Promotion of
new authors
CHILDREN in Torpoint are being encouraged to read books by newer authors.
The town's library is hosting visits by pupils in Year 5 at Carbeile Junior School and is promoting stories written by some of the talented modern writers.
"Children are still reading a surprising number of books," said the library's community liaison officer, Joanna Price.
"One of the reasons for this is that they are encouraged to read through the literacy hours at school.
"The serialisation of books on television also gets them interested. For example, Aquila, a story by a newer author called Andrew Norriss about a Roman spaceship, was serialised on television and then youngsters wanted to read it.
"During the visits by the pupils we are having sessions on authors.
"We are promoting good writers that children are not always aware of. That way they can read some different books and will not just be reading the same authors all the time."
Among the writers are Jeremy Strong who penned There's A Viking In My Bed, Anne Fine whose works include Step By Wicked Step and Bill's New Frock, and Jacqueline Wilson who has written several books including Double Act and The Lottie Project.
One author who is getting a special mention is Paul Jennings who has written books with titles such as Uncanny and Unmentionable.
He is being promoted in particular because he will be visiting the main children's library in Plymouth in early February.
Other authors who are being mentioned during the sessions at Torpoint Library are Michael Morpurgo, who has written many novels including Kensuke's Kingdom, Roald Dahl who remains a firm favourite, and J K Rowling of Harry Potter fame.
The pupils from Carbeile are visiting the library this week and next. As part of the visits they will be taking part in quizzes to help them learn more about using reference books and they will be finding out about the library's computers.
CHAT annual
celebration
CHAT (Community Health Around Torpoint) held its annual festive celebration at Tamara before Christmas. It was an enjoyable evening and nearly 60 people heard a report back on what had been achieved over the year.
CHAT was pleased to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress and was grateful to the Handbell Ringers from Wilcove for providing excellent entertainment. The organisation again thanks Tamara and the staff there for the use of their facilities.
Since then there has been a slight lull in activity although the CHATlink information and advice centre in Macey Street has continued to be busy. CHAT is pleased to have been granted £1000 from the Health Action Zone budget to provide disabled access to the building.
South East Cornwall MP Colin Breed will be holding a surgery in the building tomorrow (Saturday, January 27) and constituents can ring 01579 344577 for an appointment.
Anyone who feels able to help at CHATlink on the reception, answering phone enquiries, would be very welcome. Volunteers get full training. Please contact the centre on 01752 812020 or Torpoint Health Clinic on 01752 812850.
*CHAT meetings, which are open to all, are held at the clinic in Hooper Street on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm.
CHAT also holds a monthly lunch for representatives of voluntary and statutory groups to meet and discuss their aims and what they can offer. These are held on the last Friday of the month at the clinic from 12 noon to 1.30pm.
Lunch can be ordered for £2.50 through ringing Lynn by the Wednesday before on 01752 812850. Or take your own lunch.
Grant to
CAB
A GRANT of £300 has been given to Caradon Citizens Advice Bureau by Torpoint Town Council. The town agreed to give the money in recognition of the service the CAB provides in the town.
Barn dance
cancelled
THE Mayor of Torpoint's Charity Barn Dance which was due to be held in the Council Hall on Saturday, February 3, has been cancelled because of unforeseen circumstances. The dance was to have raised money for the Friends of Derriford Hospital Kidney Unit.
Road works
DRAINAGE works will close South Rock at Cawsand to vehicles for around one week from next Wednesday (January 31). There will be limited pedestrian access.
Display of
work
ARTIST Jennie Reid has a display of her work on show in the foyer of Torpoint Library this month. Jennie, who lives in the town, paints scenic views and wildlife.