WORLD BOOK DAY COMES TO SCHOOLS ACROSS THE UK WITH THE BIGGEST BOOK SHOW ON EARTH!

-          Brand new pre-record format makes taking part even easier!   -

-          Authors and illustrators share tips, give readings and answer questions for budding writers and illustrators -

Building on the success of last year’s The Biggest Book Show On Earth, World Book Day 2014 sees the launch of an exciting and brand new pre-recorded TV show format. Available online for the whole of March it includes all the wonderful World Book Day authors and illustrators.

Schools, parents and children across the nation can register to register, log on and enjoy watching it together at a time that suit.

Compared by CBBC’s Dick and Dom, the show features World Book Day authors and illustrators:

-          James Patterson

-          David Melling

-          Emily Gravett

-          Jill Murphy

-          Jim Smith

-          Lauren St John

-          Terry Deary

-          Martin Brown

-          Alex T Smith

-          Sarah Lean

-          Robert Muchamore

-          Maureen Johnson

How does James Patterson keep people turning the page? What does Terry Deary recommend for making facts fun?  How does David Melling decide what his characters should look like?  All this and more will be answered along with other fun and useful hints and tips.

Filmed at Stanley Park High School, each of the £1 authors also answer questions submitted from children across the country as well giving an excerpt from their World Book Day book and talking about their inspirations. 

Kirsten Grant, Director of World Book Day, said: "We are very excited about yet another fantastic line up for this year’s show, which will now be even more accessible with the new download option that’s lets schools, partents and children watch together at a time that works best for them. The Biggest Book Show on Earth is a great way to introduce children all over the world to some of the country’s best authors and illustrators. We can't wait to spark the creativity of millions of children!"

For the second year running The Biggest Book Show On Earth will also be broadcast, into Picturehouse Cinemas across the UK. Schools who go along to one of the screenings will also be treated to an extra special 20 minutes of exclusive content, including readings and a Q&A session.

Marc Allenby, Head of Commercial Development at Picturehouse, said: “We are delighted to bring World Book Day to cinemas up and down the country once again. Engaging with local schools and the community is key for our cinemas.”

Schools, groups and parents can find out more by registering to watch on www.worldbookday.com/biggest-book-show. 

Half a million children from more than 75 countries logged on to watch the Show in 2013, which this year is just one of a number of events and activities in schools, bookshops and libraries set to excite youngsters about books and reading for World Book Day 2014.

Ten new books including titles by performers from this year’s Biggest Book Show on Earth line-up can be exchanged for free with a special £1 World Book Day Book.

Visit www.worldbookday.com for more information, the latest news and to subscribe to the free monthly World Book Day e-newsletter.

Barclays Reveals Financial Concerns of the Nation’s Parents

- 8 out of 10 mums and dads are fretting about their finances over the next 12 months -

- Cost of family holiday biggest cause of concern –

- Kate Garraway gives 5 top tips to get family finances on track -

Around eight in ten parents (82%) of children aged 18 and under are concerned about what they can afford in the year ahead, with the top worry for a third of parents being able to afford a family holiday². The research has been revealed in the new Barclays Your Bank report³, looking at parents’ attitudes to managing their finances and money management concerns.

However, while parents’ financial concerns may make them feel like they need a degree to handle day-to-day household finances, the report reveals that many are overlooking the fact that they already possess valuable business nous to run their home. The Your Bank report reveals that one solution to help parents better manage their finances is to adopt a business brain. 

Kate Garraway, Ambassador for Barclays Your Bank report said, “The Your Bank report found that many, many parents are really worried about their finances. However it’s clear that the more we bury our heads in the sand, the more worried we become. It’s not surprising that keeping track of our finances is not always a priority given our busy lives and in some cases aversion to financial planning. But the research actually found that our working lives have taught us a great many skills that when applied in the home, could really help.

With more than 7 million⁴ parents (56 per cent) admitting their family budget is under more strain than it was  in July 2012, the Barclays Your Bank reports shows that these problems are exacerbated among parents with more than one child in the household (58%).  In addition, parents are still fretting in the longer term (July 2015 onwards), with parents worried about how they will send their children to university (28 per cent), save enough into a pension (25 per cent) and pay off their mortgage (22 per cent).

Kate Garraway continues “In addition to our apparent business acumen and transferable skills, there are a number of great tools and services out there to help get financial planning firmly back on the family agenda. What’s more, the nation can now share its ideas on what would make their everyday money management easier at www.barclays.co.uk/yourbank”.

1. All aboard! Get the family together and assess your outgoings from the past year and the year ahead. It’s important to understand the whole family’s needs and ambitions – whether that’s a school trip or a new family iPad. Taking time out as a family can help you to balance essentials and luxuries and most importantly – keep everyone happy!

2. Know your budget – It’s all too easy to spend subconsciously but track your income and expenditure doesn’t have to be a time consuming chore.  Find out what free tools and services your bank has on offer to help you manage a monthly family budget and before you know it you’ll be able to spot any unused direct debits and non-essential spend.

3. Get online – Check out what the internet has to offer to keep on top of family finances from easy to use money saving tools to budget planners to help you keep track of your spending. Most banks now also offer free online or mobile banking services so you can quickly access up to date information on the go. Free text alerts are also a great way to help stay one step ahead of going into the red, so you no longer have to worry!

4. Market research - collect prices online on your everyday shopping and longer-term purchases, such as insurance.  Retailers are constantly looking to attract new customers through offers and search engines, so shop around. To save even more time and money, check out price comparison sites for the most competitive offers.

5. Get the best deal - assess where your family spends the most money and start making some essential changes, from switching electricity supplier to moving to PAYG.  It’s all about what you actually need and use. Don’t forget to haggle, there is often room for more savings to be made as well as ‘price – match’ deals. Why not make it into a playful competition and give out a prize for the family member who finds the biggest money savings?

The Barclays Your Bank report is published as Barclays launches a new commitment to listen to customers and make changes.  For more information visit www.barclays.co.uk/yourbank  and follow #YourBank on Twitter for the latest updates.

Here's the link to see the full video with Kate Garraway http://bit.ly/1b5cBXF

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WWT Arundel receives a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for second year!

Families enjoying WWT Arundel Wetland 

Centre strolling Reedbed Boardwalk

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre has been honoured again as a top performing visitor attraction by users of the world’s largest and best-known travel site.

The 60-acre nature reserve and wetland centre has received another TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence, placing it in the top performing 10 per cent of all businesses worldwide on TripAdvisor. This is the second year running WWT Arundel has won this award.

The prestigious accolade recognises hospitality excellence and is given only to those establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews.

Newly opened Discovery Hide

To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four out of five or higher and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

The website’s ‘snapshot’ facility shows that out of a current total of 125 reviews, WWT Arundel’s overall score is four-and-a-half out of five and the centre is ranked 3 out of 10 local attractions listed under the same TripAdvisor area.

Pat Warren, Marketing Manager at WWT Arundel, said: “We strive to offer everyone who comes through our doors a memorable experience connecting with nature. We are pleased that many reviewers mention the friendliness of our staff.

“This award is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor and we’re thrilled to receive it.”

Alison Copus, Vice President of Marketing for TripAdvisor for Business, added: “TripAdvisor is delighted to celebrate the success of businesses around the globe, from Sydney to Chicago, Sao Paulo to Rome, which are consistently offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience.

“The Certificate of Excellence award provides top-performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers.”

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is open every day from 9:30am - 5:30pm,and  located on Mill Road, Arundel West Sussex BN9 8PB. For more information visit wwt.org.uk/arundel.

Examples of recent TripAdvisor reviews:

24 June –This is a lovely place to be whatever the weather. The staff are very helpful. Its a joyful place to visit and spend time.

23 June – If you love wildlife, particularly baby wildlife, this is the place to go and you can feed them by hand too. Its peaceful, beautiful and a great place to recharge the batteries.

10 June – I love visiting this place for the amazing variety of bird life (so many different types of ducks!), the beautiful scenery, the peace and quiet, and nothing beats having ducklings feeding out of your hand - a great dose of 'feel-good-factor' for young and old alike.

9 June - Great variety and the walks and boat rides make this a special place for young and old. So many species of ducks and birds with all the young hatching - and the sun shone which made it even better. Cafe is a good value for food and drinks. Its clean and tidy throughout and well worth a visit.