January 2008 Archives

By Andrew Brown, deputy editor
Journalism - especially newspaper journalism - is a fantastic career upon which to embark, which is why so many people are fighting so hard to get into the industry. Competition for places at the Southport Visiter, whether full-time or for work placement, is extremely high.

This morning I have received two requests (both via e-mail) from journalism students seeking work experience at the Southport Visiter.

The spelling in both was appalling - one requested a period of time at the 'Southport Vistitor' (sic).

If budding journalists are not even able (or bothered) to spell correctly when sending in requests to work in a busy newsroom, it does not bode well for the diligence and care needed to work well on a local newspaper.

Is poor education to blame? Apathy? Or the increasingly accepted use of text-English in e-mails and texts where the meaning of the missive is all-important with correct spelling and grammar irrelevant?

Either way, it has been a disappointing morning.

Fortunately, we currently have two journalism students (Janine Yaqoob and Eleanor Shilliday) with us from John Moores University whose determination, enthusiasm and ability has been something to admire, and both should go a long way. If only all journalism students could reach and maintain such high standards.

MYSTERIES and urban legend are part of the identity of all great towns and cities – and Southport is no exception.
For decades both visitors and residents have wondered what remains of the old underground section of Nevill Street, filled in by Southport Corporation in 1903.
Now a national subterranean archaeology group is determined to find out, and they want the help of anyone who can shed light on what lies beneath one of our town’s most easily identifiable thoroughfares.
And with Southport chasing the prize of becoming the ‘Classic Resort’ of not just the North West but the whole of England, what better time for exploring the remains of Nevill Street Bridge?
The sheer spectacle of re-opening a direct passage from the town centre to the seafront would doubtless create a flurry of excitement far and wide.
Some may doubt that could be achieved – but the spirit of our town’s pioneers demands we at least try to lift the lid on a true Southport enigma.

GERRY and Kate McCann enjoyed the pantomime in Southport on Wednesday night, along with their twins.
This must be an incredibly difficult time of year for the family, and we hope watching Aladdin brought some smiles and some respite, for a short while at least.
Let’s hope the McCanns are able to come back and watch next December’s show – and let’s hope that Madeleine will be there to enjoy it with them.
Of all the new year’s wishes we could hope for this year, it is without doubt that is the one that everyone in Southport would hope will come true.