WALRUS

TO BE …OR NOT TO BE?

New Brighton waits for the office of the Deputy Prime Minister to decide its future

The PUBLIC INQUIRY took place throughout February and the Government Inspector will now write her report.

Barristers for Neptune Developments and Wirral Borough Council put the case for the Development to the Inspector.

The case against was put by Barristers for the Wellington Road Conservation Area, New Brighton Heritage Action Group and

Fort Perch Rock.

The Inquiry was attended by supporters of both sides and members of the public were able to question witnesses and give their opinions.

Now we wait for up to 2 months to hear the decision.

Wirral Tree Wardens

Wirral Tree Wardens is a growing group of volunteers operating as a project of Wirral LA21 Network (formerly Wirral Environmental Network). Part of the Tree Council's UK-wide Tree Warden scheme, the group launched officially in November 2005 and hopes to recruit enough members eventually to have at least one member in each community in Wirral. At present we have a broad scatter of members, but are keen to recruit more, from all over Wirral.

Tree Wardens help people of all ages to appreciate the role and value of trees in the local landscape. They act as extra 'eyes and ears' in their communities, alerting the appropriate authorities to threats to trees, getting involved in community planting and aftercare projects, helping with awareness-raising and education, and being able to direct people with tree-related problems to whoever can help to solve them.

They do not have to be experts, but enthusiasm for encouraging a greater appreciation and understanding of trees, and a willingness to share whatever knowledge and skills they have, make them great assets to the communities in which they operate.

Ideally, every 'Friends' group in Wirral could have a Tree Warden within their ranks - a member who is keen to focus on learning more about the trees in their area, looking after them, protecting them from vandalism and neglect, telling others about them, planning new plantings, working with local groups of all ages, and so forth.

Everyone has different strengths and interests. New Tree Wardens are given a comprehensive, professionally produced Action Pack full of guidelines and ideas; they can set their own pace, decide how much or little time they can spare, and what kind of activities they would like to tackle.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about becoming a Tree Warden can find background information about the national scheme and examples of the kind of things Tree wardens do, on the Tree Council's website www.treecouncil.org.uk. Please visit the local website www.wirraltreewardens.co.uk for more details of the local scheme, or call Wirral LA21 Network on 639 2121 and we will send out information sheets and a 'Registration of Interest' form.

Janet V Thorning

Opera Encore - Northwest's professional opera company

Following last year's highly successful show of opera extracts, Wirral - based opera company Opera Encore will be returning to Pacific Rd Arts Centre on 8^th April with "Opera Scenes 2"

Many of the singers are successful soloists who regularly perform with the leading UK opera companies - Welsh National Opera, Scottish Opera, English National Opera and throughout Europe. Their Artistic Director is Wallasey - based Terence Robertson. An international tenor himself, he is also widely respected as a voice coach.

"Our 'Opera Scenes' series is very popular with audiences. It makes an excellent introduction for newcomers and is a great opportunity for regular opera buffs to see some of their opera favourites.

"We are working hard to introduce opera to those who haven't experienced it before and we invite Wirral's music lovers to come along and bring new people with them to enjoy a memorable evening. With a cast of UK opera stars they will be able to hear the thrill of opera close up"

The programme will include excerpts from La Forza del

Destino, Don Carlos, I Pagliacci, Lakme and many more and Opera Encore will be joined by members of Hoylake School of Dance.

One Night only!!!

Opera Encore presents "Opera Scenes 2" at Pacific Rd Theatre on Saturday 8^th April at 8pm (Doors open 7pm) Tickets £13 and £10 available from the Box Office Tel.0151 647 0752 (Special schools' block tickets are available on request)

For more information about the company email: info@operaencore.com

News from the New Brighton/Wallasey Area Forum

WIRRALBIZ. Budding entrepreneurs in Wirral can gain a "free-of-charge" helping hand in setting up their own business regardless of employment status, age, sex, disability or ethnic origin.

Awareness events are available for those with no experience followed by workshops and one to one advice based on specific need.

Help can be provided for the first 18 months of the new business venture and grants between £500 and £2,000 may also be available.

Telephone WIRRALBIZ on 0845 456 1796 or call in to Egerton House, Tower Road, Birkenhead.

IT'S YOUR CALL. This service has been set up by the Home Office and Wirral Council to make it easier for local people to report anti social behaviour - eg. Nuisance neighbours, vandalism, graffiti etc.

If you wish to report any anti social activity, ring 0151 606 2020.

GARDEN WASTE BAGS. Did you know that during March and April the Council will be replacing these with "Organic Waste Bins" similar to the wheelie bin but for garden waste and food waste together.

This mixed waste will be collected fortnightly and composted (at Bidston) to produce a "growing medium and soil improver".

Half a tonne of waste PER HOUSEHOLD will thus be diverted from landfill and recycled into a useful product.

THE MERSEY ESTUARY CONSERVATION GROUP

A registered charity, this group was formed in 1987 to bring together non-commercial organisations interested in our estuary and its wildlife. Most member organisations are voluntary bodies but there are also a number of individual members.

The group's aim is to raise awareness of the estuary as a naturl asset and to help protect its rich fauna and flora. It meets regularly to discuss issues that arise in connection with human and natural changes in and around the estuary.

We always welcome new members who share our objectives.

Over the years the MECG has been involved in the planning process and has scrutinised proposals for development which threaten to impinge on habitats and wildlife - most recently those linked with the expansion of Liverpool Airport and the developments on the old airfield.

Currently the group is involved in studying the proposal for a new road crossing over the Mersey in the Runcorn/Widnes area.

The MECG holds occasional conferences and is soon to launch the new, updated edition of the popular little book "The Mersey Estuary".

Starting with a brief history of the estuary's use and abuse, it then describes its importance for birds and other wildlife, the return of fish, porpoises and dolphins, the many sites where wildlife can be observed, and where local people and visitors can engage in a range of formal and informal recreation activities.

The little book is lavishly illustrated and will be available from MECG members and from bookshops, visitor centres etc.

The MECG now has its own website : www.merseyestuary.org.uk.

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL

Are you looking for a club which acts globally and thinks locally?

Do you want to meet women from different walks of life?

Would you like to find out more about Human Rights Issues, Child Labour, Trafficking of Women, Land Mines?

Will you get involved in supporting local projects and initiatives?

Then perhaps Soroptimist International is for you

Soroptimist International is a Non Governmental Organisation for Women, with direct access to the United Nations.

Over3,000 Clubs in 120 Countries working together for others in an effort to make a difference.

Locally we are involved in Beachwatch and carry out regular surveys of the pollution over a measured distance on New Brighton Beach.. We support the Wirral Women and Childrens Aid, the Ark Project for the Homeless, the Elderly and a Special Needs School.

If you would like to know more about S.I.Wallasey ring 639 7700 or 638 5579

Come in and see us for friendly

and honest advice with all your printing needs.

You can buy all your; Craft Card and Craft Paper

Standard address Labels, Speciality Labels,

CD Labels, CD & DVD Case inserts.

Business Cards and Laminating Pouches.

A HUGE Range of High Quality Photo Card and Photo Paper, available in GLOSS and MATT and SILK finish.

SEE OUR NEW RANGE OF PHOTO ART CARDS, PARCHMENT AND OUR NEW PEARLESCENT PAPERS AND CARDS.

Large range of Pre-Creased Greeting Cards and Coloured Envelopes, ideal for making your own Personalised Cards

A stunning selection of SPECIALITY paper such as: ~

T-shirt Transfer (for dark or light materials)

Fusible Cotton T-shirt Transfer

Ink-Jet Waterslide Decal, Dry Rub decal

Tattoo Paper - Mouse Matt Kits - Ink-jet Magnetic Sheet Holographic Film - Gold Film - Silver Film

Compatible Ink Cartridges for most popular printers at a price that will save you £££££££'s compared to original cartridges.

Novelty Disc Carry Cases, Paper Trimmers, Laminators and a range of low priced computer accessories.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON.

TOWER ACTION GROUP

Wirral Borough Council voted on the 13^th February to support the Telecommunication Masts (Planning Control) Bill that will be presented to Parliament in March by David Curry MP.
The motion was put and it was resolved (unanimously) that;

(1) This Council calls upon Wirral's four Labour MPs to support the Telecommunication Masts (Planning Control) Bill.
(2) The Private Members Bill will remove permitted development rights from telecommunications developments and widen the issues that can be taken into account in determining such applications in order to address public concerns.

On behalf of all the people living and working in the area around Gorsehill Water Tower, New Brighton, the TOWER ACTION GROUP, who have worked hard since 2000 to resist the further use of this Grade 2 Listed Building as a telecommunications base station welcome this support and hope that this new Bill will pass through the Commons with sufficient MPs present to carry the day.
A similar Bill was recently voted through but failed because the number of MPs in the House on the day was not sufficient to form a quorum in order for the matter to proceed.

It should be remembered that beneficial changes in the Telecommunications Planning Regulations may help all people wherever they live and work in this country.

The actions of the telecommunications companies on the Water Tower are still being observed and the recent removal of one of the microwave dishes on the 17^th December 2005 and the subsequent fitting of a new one in almost the same position on the 20^th January 2006, with some other as yet unidentified extra clutter, was done apparently without reference to the Planning Department for Listed Building consent.

We will be taking this matter up with the Council in due course.

THE GORSE

It doesn't seem like 6 years since we bought the Gorse and opened it as a Park. For those of you who don't know it's history, the Gorse is the piece of land next to the Reservoir - between the Water Tower on Gorsehill Road and St Peter and Paul's Church.

In 1995, United Utilities declared it surplus to requirements and decided to sell it for building purposes.The local community got together and, under the banner of SAVE THE GORSE, raised £125,000, bought the land and had it laid out as a park for us all.

The Gorse is looked after by 9 trustees and is funded through membership of the Gorse Millennium Green Trust. We've recently obtained a grant of just under £5,000 to repair the paths, pave the centre and have some horticulturalists give it a good tidy up.

Starting this month we are asking for volunteers to join us on the last Sunday each month btween 11 and 12 o'clock to do a bit of weeding and general maintenance. You'd be very welcome if you'd like to come.

You can join the Trust for the annual fee of £2.50.

Name:______________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________

^{______________________________Postcode:______________}

Tel. No: _______________________Date:__________________

Annual Membership renewable on the 1^st October annually.

Cheques payable to: The Gorse Millennium Green Trust

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

This year it will be 75 years since the foundation of the GDBA at Cliff Villa, Wellington Road, Wallasey.

To celebrate the event we are looking for any photographs, stories, anecdotes etc about the early days of the GDBA in Wallasey.

Kindly contact W Barry Shackleton, 96 The Cliff, Wallasey. (0151-638-3767 or email BShack@care4free.net)

"A Place in the Sun" or "Holiday Homes from Hell"?

Owning property abroad, especially Spain and France, has never been so popular and accessible due to better communications and the desire to escape the rat race. For many people, living in Spain or France is a dream and a privilege. For those who have travelled a lot it is easy to see why they are the top two holiday destinations in Europe.

Whether for holidays, investment or something more permanent, everyone seems to be tempted by apparently cheaper property, better weather, lower cost of living, better

health care, higher standard of living, more respect, less violence - the list goes on. But what are the realities behind the sales pitch of estate agents, lawyers, financial advisors and travel agents?

Looking at the bigger questions and excitement sometimes leaves the little things to raise their head when it's too late. Do I need to speak the language? How do I deal with getting electricity and gas, my phone and internet connections? What do I do with the kids? Is it really just location, location, location and will a coffee and a croissant on a cafe terrasse really solve all my problems?

Having lived in both France and Spain, Kevin and Enid of Encore Services are able to advise and offer support on all aspects of your project in these countries from learning the language to independent advice for everyday needs in your new home. Take advantage of our language skills and experience to help you decide what's best for you by bringing France and Spain to your doorstep.

For a free initial consultation, call us on 0151 638 9211 or send us your details from www.encoreservices.info/assistance/

Tower Grounds Skate Park Developments

As you may know the Council's Parks and Open Spaces section are proposing to build three skate parks this year. They will be located at Tower Grounds - New Brighton, Gayton Park - Heswall, and Lingham Park - Moreton.

Planning permission has been granted for Heswall and it is hoped to start construction end of March

The Parks and Open Spaces section have been working with local skaters to design a park that is both challenging and safe for a wide age range and will provide an opportunity for young people to engage in a healthy activity.

It is intended to apply for planning permissions for Tower Grounds and Lingham as soon as final designs have been agreed with the groups, this will be an opportunity for local people to respond accordingly in a formal way.

Once the planning application is submitted the plans will be on display at the New Brighton and Vale Park Community Centres

It is aimed to complete all three parks by the end of September 2006

For more information contact the Parks and Open Spaces Section on

637 6218

BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF NEW BRIGHTON

A timely exhibition of pictures of New Brighton will be staged at Earlston Library from Monday 27^th March pending the result of the Public Inquiry.

Photographs will be based on images of yesteryear taken by BOB BIRD and include a bird's eye view of the resort commissioned by Merseyside Development Corporation.

This will be followed on April 10^th by an exhibition celebrating the Queen's 80^th birthday with pictures of her Royal visits to Merseyside taken by Bob who was a well known press photographer who lived in New Brighton.

CSJ Awards offer anti-poverty groups £25,000 in prizes

by Howard Lake
10 Mar 2006

Iain Duncan Smith MP, Chairman of the Centre for Social Justice, has launched the 2006 CSJ Awards. These are designed to recognise, reward and celebrate organisations making exceptional contributions in meeting the needs of some of Britain's most vulnerable people, and include a total prize fund of £25,000.

The judging panel for the awards includes senior representatives from the voluntary sector, politics and business, including Camila Batmanghelidjh of Kids' Company, Theresa May MP, and Frank Field MP.

Iain Duncan Smith MP, Chairman of the CSJ, launched the 2006 awards with the comment that: "The Centre for Social Justice is convinced that all of Britain's social problems are being effectively tackled by someone, somewhere. We also believe that the most impressive work in tackling poverty is often done by small groups who are quietly getting on with the job." The awards are designed to highlight these groups and this work.

As well as sharing in the prize money, this year's winners will benefit from publicity at the 28 June awards ceremony at Westminser in front of senior politicians, opinion-formers and philanthropists.

In addition, a promotional film will be made profiling the work of winning groups that can be used for fundraising and publicity purposes. Corporate giving to all short-listed projects will be encouraged through the website, www.effectivegiving.org.uk.

Furthermore, the CSJ intends to build long-term mutually beneficial relationships with all the most impressive applicants through the CSJ Alliance. The Alliance, currently comprising around forty groups, was launched by David Cameron MP in July 2005 and is available to advise politicians of all the mainstream parties.

More: www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk.

Music Quiz night

Hope you don't mind, but I'm advertising a Music Quiz Night at the Old Manor Club, Withens Lane, Wallasey on 15th April. Start 7.30pm for 8.00pm. Cost-£4.00 per person. Teams and individuals welcome.Buffet and games. A real fun night. This is a LIVE event. Musician - Mr Neil Gaskell / m/c bill (me). Prizes!!!!!

If you would like tickets, please email me on the above address or ring 0151 638 4670 (me) or contact the club on 639 3020 or call in at the club. Hope to see you at this event.

Bill Mowbray

ISHTAR'S Belly dance Classes / Goddess/workshops Winter/spring 2006

www.ishtar.tv  - 07944 564 302 - ishtar@cybodule.freeserve.co.uk
 

Babylon Boudoir

You can now shop online at Ishtar's Babylon Boudoir; selling only unique, gorgeous things for belly dancers, dark angels and enchantresses. For Goddesses of all ages shapes and sizes! NEW Stock Stylish velvet belly dance top and matching pants, more tops dresses etc

Sensual online shopping experience. have a FREE READING from the Ishtar's Goddess Oracle... Let the Oracle find your Truth today...

Many items in the Babylon Boudoir are unique to our online store, made by talented artisans here and abroad. Prices start from £3! belly dance costumes, amazing unusual jewellery,Goddess and ritual dress, belly dance belts ,Goddess cards. A wide range of beautiful goddess statues, Bindi's, herbal aphrodisiacs, , headdresses, divination, music and so much more.

Updates temple of Ishtar www.ishtar.tv.

Click newz to discover info on the latest Classes/Workshops/Party Nights and more!

More pictures of Ishtar , students and friends at various shows over the last few months.(scroll down for details of the next show night)more articles,Ishtar's interview on Cincinnati radio ,new articles and more....

Coming soon- Show DVD a selection of extracts from a variety of shows from Ishtar and freinds. live downloadable video

www.ishtar.tv  - 07944 564 302 - ishtar@cybodule.freeserve.co.uk
 

Ishtar and Litith on SKY ONE! - recently me and my comraid Lithith were on Sky one talking about Goddess philosphy Did any one see?

Belly dance classes and workshops for winter/spring 2006

• Dancing with Wings
• Warrior Woman Belly dance
• How to be a LOVE Goddess
• Divine Archetypes become Personal Mythologies.

Full dates details on newz on www.ishtar.tv

Now online booking for workshops.

(For reviews and further details of workshops/classes (and performances) please see Endorsements.)

Ishtar's Arabesque night presents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CLUB ORIENTATION

on Friday 10th March 2006.Venue - Cotton Club beneath bar and grill. Bold street, Liverpool 1. Time-8.30pm-2.00am

A night of sparkling and exotic eastern inspired dec-A-dance. ENJOY your self at this most glamorous and opulent venues.

Be wowed by a wide variety of belly dance and unusual DARK CABARET music and dance Performances. The last event in July 2005 at the Cotton Club was a sell out! book now!!!!!!

Tickets available priced at £5 Ishtar's present students. All others- £8 (£6 unwaged ). £9 Door(no concessions on door please contact before turning up if possible in case we have sold out of tickets) Book and pay by post or online now!

See details of previous Arabesque nights here or for a gallery of Arabesque images click here.

The last event in July 2005 at the Cotton Club was a sell out!

Line Up ISHTAR and Shifting sands drummers ,- Yemeni performance artist FIAZER, Bollywood heart throb and filmmaker VEEJAY KUMAR super star ( is the love Guru), DRAG GEISHA , , Celtic Warrior belly dance, Gypsy Lament, Queen of the night dark and dangerous Goth belly dance . Very special guests . Fusion sounds for all to join in one big mad fusion-belly dance jam!!!!- men and women-Try out your ass shaking to great music. Dress up and sparkle the night away.

CELEBRATE CULTURE AND DIVERSITY.

Doors open 8.00pm ,show starts 8.30pm. dance to Arabesque tunes to from 10.30pm - 2.00am sexy cocktail bar!

A night of oriental deca-dance meet/make friends have a cultural and mind blowing experience

Time-8.30pm-2.00am

At the Cotton club, Bold st Liverpool 1 (Underneath bar and grill) This is a gorgeous sexy venue based on a 20s jazz Club Workshop all levels. Warrior Woman Belly dance5Sun 5th march 06 learn connect to your inner kick ass belly dancer. All women welcome.click on for details. Perform choreography at the show if you wish Nothing to wear visit.... Babylon Boudoir

(You can now shop online at Ishtar's Babylon Boudoir; selling only unique, gorgeous unique things for belly dancers, dark angels and enchantresses . For Goddesses of all ages shapes and sizes! NEW Stock Stylish velvet belly dance top and matching pants, more tops dresses etc

highly-acclaimed Ishtar's Goddess Oracle...
Let the Oracle find your Truth today...

Sensual online shopping experience. have a FREE READING from the Ishtar's Goddess Oracle... Let the Oracle find your Truth today...

Many items in the Babylon Boudoir are unique to our online store, made by talented artisans here and abroad. Prices start from £3! belly dance costumes, amazing unusual jewellery,Goddess and ritual dress, belly dance belts ,Goddess cards. A wide range of beautiful goddess statues, Bind's, herbal aphrodisiacs, , headdresses, divination ,music and so much more.

www.ishtar.tv  - 07944 564 302 - ishtar@cybodule.freeserve.co.uk
 

Ishtar's Goddess Oracle... Let the Oracle find your Truth today... free interactive oracle only at the boudoir!

Belly dance classes and workshops for winter/spring 2006

Warrior Woman Belly dance Sun 5th march 06 click on for details. Perform choreography at the show if you wish How to be a LOVE Goddess Divine Archetypes become Personal Mythologies. Full dates details on newz www.ishtar.tv Now online booking for workshops.

The last event in July 2005 at the Cotton Club was a sell out!

For details go to ishtar.tv look on galleries for pics.

Visit the all NEW Babylon Boudoir to find the highly-acclaimed Ishtar's Goddess Oracle... Let the Oracle find your Truth today...

Now on sale!

See Ishtar's Babylon Boudoir.

Message Board

New Brighton Photos

Paper Collection Calendar 2006

Your collection dates for 2006 are:

January	3rd / 17th / 31th
February	14th / 28th
March	14th / 28th
April	11th / 25th
May	10th / 24th
June	7th / 21st
July	5th / 19th
August	2nd / 16th / 30th
September	13th / 27th
October	11th / 25th
November	8th / 22nd
December	6th / 20th

More information at www.wirral.gov.uk/be/recycling/.