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.