Home About Articles Gallery Contact

Articles by Amy Woodward

Bournemouth Local Democracy Reporter

Here you can view the work i had published as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Local Democracy Reporter on sites such as; Bournemouth Echo, Dorset Echo, Bournemouth One, Greatest Hits, and BBC News.

Bournemouth Echo •

Dorset deputy fire chief no longer with service

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service serves the local authority areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP), Dorset, Swindon, and Wiltshire providing emergency service to 1.5 million people.

Derek James was instrumental in the formation of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Authority in April 2016 after the former fire authorities of Dorset and Wiltshire & Swindon were combined.

His vision helped to protect frontline services and achieve savings of £8million per ye...
Bournemouth Echo •

New house approved after issues with neighbours resolved

Plans were submitted for 3 Nursery Road, Bournemouth, BH9 3AS shows a two storey, two-bedroom house with associated parking space.

Previously two applications have been refused for this site due to the design being overbearing.

Two objections to the application were received saying the development would be overbearing, has insufficient distance to neighbouring houses and an increase in houses has led to pressure on parking locally.

The application was called in to committee by Counci...
Bournemouth Echo •

Plans to tackle empty shops given green light in 'revitalisation' scheme

Last year the Government announced the High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) scheme which gives councils the right to rent long term vacant properties. BCP council is one of the first local authorities to engage with the programme so will also be acting in and advisory role to refine the process.

The vacancy rate locally is currently 20 per cent which is in line with the national average. Major developments and proposals that are already underway will bring 1/3 of the empty properties back into...
Bournemouth Echo •

Six-storey block of flats and five-bedroom house approved

An application for Purbeck Court, 65-67 Boscombe Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth, BH5 2EN was submitted by Clifftop Development Ltd, the proposal is seeking to demolish the existing block of flats and replace it with a new block of 22 flats with a five-bedroom detached house at the back of the development.

The proposal shows that the block will also have a swimming pool, gym, spa complex and underground parking.

The development will have five three-bedroom flats and 17 two-bedroom flats....
Bournemouth Echo •

Sex shop renewal licensing heard at committee

ASB Holdings has submitted an application for Simply Pleasure, 333-335 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8BT to renew the Sex Establishment Licence to allow the shop to continue operating as a sex shop.

This licence allows the venue to be used as a sex shop which sells, hires, exchanges, lends, displays or demonstrates sex articles or other things used for stimulating or encouraging sexual activity or acts of force or restraint which are associated with sexual activity.

Simply Pleasure...
Bournemouth Echo •

Golf course closure fears a ‘misunderstanding’

Councillors discussed plans to improve access to nature and diversify wildlife at three sites across BCP in a Cabinet meeting on December 17.

Initial information from BCP Council did not suggest that the golf course would be left out of the plans to revitalise the Solent Meads site. But it was later clarified that the course would remain open but legally had to be re-tendered.

Matt Stewart, one of the directors for Golf For All which operates the golf course, told cabinet: “When we were...
Bournemouth Echo •

Two-storey nursing home extension approved

Christchurch Housing Society has submitted plans for Silverways Nursing Home for a two‑storey, 10‑bedroom wing linked to the existing building, alongside a new covered cycle store for staff and a replacement footpath.

The extension would use materials that match the existing care home.

This is the second application for the scheme.

Read more

The first was not determined and led to an appeal that was dismissed due to concerns about harm to neighbouring properties.

The revised...
Bournemouth Echo •

Councillors call for Government to allow 'tourist tax' in Bournemouth

The levy, also known as a tourist tax, was announced during the government’s budget in November which would enable strategic mayoral authorities to charge visitors for overnight trips to hotels, holiday lets and B&Bs.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) welcomes more then 10 million visitors each year. BCP Council would miss out on the levy as it is not strategic mayoral authority.

BCP Council, as part of the Wessex Partnership, with Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset Councils, has bee...
Bournemouth Echo •

Event held to discuss improving accessibility of local bus services

Disabled people across the country are entitled to a free bus pass, in BCP 69,000 have been given out.

One of the biggest issues that was raised during the meeting was that the passes can only be used from 9:30am to 11pm on weekdays.

Nick Philips from BCP Council told attendees: “What we are going to be proposing is bringing in a £1 cost for disabled people to use the bus before 9:30am”, adding that the proposal would be trailed for the first year to gather data on the level of engagemen...
Bournemouth Echo •

Plans to improve roadwork disruption in consultation

BCP Council is working on a Local Lane Rental Scheme that aims to encourage companies and contractors, including the councils roadworks team, to plan work more efficiently so projects are carried out at quieter time and take less time to complete.

The Lane Rental Schemes is endorsed by the Government and allows a local authority to charge up to £2,500 a day for works on its busiest roads. Higher rates are charged at busier times which it is hoped will incentivise roadworks to be planned at o...
Bournemouth Echo •

Nursing home extension set for approval

Christchurch Housing Society has submitted plans for Silverways Nursing Home for a two‑storey, 10‑bedroom wing linked to the existing building, alongside a new covered cycle store for staff and a replacement footpath. The extension would use materials that match the existing care home.

This is the second application for the scheme. The first was not determined and led to an appeal that was dismissed due to concerns about harm to neighbouring properties. The revised design aims to address tho...
Bournemouth Echo •

Councillor welcomes report that Solent Meads golf course will remain open

In November, BCP council announced that three sites had been earmarked for green spaces that would help improve access to nature. The proposal is also based on a government scheme which enables developers to buy Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Units, areas of land they pay to put back to its natural state, to compensate for land that they are building on.

The three sites are Erlin Farm, Millhams Mead, and Solent Meads which raised concerns from residents, golfers, and staff, who feared the Solen...
Bournemouth Echo •

New shelter opens in Canford Cliffs following residents campaign

Residents in Canford Cliffs have been campaigning to get shelters replaced on the cliff tops which have become rotten at the bottom.  The replacement was built using locally sourced oak and funding from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The shelters are used by everyone from dog walkers to volunteers who look after the Pinecliff Garden also known as the Sunken Garden.

The community are hoping to be able to find someone to paint a mural at the back of the shelter....
Bournemouth Echo •

Proposal for 22 new flats in Bournemouth set to be approved

Clifftop Development Ltd, submitted an application for Purbeck Court 65-67 Boscombe Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth, BH5 2EN which seeks outline permission to demolish the existing block of flats and replace it with a new six storey development. The plans show the six storey building will have 22 new flats with a swimming pool, gym spa complex and underground parking. Plans show that Five of the flats will have three bedrooms while the other 17 will be two bedrooms.

A total of 48 letters of obj...
Bournemouth Echo •

Plans for new house in Bournemouth set to be approved

A planning application has been submitted to build a house at 3 Nursery Road, Bournemouth, BH9 3AS and has been brought to committee as the proposal has been ‘called in’ by Councillor Kate Salmon as the development would be harmful to the neighbouring houses due to the lack of distance between the existing and new properties.

The plans show a two storey, two bedroom house with associated parking space.

Previously two application have been refused for this site due to the design and overl...
Bournemouth Echo •

Demolition of garage set for approval

In October plans were submitted for 6 Ripon Road, Bournemouth, BH9 1RD show they want to demolish the existing garage and lean to and replace it with a single storey extension at the back of the house.

The proposal has been called in by the Director of Planning and Transport “in line with the constitution”. The report to the committee indicates the planned development is larger than the existing width of the buildings currently there.

No objections, from responsible authorities or member...
Bournemouth Echo •

Bournemouth sex shop having its renewal licence application heard

ASB Holdings has has submitted an application for Simply Pleasure to renew the Sex Establishment licence to allow the shop to continue operating as a sex shop. This licence allows the venue to be used as a sex shop which sells, hires, exchanges, lends, displays or demonstrates sex articles or other things used for stimulating or encouraging sexual activity or acts of force or restraint which are associated with sexual activity.

This license can only be used for 12 months before needing to be...
Bournemouth Echo •

Bournemouth town centre set to be 'revitalised' in new scheme

In December 2024, the government introduced High Street Rental Auctions (HRSAs) which gives councils the powers the right to rent vacant properties.

BCP is one of the first councils to engage with this programme which means BCP is also acting in an advisory role to support the government to refine the HSRAs process.

The report to cabinet, which will be discussed on December 17, is proposing to make Bournemouth Town Centre a designated area for HSRAs.

To be considered for the HSRAs pr...
Bournemouth Echo •

Public quayside near Twin Sails among latest plans submitted for BCP area

A & E Brown, Vereley Homes Ltd has submitted a planning application for 7-9 Salterns Way, Poole, BH14 8JR to demolish the existing house and outbuilding and build two detached houses with associated parking, access and landscaping. Planning application number P/2503775/FUL

10 Corfe View Road, Poole, BH14 8SX, has submitted a planning application to redevelop the existing bungalow and detached garage to create a self-build two storey family dwelling with a habitable loft, back balcony, raised...
Bournemouth Echo •

What we know about BCP town and parish councils so far as plans approved

Final recommendations from a consultation on community governance and showed that the council wanted to establish town councils in Broadstone, Bournemouth and Poole – despite roughly 75 per cent of respondents objecting.

Here is what we know so far about the proposed town councils:

What is currently in place across Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole?

In 2019 the three borough councils became a unitary authority (BCP Council)

Bournemouth and Poole have Charter Trustees which are p...
Bournemouth Echo •

Controversial new town councils approved after four-hour debate

Councillors approved the plan after a tense four-hour long debate on Tuesday night (October 14), which saw the tempers of both councillors and members of the public flare.

There were concerns that the plans would be costly, add unwanted layers of government, and about the lack of information available to residents.

The public gallery was full throughout the debate, and the public had to be reminded on several occasions that while the meeting was being held in public, the public were not...
Bournemouth One •

Three new town councils approved after long debate

Three new town councils will be created in Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole following a tense meeting of councillors on Tuesday night.
After nearly four hours of debate, the plan was narrowly approved despite strong opposition from councillors and members of the public. Concerns were raised about cost, bureaucracy, and the lack of information shared with residents before the decision was made.
The public gallery was full throughout, and attendees were reminded several times that although the me...
Greatest Hits Radio •

Greens to oppose town councils plan

Green Party councillors will oppose establishing new town councils instead calling for community investment.BCP Councils Green group will vote against new town councils in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone, saying “plans are being pushed from the top down and will not deliver what local communities really need”. The group says that town and parish councils only work when they grow naturally from within communities, not when they are imposed. Adding that cuts from central government over the year...
Greatest Hits Radio •

Bournemouth Airport expansion plans approved

Bournemouth Airport has received approval by BCP Council to expand its terminal in a huge £50million investment.The approval followed a 8-1 decision by BCP Council’s Eastern Planning Committee. A phased plan involves joining the departure and arrival buildings to allow for a single terminal were submitted to the committee. The plans also show four extensions for the terminal building, three of which will take place in the first phase, and a reconfigured transport interchange. As part of the reco...
Load More

Work Experience 2022-2025

Express.co.uk •

We run UK's 'best pie and mash shop' – customers come all the way from Australia

Often referred to as the original street food, pie and mash is a cockney classic and a staple of British cuisine - but the number of shops are dwindling. However, M. Manze, which constantly crops up on lists of the best pie and mash shops in the country, is changing with the times and continuing to thrive despite recent challenges. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjkn...
Express.co.uk •

The green pigeon that's become 'a tourist attraction'—but experts share concerns

Clips showing a bright green pigeon are going viral on the video-sharing social media platform TikTok, amassing millions of views and prompting people to flock to Northampton town centre in the hopes of seeing the unusually coloured bird. While the reason behind its colour isn't yet known for certain, it is believed it may have been dyed or painted green. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp...
Express.co.uk •

Locals living next to £286m prison fume as rowdy inmates cause chaos

Residents in Glen Parva, Leicestershire have said their lives have been made a living hell by Britain’s newest prison. The category C retainment centre opened in May 2023, replacing Glen Parva Youth Offenders institute and houses 1,700 prisoners who are near the end of their sentences. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v11822...
Express.co.uk •

The 19 beaches named 'worst in England' due to major issue - full list

Each year, the Environment Agency tests 455 stretches of beach and rates the quality between poor and excellent. The samples taken reveal how much the water has been polluted with faecal matter from things like sewage, livestock, wildlife, birds and road drainage. In 2025 an additional six beaches were given "Brown Flag" status. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwq...
Express.co.uk •

Locals living next to £286m prison fume as rowdy inmates cause chaos

Residents in Glen Parva, Leicestershire have said their lives have been made a living hell by Britain’s newest prison. The category C retainment centre opened in May 2023, replacing Glen Parva Youth Offenders institute and houses 1,700 prisoners who are near the end of their sentences. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v11822...
Express.co.uk •

The pretty little UK town named 'best place to live' in north of England in 2025

A picturesque town located in the south of the Yorkshire Dales has been named the best place to live in the North of England. Ilkley, West Yorkshrie, is an old spa town in Wharfe Valley just outside Bradford, admired for its moorlands, countryside and architecture. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v118222');document.getEleme...
Express.co.uk •

Iconic British author who only wrote 1 classic book died penniless in Paris

After contracting an ear infection and developing acute meningitis, Oscar Wilde died penniless in Paris. Despite only writing one novel in his lifetime, Wilde’s works are still read and he is considered one of the most famous names in literature. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed425dykqrwsxp&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v118222');document.getElementById('ovp-primis'...
Express.co.uk •

Woman sparks fury after admitting 'being a mum ruined my career'

A woman who unexpectedly fell pregnant in 2023 has been accused of being a bad mum after she admitted having a baby ruined her career. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v118222');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el);if('onscrollend' in window){document.addEventListener("scrollend",(event)=>{if(window.scrollY>...
Express.co.uk •

Fury as UK council spending a whopping £5k a day on empty offices

A council's headquarters have been closed and vacant for more than a year but taxpayers are still paying for the building. Nearly £2million was spent of Worcestershire County Council taxpayer money on maintaining disused property last year. The staggering figure is around £5,300 a day and includes a £390,000 payment on a study to assess the building feasibility. The slammed council is currently run by a minority Reform coalition which is two seats short of a majority following May's local electi...
Greatest Hits Radio (Bristol & The South West) •

UPFEST painting mural on Bristol double decker bus

A Bristol double decker bus is being spray painted with street art to promote popular festival UPFEST.First Bus in partnership with the organisers will be showcasing artwork from one of Bristol’s legendary street artists Cheo. The design will feature the most iconic landmarks from across Bristol and the West of England using Cheo's signature cartoon style. Event organisers say partnering with First Bus is a great way for UPFEST to bring the festival to the community and brighten up Bristol’s bus...
Greatest Hits Radio (Bristol & The South West) •

West Country cider maker works with Bristol Uni to preserve apples

A West Country-based cider maker is working with the University of Bristol on a set of 'groundbreaking' research into the preservation of apples.It has all been prompted by the worsening climate, with their efforts alongside Sandford Orchards in Devon particularly looking at varieties of the fruit which are unique or threatened - as, of course, apples are the beating heart of the industry.Devon is said to be a perfect micro-climate for cider apples, and is home to the country’s oldest mill and o...
Gloucestershire Live •

My tips for disabled students thinking about university

Gloucestershire Live as been working alongside journalism students at the University of Gloucestershire. We have recently taken the time to come into the university's Park Campus in Cheltenham and use the space we've been provided as a newsroom.

Below, one of the students we have worked with, Amy Woodward, 21, has written her own experience on living with Aniridia (lack of an iris and having better vision at close range) and also advice for any young person considering university with similar c...
Gloucestershire Live •

'My life in Cheltenham as a disabled person'

Over the past month, Gloucestershire Live has been teaming up with journalism students at the University of Gloucestershire. We've recently spent time at its Park Campus in Cheltenham, using the space provided as a newsroom.

One of the students we've worked with, Amy Woodward, 21, has written a first-person piece on life as a disabled person. Amy is a second year student as she explores what life is like living with a visual impairment.

You can read her piece below. If you would like to share...
Gloucestershire Live •

'I'm visually impaired and people just vanish when they see my white cane'

Over the past month, Gloucestershire Live has been teaming up with journalism students at the University of Gloucestershire. We've recently spent time at its Park Campus in Cheltenham, using the space provided as a newsroom.

One of the students we've worked with, Amy Woodward, 21, has written an interview with Derek, a resident of Woodmancote near Bishop's Cleeve. Both Amy and Derek are blind.

Interviewing him at home, Amy explores what it is like to be a blind person and brings up some key di...

University Work

Explore work I produced during University news days 

Gltwenties •

Update: Prime Ministers in Their Own Words: Boris Johnson Fails to Impress in Gloucestershire

The day has arrived when Boris Johnson is coming to town… but who will be there to see him? This time last week 53% of tickets hadn’t sold and with less then twelve hours to go 43% of tickets remain unsold.He is coming to the event to promote his new book Unleashed, a tale covering Johnson political career from becoming Mayor of London through to his time as Prime Minister handling Brexit and Covid. Critics are divided over whether the book is full of Johnson blowing his own trumpet or if he is...
Gltwenties •

Jess Philips Discusses MP Safety and Social Media at the Cheltenham Lit Fest

is time five years ago, at this exact festival, Jess Philips received the news of the death of fellow parliamentarian David Amos who was stabbed at his constituency surgery Southend. Coming back to talk about her new book, Let’s Be Honest, she discusses the last 14 years of government, her own experience of government so far and the importance of safety - for not only ordinary people, but for MPs and the affect that social media is having.
Gltwenties •

Prime Ministers Time in Office: in Their Own Words

Over 50% of tickets for Boris Johnson’s Literature Festival talk on his memoir Unleashed, haven’t sold.Boris Johnson was one of five Conservative Prime Ministers in the last 14 years. During his time in office, scandal after scandal surfaced from the prorogation of Parliament to Partygate, making him possibly one of the most controversial Prime Minister's of recent times. His book covers the highs and lows of his political career from Brexit to COVID and concludes that Britain is an exceptional...

Marketing Internship NCW 2021-2022

Explore some of the work I did for my school’s marketing department between 2021-2022

New College Worcester •

The annual MCC v NCW Cricket Match is back!

There are many school events that as a community, we all enjoy and look forward to during the summer.

One of those events is of course the annual MCC v NCW Cricket Match!

It was a beautiful day for this year’s match, with the sun shining and a light breeze. As the MCC team donned their variety of Sim Specs, the spectators took their places for what is always a fun, but hard-fought competition.

Clive Spencer acted as umpire, and Lynne Newell from the Worcester Old Elizabethans as the scorer.
New College Worcester •

Raising awareness of Retinoblastoma

This week, 7 – 14 May, is Retinoblastoma Awareness Week.

Retinoblastoma is a type of eye cancer which can most commonly be found in babies and young children and is often spotted by having a white pupil. The condition can cause people to lose one or both eyes, and has significant psychological and physical impact.

Sixth Form student Samih has been blind from the age of 2 due to Retinoblastoma. “It can feel quite isolating because people with Retinoblastoma are a minority within the vision impa
New College Worcester •

Mental Health Awareness Week

From 9 – 15 May, the UK will be celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week – a week which aims to inspire action to promote messages of good mental health for everyone. The event has continued to grow each year with more and more focus being put on to mental health, and is now one of the biggest awareness weeks across the UK!

Last year, the theme given to the week was surrounding nature which was particularly important given the pandemic. This year’s theme is loneliness. This is because of the de
New College Worcester •

We Will Rock You!

For the last few months, the corridors of school at NCW have been filled with the sound of rock music and singing – it could only be the rehearsals for the We Will Rock You school production!

Staff and students involved in this year’s exciting production have been rehearsing relentlessly, and finally presented their hard work to the school community and parents on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th March.

We Will Rock You tells the story of a globalised future where the world doesn’t have music. A
New College Worcester •

Children's Mental Health Week 2022

From 7 – 13 February 2022, it is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme for this year is growing together; this is about growing emotionally and finding ways to help each other out. It has made me reflect on how NCW helps young people who are not only VI, but who also suffer with mental health issues.

Vision impaired students can suffer with a range of different mental health conditions, especially coming to NCW from mainstream environments – feelings of worry, social isolation and
New College Worcester •

"If you work hard, you will get something big out of it!"

Year 13 student Jack joined NCW in September 2014, and has been on a real journey in his time at college – growing in such confidence and independence.

Back in 2010, Jack suffered from a brain tumour which was removed surgically. Soon after the operation, Jack sadly developed meningitis and wasn’t given much hope for the future from his consultants in terms of being able to stand and walk again. The after effects of the surgery has had an impact on Jack’s sight as well as his balance and streng
New College Worcester •

Students experience pottery with Museum of Royal Worcester

On Wednesday 24 November, Year 7 and 8 students had the wonderful opportunity to have a pottery session with visitors from the Museum of Royal Worcester.

Visitors Kay and Louise brought with them the pop up museum, and were able to let students have an afternoon exploring the creative work from well-known Royal Worcester Porcelain. Students delved into holding rare and decorative pieces from their collection, some of which dated all the way back to the 18th century!

One museum piece was a spec
New College Worcester •

Experimenting with a new Van de Graaff generator!

The NCW Physics department have got a new Van de Graaff generator, and have been busy investigating the effects of charging a student!

A Van de Graaff generator is an electrostatic generator which removes electrons from the dome, moves them along a belt and takes them to the bottom of the generator. The positive charges left are spread out on the surface of the sphere.

Mr Stark charged up the Van de Graaff by spinning a wheel which turned the belt and transferred the electrons away from the me
New College Worcester •

Amy's University Lowdown!

Every student who wants to go to university has to go through the same process when considering where they want to go and what course they want to study. When you have a disability, this process can be made even more complicated – you have to consider various different aspects to get the best out of the opportunities available.

Recently I have been visiting different universities in order to help me decide where I want to study after I have finished sixth form. I’m looking to study Journalism.
New College Worcester •

Students receive visit from Slam Poets for National Poetry Day

In celebration of National Poetry Day, Dr Jack McGowen and Ruth Stacey from the University of Worcester Creative Writing Department, paid NCW students a visit on Friday 8 October.

Both Jack and Ruth have been writing for a number of years spanning across various writing forms and genres. Students were delighted to sit and listen to poems, as well as having a go at writing their own.

Sixth Form student Amy took the opportunity to interview the creative writers to find out why they enjoy writing
New College Worcester •

Sixth Formers experience Hamilton on the Westend

Early on Sunday 19 September, a cold and rainy morning, a group of Sixth Formers were preparing to go on a trip to the Westend to see Hamilton the musical.

The idea came about earlier in the year during a drama lesson, where the class were having a discussion about what a great experience it would be to go and see Hamilton on the Westend.

Drama Teacher, Mrs Madden, managed to get tickets and a group of five students (Amy, Samih, Ethan, Martha and Jack) and five staff members were off on a min