Families and Football Stars Enjoy Liverpool

THE paparazzi have been out in force in Liverpool as new football players and loads of stars have been out and about, despite the riots a few days previous. It is also ‘business as usual’ in and around Liverpool One and the Albert Dock, and indeed the rest of central Liverpool. These are some of the photos snapped in Liverpool. Can you spot the Liverpool FC football star?

HIT THE CINEMA FOR LESS WITH VUE’S AMAZING VALUE OFFERS

JUNE 2011 saw the publication of a fascinating book. Bittersweet- The story of Hartley’s Jam, by Nicholas Hartley, a member of the illustrious family but who only discovered the connection by a coincidental encounter.

The book encapsulates the history of this famous firm of preserve makers from before its inception in 1871 to its sale in 1959 and its subsequence survival and popularity under different guises to the present day.

On the face of it, this could seem to be a very dull subject but the author’s approach gives, as the title promises, many interesting details of business and manufacturing processes, which will be absorbing to those of a business bent, but he also delves deeply into the aspirations and values of various key people. Especially that of William Pickles Hartley, founder of the firm, who was born in Colne in Lancashire in 1846, into a deeply religious family; their only child to survive infancy! This book works well in its sociological and historical aspects. Even in those times there were some who disparaged paternalism, but William Hartley comes across as a deeply compassionate man who, despite the prevailing philosophy of his Primitive Methodist parents, was strongly motivated to succeed as an entrepreneur. He always conducted his business with great integrity. He firmly believed that it was not the acquisition of wealth but what one did with it. His religious ideals inspired him to give away at least a quarter, later a third of his wealth to religious and humanitarian needs Money which he designated as ‘the Lord’s money’. He was caring about the health and welfare of his work-force and indeed vastly improved their working and living environment and built a superior factory, good housing and other facilities for his work force in which he took a personal interest. To work for Hartley’s, became an intergenerational source of pride.

The book details many of the establishments and enterprise that benefitted from his benevolence and that of his family and alludes to other entrepreneurs of the era with similar moral values. Also the book includes fascinating glimpses of history in general, both national and local, which those interested in social matters will find absorbing. 

At a time when the national conscience is having to readjust and to reassess present day values and morals, perhaps it is opportune to read of the life of a man who came from rather humble beginnings and became still an industrialist par excellence, making a fortune but which he steadfastly used to help others better their lives and to ponder its relevance.

Just read it and see!  

The book is published by:- Amberley Publishing
ISBN:- 978-1-84868-292-4e

NO TALENT BUT WE DESERVE TO BE FAMOUS FOR 15 MINUTES!

IN the week that X-Factor returns to our TV screens, a survey released today reveals that a whopping seven in ten people in Southport think everyone deserves to be "famous for 15 minutes." This is despite 55% of respondents claiming not to have a talent and 71% believing people are more interested in watching TV talent programmes than discovering their own talent.

The survey, commissioned by Mecca Bingo, asked 2,500 customers of Meccabingo.com for their views on talent.

While nine in ten people may happily watch television talent programmes, more than three quarters (76%) wouldn’t apply to appear on one. And despite the rise in social media, TV is still king in terms of being spotted. When asked the best way to get your talent noticed, in first place was appearing on a television talent programme, followed by uploading videos onto YouTube Justin Bieber style. The traditional routes of gigging in pubs and clubs and busking/street performances came third and fourth, respectively. Bringing up the rear was through a local radio station.

Of those acts which made the break through via TV talent shows, which was voted the best? In first place was Leona Lewis who pipped Susan Boyle to the top spot (not the first time that Susan has been a runner-up!). In third was JLS who were closely followed by Diversity and Girls Aloud.

Brian Hennigan general manager of Mecca Bingo in Southport said:- "From the early days of Opportunity Knocks, TV talent programmes have exploded in popularity over the years with many people tuning in not just to watch talented performers but also to watch those not quite so blessed. While it seems everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame, our survey revealed that 89% of respondents feel that nowadays, more people think they have talent, when they actually don’t!"

If you take part let us know by emailing our news room.