Dan Palmer

This is...annoying

2008-07-23T14:43:00.003+01:00

The This is....news websites (This Is Nottingham etc) have been given a revamp and all the URLs for old stories and hence changed. This means that all the links I posted on this site from This is sites are now dead, though the stories are still out there somewhere. Can I be bothered to search for them and fix the links? Nope, didn't think so!

Portsmouth Bylines

2008-07-22T21:56:00.005+01:00

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/people/Lollipop-lady-calls-it-a.4283783.jp

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/waterlooville-and-e-hants/It39s-a-mission-accomplished.4300176.jp

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/havant-and-w-sussex/Sufferer-steps-out-to-enjoy.4278450.jp

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/Students-celebrate-winning-arts-prize.4268307.jp

Exeter Bylines

2008-07-10T11:11:00.004+01:00

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=137015&command=displayContent&sourceNode=136999&contentPK=20995717&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=137015&command=displayContent&sourceNode=136999&contentPK=21014566&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=137015&command=displayContent&sourceNode=136999&contentPK=21011630&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch (also by Rob Flemming & Kate Clarkson)

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=137015&command=displayContent&sourceNode=136999&contentPK=21021743&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch

Derby Telegraph

2008-06-05T21:25:00.001+01:00

The Tim Carter story got in the Derby Telegraph as a nib. Another publication for the CV...

http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=124615&command=displayContent&sourceNode=124519&contentPK=20764675&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch

Help For Heroes walk

2008-05-31T17:03:00.001+01:00

This story appeared in the Dispatch and the Post but sadly the Dispatch link has gone tits up: http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/hucknall/Charity-walk-to-help-armed.4066094.jp

Post link is here:http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133965&command=displayContent&sourceNode=133948&contentPK=20629691&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch

A FORMER Royal Air Force serviceman is undertaking a gruelling twelve hour walk in aid of the armed forces.

Rob Bramley (42), from Bulwell, is tackling the walk with three friends in aid of Help for Heroes, an organisation dedicated to helping those who return from conflicts wounded or injured.

The charity is trying to raise £6 million to fund a much needed swimming pool and gym complex at RAF Headley Court, near Epson, Surrey.

Patients currently have to share facilities with the public in nearby Leatherhead.

Mike served for ten years as a storeman at RAF Honington, RAF Whittering and RAF Newton, as well as spending four months in the Falklands during peacetime.

He said: “As I am ex-forces I believe that this is a really worthwhile cause and it is something that is really close to my heart.

“Thankfully I do not know anyone affected but when anyone in the armed forces dies it is particularly upsetting, especially for those they leave behind.”

“I am really looking forward to doing the walk and we hope to raise around £500.”

The event is taking place on Saturday 17th May on the running track of the Harvey Hadden Sports Complex, in Bilborough, Nottingham.

It kicks off at 8am in the morning and finishes at 8pm.

Members of HMS Sherwood will be in attendance and an information display will also be set up.

Rob is also hoping for voluntary help from a local cadet force and scouts.

Help for Heroes Appeal Chairman Bryn Parry said: “Our appeal is about the blokes, our men and women. They are just blokes but they are our blokes, they are our heroes. We want to help our heroes.”

Anyone wanting to sponsor Rob can do so by visiting: http://www.justgiving.com/robertbramley1

Tim and his marathons

2008-05-29T17:24:00.002+01:00

The following story about my mate Tim has been used on the Birmingham Mail website:

FOR most people running one marathon would be a challenge, but ambitious Tim Carter is attempting to run three within a month.

The 23-year-old, from Edgbaston, will be attempting the Prague marathon on the 11th May and then the Edinburgh Marathon on the 25th May, in addition to the Sheffield Half Marathon which he completed in April.

"I always planned on doing a marathon this year, and I had my hopes set on London with a
contingency plan of Paris," he said.

"Unfortunately I got into neither and I was quite disheartened until a friend pointed out that there were other marathons in the world.

"I found out about Prague and Edinburgh and for reasons which in recent days I have been questioning, I decided to go for both!

"I'm a little nervous, because with distance running you need constant reassurances that you are still in shape.

"I hope that once I get going, things will be alright!"

The architect is attempting the feat of endurance in an attempt to raise £1,000 for Cancer Research.

He said: "It's something I feel quite strongly about - it has affected a couple of people who I know in my lifetime, one of whom I was quite close to.

"I have set myself a target of raising £1000, but in truth, anything I can raise I will be pleased with.

"I have been overwhelmed thus far with the generosity of those who have contributeed."

Tim has been training five or six days a week for the last three months in preparation for the challenge, covering an average of fifty miles a week.

He is aiming to break the mythical three hour mark in at least one race, which only 1.8% of marathon runners achieve.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Tim can do so by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/2andahalfmarathons

http://www.birminghammail.net/news/2008/05/27/marathon-man-tim-carter-limber-up-for-charity-challenge-97319-20980626/

Pick Up Newspapers

2008-05-14T15:35:00.003+01:00

I have started writing a column which covers the latest football news for something called Pick Up Newspapers Nottinghamshire which comes out every Friday. There is already a Yorkshire version of this free paper which is mainly full of ads. I get my name in it though and hey, it's my own column.....(kinda). The Pick Up website is here http://www.pickupnewspapers.co.uk/ Hopefully they will start uploading the Nottinghamshire issues soon.

The Metros @ Social for NG

2008-05-14T15:31:00.002+01:00

Hotel staff across the country should have their fingers crossed that The Metros don’t stroll into their lobby, as this London based five-piece are doing their best to live out a stereotypical rock and roll lifestyle littered with equipment smashing, booze and reckless rebellion.

Last October, these teenage upstarts were kicked off The Coral’s tour for increasingly raucous behaviour which apparently didn’t go down that well with the Liverpudlians, and they have also received a nationwide ban from Holiday Inns. Oh dear.

This sort of behaviour is slightly more tolerable when the band in question are fairly big news, but there are sod all people at the Bodgea Social when I arrive shortly before the beginning of the set. If the numbers were any less then I dare say it would have been one of those Social gigs where you can get in by heading through the bar and going up the stairs at the back.

However this doesn’t deter the lads who swagger around the stage with cocky confidence, safe in the knowledge that other people their age are probably stacking shelves in Tesco. They don’t look the sort of kids who would smash up a hotel room – two members are wearing Hawaiian shirts and the drummer sports a vest – but they still convey a blasé ‘we don’t give a s**t’ attitude.

Lead singer Sauly Adamczewski in particular enjoys the occasion, getting progressively drunk on bottles of Becks and pints which are handed to him mid-set, and repeatedly scratching his head as if he can’t believe his luck. Their arrogance means they are the sort of band who many people would like to see fail, simply to wipe the smug looks of their faces, but tonight fans of schadenfreude would have been left disappointed as the Metros’ performance was astonishingly good.

They are an exceptionally tight knit unit, and the guitars are particularly good, catchy and delightfully infectious. People start dancing at the front and suddenly the place isn’t empty but full of happy gig goers – just where did all this lot come from?

In many ways the band are a southern equivalent of the Arctic Monkeys, with Adamczewski proudly showcasing his cockney vocals in the same way Alex Turner does with his Yorkshire twang. The songs too are of similar themes and full of wry observations on growing up and the world we live in. Where the Arctics had their taxis to Hillsborough, the Metros have their train from Victoria; effectively doing for London what Turner & co did for Sheffield.

So come out the cupboard you boys and girls because the The Metros have well and truly arrived. They are cocky yes, but there is more than enough evidence in their music to back this up. Loud, brash and in your face – the Metros coming at you faster than an underground train.

Review: Dan Palmer

Images: Adrian Pancucci

http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/The_Metros:_Live_Review/

Hat-trick!

2008-05-08T12:50:00.000+01:00

Been meaning to mention Hat-trick! for a while now, as it came to an end the other day with a couple more shows. By the end I think we produced a pretty good show, everything seemed to work well and I'm fairly proud of it.

To listen, head over to www.normanradio.co.uk and click archives. One of our shows is on the 21st April, 2008 at around 4.30, and the other is the final two hours of the 24th April.

NME New Noise Tour @ Rescue Rooms for NG

2008-05-08T12:48:00.001+01:00

One place I wouldn't want to be after the hottest day in ages is a small, dark room which is fit to bursting with other sweaty people. It was therefore unfortunate that tonight's NME New Noise Tour took place at the Rescue Rooms, which again was far too small for the job it had been asked to do.

The place resembled a sauna and with towels not provided I got the impression that I was in for a long, hot night of general discomfort. It's a relief to report then that some top class music from four up and coming acts made the night fly by and the inferno-like conditions were made far more bearable.

First up were White Lies who strolled onto the stage at the ridiculously early hour of 7pm. With a lead singer that sounded like Brandon Flowers from The Killers, this foursome produced a decent enough set which included some powerful, anthemic music as well as some satisfying guitar riffs. Their set was short however, and they didn’t address the crowd or move about at all. It almost seemed as if they couldn’t be arsed, which can't be said about Team Waterpolo who followed them onto the stage.

"Alright! Hello! We're Team Waterpolo, how is everybody doing?" yells their lead singer as if he’s warming up a crowd at Butlins. Their opening number, which includes the lyrics: "Welcome to the Team Waterpolo show" does little to dispel the feeling that we are stuck in a kids TV programme but the lads are able to recover with a feel-good set which fitted in with the recent summer weather brilliantly.

There is dancing and headbanging galore and loads of 'yeahs!' and 'wooos!' to let us know that Team Waterpolo are just that little bit mental. They look absolutely knackered at the end and you'd be hard-pushed to find a more enthusiastic band; this pop punk outfit are definitely a band to look out for.

Next up are Friendly Fires who a fair number of the crowd seem to have come to see. Their music is a delightful mixture of pop, indie, funk and dance and they get the crowd moving for the first time all night.

Pleasing electronic noises mingle with guitars and these guys have a real presence on stage; energetically leaping about the place and generally running themselves into the ground. All of the songs are well structured and the band display a talent for music which is impressive for their young years. Run of the mill they are certainly not, so expect to see more of this St Albans-based three-piece in the near future.

Things then go a little insane as the night finishes off with Canadian electro group Crystal Castles. Flashing strobe lights and smoke build the crowd up into a frenzy and at times it feels like we are at an underground rave. They create a unique, futuristic, alien sound using all sorts of different gadgets and it’s very entertaining indeed.

A manic mosh pit developed up the front which at times devoured lead singer Alice Glass like quicksand, and security have to step in on a couple of occasions to keep things under control. It's a hectic and fitting way to end a thoroughly good night, which showcased some of the names we could be hearing about in the not too distant future. Watch this space.

Review: Dan Palmer

Paul Holland

2008-04-30T17:34:00.003+01:00

I've got to say he's a top bloke. It was the day after his club lost league status and I guess he could have probably done without two students pitching up and basically asking why his team were crap. But he took the time out to speak to us even though we were not from a proper paper (though we did say we were from the Post to get access to him) and to be honest I think that is damm good of him. I wish Mansfield the best of luck in the Conference next season, unless they meet Basingstoke in one of the tinpot non-league trophies.

Pictures of annoyed Mansfield Fans

2008-04-30T17:32:00.002+01:00

Mansfield FC, Local Impact

2008-04-30T17:31:00.001+01:00

Traders who operate close to Mansfield’s Field Mill ground are worried about the effect the club’s relegation will have on their business.

Pub Manager Suzanne Hemsley, from the John Barras, on Nottingham Road said: “We were absolutely rammed on Saturday and it is a worry that there won’t be as many people in next season.

“Takings may well be down as some of the visiting teams may not bring as many fans either.”

John’s Fish Bar lies next door to the pub and staff were also pessimistic.

Owner Bambos Constantinou said: “We definitely expect to see a drop in trade on Saturday afternoons.

“It’s a shame that one of the biggest towns in England won’t have a Football League club.”

Mansfield Fans Vox Pops

2008-04-30T17:28:00.000+01:00

Cliff Hinks, Sutton-in-Ashfield: It is always good to have a football league club in the town. Playing in the Conference is bound to have a negative effect on the economy. They have built a nice stadium, which will now host a bad standard of play. I don’t think we will bounce back unless there are some major changes.

Geoff Mellors, Kirkby-in-Ashfield: It is a shame for the football team and its fans. Hopefully some decent players will be brought in over the summer and we’ll regain our league status at the first attempt.

Ian Fowles, Mansfield – It’s a shambles. The outside of the ground looks shoddy, its no wonder the players perform badly when they turn up and look at that. They must be demoralised even before they take to the field. No wonder the team got relegated. I have been coming for 25 years but I’m not sure I'll bother next year.

Elaine Seagrave, Mansfield – It is shameful that we’ve lost our league status. We need a new manager and a few new players – then we can get back to league football. Either that or they’ll be playing against my young lad soon!

Megan Jackson, Pingston – The players just weren’t good enough throughout the season. I’m not confident we’ll be back in the league with this team. We need new players.

Paull Holland Interview for Newsweek

2008-04-30T17:24:00.002+01:00

By Dan Palmer & Peter Fearn

MANSFIELD TOWN boss Paul Holland could not hide his disappointment after the Stags’ 77 year stay in the Football League came to an end.

Chester City’s goalless draw with Stockport last night confirmed the club’s relegation to the Conference, as they now lie four points adrift of third bottom Dagenham & Redbridge with just one game remaining.

Holland’s own playing career was cut short when he damaged his cruciate ligament and the 34-year-old says that seeing his side go down is on a par with that.

“I’m very disappointed after we’d given ourselves every chance of going into the Rotherham game with something to play for,” he said.

“Over the course of the season we got what we deserved.

“Life in the Conference will be hard but we’ve got to be positive and say we are going to bounce straight back, following the example of other teams like Doncaster, Chester and Hereford.”

The club may also have to deal with a drop in attendances next year, with some supporters choosing not to watch non-league football.

“The real Mansfield Town fans will keep coming. We’ve got to stick together and I’m sure the real fans will be behind us,” said Holland.

“As a team we need to be 100 per cent better on the field and 100 per cent better off the field.

“I hope that things are sorted out on and off the pitch. We’ve got to stop feeling sorry for ourselves,” he added.

Holland also conceded that some of the playing squad would probably leave the club over the summer.

“There are big decisions to be made regarding players and staff. I’m sure some players will move on to football league clubs.

“I’ll have to decide if some deserve another chance here or if I should send them elsewhere.

“At the moment the dressing room is not a nice place to be.”
Holland took over at Mansfield from sacked manager Billy Dearden and is keen to remain in the job.

“I only took over eight games ago and it was just too big an ask to save the club from relegation.

“Hopefully I’ll be manager of Mansfield next season and win promotion back to the football league.”

Coldplay: Violet Hill, Review for Newsweek & NG

2008-04-30T17:14:00.003+01:00

When a huge band releases a comeback single, the day of the first play is always hyped up as a massive event. The music press and radio stations count down the days like they are using some sort of advent calendar, constantly reminding us when we can hear the precious track for the first time.

Examples of this madness include D'You Know What I Mean, the first release from Be Here Now, the much anticipated but godawful third album by Oasis and Beetlebum by Blur, the rather downbeat single which followed the glory days of Parklife and The Great Escape.

The problem is, these comeback singles rarely live up to the pandemonium surrounding them. As the track fizzles out to an end, people are usually left feeling underwhelmed and unsure why they were so excited in the first place. The sense of an anti-climax is also heightened if the band in question have decided on a change of style and a major direction shift from the previously heard stuff.

This is the case with Coldplay's Violet Hill, the first single from the pretentiously-titled new album Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends, which is more edgier and experimental than the songs we’ve have heard from them before.

Released as a free download on the band's website on Monday, the demand for the song caused the site to grind to a halt shortly after its 12.15pm release. It is a darker tune with pounding, heavy guitars and there's even a hint of electronic music in there. It seems far less radio friendly, in the sense that if moves away from a poppy like sound towards something a bit more prog like Radiohead.

It is one of those songs that Coldplay fans will have to learn to love, just like followers of Blur would have had to do with Beetlebum. The differences are apparent, but after a few listens it could be one of those songs described as a 'grower'. Give it enough time and Violet Hill could perhaps stand alongside other Coldplay anthems. For now though, the jury is probably still out.

The free download is available for another week if you wish to judge for yourself. Otherwise it is released as a conventional paid-for download on May 6th.

Review: Dan Palmer

http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/Coldplay:_Violet_Hill/

Plane Crash-landing, for Newsweek

2008-04-29T14:23:00.002+01:00

A STRING of errors which led to the crash-landing of a cargo plane could have resulted in catastrophe, according to a new report.

The TNT Airways Boeing 737 performed the procedure at East Midlands Airport at 4.40am before taking off again and making an emergency landing at Birmingham.

Part of the Belgian plane’s undercarriage was missing after the incident and the right main landing gear detached from the wing during the accident on June 15th, 2006.

Up to 200 domestic flights had to be cancelled or diverted, although neither of the two crew members were injured.

The report released today by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch states: “The circumstances of this event could easily have led to a catastrophic accident.

“Actions by individuals which contributed to the accident were either inappropriate or were not in compliance with existing procedures.

“Non-compliance with procedures, whether inadvertent or deliberate, can be difficult to prevent and can only be addressed by effective training,” it added.

The drama started when air traffic control conveyed an incorrect message to the plane during its descent.

This confused the pilot who disconnected the autopilot system while attempting to reply, causing the plane to lose speed and height.

The crew did not make a decision to perform a ‘go-around’ – where a plane aborts a landing and returns to circuit height – until it was too late and the jet came down on a grassed area.

Other factors included a faulty weather report which made no indication of the mist and fog which occurred, and the training of the co-pilot was also said to be ineffective in regards to his knowledge of the go-around manoeuvre.

Both pilots may have also been affected by tiredness, and a series of ‘unusual incidents’ during the flight may have added to workload and caused a loss of situational awareness.

The plane was on route from Liege Airport in Belgium to London Stanstead, but it was diverted to East Midlands due to the bad weather.

Belgian based TNT sacked the pilots after the incident, saying it was down to human error.
The report recommends that the Belgian Aviation Authority require the airline to review their operation procedures to ensure that it is clear to all pilots when a go-around is required.

Half Man Half Biscuit @ Rock City for NG

2008-04-24T17:29:00.002+01:00

If you've never heard of Half Man Half Biscuit then track titles like Bad Losers On Yahoo Chess, Lord Hereford's Knob and National Sh**e Day should give you an inkling about their style.

This manic Birkenhead four piece don't take themselves too seriously, writing songs about anything and everything that happens to pop into their heads. The end result is extremely fulfilling, a beautiful concoction of brilliant lyrics and wacky performances that you can't help but enjoy.

I doubt that there is a more likeable band than HMHB; they slap a smile on your face which is difficult to erase and the utter randomness of their stuff makes you wish that you hadn't abandoned your own fledgling music career quite so early.

There was a song my band created about fighting with shoes which was unfortunately axed for being well....too stupid. But HMHB are living proof that we should have stuck at it, as more than twenty years after forming they are still playing to adoring masses at established venues like Nottingham Rock City.

A bizarre motley crew of people from many generations await the band, proof enough of their wide-ranging appeal. Seasoned gig goers mingle with grey haired souls who have probably never been to a place like this before, but one and all are left thoroughly entertained.

HMHB are hardly the world's best musicians, but it doesn't matter as their quintessentially British style produces numerous singalongs and general merriment. Lead singer Nigel Blackwell happily engaged with the crowd and took part in all the banter which was flying about the place. He gets several laughs, meaning that this is not just a gig, but a comedy performance as well.

Highlights include F**kin Hell It’s Fred Titmus, Blue Badge Abuser, S**t Arm, Bad Tattoo, and Twenty-Four Hour Garage People which is probably the best song about a petrol station that I’ve ever heard. Another number which goes down tremendously is Vatican Broadside, a short sharp ditty with the classic lyrics: “The lead singer of Slipknot went to Rome to see The Pope/and The Pope said to his aide/who the f*****g hell are Slipknot?”

Credit is also due for the length of the set, a bumper affair lasting the best part of two hours. Veterans they may be, but this band can still last the distance on stage, an example other acts would do well to follow.

So all hail Half Man Half Biscuit, a wonderfully eccentric band who show that if you spend your money on guitars, you don’t have to write songs about your broken heart. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a music career to resurrect. Just how did that shoe fighting song go……

Review: Dan Palmer

Images: Richard Battye

http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/Half_Man_Half_Biscuit:_Live_Review/

The Ting Tings @ Social for NG

2008-04-09T12:43:00.003+01:00

The Bodega Social is stupidly busy tonight, and why the hell not? Hot Mancunian double-act The Ting Tings have arrived in Nottingham and the masses have turned out in force to see what all the fuss is about. Quite a buzz has been generated about these guys after a third place finish on the BBCs Sounds for 2008 poll, a chart which annually predicts household names of the future with a great deal of success.

The Ting Tings describe their music as garage pop but to be honest it is very difficult to classify their sound. The stuff tonight varies dramatically with a mix of different genres thrown together, each a contributing factor in making their performance extremely original.

Elements of funk, indie, electronica and waltz are thrown into a musical cooking pot with the end product being extremely satisfying indeed. It is as though the Ting Tings have ripped up the rulebook and started again from scratch in a determined effort not to conform to more recognisable musical styles. And somehow this unorthodox approach to music seems to work beautifully. It really shouldn't, but it does.

You never quite know what to expect and the Ting Tings take us on a journey which is exciting, infectious and utterly absorbing. At some gigs songs can often sound the same and blend into one, but there is absolutely no chance of that here and the crowd seem to love every minute of it.

Popular track That’s Not My Name is a perfect example of this and is a real stand-out moment. Starting off with brash, in your face rap style lyrics from singer Katie White, the song develops and White's vocals become softer and more harmonic. There is almost a sense of surprise as both parts gel together perfectly, producing a damn fine song with the most unlikely of components.

With only two members on stage, electronic wizardry is relied upon to ensure that all parts of the songs are heard. White is enthusiastic on stage, leaping around energetically while colleague Jules De Martino is like a man possessed behind the drum kit. Fears that only two people on stage will leave things feeling a bit light are quickly dispelled and White's contributions on cowbell and bass drum add to the delightful randomness of the performance.

Other highlights include Traffic Light, which sounded like it could be played in a dance hall, and the futuristic sounds of Great DJ which were so catchy that you couldn't help but dance. The only criticism was that the gig lasted a disappointing forty five minutes, but this is a purely selfish gripe as I could have done with hearing a bit more of the quality stuff the Salford duo were producing.

As I drift out, I hear a disgruntled Arsenal fan complaining about his sides' Champions League exit tonight. However, he says that the Ting Tings performance makes everything a little bit better. And if that isn't a ringing endorsement, then I don't know what is.

Review: Dan Palmer

Images: Tara Vickers

http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/The_Ting_Tings:_Live_Review/

Back On It

2008-04-06T20:36:00.002+01:00

Third term starts tomorrow, all too soon. Over the Easter Hols I found out that I passed the NCTJ newswriting exam with merit which is another good thing to add to the CV.

Ton Up

2008-03-21T19:46:00.003Z

Happy to report that I passed my 100 words shorthand exam. I also passed my Law NCTJ a while back so the qualifications are coming along nicely!

http://www.nctj.com/moreshortdispaly.php?sid=11&res_id=res_id

Sam Isaac Interview for NG

2008-03-11T13:46:00.003Z

The multi-talented Sam Isaac is surely destined for big things but almost incredibly still remains an unsigned act. Dan Palmer from NG Magazine talks to Sam and finds out all about life as a budding superstar, from car break-ins and high petrol prices to playing in people's front rooms.

NG: A year or so ago you were in Nottingham for a gig, and you had some merchandise stolen from your car! Is this your first trip back since then, and do you now bear a grudge towards the city?

SI: I think this is my second trip back since then! I've had some good times in Nottingham, and a lot of my friends are here. Although it was one of the lowest points I've had when the stuff got nicked - we were at the beginning of a pretty big tour and I just didn't need it! But don't worry, I don't have any grudges....

NG: Did you ever get any of it back?

SI: Nope, so that means that somewhere in Nottingham there is probably still a bag of Sam Isaac t-shirts lying around! They wouldn't have meant anything to whoever took them.

NG: You play a lot of 'living room gigs' in people's lounges. How did this idea come about?

SI: Yeah I did a lot of these throughout last year. When I was booking my own gigs, I'd often have a day off between shows and it seemed like a nice idea to play someone’s' house. With these gigs, you knew that people would get a few of their friends round and it would be a nice atmosphere, as opposed to venues when sometimes you don't know what things are going to be like. At houses you don't have to load in or load out any equipment, you don't have to do a sound check and you usually get drunk in the evening after you have finished playing. It was like being on tour and going to a party every night!

NG: Did you have any bad experiences with these though? Surely not everyone was nice....

SI: A couple of times we just wanted to get it over with and leave, but I don't really want to say why! Most people were lovely, and I made a lot of friends.

NG: I guess that as you become better known, the lounge gigs will become a thing of the past?

SI: Yeah, I want to get my music out to as many people as possible, and at the moment touring at traditional venues is a much more effective way of doing that. It would be a shame to drop them altogether though, maybe one day I can come back and play in people's houses for a couple of weeks or so.

NG: You seem to work ridiculously hard and it appears that you are always on the road, having played a whopping 200 shows last year! Don't you ever feel like taking a break? Your petrol bill must be pretty high for starters.....

SI: No, not really. I enjoy touring, and I'm still unsigned so this is the best way of getting myself known. I don't believe in constantly adding people to MySpace like some acts seem to do, I prefer to play live and to become known like that instead. I have over 5000 MySpace friends, and most of them have added me! The petrol bill is a bit high though, and yeah money is constantly an issue! If my car breaks down, or I need to repair my guitars, or if I have to book rehearsals, then I have to pay for it myself. I'm not saying I want to have loads of money or anything, but it would be nice not to be living on the edge of my overdraft all the time.

NG: How was your recent tour with folk sensation Kate Walsh?

SI: Yeah it was ace, we played lots of really nice theatres, and the audiences were really quiet and appreciative. They listened to the songs - sometimes people talk over the top of you! Kate was really nice and down to earth, and the tour was really just about the music. There wasn't much going out or debauchery or anything like that!

NG: New single 'Fire Fire' is out on the 24th March. What's it about then, and how do you reckon it'll do?

SI: Well, although it is quite an up-beat, high tempo song, the subject matter is actually quite dark. It's about me being really bad at coping with family dramas and issues, and generally not dealing with stuff! It addresses running away from problems and situations. I don't think I will chart just yet, but hopefully I'll shift a few hundred copies.

NG: And you will be going on a full band tour to promote the single. Do you prefer playing with a group, or on your own?

SI: It's really good to be able to both. For example, at the end of a tour with the band my ears will be hurting and I’ll want to return to playing on my own, in quiet, more intimate venues. However, if it's the other way round then I'll be itching to get on stage with everyone and just rock out you know? I play different songs when I'm on my own to when I'm with the band, and it's great to be able to mix it up like that. Hopefully I'll be able to keep doing it this way, it's a good combination.

NG: You seem to have become a pretty big deal lately, playing at the BBC Electric Proms, Glastonbury and the Maida Vale Studios among others, and you've had airplay on BBC Radio 1. Do you feel as if things are happening a bit quickly?

SI: It may just be that I am pushing my career along pretty quickly as well. I played 200 shows last year, a record for me, which is as many as some bands will play in two or three years. So I'm playing a load of shows in a short period of time, so perhaps all the publicity is coming fast as well. It was great to play all of those events but I should say that there is no guarantee that I'm going to make it big!

NG: So what's coming up next for you, and where do you see yourself in a year?

SI: Hopefully my first album will be out, which I'm going to record in the summer. The aim is to be a full time musician, I don't want to get another job, it would be much better to do this full time instead! There will be a few songs brought over from the Sticker, Star & Tape mini-album on the new record and the rest will be new songs.

NG: And finally, what's your favourite joke?

SI: Erm, I don't really know any jokes but I am trying to improve my puns. Unfortunately I'm not very good at them and usually end up presenting other people with a great opportunity for a great pun. So no jokes, but hopefully the puns will get better!

http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/Sam_Isaac:_Interview/

Sam Isaac @ Social for NG

2008-03-10T12:08:00.002Z

Standing at around six foot and sporting a large mop of messy ginger hair, Sam Isaac is a far from average looking pop-star. But as soon as he picks up his six string acoustic guitar it becomes clear that his performances are far from average as well.

This young singer/songwriter from Malvern has seemingly mastered the art of the acoustic pop song, with every number tonight succeeding in making me feel warm and tingly. Ably assisted by backing guitarist Matt Randall, Isaac produced a set at Nottingham's Bodega Social that never failed to hit the right notes.

Around forty souls witnessed the gig and they saw a man who must surely be destined for better things. Mainly playing songs from the Sticker, Star & Tape mini-album, Isaac’s vocals were particularly impressive - passionate and heartfelt, but at the same time loud and full of energy.

Lyrically he showed a talent and maturity that lies way beyond his young years, and it is hard not to relate to his raw, down to earth observations on life, love and relationships.

Highlights included Sideways, a pacy, jangly tune about growing up and leaving home, and new single Fire Fire, with its distinctive opening riff and catchy chorus. These were proof enough that Isaac can produce fast, fun, mainstream hits that wouldn‘t sound out of place on any radio playlist.

On the flipside, the more sombre What Good Did That Do? and the darker Annie Hall slowed things down a bit and showed that Sam has also mastered the art of emotion and pathos in his music. These slower numbers complimented the faster songs beautifully, creating a perfect mixture of pounding acoustic pop and gentle, quieter sensitivity.

Isaac occasionally plays with a band, and one can only speculate at how much better the songs would sound when spruced up with a variety of instruments. It is testament to him, however, that he managed to produce such an assured display predominantly on his Jack Jones. He also spent a lot of time talking to the crowd tonight, and while for some that habit would grate, it also displays a confidence that will take him far in the industry. Encouraging the small audience to get involved on Carbon Dating and I Traded My Friends For You, Isaac demonstrated that he won’t be intimidated when fame and recognition come calling.

This would be the least this man deserves, as his music strikes a chord which gets under your skin and is difficult to shake off. To put it simply, Isaac makes brilliant music without ever trying too hard and in a world full of acts trying to be too clever, he really is a breath of fresh air.

Review: Dan Palmer

Images: Jack Ladenburg

http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/Sam_Isaac:_Live_Review/

Cook Islands, for Platform

2008-03-05T12:13:00.003Z

A series of gasps echoed around the cabin as our pokey aircraft gently slipped through the clouds.

Below us was the South Pacific - a magnificent blanket of turquoise blue - and the lush green volcanic island of Rarotonga.

Waves were breaking over coral reefs and beaches glistened with the perfect hue of white. But the best thing was that all of this beauty was completely unspoilt. There were no buildings here, no eyesores.

This was nature as god intended, completely devoid of that menacing human touch. "Welcome to the Cook Islands" mused the pilot. "Welcome to Paradise."

The Cook Islands are thousands of miles from Britain and about as far as it is physically possible to get. The principle island is Rarotonga and there are several others, all scattered around the Pacific. A former part of the empire, they now operate as a self governing democracy in association with New Zealand. Most of the population descend from the Maori and they must surely be some of the luckiest people on Earth.

It didn't take long to slip into the ridiculously chilled way of life that the Islanders get to enjoy. One road travels the entire circumference of Rarotonga and numerous people sat alongside it; chilling out in the shade or drying off after a swim. No-one seemed to have a job here and there didn't appear to be many laws either. My driver, an old rugged looking chap named Bill drove barefoot and the rules of the road seemed to be lacklustre to say the least. A fellow traveller told me how he obtained a Cook Islands motorcycle licence simply by following an official for about two minutes.

There were times when all signs of life just seemed to disappear completely. I'm not sure where everybody went, but I could spend hours without seeing a living soul. On a four hour hike around the island I was left completely undisturbed to explore at my own pace. The beaches were simply idyllic, pure white sand and nothing else, and the sea can genuinely be described as a picture. Most postcards exaggerate places and make them look better than they actually are, but in the Cook Islands they don't need to do that. The place is practically perfect already. With nobody around I began to drift off into my own world, so much so that I felt a bit like Tom Hanks in Castaway.

I took a trip to a waterfall which lay in Rarotonga's forested centre. What immediately struck me was the lack of buildings and high rise. Any development here tends to be carefully nestled in foliage meaning that the natural beauty is left unhindered to flourish. It was a stark contrast to places like Thailand and the Costa del Sol, where numerous high rise hotels have ruined the scenery which attracted the tourists in the first place. The waterfall was impressive, cascading from a great height and pounding into a pool below. I would have liked a picture of myself there, but once again I was the only visitor.

Eventually some other travellers turned up at my hostel and I was able to chill out with them. Days seemed to blend into one endless blur, time didn’t matter or indeed exist and the most pressing decision one had was whether to open another beer. A barbeque always seemed to be on the go and life was an endless beach party. A small crew of people from all over the world began to gather, none of us wanting to leave this haven of relaxation. You would often find us sprawled out on a sofa or bean bag, soaking up the rays having not moved for a good few hours.

However there are things to do if you can be arsed to get up. Snorkelling and diving are a delight in the crystal clear waters and you can also hire kayaks. On one day I discovered a few offshore islands that looked in easy reach so I paddled out to them. There was nobody else present on these rocky outcrops and I liked to think that I had found my own place in the world. I had visions of declaring it independent and living out my days in this tranquil paradise. Another of the islands was home to an abandoned tin shack which gave the place a spooky feel like something out of Lost. I visited the final island with a sense of caution as locals had informed me that the sound of drums could often be heard from it, despite it being empty. As I stood on its beach, regularly watching my back, it suddenly dawned on me that I was one of the few people on Earth to have ever stood on this spot. It was an extremely cool realisation.

I recounted the feeling in the bar later and the American who owned it agreed with me entirely.

“I came out here ten years ago and never went home,” he tells me. “And why would I want to? I’ve found the best place on Earth.”

It’s not hard to see where he is coming from. The Cook Islands are probably the world’s best kept secret. I just hope that they stay that way.

http://www.trentstudents.org/docs/platform/07-08/Platform_07-08_Volume-16_Issue-9.pdf

(Page 12).

Titchfield In Post

2008-03-04T18:09:00.002Z

The park story posted below made it into the community section of the NEP today. This piece was found after reading a letter complaining about the park's state in the Hucknall Dispatch. I asked the Council about it and they gave me the story. Pretty proud of it as I believe the way I dug up this particular bit of news was quite good journalism!

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133965&command=displayContent&sourceNode=133948&contentPK=20052217&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch

The Coates story I did was also featured in the news, but the Post and the Dispatch had the story before I found it. I wasn't to know that though, and it is still pleasing to find a story that was considered newsworthy. Hazah!

Titchfield Park

2008-03-03T16:39:00.002Z

THE Astroturf pitches at Hucknall’s Titchfield Park are set to re-open in the summer after a £30,000 revamp.

At present the courts are locked due to misuse but it is hoped that when the work is complete they can return to regular booked usage by local football and tennis clubs.

Works proposed include the replacement of solid board panelling around the courts with a strong metal mesh – commonly seen on small ball courts.

Landscape Architect Andrew Hinchley, from Ashfield District Council, said: “It is hoped that by opening up the pitch visually, we will discourage misuse of the area.

“We currently have problems with youths hiding behind the boards, drinking and damaging the surface and equipment, as well as dog owners using the pitch as a dog exercising area.

“Opening the park up in this way should discourage such activity through informal surveillance and also make the park feel safer by opening views.”

The project has been funded by a Section 106 allocation, money which is provided by housing developers for open space provision and improvement and distributed by local councillors at the Hucknall Area Consultative Group.

Titchfield Park was allocated £117,000, to be used for the pitches as well as skate park
modifications and car park improvements.

The news has been welcomed by residents who wanted to see the courts open again in time for the lighter summer evenings.

Andrew Riley said: “It will be nice to see the pitches used for sport again, as they are supposed to be.

“I think they were definitely in need of a spruce up.”

Coates

2008-02-21T13:04:00.001Z

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

Sports Relief

2008-02-15T14:45:00.004Z

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

2008-02-15T14:36:00.005Z

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.”

Teeline Massacre

2008-02-13T15:40:00.001Z

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!

Mongolia Piece Online

2008-02-11T11:17:00.002Z

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.

Nottinghamshire Learning Network

2008-02-10T22:19:00.001Z

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

2008-02-10T20:57:00.001Z

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!

Worksop Guardian

2008-02-06T14:22:00.000Z

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!

Nine Black Alps @ Bodega Social for NG

2008-01-30T13:50:00.000Z

The Bodega Social in Nottingham is buzzing tonight and it is little wonder as the Nine Black Alps have rolled into town. The Mancunian quartet have been causing a stir with their grungy rock sound and this small venue on Pelham Street is absolutely rammed in anticipation.

Second album Love/Hate has been released to rave reviews and the band have even been described as the Saviours Of Rock in some quarters. There is definitely expectation for a top notch performance and luckily the lads deliver - and then some.

From the get go, the Alps launch into an exciting, energetic and damn right entertaining set. Catchy guitar riffs and distinctive choruses mean that practically every song could be a potential anthem, played at Indie discos across the land. The crowd seem to know most of em, jumping and dancing along throughout - it's as if the Alps are already playing a greatest hits set.

Crowd interaction is kept to a minimum but this hardly matters as it gives the band time to play loads of songs from their arsenal of gems. There is a hardly time to breathe as tune after tune arrives in quick succession, the gig rocketing along at an exhilarating pace.

Bitter End and Unsatisfied induce brilliant sing-alongs and Every Time I Turn forces me to bring out the air guitar. I would have felt like an idiot but fortunately several others are doing the same.

The similarities to Nirvana are obvious and in the smoky venue it almost feels as if we are in the video for Smells Like Teen Spirit. But the band also stamp a bit of their own style on proceedings to create a hugely refreshing and original sound. A little bit of Oasis creeps in to show that the boys have not forgotten their Manchester roots.

Rapturous cheers greet the end of each song and it is clear that Nottingham loves the Nine Black Alps. And when front-man Sam Forrest and guitarist David Jones don Robin Hood hats it appears that the feeling may be mutual.

We eagerly await their return, but one feels that they may be playing somewhere slightly larger next time. It was a privilege to watch them at somewhere as intimate as the Social, because if they are not playing bigger venues pronto then it will be a great injustice.

You Know You're Right: Dan Palmer

With The Lights Out: Lisa Mayfield

http://ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/In_Bloom:_NG_Magazine_reviews_Nine_Black_Alps/

Mongolia, for Platform

2008-01-22T00:21:00.000Z

Mongolia is one of those funny sounding places that you would never really dream of going too. And, after all, why would you want too? The country lies slap bang in the middle of nowhere and is sodding miles from anything that could actually be considered important. Add to this the capital city of Ulaan-Baatar, which has earned the unispiring nickname of 'ugly-baatar' and it becomes obvious why this is not many people's number one tourist destination.
But for all of these reasons it was a place where I was itching to go. The fact that it was off the beaten track made the place appeal to me much more, and the sense of adventure was overwhelming. This was a journey into the unknown, a trip that would take me away from the tourists hoardes to somewhere different and exciting.
Only 3,000 Brits a year come to Mongolia so I felt ridicliously privileged when I strutted into the country. I board a train at the border town of Sukhbaatar and start to head north. It quickly becomes clear that this is a pretty empty place. As far as the eye can see, there is nothing but sand and grass and it presents itself with an eeriness that is hard to describe. The thing is, although there is nothing to look at, there is still everything to look at. The void is the attraction of Mongolia. Imagine a landscape which is completely devoid of anything. There are no twenty-first century intrusions, no ugly eyesores. Just a 360 view of absolutely sod all. And it is beautiful, completely haunting. I find myself drifting off as I stare out at the horizon through the sea of complete emptiness.
The train eventually enters the Gobi Desert and the blanket of grass turns to a blanket of sand. It is equally stunning, with the feeling of isolation being one to behold. It was a shock to realise that our hectic, vibrant society can be escaped so rapidly. Was I really on the same planet as our chaotic towns and cities? It just didn't seem possible. Mongolia really is like entering another world.
Eventually we reach the town of Choir, which is basically just a collection of tin shacks. I can't really imagine what life would be like here, so far removed from everything we take for granted. The train continues north and as night approaches we are treated to a stunning sunset over the desert. With nothing to intrude our view the sun is left with the entire sky as its canvas. It makes use of every last bit, spreading colour and light in every direction in a beautifully magical display.
The next stop is Ulaan-Baatar, the urban island in the middle of the ocean of nothing. About a million people live here, around a third of the total population. You can sense it approaching from miles off, the sight of smog on the horizon the give-away that something big looms admist the emptiness. And on arrival, you can see why it earned it's ugly-baatar monkier. The city is a communist inspired, concrete mess, but for me that gave it an odd type of charm. It wasn't the most attractive of places, but this certainly made it interesting. The lack of tourists also meant that this was a genuine travel experience. I was seeing somewhere how it should be, a far cry from South East Asia which has been ruined by the overwhelming numbers of visitors.
Sukhbaatar Square is the city's focal point and is home to parliament, as well as a statue of Ghengis Khan. They really milk that fella in these parts. During my stay I had a Ghengis Beer in the Ghengis Pub on Ghengis Street. A statue of someone in the square was being pulled down to make way for yep....a statue of Ghengis. I suppose everyone needs a hero.
I was in town during the Naadam Festival, which is a big deal in these parts. Events include Horse Racing, Archery and Wrestling and the event was the equivalant of our FA Cup final. Taking in some wrestling was a unique experience. There are no weight divisions so the biggest bloke usually wins. It seemed a bit unfair but it was a pleasure to imberse myself in a bit of the country's culture.
The food also deserves a mention. Mongolian barbeques were numerous in number around the city, and you could frequently pick up a cheap piece of steak or kebab. These were ridicliously tasty and went well down a treat with the local beers, Khan Brau being a particular favourite.
On my last night, I went for a stroll up a large hill and watched the sunset again. On one side of me sat Ulaan-Baatar, on the other, absoultely nothing. This seemed like such a peaceful existance, out in the middle of nowhere, away from crime, terrorism and all the other problems this world faces. It seemed such a shame that soon, I would have to return to them.

Hat-trick!

2008-01-17T20:17:00.000Z

Hat-trick! is the brainchild of myself, Adam Harwood and Peter Fearn. It is a footy related radio show, which airs on Radio Norman at 2pm on February 8th. Another thing for the CV, and it should be good craic as well. Have been busy making jingles and the like and doing a bit of promotion. Former England manager Graham Taylor got involved which was good of him.

Non-League Daily

2008-01-03T00:06:00.000Z

Recently I covered a couple of games for Non League Daily, which to be honest was pretty sweet. It's a national publication, plus I got payment and a byline for each. So not a bad deal all told. I did Basingstoke's home game against Weston-Super-Mare and our away match down at Bognor Regis. The Bognor one was a bit of an effort as I had to phone over the copy to get it in for the paper the next day. As a result it didn't read that well. I was also asked to do it at the eleventh hour when I was starting work on my third pint of the day. Bognor is a great away day, and I didn't want the report to ruin the fun. So at the match I was taking notes five pints down, which to be honest wasn't the best. Ah well.

Dragon's Den

2007-12-06T15:02:00.000Z

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.

The FA Cup

2007-12-05T17:09:00.000Z

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.

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

2007-12-05T17:05:00.000Z

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

Leader: Ebbsfleet United

2007-11-28T15:32:00.000Z

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

2007-11-28T15:17:00.000Z

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....

Personal Column: The Scots

2007-11-26T16:50:00.001Z

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

2007-11-26T16:45:00.000Z

“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.

“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

http://www.ng-magazine.com/Diary/Music/Dont_Look_Back_In_Anger:_NG_Magazine_reviews_Maroon_5/

Reading

2007-11-22T15:20:00.000Z

Reading Evening Post will be my third work experience placement, again in the summer. Nearer to home I guess...

My Cuttings So Far

2007-11-20T15:59:00.001Z

Healthy Interest In Pupil Run Tuck Shop

2007-11-20T11:59:00.000Z

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133965&command=displayContent&sourceNode=133948&contentPK=19012821&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch

School News

2007-11-16T19:10:00.001Z

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!

E-Mail From The Post

2007-11-16T19:04:00.000Z

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.

Work Experience

2007-11-15T19:15:00.000Z

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

2007-11-15T15:24:00.000Z

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.

Jamie Oliver would be proud

2007-11-15T15:23:00.000Z

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.”

Hot Hot Heat & The Thirst @ Rescue Rooms for NG

2007-11-14T13:41:00.000Z

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/

Charity Walk For The Blind

2007-11-13T16:18:00.000Z

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.

Exclusive

2007-11-06T17:27:00.000Z

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.

Winter of content for historic church

2007-11-03T02:43:00.000Z

Church story in the Dispatch.

http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/hucknall/Winter-of-content-for-historic.3438526.jp

Doves

2007-11-03T02:39:00.000Z

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.

Young Knives @ Rescue Rooms for NG

2007-10-30T17:09:00.000Z

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/

First Byline

2007-10-30T17:07:00.000Z

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!

Madagascar Piece Gets In

2007-10-26T18:17:00.000+01:00

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!

Byron's Church

2007-10-25T14:54:00.000+01:00

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.

Super Furry Animals @ Rock City for NG

2007-10-24T17:08:00.001+01:00

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/

Madagascar

2007-10-24T17:06:00.000+01:00

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.