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Flying the flag for Northern Rock
New Monkey | 2008-07-17 09:08:15

The things we’ll do for a glass of vino, when you’re out in the sticks and a new monkey.
Some would call it bullying, but Lucy likes to call it ‘delegating’ – whatever – duty called and we were simply unable to resist the opportunity of getting the fabulous story of Hundredth Monkey mentioned on Sky Sports – on the back of widespread coverage of Northern Rock’s community and local charity support of course. Anyway, a day’s outing into the depths of Northumberland culminated in me being the official flag waver at the start of the prestigious Beaumont Trophy, 2008 – part of the Northern Rock Cyclone weekend which attracted around 2,000 super keen cyclists including sporting champions Rob Hales and James McCallum. Privileged indeed!


And the winner is...
Head Monkey | 2008-07-14 12:25:09

After thousands voted from across the region via www.hospitalvote.co.uk, (King) Kevin Keegan unveiled the winning name for the new children's hospital currently being built at Newcastle's RVI site for the whole of the North East and Cumbria - The Great North Children's Hospital!

Northern Lights came up close in second place. Bad luck, 'Greenhouse' but I still think this will end up being it's nickname.

The best thing about it is the kids are still buzzing from meeting KK after a special celebration broadcast live on ITV on July 4th to coincide with NHS 60th Anniversary. Big thanks to all who have supported the campaign, especially NUFC, SAFC, 'Boro FC, Tyne Tees, Century Radio presenters, Emmerdale's Charlie Hardwick, Lauren Laverne, Donna Air, Steven Taylor, Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, NCJ Media and North East Press - and not forgetting PM Gordon Brown. The list goes on...

Watch this space as the new hospital takes shape...

What's in a Name?
Head Monkey | 2008-06-27 14:38:37

This week we’re busy spreading the word for a brand new children’s hospital for the North East and Cumbria which is currently under construction in Newcastle – a Great Ormond Street for the North – bringing together leading children’s services under one roof. It’s also about creating a hospital which doesn’t feel anything like a hospital and from this concept has sprung a multi-platform campaign calling on people across the region to vote for a name.

Supported by our celebrity friends, Lauren Laverne, Donna Air and Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, who all helped us with a series of campaign films, the contenders are:

The Greenhouse Children’s Hospital (my favourite – the underdog!) backed by Lauren Laverne, which expresses not only the striking green copper exterior of the new building but also its warm, nurturing and protective environment. It’s what it will probably get called after all and kids like nicknames.

Northern Lights Children’s Hospital supported by Donna Air, which signifies a shining future in world class medical innovation, the bright colours that will flow through the new building and the energy and hope that children bring to our lives.

The Great North Children’s Hospital championed by Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, capturing the magnitude of the hospital as a beacon of pride for people of the North East to celebrate and call their own.

On a mission with our partners Cravens, to generate votes far and wide, we co-ordinated a PR campaign on behalf of Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spanning both ITV and BBC’s regional news programmes, features in all major regional and local press titles (online and offline) from Tees Valley to the Borders and interviews across key radio stations from BBC to Metro Radio. Century Radio presenters have also come on board, getting behind their favourite names and running a week long on-air campaign with real life stories of local families who have experienced having a sick child in hospital.

Votes are coming in thick and fast but we need more so visit www.hospitalvote.co.uk and get voting! People can also help The Children’s Foundation fund exciting things like digital projections and interactive therapies by making a donation. Results will be announced live from a site close to the new hospital on ITV Tyne Tees on July 4th, 6pm with jelly, ice cream and a very special guest soon to be revealed…

So what’s in a name? Well if it genuinely means something to people there is its strength as a brand, which is what this campaign aims to uncover. These three names were selected after in-depth research with parents, patients and hospital staff so are all founded on real views and perceptions. And in this case actually ‘not’ having a name has enabled us to raise awareness through a story that the whole region can engage with and take ownership of – something memorable and meaningful to make its mark for the North. The democratic process wins hands down for me!



Dear Celebrity love from Leigh...
Lucy | 2008-06-17 15:24:20

This has got to be a major highlight in the history of blogging:

http://dearcelebritylovefromleigh.blogspot.com/

Also includes some poignant poetic verse from Mr Leigh Clarke - destined to become a star - perhaps aboard a ship with Ms McDonald...

Crazy Golf Ball Spectacular!
Lucy | 2008-02-11 14:48:32

I never thought we'd get involved in national security working in PR! This had to be one of the Northumberland Lights 07 highlights - when the golf ball - or to use its correct name - Brizlee Wood Radar Station - was illuminated against the night sky for all to see. Setting up the media calls was pretty interesting too - there's a lot to consider when you're sending a TV crew along to the high security Air Surveillance and Control System Force Command Type 93 Radar site - very exciting!!

Has Stanley Been in Tonight?
Lucy | 2008-02-08 09:39:03

Talk about the flying sausage...there were biscuits and cake flying in Hexham the other night in the new one-woman show by Abigail Moffatt - 'Has Stanley Been in Tonight?'. Catch it at Northern Stage May 30th. Big things are going to happen for this girl! Watch this space...

Bring back the flying sausage!
Head Monkey | 2008-02-07 17:33:51

I think the BBC should think twice about Grange Hill being irrelevent to today's youth - the enterprising Gonch Gardner was a key inspiration behind my decision to set up my own business. We need more of these characters on our screens! And it was nice to see Mrs McClusky looking well on BBC Breakfast this morning.

Ginger_monkey
Mark Hankins | 2007-11-24 09:05:23

I thought you might like this little monkey

Monkey Families
Mark Hankins | 2007-11-13 00:27:37

Thought I'd share this.

Finger Monkey
Monkey Seeker | 2007-11-01 11:05:04

Ay up people, finger monkey 'ere to set 'ball rollin' wi' some monkey crack. Some folk were askin' who's responsible for buildin' the site and that, well it was Cravens Advertisin' and www.edot3.com in Newcastle Upon Tyne. No big story apart from the fact that they're geniuses! I'll be poppin on here now and again just to see whats goin on like, and check if anyone has been a naughty school kid and posted rude pictures of un-monkey like figures. These people will get found by my special finger monkey cop squad and dealt with accordingly... Naked monkeys, fine, naked people, no.
So, anyone got any monkey crack or what?!

Hello and welcome
Head Monkey | 2007-10-26 16:19:12

Welcome! Today is a very special day as Hundredth Monkey officially goes online, hope you love the website as much as we do – we would love to hear from anyone who has any comments, interesting stories or simply wants to find out more about what we do. We’ve already got one for the trophy cabinet after our Hundredth Monkey brand book won a Gold Award at this year’s Fresh Creative Awards in Manchester. These limited edition books are soon to be distributed to chosen people all over the planet who we hope will help us spread the word. This monkey has lots to celebrate!