News reports located on this page = 4.

HUGH Baird College's Barbering student, Charlie Holt, is set to receive a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the ropes sailing aboard the spectacular tall ship Pelican and be part of the Darwin200 UK Voyage. In preparation for the 2021 Darwin200 voyage around the world following Charles Darwin's journey on HMS Beagle, the Darwin200 Team has chartered the tall ship Pelican of London to undertake a voyage around the UK to visit the most spectacular and interesting islands in the British Archipelago.

Jim Graves, Chair of the Merseyside Sailing Adventure Trust, said:- "Myself and the Merseyside Sailing Adventure Trust wanted to offer a once in a lifetime opportunity for the young people of Liverpool. When I heard about Charlie's journey with the College, I knew he deserved the opportunity to take part in the Darwin200 UK Voyage, to develop skills that not many people will have or ever learn in their lifetime."

The British Archipelago comprises over 6,000 islands. They are often voted amongst the most beautiful islands in the world, yet few outsiders get to experience them in full. Some of the highlights of the Voyage include the following; Scilly Islands, Hebrides, St Kilda, Shetlands and Orkney Islands, Bass Rock and finally arriving in London to celebrate their journey.

Casey Adlard, Hugh Baird College Hairdressing and Barbering Course Leader, said:- "Charlie has been at the College for 3 years and has progressed from the Level 1 Hair and Beauty course to achieving a distinction in his Level 3 Barbering course this year. He has always been a pleasure to teach and has engaged in all the curriculum activities and more, he was at the top of the list for learners who deserve this once in a lifetime opportunity and hopefully he can take some of these skills from the adventure and go forward with them into his future career."

Charlie has receive full training and guidance prior to his departure from Liverpool, on Friday, 21 August 2020, in order to assist the crew with sailing; a truly once in a life time opportunity to have a unique sailing experience led by professional sailors on a stunning tall ship. Charlie will be vlogging his experience capturing his 27 day voyage.

Charlie, said:- "I'm so excited for this trip of a lifetime, I don't think I will ever get an experience like it again. I'm so honoured to be chosen and given the opportunity to take part in the voyage. To build some life skills, and get the chance to visit places I've never been before, is amazing."

COVID-19: a rigorous Covid-19 strategy is in place to prevent Covid-19 being contracted by any participants of the UK Voyage. All participants will be tested for Covid-19 prior to commencement of the UK Voyage. Temperatures will be taken on a daily basis for the 1st 14 days of participation. Strict protocols will be in place throughout the voyage, to ensure we undertake this journey Covid-19 free.

2 Care Homes are facing closure could be a sign of a major care crisis looming in the UK. Both homes in Liverpool only opened lass than a year ago, but the operator Shaw Healthcare have said that both Brushwood, in Speke and Mellvin House, in Everton, that they don't have enough remaining funds to remain financially viable. They told media that the pandemic has meant a drop in families willingness to move residents into homes. This drop in residents has lead to:- "significant and unsustainable losses." This and added costs facing Care Homes through the country could mean many others will follow Shaw Healthcare unless the Government acts quickly to help operators of Care Homes.

THE largest student travel firm in the UK has gone under. STA Travel is the latest in the travel sector to go under. The firm specialised in running trips for young people, offering a wide range of options, like volunteer gap year project and travel opportunities. Customers who have bookings will be contacted about their bookings and refunds if required in the next few days. The firm has now closed over 50 shops in the UK as it becomes the latest victim of the Covid19 Pandemic. Please let us know if you are affected by the firm ceasing  trading  by emailing our newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.
 

Young girl, 7, climbs mount Moel Famau to fundraise for care home

STAFF and their families at Thornton Hall and Lodge Care Home in Merseyside have gone the extra mile to put a smile on residents faces during these challenging times.  Emma Capener and her partner Rachel Podmore both work at the Orchard Care Home and felt incredibly proud when their 7 year old daughter, Olivia, asked them if she could walk up a mountain to raise money for Thornton Hall. Olivia said:- "I just want to make people smile because they have not been able to see their family for such a long time."

Olivia was eager to help residents stay positive and happy during the Coronavirus Pandemic; this spurred her on and filled her with excitement and dedication for every step up the mountain. The family walked up and down the 6 mile scenic trail to the top of Mount Moel Famau, in Wales. Their tremendous efforts raised a total of ₤720 for the care home.

Residents were thrilled to hear about Olivia's success and the staff commented on how grateful the home was for their commitment and generosity. Thornton Hall and Lodge Care Home is a specialist residential, short term respite and dementia residential facility and part of Orchard Care Homes' network of residences situated across the North of England and the Midlands.

More information can be found below with further information on how to donate on the website GoFundMe.