Category: News

Singing sensation wows crowds at Love Wirral Festival in Birkenhead

Love Wirral Festival at the Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead. Singer Tabitha Jade, with drummer Seth Beard and backing singer Eliza Mai

A young singing sensation wowed the crowds as the inaugural Love Wirral Festival lived up to its name.

Along with the Wirral Ukelele Orchestra and children’s favourite Peppa Pig, rising star Tabitha Jade Hayles, 13, was among the main attractions at the event staged at the Pyramids Shopping Centre in Birkenhead.

Love Wirral Festival at the Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead. Singer Tabitha Jade, with drummer Seth Beard and backing singer Eliza Mai

The centre’s Commercial Director,  Derek Millar, could hardly conceal his delight as he watched thousands of delighted visitors enjoy the sights and sounds of the area’s talented entertainers.

Love Wirral Festival at the Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead. Xtreme dance group in action.

The day-long programme was enjoyed by all from toddlers to pensioners and all the performers were greeted with rapturous applause.

The festival was staged in response to suggestions from regular customers at the Pyramids who felt it was an ideal venue to showcase local talent.

Love Wirral Festival at the Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead. Proud daughter Lisa Luscombe takes a picture of her her mum Pat Ross, right in blue shirt, playing in the Wirral Ukelel Orchestra.

“We have staged various events over the years such as fashion shows but we agreed that the Love Wirral Festival was a good idea, and it has obviously been very popular,” said Derek.

It was he who ensured that 13-year-old rising star Tabitha was in the line-up after spotting her on YouTube singing and playing guitar.

“I was blown away when I saw her and thought we had to get her while we could still afford her because I’m sure she’s going to be a big name,” he said.

Tabitha, a pupil at Upton Hall Grammar School, sings a variety of her own compositions and popular covers, with backing from her 11-year-old sister Eliza Mai. On drums was another talented youngster, 10-year-old Seth Beard from Neston.

Next month Tabitha will appear in the final of the national talent competition TeenStar in Birmingham, but she admitted she was nervous about appearing before such a large crowd in the open-air in St John’s Square.

“I didn’t expect this many people to be here,” she said.

She need not have worried, for she received a tremendous reception from the obviously impressed audience.

Among the teenager’s fans watching was West Wirral MP Esther McVey, who said she was visiting the Festival specially to see and hear her sing.

Love Wirral Festival at the Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead. Singer Tabitha Jade, with drummer Seth Beard and backing singer Eliza Mai with local MP Esther McVey

“It’s a great atmosphere with the best performers on the best day of the year. It couldn’t be better,” she said.

Ms McVey is also an admirer of the Wirral Ukelele Orchestra whose upbeat renditions of songs at intervals throughout the day had the crowds tapping their feet and swaying to the music.

Love Wirral Festival at the Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead. Wirral Ukulele Orchestra perform in front of the crowds.

“They have a huge following, and I’m not surprised,” she said.

The 20-strong orchestra was formed only three years ago, with members coming from all walks of life, and while some had previous musical experience others began playing for the first time.

One of the founders of the group, Pat Ross, who used to play the guitar but took up the uke after retiring from her job with a major energy company, said they were becoming in great demand and that their music invariably put a smile on people faces.

Their Hawaiian outfits were particularly appropriate in the sunshine, adding to the festive spirit.

“It really is a fantastic atmosphere here,” said Pat.

The very young visitors were interested in only one character, however, and that was the ever-popular Peppa Pig, who made five personal appearances during the day for narrated story sessions.

Love Wirral Festival at the Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead. Peppa Pig meets the youngsters.

Michelle Haughey from West Kirby said her four-year-old daughter Niamh had insisted that they visit when she heard that her favourite character would be present.

“I come to the Pyramids most weekends to do my shopping but I couldn’t drag Niamh away. She sat through two of the reading sessions,” said Michelle.

The non-stop six-hour programme also included energetic dancing displays by local groups Xtreme Dance School and Funkstar.

There was entertainment of a different kind for youngsters in nearby St Werburgh’s Square where Snapperjaxx Kids Club kept them busy with interactive games on a mediaeval theme.

Love Wirral Festival at the Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead. Enjoying the Snapper Jaxx duo of Pippa the Princess and Nigel the Knight are from left, Melissa Morris, 7, Taylor Devine, 5, Isabel Weisnjerg, 3.

There was a chance for bussing sports stars to show their skills with a penalty shootout display staged by Tranmere Rovers, where the speed of the spotkicks were recorded, and an inflatable tennis court which tested the accuracy of volleys. That was organised by Wirral Indoor Tennis Centre in Bidston.

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As the programme came to an end Derek Millar said he could hardly have wished for a better response and praised all the performers.

“The flow of people has been non-stop and all have had a smile on their faces,” he said.

Wednesday June 11th, 2014

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Deputy Minister praises boat show for boosting North Wales economy

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The All Wales Boat Show in Conwy has been praised for boosting the local economy – with the first yacht sold within minutes of the gates opening.

Thousands flocked to the three-day event at Conwy Quay marina, which featured luxury yachts through to sail boats, coracles and even bath tubs.

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Saturday was full to capacity, on the Friday, when Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Ken Skates declared the event open before trying his hand at a sailing simulator, under the guidance of Taffy Osborne from Colwyn Bay Water Sports.

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"This is a fantastic event, not just for this area but the whole of Wales, as it raises the profile of the marine leisure industry, which has huge tourism potential, both on  coastal waters and inland waterways" said Mr Skates.

All Wales Boat Show at Conwy. Ken Skates Deputy Miniser for Skills and Technology at the Boat Show.

"This is a sector that is worth £200m to the Welsh economy and growing rapidly.  In Wales it is up by 3.9%, compared with 0.3% in the rest of the UK, according to the latest data.  What's crucial for the future development of the marine leisure industry is water quality, and I'm pleased to say that here in Wales we have some of the cleanest water.

"I'm glad to see so many local companies supporting this event, as it helps to bring in visitors to North Wales to take part in the many outdoor activities we have on offer.

"I've only tried sailing on holiday before, so it was very enjoyable trying out the sailing simulator.  Think I need bit more practice, though," added Mr Skates.

Friday saw a steady day of boat sales as serious boaters headed to the marina, with Conwy Network Yacht Brokers clinching its first deal, for a £60,000 boat at 10am. The company notched up many more sales across the weekend, said show Davina Carey-Evans.

“I know they had six on Saturday, and I do believe Ideal Boats from Pwllheli had a few confirmed sales but I’ve not had chance to talk to him about his sales. Companies like Sunseeker and Hanse also reported they had plenty of leads for their new boats - they were extremely pleased.

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“Ticket sales were up on last year for the Friday, when we had a lot of serious boating people visiting, while on Saturday we were full to capacity – and on Sunday, sales were again very strong, when we had lots of tourists thanks to the lovely weekend weather.

“The event has also helped bring plenty of people to Conwy town itself. For example, on Saturday 700 went on the Conwy Cruiser from the marina to the harbour side  - that’s a lot of extra people visiting the town, buying food and drinks and looking around the shops.”

After his official opening, the Deputy Minister went on to tour stands on Conwy Marina and meet local companies, and popped aboard a 20ft speedboat, a Chaparral on show with Pwllheli based Ideal boats. Plus he took time speak to youngsters considering a marine career, with Coleg Llandrillo Menai and Outdoor Tourism.

All Wales Boat Show at Conwy. Ken Skates Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology at the Boat Show with Eric Horsfall of Ideal Boats, Pwllheli.

Among those he met was trainee boat builder and former batman David Low from Llandudno, who switched careers after reading a leaflet on marine studies from last year's show.

All Wales Boat Show at Conwy. Ken Skates Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology at the Boat Show with David Low a student at Llandrillo College.

"I'm originally from Australia though I've lived here for 10 years and I wanted a new career, I saw the leaflet and went along to an open day at the college," said the 29-year-old. "I've just now got an apprenticeship to restore the Halon II, an old fishing boat on Conwy Marina."

All Wales Boat Show at Conwy. Ken Skates Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology at the Boat Show with David Low a student at Llandrillo College.

Mr Skates also met RNLI former helmsman Phil Denham, who showed how he demonstrates sea safety around the UK.

"This event is very useful because we get to meet people who have an interest in water sports and to show them how important water safety is, and so prevent the need for a lifeboat to be launched to save them," said Phil, from Blackpool.

Also on offer at the show were coracles, with visitors challenged to have a go at breaking the world record for paddling a bath-tub and potentially earn themselves a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

All Wales Boat Show at Conwy. Ken Skates Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology at the Boat Show with Tony Bain world champion bathtubber and youngster Niamh Boote, 10.

Among those trying out the sport was Niamh Boote, who was camping in the Conwy Valley with her Scout group.

"It's great but not easy, a bit like trying to paddle a canoe but harder," said the 10-year-old.

For Carol and Adam Hustwitt from Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey, the event had plenty to see. "We are thinking of buying a boat, which is why we are here, but it's a real family event as well, so much to see and do," said Mrs Hustwitt, as her son Harrie, five, tried it the climbing wall.

Other boats were on show from Fairline Wales, Hanse, Jeanneau, Beneteaeu, Robalo, Chapparal, Quicksilver and Bayliner, plus over 100 used boats.

Plus there were luxury cars from Rolls Royce, Bentley and McLaren and even a helicopter.

The manager of Conwy Marina was delighted to be playing host to the largest event that the stunning waterside venue has ever staged.

Jon Roberts believes the All Wales Boat Show helps underline the marina’s position on the UK’s marine leisure industry map.

Jon, who is area manager for Quay Marinas the company that runs both Conwy and Deganwy Marinas, said: “The 2014 All Wales Boat show has grown  into a huge event.

“Without doubt it is by far the biggest show of its type we’ve ever hosted at Conwy Marina. It’s on a completely different scale to anything we have had here in the past.

“There were more than 100 exhibitors showing off a huge variety of goods and services and we’re expecting people to come flocking here from across a wide area. Down at the Harbour we had the first year Boat Jumble, a great gateway to the Show and something that we can build on.

“We had people coming from north and mid Wales, the north west of England and the Midlands plus those who usually only go to the big boat shows in the south of England like London and Southampton.  It really underlined Conwy Marina’s place on the UK map.

On shore-side at the show exhibitors included the marine leisure industry and related clothing and food businesses, jet-ski clubs, the Welsh Yachting Association and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

For more information go to www.allwalesboatshow.com

Wednesday June 11th, 2014

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Stormtroopers to invade Wrexham to raise cash for young stroke victims

Star Wars stromtrooper with Andy Robertson, manager of Phones4u at Eagles Meadow.

A crack squad of Stormtroopers will descend on a shopping centre to raise cash for young stroke victims.

Members of the 99th Garrison, who dress up as the imperial soldiers from the Star Wars franchise, for good causes, will invade Eagles Meadow on Saturday June 14, from 10.30am until 3pm.

All the money raised will go to Wrexham-based UK charity Hemichat who support young stroke victims, by enabling affected families to share support, information and life experiences.

The event is the brainchild of Phones 4U store manager at Eagles Meadow, Andy Robertson.

He said: “People generally associate strokes with older people, but it happens to younger people as well. I was quite shocked about the age group it affects. The charity is there to help.

“Young people affected by strokes can have problems with mobility and things like that. It can affect anybody. It can be from birth, or you could just wake up one morning, and something has happened and you’d rely on this charity to help you out.

“People who are affected by things like this can lead happy fulfilling lives, but often they need support.

“You might need them one day, or someone you know. They’re not a faraway charity on the other side of the world. It’s something that’s local, and it’s nice to give something back.”

Andy is a huge Star Wars fan.

He said: “My favourite Star Wars film is the Empire Strikes Back. When it was launched in 1980 I was nine years old.

“I was too young to understand the first because that was a few years before. I went to the cinema with my friends, so there were no parents, and it was just brilliant. I think I went to see it three times in the end.

“It was the first film I got on video when the home video market took off where you could buy a video as opposed to renting it.

“I remember my mum being it for me from ASDA for about £10. I got all the figures and I remember getting them on Christmas morning, but the Stormtroopers were always definitely the coolest ones.”

Andy paid tribute to the members of the 99th Garrison.

He said: “This group of people dress up very authentically, and they come and raise money for charity. It’s a fun day that makes a lot of people happy. These Stormtroopers are in demand. It’s been hard to book them. It’s taken pretty much four months.

“These guys from the 99th Garrison are very dedicated. They have got movie quality uniforms, and their kit even has to be checked out by a committee. It has to be that accurate, with the quality of the helmet, the armour, and the voice box all the right spec.”

Stormtrooper Paul Truesdale, from Wrexham, is delighted to be part of an event on home turf.

The father of four who works in the Chester branch of Bank of America as a project manager in the fraud department, said: “I’m very excited to come down to Eagles Meadow to raise money for such a good cause – It’s brilliant.

“We don’t often get a chance to do local events in Wrexham so it’s nice. When we have done events here we’ve had a fantastic reception from the public and raised quite a lot of money.”

Paul who travels all over the country with the 99th Garrison is trying to convince his fiancé Mel to have a Star wars themed wedding.

He said: “We do a lot of weddings, we do christenings, and we’ve done funerals before. We do birthday parties, baby showers, all sorts. Every weekend we’ve got an event.

“The weddings can be pretty quirky, and it’s usually it’s the bride that organises it believe it or not. Brides have dressed up like Princess Leia in the past.

“The first wedding I did Darth Vader walked the bride down the aisle. The Stormtroopers were the honour guard with their blasters up, and the bride and groom walked underneath the blasters with the Star Wars imperial march theme playing as they walked down the aisle.

“Those events are really important because they’re good fun for the bride and groom and also they make a donation for charity for our appearance.”

Paul revealed that he found out about Hemichat when they came in to do a presentation at his Bank of America office.

He said: “They came in and gave us a presentation on what they do and what they support, and the children involved and it tugged at the heart strings a bit. They rely on donations 100 per cent.

“It was nice to support a local charity and to do an event fort them, and support the kids who can be quite poorly.

“The money goes to the kids to enrich their lives, and give them experiences that they wouldn’t normally have. It’s one of those small charities that not many people know about, and doing this event is giving people a chance to learn about this charity and hopefully increase donations and support.”

Founder of Hemichat Gillian Hayes whose four-year-old son Luke had a stroke when he was 10 months old, is delighted that about the event at Eagles Meadow.

She said: “When we were approached about the event we were over the moon, because the money raised will help us to support families in need to help, and raise awareness of the issue.”

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley: “I am delighted that Eagles Meadow is hosting a visit by the Star Wars Stormtroopers as it is in aid of such a worthy cause.”

For more information about Hemichat please visit www.hemichat.org or ring +44 (0) 844 802 3203.

Tuesday June 10th, 2014

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Rochdale menswear store pawses to celebrate 10 years of dogged service

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A ROCHDALE menswear store is pawsing to celebrate ten years of service by a doggedly faithful member of its team.

But rather than being rewarded for his loyalty with the traditional bouquet of flowers or store vouchers the “employee” in question at Butterworth’s in the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre will be quite happy with a pat on the head and chewing stick.

For, the staff member being honoured is Henry, the cute King Charles Spaniel who was first brought to Butterworth’s of Rochdale as a puppy by his owner, store manager Paul Kenny, back in 2004.

And, as 45-year-old Paul explained, his cute new apprentice quickly tail-wagged his way into the hearts of customers.

Paul, who has been running the busy shop for the past 28 years on behalf of owner Neil Butterworth, said: “Henry has just turned ten. I’ve been bringing him into work since he was very little and he now has his own fan club of customers.

“To be fair, he doesn’t do a great deal of work and mostly just sleeps in his little bed behind the counter but our regulars always go over to have a chat with him or give him a pat and he loves all the attention he gets.”

Henry’s tail began a decade ago when Paul and his wife Sam, who live close to Hollingworth Lake near Rochdale, discovered that the restaurant in Littleborough where they used to go for Sunday lunch had a dog which had just produced a litter of puppies.

“We saw Henry and just fell in love with him right away. He’s pretty good looking now but when he was a puppy he was very cute,” recalled Paul.

“He’s what’s known as a `ruby’ King Charles which means he’s a different colour than usual – mostly tan with a little bit of white near his mouth.

“I’m an Arsenal fan and I decided to call him Henry after Thierry Henry who played for the club at the time.”

Paul added: “I started bringing him into the shop when he was quite young and he’s been in with me virtually every day since then.

“Before we head into work I take him for a walk around Hollingworth Lake because he doesn’t tend to get too much exercise at the shop.

“He lies in his bed behind the counter and sleeps most of the day but when he sees someone he recognises coming in he gets up and walks over to them. He likes to rub up against their leg to say hello.

“Our vet is a customer and when Henry sees him he always goes over to greet him.

“That’s not surprising really as they see so much of each other. The reason is that Henry was diagnosed as diabetic the Christmas before last and needs regular treatment.

“I give him injections of insulin twice a day and then every few months he has to go back to the vets for a blood test. But we’ve got it under control and the vet says he’s doing okay.

“Because of his diabetes we have to watch what we give him to eat, so he can’t have too many treats but he does enjoy a gravy bone and a pat on the head, which is what we’ll give him to celebrate his ten years of dedicated service to Butterworth’s.

“He’s definitely a very valuable member of the team and part of what our customers enjoy about coming into the shop.”

Lorenzo O’Reilly, Rochdale Exchange Centre Manager, said: “The first rate service offered by Butterworth’s of Rochdale is very highly thought of by our shoppers and Henry is very much part of the shop’s charm.”

Butterworth’s was founded, originally as a sports shop, by Neil Butterworth 37 years and moved into Rochdale Exchange nine years later.

It now specialises in a range of casual menswear including big brands such as Lacoste, Berghaus, North Face, Rockport and Timberland.

Paul said: “The power of the business has always been in our brands and that’s the reason our customers keep coming back – that and to meet Henry, of course.”

For more information about Butterworth’s go to: www.butterworths2u.co.uk

Monday June 9th, 2014

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