Galway Bay FM News Archives
Chefs with a passion for the big challenges
Date Published: 14-Mar-2011
There are two chefs dominating our TV screens these days and both are passionate about changing some aspects of our lives.
Jamie Oliver’s star has been on the rise since he first came onto our screens but in his new Channel 4 series, Jamie’s Dream School, he has moved out of the kitchen and into the classroom.
Two weeks of the series has already been aired (Wednesdays 9pm) but I was hooked from day one. Jamie takes 20 disadvantaged children, well ones who haven’t completed their GCSEs (the UK Junior Cert to you and me) in both private and public schools and persuaded a panel of experts to teach them.
Jamie believes they have been failed by the education system, just like he was, but by week two he is seeing it from the teachers’ perspective because these are a tough bunch to teach.
None of the experts are teachers but are experts in their own field – historian David Starkey for history for God’s sake! and Rolf Harris for art and actor Simon Callow for drama.
It is a great idea but let’s face it, it is an experiment filmed for entertainment, though I really believe that Jamie wants to change the system.
Poor Starkey almost pulled out because he couldn’t relate to the cheeky buggers in the class, though he was very insulting himself to one of the pupils. But by week two things were sorted. It is TV to remember.
What is striking about the series is how hyper active all the youngsters are. They are continually texting, talking to each other, listening to music on their iPods. Is it any wonder they never got their GCSEs. Even I was frustrated watching. Another thing: Most of the kids didn’t know how famous some of their ‘teachers’ were. One of the best teachers was the photographer, Rankin, who got fantastic results from his class and he genuinely seemed to be interested in them and their stories. Don’t be surprised if he has his own series next.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
Families queue up for school’s offer of free house
West has lower cancer survival rates than rest
Galway minors continue to lay waste to all opponents
Gardaí and IFA issue a joint appeal on summer road safety
Marathon Man plans to call a halt – but not before he hits 160 races
