Magic of Harry Potter brings £20k charity windfall

THE magic of Harry Potter will provide Claire House children’s hospice in Wirral with a £20,000 windfall.  The money was paid to Merseytravel by Warner Brothers, the makers of the new Harry Potter film, for use of the Queensway Tunnel in Merseyside as a location for 4 nights.

Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel which owns and operates the 2 Mersey Tunnels, said:- ”Claire House was chosen by our staff as our Charity of the Year – and I am delighted it will benefit from such an iconic children’s character as Harry Potter.”

The children and young people who use Claire House are aged from birth to 23 years and suffering from a life limiting or life threatening condition. The hospice offering specialist respite care so that families can take a well-earned break.

Councillor Dowd added:- “These youngsters are truly special and we have developed a close affinity with them over the year they have been our chosen charity. It’s great that we will be able to end our year with such a gift.”

Neil Scales, Chief Executive of Merseytravel, who negotiated the contract with Warner Brothers, said:- “We arranged for the filming to coincide with the closure of the Queensway Tunnel for routine maintenance.  There was a confidentiality clause so we’re not allowed to discuss the filming but I can say Harry Potter weaved his magic for Claire House.”

The cheque was presented to Councillor Dowd and Neil Scales by film unit director Stephen Woolfenden on the set before filming started.  Warner Brothers have confirmed the filming was for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – the final Potter film.

SEFTON URGED TO BE TRAVELWISE

DRIVERS across Sefton are being asked to leave their cars at home from 19 September to 26 September 2009, in favour of cycling, walking or catching public transport. The initiative forms part of TravelWise Week, which is designed to encourage people to think about using healthier and greener alternatives to the car.

As part of TravelWise Week, teachers are being provided with a new schools resource pack to help integrate healthier, sustainable travel issues into the curriculum. There is also a special debate on sustainable transport taking place at the Liverpool Schools Parliament session.

The campaign also includes guided bike rides for new students at the city’s universities, designed to highlight the best cycling routes between halls of residence, university buildings and the city centre.

The Mersey Basin Campaign Conference is also taking place at the Echo Arena during TravelWise Week and delegates are being offered a ride to the event by rickshaw to highlight the issue of sustainable transport.

TravelWise Co-ordinator, Jane Moore, is hoping TravelWise Week will encourage drivers to consider other travel options available. She said:- “By reducing the number of car journeys during TravelWise Week, drivers can really help cut congestion and make the roads safer for everyone. And with the rising fuel costs, swapping the car for a greener option can save you money too!  Depending on the journey, catching the bus, cycling or walking can often be cheaper and faster than the driving commute. But if leaving the car at home for a whole week seems daunting, I would urge people to make at least some journeys by bus, train, bike or on foot.”

TravelWise offers free advice such as cycling and walking maps to help plan shorter journeys. There is also an advice line offering door-to-door route planning on public transport.

TravelWise Week - which coincides with International Car Free Day on 22 September 2009, that is supported by the five Merseyside councils and Merseytravel as part of a long-term aim to reduce carbon emissions, tackle climate change and cut congestion.  Throughout TravelWise Week, there are lots of prizes up for grabs; from bikes and money saving transport tickets to calorie counting pedometers. Call 0151 330 1253 or go online to:- www.LetsTravelWise.org  for a chance to win or to request free cycling and walking maps.