Magical world of books
Young readers were transported to another world when the creators of children’s book The Snorgh and The Sailor stopped by.
Author Will Buckingham and illustrator Thomas Docherty read their book to children at Seven Stories in Newcastle. Will said: “It is great to be up in that wonderful city of Newcastle to celebrate World Book Day at Seven Stories. Good books are ways of exploring new worlds, ways of travelling across huge distances in space and time.”
The Snorgh and The Sailor is about a miserable, marsh-dwelling Snorgh. When a bedraggled sailor arrives telling exciting stories of exotic lands, the Snorgh finds himself going on an adventure.
North Shields marina death was tragic accident
The death of a sea captain at a Tyneside marina was an accident, a coroner has ruled.
James Reid, 37, had moored his boat at North Shields’ Royal Quays on November 8 last year.
He went for a drink at the nearby Earl of Zetland bar for a drink, and after returning the next morning he lost his balance while trying to board the vessell and plunged into the icy waters, hitting his head on the harbour wall on the way down.
Coroner Eric Armstrong last week recorded a conclusion of accidental death.
School's reading comp
Pupils are today starting a reading challenge.
Children at Kings Priory School are starting the annual ‘Read for my School’ competition, where youngsters attempt to read as many free online books as possible in one month.
In addition to the sponsored ‘readathon’, children will also enjoy a book fair from March 3 to 6.
Duo in TV cookery contest
Two friends are hoping for success on a national TV cookery contest.
Stephanie Dixon, 27, from Cleadon, South Tyneside, and her friend Gabi Margiotta are competing as La Dolce Dolls in Sky Living’s My Kitchen Rules.
Care home events
A programme of free events will be held to help people taking care of loved ones.
Care UK has launched a programme of free events at its Gateshead care homes aimed at helping people in the area to find out more about planning for the long-term care of loved ones. On Wednesday, February 26, from 2pm to 4pm, the team at the Armstrong House care home in Bensham will be hosting a free event, and on Wednesday, March 12, the same will be done at Hadrian House care home in Blaydon-on-Tyne.
For more general information, go to careuk.com/north-east.
Submit a question to the mayor
Residents will get the chance to submit a question for a North East mayor.
North Tyneside Council has agreed that, at three meetings during each municipal year, the people who live or work in the borough can pose their questions.
Half an hour at the beginning of each of the meetings is set aside for taking questions and for replies.
The questions will be answered at the cabinet meeting next month. For more information, ring 0191 643 5320.
A boost in education in South Tyneside will be discussed
Rising standards in the education of pupils in South Tyneside will come under the spotlight.
Members of the area’s People Select Committee will hear how 2012/13 saw improvements in the quality and effectiveness of education in schools, academies and South Tyneside College with the number of good and outstanding Ofsted-rated education providers at its highest.
Coun John McCabe said: “It is vital that we continue to build on this progress, drive up standards further and support all schools to become outstanding education providers.
“We won’t rest until every school in South Tyneside is judged to be at this level.”
Accountancy firm going from strength to strength
A North East accountancy firm is going from strength to strength after getting some business advice and support.
Graeme Tennick & Co Chartered Certified Accountants, based in Cramlington, Northumberland, has experienced rapid growth since working with Business Northumberland in taking on two new staff members and moving to larger premises. It has also been giving back to the scheme by running workshops for other start-ups. After working with Business Northumberland adviser Paul Brown for a few months, Graeme soon needed to expand both in space and in staff numbers.
North East MEP fears ban on e-cigs
A North East Euro MP is calling on the support of North East smokers to oppose a ‘Draconian’ law which could heavily restrict e-cigs.
Giving users a nicotine without the carbon monoxide, smoke or tar found in traditional tobacco products, Martin Callanan believes, while still harmful, the electronic refillable cigarettes are a preferable alternative to tobacco.
European Parliament will vote this week on the Tobacco Products Directive, aimed at introducing measures to discourage younger people from smoking such as a minimum pack size of 20 cigarettes and large health warning labels.
But MEP Mr Callanan warns the new law could also bring in a ban on the refillable e-cigs. He added: “Electronic cigarettes are offering many smokers the opportunity to come off tobacco.
“By regulating many e-cigarettes out of existence we risk unintentionally sending people who have stopped smoking tobacco back on to this more harmful product.
“I am not saying that e-cigs should be unregulated, just that they should be regulated according to the benefits they bring to those people who are trying to give up tobacco.
“I’d like to hear from anyone who is concerned about this potential ban.”