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Merseyside finalists gear up for tourism ‘Oscars’ of
England’s Northwest
ON
Wednesday 10 October 2007 the cream of Merseyside’s tourism businesses
will be battling it out to be named the best in the Northwest at the
fourth annual England’s Northwest Tourism Awards. The
high-profile event, organised by the Northwest Regional Development
Agency (NWDA) and hosted by BBC North West Tonight presenter Ranvir
Singh, will be held at Manchester Central.
Winners from the 2007 Mersey Partnership Tourism Awards will be
competing at a regional level in the hope that they will come away
with the coveted title of best in the Northwest, along with a
gleaming trophy to mark their achievement. The England’s
Northwest Tourism Awards recognise excellence within the tourism
industry and reward both group and individual achievement over the
past year. In addition to receiving a prestigious title and trophy,
regional winners will have the opportunity to represent the
Northwest in the national awards, organised by VisitBritain in April
2008.
Felicity Goodey, Chair of Tourism England’s Northwest said:-
“These tourism awards recognise the leaders in what is a highly
competitive and rapidly changing industry. As consumers we are
becoming increasingly demanding and all of these businesses are
meeting and exceeding these demands, delivering the highest quality
experience for our visitors and making England’s Northwest an
increasingly popular visitor destination. All of the finalists are
winners in their own areas, but perhaps more importantly they are
setting the standards for others to follow.”
Martin King, Director of Tourism at the Mersey Partnership said:-
“Liverpool City Region is enjoying a worldwide appeal to tourists
and visitors, and our venues, events and attractions should stand a
strong chance to be best in the Northwest, and furthermore in the
whole of Britain. It’s no exaggeration to say the eyes of
Europe and the rest of the world are once again falling on Liverpool
and Merseyside as we are preparing to celebrate the city’s year as
European capital of Culture in 2008. This is a tremendously
important opportunity for everyone involved in tourism on
Merseyside. It is a perfect chance for us to show off our unique
appeal to visitors from all over the world. There really has never
been a more exciting time for the region’s tourism industry.”
Ticket Deadline
Extended
DUE to a national strike of Royal Mail postal workers this
week and next, the Liverpool. Culture Company has extended the
deadline to register for the Liverpool 08 Ballot. The original
7 October 2007 deadline to register for tickets to 8 major shows in 08,
has now been moved to Sunday, 14 October 2007 .
Registration forms can be collected at the 08 place, all city
council libraries, One Stop Shops, lifestyle gyms and online.
Don’t miss you chance to get tickets and register before midnight on
14 October 2007.
Register for Tickets...
Download the Programme
For information on the 2008 Programme, visit our website where it is
available to download. |
Rachel gives unhealthy eating the boot
ENGLAND
goalkeeper Rachel Brown will receive a hero’s welcome home as she
launches the latest drive to get local kids healthy and active.
Rachel – fresh from helping England reach the quarter finals of the
World Cup in China - will delight youngsters at Florence Melly
Primary when she arrives at the school on-board the city’s Healthy
Schools Bus.
The Everton and England no.1, one of the stars of the World Cup and
a qualified teacher, will talk to the youngsters about her
experiences with the national team in the Far East before leading a
fun-filled fitness session. Liverpool’s Healthy Schools Bus,
run in partnership by the city council, Everton FC and Arriva, is
proving to be a massive success. Launched in October 2006, it is
touring schools throughout the city, to educate children about the
importance of healthy eating and exercise. It has already helped
more than 6,000 Liverpool pupils start their journey to a healthier
future.
Rachel said:- “The Healthy Schools Bus has had a great first
year. The children really enjoy the visits and we’ve had some great
feedback. It’s enhancing the curriculum, and sending out really
positive messages about healthy eating and exercise. It’s also
helping us hit government targets around tackling child obesity.
The World Cup was an amazing experience for myself and the whole
England team, giving us the chance to play against some of the best
players in the world. We were the only team to take points off
Germany who won the tournament, which is a great gauge of how good
we are becoming. It’s made us realise we don’t need to fear any team
we come up against.”
And it’s not just Rachel who has been grabbing international
attention. Liverpool’s Healthy Schools Bus is also causing a stir
overseas with interest shown in the concept by Malaysia, Canada and
South Africa. Several UK local authorities are also looking to
follow Liverpool’s lead and develop their own bus.
Executive Member for Leisure, Councillor Colin Eldridge, said:-
“Rachel is a brilliant ambassador for young people and she was
absolutely fantastic in the World Cup. Although we were all
disappointed England couldn’t quite go all the way in the
tournament, we’re delighted to have her back on-board the Healthy
Schools Bus. The young people are looking forward to giving her a
big welcome home! Liverpool Healthy Schools Bus is a really
innovative project, led by a skilled and enthusiastic team, and it’s
making a real difference to thousands of young people’s lives. By
bringing healthy eating and exercise direct to schools, we’re
reducing child obesity levels and driving up the health, fitness and
well-being of children. I’m delighted that the concept is catching
on across the globe!”
The healthy schools bus is an Arriva vehicle which has been
transformed into a hi-tech, mobile classroom. Emblazoned with
colourful images of children tucking into fruit and veg, the bus is
kitted out with laptops, an electronic whiteboard and a sound
system. It is also stacked to the brim with sports equipment and
fresh fruit. Rachel is supported on the bus by Physical
Activity Coach Lee Lockley. The sessions at each school are divided
into one hour of physical activity in the playground and a 1-hour
interactive healthy bodies lesson on board the bus.
The visit to Florence
Melly Primary marks the first anniversary of the bus and kicks-off
the bus’ return to all the schools it has visited over the past
year. The return visits will be used to see how the children have
progressed and reinforce healthy living messages. |
