Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor

On the 23rd of November 1963 the whole world was reeling from the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Meanwhile, a small studio by the name of Lime Grove awaited in anticipation as at 5:16 the ethereal theme tune heralded the beginning of the phenomenon that has become Doctor Who.

A policeman strides down 76 totters lane where unbeknownst to him lies the vessel which has featured in children’s dreams and nightmares alike for fifty years, The TARDIS. Except now we’ve moved on fifty years and we’re outside Coal Hill Secondary School where any moment now Clara Oswald is about to leap onto her motorcycle after a mysterious summons from her doctor…

The story centres around the Time War which has been a recurring theme since the series return in 2005. John Hurt features as the hitherto unknown ninth incarnation of the doctor however he is no longer the doctor, he’s the one who broke the promise, a warrior. Every moment in time is burning, a decision must be made but first in Christmas Carol-esque style John Hurt is visited by a consciousness in the form of Billie Piper who shows him what he will become should he destroy the time lords, the man who regrets (David Tennant) and the man who forgets (Matt Smith).

After a wild combination of convoluted sub plots including shape shifting aliens, the not so good Queen Bess and a time travelling fez, fans are treated to an awe-inspiring ending which celebrates fifty years of doctor who heritage.  

Directed by Steven Moffat, successor to Russell T.Davies and co-creator of the BBC hit Sherlock, the special conveys the very essence of Doctor Who since it started 1963 when William Hartnell began the legacy of the Doctor. The Day of the Doctor was broadcast in 94 countries at the same time earning it a Guinness World Record as "the world's largest ever simulcast of a TV drama".

The mystery of the doctor is unveiled as audiences finally discover what it means to be the doctor, 
“We’ve got enough warriors, any old idiot can be hero”

“Then what do I do”, replies the Doctor to Clara.
“What you’ve always done, be a doctor.”

Caitlin Gallagher and Melody Rawlinson,

year 12

Friendly Seal Cuddles Young Diver

Jamie, 15, was learning to dive at The Isle of Man, when a mysterious seal appeared next to him hugging his leg.

Seals swim fast but they don’t hang around humans which is why it was surprising to see the wild grey seal having his fins wrapped around the diver’s legs. Jamie, the diver, said “The seal stayed around for about ten minutes”.

Michelle Haywood from the Discovery Divers said, “We were diving around the Calf of Man, a little islet situated on the southern tip of the Isle of Man”. It was Jamie’s first time diving off the boat and his first time near the Calf of Man.

Jamie even said “I was surprised to see it but after a while it wasn't scary or intimidating at all - even when it nipped me”.

A video of the seal encounter can be seen below.

Jade Lewis,

year 8

Watch your Windows

A clown appearing at your kitchen window is not what you expect when you are doing the washing up, but recently there has been a spate of clowns spotted roaming around Lincolnshire.

The first clown was originally seen in Scunthorpe, but in recent weeks people have decided to jump on the band wagon and re-enact the frightful antics. Police haven’t said that there will be any consequences as long as they don’t take it too far.

The mystery clown’s first appearance was on Friday 13^th of September and was mentioned on Facebook by Alex Doust. He put “There actually is a clown roaming around, he tried the locks on my mate's house near Ashby. She's pretty shook up.”

The Police have also issued a statement saying sightings of clowns, such as Lincoln clown, throughout the county should be “treated as a bit of fun at this stage.”
The Lincoln clowns have made up a little riddle to increase the scare factor:

Clowns frighten those who suffer from coulrophobia; fear of clowns or mimes. People with this phobia are usually scared of the exaggerated features of the face such as the painted eyes, mouth and nose.

“Beep beep - I’m the Lincoln clown. I only come round when the sun goes down. I never frown.”

If you hear this riddle lock your doors, shut your windows and close your curtains to avoid any unwanted frights.

Chloe Payling, year 8