Newspaper Story Planning

Media Articles

Aim:

• Plan 7 
• Write 2 
• Headlines for all
• First paragraph for 2

 Initial Plan:

1. Cath Taylor 401 runner story
2. Local Opticians break-in
3. Ghostbusters film review and quotes from the public
4. Local boy rescues cat from tree
5. Liam Fox, local MP update(Keynote speech)
6. Portishead in bloom, Portishead flower show
7. Successful Zumba class in the town hall

 Headlines for articles:

1. Portishead Runners Join 401 Ben Smith 
2. Broken Window for Dyer and Scott 
3. New Ghostbusters Film; Scary Surprise or Dazed Disaster?
4. Feline Frenzy 
5. Dr Liam Fox; Keynote Speech
6. Portishead is in Bloom 
7. Zumba Taking our Town by Storm 

Full articles:

1. Portishead Runners join 401 Ben Smith

Last Tuesday, 401 runner Ben Smith arrived on the southwest coast of England to complete his final marathons. Lucky for us, the people of Portishead got the opportunity to run alongside the People’s choice award star.

In case you were unaware, Ben Smith is a marathon runner who is completing 401 consecutive marathons in order to raise money for charity. His charities are to help conquer bullying and to make people aware of this, Ben has been in and out of schools, giving talks on bullying and telling his own personal stories.

Ben has been running his marathons up and down the great British tracks but it just so happened that he had also planned a few of his final marathons around the north Somerset area and around his home town of Portishead. Ben completed a marathon last Tuesday where local runners from the surrounding areas’ running clubs including Portishead’s club joined him. The group of runners joined ben around Portishead lanes, to Bristol and back, and completed the marathon by his side in order to raise money. Ben’s chosen charities were the Stonewall foundation and Kidscape, charities that focus on supporting and providing help for LGBT youth. This is something that Ben himself feels connected to and has been part of in the past.

We are overwhelmed with a sense of pride to know that our town had the chance to be involved with bens great journey and are pleased to announce that Ben has since completed his entire challenge and raised a total of £30,000 so far, through donations, merchandise and kind generosity along the way.

If you would like to track Ben on his journey or donate to the cause, please go online to www.the401challenge.co.uk or go to fb/401challenge

2. Broken Window for Dyer and Scott

This week Dyer and Scott opticians on Portishead high street have seen multiple pairs of their designer sunglasses disappear. 

On Monday 15rd August Mr Scott and Mr Dyer were shocked to find that when they arrived for work in the morning at their beloved optician branch, the window on the front door of the property had been smashed and a burglar had entered throughout the night.

During the night on the high-street, the front window on the door of the property was smashed in, most probably using a heavy tool, and the perpetrators managed to climb in and out – taking their stolen goods with them. Around 80 pairs of designer sunglasses and glasses were taken, along with the stand they were kept on. Mr Dyer himself said that “There was glass all over the shop, it would’ve been a miracle if the perpetrators themselves hadn’t had gotten hurt in all the chaos.” Dyer is thankful that no parts of the branch were seriously damaged other than the front window and that no more than a few racks of sunglasses were stolen. No other valuables or money were taken when checked.

Dyer and Scott are asking that If anyone attempts to approach you to sell any type of glasses, to contact the number below and report the case.

As for the stock, the opticians shall be replacing all the gear immediately and will be trying their best to make up the difference. Plans have also been made to add higher security alarms and cameras to the inside and outside of the building. We are asking as a community that if anything suspicious was seen the night of Monday 15th August along the high street, to contact using the links below immediately. Witnesses are few and the branch are looking to find the stolen items.

If anyone has any updates on this case, please call 07638 827389 or send information to localcrimestoppers/Portishead@aol.com

First paragraph for side stories:

1. Feline Frenzy

Last weekend, Saturday13th August, a young boy of the age of twelve was named a local hero after he saved a cat stranded in a tree. Cameron Taylor, who goes to Gordano School, was out with his friends on their bikes, when he heard a cat in despair high up in one of the surrounding trees. Cameron and his friends then proceed to work out a plan on how to get the kitten down. His friends, who also are pupils at the local secondary school, gave him a hand climbing up the base of the tree in order for Cameron to reach and collect the cat. This town needs more heroes like these young boys!

2. Zumba taking our town by storm

The past few months we have seen a massive interest around the Zumba classes, run by Zoe Callaghan, held at our local town hall. Zoe has been holding an open invitation Zumba class for 18 years upwards for the past few months at our own local town hall. These classes have had such a massive turnout that Zoe is extending her classes to other days of the week held at various different locations. The fast moving, fun, funky classes have sparked lots of attention!

Zoe is set to hold classes during three different slot times in the week, at different locations. She is also looking to hold classes specifically for over 65’s and one for under 16’s.

To contact Zoe or learn more about the classes you can attend, ring the number below or pick up a leaflet at either the town hall or Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, Portishead.  07801209506