BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT FLYPAST AT RALLY

LIKE the thousands of spectators at the Royal Wedding, visitors to this year’s Woodvale Rally will experience one of the highlights of the big day.

In this the 40th anniversary of the event, show-goers will be able to witness the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

At approximately 2.30pm on the Sunday of the rally, which takes place on 6 August and 7 August 2011, all heads will turn to the skies, as three aircraft from the BBMF will make a flypast over the showground.

The flypast will include a Spitfire Fighter, the aircraft given the most credit for winning the Battle of Britain. The flypast will also feature a Lancaster Bomber and Hurricane Fighter.

The BBMF has five examples of this, the most famous British fighter aircraft in history. The first was built in 1940, is the oldest in the world and the only one to have taken part in the Battle of Britain and to be still flying.

Two others were built during the war and flew cover missions over the D-Day beaches in June 1944. The last two are PRXIX models, built at the end or just after the war and have an important connection with RAF Woodvale.

They were the last three Spitfires in routine RAF service. They flew daily with the Temperature and Humidity Monitoring Flight based at the airfield during the ‘50s. They flew out of Woodvale for the last time in 1957 to form the RAF Historic Aircraft Flight from Biggin Hill, which later became the BBMF.

All 3 are still flying; 2 with the BBMF and the third is operated by the Rolls Royce Heritage Trust. The Spitfire in the flypast will not be known in advance.

The Lancaster Bomber, built in Chester in 1945, is one of just two left in the world, which are still airworthy. The Hurricane, built in 1944, is also an example of a plane which played a major role in the Battle of Britain.

Also, did you know that the last Spitfire to fly in active service for the RAF was from Woodvale?

Some of the other attractions at the event will be things like these:-

New this year, the world-famous Vander Brothers ‘Wheels of Death’ who will be returning from South Africa especially to attend the rally.

Again free entertainment has been arranged, particularly for young children, to ensure visitors have an enjoyable and affordable weekend. Entry tickets are valid for both days.

Returning by popular demand for 2011 is the hugely popular and original ‘Wall of Death’ Ken Fox Troupe World Tour, which first appeared in the UK in 1929 and also the West Lancs. Dog Display Team.

Southport Model Engineering Club will be involved providing rides for children. The military vehicle section will also be bigger this year with 1st World War re-enactor displays and military bands.

The rally continues to offer visitors a spectacle of events and activities including the renowned Model Aero Show and Vintage and Classic Car Rally, colourful kite festival, Morris dancing, country market, auto jumble and craft fair. There will also be a wide range of live music.

Other highlights include stunt motorcycles, military and model aircraft displays; the Air Ambulance; Rolls Royce, Merlin and Griffin Aero Engine displays; model car racing; model boats and railways; stationary engines and a car restoration workshop.

For the younger members of the family, the free attractions include The Crazy Bears, free land trains and, back by popular demand, Tinderbox Crafts.

There is also the popular fairground and miniature train rides. Laurel and Hardy look-alikes will also be spotted around the showground.

The Woodvale Rally continues to offer a fun-packed weekend with something to suit all members of the family, so do not miss out, get your tickets today!

Tickets, in advance for both days, are £10 for adults, £5 for children, £8 for OAPs and £25 for a family ticket. At the gate, adults tickets cost £12, children £6, OAPs £10 and a family ticket is £30. Tickets are valid for both days. Gates open on both days at 9am, and dogs on a lead are allowed.

Advance tickets are available from Southport Tourist Information Centre. For further information or to book camping at £60 (3 nights) telephone:- 0844 740 9172.  Advance tickets are available from:- merseyreporter.com/shop and from Southport Tourist Information Centre on Lord Street. For more information about the show visit:- woodvalerally.com.  PLEASE HELP PROMOTE THE EVENT BY DOWNLOADING, PRINTING OUT AND DISPLAYING A POSTER! CLICK ON HERE TO DOWNLOAD NOW!!!

Father and son team pedal to raise money for hearts

RAF Woodvale will hold a FREE Open Day on 3 July 11, in order to engage with the community and raise awareness of RAF Woodvale. There will be a number of activities available during the day such as flying displays, military vehicles, static aircraft displays and much more. In the evening there will be a concert in order to raise money for two local charities - Sefton Children's Trust and The Woodvale and Ainsdale Community Association. Tickets cost £5 advance purchase or £6 on the day. Performing at the concert will be the world famous Wingates Band, and the swing comedy act, the Casablanca Steps. During the concert there will be a number of flypasts and flying displays, culminating in a spectacular fireworks finale. The Purchase of tickets can be made directly from the main gate at RAF Woodvale, or during the event. All proceeds will be donated to the above charities. For further information please contact us on:- 07505863315.  Did you know that the all-weather airfield was built as a result of bombing raids by the Luftwaffe during 1940 to 1941? For more historical information why not visit our information page about the airfield by clicking here?

SCOUSERS ON THE RAMPAGE

A hilarious night at the theatre, Scousers on the Rampage will stomp on to stage at the St Helens Theatre Royal on Sunday, 30
October at 7pm.

Welcomed by Tina Malone (Shameless, Brookside) and compéred Margi Clarke (Waterloo Road, Coronation Street) Scousers on the Rampage heads down the East Lancashire Road once again to present the very best in scouse talent.

In this all singing, all dancing variety show, which includes stand up routines and comedy sketches, Tina and Margi will be joined on stage by many well known Merseyside faces including Liverpool’s best loved comedian Mickey Finn and Wish FM’s Kev
Seed, last seen at the St Helens Theatre Royal in the comedy play ‘Ciggie Run’, alongside a host of Liverpool actors and musicians including Abby Mavers (Our Day Out, Royal Court Liverpool, ITV 3’s Coleen’s Real Women) and Ozzie Yu (Tomb Raider, Nuns on the Run).

The show will be supported by a whole host of home grown artistes from Liverpool based Allstars Casting Agency, including comedy act Cecil and Vecil - the worst hairdressers in the world!

Scousers On The Rampage, produced by the House of Hilarity and directed by Sylvie Gatrill promises a packed evening full of fun.

Sylvie said:- "Variety is a style of entertainment often said to be ‘out of date’, but Scousers on the Rampage promises to dispel this myth! We are looking forward to putting on a show packed full of comedy, song and dance in what promises to be an evening to remember!"

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:-

The performance is on Sunday, 30 October 2011 and starts at 7pm at the St Helens Theatre Royal. Tickets are £19. Concessions are available. You can book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office on Corporation Street, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1LQ, from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Alternatively you can call:- 01744 756 000 or or visit:- thelenstheatreroyal.com.

HOT DAYS, HOT DOGS!!!

IN between the rain, Summer appears to be on its way and while the public is hoping the spell of hot weather continues, our four legged friends might be thinking otherwise. Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, would like to remind dog owners that their canine companions can suffer in the heat.

Unlike their human counterparts, dogs cannot enjoy a refreshing iced beverage, nor can they appreciate the cool of a gentle breeze through light summer outerwear. Our hot and hairy hounds need your help to keep them happy and healthy this summer.

Chris Laurence, Veterinary Director of Dogs Trust says:- "Whilst enjoying fun in the sun please remember that dogs can suffer from the same problems that humans do including overexposure to the sun, overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. I urge dog owners to keep their hounds happy this summer by following Dogs Trust’s advisory points."

► NEVER leave your dog in the car as this can lead to quick fatality, even parking in the shade is very dangerous as temperatures in the car can still soar.

► If you are travelling anywhere in the car with your dog make sure you have a supply of water

► Walk your dog in the morning and evening when the weather is cooler and make sure shady spots and drinking water are available.

► Clip the fur of particularly hairy hounds and apply canine sun cream to areas most likely to burn:- ears, nose, and belly.

► Human suncream can be toxic, so buy a special pet version from your local pet shop.

► Be extra vigilant with older, short nosed and overweight dogs as they are more prone to overheat.

► In a real emergency wet your dog thoroughly with cool water, never iced, and use a household fan to blow cool air over their head and body. Seek urgent veterinary attention.

► If your dog takes a dip in a lake or pool make sure you rinse him as soon afterwards as possible. Never allow your dog to drink from ponds unless the water is clear as algae in the water can produce toxins that are rapidly fatal.

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity with 17 Rehoming Centres across the UK and one in Dublin. Dogs Trust cares for over 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs every year.

Usdaw to raise concerns about Life & Style with BIS

THE shop workers union Usdaw is writing to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to detail its concerns about the running of fashion and home wares chain Life & Style and its predecessor company Ethel Austin. Life & Style Retail Ltd went into Administration earlier this month amid press reports suggesting that owner Elaine McPherson may be involved in a deal to take the company out of administration for an unprecedented third time in as many years. The Union says it is extremely concerned at the prospect of Ms McPherson being permitted to run the company again and has also written to Life & Style's Administrators to request they ensure any prospective purchaser demonstrates an ability to run the business effectively and can provide a long term sustainable future for its employees. John Gorle, Usdaw National Officer said:- "Our immediate concern is to safeguard the jobs of as many of Life & Style's loyal and hardworking staff as possible and we have urged the Administrators to keep stores open and allow as much time as possible for a buyer to be found. However, we are extremely concerned by reports that the previous owner may be involved in taking the business out of administration for a third time. During the past three years, Usdaw and Life & Style's staff have done everything possible to try and help revive the business and make it a success, yet in return the staff have been treated in a truly appalling and cavalier fashion. There have been several occasions when staff have either not been paid or received just a fraction of what they were owed and most recently the company attempted to slash the pay of its store managers. This has normally been communicated to staff with little or no notice and with nothing more than a terse apology for 'any inconvenience caused'. With the best interests of the company, its staff and our members at heart, Usdaw has always tried to resolve and deal with these issues through dialogue and in private, but even this has proved an increasingly difficult and fruitless task. Reports that Ms McPherson may continue to be involved with the business really are the last straw and we can no longer remain silent on the way this company has been operating. Our members tell me Ethel Austin used to be a fantastic company to work for and that's why they have remained loyal and continued to back the business despite the shocking way they have been treated in the past three years. They are positive the company still has a future but are horrified at the thought of Ms McPherson returning to run it again and they can't believe what's gone on is all legal and above board. As one put it - 'in any other walk of life she'd have been fired long ago'."