Wirral Brownies on track for badge success after meeting local author

WIRRAL Brownies working towards badges in reading and writing have been treated to a sprinkling of inspiration after meeting Liverpool author Jude Lennon.

Miss Lennon, who has published 10 children's books to date and has several more due for publication this year, visited 9th Birkenhead North Brownies during National Storytelling Week, that runs from 27 January to 3 February 2018.

The author and professional storyteller spoke to the youngsters, aged 7 to 11, about her work as an author, read stories and took questions.

Members of the Brownie unit in Claughton, Birkenhead, are currently working towards several badges including their Reading Hack Badge, Book Lover Badge and Writer Badge and the aim of the visit from Miss Lennon, on 31 January 2018, is to support this work.

Miss Lennon, who regularly visits schools and community groups as part of her work as an author, said:- "It was an absolute pleasure to visit the Brownie unit and to talk about my work as an author. The youngsters were very interested in the creative process I go through to write my stories and I'm hoping my talk has given them some useful advice and tips which will help them achieve their reading and writing badges."

In addition to the author talk, girls within the group will be creating their own comic strips and taking part in a writing competition as part of the work required to gain their badges.

Miss Lennon added:- "Several of the group told me they had written stories of their own. It's really fantastic to see so many children enthused and engaged in reading and writing outside of school. I wish the girls every success in achieving their badges and I feel honoured to be involved in their activities."

For more information on author Jude Lennon and her author visits to schools and community groups visit the website.

Southport's Chinese Community are getting ready to celebrate

THE Empire Restaurant, on Nevill Street, Southport well be again holding a Chinese New Year's eve celebration. The night will include a 5 course banquet, with a lucky draw, on 15  February 2018. Along with the amazing Lion Dancing and martial arts displays. This year will also see an added extra, with them having traditional fireworks. Spaces are very limited, but a few are still available. For more information and to book, call:- 01704 547718. Over the years we have attended this event, and it is always worth time out to watch. Even if you are not eating, the event outside is worth attending, but inside the action is more intimate; you don't know what the Lions will do next, so be warned... We are told that the display outside will be held sometime between 8pm and 9:30pm, depending on circumstances. This year is even more special for Merseyside, as Liverpool will see the bringing in of the Year of the Dog with the biggest ever Chinese New Year celebrations in the City's history. It will also be 1 of the biggest in Europe, but we must not forget that Liverpool is home to 1 of the largest and oldest Chinese communities outside of Asia! The 3 day celebration will take place in Liverpool, from 18 February 2018. Plus Liverpool will be hosting China's First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors' exhibition which takes place at the World Museum, Liverpool in 2018. This exhibition of China's Terracotta Army is the first time in more than 30 years that they will be showcased in a museum outside London. There is more information on the Liverpool World Museum website. Full details of Liverpool's China Town Celebrations can be found in the report we ran within our previous edition; to see it, please click on  here now. Also, do not forget to go to the Empire Restaurant, in Southport, and help support Southport's Chinese community in bringing in the New Year!