Southport Delegate News

D E L E G AT E N E W S SPRING - SUMMER 2011

Welcome to Southport

Delegate News aims to provide delegates coming to Southport with a useful and interesting read about the resort ahead of or during their visit. If you have enjoyed the read, why not use Delegate News to help you in planning a relaxing day visit or short break following your business trip? There’s a list of selected high quality accommodation on page 5, and also event highlights, plus details of our superb restaurants and other things to do around the town throughout.

Enjoy the magazine!

England’s Floral Resort

The classic resort of Southport has enjoyed a considerable amount of investment in its hotels, restaurants and leisure attractions in recent times and continues to be thriving and popular today.

Southport is once again proud to be shortlisted for the prestigious title of “Best Coastal Resort” in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition, results of which will be announced in September.

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Wayfarers Arcade...Page 3

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Airshow...Page 5

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New Pleasureland...Page 8

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Amateur Champs...Page 12

09/05/2011 09:44

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DELEGATE NEWS

Welcome to Southport

The resort boasts 22 miles of beautiful coastline, together with the awesome Marine Way Bridge, blending together effortlessly to create stunning views.

Southport is widely regarded as England’s Golfing Capital with seven championship courses including the world-famous Royal Birkdale, eight-time host of The Open.

There are plenty of places to “shop till you drop” in Southport.

Along with the renowned Lord Street and Chapel Street, Wayfarers Arcade boasts a fine glass domed roof and an impressive choice of boutiques and jewellers. High Street names are also on offer in C12 retail park, only five minutes walk from the town centre. Also only a short distance away is Ocean Plaza, which offers an excellent mix of retail and leisure.

Over 200 restaurants, cafes and pubs offer a fantastic choice of cuisine, excellent service and great value for money.

Southport is a great place for a day trip or short break at any Don’t jam it all into one day – Southport has over 1,000 beds, time of year! including luxury boutique accommodation, cosy family run guest houses and large sea front hotels.

World famous events such as the Southport Air Show are in abundance (see page 6 for a full list and features). There’s also Southport’s Tourist Information team are more than happy some great attractions including Merseyside’s only water park, to assist with any enquiries. Call +44 (0) 1704 533333 or go to Splash World and New Pleasureland amusement park. visitsouthport.com

Big on shrimps

One of Southport’s more unusual exports is potted shrimps and award-winning company Southport Potted Shrimps use only locally caught brown shrimp, as freshness is vital in retaining the flavour of this west coast delicacy. The potted shrimps are manufactured using a unique blend of salt, spices and butter. The recipe has been refined over many years and only natural ingredients are used no artificial additives or preservatives.

VisitSouthport.com VisitSouthport.com – the official guide to Southport - is your one stop shop for arranging a short break or day trip to Southport. It contains details on our vast range of accommodation from cosy family run guest houses to our luxurious 4 star establishments, all of which are easily bookable through the website. There’s also lots of ideas for your itinerary, and all the best places to shop.

If you are visiting Southport as a delegate, there’s also details of what’s on while you are in town and information on our superb restaurants, including special discount offers, changing regularly.

If you’ve time for a tee-off, check out our world class golf courses, where you can even book tee times through our sister organisation, englandsgolfcoast.com.

Not forgetting our fantastic events schedule, VisitSouthport.com has everything you need for your visit, why not take a look?

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The process: • Shrimps are cooked in salts, peppers, spices and butter (secret recipe) • left to chill • Weighed into pots • Capped with a thin layer of butter.

• Rapidly frozen to preserve the unique and distinctive flavour that only comes from Southport brown shrimps

The Mark of Quality Established in 1888 the Southport Hotels Association is the oldest in the country and continues provide the highest levels of accommodation. All member establishments are inspected annually and graded accordingly by VisitBritain or the AA, and bi-annually by the SHA itself.

Whether it’s the largest hotels or the smallest guest houses, the Southport Hotels Association logo is your assurance of quality accommodation where friendly, efficient service is the order of the day.

Look for the Blue Yacht logo, and make it your first step towards a memorable visit.

09/05/2011 09:44

DELEGATE NEWS

Traditional surroundings and contemporary style!

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One of the North West’s most celebrated shopping arcades, the stunning Grade II listed Wayfarers Arcade has been welcoming discerning shoppers since 1898. To this day it still offers a vast range of products from designer fashion, children’s wear, unusual gifts, vintage items, arts and crafts, beautiful jewellery, fine furniture and even bridal wear!

The design of the building is of classical Victorian architecture, with a domed glass roof, supported by decorative iron work, with some stained glass windows and mahogany shop fronts that have been virtually unaltered since the day the arcade opened.

Open 7 days a week, there are more than 30 stores on 2 floors including Broadbents & Boothroyds department store and master furniture makers Multiyork. Complementing these household names are an array of friendly independent retailers.

Pudding & Pie is an ideal place to refuel whilst enjoying a day’s shopping at Wayfarers Arcade. This bistro style café offers hearty home-cooked meals based on Britain’s favourite dishes, together with a wide range of teas and coffees and homemade scones and cakes.

For more information on Wayfarers Arcade and its retailers, go to wayfarersarcade.co.uk

Shop till you drop!

Fresh produce and friendly faces Southport Farmers Market is back and better than ever with a raft of stalls, selling everything from pies and pastries, cheese, fresh meats, fish and vegetables, to homemade baked goods, cakes and chocolates, all produced locally and served with a smile.

Why not pop down to Chapel Street if you’re in town on the last Thursday of every month, you’re sure to find something to tempt you.

C12 shopping park is just five minutes walk from Southport train station and is home to a wide range of well known stores, including a 24-hour Asda superstore, Next, Outfit, Bathstore, Boots, Sports Direct and The Range.

For a great mix of retail and leisure, Ocean Plaza, situated just off Marine Drive ticks all the boxes for a great day out, with Matalan, Dunelm Mill and Brantano together with a 7 screen cinema, ten pin bowling and state of the art laser tag, and eateries ranging from Portuguese and Mexican to Chinese buffet style, Italian, American and traditional pub fayre.

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Ambassadors 2011 of Excellence

Southport Ambassador Awards

Southport’s annual Ambassador Awards recognises and rewards those who consistently give exceptional levels of customer service in the resort’s hard working tourism, hospitality, leisure and retail sectors.

The 2011 “Ammies” took place on Wednesday 30th March and the worthy winners are…

Best Waiter/ Waitress

Most Welcoming Receptionist

Chef Most Helpful Retail Assistant Unseen Hero

Young Person of the Year

Best Bar Tender Most Supportive Manager/Supervisor Proprietor of the Year

Tourism Support Volunteer Team of The Year

Mandy Cheetham, Volare Ristorante Julie Pimlott, Alexandra & Victoria Lisa Ray, Ramada Plaza Fu Wong, Morrisons Chris Linekar, Scarisbrick Hotel Lewis Troughton, Southport Theatre & Convention Centre John Rigby, Ramada Plaza George Sourbutts, Scarisbrick Hotel Tracy & Steve Holgate, Ambassador Townhouse Mary Foster Southport Coach Hosts

Nominations for the 2012 Ambassador Awards will open later this year. If someone has helped make your Southport experience memorable, why not nominate them for an award? Categories can be viewed on the visitsouthport.com website and you can also download the nomination form.

Splashing Time!

Dunes Splash World is Southport’s own fantastic state-ofthe-art all weather Leisure Pool and Recreation Centre.

Whatever your preference there is something for everyone with an exciting array of water features including a Tube Ride, Multi Slide, Lazy River and Water Curtains. The attraction has been designed to cater for families and children of all ages with shallow-water children’s area, large central play feature and water cannon. There is also a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi / spa bath.

After the fun and games you can relax in the poolside cafeteria which offers a tempting range of freshly prepared food, snacks and drinks.

No matter what the weather is like outside or whatever time of year, Splash World is always a tropical 84 degrees inside.

For more information on Splash World go to www.splashworldsouthport.com or call 01704 537160.

Eyes to the Skies!

Southport Air Show in association with Liverpool John Lennon Airport 23rd & 24th July 2011

The Southport Air Show returns to the skies of Southport this summer for its 20th Anniversary.

Whether it is watching the jaw dropping displays of the Red Arrows, fast jets or array of vintage and military aircraft, the Southport Air Show is guaranteed to entertain the whole family. And this year, for the first time in the history of the Air Show, the event is being held in July… so start the Summer Holidays with style and head to the Southport Air Show.

Check the website www. southportairshow.com or if you want to be the first to receive the latest news an offers, plus be in with a chance to win with our competitions, sign up for the VisitSouthport e-newsletter.

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Fantabulous Florals

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The internationally renowned Southport Flower Show is the largest independent flower show in the country, and one of the highlights of summer in Southport. Now in its 82nd year, the show takes place 18th-21st August 2011 and attracts up to 80,000 visitors every year to Southport’s glorious 34 acre Victoria Park. This most magical event in the horticultural calendar offers something for everyone including both the amateur and professional gardener, or even if you’re just a lover of beautiful flora! Show highlights include a plethora of stunning show gardens, the finest floral displays from some of the UK’s top growers and over 200 trade exhibitors. Southport Flower Show is a constant source of surprise and delight and well worth a visit.

Southportflowershow.co.uk

PLACES TO STAY IN SOUTHPORT

30th September – 2nd October 2011 Lighting up Princes Park over 3 nights, seven competitors all battle it out with their firework displays set to music to amaze the audience and the judges and be crowned the British Musical Fireworks Champions 2011.

Last year Pyrotex Fireworx took home a well deserved cheque and the prestigious title of British Musical Fireworks Championship Winner 2010. Pyrotex Fireworx will return for this year’s competition to try and retain the title.

Who will be crowned winner of the 2011 British Musical Fireworks Championships?

Call 01704 540011 for ticket prices and more information.

Visitsouthport.com

Hotel Name Address Postcode Aaron 18 Bath Street PR9 0DA Adelphi 39 Bold Street PR9 0ED Alexandra & Victoria 38 The Promenade PR8 1QU Ambassador 13 Bath Street PR9 0DP Andora Hotel 25 Bath Street PR9 0DP Baytrees 4 Queens Road PR9 9HN Bowden Lodge 18 Albert Road PR9 0LE Braemar 4 Bath Street PR9 0DA Carleton House 17 Alexandra Road PR9 0NB Carlton Lodge Hotel 43 Bath Street PR9 0DP Clifton Villa 6 Bath Street PR9 0DA Crescent House 27 Bath Street PR9 0DP Cross Farm Holiday Cottages Mairscough Lane L39 7HT Edendale 83 Avondale Road North PR9 0NE Fairfield House 83 The Promenade PR9 0JN Heidi 43 Bold Street PR9 0ED Leicester 24 Leicester Street PR9 0EZ Le Maitre 69 Bath Street PR9 0DN Lynwood House 11a Leicester Street PR9 0ER Prince of Wales Lord Street PR8 1JS Royal Clifton The Promenade PR8 1RB Sandown 21 Bath Street PR9 0DP Scarisbrick Lord Street PR8 1NZ Seaview 28 Bath Street PR9 0DA Talbot Hotel 23-25 Portland Street PR8 1LR Treetops Southport Old Road L37 0AB Victorian 52 Avondale Road North PR9 0NE Warwick Hotel 39 Bath Street PR9 0DP Waterford 37 Leicester Street PR9 0EX Windsor Lodge 37 Saunders Street PR9 0HJ Martin Lane Farmhouse 5 Martin Lane Burscough L40 8 JH Holiday House 154b Smithy Lane L40 8HW Sandy Brook Farm Wyke Cop Road PR8 5LR Seapark apartments Various locations PR9 0SS Castle Mews 9 Castle Street PR9 0NR Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa Southport Old Road Formby L37 0AB Ivydene 46 Talbot Street PR8 1HS Norwood 62 Bath Street PR9 0DH Promenade Apts 70-71&78-79 The Promenade PR9 0JJ Ramada Plaza Promenade PR9 0DZ Rosedale 11 Talbot Street PR8 1HP Stamford 17 Bath Street PR9 0DP White Lodge 12 Talbot Street PR8 1HP Vincent 98 Lord Street PR8 1JR

Tel. No. 530283 544947 530072 543998 530214 536513 543531 535838 538035 542290 535780 530339 0151 526 1576 530718 530137 531273 530049 530394 540794 536688 533771 530416 543000 530874 533975 572430 530755 530707 530559 530070 893527 01695 584284 880337 01704 531703 01484 722400 875699 544760 500536 541719 0844 801 3580 530604 500836 536320 534400

Grading 3 Star GA 3 Star GA 4 Star GA 4 Star GA 3 star GA 4 Star GA 4 Star GA 4 Star GA 4 Star GA 4 Star GA 3 Star GA 3 Star GA 4 Star SC 3 Star GA 3 Star GA 3 Star GA 4 Star GA 3 Star GA 4 Star GA Awaiting Grading 3 Star H 3 Star GA 3 Star H 4 Star GA 2 Star H Awaiting Grading 3 Star GA 3 Star GA 5 Star GA 3 Star GA 4 Star SC 2 Star SC 3 Star S/C 4 Star SC 3 Star S/C 4 Star H 4 Star GA 4 Star GA 4 Star SC 4 Star H 4 Star GA 4 Star GA 4 Star GA 4 Star THH

• H: Hotel • GA: Guest Accommodation • SC: Self Catering • THH: Town House Hotel Listed above are a wide selection of Southport’s accommodation establishments, all of which are members of the Southport Tourism Business Network and who pride themselves on providing a level of quality and service which is second to none. For more information and advice on accommodation please call: Southport Tourism Information Centre on 01704 533333 or go to www.visitsouthport.com

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09/05/2011 09:17

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DELEGATE NEWS

A comfortable night Southport is justly proud of its vast range of accommodation available to delegates during their stay. From cosy family run guesthouses to four and five star modern luxury, there is something to suit all budgets and tastes.

If your event organiser has arranged online booking for your conference go to conferencebookings.co.uk and submit your unique event reference number. If you do not have a reference number, please contact your event organiser or check the event website for a link.

If you are organising an event in Southport and interested in using our ConferenceBOOKINGS system for your attendees, please call us on +44 (0)151 934 2436 for information on how you can utilise this facility free of charge.

If your event is not using conferenceBOOKINGS, you can still book online either individually or as a group, via visitsouthport.com If you are experiencing problems or not able to book online, please call the Tourist Information Centre on +44(0)1704 533333 where one of our friendly staff will be happy to help.

Relax and Indulge

Do you feel lucky?

Situated in the heart of Southport is a very friendly casino belonging to the Stanley Casino group – known locally as ‘Stanley Grand’ the casino has everything you would expect including a large free car park. Other facilities include all the latest slots and electronic gaming, Texas Hold Em Poker competitions, card rooms for private games and a bar with Sky Sports that is open daily from 2pm until late.

Roulette Terminals and Jackpot Slots. There is a handy cash machine and credit card withdrawals are possible via Global Cash Access.

The casino is open from 2pm until 6am daily, except for Saturday until 4am (Sunday morning) and the dress code is smart casual.

For more information call 01704 537 427 or visit stanleycasinos.com

The casino offers an a la carte menu from 8pm and breakfast menu from midnight as well as complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks and sandwiches whilst gaming.

Fully air conditioned, the casino offers American Roulet te, Blac k jac k , Progressive Stud Poker, 3 Card Poker, Electronic

Delegate’s Delight Every delegate coming to Southport receives an exclusive Delegate Passport when they arrive and register for their conference. The Delegate Passport has been designed and collated specifically to introduce the first-time visitor to Southport and help them make best use of their free time while in the resort.

E S PA Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, one of the leading luxury spa hotels in the area, is excited to announce an enhancement to its luxury spa offering with the launch of the exclusive ESPA product range.

Visitors to the Spa will now be able to enjoy a vast range of treatments using products from the extensive ESPA skincare and body range. The Spa offers the ultimate pampering experience with seven indulgent treatment rooms, a 20 metre swimming pool, ice fountains, dry float bed and a relaxation area featuring a Rasul mud steam room. For more information and to book, go to formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk

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Inside the Passport is useful information about what the resort has to offer throughout the year, including Southport’s wide range of events, excellent restaurants, fantastic shopping opportunities and exciting nightlife. Further to this, selected quality service providers within Southport have been asked to offer, exclusively for conference delegates, added value to their already first-class service.

Accommodation Offers Exclusive offers from some of Southport’s elite establishments.

Dining Out Discounts Up to 25% off dinner bill, buy one get one for £1, free wine and special table d’hote offers in some of Southport’s best restaurants.

Leisure Buy one get one free across a range of attractions in the resort.

A short break in Southport is both enjoyable and affordable.

Take a look, plan your free time, and why not plan a return visit with your family and friends to make the most of these special offers!

09/05/2011 09:46

DELEGATE NEWS

Southport aims higher with MIA accreditation

Southport’s conference bureau, Southport Conferences, and all of its venues including the Southport Theatre & Convention Centre, the Ramada Plaza, Vincent Hotel, Scarisbrick Hotel, The Royal Clifton Hotel & Spa, The Prince of Wales Hotel and Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa are proud to be recognised by the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) as Accredited in Meetings, through their high quality level of service delivery in business tourism.

The industry-wide benchmark recognises destinations and venues that are operating to a high standard in the provision of conferences and events, both legally and ethically.

Pathways research for summer 2010 stated that 80% of buyers asked were aware of the AIM accreditation and the entire 100% stated that they would be influenced by such an accreditation.

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It’s a kind of magic The International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM), is the world’s largest organisation for magicians with a membership of nearly 15,000 members worldwide. With over 300 local groups, called Rings, in more than 73 countries, the IBM is considered to be the most respected organisation for amateur and professional magicians, magical enthusiasts, and collectors of magical apparatus in the world!

The British Ring was founded in 1928 by Oswald Rae and is the largest Ring of The International Brotherhood of Magicians with close to 2,000 members. The British Ring meets once a year at its Annual Convention held in September where magicians from around the world are invited to entertain and instruct.

The Convention also features two competitions, The British Ring Shield Competition for Stage performers and The Zina Bennett Trophy for Close-up performers.

Magicians taking part this year include Master of Misdirection Michael Finney, winner of 2009 World Comedy Magic Act, star of America’s Got Talent Jason Andrews and the young Jordan Gomez from France, as well as the world famous Sooty, with his ever present companion Richard Cadell.

For more information on what is set to be a fantastic event go to britishring.org.uk

For more information on MIA/AIM, go to accreditedinmeetings.com

Dancing by the seaside!

Southport is delighted to welcome The International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA) once again, to Southport 9-12 July 2011 for the eleventh consecutive year.

The continuing popularity of dance generated by TV programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing on Ice means the dance industry is booming. The conference offers IDTA’s dance teachers interesting, stimulating and enjoyable lectures, demonstrations and workshops, which provide continuing professional development and training for both the teachers and their students. Southport is proud to be accommodating the IDTA every year until 2015.

Coming Soon – a new Centre of Culture for Southport

For a list of dance schools in your area please log on to the IDTA website www.idta.co.uk and follow the links for dance schools in your county. Alternatively, for more comprehensive list contact the IDTA on tel: 01273 685652 or email info@idta.co.uk (please include your full postal address including postcode and the county list you would like to receive).

Opening in 2012, Southport’s new Cultural Centre – The Atkinson – will be home to a large contemporary art gallery, a 430 seat theatre, a concert venue for up to 500, a new museum, a Design Centre and bistro and wine bar, along with Southport’s central library and a new media centre.

Work continues to progress and we look forward to reporting further progress in the next issue of Delegate Times.

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09/05/2011 09:20

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Southport Restaurateurs Association - the Mark of Quality Look out for the Southport Restaurateurs Association logo to find some of the best eateries in Southport. Members pride themselves on serving fresh, local produce and ingredients wherever possible. Add to this their pledge to offer the warmest welcome supported with great customer service, delicious food and value for money and you’ve a recipe for a great meal. Check individual restaurant’s websites for great deals and menus.

Best of British Forge Brasserie Queen Anne St PR8 1EH 01704 500522 www.forgebrasserie.co.uk Knightsbridge Restaurant Scarisbrick Hotel, Lord St PR8 1NZ 01704 543000 www.scarisbrickhotel.com Marine Brasserie - Ramada Plaza Hotel, Promenade PR9 0DZ 01704 516220 www.ramadaplazasouthport.co.uk Nostalgia Tea Rooms 215-217 Lord St, PR8 1PF 01704 501294 Pudding & Pie 39 Wayfarers Arcade, Lord St PR8 1NT 01704 543943 Tree Tops Country House Restaurant Southport Old Rd, Formby L37 0AB 01704 572430 www.treetopsformby.co.uk Tyndalls & Lansdowne Bar 23 Hoghton St PR9 0NS 01704 500002 www.tyndalls.co.uk A Taste of Europe Auberge Brasserie 1b-3 Seabank Rd PR9 0EW 01704 530671 www.auberge-brasserie.com Bistrot Verite 7 Liverpool Rd, Birkdale PR8 4AR 01704 564199

Claudes of Churchtown 98 Botanic Rd, Churchtown PR9 7NE 01704 228334 www.claudesofchurchtown.co.uk Cloisters Dining Rooms Bank Passage, Lord St PR8 1NZ 01704 535153 www.cloistersrestaurant.com Fifty One The Promenade

51 The Promenade PR9 0DX 01704 510051 www.thepromenade.co.uk Gusto Trattoria 58-62 Lord St PR8 1QB 01704 544255 www.gustotrattoria.co.uk Lords Café Bar 659 Lord St PR9 0AW 01704 543814 www.lordscafebar.co.uk Nando’s Ocean Plaza, Marine Drive PR8 1SB 01704 537315 www.nandos.co.uk Pavilion Restaurant The Royal Clifton Hotel & Spa, Promenade PR8 1RB 01704 533771 www.royalclifton.co.uk Pizzeria Mamma Mia 120 Lord St PR8 1AA 01704 540259 Salvatore’s Ristorante 519 Lord St PR9 0BB 01704 534782 www.salvatoresristorante.co.uk The Barking Frog 137-141 Manchester Rd PR9 9BD 01704 545132 www.thebarkingfrogrestaurant.co.uk

The Dining Rooms Alexandra & Victoria Hotel, 38 The Promenade PR8 1QU 01704 548549 www.rimmershotels.co.uk The Wine Cellar Eastbank St Square, Lord St PR8 1NY 01704 530002 www.the-wine-cellar.biz Volare 613 Lord St PR9 0AN 01704 546232 www.italianrestaurantsouthport.co.uk Around the World Alamir Lebanese Bistro 93 Eastbank St PR8 1DG 01704 544615 www.alamirbistro.com Kasturi Indian Cuisine 40 Eastbank St PR8 1ET 01704 533102/513400 www.kasturirestaurant.com Lal Qila 133-135 Eastbank St PR8 1DQ 01704 530111 www.lalqilasouthport.co.uk Lings on Kings 52 King St PR8 1JX 01704 530169 www.lingsonkings.co.uk V Café & Sushi Bar The Vincent Hotel, 98 Lord St PR8 1JR 01704 883800 www.thevincenthotel.com Warehouse Kitchen & Bar 30 West St PR8 1QN 01704 544662 www.warehousekitchenandbar.com

Thrills and Spills at New Pleasureland There’s a massive selection of rides and attractions at Southport’s New Pleasureland fun park, open every weekend and bank holiday and during school holidays, with free entry! Rides are £1 or £2 each payable by tokens which can be bought within the park. There’s plenty of parking and the park is fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair hire can be arranged through Southport Shopmobility (www.southportshopmobility.co.uk) A selection of stalls and an on-site café also sell food, drink and gifts as well as candyfloss and doughnuts. southportfunfair.co.uk

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09/05/2011 09:20

DELEGATE NEWS

On Your Bike!

Southport Conferences has recently launched a dedicated delegate bike loan scheme, aimed at reducing the use of cars as preferred method of transport when attending conferences and events in the area.

The new scheme is offered as part of the services currently provided by our conference team. It is supported by Southport’s Cycling Town status, awarded in 2008, which provides many routes and facilities for cyclists, including dedicated bike parks at local hotels. Coupled with our excellent rail links in the town, its easy to get about and explore without the need for a car, either by bike or on foot.

For more information on the Southport Cycletown on 01704 www.southportcycletown.gov.uk

scheme contact 500996 or visit

Village Life…

If you love local produce, you will love local village shopping here in Southport!

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Walking & Cycling in Sefton Sefton MBC have compiled a new version of their popular Walking & Cycling Guide to the borough.

This free guide has been designed to encourage residents and visitors alike to get out and about in Southport and Sefton and discover the area’s fascinating history and wonderful flora and fauna.

To get a copy, just call in at Southport’s Tourist Information Centre or Eco Centre while you’re in town, or download a version from seftonsnaturalcoast.com.

Charming Churchtown

Southport is surrounded by a number of small and quaint villages such as Churchtown, Birkdale Village, Ainsdale and Formby.

Birkdale is home to the world famous Royal Birkdale Golf Club, as well as the championship Hillside Golf Club. It also has some lovely bars and restaurants as well as antique stores, a wedding emporium and a cheese shop!

You’ll find all the essentials in Ainsdale together with one of the UK’s finest and most popular beaches, Ainsdale on Sea. Also Ainsdale Discovery Centre is the ideal place to find out more about the coastal area and its flora and fauna.

Finally, picturesque Formby, just ten minutes away from Southport has high street retailers such as Waitrose and Marks and Spencer sitting alongside a range of independent retailers and chic boutiques. Acres of woodland and miles of golden sands also make Formby a haven for nature lovers.

On the northern fringe of Southport lies the historic village of Churchtown. Dating back to Anglo Saxon times and featured in the Domesday Book of 1086, it’s a designated conservation area and home to quaint thatched cottages and specialist shops, plus the picturesque Botanic Gardens.

The Botanic Gardens are a real gem and well known for being as rich in its history as it is in beauty, with floral gardens, a boating lake, aviary, café and fernery and brass band concerts on summer Sunday afternoons, all together to enjoy.

A frequent bus service runs between Southport and Churchtown and there is usually ample parking next to the Botanic Gardens.

A short walk around Churchtown and the Botanic Gardens Starting at the village green near St Cuthberts Church and the Hesketh Arms, continue along Botanic Road for 200 yards to reach the entrance to the Botanic Gardens. After strolling the park, return to the park entrance and turn right to pass Meols Hall on the left. Turn left into Churchgate and meander through the old village with its thatched cottages and small specialist shops. Turn right into Manor Road and then again at the Box Tree Nursery and Café. Turn right to return to the village green, completing the walk.

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09/05/2011 09:47

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DELEGATE NEWS

Puzzle Page General Knowledge Quiz 1. What does the French question “Comment allez-vous” mean?

2. Of which football club did Matt Busby become manager in 1945?

3. Which type of cell is used to make ‘electric eyes’ that work automatic doors?

4. Which car manufacturer produced a Baby and a Severn?

5. Which early female movie star became known at “The World’s Sweetheart”?

6. Which company developed the Walkman?

7. In modern times, which English resort became the first to have a nudist beach?

8. ‘Ars gratia artis’ is the Latin motto of which film studio?

9. In Britain in which year did woman vote for the first time? a) 1911 b) 1918 c) 1922 10. Which has the longer coastline, Africa or Europe?

Sudoku

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Cryptograms

09/05/2011 09:21

DELEGATE NEWS

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Getting around Southport

everything’s within walking distance!

J31 Preston

A565 A59

Southport

M6

A570 Ormskirk Formby

A565

A570

M58

J26

J3

Liverpool

Taxi

Roads

From the South, take the M6 to exit 26; the M58 will take you to Ormskirk and then take the A570 to Southport. From the North, follow the A59 from Preston (exit 31 from the M6) then follow signs to Southport.

Tax i

St.Helens

Taxi

Taxi Taxi

Trains

Fast and frequent trains link Southport with Liverpool and Wigan/Manchester (including the Airport). Contact details for information: Merseytravel 0870 608 2608 www.merseytravel.gov.uk National Rail 0845 748 4950 www.nationalrail.co.uk

Taxi

Taxi

Buses

i Tax

Many local bus services terminate in the centre of Southport from Preston (Stagecoach) and the Liverpool and Wigan areas (Arriva). Contact details for more information: Traveline 0870 608 2608 www.traveline.org.uk Arriva 08701 20 10 88 www.arriva.co.uk/bustimes

Planes

Southport benefits from being close to two international airports, making access to the town easy from almost anywhere in the world. Contact details for more information: Liverpool John Lennon Airport 0871 521 8484 www.liverpooljohnlennonairport.com Manchester International Airport 0161 489 3000 www.manchesterairport.co.uk

Parking in Southport Southport’s “Park & Ride” schemes provide easy edge of town parking with a regular and frequent bus service into the town centre.

Esplanade Park and Ride (Southport Eco Centre / Splash World) 1100 cars/50 coaches £1.50 per car on entry Opening Times: 1st April to 30th September (summer) 7.30am-6.30pm (Mon-Sat) 1st October to 31st March (winter) 7.30am-6.30pm (Mon-Sat) 9.00am - 6.30pm (Sun) Fairways Park and Ride 890 cars £1.50 per car on entry Opening Times: 1st April to 30th September (summer) 7.15am-7.00pm (Sat) 9.45am-7.00pm (Sun) 1st October to 31st March (winter) 10.00am-6.30pm (Sat)

Shopmobility If mobility is a problem then Southport Shopmobility Link can help you to explore the resort. Battery powered wheelchairs & scooters and manual wheelchairs are available for hire by people with a mobility impairment.

Contact the dedicated team for more details, tel: 01704 500996 or visit the web site at: www.southportshopmobility.co.uk

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Taxi

Taxi Rank

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Santander 25-29 Chapel Street, Southport Santander 169 Lord Street, Southport Barclays Bank 265-267 Lord Street, Southport Santander 2 Chapel Street, Southport Halifax 331 Lord Street, Southport HSBC Lord Street, Southport Lloyds TSB 23 London Street, Southport Royal Bank of Scotland 269 Lord Street, Southport Natwest London Street Southport Woolwich 22 London Street, Southport.

Yorkshire Bank 25 Eastbank Street, Southport

Pharmacies 

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Boots the Chemist PLC 31/39 Chapel Street, Southport, PR8 1AL Castletown Chemist Ltd 13 Union Street, Southport, PR9 0QF Sainsburys plc Lord Street, Southport, PR9 OAP Moss Chemists 34 Shakespeare Street, Southport, PR8 5AB Superdrug Pharmacy 10 Eastbank Street, Southport, PR8 1AF

Taxis    

Yellow Top Taxis 01704 531000 Kwik Cars 01704 547000 Central Cabs 0800 544414 All White 0800 537777

Places of worship 

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Christ Church, Church of England Southport 01704 531756 Elim Pentecostal Church Rufford Road, Southport 01704 544419 Evangelical Pentecostal Church Argyle Road, Southport 01704 535989 First Church of Christ the Scientist Lord Street West, Southport

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Grace Baptist Church Market Street, Southport 01704 531751 Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, Duke Street, Southport 01704 536648 New Age Spiritualist Centre Portland Street, Southport 01704 542057 Southport New Synagogue Portland Street, Southport 01704 539859 Southport Muslim Society Sussex Road, Southport 01704 539859 Southport Hebrew Congregation Arnside Road, Southport 01704 532964 Southport Unitarian Church Portland Street, Southport 01704 229177 St. Maries on the Sands Seabank Road, Southport 01704 531229 St. George’s United Reformed Church Lord Street, Southport 01704 533353 The Salvation Army Shakespeare Street, Southport 01704 547805 Victoria Methodist Church Sussex Road, Southport 01704 544028 St Lukes Parish Church 71 Hawkshead St, Southport 01704 538703 Southport Spiritualist Church 27a Hawkshead St, Southport 07761 444812

09/05/2011 09:21

12 •

DELEGATE NEWS

Coastal Pursuits

Club Focus:

Royal Birkdale

Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, located in Crosby Coastal Park, just 30 minutes from Southport, is the North West’s newest and most accessible Water Sports and Visitors Centre.

The £10 million state of the art centre offers something for everyone, from Water sports, fitness suite, conference and banqueting to overnight accommodation, plus a fantastic Lakeside Bistro & Bar. For more information go to crosbylakeside.co.uk

Southport is home to some of the finest links courses in England and Royal Birkdale is for many golfers the best of all the great golf courses to have staged the Open Championship.

Signature Hole – Hole 16 A challenging left to right dog-leg which requires a drive down the left to allow the best line into a well guarded green.

292 yards down the fairway is the Arnold Palmer plaque, designating the spot from where he hit his famous second shot on his way to winning the 1961 Open.

Royal Birkdale was formed back in 1889 and was awarded its Royal status by King George VI in 1951. Visitroyalbirkdale.com for more information, history and how to book.

Southport Hosts the R&A Amateur Championship 2011 The elite of amateur golf will assemble this year at Hillside and Hesketh Golf Clubs in Southport for the R&A Amateur Championship, 13th – 18th June 2011.

The idea of an amateur competition was originally thought up by the secretary of Royal Liverpool Golf Club in 1885. Leading clubs were invited to send entrants and a total of 44 players from 12 clubs took part. Now, 125 years later, 288 players compete for the Amateur Championship title, which grants the winner an Open Championship exemption and a Masters Tournament invitation.

Both venues are open for the public to play throughout the year.

For more information on the clubs go to heskethgolfclub.co.uk and hillisde-golfclub.co.uk. For more information on the Amateur Championships visit randa.org

Anyone for Rugby?

Southport has its own Rugby Club, one of the ten oldest in England, was founded in 1872 when Queen Victoria was on the throne, Stanley had just found Livingstone on the banks of an African Lake, Jules Verne had not been round the world in 80 days, and General Custer had not had his Last Stand.

Back in 1872 beer could be bought for pennies and the tide came right up to the Promenade. Southport then played at Victoria Park

where the Southport Flower Show is now held, and visiting players would walk up the Promenade to the Victoria Baths to wash after the match. The club moved to its present location at Waterloo Road in 1931.

The Club has hosted several prestigious events, notably Lancashirev-Northumberland in its centenary year in 1972, Lancashire trial matches, and Australia trained at the club for three days prior to their match against The North in 1983.

For more information and fixtures, go to southportrufc.com

Designed by Champion Media Group, Edited by Rachel Glover. A Sefton Council Tourism Publication. Information is correct at time of going to press.

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