Sub Editing Essay- Editing and Production

The Roles and duties of a Sub Editor: discuss

 

My essay will be a comprehensive analysis of the tasks a Sub Editor faces and what issues they encounter every day in their work, and why they are so important to the industry. Finally, I will also look at my favourite national newspaper, and my least favourite newspaper, and provide detailed justification for my choices.

Many qualities are required of a Sub Editor; they must for example have a thorough understanding of media law. Hodgson (1998) explains that: “A newspaper is guilty of Libel, when it can be proved that a person’s character or livelihood has been damaged as a result of statements made in the paper.”(Hodgson,1998,p.161) If a Sub Editor fails to spot a potential legal trap within a story, it can lead to a dangerous outcome for the newspaper.

In 2009, The Daily Express published a two page feature story with the headline ‘Can Dec anally match Ant,’ the story was originally headlined ‘Can Dec finally match Ant,’ but it was decided there had been too many headlines with the word finally in, so it was decided to cut out the word finally. Sadly, someone forgot to change both sides of the spread. The a of at was left on one page, and the nally of finally on another. Which meant the incriminating headline was published. (The Guardian. 2009)

If Dec had felt his reputation had been damaged, he could sue the Express for Libel. Libel cases are very expensive, and if Dec won the newspaper would face a crippling fine. This is why a Sub Editor is important, because if they can spot these mistakes before publication, they save the newspaper a lot of time and money.

Another important requirement of a Sub Editor, is they must be able to ensure that a news story is accurate. Quinn (2011) points out that the PCC code of conduct states: “The press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information.” (Quinn,2011,p.455) In 1986 The Sun published a story headlined ‘Freddie Star ate my hamster.’

Max Clifford whilst speaking at the Leveson Inquiry (The Telegraph.2012) said that the Sun published the story with his permission despite it being untrue. Sub Editors must ensure that copy is accurate, without accuracy the newspaper loses the trust of its reader. Without a readership the newspaper will become defunct. The Sub Editor is important because, they can argue with the Editor not to run the story on the reasoning, that it breaks the main principle of Journalism, which is accuracy.

Sub Editors must be able to use human emotion to anticipate how stories of a sensitive nature should be handled. Quinn (2011) explains that the PCC code of conduct clause five states: “In cases involving personal grief or shock, enquiries and approaches must be made with sympathy, and discretion and publication handled sensitively.” (Quinn,2011p.456) in 2010 The Sunday Times was found to be in breach of The PCC code of conduct clause five.

Mrs Deborah Rundle, had complained to the PCC that the Sunday Times coverage of her son’s death had been inaccurate and insensitive. But while the investigation was being conducted, a freelance reporter contacted the family through Facebook. They were informed the family did not want to speak in light of the compliant, the reporter then asked for details about the case, and sent a news article to Mrs Rundle’s daughter asking her to highlight what was wrong with the piece. (Journalism.2010)

This lead to a second compliant to be made to the PCC that the reporter had intruded into grief and shock. The Sub Editor’s role here is crucial, as they should be able to look at any news piece through the eyes of a reader. They then should be able to use human emotion to anticipate whether the coverage of Mrs Rundle’s son death was insensitive, if they felt it was then the story should have not been published.

Equally, Evans (2000) argues that a Sub Editor must be able to use the most important skill within their arsenal: common sense. In 2010 The New York Post published a story claiming the USA football team, had won their opening match of the World Cup against England, despite the result actually being a draw. (The Sun.2010)

The story received wide spread criticism from all of national media, and made the USA, where football is not a highly regarded sport look ill informed. The Los Angeles Times ran the story with the headline ‘US recovers on England’s fumble. This is a further damaging inaccuracy, as fumble is a term associated with American Football, and is not used in the British game, the sports Sub Editor should have been able to use his or her common sense to understand that in most sports, if the score is tied it does not indicate a victor.

The Sentinel newspaper is a regional paper that covers the whole of Stoke on Trent, it has reported on local issues since 1854. The newspaper uses a variety of different pictures, which is appealing and should catch the reader’s eye, and the amount of news The Sentinel provides on local life on Stoke is important, as its circulation is for the Stoke on Trent area so it needs to supply local stories to attract the general of public of Stoke to buy the newspaper. But, The Sentinel is not very colourful its pages are white and perhaps using a red colour, which is symbolic to the city’s football club Stoke City FC, could attract a wider readership by using the city’s history to increase sales.

If the news pages of the Sentinel were to be improved, as previously mentioned more colour should be used above and below to catch the readers. The use of the colour red could do this, as it is symbolic to the city’s football club Stoke City FC. Furthermore, more should be done to break up the text heavy pages of the newspaper. This could be achieved by using cut out pictures, and changing their shape to resemble a circle just like the I newspaper does, and the paper could look at cutting out quotes and adding them into the main body of the text. This would then emphasise the point The Sentinel is trying to make to the readers, and would be more appealing visually. This paper has been mentioned, because it is a good newspaper that provides detailed content to the people of Stoke on Trent, and it serves its purpose of informing their readership about local life in their area.

Finally, The Times newspaper is a national newspaper that has been established in Great Britain since 1848 and it is known for its in depth and serious analysis of life in the UK. The newspaper detailed coverage is brilliant, as it provides the reader with detailed information about decisions that are being made for example by the government. Its tone is serious unlike many of the Tabloid newspapers, and this means their readership is likely to be able to make an informed decision about key events that are happening during their lifetime. The paper also provides plenty of breakers for its detailed news coverage, which means the reader is not overwhelmed by text, and visual elements are more likely to catch a person’s eye than a page completely covered in text. This could mean the difference between the paper being picked up and paid for or being left on the news stand.

In conclusion my essay, provides a detailed forensic analysis that highlights the duties and responsibilities of a Sub Editor, it also outlines the important skills that are required that ensures that a Sub Editor can complete their job effectively ,and that they can spot and prevent difficult situations from arising that could damage the newspaper’s viability in the long term. Also my essay highlights that a visual element is essential in attracting a readership, as visual elements are more likely to mean that the paper is bought, and in the tough economic climate and challenges the newspaper industry faces it is crucial that they maintain a strong readership. Of equal importance it is crucial that newspapers include plenty of breakers on their news page to maintain a reader’s interest, also pictures can tell a thousand words, so if an image can convey better than the text can a Sub Editor must ensure that the picture is included within the story. Finally, the role of the Sub Editor is crucial in a newspaper organisation, as in an age where more and more reporters are forced to sub their own news page this creates bad practice, as without a Sub Editor the production and values of Journalism will fail, it can also be dangerous as newspapers could become extinct without a skilled pair of hands being there to spot the dangers, and rectify them. Every person within a news organisation from The Times to The Sentinel benefits from having a fresh critical mind reading their copy.

Ends

Word Count: 1,500

 

Bibliography

Books

Evans,H. (2000).Essential English for Journalists Editors and Writers.London: Pimlico

Hodgson,FW.(1998).New Subediting Apple Mac, Quark Express and after.Oxford: Focal Press

Quinn,F.(2011). Law For Journalists.Harlow: Pearson

 

Websites

The Guardian (2009) Accidental Headline of the year [Online]. Available from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/mediamonkeyblog/2009/sep/01/express-ant-dec-headline-error [Accessed: 5^th December 2012]

Journalism (2010) PCC upholds intrusion into grief or shock compliant against Sunday Times [Online]. Available from: http://www.journalism.co.uk/news/pcc-upholds-intrusion-into-grief-or-shock-complaint-against-sunday-times/s2/a537188/ [Accessed: 5^th December 2012]

The Sun (2010) USA Beats England 1-1 [Online]. Available from: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3013091/.html [Accessed: 5^th December 2012]

The Telegraph (2012) Leveson Inquiry: The truth behind Freddie Starr ate my hamster [Online]. Available from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/leveson-inquiry/9072308/Leveson-Inquiry-the-truth-behind-Freddie-Starr-ate-my-hamster.html [Accessed: 5^th December 2012]

 

Evaluation

My submissions were pitched to the Lancashire Telegraph, Sheffield Green Un, Newport Advertiser and Evo Stik Northern Premier League website.

These publications were chosen, because they were all relevant to the interviews I conducted.

The pieces fitted the length for each publication, as I followed the length advised to me by the reporters and Editors I spoke to.

Each pieces content is very suitable, as each story is relevant to the local area of that publication, and as such will interest their readership.

For example my piece on Mark Atkins suited the Lancashire Telegraph, as he is an Ex Blackburn Rovers player, and is fondly remembered by Rovers fans who all read the paper.

The style guides of each publication were adhered to, as I spent my time reading them before submission to find out for example how they like quotes to be used.

My work meets the standards of the industry, as each piece, has been published and has passed tough Editorial scrutiny.

The process could have been improved if I’d spent more time reading the publications I pitched too and if they had briefed me on their requirements beforehand.

I also should of received a copy of the paper for each published story for submission purposes.

Craig Birch Express and Star reporter- email: craig.birch@expressandstar.co.uk number: 01543506311.

Paul Thompson Sheffield Star reporter- email: paul.thompson@thestar.co.uk number: 01142767676.

Andy Cryer Lancashire Telegraph Editor- email: acryer@nqnw.co.uk number: 012545298243.

David Watters Evo Stik Northern Premier League Press Officer- email: dwatters@evostikleague.co.uk. (No number provided)

Ends

Word Count: 250

The perils of being young

With higher tuition fees, higher prices, less opportunities and a lack of jobs, how can young people find jobs in this economy?

At 17, the world is supposed to be your oyster, if you don’t like the idea of working for someone else or training for years and coming out with massive debts ,the Office of National Statistics shows that 315,000 young people currently in full time education are unemployed. Why not take a risk and start your own business?

Lord Sugar, did it and his now worth an estimated £730 million, and Sarah Allison hopes to follow in the business tycoon’s footsteps by opening up her own art business called Lopsi Art.

Sarah, 19 says her business is very unique and down to the imagination of her clients.

She said: “I have started Lopsi Art, without any financial aid or assistance, as I am determined not to fall into a spiral of debt. 

“I considered studying to become an arts teacher, at Staffordshire University, but I felt trapped by the rigid structures of a nine to five routine.

“I also could not justify spending thousands of pounds on a degree, just to receive a bit of paper that told me I can draw.

“The name of my business came to me during my last job my co-workers called me a little un at work. I was always the outgoing one, so I decided to combine the two and feel it has a strong ring to it that sticks in the customers mind.”

“Lopsi Art allows me to express myself.”

If you’re thinking- But how do I start a business on my own with no help, advice or training… You may be interested in taking part in the West Midlands Young Enterprise award scheme. There, has been an 18% increase in apprentices across Staffordshire with over 8,540 people taking up apprenticeship schemes overall and 5,020 of these individuals being under the age of 25.

The West Midlands Young Enterprise award scheme is a major player in developing young talent, it has the support of 3,500 businesses and over 5,000 schools, colleges, universities and local communities.

It is the UK’s biggest and largest business and education charity, every year over 220,000 young people learn about enterprise and the working world with the help of 3,500 companies.

They argue that a very narrow focus on exams, and academic study can side line and severely weaken young people’s employment skills.

David Barker, Staffordshire’s Regional manager of West Midlands Young Enterprise says those who take part in their scheme have a massive ‘advantage’ over University graduates.

He said: “Young people learn by doing, we help them learn how to run a business for a whole academic year which will give them a tremendous advantage over someone with a degree.

“Our youngsters learn employment skills, the kind of skills that schools do not teach young people. The national curriculum is too heavily focused on how to pass exams. We are teaching them how to get jobs!”

He added: “Ninety per cent of young people just want to get on in life and earn a living, and here at youth enterprise we are determined to help them do that.”

JCB certainly thinks apprenticeships are worthwhile… Their £22 million pound academy, which opened in Rocester, Staffordshire, is estimated to create up to 100 jobs for young people. In 2011 450,000 people became apprentices.

Simon Wood, Technical expert recruit leader of undergraduates said they provide young people with the skills they need to find work within JCB.

The digging firm pays their apprentices on average between £9,000, and £13,000 depending on their age.

He said: “In the last few months, JCB have taken on 53 apprentices, 20 are doing advanced apprenticeships, 19 are craft apprentices, 14 are log apprentices and three are foundation apprentices.

“I think apprenticeships are vital to the British economy, they allow businesses to train people up to the standards a company needs without employing too many people.

“This then allows a business to expand and increase their profit margin.”

Wood, admits that academic study still has a vital role to play in preparing people for the work place.

He said: “Academic study is still relevant, as the more advanced jobs will still require people to go to university.

“In the more practical roles, apprenticeships will give young people over an average four year period the practical experience they need in order to find work.”

National Union of Teachers member for South Staffordshire Gordon Thornhill, said he would like the public to treat both vocational and academic learners equally.

Thornhill said: “Either forms of study, are very important. Vocational training provides young people with on the job training, and there is certainly plenty of job vacancies for those who study apprenticeships.

He added: “Whereas, academic training provides young people with the knowledge they need about the job they plan to go into, and applying the necessary skills needed for employment.”

For those of you who are shy, and feel you need to develop your confidence Linda McQuade, training development manager at the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, believes you should become an apprentice.

She said: “I believe apprenticeships are an excellent way of allowing young people to grow in confidence, and develop strong communication skills.

“People rely heavily on apprentices; they do not sit around from the moment they are taken on as an apprentice, they become a full member of staff with a wide range of responsibilities.”

But, McQuade explains to progress further up the employment ladder young people will need an ‘academic grounding.’

“Academic study is most definitely still relevant to gain progress within the work place young people need to understand this side if they wish to make an impact within the work place.

“Employers are also waking up to the opportunity of allowing their employees to advance their careers. I myself studied and completed my master’s degree which was paid for by my employers.”

For those of you, put off by the debts University incurs, this may be the ideal career route. What this proves is although, times are tough for young people there is still plenty of opportunities out there… It is just down to 16-25 year olds to grab theirs with both hands.  To find out more about Lopsi Art please email Sarah at sarahjane-a@sky.com or call 077429027580.If you are interested and would like to take part in West Midlands Young Enterprise, please call 01865776845 or email info@young-enterprise.org.uk.

I Am Alive book review.

Amazon’s Kindle reading device has enabled thousands of authors to self-publish and reach a wide audience.

I recently read I Am Alive written by Cameron Jace- He had me hooked as I wondered from chapter to chapter what was going to happen to Decca in the Playa.

Decca lives in a world where ever teenager is ranked on a scale of 1-10 those who score five and above are considered socially “acceptable,” if you score below five you become a monster.

The monsters are then rounded up and forced to fight in the battlefield to the death all in the name of The Burning Man.

16 year old Decca decides to volunteer herself into the battle to find her friend Woo who has alleged died trying to win the game and become ranked last year.

But, Decca finds herself in the midst of a love triangle as she is instantly attracted to celebrity contestant Leo- but she also loves Woo her best friend who she is risking everything to find.

Jace makes frequent reference to mankind’s past and present which is a clever reminder that the victors of war write our history. This enables the evil Hannibal Xitler to keep Faya under his control.

It is also perhaps a warning that as society develops through technological advancement that our over reliance on gadgets could lead to disaster.

Despite the circumstances that Decca finds herself in Jace enables his characters to have a sense humour and a sarcastic look at the world around them.

No one emphasises this point more than Leo, who learns the truth of this world and decides to fight Xitler head on.

He leaves Faya in exile but returns and is sent immediately into the Monster Show to fight for forgiveness.

However, throughout the show Leo’s sarcasm is cleverly used as he mocks the other characters for being unable to understand that the history they’ve been told of their world is a lie.

The American author also makes his novel action packed through the games the contestants are forced to go through just to survive which keeps people wondering about what happens next.

Xitler tells Decca that the more Faya believes in his ranking system the less humane they become. This is why the monsters and Breakfast Club are so important.

They are the embodiment of the human condition and they are the seeds of revolution that Xitler has fought for decades to prevent.

It is clear to see how repulsed these characters are by the monster show and that the majority of people in Faya have been brainwashed that they cannot comprehend that the games is murder.

Jace leaves the reader in suspense as he ends on a cliff-hanger that will have people demanding more from the author. It is a novel that I just couldn’t put down… and after you start to read you will feel ALIVE as you dig deeper into the world of Faya.

 

(Copyright belongs to Cameron Jace.)

“Book two of the I AM ALIVE series Incresecent will be released soon.”

 

Jace: “Writing has been my passion since I was 16.”

The advantages of self-publishing are numerous says author of the I Am Alive series Cameron Jace.

Amanda Hocking has sold over a million copies of her paranormal books through Amazon.

The American has written and published twelve books including The Grimm Diaries which is a young adult adventure that looks at the links between fairy tales and real life history.

Jace said: “There is a magic in the self-publishing world where authors can upload their books”

“You can then learn, study and rewrite the information you receive from reviewers which is priceless.”

Book one of the I Am Alive series has proved to be very popular with the novel reaching 30^th in the bestselling list online.

I Am Alive was originally released unedited which Jace confesses was an “unprofessional mistake,” but that despite the errors that people liked the story.

Jace admits “this was an important moment.” He said: “The success of the book lead to me having an audience demanding more of my work.”

Many reviewers have praised the book for being humorous and packed full of action.

The book is set in a world called Faya that is trapped under the rule of a brutal dictator called Hannibal Xitler. Every year teenagers are ranked on the scale of 1-10 to decide their place in society.

Jace said: “The ranking system is perhaps a reflection of modern civilization where people are judged on superficial details.”

If a person is ranked lower than the number five they become a social outcast a monster that is forced to fight for survival in a live televised show.

There are rumours amongst the contestants that they can escape the battlefield through an escape route called the Rabbit Hole. Many characters dismiss this idea as pure nonsense.

“The Rabbit Hole was right in front of Decca’s and the reader’s eyes, I can’t say much but one of the characters says something that explains where the Rabbit hole is.” Said Jace.

This is where the audience meet 16 year old Decca who has chosen to become a monster to search for her friend Woo.

In battle the teenager is caught between her feelings for Woo and rebellious heartthrob Leo.

“Leo is a famous teen prodigy who is ranked a 9 and has it all at a very young age” said Jace.

“His character will grow later in the series, but he is essential in showing contrast to the society of Faya.”

Woo is a “mystery.” Jace said. He adds: “He is an Anti-Hero which will surprise some of the readers.”

Decca’s feelings for Leo and Woo will be explored further in books two and three Jace promises.

History is often written by the victors and Xitler in his efforts to control the populace has changed the names of the digital age big hitters YouTube and Twitter.

Jace explains: “The use of the letter Z is illogical and allows Xitler to plant the wrong ideas into the people’s heads.”

Writing has been a passion for Jace since he was 16 years old, but he has a day job running a small online business.

“I’m just a regular guy that thinks of writing as a fun exciting world that I hope to break into soon.” He said.

 

(Copyright belongs to Cameron Jace)

 “Cameron Jace writes Romance, Science Fiction and young adult novels.”

We Are Open for Business!

Local representatives and distinguished guests witnessed the opening of a new Indian restaurant called The Silsila.

The restaurant is located in Rugeley on Horsefair which used to be known as the Old Ganges.

The Silsila is a non-licensed establishment which means customers will be able to bring their own alcohol.

Consumers who live within three miles of The Silsila will be able to have their food delivered for free.

Attendees were very impressed with the layout out of the restaurant and the friendly nature of the staff.

Rugeley Rugby club representative Martin Deridder said: “The restaurant was decorated really nicely and the atmosphere made the evening perfect.”

Guests received a three course meal starting with a baked cheese tomato salad with beef. The main course consisted of a chicken curry, as well as beef curry with a side portion of vegetables and for desert cake.

Pat Hancock a member of the Rugeley Traders described the evening as “wonderful.”

Hancock said: “I am sure we as Traders will look to help The Silsila in any way we can”

“I personally will be recommending this restaurant to my customers.”

Young artist Carrie Reynolds exhibited her own abstract pieces which provided added colour to the décor.

 Reynolds said it was a privilege to display her work at The Silsila and received good feedback from the guests.

Councillor Diane Todd who opened the restaurant said that the owner and staff had done a fantastic job in getting the restaurant ready.

She said: “The Silsila will become a huge asset to Rugeley and I hope many people will dine here for years to come.”

VIP guest Dan Statham said: “I will definitely be coming again the staff were friendly, the food was varied and plentiful.”

The staff were highly praised by the guests as being very friendly and helpful.

Staff member Shev Rahman described the opening of The Silsila as an “exciting new adventure.”

He said:  “The employees were on edge to begin with because we wanted to ensure everything was perfect”

“We have received excellent feedback from the guests and fingers crossed The Silsila will become a huge success.”

General Manager Zubair Ahamed said the evening was a great success and that everyone who attended had enjoyed themselves.

After the event Ahamed explained that the high standard of food and service should be a great incentive for attracting customers.

Members of the public who follow  @SilsilaRugeley via Twitter or like The Silsila on Facebook; http://www.facebook.com/SilsilaRestaurantRugeley will have the opportunity to receive discounted offers.

 

 

(Picture taken by Carrie Reynolds)

“The Silsila is officially declared open by Cannock Chase Councillor Diane Todd to the delight of guests and representatives.”

 

 

Let’s Celebrate!

Restaurant owner Mish Rahman is delighted to announce that he will be hosting an opening ceremony and party to signify the launch of The Silsila.

Over 70 distinguished guests and local representatives are expected to attend the invitation only event being held on Horsefair Rugeley.

He said: “This is very exciting as we have been planning this for quite a few months.”

The Silsila will be holding three competitions on its Twitter feed- the lucky winners will have the chance to open the restaurant, to win a table at the party, and to cut the cake.

The Silsila is located in Rugeley on Horsefair which used to be known as the old Ganges.

For customers looking to find the restaurant the postcode is WS152EJ and it should be easily locatable via a satnav or Google maps.

For more information about the grand opening of the restaurant please follow @SilsilaRugeley via Twitter or like The Silsila on Facebook; http://www.facebook.com/SilsilaRestaurantRugeley.

Young artist Carrie Reynolds will be showcasing her art in her first solo exhibition.

Reynolds admits she is “Apprehensive”- but that her work will interest the guests and public.

She said: “The art I intend to display is abstract pieces; my work is colourful and inspired by my emotions.”

The price of Reynolds work varies depending on the size and time she puts in to each piece.

On average for a mid-range piece that would cost approximately £60.

Rahman believes the event will be a success and that his restaurant will become a tradition for the people of Rugeley.

The Final Countdown!

Restaurant owner Mish Rahman is “excited” that his restaurant The Silsila will open to the general public on September 12^th.

He said: “We’ve been in the industry for over 40 years, and we have had a few successes along the way.”

Silsila means tradition and Rahman will clearly be hoping that his Indian cuisine will become tradition to the people of Rugeley.

The restaurant will seek to offer customers a variety of deals each week such as an Early Bird Special.

The Silsila is located in Rugeley on Horsefair which used to be known as the old Ganges.

For customers looking to find the restaurant the postcode is WS152EJ and it should be easily locatable via a satnav or Google maps.

For more information about the grand opening of the restaurant please follow @SilsilaRugeley via Twitter or like Silsila Rugeley on Facebook; http://www.facebook.com/SilsilaRestaurantRugeley.

Customers can expect “a warm welcome” says Rahman when they enter the restaurant.

He said: “It is my understanding that we will be the first non-licensed Indian Restaurant in Rugeley”

“This means customers can just focus on the food and not worry about paying over the top prices for alcohol!”

The Silsila will also offer customers a free delivery service for those who live within three miles of the restaurant.

On weekdays and weekends The Silsila will be open from 5:30pm until late in the evening.

Rahman is confident that his business can thrive and provide customers with a fantastic place to eat.

The Staffords Must Go

Cannock Chase MP Aidan Burley opposes the MoD's recent decision to scrap the name “The Staffords”.

He said: I understand that the decision by the MOD on which battalions to cut was made among other things on their recruitment record”

“This is quite surprising as unlike several army battalions in Scotland that are to be retained. The Staffords have had no history of poor recruitment.”

The Army is set to lose 17 major units as it cuts 20,000 soldiers by 2020.

Soldiers from both Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent for the past 300 years have fought together as one under the regiment name The Staffords.

The Staffords history dates back to Lichfield in 1705 where at the Kings Head Pub Colonel Luke Lillingston formed the 1^st Staffordshire regiment.

This includes service in countries such as Martinique, South Africa, Flanders, Gallipoli, Anzio and Arnhem. The Staffords have also fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Chair of the Staffordshire regimental Association and ex Stafford Dave Lovell has started an online petition to save the Staffords name.

He said: “Were going to fight to ensure the name of the Staffords is kept going and the Army continues to carry the Staffordshire knot.”

Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond when making the announcement to MP’s said changes are needed to fill the £38 billion black hole left by the previous Labour government.

Over 5000 soldiers have signed an online petition opposing the decision to scrap the former name of their regiment.

The Sentinel newspaper has combined its petition to keep the name of The Staffords with the Staffordshire Regimental Association.

Assistant Editor Martin Tideswell said it is pure “nonsense” to get rid of the name. 

Staffordshire MPs including Aidan Burley have written to the Prime Minister expressing their concerns this decision will have upon the soldiers and their families.

Burley said: “I hold out the hope at the very least the name and traditions of The Staffords can be kept alive”

“As part of the Mercian Regiment through a merger with the 1^st or 2^nd Battalions.”

Dark Knight Rises – Review

On a sunny afternoon in Cannock picture house I watched the finale instalment of the Batman trilogy.

Beforehand I had seen numerous trailers of the movie, which had made me by Sunday desperate to see Batman rise.

I have to say the film surpassed my expectations and the ending should satisfy the majority of fans.

Bruce Wayne is the focus of this film as we see him struggle to move on from the death of his best friend Rachel and his parents.

He's grief has led him to lock himself away from the outside world for over eight years.

After taking the blame for Harvey Dent's murders it becomes obvious that Gotham no longer needed Batman-which has left Wayne a broken man.

It is only when Selina Kyle appears that we begin to see Bruce Wayne reconnect with the outside world.

The villain of the film is a man called Bane who is brilliantly acted by Tom Hardy.

Sadly Hardy was let down by the editorial production team as the sound quality for his character is Poor. At times I had to strain just to hear him which is a shame because his voice when heard can strike fear into the audience.

Bane is probably the most successful super villain of Nolan's franchise as his terrorist plot plunges Gotham into chaos. His physical stature is matched by a glaring intellect.

He is truly a menace the likes of which Batman has never encountered before.

This provides for a brilliant battle between Batman aided by the police against Bane’s Army.

The action sequences of the film are beautifully shot and the Bat vehicle should leave many children asking their mothers to buy them one.

However, I was disappointed by the orphan motif that is used to connect PC Blake and Bruce Wayne together. The cop knows more about the billionaire than he should and it is preposterous that his information is based on the fact that Wayne is also an orphan.

Equally there is a young boy who also knows that Batman is a symbol for good which again makes no sense because the kid is possibly only eight and for eight years Batman has been known as a murderer.

But putting these negatives aside the film is just as good if not better than the previous two. 

The performances by Gary Oldman, Sir Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman highlight the acting quality which Nolan has had since the first film in 2005.

Without Wayne the film would not function this movie is not just about Batman’s rise it also signifies the rise of Bruce Wayne as he tries to rise above he's personal pain.

Nolan has also brilliantly connected the events of the previous two films as Batman's actions return to haunt him.

The film also contains a variety of plot twists that should surprise the audience, but they have always been there throughout the earlier films.

Cat woman is spectacular and she should gain plenty of male admirers from this film.

 Isn’t there just something ultra-erotic about a woman who can drop kick the bad guys?

Finally I would urge you reader if you go see the movie keep a close eye on PC Blake- He is very important.

Throughout it is hinted who he really is see if you can guess who he really is in the Gotham Universe.

The ending is very final and would make a sequel very difficult. It depends squarely on if Warner Brothers can convince Nolan to make another film.

There is always a possibility as Gotham will always need Batman.

                                       Rise for the final time for Batman.

Council backs a British tradition

Cannock Chase Council is delighted to announce that a new Indian restaurant is to be opened in Rugeley.

The Silsila will open its doors to customers on the 12^th of September.

Owner Mish Rahman said: “We have a good pedigree we have been in the Indian Cuisine business for over 40 years now.”

The restaurant will seek to offer customers a variety of offers each week such an Early Bird Special.

Councillor Diane Todd said: “I am extremely happy when a new business opens up in Cannock Chase.

“The Council will be doing all it can to support new businesses in our towns.”

The Indian industry is worth £2.5 billion a year to the British economy and over 2 million meals are served every week.

The UK is currently in recession and with consumer confidence at an all-time low- businesses must provide customers with a bargain.

Rahman said: “Our menu will be a recession buster.”

The restaurant will be operating unlicensed which will allow customers to bring their own alcohol.

Cannock Chase has seen the number of empty units in its town centres increase from 18 to 42 in just three years.

Todd said: “It is never good to see empty shops or units in Cannock Chase.”

However Rahman believes there is a clear opportunity for his business to flourish.

He said: “Customers will enjoy the food, the experience, the atmosphere and the service.”

District Councillor Andy Lovell agrees he said: “Any new business created in Rugeley is great news.

“It gives the people somewhere nice to go for a meal.”

Britain's love affair with Curry began 200 years ago when an Indian migrant opened the first curry house.

Former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook described Chicken Tikka Masala as a “British tradition.”

Silsila means tradition let’s hope this new restaurant will become tradition for the people of Cannock Chase.

“Sizzling Silsila why don’t you come and taste their curry?”

Men In Black 3-Here we go again!

Men in Black 3 sees Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones unite after a 10 year absence.

       

 Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones return alongside Josh Brolin.

Sadly the film so far has not been a commercial success. At the British box office as it has grossed only £2 million.

The first film managed on its opening weekend back in August 1997 to make 7.0 7 million and the sequel released in 2002 earned £6.19 million.

But my own conclusion is that the final instalment of the trilogy brings the franchise to a satisfying conclusion.

This time the film sees agent J time travel back to 1969 – in order to protect his partner agent K and prevent an alien invasion.

Josh Brolin as a younger K delivers an impressive performance and some of the special effects involved are remarkable. J's jump off the Chrysler building is a highlight.

Jermaine Clement plays Boris “The Animal” and is an excellent nemesis in the film, as he tries to gain revenge on K for sending him to prison for the last 40 years.

Men in Black 3 stays true to its predecessors with its combination of humour and action.

Also the film seeks to make an emotional connection with its audience as the relationship between J and K is finally answered.

Throughout the film – we are forewarned of some horrible event that leads to K becoming cold and withdrawn.

The climax of the film shows Jays father being killed by Boris after he saves agent K.

Because of this K becomes effectively a surrogate father to J which answers why he recruited him to be in the Men in Black 15 years ago.

Overall I would recommend this film to fans of the franchise as it leads to a satisfying close and it reminds the audience why they loved the first film so much.