Hayley Dodwell
Bio
I am a freelance writer. As well as Vocal, I have also written articles for numerous websites, including, Eighties Kids, WhatCulture, Child Of The 1980's, Online Book Club, GoNOMAD Travel, Hubpages, and ScreenHub Entertainment.
Stories (77)
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'Gremlins': One of the Greatest Films of the 80s!
In my opinion, Gremlins was by far one of the greatest films of the 1980s, a decade which gave us a huge batch of classic films. The horror/comedy was released in 1984. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, it also marked the screenwriting debut for Chris Columbus (Home Alone). Writing the screenplay for Gremlins really is the stuff that dreams are made of for Chris Columbus, as really he just wrote it to get noticed in Hollywood! He wrote it as a spec, a writing sample. Luckily for Columbus, it was brought and produced by the best, Steven Spielberg. Spielberg thought the script was one of the most original stories he had heard in years. Really is there a better way to start your screen writing career than that?
By Hayley Dodwell6 years ago in Geeks
The Witch Mountain Films - Were You a Fan?
The Witch Mountain films, who watched these as a child? Though the first two films, Escape to Witch Mountain and Return from Witch Mountain, were made in the seventies, they were hugely popular with children, like myself, who grew up in the 1980s. Probably as the release of Return To Witch Mountain on VHS came out in 1986, so it was the perfect children’s film to rent out from the video shop, which I did, a few times!
By Hayley Dodwell6 years ago in Geeks
'Hocus Pocus'—The Cult Classic Film
The cult classic film, Hocus Pocus, which is said to be the most popular Halloween film ever. The film starred Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Fun, action packed, hilarious, creepy, and adventurous film from 1993.
By Hayley Dodwell6 years ago in Geeks
'Fraggle Rock' - A Classic Children's Show
Fraggle Rock was such a classic children's programme, with just the best theme tune ever?! "Dance your cares away. Worry’s for another day. Let the music play. Down at Fraggle Rock!" Such a fun, catchy, happy, uplifting song! How can you not just love it? The song even reached number thirty three in the UK charts, frankly I think it deserved the number one spot!
By Hayley Dodwell6 years ago in Geeks
John Candy: A Look at His Classic Films
For those of us who grew up in the eighties, John Candy was a regular part of our childhood, often popping up on our TV screens and delighting us with his comedic roles. The lovable actor and comedian filled the 80s and early 90s with tonnes of classic films, he was a scene stealer, he always stole the show! He had that rare quality of likability, I mean who doesn't love John Candy films?!
By Hayley Dodwell6 years ago in Geeks
How to Avoid (Accidentally!) Poisoning Your Dog
Don't we just love our fur babies?! Our best friends, our loyal companions, our worlds. All good dog owners want to give their four legged friends the best life possible, shower them with love, give them an active, healthy and fulfilling life. Who doesn't love seeing their tails wagging and their faces lighting up when you give them a tasty treat?! Well me for one, it filled me with joy when I saw my 12 year old red-fox Labrador licking her lips! But as I found out these treats are one of the worst things you can do to your dog, which we all need to be made aware of.
By Hayley Dodwell6 years ago in Petlife
'Conker's Bad Fur Day' - A Game Like No Other!
I was first introduced to Conker's Bad Fur Day a year ago by my gaming-enthusiastic boyfriend, Nigel. When he first described the game to me I thought he can't be serious?! Surely there is not really a game like this! So, out came the game; he was correct, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the game.
By Hayley Dodwell7 years ago in Gamers
Kym Karath: Everyone's Favourite Von Trapp!
The Sound Of Music, the 1965 classic, the most beloved film musical of all time, loved by generation after generation, with Julie Andrews playing the role of Maria to perfection, and Christopher Plummer splendid as Captain Von Trapp. But it was those seven children which people took to their hearts, especially little Gretl, who stole the show! The cute and adorable 'scene stealer' was played by Kym Karath, an iconic 1960s child star.
By Hayley Dodwell7 years ago in Geeks
Historical Market Harborough
Market Harborough, a picturesque market town in Leicestershire. Located in the East Midlands region, not too far from the Northamptonshire border. The town is eighty eight miles from the capital, London. Which is easy to get to by train in approximately one hour. With regular trains throughout the day, from the towns station on St. Mary's Road, around a ten minute walk from the town centre.
By Hayley Dodwell7 years ago in Wander
The Quaint English Town of Oakham
Beautiful Oakham is a historic town in England's smallest county of Rutland, which is in the East Midlands. Oakham is twenty five miles away from the city of Leicester. Oakham is one of my favourite places to spend an afternoon, it's like stepping back in time. The town's history is incredible, and the beauty of the town is picture postcard, an English town at its finest. It's a treat to go there and enjoy everything it has to offer.
By Hayley Dodwell7 years ago in Wander
The Beautiful City of York
To me York is an incredibly special place. I have been many times. Beginning in my childhood, first on a school trip, where we spent the afternoon exploring the Castle, which was so much fun. Then my next visit was on a family holiday, we took a boat trip on the River Ouse, and had a blast at Jorvik Viking Centre; I will tell you about this blast of a place later!
By Hayley Dodwell7 years ago in Wander
