THE Blind Date Auction was held in Southport’s hidden gem, the Latin Lounge, on Post Office Ave. on 11 September 2009.  The event was very well supported by the media. "A big note of thanks has to go to John The Mad Scot, who preformed for us through out the night, but that's not forgetting the girls and lads who put them selves forward for auction.  With out them we would not have been able to raise any cash for Southport's St John Ambulance.  Thank all so must go to the media, who helped publicised it, like Real Radio, The Champion and Dune FM.  Special thanks must go to the sponsors, who donated activities.  But we have to single out Manchester City Football Club for donating, not only an activity, but also a signed Football.  A very unexpected and welcome addition." said a representative for St John Ambulance after the event. 

The sponsors where:-

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION - DOVECOT BURGLARY

MERSEYSIDE Police have released new CCTV following a burglary at a post office in Dovecot in July 2009.

On Sunday 12 July 2009, in the early hours of the morning, three men entered the rear of the post office in Dovecot Avenue, Dovecot and stole an amount of money from the ATM cash machine inside the building.

The offenders are described as all being mixed race men. One of the offenders is described as being medium to stocky build, with a shaved head and large forehead wearing a dark hooded jacket and dark tracksuit bottoms. The second offender is slim, with a large nose wearing a hooded black waist length jacket with a white logo on the right arm, blue jeans with white and black trainers. The third offender is medium build wearing a white top underneath a hooded waist length green coloured jacket and blue jeans.

Detective Constable Rupinder Kaliria said:- "We wish to speak to anyone who may have any information in relation to this incident. We are making extensive enquiries and will do all we can to catch these men and put them before the courts. We would urge the community to help us with our enquiries and find those responsible."

Detectives would like to speak to the men featured in the stills as they may be able to assist them with their enquiries.

Anyone who thinks they may recognise the men and anyone with information relating to the burglary should contact Lower Lane CID on:- 0151 777 4566, or Crime stoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

PREDICTED FLU OUTBREAKS CAUSE CONCERN FOR MENINGITIS CHARTIY

THE UK’s longest established meningitis charity – the Meningitis Trust - is calling for people to stay alert to the signs and symptoms of the disease as we head into the autumn months, which sees cases of both flu and meningitis increase.

The predicted flu outbreaks this autumn are a concern to the charity as fighting infections like colds and flu can weaken immune systems, leaving people more vulnerable to meningitis. Flu affects up to about 10% of the population and experts are predicting that the UK will see more flu-like illnesses in the colder months. The Trust is urging people not to mistake meningitis symptoms for those of these illnesses as it can be fatal.

Every year the Trust sees an increase in cases of bacterial meningitis over the winter, particularly the most common cause of bacterial meningitis, meningococcal group B. There is no vaccine to protect against this particular strain, so vigilance is key.

Bridie Taylor, Services and Education Director of the Meningitis Trust says:- “As there isn’t a vaccine yet for meningococcal group B, we are urging everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms as the colder months begin to creep in. It’s a common misconception that people think they are protected by vaccines for all strains of meningitis – this is a mistake that could cost lives. As well as having weaker immune systems from fighting infections, people are also at an increased risk as in winter we tend to spend more time indoors and in closer proximity to others, which means germs are spread more easily.”

The early symptoms of meningitis can easily be mistaken for those of flu and include fever, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright light, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion and in some, but not all cases, a rash. Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all.

Bridie continues:- “Worryingly, the symptoms can easily look like other, more common conditions. As we’ve recently seen with swine flu, it’s extremely important to keep meningitis in mind when someone is displaying flu-like symptoms. Mistaking the symptoms could be fatal. With Winter upon us, it is all the more important to err on the side of caution, be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, and to seek medical attention as a matter of urgency if you suspect the disease.”

Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning) can affect anyone at any time and can kill within hours. Survivors can be left with disabling after-effects, including brain damage, deafness and, where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs.

The Meningitis Trust is a registered charity dedicated to providing practical and emotional support for life to anyone affected by the disease. It has a range of professional support services, which provide a lifeline to those who are struggling to cope with the impact of meningitis. Last year it helped 20,000 people through its services and community support; giving out £160,000 in financial support grants.

The charity is also committed to raising awareness of the disease and produces a range of awareness information materials, such as a handy credit card sized signs and symptoms card. The cards are available FREE by calling the Trust’s freephone 24 hour nurse-led helpline on:- 0800 028 18 28 and are designed to be kept in people’s purses and wallets at all times.

ICELAND FORMBY'S CHARITY COLLECTION - UPDATE

A few weeks back we reported that Formby Iceland store was raising cash for Alder Hey, and we have just found out that they raised about £2,000. It is thought that this could be the 2nd highest total in the Merseyside area. To see the report about that event click here.

Michael Shields’ Euro MP raises Bulgarian failings in European Parliament

LOCAL Labour Euro MP, Arlene McCarthy last night made a formal intervention in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, calling on the Bulgarian authorities to look again at the dossier of evidence which was re-submitted by the Justice Minister Jack Straw last week. Arlene said:- “Last week an innocent man was freed from jail after spending four and half years in prison for a crime he did not commit There are multiple tragedies in this case; one man has been seriously injured, an innocent young man, Michael Shields, has spent four years in jail, and a violent football hooligan has so far escaped unpunished. I have every confidence in the new Bulgarian Government who have pledged to reform the justice system and acknowledged the weaknesses in the past regarding corruption and judicial reform. I believe they have a moral duty to reopen this case. The Bulgarian’s must now recognise Michael's innocence, reopen the investigation, and allow justice to be upheld. This cooperation is essential if we are to make a reality of an area of justice, freedom and security in Europe.”