ABOUT THE FLORAL PAVILION

The Floral Pavilion, together with the adjacent Victoria Gardens, was opened on the 13th May 1913 by Lord Derby as a place of entertainment for concert parties and music recitals. Originally an open air venue with a raised pavilion bandstand as a stage, the complex was modified in 1925 with new seating for 1200, a new stage, and was enclosed with a glazed roof and walls and supported by decorative iron framing.

Major alterations took place in 1965/66 with a new stage area. All the glass was removed and the outer walls were clad in metal sheeting. Further alterations were made by the Merseyside Development Corporation in the early 90's and involved partial re-roofing, new foyer area and a cast iron shelter structure was added to the promenade side of the building.

Since that time very little changed and, whilst the Floral thrived and was a vibrant and well supported venue loved and cherished by patrons alike, it was obvious that drastic measures were needed if the Floral was to survive.

The exciting plans drawn up by Neptune Developments were approved by Wirral Borough council and work began on site in October. The new Floral Pavilion complex will re-open late 2008. Plans for the new theatre can be seen on the website -

It is now also possible to follow building progress by viewing webcams on the roof of Palace Amusements and Fort Perch Rock - simply go to www.camserv.co.uk/floral.

This new iconic building on the promenade is in the first phase of proposed wide ranging scheme to improve the whole of the sea front of New Brighton.... plans which will include further leisure developments, improvements to Marine Lake, a Lido and a Hotel.

Over the years the Floral played host to Pierrots and concert parties, pantomimes, music festivals and, of course, the famous "Melody inn Review" which for an incredible 23 consecutive years from 1948 to 1970 - twice nightly from May to September!

Countless famous names have starred at the Floral over the years including:-

Frankie Howerd, Petula Clark, Barbara Dickson, Elkie Brooks, Jack Jones, Joe Longthorne, Cilia Black, Howard Keel, Lisa Stansfield, Bobby Vee, Al Martino....as well as stars from the great variety days such as Hatty King, Adelaide Hall and Sandy Powell.

We felt privileged when "The King of Knotty Ash" himself closed the first chapter of the Floral's life back in March with his "Happiness Show" What nostalgic evening that turned out to be!!

We would like to hear from anybody with fond memories of working Floral in its heyday. It is possible to submit those memories directly onto the website

For any further information contact Paul Holiday at Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead on 666 0007.

NEW SHOW SET TO STEAL THE STAGE

Rehearsals have started for Out the Bag's production of "Stealing Me" which entered for the Leverhulme Festival at the Gladstone Theatre next April. The company are pleased to welcome some new members who will take on some of the main roles in a new play written by Bev Clark, as part of Wirral Writer's 2008.

This humorous look at identity-theft, follows the fortunes of would be scouse thief Denny Raymond as he becomes a celebrity novelist without writing a word.

Along the way he loses his friends but finally finds himself. Out the Bag Productions rehearse every Monday evening at 7.30,at the Mount Primary School, Wallasey. They also run workshops every week and welcome new members. If you would like more details please visit their website - www.outthebag.co.uk or call Paula on 07851 294 380.

Need to know how to use your Computer? Want to help the kids with homework? Or just browse the web? Julie and Tim are here to help don't worry if you have never used a computer before we can show you how and give you the confidence!

Just call in to see us we are upstairs in Vale House Vale Park Wallasey
Tel: 639-5958

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (SHOPPING DEVELOPMENT)(ENGLAND AND WALES) DIRECTIONS 1993 APPLICATION No: OUT/2OO7/6508
PROPOSED MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT AT LAND NORTH OF KING'S PARADE, NEW BRIGHTON, WIRRAL. APPLICANT: NEPTUNE DEVELOPMENTS LTD

The Secretary of State has considered all the matters put to her about this application. Stating in that the issue before her for decision is not whether the application should he granted planning permission, but whether or not she should call it in for her own determination. The Secretary of State considers that her policies relating to planning for town centres (PPS6: Planning for Town Centres) together with her policies relating to tourism (PPG2I) and Development and Flood Risk (PPG2S) are the main matters relevant to her decision.

After careful consideration of all the mailers put to her about this application, including representations made by interested third parties, and having regard to her policy on call-in, the Secretary of State has concluded that there is not sufficient conflict in this case with national planning policies on the above matters, or other sufficient reason to warrant calling in the application for her own determination. She has therefore decided that she should leave the decision on whether or not to grant planning permission in this case to the local planning authority.

FAIRTRADE FESTIVE FUN

Go on admit it - you love the wine, the chocolates, the flowers and the pampering! We all buy treats at this time of year, so let's make it Fairtrade!

Fairtrade ensures that farmers in developing countries get a better price covering the cost of production and also enabling the farmer to pay for schooling and health care for his family. It supports the farmer to trade out of poverty.

So whether it's wine, juice, coffee, biscuits, chocolates or fruit you are after - LOOK OUT FOR THE LOGO!! The Coop and all other supermarkets stock Fairtrade.

If you want information about Fairtrade on the Wirral call Alison at Wirral LA21 Network on 639 2121. For general Fairtrade information visit the website on www.fairtrade.org.uk.

U.3.A.
University of the Third Age

There will be an OPEN MEETING in Earlston Library, Wallasey on Tuesday January 8th 2008 when it is hoped to start a new U3A Group In the Wallasey Area. Tea/coffee will be served from 10 am and the formal meeting will start at 10.30 am.

Mr Alex McMinn, North West Trustee for U3A will give a presentation and members of other U3A groups will be there to welcome potential members and discuss the way forward.

Vale Park Calender

The calendar has been produced by the Friends of Vale Park, New Brighton. All photographs were taken by local residents and all profits from the sale of this calendar will go towards improving the facilities at Vale Park.

March: Vale Park Swings - Gerda Evans

2008 not only celebrates Capital of Culture but the 60th anniversary of Bob Bird starting up as a photographer in New Brighton.

In his memory, the Bird family of New Brighton, will be staging photographic exhibitions. A replica of Bob's photo kiosk outside the Queen's Royal Hotel is presently being used to display photographs. There is also a display of pictures at New Brighton Railway Station which is changed on a regular basis.

The Union of Catholic Mothers of Ss Peter and Pauls parish are hoping to make some small cot and single bed sized patchwork quilts for terminally ill and very sick children in the country. The quilts must be made of cotton or poly cotton fabric and we are asking for donations of any suitable remnants you may have. All fabric can be left at Vale House Caf´ open daily 10am - 4 pm - and if you would like to sew for this project, please leave your name and contact number at the Caf´. We will report progress in future editions of the Walrus. Thank you in advance for our help.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
CLOSING DOWN SALE

Due to continually falling sales, increased costs of materials and expenditure to run and maintain our business, it is with regret that we have to inform our customers that DCData Limited will cease trading early December 2007.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers, past and present, for their support over the past decade or so.

All stock has been dramatically reduced in price and everything must go so now is the ideal time to grab a bargain and stock up.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year with good health and wealth for the future.

GCSE ENGLISH LANG/LIT.
Extra tuition. Qualified teacher. Home visits. 639 4326

Panto stays in Wallasey

The Floral Pavilion may be closed this year but St Alban's Players are staying in Wallasey. We are presenting our annual pantomime at Oldershaw School's Theatre. We look forward to seeing your familiar faces at our versions of Treasure Island. As usual it will be full to bursting with all things traditional and modern singing, dancing, goodies and baddies as well as our hero and heroine plus much, much more!!!

Come along and join in the fun - it's during half term - a great opportunity. For more information call : Cathy 638 9870 or Barbara 639 3601

Photos of Old Wallasey

I hope you enjoy the photos from Paul Reay at the top of this page. We are hoping to have a different logo for each edition of the Walrus. If you would like your photograph to appear on the next issue, please send it to rustyk92@sky.com.

WALRUS