SUPPORT THE POOL AND SHOW MERSEYSIDE CARES!

LIVERPUDLIANS already inspired by the giant, robotic spider, La Machine, are being urged to do something to help creatures living on their doorstep this coming weekend, following a disappointing summer for Merseyside’s participation in conservation work.  ‘Support the Pool’ is the message being sent out by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), working in conjunction with the Mersey Forest. The Pool in questions is not one of the City’s football teams, but a Natterjack toad pool nestled in the dunes at Formby. 

The BTCV has been running weekends with a difference during the summer, each one enabling participants to sign up for two daily sessions of conservation work, followed by their own choice of activity in their free time, during the evenings.  Surprisingly, few people from Merseyside have taken part in these weekends, despite the fact they will be assisting one of the country’s most endangered species – the Natterjack toad. 

The BTCV is determined to find participants from Liverpool for the weekend 27 September to 28 September 2008, to prove that Merseyside’s population does care about the world of nature. It is looking for ten people, per weekend, who want to derive a feel-good factor, are happy to pay £100 for the two-day experience, or £60 for a day’s conservation work and are aged over 18.  During their time, they will be engaged with vital pond fencing or shrub clearance activity, both of which are vital to the survival of the Natterjack Toad. They will learn conservation techniques from trained BTCV leaders and will be provided with tools. No previous experience is necessary.

The BTCV’s Richard Austin says:- “This is an ideal opportunity for couples to get involved in conservation work together, to contribute something to the environment and then to soak up the atmosphere in the City of Culture after dark. We would love to see some Merseyside people supporting their own natural environment on our last two weekends.”

To be one of the ten participants on either or both weekends, simply call 01772 204647. If accommodation is required, it can be sourced at www.visitliverpool.com. 

Further details about the weekend can be gained via clicking here.

Culture legacy bid to be launched

A BID for millions of pounds of funding which will help support a cultural legacy programme for Liverpool is to be launched.  The city council is backing an application for North West Development Agency and ERDF funding for 2009 to 2012, following the massive success of the city’s tenure as European Capital of Culture.

Council leader Warren Bradley said:- “Much of the success of this year has been down to great partnerships and teamwork involving many of the city’s cultural institutions and other organisations.  A proposal is now under active consideration to secure further funding to put on an enhanced programme of cultural events over the next 3 years to build on our legacy of achievement. 

We have been talking to Chief Executives of the other city region boroughs and have an ongoing dialogue with the major cultural and arts institutions.  I also want to broaden our engagement, particularly in the fields of sport and young people.  It is absolutely crucial that we build upon the amazing achievements of 2008 and securing additional funding will enable us to build a programme worthy of a major European city like Liverpool.”

A bid for over £3 million is being prepared and has already passed its initial appraisal by the Mersey Partnership.  It is being backed by the Culture Company board, who are discussing ways in which the creative talents of the region can be harnessed to deliver a strong festival programme which reflects the unique experience of the last year and brings in fresh ideas and creativity.

So far, Capital of Culture has attracted 1.5 million new visitors to Liverpool and generated national and international publicity for the city worth more than £70 million.  Highlights have included La Machine, a stunning street theatre performance through the city centre; the Liverpool Sound concert at Anfield featuring Sir Paul McCartney; an opening ceremony at St George’s Hall attended by 50,000 people and the best ever Mathew Street Festival.

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