Bowl for Health in Sefton

RESIDENTS across Sefton are being encouraged to feel the benefits of being more active by trying a free beginners course in bowls. Taking part can give yourself a boost, feel more refreshed and is a great way to meet new people.

'Bowl for Health' is an 8 week programme designed for complete newcomers to bowls, providing an overview of the basics and how to play a match. Run by qualified and welcoming coaches, the programme is available in Waterloo, Formby and Southport.

The programme is being led by MSP and Active Sefton, thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Fund. The idea was developed and successfully piloted in 2017 by Holy Trinity Bowling Club in Formby, and is now being rolled out by more clubs across the borough.

One participant; Gail, in her early sixties from Formby, explained how taking part in bowls has transformed her life, "I found that I became much stronger, more flexible and fitter since taking it up. The game itself is great fun and my fellow bowlers are very welcoming and friendly; I'm so glad that I decided to try bowling!"

Danny Woodworth, from MSP, said:- "Being active doesn't need to mean joining a gym, it's about finding an activity that you enjoy; people have told us that bowling is a great way to enjoy gentle exercise in a relaxed and sociable environment. Bowl for Health is for anybody to join in with; it doesn't matter what your age, experience or level of fitness is."

Sessions are starting up in May and June in Waterloo (Brooke Hotel Bowling Club), Formby (Holy Trinity Bowling Club) and Southport (Victoria Park Bowling Club and Southport Bowling Club) - completely free for any Sefton residents who would like to improve their physical health and wellbeing, with all equipment provided.

Helen Birrell from, Sefton Council, said:- "Bowl for Health is great way to increase your activity levels and enjoy the outdoors. We are delighted to be able to support the project to enable Sefton residents to lead an active lifestyle."

For further information about the programme or to book your free place then please visit:- MerseysideSport.com/BowlForHealth or call MSP on:- 0151 728 1811.

Southport Liberal Democrats select Parliamentary Candidate who aims to win back seat

FORMER teacher and college Principal, John Wright, has been selected by Southport Liberal Democrats as their Parliamentary Candidate as they aim to win back the Southport constituency from the Conservatives at the next general election.

John Wright, who lives in nearby Croston, is a familiar face in Southport having campaigned here with the Liberal Democrats for many years.

Speaking after his selection John said:- "Southport is a town I know and love. I've been coming here since I was a boy when my parents used to bring me on the train, in the days when we had a direct train route to Preston. My favourite place was the model village and, of course, the sun always shone here. As a teenager I sometimes used to come and watch Southport FC with my brother. Now Southport is the go-to place for shopping and leisure for me, my wife and our children."

John Wright backs the campaign to take Southport out of Sefton. "Southport has had a raw deal from Labour-run Sefton in Bootle. We need to lobby hard for Southport to have its own Council and take control of its own spending and services for the benefit of Southport people. Southport residents deserve better; better public services, decent Schools, safe streets and a clean environment; it's not too much to ask. The Liberal Democrats have a positive programme to implement and I'll work hard to achieve this renewal if I am Southport's next Member of Parliament."

John will be reaching out to local residents and organisations over the coming months to start a dialogue and get people onboard to help achieve his vision to bring jobs, prosperity and better services to the town. "Make no mistake, Brexit will hurt Southport's economy, yet the Conservative MP is consistently voting in favour of a hard Brexit. We must do everything we can to offset the damage. We also need to shine a light on a side of Southport that is too often overlooked; people living at the margins, those in poor quality housing, people with disabilities facing welfare cuts, those in uncertain employment struggling to pay bills. The gap between prosperity and poverty in Southport is sometimes stark."