Thursday 21 February 2008

Coates

FANS of the composer Eric Coates are hoping to establish a dedicatory society to celebrate his work.

A successful concert of the Hucknall natives’ music was performed in December – and this has led to an increased interest in his scores.

He is most famous for composing the distinctive title march from the film score of The Dam Busters.

The project has been set up by Ashfield District Council in partnership with the Hucknall Tourism and Regeneration Group.

And they have invited anyone interested in forming a society to a special meeting at the Watnall Road Community Centre, Hucknall, at 6.30pm on Wednesday 27th Feburary.

The venue coincidentally lies next door to Coates’ birthplace.

Heritage and Tourism Development Officer Denis Hill said: “It is felt by many Hucknall residents that not enough is made of or known about Coates, after all he is probably the most famous of Hucknall’s sons.

“A lot is spoken about Byron and Lovelace but they never actually came to Hucknall, to the best of our knowledge, until after their death, when they were both buried in the Byron family vault.”

The aim of the meeting is to tap up local interest in Coates’ before escalating to a far wider audience.

Interest in the project will be gauged and people will have the opportunity to discuss and formulate ideas.

Coates admirer Ben Sherwood, originally from Hucknall, said: “A society for Coates is long
overdue.

“I look forward to being a part of it when it is created.”

It is envisaged that the society could hold concerts and lectures as well as printing a newsletter, but this would be dependant on the wishes of members.

The council will provide initial financial support for the group but will eventually withdraw so it can run on an independent basis.

Should you require further details in advance of the meeting on the 27th, please contact Denis Hill at Ashfield District Council on 01623 450000 or email: d.g.hill@ashfield-dc.gov.uk

Friday 15 February 2008

Sports Relief


WOULD be athletes have been invited to take to the track for a special charity run. Competitors can choose to run one, three or six miles at the event which is part of the BBC’s Sport Relief appeal.

It all kicks off at Ashfield School on Sutton Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, at 10am on Sunday 16th March.

Places are expected to be limited so anyone wanting to take part is encouraged to sign up early.

Sports Development Officer Carol Hallam, of Ashfield Council, said: “We’re delighted that Ashfield has been selected to host this exciting event. It was a huge success in 2006 and we’re looking forward to seeing hundreds of residents taking part, getting sponsored and raising money for Sport Relief.”

The event will also be part of the celebrations marking the centenry of the Sutton Harriers Athletics Club whose members have been running since 1908.

Club secretary Michael Davies said: “You can stroll, jog or run around the course as this is a fun-filled event for the entire family.

“There will also be the chance to find out about the history of the Athletics Club,” he added.
Runners are encouraged to come in fancy dress and prizes will be awarded for the best efforts.
Side stalls, attractions and live music will also be part of the fun.
There is a fee of £5 for adults and £2 for children under sixteen.
A family discount of £12 for two adults and two children is also available, and all runners are asked to collect sponsorship.
Anyone interested in taking part can sign up at http://www.sportrelief.com/sutton-harriers-mile where the latest details of the event will also be available.

First Newsday Piece: Beijing 2008


THIS SUMMER'S controversial Olympics in Beijing have been heavily defended by Chinese people in Nottingham after Steven Spielberg's snub.

The American director terminated his involvement with the games on Wednesday and many others have called for a boycott because of China's human rights abuses.

But these views have been met with an angry response from the city’s Chinese community.

Acupuncturist Alice Lai (34) who is originally from Shanghai said: “People shouldn't say that China shouldn't get the Olympics, I think that is very stupid.

“There is a lack of understanding about China in the West. The only views you get are from newspapers and on television, not many people have actually been there and experienced our country.
“Every country should be allowed to host the Olympics, and in Beijing we can show the world the real China. The World is going to love China.”

The Chinese government have stressed that political issues should not be mixed with sport.

Guangzhou based Journalism Student Emma Ma (25) said: “The Olympics is supposed to encourage people from around the world to join together for one cause.

“As far as I’m concerned, sport and the government are two totally different things.”

Gaozhoao Jun, from Beijing, said: “A boycott would not be fair.

“The Olympics are a great chance for people to get involved in events, and they have nothing to do with the government.

“China is looking forward to welcoming the world to our country, and it’s going to be a great event.”

Wednesday 13 February 2008

Teeline Massacre

Delighted to report that I passed my 80 words Shorthand exam at the first attempt, with 100% accuracy. My name is up in lights here: http://www.nctj.com/moreshortdispaly.php?sid=11&res_id=res_id Get in!

Monday 11 February 2008

Mongolia Piece Online

My Mongolia bit in Platform can be found here: http://www.trentstudents.org/docs/platform/07-08/Platform_07-08_Volume-16_Issue-6.pdf

It's on page 23. Cheers to Dan Wilson for helping to get it in.

Sunday 10 February 2008

Nottinghamshire Learning Network

I just found my tuck shop story on this website: http://nln.nottscc.gov.uk/Lists/Announcements/DispForm.aspx?ID=83

Hat-trick! Goes Live

Hat-trick! went out at 2pm on Friday. We had a few technical issues but I think we managed to come through okay and produce a decent enough show. You can listen at http://www.normanradio.co.uk/. Head over to the archive section, then shows from 8.2.08. We come on after about four and a half hours, after the news. Enjoy!

Wednesday 6 February 2008

Worksop Guardian

Oddly, it appears that my church story from a while back was included in the Worksop Guardian.

You can view it here: http://www.worksopguardian.co.uk/hucknall-news/Winter-of-content-for-historic.3438526.jp

And there was me thinking that there was a bit of distance between Hucknall and Worksop. I am currently trying to determine if it was included in the actual paper. Either way, Worksop Guardian is going on the CV, and this site!