It’s December and the countdown to Christmas has begun.
And each day you’ll be able to get a top financial tip from our special Working Lunch Advent Calendar.
We’ll open a window every day and one of our programme regulars will pass on a nugget of advice.
You’ll be able to see them all here on our website.
24 December
Tax expert John Whiting of PricewaterhouseCoopers says: “Take tax seriously - for example, just check your tax code to make sure the right amount of tax is being knocked off your salary.
“A lot of codes are wrong and you don’t want to be paying more tax than you have to.
“In particular anyone who is aged 65 or over should make sure that the Revenue have given them the higher personal allowance due to them - again sometimes the Revenue forget and you could end up paying too much tax on your income.”
23 December
Make those 0% credit card deals work for you, advises Jill Stevens of credit reference agency Experian.
She says it’s possible to go from one six month 0% offer to another, yet doing so shouldn’t affect your credit rating.
“What lenders are looking for when they look at the credit searches which are on your credit history is abnormal activity,” she explains.
“We as a credit reference agency only hold information about credit searches for 12 months. So changing a card twice in 12 months is not abnormal at all.”
22 December
Some advice on returning faulty goods from the Consumers’ Association.
Keep receipts. If you can’t find them and you paid by credit or debit card, your bank statements are proof of purchase.
If the product is more than six months old, you’ll need proof the product is faulty - contact an independent repairer and ask them to produce a report.
When you return a faulty product, you should explain that in line with the Sale of Goods Act you’d like the product repaired or replaced.
If the store doesn’t help, ask for details of the head office and deal with them instead.
Be persistent and arm yourself with the facts. If all else fails go to the Small Claims Court
21 December
Christine Ross of SG Hambros has a tip concerning Isas.
“If you have cash in an instant access account for a rainy day, why not transfer it to a cash mini-Isa?
“Then your interest will be tax-free. If you have 3,000 in a cash account earning interest of 4% a year, then, as a basic rate taxpayer you will pay tax on your interest of 24. If you transfer to a cash Isa with the same interest rate you will pay no tax on your interest.”
20 December
“Small businesses need to plan ahead for Christmas or they could face major cash flow problems,” warns Lisa Edmonds of credit insurer and management specialist Gerling NCM.
“Companies should talk to their customers so they can invoice early or get guaranteed payment dates. With the holidays coming up, cheque runs might change or accounts staff might be on holiday, causing delays to invoices being settled.”
Plan ahead and send out your invoices early so they can be paid before Christmas
Talk to your customers. See if you can negotiate early payments before Christmas, perhaps by offering a discount.
Check your dates. Find out when your customer’s cheque run is, when they are on holiday and when the accounts department will open again.
Be nice to your suppliers. Let them know when you will be closed and negotiate longer payment terms if cash flow is a problem.
Get peace of mind. The New Year can often be a financial struggle, so consider credit insurance to protect against bad debts.
19 December
This one’s from the boss, Greg Dyke.
“Watch Working Lunch and listen to their tips,” insists the director-general.
“That way you’ll do very well.”
Can’t say fairer than that, Greg.
18 December
It can pay to be a bit of a Scrooge at Christmas, says Rob Pittam. You can save money and be kinder to the planet.
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PENNYPINCHING PITTAM
Click here to see Rob’s top tips.
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For a start, your local council will recycle your Christmas tree when you’ve finished with it. You can also send your wrapping paper for recycling.
“If you open your presents very carefully, you can use the wrapping paper again next year,” Rob says.
“Similarly, Christmas cards. If you cut out the middle, you get a nice little Christmas tag you can stick on next year’s presents.”
And if you’ve got children, get them to make presents. It saves money, they’ll enjoy it and grandparents love getting handmade gifts from the little ones.
17 December
Beware of premium pre-Christmas prices, says Simon Gompertz.
“I bet you get annoyed, like me, if you’ve shelled out good money for something before Christmas then you find in the January sales that the price has been discounted. There is a way round that
“If you’ve bought it at the Gap chain, for instance, and you take your receipt back within two weeks they’ll refund you the difference between the original price and the sale price.
“Also if you use a Barclaycard for your purchases, they have a scheme where if you take it back or show them the receipt within 60 days they’ll also refund you the difference.
“The same applies to some storecards like Burton and Dorothy Perkins, as long as you’ve been paying a certain insurance premium into your card account.”
16 December
All elderly people should look at their entitlement to benefits, says Mervyn Kohler of Help the Aged.
“Half our older population are now entitled to claim the Pension Credit, which could bring in valuable income on a week by week basis.
“So ask the various relevant authorities about your benefits and entitlements and make a claim.
“It’s yours - you might as well make a claim for it.”
15 December
Get haggling, says Working Lunch’s Gillian Lacey-Solymar.
“I know it doesn’t come particularly naturally to us and it’s not in the culture of this country but do do it and don’t be ashamed because you can get away with quite a lot.
“Only the other day a couple went into a very posh West End jewellers and spent 2,000 and managed to get 500 off the price.
“Obviously in smaller shops you’ll do better on haggling than in larger shops but it’s even worth doing in department stores.”
14 December
“You can contribute up to 3,600 per year to a personal pension, even if you are not working,” says adviser Christine Ross of SG Hambros.
“You’ll gain tax relief at your highest rate. If you don’t pay tax, you can still receive basic rate tax relief - 22% - on your pension payments.
“Therefore, the maximum contribution of 3,600 will actually cost you only 2,808 after tax relief - you just pay the net amount and the insurance company or pension provider will claim the tax for you.
“If you can afford 50 a month, after tax relief your pension will gain a total of 64 a month - an extra 14.”
13 December
Here’s one for travellers from the Association of British Travel Agents.
“Buying an annual travel insurance policy can be very good value for money,” they say.
“But make sure that all the holidays you book under the one policy are properly covered - for example, snow holidays and adventure activities require different levels of premium than just your sun-and-flop holidays.”
12 December
“I’d like to recommend Premium Bonds, a very good, sound long-term investment,” says stockbroker Elissa Bayer of Gerrards.
“But go for the blocks rather than the individual shares. Go for 100 or 1,000 and you could get a very good return in 2004.”
11 December
A couple of tips from the Consumer Credit Counselling Service to make sure the only red you see this Christmas is on Santa’s outfit.
Take care if you buy presents online. It’s easier to get carried away on a computer than it is on the High Street so keep a check on how much you’re spending.
And don’t over-cater. Remember that food shops are closed for only two days at most so don’t panic and buy a load of stuff you’ll only end up throwing away.
10 December
The National Union of Students says you should make the most of your time at college or university.
Make sure you get an NUS card and make sure you use it. With discounts offered at many High Street shops, cinemas and restaurants there are some handy savings to be made.
When you get to the till ask if they offer an NUS discount - if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
9 December
The National Consumer Council points out that expensive presents aren’t always the best.
Consider a “no-present pact” for adults in your immediate family - giving what you can, instead, to your favourite charity.
Alternatively, why not give your loved one a Christmas promise, in the form of a “voucher” promising to help with chores such as doing the shopping or ironing, washing the car or babysitting.
8 December
Do some planning, says Justin Urquhart Stewart of Seven Investment Management.
“Work out what you want to achieve,” he advises.
“Add up all your liabilities, add up all your assets, take one from the other and you find out what you’re worth. Then do it on a family basis.
“So next year, don’t invest - do some planning first. Then you can invest.”
7 December
Graham Hooper of Charcol Holden Meehan has a number of tips.
Make sure your life policies are in trust as this saves Inheritance Tax at 40%.
If you’re uncertain about the markets, phase your money into markets - perhaps on a monthly basis - rather than investing in one lump sum.
Most of us are eligible for a stakeholder pension - tax relief means you can get back 22p or 40p in the free (depending on your income).
Buy a hands-free phone kit for the car (not necessarily financial, but could save you money in fines in the long run!).
And make a will!
6 December
“Work out a realistic budget for all your Christmas spending, from presents and new clothes to going out and entertaining, then stick to it,” says Citizen’s Advice.
“And don’t spend more than you can afford.”
5 December
A tip for small companies from Stephen Alambritis of the Federation of Small Businesses.
“Don’t allow yourself to be buried in a quagmire of invoices and tax demands,” he says.
“Discover a system for organising records that is suitable for your business. Adjust your own system to benefit your own experience and develop one to fit your own needs.”
4 December
Moving your mortgage around can save you big money, says Patrick Bunton of London & Country Mortgages.
If you have a 100,000 mortgage with a standard variable rate of 5.75%, you could easily knock about 2% off that rate.
There are some good deals around which mean you don’t have to pay any fees. All in all, you could end up saving yourself 2,000 a year, says Patrick.
3 December
You need to find time to give your portfolio some tender loving care, according to Morven Whyte of stockbrokers Redmayne Bentley.
“Stockbroking and gardening are very similar. They both need lots of time, lots of energy and lots of attention,” she says.
“What you have to regularly do - and not just at Christmas - is pull out the weeds, allowing the roses to blossom and to bloom.
“You’ve got to cultivate your garden and you’ve got to cultivate your share portfolio for the long term.”
2 December
Start saving for your retirement now, urges Malcolm McLean, chief executive of the Pensions Advisory Service.
“It makes sense for everybody to have a retirement plan,” he says. “Not necessarily a pension but some form of saving so that when you retire from work you have a good standard of living.
“The younger you start preparing for this, the sooner you start paying into a pension plan, the easier it is and the less it will cost you.
“So give it some thought - go ahead, get a plan!”
1 December
Don’t give thieves a bonus this Christmas, warns the Financial Services Authority.
It says you should protect yourself from identity theft by keeping all the receipts from your credit and debit card purchases and checking them against your statements. Make sure no-one else is running up bills on your account.
When you’ve finished with receipts dispose of them sensibly in case someone’s rummaging through your rubbish.
And be careful where you leave your credit card. For instance, don’t put it behind the bar at the pub! It could be easy for someone to clone your card.
Originaly from
And I grew up in a sporty family which made it easy for me.
I was one of those kids at school who tried every sport.
I had a go at everything. I tried swimming, archery, basketball and tennis.
Eventually I found athletics, and I’ve never looked back.
I think there are even more opportunities these days for kids who want to take up sport.
There are more sports clubs around and more coaching courses for people who want to coach disabled athletes.
I would say the most important thing for a young athlete starting out is to find a coach they like and get on with.
It has to be someone you can work with week in, week out, and someone you can completely trust.
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For more information contact:
British Wheelchair Sports Foundation, Sports and Events Development Manager, Guttman Road, Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 9PP Tel: 01296 395995
wheelpower@dial.pipex.com
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Who was your inspiration as a young athlete?
When I was growing up, sport for disabled people didn’t get that much coverage on television.
But one of my first memories was watching fellow Welsh athlete Chris Hallam in the London Marathon.
I remember saying to my mum that I was going to do the London Marathon one day.
It was my dream to be there on the starting line with everyone else.
And if you’ve got that kind of dream it gives you something to aim for.
It’s important to have something you can focus on or have a plan to work towards.
If you put the hard work in, you have a chance of fulfilling your dream.
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If you put the hard work in, you have a chance of fulfilling your dream
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You train 50 weeks a year, how on earth do you stay motivated?
My biggest motivation is the fact that I desperately want to beat my husband, who is also an athlete.
I haven’t really got close to him yet though - and that makes me train even harder!
Focusing on him means I’m not getting preoccupied with any of my female rivals.
It keeps me motivated, especially through the winter when we’re not competing for three months and the weather is cold and rainy.
It’s a difficult time to stay motivated so having my husband there with me makes it a lot easier.
I’m also a very selfish person, in that I want to be the best I can.
I like pushing myself to the limit.
I’m very strong-minded and if I decide I want to do something, then I’ll go for it.
As an athlete, it’s important to have that sort of determination, but you also need to be fairly level-headed.
You need to be able to deal with all the ups and downs.
Do you have to watch what you eat?
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If you want to train well and hard, then you have to eat the right food
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Even though I’m a hopeless cook, I still try and look after my diet.
If you want to train well and hard, then you have to eat the right food.
That’s not to say I don’t have times when I eat junk food, chips and a few other things that aren’t good for me.
But I do try to eat well most of the week.
I tend to eat a lot of carbohydrates - rice, pasta, potatoes and a lot of steamed vegetables.
I’m not a very good cook so I tend to stick with pasta and sauces.
My favourite is pasta with a tomato sauce, and bacon and onions mixed in.
You need to eat within half an hour of a training session and I can usually cook that and wolf it down in 15 minutes.
It’s good for you and it’s tasty - what more could you want.
Grey Thompson struck gold in four different events in Sydney
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You swept the board on the track at the Sydney Olympics. How do you manage to cover such a variety of events - and be the best at them all?
Wheelchair athletes are very lucky.
Because we’re not using any weight-bearing muscles we can cover a whole range of distances - just like cyclists.
The training I do that enables me to be a good sprinter actually enables me to be good at a marathon too.
It’s great because if you’re having a complete nightmare in one event, you can do something else!
I train 50 weeks of the year and that keeps me prepared for whatever distance I want to race through the season.
Out of all the distances I race, I think I probably prefer the 400m.
I’ve never been the best starter in the world and however hard I work on my starts, they never really seem to improve that much.
That’s why the 100m is always a bit of a dodgy distance for me.
The 400m is nice because the start is not quite so crucial and you’ve got time to get going.
On the road I like the 10k because it’s long enough to stretch you but not too long that you’re absolutely exhausted at the end.
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Remember to always wear a helmet and bright clothing when you’re out training, because racing chairs are very low to the ground and you need to make sure you can be seen
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How does a racing chair differ from a day chair?
I only have one racing chair which I train and compete in.
That usually lasts me a whole season before I need to change it.
My racing chair has three wheels and is about 6ft long.
The chair I normally sit in is more like an armchair. I could sit in it all day.
I can probably only be in my racing chair for two and a half hours before I start feeling uncomfortable.
That’s why, when you’re competing at a high level, it’s important you have equipment that fits you.
My chair is custom built around my shape and I can only fit in it if I’m wearing one layer of lycra.
At least that ensures I don’t put any weight on!
When you’re new to the sport it’s probably best to borrow a chair for a little while or buy a second-hand one to start off with.
New equipment is expensive and that’s a good way of finding out if you like the sport and want to stick with it.
Before even thinking about racing though, the most important thing is to get fit first.
You need to have stamina to push a chair and it’s so much more difficult if you’re not fit.
What have been the high points of your career and have there been any low points?
Taking part in the Sydney Olympics has got to be the high point of my career.
The biggest crowd I competed in front of was 112,000 and it was an amazing atmosphere.
With hundreds of thousands of people in the crowd you wouldn’t think you’d be able to see faces, but I could actually pick out the faces of people I know.
I’ve had quite a few low points because that is the nature of being an athlete - you can’t compete well all of the time.
I’m most disappointed when I’ve gone to races and haven’t been as prepared as I should have been.
Sometimes you don’t compete well and there’s nothing you can do.
You can’t always win, but that’s ok if you feel you did everything you could.
It’s about being truthful with yourself.
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I always keep a training diary
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Do you have any training tips for athletes just starting out in sport?
Just be active. Go out and do some kind of physical activity four or five times a week.
I do a lot of other sports through the winter.
I play tennis and basketball and it helps me stay fit for racing.
It’s very important that you get a good technique early on in whatever sport you do.
It’s also important to spend the right amount of time warming up and stretching.
For wheelchair racing you’ve got to have incredibly flexible shoulders, so I do a lot of work on my shoulders as well as my elbows and hands.
Remember in sport you can’t just train two or three weeks before an event and hope to compete well.
It’s something that you have to do a little and often, especially if you’re new in sport.
Train a couple of times a week and think a long time in advance.
Originaly from
With all the furore that surrounded the call-up of Theo Walcott into Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England World Cup squad this week, one other youngster’s shock international selection went largely unnoticed.
Arsenal’s Walcott, just 17, was the surprise fourth striker included in Eriksson’s 23-man squad, despite not yet making an appearance for the Gunners since his 12m January move and making just 13 senior starts in his short career to date.
However, England were not the only international outfit looking to youth, with new Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton including Tottenham’s 16-year-old striker Terry Dixon, who has even less experience than Walcott.
Dixon has yet to even establish himself in Spurs’ academy set-up, and those outside of White Hart Lane could be forgiven for being wholly under-whelmed by his inclusion in Staunton’s 29-man training squad.
However, the noises now coming from White Hart Lane and Staunton suggest Dixon’s potential impact could be just as big as Walcott’s.
Dixon in action for the Republic in a Uefa Under-17 qualifier
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The striker, who will join Tottenham’s first-year trainee selection from next season, impressed many with a series of starring performances behind the front two in Ireland’s Uefa Under-17 European Championship qualifiers.
Strong and skilful, his play has been compared to England’s Wayne Rooney, though Tottenham have so far been keen to keep him under wraps.
But that may now change, with many expecting Dixon to step up into Tottenham’s reserve, and possibly first-team, set-up as soon as next year.
And Staunton is convinced he could be a big star for Spurs and Ireland in the future, especially under the guidance of club team-mate and international captain and top-goal-scorer Robbie Keane.
“He is a very talented boy with good ability and he is highly thought of at Spurs,” the former Liverpool and Coventry defender said.
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It is a big step up and I did not expect it, but I will go there and enjoy it
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“I feel he is a special talent and if he progresses nicely, we will see the benefits in a couple of years.
“It will be good to take him along to the camp and show him what we are about. I said to Sean (McCaffrey) and Don (Givens) that I would like to reward at least one player for doing well and I have decided to bring him.”
Dixon himself admits that the chance came as a shock, but that he will be making the most of the opportunity.
He said: “I was called on Monday with the news and I was absolutely over the moon.
“It is a big step up and I did not expect it, but I will go there and enjoy it.
“I met Steve Staunton at the European Championships and he told me well done, but I did not expect this.
“I am sure it will be a great experience - just training with the squad will be unbelievable. It will give me confident going into next season and I will be able to take tips off the likes of Robbie, that will be fantastic.”
On the world stage this summer, Walcott could be writing back-page headlines single-handedly with England as Eriksson’s men march on the finals in Germany.
But, under the radar with Ireland, Staunton and Tottenham will be hoping Dixon can continue his development, with one eye on making his own impact for club and country in the coming years.
Originaly from
At the end of 2002, BBC News Online published its Sound of 2003 list - 10 new music artists who came top of a survey of critics and opinion-formers to find the hottest new stars.
Here, we revisit the list to see how the 10 acts fared over the last 12 months, ahead of the Sound of 2004 list being published next week.
Check the site from Monday, when we will reveal one artist from the top five every day until the winner and full top 10 are announced on Friday.
Sound of 2003 top 10
1. 50 Cent
The last 12 months belonged to 50 Cent in the US after his album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, became the fastest-selling debut ever. It went on to become the biggest-selling album of 2003 in the US, while his hit single In Da Club achieved the same feat in the singles market. His past as a drug dealer and shooting victim gained him notoriety and he is now rivalling his mentor Eminem as the top rapper in the US.
2. Electric Six
The Electric Six had two UK top five singles
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If you heard rock fans shouting “Danger! Danger!” or “I want to take you to a gay bar” in 2003, it was this Detroit group’s fault. Wild and silly but catchy and eminently danceable, their catchphrases and good-time attitude earned them two top five hit singles - although they were seen as a novelty band by some.
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs
One of the leading groups to come out of New York since The Strokes, this trio enjoyed critical acclaim and some commercial success in 2003. Three singles reached the UK top 40, peaking with Date with the Night at 16 in April. They were also nominated for the Shortlist Prize - the US equivalent of the Mercury Music Prize - and got a Grammy nomination for best alternative album.
4. The Thrills
This Irish group found a large audience with their deliriously sunny Beach Boys-inspired tunes, although they did not break into rock’s premier league. Their debut album, So Much for the City, was one of the soundtracks to the summer and was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. Three singles reached the UK top 40, led by Big Sur, which hit number 17 in June.
5. Dizzee Rascal
Dizzee Rascal became the first rapper to win the Mercury Music Prize
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The UK urban breakthrough artist of 2003, Dizzee Rascal produced one of the freshest and most innovative sounds of the year. Armed with a distinctive quick-fire rapping style and harsh beats that mixed UK garage and hip-hop, his debut album, Boy in Da Corner, won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize, beating the likes of Radiohead, Coldplay and The Darkness.
6. Interpol
New York art rockers Interpol were the only artists in the top 10 not to have a UK top 40 single in 2003. But their stylishly brooding debut album Turn on the Bright Lights turned many heads and earned a nomination for the Shortlist Prize.
7. Audio Bullys
With pumping bass, pounding beats and punky vocals, London “dirty house” duo lent some attitude to dance music. The year saw them break out of the club scene and into mainstream music, and their single We Don’t Care reached number 15 in January.
8. Mario
This teenage US singer failed to capture the hearts of the soul audience in 2003. The adolescent pop on his debut album was not enough to propel him to mainstream success in the US - but he did enjoy top 30 hits in the UK with Just A Friend and C’mon.
9. The Datsuns
New Zealand’s premier guitar grinders The Datsuns made a splash at the start of the year, gaining a reputation as an explosive live band. They were named best live act at the NME Awards but they struggled to transform their on-stage energy into sales.
10. Sean Paul
Sean Paul had hit duets with Blu Cantrell and Beyonce
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Jamaica’s latest idol was one of the year’s smash hit stars, taking dancehall reggae to the top of the charts around the world. He scored five UK top five singles in nine months, including a number one guest spot on Blu Cantrell’s Breathe. He also hooked up with Beyonce on Baby Boy while his solo track Get Busy was one of the biggest-selling singles of the year in the US.
The ones that got away
The Darkness
The Darkness shot to fame in the second half of 2003
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The spandex-clad rockers were the success story of the year in UK rock, bringing the fun back to a guitar scene that had been dominated by serious and stony-faced bands for a decade. They were known in the music industry before 2003 - but not one music expert tipped them in the Sound of 2003 survey because no-one thought they could make it.
Evanescence
June saw this US goth rock band burst to the top of the charts after their song Bring Me To Life appeared on the soundtrack to the Ben Affleck film Daredevil.
The Black Eyed Peas
One of the year’s biggest-selling singles came from this LA-based hip-hop group with Where Is the Love?, taken from their third album.
Jamie Cullum
This charismatic young pianist and singer became the most popular jazz artist the UK has seen for decades when his album Twentysomething was released.
The Sound of 2003 list was compiled from the recommendations of almost 40 music critics, DJs and playlisters, who were each asked to give three tips for the top. Artists who had UK top 20 singles before 1 January 2003, and those who found fame on TV talent shows, were not eligible.
Originaly from
England assistant coach Andy Robinson has backed England to win the forward battle on Saturday and go on to upset France’s Grand Slam hopes.
The French pack has been in prolific form during the Six Nations to date, while England’s has struggled.
But Robinson told BBC Sport: “Our forwards are still as good as they were at the World Cup.
“We may have struggled with the line-outs but our scrummaging performances have been really good in every game.”
Hooker Steve Thompson has regularly struggled to find his target men on his throw, which was at its worst in the 19-13 defeat to Ireland.
Despite that, Robinson remains upbeat.
He said: “Against Italy I thought our scrum was outstanding and against Scotland we again
scrummaged really well. Even against Ireland, when we were dire in the line-out, we were
strong in the scrums.”
Against Wales a week ago, England were notably boosted by the arrival of replacement prop
Julian White in the last 10 minutes.
And there have been question marks about the fitness of the player he replaced, Phil Vickery.
But Robinson insisted he was happy with his front three and said: “Vickery has shown throughout the tournament that his fitness is there. I’m very confident in what he can do
this weekend.”
The former Bath coach is familiar with the majority of the French pack from the World Cup
semi-final, which England won 24-7.
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Although the lightweight French pack have been able to boss other teams, they won’t match England’s power
From MM
Have your say on Scrum V
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Since then, the previously injured prop Pieter de Villiers has returned, while William Servat
replaces the retired Raphael Ibanez at hooker and Pascal Pape is selected at lock.
Home advantage
Robinson, though, believes France’s forwards are always “formidable”, whoever they select.
“Playing France is always a challenge,” he said. “It always has been and always will be.
“It’s all about the attitude of the players. The attitude of our players this week has been immense and it’s building.
“That said, we are playing a very good side in their backyard.”
Originaly from
Plans to reopen the biggest opencast coalfield in western Europe will be discussed at a public inquiry next month.
The inquiry will determine if proposals to restart coal mining at Ffos-Y-Fran in Merthyr Tydfil should go ahead.
The 12-day Welsh assembly inquiry will open on 7 September into the plans by Miller Argent.
If the scheme is approved, more than 10 million tonnes of coal will be extracted from the area over 15 years.
The coal is expected to be sold to nearby Aberthaw Power Station, and the developers have promised to pay more than 6m in royalties to the local council to be spent on public schemes.
However, local people have voiced strong objections to the plans.
Fears about the effect on health, the devaluation of houses and the impact it will have on inward investment to the town have been raised by people opposed to the scheme.
A 1,000-signature petition was collected by members of the Merthyr Tydfil Anti-Opencast Alliance against the plans.
But the scheme has had the backing of the Transport and General Workers Union, which says that vital jobs will be brought to the area if the plans are approved.
They say that 200 jobs will be created as a direct result of the scheme, with a further 400 contractor jobs being made.
The public inquiry will open on 7 September at the Bessemer Club, High Street, Dowlais at 1000BST.
Originaly from
Julian Thomas is the head teacher of Ley Park Primary in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. Here he describes his problem and why he contacted Panorama.
“On May 29 the school’s site manager noticed a leak just inside the school car park. Obviously it is the school’s responsibility to repair leaks but we needed help to do so.
We contacted Thames Water who came out two days later and followed this with a letter saying they would get it repaired within ten days time since it was a ‘priority one’ and a visible leak.
“Being a school, we asked for a quote for the repair so we could achieve the best deal. Thames Water gave us a date of some five weeks later so naturally we got the contractor to carry out the repair only seven days after we reported the leak.
“However, the contractor wasn’t able to repair the leak due to the lack of cooperation by Thames Water and complained to Ofwat on our behalf.
“We asked Thames Water to keep the date they had for us, some four weeks later, not for the quote but to repair the leak instead.
“The school secretary was annoyed by the lack of communication from Thames Water, especially the email footer which offered advice about how to reduce the use of water during our area’s hosepipe ban and drought order! She also noticed Panorama’s website asking for stories about water leaks and we both thought that ours was a good story so far, never knowing it would get worse.
“The area surrounding the leak had got so water logged by week five that it started to overflow into the school’s car park, until half of it was submerged. During the heat wave, which at the start of July was reaching 33C, algae started to grow on the pool.
“Just at this time I started getting communication with Millie, the researcher from Panorama. I also had communication from the county council’s environmental health officer saying that the algae didn’t look good. He advised that we didn’t use our drinking water.
“A school, 200 + children during a heat wave, without water? With this in mind we had no alternative but to rush out to the local supermarket and get lots of bottled water for the rest of the day. Thames Water said we didn’t qualify for free bottled water!
I made the decision to close the school for the next two days, until the leak was repaired. A difficult decision that affected the 150 families we provide for.
“The team from Panorama came to see the school that afternoon and filmed us closing the school gates.
“After many phone calls, Thames Water came out the next day and repaired the leak.
“The environmental health officer suggested we also chlorinate the water storage tanks (a further unnecessary cost to the school) and the original contractor was able to come out the very next day and worked all weekend to ensure we could open on the Monday.
“I cannot believe that our leak got as bad as it did, resulting in a huge cost to the school and an annoyance to the community. We did everything possible to solve the problem but felt that Thames Water didn’t.
I really do think that having Panorama involved helped us to get the leak repaired sooner!”
Response from Thames Water
“Ley Park Primary School was advised that as the leak was on their property it was the responsibility of the owner of the property rather than Thames Water.
“The school were advised that if it wished Thames Water to carry out the repair, it would take approximately five weeks. Thames Water provided a quote for the work. This was declined by the school which chose to use an independent contractor.
“No permission was needed from Thames Water to turn off the water supply.
“This could have been turned off at the outside stop valve on the property by the contractor. In this case it appears that the contractor was unable to do so. It is advisable, prior to commencing any repairs, that contractors confirm with the customer that they are able to do this.
“We do not believe that the school’s water supply would have been affected by the green algae. This does not contain harmful toxins and it is extremely unlikely that it would have entered the water supply system.
“Once it became clear that the contractor was unable to do the work we carried out the repair within the original timescale given to the school.
“The school will not be charged for any work carried out by Thames Water.
“Beat the drought: Taking a refreshing shower instead of a bath can save over 300 litres of water a week. Be careful though, a power shower can use more water than a bath! Visit
thameswater.co.uk/waterwise
for more water saving tips.”
Read Thames Water’s responses to Panorama’s questions
Return to the main story page for Whose water is it anyway?
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Simon Cowell has signed a 2m deal to write a book about his experiences as a judge on the American Idol show.
The book, to be called I Don’t Mean To be Rude, But… will hit the shelves in the US in December.
It is set to provide an insider’s view of being a plain-talking judge on the US version of Pop Idol, which has been a huge hit on US TV.
Cowell - who is notoriously harsh with the show’s would-be pop stars - will also use the book to give tips on how to make it big in music.
Cowell recently started the dating show Cupid on US TV
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The deal was finalised about a week ago - just after Cowell agreed with US network Fox to return for the third series of American Idol.
The Fox deal also allows Cowell to develop new projects under his own newly formed production outfit, Simcow Ltd.
Last week, the production company’s new TV dating series Cupid began on US network CBS, but pulled in disappointing ratings.
I Don’t Mean To be Rude But… will be co-authored by Cowell’s older brother, Tony, who is a journalist.
It will also recall Simon Cowell’s 25-year career as a manager and executive in the recording industry.
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Pakistan legend Imran Khan believes Andrew Flintoff has what it takes to become a “great captain” for England.
Lancashire star Flintoff has led the team in six Tests and been tipped as Michael Vaughan’s long-term successor.
World Cup-winning captain Imran told BBC Five Live: “I’ve always believed an all-rounder has an extra advantage.
“He can see things from a batsman’s and bowler’s point of view. A captain who understands bowlers is important - the main captaincy is done in the field.”
Interview: Imran Khan
Flintoff took charge of the team in India when Vaughan returned home early because of a knee problem.
He continued in the role in the home Test series against Sri Lanka and will take it on again when he returns to action following an ankle injury.
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Australia will have the advantage - they will be very hard to beat
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Imran feels the 28-year-old is the ideal man for the job.
“I used to get frustrated as a bowler when dealing with a batting captain, especially in Pakistan, when they didn’t understand the concept of reverse swing.
“We would be reverse swinging the ball and I would tell the captain don’t take the new ball and they wouldn’t understand that.”
With Vaughan ruled out of action until next year, Flintoff will lead England in this winter’s Ashes series but Imran believes they are in for a tough time.
“I think Australia will have the advantage in those conditions - they will be very hard to beat,” he added on the Sportsweek programme.
“The best chance of beating Australia is on subcontinental wickets or in English seaming conditions but in Australian and South African conditions it is not easy to beat them.”
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The sixth instalment of the Harry Potter story is with us.
If you have students who are big Potter fans, they may like to review the book.
If they haven’t read anything lately they can use our potted Potter guide and still learn the conventions of a review layout and content.
Learning aims
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe the plot and characters of a novel
- Comment on the highlights and weak points of a novel
- Evaluate a novel
- Understand the layout of a book review
Icebreaker
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QUIZ: HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
For quiz, click here
Enter
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Quiz
Students can test their knowledge of the Half-Blood Prince with this quiz.
You can print off and distribute copies or students can take the quiz online.
There are loads more Harry Potter quizzes in the dropdown on the right-hand side of this page.
Warm up
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POTTER BOOK 6 GETS RAVE REVIEWS
For the story, click here
For the worksheet, click here
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Review round-up
Read out this story to the class.
The story and the following questions are available as a printable worksheet.
Ask students:
1. Reviewers have called the book “well crafted”, “one of the best” a “real triumph” and the “darkest and most unsettling yet.” What do you think each of these mean?
2. Some reviewers say there are too many sub-plots. What is a sub-plot? Answer: Part of the action that is separate from the main plot. Sometimes it mirrors the main action of the play. Can students think of any main and sub-plot parallels in the books they have read?
3. Many children have branded the Half-Blood Prince the best Potter instalment so far. Do you agree? Why/why not?
Main activity
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BOOK REVIEW TEMPLATE
Click here for the template
For potted Potter guide, click here
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Write a review
Students write a review of the Half-Blood Prince or the last book they read using this printable template, referring to the tips at the bottom.
If they have not picked up a book for a while, they can use extracts from this potted guide to the first five Harry Potter books to complete the template.
These tips are printed on the bottom of the template:
Published Skim the first few pages to find the date the book was published.
Pages You don’t have to count them! Just look at the number on the final page.
The story/plot This is WHAT happens. To help you think about the main events, first draw a time line with the beginning scene of the book at the top of a piece of paper and the final scene at the bottom.
E.g. Write Harry starts at Hogwarts at the top and Harry defeats Voldemort at the bottom.
Now add a few events in the middle of the time line - ones which link the beginning and final scenes.
You can also write a sentence about WHERE and WHEN the story takes place. E.g. At Hogwarts school of wizardry in the present day.
The characters Or WHO is in the book. To help you describe the characters, first jot down these details:
- Name of character
- Role
- Adjective to describe them
For example:
- Harry Potter
- Schoolboy wizard
- Brave
Highlights This is where you describe your favourite part of the book. Is there a particular piece of action, description or characters’ speech you really enjoy?
Any weak bits? Were there any chapters where you found yourself wishing for some action to liven up the plot? Any unrealistic characters? Any descriptions or chapters that you felt were poor?
Unputdownable? Did you grab the book whenever you had a spare moment? Did you read it rather than playing computer games or watching TV? Or did you read the first chapter before letting it gather dust on your bookshelf?
Turn this into a drama lesson
TV review programme
In groups of six, students use the reviews they have compiled to act out a TV review programme.
- One student plays the host
- One student plays the part of author JK Rowling
- Two students play reviewers - one a nice Nicki Chapman type (from TV’s Pop Idol), the other a mean Simon Cowell type
- Two students play audience members
TV review outline:
The host introduces JK Rowling.
JK Rowling reads out a passage from the Half-Blood Prince - a bit like she did in Edinburgh at 00.01am on Saturday 16 July.
For the full interview with JK Rowling after the book launch, click here
Reviewer 1 gives a brief outline of the story and gives their opinion.
JK Rowling has the chance to reply.
Reviewer 2 describes the main characters and gives their opinion on them.
JK Rowling has the chance to reply
Audience member 1 describes a highlight from the book and asks the reviewers for their favourite extracts.
Reviewers reply.
Audience member 2 describes a weak bit and asks the reviewers for their least favourite extracts.
Reviewers reply.
Host sums up the programme by saying whether the book is unputdownable or not, giving reasons for their judgement.
Extension activity
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NEWSROUND REVIEWS
Click here for Newsround’s review pages
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Students add their own comments about books reviewed by the Newsround team by clicking on the right hand box.
Or
Students use the template to write a review for an imaginary novel which combines the characters and plot from two different books or films.
E.g. Luke Skywalker tracks down a Victorian teenage boy on the run from a London poorhouse.
Plenary
Recap on the definition of plot, sub plot and character.
Students read out their reviews to the class.
Ask students: What information would you like to see in a book review (other than the headings in the Newsround review template)?
Teachers’ background
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POTTER SPECIAL
For our special section, click here
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Check out the resources in Newsround’s Harry Potter special section which include:
- Quizzes
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Comments
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Message boards
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Interviews
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Features
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Picture galleries
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Games
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Votes
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Guides
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Children’s reports
For hundreds for news-based lessons, click on Teachers on the left-hand side.
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