Calling On Merseyside's Future Scientists

BUDDING young scientists are invited to enter this year’s ‘Why I want to be a Scientist’ essay competition.  The North West Schools Science Competition showcases tomorrow’s top scientists and is open to pupils in Years 7 and 8.

To enter the competition imaginative students simply write an essay of up to 500 words outlining why they want to be scientists when they grow up. 

Shortlisted entries will be invited to the Competition Final where they will present their ideas to a panel of experts from scientific, business and educational backgrounds.  The winning entry will receive an iPod Touch and £250 for their school to spend on science equipment. The winner’s class will also receive free entry to the exciting Flash Bang – What a Reaction! event at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes, Cheshire, in March 2011.

The competition was created by the North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT) in conjunction with the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, to encourage more young people in the region to consider science as a career.

Geoffrey Piper, chief executive of the NWBLT, said:- “Last year’s Inaugural North West Schools Science Competition was a fantastic event and we would like to see even more young scientists enter this year.  Young people are vital to the future prosperity of the North West, particularly in industries relating to science and innovation, which is why it is vital we capture and celebrate pupils’ passion for these subjects.”

The closing date for entries is Tuesday, 2 November 2010.

The ‘Competition Final’ will be held at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes, Cheshire, from 4pm-6pm on Wednesday 1 December 2010.   The event is being supported by Chemicals Northwest, Business in the Community, the Museum of Science and Industry and Active Profile.

To enter simply mail up to 500 words on ‘Why I want to be a Scientist’. For more information go to:- www.nwblt.co.uk.

Combine 4-star luxury with comedy and soul

STAY in one of Merseyside’s most impressive hotels and see Jimmy Carr and a soul spectacular with David Gest at the theatre next door.  Guests at the 4-star Ramada Plaza – part of the largest hotel, conference and entertainment complex in north England – can enjoy comedy and soul performances at the adjoining Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.

Jimmy Carr’s Laughter Therapy show runs on 28 October 2010 as part of Southport Comedy Week while David Gest’s Soul Spectacular follows on 1 November 2010 featuring 16 soul legends including special guest Percy Sledge.

Carr is known for hosting a number of Channel 4 TV panel shows, such as 8 out of 10 Cats.  On top of that, he has presented a number of 100s programmes, including: 100 Worst Pop Records, 100 Worst Britons, 100 Greatest Cartoon Characters and 100 Scary Moments.  He has also experienced a huge amount of success as a stand-up comedian. In 2003, he sold a whole month’s worth of performances of his Edinburgh Festival show Charm Offensive by the second day of the festival. Amazingly, he received 5-star reviews from four major newspapers.

David Gest is more famous in the UK for his experiences on reality TV, having finished in fourth place on the 2006 series of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!  Born in LA, the American Concert promoter was once married to Liza Minelli and is close friends with the Jacksons.  His show at the Southport Theatre will star The Temptations Review, featuring Dennis Edwards, Candi Staton and Percy Sledge, among other artists.

General Manager Enda Rylands said:- “The Ramada Plaza couldn’t be in a better location for guests attending the best shows in Southport – they don’t even need to go outside to visit the theatre next door!“

Nestled in the heart of Southport promenade’s new waterfront development near the Victorian pier, the Ramada Plaza boasts 133 stylish rooms including eight with floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the coastline.  Other facilities include a fitness suite, four meeting rooms and a brasserie, with the Portland Hall Spa nearby. The Ramada Plaza offers special joint deals with the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre throughout the year combining top-class entertainment with four-star comfort and luxury.

For more information about the Ramada Plaza, visit their website or call:- 01704 516220 to book rooms, email.  To book tickets for the shows, please call:- 0844 847 2321. Tickets are also available from the Ramada Plaza reception and Southport Theatre Box Office.