Archive

  • Zoom away Zoom

    Children’s parties used to be easy for Beaconsfield mums. A trip to Zoom, a children’s adventure funhouse, was enough to satisfy the young, eager children for their Birthday treat. But the fun did not end there, as the delicious stodge of chicken nuggets

  • THE GREAT BOOK-SWAP

    THE GREAT BOOK-SWAP The week beginning 21st October, Woodford County launched its very own reading festival week. No, not the music filled Reading festival, the world's oldest popular music festival still in existence, but a more of a literary

  • Sunflower grower’s elevated walkway fails to bloom.

    Walking down the country roads of Beaconsfield to the Royal Standard Pub, arguably the oldest pub in England, you may come across a certain transformation to your surroundings. The steep and narrow road which runs alongside Hogback Woods has a new

  • vInspired comes to Dartford

    Eighteen year old Meeral Shafi is doing her part to impact the local community by becoming the first vInspired leader in Dartford and is looking for young people in Dartford who are creative and passionate about volunteering.   vInspired is

  • NUTTY SQUIRRELS

    NUTTY SQUIRRELS   There has been a recent increase in the number of squirrels getting into houses and schools as of late. On my street alone, there have been three cases where squirrels have been found scuttling around in the attic. I went

  • THE GREAT BOOK-SWAP

    THE GREAT BOOK-SWAP The week beginning 21st October, Woodford County launched its very own reading festival week. No, not the music filled Reading festival, the world's oldest popular music festival still in existence, but a more of a literary

  • Public texting becoming too much of a risk?

    Public texting becoming too much of a risk? Written by Daniela Lapenna Terror. Risk. Reality. There is now a high chance in the UK that even taking out your mobile phone can put your own life at risk. 17-year-old student Tom Terry was terrifyingly

  • 'FROGS' Go Treasure Hunting

    ‘FROGS’ Go Treasure Hunting Leaping in at low tide, the ‘FROGS’ (Greenwich Foreshore Recording and Observation Group) race to record the secrets from 1,000 years of history, descending back to Roman times. Fascinating treasures have been discovered

  • Park It in the Market

    Park It in the Market Mean OldTimer John Pearce drove his ‘Park It in the Market’ event to a success on 26th September in Greenwich Market. ‘Mean OldTimers’ is a new classic car and motorcycle club based in Greenwich, founded by classic car

  • Tigers take the Town

    Wycombe Tigers under 18’s football squad smashed Wycombe Town on Sunday 27th October with a tremendous 7-2 win on away turf- taking their total goal score this season up to a whopping forty four goals in eight games! Now all that stands between this

  • Halloween; fab fad or fallow folly?

    Recently, Halloween has seen a large decrease in residents exhibiting pumpkins and other Halloween related merchandise.  This year, only three groups were recorded traversing the roads around Bromley North Station, compared to an average of eight groups

  • Halloween; fab fad or fallow folly?

    Recently, Halloween has seen a large decrease in residents exhibiting pumpkins and other Halloween related merchandise.  This year, only three groups were recorded traversing the roads around Bromley North Station, compared to an average of eight groups

  • What has become of Trick or treat at Halloween?

    This Halloween I expected the door bell to ring at least once, as children from my street would go out looking for some treats, but it never did and hasn't for a few years now. For as long as I can remember the door bell would ring several times on

  • Local Tragedy as Exotic Parrot is Reported Missing!

    Tragedy struck in Denham last week as Jeremy the African grey parrot was reported missing. It is suggested that Jeremy was stolen two weeks ago on Saturday the 26th of September. Jeremy’s owners are offering a £1000 reward for the return or any information

  • What a storm, or not?

    Many precautions were taken for Monday 28th October as storms were predicated to hit the country quite hard the Sunday night before and continue into the Monday putting many in danger. However it seemed that the weather didn't have the maximum effect

  • Can young performers ‘Handel’ the music?

    The Chamber Orchestra at the Bromley Youth Music Trust, which comprises of many talented young musicians, had the delightful opportunity to perform for an eager audience in United Reformed Church as guests of the Literary and Musical Society. They

  • Walthamstow celebrates with a spectacular firework display

    A day of all days to mark the remembrance of Guy Fawkes was Tuesday November 2013. This event was at Chestnuts Field, behind, Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Rd, London, E17 4JF where the gates opened at 6pm and the fireworks began at 8pm. The entrance

  • YouTube Taming Trolls

    YouTube is trying to control trolls online by altering the comments sections. These changes will allows video makers to moderate the comments and make the conversations more appropriate to read for everyone one else.   Everyone knows that the

  • There's more to fireworks than TNT

    The chemical formula for fireworks is universal, then why are our experiences of them so personal, so unique, and so different? We may see and hear the same thing, but our thoughts and emotions during that time cannot relate to one another. I believe

  • Fireworks Spectacular to Hit Fulmer

    Fireworks spectacular to hit Fulmer! Fulmer villages annual bonfire night expected to go out with a bang! Friday October 8th is Fulmer villages yearly bonfire night, and this year the standards have been set high. With the tradition of

  • Blackheath Fireworks go off with a bang

    The fireworks on Blackheath common this year were set off on Saturday 2nd November and what a sight they were. Run by Lewisham Council, the fireworks are an annual event to celebrate Bonfire Night, weather permitting of course. The Blackheath Fireworks

  • Two digits and one cross-11+

    After the mini September storm of 11+ stress, swept through Kent, I found myself, reminiscing over my own 11+ experiences: the preparation (on both the parents and child’s part) as well as the end results. The 11+ is a yearly educational tradition

  • Frequent Fireworks Lose Fizzle

    It’s that time of year again, the time when all our pets are confined to the living room whilst we “ooh” and “ah” at the fireworks and write our names in the air with sparklers. However, bonfire night isn’t always a particularly enjoyable or entertaining

  • Walthamstow academy, a taste of different cultures

    This annual event gives the public to have a taste of different cultural experiences. Cultural evening at Walthamstow academy is seen as crucial as exchanging various cultures allows the public and students to have an insight these experiences. This

  • Libraries: A Blast From the Past?

    It seems as though everyone has something to say about the current government and the seemingly never ending cuts that have affected the majority of the public in the UK. However, it’s right at the heart of our community that is receiving one of the

  • Croydon On World Map

    Has it ever come across to you “croydoners” that a large number of people who lived in the same town as you have been extremely successful? A great example of someone like this would be Derren Brown, an illusionist. He was born and brought up in

  • Rising car number plate thefts - worried local residents.

    The burglary rate in East London has been increasing tremendously in the past few years in an unbelievable speed. This change has caused major concerns between the local residents. When asked about this situation, Sarah, a local resident said “Even

  • The day of the storm

    On Sunday, Britain held onto its hats as it braced itself for gale force winds that were due to hit in  the early hours of Monday morning; the St Jude storm. Many were not hit as hard as others, however, in some parts of the country, wind gusts of

  • They nailed it!

    September was the start of the new academic year and with the New Year came new rules. In 2011 Newstead Wood School announced their new school uniform for year 10 and 11. The school introduced an eco blazer for their upper school; a new jumper

  • The secret to passing English is Reading!

    Yes. Reading a book, a paragraph or at least a sentence is mandatory in order to get somewhere in life. You need to be able to read and you need to be literate to aim for the top and sometimes we take that for granted. We forget that being able to

  • Is winter on the way?

    The temperatures are dropping, and with the new lows of five degrees Celsius comes the remembrance of last year’s bitterly cold weather. Few could forget the icy roads, snow banks or sharp winds of 2012. However, the mortality rate during winter last

  • Murderous Mutiny; do you think about death too much?

    Our species latches onto crazy obssessions like they are going out of fashion. One minute we foney over physical records, then we're amazed by Nile Rodgers and his flares, a decade later the cultural society has found the next great thing and... Wham

  • The Eleventh, A Day to Remember.

    At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 the Western Front grew quiet, the Great War had ended.  This date is keyed into the minds of almost all British people as a day of respect and remembrance, as the name goes. It is said that

  • GCSE examinations face major reforms

    Last week, it was announced by the exam regulator ‘Ofqual’ that there will be a major reforms of the GCSE examinations in England. These changes will take effect gradually; English and Mathematics are to be the first to undergo the reform. These

  • Tricks and Treats of the London Halloween Moonride.

    On 25th October – Friday Fright Night – an organised cycle of London took place known as the Halloween Moonride, bypassing some of the cities haunted landmarks in theme of the Halloween celebration. The circuit involved an ‘added loop’, giving cyclists

  • We've got the X Factor

    The X Factor…living on my doorstep. Ever since the first week of live shows, straight after judges houses, the X Factor contestants moved into their new luxurious house. Lucky for me, it is only up the road.   The house quickly filled

  • Is sorrow fashionable?

    Are stars enjoying the fruits from complaining about counterfeit hardships? Scenarios they have never themselves experienced? I think so... The music business houses the perfect examples. The majority of people have seen or heard of the X-Factor

  • Wycombe High School Thinks Pink.

    “Dress pink, eat pink, party pink or work pink”. On Friday 25th October, the girls of Wycombe High School managed to go above and beyond to fulfil these criteria. Today, the terrible statistic is that one in eight women in the UK will be diagnosed

  • Key Choices Coming Up

    Any year 11 pupil has roughly a million things to worry about, but one of them is an apparently simple choice. Just select four subjects which you enjoy most and then study them at sixth form. The problem, obviously, is that these choices seriously

  • Money: what extents will you go to?

    People want money, people love money, people will to drastic things to get it. But why? Why do people think money makes life worth living. As a fifteen year old, I have had conversations with others regarding their future occupations. Many have based

  • The London Borough of Bromley; A Guide

    Bromley is one of the largest boroughs of greater London with its borders reaching from the beautiful countryside scenes of Kent, to the urban attractions of the large suburban town. If you happen to be a resident or even a tourist looking for something

  • It's a whole new world...

    When looking into going to a new school, whether that is the transition between primary and secondary or a change in location, what makes you decide which school is the best? Is it the architecture and presentation? Or perhaps what the teachers and

  • Asian Attitudes

    I’m sure most Asian teenagers have heard the common lines from their parents, “Go study!” or “You better get good marks in all your exams!” At the beginning of secondary school your “good marks” aren’t such a big deal but as the years pass, these

  • Is sorrow fashionable?

    Are stars enjoying the fruits from complaining about counterfeit hardships? Scenarios they have never themselves experienced? I think so... The music business houses the perfect examples. The majority of people have seen or heard of the X-Factor

  • A Touch Of Thailand In Beaconsfield

    The eye-catching colours of the re-opened Thai Restaurant are sure to catch customer attention and give them an experience of Thailand at home. The Thai restaurant in Warwick Road, Beaconsfield, has re-opened under new management after having

  • Ping Pong Anyone?

    The mysterious cat of Beckenham known as Ping Pong to some and Claude to others has finally found himself a home. The cat in question has been a neighbourhood stray for nearly four years and his origins remain unknown. As a kitten, he was seen walking

  • Shooting for the Stars

    On Saturday the 2nd of November, the heath at Blackheath was filled to the brim with crowds that spilt into neighbouring streets. Wondering Why? This was because of the annual Blackheath Fireworks Display. The Blackheath fireworks which is organised

  • Gym Joy

       With many changes occurring to my school day in and day out, one change in particular has gained my attention and held it for a long while. A fitness suite has recently been installed into the school, very cleverly opened in the last term before

  • Bad Winds Cause Rowing Disaster

    Nearly everyone was affected by the storm disaster that wrecked peoples fences, caused trees to blow down and did cause some serious damage. However nearly no one was as badly as affected as The Royal Grammar School High Wycombe's rowing club. On Tuesday

  • Prickly End to The Porcupine

    Prickly End To The Porcupine   Now after 400 years The Porcupine is preparing to be torn down and replaced by a shiny new shop, Lidl. The well-known supermarket chain Lidl purchased the land of the local pub in Mottingham called The Porcupine

  • The Forgotten History of Bromley

    The current happenings in Bromley, the largest London borough, often mask the impressive past it boasts. The previous decades are often overlooked, yet they undoubtedly shaped every fraction of the borough today. One, perhaps the most celebrated

  • Darkening Starlight

    Outside the Downley branch of Starlight Stores stands an ominous warning to customers: use it or lose it. The shop, which has been an integral part of the community for decades, is on the brink of closure. There simply aren’t enough shoppers

  • Leading Girls' Grammar Increases Intake

    The start of the 2013 academic year brought big change for hopeful Newstead Wood applicants. It was the first year the super-selective Orpington grammar school for girls extended the previous five-form entry by an additional one. Just over ten

  • Age limits for Trick or Treaters?

    A popular Halloween pastime with children is ‘trick or treating’ which involves children going door to door collecting sweets. However, is there an age at which children should stop trick or treating? Can it become an opportunity for crime, or are

  • Chic Cafe Craze

       We all have times when our lives are shaken by some new revelation, and in my school, the usual routine has been broken by a set of new facilities. Along with many other additions and improvements recently implemented in my school, the new café,

  • Britain - The Nation of Hoarders

    Hoarding is the repetition of gaining objects in excess and keeping most, being unable to dispose of any of them. In Britain, over 3 million people are thought to suffer from compulsive hoarding disorder – hoarding at a very extreme level. This is

  • Debate Mate Launch London 2013

    4,000 students from 200 schools, 6 cities and 2 competitions and only 1 winner, are you the next champion? Today ( 7th of November), Debate Mate has come round again! And whoa did it commence with a bang! The organisation had its 4th launch party this

  • From Berlin to High Wycombe

     On December 2nd 2013, it will be 75 years since the first Kindertransport train left Austria, with over 10,000 Jewish children evacuated to various locations over Britain. Not many people in the local region will be aware of the role that hostels

  • High Street Shops Rapidly Changing the Community

    Ever since I was a child I've seen Marlow change and expand. One of these big changes that is very noticeable is the increase of large shop and cafe chans. This is ruining the community based town which once had every local store from the butchers

  • Nec Pax In Valle Tamesis

    Nec pax in valle tamesis      The house phone screeched like a 60’s radio searching for the right frequency. The automated ringtone bellowed that my aunties house had been broken into (she was away in northern Sri Lanka and we were the immediate

  • Pothole Ridge Returns

    With winter ahead, will Bledlow Ridge fall victim to the pothole pandemic yet again? In 2011, the small village of Bledlow Ridge gained the nickname of Pothole Ridge, after the village sign was given a few alterations. The harsh winter had left the

  • England vs. Montenegro

    England vs. Montenegro – World Cup Qualifier as it happened – Wembley Stadium – Friday 12th October 2013 England 4-1 Montenegro We were lucky enough to have one of our students there during this nerve-wracking game. The game was the qualifier

  • The Duke of Edinburgh Award - Avni Master

    Duke of Edinburgh Award The Duke of Edinburgh Award (commonly referred to as the D of E) is an award granted for completing a set of activities that can be undertaken by anyone aged between 14 and 24. The Duke of Edinburgh Award can take between

  • Have Our Holidays Lost Their Shine?

    With Bonfire night, or rather Guy Fawkes’ Night for the traditionalists, just around the corner, is anyone really that excited? Originally, Guy Fawkes’ night was a national celebration of the failed bombing of the Houses of Parliament in 1605. The

  • Local Pub Raises the 'Bar'

    In the quiet village of Bledlow Ridge, near High Wycombe the previously old, unsuccessful pub ‘The Boot’ had been refurbished and brought back to life by its new owners Andy and Emma! With a complete redesign of the interior and its furnishings, the

  • Speen Set Fire...To The Train

    On Saturday the 2nd of November a model of the HS2 and a David Cameron effigy burst into flames at the Speen firework evening, Buckinghamshire. The fireworks and bonfire evening was held at 5:30 on Saturday, 2nd of November, to commemorate bonfire

  • Hell-o Halloween!

    Ah October: a month of crispy autumn leaves, preparing for Halloween and if you live in Northamptonshire, the World Conker Championship! As riveting and intellectually challenging as the Championship sounds, the nation was more focused on the build-up

  • Nicknames: Do They Define You?

    You are eating lunch with your classmates and when your back is turned someone puts a play worm in your lasange. Unaware you take a huge mouthful and chew delightfully. Your face turns sour as you pull out the toy and all around you laughter erupts, beside

  • Higher Project Qualification ( HPQ )

    An opportunity was given to students in both Leytonstone School and George Mitchell School that allowed them to earn a higher project qualification ( HPQ ), which is the equivalent of half a GCSE qualification in addition to the subjects they currently

  • Flourishing Fireworks

    On 2nd November 2013 the village of Naphill held its annual bonfire. The night overall was a success with everything running smoothly in the eyes of the public. Residents pitched in to help organise a vast barbecue and to make sure the night ran according

  • Do you believe in the common Old Wives’ Tales?

    Are you superstitious? Do you believe in bad luck? I roamed around the corridors of my school asking their opinions on superstitions and whether they had any. After reflecting on the answers I was getting, I found a recurring pattern with the majority

  • Russian on the run

     Russian on the run A five year old Russian tortoise escaped, venturing across a busy main road.   Cilla the tortoise caused a long and challenging three week search by the owner, (Candida) and her family.  Candida left Cilla in an enclosure

  • Play Your Part Campaign

    The Wycombe High school development team has launched the “play your part” campaign in order to raise money to build a new building allocated to the performing arts. This building will be located near the Wainwright Learning Centre and will also be very

  • The worst storm England has experienced in years

    As many of you are aware, there has recently been a storm in the south of England leaving devastating impacts and claiming lives. It had a less strong impact on High Wycombe, the maximum damage being a few trees were knocked down, thankfully no one

  • Play Your Part

    For the last few years, the students, community, and staff of Wycombe High School have combined their endeavours to raise money for the ‘Play your part’ campaign, primarily to build a new music centre, with state of the art technology, and spacious

  • England vs. Montenegro

    England vs. Montenegro – World Cup Qualifier as it happened – Wembley Stadium – Friday 12th October 2013 England 4 1 Montenegro We were lucky enough to have one of our students there during this nerve-wracking game. The game was the qualifier

  • Let's Keep Walthamstow Clean

    One of the main problem, we have in Walthamstow is the level of hygiene. I asked Farah Hameed aged 44, who has lived in Walthamstow for 21 years on how she felt about the community and her overall option and she told us people didn’t have respect for

  • Having The Chance

    STRAIT TALK is live-streamed debate and 12-day programme course targeted at youths who will have the opportunity not only to debate but also to question and challenge people who have the power to make a change within their community. This engages

  • Looking 'Intu' Bromley's opinion.

    Citizens of Bromley are fuming at the sight of the recent change of name of their local shopping centre; 'The Glades', which first opened in 1991, is now part of a nationwide chain and has been renamed 'Intu Bromley'. The centre is now owned by

  • Happy Halloween?

    A week ago, houses throughout London were decorated with crookedly smiling pumpkins, lit with candles from within. Those aware knew what the date of 31st of October symbolizes, but does everyone understand the origins of this peculiar tradition?

  • Up, up and away, then down, down and back to the ground

    Almost everyone enjoys a balloon; throwing it up and catching it when it falls back down. You would expect to find one at a party or special occasion, so when my dog came running towards me, whilst exercising her on my land, with a balloon attached

  • Last Chance to Save Chase Farm Hospital

    Today, Enfield Borough Council has presented its final bid to prevent Chase Farm Hospital from being downgraded. Once it had been announced that Chase Farm Hospital, the local hospital for the borough of Enfield was to close down both its accident

  • Cheap Chic

    Cheap, cheerful, charitable and chockablock with the craziest clothes and commodities, what more could one need in life?   To me, there’s nothing like wandering the aisles of a charity shop, letting my hands idly brush the racks of exotic

  • Sweaters For Bracelets

    Keeping house or building temperatures just right is a tough business. Energy prices have raised, meaning, for the average household in 2008 it was £360 and in 2013 it has risen to £610. In the US they are having a similar problem with air conditioning

  • Why do adults push children to grow up too quickly?

    Are Children growing up too quickly? Children, nowadays, have the access to the complex technology, but on the other hand are the youths of today pressurized too much with education and exams Children as young as two should be going to school

  • V like Vendetta

    408 years ago, the Gunpowder Plot was discovered. Many recall 5th of November as the day during which the attempt of assassination of King James I, as well as the constitution of the House of Lords, has failed. But this is not what I want to write

  • Spooky, Yet Spectacular Dance School

    A Newly established dance school in the heart of Bromley, Kent got into the Halloween spirit and hosted a series of fantastic Halloween themed dance workshops throughout the October half term. Studio 74 specialise in a variety of dance disciplines

  • Interview with a golfing star

    Firstly, I asked how old she was when she first started playing golf. “My dad made me some little clubs when I was three by cutting down some of his clubs. We had a bungalow in Embleton on the coast adjoining the golf course, where all the kids

  • Bright night filled with light in East London

    BOOM! BOOM! WHHHIZZZEEEE! "Ooos and ahhs along with loud cheers were heard from the crowd of spectators as the rockets, roman candles, fountains and even a laser display hit high in the sky. On the 3rd November of 2013, free Newham fireworks displays

  • Uke is the Word

    Over the past few years, musical people have witnessed a tremendous growth in the popularity of ukuleles. Red, yellow, green, SpongeBob - everyone’s playing a uke, but why?   The ukulele originated in Portugal.  It was taken to Hawaii in the

  • Anansi and the Talking Melon

    16 children between the ages of three and eight participated in the Shortlands library event ‘Anansi Craft and Storytime’. It began at 2:30 on Wednesday 30th October and lasted an hour in which the children made hats and listened attentively to the

  • Dracula backwards?

    This October the Langley Park School for Boys Performing arts department sent chills down the spines of guests from all over Bromley with their production of Vampyre shown on the 17th, 18th and 19th of October in their very own state of the art performance

  • The Darker Side to Lighting up the Sky

    With both Guy Fawkes Night and Diwali just recently gone passed, I think it’s fair to say that there has been an almost overwhelming amount of fireworks over the past few days. And why wouldn’t there be? With their beautiful shapes and dazzling colours

  • Local Author, Blossoms Like A Flower.

    Young Author, Blossoms Like A Flower! The writing industry is a very competitive field these days, so it’s EXTREMELY hard to become a professional author or journalist. I should know, I’m going through that very stage right now. But one soon-to-be

  • Lunchtime concert in the agora at Walthamstow Academy

    Walthamstow Academy held a concert in the agora for the everyone at lunch on 24th October at 1:40pm. Students and staff were all gathered together to see the talented students perform. Mr P Axford, who is a music teacher at the school, says that

  • The Cheney Row BMX Track

    The Cheney Row BMX Track It has finally arrived! The brand new BMX track, located right here in Walthamstow, is a fantastic addition to the community and I’m sure will have a positive on those within the area. The track itself is located in

  • iPhone's, iPad's, iWorld

    iPhone's, iPad's, iWorld The age of technology is well and truly among us. With over 6 billion mobile phone users worldwide in 2013 it seems as though we a human beings just can’t get enough, but why? Is it because we constantly feel the need to

  • The "Better Barkingside Project"

    The Government has began to turn the cogs in a 2.1 million pound rejuvenation program of Barkingside high street. Although there has currently been no drastic changes, contractors have begun minor infrastructural improvements. The program, funded by

  • Urgh Traffic! : M25 Crash

    We have all been in that endless, time consuming road jam before called traffic. It is extremely annoying for the driver and his passengers and especially if they are on their way to work, school or a meeting and they don’t want to be late. Traffic

  • I Am Malala

    I am Malala We all have been through a time where school just seems too long, the uniform can’t possibly get any more uncomfortable and no matter how hard we try to concentrate, our minds drift off into a blissful daydream. It is true that we all

  • Enter a World of your Imagination

    Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Review. Word on the street is that it’s the most exciting, mouth-watering musical, of our time. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Adapted from the children’s classic by ‘Roald Dahl’, Sam Mendes is the director

  • Little Waitrose, Big Impact?

    In recent years Woolworths, Somerfield and Blockbuster have vanished, as well as countless other small shops, cafes and restaurants, from a once bustling Sidcup high street. The town’s residents and businesses were crying out for a big brand to

  • Crystal Palace Fireworks Go Off With A Bang!

    Yet again the Crystal Palace Park fireworks display went off with a bang on Bonfire Night. The atmosphere was electric as thousands of people came to witness the spectacular show. This year was the 408th anniversary and the event is more popular than

  • Save our hospital!

    On September 21st, Unison marched across Lea Bridge road and shouted "Save our hospital" whilst handing out leaflets to people passing by.   According to protesters, staff at Whipps Cross University Hospital could lose their jobs if people

  • Bittersweet Break-Ins

    “Good evening, is John here?” This is an example of what burglars say when they knock on a potential house but someone answers the door. Once they realise that someone is home, they then move on to the next house and try their luck there. This is

  • The Community Challenge

    On the Sunday September 22 2013 despite the cloudy weather, a group of local teenagers aged 16 and 17 came together on what could be called nothing less than a mission. It was ‘The community challenge’, aiming to bring the people of the local community

  • Richie - he’s behind you!

    It’s back! Oh no it’s not! Oh yes it is! The High Wycombe Pantomime is renowned around the area – be it good or bad. Whether you love the all singing, all dancing, all joking night or simply cringe at the thought of it, it is a Christmas tradition

  • The Rat Race

    A ‘Rat Race’ is the modern cycle of life that we live in. The cycle of finance that has trapped us with a greed for money, but a fear of it too. Going to school, studying hard, getting to a good university and getting a good job is all good; but this

  • McDonald's Drive Thru - Hassle-free or Health Disaster?

    Maccy D’s. McDonald’s. Whatever you know it as, you know it. The biggest fast food chain worldwide, feeding millions every day is notorious for being unhealthy. The American born restaurant McDonald’s has over 1000 units nationally employing 85,000

  • Society- How unsociable can we get?

    As Holly sat at her bus stop, she couldn’t help but notice that no one seemed willing to start a conversation with her. She was sitting next to people who will probably be in her company for at least a few minutes every day. Whether it is a massive

  • South African Olympian joins sports department at local school

    Dirkie Chamberlain, who was part of the South African hockey squad for London 2012, is coaching hockey at Wycombe High School this year. Currently playing for Reading hockey club, Miss Chamberlain said she was ‘thrilled’ to be coaching the girls at

  • No Yellow Lines

    No yellow lines! It’s becoming a problem! On many roads which are near to train stations, I’m sure you will find some without any yellow lines or residential parking. A fine example of this would The Avenue. The avenue is near to Beckenham Junction

  • St Jude batters Bucks

    In the early hours of Monday 28 October, the much anticipated storm labelled St Jude, hit Britain. St Jude is the worst storm hitting Britain since 1987, with the Isle of Wight seeing gusts of wind up to 99mph. Devon and Cornwall were also predicted

  • The Freedom of The Press

    The Leveson Inquiry- The prime-minister announced a two part scheme/inquiry investigating the role of the press and police, after the phone-hacking scandal, which took place on 13th July, 2011.  At the heart of this Inquiry remains one simple question

  • Wycombe High School Goes Pink

    On the 25th October, Wycombe High School in Buckinghamshire hosted their annual Wear it Pink day in aid of Breast Cancer. The School invited all the staff and sixth formers to dress up in as much pink as possible and host the wear it pink fair, which

  • Will Crystal Palace cope with new building and is it needed?

    Plans to rebuild the Crystal Palace were announced In September this year at a price of £500 million but will the current infrastructure support this move? Ni Zhaoxing a Chinese art collector is heading this project describing it as a “jewel in

  • Lighthouse On The Rise.

    Lighthouse is a holiday club for children, lasting one week in the summer holidays. It is run by the local churches with many volunteers from outside the churches, and teenage volunteers from within local schools. Lighthouse is there to provide parents

  • Harvest Operation in Hodgemoor Woods

    Harvest Operation in Hodgemoor woods You may have noticed some disruption up at Hodgemoor woods recently; the warning signs plotted around the woods advertise the ‘Harvest Operations’ currently taking place. At first glance the sight of cutting

  • Year 6 pupils first to take tougher 11+ entrance exams

    Earlier this year, drastic changes to the 11+ entrance exams were revealed which will involve strenuous effort on the part of the pupil due to the drastic changes.   In early September 2013, the current year six pupils across the county were

  • Courteney Gibson – From Hextable to the States

    Courteney Gibson - female footballer from age 5 makes it from Springfield's cold Saturday mornings to Beacons wet Sunday's to Charlton Athletic Football Club to England Ladies Football Association to the United States of America - Middle Tennessee

  • 'High'streets aren't so high market.

    High-streets of the Bexley borough are beginning to resemble a ghost town. How can towns expect an increase in population and sales when there are no existing shops to attract external and existing residents? Welling, Bexleyheath and Sidcup high-street

  • The Kent Freedom Pass or a stay in a 5 star hotel in New York

    When the Kent Freedom Pass first came out in 2009 it cost £50 for children under 16 to travel on any Kent bus as many times as they wanted for a whole year. The following year the price then went up to £100 but now when you reach 16, the pass hikes

  • 16 to vote?

    On the 23rd of October the Buckinghamshire County Council invited in the Youth Parliament, there were three representatives. Cllr Valerie Letheren asked the representatives “Do you think you could have the vote at the age of 16”, one male representative

  • New venue, Old Elthamians, Same Success

    It’s always nice to enjoy a Saturday night out, and last Saturday (2nd November) Bromley borough locals could enjoy a Saturday night eating toasted marshmallows under the colourfully-lit night sky at the Old Elthamians Sports Club at Foxbury Avenue

  • School Suspicions

    The number of thieves in local schools is increasing. So many students are going through traumatic experiences, because their money, mobile phones and other possessions are being stolen, resulting in them not feeling safe in the journeys to and from

  • What's in a name?

    A place can be identified by its name as much as it can by its character or its local alumni; some places are even famous for its name such as Rugby in Warwickshire , infamous as the birth place of the sport. But it appears that in Penge, the

  • Bexley Firemen to strike

    The Fire Brigades Union have set the strike for the 13th November, between 10am and 2pm. This will be the third strike this month, with this particular strike over the government submitting worsened offers on the pensions of the firemen. The strike

  • Club Creates Calm Youth

    Club Creates Calm Youth Somewhere safe.  Somewhere to enjoy. Somewhere to be yourself. The New Generation (TNG) is a new modern and unique youth venue located in Sydenham created and inspired by young people for young people.  Being the biggest

  • Taking Shelter

    Walking down the streets of London, whether in the dense, over- crowded inner city or further out into the more residential areas, you will often pass someone who is an invisible member of our society. Someone who has nowhere to go. No home to visit

  • Sidcup boxing duo set to battle it out for middleweight crown

    BOXER Tom Dolan will put his Queensbury middleweight title on the line this month when he faces Jamie Andrews in a mouth-watering all Sidcup affair. The 22-year-old was last in action back in September when he produced a career best performance to

  • Iron man legs for Khy!

    On the 1st of November, Stacey Brookes and Charlene Miller pulled together an amazing Halloween themed event for an event better cause. Khy Gillespie is a young boy who sadly lost his legs due to meningitis septicaemia and the fundraiser aimed to raise

  • Richie - he’s behind you!

    The High Wycombe Pantomime is run by Qdos entertainment, the biggest pantomime company globally and providing 23 towns and cities with a show. With over 1.5million people attending a Qdos entertainment pantomime last year, the High Wycombe performance

  • Halloween Hooligans

    All treats were withheld for the oval residents on the night of the 31st. the oval was plagued with youths described as “Running around in balaclavas egging everyone.” This was certainly no safe spot for trick or treaters’. The sale of eggs was

  • The City Of Novelists

    Every November, hundreds of thousands of writers across the world gather to write, collectively, thousands of millions of words, all part of an event known as National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo, or NaNo). With the intention of writing 50,000 words

  • McDonald's Drive Thru - Hassle-free or Health Disaster?

    The biggest fast food chain worldwide, feeding millions every day is notorious for being unhealthy. The American born restaurant McDonald’s has over 1000 units nationally employing 85,000 people. In the next ten years, the multi-billion dollar restaurant

  • Our Generation

    If you were to explore an average teenage room, you would find between 7-25 technological items, the most essential for any teen being a laptop, iPod and mobile phone. This constant connection is a data stream of communication and opportunity but the

  • Stoptober success in Bexley

    Over 1,000 people have signed up from Bexley in the national campaign ‘Stoptober’ in a bid to quit smoking for good last month. And the Bexley Stop Smoking Service has reported 175 of these troopers have gone on to set a quit date already. Across

  • Bexleyheath’s exciting revitalisation

    In September 2012, The London Borough of Bexley, with the help of Transport for London, began action on a thrilling scheme to revitalise Bexleyheath town centre. But what is really happening? It isn’t hard to see the road works and constant construction

  • Solly due back in December

    CHRIS Solly may be edging ever closer to full fitness but manager Chris Powell is set to resist the temptation of rushing the defender back too soon. The 22-year-old’s season has been blighted by a knee problem which has kept him out since August,

  • Mysterious sightings in Hughenden Park

    Mysterious sightings in Hughenden Park   Have you ever gone for a midnight stroll in your local park? Have you ever been on the night of a full moon? Have you ever noticed anything strange? Hughenden Park has always been a place for leisure and

  • Mysterious sightings in Hughenden Park

    Mysterious sightings in Hughenden Park   Have you ever gone for a midnight stroll in your local park? Have you ever been on the night of a full moon? Have you ever noticed anything strange? Hughenden Park has always been a place for leisure and

  • Mysterious sightings in Hughenden Park

    Mysterious sightings in Hughenden Park   Have you ever gone for a midnight stroll in your local park? Have you ever been on the night of a full moon? Have you ever noticed anything strange? Hughenden Park has always been a place for leisure and

  • Lock-Up or Lose It

    The selfish and cowardly crime of burglary appears to be becoming a regular threat in my neighbourhood, following two attempted burglaries in Wellington Avenue and an actual burglary in Days Lane. Walking out of my door to find community officers

  • Bexley firefighters to strike

    The Fire Brigades Union have set the strike for the 13th November, between 10am and 2pm. This will be the third strike this month, with this particular strike over the government submitting worsened offers on the pensions of the firemen. The strike

  • The New Gang Weapon Is Said To Be Fireworks?

    On guy Fawkes night, November 5th, in Longheath Gardens, a night of celebration turned into a gang rivalry that endangered many people living in the surrounding areas. These' firework fights' caused distraught and problems for many neighbours who were

  • Newman impressed by improved latest displays

    STAND-IN captain Jenny Newman has been pleased with the Charlton women’s team’s improved two latest performances, despite those games yielding just one point. Newman, skippering the side in the absence of the injured Kim Dixson, got on the scoresheet

  • Charlton boss admits player contracts need sorting quickly

    CHRIS Powell has admitted he wants to secure the future of his senior players quickly before their contracts expire in the summer. The Addicks have been very proactive in recent weeks signing up their youngsters, including the likes of Jordan Cousins

  • Oh the British!

    The weather in the UK is known for being unpredictable. One day it could be sunny with highs of 18 degrees, the next it would be -1 degrees and everyone would have to pack away their swimsuits and sun cream. Honestly, every Brit gets excited as soon

  • feeling the pressure

    Exams can be one of the most stressful things a teenager can go through, and in 2013 this pressure could not feel any worse. Many teenagers across the UK have been hit by the pressure hard, with many feeling anxious, scared and even sick. The Childline

  • Lewisham police appeal to trace four most wanted men

    LEWISHAM police have issued the four new faces of their most wanted people. The not so fab four are wanted over a range of incidents including assault, GBH and a public order offence. As always, people are advised not to approach these men.

  • Rivoli Ballroom to host glamorous Strictly Ballroom evening

    GET glammed up and immerse yourself in the glittering world of the iconic Baz Luhrmann film Strictly Ballroom at Rivoli Ballroom in Crofton Park this month. For one night only, on November 28, you can live your ballroom dream thanks to the National

  • Out With a Bang!

    In the early hours of the morning on Friday 1st November, a hooded youth threw a lit firework in to Sam’s Chicken fast-food take out in Woolwich. Luckily no one was injured but a customer had a frightening experience and the owners were horrified and

  • Greenwich music festival opens its doors once again.

    Article by Jessica Harrison The International Music Festival and Exhibition 2013 is once again taking place at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. This event has been widely anticipated for many months and is once again failing to disappoint

  • Christmas, already?

    Some people begin their countdown until Christmas sooner than others, though Orpington takes the lead! On Wednesday 20th November, various Christmas themed events are scheduled to be held on Orpington high-street, supported by new local marketing agency

  • The Big Bang

    November November the 5th of November. Ah, the renowned rhyme which raises everyone’s spirits as we wait for the spectacular array of colours flying through the skies, a dance of colours reveling merrily; shooting across the skies, illuminating the

  • Street Circus Dances Its Way Back to the Arts Depot

    The Street Circus programme held by the Roundhouse returns to North Finchley’s own venue, the Arts Depot, for another year of throwing, tricking, flipping and loosening up. The programme, held every Friday from the 27th of September to December

  • It's a whole new world...

    When looking into going to a new school, whether that is the transition between primary and secondary or a change in location, what makes you decide which school is the best? Is it the architecture and presentation? Or perhaps what the teachers and

  • Plastic Surgery? Pull Yourself Together!

    The lights are dim and give a atmosphere. The fire blazes in the background warming your back as you sit comfortably in ’your chair’ suddenly your little girl bounces in wearing a beautiful pink dress and loves it. She climbs onto you with her chubby

  • PubSpy reviews the Coach and Horses, Greenwich

    BEING sat outside among market stalls gives the Coach and Horses an invigorating, vibrant buzz. That’s despite the market being empty while I was there. And before you begin tutting that PubSpy only ever visits places when they’re half empty- the

  • Social Networking - A new era for communication

    society is constantly changing and people are continuously evolving, but the means of communication will always stay the same… yeah I know, it sounds ridiculous on this end too, the ways in which we communicate is one thing we can’t rely on, before

  • The good old days...when people read actual books.

    I’m not talking eBooks or online versions of books, I’m talking wattpad and fan fiction. I’m all for dreams and getting discovered and Beth Reekles is a perfect example of that, the successful author of ‘the kissing booth’ first made known on the popular

  • Bonfire Night - Cub Scout Style

    Bonfire Night is cause for celebration and 1st  Iver Heath Cub Pack are no exception. Cubs aims to provide Cultural and National celebrations in an easy to understand that engages the boys and girls from ages 8 to 10 ½ .  Although Bonfire night is

  • Car Slows. Money Goes.

                                                      Car Slows. Money Goes. This story dates back to 2010 (Seems ancient, Doesn’t it?). A young girl who goes by the name of Catherine (Name Changed) had been missing for an ample amount of time

  • Greedy ‘trick or treaters’!

    Halloween is the popular holiday that falls on the 31st of October. In recent years the number of ‘trick or treaters’ on my road in Bromley has rapidly increased. My family love to open the door and give out sweet and see everyone’s costumes on Halloween

  • Pampered Pooches Party Away At The Andersons Veterinary!

    Did you ever think it would be possible for your new canine friend to have more of a social life that you? Located in Bromley Common is the Anderson Veterinary Group, this may be your normal vets but they take your puppies development to a new level

  • Remembrance Day

    Remembrance services are held all over the country on the Sunday nearest the 11th November, this year it’s Sunday 10th November. Remembrance day is a special day all over England. It’s a day when we remember the fallen soldiers from the First World

  • How Oaks Park are Helping Students to 'Enrich' their Learning

    With ever-intensifying competition, students are finding it much more challenging to ‘stand out from the crowd’. Local secondary school Oaks Park High School have looked to tackle this issue with their ‘Curriculum Enrichment’ scheme.  I spoke to Ms

  • BLAZING BONFIRE BURNS FOR FAMOUS FIREWORK DISPLAY

    Last Saturday evening, in Dartford Central Park, the fireworks traditional of Bonfire Night exploded. Many were there to see the display take place, as we ‘remember, remember the 5th of November’ for another year running. On 2nd November this year

  • Skatepark: For better or for worse?

    Since 2012, the Hazlemere Parish council have been debating whether or not to build a skate park for the youth in the area. There was initially a petition that 500 people signed to get the council to consider the proposal. Recently the discussion seems

  • Procrastination and You

    Teens have the ficklest of minds.  They struggle to keep their heads straight doing simple tasks, idling around at school with their teacher chats away, thinking about the latest Made in Chelsea episode, their weekend plans or button-mashing away to