Southport and District Junior Tennis League are Winners

THE Southport and District Junior Tennis League under 12's took the cup at the Argyle Tennis Club awards Evening after years of trying. this photograph was sent to us with thanks to Goldielle Promotions.

Southport based Lisa Jane Forrester selected for prestigious art and crafts event

A Southport based silverware designer has been selected for prestigious art and crafts event Lisa Jane Forrester, a silversmith based in Southport, was selected by an expert panel of judges, out of hundreds of hopeful designers, to showcase her work at this year’s Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) in Manchester.  

Lisa describes her work as being based around the concept of different lifestyles and eating habits. She states:- “It is very important to me to design and make my tableware ergonomically satisfying therefore enhancing the dining experience.”

Her pieces are created with comfort in mind, mixing smooth and rough textures making them desirable to touch and engage with. Her designs also act as talking points, enhancing the dining experience.

Lisa is launching her new enchanting range of jewellery at this year’s Fair. Her pieces combine delicate forms and textures with precious and semi precious stones and prices start from £35. “I have taken inspiration from exotic organic plants and their colours to produce stunning original statement jewellery.”

The Spinningfields area of Manchester city centre will host the event from 22-25 October 2009, bringing a unique retail event to the heart of Manchester, where innovative designers from across the country will sell their work directly to the public. Situated in a purpose-built pavilion on Hardman Boulevard, the event provides a perfect opportunity for visitors to treat themselves, buy one-off gorgeous gifts or invest in a distinctive piece for their home.

More than 140 established and up and coming designer-makers have been specially selected to showcase the very finest interior and fashion accessories, jewellery, ceramics, glass, furniture and more. Visitors can spend the day in a relaxed yet stimulating atmosphere, chat to the makers and find out the story behind the work. The event will give visitors an appreciation of how much work goes into each unique piece and offers the opportunity to buy directly from the person who made it.   Organiser Ann-Marie Franey said:- “We want visitors to appreciate how much work goes into each unique piece and encourage them to buy items that will last decades, rather than years. As we move away from excess and mass production this event is about finding something you love and buying it directly from the person who made it.  This year is thoroughly exciting, and we were incredibly pleased to received Arts Council funding. We’re looking forward to growing this event, which was set up to champion designer-makers in the North and bring their work to new audiences.”

The preview evening will see a whole host of awards up for grabs, including Best Northern Maker, with a £500 prize, sponsored by the Co-operative Bank. The inaugural event in 2008 saw approximately 3,500 visitors spend in excess of £150,000 highlighting the demand for high quality, hand-made craft and a desire to spend one’s money in a more thoughtful way.  Having moved to the city centre, this year’s event is going to be bigger and better! Come down and check it out for yourself... See GreatNorthernEvents.Co.UK for more information.

THE LEARNING REVOLUTION FESTIVAL COMES TO LIVERPOOL

ADULTS across Liverpool are being given the opportunity to join in The Learning Revolution Festival, a month-long celebration of everything that’s great about learning and the benefits it brings to individuals, families, businesses and communities.

On Thursday, 29 October 2009, local residents can take part in The Learning Revolution at The Ballroom at the Town Hall in Liverpool. The event takes place from 10:00am to 16:00pm.

Throughout October, hundreds of events across England will highlight the wide variety of learning available. The month will give people who are already taking part in informal learning a chance to celebrate what they enjoy, and others the opportunity to try something new.

Matthew Burge, Festival of Learning National Arts Facilitator, Voluntary Arts England, said:- “We’re delighted to bring The Learning Revolution Festival to Liverpool. A Journey and a Destination” explores the benefits of creativity in shared learning. There will be opportunities to share your skills and learn new and exciting things. There is something for everyone, so come along and be part of the free revolution. The Festival will give everyone locally the opportunity to try something new and to enjoy the benefits of learning, which can involve anything from being part of a local sports team or book club, to visiting museums in the area, or researching something of interest online. Hundreds of thousands of adults in England are already part of The Learning Revolution and enjoy many different types of informal learning. This month will give these people the chance to celebrate the fact that they are part of a wider movement.”

The Government has committed £210 million to support The Learning Revolution, with an additional £20 million Transformation Fund recently awarded to 213 different projects to encourage learning within communities.

To be part of The Learning Revolution Festival, visit:- www.direct.gov.uk/learningrevolution, or call:- 0800 100 900 to find out about more learning opportunities and how learning for pleasure can help you.

Autumn/Early Christmas Fair at St Peter's Church, Birkdale - Are You Going?

FOLLOWING the success of their Spring Fair, St Peter's Church, St Peter's Road, Birkdale are holding their first ever Autumn/Early Christmas Fair on Saturday, 14 November 2009 from 10.30-3. With amazing tombolas, games, crafts, books, plants and cakes for sale there is something for everyone. There will be a unique Christian Labyrinth in the church itself and delicious food will be served all day.

All money raised will be split between the church repair/refurbishment funds and one of our charities. 50p entrance fee for over 16's, children are free. Everyone is welcome we look forward to seeing you.