Sea Urchins Magazine
SEA URCHINS FIRST BIG ISSUE GOES ON SHELF!
Following a star-studded launch event at the London Aquarium last November, the much anticipated first Full issue of Sea Urchins magazine went on sale yesterday in over 600 independent news agents around London, the SE and other parts of the UK. It is also available via subscription at www.seaurchinsmag.com.
First to see the magazine were a group of children from Isleworth and Syon School in West London who received copies in the morning. The students had the opportunity to comment on the magazine, meet and have their photos taken with Samantha Hewitt and Imogen Leaver. The boys from year 7 received the magazine enthusiastically and were prompted to ask questions on several species of marine life. The school has a particular passion for ocean education and scuba diving. Isleworth and Syon has its own scuba diving club in association with London School of Diving (LSD) which was started by biology teacher Kate Woodward in order to challenge some of their gifted students as well as to re-engage disaffected learners.
The publication aimed at kids aged 5-12, is full of fascinating facts and information about marine life and conservation, and is the culmination of a lifelong dream of marine biologist and Padi diving instructor, Samantha Hewitt, who is also sister of X-Factor star Stacey Solomon.
Stacey and Dragons’ Den and Ryman boss (www.ryman.co.uk) Theo Paphitis together helped Sam launch the magazine concept and the event was attended by a host of celebrities including BBC kids presenters Sonali Shah and Saira Khan, were all keen to show their support for the educational and fun new read for kids!
Whilst Theo and Sam took an entertaining scuba dive in the tropical tank, pregnant Stacey signed autographs, engaged in fishy conversation with the young guests and finished the event with a performance of ‘What a wonderful world’!
Theo Paphitis, whose Stationery company Ryman is one of the magazine’s key sponsors, commented: “When I heard about the idea, I had no second thoughts about saying ‘I’m in’!” He said: “Anything that engages kids and helps them learn about science, nature and conservation deserves to be a success!”
Sam is now very excited that the first full issue has launched. “It is amazing to think that the magazine can be found on newsagents shelves up and down the country!” she said. We have a special page on our web site where you can find your local stockist of Sea Urchins Magazine. Mr Gill from Best One in Isleworth, slightly bemused by the surprise visit from Sam and Imogen, commented that it was great to see such a new publication on his shelves!
Speaking about the magazine, Samantha Hewitt said: “Sea Urchins has had an incredible reaction, and we are so excited to finally have the first full issue on sale. Everyone we have spoken to along the way is genuinely excited about the magazine; most importantly, the kids absolutely love it – it’s amazing how interested they are in anything to do with the sea!”
Samantha continued: “My aim is to inspire children to love the natural world and oceans and to learn about the importance of conserving them. I am determined that SEA URCHINS will help to positively impact on the next generation, while providing kids with a lot of fun in the process”.
It is also available to download from the Sea Urchins’ website www.seaurchinsmag.com