started to look on line to see what groups there were out there.
She came across the Preston Raspberry Jam and we took Josh along to see what it
was all about. At the jam we met Alan and told him all about Josh and the
problems that we were facing. That night changed our families lives forever.
Alan put us in contact with people like Les Pounder, Chris Dell and Jason
Meares. These people have helped to shape and nurture Josh into the young man
he is today. Through Preston Raspberry Jam Josh has acquired the skills to do
talks and presentations and of course it was the birth place of EduBlocks. We will
be forever indebted to Alan and can not thank him enough for all that he has
done for Josh."
"Alan was always a friendly, knowledgeable and
inspiring supporter on Twitter, sharing computing resources, tips and teaching
techniques. I have had the pleasure over the years to work with him. He has an
ability to develop while still empowering you. He truly is an enabler, bringing
out the best in others. Alan is kind, funny, smart and has made a real
difference to Computing at both the educational level and the human level. His
can also pull off the coolest shirts."
"I can't recall the first time I met Alan, I
think we had chatted online many times before actually meeting up... Alan has
always been really supportive of me through Exabytes and I remember meeting
with him at BETT one year where he sat me down with a coffee and gave me some
the best advice I have ever had about running the Hull Raspberry Jam (I am
still working on implementing what he told me!)..."
"6 years ago I went to Manchester to the first
Jamboree and met this larger than life character. Without really being asked I
ended up volunteering at the event. Alan showed me the true value of community
and how so much can be achieved with the enthusiasm and backing of like minded
people. I have run numerous events since (not all Raspberry Pi or technology)
and the lessons I learnt from Alan in Manchester still ring true today."
"Full ideas and sage words of wisdom. Helped
me think though a lot of ideas and given me great advice. He has infectious
enthusiasm. "
"He is THE loveliest of people. I was just
saying how highly esteemed he is in my eyes :-) Well. If ever anyone in
education was worthy of receiving an MBE then its Alan."
I think thanks is a dish best served communally.
Cya :)
