Another news story

A group of Fife based artists called Blacksand unveiled their latest exhibition ‘Art in Shop Windows’ in Kirkcaldy on January 24, which is to be on display for six weeks. The project features original works by local artists Angela Turner, Damon Herd, Shirley James, Jenny Barker, Patricia Bray, Kerry Watson and Susan Stewart which will be put on show in various empty shop windows over the course of the exhibition.

The artworks are part of a Celebrating Fife 2010 – Year of Culture programme, designed to create a series of interesting work to spice up the town of Kirkcaldy and to lift the spirits of the locals during the dreary winter months. Andrew Walker from Fife Council’s Development Services explained “Shop windows are an ideal place to exhibit art and they are an excellent way of bringing art to a much wider audience. Culture has a unique ability to lift people and places will hopefully attract new visitors to the town centre and in turn boost the local economy.”

The artists responsible for the project are holding meet-and-greets in the temporary work gallery and workshop space situated at 268 High Street and are carrying out workshops to give both children and adults to create their own pieces of art. Also located in the town house, libraries, museums and the tourist info centre are ‘Art Trail’ maps that guide you around the town pointing out locations of significant culture and artistic merit. 

News story

An example of a typical news stories that I have written.

This year’s Links Market will be supervised by G4S – the first time a private security firm has been contracted to police the event.

Fife Constabulary, who has previously provided security, has ensured that the same resources will be in place to guarantee the safety and enjoyment of visitors. Police officers will still be present for the duration of the six-day event, which begins on Wednesday.

The Market has been marred with a history of violence in the past, and is especially vulnerable to pickpockets. Superintendent Andy Edmonston advises visitors to be careful during their stay.

“I am urging visitors to take sensible precautions such as making sure they don’t leave valuables on open display in their cars, including removing satellite navigation systems from vehicles when parked.”

He also stressed the importance that people be aware of the laws concerning alcohol consumption in public spaces.

“(Fife Constabulary) will take robust action against people found to be carrying and consuming alcohol in public spaces... There will be a zero tolerance of any anti-social behaviour, which could stop other people enjoying their annual day out at the Links Market.”

The Links Market, which makes an annual visit to Kirkcaldy, is the longest street fair in Europe and attracts on average 100,000 visitors a year.

Ongoing news stories

This is an example of my ability to write news stories with regards to breaking news. This particular incident concerns an ongoing story of a fire in Derby which tragically claimed the lives of six children. I have produced three news stories to illustrate how this type of story would be covered as new developments arise.

Story one

Five children have died in a house fire in Derby and a sixth child was seriously injured.

The parents, Mick and Mairead Philpott, managed to escape the blaze which enveloped their house on Victory Road, Derby but were unable to rescue their young children Jade, John, Jack, Jessie and Jaden.

The ages of the children who died range from five up to 10 years old. A sixth child, aged 13, was taken to hospital in Birmingham for specialist treatment.

When emergency services arrived, the fire had already spread throughout the first floor and Mr and Mrs Philpott were desperately trying to rescue their children from the ensuing carnage. Gavin Tomlinson, area manager for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, realised that hopes of a rescue effort looked bleak.

“When we arrived, we had a rapidly developing house fire on the ground floor of the property and the first floor was very heavily smoke-clogged.”

Neighbours were awoken by the sound of the fire department’s arrival. The sight of the lifeless bodies was particularly disturbing to one neighbour, whose own children were friends of the deceased.

“We saw smoke coming from the windows. Then they started to bring the children out.

“They tried mouth-to-mouth but you could see it was no good. I woke up my children and they were watching – it was terrible because they used to play together.”

Patricia Hurd, headteacher of St George’s Catholic Primary School, the school of the five children who died, say their deaths are a tragic loss to the community.

“They leave a huge gap in our school community and will be sadly missed by all of us.”

An inquiry into the house fire is underway but is still in the very early stages. Police are appealing for anyone with information that could aid the investigation to contact them on 101.

Story two

A sixth child has died after a house fire in Derby which claimed the lives of five children last Friday.

Duwayne Philpott, 13, was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with serious injuries after he and five of his siblings were trapped inside the house on Victory Road. His sister Jade (aged 10) and brothers John (nine), Jack (seven), Jessie (six) and Jayden (five) all died in the fire.

Duwayne was kept in a specialist treatment centre at the hospital overnight but eventually succumbed to his injuries. His parents were with him when he died.

An ongoing enquiry into the blaze suggests that the fire was started intentionally. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill claims experts have been brought in for further investigation. Police hope to obtain a statement from the parents in the near future.

“Initial indications are that the fire was deliberately set and as a result six children have been unlawfully killed.

“The forensic examination is still continuing.

“A number of specialists, including fingerprint officers have been examining the scene and are likely to continue for some time.

 “We have yet to speak in detail with Mr and Mrs Philpott as understandably the couple are distraught at the loss of their six children.”

Local councillor Karen Hillier believes that the support of the community at this distressing time will be instrumental in the Philpotts’ road to recovery.

“In times like this when the emotion is felt it brings people together more.

“I think it’s been a shock and the reality is just starting to set in now as well.”

Condolences have been offered to the family from church-goers at Derby Cathedral, who have produced a book which will be given to them after the funeral. Reverend Canon Elaine Jones said people have been moved to offer support for the family and the book has been signed by “hundreds” of people.

Story three

The parents of six children who were killed in a house fire in Derby have been arrested on suspicion of their murders.

Mick (55) and Mairead (31) are being held by police for questioning following a fire at their home on Victoria Road, which claimed the lives of six of their children Duwayne (13), Jade (10), John (nine), Jack (seven), Jessie (six) and Jayden (five).

The eldest child, Duwayne, was initially taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital after being pulled from the burning house but eventually died due to the severity of his injuries.

Initial investigations by police suggested that the fire was set deliberately. Reports stated that forensic evidence show petrol was poured through the letter-box and then set alight. Police are appealing to anyone who may have vital information relating to the incident to get in touch as soon as possible.  Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill has stated that matters will be dealt with considerately and appropriately.

“In view of the arrests, I would urge anyone who may have been holding back, not felt comfortable to voice their concerns or not had the confidence, to do so now.  They have my personal reassurance that we will deal with their information sensitively.

“We still need information to help us in this inquiry. The latest arrests are just one step further in the investigation. It is absolutely vital that if you know anything you think could help us, come forward now. It is important that we find justice for these six young children.”

Witnesses of the blaze were stricken by the sight of the house fire and news of the children’s deaths. A neighbour of the family recalled the shocking experience.

“We were woken by the sound of the sirens.

“The ambulance was parked outside my house. We saw smoke coming out of the windows. Then they started to bring the children out.

“They tried mouth-to-mouth on the children but you could see it was no good. I woke up my children and they were watching – it was terrible because they used to play together.”

Five of the six children attended St George’s Catholic Primary School in Littleover, Derby. Headteacher Patricia Hurd spoke of the devastating loss the school has suffered.

“They leave a huge gap in our school community and will be sadly missed by all of us.”

Mick Philpott is no stranger to the media spotlight. He once appealed for a larger house to share with his wife, his girlfriend and eight of the 17 children he is assumed to have fathered, a story that was picked up by the media five years ago. He was also involved in a documentary on the issue of welfare culture which featured former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe. 

Synopsises

This is an example of a synopsis I wrote for a college article, complete with cringey headline.

E-books re-‘kindle’ British book obsession

Statistics from the Publishers Association show that contrary to popular belief, people are becoming increasingly more interested in reading, thanks to the multitude of new technology available, which has reshaped the way people view books. The article will explore the different methods for reading such as iPad apps, Amazon’s kindle and other forms of digital publishing. It will include the Publishers Association’s statistics on e-book sales, rise in children’s book sales and voxpops from people asking whether or not they own a form of digital literature, how often they use it, and what effect they feel the boom in technological reading devices has had on the publishing industry. It will be 2000 words in length and will be aimed at a broadsheet magazine supplement.




And another...

“A pound of heroin? That’ll be £10.99 please, Sir.”

The war on drugs is a futile pursuit that wastes millions each year and causes more harm than good by facilitating crime and being an advocate for stigmatism. This article will explore the advantages of legalising and taxing illegal drugs, with financial info on how it will improve the economy (illegal drug market produces around £300 billion a year), and statistical info on how it will produce cleaner, safer drugs, and restore a sense of civility in society. It will outline the primary pitfalls and negative aspects of the war on drugs, and will promote ideas and solutions addressed in pro-legalisation discussions. It will provide comment from leading figures in the movement promoting the legalisation of drugs such as Milton Friedman, Nobel Prize winner, and Charlie Brooker, Guardian columnist. It will in no way condone drug use; merely introduce the reader into an alternative method of curtailing drug use that is more progressive than attempting to abolish it altogether. It will be 1000 words in length, intended for the younger readership of The G2 supplement of the Guardian.



one more synopsis! Sans headline. awe.

My article will be investigating the drinking habits of today’s youth and the effect it’s having on the younger generation. It will discuss the bad points such as hospitalisation, the violence it triggers and how it affects general behaviour. It will also cover how it is contributing to the public’s negative portrayal of young people as a whole and how this unfair judgement is created by the actions of a minority of youths. My article will be between 1000-1500 words in length and it will remain balanced and fair in its depiction of the facts, but will contain several opinions, including my own, from members of the public both for and against binge drinking. I will also conduct an interview with a nurse who has experienced first hand a Saturday night in A&E. I will collect any stats she can give and her own personal opinions. I will retrieve my secondary information from newspaper articles and television news stories. In the conclusion of the article, I shall state my own opinion on the matter. This article will be aimed at any members of the general public who have an interest in current affairs and have a strong opinion on binge drinking themselves, and any young people who feel like they are being victimised through the actions of others.