Book launch by a former Southport Minister

THE former Minister of Holy Trinity Church, Southport, is launching his latest book in June 2019. Canon Dr Rod Garner has not been idle since his retirement back in 2018, as evidenced by his latest book:- 'The Bright Evening Star - A Portrait of John Henry Newman.' If you don't know who that was, Cardinal Newman, was 1 of the most controversial religious thinkers of the 19th Century. Newman is now set to be made a Saint, and he remains an influential figure within the life of the Church. This short book, written by Canon Dr Rod Garner, has been done in an accessible style, which makes it an interesting portrayal of Newman. If you want to find out more, all are welcome to attend the book launch, which includes refreshments, presentation, and book signing, in the Conference Room (1st floor), of Southport College, on Tuesday, 11 June 2019, from 7pm, or if you can't attend that event, don't worry, Canon Garner will also be holding another 1 at Ince Blundell Hall, from 6pm, on Thursday, 20 June 2019.

MERSEYRAIL have announced that it is introducing its Sunday 15 minute Summer Service, running between Southport and Liverpool. Beginning on Sunday, 26 May 2019, services will become more frequent with trains every 15 minutes, rather than every 30, to match those running throughout the week until 22 September 2019.

These regular services will run all day, and between 10am and 11pm, only on Sundays, with regular 30 minute trains running outside these times, giving passengers a great opportunity to make the most of the Bank Holiday weekend.

Merseyrail passengers will be able to make the most of the longer evenings, sunny days and array of destinations and outdoor spaces along the line, with the rail operator taking them right to wherever they want to be with 68 Stations across the network.

Passengers can take advantage of the Merseyrail Day Saver, which is a great value way of making as many journeys as they like throughout the day for as little as ₤2 for 5 to 18 year olds and ₤4 for adults.

This ticket is valid off peak (after 09:30 on weekdays), anytime on weekends and bank holidays, making Merseyrail the perfect way to get around this summer.

Families can also enjoy a day out with Merseyrail's Family Ticket offering unlimited off peak travel throughout the day for just ₤11, for a family of 5.

Paul Bowen, Deputy Managing Director of Merseyrail, said:- "We have reintroduced our summer 15 minute service on our Northern Line this year to provide a quality service for our passengers during the warmer months, when we see a greater demand for services on the Southport line. This is 1 of our busiest lines with some fantastic destinations and outdoor spaces within walking distance of the stations and this additional frequency means passengers can travel with greater flexibility."

Passengers will never be stuck for things to do using Merseyrail's Destination Merseyside Online Planner; a dedicated leisure site showcasing the best destinations, attractions, events and outdoor spaces across the network.

The site also incorporates a journey planner ensuring passengers get to where they want to be for the best value.

Did you know that:- Merseyrail carries ca 110,000 passengers per weekday and operates 1 of the most intensively used networks in the UK with more than 600 trains per weekday?

'Art in the Park' and Plant Sale in Hesketh Park

THE Friends of Hesketh Park Will be host plant sale and a local club for local artists, the Ainsdale and Birkdale Art Club will be holding the group's 9th 'Art in Park' event on 2 June 2019, between 11am to 3pm. Also if you can help with the maintenance of the park, the Friends of Hesketh Park are keen to hear from you. The small group of volunteers meets weekly, Tuesday, from 2pm, March to September. If you an help them please email:- RonaldLowe400@BTInternet.Com or call:- 0151 9343967 for more information.