Following our recent advert for a junior reporter, the Faversham Eye has taken on two young trainees, Ruby and Lily, to report on local issues that matter to them. Here’s a little bit of information about them.
RUBY BISHOP (15 years old)
Ruby is currently working on an article about the controversial new school rules at the Abbey School which we will publish in issue eight of the Faversham Eye. Ruby says:
As well as having a great love for reading and writing, I also enjoy spending my free time interviewing authors and reviewing books online. I’ve been writing short stories and adventure fiction with my friends for fun, but I’ve yet to finish a book. I also dabble in poetry and songwriting. My book blog on Instagram @rubysbookblog is a platform where I share my love of books and review teen fiction as well as other genres. I also interview bloggers and authors. Through social media I get to share my love of reading and books with a whole community of people who have the same interests as me. I am interested in journalism because I think people are fascinating and I love presenting their stories and giving people a voice.
LILY THOMPSON (17 years old)
Lily has completed her first assignment for the Eye with her story about the threatened cherry tree on Faversham Rec. Lily says:
I am delighted to have the opportunity to write for the Faversham Eye. I am currently studying for A Levels and am an aspiring writer who is interested in a career in journalism. I grew up in Faversham and have enjoyed all our historical town has to offer from an early age. I give back to the town by volunteering at Rainbows - I love being able to work with youngsters and share their diverse adventures in the community. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award is my next challenge having embraced my first expedition. A keen sportswoman, I play in the Canterbury & District Netball League and follow all sorts of sports. My bookshelf holds a variety of texts: I am an avid reader of all things topical, historical and everything in between. I’m an unofficial cheese connoisseur and I have based several holidays on finding my new favourite. I can’t wait to get involved in local issues and share the stories with you.
CHERRY TREE UPDATE
By Lily Thompson
A public outcry and a 1500-name petition have saved the threatened cherry tree on Faversham Rec.
The mature tree, officially named ‘T179’, was destined for the chop because it blocked the view of the Rec’s Victorian lodge. The lodge is currently undergoing an expensive restoration to make it more inviting to the public.
But to the town’s delight, the much-loved tree will live to see another Christmas (and many more happy years) after Swale Borough Council decided to conserve it.
A council spokesperson said: “We planned to remove the tree to provide visibility of the Lodge and to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour and vandalism of the historic building. However, we’ve listened to the public and decided to keep the cherished tree”.
Campaigners’ concerns included the environmental impact of losing the magnificent tree. In today’s climate crisis, it is important to reduce carbon emissions as much as possible. Mature trees such as T179 absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to save our environment.
Instead of complete removal, the tree is due to be “pruned to lift and reduce the size of the crown, providing more visibility of the lodge, and moving it away from nearby lighting”.
In addition to sparing T179, the council has declared it will plant 61 new trees in the Rec, providing shelter and shade for generations to come.
Local community spirit such as this inspires huge environmental change.
The Faversham Eye welcomes our new young reporters and wishes them success in the future - carry on writing!