WOODVALE IS REVVING UP FOR ANOTHER GREAT SHOW

THIS year’s Woodvale International Rally will be bigger and better than ever before with a record number of entries already secured in all areas.

Advanced tickets sales at this stage are also up on previous years as is campsite reservations following the success of its re-introduction last year.

Organisers of the rally at RAF Woodvale, now in its 39th year on 7 August and 8 August 2010, have frozen the entrance price on last year and have also arranged a lot of free entertainment to ensure visitors enjoy an affordable weekend.

New attractions this year include the original:- ‘Wall of Death Tour’, the West Lancs. Dog Display Team and inflatable orbs - balls on water and land.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which will be commemorated with a special show. The full sized replica Spitfire will be on display on the Saturday and the model aircraft and military sections have also increased the size of their displays.

This year also sees a new craft tent and food marquee and more than 200 trade stands.

The rally offers visitors a spectacle of events and activities from its renowned Model Aero Show and Vintage and Classic Car Rally to a colourful kite festival, Morris dancing, country market, auto jumble and craft fair. There will also be live music and other entertainment.

Peter Wood, Rally Manager, said:- “Once again the line-up for this year’s rally provides something for all the family whether an enthusiast, collector or for those just looking for a great day out.”

Other highlights include motorcycles and military vehicles, model aircraft display, the ex-Vietnam Huey helicopter, Rolls Royce, Merlin and Griffin Aero Engine Display, model car racing, model boats and railways, stationary engines and a car restoration workshop. There will also be a military vehicle parade on both days at 12.30.

A wide range of bands will perform on both days including the Savoy Jazz Band and Juke Box Eddys, playing hits from the 50s and 60s. Laurel and Hardy will also be spotted around the showground.

For the younger members of the family the free attractions include The Crazy Bears, land trains around the site and the Paper Wizard, who creates origami animals and birds. There is also a popular fairground and miniature train rides.

Each day the large model aircraft display will finish with the recreation of the famous Dambuster raid with special effects and Lancaster bombers.

Tickets in advance for both days are £8 for adults, £4 for children, £7 for OAPs and £20 for a family ticket. At the gate adults tickets cost £10, children £5, OAPs £8 and a family ticket is £25. Tickets are valid for both days. Gates open on both days at 9am and dogs on a lead are allowed.

For further information telephone:- 07794 781027. To download an advance booking form or to book a camping slot (£50 for both days) visit:- woodvale-rally.org.uk. Advance tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre on the corner of Lord Street and Eastbank Street in Southport.

The Rally is just a few miles from Southport with access directly off the A565 (Liverpool to Southport) with ample free parking and a continuous Vintage bus service to and from the event.

To see last years event photographs taken by us click here now.

Cultivating a greener transport network

A best practice guide, “Wildflowers for Transport Projects”, to encourage wild flower planting schemes on land across the Merseyside transport network has been launched by the Merseyside Transport Partnership.

The guide focuses on the creation of wildflower areas and their management in transport related projects, both on the highways and at public transport interchanges and includes all aspects of creating a wildflower area - from choosing a site, to conditions, suitable species, management implications and potential benefits.

Merseytravel chief executive and director general, Neil Scales said of the initiative:- “This is a win - win for us because we are committed to doing everything we can to meet our environmental targets, so when we get the chance to encourage our partners to work with us to make improvements, then that’s even better.”

Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel added:- “Not only can landscaping open spaces alongside the network improve the journey for our passengers; it also helps the environment by providing green infrastructure.”

Creating new wildlife sites can make towns and cities more appealing and better places to live whilst helping to address climate change issues.

Using available land for wildflower planting can also improve drainage and encourage a wider range of species, and if properly managed could effectively ‘look after itself’ with no ongoing maintenance costs.

To see a copy of the guide visit:- letstravelwise.org

To see the Merseytravel annual Environmental Sustainability Report visit:- merseytravel.gov.uk.

New EU mobile phone roaming charge cuts come into force

NEW rules concerning the cost of connecting to the internet with your mobile phone when in another EU country will came into force on Thursday, 1 July 2010, in time for the summer break. Euro MP and Consumer Champion, Arlene McCarthy who steered the law through the European Parliament when she was Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee said:- “Mobile phone companies were given ample opportunity to act on the cost of using phones in another EU country. In the end it has taken EU action on every issue – calling, texting and now data roaming - to bring prices down. The message is clear, we will take on industry when there is clear evidence of over-charging and we will win a fairer deal for consumers. This is more good news on prices for mobile phone users. Since we brought in the law we have slashed costs by 73% on average compared to 5 years ago. Consumers can now holiday and work in Europe safe in the knowledge that they won’t be coming home to a rip-off mobile phone bill on their doormat!”

CASTLE CRUSADE REACHES MERSEYSIDE

MERSEYSIDE Police provided a well earned pit-stop to motorcycle officers from Avon and Somerset who are taking to the road to support the charity Child Victims of Crime.

PC Greg Miller and PC Adrian Peck took to the open road on their police bikes, followed by PC Chris Baxter and DC Paul Moares who provided support in an unmarked police car as part of the 1500 mile Castle Crusade.

The officers visited Merseyside Police HQ and were presented with a donation from the Chief Constable's Charitable Trust by ACC Helen King on Tuesday, 29 June 2010. The Child Victims of Crime is the only national police children's charity and provides support and help to any child under 16 who has been the victim of crime or traumatised by a criminal act.

PCs Miller and Peck are no strangers to long distance motorcycle rides, completing the 2200 mile ride between Land's End and John O'Groats for the charity last year.

For more information please visit:- castlecrusade.co.uk.