Civic accolades announced

ONE of the great characters of the Merseyside football scene is being awarded a prestigious civic accolade. Dave Hickson who played for Everton, Liverpool and Tranmere, is to receive the Citizen of Honour award when it is approved by councillors at an extraordinary meeting of the city council on Wednesday, 19 January 2011, at Liverpool Town Hall. The football star, who was known as the ‘Cannon Ball Kid’, will receive the honour for his contribution to the sporting scene and his tireless charity work which has raised thousands of pounds for the breast cancer support group The Lily Centre. Also recommended to receive the Citizen of Honour title is Dr David France who has one of the largest collections of Everton memorabilia in the world, which will be a key archive in the new central library. He is the author of 15 books dedicated to the subject of Everton - all the proceeds were donated to Liverpool charities. Dr France also established the Former Players Foundation in 1999 which has raised more than £100,000 for the physical and pastoral care of former football players who have previously been contracted to Everton. Other honours councillors will consider at the meeting include:-

Adding Edge Hill University, Nugent Care, Liverpool Cancer Research UK Centre and the 4th Battalion the Parachute Regiment (4 PARA) (Merseyside) to the council’s Freedom Roll of Association.

Awarding former Lord Mayor, Councillor Roger Johnston, the title of Honorary Alderman in recognition of his 28 years of service to the council.

Councillor Joe Anderson, leader of the city council, said:- “We get many requests from individuals and organisations to be recognised civically for the amazing work they do in the city, and I’m delighted the city council can offer the accolade to seven more well-deserving individuals and organisations. Dave and David have contributed a huge amount to this city and their charity work has made a real difference to the lives of many people across the region. They are unsung heroes who deserve to be recognised for the wonderful work they do. I’m also delighted we can honour four outstanding organisations including Nugent Care which is the largest charitable organisation of its kind in the North West and helps more than 7,000 people every year.”

Councillor Warren Bradley, leader of the opposition, said:- “Many people who go above and beyond to improve the lives of others don’t actively seek recognition for their work, so it’s wonderful they have been nominated and can receive this respected civic award. I’m sure there will be widespread agreement at the council meeting that these are very worthy recipients who have made very important contribution to Liverpool life.”

The Citizen of Honour awards was introduced in 2009 and is a discretionary scheme for the city council to recognise any individual who has made a significant contribution to enriching the life or image of the city.

It can include people from all walks of life who devote their time to providing exceptional work or service that benefits the city or its citizens.

All Citizens of Honour are formally agreed by the city council and presented with a prestigious scroll of honour by the Lord Mayor at a special civic reception.

New ‘home' kit unveiled and 2011 Squad Numbers released!

ON Tuesday 11 January 2011, over 300 Vikings fans assembled in the Bridge Suite at the Stobart Stadium Halton to witness the unveiling of the club's new ‘home' kit for the 2011 season. Designed by Brian O'Connor, brother of Vikings' Chairman, Steve and manufactured by Irish sportswear company O'Neills, the all new kit features the logos of the clubs' business partners:-

Plus, the official badge of the ‘Co-operative Championship' and the RFL's ‘Try Assist' logo.

The initial batch of 2011 ‘Home' kit has now arrived and is available to buy, alongside a whole host of other Vikings' merchandise and products, at the O'Neills Retail Outlet situated on Liebig Court in Widnes, during the opening hours; Tuesday to Saturday from 9.00am to 5.00pm. Judging by the initial feedback of those in attendance at last night's event, demand is expected to be high, so get along to the shop and kitted-out as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment.

Also the 2011 Squad Numbers have now been released by Denis Betts’ 36 man Widnes Vikings squad for the forthcoming season. They are as follows:-