DINOMANIA IS COMING

AN 80 million year old dinosaur egg goes on display, heralding the arrival of Dinomania! This is he first appearance in Europe of a 14ft long T Rex coming to roam around World Museum.

Visitors can meet Rex the juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex for four days of free prehistoric hysterics 2 December 2010 to 5 December 2010.

The animated dinosaur has been a sensation in the United States and Australia where it has given thousands of people the opportunity to see a walking, moving T Rex.

To get visitors in the mood, a dinosaur egg goes on display for the first time in decades at World Museum. It is one of 25 eggs laid by an Oviraptor – a small dinosaur that lived in Mongolia.

The nest was discovered by renowned palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923. Andrews was a flamboyant explorer said to have inspired the Indiana Jones film character played by Harrison Ford.

The egg comes from the late Cretaceous Djadochta Formation, a geological area rich in fossils. It was presented to the Liverpool Free Public Museum (now World Museum) in 1929.

Dinomania! features the T Rex making regular appearances throughout the day between 1000 and 1700 hours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, (2 December to 5 December 2010).

In addition, Dino-nite at the Museum features face-to-face meetings with T Rex between 1730 and 2130 hours on Friday and Saturday (3 December and 4 December 2010). The event includes a dino-dinner, disco and craft making. Children cost:- £9.50, adults:- £12.50 and a £40 family ticket is available. Advance booking essential at the museum or call:- 0151 478 4999.

BBC Survey shows Young People used as 'cheap labour'

THE Welsh insurance tycoon Paul Ragan, who is a key supporter of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said today that the BBC survey that reported that there were four times more young carers in the UK than officially recognised had come ‘as no great surprise’ and that young people are being used as ’cheap labour’ for carers.

“We have said for many years that there are far too many child carers who are not recognised or supported.” said Mr Ragan, who was a child carer himself and looked after his own mother, who suffered from schizophrenia, from the age of five until 10 on a Sheffield council estate. Now that the plight of child carers has received the public attention that it deserves the important issue is what we do about it. The vital thing is that all financial support for young carers is ring-fenced and protected from all central and local government cuts.” said Mr Ragan, who is a star of Channel 4’s ‘Secret Millionaire’.

4,029 schoolchildren from 10 UK schools responded to a questionnaire prepared for the BBC by academics from Nottingham University.

337 (8%) of the children who responded said they had carried out “personal care“ for someone “a lot of the time“ or “some of the time“ over the last month.

This survey would reflect that there are about 700,000 young carers currently in the UK – the 2001 census identified only 175,000 child carers.

The head of the school of sociology at University of Nottingham, Professor Saul Becker said the survey had found a “hidden army“ of young carers in Britain.

He said it was a “wake-up call“ to governments and carers organisations.

A spokesman for the National Young Carers Coalition (a group of charities including the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Barnardo’s and the Children’s Society) agreed with Mr Ragan and said the figures came as “no surprise“.

“The Princess Royal Trust for Carers provides 85 young carer’s services and interactive websites and supports over 25,000 children who are looking after family members. It is more important that we support the work of the Trust now than ever before. We must all ensure that cuts to public spending do not impact upon young carers.” said Mr Ragan.

Billy Butler MBE "Mrs Butler’s Eldest" signs books for fans!

KNOWN to many as 'Mrs Butler's eldest' from Radio Merseyside Billy Butler  has captured audiences for years and now has released a very captivating book about his life. We managed to snap a shot of this popular Radio Presenter at Prichard’s Books in Formby, on Saturday, 13 November 2010. His book is highly entertaining, just like his many radio shows, it gives a fantastic insight into Liverpudlian culture and Liverpudlian humour. Not forgetting Billy Butler himself... Now we think this book is 3 cherries! If you want to hear him live on the radio, he is on BBC Radio Merseyside every weekday afternoon from 2pm, and every Saturday from 9.30am to 12pm. You can also follow his Face book page Facebook If you want a copy of this book, you can get it now on our online shop but be warned, limited stock remains and also we can only do UK delivery at this point in time. But if you live in Formby, why not call in Prichard’s Bookshop and get a copy from them!

Oscar A-Ward Winners

THE Red Carpet is being rolled out to honour people who have helped improve an inner-city ward in Liverpool.

The Riverside Oscars celebrate those organisations and individuals who have made a significant contribution to improving life in their community.

They will receive awards and certificates at a glitzy ceremony in the Contemporary Urban Centre in Greenland Street on Friday, 19 November 2010 from 6pm to 9pm.

Among the Oscars to be presented are those for youth, public service and community champions.

Starring roles will go to the winners of lifetime achievements awards which will be announced on the night.

Welcoming addresses will be made by Louise Ellman MP and Councillor Paul Brant. Deputy Leader of the City Council and a Riverside ward councillor.  There will be performances by the L1 After School Club, the BackAlive Kick-boxing club and Heather Dinnar.

Councillor Steve Munby, Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and a Riverside ward councillor, said:- “We have heard a lot recently about the Big Society but long before that was thought of there were individuals and organisations who were devoting their time and energy to make their neighbourhood a better place to live and work in. It is only right that their efforts should be honoured. They are true Oscar winners and the event to celebrate them promises to be a night to remember.”

This year’s event is sponsored by Liverpool City Council, Plus Dane Group, LHT, LMH, Regenda, Bulky Bobs, The Flanagan Group, Neptune Developments and Lee Park Properties.