Mandelson - Post Office has potential to become "Front Office for Government"

THE UK's Business Secretary Lord Mandelson on 23 March 2009 welcomed the news that the Post Office has signed a five year contract to support DVLA in issuing millions of motorists with photographic driving licences using new, world class technology.

Lord Mandelson said:- "I am passionate about the Post Office and strongly believe that if the right steps are taken there is a positive future for the network. But nostalgia is not a currency that will enable the Post Office to thrive.

It must innovate, look to future and identify new opportunities and new ways of doing business. That's why I welcome the contract the Post Office has signed with DVLA.

This announcement will enable a large number of Post Offices to act as a one-stop-shop for drivers to renew photographs on their licences.

The Post Office's trusted brand, unrivalled network, experienced staff and the new technology being purchased for the contract put the company in an excellent position to bid for other work. It can turn itself into a real front office for Government."

The decision to award this contract to the Post Office further demonstrates this Government's continuing commitment to the Post Office network.

The Government is providing up to £1.7bn of funding to the Post Office, including £150m a year to help support a network of around 11,500 branches to 2011. It has made it clear that it will continue to support the non-commercial network beyond this date.

In November the Government announced that it would renew the contract for the Post Office card account. The account is used by four million people including two million pensioners. It brings millions of people into Post Offices and benefits the retail side of branches up and down the country.

The new Government sponsored Savings Gateway is designed to help people on low incomes save. It will be available through Post Offices who are well placed to deliver this service.

The Government's Postal Services Bill is currently at committee stage in the House of Lords. It reinforces the commitment that the Post Office will remain in public ownership in its entirety. The Bill will also enshrine in law measures to protect the six-day-a-week, one-price-goes-anywhere 'universal postal service'.

Email us your views on this information and if you are a worker at the Post Office, let us know how you think it will affect you. news24@southportreporter.com

Great North Run places up for grabs now

RUNNERS and joggers from around Merseyside are being asked to make the world a better place by taking part in this year’s BUPA Great North Run on 20 September 2009.

The Red Cross has guaranteed places in this year’s event and according to local fundraiser Laura Cooper:- “these will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Places have filled faster than ever this year – sign up today, so as not to be disappointed.”

The Great North Run is the worlds biggest half marathon and the Red Cross are one of the last organisations to have the much sort after place. Those who sign up to raise money for the Red Cross not only secure their place in this ever popular event, they also receive a running vest, useful tips, and valuable support from the fundraising team, and the money raised will help save lives and change lives across the world and around the corner.

Laura Cooper said:- “everyone knows about the Red Cross, but very few people realise the amount of work we do locally and on their doorstep. Running for the Red Cross enables the charity to continue its vital work both in the UK and abroad and it’s great fun. I look forward to working with people from Merseyside who want to run for us.”

For more information and to secure your place please contact Laura Cooper by text or phone:- 07710 733 196 or via:- email.

80’s ICONS POP INTO LIVE LOUNGE!

DO not forget to get your tickets to see Los Pacaminos, featuring Paul Young and support Ben Montague at the Live Lounge @ Baby Blue on Sunday, 29 March 2009.

Los Pacaminos are a band you can absolutely count on for a great night out! While the name may mean little (as yet) to music lovers, at least one member of this highly respected group will be very familiar. The Tex-Mex outfit is led by one of the UK’s finest and best loved vocalists - Paul Young.  Paul is not the only luminary in the seven piece band, however. Some of the best musicians in the business have teamed up to present the incendiary mix of Tex-Mex classics, Spanish songs and original material that makes up the music of Los Pacaminos.

The event will let you hear live the band’s long-awaited first album, suitably titled, "Los Pacaminos". The album is out now on What Records and distributed through ID/Universal. It features 12 great tracks guaranteed to get your pulse racing and the dancing shoes on. 

The band comprises some of the best known names in the business. From a variety of backgrounds, they’ve covered all kinds of music but are all in accord on one - the sound that’s brought them together as Los Pacaminos. So, this is not a show to be missed!

Tickets:- £15 advance /£17 on the door.

Tickets for Live Lounge @ Baby Blue can be purchased through the Liverpool Echo Arena Box Office on the ACC Live Hotline on:- 0844 8000 410 (Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm).

You can also book online:- accliverpool.com/livelounge.

For further concert information and full listings visit:- babybluelivelounge.co.uk.

Gearing up to Pedal it Pink

THE women of Liverpool are gearing up for the country’s very first Pedal it Pink cycle ride, which is taking place in Sefton Park on 19 April 2009. The event, which offers a variety of distances for different abilities, is being organised to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign.

Kelly Woods from Wellesbourne Road, Liverpool, is taking part for a reason very close to her heart. Finding a lump is every woman’s worst nightmare and when Kelly discovered hers while in the shower, at just 28 years of age, she thought her world was going to fall apart. She said:- “I discovered a lump in my left breast in October 2005 and I didn't think much about it really until I told my mum who urged me to go to the doctor. I made an appointment with my GP who told me that, due to my age, it would be nothing to worry about and referred me to the hospital for tests. My mum was concerned and made me an earlier appointment with the breast clinic. They assured me the lump was nothing to worry about and it would probably go when I had children. However, four days later I got a call from my mum to say that I had a letter to attend the hospital the next day. I froze; I knew this wasn't good news. When I arrived at the hospital I was rushed straight through. I was told my test results from my cell tests had come back abnormal and I would need more tests. The mammogram showed nothing so I was given a core biopsy there and then. I went back for my results at the end of the month and was given the news that’s every woman’s worst nightmare; I had breast cancer. I couldn't believe it and my first words were am I going to lose my hair? On the scale of things my hair was nothing but, to me, if I looked ok then I would get through this.”

Fortunately Kelly was one of the lucky ones as her cancer had not had chance to spread to any lymph nodes, which meant that after the lumpectomy the cancer had gone.

Kelly started chemotherapy in early 2005, she said:- “Having chemo was the most sickly experience I had ever known. Hangovers were a breeze, chemo was something else. The feeling was unbearable, unbelievable. But I remained positive. Every chemo session was one closer to me becoming free and normal again.  Then my radiotherapy started. This I found to be a breeze compared to chemo, although I was so tired physically and mentally by then. By the end of my radiotherapy I was glad to put the whole experience behind me and look to the future.  It was a really gruelling nine months. Little did I know what lay ahead and how your life could be turned around. During my treatment I was told I may face early menopause and this could make me infertile. But miraculously two weeks into my radiotherapy I fell pregnant, at first it was a worrying time as I was unsure if I could go ahead with the pregnancy due to me having treatment while conceiving. However after speaking to my oncologist I was told I could treat the pregnancy normally and after a straightforward pregnancy my little miracle, Ethan James, was born on 1 May 2006! I am amazed at how my life has turned around. I've gone from having a life threatening disease to giving a new life to a beautiful baby boy.”

When Kelly heard about Pedal it Pink she jumped at the chance to take part in an event that would support the work of Breast Cancer Campaign. She said:- “I am taking part in the Pedal It pink Event for several reasons. I think it is a great incentive for women at this time of year to get fit and raise awareness of Breast Cancer. Also I am eternally grateful to all the research which has been carried out over the years; because of this research I am able to continue a normal life after suffering Breast Cancer at such an early age. It is vital money is raised each year so this research can continue and help save the lives of others."

Kelly and Ethan are now looking forward to a bright, happy future. She concluded:- “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I promised myself I would remain positive throughout I was not going to let this beat me and up until now I have stayed true to my word. I want my story to be heard so other young women do not dismiss lumps.  Having breast cancer can go either way, you can curl up on the couch and let it take over or carry on as normal which I have chosen to do and I am lucky enough I can do this. I now don't worry about trivial things in life the small things don't get my down anymore. I take each day as it comes and thank my lucky stars I am still here.”

Entries for Pedal it Pink are still open, but are selling fast so be sure to apply as soon as possible. Beginners can opt for the 5k Family Lap (which is also open to the men and children in your life) and those wishing to push themselves that little bit further can select either a half (13.1miles) or full (26.2miles) marathon distance. All routes are completely enclosed in Sefton Park, so it’s safe, traffic-free and suitable for all existing and aspiring cyclists.

The money raised from taking part in Pedal it Pink will help Breast Cancer Campaign to fund innovative world-class research throughout the UK and Ireland to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure.

Breast Cancer Campaign believes that research is the start of the solution and with your help we can build a brighter future for people with breast cancer.

To join the pink revolution, visit www.breastcancercampaign.org, or you can also email then or call 020 7749 3700 to sign up. Come on girls!

Let’s get together and put the brakes on breast cancer!