Headlines and reports on this page = 3 news items.    Page - 9.

An exclusive interview with Tommy Donbavan, the man behind "Scream Streets"

WE had hoped to interview Tommy Donbavan to do a quick catch up with the "Scream Streets" author Tommy Donbavand, as over Halloween his books have been turned, by the magic of the BBC, into an amazing animated series. The 1st of them had:- "Luke uses Eefa's magic cleaning powder to tidy his room; he ends up putting the whole of Scream Street in danger." You can still see it on BBC iPlayer along with the others in the 1st series. Not surprisingly this children's show has gained a fantastic audience, just like the books, young and old, so we wanted to see what the Liverpool born actor thoughts were on seeing it on the Box... Sadly, as normal, things don't quite go to plan, as Tommy replied to us in an email. "I'm still unwell, I'm afraid (turns out I've got mumps!), so not to let you down here are my answers to the pre-interview questions you sent." This was quite unexpected, but we know Tommy never likes letting people down, so we would like to say a massive thanks and an even bigger "GET WELL SOON..." So here are a few exclusive lines from the amazing Tommy, and a few questions from our editor Patrick Trollope... Sadly, our editor only had a whole owl to write this, so we hope you get a hoot out of these replies....

► When you 1st were told the BBC had taken Scream Street for UK TV CBBC, what were the 1st words you said to your family about it and who did you tell?

"This required some thinking, as I was first approached by the producers back in 2009, and we eventually signed the paperwork the following year.  I will have told my wife first of all - but she will have been ready for the news as I was in a meeting with the TV company when the deal was done and I will have telephoned her afterwards."

► We know family is a very important part of your life and, even on the day of the premiere, on 21 October 2015, you posted on Facebook that:- "I was in tears because my Mum and Dad weren't here to see it."

"My parents supported me in my choice of career 100%, and were very proud of my achievements.  Unfortunately my Mum died just before I got the book deal for Scream Street, and I lost my Dad just a few months before the TV series aired.  I would have loved them to have seen me achieve the success they always wished for me."

► We asked about the family because we know family connections are all over your books. For example, Susan Haward, who is a well known local business lady in Southport, told us about her sister, Sister Sally Mott's son, who was your uncle's nephew. He was delighted to find you had named a character called Benet after him. Has this encouraged any other family members to put pen to paper?

"1 of my cousin's sons; Jake; is a fab writer.  He's now using those skills to stake a foothold in the computer games industry.  I've warned him not to become more successful than me as an author, however."

► With your books hitting the BBC's CBBC play lists, you already have fans on both Twitter and Facebook asking about international deals. Have you got any other non UK networks set to run the series? 

"The series already has broadcasters Germany and Australia, with more in discussion as we speak.  The books are available in 13 different languages worldwide, so there's plenty of interest."

► We found it funny that even on the day of your story hitting the small screen, you posted:- "If there's one thing that will keep your feet on the ground, it's chasing a school for overdue payments." Is it hard to get paid on time?

"It can be; partly because some local authorities don't quite know what it is that an author does when he or she visits a school in their area.  As a result, they're not sure how to process invoices for school events, and that can lead to delays.  Plus; writers are always being asked to do work for 'experience' or 'exposure', neither of which is a recognised currency in supermarkets."

► What did you have planned for Halloween?

"A quiet evening in!  I live Halloween all year round with my books; so 31 October is just another night for me."

► With Christmas around the corner, what character from your book would you most love to see made in to stocking filler?

"A squeeze farting goblin."

► Do you have any superstitions or belief in good luck charms, if so what is it or are they?

"None at all.  The luckiest people in the world tend to be those who work the hardest and never give up.  That's how I generate my luck."

► When you are writing, do you do it in a silent room or do you have music or the TV on?  If so what do you like having on?

"I have an office at home, and I have to have absolute silence.  I wish I could write to music; but it's impossible.  Too distracting."

► Do you think the role of authors in modern society is overlooked? if so, why do you think it is?

"I think some people suspect books just appear magically, or that authors spend their days daydreaming and writing the occasional haiku, but it's a tough, full time job.  The case isn't helped by celebrity authors using ghostwriters to leap to the top of bestseller charts on their name alone, or TV shows such as The Apprentice getting contestants to write and publish a children's book in a day as a challenge."

► What has been the strangest place you have conducted an interview in so far?

"On a roller coaster at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen."

► As it was Back To The Future Day on 21 October 2015, what item would you have wanted to see made, that is not reality yet?

"I'm still waiting for my hoverboard! And a tea mug that reminds me it's there before the tea goes cold."

► If you are to pick 5 books, should dooms day come, that you could save for all time, what would they be and why?

"Very tough…  

» To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
» Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger.
» Slaughterhouse 5, by Kurt Vonnegut.
» Danny, the Champion of the World, by Roald Dahl.
» Scream Street 1 - Fang of the Vampire, by me..!"

► So what's next for you? We have been told that a movie deal is on the cards, is that correct?

"If so, that's a long way off in the future.  I'm just keeping my nose to the grindstone and writing more books.  At the time of this interview, I'm just about to start my 88th book.  I may take a break when I get to 100!"

1 thing we can also say to Tommy is that if we can get a "A squeeze farting goblin" made for you, we will... Thanks again for your reply and do not let those bugs win! We look forward eagerly to series 2 of Scream Streets and book 88!

The Atkinson Brings the Best Americana Music to Southport Next Weekend

OVER Friday, 13 November to Saturday, 14 November 2015, it will be time to celebrate and come together to enjoy some great music from some great names at The Atkinson.  Now in its 3rd year, the festival attracts some of the very best Americana and Roots Music to the Town. The weekend is like a good recipe for fried chicken; it brings together the best of what the UK has to offer, but mixes it with a little USA spice! The 2015 line up includes:- Martin Harley, Jaywalkers, Gilmore and Roberts, Amelia Curran, The Coal Porters and Danny and The Champions of the World.  Kicking of the party on Friday, 13 November 2015, is Martin Harley a phenomenally talented guitarist, singer and songwriter. He has released 5 critically celebrated albums, years of international touring and countless festivals have built Martin a strong and solid fan base spanning the globe. Notable Festival appearances include Bottle Rock and Cognac Blues in the US, Glastonbury and Beautiful Days in the UK and many many more. Renowned for his prowess as a slide guitarist, he is almost unique in the UK in his playing lap slide. In other areas and styles, however, he has proved himself a master guitarist and a consistently astounding songwriter.  Saturday begins with the Jaywalkers (1pm), who is 1 of the most exciting, virtuosic and entertaining young bands working on the British Folk scene. Effortlessly they create a unique sound based on their collective and individual musical backgrounds; the band takes influence from Folk, Bluegrass, Country and Western Swing music in the form of virtuosic instrumentals, three part harmony and impressive slap bass. Add good humour, tasteful arrangements and exceptional musicianship to the mix and they are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The music Jaywalkers create is in­novative, rooted deeply in tradition, and exhilarating.  "We are delighted to welcome back the award winning Gilmore and Roberts" said The Atkinson. This performance will take place at 2.45pm, with tracks from their 4th album Conflict Tourism. Following a year of touring in mainland Europe, Canada, and their native Britain, Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts noticed a common thread running through their latest crop of original songs. Conflict, whether an internal struggle between positive and negative, or a healthy body and a disease, is an everyday phenomenon captured perfectly by these 11 tracks.  "Amelia Curran (4.30pm) was such a big hit at the venue in February 2015, as part of the monthly Grateful Fred's nights, we asked her back!" The Atkinson added, then saying that:- "They Promised You Mercy is the newest collection of songs by Amelia Curran, Canada's master contemporary songstress. On this album, Amelia's knife-sharp lyrics find peace and even cheerfulness amidst lush layers provided by producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda's nuanced studio vision. The album is a poised, focused and consummate work that showcases Amelia's singular songwriting talent. They Promised You Mercy raises the lyrical bar yet again with its unrivalled eloquence."  The Coal Porters (7pm) claim to be the world's 1st "alt bluegrass" act, demonstrating the power of fiddle, mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar and doghouse bass when matched with four-part harmonies and memorable melodies. They have taken this sound around the world being featured on NPR's Morning Edition in the USA and having recorded a live session for Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2.  The Coal Porters have 5 albums available. Their most recent, Find The 1, was produced by folk rock legend John Wood, producer of Fairport Convention, Nick Drake, Squeeze and Beth Orton. "We end the festival on a high with Danny and The Champions of the World, at 8.45pm." continued a spokesman for the venue. Having spent much of 2014 on the road, Danny and The Champions have been playing shows all over the world, the kind of legendary, life affirming rock and soul revues (with country fringing) that have seduced them a global following, and which they finally committed to wax on last year's glorious concert double album, Live Champs!  The new album, What Kind Of Love is some of Wilson's very best. There's a glint in his eye as he talks about the vibe within the Champs camp right now. "We're a bit more of a gang than we used to be," Danny said as he grins. "It's not hard for a band to feel like a gang, because generally you're up against it, but you keep on at it because you're dogged and in love with it. And it feels amazing, like my old bands Soul Green and Grand Drive did back in the early days." The Americana Festival weekend is all about the food, and drink, music and a bunch of people who all love the same thing… great music! A limited number of individual gig tickets have been released; but once they have gone; they have gone! Prices start from £10 up to £15! Festival Tickets are still available for just £35 and can be booked online* or you can pick them up via calling:- The Atkinson's Box Office, on:- 01704 533333*. Tickets we are told are also available over the counter.

* Please be advised that we are told there is a booking fee of £1 per ticket online/phone. A 2% credit card fee is charged for counter sales.