July 26, 2016
Raising funds for Charity with park to park ride
A 15-strong team swapped the safari for the saddle, completing a 56.5 mile journey to raise money for the Wild Camel Protection Foundation and Parkinson's UK.
Demonstrating the ultimate in peddle power, the team of energetic staff, and friends of the Safari, cycled from Knowsley through to Wildboarclough in the Peak District, burning a combined 45,585 calories, and climbing 2480 ft to reach their destination.
Paul Green, who planned the event comments: "The event was a brilliant success. The whole team pulled together to get through the tougher parts of the ride and knowing that we raised a massive £10,700 for Parkinson's UK and more than £700 for the Wild Camel Protection Trust really helped to spur us on towards the finish line and a well deserved beer."
Bridget Murray, Research Officer at Knowsley Safari comments: “This ride marked the start of a five year relationship supporting the Wild Camel Protection Trust. The funds raised will provide vital support in the ongoing fight to protect the Wild Bactrian Camel.
“The threat of extinction is real for these animals. Our Park to Peak bike ride was a huge success, and we are looking forward to raising as much awareness and funds as possible."
Mini Meerkat pups make an entrance at Knowsley Safari
At just 4 weeks old, Knowsley Safari’s newest arrivals are already causing a stir as they make their mark on the meerkat habitat.
The tiny litter of five pups, smaller than an egg at birth, arrived on May 28 to first time parents Harry and Luna (named after Harry Potter characters due to a small zig zag on dad's head).
It is the first time that meerkat pups have been born at the Merseyside based Safari in four years.
The adorable pups spent the first weeks cradled in their indoor home under heat lamps and have only recently emerged as the weather improved to explore their new area with the rest of the mob .
Craig Scott, Meerkat Keeper comments: “The pups are just four weeks old, but they are already demonstrating individual personalities. Meerkats are very social animals and they are exploring the new area, interacting with the rest of the mob and generally causing mischief in the group!
“They spend a lot of time together foraging for tasty bugs and grubs, so we are spending time scattering food and encouraging the pups to investigate their new surroundings.”
Meerkats are native to southern Africa and can be found in the Kalahari Desert. They have adapted to living in very harsh conditions and climate, with little water, limited food and many predators. They have ears that can close in the event of a sandstorm and dark patches around their eyes lessen the desert glare like sunglasses.
June 22, 2016
Mozart, Miller & More Attract Hundreds for Festival Opening Weekend
June 21, 2016
June 20, 2016
June 14, 2016
June 01, 2016
Success in Rotterdam
Whiston Taekwondo took 5 competitors to compete in the Dutch Masters this week in Rotterdam Holland and came away with 3 trophies
Ethan Calland won gold in the junior category after some very tough fights.
Lois Jennings also won gold in the female junior category after winning with some great head shots.
Dakota Littler won Bronze in the female Cadet category her first WTF Fight and first international fight.
We also took Harry Bellis who was drew again European champion in the male cadet category and lost after a very close fight and our littlest fighter Lincoln Littler who is deaf lost out to an older more experienced player in the male aspirant category by just one point.
Coaches Eddie Calland and Dave Bellis are very proud of all the results
Prescot Brushes up Its Shakespeare as Festival Approaches
Prescot is coming alive with arts and culture as its 12th annual festival approaches.
The 10-day Prescot Festival of Music & the Arts opens in mid-June, but before then there’s an array of other cultural events in the historic Lancashire town.
Saturday 4 June (10am—3pm, Church Street) sees the annual Elizabethan Fayre return, with games, stalls, live music, period drama and more in celebration of the town’s rich heritage. This year’s event has an added Shakespearean theme, in honour of the 400th anniversary of the world-famous playwright’s death.
Prescot Producers’ Market and Prescot Arts, Craft & Gift Fayre take place on the same day in the town centre.
In the evening (6.30pm, Prescot Parish Church & Woodlands), MATE Productions presents As You Like It, Shakespeare’s famous tale of romance, intrigue and hilarity. Performances are also at 2pm and 6.30pm on Sunday 5 June, and the production then tours before returning to Prescot on 30 and 31 July.
Continue reading "Prescot Brushes up Its Shakespeare as Festival Approaches" »
May 24, 2016
May 18, 2016
Woodland and Bioblitz
Become a wildlife explorer for the day at Knowsley Safari
Calling all explorers! Knowsley Safari is on the hunt for nature aficionados to join their team to discover the many species that make Britain’s back garden their home.
The one-day event taking place on 22 May marks the launch of a two year commitment to support EAZA’s (European Association of Zoos and Aquarium) ‘Let It Grow’ campaign. The activity aims to educate and encourage visitors to champion native wildlife and help to conserve backyard species from bugs to birds.
Knowsley Safari’s Research Officer, Bridget Murray, says: “Our team at Knowsley Safari will be working with experts from across the North West, and together with the support of the public, we are hoping to uncover more about the native species that make Knowsley their home than ever before.
“We are calling on visitors to enjoy a full wild day out at Knowsley Safari, and play an important part in helping us identify as many different species of birds, bugs, plants and beasties as they can.”
Knowsley Safari’s Woodland Bioblitz will take place on Sunday 22nd May during park opening hours.
May 16, 2016
Make time to care this Foster Care Fortnight
Do you have time to show a child in need that you care?
This Foster Care Fortnight (May 16-29), Knowsley Council’s fostering service are appealing to local people who think they have what it takes to make a difference to a local child’s life.
If you love children and young people, have plenty of time, care and patience to offer, as well as room in your home, fostering could be right for you.
There really is no such thing as a ‘typical carer’, and there are no ‘rules’ about who can and can’t foster. You don’t have to be married, wealthy, or own your own home. Foster carers can be any sexuality, race or religion. Full training and support is provided to foster carers, and you will be paid for the care you provide. As a foster carer for Knowsley you have the option to progress, working towards different ‘Skills Levels’, for which an additional payment, similar to a wage, will be paid.
In fact, being a foster carer is one of the most rewarding jobs you could ever do.
Knowsley’s Fostering Service will be out and about in the borough during Foster Care Fortnight talking to you about what fostering is and whether it could be right for you and your family.
You will find them on the following days:
Monday, 16 May at Huyton One Stop Shop, 12-1.30pm
Tuesday, 17 May at the River Alt Centre, Woolfall Heath Ave, Huyton, 12-1pm
Tuesday, 17 May at Buckingham Bingo, Huyton, from 6-7pm
Wednesday, 18 May in Huyton Village 12-2pm
Thursday, 19 May in Halewood One Stop Shop from 12-1.30pm
Monday, 23 May at Kirkby One Stop Shop, from 12-1.30pm
Wednesday, 25 May at The River Alt Resource Centre, Woolfall Heath Avenue, Huyton, from 6-7pm
Friday, 27 May in Kirkby town centre 12-2pm
Anyone who wants to find out more about fostering is also welcome to attend a breakfast event for tea and toast at The Venue, Huyton, on Friday, 20 May and Friday 26 May between 10.30 to 12noon.
Alternatively, you can call the team at anytime on 0151 443 3958, see more information on fostering on the council’s website, or ‘like’ the Foster for Knowsley Facebook page.
What is fostering?
Fostering involves looking after a child or young person in your own home at a time when they’re unable to live with their own families. Unlike adoption, fostering is a temporary situation for many children. Foster carers can choose whether to offer short or longer term care, and will have a say in the age of child/children they care for. At the moment there is a particular need for foster carers who are willing to care for children aged between 11-18, and sibling groups.
Cllr Gary See, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Our foster carers do a fantastic job and we cannot underestimate how important they are in the lives of the young people they care for.
“With the right amount of care and time, the dedication of a foster carer can turn around the lives of children who have had a difficult start in life, to help them fulfill their potential and lead happy, successful lives. It is a job that we could not do without our wonderful foster carers.
“If you have ever considered fostering then I would urge you to get in contact with us and take the next steps during Foster Care Fortnight.”
Prescot Festival Gives Resounding ‘Yes’ to Shakespeare North
A Shakespearean theatre and education centre would transform culture and economy in Prescot, the director of the town’s annual arts festival says.
“Having been bringing arts and music to our town for over a decade now, we are fully behind Shakespeare North’s plans,” said Dr Robert Howard.
“Prescotians are rightly proud of their ancient Lancastrian heritage, and with all the history that has emerged in the last few years about Prescot’s role in theatre, culture and commerce in the region, it is the right time to start promoting it beyond the town’s borders.”
This June’s festival will pay homage to Shakespeare—who counted Prescot’s Earl of Derby among his rich patrons—with its 2016 Short Story Competition. Entrants are being asked to take inspiration from the phrase ‘in a pickle,’ which was first recorded in Shakespeare’s tragicomedy The Tempest.
Other Shakespearean highlights of the 10-day programme include a talk by LJMU historian Elspeth Graham, as well as Shakespeare-inspired show songs and orchestral pieces, courtesy of BOST and the South Liverpool Orchestra, respectively.
Plus, MATE Productions will present their hilarious ‘Pop-up Shakespeare’ at the Prescot Carnival during festival week.
“Four hundred years ago, Prescot was the site of the first free-standing playhouse outside London,” Robert continued, “and therefore symbolised arts and culture, formerly reserved for the rich and powerful, being brought to ordinary people.
“It’s exactly what we have tried to do as a festival, and it’s why we support and are tremendously hopeful for Shakespeare North’s upcoming project.”
The 12th Annual Prescot Festival of Music & the Arts runs from Friday 17 to Sunday 26 June. Full programme information is online at www.prescotfestival.co.uk, and tickets are now on sale online or in person from Poco Coffee at 30 Eccleston Street, Prescot.
Pictured:- Members of South Liverpool Orchestra performing as part of the 2015 Prescot Festival (credit: Alan Humphreys
April 29, 2016
The pitter patter of tiny hooves at Knowsley Safari
The arrival of spring means visitors to Knowsley Safari will be hearing the pitter-patter of tiny hooves as they drive around the park.
As the mornings lighten and the weather gets warmer, the Safari’s eland and Père David’s deer herds are celebrating new arrivals.
In the first couple of weeks, the Père David’s fawns remain hidden from view, with visits from their mothers for feeding. After this, they start to graze with the herd at three weeks old. The eland calves can often be spotted surrounded by the wildebeest as they become quite fond and protective of the newborns in their early stages!
Once they find their feet visitors will see these playful creatures jumping and bouncing around as they play together - a sight not to be missed!
April 22, 2016
Shakespeare theatre given the go ahead
A proposal to create a new Shakespeare North Playhouse and education centre in Prescot, has last night (21 April, 2016) been given the go ahead by Knowsley Council’s Planning Committee.
Councillors voted unanimously in support of this major development which is set to attract thousands of national and international visitors and students to the town and the City Region.
It means that Prescot will once again have a Playhouse at its heart – an echo of Elizabethan times when it was the only English town outside of London to have a purpose-built indoor playhouse.
Peter Scott, Chair of the Shakespeare North Charitable Trust, said: “We are thrilled that the plans have been approved. This is a really important milestone for us and brings our dream of creating a fantastic theatre and education centre here in Knowsley a step closer to becoming a reality.”
“Our vision all along has been to create somewhere in the North of England where Shakespeare’s work can be studied and enjoyed for generations to come– creating something of a triangle between The Globe and Stratford, both of which are synonymous with his work. With Knowsley’s existing links to Shakespeare it is fitting that the ‘triangle’ be completed with a development here.”
April 20, 2016
Take a selfie for Shakespeare!
Join in the fun at Knowsley Libraries this week and take your Shakespeare Selfie ahead of the Bard’s anniversary celebrations.
This weekend marks 400 years since William Shakespeare’s death and events will be taking place around the globe to commemorate the work of the greatest ever English language playwright.
You can get into the spirit in any Knowsley library by taking and sharing your Shakespeare Selfie. Simply print or write out your favourite Shakespeare quote (the libraries have lots of choices to get you started) – take a selfie of you holding it and share it with friends on social media using the hashtag #Shakespeare16.
Make it even more fun by choosing from a selection of Shakespeare props available at the libraries – and on Knowsley’s mobile library – to help make your selfie stand out!
Keep an eye on the Knowsley Library Service Facebook Page, where the best selfies of the week will be posted on Saturday to mark Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary.
Pictured top :- Shakespeare Selfies – Dave Birchall, Louise Murphy and Jan Moore from Knowsley library service take their Shakespeare selfie.
and Shakepeare Selfies - Carol Cherpeau and Gerry Williams from Knowsley Library service do their Shakespeare Selfie
April 14, 2016
Arts Festival Draws on Local Talent of All Ages
The Prescot Festival of Music & the Arts, now in its 12th year, continues its long tradition of showcasing talented writers, singers, artists and musicians of all ages from the local community.
Evelyn Community Primary School once again hosts the Young Instrumentalist of Prescot competition (Wednesday 22 June), inviting primary and secondary students to compete for the Reverend David Rose Trophy, named for the much-loved Prescot clergyman and businessman, who passed away in 2013.
Children from across the region will recite their own verse and that of others at St Mary & St Paul’s Primary’s Schools’ Poetry Showcase (Monday 20 June).
And for those youngsters who are more at home with a brush or pencil in hand, a festival-long exhibition at Prescot Parish Church will display a stunning range of artwork from local schools.
There’s still time for people to get involved. Do sing you a soprano, alto, tenor or bass? The Prescot Festival Chorus invites choral singers to join it for a performance of Mozart’s renowned Requiem, conducted by James Luxton of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral (Saturday 18 June). This annual ‘Come & Sing’ event has attracted over 100 singers in past years.
Continue reading "Arts Festival Draws on Local Talent of All Ages" »
April 11, 2016
April 08, 2016
Get out in the garden for Knowsley’s 18th annual Flower Show
Keen gardeners and novices alike are already beginning to look ahead to this year’s Knowsley Flower Show – the biggest free horticultural show of its kind in the North West.
Taking place on Sunday 7 August from 11am – 5pm at Court Hey Park and the National Wildflower Centre, Huyton, there are over 100 classes to enter your best fruit, vegetables and plants in, whether you are an established entrant or a complete newcomer.
Now is the time to get out in the garden and make preparations for your potentially winning produce – so take a look at the categories for this year, which include nine especially for novices and nine for children, and take your pick.
2016 is the Year of the English Garden, which has inspired the theme of this year’s show. It will also celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Capability Brown, a landscape gardener who revolutionised the design of English gardens. Show organisers are delighted that 2016’s sponsor is Green Thumb Lawn Treatments.
Expect plenty of quintessentially English entries in this year’s stunning floral marquee, full of colour and rich scents evoking the smell of the very best English gardens, past and present.
And you needn’t worry if growing isn’t your thing, as there’ll be something for everyone at this year’s free family event, as always.
With a packed programme of entertainment throughout the day you can choose from falconry displays, guided walks, a woodworker, craft demonstrations, dog obedience, arts workshops and circus skills. A large craft marquee will feature in the show along with many trade stands ranging from garden centres to conservatories. Foodies will love the large farmers market selling lots of locally produced tempting treats.
And if you are inspired to get green fingered in your garden you’ll also be spoilt for choice with plants, bulbs and seeds at fantastic prices to give your very own English Garden a kick-start. If you are in need of gardening advice and guidance why not pop along to the show’s very own Gardener’s Question Time and get some help from the experts.
This year’s show is the 18th annual event and is expected to draw in a crowd of more than 20,000 visitors from near and far. Details of a free park and ride service will be available nearer the date.
So get Sunday 7 August in your diary and look forward to another fantastic family day out!
Knowsley Safari Scholarship
Local children get the chance to turn their classrooms wild
Knowsley Safari’s Learning and Discovery team is offering schools in the Merseyside area the opportunity to win a really wild scholarship.
New for 2016, the safari scholarships will offer schools the opportunity to bring a taste of wildlife into the classroom and include curriculum based learning, interactive demonstrations, all teamed with live animals and bio-artefacts.
Nikki Mallott, Learning and Discovery Manager, says: “This is a great opportunity for schools to bring the curriculum to life for their students, helping them learn in an interactive and fun way. The live animals and artefacts really help to excite both the children and the teachers!”
To enter, school staff need to write to 200 words about why their school should receive the prize to [email protected]. For more information visit: http://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/outreach-scholarship
April 04, 2016
Road deaths and injuries down 16% in Knowsley thanks to road safety education
The number of people being killed or seriously injured on Knowsley’s roads is down 16% since 2010.
Figures from Merseyside Police, compiled for the Merseyside Road Safety Partnership, show this significant reduction in road casualty figures for Knowsley between 2010 and 2015.
The success is thought to be in part down to a programme of education and training developed by Knowsley Council to help keep our children and young people, their teachers, parents and guardians safe on the roads.
As part of the education programme, Knowsley teenagers recently enjoyed performances of Tiny Giants, a thought-provoking play, which tackled the important issue of pedestrian safety amongst teenagers.
Produced by local theatre company, Time, the play was performed to year 9 pupils at all Knowsley’s secondary schools and set out clearly the potential consequences that distractions such as mobile phones or wearing headphones can have whilst being out and about.
Val Burke, Pastoral Assistant for Year 8 and 9 at Knowsley Park, said: “The performance was really good and put across the road safety awareness in a brilliant way. The pupils enjoyed it and were quite emotional at the end, so hopefully this brought home the importance of road safety.”
In addition, the council’s parking enforcement programme has helped to improve road safety outside schools, improve the flow of traffic in town centres and support resident parking schemes. It hopes to prevent the inconsiderate and dangerous parking to increase the overall safety for pedestrians and other drivers.
During 2015 the council invested £430,000 into local road safety schemes and remains committed to reducing injuries on our roads. Recently, a new pedestrian crossing opened on Cronton Road, Huyton. It provides local residents with a safe and easy way to cross this busy main road.
Lisa Harris, Knowsley’s Assistant Executive Director for Regeneration and Housing said: “We take road safety very seriously in Knowsley. We are very pleased that the investment we have made into education, enforcement and engineering has had such a positive impact on the reduction of the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.
“However, one person killed or injured is one too many and we will continue to improve Knowsley’s roads network and road safety in the borough.”
Pictured: Children in Knowsley taking part in road safety training.
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Recent Posts
- Raising funds for Charity with park to park ride
- Mini Meerkat pups make an entrance at Knowsley Safari
- Mozart, Miller & More Attract Hundreds for Festival Opening Weekend
- 12th Annual Prescot Festival of Music & the Arts - Friday 17th to Sunday 26th June 2016
- Team comes home with five medals
- 12th Annual Prescot Festival of Music & the Arts - Friday 17th to Sunday 26th June 2016
- Success in Rotterdam
- Prescot Brushes up Its Shakespeare as Festival Approaches
- Prescot Festival 2016
- Woodland and Bioblitz
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