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St Joseph's Hospice is
launching its annual Light up a Life appeal
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ST Joseph's Hospice are launching its
annual Light up a Life appeal this week and they are inviting local families to
join them to remember their loved ones. The Light up a Life remembrance
and carol service will take place from 4pm, on Sunday, 10 December 2017, and
will be followed by a Christmas Light Switch On. Every year, hundreds of
local people dedicate a light on the hospice's Christmas tree to celebrate or
remember the life of a friend, relative or colleague, whether they are no longer
with us or just a long way away. Dedications can be made from this week
and will be entered into the hospice's special Light up a Life dedication book.
Memory hearts will also be available at the service to write a personal tribute
to hang on the tree.
Mike Parr, Chief Executive of St. Joseph's Hospice, said:- "Light up a
Life is a wonderful way to think about special people at Christmas time.
It is a very festive occasion, not only for those who have a connection to the
Hospice, but for is anyone who would like to make a dedication to someone they
love or have loved."
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In 2016, Sheila Stone, from Crosby, dedicated
lights to her Aunty Joan and Uncle Dave who both died at the hospice in February
2016. She said:- "I've been coming to Light up a Life since my mum died
many years ago. Part of my heart is here because of all the wonderful work they
do. I knew Father O'Leary and he was such a wonderful man. St. Joseph's Hospice
is just such a significant part of our local community."
Joyce Johnson, from Thornton, said:- "Being together with others makes it
a bit easier as we're all here together for the same thing, to remember those we
love."
Fiona Hollis, from Crosby, said:- "Light
up a Life is a lovely service. It's so comforting to be surrounded by others who
have been though the same grieving process. We may not know each other, but
we're all one big family, all in it together."
Dedications can be made now by downloading a form from the charity's
website.
Forms are also available from St. Joseph's Hospice Shops and other locations
around Merseyside.
To find out more about Light up a Life or how you can support St. Joseph's
Hospice, please call:- 0151 932 6044 or
emailing
them directly.
If you would like to make a donation to St. Joseph's Hospice, please text:-
'JOSP05' plus the amount you'd like to donate to:- 70070 eg.
'JOSP05 ₤10' to donate ₤10.
North West manufacturers offered
updated health, safety and environment expertise
COMPANIES in the North West will have
the chance to learn about the latest trends in key issues across health, safety
and the environment, at a briefing by experts in the field from Engineering
Employers' Federation (EEF), the
manufacturers' organisation.
The briefings will cover the possible impact of the EU Withdrawal Bill, key
legislative developments and updates to industry standards and guidance, all
with the focus on practical implications for business so companies can prepare
and remain compliant with the law.
The briefings will also cover key topical issues with a review of recent
prosecutions and a 'hot topic' with a focus on best practice and common
challenges in industry. Aimed at those responsible for health, safety and the
environment, as well as managers and Directors the briefings will include:-
► Possible outcomes from the EU Withdrawal Bill.
► Impact of sentencing guidelines.
► The implications of the Grenfell Fire.
► Latest health, safety and environment prosecutions.
► Occupational Health briefing.
► Updates on Energy and Environmental regulations in the UK and EU.
► Updates on European Commission health and safety activity and impact on the UK.
► Energy saving opportunities
Commenting, Steve Jackson, EEF Director of Health, Safety and Sustainability,
said:- "Investing in health, safety and environment is not just good
business practice it is essential for companies to remain within the law where
the penalties for getting it wrong can be severe. This briefing will bring
companies right up to speed on developments post Brexit so they are able to
prepare and remain fully compliant."
The ½ day briefing will take place on 30 October 2017, at EEF's Office in
Warrington, from 9am, until approximately 12.20pm. For full details on booking
contact:- 0845 293 9850 or book
online.
A sea of orange sweeps through
Liverpool
ON Friday, 29 September 2017, 130 walkers
stepped out for Maggie's Culture Crawl Liverpool. The walkers were taking on the
10km tour of cultural buildings across the City Centre, to raise money for the Cancer
Care Centre located next to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.
The route saw walkers visit Victoria Museum and Gallery, Liverpool Medical
Institution, FACT, Liverpool Parish Church, the 'Bombed Out Church'
and ending at
the Museum of Liverpool. Walkers were treated to performances by Wirral Symphony
Orchestra, PopVox Choir, Shiverpool, Pagoda Arts and Wirral Ukelele Fanatics.
The event is expected to raise over ₤10,000 to help Maggie's Merseyside at
Clatterbridge continue to provide free, professional support to all those living
with cancer who need it across the region. Each participant was able to write a
message on a lantern, that was later displayed by candlelight at St Luke's
Church, as to the reasons they were taking part in the walk for Maggie's.
Registration for 2018's event is already open and you can get a place by
clicking on
here.
Walkers said of the 2017 event:- "Greatly enjoyed the walk round Liverpool
and the venues. It was quite a privilege to take part in such a worthwhile
event. Just to say a huge thank you to the organisers and volunteers for last
nights event. It was a first for myself and daughter. We enjoyed the whole
experience and are already looking forward to next years. It was an amazing
uplifting experience, walking with and hearing people's stories relating to
Maggies. The venues were wonderful especially the 'Bombed Out Church.' Sure it was
a huge success for you all. Well done."
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Arrests linked to smuggled
cigs and fake vodka factory
5 men have been arrested in Liverpool
during raids linked to a suspected ₤100,000 Tax fraud involving smuggled
cigarettes, an illegal vodka factory and Tax Credits fraud.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) visited several address across Liverpool and
Sefton, on Tuesday, 3 October 2017, as part of an ongoing investigation into
previous seizures of illicit cigarettes and fake vodka in the region, as well as
associated money laundering.
Officers also discovered and dismantled a fake vodka bottling plant in July
2017, in Aintree.
During the operation HMRC Officers:-
► Searched premises in Formby, Knotty Ash, Mossley
Hill, Walton, and Woolton.
► Aarrested 5 men aged 39, 44, 47, 48 and 55.
► Discovered a suspected amphetamine laboratory, at 1
address.
Angela McCalmon, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:-
"We will continue to act to disrupt suspected criminal activity. This
investigation is still at an early stage but shows the spectrum of suspected
crimes that can be uncovered in 1 enquiry. HMRC will work closely with our
partners to ensure there is no further risk to public health or the public purse
from these suspected activities. Dealing in illicit tobacco and alcohol harms
honest businesses and steals money destined for public services. It is important
that anyone in the area with information about the illegal trade in tobacco or
alcohol reports it to our Hotline on:- 0800 788 887."
In March 2017, HMRC seized 199,780 suspected counterfeit Mayfair King
cigarettes, in the Aintree area, which was worth ₤56,138.68 in evaded Excise
Duty and VAT. In July 2017, a fake vodka bottling plant in Aintree was
dismantled and bottles labelled as No. 01 Imperial Vodka Blue were seized. It
was worth an estimated ₤45,000 in unpaid Excise Duty. Subsequent chemical tests
found the alcohol, although not toxic, contained compounds that should not be
present in vodka. Prior to the arrests, HMRC Officers also uncovered a
suspected substantial Tax Credit fraud. HMRC also called in Merseyside
Police and Merseyside Fire Brigade to deal with the chemicals, located at the
suspected drugs factory.
Anyone with information regarding fraud can
contact the HMRC Fraud hotline, on:- 0800 788 887 or report it
online.
8 out of 10 people have little
knowledge of what Taxis and Minicabs are legally allowed to do
THE majority of people in North England could be at risk
of using illegally operating or 'fake' vehicles because they have little
knowledge of how Taxis and Private Hire vehicles (Minicabs) can legally operate,
according to a YouGov poll commissioned by Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
The poll reveals that 77% of people in North England say that they have little
or no knowledge about what Taxis and Minicabs are legally allowed to do. Only
15% of people feel knowledgeable about how Taxis and Minicabs can legally
operate.
Most worryingly, people do not know what Minicabs are legally allowed to do when
picking up passengers. Although all Private Hire vehicles must be pre booked by
law, 24% of people think that Minicabs can be hailed on the street, and 29% of
people believe Minicabs can take passengers who approach them while parked.
This is concerning as licensed Minicab drivers that pick up unbooked passengers
are committing a criminal offence, and drivers that operate without a licence
pose a serious risk to passenger safety. These illegal drivers and their
vehicles are not subject to regulations, checks and journey recording. They are
uninsured, unsafe and could be linked to more serious crimes, such as assault,
rape and robbery.
In the North, the survey results suggest that illegal and unsafe touts may be
able to pick up unsuspecting passengers. 41% of people have taken a Taxi or
Minicab without checking for a licence on the vehicle 1st, and 55% have taken
a Taxi or Minicab without asking to see the driver's ID badge 1st.
Furthermore, 4% of people in the North admit that they have used a Taxi or
Minicab that they knew was illegal, in comparison to 7% in London.
The poll, which is released just after fresher's week, also revealed that
students are the least clear about the difference between Taxis and Minicabs.
87% of students say that they have little or no knowledge about what Taxis and
Minicabs are legally allowed to do. As prominent customers of the night time
economy, this makes students one of the most vulnerable groups using Taxis and
Minicabs.
These statistics, which are published on:- 'National Personal Safety Day,' raise
personal safety concerns around illegally operating Private Hire vehicles. If
people are unaware of how Taxis and Minicabs can legally operate, they are
unable to check vehicles are acting legally, and cannot make a safe and informed
choice.
Suzy Lamplugh Trust advises anyone using public transport to plan their journey
before they go out, and to share information about their journey with someone
they trust. If you're using a Taxi or Minicab, check that a Taxi or Minicab
licence is displayed on the vehicle, and ask to see the driver's badge, before
you start your journey. If you're using a Minicab, remember it must be booked in
advance. Always trust your instincts; if you feel worried or threatened, ask the
driver to stop in a busy area, so you can get out.
Rachel Griffin, Chief Executive of Suzy Lamplugh Trust, commented:-
'People have the right to be able to choose between the modes of transport they
use, and to be safe when doing so. We are concerned that many people are unaware
of the difference between Taxis and Minicabs, and may therefore not have the
knowledge to make safe choices about which vehicles to use. It is important that
people are informed about their choices, and can easily identify licensed
vehicles and distinguish between Taxis and Minicabs in their area. Licensed
Taxis and Minicabs are regulated, and each type of vehicle must abide by rules
which help to keep passengers and drivers safe. It is never a victim's fault if
they are assaulted or experience aggression as a result of using a Taxi or
Minicab, and any reports or concerns about drivers should be taken seriously by
the Police. Violent and aggressive incidents which take place on public
transport are completely unacceptable, and perpetrators must be held to account
for their actions."
James Button, President of the Institute of Licensing and Solicitor, said:-
"Taxis and Private Hire vehicles are a very safe and convenient form of
transport, driven by drivers who have been vetted by the licensing authority and
who provide a great service; however, there are always those who will try to
take advantage of unsuspecting people. Although you might want to get home
quickly, it is far better to get home safely. Always check that the vehicle has
a licence plate or sticker displayed identifying the vehicle as either a hackney
carriage or Private Hire vehicle, and ask to see the driver's badge. Any
licensed driver should be happy to show a passenger his badge, and if they can't
or won't, don't get into the vehicle. It is better to wait a few minutes for
another vehicle than get into an unlicensed vehicle or ride with an unlicensed
driver. You might be okay, but you might not, and that is simply not worth the
risk. I am delighted the Suzy Lamplugh Trust are emphasising Taxis and Private
Hire vehicles as part of their National Personal Safety Day and I am sure that
it will help the public understand what they need to check before using a Taxi
or Private Hire vehicle. I hope that the licensed drivers, operators and vehicle
proprietors will support it wholeheartedly, and the public will heed the
advice."
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