New Mersey Ferry funding decision to be taken by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

THE Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, and the other members of the Combined Authority will be asked to formalise their commitments about the new Mersey Ferry, on Friday, 6 September 2019. Officers are seeking approval for a multi million pound share of the ₤172.5m Transforming Cities Fund that would, by January 2022, see at least 1 new vessel, new bridges and an updated landing stage, at the Seacombe Terminal, subject to a satisfactory conclusion of the procurement process for the vessels later this autumn. ₤1.9m has already been secured from the European Regional Development Fund to fund low carbon engines. Both the ferries and associated infrastructure are key elements of the Mersey Ferries long term strategy, which was approved by the Combined Authority back in January 2016. The strategy highlights ways to secure the iconic Mersey Ferries' long term future, recognising the increasing challenge in maintaining 60 year old vessels and the significant public subsidy required to keep them operating.

The report highlights how investment in the Mersey Ferries and their estate would:-

► Improve reliability, to make them a more attractive and 'green' option for commuters and cross river travel customers who currently make up less than 30% of ferry goers. It would also support visitors getting to and from the new Eureka Mersey! attraction due to open in place of Spaceport in early 2022.

► Significantly improve the tourism offer with a broader range of more attractive, reliable leisure cruises.

► See journeys increase by an additional 120,000 in the 1st year of a new ferry being in operation, with further increases thereafter.

► Improve operating performance by ₤630k a year, reducing the public subsidy for Mersey Ferries operations. This would be through a combination of patronage growth and cleaner, more efficient and easily maintainable vessels.

Metro Mayor for the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram commented that:- "Our Mersey Ferries are iconic, with a special place in our history and musical heritage, but at 60 years old, and on one of the fastest flowing tidal rivers in the world, they are operating beyond their expected lifespan. Add to this the need to renew 140 year old infrastructure, and the time is ripe for investment. The Combined Authority recognises the importance of securing the future of the Mersey Ferries for generations to come and next week's funding decision will be the realisation of that commitment."

Competition revs up as 12 year old from the Wirral makes the national final of driving awards

A 12 year old from Willaston has made the final of a national driving competition for the 2nd time, beating off stiff competition from around the country; despite being 5 years away from being able to get their driving licence. Luke Dundas, who goes to Neston High School, will be 1 of 20 finalists in his age category at the:- 'Young Driver Challenge 2019.' The Challenge is run by Young Driver, the UK's largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons. Pupils drive dual controlled Vauxhall Corsas, on private land, with a fully qualified instructor and learn the skills needed to be a safe and responsible driver.

Luke previously took part in the 2018 Young Driver Challenge and has had several lessons at the scheme's Aintree Racecourse venue, 1 of more than 65 across the country. Pupils were able to enter the competition throughout Spring and were marked by their instructor on key driving techniques. Twenty pupils from across the UK will compete in each of 2 categories:- 10 to 13 and 14 to 16; at a final to be held on 7 September 2019, at the NEC. Hosting the final will be Vicki Butler Henderson and Quentin Willson, who have both been presenters on:- '5th Gear'  and 'Top Gear.'

Finalists will compete in a number of driving challenges, including manoeuvring a slalom, undertaking different types of parking, controlling an emergency brake and confidently tackling independent driving. The Challenge encourages youngsters to consider responsible and safe driving, with top marks given to those who show the best levels of control and awareness. Prizes up for grabs include ₤200, 10 1 hour Young Driver lessons, family restaurant vouchers and signed copies of Quentin Willson's latest book:- 'Learn to Drive Without Tears and Tantrums.'

Young Driver aims to develop a safer next generation of young drivers, by extending their learning over a longer period. It has delivered more than 740,000 lessons over the last 10 years. 1 in 5 young drivers has an accident within the 1st 6 months after passing their test; a figure which halves for Young Driver past pupils.

Luke said:- "I' m very proud to have made it to the Young Driver Challenge final 2 years on the run. Learning to drive before I am 17 has been a fab experience. It is getting me ready to be a good driver when I get on the road for real. Hopefully I can get in the top 3 this year; or even better to win."

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing for Young Driver, said:- "Every year the quality of driving we see from these young people astounds us. They take their learning very seriously, and it's a great way of reinforcing all those important safety messages when they don' t have the pressure of trying to pass a test as quickly as possible. The Challenge final is always the highlight of our calendar and it will be fantastic to have Vicki and Quentin there this year, cheering on our worthy finalists. Congratulations to Luke, who has already done so well, beating hundreds of other entrants and having impressed us with his talents in 2018. We wish you every luck for the final."

For more information about Young Driver go to:- YoungDriver.Com.

All aboard for the Ocean Film Festival World Tour!

THE Ocean Film Festival World Tour is hitting UK and Irish shores this autumn with a brand new collection of spectacular ocean themed films. Visiting more than 35 locations, the event involves a selection of short films telling seafaring stories from both above and below the water's surface. Witness mind blowing marine life, wild adventures and stunning cinematography; all on the big screen!

"From surfers to fisherman, and marine scientists to artists, these films feature fascinating characters who have dedicated their lives to the sea's salt spray...  This is your chance to dip your toes into the wonders of the big blue; from the comfort of a cinema seat!  As well as mesmerising films, each screening will see a free prize giveaway to win ocean related goodies too." says tour director Nell Teasdale.

The Ocean Film Festival World Tour originated in Australia, with the aim of inspiring people to explore, respect, enjoy and protect the oceans, and this is the 6th year that it has toured the UK and Ireland. To find out more, watch the trailer and book tickets, visit:- OceanFilmFestival.Co.UK.

Film highlights from the 2019 Ocean Film Tour include:-

► A Peace Within... Philip Gray is known as an extreme artist, but painting underwater is his biggest challenge yet! The Peace Within joins Philip as he ventures below the surface to paint Mexico's astounding cenotes; clear water subterranean pools, viewed by the ancient Mayans as gateways to the afterlife.

► Surfer Dan... Sun, sea and sand typically come to mind when you think about surfing, but this is not your typical surfing film. Landlocked ocean lover Dan Schetter lives on the shores of Lake Superior, in Michigan where, in winter, strong winds across the water create deadly currents, icebergs and… waves. Known for being the crazy guy with an icy beard who catches waves in January, this is Dan's story.

► I am Fragile... This stunning short film showcases the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of the remote Arctic, creating a lasting visual message that will inspire all who watch it to protect this wild yet fragile region. Shot across 6,000km, from:- West Greenland to Canada, this is a love letter to the spell binding frozen North.

2019 UK and Ireland tour dates are:-

► 10 September 2019, at the Cheltenham, Town Hall.

► 10 September 2019, at the Dublin, National Concert Hall.

► 11 September 2019, at the Cork, Everyman Theatre.

► 11 September 2019, at the Porthcawl, Grand Pavilion.

► 12 September 2019, at the Bath, Komedia.

► 12 September 2019, at the NewTownabbey, Theatre at the Mill.

► 13 September 2019, at the Guildford, G Live.

► 14 September 2019, at the Leamington Spa, Royal Spa Centre.

► 14 September 2019, at the Edinburgh, Festival Theatre.

► 18 September 2019, at the Wimborne Minster, Tivoli Theatre.

► 18 September 2019, at the Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn.

► 19 September 2019, at the Liverpool, Plaza Community Cinema.

► 19 September 2019, at the to 21 September 2019, at the Exeter, Corn Exchange.

► 20 September 2019, at the Llandudno, Venue Cymru.

► 21 September 2019, at the Stockport, Plaza Cinema.

► 22 September 2019, at the Keswick, Theatre by the Lake.

► 23 September 2019, at the Inverness, Eden Court Theatre.

► 24 September 2019, at the Salisbury, City Hall.

► 25 September 2019, at the Birmingham, Crescent Theatre.

► 26 September 2019, at the York, Barbican.

► 27 September 2019, at the Leeds, Town Hall.

► 28 September 2019, at the Whitley Bay, Playhouse.

► 2 October 2019, at the Christchurch, Regent Centre.

► 3 October 2019, at the Portsmouth, The Kings Theatre.

► 4 October 2019, at the Reading, The Hexagon.

► 5 October 2019, at the Malvern, Forum Theatre.

► 8 October 2019, at the Weymouth, Weymouth Pavilion.

► 9 October 2019, at the to 10 October 2019, at the Redruth, Regal Theatre.

► 12 October 2019, at the Bristol, Victoria Rooms.

► 14 October 2019, at the to 19 October 2019, at the London, Union Chapel.

► 15 October 2019, at the Cardiff, St David's Hall.

► 16 October 2019, at the Abingdon, Amey Theatre.

► 17 October 2019, at the Christchurch, Regent Centre.

► 18 October 2019, at the Poole, Lighthouse (Concert Hall)

► 19 October 2019, at the Bristol, Victoria Rooms.

► 22 October 2019, at the Brighton, Brighton Dome.

► 23 October 2019, at the Dorking, Dorking Halls.

► 24 October 2019, at the Cambridge, Corn Exchange.

► 25 October 2019, at the Norwich, Lecture Theatre 1 (UEA)