School’s Eco Stars Win Speaker’s Award

PUPILS from a Liverpool Infants School have won a national award for their work in promoting green issues. 

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, recognises and acknowledges the most inspiring achievements of school councils across the UK through the Speaker’s School Council awards.

Rice Lane Infants School have won the 4 to 7 age category for their Eco Stars scheme.  More than 800 schools entered the awards which celebrate and recognise innovative, effective and exciting projects.  In the Rice Lane scheme 10 pupils were chosen by their classmate to be Eco Stars.

“They promote eco ideas with families, monitor and initiate ideas and green days in school, monitor waste and energy use, lead assemblies about green issues and urge the children, families and staff to conserve energy and, in their words, 'Save the world' They are so enthusiastic about spreading the message. One of our Eco Stars is even trying to persuade his family to get a water butt for their garden.  And it is not just in the school they are also going out into the wider community, becoming involved with a local residential home and helping with planters in Walton Vale.  The judges , who included the Speaker, said they were incredibly impressed by the work of the Eco Stars and we are delighted we have won this award.” said headteacher Cheryl Chatburn. 

Councillor Jane Corbett, cabinet member for education and children’s services, said:- “This is a fantastic achievement. It is great that such young children are showing an interest in the environment and taking action on it. It’s confirmation that our children are the best in the country. They really are stars!”

The award will be presented to the school in a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on 30 June 2011.

WAYFARERS ARCADE SET TO BECOME THE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE OF SOUTHPORT SHOPPING

WAYFARERS Shopping Arcade has this week launched an innovative events programme to excite and entertain shoppers and visitors to the resort.  Playing a central role in the town, Wayfarers has put together a programme which will give people of all ages the opportunity to enjoy high quality entertainment and exhibitions. Initially most events will take place at week-ends but this will be extended as the programme grows in popularity.  The events programme includes storytelling workshops for children with professional actors which will take place on the third Saturday of each month, along with French mime artists, singers, magicians and exotic birds and reptiles to name just some.  Highlights of the events programme include the exclusive visit from the first female Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy on the evening of 28 June 2011. There is also an exclusive exhibition from 30 June to 6 July 2011 which celebrates the 400th birthday of the King James Bible. This exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to see an original King James Bible along with Bibles of famous people for example, Elvis Presley. From 22 August to 5 September 2011, the arcade is to host ‘The Beauty of the Ageing Female Face', a national exhibition by one of the UK’s leading magazines, Women’s Weekly.

A full diary leaflet is available from Wayfarers or the Tourist Information Centre and updated information is available on the Wayfarers website. Yvonne Burns, Wayfarers Shopping Arcade manager said:- “We are aiming to make Wayfarers the entertainment centre of Southport shopping.  The Arcade is a great place at anytime, but at weekends it’s extra special. You will find so much going on that it’s always worth a visit!”

Are you up to the NSPCC’s HACK Hiking challenges?

CALLING on people in Southport! Take up one of the NSPCC’s HACK (Hike Against Cruelty to Kids) hiking challenges and make every step count for vulnerable and abused children. The charity is looking for people in Southport who want a real physical challenge to sign up to take part in their nearest HACK, either in Buxton Country Park or Ullswater in the Lake District.

The Buxton High Peak HACK is 24 miles and takes place on Saturday 3 September 2011. Exploring the natural beauty of Buxton, the hike takes in scenic surroundings that are home to a whole host of wildlife. The route has incredible views, on a clear day as far as Manchester, and walkers will also pass the Cat and Fiddle, one of the highest pubs in England.

The Lake District HACK commences in Pooley Bridge, is 22 miles and takes place on Sunday 18 September 2011. With some of the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery in England, the Lake District HACK also gives you the chance to experience the splendour of one of the most beautiful lakes, Ullswater, and its spectacular surroundings.

Both of these are part of 11 HACKs taking place this year across the UK please visit:- nspcc.org.uk/hack for more details.

Martin Ashton, Head of local fundraising in the North West said:- “Training for the HACK is a great way to start a keep fit campaign, and is an amazing challenge and experience. The HACK will be a fabulous day out in the great outdoors and a valuable opportunity to help the NSPCC raise money to support its projects and services across the UK.”

The HACK challenge can be great fun, but is hard work. Walks of over 20 miles are a demanding physical challenge, and the NSPCC recommends people who register, undertake some training before hand. Average walkers should complete the walk comfortably within 12 hours with more experienced faster walkers aiming to complete the walk within eight hours.

There will be checkpoints and marshals on route, with radio contact between all checkpoints and the control centre. The terrain is varied and the weather conditions can change quickly, so suitable walking boots, clothing and accessories, such as a rucksack, are recommended for all walkers. Check out the training tips section on the NSPCC website.

The HACK is open to people aged 18 years and over. (No pets are permitted on the walk) Once the registration is complete, entrants will receive a walker’s pack outlining their start time and giving further details of the route. Participants can then begin collecting sponsorship pledges from friends and family or even your work colleagues!

So pull on your hiking boots and take to the hills to help end cruelty to children in the UK. The registration fee is £20 and is for over 18's only. For further details and online registrations and payments, please go online or contact the NSPCC Fundraising Office on:- 0161 628 1209 or email them.