FOOTBALL FEVER REACHES HEART OF MERSEYSIDE

2 SCHEMES that will help more people across Merseyside to get involved in sport and community activities are celebrating after receiving thousands of pounds of Lottery funding.  The projects have been awarded grants from the Big Lottery Fund's (BIG) Reaching Communities programme, which aims to help those most in need and build stronger communities.

Liverpool County Football Association will use BIG's grant of £90,000 to provide more opportunities for disabled people of all ages to take part in various aspects of football, helping them to improve health and fitness, while boosting their social skills and self confidence.  The funding will see a dedicated officer working with existing organisations and clubs across Liverpool, Halton, Warrington, Sefton, St Helens and Knowsley to develop a football programme that will provide participation, volunteering and educational opportunities to people with a wide range of disabilities.

Activities will involve a grassroots 'school to club' link programme to introduce football to children and young people with disabilities, and the creation of a network of disabled football league competitions across Merseyside.  The project will also train people with and without disabilities to become skilled disabled coaches, referees, young leaders and administrators of the scheme.

Connor Warwick, age 14 and partially sighted, said:- "I hadn't played football before and the County FA got me involved and now I play for the Centre of Excellence, have met lots of new people and will carry on playing. This will hopefully help get more people with a disability involved in football."

And in Earlstown, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, a grant of £188,959 has been awarded to the Crownway Community Centre so that it can increase the range of social, leisure and recreational activities on offer to the local community.

Following a consultation with local residents, the centre will develop its 'pathways to employment' service offering adult learning and training courses, and provide older people with a luncheon club, IT skills training tailored to their needs and gentle exercise classes to help them keep fit. Local youngpeople will also benefit from a new youth group offering activities including table tennis, pool, Wii Fit, karaoke and dance sessions as well as support in areas such as drugs and alcohol misuse, first aid and anger management.

The funding will also mean the centre can develop its volunteer programme and encourage more local people to get involved.

The Centre's Manager Carol Bostock said:- "This funding means we can develop the Centre so it meets the needs of the local community - from newborns to the elderly. It will also mean attract new volunteers and offer support and training to existing ones, without which the centre would not be able to run."

Helen Bullough, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the North West said:- "We are delighted to be able to fund these projects, which are both improving opportunities for people to increase their skills and get more out of life. Both schemes will make such a difference to the lives of people and communities across Liverpool and Merseyside."  

PAMELA ANDERSON CASTS HER PANTOMIME MAGIC OVER LIVERPOOL!

THE most-downloaded and recognisable icon of this millennium PAMELA ANDERSON has been confirmed to appear as the Genie of the Lamp in this year’s production of Aladdin at the Liverpool Empire. Pamela returns to pantomime following her enormously successful appearance in the same role at the New Wimbledon Theatre, Christmas 2009/10.

Pamela is best known for her role as CJ Parker in the iconic TV show Baywatch. She is now a mother, an activist for PETA, an entrepreneur and actress. Pamela has appeared in movies Barb Wire and Borat and most recently was a contestant on Dancing With The Stars, the American version of Strictly Come Dancing.

Producers of the show, First Family Entertainment are delighted to announce another star-studded line up for the pantomime. As well as Pamela, the show will also star Liverpool favourite LES DENNIS as Wishee Washee. More star names still to be announced.

“I had a fantastic time performing in my very first pantomime last year in Wimbledon and I was thrilled to be invited to play the Genie once again. It will be a chance to have a lot of fun, to see some old friends and to make some new ones. In particular, I am very excited about spending some time in Liverpool – a city I have never visited before. I read about it being the European Capital of Culture for 2008 - and I am a Beatles fan of course! But my friends in the UK tell me there is so much more to the city besides and that I am really going to have a great time. I even had a chance to check in with my friend Henry Winkler (Captain Hook last year!) and he had nothing but great things to say about the people and the city. I am very excited –see you soon!” Pamela Anderson

"We are so thrilled to be bringing Pamela Anderson to the Liverpool Empire. First Family Entertainment endeavour to bring the biggest stars in pantomime to Liverpool and have succeeded in the past two years by casting Cilla Black, Henry Winkler, and now Pamela. We loved working with her last year, she is an asset to the world of panto and I know the people of Liverpool will embrace her." Kevin Wood, Chief Executive of First Family Entertainment

The production will be sponsored by ROBINSONS for the 2nd year running. The nation’s favourite family soft drink is supporting a national celebration of pantomime up and down the country and is delighted to be part of the bringing the magic of Aladdin to the stage.

The pantomime runs from Friday, 10 December 2010 to Sunday, 2 January 2011  Ticket prices from: £15 to:- £28.50.  Book tickets now on:- 0844 847 2525 or go online. For Groups Sales call now on:- 08443 72 72 72.

MAN BAILED IN CONNECTION WITH MURDER OF PAUL PIKE

A 24 year old man from Netherley, arrested ON Tuesday, 15 June 2010, on suspicion of the murder of Paul Pike on Sunday 5 June, has been released on police bail pending further enquiries. The man has now been released on bail. Anyone with any information that could help detectives with their enquiries should contact the Major Incident Room on:- 0151 777 8629, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.