WAR HORSE by Michael Morpurgo

Joey is a warhorse, but he wasn’t always. Once, he was a farm horse and a gentle boy named Albert was his master. Then World War I came storming through and everything changed. Albert’s father sells Joey to the army where the beautiful, red-bay horse is trained to charge the enemy, drag heavy artillery, and carry wounded soldiers not much older than Albert off of battlefields. Amongst the clamoring of guns and slogging through the cold mud, Joey wonders if the war will ever end. And if it does, will he ever find Albert again?

War Horse is one you will all probably be familiar with through the stage play or film. But I must say try the book first! If you read the book then nothing has been changed or altered! A truly awe- inspiring tale of courage, beauty and the unique love or cruelty that exists between man and horse. We hope with all hope that our horse Joey can make it through his trials and through the war. Read it and find out if he does!

THE AMAZING STORY OF ADOLPHUS TIPS by Michael Morpurgo

It’s 1943, and Lily Tregenza lives on a farm, in the idyllic seaside village of Slapton. Her life is scarcely touched by the war until one day Lily and her family, along with all of the other villagers, are told to move out of their homes – lock, stock and barrel.

Soon, the whole area is out of bounds, as the Allied forces practice their landings for D-day, preparing to invade France. But Tips, Lily’s adored cat, has other ideas – barbed wire and keep-out signs mean nothing to her, nor does the danger of guns and bombs. Frantic to find her, Lily decides to cross the wire into the danger zone to look for Tips herself…

One can truly say that there is a very happy ending to this eventful war story. I grew very fond of the three main characters: Lily, Adie and a wandering-prone female feline named Tips! This was a novel full of suspense as Lily tries to evade the soldiers in the fenced off village in order to find this lovable cat. She must evade the soldiers at time but also plead them for their gracious help as well. A thoroughly satisfying tale that covers Lily's lifetime from child to old age. Does she find happiness through a cat's tale? Well I will let you guess!

STIG OF THE DUMP by Clive King

It all starts when Barney goes down the chalk pit, where everyone tells him not to go, to find a little dilapidated, scruffy hut. That was not the only thing; he also found a man. But not just an ordinary man, no! A cave man named Stig.

It is amazing even the most unbelievable stories can turn out to be true. In this extraordinary tale Stig opens Barney to a world he never knew existed. He teaches him such skills and shows him true friendship. An unforgettable book and on that even involves a time-travelling adventure, even if his family take it all with a pinch of salt!

THE SILVER SWORD by Ian Serraillier

On a cold, dark night in Warsaw in 1942, the Balicki children watch in horror as Nazi Storm Troopers arrest their mother. Now they are lone. With the war raging around them, food and shelter are hard to come by. They live in constant fear.

Finally, they get word that their father is alive. He has made it to Switzerland. Edek and Ruth are determined to find him, though they know how dangerous the long trip from Warsaw will be. But they also know that if they don't make it, they may never see their parents again.

I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling journey across Europe to seek out their parents and find refuge. It is always difficult to resist a plot that involves parentless children clinging to each other's love and making a terrifying but exciting journey where friends, strangers and the Nazis lie in their path.

THE THIEVES OF OSTIA by Caroline Lawrence

In this atmospheric debut novel, the first instalment of a series of Roman mysteries, readers are whisked to the first century A.D. to help girl detective Flavia Gemina solve a brutal crime in the Roman port city of Ostia. When the guard dog belonging to Flavia's neighbors is slaughtered, Flavia sets out to find clues. She is accompanied by four trusty companions...

This was engaging from the first page and you are captivated right until the last word. Of course after a taste of Roman Mysteries I wanted more. Luckiliy there are nineteen more in the series! Caroline Lawrence is a master of both creating suspense within the detective genre but also brings the Roman Empire alive to the reader. I felt as if I had stepped out of a time machine. One experiences the sights, sounds and stenches of ancient Rome! One also realises very quickly that violence is commonplace in Roman society or at least the author's vision of history.This is an adrenalised ride and at times a tragic one as we witness the tragedy of Avitus.

LIFE OF PI by Yann Martel

An anonymous author figure explains that he traveled from his home in Canada to India because he was feeling restless. There, while sipping coffee in a café in the town of Pondicherry, he met an elderly man named Francis Adirubasamy who offered to tell him a story fantastic enough to give him faith in God. This story is that of Pi Patel.

After deciding to sell their zoo in India and move to Canada, Santosh and Gita Patel board a freighter with their sons and a few remaining animals. Tragedy strikes ....

I felt inspired when Pi and Richard Parker forge a relationship of mutual trust, respect and understanding. Their circumstances force it upon them but as time passes one feels that they are truly gaining knowledge of each other. This is a thrilling adventure that begins at a leisurely pace in Pondicherry with his family and his father's zoo and takes us through his comical exploration of religion and then to a fight for survival.

TARKA THE OTTER by Henry Williamson

In this remarkable book, we follow Tarka the Otter through his entire life. We are there from his first to his last breath, through the joys and trials of his life, struggling through the harshest of winters, his life alone and with other otters, as a cub and as a grown otter with cubs of his own.

One feels unease and worry as Tarka has to fight for his life on countless occasions but this is interspersed with wonderfully joyous and comical moments as he grows up from puphood and finds play partners and ultimately creates his own family and takes on the proud role of father.

WHY THE WHALES CAME by Michael Morpurgo

“The Birdman puts spells on people. We mustn’t talk to him. We’re not supposed to.”

Gracie and Daniel have been warned to stay away from the mad Birdman- but the message in the sand tells them that the Birdman isn’t what he seems.
Then they get lost in the fog and stranded on Samson Island. Should they believe the Birdman’s story that the island is cursed?

I felt great sympathy for the Birdman who is distrusted and reviled by the island people. The novel taught me much about not judging people by first impressions. Gracie and Daniel's experience on Samson island is extremely harrowing for the reader and has the feel of a ghostly tale. Thankfully this helps them to find the truth behind the curse and they must then desperately try to use the answer to aid them when the curse threatens to cast its shadow over Bryher as well.

THE SONG OF PENTECOST by W J Corbett

The Song Of Pentecost is an amazing story of the journey of small animals from their old home deep within a building site to a wonderful hill, far away. The story unfolds with tension and suspense around every corner. The party of animals have to face a deceitful frog, an angry snake and a cunning fox. Do they make it to the paradise they are all longing to reach, are there casualties along the way? 

I would recommend this book to anyone because of the amazing journey that the harvest mice tribe undertake in order to seek a new sanctuary. One feels uneasy and anxious for them as they fall victim to the treachery of those they have placed faith in. It is therefore all the more satisfying when

some of the characters delightfully surprise us by their generosity of spirit and genuine love for these humble protoganists.

WHITE FANG by Jack London (Book Review)

In the desolate, frozen wilds of northwest Canada, White Fang, a part-dog, part-wolf cub soon finds himself the sole survivor of a litter of five. In his lonely world, he soon learned to follow the harsh law of the North—kill or be killed.

But nothing in his young life prepared him for the cruelty of the bully Beauty Smith, who buys White Fang from his Indian master and turns him into a vicious killer—a pit dog forced to fight for money.

Will White Fang ever know the kindness of a gentle master or will he die a fierce deadly killer?

I think White Fang's journey through life is extraordinary, as he passes through the hands of many owners. I was overjoyed when this unloved wolf dog finds eventual solace and pampering amongst the Scott family. I found the description of his puppyhood quite distressing and one realises how harsh nature can be, particulary in the setting of the Yukon.

THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA by Ernest Hemingway (Book Review)

The Old Man and the Sea is the story of an epic struggle between an old, seasoned fisherman and the greatest catch of his life. For eighty-four days, Santiago, an aged Cuban fisherman, has set out to sea and returned empty-handed. So conspicuously unlucky is he that the parents of his young, devoted apprentice and friend, Manolin, have forced the boy to leave the old man in order to fish in a more prosperous boat. Nevertheless, the boy continues to care for the old man upon his return each night. He helps the old man tote his gear to his ramshackle hut, secures food for him, and discusses the latest developments in American baseball, especially the trials of the old man’s hero, Joe DiMaggio. Santiago is confident that his unproductive streak will soon come to an end, and he resolves to sail out farther than usual the following day.

I think this is a scintillating but rather sad tale. I was inspired by Santiago's courage and patience as he suffered his eighty four day drought without a catch to his name.One feels great happiness towards him when he finally finds redemption and conclusion. This almost mirrors his journey in life.

Minecraft Post John

                                              STICKY SITUATION

As my eyes opened, I could see a great expanse of water below an insignificant range of dunes. The glint of the sun was causing me to wince; I had to look away. I found myself on a desert that the sun was beating down upon. Slowly looking around, I also saw some desert islands that were deserted. The sand was burning my skin as if I was touching a  red hot poker. After realizing there was not much evidence of living things, I then became anxious about my chances.

What a joyous surprise! A jungle was right behind me! On my journey towards my jungle exploration, I saw the tip of another desert island in the distance, but who was to know whether this was deserted. Sadly my curiosity piqued, I swam towards it. Would curiosity kill the cat?

I found this island to be abandoned. No creatures or other human beings were living there. I soon learnt that the colossal island suffered its abandoned state due to zombie invasion. The sun began to go down. An adrenaline rush was activated within me. Something started attacking me. It was a zombie. The monster soon alerted other zombies and then, much to my dismay, something happened...

A horde of the undead were very quickly surrounding me. Would I be a survivor? Could I be a survivor? With just one stone sword and thirteen zombies trying to kill me, I very soon found the logical answer to my own question. The growing army of now seventeen zombies began their rampage. They were simply unstoppable. I valiantly managed to reduce the army to now six men, but my sword was very close to smashing to pieces. 'Smash!'.  My sword finally broke. With no more weapons and still three zombies remaining I began to escape. The channel between my abode and this accursed island was in sight with the remaining zombies hot in pursuit... 

Minecraft Post John

                            Danger In The Dark !

Looking towards the ground after my eyes had just opened, I was wincing due to the glint of the radiant sun reflecting off the snow. I perused my surroundings. I was in a forest that had snow covering the ground like a white blanket. The sky-scraping trees offered me a tiny bit of comfort and protection. At least I could melt the snow for water if I could achieve fire.

I trudged towards a range of hills. Once I was at the top of the range, I saw a brilliant sunset. The large orange fireball began its descent below an expansive lake. The sky was filled with a majestic apricot colour. A slim opening to a cave caught my attention. I might stay there for a night or two.

Apprehensively, I tiptoed into this dark, caliginous cavern. Instantly I knew I had already overstayed my short welcome as night time approached. Facing towards the exit, I was just about to leave when I heard a sizzling noise. Only when I turned around did I see its horrific, soulless expression. The creature had an elongated, green-grey gingham body, no arms and four legs -- like some Greek mythical monstrosity created by Zeus.This terror had a contorted face with an inverted smile, and black eyes like bottomless pits. Sizzle, sizzle BANG! The creeper exploded like an angry stick of dynamite!

I should never have explored that cavern. I awoke dazed, not knowing whether I was wounded and alive, or beginning my first days in the Minecraft afterworld.

John's Oscars Presentation

Nando's Challenge Poem John Davies

                                                  FAME

Fame and fortune,

a gift all humans dream of tasting.

But the time of trying for it is most inopportune,

For while many may try many shall fail.

Amazement at first success,

The first blossom of their career.

They need be level-headed nevertheless,

But at the moment they just cheer.

Middle and pinnacle of their career,

They now need to prepare for downfall.

Now they have to be ready for no more cheer,

Finally it is now the beginning of their last call.

End has slowly, finally come,

But as expected no stopping this derailed boxcar.

They now feel incredibly glum,

Their name, the crowds once favoured, blinks out like a dying star.                                                                                                                                        

by John Davies

Cloud 100WC by John Davies

The Cloud

An immense cloud sailed over from the sea,

And broke off from the nebulous collective in glee.

She loomed over the metropolis,

As if she was its shroud.

She ran contrary to the wind's command,

As she shifted over downtown.

She ogled the masses,

Feeling the pity of an angel.

Feeling the calling of her guardianship,

She started to rumble.

For below she espied an inferno,

So she ascended in preparation.

She amplified her range,

Then thunder became the trigger.

Gallons of rain spilled forth from her nucleus,

And the blaze was extinguished.

The firemen's work was done ; humanity saved !

by John

Rivers Nandos Challenge

CYCLE OF LIFE - From Tear To Spring From River To Ocean

Timeless raindrops begin their journey

The river is everywhere

The river is life, life is like a river

Magical and moving

The earth breaths and stirs

The living ground pulses as blood flows

Beauty unfolding, the water sings

Gurgling and humming, stealthy meandering

Through shadowy gorge, past rolling hills

Tingling, swift, gliding and vibrating

Restful but restless

No doubts shown, it's course predestined

Come witness pools that bubble

Be tempted by eddies so swirling

Vital and powerful, with swan-like grace

The smallest stream replicates a river's course

Flowing and winding through timeless landscape

Changing and deepening, boring determinedly

Cruel and gnawing, surging so rapidly

Always the same but always changing

Sparkling and brilliant, enlivened by sun rays

Dried up and parched, sometimes endangered

From source through waterfall, current reaches ocean

A coracle, a steamboat overshadowed by mountains

Flexing and rippling, boasting or modest

Stagnating with sadness, chattering with pleasure

Flows through living flesh vacillating veins and artery

Blessing, baptising, uncompromising, omnipotent.

500WC Soundcloud Radio News Alert! by John

500WC Soundcloud Radio News Alert! by John Davies

500 BBC Radio Challange by John

RADIO NEWS ALERT!

This may sound crazy and you will probably not believe me if

you ever hear this! My name is Kieran McMullan. This

is a radio broadcast that you may never get

to hear. I live in the city of Belfast , at No.2 Bridge Street. The

day is 15th April 1941. It is 11 o’clock at night. I have met a

strange character called the Doctor, who tells me he is a time

traveller. Yes I know ! You will probably think that I am mad

and that this broadcast is by some crazed person suffering

from hallucinations, as a result of what is happening right

now !  He says that he has come to ensure the safety of my

younger sister Clara, who he says will be very important to

the future of our world! The Doctor says that I should make

this broadcast as a witness to this terrible event, in case that

no one is able to talk of this again !  He has told me that,

if the Nazis succeed in their aims, there may never be

freedom for our people in the future!  Clara has been taken in

his Tardis and transported to somewhere safer, though I do

not know where. He has left me with this transmitter to speak

the truth of this night. I am scared, but the Doctor says

everything will be alright in the end. I am not so sure. He

promised he will be back soon for me, though that does not

reassure me. He says to stay under our Morrison shelter and

wait. I am so frightened.

Tonight we heard the sounds of aeroplanes. We thought it

was RAF fighters. But they are not, and they are many! You

probably wonder why I am alone at this time. My father died

when I was three and my mother is working a late

shift in the aircraft factory. Now, I do not know what to do! I

want to find my mother but the Doctor says to stay here and

wait for him. He says he will make sure Mum is okay. I can

hear the German bombers pass over us, wave after wave. The

bombs fall like the sound of wailing witches in the sky. When

I peer through the lounge curtains, all I see is the sky, lit up

red and orange. The foundations of the house shudder and

all I think is," Dad, where are you now when I need you?"

I am afraid but angry. I want to rip those aeroplanes from the

sky, like the great King Kong that I saw in the flicks. Doctor,

where are you? Clara where are you? I pray that we shall all

make it through this terrible night. But, if I or little sis never

see Mum again, please remember us in this time capsule

transmission that the Doctor may find. Over and out!

Night night world ! Night night Mum ! Night night Clara! Meet on the other side!

By John Davies

100WC John

The Visitors

The media said they were friendly. Their celestial progress was tracked for a month. The UN and EU agreed this was a momentous occasion. The President urged tolerant friendship in a moving speech. Our PM compared this to VE-Day, greeting them with tweets and his wife's bread and butter pudding recipe.

"Tina, are we the only ones who feel there's something wrong?"

"No! Charlie, my pet chihuahua, ran away! "

Then they arrived, in that iridescent vessel. They were green and mean.

Petrified, exhausted, breathless, I ran as fast as humanly possible, for dread that this might be the end...

by Johnny D.