Comic Book Workshop with Tim Quinn

ON the 11 September 2021, VAMPHire.com was going to hold 2 fantastic events, at the Southport Bijou Cinema. Sadly, the evening event was un able to take place, but for a lucky few, the afternoon event took place! Over a 2 hour session, the former Editor of Marvel Comics, Tim Quinn delivered an inspirational talk and also preformed a basic comic book workshop.  Those attending also go the chance to torch the Moon, quite literally, as Time brought with him a Moon rock sample from the Apollo Mission...

Frustratingly, Covid19 struck the evening event, that had to be cancelled due to 2 of the 4 panel members becoming ill.  A spokesman for VAMPHire.com, who had been running the events said:- "We are sorry for any disappointment about this last second update, but your safety is our main concern and we have to follow Government advice. We are sorry for any disappointment about this last second update, but your safety is our main concern and we have to follow Government advice. VAMPHire.Com will issue a new date for this event soon. Full refund for the 7pm event will be issued to those who have obtained tickets.  Thankfully this did not affect the workshop and all who attended had a fantastic time.  Big thanks to all who have helped us, especially to Mind Games and the Bijou Cinema."

The Official handover of 1st Class 777 to be accepted by the Merseyrail Network

ON Tuesday, 7 September 2021 we headed over to Birkenhead North Rail Station to watch the official handover of the 1st new train to the Liverpool City Region from manufacturer Stadler. This was a significant milestone in the project that will see the whole existing fleet, which is more than 40 years old, replaced by state of the art, safe, reliable and comfortable trains.

These new trains will not only be publicly owned, but they’ve been designed in consultation with local rail users. After the handover we took a look on the new train that has had local people involved with the design. As well as press and representatives from Merseyrail, Stadler and Liverpool City Region's Councils, where also some of the public helped with the design process. Thanks to their input, the trains are now extremely accessible.

The new fleet is a key part of the Metro Mayor’s plans for a London style transport system that will make it quick, easy, and affordable for people to travel around the Region by improving links and by using devolved powers to take more local control of the network.

In total the fleet of 52 Class 777 will costs ₤500m and will be owned and run by the Merseyrail network, on behalf of Liverpool City Region.  These unique Units, will then be cheaper to use in the long term than the current rented rolling stock.  It also allowed for them feature specific customer focused features that will transform how you travel and use the Merseyrail network, that currently covers  68 Stations and covers 75 miles, of track, of witch 6.5 miles underground.

As you can hear in our video, they will also help to reduce noise levels, as they are extremely quiet when setting off, compared to the old units.

Have you seen any of the new trains yet? What do you think of them? Please do let us know by emailing us to:-  News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

For more information about the Merseyrail Network, which currently has 68 stations and covers 75 miles, of which 6.5 miles underground, please visit:- Merseyrail.Org.

For more information about the Transport Focus Passenger Research Group, please see:-  Merseytravel.Gov.UK.