2015
Artistic Gymnastics British Championships Report by Patrick Trollope
and Melanie Evans. Photographs by
Jo
Forrest.
THE City of Liverpool
Gymnastics Club is billed by many as the:- "Home of UK
Gymnastics Champions!" and with the likes of Beth
Tweddle, it is no wonder. Over 27 March to 29 March 2015, this
powerhouse of gymnastic talent played host to the 2015 Artistic
Gymnastics British Championships, which took place at the
Liverpool ACC. Audiences were treated to a great exhibition of
awe-inspiring performances from Britain’s best, over an action
packed 3 days. With top gymnasts battling it out on the floor to
get places in the British team for the World Championships in
Glasgow, as the ‘Road to Rio’ continues, this was
not a competition to be overlooked by fans of the sport. The
events started in Friday, 27 March, with the Women Juniors – All
Round Competition, followed by the Men’s Under 16 and Under 18 –
All Round and Apparatus Finals Competition. Then, on Saturday,
28 March, the tension was edged up as the senior men and women
took part in the all around competition, along with the men's
apparatus finals. That was followed by the fight for the
prestigious British titles. This event had the men competing on
6 pieces of apparatus and the women over 4, to find the very
best gymnasts. These 1st rounds of competition saw gymnasts from
all over the country aiming to set early standards. The evening
brought yet more amazing action. This was when the world class
gymnastics heroes, like Max Whitlock, Louis Smith, Rebecca
Tunney, Claudia Fragapane and Becky Downie entered the arena,
all competing for British glory. As these names, took to the
floor audiences got a great chance to watch as the very best of
British Gymnasts battling for those all important medals! Billed
as:- "The best of the best in a fight for the titles!"
it could not be missed and what a show it was! But it did not
stop at that, as on Sunday, 29 March 2015, as the sun rose, the
start of yet another action packed sequence began with the
finals, where Britain's Crème de la Crème compete to be crowned
champion, in any of the 6 men's and 4 women's apparatus events.
In the men's Masters the top 8 male gymnasts from all age groups
vied for glory, meaning the young stars came up against our
Olympic heroes. The women's apparatus finals meanwhile featured
both juniors and seniors, with world class performances
guaranteed and delivered in full! All 3 days were awe-inspiring,
with up close access to Britain’s best and Olympic Champions
both of today and tomorrow!
Melanie Evans who attended the gymnastics told us that:-
"The 1st day of the British championships held at Liverpool
Arena started in full swing with many outstanding performances
from our women's junior all around gymnasts. It was billed as
the "Battle of the Brits" and the girls and lads taking part all
performed extremely impressive and highly challenging bar
routines, especially our local Liverpool gymnasts. All gymnasts
put on a spectacular show for the crowd in the evening as well
as throughout the weekend. With the top gymnasts not only
competing, but also going all out to entertain the audience, it
has allowed the younger gymnasts of the future and those now
already starting to compete a valuable chance to experience it,
with such a fantastic atmosphere, that was guaranteed to inspire
them. It was not just show though, as we must not forget that
this was a true competition, so all participants had to have
incredible focus throughout the competition, keeping their cool,
but also delivering beautiful artistry as they performed on the
floor. For me Catherine Lyons, (Europa gym club), especially
stood out, showing both stunning control and elegant moves, with
perfect execution on the floor. Maisie Methuen (Phoenix Club),
also delivered routines that showed strength and precise
execution. I also have to mention that I was impressed with
Beckie Downie, who managed to keep her focus after a slight
mistake in the floor, she impressively remained in the higher
rankings, with striking routines, just behind Claudia Fragapane
and Amy Finker The males competitors often get overlooked, but
they proved that they could be just as flexible and graceful as
the ladies, whilst delivering a far higher degree of physical
power and strength in some of the sets. Lastly, well done to
Southport's Southport YMCA Gymnastics Club, Dan and Frank, who
had both, like all the others, trained tirelessly. Both of them
performed amazingly, becoming Number 1 and Number 2 in the
British Gymnasts Rankings, thanks to overwhelmingly good
performances across 6 pieces of apparatus on the Saturday. But
we cannot forget their coach, Jeff Brooks, who did a sterling
job in getting them ready! Gymnastics is continuing to grow, as
a sport, and with such great results coming out from all
gymnasts, people are starting to recognise how difficult the
sport is. The arena has proven to be a fantastic platform to
show the public what British gymnastics is all about. It was
fantastic to see all the hard work put in to this event, from
the main organisers, the venue, and clubs to excellence
volunteers, and not forgetting the gymnasts, you are all a
credit to your country and to Liverpool! We just hope it returns
soon to this venue and our City who is extremely proud of our
Merseyside based gymnasts!"
To see our photographic coverage of this
event, please click on
here
now! Sorry the photo section is not in mobile format!
For results and to get more information about
the sport, visit UK's governing body, British Gymnastics, also
known as the
British
Amateur
Gymnastics Association,
website.
If you attended, please let us know what you thought of the
event by emailing us to:-
news24@southportreporter.com.
To see some of the photographs taken as the athletes exhibited
their skills as they performed, please click on here now!
Annual
Easter running day for Merseyside heritage transport charity
THE Merseyside
Transport Trust (MTT) will be holding its' Easter running day
event on Sunday, 5 April 2015, to raise funds for the upkeep of
its' fleet of over 50 vintage vehicles. This is a rare and
unique opportunity to enjoy a ride on some of buses in our
collection. The event is also aimed to attract new members,
volunteers, sponsorship and generate interest within the
community. This year's event will feature services between
Liverpool, Pier Head; Mann Island, Page Moss and around the
surrounding areas. Buses will run on original routes serving
Prescot Road, West Derby Road and Edge Lane corridors with a
1960's theme. A souvenir programme and guide to the day will be
available for just £4 and any donations you would like to make
to the group would be most welcome. Steve Kelly, Chairman of The
MTT is leading the event & has been involved with the group for
over 30 years. Steve said:- "This event is
becoming more popular as we only ever used to bring one vehicle
out on Easter Day. We take advantage of quieter roads and a day
generally where people tend not to get up to much, so they come
and see us instead! We have been consistently attracting large
numbers which is encouraging for a small charity and always
looking at ways to make this event a bigger success. All funds
raised at the event will go a long way in helping to keep our
collection safe for the future. We rely totally on donations &
the good nature of people." Buses run generally
every 45 minutes starting around 10:00am from Mann Island and
Page Moss and will observe all normal bus stops along the
routes. For more information see our
website, also please
'like' them on their Facebook (Merseyside
Transport Trust).
Liberal
Democrat have started the Southport campaign off
ON 30 March 2015,
Southport's Liberal Democrats
John
Pugh started his campaign
for re-election to Parliament with his team in the Town Centre.
He was joined by Timothy
James
Farron, who is standing
again in the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency. To follow
then both on Twitter go to:-
Tim
Pugh. We will be hoping to
interview all parties in the area who are standing over the run
up to the elections, so please keep logging on to Southport
Reporter for the latest updates.
West
Lancashire Light Railway Events have started for 2015
OVER Easter 2015 the
West Lancashire Light Railway will be running services from Good
Friday to Easter Bank Holiday Monday, 6 April 2015!"Our
new season gets under way with a steam train in action on Good
Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday from 11.30am to 4.30pm."
West Lancs Light Railway told us. They also told us that tickets
will be valid all day and visitors with tickets can have as many
rides as you like! Tickets for adult cost just:- £2.50 and
children are just £1.50 (under 3 free). Senior tickets are:-
£2.00 and a family ticket is just:- £6.00. But the fun really
starts on Sunday, 12 April 2015 when they hold "Friendly
Engines Day." This is an annual treat for families
with young children. Steam trains will be running from:- 11.30am
to 4.30pm. Everyone knows Thomas. This is a chance to meet some
other engines with friendly faces. At least 2 locomotives
in steam... Other attractions are also on offer... Tickets
will also be valid all day, and as with Easter, you can have as
many rides as you like! Tickets for this event will be as
follows:- adult £4.00, children £3.00 (under 3 free), senior
£3.50.
The West Lancashire Light
Railway is a short 2' gauge line situated at Hesketh Bank,
approximately midway between Preston and Southport. We are open
every Sunday and Bank Holiday from April to the end of October.
Motive power includes several historic steam locomotives, some
in working order and others undergoing restoration, and a large
number of internal combustion industrial locomotives. The line
runs beside a former clay pit which served a brickworks adjacent
to the old West Lancashire Railway. Free car parking. The
no. 2 Preston to Southport and the national Express 2 service
from Southport to Preston bus stops are very close by. Hot and
cold drinks available on site. Refreshments are also available
at Booths.
MERSEYSIDE Police in
Southport are urging anyone who finds powerful prescription
medicine lost in the Town Centre at the on Saturday, 29 March
2015, to hand it in. The packet of 'Amitriptyline'
depression tablets went missing from the handbag of a woman who
was shopping in Southport. She reported the medication missing
on Thursday, 2 April 2015, after also noticing that cash was
also gone. The tablets are believed to be dangerous if taken in
large quantities. Anyone who finds the medication, or any
prescription drugs like it, should hand them in to their nearest
Police Station, Pharmacy, GP, Hospital or Health Centre.
Shocking
figures show 1 in 10 - 12 to 13 year olds are worried they are
addicted to porn
THE NSPCC's ChildLine
service has launched a campaign to raise awareness and provide
advice to young people about the harmful implications of an over
exposure to porn. The move follows the discovery that nearly 1
in 10, 12 to 13 year olds are worried they are addicted to porn.
A poll of nearly 700, 12 to 13 year olds in the UK also reveals
that that 1 in 5 of those surveyed said they'd seen pornographic
images that had shocked or upset them and 12% admitted to making
or having been part of a sexually explicit video.
The figures form part of a UK wide survey of 2,000 children and
young people aged 11 to 17 which was conducted by One Poll in
February 2015. The survey included 233 young people from across
the North West. 36% of respondents from the North West said
they'd seen pornographic images that had shocked or upset them
and 6% had made or been part of a sexually explicit video. 35%
of young people in the North West said watching porn made them
feel insecure about their own body but 33% thought that watching
porn was a normal part of young people's lives.
The ChildLine FAPZ campaign (the Fight Against Porn Zombies)
will use a series of animations looking at the implications of
over exposure to porn on both boys and girls. The animations
then link to a range of information and advice, to help young
people understand the implications associated with replicating
pornographic content in real life situations and to protect them
from putting themselves in potentially risky situations. The
campaign is designed for young people, by young people, who have
been at the heart of the creative development throughout.
One young boy aged between 12 to 15 years old, who contacted the
ChildLine base in Liverpool said:- "My mum caught me
masturbating to porn. It was so embarrassing and things have
become really awkward since. I don't think there's anything
wrong with what I was doing because it's a normal part of
puberty, but my mum disagrees. She's been treating me like I'm a
terrible person when I'm not. I don't know what to do. I feel
uncomfortable talking to her about the situation."
Peter Liver, Director of ChildLine said:- "Children of all
ages today have easy access to a wide range of pornography and
if we as a society shy away from talking about this issue, then
we are failing the thousands of young people it is affecting. We
know from the young people who contact ChildLine, that viewing
porn is a part of every day life, and our poll shows that 1 in
5, 12 to 13 year olds think that watching porn is normal
behaviour. However, even more worryingly, they also tell
ChildLine that watching porn is making them feel depressed,
giving them body image issues, making them feel pressured to
engage in sexual acts they're not ready for and some even feel
they are addicted to porn. Recently, the government announced
plans for children aged 11 upwards to be taught about rape and
sexual consent as part of PSHE in schools. This would include
discussion around what they have learnt from watching
pornography. Our campaign clearly compliments this proposal.
Across society, we need to remove the embarrassment and shame
that exists around talking about porn; which is why we are
launching this activity and helping young people to make more
informed choices."
Dame Esther Rantzen, the Founder of ChildLine said:- "It
is shocking that children as young as 11 are contacting
ChildLine with concerns about porn. Young people are turning to
the internet to learn about sex and relationships. We know they
are frequently stumbling across porn, often unintentionally, and
they are telling us very clearly that this is having a damaging
and upsetting effect on them. Girls in particular have said they
feel like they have to look and behave like porn stars to be
liked by boys. We absolutely have to talk to young people about
sex, love, respect and consent as soon as we feel they are
ready, to ensure that they gain a proper perspective between
real life relationships and the fantasy world of porn. At
ChildLine, we always strive to understand the emerging issues
children are facing which is why we have launched this new
campaign. We consulted with young people throughout the creative
development, enabling us to identify language that will engage
them and create real impact. I would encourage any young person
who has a question or concern to visit our new campaign
webpage or to contact
ChildLine on:- 0800 1111. If you do not already know, our
counsellors are here 24/7 to offer free, confidential support
and advice."
In 2013/14 a report by the charity ChildWISE revealed the
website Pornhub was named in the top 5 favourite sites by boys
aged 11 to 16. Young people post approximately 18,000 messages
regarding exposure to porn on the ChildLine discussion forums
every month. But as some have pointed out, not all
children look at it, but some say they do so they don't stand
out as odd! So how correct the finding are in reality its
questionable, but it is a good indication of problems!
CAMRA, the Campaign for
Real Ale, has issued the following statement about the
announcement that Marston's Brewery Plc, are to purchase Daniel
Thwaites PLC. "The Campaign for Real Ale believes that
consumer choice is always reduced when breweries are acquired by
larger operators and we're very concerned about the takeover of
Thwaites, a long-established and respected regional family
brewer, by Marston's. While Marston's has a relatively good
history of respecting brewing heritage when it has previously
taken over other breweries, such as Wychwood and Jennings, CAMRA
will be paying close attention to its plans for the Thwaites
brands it has just acquired. We'd urge Marston's to retain a
brewing operation in, or near Blackburn, to preserve the
regional brewing history and Thwaites name and just as
importantly, the jobs which the brewery currently provides in
this area. We'd also urge Marston's to ensure that the
individual nature and taste of Thwaites' brands are not diluted
and lost as a result of this acquisition." Tom Stainer,
CAMRA Head of Communications. Please email your views and
thoughts about this to our news room at:-
news24@southportreporter.com.
Nominations
sought for exceptional individuals from Merseyside
COMMUNITIES across
Britain are being urged to honour 'ordinary'
people doing extraordinary things by nominating them for a new
national award. The British Citizen Awards (BCA) recognises
exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to
make a positive impact upon society. Successfully launched in
January this year, the inaugural BCA ceremony saw 28 people
honoured at a prestigious ceremony hosted by Baroness Cox at the
Palace of Westminster.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the next round of
medal presentations, which will take place on 9 July 2015, again
at the Palace of Westminster. All BCA recipients receive a Medal
of Honour, inscribed with the words:- 'For the Good of the
Country'. Medalists are also invited to use the initials
BCA after their name.
Medalists in January included, inspirational duo, Charles
Callaghan and Donald Franks, from Merseyside, who were both
awarded a Volunteering & Charitable Giving BCA, presented by
actress and presenter, Linda Robson, for together raising over
£300,000 by collecting at football grounds and shopping centre
in all weathers over 15 years, for Liverpool hospice, Jospice.
The British Citizen Awards were launched to honour the
incredible accomplishments of individuals in society who
positively impact their communities. BCAs are awarded twice
annually, as are the Queen's Honours, but these awards only
recognise 'everyday' people whose achievements may
otherwise be overlooked. Mike Faulkner, co-founder of the
awards, said:- "There are literally thousands of people
across the UK making life better for others, and until now with
no formal recognition open to them. This programme, which
many see as an alternative Honours system, has been created to
enable every individual across the country to nominate someone
who they feel deserves to be recognised. We have nothing, but
respect for the Honours system, but believe that a more
accessible recognition programme is long overdue."
Nominations from all corners of the UK, all cultural backgrounds
and from all sectors of the community are being welcomed until
the closing deadline on:- 30 April 2015. "Our first award
ceremony in January was a phenomenal success, and it was
fantastic to honour individuals who were simply remarkable human
beings. We look forward to honouring more exceptional
individuals within our communities during this next round of
awards." Basil Preuveneers, co-found of the awards,
said:- "It is remarkable how many people are positively
impacting the lives of those around them without reward or
recognition, and it's fantastic that we can now celebrate them."
The awards have attracted support from several high-profile
ambassadors, including actress and former EastEnders star Brooke
Kinsella, and former high court judge, Dame Linda Dobbs DBE.
Brooke said:- "The British Citizen Awards are a way to
honour ordinary people who do extraordinary things and I am
proud to offer my support. There are so many wonderful people
doing life changing things in our communities and it is time
they were recognised. If you know a person deserving of this
award please nominate them now!" Dame Linda Dobbs DBE
said:- "There are many people in the community who do
significant voluntary and unpaid work without official
recognition. It is important that their efforts are recognised,
not only in order that the volunteers themselves know that their
valuable contributions are noted, but also, in order that others
can appreciate their work and, hopefully, feel encouraged to
volunteer themselves. The British Citizen Awards are an
excellent way to shine the spotlight on such kind, caring and
selfless people in our community."
Nominations are free and people can be entered into 1 of 8
different categories. All nominations will be scrutinised by an
independent committee, with their choices passed on to an
assessment panel for final ratification. Thirty nominees will
then be shortlisted to receive an award. To nominate,
email to request a
nomination form, or visit:-
BritishCitizenAwards.Co.UK
to find out more. Nominations close on 30 April 2015.
STAFF working in the
Emergency Department at the Royal have notched-up a top award
for their cleaning, catering and portering services. Staff in
hospital were judged to have produced:- 'consistently high
standards of work' throughout the year and, as a result,
were rewarded the:- 'ISS Facility Services Divisional Team
Award: for 2014'. In total, 10 hospital Trusts were
shortlisted for the prize; but it was the staff at the Royal who
managed to scoop the honours. They showed exceptional
performance during recent months even though the level of
patient attendance was at its highest for more than half a
decade. Audrey Reeves, general manager, added:-
"This is a real honour to have won this prestigious award;
making us the best hospital for cleaning, portering and hostess
services. We always want the best standards for our patients so
winning this means a great deal. The ISS Emergency Floor team is
extremely hard working under extreme pressure to deliver
outstanding service to the patients." Donna Brown,
ISS divisional director, praised the team for their outstanding
patient service delivery, commitment and caring approach.
Especially with the immense pressures they have worked under
during an extremely busy year. Donna Brown added:-
"Their dedication to working in partnership with the Trust is
second to none - the teams are great ambassadors for both ISS
and the Royal." ISS is 1 of the world's largest
facility services providers. They provide organisations of all
types, shapes and sizes many facility solutions they might
require. They are proud to be working in partnership with
the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University NHS Trust,
supplying all of the healthcare cleaning, catering and portering
services across both of the hospital sites. Award Success -
Members of the ISS emergency floor team of healthcare cleaners,
catering staff and porters. Audrey Reeves holding the 'ISS
Facility Services Divisional Team Award.'
Rock Choir
return to entertain a sell out crowd at Wembley Stadium
THE hallowed grounds of
Wembley Stadium resonated with the sound of nearly 2,500 Rock
Choir members singing at Saturday's game which drew a World
record attendance of 84,068 supporters to see Saracens V
Harlequins Derby Day Match. The mass choir included Rock
Choir members from Birkenhead, Liverpool, Ormskirk, Southport
and West Kirby, led by local Rock Choir leader Anthony Seaman.
The excited singers lined up on the edge of the sacred turf to
perform two chart songs as part of the pre-match entertainment,
and surprised the supporters with a ½
time flash mob performance of Clean Bandit's 'Rather Be'
from their seats. Music sensation Pixie Lott also performed at
½ time. "The members really did
themselves proud at Wembley this Saturday! The record breaking
audience and every choir member seemed to thoroughly enjoy the
performance. I'm so grateful to everyone involved, it was an
amazing experience." said Anthony. Rock Choir is the
UK's largest and most popular contemporary choir, with 17,000
members in over 300 local communities nationwide. Rock Choir
rehearsals also take place in many other towns across the UK. It
offers adults and teenagers the chance to sing and perform
popular contemporary songs, with no auditions and no
requirements to read music or have any previous singing
experience. If you don't know who they are, the Rock Choir's
popularity is billed as phenomenal and its achievements are
extraordinary. It's released 2 Top 20 albums and performed
en-masse at the:- 02 Arena, London and The Liverpool Echo Arena,
Wembley Arena, Hammersmith Apollo and the Royal Albert Hall. In
2011 Rock Choir was the subject of popular 3 part ITV1
documentary:- 'The Choir That Rocks', and has made
numerous other TV appearances, including:- 'BBC Breakfast',
'The One Show', 'The Paul O'Grady Show'
and 'The Alan Titchmarsh Show'. Rock Choir are
currently celebrating their 10th Anniversary year and will be
holding a special event at the Genting Arena at the NEC,
Birmingham in June this year. New members are always very
welcome and anyone interested in joining can try a
FREE 90 minute taster session.
Visit:-
RockChoir.com or
telephone:- 01252 714 276 for more information.
LANCASHIRE'S Police and
Crime Commissioner has taken over responsibility for providing
services to support victims of crime and established a victims'
hub based in the centre of Preston. The move follows changes
introduced by Government that mean Police and Crime
Commissioners become responsible for providing services locally;
giving much more say to local people on the kind of support they
need. As a result the Commissioner has contracted charity Victim
Support to provide services to Lancashire residents and asked
the charity to provide the service locally. In addition the
Commissioner has promised Victim Support's services will be
available to everyone, regardless of the type of crime or anti
social behaviour they have been a victim of regardless of
whether or not they have reported the crime to the Police.
Mr Grunshaw said:- "My commitment to people who have been
a victim of crime however small, is simple; their needs are the
most important thing, and they need to have a voice. Victim
Services will be there when people need them and it is for the
individuals themselves to decide what help and support works for
them, and to feel they have access to the information they need;
whether that's about their case, going to court or about the
help that's available to them. I am confident Victim Support
will offer an excellent service on my behalf, and crucially I
have asked them to move their staff to Preston; rather than
their current Manchester location; to ensure they are solely
focussed on Lancashire's residents and their needs. This funding
coming directly to Lancashire is a brilliant opportunity to
improve what is offered to our victims, and I am committed to
making sure that happens."
Victim Support will make contact with victims referred to them
through the Police, and victims will also be able to call the
service directly if they need support at a later date, or to
cope and recover from the impact of a crime or anti social
behaviour incident even if they did not report it to the Police.
The organisation will offer support to individuals directly, or
in the cases of certain victims; will refer them to other
locally commissioned specialist services. These services will be
announced by the Commissioner in the coming weeks, but will
include specialist provision for young victims, victims of hate
crime and victims of rape, sexual assault and Child Sexual
Exploitation. The Commissioner added:- "My research with
victims showed there are certain victims who may need very
specialist support to help them cope and recover, so my role now
is to ensure those services exist, and are easily accessible.
Victim Support will act as the main hub, and they will be able
to refer any victims they identify as needing a different kind
of support to the relevant agency. A common complaint victims
have is that there are too many people involved in their journey
to recovery; I hope by having a seamless, Lancashire based
process, victims will get the help they need at the first
opportunity."
More information on the
services available in Lancashire can be found on the
Commissioner's
website. The helpline
for victims to contact Victim Support is:- 0300 323 0085.
THE Day Is My Enemy is
the 6th studio album by British electronic music group
'The Prodigy' was released on 30 March 2015. Having
received smash reviews pretty much across the board:- Liam
Howlett, Keith Flint and Maxim prove they still have the Midas
touch when it comes to incendiary electronic rock with zero
compromise. As it stands The Prodigy are set to take the Number
1 spot in the UK's Albums Chart for the 6th time in their
career. So 2015 looks like it will be an amazing year for them
and they have also confirmed this summer include headline
performances at the Isle of Wight Festival, T in the Park, Rock
Werchter and Benicassim, amongst others. Plus UK and EU
festivals The Prodigy play a UK tour in May including 2 sold out
nights at the 11,000 capaCity Alexandra Palace, on 15 May and 16
May 2015. UK Tour dates for 2015 only have 3 none sell out
shows, but that will not be for long! But for some lucky fans
who have managed to get tickets for the UK Tour that stops in
Blackpool Empress Ballroom on 9 May 2015, they are in for an
amazing show.
The dates and locations for
the 2015 UK Tour are:-
4 May - Newcastle 02 Academy - Sold Out
5 May - Bridlington Spa
7 May - Birmingham 02 Academy - Sold Out
8 May - Cardiff Arena - Sold Out
9 May - Blackpool Empress Ballroom - Sold Out
11 May - Reading Rivermead - Sold Out
12 May - Brighton Centre
14 May - Bournemouth BIC
15 May - London Alexandra Palace (3am curfew) - Sold Out
16 May - London Alexandra Palace - Sold Out
To get your copy of 'The Day Is My Enemy' go to
your local music store or log onto
iTunes.
For more information, tour updates, ticket information go to:-
TheProdigy.com and
also you can follow them on
Facebook.
Man exposes
himself to 15 year old girls in Formby
MERSEYSIDE Police are
appealing for information after a report that a man had exposed
himself to 2 teenage girls in Formby, Wednesday, 1 April 2015.
The incident happened at around 4pm, officers received a report
that 2 15 year old girls had been walking through an alleyway
towards Phillips Lane, when a man walked past them and exposed
himself. The girls called their parents and the matter was also
immediately reported to the Police. Officers form Formby Police
Station attended at the scene and are speaking to both girls.
CCTV opportunities from the area are being assessed and an
investigation into the full circumstances is continuing.
Neighbourhood Inspector for Formby, Jim Atherton, said:-
"This must have been extremely distressing for both girls
although they did exactly the right thing by immediately telling
their parents and another member of the public who called the
Police. I want to make it clear we won't tolerate incidents of
this nature. High visibility officers will be on patrol to
provide extra reassurance in the area and we are now carrying
out inquiries to identify the person responsible. The offender
is described as white and in his 40s. At the time of the
incident he is believed to have been wearing a dark blue navy
coat and a grey beanie hat. I would appeal to anyone who
recognises this description or has information about the
incident to get in touch with us as soon as possible."
People with information can call officers in Formby via the:-
101 number or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.
SWANS return to marine
lake in good health after mass RSPCA rescue to save over 40
birds. A bevy of 20 swans are to be released back into the
wild on 31 March 2015, after falling seriously ill at Town's
Southport Marine Lake. Last month, the RSPCA was called to
the lake after local group Southport Swan Rescue raised the
alarm about the welfare of over 40 swans. The RSPCA worked
tirelessly with the local community to embark on a 3 week long
monitoring and rescue operation, including working with other
groups such as the Merchant Taylors School Rowing Club who went
out in their boats alongside the RSPCA water rescue team to try
and help catch some of the sick swans. 41 swans were brought
into RSPCA care and sadly several succumbed to their illness
before they were able to be saved. 30 swans have been released
back into the wild after being return home, to the Marine Lake.
Derek Hampson, the RSPCA animal collection officer who rescued
the swans, said:- "This rescue was no mean feat due to the
sheer number of swans falling ill over several weeks but I am
just very pleased that so many of the swans have made such an
excellent recovery in our care. I dread to think what would have
happened if we hadn't intervened when we had as the birds were
extremely poorly. They came in weak and emaciated but now they
have a new lease of life after being nursed back to the very
best of health by the amazing staff at Stapeley Grange Wildlife
Centre. Releasing them tomorrow will be really rewarding for me,
having been there since the beginning, and I can't wait to see
them fit and well and back in their natural habitat."
Although there were no conclusive results, we know that it was
not caused by lead poisoning. It is thought the swans may have
been suffering from a bout of necrotic enteritis, caused by
toxins produced by bacteria in the environment. A poor diet
would have also contributed to the condition of the 41 swans
admitted to Stapeley Grange. Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley
Grange, said:- "Southport Marine Lake is overpopulated
with waterfowl on a site where there is no natural feed and so
the birds have therefore become reliant on food from members of
the public which is clearly an issue. It is really
important for people to remember to feed ducks and swans the
correct food. Feeding the ducks and swans is a lovely day out
for some people but traditionally this involves feeding them
bread. Bread is really bad for water birds as it is a form of
junk food that can lead to malnutrition. We generally advise
people to feed birds fresh greens such as cabbage and spinach
and more grain-based foods such as wheat, corn or bird seed as
this is closer to their natural diet. However in this case,
during the winter months, overfeeding from grain left by well
meaning members of public may have contributed to the outbreak
of disease as this is where the toxins build up when on the
ground."
The RSPCA is a charity that relies on public donations to exist.
To help us care for animals and birds like these swans, please
text:- "HELP" to:- 78866 to give £3 (texts cost £3
plus one standard network rate message).
Local
Photographer Awarded International Qualification
A Lancashire based
photographer, Matthew Nichol LBIPP, has received recognition for
his Architectural photography after being awarded a
Licentiateship by the British Institute of Professional
Photography (BIPP).Matthew has always been interested in the
aesthetics of modern architecture and his architectural
photography began as studies for oil paintings which eventually
developed into the work itself. Now as a professional
photographer for the last 6 years specialising in architectural
photography, Matthew uses his passion for architecture,
construction and the built environment to produce high quality
photographic images for a range of clients covering all aspects
of the built environment from photographing luxury homes to
commercial construction projects. When asked how he felt about
achieving his LBIPP, Matthew said:- "I am very happy to
have been awarded my BIPP qualification and the process has been
a great opportunity to continue to improve my work." BIPP President, Roy Meiklejon FBIPP, stated:- "BIPP
qualifications are among the most rigorous in the world.
Qualification with the BIPP requires hard work, determination,
commitment and lots of creativity." As the
qualifying body of professional photography in the UK, BIPP
requires any photographer going for qualification to follow
strict criteria and provide a substantial portfolio of
commissioned work, together with supporting information about
themselves as a professional.
LOCAL waste collection
company B&M Waste Services has pledged to support children's
charity Stick 'n' Step by assisting with its waste disposal
costs at its addresses in Wallasey and New Ferry. The support
has been offered after it was made apparent that some children
who attend Stick 'n' Step also benefit from the services at
Claire House Children's Hospice, 1 of B&M Waste Services'
nominated charities.
B&M Waste Services is a family run business based in Wirral. The
company takes pride in supporting local charities, and giving
back to the local community has formed a big part of its ethos
over the years. Until now, B&M Waste Services has been providing
a commercial waste and recycling disposal service to Stick 'n'
Step at its centre in Wallasey and its charity shop in New
Ferry. As a charity that relies entirely on grants and community
and business support to fund its £350,000 annual running cost,
Stick 'n' Step is always exploring opportunities to streamline
costs. The new support from B&M Waste Services is expected to
help the charity make an annual saving of almost £3,000, which
is about the annual equivalent of one child's place at Stick 'n'
Step.
Stick 'n' Step provides specialist conductive education and
support services to 70 children with cerebral palsy and their
families and carers across the North West of England and North
Wales. Conductive education is a non medical based developmental
aid, which promotes independence for those with conditions like
cerebral palsy, and is not offered by the NHS. It helps young
people to learn new skills such as head control, moving around
independently, sitting unaided, walking and more. At Stick 'n'
Step children learn for themselves how to do all of these
things, whilst making friends and having fun. Elsewhere, parents
can expect to pay around £3,500 per child, per year for
Conductive Education. At Stick 'n' Step, it's free.
Commented Neil Curtis, MD of B&M Waste Services: "We could
see that Stick 'n' Step is doing fantastic work and we know how
important it is that their offering remains free of charge, to
allow more families to use such an invaluable service. It is
with gratitude for the great work that Stick 'n' Step does that
we have offered our support. We hope our support will make
things a little easier so that the charity can free up some
funds to continue with the good work that it is doing."
Commented Clare Ashworth, a fundraiser at Sick 'n' Step:-
"Support comes to us in different forms, each of equal
importance. We always welcome the varied and new ways in which
businesses think to help. Staff volunteers, promoting our cause
and donating goods and services are just some ways they do this.
B&M Waste Services has offered us a significant solution to help
keep our running costs down and this kind of support is
invaluable."
For more information about Stick 'n' Step, and how you can help,
visit:-
SticknStep.org or call the
Centre on:- 0151 638 0888.
For more information about B&M
Waste Services visit the firms website at:-
BagnallAndMorris.com.
Thousands
brave tough weather conditions for the 22nd Liverpool Half
Marathon
Photographs with thanks to Paul Francis Cooper.
MORE than 5,000 runners
took to the City's streets on Sunday, 29 March 2015, for the
Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon. The runners gathered at UNESCO
World Heritage Site, Pier Head Liverpool, before setting off on
a challenging 13.1 mile scenic course, taking in key Liverpool
landmarks along the way. 1st staged in 1994, the event has gone
on to become the North West's biggest Half Marathon.
The Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon, organised and delivered by
BTR Liverpool, is now part of the Vitality Run Series of eight
specially chosen race events across the country. The Liverpool
race brings the 1st year of the Vitality Run Series to a close.
This is year 1 in a 3 year sponsorship agreement with Vitality.
The race was won by Paul
Martelletti from London in 1:08 (chip time), making this his 3rd
win in the Vitality Race Series after also taking honours at
Brighton and Bath.
The 1st female home was
Michelle Poulsen, from Denmark, in 1:21:04 (chip time), setting
a new female course record by taking off 1 minute 50 seconds off
the previous record set in 2013.
The event had a real
international flavour with participants travelling from 15
overseas countries joining runners from across the region and
country.
The international runners represented:- Belgium, Denmark,
France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Isle of Man, Hong
Kong, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the United
States of America; these included almost 100 runners from the
Isle of Man, 35 from Ireland, and 20 from Spain.
The headline event attracts a cross section of runners, from
those tackling their very 1st Half Marathon, charity runners,
and those chasing a time.
49 year old Stephen Symons, from Salford, has taken part in
every Liverpool Half Marathon since it started in 1994, with the
2015 event taking his tally to 22 medals. His annual
participation in the event was challenged in recent years when
he suffered a brain haemorrhage in November 2012. However, with
the help of his family, Stephen made it round the course in
March 2013 to retain his record. Stephen runs for Manchester
YMCA Harriers.
It was also a Hen party with a difference for 28 year old Kerry
Purvis from Runcorn and her team of Hens. A runner with local
club Plodders, Kerry and partner Paul marry on Easter Sunday.
It's a busy five weeks for bride-ro-be Kerry, who will also be
taking part in the Paris Marathon, Run For The 96 5K, and London
Marathon.
The field of 5,029 runners
took in key sights along the way, including UNESCO World
Heritage Sites the Liverpool Waterfront and Albert Dock, as well
as attractions the Museum Of Liverpool, Liverpool Cathedral,
Sefton Park Palm House, and Otterspool Promenade.
All finishers were presented with a bespoke medal, commemorative
Brooks T-shirt, and a goody bag. The event also had support from
Lucozade Sport, Virgin Active, Ocean, Laureus and The Telegraph.
BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for
creating, managing and delivering headline race events in
Liverpool City Region. Its portfolio of 9 other race events
includes the:- Liverpool Santa Dash, Wirral Half Marathon,
Mersey Tunnel 10K and Tour Of Merseyside.
BTR Race Director Alan
Rothwell commented:- "We welcomed over 5,000 runners who
gave their all in challenging weather conditions. They dug deep
and there were lots of smiles as they crossed the finish line
which is always a real pleasure to see. It's what our races are
all about. This was the 22nd Liverpool Half Marathon and it
couldn't have gone any better, we're absolutely delighted. We
are thrilled to have the support of title sponsor Vitality for a
further two years, and this will play a vital role in growing
and developing the event for future runners. Well done to the
runners, and a special mention must be made about the volunteers
and spectators who all helped to make it such a marvellous day."
Vitality Run Series CEO, Neville Koopowitz, commented:-
"The Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon is the biggest Half
Marathon in the North West and we're delighted to be part of it.
Liverpool is such a vibrant City and, after being named the 4th
friendliest City in the world, it was certainly evident with the
fantastic support from the crowd. It was a fantastic event and
we hope it inspired more people to get active."
The race was the latest event
in a year long joint fundraising partnership between BTR
Liverpool and its five official charities. The BTR Footsteps
Fundraisers initiative will bring the charities together to
benefit financially through BTR's key race events over a 12
month period by encouraging participants to fundraise and
support them.
The 5 BTR Footsteps Fundraisers official charities are:- Radio
City's Cash For Kids, Claire House Children's Hospice, Everton
in the Community, Jospice, and Roy Castle Lung Cancer
Foundation. More details can be found
online.
The next race for BTR is the Hale Village 5 Mile event this
coming Easter Sunday, 5 April 2015, find out more at:-
BTRLiverpool.com.
Results:-
First 3 Male Finishers (chip times)
► Paul Martelletti - Run Fast -
1:08:00.
► Tom Charles - Trafford AC - 1:10:01.
► James Toohey - Liverpool Running Club - 1:11:23.
First 3 Female Finishers
► Michelle Poulsen - Sparta Copenhagen Denmark - 1:21:04.
► Charlotte Mason - City Of Yoke AC - 1:22:20.
► Alex O'Brien - Liverpool Running Club - 1:22:31.
BTR Liverpool confirmed events still to be held in 2015:-
► 5 April - BTR Hale Village 5 Mile.
► 19 April - Run For The 96 5K.
► 7 June - BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K.
► 28 June - BTR Kids' 1K/2K/3K Race Series.
► 5 July to 11 July - BTR Tour Of Merseyside (52 miles).
► 11 September to 13 September - BTR Whistle Stop Tour Of
Wirral.
► 13 September - BTR Wirral Half Marathon/10K.
► 6 December - BTR Liverpool Santa Dash.
1 of the USA's most
popular cruise lines is heading to Liverpool on its 1st ever
trip to the British Isles. Disney Cruise Line has announced that
in 2016 one of its fleet it will be coming to Britain for the
1st time and Liverpool is 1 of just 2 English destinations it
will sail in to. Disney Magic will call into Liverpool on
Friday, 27 May 2016 and Sunday, 12 June 2016. The distinct
vessel can carry around 2,700 passengers, and the 2 City visits
are expected to have an economic impact of around half a million
pounds.
Liverpool's Cruise Terminal Manager, Angie Redhead, explained
how this has come about:- "We have been meeting with
Disney Cruise Line for a few years at industry events, and in
the early days their focus was on deploying ships within Florida
and the Caribbean but over time, as new ships entered their
fleet, their interest in possible British Isles deployment grew.
Working in partnership with our port colleagues in Scotland and
Ireland, we were able to encourage and suggest that a British
Isles itinerary would be very well received by UK cruise
passengers. The British Isles has a wealth of world class
destinations within easy reach of our ports, with great
facilities to ensure a seamless experience for each and every
cruise guest. In discussions with Disney, I presented a broad
and eclectic mix of great experiences that guests could enjoy
during their time in Liverpool, ranging from cultural landmarks,
fascinating heritage to spectacular countryside just a short hop
away, as well as an assurance that the City of Liverpool would
greet them with open arms with our famously friendly welcome
when they call here. This year looks set to be another fantastic
year for cruising in Liverpool with some of the world's newest
and most contemporary ships ever to sail in British waters
calling here, and of course the three Cunard Queens making
history on the Mersey in May. So it's good to know 2016 is
already looking strong, and the visit of Disney Magic will be
one of the highlights of the summer. We look forward to
welcoming their ships, passengers and crew and showing them
everything that Liverpool has to offer."
Facts about Disney Magic:-
The ship boasts 11 expansive decks.
It is 984 feet in length and 106 feet wide.
It weighs 84,000 tonnes.
It can comfortably hold 2,700 passengers and 950 cast and crew
members.
It has 10 different eating areas/restaurants.
There are 5 pools on board and 2 nightclubs.
The liner will embark on a 12 night cruise from Dover and will
sail to:- Invergordon, Kirkwall and Greenock, then onto
Newcastle, Liverpool and Dublin. She will also call in at:- Le
Havre in France, as well as Guernsey in the Channel Islands.
All of these, except Kirkwall, are 1st time ports of call for
Disney Cruise Line.
Bookings for the new itineraries is available and details can be
found on the:- 'Itineraries and Ports' 2016 page
of:-
DisneyCruise.com.
CH1ChesterBID bags City Centre finish for Chester Half Marathon
THE CH1ChesterBID
Company has agreed a landmark deal with the Chester Half
Marathon to keep the race's finishing line in the City Centre.
For the last 3 years the race has featured a grandstand finish
outside of Chester Town Hall and the Cathedral, but the future
of the current route was in doubt, due to the added expense of a
City Centre finish. The deal with CH1ChesterBID will keep the
existing route in place, ensuring that City Centre retailers
have the chance to benefit from the extra footfall the event
delivers.
Rita Waters, Chief Executive of the CH1ChesterBID Company,
said:- "The Chester Half Marathon is an iconic event for
the City, attracting thousands of participants and spectators to
Chester every year. In 2014 more than 70,000 people were in the
City Centre on the day of the race; the busiest Sunday of the
year by far; so we simply had to make sure it stayed in the
heart of the City in 2015; our 1st year as a Business
Improvement District. It's a fantastic opportunity for us to
showcase everything that Chester has to offer before, during and
after race day, and we're confident that many of the BID
businesses will benefit from this fantastic new partnership.
This year's Chester Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, 17 May
2015, and is set to sell out again, with organisers expecting
more than 7,000 runners and 10,000 more spectators. We're
delighted that CH1ChesterBID Company have agreed to support the
Chester Half Marathon for 2015. When we took over the event in
2012, 1 of the 1st things we felt important to do was switch the
route to a City Centre finish because it's a huge attraction for
many runners and it creates a fantastic atmosphere. The added
expense of finishing in the City Centre combined with reduced
funding this year meant we had to consider other options, but
this agreement means we can keep our grandstand finish in the
heart of the City and that's tremendous news for everyone."
Freeze has
just announced more names for 10th Anniversary celebrations
LIVERPOOL'S Freeze has
grown in tandem with the City's continued resurgence, charting
their unique course across the vibrant electronic music
spectrum. 2015 is all about the party expanding its vision
across a wider range of music, curetting a series of shows which
embrace electronics' wide spectrum and beyond.
Crazy P are one of the UK's most loved electronic acts, with
their latest album, Walk Talk Dance Sing coming out on My 11th.
Theirs is a lovingly crafted mix of disco, pop and dance infused
with real heart and soul; the guys are making a very welcome
return back to The Bombed Out Church after last year's
sensational show. And they are not alone; revered house DJ and
producer Tensnake; and creator of the classic Coma Cat; joins
them, making a rare foray to Liverpool. Ewan Pearson is one of
dance music's seminal contributors and continues his prolific
production work, as well as select DJ sets; and Psychemagik
continue to create sensational edits, beautiful production work
and transcendent mixtape journeys as part of the burgeoning
reputation, as well as their party rocking DJ sets. Weval plays
live and Freeze resident Jemmy joins them.
Back to the May Bank Holiday on Sunday, 3 May 2015, the seminal
producer Bonobo opens up Freeze's 10th Anniversary season. His
DJ set will showcase his vast range of influences and
inspirations to incredible effect, bringing his incredible live
production which will further enhance this very special show.
Bonobo is joined by Gilles Peterson, one of the UK's most
dedicated DJs, broadcasters, producers, compilers, record label
boss and an avid record collector. Joining the dots between
soul, hip-hop, house, Afro, Latin, electronica, jazz and more
and makes a very welcome return to the City.
Then on Saturday, 23 May 2015, the seminal Young Turks label
brings a sublime showcase Liverpool. The prolific and enigmatic
producer and remixer Jamie XX headlines, one third of the
brilliant XX and one of the UK's most creative forces as a solo
artist. With his immense body of work including everything from
curating film soundtracks to creating ballet scores, to hosting
shows on 6 Music, he remains a captivating DJ who brings a whole
new dimension to Freeze. The sublime Spanish DJ John Talabot
joining him, plus Italian synthesist Lorenzo Senni (live),
Bristolian beats maker Kotown and a special guest to be
announced.
The 4th party of the opening 10th Anniversary series brings
together 4 iconic names on Saturday, 13 June 2015. Todd Terje,
fresh from the success of last year's acclaimed It's Album Time,
has specially curated this show. Given the rare times Todd
performs live in the UK, this will be a brilliant party
showcasing not only his live skills, but the people he has
handpicking to join him: Greg Wilson, Gerd Janson and Prins
Thomas form a quartet of irrepressible talent across the house,
disco and electronica spectrum for what is already shaping up to
be one of the parties of the summer.
For full information click on
the picture above to see the latest flyer for the event and also
to keep up to date with the latest news for this event go to:-
ClubFreeze.Co.UK.
Louise puts
her best foot forward in Memory if Granddad
Photographs of Louise have been taken by Valerie Hamill
A Wallasey woman who
lost her beloved granddad to kidney disease is running a charity
race and raising money to fight the condition. Louise Sheehan is
assistant manager of Greggs in Pyramids Shopping Centre,
Birkenhead, and only started running last year, inspired by her
fitness fanatic husband Chris. Now the 29 year old is taking on
a 5k challenge in aid of Kidney Research in memory of her
granddad Harold May who passed away when she was young.
Louise, who lives with Chris in Wallasey, said:- "I've
been inspired to raise money for this charity as I always
remember how ill my granddad was when I was a kid. Whenever we
visited him we had to be careful as he was always wired up to
dialysis machines. It was hard because when you see your
granddad you want to run and hug him but we couldn't. He was
constantly in and out of the Royal in Liverpool and when we saw
him at home he had to have all these special drinks and special
meals. I lost my nan when I was seven, then both my dad's
parents and then my granddad when I was nine so it was a really
tough time for us as a family. It was particularly hard for my
mum as she is an only child."
Louise, who has worked in the
Birkenhead Pyramids' store for 7 years, has been married to
Chris, also aged 29, for 3 years although the couple have been
together since they met as 14 year olds at Wallasey's Oldershaw
School.
Chris is a keen runner, clocking up regular 10k or half marathon
runs for Claire House and encouraged his wife to take up the
sport too. She said:- "I decided I wanted to get fit so I
started running with him and we go for jogs around Central Park
or down on the prom. Chris raises a lot of money for charity so
I thought I would too and I did my first 5k in March at Port
Sunlight. It went okay and I managed a personal best time of 39
minutes so I'm hoping to beat that this time and do it in half
an hour."
Louise will be joining fellow
fundraisers on the start line for the Hillsborough 5k run held
at Stanley Park on April 19, and Chris will run alongside his
wife for the event. She said:- "I have said that he can
leave me behind if he wants but he's very good and he'll stay
with me; although he's an Everton fan so he'll be wearing a blue
T-shirt and I'll have a red one!"
Commercial Director for Pyramids Shopping Centre, Derek Millar,
said:- "I wish Louise every success in her next running
event and am sure the staff and customers of Greggs will get
behind her and help her raise funds for this very important
cause."
The race is a new and accessible event in memory of the 96
Liverpool football fans lost in the Hillsborough tragedy and
will raise funds for Everton in the Community and the LFC
Foundation as well as whatever causes the runners are
championing themselves.
The 5k event will take place at the end of the 96 mile
Hillsborough to Anfield run which has attracted hundreds of
entrants and raised thousands of pounds over recent years.
To sponsor Louise pop into the Greggs store at Pyramids Shopping
Centre.
Charity
calls for volunteers for Southport collection
A leading bowel cancer
charity is looking for volunteers to help at a local collection.
Beating Bowel Cancer has booked a collection in Southport Town
Centre on:- 13 June 2014 and is looking for volunteers to help
raise vital funds by shaking a bucket for bowel cancer. Beating
Bowel Cancer works to save lives from the UK's 2nd biggest
cancer killer and all money raised from these fundraising events
will be used to help raise awareness of bowel cancer and support
patients and their families coping with the disease. Regional
Community Fundraiser for the North West, Rachel Thomas, said:-
"We are looking for people to give up just a few hours of
their day to help Beating Bowel Cancer make a real difference to
bowel cancer patients and their families." Anyone
interested in helping at these fundraising events should call
Rachel on:- 07825 910943 or send an email to:-
Rachel.Thomas@BeatingBowelCancer.Org.
Bowel cancer is the UK's second biggest cancer killer because
many patients are diagnosed too late. Each year more than 41,000
people across the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer. However,
if diagnosed early over 90% of cases could be cured. For more
information about Beating Bowel Cancer, including ways you can
get involved in fundraising for the charity, visit:-
BeatingBowelCancer.Org or
call:- 08450 719 300.
MANAGEMENT at Liverpool
John Lennon Airport (LJLA) last night celebrated the start of
Blue Air's 2nd service from Liverpool with the airline's first
departure to the City of Bacau in North East Romania. This
latest service comes just over three months after Blue Air
commenced operations at LJLA, with their 3 times weekly flights
to the Romanian capital Bucharest, which started in December
2014. Flights to Bacau operate twice weekly and take Blue Air's
operation at Liverpool to 5 departing flights per week. Situated
in the historical region of Moldavia, at the foothills of the
Carpathian Mountains, Bacau is one of Romania's cultural centres
with a state theatre, museums and a symphony orchestra.
Attractions include the famous churches of northern Moldavia
with their colourful paintings, which have been listed by UNESCO
as a World Heritage Site. Staff marked the occasion at the
Airport in the usual way with a special celebratory cake.
Victoria
Burrows, Chief Executive Launches UK Heart Safe Awards 2015
HAND on Heart have
launched the:- "UK Heart Safe Awards" at the
Midland Hotel in Manchester, on 2 April 2015. The Awards are run
in conjunction with headline sponsor Physio Control, the event
will recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations
across the UK, in their efforts to become heart safe. Hand
on Heart is a registered charity that has 3 main objectives
which are:-
► To raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac
Arrest (SCA) in young people.
► To provide or fund defibrillators
for schools.
► To educate young people about SCA
and train them in Basic Life Support and to use defibrillators.
This year the event has moved to the Midland Hotel (Hand on
Hearts charity partner.) We are aiming for this year's events to
be the biggest and most successful to date. For more information
about nominations attending or attending or sponsoring the
awards, please visit our website:-
UKHeartSafeAwards.Co.UK.
Victoria Burrows said:- "This will be my first awards
evening as Chief Executive of Hand on Heart. Previous evening
have been a huge success, and I am looking forward to this
year's events being even better. I would encourage everyone to
consider nominating and joining us on the evening to celebrate
the UK's leading Heart Safe individuals and organisations."
The end of
the Yellow and Red and Gray Halos, as Air Sea Search and Rescue
becomes a civilian operation
Photographs
by Patrick Trollope.
DESPITE powerful
objection from high profile people to the privatisation, on 1
April 2015,of the UK's Air Sea Search and Rescue helicopter
service, which has been run by the Royal Air Force since it was
founded in 1941. The service was originally instigated to
recover ditched military air crews (still its primary purpose)
and is known internationally for its RAF Sea Kings that we all
have seen numerous times on videos and photographs over the
years.
The service has now been fully
privatised and handed over to a US company
Bristow
Group. The 10 year UK SAR
contract was awarded by the Department for Transport in March
2013 and will see the new Bristow crews deliver the UK SAR
helicopter service on behalf of HM Coastguard, with state of the
art helicopters, equipped with the latest search and rescue
technology including night vision, mission management and
increased onboard medical capabilities. For the North West this
has resulted in the loss of service provided by No.
22
Squadron, also known as
Flight 22, which had His Royal Highness Prince William, Duke of
Cambridge served in from 2010 to 2013. The service will now be
delivered on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
from 10 bases strategically located close to areas of high SAR
incident rates. The launch of the civilian UK search and rescue
(SAR) helicopter service, run by Bristow Helicopters Ltd, a UK
limited company will now see them introducing the service in
what they say will be a "phased approach" with the 1st bases at
Inverness and Humberside, now receiving tasking from the
Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) as of the 1 April
2015. The idea is that the new service can manage with fewer
bases thanks to the higher speed of new helicopters that Bristow
will supply, 10 Sikorsky S-92s and 10 Agusta Westland AW189s,
that replace the Air Force and Royal Navy Sea King helicopters
from 17 coastal stations around the country So by the summer of
2017, Bristow will operate from 10 coastguard helicopter bases
around the UK, on behalf of Her Majesty's Coastguard. Bristow
have told us that:- "We are putting our bases close to the
SAR hotspots so that our resources can be brought to bear as
quickly and efficiently as possible. Our bases have also been
selected to reduce transit time, fuel requirements and
disturbance, helping us to exceed environmental requirements. We
are having new state of the art SAR bases built at:- Inverness;
Manston; Prestwick; Caernarfon; Humberside; Newquay and St
Athan. We will also be operating out of existing, purpose built
MCA facilities at:- Lee-on-Solent; Sumburgh and we have
refurbished Stornoway. As we say on the website, we have marked
and are making significant pre-operational and operational
investments; in the region of £7 million per base. Our
infrastructure, ongoing maintenance and supplies will be sourced
locally, providing additional opportunities for local businesses
and SME's. In addition, all of our infrastructure developments
for the UK SAR contract will be fully compliant with strict
environmental criteria." So what are your views on this?
As history closes on a major chapter of aviation history in the
UK, will safety be improved or compromised, only time will tell.
Please send us your feeling and also any memories you might have
of our RAF and Navy Services over the years.
Rob Heron
and The Tea Pad Orchestra Bring the Best of UK Roots to
Southport
ROB Heron and The Tea
Pad Orchestra is 1 of the hardest working bands in the UK roots
circuit… With thousands of touring miles under their belts, they
have earned themselves a sizeable fan base in the UK, Europe and
beyond. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, they play their own brand
of Western Swing, Blues, Gypsy Jazz and Country, or "North
Eastern Swing" as they've coined it. Their style
is more eclectic than most, influenced by early 20th century
American music, with the addition of:- "razor-sharp" solos, great arrangements and original songs; their music
harks back to a golden age whilst staying perfectly modern. The
songs are penned by Rob Heron, a crazy fool for country music
and a full time dandy cowboy. His songs are full of character,
satire, and good old fashion hollerin'. The band, a hot 6
piece, features Ben Fitzgerald (guitar), Tom Cronin (mandolin),
Colin Nicholson (accordion), Rob Blazey (double bass) and Paul
Archibald (drums). Their debut album:- 'Money Isn't
Everything', caused a sensation when it was released in
2012, winning a host of rave reviews; many of them 5 star. Their
2nd album:- 'Talk About The Weather' is gathering
some notable radio play and reviews. Rob Heron and The Tea Pad
Orchestra takes to the stage on Friday, 10 April 2015, at
7.30pm. Tickets are:- £10 advance / £12 doors and are available
online at:-
Theatkinson.Co.UK or by
calling the Box Office on:- 01704 533333. They are also
available over the counter during The Atkinson opening hours.
Please be advised that there is a £2.50 booking fee for
telephone and online sales.
The
Drifter's "Rebranded Tour 2015" heading to Southport this
year!
FOLLOWING on from the
success of their recent tours, the current line up brings you
the Rebranded Tour 2015 defining the evolution of the phenomenal
story of the Drifters through its music from the past to the
present. One of the stops of this high energy show will be
Southport, in September. The show will feature many of the
greatest hits:- 'Under The Boardwalk',
'Saturday Night At The Movies', 'Up On The Roof',
'Kissin In The Back Row', 'Down on the
Beach', 'More Than A Number In My Little Red Book'
along with newer songs that have evolved through the first new
recordings in over 30 years. With over 65 members in over 60
years the brand continues today with the only official line up
in the world. Promising to bring the best performance standards
with the groups four part harmonies through some of their vast
back catalogue of songs along with the continued musical
evolution of the band through their new recordings. This concert
is guaranteed to bring a musical extravaganza along with a world
class band, production and some very smooth moves. As 1 of the
biggest selling and longest serving bands in history, The
Drifters have collated a huge catalogue of over 50 hits, selling
in excess of 214 million singles and 114 million albums across
the world. Since their creation, the line up of The Drifters
have undergone many changes with more than 60 different singers,
including icons such as Clyde McPhatter, Ben E King, Johnny
Moore and Rudy Lewis. Events for The Drifters still to be
held:-
► 11 April 2015 - Princess Theatre
(Torquay).
► 20 May 2015 - Milton Keynes Theatre
(Milton Keynes).
► 3 Jun 2015 - William Aston Hall -
Glyndwr University (Wrexham).
► 4 June 2015 - New Theatre (Oxford).
► 7 June 2015 - Playhouse (Edinburgh).
► 11 June 2015 - Richmond Theatre
(Richmond upon Thames).
► 18 June 2015 - Leas Cliff Hall
(Folkestone).
► 23 July 2015 - The Empire Theatre
(Sunderland).
► 24 July 2015 - Wulfrun Hall
(Wolverhampton) .
► 18 September 2015 - Auditorium
(Grimsby). ►
24 September 2015 - The Southport Theatre
and Convention Centre (Southport).
► 19 November 2015 - Regent Theatre/
Britannia Suite (Stoke-on-Trent).
Make note to
go to the Birkdale Traders Association St George's Day Fair
ON 25 April 2015, The
Birkdale Traders Association will be running it's 1st St
George's Day Fair, from 12:00 until 18:00. The event will see
the Open from 12noon to 6pm with live music all day staged in
the center of the village. The village will be decked out in St.
George's Bunting and will host in excess of 20 market stalls
including Meat BBQ, Fish BBQ and Oriental Charcoal Grill amongst
other food being offered by the local bars and restaurants and
various food tasting events. There will be 4 Junior Fairground
attractions by:- 'Ponts Fairgrounds' for the
children and besides the local shops selling their wares there
will be stalls selling paintings, books, rugs, cookery items,
Beatles and Liverpool memorabilia, wine and spirits, tombola,
hair and beauty products. Plus lots, lots more! Queenscourt
Hospice will be having a raffle stall for their own charity.
There will also be a prize for the best Fancy Dressed St George.
The whole atmosphere created by the outside dining and music
creates a great day out for all. Please show your support and
head on down to this event.
THE Scottish musician,
singer and songwriter James Grant makes his 1st appearance at
The Atkinson on Saturday, 11 April 2015. James Grant
always wanted to be Jimmy Page. But as the young wannabe guitar
hero grew up, he was also blessed with velvet vocal chords. And
so was shaped the destiny of 1 the great songwriters of recent
decades. He 1st came to international attention with his band
Love and Money where he wrote four classic albums, including the
astonishingly mature Strange Kind of Love. Recording in New
York, he worked with producers such as Gary Katz of Steely Dan
and Tom Dowd (who produced Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton and Aretha
Franklin). The albums produced several hit singles, racked up
silver disc sales and created a devoted world wide fanbase.
Since originally parting the ways with his band Love and Money
in the early 1990s, singer, songwriter and guitarist James Grant
has released 5 acclaimed solo albums, most recently 2010's
Strange Flowers, with his 1st best of collection released in
spring 2012. He draws from a broad palette of pop, folk, soul,
country and blues influences and interweaving his solo
compositions with Love and Money favourites. James twins darkly
literate, melodically lush song craft with his richly potent
vocals and virtuoso guitar work, leavening his performances with
dashes of wickedly acerbic humour. With Love and Money
also back on the road and in the studio, Grant sounds like an
artist now in his prime and this is a great time to catch him
live! Opening up for James Grant on the night is Stevie
Nimmo, one half of Scotland's highly respected Nimmo Brothers.
Stevie Nimmo has been a well known and respected figure
throughout the blues and roots world for over 15 years. Now,
having toured extensively with the critically acclaimed blues
rock outfit over the last 12 months, he is taking to the road in
a stripped back, acoustic format to continue promotion of his
debut solo project The Wynds of Life. Although touched upon in
previous Nimmo Brothers recordings, this new adventure brings to
the fore a more personal and intimate side to Stevie's
personality; focusing more on his considerable song writing
talents as he brings together a wonderful blend of country,
gospel and, of course, blues influences to present a fine
selection of self penned songs as well as a few carefully chosen
covers played in his own passionate, inimitable style. Catch the
Nimmo Brothers at The Atkinson's Big Blues Festival on Friday, 9
October to Saturday, 10 October 2015. Early bird festival
tickets are on sale now for £32. Full line up is available
online. James Grant with support from Stevie Nimmo is at
The Atkinson on Saturday, 11 April 2015, at 7.30pm. Tickets are
£16 and are available online at:-
Theatkinson.Co.UK or by
calling the Box Office on:- 01704 533333. They are also
available over the counter during The Atkinson opening hours.
Please be advised that there is a £2.50 booking fee for
telephone and online sales as of 1 April 2015.
VOTING for the 3rd
annual 'dot-art Schools competition' opened on 1
April 2015. dot-art Schools is the annual, online, inter-school
art competition which culminates in an exhibition of the winning
artworks at St. Georges Hall in June 2015. The competition is
open to both primary (year 6) and secondary (year 9) schools in
the 6 boroughs of the Liverpool City Region (Merseyside). It is
designed to nurture talent and raise ambition by taking art out
of the classroom and into the real world.
The art competition has attracted around 50 primary and
secondary schools from the Liverpool City region. Over 20
schools are getting involved for the very 1st time, alongside 30
schools returning to the dot-art Schools programme for the
second or third successive year. The diverse range of schools
includes local authority maintained, independent, and church
schools, as well as residential and special schools from across
Liverpool, Halton, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens.
dot-art Schools Project manager, Carolyn Murray revealed:- "This year's online competition showcases over 800 artworks
by talented young people, from around 50 Liverpool City Region
schools making this the largest competition dot-art have staged
to date!"
The artwork has been shortlisted by a panel of judges featuring
representatives from Tate Liverpool, the Walker Art Gallery and
Metal Culture; who selected their top three entries from each
school ready for the public vote.
During the exhibition at St Georges Hall guest judge Susan M
Coles will choose the overall winners. Susan is known to many
art teachers as the President of the National Society for
Education in Art and Design in 2014 and Secretary of the All
Party Parliamentary Group on Art Craft and Design Education.
dot-art Schools are delighted to announce David M Robinson as
their principal sponsor for the 3rd annual inter-school art
competition. Lucy Byrne, dot-art Director explains:-
"David 1st became aware of our work during a visit to the Walker
Art Gallery for the John Moores prize judging (the company
sponsored the First Prize in 2014) when he saw the dot-art
Schools exhibition in the neighbouring gallery and was impressed
by the high standard of the work. He is an art lover who really
appreciates what we're trying to do with the programme so its a
privilege to now have his support. David Robinson himself
started out as talented young goldsmith in the late 60's winning
several coveted awards which helped establish his reputation and
develop a successful business. We're really pleased to be
associated with a company, which values quality and creativity."
David M Robinson comments:- "As a boy, other than playing
football for the school, there was only one other place I wanted
to spend my time – in the art room….. great memories of my art
teacher, John Hughes. This passion for art has followed me
through life and supporting the arts in the North West has
become an integral part of our business. It is my absolute
pleasure to be helping Dot-Art Schools inspire the imaginations
of the school children of Merseyside."
Alongside David M Robinson we have also attracted the support of
Rathbones as a sponsor.
Carolyn Project, Manager at dot-art said:- "We're really
pleased to be associated with such a high profile and well
respected national wealth management company, which also retains
their strong Liverpool roots and has been closely linked with
the community since its foundation 250 years ago. dot-art
Schools are proud to have a company of this stature helping us
support young people's creativity across Merseyside."
Schools Andrew Butcher, Rathbones Chief Operating Officer states
"Rathbones has a proud history of assisting local
organisations like the dot-art Schools competition. We are
committed to investing in the next generation, and supporting
the arts has become a core element of our engagement, not only
with our clients but the broader community. This initiative
complements our work in both these areas."
An exciting new partnership
with Merseyrail means the public will view shortlisted images
from local schools at Merseyrail stations. This will give the
young artists a higher profile and boost their confidence while
encouraging the wider school community to get involved and vote.
Sally Ralston, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at
Merseyrail said:- "We are delighted to be involved and
support this years Dot-Art Schools competition. It is a great
opportunity to help showcase the work of these talented young
artists and also to add some colour to several of our stations
across our network."
We're also grateful for the ongoing support of Rennies and Tate
Liverpool who kindly agreed to donate prizes again this year.
Don't forget to VOTE for the work you would like to see on show
at St Georges Hall! The voting is open from Wednesday, 1 April
until Thursday, 30 April 2015. To vote for your favourite school
entry clicking on
here.
Make note to go to
the Birkdale Traders Association St George's Day Fair
THE Southport Cruisers
held their 30 Annual Easter Run on 29 March 2015. Heavy rain
meant they could not use as many bikes to deliver the eggs as
they would normally have, but with around 25 motorcycles strong
contingent who did brave the elements, with the support of 2
cars. Club chairman Derrick Moss first started the run 30 years
ago, and to mark the Anniversary 4 people who have left their
motorcycling days behind them turned up to support the event,
look at the bikes, see the children and talk about old times.
The bikers were welcomed to
the Sands Hotel, in Ainsdale, with hot tea and a bacon butty
prior to riding in formation to the children's home. Fancy dress
was not able to be worn on safety grounds, but that did not stop
the fun... Setting off from The Sands, Shore Road, Ainsdale they
headed off down the Coastal Road and then on to the Formby By
Pass, ending up in Formby, where they paraded noisily through
the Village centre, as you can see on our video clip. They then
headed across to Clumber Lodge Children's Home. The home located
in Formby is run by Nugent Care, and they provide high quality
residential care for children and young people. As usual as the
bikes arrived at the home like rolling thunder, with horns
blaring, the children and staff get very excited and everybody
has a wide smile. They then deliver Easter Eggs to the children
and a cash donation of £300 presented to the staff to treat the
kids. Unfortunately it was not just the rain that put a dampener
on proceedings, as one of the support vehicles, as they sorted
out the unloading of the Eggs, was given a parking ticket! Once
the Eggs and donation have been delivered the bikers make there
way back to the Sands Hotel for more refreshment.
The Southport Cruisers
Motorcycle Club said they would like to say:- "a big thank
Rockerbox MCC for their continued support of the event, the
Sands Hotel and all privateers who turned up especially with the
weather conditions experienced." Well done to this
fantastic local bike club for supporting this amazing local
charity. Southport Cruisers organise these runs twice a year, 1
at Easter and 1 at Christmas. The runs would not be so
successful without the support of local bikers and the Sands
Hotel. If you want to know more about the homes you can visit
them on
Facebook and on
Twitter, plus you can also
go to their main
website. If you want to
join the Southport Cruisers or find out more about how you can
help them with their charity events please
email them or visit their
Facebook
Page.
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Review:-
"Paloma Faith at Liverpool ACC" Photographs by
Jo
Forrest.
THIS
fantastic British singer, songwriter and actress, Paloma Faith,
who comes from the London Borough of Hackney, looked at home in
Liverpool as she delivered retro and eccentric style to a very
receptive audience, on 30 March 2015. Due to a scheduling issue
at the Liverpool ACC, the date of her return to the City had to
be moved, but this did not put her, or her fans, off! Commenting
on this hiccup she said to the media and to her fans:-
"Sadly, Saturday night was postponed due to reasons beyond my
control, but you're Liverpudlian and you treat Monday nights
like Saturday nights anyway!" and that is just what
happened! The night started with support act Vintage Trouble, an
American blues/rock band, who had come all the way from Los
Angeles, California They soon got the place warmed up in true
Hollywood style. Then, as if she was on the set of a Blockbuster
Movie set, the 33 year old Paloma came out on stage looking
stunning in an amazing dress that oozed style and class. Since
her arrival, just 5 years ago as a chart topper, she has not
lost her way, making hit after hit. With After taking some time
out Paloma is returning to the charts with a new album,
producing singles like:- 'Can't Rely on You' and
'Only Love Can Hurt Like This'. The album has had
input from a legendary roster of music icons, singer-songwriters
and producers: Pharrell Williams, Diane Warren, John Legend and
Raphael Saadiq to name few, anticipation was high, and she
delivered and then some! The show she put on included songs from
her platinum selling album:- 'A Perfect Contradiction' also her new single 'Ready for the Good Life'. After the
sell-out performance ended she tweeted:- "Thank you for
last night Liverpool! And thank you to everyone who came to this
tour it was such a moving…" If you attended, please do
let us know what you thought of her act. One of the odd things
on the night was that she also spoke in the show about the
importance of voting at the next election. This was mostly well
received, but a few did comment on Facebook in a negative
manner, like Kenny Newmarch who said:- "Was great, but
political ramble spoilt it for me, more songs next time please",
but you can't win them all. In our view, it was well done and we
agree with the comment:- "It is important to vote" and
more Celebs should remind people to do it!" Over all,
both on Twitter and on Facebook, the abundance have commented
positively, saying that the event was "Amazing"
even our photographer, Jo, came away buzzing with delight after
the show! "For now we are left with fantastic memories...
Paloma, we look forward to your return to our City..."
as one of her many fans told us! Please email us with your views
to:-
News24@SouthportReporter.com
and let us know what you think of the show and also her
political statement!
Her
Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside opens charity's sensory
trail
BARNSTONDALE'S 1st ever
sensory trail was officially opened by its Patron; Her Majesty's
Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead (DBE) on
Wednesday 1 April. Around 70 invited guests, who included Lord
Mayor of Wirral, Cllr. Steve Foulkes, and those who helped fund
and develop the space, were the 1st to explore the completed
garden, which has been designed specifically for children of all
abilities to enjoy.
Barnstondale is located within
a rural setting and is surrounded by over 12 acres of woodland.
The trail provides a relaxing and stimulating outdoor space,
aimed at engaging visitors with the environment around them. The
first phase of the project began in April last year and was
completed that Autumn. A garden was created that features a
sheltered decking, stone path, water features and huge planters
filled with perennial foliage plants, chosen specifically for
the smells and textures. Local tradesmen then began work
installing the trail, which includes textures, surfaces, musical
instruments and balance ramps. Large animal statues and hand
crafted seats complete the experiential element.
Barnstondale is a family
friendly activity facility and overnight getaway destination.
The charity hosts many families, groups, schools and charity
organisations for away days and activity breaks. Whilst
fortunate that visitor fees cover overhead costs, the charity
relies heavily on donations and fundraising to pay for new
projects and improvement work. Barnstondale received funding
from various donors for this specific project. They include
Wirral Lions, Santander, Camelia Trust and Wirral Fund for
Children with Special Needs.
Commented George Jones, centre manager at Barnstondale:-
"Barnstondale's aim is to be accessible to everyone. We've
created a space that is designed for all our visitors to enjoy
and it is a great way for them to experience the local rural
environment. The garden and sensory trail is an exciting
development for Barnstondale, and it's one that all the team is
very proud of. We are always looking to develop and improve our
facilities, enabling us to offer services that modern customers
want and enhancing the visitor's experience. We hope to include
elements of the trail to other parts of the site in the future."
Commented Dame Lorna Muirhead (DBE), Her Majesty's
Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside and Barnstondale Patron:-
"It is an honour to be Patron of Barnstondale, which has stood
as a charity in one form or another for over 100 years. What I
find most charming about this inspirational place is that the
sun never sets at Barnstondale and the team is always busy
working on the next development. The children who come here are
always active, always playing and always smiling. I am an
advocate for social inclusion and child development, which
Barnstondale excels at. It gives me great pleasure to have
opened this sensory trail on behalf of the charity, which marks
another significant moment in its history."
A leading bowel cancer charity
is looking for volunteers to help at a local collection. Beating
Bowel Cancer has booked a collection in Southport Town Centre
on:- 13 June 2014 and is looking for volunteers to help raise
vital funds by shaking a bucket for bowel cancer. Beating Bowel
Cancer works to save lives from the UK's 2nd biggest cancer
killer and all money raised from these fundraising events will
be used to help raise awareness of bowel cancer and support
patients and their families coping with the disease. Regional
Community Fundraiser for the North West, Rachel Thomas, said:-
"We are looking for people to give up just a few hours of
their day to help Beating Bowel Cancer make a real difference to
bowel cancer patients and their families." Anyone
interested in helping at these fundraising events should call
Rachel on:- 07825 910943 or send
email to them. Bowel cancer
is the UK's 2nd biggest cancer killer because many patients are
diagnosed too late. Each year more than 41,000 people across the
UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer. However, if diagnosed early
over 90% of cases could be cured. For more information about
Beating Bowel Cancer, including ways you can get involved in
fundraising for the charity, visit:-
BeatingBowelCancer.Org or
call:- 08450 719 300.
CCTV images
released after Woman touched inappropriately
MERSEYSIDE Police have
released a CCTV image of a man officers would like to speak to
in connection to 2 incidents during which a woman was touched
inappropriately. The 1st incident occurred on Thursday, 12
March. At about 1pm a woman who had been travelling on the
Southport to Liverpool train reported that she had been touched
inappropriately by a man. The 2nd incident occurred on Thursday,
19 March 2015. The same woman reported that at about 4.10pm the
same man approached her in a supermarket on Old Hall Street,
grabbed her and attempted to kiss her. A member of staff at the
store intervened and the man ran away. Although uninjured the
woman has been left distressed following the incident. Officers
believe the man pictured may be able to assist them with their
enquiries and they would urge him or anyone who recognises him
to get in touch. Anyone who recognises the man or anyone who
witnessed either of the incidents is asked to call Merseyside
Police on:- 0151 777 4068 or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.
Fisherman's Path level crossing bridge plans withdrawn Report and photo/video
by Patrick Trollope
THE Fisherman's path
railway crossing Freshfield between Freshfield Station and
Ainsdale Station, on the Mersey Rail's Northern Line has become
a deadly level crossing and Network Rail filed a planning
application to build a footbridge and to close the level
crossing. So it is a very serious issue that the application was
officially withdrawn on 1 April, as many think this move will
result in yet more lives being lost in the future. Only
approximately 8 seconds from hearing a train, remains for a
person to move out of its way. At 60mph this does not leave any
room for error. As a result the crossing has been considered a
"high risk" for many years and has a string of
deaths associated with it. Only last year Yasmin Jones, 22, was
knocked down and killed there by this level crossing on
Fisherman's Path as she attempted to save one of the dogs she
was walking from being hit by an on-coming train. Others have
not heard the train in time to move out the way. Shockingly,
Sefton Council's planning department has opposed the plans
outlining that they feel it would be difficult for cyclists and
wheelchair users to access the bridge, despite the fact plans
include a wheeling ramp. In a statement issued to the media a
spokesman for Network Rail said:- "It is our priority to
have Safety at the heart of our operations. Although Britain's
level crossings are among the safest in Europe, they still pose
the biggest safety risk on the railway. The Office of Rail
Regulation wants the rail industry to close level crossings; a
position we support. Network Rail will continue to work closely
with Sefton Borough Council to achieve a safe solution at
Fisherman's Path that takes into account all the users of this
crossing." We decided to take a closer look at the
crossing ourselves as well, after hearing from a few people who
have mobility issues but who are also shocked by what Sefton
said. All of them said that:- "We find it hard to get over
anyway. It would be safer than it is currently, as we are slow
moving and with the speed the trains go at, we would not stand a
chance if we get it wrong." Another point raised to us
was the fact people do not close the gate! This happened as we
were filming the crossing. Yet another issue is as path user
pointed out, the area has no warning lights for people who can't
hear. Add to that the fact that hard of hearing people might not
even hear a train heading down the tracks, due to people talking
and also when planes are flying over from RAF Woodvale, masking
the sounds of the approaching trains. We conducted our own quick
test, with a very basic decibel meter, when we visited the site,
so not massively scientific. The site without people in it, just
bird song and wind sounds, was around 35db to 48 decibels, about
normal for a quiet rural area. Trains on the line go through, we
register at around 55db to 60db, so on that basis you should
hear them approach, but the fact is that it is not that simple.
We found out that sound from a group of 6 people on the other
side of the tracks approaching from the Golf Course came in at
around 50db to 55db decibels, once by the lines, still talking
they were around 65db, around an average conversation at home.
This can mean people do not hear the train approaching, plus add
to that when planes take off from the airfield next door, it is
also around 55db to 65db, and that too masks the approach. Take
in consideration that it registered around 55db when passing at
the crossing, so only audible, with loud background sound, once
the train is nearly on top of you! Shockingly a group of
children came past, and they came in at 73db to 85db, 85db being
around the level of your average domestic food blender. The
loudest distraction was a ringing mobile phone which was a
massive 96db. This raises some very worrying questions that we
are now going to put to both Sefton Council and Network Rail, as
in if we can't have a bridge, can a warning light and siren be
added, just like those on road crossings, as a temporary measure
or long term? Others have also pointed out that the area has a
phone mast located next to the crossing, so could a CCTV camera
be fitted as well? Additionally, should the gates have some type
of self locking mechanism to top for when people leave them open
by accident, as they are not as easy to close as you might
think! Sadly, tragic accidents will probably always happen on
any footbridge or crossing, but would the addition of warning
system help? This is not something as a media group, we feel
qualified to comment on. The fact remains though that the
withdrawal of this plan and the controversy around it will not
help to save lives on what is an extremely popular destination
for walkers. Please email us your views and thoughts to:-
news24@southportreporter.com
and let us know what you feel should be done at this deadly
crossing?
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Police ask
residents to get in touch ahead of Grand National
MERSEYSIDE Police are
yet again encouraging residents in Aintree and Maghull to share
any issues or concerns they have ahead of the Aintree Festival
which gets underway next week. With more than 150,000 race-goers
set to attend the event from Thursday, April 9 to Saturday,
April 11, the community's dedicated Neighbourhood Officers want
to make sure that there is minimal disruption for residents
during the event. Despite the large crowds attending the
festival, the vast majority of race goers have a safe and
enjoyable day and a multi agency operation involving Police
Officers from across the Force will once again aim to ensure
this is the case for this year's event. Neighbourhood Officers
will be speaking to residents living in some of the busiest
streets around the racecourse to let them know who they can
contact if they experience any problems with issues such as car
parking, litter and anti social behaviour during the event.
Inspector Phil Hatton said:- "The Aintree Festival puts
Merseyside on the sporting map and the world stage. Thousands of
visitors have a great time and we are grateful to local
residents for their patience and co-operation in helping us to
successfully Police the event every year. We recognise that
large numbers of people can impact the local community and I
want to reassure people that, as well as the Policing operation
for the event itself, my neighbourhood team will be there to
address any concerns that residents may have. Not only will
these officers be dedicated to responding to any calls about
issues such as anti social behaviour and disorder outside the
racecourse, they will also be looking to speak to anyone living
locally who may have experienced problems in previous years. We
want to hear from these people so we can talk to them and make
sure those problems don't crop up again so the event is a winner
for all." Aintree and Maghull residents can contact
their neighbourhood team by sending them an
email or call the
non-emergency number:- 101.
McBusted
Rocks Liverpool! Photographs by
Jo
Forrest.
THE English pop rock
group,
McBusted
, who are composed of members from bands McFly and Busted,
headed to the Liverpool Arena and Conference Centre (ACC), on
Kings Dock, on 31 March 2015. The line up of this 6 piece super
group has seen them have unprecedented success with sell out
after sell out, venue after venue. This success to pull in the
fans was again demonstrated in Liverpool; ticket prices starting
at £48.30, bitter, high winds outside and heavy rain to boot,
did not deter followers from attending.
McBusted is billed as:-
"The world's biggest super group" and its shows as they
definitely pulled in quite a crowd as was the case on the night.
The band crashed onto the stage, quickly getting fans
participating in the show through gestures and calls to join in.
However, the first half was more about the music with the second
half focused more on having fun with the audience. This format
went down well with fans as they delivered yet another
impressive performance. If you attend, please do let us know
what you thought of the show via emailing us to:-
news24@southportreporter.com.
Lord Mayor
to remember victims of Rwandan Genocide
THE Lord Mayor of
Liverpool Councillor Erica Kemp CBE will join Assistant Mayor
Ann O'Byrne and Philomene Uwamaliya from the Liverpool Rwandan
Community to remember victims of the Rwanda genocide. On
Tuesday, 7 April 2015, at 11.30am, at St John's Gardens (at the
back of St George's Hall) a wreath will be laid at the Memorial
Stone to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the
Genocide 21 years ago. Councillor Kemp CBE said:- "It is
vitally important that we remember the victims of such
atrocities and honour their memory. We should take this
opportunity to remember all victims of persecution and raise
awareness to encourage us all to be more tolerant of others."
The Formby
Walk of Witness 2015
Report and photo/video by
Patrick Trollope.
THE annual Walk of
Witness took place in Formby Village on Good Friday, 3 April
2015. Sadly, the weather meant a far lower turn out than in
previous years, but those who did go watched a very well run
enactment of the Story of Easter. 'The Good Friday Walk
and Passion Play' had a cast of over 40 volunteers who
dressed in costume and re-enacted the build up to the
crucifixion and the crucifixion of Christ. Starting from outside
Boots the procession moved through the Village centre and ended
at the Formby Pool, were an outside play come service was put on
by Churches Together, in Formby, Altcar and Hightown. These are
some of the photos we took at the event.
Click on
here to see more
photographs taken at this event. Sorry the photo section
is not in mobile format!
The Formby
Walk of Witness 2015
Report and photo/video by
Patrick Trollope.
THE annual Walk of
Witness took place in Formby Village on Good Friday, 3 April
2015. Sadly, the weather meant a far lower turn out than in
previous years, but those who did go watched a very well run
enactment of the Story of Easter. 'The Good Friday Walk
and Passion Play' had a cast of over 40 volunteers who
dressed in costume and re-enacted the build up to the
crucifixion and the crucifixion of Christ. Starting from outside
Boots the procession moved through the Village centre and ended
at the Formby Pool, were an outside play come service was put on
by Churches Together, in Formby, Altcar and Hightown. These are
some of the photos we took at the event.
Click on
here to see more
photographs taken at this event. Sorry the photo section
is not in mobile format!
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