SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW 2009 COMPETITION - WEEK 1

THE Southport Flower Show will be held over 20 August to 23 August 2009 and is set to be one of the best ever shows yet. With more than 250 exhibitors over 34 acres of Southport’s beautiful Victoria Park, it is no wonder as to why it continues to be a highlight of the horticultural calendar. This will be no exception to normal offering visitors everything from home and garden furniture to local arts and crafts, and amazing floral displays. As well as lots, lots more... This year is even more special though, as the show is celebrating, but why? 

The question this week is:- "Why is the Southport Flower Show celebrating this year?"

We have a pair of tickets to give away this week to a lucky winner. So email your full name, address and also your phone number, with your answer to:- news24@southportreporter.com.

Do not despair if you do not get picked this week, as we have another pair to give away next week.

But also the price of the tickets this year are fantastic value, so you can always get a good deal via their website or by calling:- 0844 847 1555!

Closing date is 4 August 2009, 1:00am GMT.

Our standard terms and conditions apply (Click to here to view).

Our related news report:- SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW LATEST

Fire-fighters on Merseyside are threaten strike

ON 27 July 2009 the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned that fire-fighters on Merseyside might go back to the picket lines after one of their colleagues was dismissed over an alleged assault. It is reported that Fire-fighter Kevin Hughes, who worked at Whiston Fire Station, was accused of attacking the son of a colleague who worked during a strike in July 2008. To date no police charges have been brought against Mr Hughes over this alleged assault. Merseyside Fire Authority held an internal investigation and he was sacked for gross misconduct, a year after. Merseyside Fire Authority said he had the "right to appeal." Yet the FBU, in which Mr Hughes was an official, has called this sacking "victimization." They also added that they are "sickened" by the dismissal. FBU Regional Secretary, Kevin Brown has gone on to state to the media that the investigation was "flawed" and that:- "There were no independent witnesses to support the case brought against fire-fighter Kevin Hughes. The fire authority brought a weak case with no independent witnesses and no other evidence. There were 17 witnesses for Kevin, some of whom were independent witnesses. This is the sort of 'justice' you could expect in a tinpot dictatorship, not on Merseyside." It is unclear as to what time scale the Fire Brigades Union are looking at for the threatened industrial action if he is not reinstated.

Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard Found Not Guilty Of Affray

A very smartly dressed Liverpool Captain, Steven Gerrard arrived today at Liverpool Crown Court to find out what would happen after a week long court case. All this started on 29 December 2008, when a fight started at the Lounge Inn, Southport, and Merseyside. He was with friends at the time of the incident that centred around the control of a CD player.

The court and media heard over the trial from the prosecution, who stated, Steven Gerrard became furious that his request for a song was refused and that he "lost it", punching Mr McGee "with the style and speed of a professional boxer". Later the defence stated that Gerrard believed McGee was about to assault him, and acted in self-defence. His five friends had all admitted to affray. As he sent the jury out, Judge Henry Globe QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, described the events at the Lounge Inn as an "explosion of violence". Yet, today the 29 year old from Formby, Merseyside stands free after being found not guilty of affray. 

Gerrard told the media:- "I'd like to to put this case behind me.  I'm really looking forward to the season ahead and concentrating on football.  I like to thank my legal team, my friends and family and to everyone at Liverpool Football Club for supporting me."  Email your views to us on this topic to news24@southportreporter.com.

Our related archived reports:- Report 1 | Report 2 | Report 3 | Report 4 | Report 5 | Report 6