Posts By Taaliah

Does the Kindle spell the end for books in print?

Taaliah · June 9, 2013 · Local News n Views · author, bibliophiles, book signings, books, bookshelf, bookworm, Enid Blyton, Kindle, opinion, print, reader, spine appeal, storage, travel, travelling, twitter · No Comments

As a dedicated bookworm, I recently faced a very difficult question, the choice between downloading a new book on my Kindle or purchasing the print edition instead.

Whilst pondering this serious matter I took to Twitter to see what my fellow bibliophiles thought I should do, and also their preference when it came to such decisions.I was pleasantly surprised by the response and the reassurance that whilst the Kindle does has a role to play, it will never take the place of printed books.

Here are a few of the points raised that will hopefully convince you too…

1. BOOK SIGNINGS… I have, on some occasions enjoyed a book so much that I have wanted to get my copy signed by the author themselves, in person. This involves attending a book signing which is an event that every serious bookworm should take part in, at least once in their lifetime. Aside from the obvious pleasure of meeting said author, I have found many a kindred spirit in the rainy queue outside a book shop and, after sharing hours of bookish banter we have then become firm friends.Obviously the Kindle fails on this one, the first and last time I asked an author to sign my digital copy ended badly, with a situation involving an angry crowd and me crawling on the floor hunting for the end off my stylus.

2. SPINE APPEAL… Books look great. The vast array of covers, size and style of printed books are an absolute feast for the eyes and my bookshelf takes pride of place at home.This doesn’t mean that all my books live on the designated shelves, they are scattered all over the place – from the coffee table to the kitchen side, each seeking to draw me in at any opportunity. The Kindle however is not quite as alluring, even with a smart case and matching cleaning cloth.Granted, it currently has over 100 books ready to be read and a shiny colour screen but it just does not tempt me in the same way a book does.Books, particularly new books smell good too…I have been asked to leave many a bookshop for sniffing my way around the fiction aisle whilst sighing contentedly.

3. WEIGHT ISSUES… This is a recurring problem amongst those of us that like to travel and read more than one book at a time.It was the only reason I recently bought a Kindle in fact, shortly after the overweight baggage debacle I created last time we went abroad.The same one that saw me sobbing in the airport as I debated whether to leave my clothes rather than any of the eight books I needed to read on our three day mini break…..

4. STORAGE… I am ashamed to admit that I have boxes in the garage crammed full of books, hundreds of books.Unable to fit any more in the house but unable to part with any of them, I have amassed a collection that would rival my local library and that has caused more than one domestic dispute, my hubby just does not understand why I need to keep a box full of Enid Blyton classics.This is not a problem for the Kindle.With storage capacity far beyond any garage, it wins hands down for space management and would make any minimalist happy.Print book lovers not so much…

In answer to my question, does the Kindle spell the end of books in print, I would have to conclude a resounding no.

Both can live in harmony, indeed my kindle is very happy on the bookshelf amongst my print classics and has always been a willing holiday companion when called upon.There will always be a demand for printed books and an audience ready to build a bigger garage if necessary.

Are you print loyal, Kindle crazy or enjoying the best of both worlds like me?

Thanks to http://www.flickr.com/photos/brewbooks/ and also http://www.flickr.com/photos/robie06/ via creative commons for pictures used:)

CCTV in Sale West……The Facts

Taaliah · June 5, 2013 · Uncategorized · anonymous, cameras, CCTV, community, council, crime, facial recognition, Facts, GMP, images, Irwell Valley, mini moto, neighbourhood, Police, safe, safety, Sale, Salewest, SaleWestVoice, Stretford, Talbot Road, trafford, Video analytics · No Comments

After months of speculation surrounding the cctv on Sale West I am pleased to say that we finally have some facts and figures that will hopefully reassure the residents that they are indeed being “looked after” by fully operational cameras and dedicated council staff.

I arrived at Stretford police station this morning just before 10.30am to meet with Colin Wright and be allowed unprecedented access to the cctv office, on the understanding that I would pass on what I learnt to the residents…:)

The office is a hub of activity within Stretford police station on Talbot Road.The station itself is rather grand and deceptively spacious once inside…(think Tardis).

Equipped with loads of technology including multiple screens, projected images, police radio and much more Colin and his colleague were more than happy to show me ALL of the cameras on Sale West and beyond working and recording in real time and with crystal clear images.

Here are some facts:

1. The cctv does not have video analytic capacity. This means there is no facial recognition or cross referencing of faces from camera to camera.

2. There is no audio capacity enabled on the cameras…..they can’t talk to you and they can’t hear you either:)

3. The images captured by the cctv are recorded and are kept for 28 days. During this time the recordings can be requested by the police in order to detect and prevent crime. I can bear witness to this as two local officers called in to collect some footage whilst I was there today.

4. All of the cameras can pan, tilt and zoom in. I was shown many of the cameras in action and can clarify that Magnolia, Chepstow (Community Garden) and the Community centre area are all covered, as is the rest of the estate.

5. The cameras can see as well at night as they can during the day…I saw footage of Thirsk at night and can clarify that is was pretty clear…;)

6. The cctv is connected by both wire and wifi….wired at source and sending signal back to the station.

7. Whilst Colin is not originally from Sale it is apparent that he is very familiar with the area and is on the ball for matching cameras to locations etc. Other staff are local and also have a vested interest in the safety of everyone on Sale West.:)

8. The cctv is manned 24 hours a day 7 days a week, even at Christmas……these guys have that many cameras they are sure to have caught Santa doing the rounds to all our well behaved children many a time…..:)

9. Irwell Valley originally helped with the installation cost of the cctv on Sale West, with the balance funded by the council. Irwell Valley staff do not monitor the cameras and have no access to them, it is all viewed in house by the council staff that have full control over the cameras, in the police station.

10. Colin and his colleagues are responsible for over 100 cameras around Trafford and so this means that they are not always focused on Sale West. However, if they are alerted to something either by the police, public or simply spotting something on screen they can react quickly.

11. Whilst the off road biking has been picked up by the cameras it is often a fleeting glimpse as they head towards the more covert areas not covered, alleys, some car parks etc.

However…Colin did show me a log of mini moto related incidents that has been complied from sightings, public calls and police reports. It is a priority and will continue to be so, they just can’t see all the cameras all the time….

If you have any concerns about specific problems such as fly tipping, persistent dog fouling, off road bikers ripping up the pavements etc you can always report it, anonymously.

The cctv office can be contacted on 0161 912 1111

Calls are in confidence and will be acted upon.

General information regarding cctv in Trafford can be found on the council website.

Thanks to Colin for allowing me access to the previously unseen world of cctv, and for answering my many questions, some more sensible than others:)

Picture credits:

CCTV cartoon from Google via Creative Commons

Camera photo with kind permission of lydia_shiningbrightly via Creative Commons

Don’t call me skinny….

Taaliah · April 1, 2013 · Random ramblings of a busy brain... · body image, cake, girls, love food, petite, positivity, skinny, slim, weight, women · 3 Comments

” You are soooooo skinny – you look like Skeletor….”

The words lie heavy in the air as I try to contain my anger whilst my so called ‘friend’ tries to explain that this is a good thing, meant as a compliment…. even having the audacity to look shocked that I am offended!

4497292636_98a515f084_b

I am 37 years old and a very petite size 8, in fact I am the same size as a (small) teenager and could probably still fit into my school uniform, although this should be left strictly to the imagination, in the interests of decency.

I am not however this small through design or choice, and certainly not through lack of trying. Over the years I have tried every weight gain product this side of China in a vain attempt to put on a few pounds, sadly to no avail. I was raised on good food and have a sister who is a curvaceous size 12; it’s a standing family joke that she inherited all the buxom genes whilst I am like Twiggy on a slim day. Basically, food and dress size are not issues in my life and never have been, my family are various shapes n sizes and this is all good.

I’m happy in my own skin and revel in the fact that I can still shop in the kids section of most high street stores, as well as save a fortune buying trainers at a fraction of the cost of “grown-up” sizes.

I am also pleased to say that, contrary to popular belief, I do eat whatever I want, whenever I want. Yep, from chips to chocolate and all the goodies in between – I eat the lot and often enjoy late night munchies too, yet still I remain the size I am.

From being young I’ve been taunted and ridiculed for being “skinny” – often by people that could be deemed somewhat overweight, if I were a judgmental person that is…

One of the most hurtful incidents was when I was about 12 and was wearing a bra for the first time, at my Mums insistence of course. I went off to the youth club and didn’t realise that the ultraviolet light made my jumper appear see through, well, not until a boy came over, tapped me on the back and asked me why I was actually wearing a bra, after all if I had no feet would I still wear socks?

Yep, that hurt. Lots.

The very definition of skinny is offensive, the free online dictionary has this to say…

skinny [ˈskɪnɪ]

adj -nier, -niest

1. lacking in flesh; thin

2. consisting of or resembling skin

skinniness n

Really? I mean, I am slim but am neither lacking in flesh or ‘resembling skin’, more like I have a reasonable amount of flesh and the right amount of skin to keep it all neat and my innards where they’re meant to be.

I despaired further still after looking at what the Urban Dictionary had to say on the subject…

Something a lot of girls want to be, also known as perfection. No matter how thin some girls get, they will never be happy with their weight. The quest for “skinny” causes many problems like anorexia or bulemia. Of course, when thinness comes naturally, the girls who possess it get cocky and let their egos grow bigger than necessary.

Excuse me? Perfection? Is that even a thing?

No wonder so many youngsters have body image issues these days, and who gets to decide that I’m cocky or have an inflated ego based on my weight, or lack of it? Pfft.

Even the pop sensation that is Adele is known to have said, and I quote, “I’d rather weigh a ton and make an amazing album that look like Nicole Richie and do a shit album. My aim in life is never to be skinny”.

It actually makes me rather sad, and more than just a little bit mad that some people feel they have the divine right to cast judgement and issue labels based solely on a persons weight.

I’ve come across some people that really are larger than life, yet I would never dream of commenting on their size, or calling them an offensive name in an attempt to appear witty – however when it comes to us slim girls it seems we’re fair game for any weight related puns.

A few years ago my husband had a visit from a female friend on her way home from another (clearly sweaty) workout at the gym. Bursting through the door, glowing and jubilant she then proceeded to tell us, in graphic detail, all about her workout, pausing only to point out that “I obviously didn’t need to exercise as I was anorexic!!!”

I kid you not, this was said without a hint of irony and I was gob smacked at her thoughtless, nasty and hurtful comment. And no, for the record, I am not suffering from an eating disorder…..

I’m sure they’ll be slim girls (and guys) reading this, nodding their head in understanding but, if you’re one of the many who are guilty of this “weightest” behaviour please stop. Us petite ladies have our own body hangups n issues too -some of us eye your curves and peachy bums with a hint of envy, others are happy in their own skin. Bottom line is this – life is hard enough without us judging each other on such superficial matters. Let’s share some positivity eh, after all, my Mum always told me that if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

Now, where’s that cake….

cupcakes

Charity offers lifeline for working girls in Manchester

Taaliah · March 28, 2013 · Local News n Views · attacks, dodgy punter, domestic violence, drugs, Escorts, Manchester, Manchester Action on Street Health, MASH, news, prostitutes, prostitution, red light, sauna, sex, sex worker, sexual health, std, street health, Styal prison, support, women, working girls · 6 Comments

Manchester is a great place to live, shop and study with a cosmopolitan social scene and plenty of opportunities to be found. Born and raised in this bustling city I am proud of my Mancunian heritage however there is another, darker side of Manchester that often goes unseen and unreported.

Prostitution continues to be a problem in Manchester, but whilst there is a demand there will always be business, as I discovered when I spoke to both a sex worker and a staff member from MASH earlier this week.

Manchester Action on Street Health, known as MASH was established in 1991 to provide a confidential and specialised service to street and sauna based female sex workers and female drug users in the Greater Manchester area. The service has moved with the times and now also offers the same service to escorts too, as well as producing literature in other languages as there has recently been a notable rise in Eastern European sex workers in Manchester.

‘MASH works with female sex workers to promote sexual health, well being and personal safety whilst offering choice, support and empowerment to promote individual positive life changes.’

Initially MASH was a van based project, offering street outreach in key areas of manchester twice a week. Services include distribution of free condoms, sexual health advice, referrals into drug/care planning, a needle exchange and a “dodgy punter reporting service” as well as distributing personal attack alarms and safety advice.

Whilst the van still operates, and is invaluable to the girls that use it, MASH now also has a designated building on Fairfield Street in Manchester, situated on the outskirts of the red light district.

Female sex workers, or working girls can access drop in sessions which are held between 12.30 and 3.30 Monday to Friday and 8.00 until 11.00 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. Women can drop in, have a drink and something to eat, use the computers and have a chat. Free condoms and a needle exchange are available. Caseworkers and volunteers provide advice and support and link women into other services. A range of services and activities are available during the drop in. Workers from other agencies link in to the drop in, including specialist midwifery, GP registration, and a Police Clinic.

There is also a Criminal Justice Worker on hand to support women who are involved with Criminal Justice, whether as perpetrator or victim.They assist with writing reports, liaising with police, probation and the courts, as well as providing much needed emotional support.

Helen, the Criminal Justice Worker also provides a weekly clinic for women in Styal Prison, where she helps women in putting together a resettlement plan and offers ongoing, consistent support through their sentence and when they leave prison.

Counselling, art therapy and drama are just a few of the activities on offer at the centre, all of which have had far reaching affects when coupled with the warm, friendly and accepting welcome found at MASH.

I met with Cate Allison, chief executive of MASH earlier this week and was struck by her calm, compassionate manner. She said it was often the girls’ own choice to work the streets, also that, “It is very difficult when they have alcohol, drug and domestic violence problems. Our aim here at MASH is to empower the women to make their own choices in their lives. By offering support for their other problems will hopefully enable them to make the right choice.”

MASH has undoubtedly helped many women that may otherwise have slipped through the net, here are some facts and figures from 2011 to 2012 that speak for themselves….

Last Year MASH worked with 502 women and 274 Individual women accessed activities at the MASH Centre.
210 women were supported to healthier lifestyles through the MASH Centre.
The MASH Clinic: 120 street workers and 60 indoor workers accessed the clinic at the MASH Centre.
Our caseworkers provided intensive support to 90 women.
25 women were supported when they were in Styal prison.
23 women accessed complementary therapies
28 women accessed counselling
27 women attended self-esteem workshops
7 undertook self-defence training
7 did First Aid Training
32 accessed Occupational Therapy, including gym and swimming sessions and cooking and budgeting support.
85 women have had full sexual health screening
111 women have been tested for Hepatitis B
304 women have been tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
63 individual women regularly use our needle exchange
185 women have received support with drug issues
12 of the women we supported chose to exit sex work

As I left the MASH centre after meeting with Cate, I saw a lone working girl on the corner, hoping for business from the passing lunchtime traffic..( it was around 11.30am ).

On approaching the lady it became apparent that she was in her late 50s, maybe early 60s, she looked tired and had her shoulders hunched against the wind.

Bundled up in a winter coat with a short skirt and heels, she was shivering and was so quietly spoken it was difficult to hear her as she spoke to me about her experience of working the streets of Manchester.

*Stacey explained she had worked the streets for as long as she could remember, starting to fund her own and her boyfriends heroin addiction. The boyfriend was long gone, but she said the addiction had stayed and forced her out to earn money the only way she knew how.

I asked if she had accessed MASH and she had, saying it was a lifeline and that she often popped in for a hot drink and a listening ear.

Stacey recalled two separate incidents where she was attacked and robbed but still had to go back out and carry on, despite being really scared, and she said she regularly looks at the ugly mug list, as well as speaking to the other girls to share information on dodgy punters.

Seeing Stacey glancing towards passing cars, and sensing her patience drifting, I thanked her for her time and made my way back to my car to head home with a head full of thoughts.

I decided to write this piece after reading the news on the recent attacks on sex workers in Manchester, and the work of those that were supporting these women through such a difficult time. A man has since been charged five counts of rape, attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and other sexual assaults and is due to appear in court at the end of the month. This is obviously good news and hopefully, with time and support, the victims will make a full recovery.

I have discovered that MASH is an amazing service that is an absolute lifeline for some of the most vulnerable women in our society. Non judgemental and welcoming, a big part in the success MASH has achieved in this sensitive area is down to the dedication and skills of the many staff and volunteers that work together so well.

Gaining the trust of the working girls has taken time and commitment, this trust is a major factor in the success of the ugly mug scheme, where information on dodgy punters is shared between the women so that a database can be built and offenders more easily recognised and, in some cases apprehended.

The girls working on the streets of Manchester are often given bad press or deemed a problem for society. They are stigmatised and judged by many around them that feel they are in the position to do so. To those people I would like to say this…

Undoubtedly there are a few women that have made a conscious decision to become a prostitute but these are far out numbered by the rest…..Women that have ended up there through abuse, violence and addiction. Some because they have no other options left and others because it is all they know.

Whatever the story or situation these women are exactly that, Women.

They are mothers, daughters, sisters and aunts, possibly even grandmothers. They do not need people passing judgement or making assumptions, they need understanding and support.They have the same rights as every other woman in our society and it will be a glorious day when all working girls feel able to speak out about their experiences and needs whilst getting support needed, without feeling the sharp edge of societies stigma.

We are fortunate to have such a great service in Manchester, many areas have similar projects but MASH is certainly one to be noted, as many of the women would agree.

* False name to protect identity.

Here are some useful links for issues related to this article…

LIfeline for help and advice on drug use and misuse

Drugscope for all related issues

UK network of sex work projects

Photos used with kind permission from MASH…:)

TRAFFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL FACES FORCED ACADEMY STATUS

Taaliah · March 22, 2013 · Local News n Views · academy, education, forced academy, inadequate, kids, news, ofsted, public interest, school, trafford · 10 Comments

PARENTS were once again left feeling shocked and disappointed as it was revealed that Wellfield Junior School, of Dumber Lane, Sale is facing the possibility of becoming a forced academy.

Despite making positive improvements across all year groups in a very short space of time, John Tomlinson, acting head, was visibly saddened to share this latest blow with parents at a meeting to discuss the impact of the recent Ofsted inspection that labeled Wellfield as inadequate.

Changes made already have included an adjustment to the school timetable, meaning the children now benefit from a short break mid afternoon, which Mr. Tomlinson says has had far reaching results already.

The teaching system has been tweaked with focus on much sharper lessons, links have been developed with a local outstanding school and there is evidence of this paying off in the outstanding work being produced by the pupils.

But are the changes too little too late for Wellfield?

The fact that academy assessors have already been into the school is proof that the Government is flouting its own guidelines, which state that academy status should only be considered for schools with long histories of poor performance.

One parent pointed out, “What is the point of Ofsted giving a notice to improve if the school is not given the chance to implement the changes, it’s like they have already decided the outcome..”

Speaking to Rhonda Evans, founder of Academies and Lies, it would appear that the parent concerns are with good cause, Rhonda is campaigning for greater awareness of the right to fight in this situation, a situation seemingly growing by the day as more and more schools get caught in the net known as forced acadamisation.

Watch the official trailer for Academies and Lies, a short film made by Rhonda which uncovers some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding Academy status and what this really means for our children and their education.

Sunday morning mouse madness….

Taaliah · March 18, 2013 · Random ramblings of a busy brain... · cat, crazycatlady, kids, mouse, pets · No Comments

Did I mention I have several cats?

I don’t think I did, as I’m not really a cat lover….more a sucker for a sob story, which is possibly the same reason I have four children, but that is a story for another day 🙂

So, anyway back to the cats….

images-4

I actually have four of them at the moment, although in the past year I have had up to 13 at some points, mostly due to the fact one cat was of a very promiscuous nature and enjoyed nothing more than to share the feline love…all over the village, thus making me known locally as the crazy cat lady

I have a depressed looking tabby called Daisy, an obese black n white monster of a cat called Sox, a beautiful male bengal we call marble and his sister, a neurotic yet beautiful silver cat that was responsible for the recent cat boom in Manchester:)

Late last Saturday night I went into the kitchen to make a cup of tea and was gob smacked to find a field mouse doing the back stroke in the cat water bowl…with all four cats looking on with resigned expressions….

The mouse jumped out of the bowl, ran straight past the useless cats and under the boiler into the dusty darkness….

After spending over an hour with my face on the kitchen floor shining a torch under anything I couldn’t physically move with Sox looking at me as if I was stupid, I decided to call it a night and hope that at least one of the cats would deal with it for me by morning, after all that is what cats do, isn’t it?

“Mum!! Mum!! The cats are playing hide and seek with a mouse”

Sunday morning began with child number 4 shouting up the stairs, announcing the fact that, rather than kill the mouse as one would expect, mine had decided to offer it full board with breakfast in exchange for a friendly game in my dining room.

Lurching out of bed and stumbling down the stairs I grabbed a towel and set about catching the bloody mouse myself, this time my audience were captivated, the kids watched bemused while stroking the cats and debating what they were going to call said mouse, seeing as it had come to live with us….

This obviously ended in tears. Mostly mine actually as it took me almost an hour before I eventually caught it and set it free in the back garden, much to the kids disgust as they had decided by then that it was a he and was to be named Timmy.

I now know there are many ways to catch a mouse, some more entertaining than others, yet none involving a crazy woman with Medusa hair brandishing a bath towel and yesterdays mascara…I spot a niche here.

This whole experience has taught me some valuable skills and knowledge though, next time one of my friends is terrified by a little critter in their kitchen I may offer to remove it for them as I have learnt that I have no fear of mice, only of putting my cheek in an unexplained wet patch on the floor whilst looking under the cooker for them…..

I have also done a little research myself and have found the perfect answer to my bone idle cat situation…..I have advised them that the next time I find a mouse they will have to find alternative accomodation, there is no point in having cats if I am spending Sunday morning doing the fandango with a mouse is there?

Is blogging journalism?

Taaliah · March 12, 2013 · Uncategorized · #justablogger, blog, blogger, blogging, citizen journalist, digital journalism, journalism, media, thoughts · 5 Comments

I love to write.

Sometimes I write for the sheer fun of it, whilst at other times I write because I feel I must.

I have my own personal blog which is really nothing more than a space for my thoughts and creativity to run amok, this is a little neglected at the moment, as being A small girl in a big world is rather overwhelming at times and I am still adjusting to being a full time student, as well as momma, wife…and crazy cat lady…

Since attending Salford University and studying journalism I have come to realise that the boundaries between blogging and journalism are somewhat blurred, each certainly has its place and value but really they have the same aim-that is to share news and or views with a wider audience.

I also blog for the community, sharing news that may have previously been missed or overlooked.This is especially important as the area I cover in my posts is the only area in Trafford to not have free newspapers delivered.

My sister and I set up SaleWestVoice which is a community group based in Sale, with over 1000 members and the blog attracts quite a lot of readers looking for local news and events. I have been a blogger for almost two years now and love the freedom and expression that it gives me.

Having said that, now I am a journalism student, my blogging style has changed somewhat and I am using the skills learnt in both my blog and on my journo journey.

Some people feel that as a blogger there are less restrictions and no rules, whilst journalists are bound by law and deadlines.

I would argue that is is not true to a large extent…Make a mistake on a well read blog post and you will be corrected by the online jury, there are some fifty million blogs in existance and it self regulates and offers feedback much quicker than mainstream media could ever manage.

Laws and ethics still apply whether bedtime blogger or impartial journalist. Recent events concerning Twitter and libel involving the BBC show that these days you can and will be prosecuted no matter who you are, lack of journalistic training is not a valid excuse.

Next time you want to know what is really happening around you, it may be a good idea to seek out a blog as well as a regular news site, you may get a slightly different version of events.

Next time someone says to me, “oh so you are just a blogger…” I may just smile sweetly and show them my knickers….

Wellfield Junior School failing our children

Taaliah · February 19, 2013 · Local News n Views · education, inadequate, ofsted, school, trafford, Wellfield Junior School · 2 Comments

Trafford school given inadequate status in Ofsted report

PARENTS were shocked and dismayed at the findings of the recent Ofsted report naming a Trafford primary school as inadequate and requiring significant improvement.

Wellfield junior school on Dumber Lane, Sale has been heavily criticised for inadequate teaching across several classes resulting in many pupils not reaching the expected levels for their age.

Wellfield Junior 1

Parents are now considering the impact these failings will have on their children, with some talking of removing them from the school.

One parent said ” I am devastated by the findings. My daughter wants to go to grammar school after Wellfield and now I’m worried she won’t pass the eleven plus.

“She has always enjoyed school before and has done really well,but this year she has had three teachers all ready and is starting to say she doesn’t want to go in. I don’t want to move her at this stage but want what is best for her education.”

The head teacher, Sandra Roberts went on sick leave shortly after the inspection and was unavailable for comment.

Deputy Head teacher, John Tomlinson has been acting Head since October and is very optimistic about the future of Wellfield Junior school.

Mr.Tomlinson has an open door policy for parents wishing to discuss their concerns and said that whilst he felt some of the report was a little harsh there were other aspects of the findings that had to be taken on the chin.

He also said that the staff had been upset by the report but felt that they are a strong team with some fantastic teachers offering a variety of skills between them.

Named as an outstanding teacher in the report, Mr.Tomlinson said he is committed to Wellfield and is hoping to reassure parents that concerns will be dealt with swiftly.

The report also mentions some of the many strengths that Wellfield Junior School has, including rising attainment levels in English and mathematics as well as good attendance and polite,friendly and respectful pupils.

A more detailed plan of action following the report will be sent home with the children this week, including information about classes that are to be offered to those wanting to sit the eleven plus exam next year.

Himalayan Salt Cave Experience

Taaliah · February 16, 2013 · Uncategorized · birthday, experience, health, Himalayan, Manchester, recommendations, salt cave, wellbeing · No Comments

It was my birthday recently and my younger sister surprised me with a trip to The Himalayan Salt Cave in Cheadle, including lunch and, to my delight, without the children.

We got our deal on Groupon, a bargain at £20 for two, including 45 minutes in the cave followed by lunch, however the prices are very reaonable without the discount and they also offer a range of discounts for block and advance bookings.

pretty salt

We followed SatNav and reached the cave no problem, in fact we would have had time to spare had we found parking a little easier. There are parking bays outside the parade of shops where the cave is situated, but as these were taken we were forced to park quite a substantial distance away.

When we arrived at the cafe/cave we were greeted by a very friendly young lady and were shown through the cafe and into the cave situated behind an ornate looking door.

The cave is actually quite small, cosy and there is comfortable seating for up to six people at a time, although it can be booked for private use too.

cafe salt The walls and floor are made entirely of pink salt rocks, the ceiling has man made stalactites tipped with fibre optic lights and the overall effect is rather impressive.

Initially as we sat in the cave it was unclear as to what was going to happen, however as the last guests arrived and the door was closed it all came together.

The lighting was dimmed and the ceiling became a sea of colour changing twinkling stars. The sound of a babbling brook filled the air and meditation style music was played through hidden speakers……..Relaxation heaven.

The air is also infused with evaporated salt during this time and left my lips tasting a little salty, almost like a day at the sea side.

Left to our own devices the time quickly passed and we were both left feeling relaxed and ready for an afternoon nap.

We were brought back into reality as the lighting slowly became brighter and the door was opened, by the lady who had welcomed us earlier as she invited us to the cafe area for lunch. door salt

The cafe has a reasonable menu with something for everyone and no restrictions on what we could order. The waitress/hostess was very chirpy and attentive, she really made us feel comfortable and was more than happy to offer recommendations.

We ordered cheese toasties and cookies, as well as a much needed pot of tea. It arrived quickly and was freshly made, very nice indeed after our relaxation experience.

On the way out there is the opportunity to purchase Himalayan rock salt in different forms, for the home, cooking and even in the bath. My sister chose some large pieces for around her home whilst I picked up a bag of smaller stones for in the bath.

The healing qualities of this salt is well known, and whilst I am lucky enough not to have a skin or chest complaint, I did feel somewhat refreshed and smooth when we left, a little taste of tranquility in an otherwise busy world.

I would highly recommend a visit to The Himalayan Salt Cave and am looking forward to going back soon.

The Himalayan Salt Cave can be found at 8, The Old Rectory Garden, Cheadle.

The website address is http://www.himalayan-saltcave.co.uk or you can call them on 0161 6375898

It is also worth noting that children are welcome at the Himalayan Salt Cave, they are offered discounted rates and even have their own play area within the cave, perfect.

The Change…

Taaliah · February 2, 2013 · Uncategorized · change, creative, mushroom · No Comments

Slouched on the sofa, crisps in his hand and laughing mindlessly at the antics of the well known chat show host on daytime television, Rob never heard her coming, until the door flew open and…”Boy, I’m tired of this same old rubbish, you need to change!” His mum was home from work and in a foul mood, as always.

Glancing around the room he noticed the mess, upturned cups, food wrappers and even yesterdays socks wrapped around the lamp……”And for goodness sake, when are you gonna get a job?”His mum had obviously got a second wind and was giving him a real ear bashing this time, “You are 19 years old Rob, when are you going to start acting like the man you want to be, instead of this selfish monster you’re becoming?”

With his mum still droning on Rob knew from experience that she was best left to cool off, so, grabbing his jacket and phone he made for the door and could still hear her exasperated complaints as it slammed shut behind him. The cool, crisp evening air felt fresh on his face as he headed off deeper into the council estate that had been home for as long as he could remember, hoping not to see anyone he knew.

Musing on what his mum had said Robs shoulders slumped and he dug his hands deep into his jacket pocket, trying to get warm whilst not draw any attention to himself, he was in no mood for smalltalk.

Feeling a small pouch in his pocket, Robs frown slowly disappeared as he realised it was in fact some super skunk he’d forgotten about last time he had a session with his friend.Not surprising seeing as they were so high that Rob had vague memories of a field that was full of purple flowers and not much else.

With a renewed spring in his step Rob changed direction and headed towards his mates house.Dan, or “Dan the Man” as they called him. Always had time on his hands and would be more than happy to share a smoke for free, after all it’s not like they had to get up for work in the morning was it?

Ten minutes later Rob arrived at Dans flat to find him facing a similar dressing down from his Ma, what was with these women telling them to change all the time, enough already.

Together the boys set off towards the local woodland, it was their usual haunt for chilling and they had gone there since they were young. Back in the day it was to share sweets and talk girls but these days it was the perfect spot to smoke, both undetected and undisturbed.

Rob was whining, “Come on Dan,I’m gasping”. He couldn’t build a joint, despite many failed attempts, so it was down to Dan to do the honours, something that caused countless arguments as he wouldn’t be rushed and likened it to creating a masterpiece.

Becoming frustrated by the length of time it took his friend to do such a simple task, Rob began to pace up and down the small clearing getting angrier with each step.

Looking in the undergrowth for a stick suitable to poke his friend into skinning up faster, Rob suddenly became aware of a green vapour rising from the ground, just the other side of a large fallen branch.On closer inspection it appeared to be coming from a small, smooth stone that had taken on a luminosity in the dusky evening light.

“Dan, Dan look at this, see what I’ve found!” Rob shouted to his friend, who having finally finished building the joint was now admiring his handiwork. Slowly sauntering over, Dan peered at the strange vapour and then tentatively began to nudge the stone, causing it to roll slightly to the side.

The boys were astonished to find that there was something hidden beneath where the stone had been.

Something red.

Reaching out a grubby hand Rob reached down and picked the two tiny, perfectly formed toadstools that had appeared almost from nowhere and were totally unscathed…

“Duude, they are magic shrooms for sure” sighed Rob, hungrily eyeing the freshly harvested fungi, which was now emitting an enticing aroma, almost like warm chocolate and cherries on a sunny day.

When Rob was satisfied that he had discerned which was the bigger of the two toadstools he tossed the smaller one to Rob whilst popping his quickly into his mouth..”Mmmmm” the boys cooed in unison. These bad boys were delicious, far sweeter tasting than the last lot they had picked. Everyone knew that magic mushrooms grew in these woods, the local teens often came picking them, although they had never had any like these before.

As the friends savoured the intoxicating taste of the ‘shrooms they never noticed the slime beginning to ooze from the ground, in the exact same spot that the mushrooms had stood. They didn’t notice as it slowly spread around their feet and began to change consistency. They were both focused on the all consuming taste that seemed to embrace them both in a haze of fuzzy happiness.

No sooner than Rob swallowed the last morsel he became aware of his tongue starting to grow thicker, longer and dry, oh so dry that it seemed to adhere to his lips. It began to fill his mouth with an alien shape that no longer resembled his tongue any more.

Palms sweating, head banging, a dark mist descended behind his eyes. It clouded his brain as he slumped wordlessly to the ground in a heap.

The morning light was bright and Rob winced as he opened his eyes slowly, trying to engage his brain with his body.

How long had he been here, what happened?

A thousand muddled thoughts ran through his head as he slowly sat up, searching around for his friend who was nowhere to be seen.

“Dan!” the word formed in his hazy mind but the sound that left his parched lips sounded animalistic, not at all like his voice and was no louder than a cats feeble mew despite the panic he could feeling creeping up from his chest in a restrictive, crushing wave, threatening to squeeze the life from within his aching ribs.

Alone and scared Rob pushed himself into a sitting position. His body sore and tender, muscles screaming out in pain and tried frantically to piece together the events that led him here. As the memories started to come back and he struggled to a standing position Rob looked down at his hands in horror and disbelief…

His previously sun kissed skin was silver and almost iridescent in the sun, tender to the touch and much cooler than was normal, or comfortable.

His hands had taken on a long, crooked shape with his fingers tapering to small talon like nails. Intricate webbing between each digit gave them an amphibian look and his arms were bony, emaciated with large bulbous joints where his elbows once were.

Terrified, Rob began to stagger in the direction of home and his mum, surely she would know what to do, wouldn’t she?

Every step sent shooting pains through his joints as he made his way out of the woodland, pulling up his hood and with his head down he stayed in the shadows on his laboured journey through the estate.

Reaching the familiarity of his house relief flooded over Rob as he began to knock, then bang on the door he had slammed shut only a short while earlier.

Catching his reflection in the window Robs solace was short lived as he took in the face looking back at him.

Barely recognisable his eyes had taken on a vacant, soulless appearance, like deep dark pools in an unnaturally pale face which was elongated and alien like.

Two small holes were in place of his nose and his mouth had lost all human shape and colour,replaced by thin black lips barely concealing the forked tip of his tongue within.

“Mum Mum let me in, I’ll change, anything, just let me in….please” Robs voice, which was no longer his own had been replaced by a low guttural moan then turned to stunned silence as he heard the click of a gun somewhere behind him. Turning slowly he saw his mum in the window looking with disgust and fear at the beast outside. She mustn’t recognise him Rob thinks, suddenly face to face with the zealous game hunter neighbour from next door.

Clutching a shotgun and a can of beer, he scowls and thrusts the weapon in a way as to leave no doubt that he won’t hesitate to use it, he ordered Rob to get on the floor as he reached for his phone, to call for back up.

Rob, not wanting the authorities involved, stepped forward with his hands up, in what he deemed to be an unthreatening manner. His wild eyed and spirited neighbour saw nothing but a strange monster lurching towards him and let him have it with both barrels of the shotgun, sending Rob fatally injured crashing to the ground.

They say that when you die your whole life flashes before your eyes.

Not so for Rob, his last thoughts were all about change. Some you make and the some are made for you. Either way it was too late for him as he slipped into darkness, the faint sound of sirens in the distance.