ABC South August - September 2016

Y O U R

L O C A L

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

E

M A G A Z I N E

ISSUE 43

SOUTH EDITION

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NEW FACILITIES FOR NORHAM HIGH SCHOOL

LOCAL FISHERMEN LOOKING TO RAISE £75,000 FOR MEMORIAL W H I T L E Y B AY

T Y N EMOUT H

NORT H S HIE LDS

PLUS: INTERIORS HEALTH LOCAL NEWS & MORE CU LLERCOATS

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Welcome to Issue 43 of ABC South your bimonthly local magazine. ABC South is distributed free of charge to thousands of homes and is available in over 200 outlets such as Cafés, Dentists, Hairdressers, Health Clubs, Community Centres and more, so don’t worry if you don’t get a copy through your door – there are plenty of places you can pick up your free copy of the region’s largest bi-monthly publication. You can also read it online at www.yourabc.co.uk Each edition of ABC brings you a range of exclusive adverts and features including, Local News, Business Features, Food Reviews, Beauty News, Properties and more.

If you’re interested in advertising in ABC, please give me a call on 07526 522272 or email me at richard@yourabc.co.uk

Richard Wilson, Editor

Publisher: R Wilson Advertising, PO Box 873 Newcastle upon Tyne, NE27 9BX Sales, Editor: Richard Wilson Design: Dawn Wilson

Interested in advertising?

Contact: info@yourabc.co.uk Tel: 07526 522272 /yourabc @abcmagazines www.yourabc.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other clause.

R Wilson Advertising does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher.

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5

LOCAL NEWS

NORTH SHIELDS FISHERMEN ARE LOOKING TO RAISE £75,000 FOR A MEMORIAL

C

ommercial fishing is the UK’s toughest and most dangerous peacetime occupation. North Shields was built on the fishing industry and is the biggest prawn landing port in England. However, it is one of the few fishing ports in the UK that does not have a memorial to fishermen who have lost their lives at sea.

The North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project (NSFHP) want to put that right – so they are aiming to raise around £75,000 for a memorial and a place for reflection on the North Shields Fish Quay. They want to create a memorial worthy of the many men who left the port, never to return.

The Group have also launched “The £1 Challenge”, appealing to the people of the North East to help them raise the money and get the long overdue memorial and area for reflection built. At the 2011 Census there were over 200,000 people living in North Tyneside (with almost 50,000 in North Shields alone).

Even if only a small proportion of the residents gave a few pounds to the memorial fund, they would be well on their way towards the £75,000 target!

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Chairman Terry McDermott, 62, of Howdon, said: “Fish and chips are a national institution, queues at fish and chip shops are a common sight along the North Shields Fish Quay. The annual spend on fish and chips in the UK is in the region of £1.2 billion, but the true price of fish and chips lies beyond the piers, where fishermen have died at sea just doing their job.”

The Group have written a sculptor’s brief for a piece of “Destination Art” – something people will travel to see, and have received a range of suggested designs for the memorial from prominent local sculptors including Ray Lonsdale, John O’Rourke and Richard Broderick, as well as Ruaraig Maciver from Beltane Studios in Peebles.

They would like the public to vote on their preferred design – which is likely to stand some 14ft high on the proposed site which is owned by North Tyneside Council. The site lies to the east of Clifford’s Fort overlooking the river mouth adjacent to the coloured buoys which mark the entrance to the Fish Quay on Tynemouth promenade.

North Tyneside Council have confirmed that Senior Officers

LEFT: Terry McDermott – NSFHP Chairman (L) and Henry Howard (Vice Chairman) on viewing platform of The Old Low Light Heritage Centre

RIGHT: Aerial Shot of the proposed memorial site

will actively support the project and will work closely with the group over the coming months.

The Group are hoping that the launch of the public vote on proposed designs, will help generate support from the local community and businesses.

Vote on-line for your preferred memorial design www.nsfhp.org.uk/vote or view the designs in person and vote at a number of local sites: North Shields Beacon Centre Friday 29 and Saturday 30 Jul

10am-4pm

North Shields Library Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 July 10am-4pm Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 August 10am – 4pm Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 August 10am – 4pm If you would like to help the group achieve their goal, have a look at the many ways you can donate by visiting the NSFHP website www.nsfhp.org.uk/donate If you wish to donate by Cheque please make them payable to North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project and either post them or hand them into: Henry Howard (Vice Chairman NSFHP) c/o The Old Low Light Heritage Centre Clifford’s Fort Fish Quay North Shields NE30 1JA

ABOVE: A selection of the proposed memorial designs. View them all and on-line for your preferred design at www.nsfhp. org.uk/vote 7

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BEAUTY

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER If you dream of having long, luxurious hair try these tips for fast results

ADDRESS YOUR DIET

Diet is very important for hair growth; you need to be eating sufficient levels of iron, B vitamins, zinc and protein. For an easy-win, add the superfood spirulina to you smoothies, it's a complete protein rich in chlorophyll which helps our hair to grow. As well as greens like kale and iron, this blue-green algae is high in iron (a very important mineral given that the deficiency condition, anemia, can be a major cause of hair loss). A supplement like the Holland & Barrett Hair Food (£10.69, hollandandbarrett.com), containing a combination of Vitamin B, Iron, Zinc and other minerals can also help to contribute to the maintenance of healthy locks if your diet isn't well balanced

STOP CLOGGING YOUR FOLLICLES

Dirt, oils and product build-up can clog your follicles, hindering healthy hair growth. To avoid this, try to give your hair a rest from overloading the root area with styling products – dry shampoo and volumising powders are common culprits.

EXFOLIATE YOUR SCALP

If your scalps is the gateway to healthy hair, it makes sense that exfoliating it helps promote hair growth. Use a detoxifying shampoo like Aveda Invati Exfoliating Shampoo (right, £22, aveda.co.uk) once a week to thoroughly cleanse and remove excess sebum from follicles – as well as the product build-up mentioned above.

GET A CAFFEINE HIT

Caffeine has been found to stimulate the hair shaft by blocking the effects of DHT, a chemical known to damage hair follicles and according to German scientists at the University of Lübeck, it can speed up hair growth by 25%.

Unfortunately drinking it won't help. Instead try the O'right RECOFFEE Volumising Shampoo (£17.25, o-right.co.uk) and the Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Tonic (£8.99, feelunique.com), with formulas that encourage hair growth.

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MASSAGE YOUR SCALP

Massage stimulates blood circulation, supporting the tiny blood vessels that feed the hair follicles. Gentle pulling of the hair (so you feel tension, NOT pain) and doing a rhythmic tapping technique are two massage methods to try yourself.

Alternatively book in for a professional Indian head massage – hey, stress-relief can help your hair grow too!

DO LESS

Washing, styling and chemical colouring, that is. Daily shampooing can compromise the scalp's natural essential oils that stimulate growth, while excessive heat-styling, backcombing, brushing and chemically processing the hair can leave it brittle, appearing to shorten the length from the bottom-up when it breaks.

LOOSEN TIGHT HAIRBANDS

Another common cause of breakage is the humble hairband. Tight elastics, worn repetitively in the same place cause wear and tear on the hair which is not what you want when you're growing it.

The wrong band can snag and damage strands, so pick the right type and keep them loose.

Hair authority Mark Hill recommends bands without metal fasteners as these are the worst offenders, or you could try the Invisibobble (above, £3.75 for 3, boots. com) which puts less pressure on your hair because of its telephone cord shape.

HAVE REGULAR TRIMS

Not because cutting your hair makes it grow faster – sadly that's a myth, BUT when hair is freshly snipped the ends will appear coarser without their damaged, tapered points.

Plus by trimming it regularly and managing damage you'll have to cut off less hair in the long run, so indirectly you're speeding things up!

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13

LOCAL NEWS

News from

North Shields

Chamber Of Trade & Commerce

Big Lottery Bonanza for Linskill Centre

Chamber members the Linskill Centre is to receive a grant of almost £700,000 to improve facilities at the popular community centre in North Shields.

The charity that runs the Linskill Centre in North Shields is celebrating after it was awarded a grant of almost £700,000 towards the refurbishment and modernisation of the building. The funding comes thanks to the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Reaching Communities Buildings’ grant programme.

The grant opens the way for the Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust, which now runs the Centre, to carry out major refurbishment of the building and improve facilities for the thousands of people who use the Centre every year. The work planned includes developing a new entrance and reception area; carrying out improvements to the heating and insulation that will make the building more energy efficient; improving access to the building for the elderly and less-able; renewing guttering and roofing; refurbishing the fabric of the building; and opening up more areas within the building for local groups and small businesses to use.

Simeon Ripley, Chief Executive of the Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust said: “This is wonderful investment in the future of the Linskill Trust and a marvellous 10th birthday present for the Centre. I’m thrilled that work to improve the facilities for users of the Centre can now go ahead and we are very grateful to the Big Lottery Fund for their support. Information on the developments can be found at www.linskill.org .

Busy summer for the Beacon Centre

To celebrate the summer holidays Chamber members the Beacon Centre are hosting a diverse range of fun and interactive activities especially created for younger visitors to enjoy! The family fun kicks off on Thursday 28 July (11am1pm), where we will be inviting children to roll up their sleeves and get creative by trying their hand at one of our summer themed arts activities. The activities which include kite making and creating mini treasure chests are FREE of charge and are delivered in partnership with local arts and crafts experts, Craft Yourself Silly. Throughout the morning visitors will also be joined by local artist Jan Brown who will be on hand to draw portraits of children and adults visiting the Centre.

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The family fun continues on the 8th August (10am-3pm) as The Blue Reef Aquarium visits the Beacon Centre with a selection of rock pool creatures such as star fish, sea urchins for children to meet and touch, plus they will be hosting a series of themed crafts and games - this event is not to be missed.

The ‘Playful Paws’ event on 25 August (2pm-4pm) is a must for children of all ages, as they will be joined by a whole host of animals including adorable rabbits and giant snails, which children can pet or cuddle. To check out their full programme of events visit www.thebeaconcentre.co.uk

Food Festival Returns to North Shields

The Chamber are delighted to welcome the return of The Proper Food and Drink Festival to North Shields on the 20th and 21st of August, with this year’s event promising to be bigger and better than ever. The North Shields event is set in Northumberland Square with over sixty stalls offering visitors a range of the finest food and drink in the region with a range of varied entertainment available throughout the weekend. The North Shields Proper Food and Drink Festival Takes place on the weekend of the 20th and 21st August, Northumberland Square, Entry is free details can be found at www.properfoodanddrinkfestivals.co.uk .

David Hodgson MBE

The Chamber are delighted to congratulate our Honorary Treasurer David Hodgson on the award of his MBE from the recent Queen’s Honours list. David has been awarded the MBE following decades of voluntary support to a number of Charites and groups across North Tyneside including the North Shields Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Coping with Cancer North East, the YMCA, Tynemet College and the Net based at the Old Low Light. Commentating on the award, David Bavaird, Chamber Chair stated ‘The award of the MBE to David is a real recognition of the tireless efforts of David to work with a range of organisations on a voluntary basis to make a real positive difference to our community’.

Building for the Future

Pupils from Christ Church Primary School in North Shields enjoyed a highly informative full day of careers advice and business lessons supplied by members of the North Shields Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

The event was the first of its type organised by the Chamber, with every pupil in the school of all ages taking part. It involved pupil visits to businesses in the town and saw a range of local businesses including accountants, lawyers, surveyors, dentists and business owners visiting the school to give pupils an insight into the range of careers available to them in the future.

The event was opened by the Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn who, when opening the event, said 'It is a pleasure to be invited to open this important event and to see the whole school taking part and working with many of the vibrant businesses in North Shields to give pupils an insight into the range of careers available in the town’.

Commentating on the event, Secretary of the Chamber Miles Walton commented ‘The business community in North Shields recognises the important role education plays in ensuring that we have a suitably-trained workforce for the future and this event has been enthusiastically supported by businesses in the town’. Commentating on the day, Head Teacher Gill Taylor said ‘ The pupils had a fantastic day and learnt so much about the possible careers available to them right here on their own doorstep and we would like to thank the Chamber for all their hard work in making the day possible’.

Dates for the Diary North Shields will again this year be holding the Victorian Market returning for its eighteenth year on the 10th and 11th of December.

The North Shields Chamber of Trade & Commerce has been established for over 100 years and is dedicated to providing a quality service for the benefit of businesses and the local community.

To join the Chamber please call on 0771 4343093 by email at info@northshieldschamber.co.uk or visit our website www.northshieldschamber.co.uk. To follow the Chamber please go to www.twitter.com/NorthShieldsCOC. 15

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LIFESTYLE

HOW TO OVERCOME NEGATIVE THOUGHT PATTERNS

Our minds are constantly racing with thousands of thoughts a day and often those thoughts are negative and self- defeating.

Irene Anderson offers some advice on overcoming these destructive thought patterns.

C

onsider the following example story about a man (we will call him John) who wants to borrow his neighbour`s lawn mower. He sets off and starts to think, “what if my neighbour says no? , what if he is cross with me for asking?, what if he shouts at me? I bet he does, he's always been grumpy, I don't even know why I'm bothering. He finally knocks on the neighbour`s door and when he answers it John punches him in the face and says “you can keep your lawn mower, I don`t want it anyway!!“ How often do we second guess things and spend our time worrying about what other people think or what might happen or convincing yourself that you won't be able to do something or stew over certain thoughts again and again?

You may think you can`t help this, that`s just how your mind works. Howevr, the truth is we DO have power over our thoughts and when we change our thoughts then things in our life change because we see things differently.

Successful athletes, and people who excel in their chosen field will tell you, that it is getting their mindset right that makes the difference between success and failure. So what can we do to stop our destructive thought patterns ?

SHUT THE DUCK UP! Firstly become aware of the thoughts you have . Just start to notice what is running through your mind . Then 18

“Thoughts become things, choose them wisely “

acknowledge them as just thoughts , quacking on like a noisy duck. Take a couple of deep breaths and re frame things . Instead of thinking . I can`t do this , think rather, what do I need to do to make this happen or get this job done? This re framing already takes the anxiety out of the situation and calms the part of the brain that constantly sees threat .

PROGRAMME YOURSELF TO THINK POSITIVELY Start your day by taking some quiet time, where you focus on taking several really deep breaths and setting the intention to challenge your negative thought chatter whenever you become aware of it . Give yourself some positive affirmations to use when you become aware of the negative chatter .

“I am capable and able to deal with any situation” “I will be able to meet whatever challenge the day brings“ “ I trust myself to make good choices “ “Today will be a productive day “ WHAT WE PAY ATTENTION TO WE GET MORE OF You can choose to dwell on everything that you feel is going wrong, and you can bet your life you will get more of the same OR you can be grateful for and focus on everything that is going RIGHT. The more you focus on the good things in your life and be openly thankful for them the less hold the negative chatter has on you AND THE MORE YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR LIFE . Whether you think you can or you can`t , you are right, it`s what you believe that will make the difference.

Like all new skills, re framing your thoughts takes time and you won't get it overnight. Just keep being aware that the chatter in your head is nothing but that , idle chatter . You don`t have to believe it or take any notice of it . Breathe, let it go, imagine it as a balloon with the string cut flying off into the distance and out of sight .

Smile , wave it goodbye , then move on with your day.

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19

NEW CHOIR FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T SING Yes you read it correctly a brand new Social Singing project is about to be launched and it’s aimed at all those people who love to sing BUT who have been told by others or who believe themselves that they can’t sing.

WHY START A CHOIR FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN’T SING?

Firstly Irene Anderson and Paul MacDermott, who will be running the choir believe that EVERYONE can sing given some basic skills, practise and a lot of encouragement. Singing is SO good for you.

It helps with breathing, posture, confidence, makes you feel happier and singing in a group helps develop friendship and camaraderie. Singing is not just for the chosen few who can read music or who have had their voice trained, everyone should feel the joy that belting out a great song can bring.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE CHOIR?

A very warm, friendly environment with no judgement, no auditions and no expectations of any previous knowledge of music. Learning great, toe tapping, popular songs taught in a way that anyone will be able to quickly learn. Lots of laughter, fun, encouragement and support. Nobody giving a hoot how your voice sounds because everyone is in the same boat .

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

Irene and Paul already run Linskill Community Choir consisting mainly of people who had never sung before, and have held several workshops for ‘non-singers’ They know how nervous people can feel but also have seen the real difference singing in a choir can make to all they have worked with.

You will be in safe hands!

NOW is the time to make a change, join us in the choir that can’t sing and let’s see what we can achieve together. So are you ready? Maybe you can’t sing but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t sing.

HOW DO I JOIN?

Starts Wednesday 12th September 7.15pm at Linskill Community Centre, North Shields

Sessions are 1 hour long | 6 week course is only £35

For more information and to book your place phone Irene on 0191 257 1357 Follow us on Facebook at Can’t Sing Choir 20

Opportunities to join with Linskill Community Choir in singing at the Summer Fair will be available to those who want to perform at the end of the 6 weeks.

DON'T WEIGHT AROUND

North Tyneside Council is urging residents concerned about their weight not to miss out on the next free 12-week programme to help with their ‘weight worries’.

‘Weight Worries’ is a free programme based at The Parks Sports Centre in North Shields, Hadrian Leisure Centre in Wallsend and Tynemouth Pool.

The programme was first introduced in 2014 and has proved highly successful – helping 265 residents to lose weight through pairing a beginner’s physical activity programme with lifestyle advice. Residents interested in taking part are being urged to register early, as places are limited and the next programme gets underway in September.

During the 12 weeks, participants have the full support of the Weight Worries team to offer encouragement, advice and motivational tips along the way. Convenient daytime and evening sessions are provided, along with one-to-one specialised work. All classes are exclusive to Weight Worries participants and are lower intensity and shorter duration than mainstream classes.

Lucy Mott is taking part on the current Weight Worries programme and said: “Weight Worries has been absolutely perfect for introducing regular exercise into my lifestyle. I’ve found myself engaging in activities I would have previously literally run a mile from! Boxercise has been the biggest surprise to me and I willingly go to the gym in between classes.”

“Just half way through the programme my body fat had reduced by over three kilograms. However, I was more impressed by the tape measure which told me that after just six weeks my hip, waist and thigh measurements had all reduced by several centimetres.”

The team utilises the latest ‘InBody’ technology to accurately assess participants’ health and body measurements before they begin and throughout the 12 weeks. Based on the results, the Weight Worries team devises the perfect mix of activities to achieve results which can be sustained after the programme ends.

Weight Worries is for North Tyneside resident adults with a BMI between 25 and 35 and who currently do no exercise and meet eligibility criteria. The team can quickly work out BMI results using weight and height measurements over the phone and advise whether or not you could benefit from being more active.

To find out more, or to register, call (0191) 643 7171.

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TECHNOLOGY

ALTERNATIVES TO MICROSOFT OFFICE With a slew of alternatives now readily available, Richard Eyles from ONE I.T Support asks whether it's time to reconsider your reliance on Microsoft's ubiquitous Office suite and branch into alternatives.

N

ow that Microsoft's pricing structure is coming increasingly under the microscope we analyse the competitors for their long-standing crown. We will also weigh up the benefits of other, less famous rivals in this age of proliferation, and ask, is Office even the right solution for you?

OPEN OFFICE

One of the most famous alternatives on the market and one of the most renowned pieces of open source software, Open Office has been widely available for more than 15 years. Incorporating word documents, graphics, presentations, spreadsheets, databases and more, it also supports Office documents and offers templates and instructional wizards.

Visit: www.openoffice.org

As you can see, there are many alternatives out there for those of you tired of Microsoft Office. Open source alternatives as well as web-based programs offer a range of different services whilst still emulating the key aspects of the infamous Office, and remaining compatible with their file types.

GOOGLE DOCS

Covering all bases Office offers, Google's program includes Docs, Sheets and Slides (all corresponding to relevant Office alternatives). Although a Google account is required, this is free, as is access to all programs once the account is created. Google also offers Google Drive to store and save your work, and within this offers the option to collaborate with colleagues through cloud storage, allowing them access to your files and vice versa.

Visit: www.google.com/docs/about

LIBRE OFFICE

Another open source suite, Libre Office was actually created following a parting of the ways with Open Office back in 2010. Up to their 4th iteration 22

most modern of all Office emulators and offshoots. Here the programs are named Writer, Presentations and Spreadsheet and all offer exactly what one would expect. Again the program is compatible with many varieties of file including Docs, but WPS also offers the ability to convert PDF files, add watermarks or create multi-page ebooks.

Visit: wps.com/office-free

now, Libre Office retains a distinct feel of Microsoft Office once opened which should allay any qualms about adapting to a new program. It also offers several more advanced features through extensions and customisation, all of which is able to be tailored to each user. V isit: www.libreoffice.org

WPS OFFICE

The final contender in our rundown, WPS Office could be seen as the

In conclusion then, with a little research on the internet, and possibly several trials, we believe that each user could find a viable alternative to Microsoft Office very easily. Depending on requirements, the options above will fulfil your needs without having to shell out the expected prices.

Should you require a more comprehensive service however, for a business for example, we would highly recommend contacting us at One IT Support to discuss best options and alternatives. Visit www.oneits.co.uk/ contact-us or call us on 0191 2960111.

We are locally based.

You can call us free on 23

Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn opens Norham High School's new Learning Resource Centre

BRAND NEW FACILITIES FOR NORHAM HIGH SCHOOL

An ongoing programme of change and improvement is happening right now at Norham High School in North Shields.

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P

upils at Norham High School are over the moon with their new state-of-the-art Learning Resource Centre. Featuring the very latest IT equipment, teaching screens, library facilities and breakout areas, it has been stylishly designed with modern seating and mood lighting to encourage pupils to use it for informal learning and quiet socialising when it’s not being used for lessons.

The new Learning Resource Centre is part of an ongoing programme of change and improvement at Norham High School.

Executive Headteacher, David Baldwin said: “Norham is changing and this new Learning Resource Centre is just one of the big differences we’ve made here in recent months.

“We wanted to offer an area that would really inspire our pupils, and I believe we’ve done just that.

It’s a delight to come into this area and see it bustling with pupils reading, working or doing research.”

Pupils from the school were closely involved in the design and they’re really proud of the result.

Year 7 pupil Jenna Sams said: “We are so lucky to have such an amazing learning space. Everyone thinks it is brilliant and it’s a lovely environment to work in as well as hold our weekly book clubs.

Elected Mayor for North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn officially opened the Learning Resource

LOCAL NEWS LEFT: The stylish new entrance at Norham High School

Centre earlier this month.

She said: “This is a fantastic learning space. It’s light, modern, fresh and I can see why pupils are so proud of it and keen to use it during lessons and break time. Facilities like this encourage and inspire our children to learn, and I know this new Learning Resource Centre is going to be very well used in the months and years to come.”

The work to create the Learning Resource Centre involved the refurbishment of an existing part of the school building and has been supported by North Tyneside Council.

STYLISH NEW ENTRANCE UNVEILED

The main entrance to Norham High School has been given a fresh new look as part of ongoing changes at the school. Modern cladding, new signage in the school colours and stylish windows have been added to the front elevation of the building to transform the entrance for pupils and visitors.

The new signage prominently features the school’s motto ‘Believe, Strive, Achieve’ in striking silver against a royal blue background.

David Bavaird, Chair of Governors, said: “This refurbishment of the main entrance is more than just a makeover; it also represents the huge, internal transformations that have taken place at Norham High School.

“So much has been happening at Norham in recent months to really drive forward improvements so we felt it was fitting that we improved the way the school looked from the outside, too. We’re delighted with the end result, it’s what our pupils, parents and staff deserve.”

The school is using a method called Sound Training, which is used by over 500 schools across the UK. It works by teaching pupils to break down words they don’t understand into smaller syllables and boosts reading ages by an average of 27 months following a six-week programme.

However, Year 11 pupils at Norham High School who’ve taken part have achieved an impressive 46 months of progress on average.

On top of this, some Year 7 pupils have achieved a startling 90 months of progress in just six weeks, meaning some of the 11-year-olds now have a reading age of 18.

David Baldwin, Executive Headteacher, said: “The progress we’ve seen with our pupils, especially those who came in at a much lower starting point, have just blown us away.

“It has really accelerated our pupils’ learning and we can’t wait to see the impact it has on GCSE exam results in the summer.”

Because of the success, the school now plans to offer Sound Training to all of its pupils. Members of Norham staff have also been working with local primary schools to help teach the technique to younger pupils.

PUPILS ARE MONTHS AHEAD IN THEIR READING

Norham High School has been trialling a new teaching technique to improve its pupils’ reading skills, with impressive results.

Year 7 pupils and Literacy lead teacher Karen Foreman 25

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

TIME FOR AN UPDATE: Christine can help you to discover the colours that suit you best

LOOK GREAT & FEEL FABULOUS Do you find shopping for clothes difficult, or have a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear?

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will include an assessment of the colours that suit you best and how to identify them, how best to wear the colours you already have and how to introduce new shades to make your wardrobe more versatile, plus advice on make-up colours that suit you naturally Christine will also provide you with a 42-colour swatch wallet to use as a guide when shopping, you can put your consultation in to practice.

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You may have started a new career and want to give a professional look, or maybe you just want to look your best at all times? A two hour style consultation will show you how to select the most flattering styles and fabrics for your body shape, proportions, lifestyle and budget. It will also help you to achieve a perfect fit every time when clothes shopping and express your personality through your wardrobe. You will also be given a personalised 28-page style workbook full of tips and information just for you.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

EL REBEL TATTOOS

Last month saw the arrival of a brand new Tattoo studio in the area, bringing a unique fusion of Traditional and Spanish Neo Traditional inspired designs.

32

E

l Rebel Tattoos opened its doors at the beginning of July, and is based on Ann Street in Shiremoor. The tattooists are Abel Perez and Jonny Ogle, who have both been kindly welcomed to the community by the locals, a few of whom have already visited the studio, and their reputation is spreading fast!

years before his personal interests lead him into designing tattoos and starting to tattoo for himself. Jonny is at the beginning of his career after apprenticing in another shop.

They both specialise in different styles, Abel in Neo Traditional, and Jonny in Traditional. They pride themselves on the original art they produce, which is clear through their personal tattoo style, and they both come from an artistic background, meeting over their love of Graffiti.

The shop aims to offer an inviting and relaxed environment, put together by two friends who have a passion for tattooing. They want their personal styles to come through in their work, and for every customer to leave the shop feeling satisfied they have a piece of art no one else has. Jonny and Bel urge their clients to look through their hand drawn books of work, and offer to design tattoos for each person individually.

Bel is from Barcelona, Spain, and with that he brings something extra to the North East tattoo scene. He spent years perfecting his drawing skills in various formats before focusing his talents on tattooing. He worked as a tattooist in Barcelona before moving to Newcastle, where he worked in two local tattoo shops before setting up independently. Jonny is from the local area, and has been drawing for many

However, if a customer already has an idea in mind, they are able to use designs provided by clients in all styles. Cover ups and re-works are now a much needed service which can also be catered for by the artists.

If you come into the shop you can feel there is a nice relaxed vibe to it.

The artists display a huge selection of their own work, and ensure they have the space, the tools and the time

after

"They want every customer to leave the shop feeling satisfied they have a piece of art no one else has"

to make bespoke tattoos for their customers.

The shop has also recently been awarded a five star top rating for hygiene, so you can be confident that the shop follows strict guidelines while carrying out their practice.

Since opening the shop there has been a lot of interest, and already many customers are leaving great reviews for the lads. As well as coming

back for more work, they often bring along their friends due to the quality of the work the duo produce.

El Rebel Tattoos has many opening offers available to its customers, and will continue with their promotions throughout the year. Please check out their Facebook page, or come into the shop to speak to the lads about the design you are looking for.

Throughout August there is a flat rate day session price of only ÂŁ150! This price can be secured with a deposit paid during this time.

So, whether you are thinking of getting your first tattoo, or wanting to add a unique piece to your collection, why not call in to the studio or send the lads a message, Bel and Jonny will look forward hearing from you!

El Rebel Tattoos, 15 Ann Street Shiremoor, NE27 0QR Tel: 07725732918 / 07496077184 Facebook: El Rebel Tattoos Instagram: @el_rebel_tattoos @r3el @jonny.ogle 33

SIX GREEN FLAGS FLYING IN NORTH TYNESIDE North Tyneside’s award-winning parks have been awarded six prestigious Green Flags this month, as national recognition for their beauty and environmental excellence.

This year stunning Northumberland Park has also been acknowledged as one of the best parks and open spaces in the country. The park – which recently underwent a £5 million renovation funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and North Tyneside Council – joins beautiful Wallsend Parks, Benton Quarry Park, Marden Quarry Park, Killingworth Lakeside Park and The Rising Sun Country Park in the coveted awards. Over three million people visited the parks last year alone, a record number which is expected to grow even more this year!

In addition the Friends of Brierdene, a residents-led volunteer group who manage their local green space in Whitley Bay, have once again retained the Green Flag Community Award.

Green flags are awarded annually by national environmental and conservation groups, led by Keep Britain Tidy, to the local outstanding spaces which have the highest possible standards, are beautifully maintained and demonstrate a commitment to continual improvement and development.

Welcoming the announcement, Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “I am absolutely delighted that North Tyneside’s parks have once again been recognised nationally for their

beauty, their excellence and their community facilities.”

Northumberland Park is the latest park to be awarded a Green Flag. It opened last year following a £5million restoration project funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and North Tyneside Council.

Historic and lost Victorian features were restored and modern visitor attractions – including the Glasshouse tea-room, toilets and education space – were added. Improvements were also made to the watercourses and lake and new colourful borders and a medieval herb garden were planted with help from the New Friends of Northumberland Park, and a successful gardening group.

A special mention goes to the local residents who completed over 5,000 hours worth of volunteer hours in our local parks, which also welcomes over 35,000 visitors to specific events during 2015.

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INTERIORS

Houseplants to help you sleep better The best calming plants for your bedroom From the plants that will help you breathe easy at night and the famously soporific scent of lavender to the beautifully fragrant flower that scientists claim is as potent as prescription sleeping tablets – we’ve rounded up the best houseplants for sending you off into the land of nod for a restful night’s sleep.

Forget popping pills and pop one of these on your bedside table instead…

LAVENDER Lavender has been used in aromatherapy for centuries as a natural sleep aid – and you only have to breathe in a noseful of this pretty purple-flowered plant to experience its instant calming effect. But you don’t need to take our word for it. There is plenty of scientific evidence to support the link between lavender and relaxation. Read more about lavender and get your hands on some now while it’s still in season.

Gardenia Gardenia is not only a favourite among perfumers, who clamour to include it in their fragrances and scented candles – it’s also a popular choice for its sleep-inducing abilities. One study found that a whiff of Gardenia could be as potent as a prescribed dose of Valium.

Areca palm Dry air can lead to a dry nose and throat – making it difficult to breathe comfortably when you’re trying to drift off. This is especially problematic if you have a cold or suffer from sinus trouble – and can be exacerbated by central heating (in winter) and air-conditioning (in summer). Cue the areca palm. Releasing moisture into 38

the atmosphere, it eradicates dry air.

It also purifies the air, removing toxins and carbon dioxide.

benzene, from the air. Plus, its long, vertical leaves mean it won’t be vying for space in your bedroom.

Mother-in-law’s tongue Mother-in-laws and snakes might not exactly be synonymous with sleep and relaxation – but ironically, the mother-in-law’s tongue (also commonly known as the snake plant) could be the ideal bedtime companion. This elegant plant with lush, glossy leaves emits oxygen through the night, while taking in carbon dioxide. It also filters nasty common household toxins, like formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and

Aloe vera Renowned for its skin-soothing properties, aloe vera also helps to clear formaldehyde and benzene from the atmosphere. Absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen throughout the night, it’s widely regarded as an ideal bedroom plant.

Aloe was named by NASA as one of the top air-purifying plants – working much like mother-in-law’s tongue to give out oxygen during the night. It’s also super-easy to look after so ideal for sleep-deprived types with busy lives.

Houseplants not only add life and colour to your home, they can clean up the air, too.

Most houses contain toxins, which are emitted from everyday items, such as cleaning and personal care products, carpets, upholstery and paint. houseplants can cut ozone emissions from office equipment, such as photocopiers and scanners, making them an ideal addition to your workspace, too.

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41

LOCAL NEWS GREEN FINGERS: Norham pupils in the sensory garden

COMMUNITY SPRITIED NORHAM PUPILS CREATE SENSORY GARDEN A group of green-fingered pupils from Norham High School have created a beautiful sensory garden for children with additional needs at the Tim Lamb Centre in the Rising Sun Country Park, Benton.

The young people worked with Foundation Futures, a specialist teaching service and Community Interest Company, to develop the garden.

The project, which has been funded by the Community Foundation, has taken seven weeks to complete and pupils gave up their own weekend time to carry out the work.

The garden has been created using recycled materials to transform a disused piece of land into a beautiful area that is vibrant, colourful and accessible for wheelchair users.

It will offer a great new area for children with disabilities and additional needs who use the Tim Lamb Centre on a regular basis.

Kev Black from Foundation Futures said: “This garden is a fantastic place that can only be appreciated in person and the pupils of Norham High School must take all the credit for that. They have produced 42

something outstanding and selflessly for the benefit of others.”

David Baldwin, Executive Headteacher at Norham High School added: “Our pupils have worked exceptionally hard on this project and it really shows.

They have given up their own free time to contribute to something that will be of great benefit to other children, and we are all extremely proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Lynn McManus from the Tim Lamb Centre said: “We were delighted that the pupils chose our facilities to make the sensory garden and our children will spend many hours enjoying the area. The pupils involved have considered the needs of our children at the centre and ensured that it was made wheelchair accessible too.”

The Tim Lamb Centre is run and managed by the Pathways 4 All charity. It is a specialist centre for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs and their families in the North East of England. It offers a wide range of rooms, activities and opportunities including a sensory room, music room, teenage zone and crèche as well as a fantastic, accessible outdoor playground.

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STYLISH APARTMENTS GO ON SHOW The doors to a chic retirement complex created by North Tyneside Council will open to the public later this month.

Following a multi-million pound makeover, residents recently started moving into Emmerson Court, a state-of-the-art retirement complex in Shiremoor.

The building recently benefitted from a huge refurbishment as part of the local authority’s £300m North Tyneside Living project, which will see more than 920 modern, independent living homes created at 26 sites across the borough by 2017.

North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn said: “The North Tyneside Living project is going really well – we’re already almost half way through, with six new complexes built and another six existing ones refurbished to an exceptionally high standard. Over the last year or so, I’ve really enjoyed visiting the residents that have already moved in and hearing how happy they are in their new homes. The feedback we have had has been brilliant."

“I’d really encourage others interested in living at Emmerson Court to come and have a look around – I’m sure as soon they visit they won’t want to leave.”

44

Emmerson Court consists of 42-one bedroom apartments.

Designed with quality and independent living in mind, the apartments on the ground floor have semi-private patio areas and upper properties have bay windows.

There is a bright, comfortable shared lounge with lots of activities on offer for those who want to take part and a smaller ‘quiet’ shared lounge for reading, hobbies or just relaxation.

Like all the complexes, Emmerson Court also has a therapy room/beauty salon and a guest apartment where family and friends can stay.

The North Tyneside Living homes are available for those aged over 60. For more information, visit www.northtyneside.gov. uk or call 0345 2000 102.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

SUFFERING FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE? THERE IS A WAY OUT

Hindle Campbell can help you

D

omestic Abuse is a hideous crime which shatters lives, often in secret, leaving people feeling vulnerable and trapped. You do not have to be trapped; there is a way out.

Shock new figures released by the Crown Prosecution Service show that offences of violence against women and girls continue to increase. The number of convictions for domestic abuse offences is at a record high.

Whatever your perception of domestic abuse is, it does not respect geographical lines, gender or social class. It affects men and women and is spread across the full spectrum of society.

Many people tend to think domestic abuse is limited to the use of violence and intimidation but it is much more far reaching. The Government definition of domestic abuse is: Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to: • psychological • physical • sexual • financial • emotional 46

It is not just violence. Abusive behaviour can involve damaging someone’s self worth, controlling finances, manipulation, preventing someone from having friendships or hobbies, humiliation, making someone feel guilty about what they’re wearing and what they eat.

The list goes on.

The Government have consulted on creating a new offence of domestic abuse, criminalising coercive and controlling behaviour. Other protective measures have been introduced and the police have additional powers.

Most people don’t know where to start and are in fear of contacting agencies and the police for fear of repercussions. Then of course you worry about the practical things: Where will you live?

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Speaking with a lawyer in complete confidence is the place to start. We can provide all of the answers and information you need so that you can make informed choices without your abusive partner knowing anything about it. You do have options. We can assist you to obtain the necessary orders to protect you and/or your children without your abusive partner knowing in advance if the abuse is particularly serious and we can assist you to plan for all of the practical things in advance of any action being taken. If things are particularly serious, court orders can be obtained the same day.

Legal Aid can still be available to assist you regardless of your income We offer a free, no obligation initial appointment for up to 30 minutes where you can receive practical information about all other questions you may have, so get in touch today to make a free appointment with a specialist local lawyer and know your options.

If this affects you and you need to talk to someone in confidence about what you can do to stop the abuse please contact Clare Usher or Amir Assadi now by phone on 0191 296 1777 or by confidential e-mail to lawyer@hindle-campbell. co.uk to arrange a free initial consultation to discuss how we can help you.

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LOCAL NEWS

Everybody needs

Good Neighbours Everybody needs good neighbours – someone to have a friendly word with or to help out with odd jobs if we’re struggling, but not everyone is fortunate enough to know those living closest to them. That’s why North Tyneside VODA’s Good Neighbours is proving such a success – the project trains and supports volunteers to carry out small, neighbourly tasks in the community, helping some of North Tyneside’s most vulnerable residents. We also spoke to two people who have received help from the Good Neighbours project - Ellen Coxon and Michael Flynn.

Ellen Coxon (pictured right) is from Murton. She was widowed last year and found herself struggling with jobs around the home and garden that had previously been done by her husband, Tom. “It was the small things,” said Ellen. “Tom did everything like changing light bulbs, repairs and the garden. I felt a bit frightened that I couldn’t do these things myself.” Determined to get out and about herself, Ellen joined a couple of classes at Shiremoor Library, which is where she heard about VODA’s Good Neighbours project. “There was a lady there from the Council’s Care and Connect service and she told me about Good Neighbours. Ian Brigstock [from VODA] rang me the very next day and asked me what he could help with. I had two bulbs out in my bathroom and one in a chandelier in my bedroom that I just couldn’t manage. They all got fixed almost straight away, I couldn’t believe it!”

Despite a number of health problems of her own, Ellen has been helping care for her brother who is in poor health.

She goes on: “I told Ian that my brother was having trouble with his TV and remote control and he even arranged for a volunteer to help with that. I’m so grateful - they really have gone above and beyond the call of duty for me. I have found being on my own a bit scary at times but it’s great to know there are people like the Good Neighbours volunteers to help. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Michael Flynn from Whitley Bay (pictured right) lost his wife suddenly two years ago. He then had a fall and sustained a bad injury to his leg which meant he was struggling to keep on top of housework and his garden. He explains how visits from Good Neighbours have turned his life around in more ways than one: “I was on rock bottom,” Michael said. “I wasn’t getting many visitors and I couldn’t even manage to look after my cat properly. I was referred to Good Neighbours and Ian Brigstock came out to see me and asked what I was struggling with. He and two volunteers came out and helped me to sort out the cat food and litter tray, then they tackled my garden! I was so grateful for that. Ian rang me afterwards as a follow up to see if there was anything else I needed, which was really nice of him.”

“I really didn’t realise people like that existed,” Michael continued. “It’s really lifted me up and given me the confidence I needed to push myself. Since then I’ve got back on my feet and started doing things for myself again.

I’ve even met someone else now and am looking forward to the future.” Asked if he would recommend VODA’s Good Neighbours project to others in a similar position to him, Michael was emphatic: “Absolutely,” he said. “I always keep VODA’s card here and would recommend it to anyone. It’s not like it used to be, where neighbours would leave their doors open and pop in on each other so to know there is something like this out there is fantastic.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with small day-today tasks and you could use the help of a Good Neighbours volunteer, contact Ian Brigstock on 0191 643 2633 or email ian.brigstock@voda.org.uk.

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Swaledale Semi Detached House Three Bedrooms Garage & Drive Available Early May Unfurnished Set Up Fee £420.00 Energy Rating F

Dilston Grange, Second Floor Apartment Two Bedrooms Secure Intercom Entry Furnished/Unfurnished Available End June Set Up fee £180.00 Energy Rating B

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Gallant Terrace First Floor Flat Two Bedrooms Tyne Tunnel Close By Available Now Unfurnished Set Up Fee £225.00 Energy Rating E

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Union Stairs Top Floor Apartment Underground Parking Secure Communal Area Un-furnished Available Early August Set Up Fee £357.00 Energy Rating - C

Swaledale First Floor Flat Two Bedroom Rear Garden Available Mid August Furnished Set Up Fee £180.00 Energy Rating C

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Kelvin Grove Upper Flat Three Bedrooms Newly Decorated Unfurnished Available Now Set Up Fee £180.00 Energy Rating D

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Denewood Court Semi Detached House Three Bedrooms Garage & Gardens Unfurnished Available Early July Admin Fee £180.00 Energy Rating C

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

FIRST CLASS PHYSIO If you have travelled along Gosforth High Street in recent times, you'll have noticed the bold blue and yellow signs advertising a special physiotherapy service – Gosforth Physio & Wellness.

This centre of excellence on Ivy Road offers help, assessment and treatment to anyone suffering from a wide range of physical, psychological and wellbeing issues. Its physiotherapy services are second-to-none – but it offers much more than that.

Gosforth Physio's founder, Kevin Kennedy, has brought together under one roof a team of highly qualified, expert and empathetic clinicians in fields such as podiatry & chiropody, acupuncture, psychology, sports injury & rehabilitation, pilates, yoga and therapeutic massage.

With Gosforth Physio and Wellness about to celebrate its first year in business, I went to see for myself exactly what makes this clinic different. I spoke to Kevin Kennedy about his vision…

He told me “When I first qualified as a physiotherapist, I became aware that, although there were many examples of good practice in our profession, complementary services were often fragmented and scattered. This meant that many patients with particular issues had to seek out experts in different locations in a bid to solve their problems. It was difficult for patients – and treatments were, by definition, often piecemeal and sometimes almost contradictory.

“I was determined that, when the time was right, I would establish a practice that could deliver the best evidence-based, holistic, physical and psychological services to patients – all in one place.

“At Gosforth Physio and Wellness, we aim firstly to help our patients fully understand their physical, cognitive and emotional difficulties. Our treatments then help patients restore and maintain their optimum health, wellbeing and performance. We know that time spent assessing, educating and treating each person as an individual speeds their recovery and helps them achieve their goals quicker.

“People lead busy lives, so at Gosforth Physio we also offer relaxing, therapeutic massages to help soothe away stress. Our pilates classes are run by a qualified physiotherapist, and our yoga classes are supervised by experienced, qualified teachers. We also provide mindfulness courses run by a qualified clinical psychologist. All of these extra patient services are why we use 'wellness' in our clinic's name”.

Coming away from Gosforth Physio and Wellness it struck me that, like all good ideas, Kevin Kennedy's is a simple one. Offer people first-class physio and complementary treatments all in one place? What's not to like about that?

To book an appointment call 0191 284 9111 and quote ‘select’ to get 20% off your first treatment. www.gosforthphysio.co.uk

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photograph captures a precious moment in time, a moment which will never again be exactly reproduced and so, a talented, empathic photographer, who is able to put you at ease and provide a calm, relaxed atmosphere is to be treasured.

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“

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THE ROAD TO LITTLE DRIBBLING: MORE NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND

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ALL INVOLVED

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That's when it hits me. I'm staring at a war zone. In South Central. On an April night in 1992, Payasa learns that her older brother has been stabbed to death, his body left out in the road to rot. He was never involved. He was innocent. He didn't even carry a gun.

And that messes with the rules, even for Lynwood, even for the streets. But it's the first day of the LA riots, and the city is tearing itself apart. Fire-fighters, graffiti artists, nurses and law enforcement - all of them connected by this murder - find themselves caught in the mayhem.

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CHILDREN’S BOOKS THE CROOKED SIXPENCE

THE UNCOMMONERS

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When Ivy Sparrow's grandmother Sylvie is rushed to hospital, Ivy and her big brother Seb cannot imagine what lies in store for them. Returning to Sylvie's house, they find it has been ransacked by unknown intruders - then a mysterious feather scratches an ominous message onto the kitchen wall, and a very strange policeman is determined to apprehend them...with a toilet brush. The forces of evil are closing in fast, and if Ivy and Seb are ever to see their parents again, they must get to the bottom of a family secret as shameful as it is incredible...before it's too late.

HIDDEN ORACLE - THE TRIALS OF APOLLO

By Rick Riordan

How do you punish an immortal? By making him human. After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disorientated, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the fourthousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus’ favour.

THE BUMBLEBEAR

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There’s a new bee at Bee School. But that bee is not a bee...It’s a Bear! Cheeky, sneaky Norman has a cunning plot to trick the bees and steal their honey. In his best bee onesie, Norman makes quite a convincing bee - but how long will his disguise last? And when the hive is endangered can he finally discover his true destiny and become The Bumblebear?

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