An evening and screening with writer Andy Briggs

THIS is footage of the fantastic story writer Andy Briggs doing a talk about his role in the film:- 'Crowhurst' at the Southport Bijou Cinema, on 1 March 2020. Andy is a well know author, with his books being available worldwide. He also works with both film and TV companies, like:- BBC, Syfy, Netflix, ITV Sci-fi Channel, BKN Kids, Disney XD and Amazon, but is working on his own projects too.

Andy, was at the venue at the request of VAMPHire.com to give a presentation about his work on the film that covered the strange, but true story about 35 year old, Donald Crowhurst who vanished during the final stages of the:- 'Times Golden Globe Race' in 1969. In this exclusive video of the talk, Andy gives a unique insight into the making of this unusual, critically acclaimed film that many have hot even heard of, let alone the true life story behind it.

The film, if you have not already seen it, it is a real life story that is part adventure, part mystery, but mostly tragedy, set between 1967 and 1969. It follows Donald Crowhurst, a rookie sailor who was from the sleepy, historic market town of Bridgwater, in Somerset, England, as he finds life channelling him into entering the race in hopes of winning the ₤5,000 prize for the fastest time of anyone who enters the:- 'Times Golden Globe Race.' Under huge pressure with a family to support and a struggling electronics business, he pushes on, despite the risks and personal reservations, to not only enter, but also take part. It then goes on to cover the race and ends with the 'mystery' that was left at the end. We recommend that, if you have not seen this film, you should really take a look at it. It is a very good portrait of a man under pressure to deliver and the cost it has on him and his family.

In this footage you can hear Andy explaining the concerns about filming such an emotional film as well as issues the public would probably never consider, yet alone hear about.

Most people in Liverpool might recognise the 'Times Golden Globe Race' due to the City hosting on a number of occasions the 'Clipper Race.' The founder of the 'Round the World Clipper Race,' was Sir William Robert Patrick Knox-Johnston CBE RD* who originally become the 1st person to perform a single handed sail around the globe, non-stop and subsequently winning the 'Times Golden Globe Race' prize.  It is that legacy that lead him on to setting up the 'Clipper Race.' It is also worth adding that Robin Knox-Johnston donated his ₤5,000 winnings for fastest circumnavigation in the 'Times Golden Globe Race' to Donald Crowhurst's widow and children.

To see the film's tailor, please click on here.  Also for more information about Andy, please do visit his official website.

The next event with VAMPHire.com at the Southport Bijue Cinema, on Post Office Ave, Southport, will be on Wednesday, 11 March 2020, when the Press Regulator, IMPRESS will be holding a special public event from 7pm to 11:45pm, at the venue, looking at press regulation within the UK and Fake News. For more information about the event entitled:- 'Fake news - Who can we trust?' and to get tickets, please click on here. This event will include a film screening of the 1976 Watergate classic:- 'All the President's Men.' Take advantage of this unique chance of an informative question and answer session and an interesting film, seen in a very comfortable and well equipped cinema, with the added attraction of refreshments being available too.

RNIB makes accessible books free for children in the North West of England on World Book Day

TO celebrate World Book Day, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is giving away thousands of books in braille and audio formats for children with vision impairment across the North West of England. The selection of 13 titles aims to support World Book Day's mission to give every child and young person a book of their own. 9 year old Fred Howe from York has an eye condition called familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). It causes progressive vision loss and affects the retina, the light sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. He is a keen reader and regularly downloads Talking Books from RNIB's online Library. He has chosen Kid Normal from the list of titles RNIB has made accessible to celebrate World Book Day. Fred said:- "I love reading, books can take me anywhere in my imagination and I have so many adventures listening to my books! RNIB's Library of Talking Books is amazing because there are so many titles and no end to the places I can go."

Organised by UNESCO, World Book Day is marked in more than 100 countries around the world, with 2020 being the 23rd year of celebrations. World Book Day organisers are encouraging parents, children and young people of all ages to spend at least 10 minutes a day sharing a book together and celebrate reading for pleasure, helping to promote wellbeing for everyone. James Bartlett, RNIB Library and Newsagent Manager, said:- "We are delighted to support this year's World Book Day, which is such a great way of encouraging children to read. The braille and audio versions of books that RNIB has created ensure that blind and partially sighted children can discover these stories just like any other child and share in the excitement this World Book Day."

To claim a free book in braille or audio (Daisy CD) format, call the RNIB helpline on:- 0303 123 9999 or send them an email. The books will be available for free until 31 March 2020.

The titles available are:-

► Bing's Splashy Story.

► Supertato:- Books Are Rubbish! by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet.

► Evie in the Jungle by Matt Haig.

► Amelia Fang and the Bookworm Gang by Laura Ellen Anderson.

► The Day We Met the Queen by Onjali Q. Raúf.

► The Case of the Drowned Pearl by Robin Stevens.

► Kid Normal and the Loudest Library by Chris Smith and Greg James.

► My Awesome Guide to Getting Good at Stuff by Matthew Syed.

► Alex Rider Undercover:- The Classified Files by Anthony Horowitz.

► Split by Muhammad Khan.

► The Kissing Booth:- Road Trip! by Beth Reekles.

► Darllen gyda Cyw by Anni Llŷn.

► Stori Cymru – Iaith a Gwaith by Myrddin ap Dafydd.

Southport's Elim Pre-School Adventures

CHILDREN from Elim Pre-School had a great week visiting the local Fire Station, in Southport and celebrating World Book Day. The youngsters, between the ages of 2 and 4, loved being shown around the Fire Station and even got to climb on a fire engine and use the hose. They were amazed by the fire pole and "enjoyed wearing the helmet and squirting water!"

Pre school manager Vicky Copeland added:- "We would like to say a big thank you blue watch staff. We has a brilliant time visiting."