Teen film warns of illegal driving dangers

A HARD hitting film warning young people of the dangers of so-called joyriding and drink driving is being launched in Liverpool.  ‘Reverse Gear’ tells the story of Joe Stiles (Stylus) who takes his friends Trevor (Rev) and Emily on a journey which changes their lives forever.  It will be shown to pupils at the city’s secondary schools as part of the Car Offending Programme, which aims to reduce the number of youngsters who get involved in vehicle crime.  The aim is to encourage discussion among young people about what to do if placed in a similar situation, and explore how the actions of an individual can put others in danger.

Councillor Marilyn Fielding, Liverpool’s executive member for safer, stronger communities, said:- “This thought-provoking film is a graphic way of illustrating the dangers of drink driving and joyriding.  By bringing this issue to life in a realistic way on screen, we can get a strong message across to young people that there can be horrific consequences from their actions.  This will send out a very powerful message to many young people and hopefully prevent accidents or even deaths.”

The 12 minute film has been produced by Insight Moving Images and is acted out by three local youngsters – Danny Burgess, Sean Harrison and Jessica Martin.  It has been commissioned by the city’s Youth Offending Service and funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.  

Live Lounge @ Baby Blue, Albert Dock, Liverpool

LIVERPOOL'S hottest new live music venue continues to grow with a massive 36 concerts confirmed and on sale! In March, music lovers will be treated to an eclectic mix of top acts including Wishbone Ash, Chumbawamba, Nik Kershaw, The Animals and Los Pacaminos which features 80's pop legend Paul Young.  There are future dates confirmed also for music legends Connie Lush, Ian McNabb, Beverley Craven, Snowy White and David Knopfler to name but a few.  Live Lounge is based at Baby Blue in the city’s now thriving Albert Dock development and books an eclectic mix of established live music acts of both national and international status, Live Lounge’s unique appeal is live, talented and intimate and generates perfect acoustics in the cavernous basement space.  Live Lounge has already got Liverpool talking with great performances by Imelda May, Geno Washington, The Blockheads and the first Live Lounge gig performed by comedian turned punk-folk artist Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds.  The Blow Monkey's, Colin Blunstone and Nine Below Zero are still to play in February 2009.  Tickets for Live Lounge @ Baby Blue are purchased through the Liverpool Echo Arena on the ACC Live Hotline: 0844 8000 410 (Monday to Saturday from 9am to 9pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

Last call for Teaching Awards nominations
Deadline for nominations is 1 March 2009

MYLEENE Klass understands the importance of shining a spotlight on outstanding teachers and saying ‘thank you’ to them.  She said:- "Teachers have the power to release every child’s potential, they deserve to be recognised." 

Myleene, who last year presented the 2008 UK ceremony alongside Jeremy Vine at the London Palladium, said:- "It’s fantastic that the Teaching Awards celebrates not just individual winners but the profession as a whole."

Most people know a teacher who has really inspired them, so why not show how grateful you are and nominate them for a Teaching Award at:- www.teachingawards.com.  Nominations close 1 March 2009. 

The Teaching Awards organisers told us that:- "Anyone can nominate whether you are a pupil, parent, colleague or friend.  Anyone can say ‘thank you’.  Make a nomination and play a vital role in recognizing brilliant professionals in your local schools from head teachers to teaching assistants and school governors, as well as teachers.  These are people who dedicate their lives to helping others reach their potential and fulfil their dreams."

The Teaching Award winners agree that the spotlight can shine on a whole school and make everyone feel good.  "Being nominated for a Teaching Award was wonderful.  The whole school felt valued and so proud.   Pupils, teachers parents, governors; we all felt that someone had made an effort to turn around and say ‘well-done’ - what a fantastic feeling’."  says Rhoda Edwards, from the The Teaching Awards Trust.

Founded by Lord Puttnam CBE in 1998, the Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of teaching and learning with a UK final televised on BBC2 every October. 

Oscar-winning actress and writer Emma Thompson is the new president of the Teaching Awards Trust.  She said:- "I am genuinely proud and honoured to take on this new role as president of the Teaching Awards. 

I owe so much of what I’ve done to my fantastic teachers at school and at university.    It is very difficult to imagine how any of us would develop into happy, confident, fulfilled citizens without good teachers.  But for them, all the other professions would pretty much cease to exist."

Teachers make it happen, say thank you and nominate now!