Sefton's Economic Forum           

Held at the Ramada Hotel when I had the opportunity to highlight the importance of including our  young people in the future plans of our town.

Following my visit to Southport College I wanted to emphasize the talent that I have seen and that as a town we should be promoting the advantages we have with our excellent Colleges near at hand.

Southport College students have contacted me offering their help and support during the recession. The Forum fortunately consisted of business people who recognise the importance of involving our talented young people. A representative from the Learning and Skills Council was also present and fully supported my views which we later discussed privately. Business suggestions were put forward on ways to give added support during these difficult times.

Dialysis Unit Strawberry Tea.    

The Dialysis Unit located on the Southport Hospital site is a much needed facility for Southport and its outlying areas. Many people have worked hard to secure this Unit and I have been asked to give facts relating to the investigation that was undertaken to support the "need for a Renal Dialysis Unit". As a member of Sefton's Health Scrutiny together with Cllr Ann Ibbs and the then Southport Party Councillor Margaret Brown I led a Working Group to identify the need for such a service. This was requested by the Southport Dialysis Unit Fund, an activist group set up by Dr Leslie Grimshaw following the death of his wife, he is still the current chairman. They had themselves identified the need but advised more support would be welcomed. The Working Group met patients, interviewed professionals and the public and visited other Units to ensure they had all the relevant facts.

On completion of the investigation I wrote the final report which was sent to hospitals, GP's, those who had been interviewed and other organisations for confirmation of its accuracy.

I am delighted to say that only two corrections were needed in the report, neither were connected with the medical contents. The Final Report, which is still available, was supported by all parties at council which I am advised by Jenny Scott, the Special Commissioning Director, Was welcomed at the time of assessing the need for such a service in Southport. During our investigation it was obvious that the commitment of both the Kidney Fund and the Southport Dialysis Unit Fund was welcomed by everyone. The Kidney Fund had for many years been instrumental in providing transport and support to patients and I was delighted to have the opportunity of again speaking to its chairman Mrs Joan Coleman at the opening of the new Unit.

The Southport Dialysis Unit Fund who had instigated the need for a Unit to be identified is on-going with its fundraising.

The seating and garden fronting the new Unit has been provided by this Fund and I am advised that they are in the process of funding a mobile scanner for the Unit.

As I am no longer on the Health Committee I have been an active member of the Southport Dialysis Unit Fund.

The Strawberry Tea at Jean Irelands Old School House in Talbot Street, on behalf of this Group, provided a lovely day with a lot of support.

We must never forget that those needing dialysis, unless needing a transplant, have to attend a Unit for life three times a week and four hours a session, they do need our support.

Seftons Sports Awards

Seftons Sports Awards held at the newly refurbished Floral Hall gave us the opportunity of recognising the talent around us. With over 400 people present it was a tear jerker of an evening and although Sefton Council are frequently criticised, some of it justified, they do some things very well and this was such an occasion.

Visit to KGV College

My visit to KGV for a Question and Answer Session clearly showed me the single minded attitude the students had regarding their future which was extremely refreshing. It was good to note that many of the girls had chosen professions that historically had been male dominated. Whatever is done in life must be within our own capabilities and I was pleased that they obviously considered the profession they were choosing was within their capabilities. During my visit and together with their Principle Hilary Anslow we visited the portacabins that are needed to provide the extra teaching space so essential in this popular and excellent College. At this time although she knew the proposed funding of £40 million had been frozen, she was unsure of the future which in itself brought extra problems on the College. Their aspirations have been cruelly exploited and while my visit took place days before last week's announcement, I am fully aware of how Mrs Anslow and her staff must be feeling at this time. This is a disgraceful situation, they need our support and we must fight to try and turn this around. It is interesting to note that the 13 further education colleges chosen to go forward all have a Labour MP!!

Salvation Army Citadel

Again what a super evening we h ad amongst very friendly and a welcoming group of people. Invited to attend the concert of a visiting Youth Brass Band from Norway, which was to include the very small members of the Citadels Choir, we had a memorable evening. The little ones from 4 years old were a delight to listen to and their enjoyment of the occasion was a picture to see. The young people from Norway, 40 in all, came from an area with a population of 1100 and their talent was appreciated. In attendance were the Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton who publically thanked everyone and privately advised as his theme for his Mayoral year was music he appreciated being invited. Thank you so much to all involved in providing the evening and it was good to meet many of those attending and the performers after the show.

Greenbank High School

An early morning call for a Question and Answer Session with students was a most enjoyable morning and I was impressed that some of the questions that were put to me the students themselves were very knowledgeable on the subject.  Again it is good to see that although many of the girls present had not decided on their future profession you knew they would be single minded in their choice as they were of independent minds and knew what they wanted in the future. It must be said that having visited a number of our Colleges how very sensible our young people are but how damming that the general consensus is that they will have to tidy up the mess previously made by the adults. MP's expenses were a subject raised by many of them, who can blame them as it would appear that a good example has not been shown to them.

Aunty Wainwrights Community Church

A busy morning at Pontins, prior to attending the Aunty Wainwrights Club at the Community Church, which proved positive as they outlined their plans for the forthcoming Open Day.

Having missed lunch I arrived at Aunty Wainwrights to a lovely surprise that I was to join them in a sandwich lunch and have the opportunity of meeting them informally prior to our question and answer session that was to follow.

It is at times like this that I realise how lucky I am having the opportunity of meeting so many people and the afternoon proved to be as enjoyable as I thought it would be. Why many people dismiss the elderly as irrelevant amazes me as their life experiences would stand many in good stead. Again thanks to all those involved in the afternoon and I look forward to having another visit in the future.

Sefton  Chamber of Commerce

What a great job they do as today I had the opportunity to meet so many of our business community who are genuinely supporting one another as we face the recession. It is generally agreed that some are suffering more than others and without doubt more needs to be done nationally to help them. However the fact they support one another is a huge plus and thanks to Steve Dickson and his team, not forgetting the ever efficient Sandra Gee his PA, they are doing a good job.

Ainsdale Show 

Thank goodness the sun was shining at the start of this popular day in Ainsdale. Ken and I have always attended the show mostly as helpers on many of the stalls and in more recent years in the Raffle tent. However today I had been asked to open the show and crown the Rose Queen which is an honour, a privilege and a real joy to do. It was lovely to meet old and new friends on the day who came to speak with me, and the odd joke about me wearing a hat. Thanks to all those who actually congratulated me on losing weight, which is not before time, but was appreciated. The show as always was wonderful, the talent in our schools is amazing and the exhibits in the large marquee left you in awe of the talents in so many fields that our community have. Of course we all recognise that a good show doesn't just materialise but is a result of the hard work behind the scenes.

New Chairman Tricia Pearce should be very proud of the success of the day who together with new President Brian Forsdike and Secretary David Greenwood ensured the display ground provided a full afternoons entertainment. There are many openings, events that I attend during the year but this day was special and both Ken and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The Mayor and Mayoress joined us in the afternoon and I know how much they enjoyed themselves. I am told the show had a record attendance.

Pontins Open Day          

Again glorious sunshine helped t o provide a super day courtesy of Pontins. The work that they did to promote the Open Day and to provide so many free activities and a welcoming atmosphere is greatly appreciated. The entrance fee of £2 adults and £1 children, which covered 10am until midnight, was to be donated to Ainsdale to a project that would be of benefit to as many people as possible. When asked for my advice I put forward the Community Garden which when completed will be for everyone. The land for the garden provided by the United Reformed Church is in an ideal location on Station Road Ainsdale, our Village. Again we were joined by our Mayor and Mayoress Cllr Alf Doran and Cllr Gill Cuthbertson also our MP John Pugh and his wife. As the ribbons were cut to open the gates the cars continued to roll in and the day had started. Manager Peter Ludbrook and his Deputy Mark must be commended for the support they put into this project and on behalf of Ainsdale I thank them for the donation of £1700 which they are to provide to the Community Garden. The on-going shows on site during the day were super and many comments have been passed to me how much the children had enjoyed themselves, together with friends we attended the late evening show to see Re-Take That the UK's first Tribute Band and it was well worth the visit. Of course as people saw the Pontins of today, proposals for the future with an investment of £10 million plus, all of this will change. I am in regular contact with Pontins senior management team and planners and on completion of putting the proposals for the future together, with appropriate plans, they will be presented to the local community for their comments.

Oceanparcs, the new owners, whose HQ  is located on the Ainsdale site are very much community orientated and whatever is agreed for changes on their site they want it to be an asset to the area. The Pontins investment together with the investment for the Indoor Market clearly indicates that Southport is the place to be and as tourism is our main industry it is hoped that more people will take the time to visit our area.

Due to the recession  many towns are suffering with the lack of visitors, mainly day trippers, however Southport is proving a popular and positive destination with 4800 coaches visiting us during 2008, I am advised this is increasing.

Ainsdale Railway Station

Plans to upgrade the station further are now in the pipeline and local art work is to be included in the refurbishment programme which again will help us bring our local schools into providing the work that is to be displayed.

Cambridge Ward Coffee Morning

A lovely event organised by Sheila Casse giving me the opportunity of meeting many old friends and making new ones. I do appreciate the help and support that is being given to me.

Early morning breakfast 6-45am at the Ramada Hotel    

With members of the Business Network International Group which proved to be an experience in itself. What fun these down to earth guys are while undertaking their early bird business at the Ramada Hotel. The one thing that was very obvious to me was their commitment to their business and their commitment to each other and while doing that making their pre breakfast agenda good fun. As they were quick to tell me the main part of the day was their English breakfast which was superb and gave us all the opportunity to catch up with one another's news and see the world as it really is. Again businesses vary in how they are coping with the recession but the spirit was good and without doubt if this was the main factor of keeping your head above water then they will succeed. This is certainly one visit that I would like to repeat in the future and I am pleased that some of them have contacted me following our breakfast.

Youth Service   

I am always delighted to support our young people and those who work with the Youth Service do a good job. Last year we celebrated an International Day at the Royal Clifton Hotel but this year we had young people from Southport, Oldham, Skelmersdale and south of the Borough representing the North West. Their presentations showed flair and imagination and the input from all the areas present was appreciated by those of us who had been invited. Together with local Councillors, Margaret Carney Chief Executive of Sefton Council and her daughter joined the event which was appreciated both by the young people themselves and the Youth Service staff who were present. Talking with the young people they had obviously enjoyed their 2 days in Southport and their enthusiasm made the event so much more enjoyable. It was interesting to hear the Oldham contingency tell us of their election of a Junior Mayor who was also present and advised us that he represented Oldham Youth Council and when possible accompanied their Mayor on his official engagements.

As I have said previously especially after visiting some of our Colleges and listening to their down to earth ideas and views on life it is now more important than ever that they are included in many of the decisions that are taken.