Meols Cop High School Car Wash.

 

SATURDAY 22 MAY Meols Cop High School's teachers and pupils were out on the school car park doing a sponsored car wash to raise cash for the schools drama department. Despite the odd mishap with the hosepipe, the kids and staff came away dry and the cars sparklingly clean. Well done to all involved and please tell me when the next one is as I want to get my car cleaned again! 

 

READERS' COMPETITION 

 

IF you think you are a good journalist and photographer..., if you have a story and a good snap, well send it in. 

Each week we will give you the chance to win £10.00 for a story and picture. As well as the cash we will put your name on the credit. 

The story must be informative and the photograph must show what is going on. The topic to cover is community. The aim is to show the rest of the UK what we are really like. We do not want any large events. What we want is for you to get the normal day to day things, like your scout group fund raiser, next door's wedding etc. The things that get missed out of the news normally. Example above.

If you photograph children, we must have the parent/s' or school/s' permission and a way of contacting them to verify it is OK to publish the photograph, before it can be considered for the competition. 

The story and photograph must be news from the week you submit it. Taken between Saturday to Thursday... We deserve the right to refuse entries, if we feel the photograph could have legal problems. 

This competition is open to any one of any age and will run from this edition 29 May to the 30 June. 

Email your photographs and stories by 10.00am Thursday each week to news24@southportreporter.com with the subject header competition. Also include your full name, and if under 16 include your parent / guardian's name as well. 

Your address and phone number. The only thing that will be given out is your name and age if under 16. 

 

Good Luck with you snaps. 

APPEAL….. 3 DAY BIKE CHALLENGE 

THE Children's Hospitals Appeal Trust are looking for people to get on their bikes in August and help raise funds for vital medical equipment children and babies in the North West.

The sponsored challenge is to cycle from England's Coast to Coast in 3 days. All you need is a bike and a good sense of humour, with accommodation and food provided.

The Children's Hospitals Appeal Trust organised a similar event in 2002, which raised almost £25,000 for their valuable work. The charity helps both the National Health Service and the Ambulance Service to bring forward priorities in the provision of paediatric equipment to help them ensure they offer the very best service possible.

If you would like more information on how to get involved please call The Appeals Office on 0161 798 1600.

DRIVERS AT RISK OVER BANK HOLIDAY, WARNS RAC

WITH up to 16 million cars predicted to be on the roads, motorists are at greater risk of breakdown, accidents, fines and penalties. RAC Legal Services is warning drivers to take more care on Britain's roads this bank holiday weekend.

During the last bank holiday weekend, the RAC received, on average, a call every seven seconds from drivers needing help following a breakdown, after an accident or enquiring about their legal rights. However, drivers can take steps to increase their safety and reduce the cost of travelling when trouble occurs. RAC recommends that drivers take the following actions, including:-

1. Checking your car over….   

    Make sure the vehicle is safe and in good order, after checking oil, water and petrol levels drivers must also look yout Tyres.    Monitor the pressure, tread depth and condition of your tyres (including the spare). Incorrectly inflated tyres, combined with the extra weight of luggage and passengers can result in poor road handling and can make tyres more susceptible to punctures. Aside from the huge risk of personal injury, illegal tyres on a car can hit motorists hard, for each bald tyre (including the spare) drivers will incur three points on their licence and faulty brake-lights can bring a fine of up to a maximum of £2,500.

2. Check headlights and indicators….  

    Make sure lenses are free from damage and are kept clean to ensure you can see and be seen on the roads. Although the evenings are getting brighter, drivers should ensure they make every effort to be visible.

3. Carry the right equipment….  

   Motorists should ensure they have a first aid kit in their car, a blanket and a mobile phone to use in an emergency. Drivers unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident or minor collision can also benefit from keeping a disposable camera in the car to help demonstrate to insurers the impact or circumstances behind the incident.

4. Emergency Numbers….   

   If drivers are members of motoring organisations like RAC, Green Flag or AA, then they should ensure they have the right numbers available to call following a breakdown or accident. 

5. After a breakdown or accident….  

   If drivers do not have a mobile phone they should use the orange roadside phones if on the motorway and report their breakdown or accident. On any motorway or trunk road, drivers should NEVER remain in the vehicle on the roadside or hard shoulder. For greater safety, people must stand away from the vehicle and the road edge.

6. Avoid black spots….  

   Heavily congested roads or dangerous areas increase the chance of accidents. In the event of being stuck in traffic remember to be patient and avoid suddenly speeding up and slowing down if possible, this is when shunting can occur. 

7. Check parking restrictions and penalties…. 

   Before travelling, drivers should check to ensure they are familiar with parking restrictions. Recent RAC research revealed that one in three motorists have argued with a warden over a ticket and a similar number admit to not knowing how a bank holiday effects parking regulations. Read the signs closely and search for authorized parking zones if in doubt.

Mark Hodges at RAC Legal Services said:- "With more traffic on Britain's roads over the bank holiday weekend, the risk of breakdowns, accidents and fines increases. We urge people to take care to ensure they enjoy their weekend and stay safe. On average, we received a call every seven seconds from motorists on the last bank holiday, which shows how heavy traffic disrupts many motorists."