Is the lynx jinxed?

It's been a couple of months since I shared the story that efforts were underway to reintroduce the lynx to the Lake District. So this seemed like a good time to update you on where things are.

The update is... there is no update.

Having checked the local news and the national news nothing has been said on the story since March. Which leaves some unanswered questions:

Is the lynx doomed to stay out in the cold?

And why is it that something that was big news back in March is no news at all now?

I think it's probably because the media -- the newspapers and TV companies -- are the ones who set the agenda, who decide what's newsworthy, and they make that decision based on what will sell papers, or get people to tune in to their channel.  When there's nothing to say, they say nothing.



Now I know how frustrating it can be not knowing, so ~I promise, as soon as I hear anything, I'll let you know.  Just remember, legislation and consultation take a really long time...

And remember, if you rely on a newspaper to tell you what's big news, you might miss the bigger story.

Don't shoot the Messenger

Speaking of the bigger story, the news round here is that there's a trainee in the Youth Regeneration team (making the team two people instead of one).

Jon Messenger has come from Gen2 on a three month traineeship, and he assures me he's really enjoying being here.

Now, at 23, you might think he's a bit old for a Gen2 traineeship, but let's be honest, if you're looking for work experience, you're never too old for help.

Over the next three months, Jon will be helping to tackle all those knotty problems, like social media, project management, and how to empower grumpy teenagers.

In the news this week

Pretty much everybody has heard that Alton Towers was closed last week after a horrible accident on the Smiler.

Now, as Leah Washington recovers from an operation to remove her leg, visitors are queuing up to get back into the theme park for the first time since it closed.  Those visitors include Craig and Jess Cooper who are spending part of their honeymoon at Alton Towers, and who claim that the park would be at its safest after the recent tragedy.

It's interesting that what is probably Leah's worst week ever has helped make Craig and Jess's best week ever.

A quick note to the Cooper's though: things aren't always as simple as you might think.