THE enthusiastic youngsters of 6th Bangor Squirrels are hitting the headlines after learning about the important role their local newspaper plays in the community.
The County Down Spectator was delighted to be the latest community representative to meet this welcoming group of four to six year-olds, at Bangor Parish Halls, last Friday evening.
From firefighters, to police officers, a doctor and a dentist, these engaging children have been learning all about the many local people who work in and care for residents across the borough.
The squirrels’ group also enjoyed a visit to the local fire station and a pet store where they each received a certificate for learning how to take care of a pet.
Ruth Gaston, volunteer lead with the Squirrels group said: “We are currently looking at ways to connect them with our local community and help them understand the world around them.
“Our goal is to get them excited about what is happening and to show them that they can be news too. The children have loved meeting and can’t wait to come each week.”
Local reporter Julie Waters said: “It was an absolute joy to meet 6th Bangor Squirrel group and give them an insight into the rich history of the County Down Spectator and Newtownards Chronicle newspapers.
“I was able to explain the deep roots both papers have in the local community, with the County Down Spectator having been read by local people for over 122 years and its sister paper, the Newtownards Chronicle is even older, having been a part of the local community since 1873.”
Said Ms Waters: “I was able to bring along some bound copies of the newspaper from 50 years ago, in 1976, and show just what a newspaper looked back then – the bigger, broadsheet paper, was in black and white and there were a lot less photographs.
“We could then compare these to the smaller, tabloid papers, that are enjoyed today, filled with lots of news stories about people from all walks of life, and lots of colour photographs.”
Said the local reporter: “I explained that a reporter was a type of storyteller but before I could write my stories, I had to interview – or ask lots of questions from lots of different people, from MPs, to MLAs, councillors and local people who do lots of interesting things every day.
“With no two days ever really the same, I explained there are also lots of different types of stories; I particularly like a happy story myself such as local couples celebrating their diamond wedding anniversaries or babies that are born on Christmas Day.”
Of course none of this storytelling or interviewing would be possible without one secret ingredient as Ms Waters explained: “I was delighted to be able to share my ‘magic handwriting’ with the squirrels, otherwise known as shorthand.
“Instead of letters and words, many journalists use this alternative of lines, dots, hooks and shortforms – when I was studying journalism you had to pass your 100 words per minute test – it really is a great skill to have.”
Said Ms Waters: “We would like to thank all the boys and girls of 6th Bangor Squirrels for their interest in their local newspapers. Keep reading.”
