Question One
A federation in Yeltham is teaming up with local Crime Prevention Panel to tackle fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Yeltham Neighbourhood Watch Federation has undertaken a survey in conjunction with the Panel, and they find out the impact of fear of crime on people's lives is as great as the crime itself.
It reveals no fewer than 62 per cent of people aged 70 said they were too frightened to go out alone after dark because of the fear of being attacked and robbed.
The Federation chairman Rob Littler said: “It is very sad they sould feel this way.
“They were not referring to night-time trips into the town centre – they were talking about going out in the dark in their own communities.”
Jeffrey Steele, chairman of Yeltham Crime Prevention Panel, said: “The servey highlighted the fears of some of our widely varying comunities and has allowed us to identify one particular problem where we believe we can help.”
Other findings show under 68 per cent of respondents said they were worried about their cars being broken into, while 72 per cent said they were afraid of being burgled.
Vandalism has relatively little impact in part of town, but 57 per cent in some estates said they were worried about noisy youngsters hanging about on street corners after dark and creating problem.
Both organisations have decided to purchase 1,000 door safety chains, which will help pensioners to reduce the fear of answering door to strangers for fear of being robbed or conned.
Gerald Parkins, chairman of the Lupsham Estate Community Association, Yeltham, said: “Pensioners are very fearful and there are two members of our committee who are skilled workmen and would be willing to provide their time free of charge to fit door chains.”
Chief Inspector Antony Wardell of Yeltham Police said: “Fear of crime is also an important issue because this can impact equally on people's live."
(325 words)
Question Two:
A pensioner has been robbed at 8:45am at his doorstep in Beck Road, Ilworth by three men pretended as gardenders.
The 84-year-old widower has been kept talking by two men while the third entered the house by the unlocked back door.
He stole a wallet, containing £55 notes and loose change, on the kitchen table.
The two at the front door were in their 30s, rough appearnace with fair-haired and local accents.
Anyone with information contact us on 412311.
(80 words)
Question Three
A number of dead fish has been found in the smallest pond at Yeltham Park this morning.
The loss might be natural causes, could be pollution or vandalism
The remaining fish will be kept in quarantine until the reason been found.
Anyone with information contact environmental health department on 375222.
(50 words)
Question Four
(a)
The manager of the GP:
How does the axed bus service affect the GP's practice?
When did the axed bus service start to serve the local community?
What is the percentage of patients who are late for appointments?
What has the surgery done so far since the incident happened?
Do you know why the bus company made such a decision?
Which part of the day do most people arrive late?
Representative of the local residents association:
How does the axed bus service affect local resients' appointments with their GPs?
What is the local people's attitude towards the bus company's decision?
What has the residents association done towards the axed bus service?
Are there any alternative routes that people can use to get to their GPs?
How long do the residents have to wait for the No 126 bus to arrive?
No 126 bus company manager:
Why did your company decide to axe the no 126 service?
Is there any other alternative way to solve the problem?
Has your company considered the problems it might cause to local residents?
Does your company propose any new plan to tackle the problem?
How long will the axed service last?
Showing posts with label NCTJ news writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NCTJ news writing. Show all posts
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Friday, 30 July 2010
Newshire Archaeology Service question three
Question Three:
Dog owners will be able to find pets if they get lost with a new service launched next week.
Beeton Council’s dog wardens will be inserting permanent microchips in the animals, which can be read by a chip scanner. The sessions will be held at Lynhope Pet Stores, Waterson Street.
(50 words)
Dog owners will be able to find pets if they get lost with a new service launched next week.
Beeton Council’s dog wardens will be inserting permanent microchips in the animals, which can be read by a chip scanner. The sessions will be held at Lynhope Pet Stores, Waterson Street.
(50 words)
News writing - West Newtown community association
Question One:
Residents are furious about Andersons' new plan which will remove the Bridge Road greenery area, and are urged to sign a petition opposing the visual distraction.
The plan, proposed two weeks ago by the supermarket, is to move the petrol station from its present position to the junction of the site's access road and Bridge Road itself, which believed will also create traffic problems, according to Colin Robertson, chairman of the West Newtown Community Association.
He said: “That greenery would be removed to the detriment of the visual amenity, and it was the general view that the changes would create an unacceptable eyesore.”
The company claimed the news plans are designed to reconfigure the car park for the customers' benefit but they have now decided to add a huge automated car wash.
Mr Robertson said the vast barn-like building would be wide enough to take two cars going through each of two washers at the same time.
The association has also won local councillors' full support who agreed to oppose the supermarket's proposals.
Councillor Norman Patricks said: “This plan would be an aesthetic disaster. To stick the filling station and a monstrosity of a car wash opposite Bridge Road Methodist Church is ridiculous.
“The church may be a relatively new building, but it won a regional architectural award for its appearance. We welcomed that structure – but not this one.”
Resident Bill Raybould, of 12 Bridge Road, West Newtown, said: “I am very suspicious that Andersons are trying to pave the way for further expansion.
“If they get permission for this, I feel sure it won't be long before the old application for a superstore resurfaces.”
However, Andersons spokesman said they dispute suggestions that their proposal would create traffic hazards, “Indeed we believe it would make the complex safer and easier for customers to use.”
The association was set up in response to Andersons' previous proposals which had been objected largely because of traffic disruption.
(325 words)
Questions Two:
A drinks distribution company will be awarded Wholesaler of the Year by Karlsbrew UK in its centenary year.
Varndell's, the family-run business, is the major distributor for Karlsbtrew throughout the region.
Richard Varnell, company secretary said the award recognised their standing in a very competitive business arena and showed they fulfilled Karlsbrew's expectations as well as it was a tribute to their hard-working employees.
The ceremony will be held at Karlsbrew's national sales conference at Birmingham next month.
(80 words)
Question Three:
A woman had her handbag stolen from her trolley yesterday at about 2:30pm in Kirkham's Supermarket on Ashforth Road, Newtown.
The bag was a distinctive one in yellow leather with red stripes, and she lost it when selecting items from a shelf.
Anyone with information should contact on Newton 331322.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Manager of the local airport:
Why does your company propose to build up a second runway?
How much does it cost to build up the second runway?
What are the profits your company will make from the new proposal?
Will there any environmental damages, such as air pollution or noisy pollution occur because of the new proposal?
If there is any adverse effects, what is your plan to solve it?
Is there any a need to build up a second runway?
Will it truly allow a 35 per cent increase in landing and take-offs?
Are there any problems in landings and take-offs in recent years in the airport?
Local councillor who has a view on the the proposal:
What is your opinion about your local airport's new proposal to build up a second runway?
Will the council's planning committee permit the airport's proposal? And what are the progress has the council made in examining the proposal?
Have the council taken air and noisy pollution into consideration when decide whether should grant the airport the permission to build up the second runway?
If there is any environmental damages because of the second run way? What should council do to help reduce the damages?
Will council conduct a questionnaire or set up a residents poll to get feedback from local people? And see what are their attitudes towards the new proposal?
How does the new proposal affect the local business?
Does the local area truly need a new second runway?
Representative from the local residents association:
What is your opinion of the airport's new proposal regarding building up a second runway?
Do you think your local airport need a second runway?
Are there any environmental problems around the area? For example, air pollution or noisy pollution?
What benefits will the new proposal bring to your town?
What disadvantages does the new proposal bring to the local area?
Are you a regular traveller on the plane? Do you find any problems of the airport runway facilities?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information such as local airport's website, council website, residents association website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry out a full story.
Set up an online reader poll to ask readers whether they agree with the proposal or not?
Invite someone who lives near the airport to write a blog talk about his experience of being living near the site, such as does air plane affects his daily life?
Video:
Video interviews of the key players – manager of the airport, local councillor, and the rep from the residents association.
Video a local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera standing in front of the airport to tell audience about the story
Video local residents who live near the airport giving sound-bite views of the issue.
Video the second runway location, what are the areas the second runway will cover and explain the surrounding situation.
Upload a slide show of pictures of the airport facilities.
Other interaction:
Use sms text messages to break the story and direct recipients to your website or the paper for more information.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Invite readers to send messages back of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Set up a Facebook and Twitter page and ask local people to express their opinions freely.
Residents are furious about Andersons' new plan which will remove the Bridge Road greenery area, and are urged to sign a petition opposing the visual distraction.
The plan, proposed two weeks ago by the supermarket, is to move the petrol station from its present position to the junction of the site's access road and Bridge Road itself, which believed will also create traffic problems, according to Colin Robertson, chairman of the West Newtown Community Association.
He said: “That greenery would be removed to the detriment of the visual amenity, and it was the general view that the changes would create an unacceptable eyesore.”
The company claimed the news plans are designed to reconfigure the car park for the customers' benefit but they have now decided to add a huge automated car wash.
Mr Robertson said the vast barn-like building would be wide enough to take two cars going through each of two washers at the same time.
The association has also won local councillors' full support who agreed to oppose the supermarket's proposals.
Councillor Norman Patricks said: “This plan would be an aesthetic disaster. To stick the filling station and a monstrosity of a car wash opposite Bridge Road Methodist Church is ridiculous.
“The church may be a relatively new building, but it won a regional architectural award for its appearance. We welcomed that structure – but not this one.”
Resident Bill Raybould, of 12 Bridge Road, West Newtown, said: “I am very suspicious that Andersons are trying to pave the way for further expansion.
“If they get permission for this, I feel sure it won't be long before the old application for a superstore resurfaces.”
However, Andersons spokesman said they dispute suggestions that their proposal would create traffic hazards, “Indeed we believe it would make the complex safer and easier for customers to use.”
The association was set up in response to Andersons' previous proposals which had been objected largely because of traffic disruption.
(325 words)
Questions Two:
A drinks distribution company will be awarded Wholesaler of the Year by Karlsbrew UK in its centenary year.
Varndell's, the family-run business, is the major distributor for Karlsbtrew throughout the region.
Richard Varnell, company secretary said the award recognised their standing in a very competitive business arena and showed they fulfilled Karlsbrew's expectations as well as it was a tribute to their hard-working employees.
The ceremony will be held at Karlsbrew's national sales conference at Birmingham next month.
(80 words)
Question Three:
A woman had her handbag stolen from her trolley yesterday at about 2:30pm in Kirkham's Supermarket on Ashforth Road, Newtown.
The bag was a distinctive one in yellow leather with red stripes, and she lost it when selecting items from a shelf.
Anyone with information should contact on Newton 331322.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Manager of the local airport:
Why does your company propose to build up a second runway?
How much does it cost to build up the second runway?
What are the profits your company will make from the new proposal?
Will there any environmental damages, such as air pollution or noisy pollution occur because of the new proposal?
If there is any adverse effects, what is your plan to solve it?
Is there any a need to build up a second runway?
Will it truly allow a 35 per cent increase in landing and take-offs?
Are there any problems in landings and take-offs in recent years in the airport?
Local councillor who has a view on the the proposal:
What is your opinion about your local airport's new proposal to build up a second runway?
Will the council's planning committee permit the airport's proposal? And what are the progress has the council made in examining the proposal?
Have the council taken air and noisy pollution into consideration when decide whether should grant the airport the permission to build up the second runway?
If there is any environmental damages because of the second run way? What should council do to help reduce the damages?
Will council conduct a questionnaire or set up a residents poll to get feedback from local people? And see what are their attitudes towards the new proposal?
How does the new proposal affect the local business?
Does the local area truly need a new second runway?
Representative from the local residents association:
What is your opinion of the airport's new proposal regarding building up a second runway?
Do you think your local airport need a second runway?
Are there any environmental problems around the area? For example, air pollution or noisy pollution?
What benefits will the new proposal bring to your town?
What disadvantages does the new proposal bring to the local area?
Are you a regular traveller on the plane? Do you find any problems of the airport runway facilities?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information such as local airport's website, council website, residents association website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry out a full story.
Set up an online reader poll to ask readers whether they agree with the proposal or not?
Invite someone who lives near the airport to write a blog talk about his experience of being living near the site, such as does air plane affects his daily life?
Video:
Video interviews of the key players – manager of the airport, local councillor, and the rep from the residents association.
Video a local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera standing in front of the airport to tell audience about the story
Video local residents who live near the airport giving sound-bite views of the issue.
Video the second runway location, what are the areas the second runway will cover and explain the surrounding situation.
Upload a slide show of pictures of the airport facilities.
Other interaction:
Use sms text messages to break the story and direct recipients to your website or the paper for more information.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Invite readers to send messages back of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Set up a Facebook and Twitter page and ask local people to express their opinions freely.
News writing - Duddleston ctiy council
Question 1:
St Benedict's church Rev in Duddleston supports single-sex marriage by believing there is a place for gay people.
The number of civil partnership marriage has increased by 16 per cent in Duddleston, which is one of the only two areas, including Barnsley, that reported a rise, head of registrations Mrs Julia Sutcliff at Duddleston City Council said.
Rev Andrew MacDuffie said: “On Saturday I shall perform the city's first blessing of a single-sex couple after their civil partnership ceremony. We shouldn't have had to wait this long for Duddleston's first blessing.
“What is important is the stability of a relationship, not the couple's sexuality. My personal view is that it is important to enshrine in law anything that overcomes discrimination.
However, neighbouring St Faith's Church turned down a gay couple, Sally Spencer, of Kennedy Road, said: “We would have liked a blessing afterwards at, but our vicar turned us down.
“He just didn't want anything to do with it despite the fact we often attend his services.”
Nationally, Local Government Association survey showed the number of gay weddings fell on average by 55 per cent in the past 12 months.
Adrian Martines, Chair of Duddleston Lesbian and Gay Forum, said: “There was a big pent-up at the end of 2005, which is why so many couple went for civil partnerships as soon as possible after the law changed. A tailing off has been inevitable.”
While locally, the survey reported the number was on year-on-year drops from 31 per cent to 90 per cent among the forty local authorities were surveyed.
Mrs Sutcliff said the ceremonies got off to a relatively slow start in December 2005 and in early 2006 but they believe the situation will now become better.
Mr Martines added Duddleston City Council takes a very positive view of these ceremonies and has earned a reputation of sympathetic help its staff give to same-sex couples.
(325 words)
Questions Two:
A dumped or escaped pig appeared in front of Tony Sainsford's fruit and veg stall guzzling apples
and making a grunting noise on Normanston open market today, RSPCA inspector Geoff Robertshaw said.
According to him, the animal is a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and sometimes kept as a pet.
“Tony lassoed it, kept it tethered until we arrives and police say no reports of a missing or stolen pig.” Mr Robertshaw added.
Anyone with information should contact on 02924 367560.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Police drug raid recovered an 18-inch tall brass crucifix from a house in Ebling Street, Duddleston, initial inquiries failed to establish where it belongs.
The cross has no decoration or identifying marks, plain squared ends, mounted on a tiered oak plinth.
Anyone with information should contact on 02924 335511.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Headteahcer of the school:
Why does the school install CCTV cameras at toilet?
Have you ever worried about the consequence of the pupils' images that appear online?
Are there any other ways to solve the smoking and graffiti problems?
How serious the smoking and graffiti problems are at the school?
What is the school's plan if unfortunately the images of pupils using toilet appear online?
Is it legal to install CCTV cameras in the toilet?
The angry parent:
What is your opinion of school's CCTV cameras plan?
How do you think it will affect your children?
What is the thing that you have worried most regarding installing CCTV cameras in the toilet?
Have you talked to your local councillor, what suggestions did he provide to you? Does his granddaughter also go to the same school as your children?
Do you have any ideas of solving smoking and graffiti problems instead of installing CCTV cameras in the toilet?
The local councillor whose daughter goes to the school:
What is your opinion about the issue regarding your local school is going to install CCTV cameras in the toilet?
Are you worried about your granddaughter using school's toilet image appears online?
Did council have any plans to work with the school to help reduce smoking and graffiti? What is it?
Do you think installing CCTV cameras in the toilet in order to solve smoking and graffiti is a good way to solve the problems? Why?
Do you support parents' protest to oppose the school's CCTV cameras plan? Why?
Who should be responsible for children's smoking and making graffiti behaviour?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information such as the school's website, parent's protest website (if there is one), CCTV camera information website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Set up an online reader poll and ask reader whether they agree with the school's plan to install CCTV cameras in the toilet.
Invite a parent who is protesting the school's CCTV cameras plan to write up a blog discussing about the issue and updating the protest's progress.
Video:
Video the interviews of the key players – headteacher of the school, the angry parent, the local councillor, or the pupils.
Video a local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera in front of the school to introduce and tell audience the story.
Video local resident giving sound-bite views of the CCTV camera installing in school toilet issue.
Video the school's toilet, and roughly show audience where the CCTV cameras will be installed.
Other interaction:
Use sms text messages to break the story and direct the recipient to your website or newspaper for more information.
Send an e-mail alert to your reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Invite reader to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Set up an Facebook and Twitter page and let readers to say their opinions freely.
St Benedict's church Rev in Duddleston supports single-sex marriage by believing there is a place for gay people.
The number of civil partnership marriage has increased by 16 per cent in Duddleston, which is one of the only two areas, including Barnsley, that reported a rise, head of registrations Mrs Julia Sutcliff at Duddleston City Council said.
Rev Andrew MacDuffie said: “On Saturday I shall perform the city's first blessing of a single-sex couple after their civil partnership ceremony. We shouldn't have had to wait this long for Duddleston's first blessing.
“What is important is the stability of a relationship, not the couple's sexuality. My personal view is that it is important to enshrine in law anything that overcomes discrimination.
However, neighbouring St Faith's Church turned down a gay couple, Sally Spencer, of Kennedy Road, said: “We would have liked a blessing afterwards at, but our vicar turned us down.
“He just didn't want anything to do with it despite the fact we often attend his services.”
Nationally, Local Government Association survey showed the number of gay weddings fell on average by 55 per cent in the past 12 months.
Adrian Martines, Chair of Duddleston Lesbian and Gay Forum, said: “There was a big pent-up at the end of 2005, which is why so many couple went for civil partnerships as soon as possible after the law changed. A tailing off has been inevitable.”
While locally, the survey reported the number was on year-on-year drops from 31 per cent to 90 per cent among the forty local authorities were surveyed.
Mrs Sutcliff said the ceremonies got off to a relatively slow start in December 2005 and in early 2006 but they believe the situation will now become better.
Mr Martines added Duddleston City Council takes a very positive view of these ceremonies and has earned a reputation of sympathetic help its staff give to same-sex couples.
(325 words)
Questions Two:
A dumped or escaped pig appeared in front of Tony Sainsford's fruit and veg stall guzzling apples
and making a grunting noise on Normanston open market today, RSPCA inspector Geoff Robertshaw said.
According to him, the animal is a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and sometimes kept as a pet.
“Tony lassoed it, kept it tethered until we arrives and police say no reports of a missing or stolen pig.” Mr Robertshaw added.
Anyone with information should contact on 02924 367560.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Police drug raid recovered an 18-inch tall brass crucifix from a house in Ebling Street, Duddleston, initial inquiries failed to establish where it belongs.
The cross has no decoration or identifying marks, plain squared ends, mounted on a tiered oak plinth.
Anyone with information should contact on 02924 335511.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Headteahcer of the school:
Why does the school install CCTV cameras at toilet?
Have you ever worried about the consequence of the pupils' images that appear online?
Are there any other ways to solve the smoking and graffiti problems?
How serious the smoking and graffiti problems are at the school?
What is the school's plan if unfortunately the images of pupils using toilet appear online?
Is it legal to install CCTV cameras in the toilet?
The angry parent:
What is your opinion of school's CCTV cameras plan?
How do you think it will affect your children?
What is the thing that you have worried most regarding installing CCTV cameras in the toilet?
Have you talked to your local councillor, what suggestions did he provide to you? Does his granddaughter also go to the same school as your children?
Do you have any ideas of solving smoking and graffiti problems instead of installing CCTV cameras in the toilet?
The local councillor whose daughter goes to the school:
What is your opinion about the issue regarding your local school is going to install CCTV cameras in the toilet?
Are you worried about your granddaughter using school's toilet image appears online?
Did council have any plans to work with the school to help reduce smoking and graffiti? What is it?
Do you think installing CCTV cameras in the toilet in order to solve smoking and graffiti is a good way to solve the problems? Why?
Do you support parents' protest to oppose the school's CCTV cameras plan? Why?
Who should be responsible for children's smoking and making graffiti behaviour?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information such as the school's website, parent's protest website (if there is one), CCTV camera information website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Set up an online reader poll and ask reader whether they agree with the school's plan to install CCTV cameras in the toilet.
Invite a parent who is protesting the school's CCTV cameras plan to write up a blog discussing about the issue and updating the protest's progress.
Video:
Video the interviews of the key players – headteacher of the school, the angry parent, the local councillor, or the pupils.
Video a local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera in front of the school to introduce and tell audience the story.
Video local resident giving sound-bite views of the CCTV camera installing in school toilet issue.
Video the school's toilet, and roughly show audience where the CCTV cameras will be installed.
Other interaction:
Use sms text messages to break the story and direct the recipient to your website or newspaper for more information.
Send an e-mail alert to your reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Invite reader to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Set up an Facebook and Twitter page and let readers to say their opinions freely.
News writing - Newshire archaeology service
Question One:
The site of Beeton Battle has been finally found by Newshire Metal Detecting Group (NMDG), chief archaeologist Simon Ducane at Newshire County Council confirmed.
The 1645 war's battlefield is a mile outside the present city's built-up area, the capital city of Newshire County.
Mr Ducane said: “We are indebted to the group for their five-year search to find the site under the archaeology service's guidance.
“Their work has now borne fruit and members of the metal detecting group have given up many weekends to this search.”
Nationally, archaeologists are worried about the attempts of discovering battles' truth are being jeopardised by amateur treasure hunters' invasion.
The reason is that there is no co-ordinated strategy for trying to ensure that battlefield finds are fully reported and recorded.
Bernard Austerberry, 54, Chairman of the Newshire Metal Detecting Group, said that his group has been in the forefront of advocating a responsible approach to metal detecting, “we are absolutely over the moon to think we have been instrumental in identifying such an important site as this.
“It's taken five years of weekends spent committed to a gradually extending search and we've worked closely with the archaeological service all the way along the line.”
Lain Laidler, 34, a history teacher at Kettledown High School, Beeton, said: “I let out a huge yell of delight when I found the first cannonball at High Meadow.
The group has obviously followed archaeologists' advices, “They removed nothing, carefully returning each item to the ground and marking the spot with a stake”, said Mr Ducane. “When they realised that the number of finds meant there had been a significant battle at the spot, they informed us immediately.”
Laidler added: “After that we found about 20 more cannonballs and some musket balls before we decided to stop and notify the archaeology service.”
The Beeton battle was a key battle fought when the Civil War was moving towards its climax.
(323 words)
Questions Two
Vandals endangered visitors at Beeton Castle on Sunday night when they ripped off fencing panels and handrails between scheduled security patrols of the ruins, according to the council.
There will be a short-term health and safety precaution to prevent access, after replacing the missing items it will reopen again.
The castle is now working English Heritage to see how they can resolve the problems.
The council appeals residents to report suspicious or criminal behaviour to the police.
(80 words)
Questions Three:
Dog warden service at the council is arranging sessions for dog owners to get their dogs microchipped at £10 next week at the Lynhope Pet Stores on Water Street, Beeton.
Each dog will be implanted with a radio-frequency identification micropchip.
The event runs from 10am to 4:30pm everyday.
(50 words)
Questions Four:
Mid-Newshire Hospitals NHS Trust manager:
Why does the old name not reflect the work of a modern hospital?
What confusion has the old name created to the hospital with other ones in the district?
Do you truly believe that changing the name will solve these problems?
What do you think about the survey findings carried out by Health watchdog Beeton Link?
What is the attitude of the hospital itself towards Trust's plan?
What is the meaning of the hospital's old name?
Director of Health watchdog Beeton Link:
What is the outcome of the survey?
How does it reflect local residents' attitude regarding changing the hospital's name?
What is the campaign all about?
Can the campaign solve the problem at the end? Do you think your campaign will save the old name?
What do you think Trust's argument that the old name does not reflect the work of a mordern hospital and creates confusions with other hospitals in the district.
Representative of local residents association, (preferably who is also answered the survey's questions):
What is your opinion about Trust's plan to change the hospital's name?
How important do you think the name for a local hospital?
Have you ever found your local hospital's name a problem?
What do you think Health watchdog Beeton Link's campaign? Do you support them?
Do you know anyone who has got problems with your local hospital's name? Maybe is confused by the location of the hospital, as it does not clearly state as Beeton Hospital, so people do not know where the hospital is?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information, such as the Trust' website, Health watchdog Beeton Link's website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which carry a full story.
Set up an online reader poll to ask readers whether they are agree with Trust's plan to change the hospital's name.
Invite a representative from Health watchdog Beeton Link to write a blog, and update their everyday campaign.
Video:
Video the interviews with key players: Mid-Newshire Hospitals NHS Trust manager, director of Health watchdog Beeton Link as well as residents representative;
Video councillor or/an local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera in front of the hospital and introducing the story.
Video local people giving sound-bite views of the issue.
Video the campaign about the organisation opposing Turst's plan to change the hospital's name.
Other digital interaction:
Use text message to break the story and direct recipients to your website and newspaper for more information.
Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Invite readers to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his online and print editorial.
Set up an Facbook and Twitter page for readers and let them discuss the issue.
The site of Beeton Battle has been finally found by Newshire Metal Detecting Group (NMDG), chief archaeologist Simon Ducane at Newshire County Council confirmed.
The 1645 war's battlefield is a mile outside the present city's built-up area, the capital city of Newshire County.
Mr Ducane said: “We are indebted to the group for their five-year search to find the site under the archaeology service's guidance.
“Their work has now borne fruit and members of the metal detecting group have given up many weekends to this search.”
Nationally, archaeologists are worried about the attempts of discovering battles' truth are being jeopardised by amateur treasure hunters' invasion.
The reason is that there is no co-ordinated strategy for trying to ensure that battlefield finds are fully reported and recorded.
Bernard Austerberry, 54, Chairman of the Newshire Metal Detecting Group, said that his group has been in the forefront of advocating a responsible approach to metal detecting, “we are absolutely over the moon to think we have been instrumental in identifying such an important site as this.
“It's taken five years of weekends spent committed to a gradually extending search and we've worked closely with the archaeological service all the way along the line.”
Lain Laidler, 34, a history teacher at Kettledown High School, Beeton, said: “I let out a huge yell of delight when I found the first cannonball at High Meadow.
The group has obviously followed archaeologists' advices, “They removed nothing, carefully returning each item to the ground and marking the spot with a stake”, said Mr Ducane. “When they realised that the number of finds meant there had been a significant battle at the spot, they informed us immediately.”
Laidler added: “After that we found about 20 more cannonballs and some musket balls before we decided to stop and notify the archaeology service.”
The Beeton battle was a key battle fought when the Civil War was moving towards its climax.
(323 words)
Questions Two
Vandals endangered visitors at Beeton Castle on Sunday night when they ripped off fencing panels and handrails between scheduled security patrols of the ruins, according to the council.
There will be a short-term health and safety precaution to prevent access, after replacing the missing items it will reopen again.
The castle is now working English Heritage to see how they can resolve the problems.
The council appeals residents to report suspicious or criminal behaviour to the police.
(80 words)
Questions Three:
Dog warden service at the council is arranging sessions for dog owners to get their dogs microchipped at £10 next week at the Lynhope Pet Stores on Water Street, Beeton.
Each dog will be implanted with a radio-frequency identification micropchip.
The event runs from 10am to 4:30pm everyday.
(50 words)
Questions Four:
Mid-Newshire Hospitals NHS Trust manager:
Why does the old name not reflect the work of a modern hospital?
What confusion has the old name created to the hospital with other ones in the district?
Do you truly believe that changing the name will solve these problems?
What do you think about the survey findings carried out by Health watchdog Beeton Link?
What is the attitude of the hospital itself towards Trust's plan?
What is the meaning of the hospital's old name?
Director of Health watchdog Beeton Link:
What is the outcome of the survey?
How does it reflect local residents' attitude regarding changing the hospital's name?
What is the campaign all about?
Can the campaign solve the problem at the end? Do you think your campaign will save the old name?
What do you think Trust's argument that the old name does not reflect the work of a mordern hospital and creates confusions with other hospitals in the district.
Representative of local residents association, (preferably who is also answered the survey's questions):
What is your opinion about Trust's plan to change the hospital's name?
How important do you think the name for a local hospital?
Have you ever found your local hospital's name a problem?
What do you think Health watchdog Beeton Link's campaign? Do you support them?
Do you know anyone who has got problems with your local hospital's name? Maybe is confused by the location of the hospital, as it does not clearly state as Beeton Hospital, so people do not know where the hospital is?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information, such as the Trust' website, Health watchdog Beeton Link's website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which carry a full story.
Set up an online reader poll to ask readers whether they are agree with Trust's plan to change the hospital's name.
Invite a representative from Health watchdog Beeton Link to write a blog, and update their everyday campaign.
Video:
Video the interviews with key players: Mid-Newshire Hospitals NHS Trust manager, director of Health watchdog Beeton Link as well as residents representative;
Video councillor or/an local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera in front of the hospital and introducing the story.
Video local people giving sound-bite views of the issue.
Video the campaign about the organisation opposing Turst's plan to change the hospital's name.
Other digital interaction:
Use text message to break the story and direct recipients to your website and newspaper for more information.
Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Invite readers to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his online and print editorial.
Set up an Facbook and Twitter page for readers and let them discuss the issue.
Thursday, 29 July 2010
News writing - Yeltham neighbourhood watch federation
Question One:
A survey shows that residents in Yeltham severally worried about the increasing crimes in the area, which prompted police to conduct further analysis of the findings.
The survey, conducted by Yeltham Neighbourhood Watch Federation (YNWF) and Yeltham Crime Prevention Panel (YCPP), discussed several issues such as burglary, vandalism and robbery that residents are concerned about, according to Rob Litter, Chairman of YNWF.
Mr Litter said: “Some of the findings are not a great surprise in view of the widespread perception that crimes is on the increase.”
Chief Inspector Antony Wardell, of Yeltham Police, said: “We shall be studying the results of the survey with considerable interest. We conduct our own analysis of reported crime as this allows us to target our resources where they are most needed.
“Fear of crime, as distinct from crime itself, is also an important issue because this can impact equally on people's lives. It is important to allay unnecessary fears.”
According to Mr Litter, under 68 per cent of respondents said they were worried about their cars being broken into, while 72 per cent said they were afraid of being burgled.
While Vandalism is of great concern, 57 per cent of the residents were worried about noisy youngsters hanging about on street after dark, residents over 70-year-old also said they were frightened to go out alone because of the fear of being attacked and robbed.
Jeffrey Steele, Chairman of YCPP, said the YNWF had their full support for this survey, “It highlighted the fears of some of our widely varying communities and has allowed us to identify one particular problem where we believe we can help.
“I hope very much that local businesses will back us with financial support.”
Regarding old pensioners' fear of answering the door to strangers, Gerald Parkins, Chairman of the Lupsham Estate Community Association, Yeltham, said two members of his committee are skilled in providing service to fit the door chains free of charge.
Questions Two:
A widower was burgled at her doorstep in Beck Road, Iiworth today at about 8:45am.
While two men kept telling the 84-year-old the apple tree need some work, the third man entered the kitchen and stole a wallet containing $55 in notes and change.
Two at the front door were in their 30s, fair-haired, rough appearance with local accents, One had a eagle tattoo on his left arm.
Anyone with information should contact Yeltham police on 412311.
(80 words)
Questions Three
A number of dead fish were found in the smallest of the three ponds at Yeltham Park. Findings suggest the death may be natural causes, pollution or a deliberate vandalism act.
Live fish will be kept in quarantine.
Anyone with information should call Yeltham Council's environmental health department on 375222.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Manager of a GPs' surgery
How does the service cuts affect your patient?
How many patients can roughly arrive on time now for appointment after the service cuts?
How many patients can roughly arrive on time for appointment before the service cuts?
Have you talked to your local GP association or local councillor about the issue? What suggestions did they provide?
Why doe the No 126's bus service cuts severally affect your patients?
Director of the bus company
Why do your company cut the service?
How much does your company save after cutting the service?
What did you think about the complaints from the GPs and the patients?
How are you going to resolve it?
Is there any other way the company can do instead of cutting service?
Patient:
How does the service affect you to go to your GP?
Does the bus service's cuts bring any impact on your life?
How long does it take you to your GP before the bus service's change?
Do you truly believe that the bus service's cuts have severally affect your life?
Are there any other routes you can choose to go to your GP (instead of using the current one)?
How long does it take you to your GP after the bus service's change?
Do you think the bus company should be responsible for the result of what they have been doing?
Online:
Write a comprehensive summary of the story, updated it when more information becomes available.
Embedded links guide reader to appropriate sources of information, such as the bus company's website, GP' s surgery website, or the patients' association website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Invite reader to comment on the issue online, and see what can be done to resolve problem brought by the bus service cuts.
Create a slide show of pictures of bus No 126, show the different stops before the service cuts as well as after the service cuts, as well as show the crowds try to get on the bus.
Other digital interaction:
Using text messages to break the story and direct the recipients to your website or newspaper for more information.
Set up an e-mail alert to tell your reader subscribers about the story link of your website.
Invite a patient to write up a blog talking about the inconvenience of the bus service cuts which affect his attendance to his GP.
Set up a facebook or Twitter page and invite readers to discuss the issue.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Video
Video the key players of their interviews: manager of a Gps' surgery, director of the bus company, patient.
Video a local councillor or a local MP to comment on the issue.
Video the reporter standing in front of the camera talking about the story, like doing a piece of camera of him/her introduce the story.
Video the patient standing at the bus stop and waiting for the bus. (but need to be carefully of not identifying him/her)
Video residents giving sound-bite views of the issue.
A survey shows that residents in Yeltham severally worried about the increasing crimes in the area, which prompted police to conduct further analysis of the findings.
The survey, conducted by Yeltham Neighbourhood Watch Federation (YNWF) and Yeltham Crime Prevention Panel (YCPP), discussed several issues such as burglary, vandalism and robbery that residents are concerned about, according to Rob Litter, Chairman of YNWF.
Mr Litter said: “Some of the findings are not a great surprise in view of the widespread perception that crimes is on the increase.”
Chief Inspector Antony Wardell, of Yeltham Police, said: “We shall be studying the results of the survey with considerable interest. We conduct our own analysis of reported crime as this allows us to target our resources where they are most needed.
“Fear of crime, as distinct from crime itself, is also an important issue because this can impact equally on people's lives. It is important to allay unnecessary fears.”
According to Mr Litter, under 68 per cent of respondents said they were worried about their cars being broken into, while 72 per cent said they were afraid of being burgled.
While Vandalism is of great concern, 57 per cent of the residents were worried about noisy youngsters hanging about on street after dark, residents over 70-year-old also said they were frightened to go out alone because of the fear of being attacked and robbed.
Jeffrey Steele, Chairman of YCPP, said the YNWF had their full support for this survey, “It highlighted the fears of some of our widely varying communities and has allowed us to identify one particular problem where we believe we can help.
“I hope very much that local businesses will back us with financial support.”
Regarding old pensioners' fear of answering the door to strangers, Gerald Parkins, Chairman of the Lupsham Estate Community Association, Yeltham, said two members of his committee are skilled in providing service to fit the door chains free of charge.
Questions Two:
A widower was burgled at her doorstep in Beck Road, Iiworth today at about 8:45am.
While two men kept telling the 84-year-old the apple tree need some work, the third man entered the kitchen and stole a wallet containing $55 in notes and change.
Two at the front door were in their 30s, fair-haired, rough appearance with local accents, One had a eagle tattoo on his left arm.
Anyone with information should contact Yeltham police on 412311.
(80 words)
Questions Three
A number of dead fish were found in the smallest of the three ponds at Yeltham Park. Findings suggest the death may be natural causes, pollution or a deliberate vandalism act.
Live fish will be kept in quarantine.
Anyone with information should call Yeltham Council's environmental health department on 375222.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Manager of a GPs' surgery
How does the service cuts affect your patient?
How many patients can roughly arrive on time now for appointment after the service cuts?
How many patients can roughly arrive on time for appointment before the service cuts?
Have you talked to your local GP association or local councillor about the issue? What suggestions did they provide?
Why doe the No 126's bus service cuts severally affect your patients?
Director of the bus company
Why do your company cut the service?
How much does your company save after cutting the service?
What did you think about the complaints from the GPs and the patients?
How are you going to resolve it?
Is there any other way the company can do instead of cutting service?
Patient:
How does the service affect you to go to your GP?
Does the bus service's cuts bring any impact on your life?
How long does it take you to your GP before the bus service's change?
Do you truly believe that the bus service's cuts have severally affect your life?
Are there any other routes you can choose to go to your GP (instead of using the current one)?
How long does it take you to your GP after the bus service's change?
Do you think the bus company should be responsible for the result of what they have been doing?
Online:
Write a comprehensive summary of the story, updated it when more information becomes available.
Embedded links guide reader to appropriate sources of information, such as the bus company's website, GP' s surgery website, or the patients' association website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Invite reader to comment on the issue online, and see what can be done to resolve problem brought by the bus service cuts.
Create a slide show of pictures of bus No 126, show the different stops before the service cuts as well as after the service cuts, as well as show the crowds try to get on the bus.
Other digital interaction:
Using text messages to break the story and direct the recipients to your website or newspaper for more information.
Set up an e-mail alert to tell your reader subscribers about the story link of your website.
Invite a patient to write up a blog talking about the inconvenience of the bus service cuts which affect his attendance to his GP.
Set up a facebook or Twitter page and invite readers to discuss the issue.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Video
Video the key players of their interviews: manager of a Gps' surgery, director of the bus company, patient.
Video a local councillor or a local MP to comment on the issue.
Video the reporter standing in front of the camera talking about the story, like doing a piece of camera of him/her introduce the story.
Video the patient standing at the bus stop and waiting for the bus. (but need to be carefully of not identifying him/her)
Video residents giving sound-bite views of the issue.
News writing - Sidston trading standards department
Question One:
A campaign to crack down bogus organic food is to be launched in Sidston, according to senior Trading Standards Officer Kenneth Pindar.
The inquiry, which will begin this week, is to look at sale of ordinary meat labelled as more costly organic products.
He said: “It is a crime which may appear to carry little risk because most shoppers have no way of telling if they have been duped, and the incentives to cheat are considerable.”
According to Mr Pindar, an ordinary chicken can sell for £10-£11 when labelled as organic while beefsteak can make more than £29 per kg.
In order to change the situation, a new test has been brought in with success by Food Standards Agency to measure the quantity of antibiotics in meat and see if it is a genuine organic product.
Mr Pindar said: “A local market trader was fined for re-labelling ordinary beef as organic, in a neighbouring area a producer was found to be selling allegedly organic sausages at a farmers' market.”
Figures show organic food sales are rising by 12 per cent a year nationally and currently are worth £1.2 billion annually, with sales of organic meat reaching about £200million a year.
Lawrence Platt, an organic beef farmer at Westfield, a village five miles from Sidston, said he fully support this campaign, “there are some of us who can point the finger at traders we believe might be trying to pull the wool over the public's eyes.
“They deserve whatever they get. It's a scam that must be stopped.”
Meanwhile, spot checks will be continued and suspected traders will face fines of up to £5,000 for each offence if they fraud.
A spokesman for Soil Association said: “We would ask people to report dubious traders, either to us or Trading Standards.
Shoppers should be able to have confidence in all the genuine traders in organic produce, whether it is vegetables, fruit, bread or meat.”
(324 words)
Question Two
Mr Arthur Staten was devastated to lose his twelve pigeons and newly-hatched chicks during a fire incident yesterday around 7:15pm.
The 70-year-old widower, living at 16 Wakeman Road, Sidston, called the fire service when he saw the fire in a series of wooden outbuildings at a bungalow.
Two fire crews spent more than two hours extinguishing the blaze and neighbouring roads were closed due to smoke.
The incident started when rubbish was being burned in the garden.
(80 words)
Questions Three
Sidston Merry Choristers is recruiting new members to join their choir.
They practise every Wednesday evening at Sidston Girl's High School between 7pm and 9pm.
There is a fee for practice nights except to offer newcomers the first two sessions free.
Anyone interested should contact Janie Timbers on Sidston 376568.
(50 words)
Questions Four:
Head Teacher of the school:
Why is there a need to add Chinese to the school's curriculum?
Do other school's curriculum in your borough also include Chinese? And what makes the school to do so?
How does the school reach its decision?
What do the the parents' opinion on the issue?
How important is it to learn Chinese?
Does the school's curriculum also include French, Germany or other foreign languages?
Representative of the parents:
What do you think the school's decision regarding including Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Do you want your children to learn another language? Why?
Why do you think the school make such a decision?
Do you think it is right to include Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Do you see the change just as to learn a foreign language, (no matter Chinese, Germany, French and at end of the day it is just a language) or you see it indicate another meaning - it is believed that China will become the next economic power, so learning Chinese might create more opportunities for the children themselves? What is your opinion about this?
Pupils:
What do you think to learn Chinese if your school include Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Are you learning other languages at the moment? Do you like learning languages?
Do you agree with school's new curriculum? Why?
What is the most difficult thing you can imagine now to learn a new language?
What is the best way to learn a language you think? For example, maybe go to a foreign country and stay there for a while, so you may learn quicker than learning a foreign language actually in your own country? What do you think?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated when information becomes available.
Web links guiding reader to appropriate sources of information such as the school's website, the BBC Learning Chinese website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Invite reader to comment about the story and ask their views about the news curriculum planned by the school.
Create an online slide show to show the Chinese character samples as well as the Chinese culture.
Video:
Video key players of their interviews: head teacher from the school, parents representative, and the pupils.
Video pupils are learning Chinese.
Video local people's sound-bite views of the new curriculum.
Video local councillor or local MP commenting on the new curriculum.
Use the video of how the Chinese characters like as some background information in the news story.
Interaction:
Using text messages to break down the story and guide the recipients to your website or the newspaper about the story.
Set an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with the link to your web story.
Set up facebook and twitter page and invite locals to join and discuss their opinion on the new Chinese curriculum.
Invite reader to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his online and print editorial.
A campaign to crack down bogus organic food is to be launched in Sidston, according to senior Trading Standards Officer Kenneth Pindar.
The inquiry, which will begin this week, is to look at sale of ordinary meat labelled as more costly organic products.
He said: “It is a crime which may appear to carry little risk because most shoppers have no way of telling if they have been duped, and the incentives to cheat are considerable.”
According to Mr Pindar, an ordinary chicken can sell for £10-£11 when labelled as organic while beefsteak can make more than £29 per kg.
In order to change the situation, a new test has been brought in with success by Food Standards Agency to measure the quantity of antibiotics in meat and see if it is a genuine organic product.
Mr Pindar said: “A local market trader was fined for re-labelling ordinary beef as organic, in a neighbouring area a producer was found to be selling allegedly organic sausages at a farmers' market.”
Figures show organic food sales are rising by 12 per cent a year nationally and currently are worth £1.2 billion annually, with sales of organic meat reaching about £200million a year.
Lawrence Platt, an organic beef farmer at Westfield, a village five miles from Sidston, said he fully support this campaign, “there are some of us who can point the finger at traders we believe might be trying to pull the wool over the public's eyes.
“They deserve whatever they get. It's a scam that must be stopped.”
Meanwhile, spot checks will be continued and suspected traders will face fines of up to £5,000 for each offence if they fraud.
A spokesman for Soil Association said: “We would ask people to report dubious traders, either to us or Trading Standards.
Shoppers should be able to have confidence in all the genuine traders in organic produce, whether it is vegetables, fruit, bread or meat.”
(324 words)
Question Two
Mr Arthur Staten was devastated to lose his twelve pigeons and newly-hatched chicks during a fire incident yesterday around 7:15pm.
The 70-year-old widower, living at 16 Wakeman Road, Sidston, called the fire service when he saw the fire in a series of wooden outbuildings at a bungalow.
Two fire crews spent more than two hours extinguishing the blaze and neighbouring roads were closed due to smoke.
The incident started when rubbish was being burned in the garden.
(80 words)
Questions Three
Sidston Merry Choristers is recruiting new members to join their choir.
They practise every Wednesday evening at Sidston Girl's High School between 7pm and 9pm.
There is a fee for practice nights except to offer newcomers the first two sessions free.
Anyone interested should contact Janie Timbers on Sidston 376568.
(50 words)
Questions Four:
Head Teacher of the school:
Why is there a need to add Chinese to the school's curriculum?
Do other school's curriculum in your borough also include Chinese? And what makes the school to do so?
How does the school reach its decision?
What do the the parents' opinion on the issue?
How important is it to learn Chinese?
Does the school's curriculum also include French, Germany or other foreign languages?
Representative of the parents:
What do you think the school's decision regarding including Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Do you want your children to learn another language? Why?
Why do you think the school make such a decision?
Do you think it is right to include Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Do you see the change just as to learn a foreign language, (no matter Chinese, Germany, French and at end of the day it is just a language) or you see it indicate another meaning - it is believed that China will become the next economic power, so learning Chinese might create more opportunities for the children themselves? What is your opinion about this?
Pupils:
What do you think to learn Chinese if your school include Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Are you learning other languages at the moment? Do you like learning languages?
Do you agree with school's new curriculum? Why?
What is the most difficult thing you can imagine now to learn a new language?
What is the best way to learn a language you think? For example, maybe go to a foreign country and stay there for a while, so you may learn quicker than learning a foreign language actually in your own country? What do you think?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated when information becomes available.
Web links guiding reader to appropriate sources of information such as the school's website, the BBC Learning Chinese website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Invite reader to comment about the story and ask their views about the news curriculum planned by the school.
Create an online slide show to show the Chinese character samples as well as the Chinese culture.
Video:
Video key players of their interviews: head teacher from the school, parents representative, and the pupils.
Video pupils are learning Chinese.
Video local people's sound-bite views of the new curriculum.
Video local councillor or local MP commenting on the new curriculum.
Use the video of how the Chinese characters like as some background information in the news story.
Interaction:
Using text messages to break down the story and guide the recipients to your website or the newspaper about the story.
Set an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with the link to your web story.
Set up facebook and twitter page and invite locals to join and discuss their opinion on the new Chinese curriculum.
Invite reader to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his online and print editorial.
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
News writing - Eddingham Cathedral
Question 1:
A new initiative is to launch at Wilberforce Centre to help youngster discover their potential and provide a safe environment for their personal development.
The scheme is part of the improvement of Eddingham Cathedral, Eddingham, and its authorities have submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £100,000 to start a major revamp.
David Cressy, Provost at Cathedral, said about youngsters: “We shall establish their needs and aspirations and set up projects that will empower them to shape their own future.”
According to him, the Cathedral is frequently under attack by disenchanted or alienated youngsters and the latest incident will cost them more than £2,000 to put things right.
He said youngsters such as these need the right encouragement to become good citizens.
The Rev Nigel Bankes, director of the Wilberforce Centre, said: “We have already made various attempts to establish worthwhile contacts with some of the young people who gather in the cathedral precinct but a more concerted effort is required, backed up by improved facilities at the centre.
We hope these will come with the Lottery Fund project.”
If the project is successful, as Mr Cressy said, there will be a possible £4million refurbishment which will be directed at the Grade One listed building and the services it offers to the community.
Regarding people's thoughts to improve the Cathedral, among ideas already mooted are under-floor heating and new seats, other essential basics are a complete clean and re-wiring, as well as the fabric of the building.
Mrs Olive Marchant, who is a cabinet member for education at Eddingham Council, said: “the cathedral authorities will have our full support in developing and extending their outreach projects.”
Colonel Michael Foxworth, chairman of the Friends of Cathedral, said: “The bid for a lottery grant if it is successful, will only be the beginning.
“We will still face a huge challenge to find the necessary money for all the work that will be required.”
(325 words)
Question two:
A new community website, free of charge, has been launched by the council to help groups and organisations throughout the district get their message across.
The site will be at eddcom.org, any local group can join providing accept the terms and conditions.
so far thirty groups have expressed interest and all these will be on line the moment the website goes live next Monday.
Free training is available, and more information should contact on Eddingham 303031 or asking at libraries.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Firefighters extinguished the fire, lasted 30 minutes, on a single-decker bus parked at the city centre bus station at 10:45pm yesterday, and no passengers on board and there was no damage other than the vehicle.
The driver realised the engine compartment was in flames and called the 999.
(49 words)
Questions four:
Police:
How did it happen?
What did you and your team do after being contacted by the supermarket car park?
What is the case's situation now?
What is development of the case since being told where the three medals are?
Do you think will there be a trial?
Is there any possibility for identity parade?
Spokesman at the local regiment
What do these medals mean to the regiment?
Who owned these three medals before?
How important are they to the regiment?
When did your regiment realise that these three medals had been lost?
How did the incident happen?
Manager of the supermarket car park:
What happened when discovering these three medals at your car park?
Who found out them at the beginning?
What did your car park do afterwards (after discovering the medals)?
Have you seen anyone suspicious these couple of days around the car park?
Could you describe the situation in details when discovering the medals at your car park?
Online:
Write the summary of the story online, as well as updating the story when new information becomes available.
Using embedded links to guide readers to appropriate information, such as the the police website, the local regiment's website, as well as the supermarket's website
Cross refer to the newspaper where the full story is going to be pusblished.
Creating an online slide show, using different images to show the story, such as the supermarket car park, the medals, the scene where discovering the medals.
Start an online campaign to discuss about the safety issue, as well as ask the police to join and help tackle the issue.
Video:
Video the key players, such as the police, the spokesman of the local regiment, and the manager of the supermarket car park.
Video the reporter who is doing his/her piece of camera and taking about the incident.
Video the demonstration which was kicked off by the incident to appeal a safe community and a safe environment.
Using mobile phone video contributed by the local residents, filming what was happening during the scene when discovering the three medals.
Video the local resident about their sound-bite view of the incident.
Other digital interaction:
Set up a facebook page or twitter page to discuss about the issue and update new development.
Set up an e-mail alert to tell subscribers about the three medal story is online now.
Ask residents to send text message back with their views about the incident and publish them online.
Invite editor to write a comment on his/her print publication or online publication.
Invite a person from the local regiment to write a blog talking about the three medals and the incident.
A new initiative is to launch at Wilberforce Centre to help youngster discover their potential and provide a safe environment for their personal development.
The scheme is part of the improvement of Eddingham Cathedral, Eddingham, and its authorities have submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £100,000 to start a major revamp.
David Cressy, Provost at Cathedral, said about youngsters: “We shall establish their needs and aspirations and set up projects that will empower them to shape their own future.”
According to him, the Cathedral is frequently under attack by disenchanted or alienated youngsters and the latest incident will cost them more than £2,000 to put things right.
He said youngsters such as these need the right encouragement to become good citizens.
The Rev Nigel Bankes, director of the Wilberforce Centre, said: “We have already made various attempts to establish worthwhile contacts with some of the young people who gather in the cathedral precinct but a more concerted effort is required, backed up by improved facilities at the centre.
We hope these will come with the Lottery Fund project.”
If the project is successful, as Mr Cressy said, there will be a possible £4million refurbishment which will be directed at the Grade One listed building and the services it offers to the community.
Regarding people's thoughts to improve the Cathedral, among ideas already mooted are under-floor heating and new seats, other essential basics are a complete clean and re-wiring, as well as the fabric of the building.
Mrs Olive Marchant, who is a cabinet member for education at Eddingham Council, said: “the cathedral authorities will have our full support in developing and extending their outreach projects.”
Colonel Michael Foxworth, chairman of the Friends of Cathedral, said: “The bid for a lottery grant if it is successful, will only be the beginning.
“We will still face a huge challenge to find the necessary money for all the work that will be required.”
(325 words)
Question two:
A new community website, free of charge, has been launched by the council to help groups and organisations throughout the district get their message across.
The site will be at eddcom.org, any local group can join providing accept the terms and conditions.
so far thirty groups have expressed interest and all these will be on line the moment the website goes live next Monday.
Free training is available, and more information should contact on Eddingham 303031 or asking at libraries.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Firefighters extinguished the fire, lasted 30 minutes, on a single-decker bus parked at the city centre bus station at 10:45pm yesterday, and no passengers on board and there was no damage other than the vehicle.
The driver realised the engine compartment was in flames and called the 999.
(49 words)
Questions four:
Police:
How did it happen?
What did you and your team do after being contacted by the supermarket car park?
What is the case's situation now?
What is development of the case since being told where the three medals are?
Do you think will there be a trial?
Is there any possibility for identity parade?
Spokesman at the local regiment
What do these medals mean to the regiment?
Who owned these three medals before?
How important are they to the regiment?
When did your regiment realise that these three medals had been lost?
How did the incident happen?
Manager of the supermarket car park:
What happened when discovering these three medals at your car park?
Who found out them at the beginning?
What did your car park do afterwards (after discovering the medals)?
Have you seen anyone suspicious these couple of days around the car park?
Could you describe the situation in details when discovering the medals at your car park?
Online:
Write the summary of the story online, as well as updating the story when new information becomes available.
Using embedded links to guide readers to appropriate information, such as the the police website, the local regiment's website, as well as the supermarket's website
Cross refer to the newspaper where the full story is going to be pusblished.
Creating an online slide show, using different images to show the story, such as the supermarket car park, the medals, the scene where discovering the medals.
Start an online campaign to discuss about the safety issue, as well as ask the police to join and help tackle the issue.
Video:
Video the key players, such as the police, the spokesman of the local regiment, and the manager of the supermarket car park.
Video the reporter who is doing his/her piece of camera and taking about the incident.
Video the demonstration which was kicked off by the incident to appeal a safe community and a safe environment.
Using mobile phone video contributed by the local residents, filming what was happening during the scene when discovering the three medals.
Video the local resident about their sound-bite view of the incident.
Other digital interaction:
Set up a facebook page or twitter page to discuss about the issue and update new development.
Set up an e-mail alert to tell subscribers about the three medal story is online now.
Ask residents to send text message back with their views about the incident and publish them online.
Invite editor to write a comment on his/her print publication or online publication.
Invite a person from the local regiment to write a blog talking about the three medals and the incident.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Friday, 23 July 2010
News writing - West Blackwood Residents' Association
Question One:
Residents of West Blackwood were furious that bypass signally failed to persuade motorists not to use the town's main street as a short cut.
The news system, cost £4.75 million, were meant to deter through traffic, but some drivers seem to be encouraged to vie for a place on a racing circuit.
George Livesey, of 16 High Street, West Blackwood, said: “We all held out so much hope when the bypass opened, but we have been bitterly disappointed.
“These mad drivers make it so hazardous, especially for young mums pushing prams and loaded with shopping.”
The reason of the system's failure is because the town's main road is still the shortest route for drivers travelling between the western suburbs of Kirkbrook and the industrial estate and mainline railway station to the north.
Residents are now hoping the Kirkbrook Council and the police will allow them to use 'Access Only' signs at each end of the village and will offer frequent police checks to catch those ignoring the restrictions.
Councillor Herbert Prescot, member for West Blackwood on Kirkbrook Council, said: “I share the residents' worries. My 12-year-old granddaughter was narrowly missed by someone careering down the High Street in a Porsche.
I've already talked to the highways department but they are not optimistic that 'Access only' sighs will have much effect, especially on local drivers.”
However, bypass was a big success in East Blackwood which even lead a headline in last week's News: “Bypass bring peace to East Blackwood.”
Richard Gough, Chairman of East Blackwood Community Association, said: “The bypass project has been an undoubted success for our community, less so for West Blackwood.
Personally I am prepared to support their campaign and I feel sure many of our members would do the same. I wouldn't like your readers to think we are gloating.”
He and his members played a leading part in a campaign to convince the authorities a bypass was long overdue.
(325 words)
Question Two:
Occupants aged over 70 in a Hewitt Drive house, Kirkbrook, were burgled while they were sleeping.
Burglars made off with a series of items, including a handbag containing about £85 notes, a mobile phone, about 20 CDs and a similar number of DVDs.
The incident, which is the third similar theft in Kirkbrook, happened between about 11pm on Monday and 7:30am today.
They seem to be mainly happened in elderly residents' homes. Anyone with information should call us on 321321.
(80 words)
Questions Three:
Mrs Jean Forrest, the lollipop lady who will retire in three months' time, will be missed by parents and children.
Jean, 68, only took one time off during her duty as crossing patrol officer at Brook Hall Junior and Infants School on Roger Road, Walton when she broke her arm.
(50 words)
Question four:
Manager of one of my town's largest stores:
When did the latest shoplifting happen?
Who found out first? How did he or she find out? What did he or she say? What did you do afterwards?
Have you been in touch with the police?
How about the store's security facilities?
Why did shoplifting so serious in the area?
What have your store done so far to help reduce shoplifting in the area? What about other stores?
How did shoplifting affect your business?
Police:
How did the shoplifting happen?
When did the latest shoplifting in the area happen?
What have you and your team done so far to find out the suspects?
What is the situation now?
Will you charge the suspects?
Is there any possibility to hold an identity parade?
What is the development of the case?
Who should be responsible for the shoplifting?
Councillor who has got an view about the town's shoplifting:
Why are there so many shoplifting in the area?
What have the council done so far to help local stores reduce shoplifting?
What is the council's new plan to reduce shoplifting? Have council got a new plan for tackling the issue?
Who should be responsible for the shoplifting?
How did the shoplifting affect local businesses?
When did shoplifting become serious in the town? Are there any historical reasons?
Online:
Write a summary of the story online and update it when information becomes available.
Cross refer to the newspaper about the story.
Put embedded links on the website beside the story, such as the store's website, the council website, local business association's website.
Start an online campaign to help resolve the shoplifting problem.
Set up an online opinion poll and ask readers to upload their views.
Create an online slide show to upload pictures about the stores' different condition, before shoplifting, after shoplifting etc.
Video:
Make a video of the key players – the police officer, the local councillor or the senior council officer, and the store manager.
Make a video of the reporter in front of the store and make his/her piece of camera talking about the shoplifting incident.
Make a video of the store manager's interview, film what the store is like before encountering shoplifting or after encountering shoplifting.
Upload residents' mobile phone videos that they took when they went to the stores, or they took while they saw the shopifting.
Make a video about the online campaign, and film the campaign.
Make a video about the residents' interview and film their sound-bite about the issue.
Other digital interaction:
Set up a Facebook page and Twitter page and ask people to follow and post their opinions.
Ask someone from the local business association to set up a blog and write about the issue.
Invite readers to send back text messages with their views about the issue and publish their views on the newspaper's website.
Ask the editor to comment on his print and online publication.
Using e-mail alert to tell subscribers about the story link.
Using text message to break down the story and ask them to check online or print publication.
Residents of West Blackwood were furious that bypass signally failed to persuade motorists not to use the town's main street as a short cut.
The news system, cost £4.75 million, were meant to deter through traffic, but some drivers seem to be encouraged to vie for a place on a racing circuit.
George Livesey, of 16 High Street, West Blackwood, said: “We all held out so much hope when the bypass opened, but we have been bitterly disappointed.
“These mad drivers make it so hazardous, especially for young mums pushing prams and loaded with shopping.”
The reason of the system's failure is because the town's main road is still the shortest route for drivers travelling between the western suburbs of Kirkbrook and the industrial estate and mainline railway station to the north.
Residents are now hoping the Kirkbrook Council and the police will allow them to use 'Access Only' signs at each end of the village and will offer frequent police checks to catch those ignoring the restrictions.
Councillor Herbert Prescot, member for West Blackwood on Kirkbrook Council, said: “I share the residents' worries. My 12-year-old granddaughter was narrowly missed by someone careering down the High Street in a Porsche.
I've already talked to the highways department but they are not optimistic that 'Access only' sighs will have much effect, especially on local drivers.”
However, bypass was a big success in East Blackwood which even lead a headline in last week's News: “Bypass bring peace to East Blackwood.”
Richard Gough, Chairman of East Blackwood Community Association, said: “The bypass project has been an undoubted success for our community, less so for West Blackwood.
Personally I am prepared to support their campaign and I feel sure many of our members would do the same. I wouldn't like your readers to think we are gloating.”
He and his members played a leading part in a campaign to convince the authorities a bypass was long overdue.
(325 words)
Question Two:
Occupants aged over 70 in a Hewitt Drive house, Kirkbrook, were burgled while they were sleeping.
Burglars made off with a series of items, including a handbag containing about £85 notes, a mobile phone, about 20 CDs and a similar number of DVDs.
The incident, which is the third similar theft in Kirkbrook, happened between about 11pm on Monday and 7:30am today.
They seem to be mainly happened in elderly residents' homes. Anyone with information should call us on 321321.
(80 words)
Questions Three:
Mrs Jean Forrest, the lollipop lady who will retire in three months' time, will be missed by parents and children.
Jean, 68, only took one time off during her duty as crossing patrol officer at Brook Hall Junior and Infants School on Roger Road, Walton when she broke her arm.
(50 words)
Question four:
Manager of one of my town's largest stores:
When did the latest shoplifting happen?
Who found out first? How did he or she find out? What did he or she say? What did you do afterwards?
Have you been in touch with the police?
How about the store's security facilities?
Why did shoplifting so serious in the area?
What have your store done so far to help reduce shoplifting in the area? What about other stores?
How did shoplifting affect your business?
Police:
How did the shoplifting happen?
When did the latest shoplifting in the area happen?
What have you and your team done so far to find out the suspects?
What is the situation now?
Will you charge the suspects?
Is there any possibility to hold an identity parade?
What is the development of the case?
Who should be responsible for the shoplifting?
Councillor who has got an view about the town's shoplifting:
Why are there so many shoplifting in the area?
What have the council done so far to help local stores reduce shoplifting?
What is the council's new plan to reduce shoplifting? Have council got a new plan for tackling the issue?
Who should be responsible for the shoplifting?
How did the shoplifting affect local businesses?
When did shoplifting become serious in the town? Are there any historical reasons?
Online:
Write a summary of the story online and update it when information becomes available.
Cross refer to the newspaper about the story.
Put embedded links on the website beside the story, such as the store's website, the council website, local business association's website.
Start an online campaign to help resolve the shoplifting problem.
Set up an online opinion poll and ask readers to upload their views.
Create an online slide show to upload pictures about the stores' different condition, before shoplifting, after shoplifting etc.
Video:
Make a video of the key players – the police officer, the local councillor or the senior council officer, and the store manager.
Make a video of the reporter in front of the store and make his/her piece of camera talking about the shoplifting incident.
Make a video of the store manager's interview, film what the store is like before encountering shoplifting or after encountering shoplifting.
Upload residents' mobile phone videos that they took when they went to the stores, or they took while they saw the shopifting.
Make a video about the online campaign, and film the campaign.
Make a video about the residents' interview and film their sound-bite about the issue.
Other digital interaction:
Set up a Facebook page and Twitter page and ask people to follow and post their opinions.
Ask someone from the local business association to set up a blog and write about the issue.
Invite readers to send back text messages with their views about the issue and publish their views on the newspaper's website.
Ask the editor to comment on his print and online publication.
Using e-mail alert to tell subscribers about the story link.
Using text message to break down the story and ask them to check online or print publication.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
News writing - NW36 (first version)
Question One:
A shortlisted award-winning retailer has been hit hard by the credit crunch and announced to close today.
Hedley Tindall, the firm with 21 employees running over six decades business, is facing closing on its diamond anniversary year while has just been short-listed for a national award.
Philip Platts, 57, metalworker and staff representative at Tindall Shopfitters, said: “We were crying because this is the end of an era. Those who created the country’s economic crisis have a lot to answer for.
“Some of us are of an age where we’re unlikely to find new jobs, but that wasn’t what we were crying about.
“Everyone has always been treated fairly.”
The family-run business in Gresley Street premises has built up a reputation for the production of high quality shop and warehouse fittings.
Its young apprentice Angelina Edwards received the National Association of Shopfillters’ annual Apprentices’ Design Award last year.
Matt Adsley, the spokesman of the Association of Small Businesses, said: “Small firms act as the canary in the coalmine. If they are finding it more difficult it’s good indicator of the underlying health of the business community.
“It is very unfortunate when one of our members, such as Tindall Shopfitters, has to close its doors, especially when it is a company with such a good reputation.”
The company’s sales have been reduced to non-existence level by economic downturn but the late payment resides as the main obstacle to cause its closing.
Harold Livesey, chief executive officer of Beeton Chamber of Commerce, said: “The economic maelstrom has led to a clutch of firms in Beeton getting into difficulties and, as already reported in the press, a couple have closed down.
“We know there are others on the rink of collapse so the local outlook is mostly gloomy.
“All our recent surveys of members continue to show a declining level of business activity, although there are one or two brighter spots.”
(322 words)
Question two:
A move driving mean theft off the streets is to launch by a charity in order to fund specialist nurses.
Bogus clothing collectors stole 25 plastic bags yesterday from Macmillan Cancer Support's Beeton branch on the streets of Dalton area.
The charity use only vans with the official Macmillan logo in dark green and lime on the side of the vehicle, says its secretary Amanda Powney.
Anyone sees donated bags been put into an unmarked van contacts 0844 873 2199.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Well-known figure Arnold Higgs is attending a charity bazaar at the church hall in Stanley Street this Saturday.
The event aims to raise £500 for the British Heart Foundation following the fatal heart attack on Arnold.
Toys and crafts can be bought between 10am and 12.30pm, admission is free.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Spokesman of hospital:
* Why is there a breach of hygiene code that is designed to ensure cleanliness and infection control?
* Why are the cleaning services not available 24 hours a day? How will the hospital solve it?
* Why are there a number of lapses in the decontamination of equipment?
* How do these problems happen?
* What have your hospital done so far to change the situation after the report?
* Who should be responsible for these problems?
Patient at the hospital:
* Could you talk to me about the hospital's cleaning services?
* How do the services affect your recovery?
* Have you ever complained anything regarding the hospital’s environment is not clean or the food is not healthy?
* Did you notice that the cleaning services sometimes is not available? If just happened that you need it, what would you do?
* Have you heard anything about the hospital hygiene problem before?
Who should be responsible for these problems?
Local councillor who has a view on the local hospital:
* What has the council done so far to help the hospital change its current situation regarding breaching hygiene code.
* Who should be responsible for these problems?
* Does the hospital have any hygiene problem before? If so, what reaction did the council take?
* How does the council help the hospital improve its cleaning services?
* What impact did the Commission’s report bring to the hospital? How did it affect the hospital?
Online:
* Write a comprehensive summary of the story online and then update s it when more information become available.
* Put embedded links to guide reader for further information such as the hospital website or the council’s website and the commission's online report version.
* Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry out the full story.
* Start an online campaign to protest against the hospital’s mismanagement.
Upload a picture slide show to show the different scenes of the hospital cleaning facilities.
* Invite comments and suggestions of what can be done to make the hospital do something about the situation.
Set up Facebook or Twitter Page asks reader to join and discuss issues.
Video:
* Video of the main scenes of the hospital, such as toilet, canteen, patient’s rooms.
* Video of the spokesperson from the hospital when he/she gives an interview
* Video of the patient giving sound-bite views of the hospital's hygiene problems.
* Video of the local councillor or the senior council officer when commenting on the issue.
* Video of the online campaign which protests against the hospital’s mismanagement.
* Mobile phone video from the patients who have suffered from the problems caused by the hospital's breaching of the hygiene code.
Make a video of the reporter standing in front of the hospital, like making a piece of camera of the reporter reporting the thing.
Other Interaction platform:
* Use the text message to break the story and guide your reader to the full story in the newspaper or the web.
* Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers and let them know a new story on the website.
* Ask the editor to comment on his/her print and web publication.
* Invite a person from the campaign group to write about a blog to discuss his/her opinion or invite a patient to write about his/her experience when been cared in the hospital
* Set up Facebook or Twitter Page asks reader to join and discuss issues.
Invite readers to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
* Set up an online reader poll asking readers whether they think the hospital should make more effort to rectify the problems.
A shortlisted award-winning retailer has been hit hard by the credit crunch and announced to close today.
Hedley Tindall, the firm with 21 employees running over six decades business, is facing closing on its diamond anniversary year while has just been short-listed for a national award.
Philip Platts, 57, metalworker and staff representative at Tindall Shopfitters, said: “We were crying because this is the end of an era. Those who created the country’s economic crisis have a lot to answer for.
“Some of us are of an age where we’re unlikely to find new jobs, but that wasn’t what we were crying about.
“Everyone has always been treated fairly.”
The family-run business in Gresley Street premises has built up a reputation for the production of high quality shop and warehouse fittings.
Its young apprentice Angelina Edwards received the National Association of Shopfillters’ annual Apprentices’ Design Award last year.
Matt Adsley, the spokesman of the Association of Small Businesses, said: “Small firms act as the canary in the coalmine. If they are finding it more difficult it’s good indicator of the underlying health of the business community.
“It is very unfortunate when one of our members, such as Tindall Shopfitters, has to close its doors, especially when it is a company with such a good reputation.”
The company’s sales have been reduced to non-existence level by economic downturn but the late payment resides as the main obstacle to cause its closing.
Harold Livesey, chief executive officer of Beeton Chamber of Commerce, said: “The economic maelstrom has led to a clutch of firms in Beeton getting into difficulties and, as already reported in the press, a couple have closed down.
“We know there are others on the rink of collapse so the local outlook is mostly gloomy.
“All our recent surveys of members continue to show a declining level of business activity, although there are one or two brighter spots.”
(322 words)
Question two:
A move driving mean theft off the streets is to launch by a charity in order to fund specialist nurses.
Bogus clothing collectors stole 25 plastic bags yesterday from Macmillan Cancer Support's Beeton branch on the streets of Dalton area.
The charity use only vans with the official Macmillan logo in dark green and lime on the side of the vehicle, says its secretary Amanda Powney.
Anyone sees donated bags been put into an unmarked van contacts 0844 873 2199.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Well-known figure Arnold Higgs is attending a charity bazaar at the church hall in Stanley Street this Saturday.
The event aims to raise £500 for the British Heart Foundation following the fatal heart attack on Arnold.
Toys and crafts can be bought between 10am and 12.30pm, admission is free.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Spokesman of hospital:
* Why is there a breach of hygiene code that is designed to ensure cleanliness and infection control?
* Why are the cleaning services not available 24 hours a day? How will the hospital solve it?
* Why are there a number of lapses in the decontamination of equipment?
* How do these problems happen?
* What have your hospital done so far to change the situation after the report?
* Who should be responsible for these problems?
Patient at the hospital:
* Could you talk to me about the hospital's cleaning services?
* How do the services affect your recovery?
* Have you ever complained anything regarding the hospital’s environment is not clean or the food is not healthy?
* Did you notice that the cleaning services sometimes is not available? If just happened that you need it, what would you do?
* Have you heard anything about the hospital hygiene problem before?
Who should be responsible for these problems?
Local councillor who has a view on the local hospital:
* What has the council done so far to help the hospital change its current situation regarding breaching hygiene code.
* Who should be responsible for these problems?
* Does the hospital have any hygiene problem before? If so, what reaction did the council take?
* How does the council help the hospital improve its cleaning services?
* What impact did the Commission’s report bring to the hospital? How did it affect the hospital?
Online:
* Write a comprehensive summary of the story online and then update s it when more information become available.
* Put embedded links to guide reader for further information such as the hospital website or the council’s website and the commission's online report version.
* Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry out the full story.
* Start an online campaign to protest against the hospital’s mismanagement.
Upload a picture slide show to show the different scenes of the hospital cleaning facilities.
* Invite comments and suggestions of what can be done to make the hospital do something about the situation.
Set up Facebook or Twitter Page asks reader to join and discuss issues.
Video:
* Video of the main scenes of the hospital, such as toilet, canteen, patient’s rooms.
* Video of the spokesperson from the hospital when he/she gives an interview
* Video of the patient giving sound-bite views of the hospital's hygiene problems.
* Video of the local councillor or the senior council officer when commenting on the issue.
* Video of the online campaign which protests against the hospital’s mismanagement.
* Mobile phone video from the patients who have suffered from the problems caused by the hospital's breaching of the hygiene code.
Make a video of the reporter standing in front of the hospital, like making a piece of camera of the reporter reporting the thing.
Other Interaction platform:
* Use the text message to break the story and guide your reader to the full story in the newspaper or the web.
* Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers and let them know a new story on the website.
* Ask the editor to comment on his/her print and web publication.
* Invite a person from the campaign group to write about a blog to discuss his/her opinion or invite a patient to write about his/her experience when been cared in the hospital
* Set up Facebook or Twitter Page asks reader to join and discuss issues.
Invite readers to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
* Set up an online reader poll asking readers whether they think the hospital should make more effort to rectify the problems.
Saturday, 10 July 2010
News writing - NW (first version)
Question One:
Recyclable chewing gum bins will be installed at the White Rose Shopping Centre next month in a bid to help clean our environment.
Gummy Bins offer a convenient way for people to dispose of their gum and encourage locals to throw their gums thoughtfully.
Richard Gerrard, Environment Health Director of Radston City Council, said: “We are to fund 25 of the Gummy Bins at the entrances to the White Rose shopping centre.
“We hope that their user-friendly design, combined with messages about the environmental benefits they provide, will encourage gum chewers of all ages to use them.”
Figures obtained from local councils show that Gummy Bins can have a dramatic effect on people’s gum dropping behaviour.
For example, a typical 50 bin installation in a pedestrian town centre can attract approximately 25, 000 pieces of discarded gum per year.
Shopper Arnold Carragher, 72, of Hambleton Way, Radston, said: “Spitting chewing gum on to the floor is a disgusting habit.
“I sincerely hope these new bins will encourage people to stop dropping their gum but I’m not holding my breath.”
Richard added: “This is a pilot project which we will monitor closely over the first 12 months. It costs the Radston council tax payer £250,000 a year to clean up discarded chewing gum.
“If the project is successful we will look to save up to 20 per cent of that sum. We will then look at rolling out the bins in other areas of the city.”
The government estimated it spent £150 million to clean up chewing gun in 2008, while independent analysts believe the true cost is higher.
Sonia Grey, activist of Radston Green Group, said: “I suppose it is a step in the right direction but why do people chew gum in the first place?
“If it is such an environmental hazard the government should do more to stop people buying gum.
“Put a tax on it like they do everything else.”
(323 words)
Question Two:
An anti-social behaviour scheme was launched today to help party-goers to get back home safely and quickly.
The Taxi Marshal Scheme, providing marshals in high visible jackets, will direct people to taxi ranks at late nights, including Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
Ivan Kearney, community initiatives co-ordinator at Radston local policing unit, said: “
There have been positive results from similar schemes in other city centres around the country, and we are hoping for similar success here in Radston.
(78 words)
Question Three:
The council is seeking public’s views on local dentists’ services and its future.
The questionnaires, delivered to the local library, health centre and doctors’ surgeries, will form part of the final report of findings and recommendations after the transformation of the county’s NHS dentistry.
Further information contact Radston 442 1971.
(50 words)
Question Four:
A representative of the farming community:
* When did the incident happen?
* How did it happen?
* It seems this is the first case? So what is the impact on the farm? How does it affect the farming community as a whole?
* What is the estimated loss of the dead horses?
* Have the community done something regarding security facilities after the incident?
* Who is the owner or who are the owners of the dead horses?
A local resident:
* Have you heard anything regarding the horses being stabbed to death in the farming community? What is your opinion about it? How did you find it?
* Did you notice anything suspicious recently?
* How is the environment here in general, is it safe?
* Do people’s incomes here all depend on farming? Or maybe mostly depend on it?
* If it happens to you, what will you do?
* Who should be responsible for the incident?
Police:
* When did it happen?
* How did it happen?
* What is the situation now?
* Have you found anyone suspicious?
* What have you and your team done so far to develop the case?
* Is there any possible Identity Parade?
* How is the safety issue here in general?
Online:
* A summary of the story, and will update when gaining more information.
* A picture slides show which is put on the web, and will show different scenes of the case.
* Embedded link refer to other resources for further information, for example, the website of the farming community, the local police website, the residents’ group’s website.
* Set up an online forum and let people upload videos or picture and let them discuss related issues, such as safety and environment.
* Set up an online campaign to condemn the cruelty of killing animals,
* Interviewing local councillors or council’s senior officers and put their comments online.
Video:
* Make video on the key players, such as the police, the residents’ association representative, the representative of farming community, and the local councillor or senior council officers.
* Make video on the scene of the stabbed horses
* Make a stand up shot of the reporter at the scene, like making a piece of camera of the reporter reporting the case.
* Make a video of the online campaign page demonstrating what is going on from the local residents.
* Make a video of the police making their statement.
* Make a video of the online forum discussing about the case.
Other digital offering interaction:
* Send sms text messages to readers and tell them the story is online now, and let them know there is a new story here.
* Send e-mail alerts to readers with the web link of the story.
* Set up a Facebook page and/or twit on your newspaper twitter page and discuss what is going on about the case.
* Ask the editor to write comment of the story on the website or on the newspaper.
* Ask readers to send sms text messages or e-mails back to the newspaper, and publish their views online.
* Invite someone from the campaign group and online forum to write a blog and blogging the group’s main opinions or agenda.
Recyclable chewing gum bins will be installed at the White Rose Shopping Centre next month in a bid to help clean our environment.
Gummy Bins offer a convenient way for people to dispose of their gum and encourage locals to throw their gums thoughtfully.
Richard Gerrard, Environment Health Director of Radston City Council, said: “We are to fund 25 of the Gummy Bins at the entrances to the White Rose shopping centre.
“We hope that their user-friendly design, combined with messages about the environmental benefits they provide, will encourage gum chewers of all ages to use them.”
Figures obtained from local councils show that Gummy Bins can have a dramatic effect on people’s gum dropping behaviour.
For example, a typical 50 bin installation in a pedestrian town centre can attract approximately 25, 000 pieces of discarded gum per year.
Shopper Arnold Carragher, 72, of Hambleton Way, Radston, said: “Spitting chewing gum on to the floor is a disgusting habit.
“I sincerely hope these new bins will encourage people to stop dropping their gum but I’m not holding my breath.”
Richard added: “This is a pilot project which we will monitor closely over the first 12 months. It costs the Radston council tax payer £250,000 a year to clean up discarded chewing gum.
“If the project is successful we will look to save up to 20 per cent of that sum. We will then look at rolling out the bins in other areas of the city.”
The government estimated it spent £150 million to clean up chewing gun in 2008, while independent analysts believe the true cost is higher.
Sonia Grey, activist of Radston Green Group, said: “I suppose it is a step in the right direction but why do people chew gum in the first place?
“If it is such an environmental hazard the government should do more to stop people buying gum.
“Put a tax on it like they do everything else.”
(323 words)
Question Two:
An anti-social behaviour scheme was launched today to help party-goers to get back home safely and quickly.
The Taxi Marshal Scheme, providing marshals in high visible jackets, will direct people to taxi ranks at late nights, including Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
Ivan Kearney, community initiatives co-ordinator at Radston local policing unit, said: “
There have been positive results from similar schemes in other city centres around the country, and we are hoping for similar success here in Radston.
(78 words)
Question Three:
The council is seeking public’s views on local dentists’ services and its future.
The questionnaires, delivered to the local library, health centre and doctors’ surgeries, will form part of the final report of findings and recommendations after the transformation of the county’s NHS dentistry.
Further information contact Radston 442 1971.
(50 words)
Question Four:
A representative of the farming community:
* When did the incident happen?
* How did it happen?
* It seems this is the first case? So what is the impact on the farm? How does it affect the farming community as a whole?
* What is the estimated loss of the dead horses?
* Have the community done something regarding security facilities after the incident?
* Who is the owner or who are the owners of the dead horses?
A local resident:
* Have you heard anything regarding the horses being stabbed to death in the farming community? What is your opinion about it? How did you find it?
* Did you notice anything suspicious recently?
* How is the environment here in general, is it safe?
* Do people’s incomes here all depend on farming? Or maybe mostly depend on it?
* If it happens to you, what will you do?
* Who should be responsible for the incident?
Police:
* When did it happen?
* How did it happen?
* What is the situation now?
* Have you found anyone suspicious?
* What have you and your team done so far to develop the case?
* Is there any possible Identity Parade?
* How is the safety issue here in general?
Online:
* A summary of the story, and will update when gaining more information.
* A picture slides show which is put on the web, and will show different scenes of the case.
* Embedded link refer to other resources for further information, for example, the website of the farming community, the local police website, the residents’ group’s website.
* Set up an online forum and let people upload videos or picture and let them discuss related issues, such as safety and environment.
* Set up an online campaign to condemn the cruelty of killing animals,
* Interviewing local councillors or council’s senior officers and put their comments online.
Video:
* Make video on the key players, such as the police, the residents’ association representative, the representative of farming community, and the local councillor or senior council officers.
* Make video on the scene of the stabbed horses
* Make a stand up shot of the reporter at the scene, like making a piece of camera of the reporter reporting the case.
* Make a video of the online campaign page demonstrating what is going on from the local residents.
* Make a video of the police making their statement.
* Make a video of the online forum discussing about the case.
Other digital offering interaction:
* Send sms text messages to readers and tell them the story is online now, and let them know there is a new story here.
* Send e-mail alerts to readers with the web link of the story.
* Set up a Facebook page and/or twit on your newspaper twitter page and discuss what is going on about the case.
* Ask the editor to write comment of the story on the website or on the newspaper.
* Ask readers to send sms text messages or e-mails back to the newspaper, and publish their views online.
* Invite someone from the campaign group and online forum to write a blog and blogging the group’s main opinions or agenda.
Monday, 3 May 2010
News writing comments from Andrew Kelly
Andrew Kelly, news writing tutor at NoSweat, commented on my two stories and helped me tighten up my intros:
My first story intro: A leading Chinese community activist claims London's Chinatown would collapse if the new immigration rules are not amended.
Andrew's intro: London's Chinatowm will collapse if new immigration rules are not changed, says a leading Chinese community activist.
He explained in the e-mail reply: "London's Chinatown will (rather than would) collapse if (no need for 'the') new immigration rules are not changed (amended is correct but changed is more commonly understood), says a leading Chinese community activist.
My second story's intro: "Members of the public are fed-up of sitting Labour MP for Harrow East Tony McNulty, saying they would vote for other parties to keep Labour out."
Andrew's intro: "Voters in Harrow East say they want expenses scandal Labour MP Tony McNulty out.
He commented the way he writes would be more effective than my openning paragraph.
In addition, Andrew also gave me essential advice of how to write effective intros overall:
* less is always more so remove any words that are not
essential or
* try to find single words that cover a series of words.
* Also think about creating maximum impact by changing the arrangement and using active and present tense.
My first story intro: A leading Chinese community activist claims London's Chinatown would collapse if the new immigration rules are not amended.
Andrew's intro: London's Chinatowm will collapse if new immigration rules are not changed, says a leading Chinese community activist.
He explained in the e-mail reply: "London's Chinatown will (rather than would) collapse if (no need for 'the') new immigration rules are not changed (amended is correct but changed is more commonly understood), says a leading Chinese community activist.
My second story's intro: "Members of the public are fed-up of sitting Labour MP for Harrow East Tony McNulty, saying they would vote for other parties to keep Labour out."
Andrew's intro: "Voters in Harrow East say they want expenses scandal Labour MP Tony McNulty out.
He commented the way he writes would be more effective than my openning paragraph.
In addition, Andrew also gave me essential advice of how to write effective intros overall:
* less is always more so remove any words that are not
essential or
* try to find single words that cover a series of words.
* Also think about creating maximum impact by changing the arrangement and using active and present tense.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Supermarket expansion as a "monstrosity"
NCTJ News Writing Exam
By Yixiang Zeng
Question 1
A councillor has condemned a plan for supermarket expansion as a “monstrosity”.
Two weeks ago, Andersons Supermarkets applied for planning permission to move the petrol station from its present position about 55 metres from Bridge Road to the junction of the site’s access road and Bridge Road itself.
Councillor Norman Patricks said: “This plan would be an aesthetic disaster. To stick the filling station and a monstrosity of a car wash opposite Bridge Road Methodist Church is ridiculous.”
Andersons claims the new plans are designed to reconfigure the car park for the benefit of customers.
However, they have now added a huge automated car wash - the vast barn-like building, which would be wide enough to take two cars going through each of two washers at the same time.
Bill Raybould, of 12 Bridge Road, West Newtown, said: “I look out of my front window and can see the supermarket. I am very suspicious that Andersons are trying to pave the way for further expansion. If they get permission for this, I feel sure it won’t be long before the old application for a superstore resurfaces.”
Andersons wants to move the filling station to a corner, where the trees and bushes have now grown to an extent, which originally intended to mask the site from the view of residents and passing vehicles.
Now the greenery would be removed to the detriment of the visual amenity, which combines with the car wash, would finally ruin the appearance of the area, according to West Newtown Community Association.
A spokesman for Andersons said: “We dispute suggestions that this proposal would create traffic hazards. Indeed, we believe it would make the complex safer and easier for customers to use. It would help reduce the congestion created on the site by motorists who at present have to drive into it even when they want only petrol.”
(311 words)
By Yixiang Zeng
Question 1
A councillor has condemned a plan for supermarket expansion as a “monstrosity”.
Two weeks ago, Andersons Supermarkets applied for planning permission to move the petrol station from its present position about 55 metres from Bridge Road to the junction of the site’s access road and Bridge Road itself.
Councillor Norman Patricks said: “This plan would be an aesthetic disaster. To stick the filling station and a monstrosity of a car wash opposite Bridge Road Methodist Church is ridiculous.”
Andersons claims the new plans are designed to reconfigure the car park for the benefit of customers.
However, they have now added a huge automated car wash - the vast barn-like building, which would be wide enough to take two cars going through each of two washers at the same time.
Bill Raybould, of 12 Bridge Road, West Newtown, said: “I look out of my front window and can see the supermarket. I am very suspicious that Andersons are trying to pave the way for further expansion. If they get permission for this, I feel sure it won’t be long before the old application for a superstore resurfaces.”
Andersons wants to move the filling station to a corner, where the trees and bushes have now grown to an extent, which originally intended to mask the site from the view of residents and passing vehicles.
Now the greenery would be removed to the detriment of the visual amenity, which combines with the car wash, would finally ruin the appearance of the area, according to West Newtown Community Association.
A spokesman for Andersons said: “We dispute suggestions that this proposal would create traffic hazards. Indeed, we believe it would make the complex safer and easier for customers to use. It would help reduce the congestion created on the site by motorists who at present have to drive into it even when they want only petrol.”
(311 words)
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