New Comedy Bingo Spring Socials are launching at Southport Market as a way for people to have fun and form new friendships

THE events have been created by Southport Festival and Big Comedy UK Director Brendan Riley as a way of bringing people together and tackling isolation during these cold months. The Spring Socials will begin on:- Wednesday, 1 March 2023, with the initial 3 being made possible thanks to support from local businesses and organisations. If anyone else is keen to sponsor a similar event they are invited to get in touch. The dates are being finalised for the 2nd and 3rd dates. The 1st 2 events have been made possible thanks to funding from Crystal Clear Opticians and the Community Link Foundation charity. The 3rd Spring Social has been sponsored by Halliwell Jones MINI Big Love.

Brendan Riley said:- "Things are looking tough this year for our retired and ageing community, and indeed for everyone. This event is open to anyone, it could be young mums, blokes living on their own, people who have been widowed, those who are new to Southport. We want to include as many people as possible. These events are all about companionship and community, everyone gathering together and enjoying some real fun in a nice, friendly, warm environment. The news media is constantly bombarding us with reports of rising heating and living costs impacting on people's physical and mental health. They tell us that increased isolation, particularly amongst older people, is only adding to a general feeling that things are rapidly going downhill. What about some good news for a change? Age Concern Liverpool and Sefton and Sefton Advocacy have offered their support and we are looking for businesses and organisations to help to fund more of these events, basically the more funding we can raise the more events we can run. We are always looking for raffle prizes for our Spring Socials, if anyone can help then please get in touch."

Have you never been to a Comedy Bingo event before? Then you're in for a real treat. It's a fun and interactive show hosted by professional comedian Brendan Riley. Comedy Bingo has raised thousands of pounds for charities, sports clubs, Schools, Scout groups and many more good causes over the last 8 years. The show appeals to audiences of all ages. Brendan said:- "Everyone knows how to play bingo and in this version you're allowed to laugh out loud! The admission cost is a nominal £3 which will include a free tea, coffee, beer or wine. Tickets will be available via the Skiddle website. People can turn up on the day if there is still space available, but we invite people to book in advance to guarantee their place. People can also phone me to book their places if they would prefer to do that. The food stalls at Southport Market will be open for anyone who fancies getting anything to eat, with lots of choice available. We are delighted to be hosting the 1st of these events at Southport Market, which is warm and centrally located with excellent bus and train links."

People can book their place via:- Skiddle.Com or the Big Comedy website:- BigComedyUK.Com. Tickets can also be purchased on the door subject to availability or people, or groups, can call Brendan Riley on:- 07770591625. Tickets online are:- £3, plus £1 booking fee and include:- a tea, coffee, glass of wine or beer. For more details please email Brendan Riley at:- BigComedyUK@GMail.Com or call:- 07770591625.
 

New Brighton Exhibition Showcases Powerful Art From Vulnerable People

A New Brighton art exhibition is showcasing some powerful pieces of art from vulnerable people who have suffered from homelessness and addiction. We've Got HeART is being hosted at:- Oakland Gallery, on Victoria Road, New Brighton, until Wednesday, 8 March 2023, by Merseyside Police in collaboration with Rockpoint Leisure.

The month long exhibition is part of Project ADDER, a Merseyside Police initiative to combat drug addiction and crime in the Region. After visiting local hostels, Constables Diane Park and Emily Scarratt came to realise that some of the service users had a talent for art that was going unnoticed; hence the idea of giving them a platform.

Over 50 vulnerable people, most of them residents of local hostels on the Wirral, have embraced the opportunity to create a piece of art; with some attending workshops. Using art to engage with hard-to reach people was originally the idea of Constable Diane Park and, with the support of Inspector Alan McKeon, the idea grew and the:- 'We've Got HeART' project was created.

The artwork ranges from drawings to paintings, sculptures, poems and photography. This exciting opportunity offers the artists a unique opportunity to showcase their work at a venue which is open to the public. Each piece of art will somewhere within it contain a heart for a collective entitled:- 'We've Got HeART.'

Inspector Alan McKeon said:- "We discussed this whole concept of running art workshops, and it seemed like a good opportunity to involve people who had previously refused any engagement with Police or support services but did have a keen interest in art. Throughout the project Diane has been able to keep track on progress of the artists within the facilities and the staff have been amazed by some individuals who have engaged in the project who previously have been difficult or impossible to engage with and manage."

PC Diane Park said seeing the progress and growing self-worth of the artists taking part has been one of the most rewarding things she has done in her career. She said:- "In terms of the art they are aware it is not a competition; we know they already have enough challenges in their way, so we wanted this to be an inclusive activity."

Dan Davies from Rockpoint Leisure said:- "Diane and Alan approached me and explained that the community they were working with were enjoying communicating through the medium of artwork. I thought what would be better for them, than to actually have somewhere which is a public space where they can exhibit their work. It's a great initiative and one that Rockpoint Leisure is proud to support."

'We've Got HeART' is an art exhibition at Oakland Gallery on Victoria Road in New Brighton that is being hosted until Wednesday, 8 March 2023. The exhibition is a Merseyside Police project in collaboration with Rockpoint Leisure that showcases the work of vulnerable service users of local hostels.