Southport News

Latest news from in and around Southport from several respected reporters and resources. This feed is updated from the facebook group Southportnews – Just click the link at the bottom of each story to see comments and participate.

Latest Southport News as of 28th March 2024

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Who remembers the old chip pans and the chips cooked in lard. Crispiest ever! ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 8:55 pm
Who remembers the old chip pans and the chips cooked in lard. Crispiest ever!

When school's out in Sefton it's time to turn to text 📱

During the #Easter holidays if you are aged 11-19 and live in #Sefton, you can still contact your school nurse for advice 😊

If you live in other areas, your #SchoolNurse is still there for you 💙

bit.ly/MC-Chat-Health
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 8:50 pm

My next Advice surgery will be held on 5th April 2024, due to the closure of the Atkinson for Good Friday.

As always, the surgery will be held between the hours of 11am – 2pm in Room 1 at The Atkinson on Lord Street, and no appointment is necessary.
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 8:29 pm

3,2,1 STROLLERS 📸

Tonight was our final winter route run 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️
Its been a long dark few months but we all made it 😊

Well done all 🙌
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 8:21 pm

# **Easter fact check update**

Today is Thursday though it might feel like a Friday

Tomorrow is Good Friday

In the past you could not buy alcohol before noon but now only restrictions in Northern Ireland as part of the UK.

Clocks go FORWARD one hour 2am Sunday meaning one less hour of sleep and one less hour of rain probably. The bad and the good.

Always remember Spring Forward, Fall back for the clocks.

Weather seems best on Saturday and Sunday of the four day Easter break.

BIG supermarkets are SHUT on Easter Sunday so don't ask, they will be shut.

Respect to people who have to work during Easter.

Oh and Southport is being taken over by Dinosaurs this weekend and until April 14th - Get out there and find them.
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 7:55 pm
# **Easter fact check update**

Today is Thursday though it might feel like a Friday 

Tomorrow is Good Friday 

In the past you could not buy alcohol before noon but now only restrictions in Northern Ireland as part of the UK.

Clocks go FORWARD one hour 2am Sunday meaning one less hour of sleep and one less hour of rain probably. The bad and the good.

Always remember Spring Forward, Fall back for the clocks.

Weather seems best on Saturday and Sunday of the four day Easter break.

BIG supermarkets are SHUT on Easter Sunday so dont ask, they will be shut.

Respect to people who have to work during Easter.

Oh and Southport is being taken over by Dinosaurs this weekend and until April 14th - Get out there and find them.

# **[How to cope with feelings of grief and loss when a person is still alive](www.qlocal.co.uk/uk/news_list/How_to_cope_with_feelings_of_grief_and_loss_when_a_person_is_still_...

Grief and loss are both very complicated and difficult emotions, explains Alzheimer's Society's Head of Knowledge and Learning, Dr Tim Beanland..

When you are close to a person with dementia you may feel these emotions at different times and in different ways. For example, you may feel a sense of grief at the time of their diagnosis, or a series of losses as their dementia progresses. Grief is part of the adjustment to living with dementia.

When someone feels a sense of loss even though the person with dementia is still alive, this is known as ‘ambiguous loss’ or ‘living grief’. You may feel that the person’s personality has changed so much that they do not seem to be the same person, leading to a sense of grief that can be difficult to process.

**Moments of loss**

These can come in the small moments as well as the larger ones, for example if a mum who was known for her legendary Sunday roasts no longer knows how to use an oven. A dad who was a die-hard Liverpool FC fan – who knew every fact, figure, player, goal and score – now showing no care for who or when Liverpool are playing next.

With almost a million people living with dementia in the UK – there are at least a million versions of this sad story, with countless loved ones experiencing complicated, and sometimes confusing, emotions – helplessness, guilt, anger, sadness, denial, frustration, even relief to name a few.

**Feelings of loss when a person has dementia**

You and the person with dementia may both feel a sense of loss as their condition progresses and your relationship changes. You may grieve for a short time as you experience these changes, or the grief may be ongoing. Your feelings of grief may also change and go back and forth over time.

As dementia progresses, your relationship might shift from both of you supporting each other, to one where you take on much more caring responsibility. The person may become more dependent on support from you and others, which might be very difficult for you both to adjust to.

**Processing your feelings**

Feelings of loss and grief might make it harder for you to cope with caring. It’s important to acknowledge any feelings you have and try not to feel guilty about them. There is no right or wrong way to grieve or cope with loss.

When you’re supporting a person with dementia, you may sometimes feel you’re coping well, but then at other times feel overwhelmed by grief, or as though you have no feelings left. Some people find they feel angry or resentful at how things have turned out, things they have lost, and the difficulties they must face. Some feel a sense of loss about their own life. You may feel guilty or shocked if you are experiencing these emotions yourself. Try to remember that these feelings are a natural and valid response to a difficult situation.

Caring for a person with dementia can have a huge emotional impact, and feelings like these can be very difficult to cope with. It can be even harder if there are people around you who don’t fully understand or accept the impact the person’s dementia is having on you.

There is no right or wrong way to manage your feelings, but we have included some tips that may help you to manage your sense of grief and loss:

**Tips to help manage your feelings**

Find ways to express your feelings and how the situation is affecting you. Some people find it helpful to write a journal or to do creative activities such as art, music, or drama. Others may find that allowing themselves to cry helps them to express their grief.

Consider your own needs – try to make time to do something for yourself each day, such as meeting or calling friends, watching a favourite television show, or taking time to listen to music. Taking some time to relax even for a short time is very important.

Look after your physical and mental health – try to eat well, get as much rest as you can and do some exercise. If you’re feeling low or anxious, or are very tired or not sleeping, speak to your GP.

Look after any spiritual needs you have – for example, if you regularly go to religious services, try to continue doing so. If you’re not able to go to a place of worship, watching online services, praying or singing at home can be helpful.

Take a break – If you feel that you need a break to help you cope, you can speak to a social worker or dementia support worker about arranging this. Friends or family may also be able to step in to help.

Focus on the things that you and the person can still do together – there will be lots of changes to adjust to as the person’s dementia progresses. But try to also look for new opportunities to spend time with the person, as well as other interests you have that you enjoy.

There is no one right way to experience or cope with a loved one’s dementia - emotions experienced are likely to be different for everyone, but whilst feelings are often difficult and challenging, it’s important to remember that you are not alone.

Alzheimer’s Society is there for people again and again, through the hardest, most frightening times. If you need support or information, visit [www.alzheimers.org.uk](www.alzheimers.org.uk/) or phone the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 7:40 pm
# **[How to cope with feelings of grief and loss when a person is still alive](https://www.qlocal.co.uk/uk/news_list/How_to_cope_with_feelings_of_grief_and_loss_when_a_person_is_still_alive-55069099.htm)**

Grief and loss are both very complicated and difficult emotions, explains Alzheimers Societys Head of Knowledge and Learning, Dr Tim Beanland..

When you are close to a person with dementia you may feel these emotions at different times and in different ways. For example, you may feel a sense of grief at the time of their diagnosis, or a series of losses as their dementia progresses. Grief is part of the adjustment to living with dementia.

When someone feels a sense of loss even though the person with dementia is still alive, this is known as ‘ambiguous loss’ or ‘living grief’. You may feel that the person’s personality has changed so much that they do not seem to be the same person, leading to a sense of grief that can be difficult to process.

**Moments of loss**

These can come in the small moments as well as the larger ones, for example if a mum who was known for her legendary Sunday roasts no longer knows how to use an oven. A dad who was a die-hard Liverpool FC fan – who knew every fact, figure, player, goal and score – now showing no care for who or when Liverpool are playing next.

With almost a million people living with dementia in the UK – there are at least a million versions of this sad story, with countless loved ones experiencing complicated, and sometimes confusing, emotions – helplessness, guilt, anger, sadness, denial, frustration, even relief to name a few.

**Feelings of loss when a person has dementia**

You and the person with dementia may both feel a sense of loss as their condition progresses and your relationship changes. You may grieve for a short time as you experience these changes, or the grief may be ongoing. Your feelings of grief may also change and go back and forth over time.

As dementia progresses, your relationship might shift from both of you supporting each other, to one where you take on much more caring responsibility. The person may become more dependent on support from you and others, which might be very difficult for you both to adjust to.

**Processing your feelings**

Feelings of loss and grief might make it harder for you to cope with caring. It’s important to acknowledge any feelings you have and try not to feel guilty about them. There is no right or wrong way to grieve or cope with loss.

When you’re supporting a person with dementia, you may sometimes feel you’re coping well, but then at other times feel overwhelmed by grief, or as though you have no feelings left. Some people find they feel angry or resentful at how things have turned out, things they have lost, and the difficulties they must face. Some feel a sense of loss about their own life. You may feel guilty or shocked if you are experiencing these emotions yourself. Try to remember that these feelings are a natural and valid response to a difficult situation.

Caring for a person with dementia can have a huge emotional impact, and feelings like these can be very difficult to cope with. It can be even harder if there are people around you who don’t fully understand or accept the impact the person’s dementia is having on you.

There is no right or wrong way to manage your feelings, but we have included some tips that may help you to manage your sense of grief and loss:

**Tips to help manage your feelings**

Find ways to express your feelings and how the situation is affecting you. Some people find it helpful to write a journal or to do creative activities such as art, music, or drama. Others may find that allowing themselves to cry helps them to express their grief.

Consider your own needs – try to make time to do something for yourself each day, such as meeting or calling friends, watching a favourite television show, or taking time to listen to music. Taking some time to relax even for a short time is very important.

Look after your physical and mental health – try to eat well, get as much rest as you can and do some exercise. If you’re feeling low or anxious, or are very tired or not sleeping, speak to your GP.

Look after any spiritual needs you have – for example, if you regularly go to religious services, try to continue doing so. If you’re not able to go to a place of worship, watching online services, praying or singing at home can be helpful.

Take a break – If you feel that you need a break to help you cope, you can speak to a social worker or dementia support worker about arranging this. Friends or family may also be able to step in to help.

Focus on the things that you and the person can still do together – there will be lots of changes to adjust to as the person’s dementia progresses. But try to also look for new opportunities to spend time with the person, as well as other interests you have that you enjoy.

There is no one right way to experience or cope with a loved one’s dementia - emotions experienced are likely to be different for everyone, but whilst feelings are often difficult and challenging, it’s important to remember that you are not alone.

Alzheimer’s Society is there for people again and again, through the hardest, most frightening times. If you need support or information, visit [www.alzheimers.org.uk](http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/) or phone the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/

Photos from Friends of Rotten Row's post ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 7:10 pm
Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

Dinosaurs looking for work! 🦖 ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 6:57 pm

Sick to death with the selfish drivers
The guy in the black Honda civic parked outside Tesco thurs 6.30 disabled parking is for disabled not just because it’s closer to the entrance but because they have wider bays for disabled people as we need wider space to fully open are doors to exit and not damage cars next to us
You took my disabled parking would you like just one of my disability’s you selfish person
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 6:55 pm

About time surelyLEVEL CROSSING NEWS

Network Rail should be starting work in December 2024 upgrading the single barrier to a double barrier at the Crescent Road/Grosvenor Road level crossing.
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 6:03 pm
About time surely

Why cant we be more like Bury Council…thats how to encourage visitors to the town! Mind, do we have any council owned car parks?If there wasn't already enough reasons to come to Bury Market for Good Friday tomorrow... 😘

Free parking in all council car parks!

So be sure to join us - and take part in our all day Easter Egg Hunt too! 🥚
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 5:52 pm
Why cant we be more like Bury Council…thats how to encourage visitors to the town! Mind, do we have any council owned car parks?

👋 A warm welcome to attacker Finlay Lockett, who joins us on loan from Bolton Wanderers Official for the rest of the season.

📸 Harry McGuire

Full details 👉 southportfc.net/loan-signing-finlay-lockett/
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 5:34 pm

Just look at the confetti Cllr Paul Cummins left in his wake at the recent Cheshire & Merseyside Health Board. He attends representing Sefton Council, and one has to question his opinion on the ongoing plight of the vulnerable of Gaza. Very alarming🤔🤔🤔 ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 5:26 pm
Just look at the confetti Cllr Paul Cummins left in his wake at the recent Cheshire & Merseyside Health Board. He attends representing Sefton Council, and one has to question his opinion on the ongoing plight of the vulnerable of Gaza. Very alarming🤔🤔🤔

Come and join an Easter Egg Hunt this Easter Sunday 31st March 2024 from 11:30 - 2pm at Bedford Park hosted by Friends of Bedford Park.

Come along and meet the Easter Bunny

There will be a raffle, free refreshments, games, and a book stall.

£2 per child

Visit Bedford Park and join the fun
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 5:24 pm
Come and join an Easter Egg Hunt this Easter Sunday 31st March 2024 from 11:30 - 2pm at Bedford Park hosted by Friends of Bedford Park.

Come along and meet the Easter Bunny

There will be a raffle, free refreshments, games, and a book stall.

 £2 per child

Visit Bedford Park and join the funImage attachmentImage attachment

Sefton Council Contract of the Day:

Atkinson Christmas Pantomime 2024
Awarded to KD Theatre Productions Ltd. Contract value £160,000 awarded on 29/2/24.

Oh no it isn’t you may say?
Oh yes it is.

This one has something called a Waiver Ref - SEF1380733. Does anyone know what that means?
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 5:24 pm

What’s with the tents ⛺️ 🏕️ on princess park? Do we have an event coming up? ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 5:23 pm

Has krakajak on Liverpool Road closed down? I came
past earlier, and there's a security fence across the entrance.
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 5:17 pm

🐰🛍️ OPEN 10 to 5pm TODAY 🐣🛍️

It’s just over a week until our Fair and there is still some space for trader stalls - please get in touch via here or
doodlescraftroom@gmail.com

We will be having kids crafts (small charge) a charity tombola, usborne books, tropic skincare, art, crochet, home decor, crystals and lots of gifts to buy 👍🏻🛍️ There will also be a charity raffle and maybe some busking (more persuasion needed 😁) raising money for Queenscourt hospice xx
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 4:53 pm

Goosey, goosey, gander..where shall I wander? To the Seabank Road traffic island apparently! Clever birds had twigged that there was no northbound traffic on the Prom.
Still, 'What's Good for the Goose'....and why is that saying relevant to Southport?😉🤔
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 3:48 pm
Goosey, goosey, gander..where shall I wander? To the Seabank Road traffic island apparently! Clever birds had twigged that there was no northbound traffic on the Prom.
Still, Whats Good for the Goose....and why is that saying relevant to Southport?😉🤔

We’re delighted to welcome back RNLI Lifeguards North West to help keep everyone safe.

Here’s when you can expect to see the Lifeguards on duty at Lifeboat Road.

🛟 Every day throughout the Easter holidays between 10am and 6pm.

🛟 From 4 May bank holidays, half term and weekends 10am - 6pm.

🛟 Everyday throughout the summer holidays from 10-6pm starting 29 June until 1st September.

@RNLI are urging anyone visiting the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following their beach safety advice.

🛟Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

🛟 Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

🛟 Where activities like paddle boarding or kayaking are permitted we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you.

🛟 Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.

🛟 If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies.

🛟 If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.

🛟 In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 3:30 pm

So good to see Merseyrail have listened to the local community and now placed the defibrillator in the ticket office area making it accessible for more hours. Big thanks to Iain Brodie Brown who led the charge on this and HIT. We now have 3 defibrillators in the local area. Greenbank High School, Hillside Station, Sandon Road. ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 2:31 pm

Photos from Dave Miller - Photography's post ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 2:14 pm
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DinoTown Southport will see a range of free activities taking place across the town centre during the Easter holidays, 29 March – 14 April 🦖

You will come face-to-face with fifteen brick-built dinosaurs in the BRICKOSAURS exhibition, and to win one of eight giant chocolate eggs by taking on a Dinormous Egg Hunt!

The one-of-a-kind Egg Hunt will feature some of the largest chocolate eggs ever made from Southport-based confectioners Chocolate Whirled. The gigantic, dinosaur-themed treats will be hidden in locations around Southport.

Using an activity map, Dino Rangers will be tasked with finding the dinosaurs and their eggs and can submit their entries into a fun competition. Pick up your map at Southport Library, The Atkinson to get started 📍

Happy exploring! 🦕🧭
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 1:33 pm

Four new planters are installed at Hillside waiting for planting by Hillside Improvement Team another great partnership. If you'd like to sponsor or support the HIT team please get in touch. ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 1:32 pm

# **They are here :)**

**Suprised no one has posted a selfie with one yet. **

Picture from yoursouthport. Runs until April 14th with lots of Dino themed events.

Follow at www.facebook.com/DinoTownSouthport
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 1:22 pm
# **They are here :)**

**Suprised no one has posted a selfie with one yet. **

Picture from yoursouthport. Runs until April 14th with lots of Dino themed events.

Follow at https://www.facebook.com/DinoTownSouthport

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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 1:14 pm

45 live music events listed this week already...Please post details of your live music events in the comments below, including times (and any artwork) and I will add them to the main listing. It will be updated throughout the week, so please check back regularly! Also please like, follow & share!
#SouthportLiveMusic

Monday 25th March 2024:
KARINE WOODWARD'S Ukulele Beginners Course at Royales, from 5:15pm (book)
Open Mic Night at The Rabbit, from 6:00pm
DICKIE McSTEIN at No.4 (Birkdale), 6pm

Tuesday 26th:
The Tuesday Club (a booked slot mic night) at Royales, from 8pm
TOM REMON & SID JACOB (jazz guitar duo) at Cooper's Bar, 8:30pm (ticketed event)

Wednesday 27th:
Open Mic Night at Enelle's Glasshouse, from 6:30pm

Thursday 28th:
PAUL KAPPA (solo) at No.4 (Birkdale), 6pm
STEVE McKENNA hosts an Open Mic Night at Royales, from 9pm
DREW MAC at The Windmill, 9pm

Friday 29th: (Good Friday Bank Holiday)
SHAN TILLEY at The Hesketh Arms (Churchtown), 7pm (see below)
ETHAN & ADAM at Punch Tarmey's, 8pm
MARVIN GAYE (tribute) at The Hungry Monk, 8pm (book)
MARIE LA RAE at The Southport Coaster, 8:30pm (see below)
Open Mic Night at The Windmill, from 8:30pm
CATCH-22 at Royales, 9pm
THE FOUR KING LEGENDS at Cooper's Bar, 9pm
THE AMAZING KAPPA BAND at The Chop House, 10:30pm

Saturday 30th: All times GMT
JENNY WREN at Royales, 1pm (see below)
STEFFI LORENA at The Southport Coaster, 3pm (see below)
STEVE McKENNA at Cooper's Bar, 3pm
THE JUKEBOX DUO at Punch Tarmey's, 8pm
GEORGE MICHAEL (tribute) at The Hungry Monk, 8pm (book)
ECHO at The Southport Coaster, 8:30pm (see below)
FREDDIE MERCURY (tribute by Alex Holt) at The Monument Bar, 8:30pm
MATT FEARON at The Purple Rain Lounge, 8:30pm
NEVILLE GRUNDY at The Guesthouse, 9pm
THE FUSE at Royales, 9pm (see below)
SLIM FILTER & THE CIGARETTES at Cooper's Bar, 9pm (see below)
CHERRY & THE PLUMS at the Windmill, 9pm
F49* ASH LIL at The Zetland, 9:30pm (see below)
THE CLAN at The Ship & Anchor, 9:30pm (see below)
HOBOT at The Chop House, 10:30pm

Sunday 31st: All times BST (Easter Sunday)
STEVE McKENNA & PAUL KAPPA at Royales, 2pm
JUST KEITH at The Sacrebleu Bar, 2pm (see below)
The House Jazz Band at Cooper's Bar, 4:30pm
THE DUKE STREET BAND at The Monument Bar, 5pm
JUST KEITH at The Ra Bar, 5pm (see below)
THE FUSE at The Ship & Anchor, 6pm (see below)
MAX & AIDEN host An Open Mic Night at Cooper's Bar, from 6:30pm
SEAN KELLY at Punch Tarmey's, 8pm
VIA GRACE at The Southport Tavern, 8pm (see below)
ELVIS (tribute) at The Windmill, 8:30pm
HELLO FELIX at The Chop House, time?

Monday 1st April 2024: (Easter Monday Bank Holiday)
THAT THING ON YOUR DOORSTEP at The Ship & Anchor, 2pm (see below)
KARINE WOODWARD'S Ukulele Beginners Course at Royales, from 5:15pm (book)

*Facebook algorithm compliance
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 12:35 pm
45 live music events listed this week already...

Photos from Official Maghull Musical Theatre Company's post ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 12:32 pm
Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

# [Ainsdale Beach Gateway update by Cllr Lynne Thompson](www.qlocal.co.uk/southport/news_list/Ainsdale_Beach_Gateway_update_by_Cllr_Lynne_Thompson-5506909...)

Information received yesterday from Green Sefton. Food Concessions for Ainsdale now agreed and should be in place (at discretion of concessionaire) Easter weekend using the existing Beach Containers.

Scaffolding around the existing toilet block will also be removed to allow full vehicle access on to the beach for Easter opening. Portaloos due to arrive today.

I did ask if the picnic area could be given some attention too.

Fingers crossed for a better season this year.Full toilet refurbishment still on track for completion late Summer. Completion was hampered by electrical issues now resolved.

Ainsdale Cllr Lynne Thompson

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/southport
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 12:12 pm
# [Ainsdale Beach Gateway update by Cllr Lynne Thompson](https://www.qlocal.co.uk/southport/news_list/Ainsdale_Beach_Gateway_update_by_Cllr_Lynne_Thompson-55069096.htm)

Information received yesterday from Green Sefton. Food Concessions for Ainsdale now agreed and should be in place (at discretion of concessionaire) Easter weekend using the existing Beach Containers.

Scaffolding around the existing toilet block will also be removed to allow full vehicle access on to the beach for Easter opening. Portaloos due to arrive today.

I did ask if the picnic area could be given some attention too.

Fingers crossed for a better season this year.Full toilet refurbishment still on track for completion late Summer. Completion was hampered by electrical issues now resolved.

Ainsdale Cllr Lynne Thompson 

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/southport

A blast from the past. This was taken over thirty four years ago in Southport Town Hall. Mrs Fearn laid on a small reception to thank the staff of the Town Hall for all their hard work. That included the cleaners, who also served the meals a meetings. At least six of those on the photo are now dead. ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 12:02 pm
A blast from the past. This was taken over thirty four years ago in Southport Town Hall. Mrs Fearn laid on a small reception to thank the staff of the Town Hall for all their hard work. That included the cleaners, who also served the meals a meetings. At least six of those on the photo are now dead.

# **[Merseyrail’s Southport line reaches historic landmark for railway industry](www.qlocal.co.uk/merseyside/news_list/Merseyrail%E2%80%99s_Southport_line_reaches_historic_landma...

Merseyrail’s Southport line is celebrating 120 years of electric train services.

The 18-mile route was the world’s first inter-urban electric railway when it opened to passenger service at the end of March 1904.

It was the then Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway company who carried out the work, with the project starting in 1902. Along the busy route that generated commuter and leisure travel, the new electric trains replaced Victorian steam trains between Liverpool Exchange and Southport via Waterloo and Ainsdale.

The line voltage was originally 625V DC, and power to the live rails was supplied from a specially built electricity generating station at Formby. The electrical equipment for the line and the trains was supplied by the Dick Kerr & Company at Preston and the electric multiple unit trains were built by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway.

Those original trains were replaced by the London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) Class 502's from 1939 onwards, which in turn were replaced by the British Rail built Class 507's between 1978 & 1980.

The new state-of-the-art Class 777's are the fourth generation of electric trains to have operated along the historic route, which is now part of the well-patronised Merseyrail Northern line.

Two of the original brick built large transformer buildings dating from 1904, that now house modern equipment at Southport and at Hillside are still in-situ and have been silent witness to 120 years of progress.

Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, said: “This is another historic milestone that we are celebrating on the Merseyrail network this year. It illustrates the incredible railway heritage that we have in this part of the UK.

“We are incredibly proud of the history of our network and the public service that has been provided in three centuries – from the 1800s, through the 1900s and now into the 2000s.

“Today, thousands of customers are travelling on the Southport to Hunts Cross line every day. It is one of the busiest lines on the Merseyrail network with a 15-minute service, seven days a week during the summer months.

“And we are sure that the new fleet of Class 777 trains will serve the people on this line for many years to come.”

Pictures from Paul Gorton Collection.
1. Ainsdale 1935
2. Hillside 1935
3. 1st 502 Test Run 1939

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/merseyside
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 11:48 am
# **[Merseyrail’s Southport line reaches historic landmark for railway industry](https://www.qlocal.co.uk/merseyside/news_list/Merseyrail%E2%80%99s_Southport_line_reaches_historic_landmark_for_railway_industry-55069094.htm)**

Merseyrail’s Southport line is celebrating 120 years of electric train services.

The 18-mile route was the world’s first inter-urban electric railway when it opened to passenger service at the end of March 1904.

It was the then Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway company who carried out the work, with the project starting in 1902. Along the busy route that generated commuter and leisure travel, the new electric trains replaced Victorian steam trains between Liverpool Exchange and Southport via Waterloo and Ainsdale.

The line voltage was originally 625V DC, and power to the live rails was supplied from a specially built electricity generating station at Formby. The electrical equipment for the line and the trains was supplied by the Dick Kerr & Company at Preston and the electric multiple unit trains were built by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway.

Those original trains were replaced by the London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) Class 502s from 1939 onwards, which in turn were replaced by the British Rail built Class 507s between 1978 & 1980.

The new state-of-the-art Class 777s are the fourth generation of electric trains to have operated along the historic route, which is now part of the well-patronised Merseyrail Northern line.

Two of the original brick built large transformer buildings dating from 1904, that now house modern equipment at Southport and at Hillside are still in-situ and have been silent witness to 120 years of progress.

Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, said: “This is another historic milestone that we are celebrating on the Merseyrail network this year. It illustrates the incredible railway heritage that we have in this part of the UK.

“We are incredibly proud of the history of our network and the public service that has been provided in three centuries – from the 1800s, through the 1900s and now into the 2000s.

“Today, thousands of customers are travelling on the Southport to Hunts Cross line every day. It is one of the busiest lines on the Merseyrail network with a 15-minute service, seven days a week during the summer months.

“And we are sure that the new fleet of Class 777 trains will serve the people on this line for many years to come.”

Pictures from Paul Gorton Collection.
1. Ainsdale 1935
2. Hillside 1935
3. 1st 502 Test Run 1939

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/merseysideImage attachmentImage attachment
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