A year in stories

• IN the months that followed the death of Warwick paratrooper Pte Conrad Lewis his family have set about setting up a lasting tribute to the 22-year-old.

I attended the launch of 353, the non-profit venture set up in Pte Lewis’ memory to support various military charities, in November and I was impressed by what I saw.

Pte Lewis’ father Tony spoke of honouring his son ‘in the right way’ and in a positive manner.

Despite the grief they are feeling the Lewis family have shown great courage and no shortage of aptitude to create what will be a sustainable way of ensuring that the examples the fallen solider set are used as a force for doing good.

As Mr Lewis has said, 353 is not a number, it is not the end it is a new beginning.

It’s an inspirational venture and we will be following its progress in the months and years to come.

• THIS year’s X Factor was perhaps the most controversial series so far.

The competition was fraught with accusations of bullying, contestants dropping out , eliminated entrants being called back in and one wannabe being kicked out of the competition for his antics away from the stage. But the national show, watched by millions, always seems to provide stories closer to home.

In past years we’ve covered the progress of a boyband member who made it to the live finals and another hopeful’s ill-fated audition which will be remembered because of the fight which occurred. Cubbington villager Faye Horne had an experience she will remember forever. The 19-year-old gave a powerful performance at the televised audition stage which wowed the celebrity judging panel.

Louis Walsh, Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland all expressed their appreciation for Faye’s rendition of Plan B’s She Said.

But the biggest praise came from Gary Barlow who was “mesmerised”.

Judging by some of the Take That stars comments during the ‘business end’ of the competition he’s not one who gives praise lightly which gives Faye even more reason to be proud.