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“The most whizzpopping, funbumtious book!” – TGJones reveals winning book reviews of primary school national reading competition
Each winner to receive £4,000 worth of books and stationery for their school
TGJones has revealed the winning reviews of its Bitesize Bookworms campaign, a national reading competition in which primary school children aged between five and 12 years old were challenged to describe their favourite book in 25 words or less.
Split across three primary school age groups, the high-street retailer received thousands of reviews as part of the campaign, with a judging panel consisting of MC Grammar, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan eventually picking out three winning entries, from the ingenious to the hilarious.
“Plotting and potions
for bad and good,
beware of those witches
in your neighbourhood!
wicked fear, wickeder joy,
grief to grandma to hero mouse boy”
Noah, Year 2, reviewing The Witches by Road Dahl
“The BFG is the most whizzpopping, funbumtious book. The BFG is funtastic. I like his silly langwitch. I also like Sophie, she seems really nice.”
Stanley, Year 4, reviewing The BFG by Road Dahl
“It’s a funny and relatable book; my cat judgementally stared at me while I laughed loudly, snorted juice everywhere, and missed every bedtime until completed.”
Lyla, reviewing The Majorly Awkward BFF Dramas of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby
Each winner will receive a £200 TGJones Gift Card, plus £4,000 of books and stationery for their school.
The judging panel also chose three runners-up from each age group, who will receive a £50 TGJones Gift Card and £500 of equipment for their school.
The retailer launched the Bitesize Bookworms competition earlier this year in support of National Year of Reading 2026, the biggest campaign in a generation designed to inspire everyone to discover a passion for reading and embed it into our everyday lives.
A Department for Education initiative supported by the National Literacy Trust, the National Year of Reading is delivered with the support of major sponsors and partners, including TGJones.
The campaign has encouraged the nation to Go All In in 2026, reading into our passions and interests to get more out of the things we already love, whether it’s football, gaming, music, sci-fi, or baking.
TGJones’ competition added to the momentum, encouraging readers to pick up a book and share their recommendations with others to spark a conversation about reading.
Alex Willson, CEO of TGJones and Head Judge of Bitesize Bookworms, said: “Nothing is more creative than a child’s imagination and we wanted to celebrate that unfiltered, accidental comedy that comes from a child giving their honest opinion about their favourite book – and the winners of our competition provided us with just that.
“Reading is so important for a child’s development, and as partners of the National Year of Reading 2026 we hope this campaign has encouraged more children to pick up their favourite book.”
Syrian couple who built new life in Scotland celebrate architecture graduation together
Musaab and Yamameh studied for the same degree at Edinburgh Napier University
A husband and wife who came to Scotland from war-torn Syria without a word of English are celebrating the new life they’ve built together – as they both graduate with degrees in architectural technology.
Musaab Alhourani and Yamameh Alsalhani studied simultaneously for the BSc Architectural Technology at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and graduated together at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall today [Wednesday 8 July 2026].
The couple, alongside their two children, were forced to flee their homeland following the outbreak of civil war and spent four years at a refugee camp in Lebanon.
Through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) they were offered the chance to come to Scotland, arriving in North Berwick in July 2017.
Now settled in Edinburgh with three children, their graduation marks a major milestone in their journey.
45-year-old Musaab said: “The situation in the camp was very bad. When the UNHCR gave us the opportunity to move on, we were desperate to take it.
“My English was zero. We had to work hard at the start to learn the basics – how to greet people, go shopping, learn the numbers.
“We spent hours on YouTube watching videos on how to improve our English.
“After a while we started volunteering in North Berwick, collecting clothes and shoes for people back in Lebanon and Jordan.
“Through that, we had a handful of local people we would speak to every day. We asked them to correct us if we said anything wrong!
“To go from that point to graduating today makes us very proud.”
Having got to grips with the language, with Musaab working as a driving instructor, they decided to enrol together for an HNC at Edinburgh College – which earned them entry into the degree programme at ENU.
Yamameh, who is 41, said: “My background is in education – I even used to teach refugee children in camps – but I love design and asking how a building can be made.
“This gave us a strong foundation for our studies at Edinburgh Napier.
“Musaab persuaded me to do it at the same time. At first it was a huge balancing act alongside caring for our children and my mother as well.
“Strict time management played a big part. We were often studying at night when the kids went to bed.”
Musaab added: “We did it because we love it. When you love something you can work hard for it.
“The teachers at Edinburgh Napier were very, very good. They have a lot of passion and we felt truly supported.”
Now that they have graduated with distinction, the pair are hoping to continue their higher education journey together, studying for a Masters and a PhD.
They have paid tribute to all the teachers, lecturers and colleagues who helped them along the way.
“We want to return the favour to this country,” Musaab said. “The people in Scotland are very friendly.
“Our children love it here and we have made so many friends.
“When we look back on how we got here, we know it has been tough, but we did it all together.”
Musaab and Yamameh graduated alongside fellow students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.
ENU’s summer graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between 8 – 10 July.
The Princess Royal attends Veterans’ Foundation 10th anniversary celebration
The Foundation funds organisations tackling some of the biggest challenges facing veterans today, including mental health, housing, isolation, employment and family wellbeing
HRH The Princess Royal attended the Veterans’ Foundation’s tenth anniversary celebrations as the charity marked a decade of supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families through hundreds of organisations across the United Kingdom.
The Princess Royal met veterans, including Veterans’ Foundation ambassadors Simon Weston CBE and Mark Ormrod MBE, alongside representatives from funded charities during the celebrations at the Honourable Artillery Company in London on 2 July, hearing directly about the difference those organisations are making to the lives of veterans and their families.
The celebrations reflected a decade of partnership between supporters, charities and communities working together to improve the lives of veterans and their families, while also looking ahead to the Foundation’s next chapter through the Armed Forces Pledge.
Since its launch in 2016, the Veterans’ Foundation has awarded almost £40 million in grants to more than 500 charitable organisations and 1,100 projects, delivering life-changing support across housing, mental health, education, employment, wellbeing and community services for veterans, serving personnel and their families across the UK.
Chair of Trustees for the Veterans’ Foundation, Andrew Anderson, said: “The event was about recognising the extraordinary people who make this work possible – our supporters, our partners, the charities we fund and, above all, the veterans and families at the heart of everything we do.
“It was a tremendous honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as we marked this milestone together. Her longstanding commitment to the Armed Forces community reflects the values that have guided the Foundation over the past decade. What we have achieved in ten years is remarkable, but our ambition for the future is even greater.”
Veterans’ Foundation Chief Executive Jane Gurney said: “Looking around the room during the evening, you could see the strength of the community that stands behind our veterans – from grassroots charities and volunteers to business leaders, ambassadors and lifelong supporters.
Over the past ten years, more than 288,000 people have helped us stand beside the Armed Forces community. Their loyalty, generosity and belief in what we do have made everything possible.
That support has enabled us to fund hundreds of charities and more than 1,100 projects across the UK, delivering life-changing help to veterans and their families. Our grants give organisations the confidence and capacity to grow, strengthen their services and reach more people in need.”
Veterans’ Foundation ambassador Simon Weston CBE said: “It was a privilege to be part of this celebration and to see so many people united by a shared commitment to those who have served our country.
“The Veterans’ Foundation has spent ten years backing extraordinary organisations that stand beside veterans and their families every single day. That support changes lives, strengthens communities and reminds people that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The celebrations also looked ahead to the Foundation’s next chapter. During the evening, Chair Andrew Anderson announced an ambition to raise and distribute a further £160 million over the next decade, taking total lifetime funding to £200 million.
Guests supported fundraising activities throughout the evening, helping to ensure future investment in the charities and organisations delivering frontline support to veterans and their families.
As it enters its second decade, the Veterans’ Foundation is inviting people across the UK to sign the Armed Forces Pledge, adding their name and message of support for veterans, serving personnel and their families.
The anniversary programme also reflected on the Foundation’s journey to date, including footage of a commemorative projection onto the White Cliffs of Dover. Echoing a similar installation at the charity’s launch in 2016, the projection recognised service and sacrifice while highlighting the continuing challenges faced by the Armed Forces community.
PICTURES: The Veterans Foundation
Mental Health Foundation: Bring Me Sunshine
Have you noticed a boost in your mood from getting some sunshine, or spending time in green spaces?
Well, there’s evidence behind sun exposure and nature having a positive impact on our mental health.
This doesn’t mean the more sun the better! In fact, heatwaves can bring negative effects. So, remember to take in the sun, all while taking precautions.
As your physical and mental health are closely linked – by protecting your body, you’ll also protect your mind. 
Operation Portaledge: Man jailed following Ravelston incident
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to 21 months in prison following a threatening and abusive behaviour offence in Ravelston.
Marcus Laidley-Sobers pleaded guilty to the offence at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 22 June, 2026. He was sentenced at the same court today – Wednesday, 8th July, 2026.
Police received a report of threatening behaviour in the West Court area of Edinburgh on Thursday, 20 March, 2025.
Laidley-Sobers was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Wednesday, 2 April, 2025, following the execution of a warrant.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “Laidley-Sobers will now face the consequences of his actions.
“Bringing another individual to justice is testament to the continued hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.
“Police Scotland remains committed to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”
Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.
Community Gardener job opportunity at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
Come and work with us! We are hiring a P/T Community Gardener to work with a new group which you would form.
This is a social and supportive group which will be facilitated compassionately. It will centre around food growing, meal sharing, and biodiversity awareness, and will be based mostly in the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre garden.
There will also be opportunity for day trips to other inspiring natural community spaces and working in partnership with other community groups.
Please email Rik on coordinator@drylawnc.org.uk for more info.
Application deadline 20/7/2026, midnight.
Short statement and CV only required.
Edinburgh School Uniform Bank: Kit Out a Kid 2026
Help us Kit Out a Kid for the new school term!
We want every child in Edinburgh to walk into school feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to learn. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Give Today to make supporting our Kit Out a Kid campaign easier than ever!
By using our dedicated Give Today online wishlist, you can buy the items we need most—from polo shirts and cozy sweatshirts to joggers and socks—in just a few clicks.
How it works:
1. Click the link below to visit our Give Today shop.
2. Choose the items you’d like to donate.
3. Check out! Give Today handles the rest and ships your donations straight to our Hub.
Every single item purchased helps a child to thrive. Thank you for your support! 
Shop our wishlist here: https://givetoday.co.uk/edinburghschooluniformbank/
Cerebral Palsy Scotland launches new legal support network to improve access to specialist advice
Two of the UK’s leading specialist law firms have joined forces with Cerebral Palsy Scotland to launch a new Legal Support Network aimed at improving access to expert legal advice for people with cerebral palsy and their families.
The network, spearheaded by Cerebral Palsy Scotland, brings together legal specialists with expertise in cerebral palsy, birth injury and disability-related law to help families access trusted support from professionals who understand the lifelong impact of the condition.
Founding partners Slater and Gordon Lawyers and Irwin Mitchell will work with the charity over the next year to develop a new model for legal support, informed by the experiences of people with cerebral palsy and their families.
Stephanie Fraser, CEO at Cerebral Palsy Scotland, said: ” People with cerebral palsy and their families often face complex legal issues throughout their lives.By bringing together some of the UK’s leading experts in this field, we’re creating a network built on trust, expertise and shared values.
“This initiative is about making it easier for families to find the right support, at the right time, from professionals who genuinely understand their experiences.”
As part of the initiative, partners will help develop a code of practice to support best practice when working with clients affected by cerebral palsy.
Representatives from both founding law firms welcomed the opportunity to support the initiative.
Derek Couper, Principal Lawyer, Slater and Gordon, said: “Cerebral Palsy Scotland plays an outstanding role in helping people across the country affected by the condition, and without them, their tailored support would be very hard to access.
“Their own research shows the struggle people experience in finding resources and understanding how to navigate their lives, which makes the support of this charity absolutely invaluable.
“Slater and Gordon in Scotland is delighted to partner with this incredible charity and to offer their beneficiaries across the country access to high-quality, accessible and expert legal advice.
“We have a team of experienced solicitors ready to listen to the needs of individuals and families living with cerebral palsy, and to take action where appropriate in pursuit of achieving the highest standard of living.”
Darren Deery, Head of Clinical Negligence Scotland, Irwin Mitchell: “We are proud to support Cerebral Palsy Scotland in launching this important initiative. Through our work, we see the profound and lasting impact cerebral palsy can have on individuals and their families, and how important it is to have access to clear, specialist legal advice at the right time.
“This network is a positive step towards ensuring families can access trusted expertise in a way that is joined-up, compassionate and focused on their needs.
“By working in partnership with Cerebral Palsy Scotland and others, we hope to help improve understanding and make it easier for people to access the support and answers they deserve.”
The charity hopes the network will become a trusted source of specialist legal support while encouraging greater understanding of the legal, practical and emotional issues experienced by people with cerebral palsy and their families.
For more information, visit cerebralpalsyscotland.org.uk
FetLor Bake Sale
SATURDAY 18 JULY 1 – 3pm
On July 18th our young vols have organised a community event with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, they have organised a community bake sale.
With free entry, there will also be sponge the youth worker for £1 and beat the firefighter in football for 50p!
All proceeds going towards our Young Volunteers programme.
