Bill Esterson MP praises Kirkby family firm celebrating 99 years and 4 generations

(left to right) Bill Esterson MP with JJ Smith MD Rachael Baker, Chief Executive of Knowsley Chamber and High Sheriff of Liverpool Lesley Martin-Wright, Knowsley Council leader Cllr Graham Morgan, George Howarth MP and Offsite Director for JJ Smith Martin Smith.

SHADOW Business Minister Bill Esterson MP has congratulated the new boss of a woodworking machinery firm who has become the fourth generation to run the family business. Mr Esterson, MP for Sefton Central, visited JJ Smith and Co on Moorgate Road in Kirkby, along with Knowsley MP George Howarth and Knowsley Council leader Cllr Graham Morgan to meet with the new managing director Rachael Baker. The business was originally based in Melling. The 99 year old firm supplies woodworking machines to a wide variety of businesses, including:- offsite construction, shed and garden building manufacturers, door, staircase and window specialists, prisons and colleges.

Mr Esterson said:- "It was a pleasure to visit JJ Smith and learn more about the contribution they are making to industry. It was fascinating to hear about how they are helping to address the UK's housing shortage in a low-carbon way through modular housing, and how they are committed to workplace health and wellbeing for their staff. They are also promoting apprenticeships for local people. Congratulations to Rachael who is taking over from her father Martin Smith, who described how the business outgrew its original premises in Melling in my constituency, and moved to the Kirkby site. They are now known as leaders in the field with generations of expertise within the woodworking industry. We had an excellent tour of the facilities and met members of staff, some of whom have worked for the company for more than 20 years. JJ Smith are a fine example of a business which invests in its employees, something which benefits the business and the staff who work there, as well as the local economy."

Managing Director Rachael Baker said:- "It was great to be able to share our hopes and concerns for the future of the woodworking and offsite industries with politicians who will be making key decisions in the years to come."

North West Bird Watching Festival returns to WWT Martin Mere

A wildlife filled weekend will be on offer at the North West Bird Watching Festival at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust's Martin Mere reserve, with everything from photography workshops, guided walks, bird ringing and guests speakers to a rare chance to watch the breath taking spectacle of thousands of geese flying coming in to roost.

The popular event, which returns this year bigger and better than ever, will be held over the weekend of Saturday, 15 October to Sunday, 16 October 2022, at WWT Martin Mere near Burscough.

Louise Clewley, Reserve Manager, at WWT Martin Mere, said:- "We'll be opening at 8am on Saturday and Sunday and closing at 7pm on Saturday for the chance for visitors to the fair to witness the spectacle of tens of thousands of pink footed geese leaving and returning to roost on the mere. This is an extraordinary sight for everyone to experience; whether you're a bird enthusiast, expert, or complete beginner. I have witnessed it for the past 4 years and am still in complete awe every time. And if you join us for the morning session, you can enjoy a full English breakfast in our Mere side café!"

Visitors can also hear from guest speakers, including:- naturalist and conservationist Lucy Lapwing, and experienced wildlife photographer Ben Osborne, best known for his images of Antarctica in the book of the BBC series:- "Life in the Freezer" starring Sir David Attenborough. There will also be plenty of activities throughout the weekend, including a waterfowl and bird ringing demonstration, from Reserve Manager Louise Clewley, and photography sessions around the reserve from wildlife photographer and FUJIFILM UK ambassador Alan Hewitt.

There will be a wide range of exhibitors during the weekend, selling everything from books and artwork to wildlife holidays. The festival will be joined by the likes of BTO Garden Bird Watch, RSPB, Woodland Trust, Viking Optics, Experience Nature, and Birdwatching and Wildlife Club, alongside other wildlife related exhibitors.

Nick Brooks, General Manager at WWT Martin Mere, said:- "Although the geese are the stars of the show, you can also expect to see some much loved waterfowl that have migrated here for the winter, such as the shelduck, wigeon, and pintail. You'll learn all about these birds from our expert team during our feeding sessions."

For a complete list of exhibitors and guest speakers, visit the WWT Martin Mere website.

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Bill Esterson MP praises Kirkby family firm celebrating 99 years and 4 generations

North West Bird Watching Festival returns to WWT Martin Mere