United Kingdom
An NCTJ-accredited multimedia journalist, Sarah Jayne Kipling has written for The Evening Chronicle, The Journal and The Sunday Sun. She has worked as a sub-editor for The North West Evening Mail and currently edits and proofreads literary manuscripts for publishers and artwork and communications for several multinational clients.
Feature stories
Gabriel Knight 2 provides inspiration for a journey filled with gorgeous German locales.
The second entry in Sarah Kipling's guide to adventure game locales continues to celebrate spectacular real-life environments.
In Sarah Kipling's exploration of the amazing locations in the adventure genre, she takes us to some of the most breathtaking places. During the Covid lockdowns of last year, Sarah took the opportunity to explore these intriguing settings and what makes them stand out.
There are enough young people sleeping rough to fill the Olympic Stadium. SARAH KIPLING talks to volunteers trying to make a difference.
Wallflowers blossom, party kids prosper and the sheltered have their day in the sun. Widely seen as the life stage equivalent of the Age of Aquarius, Sarah Kipling looks at why the university experience sends some to the dark place instead.
One of the best kept secrets about the university experience is that it can be just as tedious and demanding as ‘real life’.
Recent graduate and newly instated jobseeker SJ Kipling questions whether graduate unemployment is one existential crisis arts graduates won't be able to philosophise their way out of.
Upon graduation, one can be forgiven for anticipating the opening bars of the Hallelujah Chorus to break out. The reality can be somewhat underwhelming.
Sarah Kipling, an 18-year-old from Middleton-in-Teesdale, was recently the victim of racial abuse on the online networking site MySpace. Here, she argues that such websites sometimes do far more harm than we realise.
Ensure that your child stays safe online by bearing in mind the following guidelines.
What's it like being a sixth-former in Barney these days? Is life in a traditional market town a little too quiet, or something to be enjoyed and appreciated before the temptations of a big city university beckon? Seventeen-year-old SARAH-JAYNE KIPLING canvasses opinion on the good and bad of the town.
Reviews
Jaw-dropping locales and challenging puzzles aim to delight traditional adventure fans.
Colossal Cave is remarkable on two main fronts. Not only is it a modern 3D reimagining of the monumentally influential text adventure game Colossal Cave Adventure, considered by many to be the first ever adventure game since its release in 1976.
Set within the pages of a mysterious book, the town of Beacon Pines appears like a picture-perfect fairy tale - but this façade hides a dark, long-buried secret.
It's immediately apparent that the developers of this noir-infused comedy are ardent fans of classic adventure games. From the traditional point-and-click interface to the hand-drawn backgrounds and animations, Voodoo Detective blends influences from Monkey Island and Grim Fandango in a vibrant Voodoo love potion serenading the golden age of Sierra and LucasArts.
Four teenage girls: all of them different, all of them struggling with their own shame and secrets. Lucy loves to gossip, Ulana is from a conservative Muslim family, Trina likes to party and Sophia has a seemingly perfect boyfriend. But in this novel by the author of the heart-wrenching Dear Charlie, no one is exactly as they first appear.
A bestseller in its native Russia and translated into English for the first time, The Raven’s Children was written to break the silence surrounding a dark and largely hidden period of history.
Meet Charlie. He’s a normal nine-year-old who enjoys playing FIFA on the PS4 and tries to stay positive even though he’s the target of the school bully and his brother is in hospital. Oh, and he also happens to turn into a colourful menagerie of animals when he least expects it, from a high-hopping flea to an incontinent rhino.
THEIR songs evoke Merry Old England and the collective spirit of tavern-goers sitting around a fire sharing good music, stories and beer.
SPORTING a Van Dyke beard, flouncing pirate shirt and gold-tasselled hussar jacket, he is perhaps the only person who could out-Depp Johnny Depp.
A SENIOR citizen breathes a vivid plume of fire into the air as an assistant poises a brimming bucket of water in anticipation.
After an adolescence spent in thrall to the lingerie-draped altars of the rock gods of ages past, the discovery that the Bon Jovi Live tour was coming to Europe was met with a muddle of violent enthusiasm and uncertainty.
News stories
An empty pub is getting a new lease of life as an arts venue, as SARAH KIPLING reports.
THE region's first Police and Crime Commissioner elections have been branded a "farce", with eight out of 10 people not bothering to cast their vote.
FOR hour after hour, polling stations stood empty across the region as voters failed to show in the first ever Police and Crime Commissioner elections.
DARING volunteers bared their soles and hotfooted it across a bed of blazing embers for charity.
FEWER than half of the people surveyed in an exclusive Sunday Sun poll are aware of next month’s election for Police and Crime Commissioner.
LIBERAL Democrats are facing a North meltdown after a Sunday Sun poll revealed voters plan to desert the party in their droves at the next general election.
A MARRIED dad pretended to be a Canadian hunk with film-star good looks to groom young schoolgirls.
A FESTIVAL of floral art decking one of Tyneside's oldest churches has been opened by the Duchess of Northumberland.
A SUMMER of sport inspired children to take to the track for the Junior and Mini Great North Runs.
THOUSANDS of youngsters turned out yesterday to compete in the Junior and Mini Great North Runs, continuing a summer of British sporting excellence.
WHAT would you like to see from your local church in the community?
Creative works
Poem published in Cake Magazine, which publishes poetry, short fiction, comment/essay-style pieces, reviews and artwork from both new and established literary and creative talent.
Short story featured in the March 2011 issue of Sweet Designs Magazine - 'The Voice of a New Generation'.
Original fiction - extract from a longer story set in a traditional English boarding school. Themes include homesickness, anxiety fitting in and young love.
Longer fiction extract written as part of a series of creative shorts for Sweet Designs Magazine.
Short story featured as editor's pick in the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of the Teen Voices biannual print magazine.
Blog articles written for clients
While wedding reception favours aren't essential, they're a cute way of creating a small legacy for your big day. In addition, they give couples the opportunity to devise a cost-effective method of thanking your friends and family for supporting your wedding. These little gestures of goodwill can also make for a welcome change after some...
If you were asked to remember how many Barbies, GI Joes or Star Wars action figures you had as a child, the answer for many of us would probably easily breach the double digits. But how many of you kept any of them? If you didn't, you're about to wish you had.
With more than 10% of undergraduates (approximately 1200 students) coming from overseas, representing more than 120 countries, Cambridge University offers a truly diverse community in which to study. Cambridge offers so much to inhabitants that students from all walks of life are sure to feel right at home.
Painting your furniture is one of the simplest ways to rejuvenate tired furniture - or even a whole room. It's surprising just how many pieces can be salvaged with a bit of elbow grease and a lick of fresh paint.
When decorating your home, what's hot and what's not for the current year is probably the last thing on your mind. Creating a comfortable home environment within your budget is, most likely, paramount. Nevertheless, a design scheme that is stylish and that is visually satisfying to you and your family is also important.
When opportunities for growth in your home country are, at best, scarce, then exporting to a more promising market abroad could present your business with a golden opportunity. In recent years, Brits with lofty career aspirations have flocked in their droves to sunny España. Now, research shows that emerging markets are expected to contribute the...
When you're running a business, it's important to be in things for the long-haul. While it might seem enough just to make it to the end of another frantic week, you can't rest on your laurels. Assess your progress in terms of years, instead - this will help you to retain the focus you need...
They've long been synonymous with romance - so it's unsurprising that castles should be a sought-after wedding destination. Steeped in history and enchantment, castles offer an appealing combination of seclusion and spectacle. For this reason, castles are the venue of choice for a host of high-profile celebrities looking for their own fairytale ending.
Sometimes, rather than just getting from point A to B, you want to travel with a little style. And what better place to do so than in the enchanting environs of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire? For a little inspiration for conducting your voyage with a little more class, read on for our top three stylish transportation picks...
A "lack of basic awareness" of asset-based lending among small businesses is costing the UK economy billions every year, according to Susan Allen, chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland's asset finance department. So what is asset finance, exactly - and how can it help your business? What is asset finance?
They might be tied together by a common era, art style or even your favourite football team. But whether you keep refined porcelain creations or cheeky caricatures, if you accumulate collectable figurines, you probably look upon your assortment with more than a hint of sentimental fondness.
Even though wedding styles have become more diverse and less conventional, many of the age-old dilemmas remain. How much should bridesmaids and groomsmen be expected to spend on their dress or wedding suit hire? Do brides have to ask the groom's sister to act as bridesmaid?
Many consider their house to be their castle - the garden, on the other hand, is an often neglected afterthought. A well kept garden, however, can provide you with a living space just as comfortable and intimate as those usually found indoors. It doesn't take much to set the foundation.
Five years doesn't seem like a particularly long time. Many of us will have retained the same hobbies, social groups and habits that we possessed formerly. Many of the modern technological innovations we now employ were similar or the same as those we used in recent years, too.
Home decorating trends have come and gone, and over the course of a year any number of subtle change-ups in the interior design milieu can occur. As a result, it can be a source of constant frustration for homeowners to ensure that their design schemes remain fresh and current.
Described as the fashion equivalent of a hug, the onesie has fast established itself as the garment of choice for those days when disengaging yourself from the duvet is a no-no. But when last Christmas saw sales of the onesie, or "adult romper suit", skyrocket, it became a practical everyday solution for bringing the benefits [...]
Ever gotten swept up in the fad of the moment and looked back and cringed? Maybe you have yet to completely escape the shadow of an ill-advised trend. Perhaps you still have a smattering of pog discs lurking in your drawer. Or maybe photographic evidence exists of your unfortunate mullet phase.
The list of notable Cambridge University alumni is a seemingly endless one. Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking are included in these illustrious ranks, as well as comedian John Cleese and actor Hugh Laurie. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that some of the greatest writers in the world started out there.
While many consider the living room to be the heart of the home, cultivating a luxurious bedroom could be said to be equally as essential to your well being. Because the bedroom is where you sleep and recharge for the day ahead, creating a room that you associate with a restful getaway will enhance your...
You don't have to travel halfway around the world to experience luxurious and exotic spa treatments. Our very own British equivalents include ingredients such as refreshing green tea and restorative rose petals. Some even provide more unusual treatments - like the chocoholic's dream, the cocoa body wrap, as well as champagne-infused luxury facials.
We all know that leading a healthy lifestyle begins at home, but did you know that there's more to it than just good diet and exercise? From your personal to your home care products, there are numerous products on the market that impact negatively on your body as well as the environment around us.
For those that choose to marry, convention is being increasingly thrown to the wind, with a focus instead on personal meaning. The traditional setting of a church, while still appealing, is no longer a given. Instead, the soon-to-be wed find themselves confronted with endless possibilities - registry office, gazebo, or beach?
Shabby chic might be all the rage, but that doesn't mean you should let your dresser deteriorate into a mound of wood chippings. On the other hand, a scratch or dent doesn't mean you should discard your furniture and trade it in right away, either. High volumes of perfectly serviceable furniture items wind up in...
No matter what your product or service, the marketplace is, most likely, depressingly saturated with similar alternatives. It's never been more difficult to be noticed - or more important to stand out. But whether your business idea involves selling kitchen sinks or novelty party favours, there are a number of ways of setting yourself apart...
So you've managed to set up your own brand spanking new business. You'll have had to make some sacrifices along the way, and some of your office equipment may have been belatedly implemented only after you ran in a situation that called for it. To avoid any further frantic last-minute purchases of this nature, support...
Summer is here and it's finally time to hang up your wool coat as the showers slowly give way to flowers.
If your job involves frenetic workloads and long, unforgiving hours, you might be forgiven for allowing a bit of clutter to snowball on your desk. Maybe your desk clutter is, as they say, a state of "controlled chaos" that you - and only you - are able to navigate as a result of sheer habituation....
Here at Alpha Cars, we want to offer you more than just another means to ferry you from point A to B. With a host of taxi services with similar rates to choose from, picking a taxi provider might be one area of life you haven't given much thought.
When you're leading an action-packed life with more than your fair share of pressing concerns, updating your home decor scheme can get put on the back burner. The best of intentions can stagnate over time, with unfinished DIY projects and still-sealed home improvement tools left to gather dust in the shed.
From its world-renowned university to its high-technology centre, Silicon Fen, Cambridge is a melting pot of heritage and modernity. In fact, it's hard to visit Cambridge without stumbling upon some article of history or modern marvel. Parker's Piece famously contained the first ever game of association football, while Midsummer Common hosts the Strawberry Fair music...
An uninspiring home decor scheme is not necessarily the preserve of the uninspired. From work-driven professionals to the life and soul of the party, people from all walks of life are living in less-than-thrilling surroundings for a whatever reason. But when your house isn't a home, this can negatively impact other areas of your life....
If you've spent tie envisioning your dream wedding dress, the feature you probably focused, first and foremost, on was the silhouette. You may have even considered some of the finer details - such as whether or not you will wear a veil, the length of the train, or even the fabric.
The first year of university student life can pose something of a culture shock. Shared accommodation, the science of separating laundry colours and an increased emphasis on self-directed study are all obstacles that require an adjustment period. And, with many students left with no immediate prospect of returning to greener home comforts, setting up a...
For many women, purchasing their wedding dress marks the most important style decision of their lives. A-line or ballgown? Empire or princess waistline? Above the knee or floor-sweeping? The options can be dizzying. And, whether you find the process invigorating or panic-inducing, the final choice for the dress that you will begin your married life...
A cosy studio apartment can make for one of the most intimate of home environments. You have just enough room to set up house and entertain (modestly), while still retaining a sense of control over your environment. If you decide to double things up with a flatmate or partner, however, things can quite quickly get...
Do you know your Twitter from your Tumblr, or your Facebook from your Flickr? If not, you could be seriously missing out. Social media has come to represent one of the most ubiquitous yet effective business marketing tools available, with up to 69 per cent of small firms reporting that social networks helped them to compete...
Shabby chic and vintage style remains a highly sought-after aesthetic. From interior design to the runway, vintage pieces continue to hold a timeless yet unique charm that show the world you are an individual who lives life according to your own terms. Instead of adapting your personal style around some of the more subjective seasonal trends, vintage furniture and accents allow you to furnish your home with enduring character.
From sweetheart to scoop necklines and fishtail to ballgown silhouettes, contemporary brides are spoiled for choice. The ladies wear departments of stores are typically colourful, multi-textured and diverse in range, while their menswear equivalents usually pale in comparison. The black suit and tie combo, though classic and distinguished, is usually the fashion mode of choice for the modern groom.
Whether it's something you have resisted or embraced, you will probably have explored some of the numerous online avenues that exist for promoting your business. But labouring long and hard to craft a website into a work of art is just half the battle.
It remains the case that an alarmingly high percentage of holiday makers don't buy travel insurance (1 in 5, according to the British travel industry association ABTA). Many people simply assume that it won't happen to them; lost luggage, burgled hotel rooms and snorkelling mishaps happen to other people, right?
A solid pine investment has the potential to be one of your most rewarding furniture choices. Pine can be relied upon as an especially adaptable, relatively inexpensive and reassuringly sturdy material for the home.
When paying England a visit, there are some points on etiquette that visitors might find slightly bemusing. When it comes to taxi etiquette, however, the general expectations - though perhaps not immediately obvious to all - are fairly logical, all things considered. It doesn't matter whether you're hailing a taxi in Cambridge or in Newcastle...
Some will find the idea bewildering. And, while it might sound misanthropic, if you've ever had to arrange your holiday around someone else's schedule, then going it alone has probably occurred to you on at least one occasion. Certainly, if you're single, without a willing circle of friends, or you can't bear the though of...
Commemorative stamps. First edition comic books. Royal Doulton Figurines. These are the usual suspects that are brought to mind when one thinks of collectible items. Some others, like beanie babies or cabbage patch dolls, are slightly more unusual, but aren't exactly uncommon. Many of us could probably lay claim to a few oddities of our own....
When you're embarking on a new business venture, start up funds are a must. And, despite research suggesting that the average micro-business needs just £2,143, many new businesses still find it near impossible to get off the ground.
When it comes to your big day, it makes sense that you should want the end result to reflect your ideal of a dream wedding - right down to the very last details. And, from veils and tiaras to flower girl accessories, we've got every inch of bridal style covered...
Whether you given it some thought or not, if you have a business that provides some form of service to customers, you are also in possession of a brand - a brand that has its own unique personality.
If you've been thinking of redecorating for a while now but have yet to act on it, you don't have to wait until next springtime to turn over a new leaf. Set your ideas in motion this summer with a spark of inspiration from our pick of this year's top five interior design trends so far.
Unearthing a hidden treasure trove in your attic can seem, for many, like little more than a distant daydream. But with more ways to recognise and value antiques and collectables than ever before, realising the worth of your items has never been easier. And, whether you are in possession of Royal Doulton figurines or a...
Whether you're a globetrotting nine-to-fiver or a grounded homemaker, there's something about classic wood furniture pieces that is compatible with every lifestyle. As well as lending effortless style to a room, oak and pine-themed statement furniture and accents are perfect for pulling everything else together, too.
The sense of independence and personal satisfaction that come from owning your own car are just a few of the benefits car drivers experience. But there are many restrictions that exist for car drivers, especially when driving and parking in built-up areas, that can diametrically oppose the reasons why you bought a car in the first place.
For many, the term "holiday" is synonymous with the sun-suffused imagery of a tropical beach and the bluest of blue oceans. But for an increasing number of Brits, the charms of the overlooked cities and destinations on their very doorstep are proving hard to resist, as Travelodge reveals that more families than ever are opting...
No matter how careful you are, if you don't cover your house and home by investing in some basic home insurance, you might never have complete peace of mind. Taking a chance with the items closest to your heart is a huge gamble, and with different policies available for everything from conservatory to static caravan insurance, you needn't be left out in the cold in the event that something goes wrong.
Taking out a short-term loan might seem like a last resort to some - but if you're in a position where you feel confident that you can cover the cost of the loan in a short time period, then it could be a viable avenue to consider.
After a particularly long winter that prompted even the most outdoorsy of us to curl up inside with a book and hot toddy, spring is making a fashionably late appearance. Months of thick woollens, multiple layers and stifled pores will no doubt ensure that the nation is more eager than ever to bare a bit of flesh.
With half term on the horizon, the prospect of coping with kids cooped up at home might seem daunting. However, even if the weather man is forecasting rain and cloud, there's no reason why you can't still enjoy a fun family bank holiday weekend.
If you've ever initiated an art session at home with your little ones, then you'll know just how messy it can get. Letting your kid's imagination loose on their whole bedroom, therefore, might seem like a disaster in the making.