A real community extravaganza

Posted by Digital Editor on May 25, 2007 9:00 AM

SOUTHPORT has taken centre stage these past two weeks as the town hosted two major events.
First was Southport’s Food and Drink Festival where local cuisine was the topic on everyone’s lips as dozens of restaurants, hotels, pubs and bars took part to garnish Southport’s reputation for fine food and drink.
Organisers say that the event wouldn’t have been such a success without the support of the local community.
Next came Queenscourt Hospice’s biggest fundraiser to date when 850 women walked through the streets of Southport on Friday night to raise a staggering £60,000.
‘Star Trekk - Ladies Night Walk’ saw individuals, families, friends and work colleagues wrap up warm and don their trainers to walk seven-miles around the town.
Let’s hope this community spirit continues for yet another week as we look forward to the 2007 Southport’s Charity Fun Fest next Saturday (June 2).
Princes Park will be full of good times and giggles once again when thousands of people enjoy five hours of family entertainment.
Between noon and 5pm, get ready for the tug-o-war contest, stalls, giant inflatables and an ice rink.
On the same day, sounds and colours from the Caribbean and South America will burst onto the streets of Ainsdale for the village’s sixth annual Edwardian Day.
As a town, we are lucky enough to have these events on our doorstep so why not make the most of it? We’ll see you there!

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Mobile phone charges for dangerous drivers

Posted by Digital Editor on May 23, 2007 2:10 PM

MORE than a hundred drivers across Sefton have been caught using a mobile phone while behind the wheel as part of a new police operation.
During a two-day crackdown, known as Operation Mobile Cam, officers used headcams and hand-held cameras to film 139 drivers who were caught in the act.
Every offender received a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence.
Area Commander for Sefton, Chief Superintendent Mark Matthews, said: “The whole aim of this operation is to reduce the number of people committing this offence and ultimately reduce road injuries and road deaths."
So what is so important about answering a call that could result in a serious accident? Or even a fatal accident?
In February, the penalties for driving while using a mobile phone were increased, sending a clear message that this is a serious offence. However, despite this new legislation, there is still a significant number of people failing to follow the law.

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Do savour this delicious event

Posted by Digital Editor on May 18, 2007 2:32 PM

FOODIES have finally got their day.
Southport has long been a key attraction for music lovers, gardening and aircraft enthusiasts and those mad about motoring.
But yesterday, food fans had their opportunity to enjoy a day devoted entirely to Southport’s food and drink industry.
The town was buzzing as continental and local markets came to town and top chefs dished up delights in the festival marquee.
The festival, which is in association with the Southport Visiter, brought the town’s businesses together.
Pubs, restaurants, shops and bars united to make it a success and celebrate the local produce and diverse offer in and around the town.
What a great example of Southport achieving its reputation as a classic resort! And, if the first day is anything to go by, the remaining three days will be a treat for local residents and visitors alike.
The major outdoor producers’ market will continue to be the highlight and the Festival Marquee in front of Southport Town Hall will provide a focal point for remaining activities and demonstrations.
Cocktail competitions, the Barons Bar beer festival, tutored wine tastings and a National Trust asparagus walk will all take place throughout the rest of the festival.
In a few years, this could be a major event for Southport and the surrounding areas, and one of the biggest and best food & drink festivals in the country.
It is the sheer enthusiasm of the many people in Southport’s multi-talented hospitality industry that has made it all happen, in addition to months of hard work by the principal organisers, from the Manchester Food & Drink Festival company, alongside officers from Sefton Council.
The results are there for all to see this weekend, in what will hopefully become our classic resort’s latest major attraction.
Well done to all concerned – you really have whetted our appetites!

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Making a Splash in Southport

Posted by Visiter Newsdesk on May 16, 2007 10:07 AM

It is the date the resort has been wondering about for months, and now we know Splash World opens to the public on Saturday, June 30.

There couldn't be better news for the resort as schools enter the final stretch to the summer holidays. Kids from Southport and across the North West will be eagerly packing their trunks and swimming costumes, excited by the prospect of a day whizzing down slides, and enjoying good clean family fun.

This is great news for the resort as well. The more visitors coming to Southport over summer, the better, boosting the local economy and giving newcomers a positive view of our town.

That can only be good as work continues to make Southport a Classic Resort of the future.

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Park plan must be approved

Posted by Digital Editor on May 11, 2007 9:00 AM

AT a time when carbon footprints are stomped all over the headlines – what better way for Southport to show its environmental awareness by creating a new park?
By taking an old rubbish tip and breathing life back into soil which once smothered in waste, this really is shaping a greener future for Birkdale and beyond.
Not only that, but new sports facilities within the park will create opportunities for youngsters as well as fight the good fight against obesity.
This is by no means a green-lit project. So much depends on Dobbies being granted permission to build a new garden centre on adjoining land.
But surely it is the bigger picture which matters?
At the moment, the land is lying to waste, with its full potential not being realised.
Let us hope the variables standing in the way of this park becoming a reality are cleared, and Southport’s green lung capacity is increased.

SOUTHPORT played host to a fantastic day of celebrations on Bank Holiday Monday as it welcomed its new £134,000 state-of-the-art lifeboat.
It’s took 18 hard working months for the volunteers of Southport Offshore Rescue Trust to raise the cash through sponsored events, bucket collections and fun days. Sometimes people forget that these men give up their free time to help with fundraising, maintaining and fixing all of the equipment used and rescuing others in need.
How proud they must have been at the boat’s official naming ceremony.
The men and women became celebrities for the day as the Southport Visiter along with television crews from around the North West interviewed them about their latest success. It was fame that they rightfully deserved.
Well Done Southport Lifeboat!

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Launch of a lifesaver

Posted by Digital Editor on May 9, 2007 9:49 AM

SOUTHPORT played host to a fantastic day of celebrations on Monday as it welcomed its new £134,000 state-of-the-art lifeboat.
It's taken 18 hard working months for the volunteers of Southport Offshore Rescue Trust to raise the cash through sponsored events, bucket collections and fun days. Sometimes people forget that these men and women give up their free time to help with collecting, maintaining and fixing all of the equipment used for rescuing others in need.
How proud they must have been at the boat's official naming ceremony.
When the men weren't talking to television crews about the new arrival, they joined more than 200 well-wishers who turned out for the event including the Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton and little Ella and Sam Wright from Birkdale who were invited as special guests.
The Reverend Stewart Reid from Christ Church even blessed the ‘Heather White’ before her official launch.
However, even though the boat is finally here, the fundraising cannot stop as it costs a staggering £35,000 a year to keep the vessel afloat.
Next time you see Southport Offshore Rescue Trust asking for some spare change, just remember the difference it can make.

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Council own goal?

Posted by Digital Editor on May 4, 2007 10:29 AM

CHILDHOOD obesity is on the rise – and it is up to us to encourage the future generation to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
So Sefton Council’s proposals to remove 10 football pitches will come as a massive shock, not only to football teams but to parents, families and teachers.
They will be asking why Sefton Council could justify booting hundreds of junior and adult footballers off their pitches.
Surely football is a great way to encourage youngsters – and adults – to keep fit and tackle an obesity epidemic.
With the growth of interest in the Premiership, Southport Football Club drawing a crowd of more than 3,000 last weekend and the possibility of a World Cup on the way to England, it is also a sport that is only going to gain increasing interest among local people – especially youngsters.
Sefton Council told the Southport Visiter it would be “unfair to discuss anything further” until the consultation on the parks & greenspace management strategy has been completed.
But surely it is unfair to the teams which pay to lease these pitches and now have to wait to find out whether they will be kicked out of this long-standing tradition.
Southport & District Football League is already struggling to accommodate teams due to a lack of facilities and the thought that five sites may be closed to football has sparked anger all over the area – not only affecting players, but former players, supporters, club members and residents.
Sefton Council has welcomed comments during the consultation process. And it will get them.
There is no doubt they will be inundated with protests and Sefton must play ball.

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