Just how fab are the Fab Four for Liverpool?

A new study is being carried out to find out definitively what the legacy of the Beatles is worth to Liverpool.  There will be in-depth research into the current Beatles offer, its value in monetary terms to the city, any gaps in the tourism offer and what the potential value of the Beatles could be if these gaps were filled. The report will also study the other benefits of being linked to the Beatles 'brand', and what impact this has on the global reputation of the City.  The University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University will undertake the research which will involve stakeholders including tourist attraction operators, music industry experts and members of the public. Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:- "Talk to anyone in or outside of the city about Liverpool and its history and you can guarantee the Fab Four will get a mention.  We know that the Beatles are a massive pull in terms of tourists, but we don't know exactly what this translates to in terms of financial impact on the city and where the gaps are. There is always a huge amount of debate around whether we as a city make the most of Beatlemania, and so this report will be a vital and informative piece of work which will shine a light on the legacy of the Beatles and what it really means to Liverpool."  The research will be separated in to four separate areas:-

► Historical Mapping – University of Liverpool's Department of Music will carry-out a concise mapping exercise identifying all the historical events which tie the Beatles to specific city locations and spaces.

► Space and Place Mapping – The Institute of Cultural Capital (ICC), which works across both universities, will develop a map of the current cultural and heritage offer relating to the Beatles in the city. When completed, it will be compared with the results of the historical mapping to see how they complement each other.

► Cultural Impact of the Beatles - The ICC and the Department of Music will provide a concise account of the past, current and future non-economic value of the Beatles to the character of Liverpool. This will examine the impact the band have on the social, community and cultural reputation of the city.

Professor Simeon Yates who is the Director of the Institute of Cultural Capital will be co-ordinating the report.  He said:- "Creative and cultural industries are key to both the economics and the identity of major cities. Making the most of the cultural heritage and contemporary culture; and the Beatles are both in Liverpool; is at the core of this. Helping Liverpool understand and make best use of its cultural capital is key to the role of the ICC and we are incredibly excited to be working with colleagues across both Universities and the city on this project."  The report is expected to be completed in the summer.

Maritime heroes to be honoured, but do you know any others?

THE Shipwrecked Mariners' Society is calling on members of the maritime community and air/sea rescue organisations across the UK to nominate colleagues and fellow volunteers for their heroic acts of bravery at sea for its annual Skill and Gallantry Awards. The Society, which supports ex-merchant seafarers, fishermen and their dependents in times of financial hardship, has been presenting the awards every year since 1851.  Last year saw crews and individuals from four dramatic sea rescues honoured. Among last year's recipients were; the helicopter crew of:- 'Rescue 193' from 771 Squadron, RNAS Culdrose, who carried out the daring rescue of 5 French fishermen from their sinking trawler; Petty Officer (Aircrewman) Russell Adams, also from 771 Squadron, was recognised for his role in a separate incident; RNLI Helmsman Derek Pusey for his part in the challenging rescue of 2 men cut off by the tide; his colleague, Crewman Clive Williams, was also honoured for swimming to the casualties; and finally, RNLI Coxswain Paul Legendre was recognised for his outstanding leadership, seamanship and perseverance in searching for a missing boy for 6 hours.  Nominations for this year's awards are now open and the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society is calling on the maritime community to forward examples of outstanding acts of bravery and heroism.

To submit nominations (required by 8 May, 2015) contact via:-

Malcolm Williams, Chief Executive, Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, 1 North Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TL.

You can also send an email or call 01243 789329.

In the last year the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society handled 650 new applications for assistance and distributed £1.4million across 2,200 cases of need.   Malcolm Williams, Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, said:- "The Society's annual Skill and Gallantry Awards are an important event in the maritime calendar and a chance to honour all those unsung heroes who risk their lives to keep seafarers' and members of the public safe. Every year I am struck by the outstanding qualities shown by the men and women who are nominated and the courage they display in helping those in distress at sea."

For more information about the awards visit:- ShipWreckedMariners.Org.UK.