“Erm, what’s this all about then?” A young bull decides to ‘chance it’ across the dark waters at Marshside.. https://youtu.be/3f8oAGoDKWw Heron seems quite unimpressed… Very pleased to reach dry land… Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/
Author: Pat Regan
The UK government has announced plans to introduce drone registration and safety awareness courses for owners of the small unmanned aircraft. It will affect anyone who owns a drone which weighs more than 250 grams (8oz). Drone maker DJI said it was in favour of the measures. There is no time frame or firm plans as to how the new rules will be enforced and the Department of Transport admitted that “the nuts and bolts still have to be ironed out”. The drone safety awareness test will involve potential flyers having to “prove that they understand UK safety, security and…
This controversial topic is one that needs addressing for the safety of cats and human road users too. Campaigners from the CatsMatter group have contacted OTS News. They stated: “Our aims are to challenge the laws surrounding it being legally ok for drivers to hit a cat and not stop to help and of course the fact that councils, who collect the ‘roadkill’ in the aftermath, are not obliged to scan them and notify distraught owners. We know personally how this feels having personally lost cats to the road and through our public campaigns we have found the general consensus to be the same…
Once again, a strange phenomenon has created suspected UFO activity that is exciting the UK media. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4692558/Mysterious-ring-shaped-UFO-appears-M62.html Mysterious rings in the sky have provoked many theories, yet I have actually seen these created myself at the time of their conception. The last one developed at a previous Southport Air Show, thanks to one of these passing Red Arrows aircraft. This was the amazing result, as one jet flew past quite low but at high speed over my head… It has also been noted that cannon fire (at military reenactments etc) can produce these smoke rings because, like a fast jet,…
Car enthusiasts flocked to see a wide range of vehicles today, at Southport’s Victoria Park. Supercars of the Northwest https://www.facebook.com/SOTNorthwest/ Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/
Pine Pixies Pre-School gardening fun The children at Pine Pixies Pre-School in Formby have been working hard on their gardening skills. Sunflowers, potatoes, radishes, runner beans, herbs are just a few of the plants growing well in their garden. The children planted their runner beans and took them home. When the beans were big enough, they brought them back and are now growing them all together up canes. We have a staff member who has recently attended a ‘sowing and growing course’ and we joined the Royal Horticultural Society School Gardening Awards, where we are currently at level 2 with…
Eckersley’s Blinds is a Southport family-run business that has been established for over 20 years. We offer a wide and varied choice of internal and external blinds. We are plantation shutter specialists and also supply roman blinds and curtains. We pride ourselves on our customer service and offer free, no obligation quotes and measures. Each month our window displays change. The purpose of these displays is not to sell anything but to raise awareness for local charities, events or simply to make you stop and look. This month’s window display is to show our support as a town for a local…
https://youtu.be/uzt1JztywMM This afternoon the Intercity Blues Band entertained crowds on Southport’s Lord Street. The band playing by the Diana Princess of Wales water fountain, in front of Southport Arts centre. https://www.facebook.com/intercitybluesband/ Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/
Formby High, Year 11 Prom Night… Initially meeting at the school, the students went on to the main event at Aintree Race Course. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/
Locals and visitors to the resort were treated with the Armed Forces Day spectacular. Grand music from the Band of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, on Lord Street. https://youtu.be/VzJe_Ttidgc Keeping order with dignity and patience. George Formby’s vocal admirers are never far away. https://youtu.be/X6DneySQR1Q Plenty of vintage military vehicles to fascinate the enthusiast. 1953 Alvis Saracen armoured personnel carrier. Veterans and younger military staff, all enjoying the day. The weather stayed dry too, which was a bonus. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/
Sights and sounds from Southport’s Woodvale Rally Held at Victoria Park, Southport – 17th and 18th June 2017 http://www.woodvalerally.com/ Woodvale Rally is run by the 1st Southport Scout Group, raising funds to help youngsters with their scouting activities, camps and trips. Also to assist local charities with donations. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/
The SS Chrysopolis was stranded in February fog about 2.5 miles off Southport’s Spencer’s Bank, some time around the end of WW1. Dates and reports vary it seems because some give the stranding as 14th February 1919. Other sources say it was 21 Feb or 28 and in 1917 or even 1918. To add to the mystery, wartime reporting restrictions were said to apply to the press. Therefore, how confident can we be that it was even a straightforward standing? The Chrysopolis was 260 feet in length and weighed over 2,931 tons. She was a two masted steamer with holds fore…
Once again, minor flooding has occurred this weekend following heavy rain at the Ainsdale Discovery Centre car park. If you live in Ainsdale – make sure you own a good pair of wellies. The old Lido area sees these minor floods on a regular basis. https://youtu.be/7lZbtykPB1M Above: this was the scene in January 2016. https://www.visitsouthport.com/things-to-do/ainsdale-discovery-centre-p92073 Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/
This term has seen some lovely community links for Pine Pixies Pre-School children and families. Chris who runs “Chris Toal Estate Maintenance” very kindly has donated the time, work and equipment needed, to ensure our children have a lovely new growing area in which to grow their vegetables and flowers. We would like to say a very big thank you to Chris and his team. The children have made their own drawings to go on the planter with their ideas of what they would like to grow in it. As you can see their plants are already starting to grow. Zoe (right)…
Nice warm weather arrived for the 2017 Ainsdale Fun Day, which appeared to be very successful. Below are photos and videos from the popular event… https://youtu.be/jh8z3RV3lY8 Damon Noone, brother of Herman’s Hermits’ Peter Noone, performing live at the Fun Day. Terry Durrance (left) with Damon Noone Musicians everywhere, doing what they do best https://youtu.be/HqphSUENXQY https://youtu.be/rmVGytUzmcs Worthy causes that need highlighting at the event Seriously tasty vehicles on display Fantastic day had by all and well done to the organisers… Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/
Once again, Sandbrook Way has been the target of unsightly fly-tipping. This brings the whole area down and is totally unnecessary. Various materials and rubbish have been dumped behind flats, opposite to the Catholic church on the precinct. Last year saw more fly-tipping in the Woodvale area… https://www.otsnews.co.uk/sandbrook-way-tipping-woodvales-unacceptable-humiliation-continues/ Take your rubbish home; don’t wreck the area and leave it for other people to deal with! Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/
Southport vigil for Manchester attack victims. A vigil was held this evening in Southport for victims of the Manchester Arena attack (Tuesday 24 May). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/23/manchester-arena-attack-22-killed-suicide-bomber-ariana-grande/ The Southport Town Hall event was hosted by Ollie Cowan (above) of the Champion newspaper. Various clergymen addressed the crowd. Our hearts go out to the victims and families, who have suffered due to this terrible madness… Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/
Childcare funding is a major concern across the country for many different types of providers. Nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, day nurseries, schools are all struggling to deliver high quality care for ridiculously low funding levels. Even though there is not enough funding available, the current government are introducing in September the added 15 hours of childcare to families in what they call “30 hours free funding”. It is not ‘free’ funding at all as although parents will not have to pay extra, the providers are going to have to make up for the shortfall by themselves. The government have put SO…
Southport Tories, desperately seeking a candidate! With Southport’s prestigious political seat up for grabs, the local Tories are reported to be doing the Headless chicken act, via thinking about ‘what’ they are actually supposed to do next! So, who will stand for the Conservative seat in the, jolly old, classic seaside resort? As we all know, the hugely talented and educated Southport Conservatives have been highly active and popular workers in their respective wards over the last year. Will Duke’s Ward, Cllr Pat Ball, blind us with her great political know-how and resilience to take the prize? Perhaps it will…
In September 2017 the Government is bringing in the start of the 30 hours ‘free childcare’. Whilst 15 hours is offered to all children the term after their third birthday, this extra 15 hours is intended to allow parents to get back into work and comes with a certain criteria. It is available for families where both parents are working (or the sole parent is working in a lone-parent family) and each parent earns the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum or living wage and earns less than £100,000 a year. It will be available as…
Behind the main road appearance, things are not quite so wonderful. Crumbling plaster and exposed brickwork greet passers-by. Rotting columns at the Lakeside Entrance, well past their prime Corrosion Central? Here it is… Outside the Theatre, rows of rusty and deeply corroded litter bins insult onlookers. Next door, the Ramada feels almost like it’s awaiting a similar fate to the Theatre with its ‘To Let’ sign and silent empty rooms. The birds feeding around the lake don’t seem to mind one iota though… https://www.otsnews.co.uk/marina-lake-southport-crumbling-walls-and-graffiti/ Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/ Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Otsnews-Southport-1575528676012039/…
Local sea fisherman, Berthold Konrad, thought he’d had one too many beers this morning. While fishing on the beach with his wife Ingmar, the couple spotted what looked like a large submarine. Berthold explained to OTS News. “I was right taken aback when this great black thing popped up near the rig and was heading like the clappers towards the pier. We were so shocked that Ingmar dropped the lugworms.” Above: Concerns raised for potential structural damage to Southport Pier. Mr Conrad naturally phoned for help. He stated… “This Council lad on the other end of the phone said it…
Total disrespect for the environment and local community is again evident, as more fly-tipping is discovered on land behind Meadow Lane. Furniture has been dumped at this location. Graffiti and more waste dumping is also an ongoing problem at the end of Meadow Lane. Don’t be lazy – take your rubbish to the tip or get it collected. Ainsdale’s two working councillors have been informed. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/ Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Otsnews-Southport-1575528676012039/ Twitter www.twitter.com/onthespot_news Breaking local news as it happens, searchable archives with photographs, the ability to instantly comment on news articles…
Dilapidated broken walls and corroded metal railings greet visitors to the classic resort, opposite Morrison’s store. Southport’s Marine Lake has been a popular attraction since Victorian times. However, it is still crying out for more attention due to relentless graffiti and crumbling walls, etc. Recent graffiti around the Marine Lake. Surely, the authorities can do better and implement more police and security at this location? Do we actually have a working council these days? Have they cut back so many essential facilities that all that remains are the coffee mornings for the highly paid, Town Hall Top Brass? Not the…
Several vehicles were involved in an accident this morning at the bottom of Formby Bridge and Duke Street. https://youtu.be/CiMlVLrVJE4 The road was cordoned off and traffic redirected by helpful people at the scene of the smash. Substantial damage occurred to several vehicles. https://youtu.be/g4to69pJgvg Police eventually arrived with traffic cones. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/accident-in-formby-duke-street.html Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Otsnews-Southport-1575528676012039/ Twitter www.twitter.com/onthespot_news Breaking local news as it happens, searchable archives with photographs, the ability to instantly comment on news articles – there are so many advantages to OTS (Onthespot) News.…
Southport is a classic resort and it’s a fantastic place to live in or visit. Nevertheless, like other places it does have its issues. Homelessness and rough-sleeping remains high on the list of ongoing problems. This unfortunate person spent the afternoon yesterday on a bench by the bandstand in the town centre. Some people seem to think that such issues are ‘funny’ and treat them with contempt. However, they may not be laughing if the same fate befalls them one day, as it may well do. Anyone can fall on hard times, via grief or ill-fortune etc and we all…
This morning shoppers in Southport’s ASDA supermarket were somewhat alarmed to see a large group of young people rushing around the store wearing what appeared to be surgical masks. One ASDA patron, Mr Igor Grindeanu, who regularly visits the shop said. “I have never seen anything like this before. I immediately thought that this was some sort of terrorist operation in place and could see other people were getting really anxious. My family were genuinely frightened. I asked a member of ASDA staff what was happening and was told that it was probably some type of ‘cultural thing’, which did not…
Pine Pixies Pre-School children recently went on a Forest School trip to the local woods behind St Luke’s Church in Formby. St Luke’s School staff and parents joined us for a walk in the woods to see what we could find. We had a short break for snack… …. remembering to clean our hands after our bug hunt. We then had a story about The Stick Man who lived in the woods. We then looked for the Stick Man in the trees and bushes and found him in a tree. ? There he is! The children found lots of…
Pine Pixies Pre-School children recently went on a trip to Formby Library. Some liked to read. While some just felt like ‘chilling out’… The librarian very kindly did some activities with us, we sang songs and had a story. While some played in the garden others decided to draw before going home. Pine Pixies Pre-School would like to say a big thank you to Formby Library staff and to the parents/grandparents and children who joined us. http://pinepixies.webnode.com// https://www.facebook.com/PinePixiesPreSchool/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Otsnews-Southport-1575528676012039/ Twitter www.twitter.com/onthespot_news Breaking local news as it happens, searchable archives with…
A controversial ‘kitten-selling’ advertisement has appeared several times in this week’s edition of the Midweek Visiter. This irresponsible advert is believed to potentially encourage unscrupulous back-street breeding of unneutered cats. Why has the Visiter permitted this to be included? One could perhaps imagine that this unwise inclusion was simply a ‘solitary’ editorial mistake. However, the advert appears no less than three times in the 7th March 2017 edition of the newspaper on pages 4, 39 and 41. So why exactly is a kitten selling advert in a local newspaper so controversial? OK, let’s forget opinions and examine some hard facts……