Armed Forces Day

This Saturday, 27 June, please show your support for the first Armed Forces Day.  It’s a chance for everyone to show their gratitude to all the men and women serving in our armed forces at home and abroad.  For more information see http://www.armedforcesday.org.uk. A day like this is long overdue and long may it continue – Hip, Hip, Hurray!

Marine Lake

Last night I received a phone call from a local resident to report a large build up of sand on the path around the Marine Lake by the Fort.  The sandy obstacle is proving difficult for everyone, particularly families with young children and prams.  I have asked the Council to have the sand cleared to make the area safe.

Support Our Shopkeepers

I am concerned that once again, local businesses are being unfairly treated in difficult economic times.  Several local shopkeepers have received a letter from the Council advising that they are now going to have to fork out for displaying goods on the pavements and A-Boards outside their shops.    Our local greengrocer, Ian Forber is one of those affected.  He has displayed flowers and plants on Victoria Road for over 20 years and now the Council expect him to pay £75 for the licence.  A few years ago the Council tried to introduce charges by claiming it was a Health & Safety issue however that’s OK now, as long as you pay!  I shall be lobbying Council to consider the needs of the small businesses in New Brighton.

A Right Hoot

Yesterday I did my bit for Mount Primary at their annual Summer Fair.  I went in early to help set up the stalls but scarpered when the man with the donkeys arrived.  I was asked if I could help out with the Birds of Prey exhibition.  Now, many of you know that I do like birds but only from a  healthy distance.  Give me a cagoule and a pair of binoculars and I am there with Bill Oddie.  However if one comes near me, I become like Tippi Hedren in the Alfred Hitchcock classic with lots of screaming and waving of arms.  I decided that I was to seize the opportunity and see it as some sort of therapy.  After several hours of a dry mouth, palpitations and a sweat moustache, the inevitable happened.  Steve, the bird man suggested I held an owl…  The look on my face was one of sheer terror.  Despite my traumatic feathered encounter, the school made lots of money and the fair was very well supported by parents, friends and family.

Freddie Flintoff

A poor result for Lancashire on the final day of the County Championship match against Hampshire at Aigburth.  All Lancs will be taking away with them from the annual visit to Liverpool is the bitter taste of defeat.  Hants won by 10 wickets in the match which saw the first day washed out by the weather.  On the positive side, Andrew Flintoff seems to have suffered no reaction to his recent injuries, as he battles to return to full fitness and form for the forthcoming Ashes series.  Despite the result, he made quite a few youngsters’ day by signing plenty of autographs.

TMP Tourism Awards 2009

Last night,  Mersey Ferries General Manager, Martin King and I attended the TMP Tourism Awards at the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool.  The annual event is attended by approximately 500 of the great and the good from Merseyside tourism.  The host for the evening was Ranvir Singh from BBC’s North West Tonight and Heathcotes did an excellent job with the catering.  Mersey Ferries was shortlisted for the ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ for the Manchester Ship Canal cruises but unfortunately, we didn’t win.  We weren’t too disappointed though as we did win last year!  It was a great night with some really popular winners.  A full list can be found here http://www.merseyside.org.uk/displaypage.asp?page=186

The Devils Vegetable?

A story in yesterday’s Telegraph amused me…  The Captain of HMS Bulwark has caused a bit of a stink by banning brussels sprouts from his vessel.  He has unfairly described the flatulent favourite as ‘the devils vegetable’ and claims to have only banned it from the Captain’s table.  However, the crew say he has insisted it’s a sprout free zone throughout the ship.  HMS Bulwark is currently on deployment in the Far East and is due to return to Devonport in August.

Mount Primary’s Summer Fair

Mount Primary School is holding their Summer Fair this  Saturday.  It starts at 11.00am and has a variety of stalls and activities.  If you’re a green-fingered type, come and see me as I am on the plant stall!

New Brighton & Wallasey Area Forum

The next Area Forum for New Brighton & Wallasey is to be held on Tuesday 23 June at New Brighton Primary School, Vaughan Rd at 7.00pm.  This is your chance to have your say on local matters.  See you there!

Proposed Toucan Crossing

The Council have sent me proposed plans for a Toucan Crossing & Associated Cycling Facilities at the Mount Pleasant Rd/Mount Road junction.  The new crossing will mean the felling of a tree on the corner of Mount Rd and Mount Pleasant Rd.  If you would like to see the plans, please email me suetaylor2@wirral.gov.uk and I will forward you the details.