Artograffi #155
We put more questions to the decision makers
In June, (Issue 153), we asked the Northumberland County Council (NCC) some tough questions about the new school. Now we put more questions to our decisions makers.
l-r: front row: Cllr Gordon Stewart. Cllr Glen Sanderson, Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson. Behind: some of Artograffi with Anna and Kayleigh
We were invited to visit County Hall to meet Cllr Glen Sanderson, and Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson again. We also met Cllr Gordon Stewart and Andrew Ward from the Press Team.
First we asked Glen Sanderson who is the Leader of the Council, if there was any progress on the loss of JCSC’s new outdoor spaces.
We put it to him that when we last met (at the end of June) he had expressed sympathy over the loss of the outdoor spaces, and said he would have a discussion about it. We asked if he had that discussion, and if so, what was the outcome?
Glen told us, “We have had a discussion and have put it back to planners to see what might be allowed.” He and Guy promised to keep us informed.
We asked what would they suggest to do, if people still want to get some of the outdoor areas built in the new school?
Guy said “You are doing the right thing coming here and lobbying us.” He said we were doing the right thing speaking up for what we think is right for the community, as many people just complain and don’t do anything.
We then asked Guy, who is responsible for Children and Young People’s services in Northumberland about his job, and decisions he makes which affect young people in Amble.
Guy told us that he is the Councillor for Bamburgh, and controls the safety of over 40,000 children in Northumberland including those who are less fortunate, in social care, fostered or in care homes.
He told us he makes decisions with the rest of his team about schools, money for youth clubs and projects.
We asked if he consults or talk with young people about what they would like to see happen?
He told us he does talk to young people but he says not enough. He relies on people in County Hall, teachers and social workers to tell him for what needs to happen. He also stated that he wanted more younger people across the north east for the youth parliament. See
https://nland.cc/YE26
Finally we asked if the councillors agreed on bringing the voting age down to 16. Gordon said maybe, Glen said he agreed with bringing it down and Guy said that the voting age now is fine, as 18 is an adult which makes most things legal.
By Nina, Esme, Issy, Lexi & Maisie
From Amble to Antarctica, and meeting a wildlife hero
An ex joiner from Amble now travels the world on a famous science ship, where he met wildlife hero David Attenborough.
In the last issue of Artograffi, we talked about how Sir David Attenborough was one of our heroes. We mentioned that Donovan’s Dad, Graham Hall works on the survey ship RRS Sir David Attenbrough.
Graham has been working on the ship for two years. He is a Launchman, so that means he launches the smaller boats which go into icecaps where the main ship can’t access.
RRS Sir David Attenborough, and the man himself
These boats are used to scan water and gather water samples which go to the labs on the ship. The crew spend 2-3 months doing scientific tests in Antarctica.
We asked how he got from working in Amble to working on such a great ship as RRS Sir David Attenborough.
Graham told us he was a joiner in Amble, but he had had a boat since he was 12 years old. So, he had plenty of experience on the sea. He has been volunteering on the RNLI since he was 17 and that’s how he got a lot of his tickets. He had been working in the Marina when someone suggested he tried for a job on the ship.
Every time the ship enters or leaves a port Graham must steer the ship. When we spoke to him, the ship was in Denmark. Graham described the living conditions as “Outstanding.” He said the food was superior quality and it was an all you can eat!
Meeting David Attenborough
Graham has met Sir David Attenbrough. Sir David has visited the ship several times, and once Graham had a talk with him. He said he was a bit star struck, but described David as ‘a very approachable man’. Graham explained he was from Northumberland and David said that it was a long time since he had been in Northumberland, and it was a very nice part of the world.
Graham Hall came in to meet Artograffi.
Scientists on the ship have so far studied many different types of species; translucent worms, sea pigs, sea spiders and plankton. They have already noticed how much the sea ice is getting thinner due to climate change.
Best thing about his job?: Travelling, wildlife, every day is different.
Worst thing?: Missing my family and home. I get upset about global warming and how far the glaciers have moved back.
By Nina and Lexi
What if we had no internet?
If we had no internet it would mean we would have no games like Roblox and Fortnite. We wouldn’t have Youtube or Tik Tok or FaceBook. We would also have no money cards so we would probably have to use only cash.
I was reading on News Round that some games become glitchy and slow because too many people are playing them.
So maybe we could make more outside games and have more time off the electronic stuff. So I think we should have more stuff to play in real life rather than online. I am online so much my Mam says I will get square eyes!!
If we didn’t have the internet a lot of businesses would be closed, we would have to shop in person instead of online. Some people might think that was a good thing.
I like exploring and part of me thinks I would like no internet, but I would miss playing games and talking to my friends online.
By Maisie
Esme’s playground watch
I have been looking to see if Persimmon have started building the play areas on Hauxley Grange Estate.
In the last issue of Artograffi we reported that Persimmon told us the play area at the south-west would be built by autumn e.g September/ October. They also said the second play area is going to be built when the nearby plots have been completed this winter.
I am writing this report in November and there is still no sign of any play area. I will keep looking to see if they make progress.
By Esme
Art or vandalism?
Recently Amble has had its first yarn bombing and we liked it but some people might see it as vandalism. Where I use to live, in Lowestoft, there was some art work on the side of the building, it was a seagull swooping down to a skip. It was done by Banksy who is very famous street artist.
We don’t have a lot of graffiti in Amble apart from at the skate park. I don’t think it is okay because a lot of money was spent on the park, plus we have only two main play parks in Amble so we should look after them.
K who made the yarn bomb in Amble told us, “I did wonder if people might think it was vandalism. Especially as it was in such a prominent position. Although I have to say I DO like a lot of ‘street art’. In Sheffield, where I’m originally from, we had a lot of fabulous outdoor artists.”
I think some people might see it as vandalism because the person who made the art didn’t get permission to put the stuff on the property. People have their own opinion on this and neither are right or wrong.
By Indie
What makes us happy?
Here at Artograffi we talked about what makes us happy or sad, and how not everyone is happy even at Christmas. But lots of people are happy with presents and Santa! Here are some things that make young people happy or sad.
Sad
Going to school and they don’t understand you.
If someone had died at Christmas.
Money problems.
Family members going away.
War, Violence, Pollution.
Happy
Sleeping
Seeing my best friend at school.
My family.
Animals, my friends, food, family.
Abstract art.
Eating Christmas dinner.
Research by Donny. Image by Skylar
It breaks my heart
Many people are excited for Christmas but some people don’t stop and think about the children who get nothing for Christmas . Many children get no Christmas presents due to financial problems. Unfortunately, many children face this reality, as their parents can’t afford Christmas. One of the main reasons for this is economic pressure and high living costs. It honestly breaks my heart , to think of young children waking up to no presents under the tree.
We can help by working together as a community to give children more of a Christmas spirit.
One example of this is from the furniture store, Dunlem has created a campaign where a customer picks up a gift request from a child or someone who is elderly. You can go into Dunelm store and purchase the gift which goes to that person who can’t afford a Christmas present. Also, here in Amble, Brewis Beer are collecting cash for the
@cashforkidsne appeal. Find them on Instagram.
By Eden
