New challenge for Cirencester stuntwoman (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

New challenge for Cirencester stuntwoman

STUNTWOMAN Jacquie de Creed has hung up her crash helmet and taken on a far more daunting challenge - teaching public speaking.

The retired ace, who lives in Cirencester, became a stunt driver in 1979 when she joined an all-girl motorcycle team based in Cornwall.

Over the years the 43-year-old has made countless TV appearances and founded her own team called 'Stuntarama'.

But always mindful of the dangers of the profession, her life has taken a turn in the last couple of years.

Jacquie said: "I never imagined I would one day become a teacher of speech and drama - I always intended to set up a stunt school.

"It's strange how your life can change direction in such an unusual way.

"I was driving a car on two wheels at Kemble Airfield and I just thought, what will I do when I get older?

"To recite a piece of poetry and be able to act is a wonderful skill.

"Some people find it hard to even make a speech and we all have to speak in public at sometime."

Jackie won her teaching diploma last March and, after overcoming a great deal of personal tragedy, launched the Corinium Academy of Speech and Drama.

Sadly her sister, best friend and father all died in a matter of months, leaving the mother-of-two in a black hole.

She said: "I realised that it was no good feeling sorry for myself - you have to shut that door and move forward. I wanted to give people a positive message."

Then along came youngster Emma Strangward-Pryce, a 12-year-old from Malmesbury desperate for speech and drama lessons.

The Stroud High Grammar School student joined Jacquie in January and has since entered both the Mid-Somerset Festival and the Cheltenham Competitive Festival.

Emma won silver medals in the acting and verse speaking classes at Cheltenham, inspiring Jacquie to really throw her weight into her new venture.

She said: "I am very proud of Emma and I was so delighted for her. "I'm very lucky to have her as a student and she has inspired me to move on to teach others."

Places are available at the Corinium Academy of Speech and Drama for September 2005. For more information call Jacquie de Creed on 01285 650094.