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British Blokart Races on Ainsdale Beach
THE brisk
breezes on Saturday, 28 June 08, were welcomed by those who
participated in the British Blokarting races along Ainsdale beach.
The races were organised by local blokarting champion, Justin Heap.
The little craft with their colourful sails were skilfully
manoeuvred around the course and as they sped up and down, provided
a spectator attraction for those hardy souls out walking along the
sands as well as for their own fans. Everyone seemed to be having an
enjoyable time.
Bob Jewell, an
enthusiast and organiser, up from West Cornwall, gave me some
background to the sport. Both blokarting and speedsailing are young
but growing sports. Blokarting began in the USA, in 1999 and came
here in 2001, mostly arranged on a voluntary basis. They are growing
in popularity across a wide range of people, of all ages and
abilities. The youngest blokarter that Bob knows is 7 years old and
the oldest 67 and with a wooden leg! Bob said:- "It is a very
inclusive sport" and "it is much the easiest way to
learn to sail." Blokarts can reach speeds of up to 60 mph
but although there are no brakes, and patently a number overturn,
helmets and good safety lap straps invariably keep land and
participant apart, without undue hazard. "With a mere 4 inches
between backside and ground, it can feel rather extreme, but it's
all part of the fun." One of the racers told us.
For anyone interested
in joining, Blokarts are usually individually owned and sell for
around £1,370 for entry level craft, but we are assured that it is
well worth it for the "fantastic fun" to be had in the
sport. Not only that, but it is far more environmentally friendly
than motor sports and you do not have to pay for petrol. For further
information go to:-
Blokart.org.uk or
speedsail.uk.com."
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SEARCH FOR A STAR AUDITIONS 2008
WE took a
sneak preview on 24 June 2008 at what might be on offer at this
year's competition, at the second to last audition night; this time
held at The Venue, next to Southport Arts Centre. The event, each
successive year, attracts better and better acts fighting for a
place in the National Finals and it looks like this year will not be
any different. Yes, it really looks like this year's North West -
British Resorts and Destinations Association, Search For A Star, is
shaping up to become, yet again, a fantastic talent competition.
From what we could see and hear, this will be a very hard
competition to judge, so do not miss the Heats to be held on 7
August 2008 from 19:00 to 22:00, 14 August 2008 from 19:00 to 22:00
and on the 21 August 2008 from 19:00 to 22:00. With the level of
talent exhibited by this year's hopefuls, at the auditions, I hate
to think what the North West Regional Final will be like on 18
September 2008. To get your tickets call in to the Southport Arts
Centre. Tickets for the Heats will cost £7.00 and be well worth the
money. The tickets for the Area Final will set you back just £11.00
each! Good luck to all of you taking part in this competition and we
hope to see you all there as normal...
Ben
makes Benny!
A 12 year old
from Ormskirk has beaten off strong competition from hundreds of
other youngsters to take the starring child role in a professional
stage musical.
Ben Darcy has been selected by the producers of ‘Our Benny’
to appear alongside a host of stars when the show makes it’s much
heralded return to the Liverpool Empire from 12 November 2008 to 22
November 2008. Ben will play the lead juvenile role of ‘Benny
Bates’.
Merseyside born star Sam Kane play’s the lead male role - ‘Joe
Wragg’. Sam became a household name after successful stints
in “Brookside” and “Coronation Street”.
An accomplished television actor and musical theatre performer, Sam
says he’s delighted to be back in his home city as part of The
Capital of Culture Celebrations.
Playing opposite Sam
as leading lady is Bernie Nolan. Having secured international fame
as part of singing sensations ‘The Nolans’, over more
recent years Bernie has received widespread acclaim for her work in
Television and Theatre. Taking up the part of ‘Sally Wragg’,
Bernie is thrilled to be appearing in ‘Our Benny’.
‘Our Benny’ is an emotive tale of a young orphan boys
struggle to survive on the harsh streets of Liverpool during the
intense poverty of the Victorian era. It’s a feel good, classic rags
to riches tale. Audiences will be captivated by the life story of
Benny Bates, as he claws his way up from humble street urchin to
eventual gentleman. Whether you’re 6 or 106, it’s guaranteed
to make you both laugh and cry!
ABD Productions have revamped the musical to coincide with
Liverpool’s status as the European Capital of Culture. Based on the
famous Liverpool novel by Silas K. Hocking, ‘Our Benny’
remains faithful to the original. With brand new orchestral
arrangements, authentic costumes, stunning set design and the very
latest in sound and lighting technology it promises to be one of the
highlights of this city’s cultural calendar. |
