- Letters
to the Editor.
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- Never forgotten.
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- Graf Russell's grave
(Above)
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- Vlodrop in Holland is just near the village where I lived as a child and I still live in the same community today so local history is very important to me. I have conducted research over many years on air crashes around our community and need your help to locate the family of one of the crashed 2nd World War Aircraft.
On May 25/26 1943 a Lancaster III (LM320 H-W-C) from the 100th Squadron FAF crashed near Vlodrop (Limburg). One of the airmen killed came from Southport. His name was Gordon Russell, son of John W Russell and Florence Russell. His service number and rank was Flying Officer 131938 according to RAF records. In the same aircraft were S/L P.R. Turgel DFC, Sgt. I.A. Wynn, P/O H.N. Petts (Living relatives found in Canada), P/O G Russell, P/O J.M. Marnoch, P/O D Harvey and Sgt. J. Hudson. All killed in the crash.
We are planning to get a memorial erected for this Airman and his colleagues from 5 other crashes here in our neighbourhood, but this is planned for next year. If you do know of any relatives of Gordon Russell or anyone who knew him, please contact me.
email:- geerjans@home.nl
or contact Southport Reporter. Thank You and I hope to hear from you.
Marjo Janssen
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- Help us find…
MY cousin in the USA has asked me to try and find details of an English casualty of the Vietnam war. He says that he thinks that he was called James Makin and his body was returned to Southport for burial in 1969. He wants to try and find him on the Wall, a memorial to the Vietnam casualties. I have checked the web and can find no record of this man.
Would it be possible for you to check the records of your paper to see if you have anything relating to this person. If not could you advise me if you know of anyone who could help.
Thanking you in anticipation. Mrs P.Fletcher phone 01706 649444.
NWDA invest in Birkenhead
- Report
thanks to NWDA.
THE Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) is delighted to announce funding of £765,000 towards the further regeneration of Birkenhead town centre.
This fantastic scheme will provide new high quality office facilities fronting Europa Boulevard, attracting new businesses to the area, and significantly increasing the employment opportunities in Birkenhead.
The project, which recently started on site, is being undertaken by Chapelgate Ltd, and will regenerate what is currently derelict land.
Aidan Manley NWDA Area Manager for Merseyside, said:-
“This project has the potential to make
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a real contribution to the regeneration of Birkenhead, increasing the town’s
reputation as a vibrant commercial location by providing high quality office facilities. I am pleased we are able to work with Chapelgate on this development that I am sure will prove attractive to a wide range of businesses.”
Ian Raffe, Director of Chapelgate Ltd, said:-
“The 3 new Europa office buildings will add dramatically to the growing reputation of the area as a mainstream commercial centre, we simply can't be ignored by growing businesses looking for an ideal regional location."
BAE Aircraft carrier contract
THE Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) today welcomed the news that BAE Systems have won the lead role in a £2.9 billion contract to build two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy. The contract is to be shared with Thales who will have major responsibility for project shipbuilding management.
The NWDA are fully committed to promoting the capability of the Northwest supply base, and will campaign hard to ensure that Northwest companies have every opportunity to take full advantage of this
announcement.
A database of Northwest companies has been passed to both BAE Systems and Thales. Giving them the ability to screen and select suitable Northwest suppliers based on their capability.
Bryan Gray, Chairman of the NWDA said:-
“This is a welcome announcement as BAE Systems have a major presence in the Northwest and make an important contribution to the region’s economy. We must now ensure that every effort is made to secure as much work as possible is placed in this region.
I look forward to the highly skilled BAE Systems team being part of this exciting project. I will be seeking to discuss the positive outcome of the award of this contract with Sir Richard Evans, their Chairman at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Report with thanks to NWDA.
- Northwest Development Agency Chairman backs Strategic Rail Authority Plan
- Report with thanks to NWDA.
CHAIRMAN of the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) Bryan Gray, has expressed his strong support for the Strategic Rail Authority’s (SRA) Strategic Plan published today, Thursday 30th January.
Richard Bowker, Chief Executive of the SRA met with the nine RDA Chairmen on Wednesday 29th January. The Strategic Plan identifies the Regional Development Agencies as key partners in the development of medium and long term planning for an improved railway infrastructure.
In a statement Bryan Gray said, “The current poor performance of the national railway system must be addressed and I very much welcome the strong lead that the Strategic Rail Authority is taking in national rail planning for the future.”
“This is an interim plan and I therefore understand and support the need to concentrate much of the SRA’s efforts on short term improvements to the rail system.”
Infrastructure and transport planning are at the top of the NWDA’s agenda. Business needs effective means of exporting goods and a reliable fast link Investment in the right sort of infrastructure will play a key role in the economic regeneration of the region.
He continued, “We will be working with the Strategic Rail Authority during 2003 to ensure that future planning and investment results in a railway system that effectively meets the needs of businesses and communities in the Northwest.”
Report with thanks to the HSE.
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