BBC Children in Need Official Single. Labrinth, Tinchy, Chipmunk and Wretch 32 Come Together To Help

The official BBC Children in Need single will get one of its most credible makeovers to date this year as the likes of Labrinth, Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk, Wretch 32 and Tulisa from NDubz present their own re-interpretation of Massive Attack’s timeless single ‘Teardrop’, with the new lyrics adapted by Wretch 32, Gary Go and Mr Dialysis. The song will be released through Island Records on November 13th with all proceeds going to the charity to support some of the most disadvantaged children right here in the UK. Gary Barlow was asked by BBC Children in Need organizers to come-up with an idea for the official single this year and immediately contacted Labrinth (famed for his production on Tinie Tempah’s ‘Pass Out’ which won Best British Single at The BRIT Awards 2011) to produce it. Together they assembled a group that makes up the cream of the UK grime scene including: Chipmunk, Dot Rotten, Ed Sheeran, Ms Dynamite,
Mz Bratt, Rizzle Kicks, Tinchy Stryder,
Tulisa and Wretch 32. The institution that is the official CiN single has always held a special place in our hearts and record collections. Since 1997 BBC Children in Need has achieved six No.1 singles and six more in the Top Ten; recorded by artists including JLS, The Spice Girls, Peter Kay, Lou Reed, S Club 7 and Will Young. This year’s collective, who have earned five No.1 singles between them already, will have a name to represent the group chosen for them through a fan competition launched today. The song is adapted from the original ‘Teardrop’ by Massive Attack – who also gave their blessing for the song to go ahead. Labrinth & Co assembled at Metropolis Studios at the beginning of last week to record the song and shoot the official video, which will premiere in the run-up to release.

BBC Children in Need supports children living in the UK facing a range of disadvantages including: poverty and deprivation, disabled young people and children who have been victims of abuse or neglect. The spectacular live Appeal Show will be broadcast live on BBC1 on Friday November 18th. To get involved in this year’s appeal please visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey

Peppercombe Valley not for turning!

Peppercombe Chronicles and one week in October. The leaves are still green and clinging to the trees down Peppercombe. Spotted a squirrel, darting across the track and scurrying up and along the tree branches. Little acorns are dropping on the verges amongst the rusty fallen leaves so it looks like that squirrel is in for a bountiful winter. Today there is a trickle of water in both streams in contrast to the thundering sound as huge waves crash on the pebbles down at the beach. Saw a few fungi and lichens on the way and as we arrived a Cormorant was coming in to land offshore. Swirling, rolling incoming tide on 17th October. A couple of days later the sun is out and a flock of gulls are bobbing offshore and a seal is popping his head up on the incoming blue tide. Took a photo of a lone Red Admiral sunning itself on the coast path. In the valley a hare made a sudden dash from the knotted roots of a tree then disappeared into the woodland above, three long tail tits were chirping happily in the beech canopy, a beetle was parked on the track and a pheasant was heard squawking in the undergrowth. It’s now quite a bit colder with fleeting sunlight. Lundy very low but clear. The blackberries and sloe berries which started to ripen in August are now joined by the vibrant display of hawthorne and holly. Occasional colour comes from the remaining Red Campion, Knapweed and Sheeps Bit. There is a huge clump of Hemp Agrimony in the meadows, its fading flowers now fluffy and white.

Charity makes Christmas cards count

Following the huge success of its Christmas cards last year, a local wildlife charity is preparing for a bumper season in 2011 with a new range of designs. Devon Wildlife Trust's has been selling Christmas cards for a number of years and last year the scheme raised over £5,000 for it's work conserving wildlife around the county. There are eight stunning designs in this year's range which are available to order online, over the phone or by post. The designs include fox, squirrel, robin, deer, and hare and a number of beautiful wintery landscape shots. Phoebe Grubb, DWT's Fundraising Officer enthused: 'With Christmas now looming and the weather turning cold we have started to promote our latest range of cards. They are printed on card from sustainable sources and really show off some of Devon's best loved animals. The cards are a great way to help wildlife on your doorstep while sending your Christmas wishes to loved ones." People who wish to purchase cards should visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org or call Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244. The cards are also available through the Cards for Good Causes outlets across the county.

Photo copyright Devon Wildlife Trust