2018 Launch of Women's Soft Ball Cricket Festivals

LANCASHIRE Cricket Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the 2018 Women's Soft Ball Cricket festival programme.

The festivals will run from early May to September and have been created to increase female participation in cricket, with over 40 clubs from across the county set to host 1 this year.

The game uses a soft ball and is designed to be a fun, fast and social experience for players of all ability and experience.

Julie Durrant, Women's Soft Ball Cricket Co-Ordinator for the Lancashire Cricket Foundation said:- "This year we are seeing the festival programme grow from hosting just 12 festivals in 2017, to over 40 across Lancashire in 2018. The festival programme aims to attract 1,500 more women to get involved in cricket locally, which will see a significant increase in female participation. The festivals target women who are new to cricket and encourages them to come along and enjoy a great 1st experience of the game. The games will be 6 a side, using a soft ball with under arm bowling and the rules have been specifically designed to make games fun, fast and easy to pick up. We are delighted to be working with so many local cricket clubs throughout the county, who have agreed to host one of our events. All events have been planned to ensure that women feel supported, relaxed and are able to learn new skills in an inclusive atmosphere."

Participants will receive a free festival t-shirt on arrival and there will be off field entertainment running throughout the day, including:- stalls, food, music and a photo booth.

There is no dress code and all equipment is provided to participants.

The festivals are designed for teams of 6 players, with a cost of just ₤25 per team. The 1st takes place at Shaw Cricket Club, in Oldham, on Sunday, 6 May 2018, with a 1pm, start time.

To book your team or for more information about the full festival programme, please contact Julie on:- 07507057692 or by email:- JDurrant@lccc.Co.UK.

'Moving North' Conference to focus on the business opportunities from the shift to greener transport

THERE'S just 1 week to go until the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership's (LowCVP) 2018 'Moving North' Conference, which will open with a keynote address by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. The event will focus on the challenge of cutting carbon emissions and air pollution from transport, and seizing the business opportunities; across the automotive and fuel supply chains, and through to transport companies and innovators in the Northern Powerhouse.

Taking place on Thursday, 12 April 2018, the Conference is being held in association with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). It is supported by Manchester Metropolitan University; the host for the event; and is sponsored by GEFCO and Uber.

The conference features a range of high profile speakers including:-

► Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

► Bob Moran, Deputy Head, Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV)

► Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

► Ian Constance, Chief Executive, Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC)

► Lawrence Davies MBE, Chief Executive, Automotive Investment Organisation (AIO)

► Simon Warburton, Transport Strategy Director, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)

► Peter Molyneux, Major Roads Director, Transport for the North (TfN)

► Andy Eastlake, Managing Director, Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP)

► Carol Holden OBE, Chief Executive, Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA)

► Dave Roberts, Director, Smart Interventions, EA Technology.

Following on from Manchester's recent Green Summit, 'Moving North' will look at the future of transport in the Northern Powerhouse Region (and beyond) a future that will be driven by ever tighter regulation of carbon dioxide and pollutant emissions coupled with growing demand from users for cleaner and more efficient vehicles and the energy to power them. This transition offers huge opportunities for businesses in the automotive, fuels and related sectors.

The event, and the drinks reception which follows the conference, will also be an important networking opportunity, as it will bring together a number of different sectors, including:- the automotive and energy industries, governmental / public sector organisations, 'new mobility' companies and other stakeholders.

Moving North is a ticketed event, which is free to members of the LowCVP. There is a 25% discount for members of the Northern Automotive Alliance. Non-members are invited at the standard price of ₤100.

For more information visit:- LowCVP.Org.UK/Events/North2018.htm.