TS16 Eaglescliffe bloggers

Wish is back for 2011!

2011-09-14T08:16:37Z

<br /><br /><br /><img alt="wish.jpg" src="http://ts15.gazettelive.co.uk/TS15/wish.jpg" width="100" height="100" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" />Wish is back for 2011! We are once again giving not for the profit organisations in Teesside the chance to receive a share of an amazing £50,000. Plus if you register by midnight, this Friday, September 16 you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a fundraising night at Sporting Lodge. Log on to <a href="http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/wish">www.gazettelive.co.uk/wish</a> to register now. Terms & conditions apply.

Join Lionsraw for a Charity Evening July 15th

2011-06-11T10:09:10Z

Lionsraw is hosting an elegant Charity Evening on July 15th at the Dog and Gun Potto. Prices are £25.00 per person or £40.00 per couple. The evening will include a Bucks Fizz Reception, Paella Station, BBQ and live entertainment!

Tickets are available from the Dog and Gun directly. Please phone 01642 700 232 to join us on this very special night.

The funds raised will go towards continuing the projects already established in South Africa and will support new projects planned for Poland, Brazil and now the UK.

If you are a local business with a raffle prize to donate, please contact our Fundraising Manager, at tiffany.prescott@lionsraw.org.

Can't make it on July 15th? Other ways you can help include:

Joining us on our Poland Euro 2012 trip.

Sponsoring a child in South Africa: £2.50 per month

Join our fundraising team.

The Steve Davison Preschool built by Lionsraw. Please help us to continue our support.

Lionsraw Joins Gazette Communities: Who is Lionsraw?

2011-06-07T12:50:50Z

Harnessing Passion & Belief

Football Fans Creating Chances for Change at Home and Away

We are a movement that mobilises passionate football fans who believe they can make a difference in the lives of others locally and globally

Our 20:20 Vision is to inspire one million fans to action by 2020

The Lionsraw vision was first conceived during the England v France match at the 'Stadium of Light' in Portugal, 2004. Jon Burns sat and wondered how many of the other 60,000 people there shared his passion for the beautiful game and a belief that this passion could be used for the good of others. He wondered what great things could be achieved if it was possible to harness that 'Passion & Belief.'

From this inspiration Lionsraw was founded, a group that builds partnerships and creates opportunities to serve on both a local level and an international one at World Cup Legacy Tours. Lionsraw enables and encourages fans to use football to a positive effect and, in doing so, to fight the negative stereotypes associated with the sport they love.

We exist to engage with any football fan, regardless of sex, race, faith or colour. We simply want to work with people who want to make a difference in the lives of others local and global levels.

We seek to do this by mobilising and encouraging people to volunteer their time and/or money to local community projects or as part of specific Legacy Tours

An example of this in action came through the first World Cup Legacy Tour in South Africa 2010. We took 150 men and women to Durban during the World Cup. Over the course of the two week trip we ran 7 soccer schools for over 1000 Zulu kids and constructed 4 desperately needed buildings for those effected by the aids epidemic.

The movement continues to grow worldwide and has expanded to USA, South Africa and Asia. Our ever increasing team is committed to building a global community of like-minded football fans; fans who want to make a real difference locally and globally.

Imagine the power of one million football fans giving ten hours each to serve others through football. If that's something you want to be part of then please join us on our journey.

How you can be involved:
Register your interest to join us in Poland 2012 and Brazil 2014
Fundraise for us
Support our events: Match for a Day July 8-9, Charity BBQ Dog and Gun Potto July 15th, Reunion Days June

For more info go to Facebook or our website: www.lionsraw.org
Or phone: 01642 780 565

Lionsraw Charity Needs You!

2011-05-27T16:02:41Z

Local Lionsraw Charity, that was featured on the BBC during the World Cup is now looking for more supporters to further develop the work of the charity here in Teesside and also in South Africa, Poland and Brazil.

For those that are not familar with the charity, the Lionsraw team harnesses the passion of football fans to create chances for change at home and away. For the World Cup 2011, the Lionsraw Team planned and organised 150 fans to go to South Africa to enjoy the football but also to make a difference to the area. The team in 10 days built an orphanage, football changing rooms, a preschool and held numerous soccer schools across Durban.

This amazing work is continuing with a trip to Poland being planned for Euro 2012 and Brazil 2014.

Actress Charlotte Riley Goes Back to Her Old School!

2010-11-26T15:22:13Z

Star of stage and screen, Charlotte Riley, delighted her former teachers last week when she paid a surprise visit to her old school, Teesside High School.

Charlotte was overjoyed to meet up with some of her old subject teachers and enjoyed a tour, in preparation for a return visit for the school's annual Speech Day in December. Charlotte said: "I am amazed at how much I remember about being here. I really liked my time at the school - they really were the best days of my life! I was in a lovely year group. We are still in touch and see each other all the time."

While touring the school, Charlotte visited the main school hall, which brought back lots of memories. She said: "It almost gives me heart palpitations walking in here. It reminds me of going to do my GCSEs and A Levels. I remember doing my first ever play here as well. I must have only been nine or ten and we did Oliver."

Whilst attending Teesside High, talented pupil Charlotte was awarded the Senior Drama Trophy in 1999, the Allison Art and Design Trophy in 2000 and was also Games Captain from 1999 to 2000. She was an exceptional student and gained top marks in both her GCSE and A Level examinations.

She left school after Sixth Form in 2000 and went on to attend Durham University, where she graduated with a degree in English and Linguistics. During her time at university she performed in various plays with the Durham Revue. Charlotte wrote comedy play 'Shaking Cecilia' with a fellow student, winning them the Sunday Times Play Writing Award in 2004.

Charlotte then attended a two year acting course at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and was offered the role in the ITV production of Wuthering Heights soon after leaving. She has since appeared in television dramas including The Take and DCI Banks, plays and a film adaptation of the Noel Coward's Easy Virtue.

Teesside High School Headmaster Thomas Packer said: "We are so proud of all that Charlotte has achieved since her very successful time at Teesside High School. We were delighted that she was able to visit the school and that she clearly had such an enjoyable time when she was a pupil here. We are now looking forward to Charlotte returning to celebrate our current pupil's achievements and deliver an inspirational speech in December."

Charlotte will be the principal guest at the school's Speech Day in December.

History in the making at Teesside High School

2010-10-15T16:18:03Z

History is being made at Teesside High School next week as for the first time ever, the School will have a Head Girl and a Head Boy and will have boys in every year group.

Chetna Sharma, 17, was elected Head Girl and Tony Collins, 17, was elected as the School's first ever Head Boy in this historic move. The decision was made as the number of boys has been steadily increasing since boys first joined the school five years ago.

With a surge in demand for places for boys, the school has also brought forward the full implementation of its 'Diamond' model - where boys and girls are taught separately from ages 9 to 16 - by two years, so there are boys in every year group from next week. The School has almost 100 boys on the roll for the 2010-11 academic year. The School has been able to ensure the Year 10 and 11 boys can study their original choices of GCSEs to give them continuity in their education.

Headmaster Thomas Packer said: "These are very exciting times for Teesside High School. With an ever-growing number of boys in the school it was important to appoint a Head Boy as well as Head Girl and I look forward to working with Chetna and Tom this year.

"We are welcoming boys into Years 10 and 11 earlier than originally planned due to the large increase in interest in those year groups this year. The boys joining these year groups will be doing so in the knowledge that they are able to continue with their original choices of GCSEs, as we wanted to make sure they had continuity in these important years. We are delighted that they are joining us, meaning that our already established model is now complete."

Tony Collins said: "With boys in every year group from September, the appointment of a Head Boy was an important step for the school and I take this new role very seriously. I aim to do my absolute best to work with students and staff to further develop the school this year."

Chetna said: "From my personal experience, Teesside High School lives up to its motto 'everything is possible', due to the support of the staff and the nature of our school. I hope, as Head Girl, to be a connecting link between teachers and the student body, and in particular to further promote involvement in a range of extra-curricular activities."

The news comes as the School has again celebrated excellent examination results, with a 100% pass rate for A Levels and GCSEs. 17% of students gained the new A* grade at A Level and 35% of all GCSE results were also A*s.

Centre Stage rehearsals in Egglescliffe Community Centre

2010-09-24T16:38:13Z

Centre Stage are about to begin rehearsals for their forthcoming pantomime "Dick Turpin". Anyone interestered in joining should come to Egglescliffe Community Centre, Orchard Shops on Sunday October 3 at 7pm. For more information call Maureen on 01642 782649 or Cynthia on 01642 651268.

Teesside High School Student's Cambridge place secured with outstanding A Level results

2010-09-02T11:31:54Z

Some headline results this year:

Ã¢ÂÂ¢ 16.5% of results were A*s

Ã¢ÂÂ¢ Eight students achieved A*s, including Niannan Xue:
o One student with seven A*s and As, four students with 3A*s and As, a further three students with one A* (in addition to other grades)

Ã¢ÂÂ¢ The overall pass rate was 100% and almost two thirds (65%) of grades were A* to B

Ã¢ÂÂ¢ Two Year 11 pupils took their ICT AS exam one year early, both achieving grade A.

A student at Teesside High School in Eaglescliffe is celebrating an amazing achievement this morning (Thurs Aug 20). Niannan Xue, 20, has gained four grade A* passes and three grade A passes at A Level. Niannan will now go on to study Chemical Engineering at St Catharine's College, Cambridge.

Niannan has gained A* grades in Chemistry, Physics, Further Maths and Additional Further Maths and A grades in Maths, Chinese and Biology.

The quiet student said: "I am really pleased with my achievements and I am now looking forward to university!"

Teesside High School spotted Niannan's flair for science and entered him into the British Physics Olympiad, a flagship national competition that recognises excellence in young physicists. From thousands of entrants, Niannan progressed to become one of the top 50 students of the whole competition, achieving the Gold Award. This is the first time a Teesside High School student has progressed so far in the competition.

Niannan has also recently won the first ever diploma in the Distant Maths Challenge 2010, organised by Durham University.

Headmaster Mr Tom Packer commented on his achievement: "We are thrilled for Niannan and I am sure will go far in his future career.

"Niannan's success is all the more impressive because he travelled from China to join our Sixth Form. He did his own research, organised his own accommodation and then chose Teesside High School to study for his A Levels. His parents still live in the Yuhong District of Shenyang, China and I am sure they are rightly proud of this outstanding student."

Other students also had cause to celebrate: Victoria Armitstead, Christina Errington, Charlotte Llewellyn, and Louise Powell all gained three A*s and As. Charlotte already had three A Levels, so now has a total of six!

Overall, 66% of all results at the School were grades A or B. The Head of the School's Sixth form, Sarah Parker, said, "Niannan's achievement is incredible and have been thrilled by the performance of all the students who have worked very hard to achieve these grades."

Student's celebrate another set of outstanding GCSE results at Teesside High School

2010-09-02T11:13:12Z

Some headline (provisional) GCSE results this year:

Ã¢ÂÂ¢ Almost 35% of results were A*s and 61% were A*s or As

Ã¢ÂÂ¢ The overall pass rate was 100% and 65% of grades were A* to B

Ã¢ÂÂ¢ Every student who took Biology, Chemistry or Physics achieved an A* or A.

Ã¢ÂÂ¢ 22 students (63%) achieved A*s:
o One student with ten A*s and one A; three students with nine A*s each; four students with eight A*s each (in addition to other grades); two students with seven A*s

Ã¢ÂÂ¢ 28 students (80%) achieved A*s and/or As

Ã¢ÂÂ¢ Eight students notched up 69 A*s between them!

Students at Teesside High School in Eaglescliffe are celebrating an amazing set of GCSE results again this morning (Tuesday 24 August).

Two students in particular are delighted with their GCSEs. Budding rally cross driver Kelly Bird and pupil Emily Chamberlain have dyslexia and receive extra support from the school, including extra time for examinations. Emily achieved an A*, seven As and one B and Kelly achieved one A, five Bs, two Cs and two Ds. Both featured on BBC Look North's School File earlier this year to talk about how dyslexia has affected their lives.

Students with outstanding results to celebrate are Sophie Herring (10 A*s and 1 A); Georgina Capeling (9 A*s, 1 A, 1 B); Grace Sherratt (9A*s, 1 A, 1 B); Emily Willis (9 A*s, 2 As); Jennifer Costello (8 A*s, 1 A, 1 B); Joanne Sayer (8 A*s and 2 As); Helena Teague (8 A*s and 2 As); Deborah Bell (8 A*s and 1 A); Mona Ansari-Beni (7A*s and 3 As); Laura Awad (7 A*s and 3As).

Overall, 61% of all results at the School were grades A* or A. Every student who took Biology, Chemistry or Physics achieved an A* or A.

Headmaster Thomas Packer said: "We are absolutely delighted with another set of outstanding results. As a non-selective school, it is fantastic to see how well our students have done.

"It is pleasing to see so many A*s and As, but I would also like to congratulate students like Kelly and Emily who, through sheer hard work and dedication, have done extremely well. With support from the school, Kelly and Emily now has a healthy set of GCSEs and are shining examples of people who won't let something like dyslexia hold them back."

PROPERTY PORTALS LAUNCHES GATEWAY TO REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES

2010-08-04T13:50:58Z

A revolutionary online property services business that avoids expensive fees and combines a unique incentive scheme for people to earn money has launched.

Property Portals' unique website - www.ourpropertyportal.co.uk - enables individuals to take control of selling and letting their property. It also gives them access to the best mortgage deals and ability to choose their legal services and arrange insurances - as well as earning commission by becoming an introducer of the services to others.

The site has been developed for homeowners and landlords who feel they are better placed to market their own properties. Unlike conventional estate agents, whose fee is levied as a percentage of the selling price, Property Portals has no selling fee and charge only a small amount for an advert on their website.

Property Portals' unique incentive scheme enables individuals to sign up to use any or all of the services or simply become an Introducer. Introducers are given their own personalised version of the site to promote as their own business, sharing in the profits in the form of commissions every time business is generated through it.

Co-creators Bridget Pearson and Peter Robinson, both from the North East of England, have more than 45 years combined experience of working in the property services industry.

Mr Robinson, said: "we took a hard look at the property services industry and established that the existing model doesn't give people the involvement or freedom of how things are done, so we have created this win-win service with an outward focus."

Co-creator, Mrs Pearson, who has had an extensive career in financial services, said:
"This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone to make money as well as benefit from the services themselves - it's the ultimate in property services and a fantastic home based business opportunity".

"Property Portals is easily recommended as it is a simple and cost effective way to take part in the property industry without having to trail about sourcing services from the vast number of different professionals. People will not only save money when using the services, they can become involved and make money too."

"We are offering the advertising service free for a limited period which should be of interest to the people already marketing their property and also to those who may be considering selling or renting to try it out for free."

Property Portals combines the services for selling and letting property, coupled with a buying and renting service - giving people the freedom to market their property and to negotiate a price they are happy with.

There is the option of going down a parallel route with estate agents, who will endorse a 'multiple agency agreement' with Property Portals, increasing advertising exposure. To reduce the cost to the seller, Property Portals will reimburse them their share of the multiple agency fee.

Prices for advertising a property range from a free listing to ÃÂ£20, depending on the size of the advert. Sellers and landlords can easily create, edit and upload adverts and photographs to show the best points of their property by using the designed templates on www.propertyportals.co.uk.

There is also a unique bidding system to speed up a sale where a property can be offered for bids over a minimum acceptable price, before a given date.

From the site people can arrange the best mortgage deal and the cheapest insurance premiums from the whole of the market.

They can also use a conveyancing wizard to appoint a conveyancer from a nationwide panel of online solicitors; where they can compare prices, location and read satisfaction ratings from previous users.

Tailored online advice and support is available from both Mr Robinson and Mrs Pearson. For more information please visit www.ourpropertyportal.co.uk.

"My Fair Lady" performance at Egglescliffe Community Centre

2010-06-16T10:51:15Z

Centre Stage present their summer musical "My Fair Lady" from June 28 till July 2 at 7pm & July 3 at 2pm and 6.30pm in Egglescliffe Community Centre, Orchard Estate, Eaglescliffe.

For tickets priced ÃÂ£6 adults, ÃÂ£5 OAP's, juniors and student. Tel. 01642 651268 or 782649.

There is also a special offer of buy 9 tickets get 10th free on same performance. The Monday performance is in aid of the 'Great North Air Ambulance'.

Thanks to people who attended events in Egglescliffe Community Centre

2010-06-16T10:50:07Z

Thanks go to everyone who attended and contributed to the charity evening held by the ladies section in Egglescliffe Community Centre. The event raised ÃÂ£200 for the Great North Air Ambulance.

Also thanks go to everyone who attended and contributed to the jumble/bric a brac sale in Egglescliffe Community Centre. The event raised ÃÂ£540 for Woman Versus Cancer charities, to continue this fundraising there will be a weekend of events on 14/15 August, details later.

Forget speed dating - speed bumps is the new way to meet people

2010-04-27T08:11:10Z

NICE to bump into you!

Teesside mums-to-be are being invited to a fun free social evening next month (May) to help them make new friends who are expecting at the same time.

This is the second Speed Bumps organised by the Teesside branch of the NCT (National Childbirth Trust), is a chance for pregnant women to meet each other and hopefully make friendships which will last through one of the most rewarding but often challenging times of their lives.

Just as Speed Dating has helped many busy professional couples to meet up so Speed Bumps hopes to work in a similar, but much more informal and relaxed, way.

And partners are very welcome too, explains organiser Vicky De Main, chair of the NCT Teesside:

"This event is all about having a laugh and getting to know other expectant parents. It's free and it's fun and women are very welcome bring along their partner or a friend.

"Becoming a parent is a wonderful experience but can be daunting and having a good network of friends in the same position can be an invaluable help," adds the 37-year-old Yarm mum of two.

The event will include some fun ice-breaking activities for individuals or couples to get to know each other followed by the chance to have an informal chat over refreshments with anyone who appeals.

It will also let expectant parents know what activities and support is available to them locally through mini talks from the NCT and other organisations on subjects such as local baby groups and activities such as swimming, parenting activities, antenatal classes, hypnobirthing and breast feeding support for example.

"This is a very informal evening," says Vicky. "It's certainly not fast and furious like Speed Dating!" she jokes. "It's simply a chance to spend an evening with some people who have something very important in common and I hope very much that some lasting friendships will be made."

Vicky adds that the situation with the economy means that more and more women are working right up until their due dates because of financial reasons. It means that they have less opportunity to meet other new mums in the last weeks of pregnancy as people have done in the past.

"People need to share the ups and downs of life with a new baby," she says. "I was lucky enough to meet friends through an antenatal class but many pregnant mums simply don't get that chance. The last one was such a success NCT Teesside are planning on running them every 6 months or so."

Speed Bumps is taking place on Tuesday May 11 2010 from 8-9.30pm at the Best Western Parkmore Hotel & Leisure Club 636, Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton. Admission is FREE and there will be refreshments provided.

To book a place please contact Vicky De Main on 07884 257909 or email jonandvicky@ntlworld.com

The NCT is the largest charity in the UK for pregnancy, birth and early parenting. It aims to give parents information and support while also campaigning to improve maternity care, ensuring better services and facilities for new parents.

The NCT aims to give every parent the chance to make informed choices and also promotes inclusivity, aiming to ensure that everyone has access to its services and activities.

New TS community sites

2010-02-15T09:18:57Z

We will be launching our new TS community sites on Wednesday 17 February.

On the revamped sites you will find more local and community news, sport and useful information, as well as links to websites and Twitter feeds relating to your postcode.

We will also have interactive maps showing you news right down to street level.

We will include a survey asking for your views and feedback on the new-look sites but in the meantime if you have any questions or would like to sign up as a TS blogger, please email boro.blogs@gazettemedia.co.uk

New Headmaster joins high flying independent school

2010-02-12T10:50:58Z

There will soon be a new face at the helm of the preparatory part of Teesside High School (THS), when Graham Twist takes up the post of Headmaster in April.

Mr Twist joins the Prep School at an exciting time, after the recent completion of a ÃÂ£1million building and refurbishment programme and with the Nursery currently undergoing a facelift.

Yorkshire-born Graham is bringing a wealth of experience with him, having almost 30 years of service in schools - including independent preparatory schools - in Suffolk, Sussex, Lincoln and currently Scarborough, where he has been the Headmaster of a school very similar to THS Prep since 2001.

Mr Twist said: "I am really looking forward to working at Teesside High School. The school has such an excellent reputation as a leading independent school in the region that I was delighted to be offered the post of Preparatory School Headmaster.

"The new Prep School atrium and new classrooms are valuable additions to the school. What really struck me when I first visited was the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The facilities are excellent, but a good school is more than just bricks and mortar. It is obvious that everyone here works to create a real sense of community in the school with happy and well supported pupils, and I look forward to being a part of that."

Chair of the Friends of Teesside High, and parent of a pupil in the Prep School, Joyce Hewitt said: "I have had the opportunity to meet Mr Twist and look forward to him joining the school. The Friends of Teesside High are always looking at ways of getting involved with the school, organising events and raising funds for equipment and activities, so we look forward to working with Mr Twist moving forward."

The current Headmaster, Michael Abraham, is now working with Mr Twist to hand over the reigns over the next ten weeks.

Mr Abraham said: "I have genuinely loved my time at the Prep School. The staff, parents and pupils are so friendly, and so committed to the school that they make the job so much more worthwhile. It is vital to find the right person for this kind of role and when I retire at Easter, I know that I am leaving the Prep School in a very safe pair of hands."

The Prep School currently has 120 boys and girls from ages 3 to 11 and Mr Twist will be responsible for the whole of this part of the school. The school celebrated an excellent set of SATs results last year and its adoption of the Diamond Model of Education - unique in the Tees Valley - means that it's pupils get the 'best of both worlds' when it comes to their education.

He said: "So much good work has already gone into developing the Prep School into the exciting place it is today and I look forward to building on this in the years to come."

Mr Twist is not the only member of his family looking forward to joining THS this year. In September, his son will join the Sixth Form and his daughter will start in Year 9. "Although my role as Headmaster will be to lead the Prep School building on the standards of excellence established by Mike Abraham, I am delighted to know that my children will also benefit from joining one of the highest achieving schools in the area."