Connecting Stories, Manchester
LOCAL HEROES
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This book belongs to
Local Heroes Connecting Stories Anthology Manchester
Supported by Arts Council England.
Cover illustration © Steve Antony, 2021
Design and content © National Literacy Trust, 2021
Design by Kireli Studio
All enquiries around this anthology should be directed to: contact@literacytrust.org.uk The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260 and a company limited by guarantee no. 5836486 registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in Scotland no. SC042944. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL.
With Thanks... The National Literacy Trust is a charity dedicated to improving
We would like to thank Arts Council England for funding and supporting
reading, writing, speaking and listening skills so that everyone has the
the Connecting Stories project. We would also like to thank HarperCollins
best possible chance of success in school, work and life. We support
UK and Guppy Books and David Baddiel and Louisa Reid, who generously
communities, schools and early years settings and campaign to make
supported this anthology. A massive thanks to the numerous community
literacy a priority. Delivered by the National Literacy Trust and funded by
champions and corporate volunteers who have kindly donated their time
Arts Council England, Connecting Stories aims to increase children and
to help bring this anthology together:
young people's interest in reading and writing, and to promote diverse voices and stories. Connecting Stories provides a programme of exciting events, such as virtual author visits, creative writing competitions and activities for families to enjoy.
Atlantic Books
Saffron Alexander
Cambridge University Press
Sally Atkinson
Emerald Publishing
Gaganpreet Kaur Basra
Faber & Faber
Sheena Carman
Pearson
Dawn Claypole Rhona Drever Margaret Duff Hannah Fogg Charlotte Kim James Kingett Jenna Lee Michael Leyland Marykate McGrath Jan Papworth Allison Potter Tahera Sultana Emile Tambeh Felicia Tennant
And finally, thank you to all of the children who took part, it is their stories that make this anthology so special.
A Word from our Hub Managers, Cheryl and Margaret We are delighted to have had the pleasure of reading entries from Manchester. All entries included in this anthology have really made local Manchester voices stand out and are a testament to the creativity of children and young people here. Traditionally, anthologies don’t focus on a particular area, nor do they often include the voices of children or young people. Yet these are the very groups of people with the most creative ideas and the most relevant experiences! We know that creative writing can free young people to reflect and expand on their lives and the things that affect them. Reading is the inspiration behind this, and reading can open young minds to a wider world beyond their experience. The two are inextricably linked. Hearing the voices of local young people expressing their ideas and creativity and seeing their words in print is a powerful recognition of their abilities and a refreshing view of their lives and imaginations. We wish you as much joy reading this anthology as we had helping to get these entries together, and above all hope that they convince you of how important it is to read the stories of others, and to tell your own story. Best, Margaret and Cheryl, Read Manchester.
Contents Winning Entry Leah B, Yr 6....................................... 17
Second Place Entry Idris R, 11.......................................... 19
All Entries Amy A, 10 ................................................ 21
Lola S, 9 ................................................... 40
Yi Kang Y, 11 .......................................... 22
Hanna N, 9 .............................................. 41
Rejoice E, 9 ............................................. 24
Adriel A, 9 ............................................... 42
Angel A, 8................................................. 25
Benji L, 11 ............................................... 43
Marnie D, 8.............................................. 26
Holly H, 8 ................................................ 44
Rida R ...................................................... 27
Carlissa A, 9 ............................................ 45
Annabelle N, 8 ...................................... 27
Isabella F, 8 ............................................ 45
Rudainah A, 9......................................... 28
Sniejer F, 9 ............................................. 46
Tyler P, 8 .................................................. 29
Kaira O, 9 ................................................ 48
Edlin S, 8 ................................................. 30
Chisimdiri O, 8 ....................................... 49
Philip S, 9 ................................................ 31
Amelia A, 9 ............................................. 50
Abigail H, 11 .......................................... 32
Igdaliah A, 10 ........................................ 51
Abdul-malik O, 9 .................................. 33
Hosanna C, 9 .......................................... 53
Charlie N, 8 ............................................ 34
Sanita J .................................................... 54
Esme H, 7 ................................................ 35
Ava K ........................................................ 55
Oliwier S, 9 ............................................. 36
Brian N .................................................... 56
Christene A, 11 ...................................... 38
Calvin A ................................................... 57
Whitney U, 8 ........................................... 39
Gabriella E .............................................. 59
Isaac J ....................................................... 60 Jack B......................................................... 61 Kyle F ....................................................... 62 Lily-Mae S, 8 .......................................... 63 Niah R ...................................................... 64 Hayah B, 8 .............................................. 65 Joshua T, 8 .............................................. 66 Corey M, 9 ............................................... 66 Lola W, 9 .................................................. 67 Bethel O, 10 ........................................... 68
Winning Entry
Leah B, Yr 6 Fallowfield's New Local Hero! Just yesterday, Saint Kentigern's site manager Mr Harrier, became Fallowfield's new local hero. He has taken care of Saint Kentigern's school and people say that he really deserves the award. "I really didn't expect to win this award and the prize money. With this money, I'm going to buy myself a new pair of shorts. I also want to say thank you to the children for nominating and voting for me," exclaimed Mr Hamer with a nervous laugh. Every day, at St Kentigern’s, Mr Hamer refills the hand sanitizer machines and tissues around the school. This is very necessary because the school Is quite big and the virus could spread quickly. One student in year six said, am very grateful for Mr Hamer because he fills the hand sanitizer and tissues so we stay safe: He is also a saver of the animals. One morning, he found a fox trapped in one of the football nets and immediately called the RSPCA. He had called them immediately as he didn't know if the fox was already hurt and he didn't want to make the situation worse. The head teacher, Mrs Muldoon, said this about the event, "I don't know how long that fox was there but it would have been dead If Mr Homer didn't find him and I'm glad that he did."
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Second Place Entry
Connecting Stories Anthology from Manchester
Every morning, he blows away any leaves or clears the ice and snow so none of the children slip and hurt themselves. He loves all the children and he clears everything away so they are safe. Mrs Mort has said, “Some of the children run up to the door if the leaves were not cleared, they would slip and fall.”
Idris R, 11
Real photograph from the incident. (Manchester Evening News) Do you know someone for local hero 2022?
Matai Man
Email us at localhero2022@therobinrecord.com or message us at 0800
Ahmed loved matai — Asian sweets that came in all shapes and sizes with
276131.
lots of dazzling colours running through them, full of nuts with oozing gooey syrup that gushed out all over your clothes when you took a big bite. Yum! He liked to visit his favourite shop often but there was also another reason he liked to go. There was a man who used to sit on a cold, metal bench opposite the matai shop — he never knew his name but he called him the 'matai man'. He just seemed to own a few belongings which were in a small plastic bag he had tucked away under the bench, on top of some newspapers to keep it safe and dry. He always wore the same coat and shoes. He had a long, bristly grey beard that glistened in the sun but was always full of crumbs that Ahmed so wanted to flick off! Cheery and full of smiles, he had kind words for everyone, even for those people who just ignored him, or who gave him looks of disgust as they practically tripped over themselves when walking nearby. Sometimes, people would say the most horrible things but he never let them see or know if he was hurt by this. He would just act like nothing happened. Ahmed was quite shy and didn't have many friends but he was also struggling with the side effects of the medical treatment he was having for the chronic disease he was suffering from. However, this day was the first time that he 18
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All Entries
Connecting Stories Anthology from Manchester
Amy A, 10
had actually plucked up the courage to talk to matai man. He had bought himself a drink and a cheese pie from the local bakery using his own hard earned pocket money, so he really hoped that he liked cheese! Ahmed said hello and introduced himself before giving him what he had bought. Matai
Captain Sir Tom – our hero
man was overcome with happiness and beckoned him to sit down next to
Captain Tom at the NHS,
him as he wanted to give him something in return, a story. Ahmed listened
Making it safer at its best,
attentively as matai man talked about fiery dragons and handsome knights
A true hero who will always shine,
in shining armour, a world away from his own reality. He spoke with such
Raising money for its pride,
passion and excitement that Ahmed struggled to sit still on the bench! Every
Meeting the Queen with her sword,
word conjured up magical images in his mind. The time flew by and soon
Giving his badges for his reward,
enough Ahmed's mum returned from shopping ready to pick him up. He
When the sun will shine and the moon will die,
promised to return and see matai man as soon as he could. Ahmed left
Captain Tom will always be divine.
feeling really inspired and also grateful for what he had in his life, a loving family, good caring friends and a safe, comfortable home. For him, matai man was the hero he never had, a very humble, friendly, sweet person just like matai, who always had time for anyone who needed him and as noble
R.I.P Captain Sir Tom. In honor of an absolute legend and true gentleman who raised well over 33 million pounds for the NHS. We will never forget. A true inspiration to us all.
as the characters in his stories. For those few short hours were richer than all the money in the world
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Yi Kang Y, 11
at the numerous issues, the time wiggling around at different speeds. It was soon 6pm.
Jim woke up to a loud, beeping noise inside his head. He was wondering if
The time continued to pass. Jim didn’t feel like he was even there. The
his job didn’t exist. He had a dream about it. He got into his work clothes
minutes were back to normal, but he dreaded to wake up for the next 6 days.
and if this were reality, Jim pictured it all to artificial intelligence with people
At exactly 6:29 (the approximate time he woke up a week ago), he felt a
checking out themselves, and delivery not existing. As he brushed his teeth,
beeping noise, almost the same to the one he felt a week ago. His eyes flushed
he ejected those thoughts from his head. He strolled downstairs looking for
open and he felt like he was sinking. His eyes went blank and his head started
the ready meals, which were from the Asda he worked at. He decided to eat
to ache. He started falling, but into what? An infinite vortex of torture? Or a
one as he didn’t want to stop by at a stall or stand. After he finished, he put
journey back? He was now at his workplace, in a very mysterious way there.
on his work badge, took a small lunch and got into his car to get to work.
But people were there. His colleagues were there! Humans were back! As he
As he drove, he sang a ‘traffic-go-away’ song and finally he had arrived at the Asda warehouse. He went in, and looking around, none of his colleagues were there. Had he turned up early? In the store, he looked around, and there were only robot arms, moving things around and restocking the shop.
talked to many people, it soon became clear he was the only one that had what he decided to call ‘the robot episode’ happen. He was glad things were back, and the days were actually normal. Still, the questions remained. How did it happen, why did it happen, and would this ever happen in the future?
What on earth was going on? The shop would open up in 20 minutes, and all there were robot arms and screens. It was what he had a dream about. This was definitely not a coincidence. There was no way there was no way this had happened. He felt like he had travelled through a ripped seam in the fabric of time, or creation, or another aspect of sci-fi. Was this the future? Because if it was, it was terrible. The time seemed to speed up, and whilst people flooded in, Jim could just only watch in horror. They were adding things to their cart, with the robots helping them. Or at least that was what they were intending to do. People were mad, as things were hardly going right. Everyone was annoyed
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Rejoice E, 9 Angelo is a cat who loves to sunbathe and he is so lazy! One day he ran out the house when it was sunny and found a bird! Angelo popped the bird in his mouth, knocked on the door politely and his owner answered. His owner, Flow was shocked and Angelo politely dropped the bird on a mat. Flow said ‘thank you little Angelo darling that was very kind, we can have this bird for dinner’ he gave a polite meow and when it was done he ate politely in a table chair. The next day he woke her up and she made herself a coffee and a little treat for her cat she said ‘you are such a good cat Angelo I am happy you never cause trouble’ He put his head against hers to say thank you. They went for a walk in the sunshine and they met a homeless cat! Flow carefully picked up Angelo and the cat and took them both home. She gave the cats a wash and she named the cat Angie and after that the two cats played together. Flow was smiling that they all had a happy life and they all lived happily ever after.
Angel A, 8 The hospital they help you through the way. Sure, they inject you but that is only to save your lives. Sure, it might hurt but you should be thankful. Everyday they fight to save our lives. Whenever an ambulance gets a call, they rush to help the people who have called them even if it is night. They help us by making sure we are not sick. They treat their patients with care even though they are about to leave the hospital. The hospital may be a place of pain, but it is to help you. They always help you by sending of ambulances whenever they get a call. Today is probably the last day of lockdown we finally get go to school. The hospital saves people's lives like they gave me an injection and I did not know what type of injection it was, yet it did not hurt that much it technically tickled. Now that I am eight years old, I am trying to forget about it. The hospital helps us a lot by making sure we do not get a bad disease like COVID-19 or the flu. They help us by making sure we have no disease at all, and I mean none at all. They love us very much so we should pray that they don't get corona virus because if they do, we will get so much diseases that we don't have a life anymore we should pray for everyone we ever know so pray until you think that you have prayed enough you should always love your family and your neighbour's. Until this day I have had a lot of diseases and none of them have affected me much because of all the hospitals in the whole entire world. Until my birthday I probably won't have to go to the GP anymore Oyay. I finally do not have to go to the GP anymore this is probably the best day ever in my whole entire life I will probably have to go and check sooner or later if I have any disease at all. Right now, 'I feel like writing a song about this. This is going to be the best day ever because
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I am in the mood to make my own story about the wonderful people who
Rida R
made this amazing competition along with the people that might publish my story that might not be as good. Today is your lucky day because this is Angel's story that is going to be on your wonderful competition. This is the last part of my story. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY. The end
Marnie D, 8
As soon as I rushed home I got my normal outfit on and washed my hands all ready for dinner, soon me and my family all finished dinner. Soon we all finished dinner and played a board game and I won. When I wake up I go to the toilet and have breakfast. As soon as I have time I would go outside to see if there are any mysteries. When there aren’t any mysteries I just go out to my friends house. I watched as the sun rose up. In the morning, I saw
My local hero works in Wythenshawe park. Her name is Ethel, that is my great grandmother’s name. She has worked in the park for twenty years and she is very kind. She has a hut in the park called Ethel’s hut. On a cold winter day she wakes up at 5am to go to the hut. She wants to see if the homeless are in the park. She gives out cups of tea and coffee to the homeless. Tesco donate all her supplies because they care about the homeless. Sometimes they send cakes. She has a poster up in the window. It says, “ Fundraising
a mystery and I knew I had to solve it. Soon I arrived at the Park there was a villain, I rushed and kept on trying to beat her but she was a little bit to powerful I wonder if this is going to take long take long because it was almost afternoon. Later in the afternoon, I got close to beating the villain but not much I started to use my invisibility so I could get her from the back every time she tried to hit me. I wondered if I could get her before dinner. Sooner or later I won the battle in surprise.
for the homeless. Who’s with me? Please donate coats that you do not use anymore.” Today she gave out ten coats to the homeless. The homeless felt very happy and loved.
Annabelle N, 8 Manchester the local heroes town we are going a secret Mission if we get stuck in Manchester mission put your suits we got pick yay we are fighting crime this is fun four years later....... we stop crime kids its sad I know we find a new job we are bad guys we are now stealing the diamond shh we sneak I steal the diamond next day in the morning the museum realized the diamond went missing they reported the missing diamond.
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Rudainah A, 9
Tyler P, 8 Today I woke up in my bed and I was no longer tired. I then hopped in the
LadyPanda’s Mysteries It was just a night when LadyPanda just finished solving a mystery. The next morning, Lola (her undercover name) was exhausted from solving that
shower then I was refreshed and ready to start my day, I got my favourite outfit on which was my black suit and a white shirt with a red tie.
mystery because it had been going on for almost two days! When she went to
I suddenly heard a scream so I immediately went to see what was happening
go eat some food that will give her more energy for the day. As she watched
a bunch of people were tied to trees. I quickly flew down from my windows
the news, something so unexpected happened that she didn’t even believe
to see if I could help I went into a restroom in a restaurant to change into
it herself, the news said that the Manchester town hall building had been
my superhero outfit. I ran outside and with my super strength and used the
destroyed! She thought it was all a joke at first but they began showing
lasers from my hand to brake the chains and they were free. I ran after the
photos, and she knew it was her time to shine and solve this mystery...She
bad guy and gave him a taste of his own medicine.
began to research a whole lot about this and she found that it was true, but it wasn’t by a criminal it was by a..VILLAIN! She knew that this had to stop and be telt with. When she transformed she asked the owner’s of the building if she could see the security cameras...Oh and it was really bad it was someone who she thought she had defeated a long time ago but she got stronger. Her name was...Muga Girl. She destroyed the building but
Then I became a star on the news and in newspapers. After a long day of saving people’s lives I finally went home and I played Lego marvel video game to try and get me tired. It was midnight and I become peckish when I went to Asda. whilst I was there I bought a lottery ticket you will never guess what. I won the lottery
she was inside. I slowly went into the building and I saw her sitting down
I called my family and friends to tell them the good news. Then I went to
waiting for me for my doom. I began fighting for my life. I started using my
bed and I dreamed about all the things I am going to do with the money I
powers and destroying her for good. Then I used my magical powers to make
have won, this gave me an idea I will help people in need and business that
everything go back to normal. I finished in the evening and I was absolutely
are struggling.
EXHAUSTED. I went to brush my teeth then go to sleep.
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Edlin S, 8
Kind Kyle was incredibly happy as he walked to his delivery van. The next day, he was all over the news and everyone was talking about Kind Kyle.
Kind Kyle and the Old Lady
Philip S, 9
There lived a man in my local area, his name was Kyle and he was a postman. He was very generous and kind to everybody in the society, so they called him kind Kyle. Sometimes when he is doing his normal delivery and see’s children playing, he will offer them sweets or sometimes even a pound to buy something.
Local Hero My super hero is called Astro. Astro is very special becuase he helps me with internet safety from cyber bullying. He makes sure my private information
Due to his kind act, children always feel happy and excited whenever he
like my full name, date and birth are safe. it makes sure I am safe when I
comes around.
want to search for something using the search engine. My hero always gives
One day it was snowing heavily, and Kyle was delivering a parcel to Mrs Thomson’s house, Kyle noticed she was not home, so he decided to come
me a thumbs up when I use an avatar to represent me instead of using my own picture and also when I use a fake name instead of my real name. Astro is so clever he always advises me how to use an VPN so that it could
back later. While he was giving a parcel to someone on the next street, he saw Mrs
help me from hacked or my private information sent the internet.
Thomson struggling to get through the snow, to get to her house. He quickly
I like him so much because he looks out for people that cannot stand for
went to help her by holding her hands slowly through the snow, to get to her
themselves who uses the internet just like for thing like tiktock, ps4 x-box
house and handed her parcel to her.
or different games.
An hour later, “Kind Kyle’’ came to shovel up the snow from her porch so that it would be easier for Mrs Thomson to get in and out. Not only did he shovel up the entrance, also he brought some groceries in his delivery van and handed it over to the old lady. She was incredibly grateful to “Kind Kyle’’ and she said to him “My Son thank you for everything you have done, God bless you and may God give you long life.’’
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Abigail H, 11
Before you do something that will make the world a worse place just stop, think. Are you doing it for your benefit or someone else’s? Does it make the world a better place? If you do it are you the hero or the villain? Just think
Who is a hero?
about those questions before you do an action that will make the world even
If you hear the word hero do you think of a superhero like batman or spiderman or do you think of people in your everyday life, like your parents or your teacher?
a miniscule bit worse. Every action has a consequence. If you want to become a hero all you need to do is make the world a better place not a worse one. Will driving to school
I think that everyday heroes like my mum or my doctor are more important
even though you live 10-minute walk away help the world? Will being a bully
than fictional heroes who save the world in a bat mobile. It’s those people
to someone help the world? Will laughing at someone not with them make
who are there for us that are our heroes.
the world a better place? NO, It won’t.
During Covid-19 we clapped outside for key workers and the NHS because they are the heroes that fight against the invisible killer, they are the people who risk their lives for us, they are the people that will try to keep the
Abdul-malik O, 9
world safe. Anybody can be a hero whatever age, people that are 100 like Sir Captain Tom or a young climate activist like Greta Thunberg. People
Once upon a time their was a boy called Peter Parker he was a very smart kid
that don’t just care about themselves and help other people are heroes. Your
he liked science one day in school he had a trip to a science lab as he went in
teacher is a hero, your doctor is a hero, most people in the world are a hero.
he was taking a picture of his friend whilst he was taking the picture he did
Everyone can change the world, even by doing small things like putting a piece of paper in the paper recycling, walking to school instead of driving, smiling at someone on the street, helping a homeless person and opening a door for someone. Every act of kindness helps us become better, stronger.
not notice that their was a venomous radioactive spider on his hand before he finished the spider quickly bit him and he did not feel it. When he got back to school he got in a fight with a bully that did not like him after when he was taking his lunch from the dinner lady then the bully came to Peter and knocked his food on the ground but only the food and the plate fell not
The people who aren’t heroes are the people that are selfish, unkind, horrible.
the tray suddenly he saw a web coming from his hands he checked them to
These are the people that make the world a worse place. The people who are
see if there was a spider but their was not any spider so he went to the toilet
unkind to those around them makes those around them feel sad and upset.
to check his hand. The End
That doesn’t make the world a better place. 32
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Charlie N, 8 Dear Diary,
Esme H, 7 My hero
I hear my mother's voice as I’m lay in my bed with sleep in my eye, she is telling my younger brother to get ready for nursery. I hear the buzz from the toothbrush then I decide to forcefully get out of bed.
She has brown dark hair She loves to shake She makes my day her birthdays not in May
I take my blanket downstairs as the frosty morning make me shiver I then
she holds my hand
pour my own cereal while my mum leaves the house to take my younger
she lives on this land
brother to nursery.
she lives in my house
Today is the same as every other day just homeschooling for 3 hours a day, if the weather is bad we play chess after school work. I love spending time with my mum my dad and my baby sister during the homeschooling days which are Mon-Fri. I have learnt to cook pizza, jam on toast, chocolate on toast, chicken nuggets and chips this makes my mum smile and say “you will be
shes not a mouse she loves me she doesn’t live in the sea shes not dum and my hero’s my mum
ready one day “ I’m not sure what this means, but I’m sure it’s a good thing because of the smile on her face. I can’t wait to jump back in to my football kit and school uniform this makes me so excited I smile from ear to ear. Until then keep safe and bye – this was a small snapshot of my life today.
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Oliwier S, 9
Then a bang, crash and the bin tipped over and the magic stone made a trash monster.
The adventure of Ice cream man and Mr Cone
Chapter 3 At the Ice-cream man base the emegency bell rang
Chapter 1 “Hello my name is Ice cream man and I’m a super hero: Today I’m going to tell you about my base. When you look next you will see myself and Mr Cone.”
“Oh no an emergency” said Mr Cone. So they made a plan how to capture the trash monster “hmm, oo I’ve got a plan we can make a net” Ok, now we can take the net and we can catch the monster so they got
We have in our base, a kitchen, a watching place (at the top) and the best sofa and a tv so we can relax. Did you know we have special jet packs so we can fly not run? We have a special under ground base too. We help to clean the world form rubbish. We save people from monsters, Aliens and criminals and pat them straight to jail so they don’t do any more mess here.
in the helicopter. Trash monster’s plan was to make trash people to take over the world. By doing it he would create more rubbish that’s why super heroes needed to stop him. Chapter 4 When the trash monster was not looking he got captured in the net. The helicopter was very heavy so they nearly fell. When they landed they put him straight to jail. When he could play with only his ting lot of rubbish.
Chapter 2 One night an Alien space ship landed on a rooftop of a sky scraper. They were aliens that were caught 5 times by Ice cream man and Mr Cone already.
Chapter 5 At night he could fit throught the bars and he woke up the two heroes and ate Mr Cone, but he had a walkie-talkie. Then Mr Cone gone to the heart of the monster – the stone, he took it and a big green line flashed
The Aliens had a job to do. They had to get rid
and the monster disapeared. Hooray screamed
of a magic stone that made rubbish monster,
everyone – and rhar's how while Ice-cream man
so they threw it in the bin and went back to
was waiting, Mr Cone saved the world from
the moon.
enormous new piles of rubbish. 36
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Christene A, 11
and reporters crowding around the hospital to get an interview. The Squad took it their advantages. They told the crowd that to save lives, stay at home.
Sit down by a warm fire if you are reading this, as I am about to tell you an incredibly special secret so pause what you are doing and read this story
So if in anyway you were wondering what kind of a life the NHS staff are living when they're not working.
leaving me under the impression that you are under an oath to keep this secret a secret, taking it away with you when you breathe your last breath, thus ensuring it will stay a secret for the rest of time. The NHS staff. They
Whitney U, 8
wear scientists' coats starched to perfection, they use their tools of lives and they do everything in their possible minds to help they are... The Super Health Squad. They donate as much money as possible to help poor people, homeless people, and refugees. They save lives in a short amount of time. The Super Health Squad used to be known as doctors and nurses, but they were leading a secret superhero life. Nobody not even their families knew they were super-heroes. They lead a vague and mysterious life. They knew the secret would not last long, there were enemies around. They knew what they had to do... They had to disperse. Soon people were asking what had happened to their cherished NHS workers as a new villain came to town. He goes by the sheer name Covid-19. He went about his way spreading germs that can kill the people so that they lock themselves up, leaving the world vulnerable enough for Covid-19 to rule! When the dispersed NHS/ The Super Health Squad heard about this one by one, they re-banded
My Mum is my hero and I wrote a poem about her: M ~ The million things you gave to me O ~ Your outstanding smile that melts my heart T ~ The tears you shed to save us H ~ Your heart of the purest gold E ~ Your glimmering eyes look precious R ~ You’re right , and you always will be! Put them all together , they spell ‘Mother’ A word that means the world to me.
working together as an unstoppable force of good helping people survive by bringing out... Lock-down Mode. They kept keyworkers like the police, nurses, frontline staff and so on. The rumour had spread that the NHS staff had returned. Soon the Super Health Squad decided they need to encourage everyone to 'Stay at Home, Save Lives'. NHS staff went out to the cameras
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Lola S, 9
help!“ Said grace. “Why not!“ They made there way to the backgarden and saw the ruin that they were too scared to explore in the past. They went in!
The Ruin
Helping the forest.
Once there were 2 children who had big dreams. There was a boy and a girl,
They went in, it looked the exactly same as when they were 5. On the way
twins but best of friends, the boy was called Ash and the girl was called Grace
they saw 2 adorable white exotic cubs they were very cute. They made their
they were 5 years old at the time. One day they were out playing in the back
way to see the queen, she was as majestic as ever, so she had to tell them what
garden as they were playing Grace saw something weird, something that she
happend. "Hello your majesty we're here to help what has been happening"?
had never seen before, it looked like a ruin. “Ash Ash“! Shouted Grace “yes
Asked Grace. 'Well...there's a powerful sorceress named Deana McBlood shes
Grace“? Ash replyed. “Look what’s here it looks like a ruin we have been
trying to find the book of spells to make her the white tiger queen"! The
learning all about them“! Yelled Grace. “You're right“! Said Ash. “Look there’s
Queen was visibly upset.
an entrance lets go inside for a sneek peek!“ Inside the ruins.
Hanna N, 9
When they went inside it was incrediable it was like a forest! It had monkeys, lions, tigers and so much more! They walked further looking around in wonder and there in a clearing, a girl stood with a magnificant golden crown on her head it looked like she ruled the jungle.. “Hello“! Stuttered Grace.. “Oh hello there“! “May i ask who you are?“ Asked Ash curiously. “Yes, i am queen Sophia, queen of the forest i’m well known as queen of the white tigers“! “White tigers“? Said grace. “Yes the white tigers“! “ exclaimed the queen “Look the forest is in danger you need to leave.“ The queen continued sorrowfully. “oh, ok“. Replyed Ash. The pair set off! The pair wandered home in sadness through a land that was too dangerous to explore. Years past and the twins were now 15 years old. “Hey Ash remember that ruin we saw when we were younger“? “Yeah I don’t remember why?“ Ash replied looking down.
Once there lived a dog named Batto he hadn't got any powers but saved Manchester. He was grey and had blue eyes. One day Manchester's people got sick. Batto worried about everyone so he got the sledge and set of on a big adventure. He climbed high mountains but on his way he got attacked by a grizzly bear and broke his leg. Batto didn’t give up and set off but again he met some wolves but he didnt attack so the wolves attacked him. A few days passed and got better and set off for the meadow and came back and lived happily ever after.
“Well should we go see if it’s still there, I mean we never got a chance to 40
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Connecting Stories Anthology from Manchester
Adriel A, 9
I have another local hero at school who is my play buddy. She plays fun games with me all the time and always smiles at me. She cracks jokes with me. We laugh together and that makes me happy.
My local heroes I have a few heroes in my life. I have a local hero that works as a customer
It’s my best friend!
assistant in a supermarket, he is amazing at being friendly and he helps
I have a local hero that is also from school. She teaches me new things in an
people to find all the things that they need. He’s worked there for 15 years
interesting way and makes sure I understand it. She makes sure I feel proud
and he makes people happy
of myself which makes me happy.
And that hero is my dad!
And that’s my teacher!
I have a local hero who works as a nurse in the hospital, who makes people
My last local hero is you guessed it from school. He makes sure that I get
feel better. She also takes care of them by giving them food and giving them
help when the teacher isn’t there. He plays outside with the children and that
medicine. She makes the patients feel happy.
makes my day. He tells us jokes and that makes me happy.
It’s my mum!
And that’s my teaching assistant!
I have a local hero who taught me throughout lockdown, she played with me in the garden when it was sunny and took me to the park. Taking pictures
Benji L, 11
with me to keep me happy, and she made me delicious cookies. It’s my sister! I have a local hero who gives me creative ideas and new information. He teaches me different ways of doing things and makes me laugh. He makes sure that I am happy.
What is a hero Something different to me and you. My mum has been a hero, she's been
And that hero is my brother!
looking after us to make sure we can still achieve, even with other things to
I have a local hero at school, and she is also my playtime buddy. She always sticks with me and helps me when I’m stuck and cheers me up when I feel upset. She always makes me happy.
do. My tutor Helen is a hero she taught me online as well as looking after her four boys. My teachers are all heroes, they've continued to go to work, they've sent me online lessons and always marked my, work.
It’s my cousin! 42
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Connecting Stories Anthology from Manchester
Carlissa A, 9
These are not your normal story heroes, not caped superheros saving the world. There not chasing baddies or changing the world, what, my hero's are doing is helping me and other children, and that's what these heroes are about.
Holly H, 8
Power Adventure Jess Journals My mum works for the NHS which is already cool but it turns out she did WAY more than that. It started when...I was in my bedroom, watching TV when I got super hungry so I went to the kitchen and got a snack. When a
My lockdown hero
phone rang. My mums phone The sound got REALLY annoying because the
My mum is my lockdown hero.
person kept calling and mum wasn’t here to pick it up. I decided to answer.
She taught me short cut keys on the laptop.
I was gonna give the guy a piece of my mind but before I could a deep voice
My mum is my lockdown hero.
yelled “WHAT YA WAITING FOR, USE YOUR POWERS”! I declined
She taught me how to use a times table square.
immediately because he didn’t sound like the type of guy to be messing with.
My mum is my lockdown hero.
I couldn’t believe it! My mum was keeping a HUGE secret.
She taught me how to do long division My mum is my lockdown hero.
Isabella F, 8
She taught me how to do 6 point grid references. My mum is my lockdown hero. She taught me how to paint a fence.
A day in the life of a hero
My mum is my lockdown hero. She taught me how to roller skate.
For one day only I get to be a hero, which hero will I be? Can children be
My mum is my lockdown hero.
heroes? The heroics save the world. It's my turn to save the school!! Will I
She taught me how to decorate my bedroom.
have powers to stretch my arms, or will they be speed powers, or maybe even
My mum is my lockdown hero.
slow-mo powers, I might even have joint powers of shark and lava powers,
She taught me different types of old music.
I might even be able to fast forward or rewind time, or maybe I won't have
My mum is my lockdown hero.
any special powers and I will be a leader! There were aliens taking over the
She taught me how to do good shading and colourings.
school, the aliens were dressed up as children. The heroics needed extra help, so I called my friends to come and save the school with me. I had shark and
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Connecting Stories Anthology from Manchester
lava powers, they had fast forward and rewind powers and my other friend
commitment to enrich my knowledge was truly empowering to enliven my
had noodle powers where she was able to stretch her body. So we all ran to
lost spirit. Amid the never-ending lockdown and left isolated at home and
the school, and went to save the school. We were locked out so noodle picked
away from others, my kind family and friends looked after each other and
all of us up to get us on top of the building, so we could sneak our way in.
that surely added eighth colour to the rainbow. Manchester United star and
We were on top of the classroom. I have shark powers so I burst through the
a social campaigner Marcus Rashford rushed an extra mile to end child food
roof but noodles were holding us so we didn't hurt ourselves. When we were
poverty and proving to be a ‘humble champion of the needy.’ I remember
in the classroom one of my friends rewind the moment, so it doesn't look
the precise time, Thursday 8 o’clock the whole country unanimously, came
like we burst through the school and I used my shark powers and created
united cheering our frontline heroes specially the NHS that kept working
little sharks to swim around the room attacking the aliens, noodle stretched
selflessly to care and treat patients with their courage and utmost dedication.
his body and opened the window to let the children escape quickly, they were
Wythenshawe is also a close -knit community that relentlessly worked to
all safe and the aliens were dead. We saved the school, yaaay!!!.
provide required care to the elderly, sick and those desperate for comfort. ‘Wythenshawe Foodbank’, was an utter lifeline distributing food and
Sniejer F, 9
supporting to combat poverty and hunger. ‘Wythenshawe Good neighbours ‘has supported the over50s through a telephone service. Kirsty Taylor, a coordinator at Bideford Community Centre has been recognised and celebrated in the Queen’s birthday honours list for her services such as providing food to
Local heroes
vulnerable families in Wythenshawe during pandemic. Manchester council
Are you interested to know how Wythenshawe community thrived during
and other helping hands such as Wythenshawe waste warriors work hard to
the midst of the pandemic? Ugh! When the sudden shadow of Covid 19
keep the parks clean and green giving the locals a safe haven to respire and
pandemic swooped across the globe and many people felt lost, hopeless and
enjoy the nature. Moreover, to keep us fed and delivering our wants and
unworthy to cope with overwhelming problems of being jobless, stranded,
needs, the producers, packaging, delivery and sales staff worked tirelessly
sick and seeing their loved ones breathing their last, there were amazing people
with optimism. Also, incredible people like Farah Hussain and Carly Calland
working to take care of us and play a leading role in our community to build
have gone far and beyond through innumerable acts of kindness including
a strong and a resilient Wythenshawe. Indeed 2020-2021 was a challenging
arranging care packages for hospital staff, patients and care homes, sorting
and uneasy year to me due to a sudden school closure, and paused my
food shops and doing pharmacy drop offs. Furthermore, when the out of
lively life where I felt lost and lonely, as I was away from school but rightly
sight virus was haunting and creating distress in our community, Manchester
speaking, I was not alone. St Anthony’s staff swiftly stepped to support. Their
police came resolutely warning people to stay home to be shielded to help
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save our lives. When a shriek of horror was heard among the people that
brain. If I had a power for a day it would be to reverse and rewind so I can
lost their loved ones, the religious leaders were there comforting people with
do the right thing. And that’s why my mum is my lovely hero.
spiritual nourishment and also calmly, laying the dead ones to rest. So, a million thanks to my Wythenshawe heroes for not only creating a giant safety net but also for their dedication despite the despair to mark a difference
Chisimdiri O, 8
to people’s desperate lives and help us to start over and I should say their journey continues...
My local hero is... my Mum. She is a very kind person and I love her so much. She is my local hero because she teaches me and my sisters, helps
Kaira O, 9
us and is a nurse. Our Mum looks after us very well. We always have fun together. Usually if our mum is going for a night shift, Dad stays home with us. Usually if Mum goes to night shifts on the weekends, she comes back and
My hero is my mum. She is kind and also helpful. The reason why she is my
Dad goes to work, our Mum tells us to be quiet so that she can sleep or have
hero is because she helps me with my everyday problems and cooks for me.
a little nap. You might be wondering... it's because she's been awake all night
She is very heart-warming. She is a nurse. She helps people in the hospital
helping people at the hospital. She's selfless. Our Mum is a little imaginative
and I think her favourite hobby is cooking because she does it a lot. I would
and sometimes tells us stories. Our Mum is a good mother, she is clever and
describe her as very tall dark brown hair (so dark that it looks like black) she
good at cooking and loves doing it. People think that she’s a nice and good
is also very pretty and imaginative. She helps my life by teaching me how to
person. She is tall with very dark hair that looks like black. She likes giving
cook, wash dress, work, helping me go to school, how to show some love and
to others. Thats why shes my hero.
be kind. And also caring for other people. How other people think about my hero (which is my mum) is thoughtful decent, kind-hearted, thankful and respectable. My mum always trys to bring out the best in me because every time I can hurt myself she can make me feel better because she is an nurse. My mum come with wonderful ideas when doing projects. If she was your mum you will want to keep her forever. My mum is my bestie she can heal almost any problem such as wounds bruises and any thing to do with the
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Connecting Stories Anthology from Manchester
Amelia A, 9
Igdaliah A, 10 One morning in a hushed hospital, I solemnly sat there in tears sadness was
The Magic SuperGem of Power! This story begins in the deep, dark wood, where a girl is picking flowers. The girl is called Tina. She has short, black hair, and a short, blue, bouncy
painfully swallowing me up as I slouched over the crooked chair that leaned on my unkempt bed. "JAN- KIM!" "JAN- KIM!" "Are you all right!"
dress which always flowed in the wind no matter what the weather. Tina was
I didn't even want to answer I was swelling with fear. The fire of pain still
picking her last flower when our story really begins.
burnt as I looked at my appalling wounds. I felt ashamed I could not let my
Tina was about to pick the final flower when suddenly it began to grow and grow and GROW until it was the size of a house. Then very, VERY slowly, the flower opened to reveal a giant, glistening gemstone that shone a beautiful purple glow in the moonlight that bathed the entire forest beautifully, and Tina too, in it’s purple glow.
parents see me like this especially Nan. They would cry till dawn, tears of pain and anger and would look at me eyes gleaming with disappointment. As soon as mum saw me she jumped on me and didn't let go till she remembered she was not wearing her face mask properly. A nurse saw mum hug me and quickly told her to leave because I was about to have a bath or something like that just to get her away from me. So I quickly had to say my goodbye,
Tina just stood there, staring at it for a minute, gazing mindlessly as if
but there was one thing I needed to say "Where is Nan?" I said staring in the
nothing else mattered at that point. What felt like hours later, Tina realised
nurse's eyes to indicate that she should give me another minute "All right!"
she must grab the gem and inspect it closely, but as she yanked the gem
the nurse muttered under her breath heavily, but Mum acted like she didn't
from the flower, hundreds of fireflies rose into the air and merged to create
hear me and simply said " I can't stay here long because of covid and all,
a firefly spiral surrounding Tina. When the fireflies left a whole new person
anyways bye sweetie." Then she swiftly stood up and walked towards the exit
was revealed in Tina’s place –Stargirl! She had a beautiful, flowing dress, a
leaving me with many questions.
mask with the galaxy on it and a veil over her hair with embroidered stars on it. Tina just realised she had found the STARGEM, also known as the SuperGem of Power.
I sat there my eyes slowly dropping waiting for mum to magically appear with Nan and take me home or Dad to come (if he wasn't sleeping after working late at the hospital, which I am guessing he is doing now) and give
Tina realised that as Stargirl she must use her power for good, so she went
me a potion that made me better so I can go home with him, Mum and
and fed every animal in the forest magic moon cake and helped them if they
Nan. But I knew that none of it was possible mum was a teacher and only
were hurt, by using moon oils. From that day on, StarGirl always watched
came to visit because a teaching assistant was teaching instead of her so she
over the forest and protected it. 50
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could go home and relax Dad was sleeping after working late at the hospital
Hosanna C, 9
and Nan, I couldn't think of a reason why she wouldn't be here so I made one up in my head, she might not be allowed because this was a risk zone, she was quite old.
It all started with a family called the Robinsons who live in a humongous mansion and with a spoiled 10 year old girl called Lilly. I'm pretty sure she
Then suddenly everything went blurry and I felt like I was hovering then I
was the most spoiled child in the world! She had a 1,000 dollar doll house
landed on something soft then black. "Good morning!" an unfamiliar voice
and a huge bedroom (between you and me it's bigger than my whole house).
whispered. "Who are you?" "Are you that nurse that told my Mum to go
Anyway, her parents Phil and Margaret was about to tell her some unexpected
away?" I muttered staring at her closely "No I'm Nurse Johnson I'll be taking
news that a friend of theirs (who is also family) needed them to look after
care of you." She uttered with an enchanting smile that is when I knew we
their house while they were going to their grandma's funeral who had died
would be the best friends. The days past and there was not one day that I
but the house was in London and they were in LA. Without thinking twice
was sad as I had Nurse Johnson and coco the hospital cat as company. One
the Robinsons said yes because they've obviously just lost a family member,
morning I decided that I would make a carers appreciation day and my
sad right? But too bad for Lilly she was too busy playing with her 1,000 dollar
honoured carer would be Nurse Johnson! I smiled, "I like that."
dollhouse. "Lilly darling I have something to tell you something to tell you, we are going to go to London because the Thomson's family needs someone to look after their house for a few weeks while they've gone to their grandmas funeral because it couldn't be held in London, so they are traveling." Said Margaret "Yeh yeh ok mum I'm playing my dolls get out!" demanded Lilly. Margaret expected more of a tantrum like always she probably would have had a tantrum if she wasn't distracted with those expensive dolls and house ugh! She is so spoiled she even talks rude to her mother, if i did that I would be grounded for life!!! The next day Margaret and Phil started packing to get ready for the trip and, of course, they were going in a private jet. Lilly didn't even know where they were going she just packed her things and went inside the private jet. "Lilly are you sure you have all your things" asked Phil. "Yes daddy all my stuff is in these 17 suit cases and 15 bags, now servants or whoever you all are come and get my bags chop chop i don't have all day!" said Lilly.
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Connecting Stories Anthology from Manchester
Sanita J
Chester has a stable routine which inspires us that no matter what mayhem is going on in the world, that at the end of the day everything will return to it’s normal state and life is good. During this difficult time, we all need a
Our Hero
hero like Chester to lift us out of ourselves and make the world a brighter
Do you desire a local who will lift your spirits in such difficult times? (Well,
and better place. Isn’t he great? Don't you all want to have a hero like him?
look no further) You guessed it! Its Chester! Do you feel distracted by everything that’s happening? Well, our school mascot, Chester, is a great remedy. Every morning, Chester visits us at our
Ava K
classrooom gates to greet us. I don’t know about everyone else but it definitely brightens up my day. Whilst challenges such as COVID 19, he remains calm
Do you need a hero to brighten up day? Well if you do, read more of this
and relaxed, also spreading this tranquil vibe.
because we will tell you some facts about our school dog, Chester. Chester
When we see Chester in our school, he is very contented and kind. Also, whenever we feel a little bit upset, Chester is always there to cheer us up. If we feel bored he is always there to play fetch with us. Chester is always positive and energetic. I call him “cheerful Chester”. Following example, we strive to stay positive and energetic.
isn’t a normal dog because he is funny, friendly, cuddley and cute. Once Chester saved my friend, Scarlett from falling over because she was going to trip over her own foot again. Before Scarlett could fall, Chester ran in front of her and stopped her from falling with his big belly. Chester is very funny and helpful dog. When you are sad he comes over and
Do you need someone to talk to whilst this lonely lockdown? Don’t doubt yourself because we have a great companion. Despite the fact that he is a dog, he is a very good listener with never-ending patience. If you tell him to sit, he obeys and will calmly listen to all your worries and concerns. Has it been difficult to endure all the changes this year? Does it make you feel anxious> Thankfully, at St Kentigem’s we don’t have to worry as Chester is unwavering. He is very uniform and steady with life in spite of all the changes occurring around him.
sits down next to you and makes you fell better. if everyone is sad but Chester walks past a big smile crosses everyone’s face. Chester’s owners, Mr and Mrs Barnes both told us that he is very smart. He can sit when you tell him to and when you say gentle, he will not bite. He doesn’t bite anyway though, but they just say it just in case. Whenever you are cold you just hug Chester and you are instantly warm again. One time Chester saved a person from bumping heads with another person. Now people call Chester, Super Cheddy or Super Chezzy. He still has some times where he just walks around to someone’s classroom and gets treats but
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he deserves it. One time, out of school a girl was walking on the road staring
happy. Peter has a happy character. What would we do without Peter? I’m
at her phone and not paying attention to anything else. When suddenly, a
convinced that you agree that Peter is the best Lollypopman and I’m sure
bus driver was also on his phone whilst driving the bus (no-one was on it
you will come over to St Kentigern’s.
luckily_ but that meant nobody could tell him that he was about to crash into someone. Then SUPER CHEZZY arrived to help, so he patted the
Calvin A
girl on her back with his paw. So then SUPER CHEZZY and girl ran onto the bus and told the bus driver to pay attention to the road. “Thank you, SUPER CHEZZY!” said the girl. “Thank you SUPER CHEZZY!” said the bus driver. Chester is the best dog ever and he is pawsome.
"Do you need a dog to cheer you up?" Why don't you come to St Kentigern's and someone might give you a smile!
Brian N
Why don't you say hi to Chester, he is the best dog ever and he is an asset to our school. Including making us smile he can perform many tricks such as he can spin in a circle, jump through hoola hoops and if you throw a ball at him he will catch it! One day, Chester was even in the news and all the
Our local hero
people that were watching the news chanted Chester's name as everyone
Have you met the most amazing person in the galaxy. If you want to meet the most amazing helpful man in solar system come over to St Kentigern’s school to meet our wonderful Peter the Lollypopman. Heroes are abound but Peter is exceptional at the apex. Peter is a diligent person keeping his eagle-eye on us while we cross the road to school, as he holds traffic with big lollypop stick. Despite the fact that Manchester weather is unpredictable, Peter never misses a day of work and if he does miss a day he is missed. Peter
knows him and loves him. Chester's fur is so soft it feels like your petting a cloud, his eyes sparkle outside in the sunlight when he is playing with all of the school children. Chester confidently walks around school and gets the most attention. His tail always wags when he sees the school children in the morning when they get dropped off.
is the dependable person you’ll ever know. He is always there rain, snow or
Chester barks softly and he has relaxed sloppy ears on both sides of his head.
sun, Miss Muldoon is always boasting to other schools. Peter is the kindest
His grin is an irresistible sight and makes everyone want to cuddle him and
Lollypop Man. Whenever we're sad he has some engaging word to make us
love him more than ever.
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Gabriella E
Every morning, Chester always comes to the classroom and sometimes he gets a treat for being a good boy. He will cuddle with you when you're scared, you can even play soccer with him when you're bored. You don't even need to be afraid because he never bites or harms you and he is the friendliest dog you ever seen in your life.
Do you want someone to lift your spirits in the morning? Have no fear, Peter the lollipop man is here! He’ll do just the thing. Whenever you’re sad about something or upset, he’ll make you feel a lot better with his cheerful smile.
"When I felt really sad because my grandma died Chester was next to me
Whilst being very jolly he also teaches us about road safety. Are you bored
and cuddling me." remarked a pupil.
of nobody saying good morning to you? Well, in the morning Peter is the
Chester has a friend in school called Monty and both of them play with each other. They run around the school field chasing each other or sometimes they play with a chew toy. After they finish playing with each other they usually have lots of sweat dripping from their noses and are really tired and so Chester would take a nap and fall asleep with a grin on his face.
friendliest person every and always says goodmorning to you. He is happier than anyone when we are going to school and when we are going swimming. Not suprisingly he is the best lollipop man in Fallowfield! With his amazing smile and caring ways you will never feel unhappy when you are going to school. Do you want a local hero to make everything alright? Here at St. K we don’t have to worry. Peter sometimes even gives us a lollipop to cheer us up. He’s the happiest, friendliest person ever and thats why the children at this school love him!
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Isaac J
Jack B
Looking for a hero?
Our local hero
Are you looking for a friend? Are you looking for a friend to brighten your
Our local hero is our St. Kentigern's school dog. His name is Chester and
day? Do you need a helper? Do you crave that special person who will make
he is like a best friend to everyone who meets him. I assure you that Chester
everything seem alright? Well, look no further because here at St Kentigern's
would make you smile. Did you know that Chester helps us to relax? I know
we have a dog that does what you want him to do. Yes, our wonderful school
this because he loves cuddling everyone.
dog. His name is Chester. He is one of the greatest listeners. He also is really cute and funny for when you are under the weather, Hero Time Chester is always a good fellow. He always sniffs the classrooms for treats and that is really funny. He loves saving people, once a pupil almost got shot but Chester bite the person with the gun before he pulled the trigger.
Mrs Fox says, " When I feel down, a hug from Chester always makes me feel better." Sometimes, when we come into the classroom in the morning, Chester is there to greet us and put a smile on our faces.
He follows his usual routine every day: breakfast with Mr Barnes; visiting
Dogs are the most reliable and dependable creatures. Chester never lets us
the children in their classrooms; lunch with Mrs Barnes; helping Mr Ching
down.
with PE in the afternoons; saying goodbye at the end of the day. Brainiac
What do you think about when you hear the word funny? You might think of a clown but I think of Chester because he makes me laugh. When we are
At Christmas he wears tinsel. Even though he is a hero he does not wear a cape. Because Chester goes to school every day he has a brain like Albert Einstein. He is man's brainiest friend. He is a hero for everyone.
doing P.E. , Chester always tries to join in because he loves to get involved. This makes us all giggle. My sister, who attends the same school, says " Sometimes we play fetch with Chester and he will just lie down when we throw the ball. It makes me
Comments on Chester
laugh".
Miss Muldoon says "Chester is top of the class". Mrs Barnes says "Chester is the bester". Miss Stafford says "He is the cutest hero ever"
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Following Chester's example, we always try to remain the most cheerful we can be.
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Kyle F Do you need cheering up in these difficult times? Well Chester is guaranteed to brighten up your day with his waggling tail and sparkling smile. Chester is the most wonderful dog. Having a dog like him is inspiring for all the pupils at St Kentigern's Primary School. Whenever Chester is around, happiness follows like a rainbow appearing through the clouds. Not surprisingly, Chester is devoted to his role at school. Because Chester is a loyal companion, he consistently arrives to school on time to greet all the children. During times of uncertainty, we need dependability.
Lily-Mae S, 8 Breaking News St Kentigern’s have a new hero. His name is Chester NO he isn’t a human he’s a dog. I’ll tell you all about him. Chester is a big brown dog with puppy eyes. When we come in he greets us when we leave he says goodbye. He loves to sleep and block us from getting out of the door. In St Kentigern’s Chester is a firm favourite. He does PE with Mr Ching and has lunch with Mr Barnes. He goes behind Mr Barnes back to get treats from Miss Stafford. Miss Stafford gas a lot of nickname for
Being calm is Chester's superpower. Usually, Chester listens to the children
Chester but I can only name one. Which is Cheddy. He brings happiness to
reading. In the classroom, he gives children a helping paw and treats everyone
our school and we are very lucky to have him. He also brings lots of joy. He
with compassion. Chester listens to all your problems. One stroke of his soft
is a very loyal and friendly. We all think he is very cute. He always brightens
silky coat will make you feel better. Just like a genie, all your problems will
our day.
be solved.
Do you have a hero?
In addition, Chester is intelligent. During our PE lessons, Chester offers his wise knowledge and understanding of balls by retrieving and organising them into the bags for Mr Ching. "Chester is a vital member of our team," commented Mr Ching.
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Niah R
Chester is an absolute asset to our school family," confirmed headteacher Mrs Muldoon with pride. "He constantly creates a calm environment for
What qualities come to mind when you think of a local superhero? Well let's look at all the special abilities that one special local superhero has at St Kentigerns primary school. During incredibly difficult times, Chester has been a constant comfort blanket of loyalty and stability, being there consistently every day, roaming around school with such pride and positivity.
the children and staff. We are blessed to have him here at St Kentigerns." So what do the children think about Chester? Sophia in Year 3 said, " We love Chester so much. I feel so happy when I see him. He is the best superhero ever."
Although Chester cannot talk , he communicates extremely well with staff
Having heard all the fabulous qualities and amazing abilities Chester has,
and pupils using a range of facial expressions, his eyes, tongue and wagging
you cannot fail to agree that he truly is our local superhero.
tail. I should probably mention at this point that Chester is an adorable, chocolate brown Labrador and he is definitely our local hero here at St
Hayah B, 8
Kentigerns. Everyone could learn a thing or two from Chester. Not only is he a constant comfort to us all but also he is loyal and caring. He has a super sensitive
My Mum and Dad.
special nose for sniffing out people who need comfort and support, making
My mum is always helping
him an extraordinary member of our school family. Wouldn't you agree? Mrs
Unique and different from other mums.
Barnes ( a TA and his owner) certainly would.
My mum is kind clever and brave.
She said, " Everything is so unsettled at the moment but Chester guides us forward everyday with his consistency and positivity".
She is the only mum you could ever wish for. Dad always here for us
Throughout the school day, Chester can be found popping in and out of the
Always helping me what ever single thing
classrooms and playground making sure all is well and safe. You could say
Dad is also very kind, clever and brave
he is also our very own security guard, just another one of his super brilliant
He is the only dad you could ever wish for
qualities. " We are immensely proud to have our own superhero here at St Kentigerns.
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Joshua T, 8
Lola W, 9
My local hero
Shadow the ghost hero
Mrs Philan, has never been mean and she is my local hero because she helps
Shadow is in my imagination but it is like he is a real person to me and still
us with work.
a hero aswell.
She doesn’t let anyone get hurt,
In my picture of him, I would think he is a kind person and he would help
She is my local hero She goes out with the pinks so they can soon write with pen
people in danger!
Sadly, she had to leave to work with the other other class
The reason I think he is real is because. My “cute cats” looked at air at the
Now we only see her at half past ten
same time so I tried to communicate. It worked, I used “talk” to him all of the time but – I started to forget, but then I remembered – right now in fact!
Corey M, 9
Shadow helps me when I’m alone and cures my boredom when I’m bored. This would probably scare my dad and maybe my mum because well.. they are afraid of ghosts for some reason, but I’m not scared of hosts! I actually
My dad
like ghosts!
My dad is my hero because he cares for me all the time. He drops me off and picks me up from school everyday. He’s very selfless and kind and caring,
That is where I will end this story.
nice and likeable. He coaches me when I play football And I don’t see how someone could not like him He’ll help me whenever I’d want help from him There’s not a better dad I could of asked for.
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Bethel O, 10
The people of Manchester were in a slump, they just couldn’t help it. An enemy of wonder whittall had been roaming around the city saying negative words to everyone: And now the whole town are growning. Sounds like this is a job for Wonder Woman. She goes around to every town and house in the city telling them very positive words and they start to believe but then the enemy strikes again and wonder Whitalll is strived do that all over again because she is obviously positive. And now Manchester is free and has nothing to worry about, for now
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Participating Schools With thanks to the following schools, whose students’ wonderful work is included in this anthology: Beaver Road Primary School Briscoe Lane Academy Button Lane Primary School Cheadle Catholic Junior School Christ the King RC Primary School Manchester
The End
Crossacres Primary Academy Highfield Primary School Manchester Communication Primary Academy Moston Lane Community Primary School Mount Carmel RC Primary School Peel Hall Primary School Pike Fold Primary School Sandilands Primary School St Anthony's Catholic Primary School St Kentigern's RC Primary St Peter's Catholic Primary School Manchester Webster Primary School
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Local Heroes By Manchester Connecting Stories, funded by Arts Council England, aims to increase children and young people's interest in reading and writing, and to promote diverse voices and stories. Children and young people were invited to take part in a creative writing competition which has been judged by publishers, authors and community champions. This anthology celebrates their creativity and hard work. We hope all entrants feel extremely proud to see their story published and that this gives them the confidence and passion to continue writing.
'Congratulations to all the young writers featured in this anthology. I am so impressed by their imaginative and creative stories – a must-read!'
Jonathan Douglas CBE Chief Executive, National Literacy Trust