Knowsley Online

Marathon man gives his trainers a rest.

If anyone deserves to hang their trainers up for a bit, it’s Knowsley Council’s Andrew McCormick.

The borough’s Director of Community and Leisure is sticking to his day job after running 12 marathons in 12 months in 2012.

The marathon man completed his final haul in Liverpool at the Liverbird marathon on New Year’s Eve,

He set himself the challenge to raise money for the charity Prostate Action that supports research into prostate cancer.

His father died from the condition 18 months ago.

He completed marathons in Gloucester, Cambridge, Suffolk, Edinburgh, Keswick, Stevenage, Barnsley, Howarth, Mablethorpe, Newcastle, Rutland and then Liverpool.

But he’s not resting up for long – he’s set his sights on his first Triathlon later in the year.

Andrew said: “This was my Olympic effort for our Olympic year. My father died from a series of illnesses including prostate cancer and I wanted to do something to help.”

Andrew’s fundraising is almost complete but if you’d like to help him raise the final total, visit his www.justgiving.com/Andy-McCormick page on the Just Giving website.

Pictured is Knowsley Council’s Director of Community and Leisure, Andrew McCormick, with 12 medals from 12 marathons in 12 months.

A helping hand with family history

Residents wanting to research into their family history can now go along to Prescot library for help and advice.

Knowsley Library Service is extending their popular family history helpdesk drop-in sessions to Prescot Library from Tuesday, 29 January.

The helpdesk will be at the library every fourth Tuesday between 10am and 12 noon, where an experienced family history expert will be on-hand.

Whether you are new to researching your family history or have been finding out about your ancestors for years, everyone is welcome to go along.

Prescot Library also offers residents free access to a special library edition of Ancestry.com – a popular tool used to access records and other information when researching your family tree.

Flats are turned into new family homes

Much-needed new homes have been created from run-down blocks of flats in Kirkby.

The flats in Kirkby Row and Kenbury Close have undergone a complete renovation to transform them into four, three bedroom comfortable family homes.

A further block at Overton Close has been completely renovated but kept as four separate flats.

Knowsley Housing Trust, part of the First Ark Group, carried out the work which totalled around £500,000.

The properties have been newly fitted out with improved insulation and new windows and doors, the plumbing and electrics have been overhauled and a new roof installed. Some minor structural alterations were also needed and all were fully redecorated throughout.

New bus service to leisure facilities.

There’s a new bus service to get you from the heart of Huyton to the doorsteps of two key leisure facilities.

The 249 is a circular service that goes from and to Huyton bus station via Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park (KLCP) and the OurPlace young people’s centre. 

It is an evening and weekend service and the route includes: 

Lathom Road, Huyton Lane, Longview Drive, Hall Lane, Huyton Hey Road, Wilson Road, Manor Farm Road, St Johns Road, Tarbock Road, Archway Road and Poplar Bank. 

It will make it a lot easier to get to KLCP and OurPlace and help those who work in the evenings at Huyton Business Park or who want to get to Huyton town centre and Huyton station. 

The OurPlace centre is for young people aged 11 to 19 years or up to age 25 for people with extra needs.

First Prescot Producers’ Market of 2013

Prescot Producers’ Market returns for 2013 on Saturday February 2, from 9am until 2pm.

As always there will be quality local produce, unusual crafts and other handcrafted goods to tempt shoppers.

The Producer’s Market takes place every first Saturday of the month and is well worth a visit with something for everyone, young or old. It is also a great way to support local independent traders.

If you are a local business and want to get involved in the market you can call 0151 443 2298 for more information. Knowsley-based businesses or residents may be eligible for free stall space.

Your chance to have a say on Community Health Services

Friendly and informal local Community Health Forums, which are held across Knowsley have announced their latest meeting schedules.

The monthly forums aim to create a welcoming environment in which local people can learn about Community Health Services – part of  5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, as well as listen to guest speakers chosen by forum members.

“This is an open invitation to go along to your local venue, enjoy our hospitality and be part of a forum that is committed to improving patient experience and the way we care for the people of Knowsley,” says Robert O’Connor, Community Health Team Manager.

“You can learn about a range of health services and health issues and share your own views and experience to better shape NHS services.

Hundreds get plugged into opportunities at employment fair

Organisations in Knowsley worked together to help link people with employment and training opportunities in the borough.

The First Ark Group, which includes Knowsley Housing Trust, organised a job and skills fair in Huyton this week with many local partners that brought together over 350 opportunities under one roof.

More than 400 people attended the event where they were able to talk to local businesses about employment and training available and be inspired by motivational speakers.

This innovative event allowed young people from throughout Knowsley to discuss employment options, find out about apprenticeship opportunities, gain employment advice from various agencies and pick up skills that can be used in applying for jobs and interviews.

A roller skating Valentine’s treat

Fancy doing something different for Valentine’s this year?

Why not try the Valentine’s Funky Roller Disco at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park in Longview Drive in Huyton?

It’s the first ever to be held at the multi million pound centre and it’s on Saturday February 16.

If you’re new to the idea, you hire roller skates and take to the floor with your nearest and dearest to the latest tunes.

If you can’t find a loved one to hold onto – take a friend or a bunch of friends. You can also request your favourite tracks from the DJ.

There are two sessions. Its open to children aged 6 to 16 years from 2pm to 4pm - they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Adults accompanying a child can watch from the viewing gallery and don’t need a ticket if they’re not taking part.

From 5pm to 7pm it’s open to adults and there’ll be a licensed bar.

Tickets are just £6 and include the hire of skates - you can’t use your own - and two hours skating to funky music.

Places are limited and its best to book. Call into Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park or ring 0151 443 5749 for more details.

Home Heat Helpline available as the freezing weather hits

With the cold snap set to continue, Knowsley residents are reminded that they can get help with their fuel bills through the Home Heat Helpline.

The helpline is a free, impartial and confidential service that connects people on low incomes with support including advice, rebates and grants for insulation and new boilers.

Residents can call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 and speak to one of the friendly advisors who will provide advice on reducing energy bills.

The service can also be accessed online by visiting www.homeheathelpline.org.uk where a new energy checker will help to show who is entitled to help.

Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, Cllr Dave Lonergan, said: "During these cold conditions, many local residents may be concerned about staying warm.

“I would really encourage those people to call the Home Heat Helpline and seek advice. I would also ask people to look out for neighbours, friends or relatives who may be in difficulty and make sure that they are aware of the Home Heat Helpline."

Rainhill Rotary opens Dragon's Den Charity bids for 2013

Local charities and other worthy causes are once more being given the opportunity to bid for cash donations of up to £500 from the Rotary Club of Rainhill.

Last year, cheques amounting to £6,650 were presented to delighted successful bidders for funds from the Club’s Dragon’s Den initiative.

Most of the cash was distributed within the local community to recipients including:- 

Prescot Swimming club, St Helens Girls Rugby, The Mature Billingers, St Helens ADHD, Lansbury make it happen, St Helens Bereavement, Autism & Asperger, St Josephs Tuesday club, Perth Community Centre, St Helens Stroke club, Honeyrose foundation, Nutgrove Primary Council, Rainhill Cricket club, AMD Eyecatchers, Prescot Air Cadets, Robert Doward (individual)