A GROUP of enterprising students have entered the Dragon’s Den – and come out on top.
Budding entrepreneurs from the Holgate School, in Hucknall, saw off a host of rivals to take first prize in a competition based on the popular BBC 2 show.
John Bevins (correct), Amber Curtis (correct), William Hydes (correct) and Cairie Green (correct), who are all in years ten and eleven, wowed the Dragons with a clear, calm and professional sales pitch.
Their invention is an educational game where kids are taught to spell by jumping on panels on the floor, making it similar to Twister.
“It was a nerve-wracking experience, but I am delighted we won,” said John,(15).
The event at the Innovative Centre took place as part of Enterprise Week, an annual week of activities designed to develop the business skills of young people.
Head of Business Studies at the school, Brian Redgraves (correct), said: “Enterprise Week gives the students the chance to put into practice some of the skills they have learned in class.”
“It was a real benefit. They had to work as a team, and did really well to develop a concrete idea in such a short space of time,” he added.
The school were presented with a trophy as well as a cheque for £250, and each of the students was awarded with gift vouchers.
The Dragons consisted of Ash Narsey (correct), a director for an educational toys company, Ros Wragg (correct), proprietor of Kimellejoe, an online business specialising in children's party supplies and toys, and Amanda Pearce-Burton (correct), a managing director for a consultancy and training services company.
Thursday 6 December 2007
Wednesday 5 December 2007
The FA Cup
THE LUCK OF THE DRAW
The FA Cup should be about the passion, the romance and the glory. But as Dan Palmer discovers, it’s really just about the money.
The Third Round Draw for the FA Cup is one of the showcase dates in the English football calendar. Up and down the county, fans nervously sit in front of television screens anxiously anticipating who their club are going to get. With the big boys of the Premier League entering the fray, it is an event that induces butterflies in even the most composed of supporters. This year, the most nervous fan was probably a man named Marcus Hackney, chairman of Havant & Waterlooville FC (correct). The previous day he had witnessed his non-league minnows embarrass the illustrious Notts County in their own back yard – undoubtedly the biggest day in the history of the club. But as he stared at the screen in a packed clubhouse, surrounded by a media frenzy of reporters and cameras, he knew that the history the club would write in the future was all dependent on what he was about to witness.
The FA Cup is the oldest football competition in the world, dating back to 1871. It used to be the major trophy in this country, the one that everyone was striving to win.
The magic of the cup would stir tensions up to fever pitch, and you only have to look at some of the retro black and white footage to see the levels of passion, romance and tradition that the tournament used to produce. It was every boy’s dream to grace the Wembley turf in the final, but in recent years the famous old trophy has begun to lose part of its shine.
The magic of the cup would stir tensions up to fever pitch, and you only have to look at some of the retro black and white footage to see the levels of passion, romance and tradition that the tournament used to produce. It was every boy’s dream to grace the Wembley turf in the final, but in recent years the famous old trophy has begun to lose part of its shine.
A massive gulf in class is developing in English football, with the ‘big four’ clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United – dominating over all of the rest. One of these clubs has won the FA Cup every year since 1996, and it can be argued that they don’t even take it that seriously. With the Premiership and Champions League offering far more lucrative rewards, the big four have undermimed the FA Cup by placing it down the pecking order on their list of priorites.
So what does this all mean for the smaller clubs, who now find themselves in a tarnished competition which they have no chance of winning? Traditionalists will say that the passion and glory still exist, but in reality, like so many things in football, the FA Cup is just about the money. It would be nice to think that after their giant killing, Marcus Hackney’s main priority would be to see his Havant side advance in the competition. But what he was really after was a glamour tie with a big club and the financial rewards that would come with it.
In 2004 Exeter City got just that. The Devon outfit were in crisis, subject to crippling debts and for a time it looked like the club would go bust. But then they drew Manchester United in the third round and pocketed a cool £653,511. Even better for the Grecians was that they earned a heroic replay which was televised on the BBC. This added an extra £150,000 to the coffers and the debts were settled the next year.
“We may have gone into liquidation without that money, that’s for sure,” says Exeter fan, vice-chairman and sporting director Julian Tagg (correct).
“We had been fundraising for months, but with little success. With Manchester United, we really got the luck of the draw.”
Marcus was probably dreaming of the same in the Havant clubhouse as the draw rapidly approached, and the effect that sort of money would have on his club cannot be over exaggerated.
Currently lying mid-table in the doldrums of the Conference South, a glamour tie could propel Havant to dizzy heights that they they could previously only have dreamed of.
Supporter Mark Lynch (correct) was also in that same clubhouse with Marcus, biting his nails while he awaited the draw. A fan for ten years, he is quick to acknowledge the money side of things.
“Personally I would like a big four club away because the amount of money we could make could set the club up for three to four years,” he says.
“There is such a shortage of money at this level. A big tie could allow us to buy better players, sending us up into the Conference National, perhaps even towards the football league. It could completely transform us,” he adds.
“The FA Cup is really just about winning as many games and making as much money as possible.”
Havant have already netted around £37,000 from the cup run, big money at their level. Fellow non-leaguers Harrogate Railway received a windfall of around £70,000 when their game with Mansfield was televised.
In 2006, Burton Albion also took Manchester United to a replay and netted nearly £1,000,000. This money was pumped into their stylish new Pirelli Stadium, allowing them to build a hotel, restaurant and pub, which provided valuable extra income.
Another success story are Colchester United who in 2006 made the fifth round after a heroic run. They saw off Sheffield United and Derby County and were rewarded with a dream tie at Chelsea. The money made meant that they could pay the wages of their squad for the remainder of the season, and they were also able to sign talented striker Jamie Cureton (correct). The club, significantly aided by Cureton’s goals, won promotion to the Championship and are now an established side at this higher level.
“There’s no doubt the money has changed Colchester,” said a club spokesman.
Back at the clubhouse, Havant’s ball has been drawn and it isn’t good news. They’ve been given an away tie at League One’s Swansea City or fellow non-leaguers Horsham. A huge groan echoes around the room, but no doubt Marcus was groaning loudest of all. He didn’t get the luck of the draw.
School's Lessons In Health
My school health shop story made the Dispatch last week. In a change of pace though, they haven't just pasted my work in and have actually edited it quite a bit. They still used my quotes though.
http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/hucknall/School39s-lessons-in-health.3515919.jp
http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/hucknall/School39s-lessons-in-health.3515919.jp
Wednesday 28 November 2007
Leader: Ebbsfleet United
Football has seen its fair share of nonsense over the years but the takeover of Ebbsfleet United by the website MyFootballClub must surely take the cake.Twenty thousand people have paid £35 each to form the takeover fund to buy the club.
They will all become a 'part owner' of Ebbsfleet, and will vote on every major issue, from team selection to player transfers.
Club manager Liam Daish will see his job title downgraded to 'head coach'.
In theory, giving the fans control in this manner is a nice idea. But allowing people to play Football Manager for real is surely doomed to failure.
For instance, allowing members to pick the team will clearly cause numerous difficulties. Daish will apparently brief members on what he believes the team selection should be.
But surely opposing managers will sign up, see this brief and then have a massive advantage ahead of the game?
Similarly, asking members to vote on transfers will play into their rival's hands. Other clubs will be able to tie up deals while Ebbsfleet are still putting them to the vote.
Most importantly, there are the existing fans who love their club and don't want it turned into an experiment.
For years they have been coming week in, week out and know more about the club than anyone.
We wonder how many of the subscribers will fail to pay again next season. The money would dry up and once again in football, the fans would be the victims.
TV Review: Heroes
Crikey, is this really the twentieth episode?
We have all been so mesmerised by this excellent series that time has just flown by.
Which is ironic really, because in tonight's offering on BBC2, time, erm, flew by!
The writers ripped up the rulebook tonight by taking us five years into the future where the fated bomb detonated and blew New York to smithereens.
We got the chance to see the characters we know and love in a completely new light, and this provided a refreshing and original change.
Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka) once again steals the show. Usually wonderfully excitable, he is now a wanted terrorist and master of the sword. Oka portrays both characters superbly and puts in a brilliant performance.
Far from being one of those lame clip shows, this episode still provides the levels of excitement and emotional pathos we are used too.
The final scene, when present day Hiro sees his future self killed, is as shocking and powerful as anything we have seen so far.
And when Sylar (Zachary Quinto) finally manages to kill Claire Bennett (Hayden Panettiere), it provides a chilling vision of what our heroes may face in the future.
Time travel is a tricky subject, leading to some confusion as we try to link past and future.
But in the main this gloomy look at 'what might be' sets us up perfectly for the three part finale which begins next week. We now know what happens if it all goes pear-shaped....
Monday 26 November 2007
Personal Column: The Scots
So am I the only Englishman who was happy to see Scotland crash out of the European Championships?
All week I have been hearing things like: "It's such a shame isn't it?" and "I wanted them to make it."
Why is this? Do you think that anyone was upset north of the border after our abject defeat to Croatia?
Wasn't that Andy Murray in a Paraguay shirt shortly before our World Cup opener?
And the thing is, that is how it should be. I want competition between England and Scotland. I want the jokes and the banter. I want the passion and the hatred. And above all I want to smugly bask myself in schadenfreude when they once again fail to reach a major tournament.
What I don't want is some sort of cuddly United Kingdom lovefest.
Scotland are our rivals, our biggest foes. And quite simply, we shouldn't want them to win.
And as an England supporter sitting in England, I want the focus of the media coverage to be, erm, England.
It is infuriating when live feeds from the England camp are interrupted to bring us some pub in Stranraer that had been decked out in tartan.
Perhaps bringing back the home nations will revitalise tensions and restore some sanity.
I once witnessed some Scotland fans in kilts chanting 'Italy' after the Italians beat us 1-0. And when Christian Panucci's ninetieth minute header floated into the back of the net, I rejoiced in chanting the same. 
Maroon 5 @ Notts Arena for NG
“If there are any critics here, go f**k yourself!” announces Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine midway through their set at the Nottingham Arena tonight. Well, that's just charming isn't it? As the crowd roars in approval, I suddenly feel like the pantomime villain as heads turn to look back at the guy sitting down with a notepad.
Die-hard fans of the Los Angeles five piece clearly had a good time but for me the performance was just a bit flat. Too many songs tonight dragged on unnecessarily, so much so that it began to feel like we had gate crashed a jamming session at times. Slower numbers fizzled out to nothing and just seemed a bit dull. It was the first night of their UK tour, so maybe the lads will need some time to get into the swing of things. But I for one would have been pretty disappointed to have forked out thirty-odd quid for tonight's performance.
“What this? Nah, I'm not a reviewer, I'm just er, taking drinks orders!"
Luckily I make it through the night without being lynched, but perhaps this review should be written under a fake name to avoid any reprisals? Devine's outburst came just after he said: “We're not liked here” and I'm afraid that I will have to add my own insults to what is apparently a growing list.
Die-hard fans of the Los Angeles five piece clearly had a good time but for me the performance was just a bit flat. Too many songs tonight dragged on unnecessarily, so much so that it began to feel like we had gate crashed a jamming session at times. Slower numbers fizzled out to nothing and just seemed a bit dull. It was the first night of their UK tour, so maybe the lads will need some time to get into the swing of things. But I for one would have been pretty disappointed to have forked out thirty-odd quid for tonight's performance.It didn't help that crowd favourites Harder to Breathe and It Makes Me Wonder came relatively early in the set, leaving big gaps in the middle with nothing to get really excited about. Even This Love, their big tune, failed to get things pumping as I might have thought. There were high points but these were disappointingly few and far between in a sea of mediocrity. There is no denying that the guys are top class musicians, with Levine and James Valentine wowing the audience at times with their skills on their guitars.
Crowd interaction was good with Levine instructing the fans to wave their mobile phones aloft, creating a sky of shiny white light. An intimate version of She Will Be Loved during the encore was also a highlight and Levine's vocal range was pretty impressive. It's just that a lot of the set simply seemed like filler while we waited for the good bits.
There was a lack of oomph and the gig didn't provide the levels of excitement and entertainment that you would expect in an arena. It also finished disappointingly early at just after ten, and I wonder how many paying customers left feeling a tad ripped off. So I'm going to put 'must do better' on the Maroon 5 report card I'm afraid. And I'm also going to give Mr Levine detention for swearing at journalists. Naughty boy.
Red Or Dead: Dan Palmer
Seeing Red: Chris Wray-McCann
Thursday 22 November 2007
Reading
Reading Evening Post will be my third work experience placement, again in the summer. Nearer to home I guess...
Tuesday 20 November 2007
Friday 16 November 2007
School News
Amusingly I am featured in the school news-letter at Hillside Primary. Here is what was put:
A student in journalism from Nottingham Trent University, Dan Palmer, visited school this week and was very impressed with the all the hard work which had been done to set up the tuck shop. He has written an article to be submitted to the local press. We thought you would be interested in the following extract:
They then put in the bit of my article which bigged up the school. They concluded the piece by putting:
Thank you Dan for a great article … we hope it makes the local press.
Really I should be the one thanking them, the school has been a great help during the progression of this story. Cheers!
A student in journalism from Nottingham Trent University, Dan Palmer, visited school this week and was very impressed with the all the hard work which had been done to set up the tuck shop. He has written an article to be submitted to the local press. We thought you would be interested in the following extract:
They then put in the bit of my article which bigged up the school. They concluded the piece by putting:
Thank you Dan for a great article … we hope it makes the local press.
Really I should be the one thanking them, the school has been a great help during the progression of this story. Cheers!
E-Mail From The Post
Recieved a nice e-mail today about my school story:
Hi Dan,
thanks for sending the article about the tuck shop to our newsdesk. I think we'll be using it in our Neighbourhood News pages on Tuesday, though because of where it is on the page it probably won't have your name on it. Sorry about that, but thanks again for sending articles in. We appreciate receiving copy of such a high quality!
If there is anything else you want to send in, feel free to e-mail me back at this address or send it to the newsdesk.
Rob Parsons
Cheers Rob! Third story in, not a bad return from my first five stories.
Hi Dan,
thanks for sending the article about the tuck shop to our newsdesk. I think we'll be using it in our Neighbourhood News pages on Tuesday, though because of where it is on the page it probably won't have your name on it. Sorry about that, but thanks again for sending articles in. We appreciate receiving copy of such a high quality!
If there is anything else you want to send in, feel free to e-mail me back at this address or send it to the newsdesk.
Rob Parsons
Cheers Rob! Third story in, not a bad return from my first five stories.
Thursday 15 November 2007
Work Experience
Recently secured a weeks work experience at the Exeter Express & Echo as well as Portsmouth's The News. These will occur in the summer. Just fired off a couple of e-mails saying what a superb journalist I was and they said, "yeah, come on down!" Cheers guys!
For The Love Of The Game
In a world of pre-match build ups, different camera angles and tiresome ‘expert’ analysis, Dan Palmer goes in search of football's grass routes.
It’s a Saturday, it’s 3.pm. and like many people I have gone to the
footy. Except my experience is going to be a tad different this week. The ground I find myself in is uncovered on two sides and one end actually backs on to people's gardens. The pitch looks like it will turn into a mud bath after a single drop of rain and a dodgy looking burger van is setting up in the corner. A sixties style television gantry looms over the pitch and a creaky tannoy system echoes around the ground. I am about as far from Old Trafford as it is possible to be. This is Watnall Road, home of Hucknall Town Football Club.
I’m here to find out why people make the effort with clubs like this. With more televised matches than ever before, is there anyone left who cares about the local form of the beautiful game? I had come to meet the people who would shun the warmth of the pub, with its big screens and glamorous Premier League stars, to concentrate on football in its purest form.
Hucknall play in the Blue Square North division, two leagues away from the Football League and five shy of the Premiership. The club was formed as a colliery side in 1945 and has had reasonable success over the years, making their way up the football pyramid from the Nottinghamshire leagues to their current position. In the 2004-5 season they reached the final of the FA Trophy, the top FA tournament for non-league sides. Legendary players include prolific striker Ian ‘The Hitman’ Hannah, and ex Manchester United forward, David Johnson.
On my visit, the side were struggling. After fifteen games they were sitting rock bottom of the Blue Square North, with a pitiful ten points. Attendances were also low, with just 270 turning up to watch a dismal 3-0 defeat against Blyth Spartans.
In the club shop, which is based in a small portakabin, I meet retired sisters Lynne Taylor and Jill Nicholls. They have been coming to matches for twenty years. Lynne's husband Maurice is on the club's committee and Jill’s son Tom is training to be a physio. He hopes to join the club one day as well. So why have they given up so much of their time?
“I guess it’s just the sense of pride.” coos Lynne. “It means something to be a part of your local club.”
Jill, who has been nodding along, clearly agrees. “There is a great feeling of belonging. I feel like part of a community, and you just don’t get that at the bigger clubs.”
I watch them for a while as they sell scarves and programmes to supporters. They chat with everyone who comes in, clearly knowing them all.
“Everybody knows everybody here,” says Lynne. “It is a much better atmosphere, far friendlier. We treat our supporters like they are people, not customers.”
Soon it is time for the game. The guests today are Solihull Moors, and it soon becomes clear that the Hucknall supporters are passionate about their team.
“I have lived in Hucknall most of my life,” Jill tells me. “They are my local club, my team!”
It is not hard to see what she means. Looking around there are numerous examples of people who are passionate about their town, and therefore their team. With so many supporters opting to follow clubs miles away from home in places like Manchester and Liverpool, it is refreshing to see so much pride for a local community.
Monica Glover started coming eight years ago when Notts County no longer offered her value for money. She sells raffle tickets and also helps to take down the nets after games.
“At County it felt like they just wanted to take my money,” she tells me. “Here I am much more involved. And I have lived here for so long, so it is like Hucknall Town is my team. That means something, so I do my bit.”
Half time arrives and after a poor performance Hucknall are lucky to go into the break with the scores goalless.
“Could be worse!” says Jill, shaking her head at me. It is starting to rain and a biting breeze is blowing into everyone’s faces. With situations like this, does she every wonder why she bothers?
“Never!” she states bluntly. “This club is a part of me now, when you come every week, it becomes engrained in you. And I actually get involved at my club. I help out, make a difference. How many fans of bigger clubs can say that?”
The second half starts badly when Hucknall go behind. Jill shakes her head and sighs, clearly used to this sort of situation. Andrew Moore, another supporter, turns up to air his grievances. With the rain falling and his team one behind, why doesn’t he just pack it in and head for the warmth of the pub?
“If I were offered tickets to the Premier League, I would still come here,” he says, grinning. “It’s much more personal here. I know some of the players and they are just regular guys like you and me. You can’t say that about the Premiership, where you don’t feel part of it at all.”
Luckily, going behind seems to be spurt Hucknall into life. A good spell sees them take the lead, sending the fans into raptures. We are standing behind one of the goals and are right up close to the action. The stadium, although falling apart in places, is full of life and a stark contrast to the characterless bowl stadiums that many clubs are now building.
Hucknall look set to claim a vital three points but fate strikes a cruel blow. Solihull equalise with about ten minutes left, and the game finishes 2-2.
Lynne looks at me and sighs. “Oh well,” she says. “I’ll be back next week.”
And if it is always as friendly as that, I might be as well.
It’s a Saturday, it’s 3.pm. and like many people I have gone to the
footy. Except my experience is going to be a tad different this week. The ground I find myself in is uncovered on two sides and one end actually backs on to people's gardens. The pitch looks like it will turn into a mud bath after a single drop of rain and a dodgy looking burger van is setting up in the corner. A sixties style television gantry looms over the pitch and a creaky tannoy system echoes around the ground. I am about as far from Old Trafford as it is possible to be. This is Watnall Road, home of Hucknall Town Football Club.I’m here to find out why people make the effort with clubs like this. With more televised matches than ever before, is there anyone left who cares about the local form of the beautiful game? I had come to meet the people who would shun the warmth of the pub, with its big screens and glamorous Premier League stars, to concentrate on football in its purest form.
Hucknall play in the Blue Square North division, two leagues away from the Football League and five shy of the Premiership. The club was formed as a colliery side in 1945 and has had reasonable success over the years, making their way up the football pyramid from the Nottinghamshire leagues to their current position. In the 2004-5 season they reached the final of the FA Trophy, the top FA tournament for non-league sides. Legendary players include prolific striker Ian ‘The Hitman’ Hannah, and ex Manchester United forward, David Johnson.
On my visit, the side were struggling. After fifteen games they were sitting rock bottom of the Blue Square North, with a pitiful ten points. Attendances were also low, with just 270 turning up to watch a dismal 3-0 defeat against Blyth Spartans.
In the club shop, which is based in a small portakabin, I meet retired sisters Lynne Taylor and Jill Nicholls. They have been coming to matches for twenty years. Lynne's husband Maurice is on the club's committee and Jill’s son Tom is training to be a physio. He hopes to join the club one day as well. So why have they given up so much of their time?
“I guess it’s just the sense of pride.” coos Lynne. “It means something to be a part of your local club.”
Jill, who has been nodding along, clearly agrees. “There is a great feeling of belonging. I feel like part of a community, and you just don’t get that at the bigger clubs.”
I watch them for a while as they sell scarves and programmes to supporters. They chat with everyone who comes in, clearly knowing them all.
“Everybody knows everybody here,” says Lynne. “It is a much better atmosphere, far friendlier. We treat our supporters like they are people, not customers.”
Soon it is time for the game. The guests today are Solihull Moors, and it soon becomes clear that the Hucknall supporters are passionate about their team.
“I have lived in Hucknall most of my life,” Jill tells me. “They are my local club, my team!”
It is not hard to see what she means. Looking around there are numerous examples of people who are passionate about their town, and therefore their team. With so many supporters opting to follow clubs miles away from home in places like Manchester and Liverpool, it is refreshing to see so much pride for a local community.
Monica Glover started coming eight years ago when Notts County no longer offered her value for money. She sells raffle tickets and also helps to take down the nets after games.
“At County it felt like they just wanted to take my money,” she tells me. “Here I am much more involved. And I have lived here for so long, so it is like Hucknall Town is my team. That means something, so I do my bit.”
Half time arrives and after a poor performance Hucknall are lucky to go into the break with the scores goalless.
“Could be worse!” says Jill, shaking her head at me. It is starting to rain and a biting breeze is blowing into everyone’s faces. With situations like this, does she every wonder why she bothers?
“Never!” she states bluntly. “This club is a part of me now, when you come every week, it becomes engrained in you. And I actually get involved at my club. I help out, make a difference. How many fans of bigger clubs can say that?”
The second half starts badly when Hucknall go behind. Jill shakes her head and sighs, clearly used to this sort of situation. Andrew Moore, another supporter, turns up to air his grievances. With the rain falling and his team one behind, why doesn’t he just pack it in and head for the warmth of the pub?
“If I were offered tickets to the Premier League, I would still come here,” he says, grinning. “It’s much more personal here. I know some of the players and they are just regular guys like you and me. You can’t say that about the Premiership, where you don’t feel part of it at all.”
Luckily, going behind seems to be spurt Hucknall into life. A good spell sees them take the lead, sending the fans into raptures. We are standing behind one of the goals and are right up close to the action. The stadium, although falling apart in places, is full of life and a stark contrast to the characterless bowl stadiums that many clubs are now building.
Hucknall look set to claim a vital three points but fate strikes a cruel blow. Solihull equalise with about ten minutes left, and the game finishes 2-2.
Lynne looks at me and sighs. “Oh well,” she says. “I’ll be back next week.”
And if it is always as friendly as that, I might be as well.
Jamie Oliver would be proud
A SCHOOL will be opening its own healthy tuck shop – and it will be ran and maintained by the kids.
Lucky children will be encouraged to eat well, and will also develop business skills by handling money and using computers to work out prices and profits.
The project is being introduced at the Hillside Primary and Nursery, in Roberts Lane, Hucknall.
It ticks all the boxes of the government’s Every Child Matters scheme, which was introduced after the murder of eight year old Victoria Climbié in London.
Under the scheme, the government's aim is for every child, whatever their background or circumstances, to have the support they need to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well being.
School learning mentor Petra Morrish (correct), one of the staff involved in setting up the shop, said: “This is a really good thing to do for the school, and for the children.”
“It covers many different areas of the national curriculum, and the children are really looking forward to it as well,” she added.
Snacks on sale will include, fruit, cereal bars, raisins, flapjacks and orange and apple juice.
The price limit on everything is 20p, making it affordable for everyone, and a small profit will be made that will go back into the school. The children will be working at the shop themselves, and coming up with the pricing systems.
School Chair of Governors Ruth Stamper (correct), said: “This gives the children a sense of responsibility, as well as promoting healthy eating.”
The school will fund the project itself, and the food has been bought by parents. Tesco donated £10 to the project.
Parent Claire Ash (correct), said: “It’s great that the children have been given the opportunity to eat healthily.”
Lucky children will be encouraged to eat well, and will also develop business skills by handling money and using computers to work out prices and profits.
The project is being introduced at the Hillside Primary and Nursery, in Roberts Lane, Hucknall.
It ticks all the boxes of the government’s Every Child Matters scheme, which was introduced after the murder of eight year old Victoria Climbié in London.
Under the scheme, the government's aim is for every child, whatever their background or circumstances, to have the support they need to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well being.
School learning mentor Petra Morrish (correct), one of the staff involved in setting up the shop, said: “This is a really good thing to do for the school, and for the children.”
“It covers many different areas of the national curriculum, and the children are really looking forward to it as well,” she added.
Snacks on sale will include, fruit, cereal bars, raisins, flapjacks and orange and apple juice.
The price limit on everything is 20p, making it affordable for everyone, and a small profit will be made that will go back into the school. The children will be working at the shop themselves, and coming up with the pricing systems.
School Chair of Governors Ruth Stamper (correct), said: “This gives the children a sense of responsibility, as well as promoting healthy eating.”
The school will fund the project itself, and the food has been bought by parents. Tesco donated £10 to the project.
Parent Claire Ash (correct), said: “It’s great that the children have been given the opportunity to eat healthily.”
Wednesday 14 November 2007
Hot Hot Heat & The Thirst @ Rescue Rooms for NG
Hair Today - NG Magazine reviews Hot Hot Heat
Things don't start too well for me at the Rescue Rooms tonight. My first mistake comes when I spend £2.80 on what turns out to be a quite frankly awful pint of Worthington's. I'm no sandal wearing CAMRA member but this was just really, really bad. It left me desperate for a proper drink, or at least for something that wasn't 90% water, but unfortunately I didn't have any more money with me. That, as you may have gathered, was my second mistake. Right, this music had better be good then.
First on are The Thirst, who in a world full of mundane guitar bands are a breath of fresh air. Apparently ex-Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood saw them once and signed them on the spot and I can't say I'm surprised. The Brixton trio are on a bit of a roll at the moment, having recently supported the infamous Sex Pistols, and they produce a set which is loud, fast and full of life.
It is a highly original performance which sees fast paced vocals mingle with guitars, and in the main it works. Piercing riffs allow for some extremely catchy and funky music, with elements of soul and hip hop creeping into the sound. It is a pity that the crowd don't really respond. At times the set was too frantic, and you could hardly hear singing over the wall of guitars. But in the main it was a great performance which certainly quashed memories of dodgy pints of beer.
The five members of Hot Hot Heat arrive on stage led by singer/keyboardist Steve Bays, who sports a simply amazing perm. The Canadian rockers have not really hit the big time on these shores, with Bandages being the only song that most people have really heard of. I remember dancing to it back in my undergraduate days (*sigh*) and it is no doubt a corking tune, but for one reason or another it never propelled them to superstardom [Ed’s note: try the fact that Radio 1 banned it from their playlist.]
In tonight's set the song is the highlight by a country mile, sending the mosh pit into an over excited frenzy. The only problem is that most of the other songs seem tame in comparison. The lads are accomplished musicians, and they play a pleasing selection of indie-punk pop, but few of the songs could be considered groundbreaking. With nothing to back Bandages up, it perhaps becomes clear why they never broke through in this country. No Not Now and Harmonicas and Tambourines are obvious high points, but the rest just seems to blend into one and could be described as good, but not great.
You can’t fault the band's enthusiasm and energy though. Bays is a busy man, playing keyboard with one hand and holding a microphone with the other, but he still tries to play the frontman role by dancing all over the stage. He regularly surges towards us, but with one hand permanently glued to the keys it looks like he is playing a game of Twister with himself.
If I'm sounding a little harsh then it must be said that a lot of people were enjoying it. An army of teenage fans towards the front of the stage enthusiastically lap up everything the band does. Bays energetically plays the crowd, and most of them think he can do no wrong. He shows no qualms in posing for pictures on the cameras which are frequently thrust in his face, and at one point he dips his head into the front row to allow a lucky few to play with the perm.
With so many people having fun, Hot Hot Heat begin to enjoy themselves, and even I begin to let up. It's hard to be critical around so many happy people, and when they launch into Let Me In, a powerful track, I'm tempted to dance along with the rest. I left with a smile on my face, but it is important to remember that tonight’s gig took place in the relatively small Rescue Rooms. I would hazard a guess that everyone who wanted to be here tonight probably was and that Hot Hot Heat would struggle to fill bigger venues. In this country at least, the Canadians have found their level.
Gone Tomorrow: Dan Palmer
Images: Matt Birhanzel
http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/Hair_Today:_NG_Magazine_reviews_Hot_Hot_Heat/
Things don't start too well for me at the Rescue Rooms tonight. My first mistake comes when I spend £2.80 on what turns out to be a quite frankly awful pint of Worthington's. I'm no sandal wearing CAMRA member but this was just really, really bad. It left me desperate for a proper drink, or at least for something that wasn't 90% water, but unfortunately I didn't have any more money with me. That, as you may have gathered, was my second mistake. Right, this music had better be good then.
First on are The Thirst, who in a world full of mundane guitar bands are a breath of fresh air. Apparently ex-Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood saw them once and signed them on the spot and I can't say I'm surprised. The Brixton trio are on a bit of a roll at the moment, having recently supported the infamous Sex Pistols, and they produce a set which is loud, fast and full of life.
It is a highly original performance which sees fast paced vocals mingle with guitars, and in the main it works. Piercing riffs allow for some extremely catchy and funky music, with elements of soul and hip hop creeping into the sound. It is a pity that the crowd don't really respond. At times the set was too frantic, and you could hardly hear singing over the wall of guitars. But in the main it was a great performance which certainly quashed memories of dodgy pints of beer.
The five members of Hot Hot Heat arrive on stage led by singer/keyboardist Steve Bays, who sports a simply amazing perm. The Canadian rockers have not really hit the big time on these shores, with Bandages being the only song that most people have really heard of. I remember dancing to it back in my undergraduate days (*sigh*) and it is no doubt a corking tune, but for one reason or another it never propelled them to superstardom [Ed’s note: try the fact that Radio 1 banned it from their playlist.]
In tonight's set the song is the highlight by a country mile, sending the mosh pit into an over excited frenzy. The only problem is that most of the other songs seem tame in comparison. The lads are accomplished musicians, and they play a pleasing selection of indie-punk pop, but few of the songs could be considered groundbreaking. With nothing to back Bandages up, it perhaps becomes clear why they never broke through in this country. No Not Now and Harmonicas and Tambourines are obvious high points, but the rest just seems to blend into one and could be described as good, but not great.
You can’t fault the band's enthusiasm and energy though. Bays is a busy man, playing keyboard with one hand and holding a microphone with the other, but he still tries to play the frontman role by dancing all over the stage. He regularly surges towards us, but with one hand permanently glued to the keys it looks like he is playing a game of Twister with himself.
If I'm sounding a little harsh then it must be said that a lot of people were enjoying it. An army of teenage fans towards the front of the stage enthusiastically lap up everything the band does. Bays energetically plays the crowd, and most of them think he can do no wrong. He shows no qualms in posing for pictures on the cameras which are frequently thrust in his face, and at one point he dips his head into the front row to allow a lucky few to play with the perm.
With so many people having fun, Hot Hot Heat begin to enjoy themselves, and even I begin to let up. It's hard to be critical around so many happy people, and when they launch into Let Me In, a powerful track, I'm tempted to dance along with the rest. I left with a smile on my face, but it is important to remember that tonight’s gig took place in the relatively small Rescue Rooms. I would hazard a guess that everyone who wanted to be here tonight probably was and that Hot Hot Heat would struggle to fill bigger venues. In this country at least, the Canadians have found their level.
Gone Tomorrow: Dan Palmer
Images: Matt Birhanzel
http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/Hair_Today:_NG_Magazine_reviews_Hot_Hot_Heat/
Tuesday 13 November 2007
Charity Walk For The Blind
FUNDRAISERS are set to come out in force – on a charity walk for the blind.
Byron’s Winter Walk takes place on Sunday 18th November at Newstead Abbey, near Hucknall, and 95 people have already signed up to take part. The Abbey is the ancestral home of the famous poet Lord Byron.
Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind are organising the event to raise much needed funds for blind and visionary impaired people within the region.
People of all ages have committed themselves to the walk, to the delight of the organisers.
Events and community fundraiser Vicky Smith said: “We are thrilled with the response so far. Loads of people have come forward, including a team of opticians.”
The hike lasts nine miles and will get underway at 10.am. Upon leaving the abbey, those taking part will pass through scenic woodland before returning to their starting point. Hot chocolate and mince pies will then be available while the walkers give their feet a well earned rest.
The charity assists around 6,500 people in Nottinghamshire with advice, information, training and support.
One of their initiatives is the Child Support Scheme, which gives visually impaired children the chance to meet others with similar conditions.
Fundraising manager Michael Conroy, (correct) said: “We hope to raise around £6000.”
“We are the only charity for the visually impaired in the Nottingham area, so this money will go straight back into the local community.” he added.
There is a registration fee of £5 for those wishing to take part, although it is free for under 16’s. Walkers will also be asked to collect sponsorship.
Anyone interested in joining in can contact the charity’s events team on 01159 706 806.
Byron’s Winter Walk takes place on Sunday 18th November at Newstead Abbey, near Hucknall, and 95 people have already signed up to take part. The Abbey is the ancestral home of the famous poet Lord Byron.
Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind are organising the event to raise much needed funds for blind and visionary impaired people within the region.
People of all ages have committed themselves to the walk, to the delight of the organisers.
Events and community fundraiser Vicky Smith said: “We are thrilled with the response so far. Loads of people have come forward, including a team of opticians.”
The hike lasts nine miles and will get underway at 10.am. Upon leaving the abbey, those taking part will pass through scenic woodland before returning to their starting point. Hot chocolate and mince pies will then be available while the walkers give their feet a well earned rest.
The charity assists around 6,500 people in Nottinghamshire with advice, information, training and support.
One of their initiatives is the Child Support Scheme, which gives visually impaired children the chance to meet others with similar conditions.
Fundraising manager Michael Conroy, (correct) said: “We hope to raise around £6000.”
“We are the only charity for the visually impaired in the Nottingham area, so this money will go straight back into the local community.” he added.
There is a registration fee of £5 for those wishing to take part, although it is free for under 16’s. Walkers will also be asked to collect sponsorship.
Anyone interested in joining in can contact the charity’s events team on 01159 706 806.
Tuesday 6 November 2007
Exclusive
My eternal thanks to the Hucknall Dispatch for not only giving me a byline but for also writing EXCLUSIVE next to my church story. I only picked it up today and I was pretty chuffed to see that. This weekly rag is surely the world's greatest paper. Seriously, they had no need to put that and I can only assume that they were helping out a student.
The fact that the Nottingham Evening Post ran my story three days prior to the Dispatch being released is of course by the by.
The fact that the Nottingham Evening Post ran my story three days prior to the Dispatch being released is of course by the by.
Saturday 3 November 2007
Doves
A KIDS group has launched an urgent appeal to find a new youth leader.
The Doves Youth Group - which is based in Hucknall - caters for Junior School Children aged between seven and eleven.
There are plans to expand the group to involve more children, but this will not be possible unless another adult supervisor can be found.
Helen Chadwick (correct), who at the moment is the group's sole leader, said "We currently have around twelve to fifteen kids but more are interested in joining."
"This will not be possible unless we find another youth leader, as the numbers would be too great." she added.
The group meets on Wednesday evenings in the St Mary Magdalene Church on Ogle Street, from 6pm to 7pm. It has been running for six years.
Despite being based in a church, the group is not overly religious according to Mrs Chadwick. Small prayers are held but the main activities are painting, singing, arts and craftwork.
In recent years the group has also been involved in community projects. They assisted in the building of a wildlife garden in the churchyard and have also taken part in Hucknall's Christmas carnivals.
Parent Anne Jackson sends her son Jack, (10), to the group's meetings. "Jack really enjoys the sessions. He makes lots of friends and gets involved with all sorts of different activities." she said.
"It would be a great shame if other kids don't get the chance to benefit in the same way."
Mrs Chadwick believes that the role would suit someone who is interested in kids and looking to put something back into the community. However she is conscious that volunteers are likely to be in short supply.
Anyone interested in the post can contact Helen Chadwick on 0775 171 9498.
The Doves Youth Group - which is based in Hucknall - caters for Junior School Children aged between seven and eleven.
There are plans to expand the group to involve more children, but this will not be possible unless another adult supervisor can be found.
Helen Chadwick (correct), who at the moment is the group's sole leader, said "We currently have around twelve to fifteen kids but more are interested in joining."
"This will not be possible unless we find another youth leader, as the numbers would be too great." she added.
The group meets on Wednesday evenings in the St Mary Magdalene Church on Ogle Street, from 6pm to 7pm. It has been running for six years.
Despite being based in a church, the group is not overly religious according to Mrs Chadwick. Small prayers are held but the main activities are painting, singing, arts and craftwork.
In recent years the group has also been involved in community projects. They assisted in the building of a wildlife garden in the churchyard and have also taken part in Hucknall's Christmas carnivals.
Parent Anne Jackson sends her son Jack, (10), to the group's meetings. "Jack really enjoys the sessions. He makes lots of friends and gets involved with all sorts of different activities." she said.
"It would be a great shame if other kids don't get the chance to benefit in the same way."
Mrs Chadwick believes that the role would suit someone who is interested in kids and looking to put something back into the community. However she is conscious that volunteers are likely to be in short supply.
Anyone interested in the post can contact Helen Chadwick on 0775 171 9498.
Tuesday 30 October 2007
Young Knives @ Rescue Rooms for NG
Supporting the Young Knives tonight are the wonderfully-entitled Ungdomskulen. They hail from Norway and by all accounts have more than a few screws loose. This theory is confirmed when their front man promises to: “blow our underwear off!" Er, steady on mate! They launch into a chaotic set where their enthusiasm cannot be doubted.
They clearly enjoy playing and the energy rubs off on the crowd as they leap all over the stage. Rarely pausing for breath, the sound at times simply resembles a wall of noise but they also produce some pleasing high pitched riffs and the drumming is a real highlight. Cowbells and wooden blocks adjourn the kit to give their performance a refreshing sense of originality.
And so to The Young Knives who stroll on looking exceptionally dapper in shirts and ties. As years go, 2007 hasn't been half bad for the indie-punk three-piece. A UK headline tour, appearances at Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds and a critically-acclaimed album that was nominated for this year’s Mercury Music Prize. Is it just me, or does that seem a tad greedy? The question now though, is whether they can keep up this phenomenal level of success. The Knives are currently recording that tricky second album, and it is one that promises to make or break their career. So many bands come and go after only the briefest of moments in the sun, so will Ashby De La Zouch's most famous export have what it takes to stick around?
The Rescue Rooms crowd eagerly await them and it seems strange that they are playing in such a small venue, giving their recent success (Rock City anyone?). A fair amount of new material was showcased tonight, mingled with tracks from that Mercury-nominated album, Voices Of Animals And Men. Predictably, the older songs go down better.
Recognised favourites such as Here Comes The Rumour Mill and The Decision get the crowd dancing at the front; the Knives' piercing guitars and in-your-face brashness goes down superbly. It is a highly energetic performance and the crowd cannot help but be swept up in the flow. New single Terra Firma is one of the highlights. Every band needs an anthem to push them to superstardom and this may well do it for them. It rockets along and the chorus promises to be instantly recognisable, expect to hear this on a TV advert, or at the very least, an episode of Hollyoaks.
However, with so few hits at their disposal the crowd are forced to calm down and simply listen to the new offerings. This is a problem the band themselves address, as lead singer Henry Dartnall casually quips: “You'll probably like this one when it's all over the telly." The band do their best to keep us entertained with Henry and his brother, the curiously named Thomas 'House Of Lords' Dartnall, constantly indulging in dry wit and amusing observations. This goes down well, ensuring that no-one gets bored and to be fair the new stuff shows a fair bit of promise.
Lightswitch and Up All Night in particular point to a bright future for the Knives and perhaps that tricky second album won't be so tricky after all. The newies display more pulsating riffs and there are a couple of slow numbers as well; the band developing and varying their style. Henry was probably right, when we get to know the new album we will be getting into these as much as the songs we already know. The encore ends with old favourite She's Attracted To which causes a frenzy at the front of the stage. One feels that there will be a few more crowd pleasers in the set when they next play Nottingham and they may not be playing such a small venue next time either.
Cutting Edge: Dan Palmer
http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/Blade_Trinity:_NG_Magazine_reviews_The_Young_Knives/
They clearly enjoy playing and the energy rubs off on the crowd as they leap all over the stage. Rarely pausing for breath, the sound at times simply resembles a wall of noise but they also produce some pleasing high pitched riffs and the drumming is a real highlight. Cowbells and wooden blocks adjourn the kit to give their performance a refreshing sense of originality.
And so to The Young Knives who stroll on looking exceptionally dapper in shirts and ties. As years go, 2007 hasn't been half bad for the indie-punk three-piece. A UK headline tour, appearances at Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds and a critically-acclaimed album that was nominated for this year’s Mercury Music Prize. Is it just me, or does that seem a tad greedy? The question now though, is whether they can keep up this phenomenal level of success. The Knives are currently recording that tricky second album, and it is one that promises to make or break their career. So many bands come and go after only the briefest of moments in the sun, so will Ashby De La Zouch's most famous export have what it takes to stick around?The Rescue Rooms crowd eagerly await them and it seems strange that they are playing in such a small venue, giving their recent success (Rock City anyone?). A fair amount of new material was showcased tonight, mingled with tracks from that Mercury-nominated album, Voices Of Animals And Men. Predictably, the older songs go down better.
Recognised favourites such as Here Comes The Rumour Mill and The Decision get the crowd dancing at the front; the Knives' piercing guitars and in-your-face brashness goes down superbly. It is a highly energetic performance and the crowd cannot help but be swept up in the flow. New single Terra Firma is one of the highlights. Every band needs an anthem to push them to superstardom and this may well do it for them. It rockets along and the chorus promises to be instantly recognisable, expect to hear this on a TV advert, or at the very least, an episode of Hollyoaks.
However, with so few hits at their disposal the crowd are forced to calm down and simply listen to the new offerings. This is a problem the band themselves address, as lead singer Henry Dartnall casually quips: “You'll probably like this one when it's all over the telly." The band do their best to keep us entertained with Henry and his brother, the curiously named Thomas 'House Of Lords' Dartnall, constantly indulging in dry wit and amusing observations. This goes down well, ensuring that no-one gets bored and to be fair the new stuff shows a fair bit of promise.
Lightswitch and Up All Night in particular point to a bright future for the Knives and perhaps that tricky second album won't be so tricky after all. The newies display more pulsating riffs and there are a couple of slow numbers as well; the band developing and varying their style. Henry was probably right, when we get to know the new album we will be getting into these as much as the songs we already know. The encore ends with old favourite She's Attracted To which causes a frenzy at the front of the stage. One feels that there will be a few more crowd pleasers in the set when they next play Nottingham and they may not be playing such a small venue next time either.
Cutting Edge: Dan Palmer
http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/Blade_Trinity:_NG_Magazine_reviews_The_Young_Knives/
First Byline
Delighted to report that my Church story (slightly edited) gave me my first byline today, page 18 of the Nottingham Evening Post. Fingers crossed for the Dispatch on Friday. Get in!
Friday 26 October 2007
Madagascar Piece Gets In
My piece on Madagascar made it into the Notts Post on Tuesday, as a bit of filler on page sixteen. Still bloody pleased with that! They have re-hashed it a bit and written it their own way but some of it is still mine. I only found out today when I searched for Madagascar on the Post website! I had given up on it getting in because it had been so long since I sent it. Luckily the CBJ had an old copy of tuesday's paper lying around which I was able to nick.
You can find it here if you are interested: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133965&command=displayContent&sourceNode=133948&contentPK=18746639&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch
Even better though is that the story in its unedited form made page 3 of the Hucknall Dispatch, with a little bit on the front telling people to turn to page 3! Not bad eh, one story, one front page.....
Only downside was that neither piece included my name. On the Dispatch website it actually says that my piece is by someone else. I was pissed off all day but apparantly when uploading stories to a website it puts a name on there automatically, so they haven't just swindled my work.
http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/hucknall/Pub-regulars-on-African-odyssey.3417949.jp
Cheers!
You can find it here if you are interested: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133965&command=displayContent&sourceNode=133948&contentPK=18746639&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch
Even better though is that the story in its unedited form made page 3 of the Hucknall Dispatch, with a little bit on the front telling people to turn to page 3! Not bad eh, one story, one front page.....
Only downside was that neither piece included my name. On the Dispatch website it actually says that my piece is by someone else. I was pissed off all day but apparantly when uploading stories to a website it puts a name on there automatically, so they haven't just swindled my work.
http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/hucknall/Pub-regulars-on-African-odyssey.3417949.jp
Cheers!
Thursday 25 October 2007
Byron's Church
LORD BYRON'S HISTORIC CHURCH can hold services as normal this winter - after a global appeal for a new heating system paid off.
There were fears that services at the St Mary Magdalene Church, in Hucknall, would have to be shifted elsewhere as it would be too cold in the winter months.
The old heating system - based around cast iron pipes buried in the floor - broke down in March, meaning that £60,000 would be needed to fund a new one.
And Byron fans across the world have dug deep to ensure that the pews will not be empty this Christmas. The famous poet is buried at the Church, making it an important heritage site.
Around two thirds of the target has been raised so far, enough to keep the congregation in their rightful home. New boilers and radiators have already been installed, and the inside perimeter of the church will be heated by next week.
Churchwarden Brian Hinsley (correct) was quick to praise the contributions of the fundraisers. "We owe this to the generosity of the local people, church members, and admirers of Byron's work" he said.
Reverend Linda Church (correct) has expressed her thanks and appreciation on the church's website.
Donations flooded in from as far afield as Canada, as well as from residents of Hucknall itself. The church held events such as race nights, barn dances and concerts which proved extremely popular.
Maureen Crisp (correct), secretary of the International Byron Society, was also quick to praise the support of the people at this "wonderful church".
Lord Byron died in 1834 aged 36 and is still considered as one of the world's greatest poets. Anyone who would like to donate to the church can do so by calling (0115) 9634 385.
Wednesday 24 October 2007
Super Furry Animals @ Rock City for NG
Not many bands last more than a decade and still manage to remain at the top of their game, but the Super Furry Animals have. While other groups have come and gone, their records gathering dust in record store bargain bins across the country, the Furries’ show of mayhem, music and general madness has gone from strength to strength. Hey Venus! is their eighth album and the sound, as fresh as ever, is still packing out venues across the country.
The crowd at Nottingham’s Rock City is testament to that and everyone excitedly settles in to watch the unique Welsh quintet do their thing. You never know quite what to expect at a Furries gig, with space helmets, golf carts and yeti costumes all being part of previous shows. Hmm, shouldn't be boring then!
Turquoise and purple lighting combine with electro sounds to build the mood and the band stroll out, led by the astonishingly hairy Gruff Rhys. They launch into mood setting opener Baby Ate My Eightball, an infectiously catchy track from the new record, and follow it up with the rocky Golden Retriever, a popular one that gets the crowd immediately on side.
Tracks new and old follow, and it becomes clear that the Furries are a well oiled machine; their sound is polished and they play with a professionalism that other bands would do well to match. Something seems missing though and it's the wackiness and crowd interaction that I was expecting. Rhys hasn't addressed us much so far and the crowd, although rapturously applauding each song, are not dancing around and getting into it as much as I would have thought.
A Welsh flag briefly appears but this is about as exciting as the audience gets. The quick-fire opening track on Hey Venus!, Gateway Song, leads straight in to the latest single Run Away, and this raises the spirits a bit. The latter is a gem of a track which slots in alongside other Furries classics with ease, but this aside I'm starting to wonder if the boys are ever going to pick up the pace.
I was wrong to doubt them! Things are taken up a notch when the robotic vocals of Juxtaposed With U rouse the crowd into life and Show Your Hand, another new track, keeps up the tempo perfectly. Receptacle For The Respectable whips things up to a fever pitch, complete with carrot munching sound effects from Gruff, and the guys cross their guitars as they take the crowd by the scruff of the neck.
The band go for a break but fortunately manage to keep up the momentum on their return. The space helmet comes out and Gruff stands at the front arms raised, saluting his crowd. Ah, here is the craziness! Rings Around The World is stunning as is Neo Consumer, the band pulling off a stormer in the closing stages. The slower singalongs of If You Don't Want Me To Destroy You and Hello Sunshine act as the calm before the storm as the inevitable chaos fest of crowd favourite The Man Don't Give A F**k occurs.
It has everyone jumping around like loons and the helmet is back out, band and crowd as one. It would have been a fitting finale but the lads find time to squeeze in Keep The Cosmic Trigger Happy, before strutting off stage with a sign reading "Thanks Nottingham, from S.F.A". In reality, we should be the ones thanking them.
Newiddiadurwr: Dan Palmer Ffotograffydd: Lisa Mayfield
http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/Diolch:_NG_Magazine_reviews_Super_Furry_Animals/
The crowd at Nottingham’s Rock City is testament to that and everyone excitedly settles in to watch the unique Welsh quintet do their thing. You never know quite what to expect at a Furries gig, with space helmets, golf carts and yeti costumes all being part of previous shows. Hmm, shouldn't be boring then!
Turquoise and purple lighting combine with electro sounds to build the mood and the band stroll out, led by the astonishingly hairy Gruff Rhys. They launch into mood setting opener Baby Ate My Eightball, an infectiously catchy track from the new record, and follow it up with the rocky Golden Retriever, a popular one that gets the crowd immediately on side.
Tracks new and old follow, and it becomes clear that the Furries are a well oiled machine; their sound is polished and they play with a professionalism that other bands would do well to match. Something seems missing though and it's the wackiness and crowd interaction that I was expecting. Rhys hasn't addressed us much so far and the crowd, although rapturously applauding each song, are not dancing around and getting into it as much as I would have thought.
A Welsh flag briefly appears but this is about as exciting as the audience gets. The quick-fire opening track on Hey Venus!, Gateway Song, leads straight in to the latest single Run Away, and this raises the spirits a bit. The latter is a gem of a track which slots in alongside other Furries classics with ease, but this aside I'm starting to wonder if the boys are ever going to pick up the pace.
I was wrong to doubt them! Things are taken up a notch when the robotic vocals of Juxtaposed With U rouse the crowd into life and Show Your Hand, another new track, keeps up the tempo perfectly. Receptacle For The Respectable whips things up to a fever pitch, complete with carrot munching sound effects from Gruff, and the guys cross their guitars as they take the crowd by the scruff of the neck.
The band go for a break but fortunately manage to keep up the momentum on their return. The space helmet comes out and Gruff stands at the front arms raised, saluting his crowd. Ah, here is the craziness! Rings Around The World is stunning as is Neo Consumer, the band pulling off a stormer in the closing stages. The slower singalongs of If You Don't Want Me To Destroy You and Hello Sunshine act as the calm before the storm as the inevitable chaos fest of crowd favourite The Man Don't Give A F**k occurs.
It has everyone jumping around like loons and the helmet is back out, band and crowd as one. It would have been a fitting finale but the lads find time to squeeze in Keep The Cosmic Trigger Happy, before strutting off stage with a sign reading "Thanks Nottingham, from S.F.A". In reality, we should be the ones thanking them.
Newiddiadurwr: Dan Palmer Ffotograffydd: Lisa Mayfield
http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/Diolch:_NG_Magazine_reviews_Super_Furry_Animals/
Madagascar
TWO INTREPID ADVENTURERS have set their sights on an African odyssey - and their dreams have been backed by their local pub.
Tommy Walker, (26), and Justin Henson, (30) (both correct), from Hucknall, are planning a life changing ten week trip to Madagascar to work for the charity Azafady.
The boys need to raise £2000 each to make the journey this April and the Green Dragon pub, in Watnall Road, has been a crucial part of the fundraising.
The lads are regulars at the pub which has spearheaded many initiatives - including a sale where old glasses were brought up from the cellars, cleaned, and then sold on. Money from pool players raised £40 and a collection pot at the end of the bar over £200. A car wash was also held in the car park.
Mr Henson heralded the pub's involvement. "Everyone has been behind us” he said.
"After another bad day at work we just wanted to do something worthwhile and achieve something. The pub has been great, keen to help as much as possible" he added.
Madagascar lies in the Indian ocean off the South-Eastern coast of Africa and is the world's fourth largest island. It is home to a hugely diverse range of animal and plant life but is also one of the world's poorest countries. Azafady looks to address conservational issues with schemes aimed at preserving the country's forests and endangered species. But they also help the indigenous population with programmes such as Aids awareness.
Green Dragon landlady Jacqueline Duchemin (correct), said that her pub's involvement was simply about "Helping the local people". Anyone wishing to donate to Tommy and Justin can do so by contacting Azafady on (0)208 9606 629 or by popping into the pub.
Tommy Walker, (26), and Justin Henson, (30) (both correct), from Hucknall, are planning a life changing ten week trip to Madagascar to work for the charity Azafady.
The boys need to raise £2000 each to make the journey this April and the Green Dragon pub, in Watnall Road, has been a crucial part of the fundraising.
The lads are regulars at the pub which has spearheaded many initiatives - including a sale where old glasses were brought up from the cellars, cleaned, and then sold on. Money from pool players raised £40 and a collection pot at the end of the bar over £200. A car wash was also held in the car park.
Mr Henson heralded the pub's involvement. "Everyone has been behind us” he said.
"After another bad day at work we just wanted to do something worthwhile and achieve something. The pub has been great, keen to help as much as possible" he added.
Madagascar lies in the Indian ocean off the South-Eastern coast of Africa and is the world's fourth largest island. It is home to a hugely diverse range of animal and plant life but is also one of the world's poorest countries. Azafady looks to address conservational issues with schemes aimed at preserving the country's forests and endangered species. But they also help the indigenous population with programmes such as Aids awareness.
Green Dragon landlady Jacqueline Duchemin (correct), said that her pub's involvement was simply about "Helping the local people". Anyone wishing to donate to Tommy and Justin can do so by contacting Azafady on (0)208 9606 629 or by popping into the pub.
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