A sample article from the Harrow Times by Jack Royston
What is the story?
BRENT pupils found out £80m of funding for their schools was axed the day they gave a presentation on how it should be spent.
Teenagers from four schools in the borough, including Copland Community School, in Wembley, pitched ideas to council bosses at Wembley Plaza Hotel, in Empire Way, on Monday.
But as they did so, education secretary Michael Gove announced in the House of Commons that money allocated for the rebuilding projects had been scrapped.
Quotes
Brent Council leader Ann John, who was at the event, said: “They were sitting there, they knew that it was a pretty awful decision that was made by the Government – they could tell by the reaction of their teachers.”
Develop the story
The four projects, funded through a scheme called Building Schools for the Future (BSF), were intended to increase the number of places in the borough by 2,068.
Brent's population is growing rapidly, putting pressure on class sizes, and the Government's decision has sparked fears of a crisis if money is not found to push ahead with the plans.
The council has already spent close to £600,000 on the projects and is now back to square one, battling to attract Government funding through a spending review for the years 2011-12 and 2014-15.
More quotes
Cllr John said: “If we don't manage to expand schools and manage to rebuild some schools then crisis is not too strong a word to use.
“We are very short of places and we have a statutory duty to provide those school places.”
Councillor Mary Arnold, responsible for children and families, said the decision could mean children are taught in corridors.
Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, described the situation as “absolutely desperate”.
His questioning of Mr Gove in the House of Commons following the announcement was so fierce the speaker said it offended his sensibilities.
Mr Gove told the commons: “Even before we formed this coalition Government and had the opportunity to look properly at the scandalous mess we inherited, we knew Labour ministers had no proper respect for public money.
“The whole process by which the then Government procured new school buildings was a case in point.
“The Building Schools for the Future scheme has been responsible for about one third of all this department's capital spending, but throughout its life it has been characterised by massive overspends, tragic delays, botched construction projects and needless bureaucracy.”
The other three schools affected are Alperton Community School, Queens Park Community School and Cardinal Hinsley Mathematics and Technology College.
Showing posts with label News writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News writing. Show all posts
Friday, 9 July 2010
News writing sample
A sample from the Harrow Times by Tristan Kirk
What is the story?
MORE than 25,000 have watched a music video created by a Scarborough school to raise money for a Harrow charity.
Scalby School pupils and teachers have recorded a version of Somewhere over the Rainbow/Wonderful World in memory of 14-year-old pupil Ellie Othick-Bowmaker who died on Valentine Day this year.
The song has been released on Amazon to raise money for Ali's Dream, a Harrow-based charity which is dedicated to furthering childhood brain tumour research.
Quotes
Jonathan Morgan, the school’s head of performing arts who produced the song and the video, said: “I have just been blown away by the response to the song. It is receiving views from right across the globe. We think it stands a great chance of getting into the charts.
“The main reason behind recording the song though was to raise funds and awareness of brain tumour charities.”
Ellie’s mother, Heather, said: “Every time I hear the song, it sends shivers down my spine. The fact that the school wanted to do it to raise brain tumour awareness has left me lost for words.
“It is the most underfunded of all the cancer charities and hopefully this will change that.”
Added information
For more information on the charity, you can click here
What is the story?
MORE than 25,000 have watched a music video created by a Scarborough school to raise money for a Harrow charity.
Scalby School pupils and teachers have recorded a version of Somewhere over the Rainbow/Wonderful World in memory of 14-year-old pupil Ellie Othick-Bowmaker who died on Valentine Day this year.
The song has been released on Amazon to raise money for Ali's Dream, a Harrow-based charity which is dedicated to furthering childhood brain tumour research.
Quotes
Jonathan Morgan, the school’s head of performing arts who produced the song and the video, said: “I have just been blown away by the response to the song. It is receiving views from right across the globe. We think it stands a great chance of getting into the charts.
“The main reason behind recording the song though was to raise funds and awareness of brain tumour charities.”
Ellie’s mother, Heather, said: “Every time I hear the song, it sends shivers down my spine. The fact that the school wanted to do it to raise brain tumour awareness has left me lost for words.
“It is the most underfunded of all the cancer charities and hopefully this will change that.”
Added information
For more information on the charity, you can click here
Thursday, 8 July 2010
News writing - NW (first version)
Question 1:
Middle-aged men will be helped improve their driving skills during a campaign to reduce bike crashes and improve road safety.
RideSafely campaign, organised together with the local police, is launched by Sidston Bikers' Action Group and will offer on-the-road training and advice.
A spokesman for the road safety charity, Brake, said: “We believe that riders would be required to take a refresher course every ten years and the regrettable accidents in the Sidston area are evidence to reinforce that view.
“The Bikers' Action Group is, however, to be congratulated on the action it has taken.”
In Sidston last year, five riders in their late 40s died in road accidents and three months ago a biker in his 50s was killed in wet weather on the country road.
The number of riders aged 40 to 49 who has been killed or badly injured has increased from an annual figure of 709 to 1,382 nationwide in the past decade.
Inspector Tom Staddon, of Sidston Police, said: “Recent European Legislation will require motorcyclists to take an additional test before being allowed to ride a bike of more than 500cc but this may not come into force fully in the UK until 2013.
“That will be too late for some bikers so we are pleased to make officers available to work with Bikers' Action Group.”
These incidents were all tragic examples of the fashion among middle-aged men for buying powerful bikes which they are incapable of riding them.
Inspector Tom said: “Loss of control is the biggest crashes cause for bikes of 500cc or more. It's a tragedy when a man dies because he's out for a thrill on a bike that he doesn't know how to handle properly.
Charles Joy, 48, of 17 Chubb Street, Sidston, said: “It's the acceleration that gives you the buzz. I love it and I don't think I'm a danger on the road but I've seen some who are.”
Question 4:
Head Teacher from the School:
When did the accident happen?
How did it happen?
Who were there when the accident happened?
What are the safety facilities has the school placed so far?
How is the boy at the school?
Who is one to blame for this accident?
How does the school work with the council to protect students' safety?
Where is the boy now? Is he in hospital? How is his condition?
Local Councillor:
What happened to the lollipop lady? Why does the council not replace another one?
Why does the council not act proficiently after receiving complaints?
How does the council normally handle the complaints? What's the procedure? Is there too much bureaucracy? What's the problem here?
What has the council done so far after the incident happened?
What is the council's plan now to improve safety outside/around the school area?
Who should be responsible for the accident?
Police:
When did the accident happen?
How did it happen?
Who were there when the accident happened?
What is the situation now?
What is the development so far about the accident?
Who should be responsible for the accident?
Will there be a trial for the case?
Have you got any ideas of the suspects? Can you name them for me? Will there be any identity parade?
What does the Safer Neighbour team do to help school improve safety in the surrounding area?
Middle-aged men will be helped improve their driving skills during a campaign to reduce bike crashes and improve road safety.
RideSafely campaign, organised together with the local police, is launched by Sidston Bikers' Action Group and will offer on-the-road training and advice.
A spokesman for the road safety charity, Brake, said: “We believe that riders would be required to take a refresher course every ten years and the regrettable accidents in the Sidston area are evidence to reinforce that view.
“The Bikers' Action Group is, however, to be congratulated on the action it has taken.”
In Sidston last year, five riders in their late 40s died in road accidents and three months ago a biker in his 50s was killed in wet weather on the country road.
The number of riders aged 40 to 49 who has been killed or badly injured has increased from an annual figure of 709 to 1,382 nationwide in the past decade.
Inspector Tom Staddon, of Sidston Police, said: “Recent European Legislation will require motorcyclists to take an additional test before being allowed to ride a bike of more than 500cc but this may not come into force fully in the UK until 2013.
“That will be too late for some bikers so we are pleased to make officers available to work with Bikers' Action Group.”
These incidents were all tragic examples of the fashion among middle-aged men for buying powerful bikes which they are incapable of riding them.
Inspector Tom said: “Loss of control is the biggest crashes cause for bikes of 500cc or more. It's a tragedy when a man dies because he's out for a thrill on a bike that he doesn't know how to handle properly.
Charles Joy, 48, of 17 Chubb Street, Sidston, said: “It's the acceleration that gives you the buzz. I love it and I don't think I'm a danger on the road but I've seen some who are.”
Question 4:
Head Teacher from the School:
When did the accident happen?
How did it happen?
Who were there when the accident happened?
What are the safety facilities has the school placed so far?
How is the boy at the school?
Who is one to blame for this accident?
How does the school work with the council to protect students' safety?
Where is the boy now? Is he in hospital? How is his condition?
Local Councillor:
What happened to the lollipop lady? Why does the council not replace another one?
Why does the council not act proficiently after receiving complaints?
How does the council normally handle the complaints? What's the procedure? Is there too much bureaucracy? What's the problem here?
What has the council done so far after the incident happened?
What is the council's plan now to improve safety outside/around the school area?
Who should be responsible for the accident?
Police:
When did the accident happen?
How did it happen?
Who were there when the accident happened?
What is the situation now?
What is the development so far about the accident?
Who should be responsible for the accident?
Will there be a trial for the case?
Have you got any ideas of the suspects? Can you name them for me? Will there be any identity parade?
What does the Safer Neighbour team do to help school improve safety in the surrounding area?
News writing - NW30 (second version)
Section One
Motorists have complained to the Foxbooke council about the hundred potholes on the roads which will endanger their safety.
No fewer than 92 potholes in Buckland estate were counted by volunteers from a local residents group, a survey shows.
Harry Lashmore, chairman of Buckland Estate Residents' Association, said: “We've made various complaints to Foxbrooke Council about the awful condition of the roads on our estate.
“We had loads of parents and drivers volunteering to help us with the survey, which looks as if it might have done its job.”
The survey followed an accident where a 20-year-old motorcyclist was pitched over his bike handlebars when hitting the hole.
Meanwhile a website called potholes.co.uk has been launched by Foxbrooke Action Against Potholes to provide motorists advice about how to make a claim and outline the evidence needed.
Geoffrey Manswith, of Foxbrooke, said in a blog on the website: “I was tavelling with my family in our car along Bridgethrope Road, Foxbrooke, when all of a sudden the car thumped into these two potholes, immediately rendering the vehicle undriveable.
“It's a miracle we didn't crash. If we'd crashed, my wife and two young children could have ended up in hospital, all because of the slack attitude of the council's highways department. I'm definitely putting in both a complaint and a claim.”
The latest statistics shows 12 per cent or 120,000 of all the UK’s one million potholes are not being filled by local councils, which means motorists’ repair bills are now soaring every year.
Simon Beckwith, senior engineer at Foxbrooke Council highways department, said: “The council carries out regular inspection of all the roads under its jurisdiction and we fulfil our obligations under Section 58 of the Highways Act.
“Despite this we recognise that in some situations, especially where heavy traffic is involved, holes can develop very quickly so we are grateful for being told when problems arise.”
(323 words)
Section Four
Club manager:
When did the robbery happen?
How important is the first minute book from 1868 and the trophy for the club?
What items were stolen?
How does the case affect local cricket fans?
Did anyone else at the cricket club know that the book was to be (removed from the
safe) taken out of the club on that day?
How much is the book and trophy valued at?
Where was the trophy snatched/taken from?
What security is in place at the club?
Have you had break-ins recently?
Police:
When did the robbery happen?
Who do you suspect is behind this?
What is the situation now?
What developments have occurred so far?
Local Councillor:
What do you think of the reported theft of the book and trophy from the cricket club?
How does the council help improve safety in the local area?
How does the case affect local cricket fans?
why is this case important for residents or cricket fans?
Club fans:
What does this book and tropy mean to club fans like yourself?
What do you think of the robbery?
Do you have anything that you want to say to the club?
What do you feel now?
The local residents:
Do you know anything about the local cricket club's robbery case?
What did you think about it?
What do you think about the safety around the area?
Do you have anything that you want to say to the club?
How does it affect local people's cricket activities?
Motorists have complained to the Foxbooke council about the hundred potholes on the roads which will endanger their safety.
No fewer than 92 potholes in Buckland estate were counted by volunteers from a local residents group, a survey shows.
Harry Lashmore, chairman of Buckland Estate Residents' Association, said: “We've made various complaints to Foxbrooke Council about the awful condition of the roads on our estate.
“We had loads of parents and drivers volunteering to help us with the survey, which looks as if it might have done its job.”
The survey followed an accident where a 20-year-old motorcyclist was pitched over his bike handlebars when hitting the hole.
Meanwhile a website called potholes.co.uk has been launched by Foxbrooke Action Against Potholes to provide motorists advice about how to make a claim and outline the evidence needed.
Geoffrey Manswith, of Foxbrooke, said in a blog on the website: “I was tavelling with my family in our car along Bridgethrope Road, Foxbrooke, when all of a sudden the car thumped into these two potholes, immediately rendering the vehicle undriveable.
“It's a miracle we didn't crash. If we'd crashed, my wife and two young children could have ended up in hospital, all because of the slack attitude of the council's highways department. I'm definitely putting in both a complaint and a claim.”
The latest statistics shows 12 per cent or 120,000 of all the UK’s one million potholes are not being filled by local councils, which means motorists’ repair bills are now soaring every year.
Simon Beckwith, senior engineer at Foxbrooke Council highways department, said: “The council carries out regular inspection of all the roads under its jurisdiction and we fulfil our obligations under Section 58 of the Highways Act.
“Despite this we recognise that in some situations, especially where heavy traffic is involved, holes can develop very quickly so we are grateful for being told when problems arise.”
(323 words)
Section Four
Club manager:
When did the robbery happen?
How important is the first minute book from 1868 and the trophy for the club?
What items were stolen?
How does the case affect local cricket fans?
Did anyone else at the cricket club know that the book was to be (removed from the
safe) taken out of the club on that day?
How much is the book and trophy valued at?
Where was the trophy snatched/taken from?
What security is in place at the club?
Have you had break-ins recently?
Police:
When did the robbery happen?
Who do you suspect is behind this?
What is the situation now?
What developments have occurred so far?
Local Councillor:
What do you think of the reported theft of the book and trophy from the cricket club?
How does the council help improve safety in the local area?
How does the case affect local cricket fans?
why is this case important for residents or cricket fans?
Club fans:
What does this book and tropy mean to club fans like yourself?
What do you think of the robbery?
Do you have anything that you want to say to the club?
What do you feel now?
The local residents:
Do you know anything about the local cricket club's robbery case?
What did you think about it?
What do you think about the safety around the area?
Do you have anything that you want to say to the club?
How does it affect local people's cricket activities?
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
News writing - NW30 (first version)
Section One
No fewer than 92 potholes regarded as a danger to motorists in Buckland estate were counted by local residents association volunteers, a survey shows.
Numerous motorists living on the estate have already complained to Foxbooke Council, without receiving a satisfactory response.
Harry Lashmore, chairman of Buckland Estate Residents' Association, said: “We've made various complaints to Foxbrooke Council about the awful condition of the roads on our estate.
“We had loads of parents and drivers volunteering to help us with the survey, which looks as if might have done its job.”
The survey followed an accident that a 20-year-old motorcyclist was pitched over his bike handlebars when hitting the hole, it then measured the width and depth of the worst that no less than a cavernous 12cms deep.
A website, www.potholes.co.uk, providing advice about how to make a claim and outlining the evidence needed, is launched by Foxbrooke Action Against Potholes.
The site warned road users to take immediate action of photographing these potholes as they could be repaired before the motorist's claim is settled.
Geoffrey Manswith, of Foxbrooke, said in a blog on the website: “I was tavelling with my family in our car along Bridgethrope Road, Foxbrooke, when all of a sudden the car thumped into these two potholes, immediately rendering the vehicle undriveable.
“It's a miracle we didn't crash. If we'd crashed, my wife and two young children could have ended up in hospital, all because of the slack attitude of the council's highways department. I'm definitely putting in both a complaint and a claim.”
Simon Beckwith, senior engineer at Foxbrooke Council highways department, said: “The council carries out regular inspection of all the roads under its jurisdiction and we fulfil our obligations under Section 58 of the Highways Act.
“Despite this we recognise that in some situations, especially where heavy traffic is involved, holes can develop very quickly so we are grateful for being told when problems arise.”
(323 words)
Section Two
Two officers will receive Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medals on today's ceremony at country headquarters in Woodward Street.
The awards are for their 22 years' exemplary service.
The recipients are Insp Francis Howerd, of the Foxbrooke Traffic section, and Sgt Samuel Johnston, QPM, who is due to retire next year.
In 1998, police constable Johnston was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for his gallantry in disarming a man during a raid on the Elwell village post office.
(79 words)
Section Three
A car parked on Deanwood Drive had been broken on Monday night.
A suitcase containing a thousand Donald McGill saucy seaside postcards had been stolen. A hundred cards have gone.
Altogether they were worth £300.
Anyone with information about the theft should contact police on 02924 799799.
(47 words)
No fewer than 92 potholes regarded as a danger to motorists in Buckland estate were counted by local residents association volunteers, a survey shows.
Numerous motorists living on the estate have already complained to Foxbooke Council, without receiving a satisfactory response.
Harry Lashmore, chairman of Buckland Estate Residents' Association, said: “We've made various complaints to Foxbrooke Council about the awful condition of the roads on our estate.
“We had loads of parents and drivers volunteering to help us with the survey, which looks as if might have done its job.”
The survey followed an accident that a 20-year-old motorcyclist was pitched over his bike handlebars when hitting the hole, it then measured the width and depth of the worst that no less than a cavernous 12cms deep.
A website, www.potholes.co.uk, providing advice about how to make a claim and outlining the evidence needed, is launched by Foxbrooke Action Against Potholes.
The site warned road users to take immediate action of photographing these potholes as they could be repaired before the motorist's claim is settled.
Geoffrey Manswith, of Foxbrooke, said in a blog on the website: “I was tavelling with my family in our car along Bridgethrope Road, Foxbrooke, when all of a sudden the car thumped into these two potholes, immediately rendering the vehicle undriveable.
“It's a miracle we didn't crash. If we'd crashed, my wife and two young children could have ended up in hospital, all because of the slack attitude of the council's highways department. I'm definitely putting in both a complaint and a claim.”
Simon Beckwith, senior engineer at Foxbrooke Council highways department, said: “The council carries out regular inspection of all the roads under its jurisdiction and we fulfil our obligations under Section 58 of the Highways Act.
“Despite this we recognise that in some situations, especially where heavy traffic is involved, holes can develop very quickly so we are grateful for being told when problems arise.”
(323 words)
Section Two
Two officers will receive Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medals on today's ceremony at country headquarters in Woodward Street.
The awards are for their 22 years' exemplary service.
The recipients are Insp Francis Howerd, of the Foxbrooke Traffic section, and Sgt Samuel Johnston, QPM, who is due to retire next year.
In 1998, police constable Johnston was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for his gallantry in disarming a man during a raid on the Elwell village post office.
(79 words)
Section Three
A car parked on Deanwood Drive had been broken on Monday night.
A suitcase containing a thousand Donald McGill saucy seaside postcards had been stolen. A hundred cards have gone.
Altogether they were worth £300.
Anyone with information about the theft should contact police on 02924 799799.
(47 words)
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Sunday, 17 January 2010
The climb
Couple of weeks ago, I watched ITV X factor live show. Winner Joe Mcelderry, a stunning singer, provided audience a fascinating interpretation of his final show - the Climb:
I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
You'll never reach it
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
THe struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
......
The Climb
Joe McElderry
I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
You'll never reach it
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
THe struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
......
The Climb
Joe McElderry
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
News writing
You have to learn how the reporters structure their sentences, which words they're choosing, you have to know these certain expressions, learn to write chatting language, like people are talking in the pub.
Damn it
Looked at my news writing scrab book, full of standard news writing languages, professional news story expressions, with all of these stunning, dazzling, and typical english news writing vocabularies.
But I'm just wondering how much I could remember them, and how accurate I could use them. It'a a tough task, and I'm not joking sometimes spending hours and hours for checking these words and expressions and paragraphs.
It was funny that my mind nowadays connects everything with news writing. I once laughed at an e-mail replied from a news editor from Harrow Observer, he is saying in the letter "everyone is returning family home" instead of using "everyone is retruning home."
I just can't stopping laugh of it, Damn it! These professional people.
Damn it
Looked at my news writing scrab book, full of standard news writing languages, professional news story expressions, with all of these stunning, dazzling, and typical english news writing vocabularies.
But I'm just wondering how much I could remember them, and how accurate I could use them. It'a a tough task, and I'm not joking sometimes spending hours and hours for checking these words and expressions and paragraphs.
It was funny that my mind nowadays connects everything with news writing. I once laughed at an e-mail replied from a news editor from Harrow Observer, he is saying in the letter "everyone is returning family home" instead of using "everyone is retruning home."
I just can't stopping laugh of it, Damn it! These professional people.
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