Sefton’s councillors recently expressed their disappointment at selfish individuals leaving heaps of garbage behind on our beaches and local sand dunes. Disposable barbecues and broken glass bottles are frequently left partially buried in the sand with sharp wires and splinters exposed. This can pose a risk to wildlife, pets and humans that may walk on it and get injured. The message is clear to beach visitors – act responsibly and take your litter home or leave it in bins provided. Do not expect others to clean it up for you. There have also been important concerns about foolish people risking…
Author: Pat Regan
AINSDALE RESIDENTS, THE REGAN FAMILY, THREATENED WITH “LEGAL ACTION” BY ANXIOUS TORY CHIEF, CLLR TERRY JONES ***(Now updated on 8 April 2014 with Regan family response to Cllr Jones, at the end of this article)*** Is Tory Chief, Cllr Terry Jones, seeking to strangle free speech in Southport? It seems that holding an opinion and expressing it in an honest and lawful fashion is being given the old ‘cold-shoulder’ now by Sefton Conservatives, or at least one of them. I was somewhat surprised and yet also amused by an ill-written and very discourteous email (grammatical errors left intact) that was…
A well attended car event took place this evening on the sea front. Crowds of car enthusiasts flocked to the meeting tonight to watch high-speed thrills. Burning rubber on the Marine Drive More info https://www.facebook.com/groups/373132696740712/ See also https://www.otsnews.co.uk/local-motor-engineer-dave-will-come-to-you/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/pictures-lydiate-classic-car-bike-show-1st-july-2018/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/in-pictures-uk-hot-cars-today/
Cath said… “Since selling Pine Pixies Pre-School in November of 2018, I have closely followed the problems facing childcare settings especially since the lockdown. Hundreds of childcare settings/childcarers had already closed since the introduction of 30 hours, due to lack of government funding. I find it absolutely shocking to see Boris Johnson stuttering to try to answer the questions in this interview. He does not have a bloody single clue when it comes to childcare (I apologise for swearing but it makes me ‘very angry’). I applaud what he has done to aid the NHS, but he should be giving…
We often hear people saying that birds don’t need feeding in summer. Ornithological experts however tell us that this claim is wrong. They advise: ‘In winter, supplementary food is often the only option for birds as natural food sources like berries get buried under snow and ice and insects are few and far between. But in summer birds will still be grateful for extra treats, as many are busy raising their young. The RSPB recommends little and often, and says that birds probably won’t eat quite as much as during the colder months.’ Below are just a few of the…
Black Lives Matter (BLM) demonstrators packed together in force outside Southport Town Hall this afternoon. Various speakers kept the crowd cheering. Regardless of Southport Tory MP Damien Moor’s advice to ‘stay away’ from the protest – others had different ideas. https://www.otsnews.co.uk/mp-urges-residents-not-to-attend-southports-black-lives-matters-demonstration/ More… https://www.otsnews.co.uk/live-war-vets-protect-memorial-as-blm-protests-take-over-town/ Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
The warm weather encouraged motorists to visit Ainsdale today. However, many drivers were turned away due to lack of parking space. Frustrated drivers parked on every bit of available space. At times the entire road was blocked with drivers experiencing difficulty in entering or departing the area. Some people did make it onto the shore. Parking chaos by Ainsdale Discovery Centre Police arrived later on and some tickets were issued… Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/ More https://www.otsnews.co.uk/another-grass-and-gorse-fire-at-ainsdale-beach/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/motorcycle-racing-ainsdale-beach-1970s/
Today, a tribute to the Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore, who has raised many millions of pounds for the NHS, took place. Captain Tom, who has captured the hearts of the Nation, observed a spitfire and hurricane flypast for his 100th birthday. Captain Tom Moore has also just been promoted to Honorary Colonel by the Queen to mark his 100th birthday. NB. please note that although the above images do show a spitfire and hurricane they are pictures taken at an earlier air show. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs? Happy Birthday Captain Tom… Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/ See also https://www.otsnews.co.uk/nhs-heroes-what-time-is-clap-for-our-carers-tonight/
Today, a wide assortment of vehicles converged at the Marine Lake Cafe in Southport for the UK Hot Cars monthly meeting. Southport lads, Jason Regan (photos) and Motor Engineer Dave Elsby were on hand to catch the action. Dave Elsby – Mobile Motoring Services https://www.otsnews.co.uk/dave-elsby-mobile-motoring-services/ UK HOT CARS https://www.facebook.com/ukhotcars/ More https://www.otsnews.co.uk/ormskirk-motorfest-2019/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/pictures-cheshire-dragons-2cv-group-land-crosby/
In the aftermath of Storm Ciara, Britain is bracing for more bad weather this weekend, with forecasters warning that Storm Dennis could hammer the UK. Met Office meteorologists have confirmed that there will be strong gusts across the UK, with a yellow weather warning already in place on Saturday. This was the scene at Southport this week… The tide encroaching through the sea wall… Sorry about the wet lens – sea spray made shooting hard work… Stay safe and watch out for the next storm… Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/ More https://www.otsnews.co.uk/storm-barbara-hits-southport/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/pictures-storm-eleanor-arrives-southport-pier/
Chilly winds kept some people away from the seafront today, as the high tide rolled in. Lovely brisk weather to get out and about in. More… https://www.otsnews.co.uk/storm-barbara-hits-southport/ Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
The biggest vehicle light parade in the Northwest took part in Southport this afternoon. More: https://www.facebook.com/SouthportChristmasParade/ Last year’s event https://www.otsnews.co.uk/southport-xmas-charity-parade-toy-run-2018/ Well done to all people concerned in this amazing Southport charity event … Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
From tomorrow, charges will be imposed on drivers at Marshside’s RSPB car park. It is believed that the new parking fees will only apply to non-members of the society. RSPB salary band for the chief executive role was apparently between £131,309 and £175,879. The charity’s accounts for the year to the end of March 2018 show that total benefits received by the charity’s chief executive, including employer pension contribution and national insurance, were £145,683 in 2017/18. https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/rspb-appoints-beccy-speight-chief-executive/management/article/1584788 Residents have freely enjoyed the coastal area parking spot for a number of years. The new and unpopular parking charges have upset many…
Filming of an episode of the latest Tin Star series commenced recently on Southport’s Marine Drive. The day was windy with the stars of the show seen visibly shaking in the stiff Irish Sea breeze, as they left the comfort of their trailer. Above: leading man, Tim Roth, in action at the film shoot. Tim Roth, Genevieve O’Reilly and Abigail Lawrie return to their roles. The new series is said to be more volatile than ever before. Local residents looked on, bewildered by all the fuss… More… https://www.otsnews.co.uk/tin-star-stars-shoot-new-series-southport/ Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
Banks Village Chippy is celebrating its first year under new ownership. New owner Mike Curtin is no stranger to cooking up fine Fish and Chips. Mike has been in the business for 20 years. He started off with his first chippy in Churchill Avenue Southport, where he won Britain’s best chippy, competing against 300 rivals throughout the country and being featured on television. Mike and his team have made quite a few changes to the shop this last twelve months. This includes refurbishing the café, where you can sit in and have a nice pot of tea with your meal.…
Pre- Halloween Southport spookiness occurred today on Lord Street. The four-day festival promises extra surprises along the way with fun-filled events and offers put on by businesses throughout Southport town centre. This event is organised by Southport Business Improvement District (BID) and funded by local businesses. https://www.facebook.com/pg/BIDSouthport/services/?service_id=1715719148510862&ref=page_internal Events run from Saturday the 26th October until Tuesday the 29th. The spooky street festival is free to visit and suitable for all ages – with under eights subject to parental discretion. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/ More https://www.otsnews.co.uk/haunted-gothic-street-built-southport-next-weeks-spooky-southport/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/take-wander-along-huge-haunted-street-attraction-coming-southport-weekend/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/halloween-a-few-home-truths-regarding-our-native-spiritual-heritage/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/southport-bid-manager-andrew-sloman-gives-an-apology-after-spookport-taking-a-wrong-turn/ https://www.facebook.com/spookysouthport/
Powered paragliding is also known as paramotoring or PPG. During this type of ultralight aviation, the pilot wears a back-mounted motor (a paramotor). This delivers enough thrust to take off using a paraglider. It can be launched in still air and on level ground by the pilot. Yesterday, a few intrepid fliers were seen on the shore at Ainsdale heading off to Formby Point. Others decided on a more conventional mode of flight. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/ See also https://www.otsnews.co.uk/police-remain-scene-paramotor-crash-near-royal-birkdale-golf-course/
Sights and sounds from the 2019 Southport Air Show. This year, the Dakota played ‘Big Mother’ as the Avro Lancaster Bomber was absent from the famous Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Above: The ever-popular Spitfire. The Hurricane. Daredevil wingwalking antics thrilled the crowds. Earplugs were not a bad idea as the Typhoon roared past. Raw Swedish power was there too with the amazing Saab Viggen. The P-47 Thunderbolt – a plane with a fine combat heritage. The G-JPIT – a super cool stunt plane. The Saab Tunnan. The weather held out for the events, which was a bonus too. Pat…
The Ormskirk Motorfest 2019 event had a great turnout yesterday with cars varying widely in age and style. UK Hot Cars and Heritage F2 stock cars attended the event and both had their own stands. https://www.facebook.com/groups/6086273474/ http://www.heritagef2stockcars.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR2ZPiLlMMX0pzfyMG-uH93LbXwvPolCDOkRXKFaIUDSLC0N_eOx_3rUSpA Photos by Jason Regan More… https://ormskirkmotorfest.com/?fbclid=IwAR2gn2M4AThCOZp9aq5w6m3YD4MPW1kl6ubifwNfHMHiXnO-YzNP9-V-YdA https://www.otsnews.co.uk/pictures-uk-hot-cars-warm/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/pictures-lydiate-classic-car-bike-show-1st-july-2018/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/pictures-steam-vintage-rally/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/dave-elsby-mobile-motoring-services/
Ahoy! Have you ever wanted to sail or charter a boat abroad but don’t know where to start? Then set a course to Greenbank High School on Hastings Road in Southport this September, where Paul Harrison from Seavoice Training will be ready to welcome you aboard a 10-week Essential Navigation and Seamanship theory course. The Essential Navigation and Seamanship course is an ideal foundation course for anyone new to boating or for skippers who are a little rusty and would like to refresh their navigation skills. On successfully completing the course you will be awarded a Royal Yachting Association (RYA)…
Brollies and Wellington boots became the wisest option to tackle the second day of the Southport Flower Show. Seats around the arena remained wet and empty as the rain hammered down. Pathways almost became miniature streams, as the rainfall continued. Undeterred by the elements, singers continued to blast out their tunes … Friday 16th August was also Ladies Day. Laurel and Hardy were also present and last seen hanging around the anti-inflammatory balm stall for some unspecified reason. Amazingly, some beautiful blooms were there to be seen. Warning to competitors: Never rub another man’s rhubarb… Top cacti man, the one…
This 2019 event marks 90 years of Southport’s Flower Show On this first day of the show, the skies were moody yet the rain stayed away. Despite recent heavy rain earlier in the week, the crowds flocked in to see the show. Things got slightly weird at times. Bruno – doing his thing… Fingers crossed for more dry weather to accompany the following days of the Southport Flower Show. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/ More information… http://www.southportflowershow.co.uk/
Philip and Scott Harrison are setting up a boat planters stall at Southport flower show 2019. Philip and Scott will be on the walkway, just off the Morrisons roundabout. They will be at the show on the following dates: Thursday 15th August, Friday 16th August, Saturday 17th August and Sunday 18th August 2019. All you need to know ahead of the 2019 Southport Flower Show https://www.otsnews.co.uk/need-know-ahead-2019-southport-flower-show/ More Sharpen your seamanship skills with Seavoice Training. https://www.otsnews.co.uk/sharpen-your-seamanship-skills-with-seavoice-training/
LATEST NEWS: We are informed that a vessel is currently making its way across the Irish Sea laying international fibre optic cable that will connect with BT’s network locally. This may indeed, therefore, be the task of the ROXANE Z, which is still off Birkdale this morning (24/7/2019). More data. https://afloat.ie/marine-environment/coastal-notes/item/43172-marine-notice-works-on-rockabill-subsea-cable-in-irish-sea?fbclid=IwAR0T_OC9BGjV8pcASazXDNj1AUv97Y6bf0quNdrcZWPaQm83r8ffkdqemhY Earlier: The tug ‘ROXANE Z’ appears to have run aground onto a sandbank or broken down off the Birkdale coastline. The cause is not however yet confirmed. She was stationary this afternoon and this evening (23/7/2019) at the low-water mark a few hundred yards south of the SS Chrysopolis…
To mark the 50th anniversary of the successful landing of the Eagle module on the surface of the Moon, Southport Astronomical Society opened its doors to the famous observatory in Hesketh Park yesterday. Members of both the Astronomical Society and Fernley Observatory Heritage Group were on hand to talk about this first moon landing, and explain just how close it came to being aborted in the last few seconds before its successful landing. Data from Historic England: Observatory. 1877; telescope dated 1869, manufactured by T Cooke and Sons, York and London (on brass plaque). For Joseph Baxendell (1815-1887). Erected in…
Hesketh Park’s famous Fernley Observatory (also known as the Baxendell/Fernley) Observatory) was explored by the public today during an open event hosted by the Southport Astronomical Society. Today’s observatory opening (20 July) marks 50 years to the day since the Apollo 11 landing. Apollo 11 was the spaceflight that first landed humans on the Moon. Data from Historic England: Observatory. 1877; telescope dated 1869, manufactured by T Cooke and Sons, York and London (on brass plaque). For Joseph Baxendell (1815-1887). Erected in Hesketh Park in 1901. Redbrick in stretcher bond with stone keystones and imposts; timber first floor and probably…
Liverpool’s Provincial Grand Orange Lodge paraded through the resort today to mark the 200th anniversary of the first July 12th Orange Parade, which took place in 1819. The Orange Order in England is highly prominent in Liverpool. Orange manifestation in Liverpool dates back to at least 1819 when the first parade was held to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, on 12th July 1690. The Order was a significant constituent in the founding of the Liverpool Protestant Party in 1909. It has also been claimed that 60% of the Order viewed Catholics as IRA sympathisers. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15832376 The…
Long vehicle tailbacks have been experienced today on the Formby Bypass (A565) into Woodvale. Above: Formby to Southport was quicker via bicycle this afternoon, thanks to lengthy gridlock. Surface damage on Liverpool Road, which is now being labelled as a sinkhole, has resulted in the road closure. Above: the mysterious hole on Liverpool Road. The hole has been cordoned off yet there was no sign of any workmen at the time these photos were taken this evening. NB. More official data is required before the true nature of this road problem is ascertained. …
This species used to be quite rare but numbers are said to be increasing. Nevertheless, the Glossy Ibis always seems to draw in the twitchers from near and far. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) gives the UK Status of the Glossy Ibis as ‘Scarce Visitor’. They also advise of 82 records per year in the UK of this species. The first recorded UK sighting was in Berkshire in 1793. It was once a rare vagrant to the UK but numbers have improved in recent years and it has become more common, with remarkable arrivals in 2007-11. It was removed…
Ainsdale’s Gala Fun Day got off to a rather damp start, with minor showers of rain. It was a pity that the sunshine struggled to get through. Nevertheless, well done to all the organisers of this popular Ainsdale event. See also… Ainsdale in Bloom http://www.ainsdaleinbloom.org.uk/ Ainsdale Civic Society https://www.ainsdalecivicsociety.com/ Last year’s Gala Day https://www.otsnews.co.uk/pictures-ainsdale-gala-fun-day-2-june-2018/ .Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/