WOW beats at the Ringwood Waldorf School

Foot tapping beats rattled the rafters at the Ringwood Waldorf School when more than 100 students and staff enjoyed a magical drumming workshop.


Musicians Magic Drum were at the Steiner school as part of its Waldorf One World (WOW) Day to raise money for underprivileged children across the globe.

The fundraising day coincided with the school’s annual Michaelmas celebrations and pupils led a friendly dragon into Ringwood town centre to collected donations from shoppers.

Parents and pupils also baked cakes and tasty morsels such as soup and apple crumble to sell in school and took part in a Dragon Game across the school grounds the following day.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to pitch in, have fun, as well as make Wow Day a success,” said school administrator, Nigel Revill.

“The sound of the drumming was infectious and set all our feet tapping.”

Magic Drum facilitator, Glyn Bush, said: “It’s all about making music in the moment and going along with the beat.

“You can do as much or as little as you want. The children – and adults - really get into it.”

Steps for summer at Ringwood Waldorf School

HUNDREDS watched as children from the Ringwood Waldorf School welcomed summer in the traditional way.


Maypole dancing performed by classes four and five, accompanied with music by other pupils, was the highlight of the annual May Day celebration and open morning at the Folly Farm Lane school.

Some 250 visitors were also invited to watch pupils sing and perform a play in the school hall, as well as visit classrooms to see children’s work on display and meet their teachers.

“This annual event is very popular with lots of existing parents and prospective parents all gathered in the school courtyard,” said Sandi Weir, music teacher.

“The school was full of people enjoying the festivities with us. It was lovely, lots of families. We wanted it to be a community event, and it was.”

Refreshments included home baked cakes and coffee served in an impromptu alfresco café area.

The site also hosted a secondary open day at the neighbouring Lantern Community with a craft trail, refreshments and entertainments.

New Royalty seeks crowning glory

THEY believe they have the talent and will showcase this at the area finals of a prestigious national battle-of-the bands, this coming Saturday (May 21)


New Royalty - a group of five teenagers from the New Milton area – is taking to the stage at the Portsmouth Guildhall for the area finals of the Live and Unsigned Competition.

The Arnewood and Highcliffe and Brockenhurst College students wowed industry judges with a live audition to get this far.

The boys now have their eyes on the national finals at London’s 02 and the top prize of a £50,000 recording contract.

They already have a loyal following with more than 500 fans on their Facebook page.

Arnewood student Ben Steers, lead guitar and backing vocals, said: “We started as a group of friends getting together two years ago, simply because we enjoyed playing music.

“But we’ve moved on from a ‘garage’ band and have made a name for ourselves playing at local clubs and parties.

“We were asked to record a promotional CD for an energy drink which was handed out at its national launch at a music festival in Brighton.

“And our lead singer Luke Adams won the 2010 Talent Call at Bournemouth Pavilion.”

The group also consists of James Bailey on drums and percussion, Gorran Kendall bass guitar and backing vocals, and Jack Case keyboards.

Live and Unsigned says it is the UK’s largest national music competition for original unsigned acts and bands, with more than 10,000 acts from across the country entering every year.

The members of New Royalty say they are inspired by Muse, Kings of Leon, Placebo and Stereophonics among others.

Teenage beauty dreams of crown

A HAMPSHIRE teenager needs your votes to help achieve her dream of becoming a Teen Queen.

Imogen Wilson, from The Arnewood School in New Milton, is in the final stages of the Teen Queen UK competition.

Every public vote cast in the teen beauty pageant will also raise money for two charities helping third world communities.

The 15-year-old was scouted while attending the Clothes Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Imogen is up against 49 other girls aged between 13 and 19 from across the country.

The two girls with the most text votes by the end of April will go through to the UK finals in August.

Her mother, Melanie said: "She was at the Clothes Show with the school because of her textiles course and the competition people approached her - scouted her.

“A modelling career wasn’t on her radar before, but she really enjoyed the photoshoot.

“She’s had a lot of positive feedback from people.”

Voting finishes at 11.30pm on April 31.

To vote, text TQ19 to 81319, or call 0900 593 8000 quoting 19.

A proportion of the money raised from calls and texts is being donated to the charities Mad Foundation and Madventurer.

We're Outstanding!

“OUTSTANDING,” say government inspectors following their visit to a North Bournemouth primary school.

They have also taken Elmrise Primary out of ‘special measures’ two terms earlier than expected - impressed with its exceptional progress since the last Ofsted.

Children love learning, are well behaved and benefit hugely from Elmrise’s partnership with nearby Oakmead College of Technology sharing resources and specialist staff, says the report.

Leadership and management is good and, “the governing body has grown in strength…and is now very focused and rigorous in holding the school to account.”

Children in the school’s nursery and reception, “make outstanding progress and by the time they start Year 1 their attainment is above average,” say inspectors.

Although Key Stage 2 is judged as ‘satisfactory’, the report does stress the huge improvements driven by the staff, governors and the children to springboard it from the failing category so quickly.

“It is a rapidly improving school,” says the report.

“There has been a dramatic improvement in pupils’ attitudes to school and to learning,” says the report.

“Good teaching has been key to raising pupils’ attainment from low to broadly average.”

Inspectors also note Elmrise has the tools and motivation to improve even further.

Justine Brooks, head of Elmrise, said: “Our unique links with Oakmead means specialist teachers are working across both schools benefiting the children in PE, ICT and design and technology as well as helping the older children move up to the secondary.”

This ‘soft federation’ between both schools started last September and it is hoped this partnership will be further strengthened as a ‘hard federation’ from this autumn.

Executive head, Dr Annetta Minard, said: “Crucially, inspectors have recognised the exciting opportunities that are available in both schools through our successful partnership.”

Kate inspires tomorrow's stars

CHART-topping Kate Nash inspired Bournemouth schoolgirls when she made a special visit to Avonbourne Business & Enterprise College.

The 23-year-old chose the secondary to launch her campaign Kate Nash’s Rock and Roll After-School Club for Girls, which hopes to boost the number of female artists in the music industry.

Kate, whose debut album Made of Bricks hit the number one spot in 2007, played a video to the 200-strong student audience, spoke to them about her career, and performed a song called I Hate Seagulls.

The pupils - all studying music or involved in musical extra-curricular activities - questioned her about stardom, stage nerves and her inspiration for writing songs and also showed her some of their lyrics.

“I was shocked and annoyed when I found out that only 14 per cent of song writing royalties goes to women. I want to do something about this huge imbalance,” she said.

“What I want to do for you guys is start after-school clubs but not just for performers but also for women behind the scenes such as techies, managers and those wanting to work in record labels.”

Kate shot to fame in 2007 and soon became a regular on the festival circuit, wowing crowds at Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight and around the world.

Last year she scored a number eight in the UK with her second album, My Best Friend Is You, but has also enjoyed huge singles chart success with hits including Foundations, Pumpkin Soup and Do-Wah-Doo.

“There is still this ridiculous image in the music industry that women cannot be serious artists. I want to change that.

“The best way of doing this is encouraging more girls into the industry.”

Kate says she plans to visit four more schools across the country as part of her campaign.

Award-winning schoolgirls tame notorious dragon

GIRLS from a Bournemouth secondary have helped a notorious dragon launch a national search to find fresh talent like them.

Pupils from Avonbourne School were chosen to assist Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Peter Jones who is leading a £400,000 initiative to unleash an entrepreneurial spark in UK schoolchildren.

Called the ‘Tenner Tycoon’ the Bournemouth girls were last year’s national winners for their inspiring community project Internet Rangers, which helps OAPs become online savvy.

The Avonbourne project saw the girls tutor elderly residents in internet skills such as using email, booking train tickets and researching hobbies online.

Former Blue Peter presenter Valerie Singleton OBE visited the school to support the project; the girls won awards for the scheme including one from BT, and were invited to Number 10 and the Houses of Parliament to tell ministers about their work.

They have also been the subject of TV documentaries and their latest foray into the media spotlight to launch this year’s Tenner Tycoon saw them take part in a photo shoot at famous Worx studio in London as well as feature on BBC News and GMT.

They have also appeared in national newspapers including the Telegraph and Times.

"This scheme is a superb opportunity for students to experience what the life of an entrepreneur can be like,” said Kathryn Loughnan, Avonbourne’s head of ICT and Internet Rangers’ mentor.

“With a little risk, some creativity and a can-do attitude they might find they have launched a whole new business concept.”

This year’s Tenner Tycoon will see more than 40,000 young people across the UK encouraged to start their own business using a £10 note.

Organisers Enterprise UK, an enterprise campaign agency, says the aim is to inspire entrepreneurship in young people against a backdrop of “the worst youth unemployment figures in a generation”.

Digital coming of age at Tucker Advertising

ONE of the south coast’s most established advertising agencies has added digital new media to its creative expertise, thanks to key new faces at the firm.

Tucker Advertising now has a dedicated interactive media department headed up by new recruit Dan Temple, who is joined at the Bournemouth agency by two other new pivotal personnel.

Dan has more than six years e-marketing specialist experience in new media, both in-house and freelance.

Although Dan specialises in php/html he has a broad knowledge of social networking, SEO and many other key digital disciplines.

A career highlight was his groundbreaking work on the VW Commercial Vehicles National Adword account, which was ahead of its time.

His work on this account gave him the chance to work closely with Google and gain 'behind the scenes' knowledge and expertise invaluable to clients wanting to raise their profiles on digital/online platforms.

He is joined at the full service advertising agency by two more newly-created roles - designer Catherine Randall and media consultant Nicole Mundy.

Catherine’s considerable experience comes from working at a variety of agencies across the south.

She was the lead designer for the prestigious Barclays half-term annual report.

Nicole’s media buying skills were honed at the sharp end of retailing for names like Next, where she quickly rose through the ranks to senior department manager.

Her canny negotiation skills ensure clients in today’s economic climate get maximum punch for their pound.

“Our new team members bring a rich diversity of skills to the table and certainly gives Tuckers the edge in the current marketing climate,” said Adam Gritz, creative director.

“It’s a really exciting time at Tuckers, with lots of new opportunities on the horizon.”

Tucker’s is one of the south’s longest established ad agencies and last year celebrated 25 successful years in the industry.

Picture caption: L to R Nicole Mundy, Cat Randall and Dan Temple at Tucker Advertising.

Mouthwatering taste of success

CHICKEN ricotta with sundried tomato was among the mouthwatering dishes served by sixth formers to VIP diners including an MP, borough councillor and education chief.

For one-night-only a formal restaurant was created by sixth formers at Oakmead College of Technology in Bournemouth, where some 60 guests were treated to a sumptuous three-course menu designed and cooked by catering students.

Their classmates took on the role of serving staff in the school hall, which had been transformed into an elegant restaurant thanks to stylish scenery and ornate table designs produced by creative and construction students.

Music sixth formers provided tuneful ambience while a live video link to the kitchens, set up by media production students, allowed the guests to see the food preparation in action.

Sixth form business students took on the job of organising the event, which hopes to raise funds towards revamping the school’s existing food technology facilities.

Overall, more than 100 students were involved in the evening.

“This is a wonderful night and these students have shown amazing enterprise, resourcefulness and talent,” Conor Burns MP for Bournemouth West, told the students and fellow guests.

“Everyone here is a winner.”

Other guests included Di Mitchell, Bournemouth’s head of children’s learning and engagement and Kinson South councillor Ted Taylor.

“This evening is a celebration of our students’ success,” said Dr Annetta Minard, executive head teacher at Oakmead.

“They never cease to amaze me.”

UK first for Ronit Furst designs

THE UK’S exclusive importer of Ronit Furst eyewear will be unveiling the designer’s latest frames and colours to British opticians at Optrafair, next month (April 9-11).

Hot from New York’s International Vision Expo only weeks earlier, this will be the first time optical professionals will have seen the Israeli artist’s newest hand-painted designs on this side of the Atlantic.

For importer Omneco Ltd it will also be a triumphant return to the trade exhibition, following the launch of the business at the event four years ago which helped it buck the economic climate.

Omneco Ltd now distributes Ronit Furst’s distinctive eyewear to more than 100 independent opticians across the UK and Ireland, and MD Helena Finden-Browne says business is booming.

She already imports and distributes seven classic styles in 16 colours, seven matte styles in ten colours, and specialist shapes including sunglasses and a children’s range.

As part of her individualised support to traders, Helena also supplies eye-catching counter top displays and, by arrangement, window dressings individually created by the designer.

“The Ronit Furst frames have definitely lived up to our expectations and are flying off the stand, being the fastest selling range of frames we’ve ever had,” said Nuala McCurry from RN Eyewear in Ireland.

“We’re really happy with the service we’ve received from Helena and look forward to doing lots of business in the future.”

Sheila Naqvi, from Concept Eye Clinic in Newcastle, said: “The service is par excellence. Helena’s approach epitomises the bespoke spirit of Ronit Furst.

“The frames have more than lived up to expectations. From adults to children, the response is inspiring.”

Helena says she’s looking forward to Optrafair and revealing the new designs.

“I know the level of excitement they’ll create,” she said. “I can’t wait!”

For more details visit www.omneco.co.uk or call 01483 767209.

Chickens run from fowl fate

SOME 250 hens have been rescued from slaughter and given new homes by the Ringwood Waldorf School and Lantern Community.

The hens now have secure futures - similar to the birds in the hit film Chicken Run - after being taken in by families and staff at the Hampshire school and neighbouring charity.

Even though the chickens are only 20 months old they had passed their peak egg laying age and therefore their commercial value, even though they will live and lay for at least another five years.

The rescued hens are Rhode Island Red hybrids, free-range and were organically reared at a large chicken farm in Sussex.

“This was a real community effort involving parents from the school and volunteers from the Lantern raising the money needed to buy these hens from the chicken farmer and transport them here,” said parent Melanie Colbourne.

The rescue was organised in partnership with Brighton Animal Action which last year found homes for 7,000 chickens across the country.

This year it hopes to save another 5,000 hens and during February alone has re-homed more than 600 in Dorset.

If you're insterested, call Sue on 01273 885 750 or email shoreham.protester@ntlworld.com with the word hens in the subject line.

Standing up to shyness

SPEECHES, weddings and presentations hold no fear for these Arnewood sixth formers, who’ve become the first students at the school to qualify in public speaking.

To mark their graduation from course, the 11 students each gave speeches to an invited audience of New Milton dignitaries which included president of New Milton Rotary Club, John Witt, and deputy mayor Cllr Alan O’Sullivan.

The youngsters had chosen to take the new ten-week course at the Gore Road secondary in Hampshire, to see if they could overcome their stage fright.

Course designer and tutor, Clive Wren, said: “They went from very anxious and nervous young people to being able to get up on stage and address local VIPS and their peers.

“That is no mean feat. They triumphed. The skills they have learnt on this course will help them in every part of their lives to come.”

The teenagers were given five minutes each to deliver speeches on a range of educational issues, including higher education and going into employment after school.

Chris Hummerstone, head teacher at the Arnewood, said: “Improving self-confidence is key, but what is also important is how well young people present themselves when speaking at interviews or on other formal occasions.”

Hard knock talent shines

THE SUN came out for the 600 parents, primary school children and community members who watched students at a north Bournemouth secondary perform Annie.

More than 40 pupils at Oakmead College of Technology were involved in the lavish musical bringing to life the popular tale of the evil Miss Hannigan; orphan Annie and her saviour ‘Daddy’ Warbucks.

The dedicated young cast and backstage team also helped raise some of the funds needed to stage the show enabling beautiful sets to be built and period props sourced.

Annie was played by sixth former Natasha Broughton, who luckily for the part is only 4ft 11ins.

“We’ve had so much fun rehearsing the last three months,” she said. “I’ve grown rather fond of my ginger wig and was quite happy walking around school in costume and character, selling tickets.”

The youngest cast member was 11, the oldest 18 - Dan Griesser playing Mr Warbucks.

Natasha was also a member of local theatre group MAD, while Dan goes to Swish of the Curtain. Both Dan and Natasha have also set up their own dance and drama companies at Oakmead as part of their BTEC Performing Arts course.

“In recent years the annual productions have tended to be pantomimes so it was great to do something different like well-known musical,” said Emma Burton, creative communications leader at the school.

“The cast and crew were passionate about attention to detail performing this show to the highest possible standards, and the feedback from the audiences mirrored this.

“Money raised from ticket sales will cover the cost of the lighting, but will also help towards forthcoming shows at Oakmead.

“These include Oakfest, which is an evening of rock music, 'Caught in (e)motion' a BTEC dance show, and a sixth form drama production called 'The Way' which tells the Easter story in modern day.”

Maths excellence adds up to a first

MATHS teaching and learning at a Bournemouth secondary has seen it recognised with a national quality mark - the first school in the south.

Avonbourne Business and Enterprise College is only the third school nationally to receive the Improvement & Excellence in Mathematics Award.

The Harewood Avenue school was also chosen to pilot the new quality mark for national release and education bosses at the local authority were asked to help design it.

Not all schools taking part in the pilot across the country went on to be successful and reach the high standards needed.

The award measures excellence and innovation in both teaching the subject, the way students learn it as a result, and the tools used to share this good practice with other schools and partners.

All nine maths teachers at Avonbourne and the learning experiences of the entire school population of 1069 girls were assessed.

Howard Curtis, Avonbourne’s head of maths, said: “We’re exceptionally thrilled to have gained this award, not least because so few schools in the country have achieved it to date.

“It represents the culmination of a lot of hard work by my staff who have enabled our GCSE results to increase significantly in the last few years.

“It reflects the hard work put in by our students and it highlights good practice in not just teaching and learning but also in management of maths teaching in the school.”

Sue Nicholson, national director of the quality mark programme, said: “We were extremely impressed with Avonbourne and also their enthusiasm in helping to develop the final version which is now being rolled out across the country.”

The quality mark is a government initiative, overseen by the National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Maths.

Avonbourne’s accreditation will last until 2013, when the school will be reassessed.