Valle Venia presents new song by LPS feat. Lara: Where will it take me

The song describes the challenge of trusting the flow, relying on oneself, following one's own values with confidence.

In a time when everything seems to begin to dissolve, when disorientation prevails more than ever and when one is searching for something to hold on to, certainty can be found in uncertainty.

Lara's authentic interpretation, with her multi-faceted voice, conveys confidence in finding a way for oneself and others.

In the faceless, noisy crowd, where glances are not returned and touches are not felt, one is pulled away by an invisible hand.

You are on your own, but somewhere there is a light and a hope that guides you when the fog lifts and you find yourself in the certainty of meeting someone who “can read my mind and my soul.”

Invisibly connected, across time and space, this path is open.

Multilink: https://valevenia.lnk.to/wherewillittakeme

Youtube: https://youtu.be/0MVTgXO2E_M

Website: www.valle-venia.com

World Poetry Day: Why Words Still Matter

Every year on 21 March, readers, writers and dreamers mark World Poetry Day,a global celebration of rhythm, language and the power of a well-placed line. 

Established by UNESCO in 1999, the day recognises poetry as one of humanity’s most treasured forms of expression.

In a world of scrolling feeds and short attention spans, poetry remains quietly radical. It slows us down. It asks us to notice. And sometimes, it says in ten lines what an essay cannot manage in a thousand words.

A Tradition That Endures

From the Romantic landscapes of William Wordsworth to the powerful civil rights verse of Maya Angelou, poetry has always reflected the spirit of its age.

In Ireland, Seamus Heaney captured rural life with extraordinary clarity, while across the Atlantic Emily Dickinson reshaped the possibilities of form and voice.

Yet poetry is not confined to literary giants. It lives in spoken word nights in local cafés, in classroom anthologies, in lyrics that blur the line between song and sonnet, and in personal notebooks filled with half-finished thoughts.

Why World Poetry Day Still Matters

World Poetry Day is not simply about revisiting the classics. It is about:

Encouraging the reading, writing and teaching of poetry

Supporting small publishers and independent presses

Promoting linguistic diversity

Giving voice to communities often unheard

Poetry thrives in every language. From Welsh cynghanedd to contemporary slam, from haiku to free verse, the form adapts while its purpose remains the same: to express something true.

Poetry and Well-Being

There is also something deeply restorative about poetry. Reading a poem can feel like a moment of stillness in a noisy world. Writing one can help untangle emotions that prose struggles to hold.

Short forms, in particular, are accessible. A haiku written on a walk. A reflective sonnet inspired by a change in season. Even a few carefully chosen lines scribbled in the margins of a diary can offer clarity.

In an age that often prioritises productivity, poetry gently reminds us that reflection is valuable too.

Simple Ways to Celebrate

World Poetry Day does not require grand gestures. You might:

Revisit a favourite poem from school

Share a short verse on social media

Attend a local reading or open-mic night

Support an independent bookshop or small press

Write a poem about something ordinary, the weather, your commute, your morning tea

Poetry begins with attention. And attention is something we can all practise.

Poetry has survived centuries of social upheaval, technological change and shifting tastes. It endures because it speaks to something essential – our need to feel understood and to understand others.

On World Poetry Day, perhaps the simplest celebration is this: pause, read a poem slowly, and let the words do their quiet work.

https://www.unesco.org/en/days/poetry

Celebrating World Book Day: Stories That Shape Us

There are few things more powerful than a good book. It can transport us across centuries, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and help us see the world, and ourselves, in a completely new way. 

World Book Day is a joyful reminder of exactly that.

In the UK, World Book Day is celebrated each March with a clear mission: to encourage children and young people to discover the pleasure of reading. 

Schools fill with witches, wizards, superheroes and storybook animals, while book tokens make it easier for families to add something new to their shelves.

But beyond the costumes and classroom celebrations lies something deeper: the idea that reading is not a chore, but a lifelong gift.

Why World Book Day Still Matters

In a world of short-form video and constant scrolling, carving out time to read can feel increasingly rare. Yet research consistently shows that reading for pleasure improves vocabulary, concentration, empathy and mental wellbeing.

Books allow us to:

Step into lives wildly different from our own

Understand complex emotions in safe, reflective ways

Strengthen focus in an age of distraction

Relax and reduce stress

For children especially, owning a book can be transformative. That’s why the World Book Day £1 token scheme is such a simple but powerful idea – it removes barriers and puts stories directly into young hands.

It’s Not Just for Children

Although schools are at the heart of the celebration, grown-ups shouldn’t sit this one out.

World Book Day is the perfect excuse to:

Revisit a childhood favourite

Finally start that novel gathering dust on your bedside table

Explore a new genre

Support a local independent bookshop

There’s something rather satisfying about walking into a bookshop on World Book Day and seeing tables stacked high with carefully curated titles. Whether you lean towards crime thrillers, historical fiction, memoir, or poetry, there’s always something waiting to surprise you.

Supporting Independent Bookshops

One of the best ways to mark the occasion is by visiting an independent bookseller. These shops are more than retail spaces – they’re cultural hubs, run by passionate readers who genuinely love matching people with the right book.

Independent bookshops:

Champion local authors

Host readings and community events

Offer thoughtful recommendations

Keep high streets interesting and diverse

In an era of convenience shopping, choosing to buy locally keeps literary culture alive in our towns and cities.

Creating Your Own World Book Day Tradition

Why not turn it into an annual ritual?

You might:

Gift a book instead of a card for birthdays around this time of year

Host a family reading night

Swap books with friends

Start a themed reading challenge

Even something simple,a quiet cup of tea and twenty uninterrupted minutes with a novel, can feel like a small act of rebellion against the noise of modern life.

The Bigger Picture

At its heart, World Book Day isn’t really about costumes or discounts. It’s about access, imagination, and opportunity. A single story can spark ambition, comfort a lonely child, or ignite a lifelong passion.

Books don’t just entertain us. They shape our thinking, expand our compassion, and sometimes even change the direction of our lives.

So whether you’re dressing up, browsing your local shelves, or simply rediscovering the joy of reading at home, take a moment to appreciate the quiet magic of the written word.

Because stories matter. And they always will.

https://www.worldbookday.com

https://literacytrust.org.uk/about-us/world-book-day-national-literacy-trust

Soloists announced for performance of Haydn's "The Creation"

Sheffield music lovers are being promised a spectacular summer evening as Sheffield Chamber Orchestra has announced the three soloists for its forthcoming performance of The Creation on 13 June 2026.

The landmark oratorio by Joseph Haydn will be conducted by John Lyon and performed in collaboration with Sheffield City Choristers, bringing together orchestra, chorus and a distinguished trio of guest soloists.

Taking the soprano role is Claire Lees, a Lancashire-born singer who trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. 

An alumna of the prestigious Samling Artist Programme and winner of the Wil Keune Mozart Prize, she has appeared at leading venues including Wigmore Hall and Glyndebourne Festival Opera. A member of the Chorus of Opera North, she combines operatic flair with the clarity and poise required for Haydn’s luminous writing.

Joining her is Hartlepool-born tenor Tom Smith, who studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music. Smith has performed with Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Welsh National Opera and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and has worked with internationally renowned conductors. An experienced recitalist and oratorio singer, he brings both dramatic presence and lyrical warmth to the role.

Completing the trio is Derbyshire baritone Andrew Randall. A graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Randall has appeared with Opera North and The Grange Festival in a wide range of principal and cover roles. Alongside his performing career, he teaches singing at several schools and sings regularly at Sheffield Cathedral, giving him strong local ties.

Haydn’s The Creation remains one of the most celebrated choral-orchestral works ever written. First performed in 1798, it depicts the Biblical story of the world’s formation, from chaos and darkness to the radiant chorus “And there was light.” Its vivid orchestration, dramatic storytelling and joyful final choruses have ensured its place as a cornerstone of the repertoire.

Conductor John Lyon, well known to Sheffield audiences for his energetic and engaging approach, will lead the combined forces in what promises to be a highlight of the city’s summer cultural calendar.

Before that, the orchestra turns its attention to its next concert, Great Classical Masterpieces, on 21 March 2026. The programme features Egmont Overture by Ludwig van Beethoven, Violin Concerto No. 1 by Max Bruch performed by Sheffield-born rising star Esme Greenwood, and Symphony No. 2 by Johannes Brahms — a programme of orchestral favourites that showcases the ensemble at full strength.

Further details and ticket information for both concerts are available via the Sheffield Chamber Orchestra website www.SCOrchestra.uk

Special Guest Iain Lauchlan Joins Coventry Orchestra for World Poetry Day Concert

The Heart of England Co-operative Concert Orchestra invites the local community to a vibrant and imaginative Spring Concert celebrating World Poetry Day through music and spoken word.

Taking place at 3pm on Saturday 21st March at Methodist Central Hall, Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA, this special concert will feature guest narrator Iain Lauchlan, bringing poetry and storytelling together with thrilling orchestral favourites.

The programme promises something for all ages, including the swashbuckling adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean, the dramatic intensity of Hall of the Mountain King, and the playful brilliance of Jabberwocky!,  alongside many more musical surprises inspired by literature, legend and imagination.

All proceeds from the concert will go towards Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library, supporting its vital work as a community hub promoting literacy, learning and access to books for all ages. By attending, audiences will be helping to sustain a valued local resource at the heart of Coventry.

Tickets are priced at £11 for adults, £8 concessions, and just £1 for under 16s. Tickets are available online via Ticketsource and on the door.

Now in its 107th year, the Heart of England Co-operative Concert Orchestra continues to play a central role in Coventry’s musical life. Proudly sponsored by the Heart of England Co-operative Society, the orchestra brings together musicians from across the region to share live music while raising funds for important community causes. 

In 2025, they raised over £3,500 for charities including Coventry City Mission, Global Care, the Durrell Foundation, and MacMillan Cancer Care.

Join them for an afternoon of music, poetry and adventure, and raise funds for a valued local resource at the same time!

https://www.coventrycooporchestra.org.uk

That's Books and More will be carrying more information on World Poetry Day, so please keep an eye open for that. 

World Thinking Day 2026 – Celebrating “Our Friendship”

Every year on 22 February, members of Girlguiding and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) celebrate World Thinking Day, a moment to reflect on the global sisterhood that connects millions of girls and young women.

In 2026, the theme is beautifully simple and deeply powerful: “Our Friendship.”

At a time when the world can often feel divided, the idea of friendship, across borders, backgrounds, beliefs and generations — feels especially meaningful.

Why World Thinking Day Matters

World Thinking Day began in 1926 as a way for Guides and Scouts around the globe to think of one another and give thanks for their shared movement. It falls on the birthday of Olave Baden-Powell, the first Chief Guide, and her husband Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting movement.

Over the past century, it has grown into a truly international celebration involving more than 150 countries. It’s a day to:

Learn about different cultures

Support global projects

Reflect on shared values

Raise funds for guiding initiatives worldwide

But at its heart, it has always been about connection.

2026 Theme: “Our Friendship”

The 2026 theme invites girls and leaders to explore what friendship really means, not just in a personal sense, but as part of a worldwide community.

Friendship in guiding is:

The new Brownie making her first promise

The Ranger supporting a younger member

The international pen pal or jamboree connection

The lifelong friendships that begin around a campfire

It’s also about understanding that girls in the UK share experiences, challenges and hopes with girls in Kenya, Canada, India or Brazil.

“Our Friendship” reminds us that guiding isn’t just local, it’s global.

How Units Can Celebrate

Whether you’re a Rainbow unit in a village hall or a Guide group meeting in a city centre, there are countless ways to bring the theme to life.

1. Friendship Across Borders

Explore guiding traditions from another country. Cook a simple international snack, learn a song from abroad, or exchange letters or videos with another unit.

2. Acts of Kindness

Encourage members to perform small acts of friendship within their community, writing thank-you notes, supporting a local charity, or checking in on someone who may feel lonely.

3. Friendship Crafts

Create friendship bracelets, badges, or a collaborative mural representing what friendship looks like to your group.

4. Story Sharing

Invite members to share stories of how guiding has helped them build confidence, resilience and meaningful relationships.

A Wider Reflection on Friendship

In the UK, where many communities are wonderfully diverse, World Thinking Day offers a gentle reminder that understanding begins with listening.

Friendship doesn’t require identical views or identical lives. It asks for respect, curiosity and kindness.

For young people growing up in a world of social media and digital communication, “Our Friendship” also opens a conversation about:

Online kindness

Digital responsibility

Supporting one another in safe spaces

Building real-world confidence

Friendship Beyond the Movement

While rooted in guiding, World Thinking Day’s message extends far beyond uniforms and badges. It’s a reminder for all of us, parents, leaders, teachers and communities, that friendship is an active practice.

It requires effort.

It requires empathy.

It requires presence.

In 2026, perhaps the most meaningful way to mark World Thinking Day is simply to reach out, to someone new, or someone we haven’t spoken to in a while.

World Thinking Day 2026’s theme, “Our Friendship,” feels both timely and timeless. It celebrates the small, everyday bonds that quietly shape young lives, and the extraordinary global network that links girls across continents.

In a world that can sometimes feel uncertain, friendship remains a steady, hopeful thread.

And that is certainly something worth thinking about.

Model Britain has formally transitioned from concept to structured delivery with the convening of its inaugural Advisory Board

Model Britain has formally transitioned from concept to structured delivery with the convening of its inaugural Advisory Board.

This milestone establishes the governance framework for a project set to become one of the UK’s most ambitious cultural and educational attractions.

Model Britain’s vision is to Explore, Imagine, Inspire. The project will be a stunning large-scale, permanent indoor miniature attraction celebrating British history, innovation, and landscapes.

Developed at substantial national scale, it is designed to operate at significant visitor capacity and to offer an immersive experience that blends excitement with deep educational value for children and adults alike.

The attraction will include a structured education programme aligned to national curriculum themes, supporting history, geography, design and technology, and STEM learning for school groups, nationwide. 

The project enters development at a time of renewed national focus on the UK’s experience economy and regional tourism growth, positioning Model Britain to contribute meaningfully to both cultural and economic priorities.

An Advisory Board with National-Level Expertise

Model Britain’s Advisory Board brings together senior leaders who have shaped some of the UK’s most significant visitor destinations, global brands, and cultural institutions:

Gary McCauley – Founder and CEO: Originator of the Model Britain concept, leading the project from initial design through to structured national delivery.

Peter Moore OBE – Chair: Former Managing Director of Center Parcs UK and Director of Marketing and Repositioning at Alton Towers. Awarded an OBE for services to tourism and former Board Member of Visit England.

Martin Grieve – Financial Oversight: Former senior finance executive at Unilever and Reckitt, with national and global divisional CFO experience and corporate finance leadership expertise across capital allocation, investment strategy, and governance.

John F. D. Hoy FRICS – Heritage & Destination Strategy: Former Chief Executive of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard, current Chair of Silverstone Museum, former Visit England Board Member, and Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Mark Jones – Visitor Operations: Former UK Operations Director at Center Parcs and Operations Director at the Eden Project, with extensive experience managing large-scale, high volume visitor attractions.

Alex Mawer – Marketing & Brand Strategy: Marketing & Brand Strategy: Former Global Marketing Director at the LEGO Group with oversight of LEGOLAND attractions, former Marketing Director of Visit England and current Board Member of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT).

Simon Kohler – Models & Hobbies: Former Marketing & Development Director at Hornby Hobbies, instrumental in revitalising iconic British brands including Hornby Railways, Scalextric, and Airfix.

Together, the Advisory Board provides strategic oversight across governance, finance, operations, brand, tourism attractions, heritage, and sector engagement.

Peter Moore OBE, Chair of Model Britain, told That's Books and More: “Model Britain represents a rare opportunity to create a national institution that blends heritage, education, and innovation. 

"Establishing strong governance at this stage ensures the project is developed with the rigour, integrity, and long-term ambition required for an attraction of this scale.”

Gary McCauley, Founder and CEO, added: “This milestone marks the transition from long-held vision to disciplined delivery. With the experience of the Advisory Board now formally guiding the project, we are ensuring that each stage of development is approached with clarity, realism, and strong governance.”

Looking Ahead

The project team is currently assessing a number of strategically significant UK locations with strong infrastructure and national connectivity. Model Britain is also actively engaging with strategic partners across the technology, heritage, travel, and education sectors who share a vision for celebrating British innovation at scale. A formal opening timeline will be confirmed following site acquisition and planning approval.

FACTFILE: Model Britain is a pioneering national project dedicated to creating a world-class, large-scale indoor miniature attraction. By blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, it aims to showcase the UK’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and spirit of innovation. The project is designed to serve families, schools, tourists, and international visitors.

To learn more visit www.modelbritain.co.uk