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Determined David drives in style
MEMBERS of staff will present David Oulton, from Liverpool, with the key to his specially adapted Motability Scheme car from Royal & SunAlliance Motability on Friday 27 May 2005, providing him with increased independence and opportunities. David is representative of many people they help with their ongoing programme of fundraising events for Motability's Charitable Grants fund. The presentation will take place at 11.00am, at Royal & SunAlliance, New Hall Place, Old Hall Street, Liverpool.
17 year old David has Hunters Syndrome, a progressive genetic disorder, affecting his growth and mobility. David has always been determined to drive, and he decided to use his government-funded mobility allowance to obtain a brand new Citroen C3 through the Motability Scheme.
"As I am 4'3", the car needed to be adapted because my feet couldn't reach the
pedals. So I applied for financial help through the Charitable Grants fund and an infrared hand control unit has been fitted to solve the problem. Motability even helped with the cost of my driving lessons. It's a great feeling having the freedom to drive myself rather than being reliant on my dad or my sister for a lift all the time. Now I can get to the hospital easily for appointments, visit friends and take my mum out. There's plenty of room for my electric scooter too when I need it. My nan had a Motability car when she was alive, that's how we first heard about the Scheme. Then my parents applied on my behalf when I was younger, with my dad as the driver. This is our 5th Motability car but now I'm in the driving seat!"
said David.
Ian Currie, Director of Royal & SunAlliance Motability, commented:-
"Our staff and our suppliers have been extremely energetic raising funds through a variety of events, one of which is our annual Charity Ball. Over the last 2 years the total has risen to £31,500.00! This is a wonderful result and I am delighted to see how it will help people like David."
Don Brereton CB, Director of Motability said:- "Fundraising is an essential part of the Motability Scheme, without it we would not be able to help the vast number of people that we do. I am very grateful to the staff at Royal & SunAlliance Motability for their marvellous support and pleased that they have been able to meet David, as this illustrates how our customers can remain mobile and lead a full and active life."
SEARCH FOR BRITAIN'S PREMIER MAYOR
THE Co-operative Bank has launched its competition to find the Mayor of the Year 2005. Local authorities up and down the country are invited to enter their mayor into The Co-operative Bank's Mayor of the Year Awards, which recognises the outstanding contributions they have made to their community.
A leading banker to the local authority sector, accounting for a quarter of local authorities, The Co-operative Bank handles over a 3rd of all local authority banking transactions throughout the UK.
In a letter to local authority Chief Executives, David Dunn, Senior Manager of Public Sector & Community Development at The Co-operative Bank, said:- "We are looking for Mayors who have made a real difference during their term in office over the past year. Maybe they demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the local community or made an excellent contribution to helping raise the local area's profile.
The Bank acknowledges the important role of Mayor, and whilst their work maybe appreciated locally, there is no other outlet for their contribution to be recognised on a national level. That is why The Co-operative Bank, as leading bankers in the local authority sector, is again organising this award."
The well-established Mayor of the Year Awards is entering its 5th year with the previous 4
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attracting numerous entries from local authorities of all sizes. Last year Liverpool City Council's
former Lord Mayor, Councillor Ron Gould was awarded the title. He worked tirelessly in raising funds for charity, breaking all previous fundraising records. He was a great ambassador for Liverpool, and was a very popular Mayor bringing enthusiasm and a fresh approach to the role.
The winning Mayor or Lord Mayor will receive a cheque for £1,000 payable to the Mayor's Charity Fund and a specially commissioned Edinburgh Crystal plate.
South Asian Arts Festival
A HOST of musical maestros are coming to Liverpool this summer as part of the South Asian Milapfest. 4 top-billing musicians from around the globe will appear at the Unity Theatre, Liverpool, as part of the year-round South Asian arts festival, supported by the Liverpool Culture Company. Milapfest promotes over 70 events each year, mainly in Liverpool, Manchester and London.
Performers include Grammy Award winner Vishva Mohan Bhatt, in his first ever appearance in the North West. The creator of Mohan Veena is one of the most versatile slide guitar players in the world. Other artists include Mandolin maestro, U Srinivas who has brought the instrument to a wider audience within classical music.
One of the most outstanding Sitar players of India, Ustad Shahid Parvez also makes a special appearance, showcasing his unique playing style in Liverpool. There will also be a rare appearance from Pandit Ravi Shankar, as part of his 85th birthday tour. The music legend will appear in a historic concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
Executive member for culture, Warren Bradley, said:- "Milapfest promises to give great entertainment at the Unity and the Philharmonic and opens up the whole world of international music for the people of Liverpool to sample. I hope that people in and around the city will take advantage of the South Asian Arts Festival, which will complement the city's celebration of music at the Summer Pops concerts."
In the years leading up to 2008, Milapfest is planning a series of high-profile events in Liverpool.
Professor Drummond Bone, Liverpool Culture Company chairman said:- "This is yet another exciting event to be held in Liverpool throughout the summer. This event will highlight Liverpool's attraction as a culturally-diverse city, and a place that embraces the influences of different beliefs and values, expressed through music. It is important that young people in particular are encouraged to experience the music of other cultures, in order to raise awareness and understanding that will benefit their relationships in the future."
Milapfest is a South Asian arts festival and development agency based in the North West of England. Over the years it has become a year long festival that has grown nationally and now commissions and manages projects with partners around the country,
www.milapfest.com.
Concert dates
* Saturday, 28 May 2005 - Vishva Mohan Bhatt at the Unity Theatre
* Saturday, 18 June 2005 - Pandit Ravi Shankar at the Philharmonic Hall
* Saturday, 25 June 2005 - Jayita Pandey at the Philharmonic Hall
* Saturday, 2 July 2005 - U Srinivas at the Unity Theatre
* Saturday, 30 July 2005 - Ustad Shahid Parvez at the Philharmonic Hall
Tickets are priced at £8, £6 concessions. Admission is free for the Ustad Shahid Parvez concert.
Philharmonic hall box office:- 0151 709 3789
Unity theatre box office:- 0151 709 4988
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