All the fun of the fair

MORE than 800 special school children were treated to a fun-packed day out earlier this week after being delivered by an impressive 200 car convoy to Southport fair.

Oganised by local charity 'Liverpool Motorists Annual Outing', the Lord Mayor and Mayoress of Liverpool, Councillor Ron and Tina Gould gave the children at Springwood Heath School a civic send off as they began their journey to the ever popular seaside resort - Presenting them with a gift to mark the anniversary of the event which began in 1958.

Councillor Gould said:- "This annual outing is a wonderful day that celebrates its forty-sixth anniversary. Not just the children who will have a great day out, but the helpers who go along to support them.

Support and funding from companies throughout the UK, local businesses, trade unions and individuals makes the outing possible."

Madonna Still Class Act

LEADING ladies whose main aim is to raise an eyebrow or two often and gain fame or notoriety achieve their goal with the right amount of publicity. But none so prolific and evocative as Madonna who has recently been named the UK's best dressed woman by Good Housekeeping magazine who clearly have been watching the less than obvious attributes of the sex siren of the last two decades.

The magazine hailed her as a fashion icon with a definite sense (to be featured in their July issue out next week) and celebrates women who are confident about their appearance and have developed their own distinctive style.

Actress Joanna Lumley is highly commended and praised for 'glamour and character'. Uma Thurman won best dressed on the international list. Audrey Hepburn is named as the ultimate all time style icon, praised for a look that never dates. Other style icons named are Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly and Diana Princess of Wales.

Musician Bryan Ferry is Britain's best dressed male. Judges say:- "He oozes sophistication and he's got a charming style of his own - it's relaxed
elegance." 

SPONSORSHIP SECURED FOR AWARD WINNING JAZZ FESTIVAL

TOURISM officers in Southport are delighted to announce that a sponsorship deal has been secured for this year's International Jazz Festival.

100.4 smoothfm, which broadcasts a mix of jazz, soul and blues music, has just confirmed its media sponsorship. Presenters of the various programmes will be plugging the four day festival event from June 24-27 with live reads announcing the artists taking part.

Tony Corfield, Head of Sefton's Tourism Department said:- "We are delighted to have tied up the deal with the station which covers the whole of the region and beyond and whose affiliate station nationwide is Jazz FM.

Steve Collins, Programme Director said:- "I am pleased that 100.4 smoothfm is associated with the Southport International Jazz Festival as it is world-respected and brings some great acts to the region every year."

100.4 smoothfm covers Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, the Midlands and Cumbria.

The festival has once again attracted top names including blues superstar Alexander O'Neal who will be performing at the Southport Theatre and Floral Hall on opening night. 

Making a welcome return this year are the hugely successful six piece King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, one of the most popular jazz and swing bands around, well established saxophonists Snake Davis with the Suspicions and Harry Connolly's jazz with Friends.

Also confirmed are the Jive Aces with their high energy swing music and spectacular stage show; John Etheridge, who has been at the top of the jazz and contemporary guitar world for 30 years.

Clare Teal, who recently signed a £3 million recoding deal, believed to be the largest ever signing for a UK jazz artist, will be at the Prince of Wales Hotel on the Sunday evening.

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