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Author: Charlene Smith

Comedy Takes Centre Stage at The Atkinson this Season

13 September 2018
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, The Atkinson
Gary Delaney

Food, Murder and Brontë are just three of the subjects covered in The Atkinsons jam-packed comedy line-up this season! 

 Big names such as Dave Spikey, Gary Delaney return whilst Rob Newman makes his first appearance at the Southport venue. 

 Former Detective Sergeant Alfie Moore tells us all about Getting Away with Murder in his latest stand-up tour. Award- winning comedian George Egg (the Anarchist Cook) demonstrates more live cooking and hilarious comedy.

 Lipservice are back with the Brontë spoof Withering Looks and we have our very own Laugh out Loud Comedy Club bringing some of the very best stand-up to Southport.

LipService – Britain’s favourite literary lunatics are back with their cult Brontë spoof Withering Looks.

 In the 200th anniversary year of Emily’s birth, the classic comic duo Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding, just couldn’t resist the urge to dust off their crinolines, wear flattering bonnets and sit at rained-lashed windows in a pale and decorative manner. Don’t miss the chance to share in the silliness too!

 Withering Looks on Friday 5 October takes an authentic look at the lives and works of the Brontë sisters, well, two of them actually, Anne’s just popped out for a cup of sugar. Who is the Brontë’s mysterious neighbour, Mr Moorcock of Ravaged Heath House? Do Lost Souls really wander the wild and heather clad moors? Who should Cathy marry? Heathcliff or David Niven? Plus, Manchester’s very own Mrs Gaskell drops by for tea and sympathy. Ages 10+ Tickets £15 adult / £10 under 16s.

 George Egg: DIY Chef comes direct from total sell out UK tours on Friday 19 October . A health scare sees George banned him from the family kitchen, but relocated to the garden shed his imagination and resourcefulness lead him to build an improvised kitchen there instead. During an inspiring and inventive evening of stand-up, live cooking and comedy lecture, George prepares a breakfast, a lunch and a dinner using the most unconventional of methods.

 It’s funny, inspiring and absurd in equal measure. Expect power tools, gardening equipment and office supplies to be re-purposed and abused. Expect lots of laughs. Expect to learn something new. And you get to taste the food at the end… at your own risk! Tickets £14 / £12 concessions

 On Saturday October 20 we experience first-hand how it feels to be part of planning ‘The Perfect Murder’. Everything you need to know from choosing a murder weapon to disposing of the body!

 The star of BBC Radio 4 comedy ‘It’s A Fair Cop’, takes you on a thrilling and interactive journey through the art and science of murder investigation.

 Enjoy Alfie’s trademark blend of humour, practical policing experience and detailed knowledge of the law as he answers the questions ‘What makes a murderer?’ and ‘Why do they caught….or not’?

 Alfie’s TV credits include BBC Comic Relief, Bizarre Crime (BBC3), Confessions of a Police Officer (Channel 4) and he recently joined the presenting team of Criminals Caught on Camera (Channel 5). Tickets are £14.

‘Offbeat, revealing and very funny’ – Daily Mail

 Dave Spikey is a much-loved household name, but did you know he worked in the NHS for 19 years as a Biomedical Scientist when in 1987 someone uttered the immortal words, “You’re really funny, you should be a comedian” and for some reason, he took them seriously!!

 From his appearance in Stairway to the Stars, to Phoenix Nights, The Royal Variety and Parkinson, this show looks back on his journey and celebrates his 30th anniversary of his comedy career. See the man himself on October 26, tickets £16.

 Stand up legend, best-selling novelist, Radio 4 Sony Award Winner Robert Newman attempts to piece together a philosophy for our troubled times in Robert Newman’s Total Eclipse of Descartes on Thursday 1 November.

 He sifts through 3000 years of thought: from Pythagoras to Artificial Intelligence by way of Pavlov’s dogs, Jane Goodall’s chimpanzees and Frankie Howerd’s trousers. Tickets £15 / £12 concession.

‘He is the funniest comedian I have ever seen…A passionate, chaotically brilliant comedian.’ – Sunday Times

  Gary Delaney is one of Britain’s leading one-liner comics returns to the road with another onslaught of lean, expertly crafted gaggery. A Mock The Week regular and recent star of the new Live At The Apollo series, Gary’s shows are renowned in the business for a near unrivalled volume of high-class gags. You should expect no different from this, when he brings Gary Delaney’s Gagsters Paradise to The Atkinson on Friday 30 November, tickets  £16. Please note Coolio will not be appearing.  

 On top of all this funny stuff is our regular monthly Laugh out Loud Comedy Club night. On the first Saturday of the month Damion Larkin is your host and brings three top comedians to Southport. A great night for a group looking for an alternative Christmas party! Tickets are £16.50 / doors £19 / £12.50 parties of 10+

To book your tickets for any of the shows please visit theatkinson.co.uk or call Box Office on 01704 533333.

Join our e-newsletter to find out the full programme of events and activities – just visit theatkinson.co.uk

Booking fees of £1 per ticket apply to online and telephone sales. There are no booking fees for counter sales.

Bullybusters’ Top Tips for Returning to School

3 September 2018
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council, Sefton Stories, Young People

It’s September and it’s back to school!  Here’s Bullybusters’ top tips for returning to school – whether you’re starting a  new school or going into a new year.  It’s great advice too for parents too who are looking for the best way to support  their children. 

Get to know the staff at your school 

It’s important to know who your learning mentor, pastoral support and head  of year are when returning to school. Getting to know the staff will make things much easier if you ever need to speak to them for any help or guidance throughout the school year. 

Remember your “Safe hands” 

Bullybusters are very passionate about talking about the idea of “Safe Hands”. These are the 5 people you can count off on one hand that you can trust and speak to when you’re in need of help.  Ideally at least 3 of them should be adults over 18.  For example you could have 3 teachers at school to choose from so there is always someone you could speak to.  The other 2 could be a friend, a sibling or even a pet. You can also use your “Safe Hands” at home when considering who to go to for help. 

Don’t be a Bystander  

The Bullybusters team often hear how no one wants to be a “snitch”. However, there’s a difference between being a ‘snitch’ and telling an adult what you have seen so that person can be helped. If you’re snitching on someone it’s to get them in trouble. Even if you feel as though you can’t tell the teacher, go and ask that person if they are okay and see if there is anything you can do. Encourage them to ask for some help.  

Use the 4 W’s 

If you witness bullying in the classroom or the playground, use the 4 W’s to tell an adult about it: 

Who was it? What happened? Where did it happen? When did it happen?

 Don’t blame yourself, it’s never your fault  – Always look to seek help and support if you are being bullied or having a hard time for whatever reason. Talking to someone about what is happening is the best way to resolve the issue.

Use Bullybusters’ Website and Helpline

The Bullybusters’ Website tells you all about the support available from Bullybusters as well as helpful and practical tips.

The Bullybuster’s helpline is open from 3 – 6pm Monday to Friday for children and young people, parents and teachers – 08001696928. 

Bullybusters is an anti-bullying initiative funded by Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley Council to deliver lessons,   assemblies and an anti-bullying helpline. It is operated by the charity, Local Solutions.

 

 

 

A consultation on the proposed closure of Sand Dunes nursery school, Seaforth has begun.

20 August 2018
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Local Consultation, Sefton Council, Uncategorized

An 8-week consultation regarding the proposed closure of Sand Dunes nursery school, Seaforth is set to start.

 Sefton Council was formally asked by the governing body at Sand Dunes to start a statutory consultation on proposals to close the nursery from August, 2019. This was agreed at a Cabinet meeting held on July 26, at Bootle Town Hall.

 Sefton Council’s multi-agency consultation and engagement panel met on August 16 to outline the formal process and offer support, advice and guidance to ensure that communities have an opportunity to express their views.

 The consultation will run from August 20 – October 12 and for anyone to comment on the closure proposals please visit www.sefton.gov.uk/sanddunes from Monday (August 20).

 The consultation is the first part of a 5 stage statutory process Sefton Council has to follow.

 Cllr John Joseph Kelly, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Safeguarding, said: “This is the start of the formal process we have to follow after being contacted by Sand Dunes Nursery to close the facility.

“The consultation opens on August 20 and we would urge as many people to take the time to look into this and let us know how they feel about the proposals.

“The nursery will reopen at the start of the next academic year in September and throughout this difficult process we will be as open and transparent as possible working closely with parents, pupils and staff at the nursery. Further meetings with staff and parents are planned in the coming weeks.”

 

Formal Consultation on Sand Dunes Nursery School

27 July 2018
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, Your Sefton

Sefton Council has been formally asked by the governing body at Sand Dunes Nursery School, Seaforth to start a statutory consultation on proposals to close the nursery from July, 2019.

 At a Cabinet meeting held on July 26 at Bootle Town Hall, it was agreed to start with a formal consultation in August.

 Sefton Council’s multi-agency consultation and engagement panel will meet on August 16 to outline the formal process and offer support, advice and guidance to ensure that communities have an opportunity to express their views during this time.

  The nursery will reopen at the start of the next academic year in September and the consultation will run until October to give parents and the local community the chance to have their say on the future of the school.

 Cllr John Joseph Kelly, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Safeguarding, said: “It’s heartbreaking that governors at Sand Dunes Nursery school have had no alternative but to request a formal consultation to close the building because it is no longer financially viable.

 “This nursery is a crucial part of the community and has been for many years but has been struggling financially for some time despite their best efforts to balance the budget. I have no doubt that this will be a difficult time for all those involved and we will do our best to support pupils, parents and staff during this difficult process. The school will continue to provide quality early years support while it remains open during this extremely challenging time.

“We will ensure that the consultation period includes meetings with staff, governors and families to give them plenty of chances for open discussion and for people to express their views.

“We will advertise how to take part in the consultation after the panel meeting on August 16 and continue to make sure the community are continually updated throughout the process.”

 To take part in any Sefton Council led consultations visit www.sefton.gov.uk.

Sefton Council Help to Launch a New Regional Adoption Agency

25 July 2018
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, Young People, Your Sefton

A Regional Adoption Agency covering Sefton, Liverpool, Knowsley, and Wirral has been officially launched.

 AIM (Adoption in Merseyside) brings together a team of around 50 staff from across the four councils who have been seconded into the new organisation.

 Responsibilities include recruitment, approval and ongoing support for adopters, tracking, linking and matching of children and the training and development of staff.

 Councillor Margaret Harvey, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Adoption really can change a child’s life so I’m delighted that the Regional Adoption Agency could offer greater opportunities for children in our region.

“Having shared resources, expertise and processes will provide enormous benefits to our children and young people, as well as the local authorities taking part.”

 Although the Regional Adoption Agency has a centralised hub, staff still have a presence in each of their local authority areas to ensure they retain close links with social work staff.

 Councillor Barry Kushner, Cabinet member for children’s services in Liverpool, said: “AIM means we are able to provide a better service for children and adopters.

“Previously, each local authority has effectively competed with each other for adopters and there has been a great deal of duplication of effort.

“By creating a regional agency, we have widened the net of potential adopters, shared expertise and ideas and are making sure adopters and children get a consistent level of support, regardless of where they live.

“This shows the potential of working across authorities and further collaboration on residential care, fostering and leaving care.”

 Every year, the four local authorities approve around 100 adopters each year and place approximately 140 children for adoption.

 Councillor John Joseph Kelly, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Safeguarding at Sefton Council, said: “We know that we often receive enquiries from across the Liverpool City Region, so it makes sense that we are collaborating with our neighbours to meet the challenges we face together and increase the potential for our vulnerable children to find a forever family.

“I’m looking forward to this new regional adoption agency making the process for would-be adopters quicker and more effective as both they and children in Sefton and the wider region are matched so they begin their new family life.”

 The launch of the new agency follows a successful bid to the Government by local authorities on Merseyside to create a new shared service to get more children with a plan for adoption placed successfully and as quickly as possible.

 Councillor Bernie Mooney, Cabinet member for Children and Families in Wirral, said: “It is vital we are able to offer fast, effective and safe support to those children who need to be adopted.

 “Working with our partners throughout the City Region should mean we are able to offer more support to more children, through a quicker and more efficient service.”

 People interested in adoption can find out more by visiting http://adoptioninmerseyside.co.uk/ or calling 0151 477 8700.

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