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Issue 59
SUE
THE SPRING IS
MEET RACING’S
BROLLY
DOLLIES
PLUS:
Mental health issues discussed
12 tips for surviving university
The new GY fashion company
Sunset Sons
My sponsored silence diaries
Sponsored by
WELCOME!
Victoria Hydes, Editor
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Hi there and welcome
to VOXX. Our bumper
Spring issue is jam
packed full of thrilling
stories, offering an
insight into our state of
mind, local successes,
fantastic fiction and so
much more! Remember
to head on over to
our website, as we’re
building a bigger and
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with all the same great
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Victoria x
DISCLAIMER: VOXX is published by CPO,
Grimsby. The views expressed are not
necessarily those of the editorial team or
publisher. The editor reserves the right to
omit/edit articles.
CONTENTS
Issue 59
What's hot
this month!
4 Mind and matter
6 Autoimmune Arthritis Day
7 The Ghost Pier
8 12 tips for surviving university
12 A page of good thoughts
14 What photography means to me...
16 The Grey Lady
17 Meet the brolly dollies
22 Race day
25 Avoiding tourist traps
26 New film reviews
28 VOXX Column
29 Loving how you look
30 Introducing Jez O’kane
31 VOXX meets Sunset Sons
36 Little Green Cars
38 The music room
40 An interview with Mustang
43 We Are Scientists review
44 Featured artists: The Echoes & Mouses
46 Lincolnshire’s Got Talent
47 Army cadets
48 All about Reign Apparell
50 Stylish jumpsuit picks
52 My sponsored silence diaries
54 Adventures of Sir Coppersmith - Part IV
VOXX
VOXX
Mind
Just as Important
As Matter
By Matthew Bates
Whenever somebody mentions the term
“mental health”, everybody seems to run a
mile. People seem to assume that because
somebody has been deemed “mentally ill”
or “mentally unstable”, that the slightest
question or motion towards their health is
going to trigger a meltdown that would leave
Chernobyl green with envy, not radiation
sickness. But in fact, most of the time, it’s
exactly the opposite.
Imagine that you’re in a box - a large,
pitch-black box. You can’t escape, and there’s
nobody on the outside willing to let you out,
because they don’t know what they might
unleash. This is a brief summary of today’s
attitudes towards mental health. Luckily,
the demands of modern society have meant
that attitudes towards mental health are
changing. But not as quickly as people would
hope. Research trends since 1994 show that
women’s attitudes towards mental health are
4 voxxonline.com
improving much quicker than men’s. There
has also been a 5% increase in the number
of people saying they know someone close
to them with a mental health problem from
2009 to 2012.
Mental health issues are not as obscure and
rare as you might have been lead to believe.
One in four people will experience a mental
health problem at some point in their lives,
which equates to a staggering 450 million
people worldwide; as will one in ten children.
There are more than 200 different types of
mental health issues, such as schizophrenia,
dementia, OCD and bipolar, but the most
commonly known mental illness is depression
- which is no surprise as it affects one in
twelve people in the entire population of
the planet. And one thing that most people
associate directly with depression is selfharming - rates of which in the UK are the
highest in Europe, at 400 people out of every
100,000 - so more people than you know will
be suffering in silence from a mental health
illness.
To help improve people’s attitudes towards
mental health, and make sure it becomes a
normal thing to have in society, we need to
fully eliminate the stigma surrounding it. The
media doesn’t help. They often link mental
illness with violence, portraying those with it
as attention seekers or dangerous criminals.
Thankfully, the government is beginning to
realise that mental health is not something
to be ignored. The Equality Act 2010 makes
it illegal to discriminate directly or indirectly
against people with mental health problems
in public functions and services.
There are mainly two different types of
stigma related to mental health - social
stigma and self-stigma. Social stigma refers
to the negative stereotypes that people
have about other people with mental
health issues, whereas self-stigma however,
occurs when the person with mental health
issues creates negative stereotypes about
themselves, which can eventually lead to
low self-esteem, shame and hopelessness.
Reducing the stigma around mental health
will drastically improve the quality of life for
people with mental illnesses, but we have to
remember that it won’t cure them. Dementia
is an incurable illness, along with many
others, but some serious mental illnesses can
be cured, such as depression. If you’re willing
to listen to someone with depression and
are prepared to be there, and you make sure
that you’re a lifeline for that person when
they need you, then eventually, you can help
to cure them, but it takes time and effort.
And even just sitting down for a cup of tea
with them and talking with them can be a big
help, even if it seems inconsequential to you.
We don’t know exactly what they’re going
through, so we can’t assume that we do know
and make poor judgements as a result.
Sadly, more often than not, people don’t
have somebody willing to listen to their
mental health problems, and even if they
do, it’s likely that the victim is scared of what
the reaction is going to be from the other
person. And bottling up emotions like this
can lead to a nasty, bitter end. A staggering
90% of people who die through suicide in
the UK were experiencing a mental health
problem before their death. And seeing as
between 2003 and 2013, there were 18,220
recorded incidents of suicide, that’s a lot of
people who’ve died needlessly. Someone
just listening to them could have extended
their lifespan by at least several years. It
may shock you to read this, but suicide is
the most common cause of death for men in
England and Wales aged between 20 and 49.
And around 6% of adults have made at least
one suicide attempt in their lives. Seeing as
we live in a world with a population of just
over 7 billion people, that’s approximately
420 million people, which is an astonishing
number!
All parents want their children to be happy
and healthy, but mental health issues are
just as common with children as they are in
adults. Given the mind-blowing number said
earlier, 50% of all mental health problems
are established by age 14 and 75% of them
by age 24, which is very early on in life
considering the average life expectancy, in the
UK, is around 80 years old, yet lots of people
live longer.
So next time you hear that somebody has a
mental health problem, don’t laugh at them.
Don’t sneer, make fun of them or belittle
them. In today’s society, we all need to look
after each other if we’re to continue to be
called civilised beings. We need to break
through the stigma and have the courage
to ask these people, whether they’re good
friends or simply acquaintances, whether
or not they’re OK. Maybe even invite them
out for a coffee. Having the skill of being a
good listener is vital if we’re to help people
with this type of problem, and spending just
a little bit of time on them could make a big
difference. You never know, you might have
just saved a life with that coffee.
voxxonline.com 5
VOXX
VOXX
Autoimmune
Athritis Day
By Leanne Pennell
A couple of months ago I was asked if I support
Disease Awareness Days. My answer was both
yes and no, and I’m writing this to explain myself.
May 20th is World Autoimmune Arthritis Day. For
anyone who is unaware, an autoimmune disease
is where the body’s immune system mistakenly
attacks normal cells. So, in autoimmune arthritis,
the immune system attacks the joints in the body.
Very few people know that I have suffered for
almost two years with joint and skin problems,
which, after a long and drawn-out process, were
finally diagnosed in January this year (2016)
as Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (a form of
autoimmune arthritis). There are things that I
never thought I would struggle with, things as
simple as getting dressed in a morning, which
suddenly became quite difficult for me. I am
being medicated for both the Psoriasis and
the Psoriatic Arthritis with the strongest, most
horrible tablets ever and I hate them, but they
seem to be slowly taking effect. I have had to
make a lot of lifestyle changes, I have lost parts
of my hair, my joints are gradually becoming
deformed and I have found myself constantly
poorly from my dampened-down immune
system.
I’m not looking for sympathy and I do not
want people to think I’m writing this to bring
attention to myself. I’m writing this for exactly the
reason a Disease Awareness Day is meant for, to
raise awareness. So, yes, I’m clearly supporting
this Disease Awareness Day and, as you can
see, it is for obvious reasons. The ‘no’ part to
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whether or not I support these days is because
I have come to realise that while it’s great that
people see these things on Facebook, Google or
wherever else they may pop up, and they choose
to support them for the day, what about the
other 364 days of the year? This isn’t a one off
day for me, or for anyone else who is suffering.
This is something that we are always aware of,
something we deal with every day, and we will
continue to do so for the rest of our lives.
So, all I’m really trying to achieve from this
article is to say that if you choose to support this
day, or any other disease awareness day for that
matter as I’m sure there are many, please don’t
forget to raise awareness for the rest of the year.
If you feel strongly, do something and maybe,
one day, we can find a cure for all of these awful
illnesses that people face every day. This is
something I feel strongly about, now more than
ever, and I’m determined to help in whatever way
I can.
Lastly, please don’t think that diseases only
affect certain genders or certain ages, and even
if you are otherwise completely healthy, it could
still affect you. I can guarantee that I never
expected to be arthritic at 19 years of age. I
thought it would never affect me because I’m a
young girl who has been active and sporty ever
since I could walk.
So, spread awareness, donate money if you
can, support these specific days but don’t
forget them on the other days, and please keep
yourselves healthy!
The Shadow Pier
By R. M. Price
On a summer’s day you can see it, a shadow
of a pier, but on a winter’s day - nothing.
People say it’s from days gone by, it’s a ghost
pier, but why is it only there some of the time
and why is it no one has ever mentioned it to
me?
I’ve always been fascinated by ghost stories
and weird events so I decided to check this
one out. I packed all my supplies and slipped
out one night to see if there was anything
there or if it was merely a myth.
I set out being extra careful not to be seen.
As I got closer I could hear voices and boats.
As I got to the entrance I saw where the
voices were coming from, but to my surprise
they were actually ghosts. The boats also
looked like ghosts and there above the water
was a majestic pier, as if from the past, with
ballroom music playing. I took pictures and
wrote down what the people were saying and
also recorded some of the music.
I’m only 12 years old and not the bravest
person, but this was too good to miss so I
started to move closer, keeping silent and
staying in the shadows. The ghosts seemed
to look like normal people but the clothes
they wore were old and their speech sounded
foreign. I was amazed by this.
I had been out all night and as it started to
get light the scene in front of me faded into
nothing. The last thing to disappear was the
massive pier in front of me. I rushed home
before my parents realised I wasn’t there.
The next day I put all the pictures and music
on my computer and typed up all the words I
had written down. The pictures were perfect.
The music was crisp and sounded great, as if
it was a live band playing. I did some research
and discovered that it used to be a pier full of
live bands and was a popular place for traders
to make a living selling their goods.
I haven’t been back to that place for a while
but I am planning a revisit with a twist. I’m
going to dress in some old fashioned children’s
clothes and see if I can walk among the
ghostly figures at the pier and maybe find out
some more information about them.
I don’t think anything will top the feeling
of that first night when I saw that pier in its
former glory and the busy traders as they
went about their business. I often think how I
would have lived in those times, and realise
how lucky we really are.
After a few weeks I found the reason the
pier wasn’t there anymore. It had been burnt
down after a fire broke out in the ballroom
and it was never rebuilt because of costs and
work force. But at least its memory still lives
on.
voxxonline.com 7
1
12for Tips
4
surviving
2
Uni 5
3
VOXX
1. BUDGET YOUR MONEY
I learnt this the hard way in my first year of
university. Before you head off to uni, you’ll
apply for Student Finance, which is a loan from
the government to help you pay your way
through uni. This covers things like rent, food,
transport and any materials you may need for
your course. A lot of people, including myself,
make the mistake of seeing a large amount of
money in their bank account and blowing it all
on things that you don’t really need. The first
loan is important. This is the one where you will
have to pay more rent than usual in order to
cover a deposit and anything else that may be
required, you will have to buy course supplies
out of this, and Christmas also falls under the
first loan installment. By January when my
second loan had come in, I knew to be much
more careful. So budget!
My name is Leanne Pennell and I’m
currently in my third year at the
University of Sunderland, studying
Sports Journalism. There are a lot of
things I could’ve done differently in
order to make things easier for myself,
so I want to advise prospective students
not to make the same mistakes I did.
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2. EAT WELL
You’re leaving home, probably moving to
a random city, living in a house with people
you’ve never met and you actually have to
look after yourself. Many people make jokes
about “Oh you’re a student, you must live on
toast and pot noodles.” This isn’t advisable. I
can’t say that I ever did this; I just know that
it’s important to eat properly and take care of
yourself. The last thing you want is to make
yourself poorly because you can’t be bothered
to put something in the oven. Buy a student
cookbook. There are some really simple recipes
in there that don’t take much time at all.
Failing that, ask your mum how she cooks your
favourite meals.
3. ATTEND YOUR CLASSES
This might be a tip that you’re reading and
thinking, “Don’t be stupid, of course I’m going
to attend my classes.” We all think that at the
start, but, in reality, lots of people don’t bother
turning up. This is not advisable. For starters,
tutors can actually dock your grades dependent
on your attendance. Also, if you miss something
really important, then you’ve got an issue.
VOXX
There have been classes over the three years
I’ve been at uni that I’ve absolutely hated, but
they’re still important! Just think to yourself
“It’s only an hour of my time and it will benefit
me,” and drag yourself (reluctantly) to the
class. Don’t let your uni work suffer because of
laziness.
4. DON’T LEAVE YOUR WORK UNTIL THE LAST
MINUTE
Another tip that might seem obvious, but
seriously, DO NOT leave your work until the
last minute. This is my worst habit; I’m a huge
procrastinator. But, again, this is something
that I learnt the hard way. I’m not saying that
if you’re given a piece of work to do that’s not
due for four weeks that you have to start it right
away. But do yourself a favour and don’t leave
it until the night before. My advice would be to
try and do it with a week to spare. That way, if
you come up with anything else that you think
you could add, you’ve got the time to do so.
Just as an extra tip, don’t finish your work and
then never look at it again. The chances are that
you’ve made a lot of silly errors (even though
you’ll think you haven’t). There’s nothing worse
than getting a piece of work back and thinking
“Well I could have sorted that, why didn’t I just
re-read it.”
5. STUDY, STUDY, STUDY
Similarly to not leaving work until the last
minute, don’t leave studying for your exams
until the last minute! Exams are far more
important than work given to you that can be
completed over a long period of time. You get
one shot (possibly one re-sit if your university
allows it) at passing an exam, so don’t blow it.
Studying is definitely not something that can
be forgotten about. If it was me, I would start
studying maybe three or four weeks before
my exam. Even if you just do half an hour to
an hour a day, allow yourself plenty of time to
revise and make sure you know it all. The last
thing you want is to fail and kick yourself for not
spending enough time studying.
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VOXX
6. RESEARCH ESTATE AGENTS BEFORE
CHOOSING ONE
This is a tip I’m giving because my personal
experience with our estate agency hasn’t been
good. First year wasn’t an issue, because I lived
in the university’s halls of residence. However,
when choosing your house for second and third
year, make sure you look in as much detail as
possible at the estate agents you plan to use.
When I, and my housemates, chose the flat
for second year, we neglected to consider any
issues we may face in our time living there.
Admittedly, there have been no life or death
situations during our time in the flat. However,
the estate agents seem to have no sense of
urgency when it comes to getting in contact
with our landlord or a contractor about any
problems. So this is just a warning to ensure
you don’t have to endure the same issue.
7. LEARN TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS WITH
YOUR HOUSEMATES
When you’re living in a flat with five other
people, who you barely know, it can be
difficult to all get along at times. I know I have
encountered problems with my housemates
and I’m guessing a lot of people have at some
point or another. My advice would be to talk
it out, as soon as possible. If you have an
argument with somebody, the worst thing you
can do is let it linger. You need to sit down,
discuss the problem and work through it. The
longer it is left unsolved, the more awkward it
will be to solve it. The last thing you want is to
feel like you’re treading on eggshells in your
own house. So, even though you may not want
to talk to them at the time, do it. Get it out of
the way so that you can both move on and feel
better about the situation.
8. MAKE SURE YOU SOCIALISE
Socialising is important. Although you’re at
university to complete a degree and further
your career opportunities, you cannot make it
through three years (or more) without having
a good group of friends. Whether they’re your
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next door neighbours, people from your course,
members of a society, or your housemates if
you all get along well enough, just make sure
you have a group of people who you can blow
off steam with from time to time. I don’t know
how I would have made it through three years
of university without my friends, even though
we’re a relatively small group. It’s just nice to
go out for a meal or a dance after a deadline or
an exam.
9. CHECK OUT THE STUDENTS UNION
This is something I wish I had done BEFORE
I chose which uni I wanted to attend. When I
was looking at prospective universities, I failed
to research the SU because I was too focused
on the actual course I was taking. I have since
found out that other universities have fantastic
SUs, whereas ours lacks in both quality and
quantity. Our SU is very small and they don’t
tend to be of much help or plan anything fun
for students to do. Our fresher’s week is run
by the SU, but other than that I can’t say that
I’ve ever been involved with anything that they
have organised. If I went to university again, I
would look into the SU a lot more and find out
how they could benefit me as a student at their
uni.
10. LOOK AFTER YOUR POSSESSIONS
This is another one where people think,
“Why am I being told this?” But for your own
sake, look after your possessions AT ALL TIMES.
Nights out are probably the most common time
to lose things. I’ve had friends lose purses, keys,
student cards and phones (myself included – I
left my phone in a taxi and it was a proper
nightmare to try and get it back, but I did
luckily). The not so obvious part is to look after
your possessions while actually in uni time
as well. People tend to lose less important
items, but I’ve known friends to leave scarves,
coats, packets of cigarettes, phone chargers
(again, I’ve done this one) and somehow one
of my friends left their whole bag in one of our
classrooms! So just keep an eye on everything
you have with you, and double/triple check you
have it all before you leave.
11.MAKE SURE YOU GET ENOUGH SLEEP
I’ve always been a bit of a night owl and
2am is sort of the ‘standard’ time that I tend to
go to bed (even if I have a 9am), but I constantly
wish that I’d gone to bed at a reasonable time.
Tiredness catches up with you as the day goes
on and when it hits, it hits hard. Taking a nap
in class is obviously not the best idea, so make
sure that you set a reasonable time to sleep
and stick to it! I think you’ll find, as I certainly
have, that getting a good nights sleep is one
of the most valuable things you’ll ever do.
Nothing feels better than waking up early in the
morning and actually feeling like you can make
it through the day. Also, don’t listen to people
who say taking a mid-day nap helps, because
it really doesn’t. It often makes you feel more
groggy and tired than before, which is hard
to believe considering how rubbish you may
already feel.
VOXX
I’d just like to make everyone aware that no
matter where you are or what you’re going
through, help is always available to you and
you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for it. You need
to ensure your time at uni is as stress-free as
possible. Anyone who has been there and done
that will know that university isn’t easy by any
means, but it will be the best thing you ever do.
I hope these tips are helpful, and to anyone
going to uni, enjoy it and make it memorable.
You’ll wish you could go back once it’s all over!
Leanne x
12.DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
I cannot stress this point enough! Everybody
knows that life isn’t always plain sailing. People
always come across issues of some sort in their
personal lives, which WILL interfere with your
uni work. I won’t go into detail, but this year
especially I have really struggled with personal
issues such as my health, relationships and
family problems. These types of things are hard
to go through on the best of days, let alone
when you’re trying to complete a dissertation,
work placement (if you’re required to complete
one), other deadlines and exams. All I can say
is that talking to my uni tutors and knowing
where support is available to me is a massive
advantage. My university tutors have been so
good with everything and they ensure that I
can complete my work to the best of my ability,
even with everything going on. Also, if things
are really bad you can apply for extenuating
circumstances, which means that you will
be given extra time to complete your work.
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VOXX
It's the little things...
By Katie Middleton
If you're feeling down, I always find
that it's best to think of little things that
make you happy. That's why I decided to
write this to spread the happiness!
If you liked what you read and would
like to see more of this, check me out
over on www.katie-middleton.co.uk! You
can find all my Social Media accounts on
my blog; make sure you follow me on
there for life and blog updates x
VOXX
The smell of winter Pizza
Makeup
Good makeup days
Sunshine
Animals (Cats)
Nights out Baggy
t-shirts Being surrounded
by positivity
Forehead kisses
Resolving
Netflix
arguments
Stationery Cuddles
Laughing uncontrolably
until you cry
Achieving the
smokey eye
The smell of new books
Good eyebrows
Warm summer
Payday!
nights Smiles
Just being you The beach Creating memories
Spaghetti with those you love
Cherry Coke &
Long walks
Ribena Strawberry
Looking back The beautiful
colours of autumn
through old
photo albums
Beer gardens
Days where you feel
invincible
Candles
The warm sand between your toes
Being proud
of your work
Accomplishing
things Compliments
Disney films Being told
you’re loved
Motivation
Inspirational Movie nights
quotes
The crunching of
leaves
The sound of waves
Fresh bedding
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Late night talks
Falling asleep to the Your health
sound of the rain Feeling the warmth
Good lipstick
on your skin
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VOXX
VOXX
Through
The Lens
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY
MEANS TO ME...
By Aaron Hancock
Photography is something I have always enjoyed and
taken an interest in. In my eyes, a picture of a pencil,
taken in the right way, can be very interesting. I think I
enjoyed photography from a young age because I loved
watching Spiderman. I always thought I could be like
Peter Parker, and as time went on I found out that taking
pictures of the world is really fun.
In truth, anyone can take a picture, but it’s what you
do to that picture afterwards that makes it interesting.
You need to do something that adds a touch of magic.
The process does begin with taking the photo. Capturing
things at the right time is very important. I once went to
the beach at 4am, just to take a picture of the sky. The
way the clouds had formed was really interesting, but
you can guarantee that if you go again, it will never look
exactly the same. This was proven, as the next time I went
there were different colours in the sky. Although, it still
looked really magical.
Personally, I think that all photos need a little bit of
editing, just to bring out the best in them. For example,
altering it so that you can exaggerate the way the light
hits the water. Photography is always fun, but it’s not an
easy career to step into. The key is to find people who
appreciate your photos and then word of mouth will
ensure that they are recognised elsewhere. I would say
that if photography is something that you are interested
in and you could see yourself having a career in it, then
pursue it and don’t stop pushing until you make it.
14 voxxonline.com
By Chloe Marshall
Confidence is a struggle. Where does it
come from? How do you get it?
Looking through a camera lens gives you
the opportunity to experience things without
being an active participant. You are on the
outside looking in and that suits you perfectly.
You have the ability to be as involved in a
situation as you wish, thanks to the camera.
Each small step you take allows you to be one
step closer to feeling comfortable.
You have something in your hand that gives
you a purpose for being there, a way to keep
your hands and mind active. The situation
you are in becomes less daunting while
looking through the lens. You get to witness
that the potential scenarios your brain has
thought up don’t happen. All those ‘what ifs’
become insignificant as you realise you are
happy being there. Your anxiety fades when
you are focusing on something other than the
people, the place or the situation. You see the
familiarity of faces and you quietly observe.
You get to go home at the end of the day and
tell yourself that ‘you did it’. ‘I can’t’ becomes
‘I can’ and you feel that despite all the bad
days, you are going to be okay.
You feel the hope that one day your small
steps will build enough stepping stones for
you to walk across and join in. It is a hope
that does not fade, it is a definite. The only
thing you need to do is continue it. Allow bad
days to happen, they happen to everyone.
Have days of rest, days of peace. Allow
yourself to be selfish and take a day that is
just for you. Those small steps will always
continue, as long as you do.
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VOXX
The Grey Lady
By Michael Wheldon
Johan brought the incense and the oil. He checked to make sure he still had the salt and the
lighter in his pocket. He set the various components out on the lakeside. There was a highway
nearby but it was too late, even for late night traffic. She would arrive soon. The Grey Lady. The
Ghost of the Lake.
He hoped that it would work. He didn't know if it actually would. Internet exorcism rituals
weren't always reliable. The ghost though, she was real enough. To make matters worse it was in
her image. Why did it have to be her?
The “her” in question was Sadie Middle, 20 years old, blonde hair. She disappeared six months
ago. Two months later her ghost appeared at the lake. The disappearance was quite high profile,
but the ghost had so far remained secret, but the question was for how long?
An ethereal voice called out from the lake. “Johan....... Johan.....”
He spoke back. “I'm here love. I'm always here.”
He set out the incense sticks in a pattern on the ground. A white, glowing figure appeared
above the lake, hovering several inches above the surface.
“Why, Johan? Why?”
He followed up with the salt. He lit the sticks one by one and let them burn. The smell filled the
air. It was a nice smell.
Lastly he poured out the oil between the candles and chanted a verse in Latin.
“Why......? Why.......? Why........?”
He was sorry. Yet, he couldn't let her roam about. She was getting too noisy.
“I did not cheat.... Johan....”
“You lying.... little....! Even in death you lie to me! Some girlfriend you were!”
He paused a moment. His outburst meant that he had to start the chant from scratch. He
started again, and this time made a conscious effort to block it out. He had heard it all before.
Even so, he couldn't understand it. She was having an affair, she had to be. She always said she
was working late hours; her workers always backed her up. He knew it in his heart though. So he
confronted her six months ago, that night at the lake. It was their favourite hangout spot. Nothing
too suspicious would have crossed her mind.
He didn't plan to murder her, just give her a piece of his mind. Things didn't go to plan. She
played innocent, even then. They argued. He pushed and she fell straight into the lake. She
couldn't swim. A few months later she came as a ghost, leading him to his current predicament.
He had to get rid of her before the story got out to someone of importance. Someone with a
camera and the right connections with the press. She would be a tourist attraction and sooner
or later people would ask questions. Where did she come from? How did she die? His friends
wouldn't stay ignorant forever. He'd be screwed. Her last act of revenge.
“Why.... Johan... why...?”
It didn't work. She floated in the air above the water same as before. He pronounced every
word of the chant with utmost precision and the incense and salt was all set out in correct
pattern. Maybe it had been a dud after all.
He spoke with a grin. “I'll be back for you, love.”
He would have to come back tomorrow night with a different ritual.
A few minutes down the road he saw what appeared to be a flash. A trick of the light? Or a late
night walker catching their first images of the ghost? Maybe his entire endeavour was foolish.
Perhaps the night belonged not to him, but to The Grey Lady.
16 voxxonline.com
VOXX
Meet
motor
racing's
brolly
dollies
Words and photos
by Leanne Pennell
VOXX
VOXX
One story that still makes me laugh now
is that in 2012 I was on my KX being taught
how to ride it better on a friend’s land. I
was following him and accidently slipped
and twisted the throttle instead of pulling
the brake. I went up this jump about 12ft
in the air, which was awesome for what its
worth. However, I didn’t know how to land
so I went with a bit of a splat and I ended up
with a black eye, bruises on my chest and I
damaged my wrist, although I just shook it off
and carried on riding. I was going to Cadwell
that weekend brollying for BSB and I ended
up having to go on pole position with Keith
Farmer. I was wearing flat shoes, had the team
top on and I had my hair and makeup done
but I couldn’t hide this black eye. It started to
rain and everyone was changing their tyres on
the grid, ready for a wet race. The Eurosport
camera then spent a good five minutes focused
on Keith and me with my nice black eye and
scruffy flats shoes on. I was so gutted but it
didn’t matter in the end as it all worked out for
the best, but that’s a funny story to think back
on.
– Emily Sangwin
18 voxxonline.com
voxxonline.com 19
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VOXX
There are tons of funny stories working as a brolly
dolly, but I could probably pick out three of my
favourites. Pitwalk usually starts really early in the
morning so I would normally take my breakfast with
me because it was the easiest thing to do in the
situation and I’ve often been told that a promotional
girl in lycra, eating a sausage bap, doesn’t look right
apparently. I’ve not quite figured out why but it made
me giggle. One of my funniest moments was when
I ripped a massive hole in my lycra as I was trying to
squeeze past a scooter outside our awning. This is
the kind of thing that happens when you’re a grid girl
and you don’t mind getting your hands dirty with the
mechanics. The last thing that makes me laugh is the
cheesy pick up lines that men give us everyday such as
“this will make the wife jealous,” “I’m in heaven,” “I’ll
stand here for as long as you like” or “take your time
taking the photo.” We hear all sorts in this job and it’s
a constant laugh, I wouldn’t enjoy anything else half as
much as I enjoy this.
- Georgia Rhiannon Day
20 voxxonline.com
I think the funniest story I have is perhaps from the
first year I was a promotional girl. I got a surprise call
for a very last minute interview at Ducati and I’d gone
to MotoGP as a huge Rossi fan, who was on a Yamaha.
I had my nails painted with VR46 on them and I was
wearing a Yamaha top and the lot. I’d been noticed in
the paddock, being nearly 6ft tall and at the time had
very long blonde hair, so I guess I stand out a bit. I got
the call for the interview at Ducati and I had to swap
tops with my friend, I don’t think going in wearing
a Yamaha top would have been a great idea, and I
headed there for the interview. Amazingly I got the job,
although I obviously had to repaint my nails too. As I
was there as a fan, and not to work, I was camping, well
staying in my car as it turned out because my tent got
trashed. I think I’m probably the only grid girl to this
day to roll out of the campsite and on to the grid! The
mechanics from the team still take the micky out of me
to this day for wearing my Yamaha top the day before
I started working for Ducati. I have, of course, since
invested in a Ducati top or two. It still remains as one
of the funniest and best weekends ever. All the hilarity
aside, being on the MotoGP grid for a British rider at
the British GP is something I never thought that I’d be
lucky enough to do.
– Krysta Moody
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Race Day
“The build up, the atmosphere and the competition
are what make the anticipated races worthwhile.”
Words and photos by Leanne
Pennell
Leanne with her dad’s race bike.
“You can’t
love the
death, you
can’t love
the loss.”
22 voxxonline.com
The smell of petrol, the sound of engines
revving and the view of thousands of
spectators in the perimeter can only mean
one thing. Today is race day. The build up, the
atmosphere and the competition are what
make the anticipated races worthwhile. We
laugh, cry, cheer and jeer, and all the while
we hold our reputation as a community and
possibly even a family.
The feeling you get when the rider you’re
supporting goes all out, taking the top step
on the podium, is incredible. I know for me
personally, no feeling can ever come close to
that. On the other hand, no feeling can ever
come close to the heartbreak and devastation
when your rider doesn’t make the cut or even
worse, has an accident.
Unfortunately accidents do happen and
people get hurt. I have been a fan since being
around six years old and I have attended race
meetings every year for the past 13 years. In
that time there have been too many riders
to recall who have been injured or lost their
lives to the sport I know and love. The main
death I remember was Marco Simoncelli’s in
the MotoGP class in 2011. Two riders collided
with Simoncelli causing injuries, which he later
succumbed to. This was an incident that shook
the biking world and one we will never forget.
But as a brave lady, Bridget Dobbs, whose
husband was killed at the TT in 2010, once said:
“You can’t love the death, you can’t love the
loss, but you can’t love the excitement and the
thrill without knowing that that’s part of it.”
Race day is something my dad took his little girl
to when she was too young to remember; little
did he know it would become a part of me and
would be something I planned to pursue in the
future. I wouldn’t give it up for the world.
“We hold our reputation as a community and possibly even a family.”
voxxonline.com 23
Avoiding tourist traps
VOXX
There's more to the world than meets the eye
By Victoria Hydes
When I talk about successful travelling and
avoiding the most touristy destinations, it’s easy
to get swept up in the larger picture, dreaming
of exotic locations in the middle of nowhere.
But for those who are slightly less adventurous,
there are still ways you can veer away from the
track and discover things you might not have
read about online.
Theatre is a fantastic medium to engage with,
and when you think of London you might have
expectations of the large West End theatres with
their bustling crowds and dazzling lights, and
while this is where all the big productions are
performed, there’s actually more to theatre than
a spellbinding musical extravaganza.
When I last visited London over Easter, I got to
experience another side of this world. Heading
down the South Bank all the way to the end of
the Bakerloo Line, we arrived at the Southwark
Playhouse, a quirky little building where we
would see a play called Luce. Production value
was low, but this actually added to the overall
effect.
The room we sat in was tiny and the stage
was simply a vacant square of carpet with a
single table. With a total of five cast members
who worked their way in and out of the crowds,
it was a very intimate performance, and I
became so immersed that this one table was
transformed into a number of different scenes
without me hardly even realising it. Because
the actors were pretty much in amongst the
audience, it also made you feel as though you
were there, which was fascinating.
I regularly visit the Caxton Theatre in Grimsby,
yet this place was even smaller than that. It goes
to show that it’s the actors that make a show,
and that while the West End is all well and good,
if you’re looking for something a little different,
18 voxxonline.com
don’t be afraid to think outside of the box either
and do a bit of extra research or just wander
until you find somewhere. Remember, bigger
isn’t always necessarily better.
When you look at the larger picture, this same
principle could be said for plenty of different
things. While in London we also visited several
art galleries, one being the Gagosian up near
King’s Cross. It’s largely down to personal taste,
but I found this to be a much more enjoyable
experience than shuffling round the National
Gallery in Trafalgar Square, following tour
groups.
Being a tourist is great and all the main staples
of a place are definitely worth visiting and
experiencing once, but always remember that
there’s a lot more to any destination in the UK
or abroad than meets the eye, and it’s in these
quiet corners where you’ll really have a chance
to live like you belong there.
voxxonline.com 25
VOXX
Eddie the Eagle
Eddie the Eagle is
a full 1 hour and 45
minutes of pure feelgood entertainment.
If you don’t come
out after seeing that
film with a big grin on
your face then there’s
something wrong.
The film, as suggested
by its title, is based
on the true story
of Michael ‘Eddie’
Edwards. Eddie always
dreamed of becoming
an Olympic star, so
when he was cut from
the Olympic Ski Team,
he took a leap of faith
and travelled over to
Germany to test his
skills at ski jumping.
One thing that the
film, and lead actor
Taron Egerton, puts
across incredibly well,
is how much sheer
determination and
willpower that Eddie
had. Seeing him suffer
fallback after fallback
but keep getting up,
metaphorically and
literally, is extremely
admiring. This was a
young man who pushed
towards his dream
with a huge amount of
ambition- something for
us all to take note of.
Hugh Jackman played
the part of Eddie’s
coach, a former ski-
26 voxxonline.com
VOXX
jumper who turned to
alcohol when he was
cut from the team, and
although Jackman’s part
of Bronson Peary was
fictitious, the comic,
yet loving, relationship
between Eddie and
Peary was one of the
best elements of the
film. However, I did
find knowing that
Bronson Peary did not
actually exist hindered
my enjoyment, if only
slightly, as it took away
from the authentic feel
of the film. But, despite
this, I still greatly
enjoyed Jackman’s
performance and
without his character,
the film would perhaps
feel lacking.
This is a film about
someone achieving their
dream, and proving all
those who doubted him
wrong. Seeing Eddie rise
above those who put
him down is extremely
satisfying, and while
waiting for him to make
that final jump, the
whole cinema tensed
up, even if they knew
the outcome.
If you fancy a film
that’ll make you smile,
and maybe even cry
with happiness, then
this is definitely worth a
watch!
THE BOY
When The Boy begins, it is easy to be
sceptical at seeing a pretty young woman,
Greta (Lauren Cohen aka. Maggie from
the Walking Dead), travelling to a lonely
old mansion for a job, but in actual fact
this was a rather interesting story. Aside
from porcelain doll Brahms, whom she’d
been sent to nanny for, being positively
spine-chilling, the character development
was also an asset. Greta starts out with the
expected attitude of thinking the whole
idea that a doll can be a real person is
ridiculous, but as time goes on and strange
things begin to occur she soon begins to
realise that perhaps all isn’t what it seems
after all. It’s hard to call this film a horror
as it has very few tense shock moments
and runs reasonably slowly until the final
act, but despite this, it’s still plenty creepy
and mysterious enough, and best of all
it ends with a great twist on the classic
spiritual possession tale.
voxxonline.com 27
21
VOXX
VOXX Column
Judged by
Society!
So many people want me dead.
I can see that just by their rolling
eyes. It’s not my fault I have a
one and a half year old teenager.
He’s screaming. He’s fighting my
hold. Whilst my mother casually
purchases floor cleaner. Pretending
she isn’t with me. I scowl at her. To
everyone’s horror I nearly drop my
son. I battle to keep him away from
the shelves. It’s my turn to roll my
eyes. He’s basically Hulk Hogan.
I decide to leave the store. It’s
my safest option. Diego begins
to calm down. I’m thrilled with
my fantastic parenting decision.
Boneata 1 – judgmental, probably
childless strangers Nil.
A lady approaches me. Probably
full of pity for the struggling
parent, she gives her biggest smile
towards Diego and says “aren’t you
absolutely lovely?” I panic. Well I
try to panic but I hardly even have
a second to initialize my panicking
before my son begins to shake his
head hysterically and shouts “No!”
Repeatedly in her face. Fantastic.
Home time.
At 8pm I had finally put cherub
into bed and crawled into my own.
Curse the clocks going forward.
Absolute nightmare… Then forty
minutes after I had fallen asleep I
was awoken by a vomiting bug.
I kept up my inner fight by
concentrating on the huge amount
of chocolate I could eat without
worrying about weight gain once
this was over. Productive month...
I also quit the gym. Because who
needs a gym at Easter?
Anyway most importantly, I want
other mom’s to realize that it is
hard. Despite what some would
have you believe. Also gentlemen,
buy her chocolate. Scientifically
it releases serotonin - a natural
anti-depressant that will help those
hard days! Sometimes, we even
quit the gym so we have extra time
to eat it!
Boneata Bell x
28 voxxonline.com
VOXX
BEING
CONFIDENT
IN HOW
YOU LOOK
By Aaron Hancock
Self confidence is a big problem
nowadays because it’s almost as if you
need to look good to get a job, be in a
relationship or many other aspects of
life. I hate how I look physically. I am tall,
which can be an advantage but at the
end of the day, who cares? None of us
had the chance to choose how we look.
But, there are ways that you can feel
more confident. Although, I believe that
everyone is beautiful. Those who say you
aren’t beautiful are the people who have
an ugly heart, so you’re already more
beautiful than them. Personally, I’d rather
have all sorts of conditions than to not
have a heart. What I do to counteract the
non-confidence feeling is to dress to my
advantage. It goes a long way to know that
you have the style that you want, and in
turn that will give you more confidence.
Even if people stare at you for the way
you’ve chosen to dress, at least you’re
being noticed. So my advice would be to
put your headphones in and rock ‘n’ roll.
You’re beautiful the way you are, and if
anyone says different then just ignore it
and know you’re happy in your own body
and your chosen clothes.
Want to see your advert in our magazine? We offer a range of sizes and
deals at competitive prices and it could be just the push you need for your
business or event to really thrive.
Contact our sales team on 01472 240440 or email [email protected]
for our full media package and details on how you can get involved.
voxxonline.com 39
VOXX
LOCAL MUSICIAN
PROFILE
Jez O'kane
Jez O’kane, local acoustic singer/songwriter, has been
gigging around Cleethorpes and Grimsby since he was
a teen, going from playing guitar and bass in rock bands
when he was younger, to becoming a solo swing act.
We had a chat with Jez to get an idea of what gigging
locally is like, but to start with we wanted to know what
got him into music from the beginning: ‘Really, I just felt
like I had it in me’, but as a shy teenager he let his doubts
get to him, and thought maybe it would be too difficult to
get into. This all changed when Status Quo came around,
a band that just didn’t care about anything except the
music. Seeing these on Top of the Pops, Jez decided he
wanted a bit of that fun, and this is what influenced him
to play in band after band in his late teens and early
twenties, gigging all over the country and having the time
of his life.
Then life got in the way of his music, and Jez took a
break away from music for around six years. When asked
what it was like getting back into playing, he said: ‘six
years couldn’t wait’. Jez got back into playing by saying
‘yes’ to a one-off gig, but he got hooked, and ‘400-odd
gigs later, it was obviously never meant to be just a oneoff’.
Jez’s inspiration is swing and jazz; singers such as Dean
Martin, Frank Sinatra, but he also incorporates a bit of
country and upbeat rock into his set. He writes all his own
material, and takes most of his inspiration for songs from
real life.
Keep an eye out for him at: Mucky Muldoons, Bar
Babylon, The Punch Bowl, The Tin Jug, The Spider’s Web,
and any local festivals, and he is currently recording some
material.
Or if you’re interested in Jez playing at a private
function, give him an email on: jezokane333@yahoo.
co.uk. Jez is also keen to get a small band behind him in
the near future, so if this is something that might be up
your street, let him know.
30 voxxonline.com
voxx meets
VOXX
sunset
sons
So guys, you’ve just done the biggest headline
gig you’ve done so far, how’re you feeling?
Rory: I’m really excited. I normally get really
nervous, I probably will in about an hour or so,
but at the moment I’m buzzing. The sound check
was good, so yeah!
And, before this point, which would you say has
been your biggest ‘wow!’ moment so far?
Robin: Well, last time we were in Manchester
was with Imagine Dragons, and everyone got
their cameras out, and in such a big arena it just
looked incredible. Pete: It’s a really eerie light
too, it’s like this blue light, and it just felt really
surreal.
Jed: I think Glastonbury for me was when I
realised things were starting to get a bit bigger
for us.
Speaking of festivals, you’ve played quite a lot
over the last year. Which would you say was the
best one to play?
Jed: Yeah, we played like 25! Looads.
Glastonbury was my favourite- it’s just one of
them things that when you’re in a band and you
want to tick off the boxes, it’s pretty much the
top of the list isn’t it?
Robin: Yeah, Glastonbury was mine too.
Rory: Reading/Leeds- there’s something about
that place that I love, it’s a winner. And when we
did it the first year, like two years ago, no one
voxxonline.com 31
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VOXX
knew us and we still got a really good crowd,
then we packed out both tents last year!
Pete: Yeah, when we came to have a walk
around on stage early in the day, the whole
tent was full and there were people spilling
out of both doors!
That’s an incredible turnout. What would
you say has been your best fan reaction so
far?
Rory/Leon: that was bonkers.
Pete: That was with Imagine Dragons, and
that crowd was mad. You could do anything;
I just walked out and raised my hand slightly,
and everyone went crazy! Jed: We didn’t
really realise how big it was, but then after
we came out, we found out it was like 17,000,
which was weird because when it’s a crowd
that big it’s almost like you’re at a football
match, like you can hear the chanting starting
in one corner of the room and it kind of
reverberates around the stadium. Pete: When
we first got there we thought they’d built it
wrong, because the back of the stadium was
so far away, and we were just like eh?!, not
realising how many people were going to fill
it.
So you said that the tour with Imagine
Dragons was a really big thing for you.
Would you say that they really helped you
on your way to making it big?
All: Yeah, definitely.
Pete: It’s just playing to that many people.
Robin: Yeah, like Dan gave us a few mentions.
In fact, I think the last one of the first leg of
that tour, he like carried on talking about us
for a good few minutes.
And, back to the beginning, where did your
name ‘Sunset Sons’ come from?
Robin: It came from this chair *pointing at
Jed*. Straight out of his brain.
Jed: At the time we had kind of two bands;
32 voxxonline.com
we were like doing another thing just to make
money, just so we could stick together. Then
I just thought once we started this project,
and once we started writing, we should really
differentiate between the two: one is the
proper band, one just as a laugh to make
some money. I thought Sunset sounded quite
cool just because of where we live, down in
South West France, and then just thought
of loads of different names, like tried some
alliteration with Sons, and I told the boys and
they were like, ‘nah’.
Rory: It’s taken me ages to get to like that
name, because the bands I listen to are like,
The Black Keys, Queens of the Stone Age,
and I love those kinds of names. They sound
a bit more dangerous, and I was like Sunset
Sons?! Then someone was like, ‘right, do
you want someone to come to your gig, and
you’re called The Black Rebel or something,
and then they think, well this music is pretty
tame, or do you want people to go along to
see Sunset Sons and get this fucking crazy
wall of noise and they’re like, these guys kick
ass! I quite like that.
You mentioned that you’re all living in
France right now, so how did you guys all
find yourselves there?
Rory: Well I ran away. I was living a normal life
in Salisbury, and I went out on a ‘school night’
with a couple of mates, and got pretty drunk.
Then they were like, ‘Why don’t you go to
France?’, and I was like, ‘Yeah, why don’t I just
go to France!?’ It was very impulsive, but I’d
done a year in Australia, and I wanted to do
something again, and I just wanted to take a
bit of a risk. I was crapping it a bit because I
didn’t know anyone, but it’s paid off.
Jed: Where we live is like a little surf-mecca,
and if you know anything about surfing, it’s
kind of the capital of surfing, and I was there
because I was teaching surfing. I’d been
travelling around for a few years in various
different places, and one of the guys that I’d
met while I’d been travelling had opened a
bar, and when I got to Hossegor, I went to this
bar, and Rory was doing a gig. Then we just
got chatting afterwards, and I’d been in a few
bands before and had kind of left that sort
of thing to do some teaching and travelling,
and just chilling out a bit. Then I met Rory and
thought, I quite fancy doing that again.
Pete: And I was there as well because the guy
who owns the bar is my cousin, so I was just
there hanging out, doing a bit of surfing. And
Rob was a friend of the head chef.
Robin: I’ll speak for myself Pete!
Pete: I thought I’d give you this story off
mate.
Jed: So basically, we met in a pub in the South
of France by the beach.
And so do you still get time to do much
surfing then guys? This being something you
all enjoy doing?
Pete: We’ve actually just had a couple of
weeks back home with some good waves
before we came out on tour, which was nice.
Rory: But I couldn’t surf, I had a bad wrist!
Jed: The very first tour that we did in the UK,
we didn’t play any cities- we just played all
the little towns around the coast where we
knew people and we had mates because we
didn’t know anyone in the cities really.
Pete: There was some really good surf too.
So is surfing something that’s a nice, chilled
break from the craziness of touring?
Rory: Yeah, we were actually talking to
someone yesterday about when we go back
to France. It’s very different to being on tour,
like it’s tiny, and in winter there’s no one
there. It’s where we all feel comfortable, it’s
where we all met, it’s where we all started
writing, and like we go back there to sort of
clear our heads, get in the water. It’s funny,
like the last time we went back, I did go in
once before I decided to completely destroy
my wrist, and all our mates were out, so we
had a bit of a catch-up on the water. And
they just see us as their mates; they’re not
massaging our egos.
So, the new album’s out now. What sort of
vibe were you going for?
Jed: I think it’s just a really fair representation
of us. It’s like coming to a gig. It’s got like a
whole range of tunes, whatever they are.
Like, if you listen to the whole record from
start to finish, you’d think like, I really know
this band now. There’s all sorts of stuff,
there’s like some party songs, some nostalgia,
some love songs on it, just all the stuff we
like.
voxxonline.com 33
VOXX
VOXX
THE
GIG
REVIEW
02 Ritz, Manchester, 26/03/2015
After an interview about festivals, fans, and
France, the VOXX team was super pumped
for Sunset Sons biggest gig yet, at The O2 Ritz
in Manchester. With a packed out crowd, the
atmosphere was buzzing before the show,
and it was obvious that every person there
was a massive fan.
The first support band, King No-One,
jumped onto the stage, and with their quirky,
David Bowie-esque vibe, they had something
unique which made them really mesmerising
to watch. Lead singer Zach Lount, clad in
white jeans, an open shirt and a heart drawn
on his chest, was a real stage-man and
charmed the crowd with his incredible vocals
and laid-back, yet intriguing, attitude. Highly
versatile and a talented live band, they are
one to keep your eyes out for at this year’s
festivals.
Louis Berry and his band came to warm
up the crowd for Sunset Sons, and with their
indie rock/country style, really got the crowd
going. Absolutely full of energy and singing
with a country twang, Louis is an absolutely
brilliant live act, with fast-paced songs filled
with attitude like 25 reasons and 45, to more
chilled out tracks like ‘Restless’, which
showcases Louis’ song-writing talent.
Then the act everyone had been waiting
for, Sunset Sons themselves, jumped onto the
stage, filled with so much pure vitality, lifting
the crowd with their upbeat, full-throttle
24 voxxonline.com
34
sound. Rory’s vocals are just as incredible live
as they are on their tracks, and his unique,
raspy voice really sets these guys apart from
other bands like them. But the talent of the
rest of Sunset Sons cannot be ignored- this
is a band which is clearly well-seasoned in
live performance, and every lick of the guitar,
every bang on the drum, was absolutely spot
on, making for a tight, explosive sound. This
is a band which is confident in what they do,
and the passion they feel for their music is
massive.
The set mixed some fan-favourites, such
as ‘Remember’ and ‘She Wants’, with some
brand new tracks from the album, like their
newly released single ‘Somewhere Maybe’,
and something that Sunset Sons manage
to do with each of their tracks is match
powerful, uplifting choruses, with lyrics that
are packed with raw emotion. The band were
clearly having such a great time, which was
super infectious, and this was made even
more clear from their chat between songs, as
they expressed how overwhelmed they felt
to be headlining at the O2 Ritz, with such a
packed out crowd. Enjoying their set so much,
they stayed on at the end for a few more playing fast-paced, anthemic songs like ‘On
the Road’, which was an absolute highlight for
me. After seeing these guys live, and getting a
taste of their new material, I am certain that
this is going to be a big year for them!
voxxonline.com 35
VOXX
little green cars
Adam ORegan spills details about new album ephemera
By Nathan Smith
First of all, how are you? Where in the world
are you speaking from?
I’m good. I’m speaking to you from my home
in Dublin.
Your new album Ephemera was recently
released (congratulations!) What was the
main idea behind creating it?
We went through a lot together after the
release of Absolute Zero and this album is
an account of those times. Ephemera, to
me, means the passing of time, the fading of
light and the beauty of a moment. The songs
we’ve written for this record try to confront
some big truths head on. Sometimes the
truth is frightening, sometimes it disappoints
you and sometimes it only inspires more
questions. But it is only by confronting it that
you can begin to decipher its meaning and
grow.
You’ve recently announced you will be
playing this year’s Latitude, how do you feel
these new tracks are going to go down at a
festival?
Time will tell... We’re very excited to find out!
Some songs, such as ‘Easier Day’ and ’The
Party’, have been road tested already and
have gone down very well.
You’re also playing Dot to Dot which features
very different acts to Latitude, will you have
to change the performance?
No. We’re a live band first and foremost and
there’s really nowhere in the world we’d
rather be than together playing music. We
put it all out there when we perform live and
I think that resonates with people, no matter
where you are.
What are your favourite tracks?
Do you ever write songs for venues? Or is
there always a main focus on the meaning of
the song?
I’m not sure I could pick a favourite. They all
mean so much to me for different reasons.
One song that is very close to my heart is
‘Brother’. In 2012, shortly before the release
of our debut album Absolute Zero, my father
Hugh died suddenly at age of 49. Everyone
deals with grief differently, but my younger
brother had a particularly difficult time
dealing. I wrote this song for him.
There is no formula to how we make music.
Every new song is an a new journey. There is
one thing that dictates our decision making
in Little Green Cars, and that's the song!
Whatever is at the heart of the lyric is what
drives us in our pursuit of the music. We
listen to it and it tells us where to go. If there
is one thing these past 3 years has taught us,
it’s how to be better listeners.
36 voxxonline.com
VOXX
Little Green Cars sound is known for male
and female harmonies. What made you guys
decide on two vocals rather than one? And
why both in the same tracks and not just
alternate?
It’s simple. There are two chief songwriters
- Stevie and Faye. Whoever’s voice you hear
singing the song is the one who wrote it.
I see on your YouTube page you’ve had 3
days of teasers for the video for new track
‘Easier Day’, when will it finally be released,
what was it like filming the video (in Tokyo,
dare I say…?) and does it personify the
message ‘it gets better’ heard in the track?
It’s online now! The video was inspired by
Faye’s opening lyric “I’ve been away for a long
time” and portrays a girl who has uprooted
her life and moved away to Tokyo, Japan. It
was important to us that her story was never
fully disclosed but only hinted at through a
series of dramatic shots. The entire video
was shot over the course of 3 days. We tried
to show a very real side of the city, as we
wanted to create a believable sense of life. I
was delighted to be able to direct the video
myself with the help of my good friend Hugh
O’Conor and we had an absolutely amazing
time making it!
With the album coming out is it full
steam ahead for promoting and playing
gigs and festivals or can you guys relax a
bit now? What’s you plan for the rest of
the year, and 2017?
We have a big North American tour
coming in March/April/May, then we’ll
be hitting Europe and the UK. It will be a
busy year for sure. On top of that, we’re
always writing and have begun work on
our next record..
The Guardian (back in 2012) commented
on the image of Little Green Cars - is this
something you felt was a problem for you
guys, did you take it on board or does that
type of thing not bother you too much?
It doesn’t bother us. We’ve always dressed
however we wanted. We were all 19 when
we signed to Glassnote Records and, like
all young people, there’s bound to be a few
fashion faux pas before you find your style.
But you get there! What matters to us most is
the music.
Tonight you’ve got your live album launch
at Tower Records - how much of the new
album will you be playing, will they be
accurate representations of the tracks or will
they be acoustic versions?
We're playing five new songs. It’s a small
room, so they will be slightly stripped back.
How are you feeling ahead of speaking to
Paul Kimmage?
A little nervous. But very much looking
forward to it. We’re big fans.
And finally, 3 words to describe Ephemera?
Honest, patient, hopeful.
VOXX
Hunna's new single and tour
Having established themselves
as one of the hottest emerging acts
on the planet, The Hunna celebrate
signing with leading US independent
record label 300 Entertainment by
releasing their brand new single ‘You
& Me (Hunna Tree)’.
The band’s boldest statement
to date, it is the kind of highoctane anthem that is set to move
audiences around the globe this
summer.
Off the back of their debut
release ‘Bonfire ‘/ ‘She’s Casual’ The
Hunna had sold-out three nights
at London’s Boston Music Rooms,
something no artist had previously
achieved. By their second single,
‘We Could Be’, The Hunna were
making waves globally via the iTunes
and Spotify Viral charts and had
sold-out their debut headline UK
Tour as well as shows in Amsterdam,
Paris and Berlin.
Looking ahead to a full throttle
summer that includes an even
bigger headline UK tour, The Hunna
will also make their maiden voyage
to North America, with a date at
New York’s prestigious Mercury
Lounge which will be followed by a
headline tour.
Vinnie Caruana
Land Lovers announce
new album
announces survivor's guilt
Irish dream-indie-pop band Land Lovers have
announced the release of their brand new album,
The Rooks Have Returned, out 16 May on Popical
Island, and shared first single taken from the
album, ‘Angeline.’
‘Angeline’ is a jangly, ‘50s inspired anthem
accompanied by shuffling drums, nodding to
vintage northern indie. The song reminisces from
the perspective of an older man, looking back on
38 voxxonline.com
his youth and recalling ‘the one that got away’.
Having started life as the solo project of
Padraig Cooney, releasing the album Romance
Romance, Land Lovers became a 5-piece band
for the Immovable Feet EP and the acclaimed
Confidants LP. In the gap between that album and
The Rooks Have Returned, the band collaborated
with Limerick’s Choice Prize-nominated Windings
on a split LP.
Stella Diana
release new
material
Stella Diana is back with
new single ‘Dedu’n’ from
their forthcoming Nitocris LP.
The album will be released
on April 29 through Italian
label Vipchoyo Sound
Factory.
In this track, Stella Diana
offers a darker sound than
usual. Like each song on
the new album, it is heavily
rhythmic, presents at fusion
of shoegaze stylings with
80’s new wave, similar to
the sound of Echo and
the Bunnymen or The
Chameleons, taking the
listener to obscure lands full
of atmosphere.
The new single and
forthcoming LP follows up
the band’s recent Alhena
EP, released in 2015 by both
British and Italian labels and
ranked among the ‘Best of
2015’ on numerous blogger
lists.
The
Music
Room
VOXX
What’s hot in the world of music
right now
Oscar hotting up this summer
Ahead of the release of his
debut LP Cut and Paste on May
13, North Londoner Oscar teases
us with yet another track from
his considerable arsenal of pop
gems via brand new single ‘Good
Things’.
Contrasting with the fizzing
pop buzz of previous 45s
‘Sometimes’ and the low-slung
swagger of ‘Breaking My Phone’,
‘Good Things’ shows yet another
side to Oscar: softer, sweeter,
but no less infectious.
Launching in the past 24hrs
as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record
in the World on BBC Radio 1,
it’s just another reason why
Oscar is set to be one of the
brightest new stars in the British
music firmament, and why Cut
and Paste is undeniably going
to be one of the albums of the
summer.
And, in addition to his summer
festival slots, Oscar today
announces that he will hit the
road for an extensive headline
UK this autumn, kicking off in
Nottingham and including his
biggest London show yet. It’s not
to be missed!
voxxonline.com 39
31
Mustang
The Interview
VOXX
VOXX
Check out the boys on social media at:
Wearemustang_ on Instagram
Mustang on Facebook
_Mustangggg on Twitter
The boys have a gig at The Warehouse
coming up on April 23, May 6 at
Spider’s Web and check out their single
‘Paralysed’ on Youtube or Soundcloud.
Mustang is an all male, four-piece Indie band from
Grimsby, who formed in late 2015 when the lads sought
each other out by means of social media. Below is an
interview VOXX’s Olivia Grimley had with the band.
So, how did you all meet
each other?
Album
Review
Mustang’s debut single is a
raw grime/indie track that starts
with a delicate intro on guitar
and hypnotic vocals performed
by the band’s lead singer Andy
Thompson, an edgy undertone
on bass by bassist Owen Peart,
adrenaline filled and electrifying
solo by Fraser Mcdonald on
guitar and tied together with
a powerful drum backing by
drummer Rob Brealy. Lyrics are
a hard hitting and passionate
story depicting love, loss and an
acceptance that one person can
40 voxxonline.com
cause another so much pain. So
much anger is encapsulated in
2 minutes 45 seconds, the kind
of anger you immerse yourself
and get lost in. The song,
although angry, has a poetic and
vulnerable quality that leaves
you feeling raw. Mustang are
definitely well on their way to
the top and it would be very
wise to keep an eye on these
boys and you can expect an
exciting, highly successful future
from such a dedicated group of
young men.
Rob: Andy and I went to
school together. I was
in a band before, then
Mustang’s drummer left
and they asked me.
Owen: I stalked Fraser’s
Instagram for about three
weeks then when he did
a cover, which was quite
good. I messaged him and
asked if he wanted to play.
He was up for it so we
played at my house for a
few weeks, did two songs,
and then invited Andy.
Rob: It was weird because
me, Andy and Fraser were
in a group chat already
talking about starting a
band, then Mustang was
formed.
When did you actually
decide to become
‘Mustang’?
Owen: It was at the first
practice when we heard
Andy sing ‘Robbers’, that’s
when we decided it was
going to work. We were all
just smiling.
Andy: Because I lived away
at the time it was really
delayed, it was just a case
of when we could meet
up and play. We actually
formed the band a month
or two after the idea came
about.
What image do you think
your music conveys?
Owen: I’d say freedom, as
in people have their own
choice on everything.
Rob: I don’t think it really
matters. If people come to
our gigs and sing and dance,
then I don’t think it matters
what message you give, you
just go with it.
Owen: Even if we’re
rubbish, just enjoy it.
Who are your main musical
inspirations?
Fraser: Queen.
Rob: Man in the mirror.
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Owen: It kind of changes depending on who
you’re listening to at the time. At the minute I’m
really into Peace so mine would be that. Last week
it was Blossoms.
Rob: I’m really into Catfish and the Bottlemen
at the minute. To be fair it depends who Andy’s
listening to because it’s mainly him that writes the
songs.
Owen: Mine was Fraser crowd surfing at the house
gig.
Andy: I’d say the house gig on a whole was one of
our proudest moments.
Rob: We started playing ‘Paralysed’ and people
were singing it back to us. We played it once
previously and put a video on Facebook so people
must have listened to it to learn it.
So you mainly write the songs Andy?
What’s your favourite place you’ve performed?
Why do you want to record and release your
own music?
Andy: I create a basic melody for them, then me
and Fraser do the lyrics between us and we all just
kind of make our own parts to the song.
Fraser: We plant the seed and Rob and Owen grow
it and glue it together.
Owen: There’s a point where we all just play over
each other, I like that bit.
Andy/Rob: Fraser always plays over everyone, his
guitar’s too loud.
Fraser: Owen’s house.
Rob: To be fair that was pretty special.
Andy: We had a gig there and we were supposed
to have like 25 people turn up, then 70 plus
people turned up.
Andy: To change the world.
Fraser: We’re too late for that.
Owen: It’s just fun.
Fraser: Something to do on a Saturday isn’t it.
It gets you out of the house.
Owen, didn’t your house get ruined?
And what are your immediate goals?
Owen: No! The only thing that got broken was my
fault. I put my knee through my door when I tried
to open it.
Rob: It got to the point where you could open
Owen’s door both ways. If you felt like pushing it
you could push it, if you wanted to pull it, it was
up to you.
Owen: My mum still hasn’t noticed.
Owen: Get a van.
Rob: Maybe get to the stage where we can
play a few academy gigs, support a few
more people. We all want the blue tick on
Facebook as well.
Andy: I’d like to get to the position where I
can quit my job, not to be rich and famous,
just so we know the band is producing
enough money to live on, that’d be nice.
Has music been a passion for you all for a really
long time?
Rob: No, I just wanted to be a footballer. But I
can’t do anything else so here I am.
Owen: I can’t sing so I couldn’t be in One Direction
or anything.
Rob: I also wanted to be a guitarist or a singer.
Fraser: You can’t sing and you’re rubbish at guitar.
Rob: Yeah I’ve got to play drums haven’t I; I’m not
even that good at that.
How do you get gigs? Do you guys have a
manager?
Fraser: We didn’t but we do now.
Rob: I was in a band before called The Brookes. I
was in that for like a year and a half so I knew how
to book gigs. Then Jamie, who was the Brookes’
guitarist, left them and has now taken us under his
wing. He knows a lot of people so he can get us
gigs, which is helpful.
What would you say is your proudest
achievement musically?
Andy/Rob: Getting Fraser to remember his guitar
parts at practice.
42 voxxonline.com
What would be your dream place to play a gig?
Andy: Glastonbury
Rob: Owen’s house
Owen: Sydney Opera house.
Fraser: No on a serious note, it’s got to be
Glastonbury.
Rob: I think that’s every band’s aspiration.
Anywhere that’s dead dirty with loads of people.
Owen: Rob’s house, I want to play at Rob’s house.
Who decides the set list for a gig?
Andy: We only have like seven songs so the set list
doesn’t really change, ever.
Rob: The order is going to change but that’s about
it.
Do you prefer doing covers or your own music?
Fraser: Own stuff.
Owen: It depends on what song; ‘Pacifier’
(Catfish and the Bottlemen) is a good one.
Andy: I love doing Jolene.
Owen: Oh I hate Jolene.
Rob: When we played at Yardbirds we made
Fraser and Owen walk offstage when we
played it.
Finally, who do you see your fan base being?
Owen: My mum.
Andy: Owen’s mum is a big fan.
Rob: I keep getting people I’ve never met
before asking me for tickets. I don’t really
care who comes to the gigs, I just want
people to come. I don’t think people
necessarily have to like your music to come
and watch you. If you’re likeable lads and
you’re sociable, people can come and watch
your music regardless of whether it’s really
bad or really good.
We Are Scientists
Too Late
By Luke Goodhand
We Are Scientists' Latest Single "Too
Late" is a potent blend of Euphoric 80s
Synth Pop and early 90s Electronica.
Opening to pulsating bass smooth Synths
and punchy Pop Drums it's a chugging
mellow ride through the sounds and
minds of Keith Murray and Chris Cain.
It a feast for the ears and quickly pulls
on the heart strings with one of the
catchiest and most emotive choruses
I've heard in a while to quote the band
themselves "it's rock music for the
thoughtful". Images of the late Bowie
in his "Heroes" era Prime; sultry but
uplifting are hard to avoid.
Set to a surreal comedy video of stock
footage Bees, Lead Singer Keith Murray
floating down a street and a rather
alluring lady performing a "Tiger Dance";
this is a single of pure unadulterated fun.
The Video is a tongue in cheek
melodrama juxtaposed against a
sprawling eastern City Street it's a
strange mix but one that somehow
manages to work. The message both
visually and lyrically is of defiance
suggesting that the loss of the bees
(a recognised scientific concern for
mankind's future) can be reversed and
that nothing in life is without hope; like
they say "don't stop now, it's never too
late!".
Catchy hooks and melodic chorus
abounds. Too Late is a well produced
enjoyable Pop Track with little to find
fault with - it's just really very good!
Put next to previous more rocky release
"Buckle" upcoming release "Helter
Skelter" is promising a very interesting
musical adventure!
voxxonline.com 43
VOXX
VOXX
NOTABLE
BANDS OF THE MONTH | NOTABLE BANDS OF THE MONTH | NOTABLE BANDS OF THE MONTH
THE ECHOES
Local Grimsby band, The Echoes, will be
launching their debut album Years Gone By, on
21st April. They will be celebrating the album
launch with a chilled out acoustic night at The
Punch Bowl, on the evening of the launch at
7pm.
The creation of the album has been a long
process for the trio, but they all agree it’s been
a fun one. When asked about the vibe of the
album, singer Georgie said it’s all about: ‘Love,
heartbreak, and stalkers’, so an interesting mix
really. The album has an acoustic, singer/songwriter feel, with the odd rocky tune thrown
in, and guitarist Tom likened their sound to
Fleetwood Mac.
The three musicians, plus drummer George,
all met at College when they were put together
to work on various projects, and they got on so
well that they’ve stuck together since. But what
got them all into music? Seven-year-old Georgie
was at a friend’s birthday party when she
realised her passion for music, as she grabbed
the opportunity to take over the karaoke, and
belted out ‘Dancing Queen’: her first real go
at singing. Tom, Georgie’s fiancé of 1 ½ years,
picked up his passion for music through listening
to his dad play Meatloaf and other stars of the
time, and then when he heard Nirvana at eight
years old, his love for music became his life, and
it has been ever since. Piano player/singer Emily
has played the piano since she was five, and, like
Tom, her dad introduced her to music through
his love for all the 80s stars, like Peter Gabriel.
Then at College, Emily really found her passion
for writing music. Music is a huge part of all the
members’ lives, and sharing this passion means
that they’re best friends, as well
as band mates.
This dynamic works well for
them, and they all agree that
they bounce of off each other so
easily that it makes recordings
and rehearsals something fun
that they all look forward to they just see it as an opportunity
to catch up with their mates
- and song writing for them is a
collaborative process that they
all get involved in. Each song
on the album has been written
differently; some have been a
particular band mates’ idea that
they’ve then shown to the other
two, then some have spurred
from Tom just playing a few
chords, which have then sparked
the trio’s creativity. This was
the process that started both
Stalker and Cannonball, but this
time, Georgie and Emily wrote
different lyrics to the same tune,
then to distinguish the two- they
gave both songs a different key,
and changed their bridge chords,
along with making one slow, and
the other fast. The similarity, yet
clear difference, between these
songs adds a really interesting
element to the album, and with
influences such as Dave Grohl,
Stevie Ray Vaughan, Elton John
and David Gray, Years Gone By is
a real treat.
The Echoes are super excited
to share their material with
everyone, but this is only the
beginning for what they’ve got
planned, so if you’re interested
in following them, their
Facebook is ‘The Echoes’ and
if you give them a like, you can
keep updated with all their plans
and gigs!
34 voxxonline.com
NOTABLE
BANDS OF THE MONTH | NOTABLE BANDS OF THE MONTH | NOTABLE BANDS OF THE MONTH
MOUSES
After building a fierce
reputation off the back of
two DIY EPs, Mouses unleash
their début single ‘Poison’
with Sister nine Recordings
on May 6. A raucous three
minute blast of distorted
punk rock, ‘Poison’ was
recorded in a single
afternoon in the midst of
their début album recording
sessions in an attempt to
capture the raw energy of
their ferocious live shows.
Combining the infectious
melodies of an early Weezer,
the lo-fi fuzz of Ty Segall and
surrealist lyrics that call to
mind Stephen Malkmus at
his very weirdest, ‘Poison’
is a brilliantly quirky and
abrasive slice of garage pop.
At its lyrical core, ‘Poison’
deals with the difficulties of
social anxiety. Told from a
first person perspective, the
story follows a particularly
bad experience with drugs
when used to try and
combat anxiety. The verses
retell the experience through
the use of seemingly random
thoughts and vivid imagery
whilst the chorus expresses
an inner dilemma - realising
the dangers of relying on
drugs whilst not knowing
how to get by without them.
Mouses are guitarist and
vocalist Steven Bardgett
and drummer Nathan
Duff; a lo-fi garage rock
duo from the North East
of England renowned for
their raw and energetic
live performances and a
tendency for gig induced
self-destruction. Formed in
early 2014 as an antidote
to the manufactured pop
that continues to saturate
the mainstream, they are
determined to strip music
back to its primal self while
still displaying a love for
melodies and catchy hooks.
‘Poison’ will be released
digitally on May 6 and will be
available to download from
the S9 Shop along with most
other online music stores.
voxxonline.com 45
VOXX
My time with the HSYACF
VOXX
By John Glover
Last year’s winners Sophie Webb and Aaron Miall
Lincolnshire's Got Talent!
THE search is underway once more to discover
Lincolnshire’s greatest talent.
Whether you’re a singer, a comedian or
can teach a dog to juggle, now is your chance
to showcase your skills by taking part in
Lincolnshire’s Got Talent 2016.
The annual contest is being organised in
conjunction with our sister title, the Grimsby
Telegraph.
Lincolnshire’s Got Talent attracts a plethora of
varied talents from across the county, with this
year’s competition taking place over the course
of four heats in June and July.
They will be followed by two semi-finals,
before a winner is chosen in the grand final on
Thursday, August 11.
46 voxxonline.com
Last year’s popular contest saw entries from
everything including comedians, magicians and
singers.
This year, organisers are hoping to see an
even greater number of varied acts, as well as
unearthing some of Lincolnshire’s youngest
talent.
Organisers are currently looking into hosting
a single heat for those aged under 16 who want
to show off their talents on stage.
And with cash prizes available for first, second
and third place, this competition is never short
of entries.
Lincolnshire’s Got Talent is also popular with
a number of venues throughout Grimsby and
Cleethorpes, with most spaces already secured.
When I was 14 one of my friends had
recently joined the Waltham Army Cadet
Force and invited me along to see if I would
like it, as if no more people joined the
detachment would close down. So that
same night he came to collect me and we
walked down together and he told me a few
things that I would learn and start to do as I
progressed though the star levels. When we
arrived I was led to a corner of the building to
watch parade for the first time. There were
only about 12 cadets, including myself, in
Waltham. On my fourth night I went to my
first shooting at Westward Ho TA Barkress.
I was taught how to hold the rifle and the
commands that would be given. Because it
was my first time, I missed every shot.
I went on camps and my first was meant
to be at the best called Driffield (or Driffy).
We left at 7pm and got there at 9pm. We got
our rooms assigned and had to find our bags,
which was hard since we were with Grimsby
and Cleethorpes all on one coach, but we
all soon found our kit and headed off to our
One half of last year’s winner, Sophie Webb,
who stormed to victory in the competition with
singing partner Aaron Miall, has given her top
tips for this year’s batch of hopeful contestants.
She said: “Just be you, dress to impress and
give it everything that you have.
“It has given us the break we need. We
have been asked to gig at loads of places since
winning the show. The key is to not let nerves
get the better of you. If it goes wrong just carry
on.
“Our experience was just overwhelming. It
was tough and we had our doubts at times but
we kept going and got there in the end.
“Looking back now, I’m so pleased that we did
it. Our plan now is to get our music out there
rooms. On the first night we just stayed up
playing cheat and other stupid card games.
When we got up in the morning we were
still tired not only because of our card games
because it was only 6am and it was January
so we were all shivering because of the cold.
Breakfast was a full English, but there was
no black pudding because no one liked so
there was no point in cooking it. If you were
a vegetarian you could have cereal and. Then
we went to our own lessons, being it drill,
field craft or one of the others. After lessons
and tea on Saturday, we all clocked off, had
a shower and got changed into our normal
clothes ready for the disco or film, depending
on how hard we had worked that day. We all
wanted the disco, because we were all into
discos and it was just fun.
On the Sunday all we needed to do was to
pack, tidy and vacuum our rooms, which took
us until lunch. Then for the rest of the day,
after packing, we just sat outside listening to
someone’s iPod and chatting about random
stuff until 2pm when the buses came.
to as many people as possible. We want to
become very well known.”
Grimsby Telegraph editor Michelle Lalor
said: “We know there is some real talent across
northern Lincolnshire – so come on, now is the
time to show it … and it could be the start of
something more for any one of you. How many
household names today started their careers on
the entertainment circuit where they grew up?
“Lincolnshire’s Got Talent is an ideal platform
for a whole variety of people to take part in and
enjoy.”
For further details about Lincolnshire’s Got
Talent, contact Becky Darnell on 07780 953553
or e-mail eventshumber@grimsbytelegraph.
co.uk
voxxonline.com 47
VOXX
VOXX
Reign Apparel
Reign Apparel Co. is a local
online clothing company that
has been set up by two Grimsbybred guys, Ryan Gambrill and
David Hollingworth.
The two work together in
their 9-5 day job as website
developers, and both share an
interest in graphic design and
illustration as a hobby. When
asked about why they decided
to start such a venture, Ryan
said: ‘We thought we would just
bite the bullet, and try to build
a business doing something we
love’. The idea for the company
came pretty impulsively, but
many hours over the past
few months have been spent
planning every element, and
starting their own business is
something that both Ryan and
David have always wanted to do.
When asked about how things
are going so far, the launch
being April 8, we asked Ryan
how things were going so far.
He was happy to share that,
‘We’ve had great feedback so
far, gaining nearly 300 Facebook
48 voxxonline.com
followers in our first week. It
may not sound a lot, but it's a lot
more than we were expecting’.
All of the designs are their
own, and all of their stock is
unisex. In their Spring/Summer
Collection, they’ve got T-shirts,
hoodies, and some A4 Prints. All
UK Delivery is free, and every
product sent out has a personal
touch, with their own packaging
and labels.
The website is live now at:
www.reign-apparel.com, so if
you’re keen to support a local
company, and try out some
unique, exclusive fashion, give
these guys a look.
You can follow them on
Facebook at ‘Reign Apparel Co’,
Twitter on ‘@reignappco’, and
on Instagram at ‘reignappco’.
Asked about the future
of Reign Apparel, Ryan
commented: ‘There are already
plans for several new products
in the pipeline if all goes to plan,
it's just a case of see how things
go’. So this company is definitely
one to watch out for.
voxxonline.com 49
VOXX
VOXX
g
in
r
p
S
o
t
in
p
e
t
S
with a stylitis!h
new Jumpsu
girl
shorts. What’s a
but too cold for
s
an
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r
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fo
on
t
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ug
o
It’s to
can be a to
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be your saving gr
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ju
offer.
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to
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style, and
all the change in
e
ac
br
em
u
yo
to help
Dorothy Perkins - £28.00
H&M - £12.99
Asda George - £16.00
New Look - £24.99
River Island - £48.00
Boohoo - £18.00
Topshop - £65.00
Zara - £39.99
50 voxxonline.com
Tesco - £28.00
voxxonline.com 51
VOXX
VOXX
My sponsored
silence diaries
By Olivia Grimley
On March 3 and 4 I decided to undertake
the challenge of doing a 24 hour (awake hours
counting only) sponsored silence for Rape
Crisis. It was honestly two of the hardest days
in my life, yet so so rewarding. Throughout my
silence I kept a ‘silent diary’ to allow expression
of my feelings and it was something I was proud
to share with family and friends when I had
finished. Rape Crisis UK is such an important
charity in doing fundamental work to support
any victim of rape or sexual assault. I feel like
so much focus in charitable work is put on
things that threaten life, disease, famine etc,
but not enough focus is put on raising money
for something that may not end someone’s life,
but would change it forever. In two days I raised
£200.50 and also gained a huge amount of
pride in myself for achieving something I never
thought I could. Not only did I not say a word to
52 voxxonline.com
anyone, at sixth form or at home, I also didn’t
use social media or texting for communication
over the two days either. Here is an insight into
my mind on these two grueling days:
6:30 am: Immediately realised that I can no
longer speak until 3:30pm Friday, this sucks.
7:10 am: Mum came in to say goodbye as she
leaves for work, it feels horrible not telling her
I love her before she leaves, so I made a love
heart with my hands instead.
9:30am: By far the most frustrating thing is not
being able to challenge ideas in philosophy,
plus, Mr Hay is being particularly irritating today
and I want to tell him this.
10:15am: you don’t realise how much you
speak to your friends until you can’t tell them
your gossip.
12:20 am: Okay so this is becoming absolute
torture, so many things I want to talk about, it’s
pretty lonely in your own head after a while.
13:00 pm: Asking for another letter from school
proved more difficult than expected.
13:20 pm: Really want to punch that one person
in the face who keeps trying to make me talk
14:00 pm: Just added up how much I’ve raised
so far, figure stands at £189.50.
14:35 pm: A girl just told me I’m brave for doing
this. I dispute that. The people I’m doing this
FOR are brave.
14:45 pm: Have a feeling English is going to be
difficult considering I’m relied upon for about
two thirds of the points in class. Plus I need to
complain to someone about how tired I am.
15:36 pm: Interesting thought, it’s funny how
when people know you’re on a sponsored
silence, they start to mime and gesture their
words to you, have they forgotten they can still
actually speak?
15:37 pm: I can’t wait to go home. I really fancy
watching a film and that way I’ll forget I’m
abstaining from speaking anyway.
15:41 pm: The dirt from my whiteboard on my
fingers is making me feel physically ill.
16:30 pm: Not saying thank you to the bus
driver is one of the most painful and awkward
things ever, reminds me I was raised with good
manners.
16:45 pm: Just got in and mums decided she
wants a quick game of 20 questions!! Thanks!
Not like scribbling down sentences on my
whiteboard is difficult or anything!
17:01 pm: I feel so productive, now I just
choose what film to watch while I tidy my room.
17:54 pm: The revenant seems like a good
choice.
19:14 pm: Pausing the film watching for today,
just completed a new henna design on my ring
finger and listened to mum shout at me for 15
minutes about how messy my room is, she’s
wrong, it looks like a bloody ikea showroom.
19:15 pm: If I stay up an hour later tonight,
surely that means I finish an hour earlier
tomorrow? That sounds like a good plan to me.
20:59 pm: I wish mum and Andy would
stop speaking to me, it’s the hardest thing
ever remembering you have to pick up your
whiteboard and tediously write down what you
have to say, I keep nearly talking and it’s awful.
Seriously stop.
21:04 pm: I think we can tell I’m getting
irritable.
21:08 pm: STOP.TALKING.TO.ME.
21:47 pm: Might head up to bed soon, I need
to revise and spend some time feeling sorry for
myself.
FRIDAY
6:30 am: Okay so I fell asleep at 11, meaning I
finish at 2pm today if I’ve done my maths right.
8:25 am: My jaw aches because I want to sing
‘Ride’ by Lana del Rey, I’m missing out on my
favourite song.
8:42 am: People haven’t realised I’m on my
silence for 24 AWAKE hours and keep trying to
talk to me and ask how yesterday was, I feel
rude.
11:05 am: Why does my philosophy teacher
have a blow up globe the size of a small child.
11:06 am: Can’t even give my excuses to get out
of this test which is soul crushing.
11:07 am: Not talking is way more exhausting
than actually talking, my jaw aches so much.
11:39 am: Managed to get out of the test by
collectively holding the globe ransom and
threatening to pop it if he makes us do it.
11:46 am: Only just starting to miss my phone
which is odd.
13:10 pm: Less than an hour to go I am SO
EXCITED.
13:15 pm: What if I’ve lost the ability to talk?
13:16 pm: This is a genuine fear.
13:57 pm: I’ve never been so excited to answer
a question in lesson.
14:00 pm: 24 hours is complete, I’m exhausted
and relieved. I’m glad I did it and I’m so so
grateful to everyone who supported me. It
meant the world to me, and its taught me that
being alone with your own thoughts is much
harder than imaginable. Thank you everyone.
My page is still open so if you want to donate,
please go to https://www.justgiving.com/OliviaGrimley and give what you can, no matter how
big or small, thank you.
voxxonline.com 53
VOXX
The Intriguing Adventures of
Sir Coppersmith,
Gentleman AdventurE, Vol. IV
"The Last Stand"
By Jake Beasley
“I’m impressed, Coppersmith.” Scottson
growled, glaring at him with cold eyes. “Your
very presence has ruined everything.”
“N-now, sir, let’s not be hasty-” Coppersmith
stuttered, raising his hands and backing away.
“There’s no haste here, sir. You remain
against me, and Julian cannot dispose of you.
I must do so myself.” his grip tightened a little
on the revolver, his knuckles paling slightly.
They stared at each other for a moment, each
waiting for the other to move - even a twitch
would force a reaction.
Coppersmith twitched.
Scottson fired, the bullet cutting through
the air. Coppersmith dropped to the ground,
the bullet barely missing his arm, instead
thunking into the guard rail. Scottson grinned,
pulling the hammer back again for a second
shot.
“Come, professor, I took you for a better
man than this!” he taunted, firing again, this
shot glancing Coppersmith’s shoulder without
harming him. Coppersmith rolled over onto
his front, scrabbling away in a moment
54 voxxonline.com
of panic, desperate to find some cover. A
barrel proved to be cover enough as it took
Scottson’s third shot. “What sort of coward
leaves others so vulnerable without offering
his protection?” Coppersmith froze; the other
captives were still open!
“My lady, would you-” he started,
but another gunshot pierced the sky,
accompanied by a cry of pain.
“She will do no such thing!” For
Coppersmith, the air fell silent. He had...
Scottson had... Coppersmith bunched a fist
tight enough to pale his knuckles. Scottson
would pay.
Roaring in anger, Coppersmith pushed the
barrel towards Scottson, reaching down to lift
it. Scottson laughed.
“A barrel? That’s truly your best idea?
Pressure doesn’t seem to be your strong
suit.” Scottson stepped aside. Coppersmith
stopped, tipping the barrel over and letting
it roll towards Scottson. Scottson pulled the
trigger again, but the shot went rushing off
the edge and into the unknown. Coppersmith
straightened up, lunging with an uppercut
that caught the underside of the revolver,
knocking it clean out of Scottson’s hand.
Scottson turned away, glaring at Coppersmith,
then lunged back with a straight punch to his
jaw. Coppersmith grunted, recoiling from the
attack - coming to rest against the guard rail.
Scottson grabbed the gun and, in one swift
motion, pointed it at Coppersmith’s torso.
“You can not stop me now.” Scottson grinned,
panting softly. “Stand down.”
“A-and let you...” Coppersmith panted,
bringing a hand up to nurse his jaw. “Let
you do as you choose? Let you kill more
innocents?”
“There are no innocents in her majesty’s
England.” Scottson growled, his grin
vanishing. Coppersmith’s eyebrows rose
slightly.
“Her majesty’s...? You want to control
England?”
“Should it come to that, yes. Eliminating
crime is my intent.”
“But taking it into your own hands isn’t the
way to do it!”
“And why not? Power is all those
simpletons will heed. Just look at us. I’m
the stronger one.” he pulled the hammer
back, the ominous click echoing through
Coppersmith’s mind. “You’re the weaker
one. You listen to me now you have no other
choice. Humanity’s all the same.”
“Why? Why are you doing this?”
“Come now, professor, I thought you knew
already.” He pulled the trigger. “Peace is
worth any price.”
The pain shot through his torso at a speed
he couldn’t describe. He knew the shot was a
good one; he was already losing the sensation
in his legs. He gripped the rail firmer as his
body slid down a little. This was it.
“It’s been an honour, professor.”
Scottson commented, lowering his revolver.
Coppersmith saw one last chance, one
possibility to spare the world from this
megalomaniac. He took it, and Scottson’s
wrist. “What the-?!”
“You...” Coppersmith huffed, starting
to taste his blood. A better shot than he
thought. “You can’t... survive...” he leaned
back, over the edge, and... relaxed. A cold
sense of ease overcame him, even as Scottson
wrestled with Coppersmith’s grip.
“You fool! You’d let her majesty drive the
country to ruin?!”
“Better her... than you.” he leaned further
back, feeling gravity’s subtle tug, the icy wind
losing its sting. He was going.
voxxonline.com 55
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