Former Supertramp frontman in Liverpool
Photographs by Ian Fairbrother

LIVERPOOL'S Philharmonic Hall played host to one of the UK's most gifted composers and lyricists of our times, Roger Hodgson. The former Supertramp front man was is now well on track to reclaim musical legacy after giving a fantastic night that did not disappoint his many fans. This tour of UK concert halls is called:- “An Evening With Roger Hodgson” and sees him performing in the likes of Royal Albert Hall and Glasgow Pavillion.

APPEAL TO MAKE BUS PICTURE PERFECT

ARRIVA North West is appealing for budding photographers in Liverpool to showcase their skills in a photography competition designed to explore the role of public transport in the community.

People driven by a passion for photography are being invited to submit images of buses at work in the local area. The Arriva bus captured on camera should be shown playing an essential part in daily life, for example as a way of meeting up with friends and linking communities.

Judges are keen to see buses in a variety of settings and in all four seasons, whether in a tranquil country lane covered with snow, or a picturesque cityscape in the sun.

Debra Mercer, marketing manager for Arriva North West, said:- “The bus is for anyone and everyone, and so we thought it would be fitting to ask the local community to get involved so that our photography reflects our customers. That is why the competition has no age restrictions. We are looking forward to seeing a variety of images and, in particular, we will be looking for shots that capture the atmosphere and mood of bus travel in original and exciting ways.”

Hopefuls are being urged to get on board by emailing their snapshots of life on and around the bus, along with their contact details, to photo@arriva.co.uk by Monday, 31 July 2011.

The national winner will be rewarded with a Sony digital SLR camera, while the Arriva North West winner will receive vouchers from a well known photography chain. All winners will have their photo published on the bus companies website.  For more information about the photography competition and for full terms and conditions, please visit:- arrivabus.co.uk/photocompetition.

Viking Stronghold takes hold!

WIDNES Vikings launched its Viking Stronghold membership in early April soon after its successful entry into Super League for 2012 to 2014. This unique initiative completely changes the clubs relationship with its supporters and aims to make its fans feel included and engaged. A membership is paid monthly and includes entry to home games as well as many other benefits such as texts of team news, a one-off exclusive member’s shirt and exclusive advanced information of latest club news and signings.

The club ultimately aims to encourage 7,000 people to join its Viking Stronghold, which will ensure the long term future and competitiveness of its squad.

Its early bird offer finished on 31 May 2011 and the club is pleased to announce the results so show that 96% of the Vikings’ existing season ticket holders have pledged to become Viking Stronghold members in November, alongside over 1,300 new supporters who have also become members. Many of the new supporters come from outside of the borough’s catchment area, bringing the total to 3,220.

Steve O’Connor, Widnes Vikings Chairman said:- "I am delighted with the response so far, but there is still a long way to go and we still need more people to join us! Paul Cullen is visiting Australia next week and has a number of overseas players earmarked by Denis Betts to join us in Super League. We hope to announce these in the next few months. This I’m sure will convince those people who are still unsure of our intentions to compete to sign up. Many of the Super League clubs have shown an interest in our Stronghold and we are sure that this is the most modern approach to supporter engagement."

Brian O’Connor, Widnes Vikings Director of Marketing and CRM said:- "The club has gone through a learning process during the implementation of the Viking Stronghold, it aimed to make the pledging process accessible via a number of different mechanisms. I would like to thank supporters for their patience; we will be contacting our existing fan base to confirm their early bird membership over the next week or so. I would also like to urge fans who are considering joining the Stronghold but are perhaps delaying their decision until closer to the start of the Super League season to contact the club and make their intentions known, to allow us the opportunity to plan our budget accordingly."

BLUES BROTHERS TRIBUTE NIGHT AND A REAL ALE FESTIVAL!

OVER Thursday, 24 June 2011 and Friday, 25 June 2011, Longton VM Sports & Social Club will be holding it's 1st Annual Beer Festival. The first nights fun gets under way with a serving of real ales with a Lancashire theme for everyone to enjoy... Beers like Moorehouse's, Bowland, Arkwrights will be on offer and to keep you entertained between tasting, they are throwing in a Trivia quiz. The second night will see more Real Ale, but it will be drunk to the sounds of a superb local R&B Band:- “THE FIRM”. Yep it will be a barrel of fun for all attending! Also on 23 July 2011 the a fantastic 5 piece called:- "LIVE" will be performing at the Social Club, on School Lane, Preston. For more information visit:- longtonssc.co.uk.