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Inside this issue: Local News - wales - Care - sports
Cookery workshops
for adults with disabilities
The Stedy Chefs Learning Centre runs monthly cookery workshops that give adults with disabilities the opportunity to gain great life and employment skills. As well as teaching valuable skills, the workshops can improve the student’s social skills and confidence, and give them more independence. The workshops can also increase enthusiasm about learning new things and of course, there’s delicious food to enjoy at the end of it! During this workshop, the chefs will be making home-
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Issue. 15 - August 2018
FREE
Sun shines for weekend
of family fun in Knowsley
made lasagne and garlic bread. The next workshop takes place at Stedy Chefs Learning Centre on Saturday 18 August from 10am to 2pm. It is £10 for each student and support staff can attend free of charge. You can book a place by calling 0151 936 1968 or visiting the centre. Stedy Chefs Learning Centre is on 203 Longmoor Lane, Fazakerly L9 0ED Please note that at the moment, the centre is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible but the centre hopes to change this.
The 20th Knowsley Flower Show, the largest free horticulture show in the North West, and the popular Feelgood Festival took place at Court Hey Park over the weekend. The sun decided to stay out for the whole weekend which made the number of outdoor activities to choose from on both days even more enjoyable. At Feelgood Festival on 4 August, it was all about having fun and feeling good – and there were lots of opportunities to do so. Many adults chose to take part in the de-stressing activities such as painting, drawing and knitting while the children were kept busy with the more energetic entertainment such as the interactive
science workshops and numerous entertainers encouraging children to get involved with their brilliant acts. There were also opportunities to feel a bit pampered with the complementary treatments available as well as opportunities to discover a new hobby or even a talent with the workshops there – including martial arts and yoga. The sun and the fun then continued the next day for the Knowsley Flower Show. The floral marquee did not disappoint with its colourful and diverse range of beautiful flowers to admire. Plants and vegetables were also on display, and the care and attention their growers gave them leading up the big
day was easy to see. Although it wasn’t all about flowers; visitors of all ages with no interest in horticulture found way to enjoy themselves. There were plenty of stalls for people to receive advice and information on a range of services, and stalls tempting visitors with delicious food and drink. For the first time at the Knowsley Flower Show, our four-legged friends could join in the fun on the day with the Merseyside Fun Dog Show! The much-adored H&M dog display team were also back for another year showing off their talent to the cheering crowd. While the dogs stole the show for many, visitors could also enjoy the
other forms of talent including fun performances of a Shakespeare play and live music by gifted musicians. Cllr Sean Donnelly, Deputy Leader of Knowsley Council and Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “It’s great to see the Knowsley Flower Show doing as well as ever 20 years down the line. I hope there’s many more to come because I know so many families enjoy attending year after year and the people behind it work so hard to make it a success. It was also another great year for the Feelgood Festival so it was simply a great weekend overall. I can’t wait until next year already!”
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Property developer secures
Earlsfield Park planning permission
Leading Liverpool property developer, Ion, in collaboration with Bellway Homes and the Knowsley Estate has secured planning permission on the Earlsfield Park development that will bring new employment and homes to North Huyton.
New jobs and new homes The 22-hectare site sits close to Junction 2 of the M57, directly south of the Knowsley Estate and is set to provide 16 ha of employment park and a housing development of 154 new homes. The ambitious development is
proposed to sit adjacent to the existing Lord Derby Playing Fields and Oak Plantation – which will see sports facilities and open space upgraded using a significant S106 contribution to the Council. There will also be a retail and leisure offering in the form of a pub/ restaurant, petrol station and
a hotel. The site will be fronted by high quality landscaping and a new combined 3-km pedestrian and cycle route. High quality employment park The employment park is to be pitched as a ground breaking ‘hybrid’ model where the demand for high-quality
advanced manufacturing research and development facilities and subregional logistics business space can be fulfilled alongside more traditional office and workshop spaces, encircled within a semi-rural parkland setting. The development has the potential to create over 650 jobs to the local
economy, as well as over 800 construction jobs. Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Cllr Tony Brennan said: This development of high quality new homes and employment opportunities will not only contribute towards the council’s ambitious growth plans for Knowsley, but it will also contribute towards the economic growth of the Liverpool City Region. Earlsfield Park will become an attractive location for both businesses and families who are looking for a high-quality accommodation in appealing surroundings. Steve Parry, managing director of Ion Development said: We are delighted to secure planning permission on the Earlsfield Park development and look forward to seeing it take shape. Earlsfield Park will be instrumental in supporting the region’s ambition to grow our technology and manufacturing base and provide a high-quality environment that can support science, technology and advanced manufacturing. The location of the development provides brilliant accessibility and the flexibility of the site means it can cater for the specific demands of anything from manufacturing and laboratories to small start-ups and the corporate HQ’s of global businesses. Simon Waller, managing director of Stanley Estates said: The Estate has been working hard with Ion and their development partners together with the local community and Knowsley Council to secure planning permission on this mixed residential and employment site that was identified as a sustainable urban extension in the Local Plan which will deliver quality residential properties and employment in the local area. We are delighted that the Council has granted consent for this site and we are keen for the development to be delivered quickly now that consent is secured.
Enjoy crafty fun with the Ranger Service in Victoria Park this month
With the summer holidays here, why not take the little ones down to the borough’s green flag award-winning Victoria Park where a range of fantastic family orientated events will be held this month. Sunday 19 August sees the return of the Ranger Service’s annual crafts fair which attracts hundreds of visitors each year. Running from 12pm to 5pm, the event showcases the various techniques and ancient ways of working from bygone times, including pole lathe and stonemasonry demonstrations, hurdle making – as well as falconry displays, chainsaw carving and ferret racing. While on Tuesday 21 August from 12pm to 4pm, families can enjoy a day of free fun at Victoria Park’s family fun day, with face painting, crazy golf, craft activities, magic shows, bungee trampolines and a climbing wall among the attractions. Refreshments will be available to buy at both events from the Mansion House Bistro. For further details, please call 01744 678073.
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Work continues
on Local Plan
Warrington Borough Council is continuing to make progress on its Local Plan. The council is currently working to deliver its draft Local Plan - which sets out the proposed approach to meeting the borough’s future need for homes, jobs and supporting infrastructure - but must now take into consideration recent changes to planning rules, as well as updated population projections. The Government has just published the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and the Office for National Statistics has recently released the latest population projections for Warrington. The council needs to ensure both of these are taken into account in the drafting of the plan. It is now anticipated that the draft Local Plan will be published by the end of 2018, prior to a further round of public consultation early in 2019. Warrington Borough Council Leader, Cllr Terry O’Neill, said: “We are making good progress in the delivery of our Local Plan, but we now need to consider the new population forecasts, as well as changes to planning policy, so that we get this plan right. We’ll be working hard to achieve this over the coming months.”
Red squirrels at Walton
Four red squirrel kittens have been born at Walton Hall and Gardens Children’s Zoo. New arrivals to Walton’s squirrel families are now out of their nest boxes and can be viewed by members of the public. Red squirrels thrived in this country until the 20th century when grey squirrels were brought over from North America and became the founders of today’s huge population of grey squirrels. Once grey squirrels start to breed in a certain area red squirrels will normally disappear within 20 years. Grey squirrels are now so successful that red squirrels are nearly extinct in England and Wales, with some colonies remaining in the Lake District and Northumberland. Red squirrels still exist in special nature reserves such as Formby in Southport and Anglesey in Wales and captive breeding projects such as Walton’s allows numbers to grow. To date over 40 kittens have been born at the zoo, five of these have been released into the wild on the Isle of Anglesey and the remainder have moved to start their own families at Knowsley Safari Park, Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, Dudley Zoo, Bolton Animal World, British Wildlife Centre and the Welsh Mountain Zoo. Peter Cookson-Dean, Walton zoo ranger, said: “It’s fantastic that four kittens have been born at Walton this year as a result of our successful breeding programme. Squirrels can produce up to two litters each year, usually consisting of three or four kittens although as many as six may be born. “The young are looked after by the mother and are born helpless, blind and deaf. Their eyes and ears open after three to four weeks, and they
develop all their teeth by 42 days. Juvenile red squirrels can eat solids around 30 days following birth and from that point can leave the nest on their own to find food.” At Walton there are five specially built cages linked by tunnels, with the squirrels mainly sleep in bird nest boxes, although they have also been known to use hay nets, Hessian sacks and to build their own nests in their tunnels. They will not come out in bad weather during the winter months. The squirrels are fed on a very varied diet as it is important to introduce them to as many different types of food as possible when they are born
so they do not become fussy eaters. Walton rangers feed them a mix of rabbit food, pine nuts, pumpkinseed, banana chip, sunflower seed, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, peanuts and pinecones. As a treat they receive fresh food such as sweetcorn, apple and carrot. Red squirrels will live to be around six years old, sometimes 10 years old in captivity. For more information, visit warrington.gov.uk/waltongardens. The children's zoo opens daily at 10.30am and closes at 5pm and animal feeding takes place at 2pm each day. Entry is free of charge.
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Take the family for a trip to the Brecon
Beacons National Park whilst in wales and
enjoy a broad assembly of attractions and activities!
STARGAZING: The entire Brecon Beacons National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve and has some of the highest quality skies throughout the whole of the UK which makes it a first choice for many to enjoy stargazing as the contrast of the stars against the beautiful dark sky allows for a truly brilliant stargazing experience. There are also many nocturnal animals that venture out in the night that you will be able to spot with your binoculars! You may be able to spot some of the rarest creatures of the night such as barn owls, horseshoe bats, foxes, badgers, dormice, hedgehogs, moths and insects. MOUNTAIN BIKING: Enjoy beautiful views whilst cycling throughout the stunning scenery within the National Park and simultaneously participating in a healthy bout of exercise and spending plenty of time in the fresh air with family and friends. Bikes can be hired from the park where guests can enjoy a range of packages such as a modest one day bike ride to a complete set including equipment, accommodation, routes and guides. A range of different terrains are available for guests to discover such as lanes and hillside tracks. FISHING: Whether you’re an avid fisherman or a complete newbie, turn your hand to fishing at the National Park and experience fishing in rivers,
canals, lakes and reservoirs within The River Wye, The River Usk, Talybont Reservoir, Usk Reservoir, Llangorse Lake, or the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. All participants are required to hold a Rod Licence. HORSE RIDING: Horse lovers are also welcomed at the National Park as the stunning scenery spans over 600 miles of bridle paths and tracks. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing pub lunch whilst exploring as facilities also cater for the horses. Experience quality trekking, riding and hacking holidays, short rides and pony trekking. GROUP ACTIVITIES: Experienced coordinators can help to create a package of activities including mental exercises or physical challenges for an afternoon of fun with your family and friends. Take advantage of the group activities at the Brecon Beacons National Park where a variety of activity sessions can be booked such as: water activities, i.e. Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, raft building, sailing, windsurfing; walking and riding, i.e. Hill walking, orienteering, geocaching, cycling, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding, pony trekking; nature and skills building, i.e. Navigation, bushcraft, wildlife-watching, archery, clay pigeon shooting as well as exploration activities, i.e. Caving, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, ropes and zip wires. It is important to note that before partaking in outdoor activities, a thorough visit to the Brecon Beacons National Park’s website is recommend ensuring that all essential equipment can be obtained. Also, check the weather forecast to allow for proper preparation for the course of nature. Ensure family and friends are aware of your location and always take local advice about any natural hazards you might encounter. Contact a local guide, instructor or organised group and follow the Countryside Code and the Waterways Code.
A new way to discover the wonders of Welsh wildlife
Wales is one of the world’s best places to watch wildlife, if you know where - and when - to look. So we’ve teamed up with Wildlife Trusts Wales to create an interactive guide to help you explore Wales’ wonderful wildlife, whether it’s amazing ospreys, a feeding frenzy of red kites, the world’s largest Manx shearwater colony, or the best place in Britain to see puffins and porpoises. Why not go for a relaxing stroll through an
enchanting Welsh rainforest carpeted in bluebells and daffodils? Or simply sit in a field full of orchids, or by a brilliant waterfall, and admire the view? The magic isn’t just restricted to spring and summer – there are amazing wildlife displays in autumn and winter with seal pups aplenty, the return of thousands of birds to our estuaries, and wonderful autumnal woodland colours with
golds, bronzes and foxy reds. Wales has an abundance of wildlife hotspots, including 216 Wildlife Trust nature reserves, 11 RSPB sanctuaries, over 2,485sq miles (4,000sq km) of National Park, and an 870-mile (1400 km) Wales Coast Path for wildlife to, well, go wild in. Wales has it all – but knowing where to go is the key to unlocking its secrets. Wildlife of Wales helps visitors to explore Wales’s wonderful natural world
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Short breaks for 15 to
19-year-olds with disabilities Do you have a young person aged 15 to 19 with a disability? If so, they may be interested in getting involved with Knowsley’s short breaks service. Short breaks give young people with a disability an opportunity to join in activities in the community, as well as giving parents or carers a break from their caring role. The service has now launched a new range of activities specifically aimed at older teenagers, which have been developed after asking young people about the sorts of things they would like to do. As well as encouraging young people to socialise independently, the short breaks programme gives them the opportunity to enjoy activities experienced by other young people. These include trips to the cinema, restaurants, bowling, or shopping. Where appropriate the service will provide travel training. There is also support for young people to attend mainstream youth clubs or activities, or specialist disability provision. Sports and games sessions – run by experienced inclusive sports staff – are offered alongside existing sessions as a way of building confidence and independence, and enabling young people to take part in an accredited disability/ adaptive sports leader’s training course. Organisers are also planning a photography project for 15 – 19 year-olds which is a great opportunity to have fun and develop new talents. Families can have up to five hours of short breaks a week – and this increases during the school holidays. While targeted short breaks activities are subsidised by the Council, there is a small charge of £1 per hour for activity clubs and £4.50 for structured swimming sessions. For more information about short breaks contact the Early Help, Children with Disabilities Team on 0151 443 5085 or visit the Knowsley Family Information Service website www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk.
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Things to do in Penrith - your 24 hour itinerary by North Lakes Hotel & Spa
If you’re after a short break away or only have 24 hours to spend in Penrith, why not follow this great itinerary we’ve put together for you. It’ll keep you active from morning till evening as you explore and discover
this stunning natural area of the Lake District. Day one A hearty breakfast to start the day After a hearty breakfast at North Lakes Hotel and Spa, start your day by
heading straight out on the 20 minute walk to the centre of Penrith. The first stop on your morning route will be the 14th century imposing remains of Penrith Castle. The castle is looked after by English Heritage and the condition of the remains allows you to appreciate its former grandeur. If you’re intrigued by historical facts and drama, this is the place for you with it once being occupied by Richard 3rd before he became King of England. Stellar pictures
are guaranteed here so make sure to get a couple of snaps before heading to the town centre. Penrith’s traditional town square is an excellent stop for any visitor; full of independent shops and boutique cafes. The Penrith Clocktower is the central piece of the square. With its gothic look, it’s a great opportunity for another photo. Don’t forget to visit St Andrew’s Church and the Penrith Museum as stop-offs on your morning of discovery. All these sights are nearby, making the town centre a great starting point. The start of March means the beginning of market season, and the start-up of the Penrith Farmers’ Market which is held on the third Thursday of every month until the end of December. If you’re looking for
seasonal produce, local specialities or original Lake District crafts, this is the market for you. There’s a mixture of first time traders, local regulars and award winning producers all happy to discuss where they grow their produce or make their crafts. It’s a fantastic traditional market to experience, and with its location right in the heart of the town, it’s accessible for all. Walk to Penrith Beacon After all that exploring it’ll be time for a break, so feed your hunger with a sweet treat or warm savoury snack from one of the local cafes to get you ready for the next part of the itinerary, the walk to Penrith Beacon. This recognised AA route will provide you with stunning panoramic views at the top, making it the perfect way to end your morning. The straight walk up
Fell Lane makes the route one of the most accessible and straightforward to follow with the entrance to the climb at the top on Beacon Edge. Along the way you’ll be able to spot the feature buildings such as Potter’s Lodge with its gorgeous Georgian architecture or Caroline Cottage and its gothic design. We’d recommend giving yourself 30 to 40 minutes to complete both the climb and descent. At the top of the 937 feet elevation, the Beacon monument of 1719 awaits, but that’s not all, as you’ll have the added reward of spectacular views of the Lake District Fells. If you’re lucky and look towards the Solway Firth, you might see the mountains of Scotland, which is an epic sight to behold on a clear day. Try and get to
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT
THE LYTH VALLEY COUNTRY INN?
The Lyth Valley Country Inn is a charming inn which houses a magnificent restaurant and bar area within the stunning Lyth Valley. The inn is situated in the north west of England, treasured within the rugged, mountainous area of the English Lake District where picturesque views of the surrounding landscape can be enjoyed from every angle. If you endeavour to stay over in the Lake
District, treat yourself to a luxurious, refreshing, and peaceful break with the Lyth Valley Country Inn where you can witness panoramic views out towards Scout Scar or gaze in wonder at the woodland scenery. Each bedroom is individually decorated and can become the perfect start to an amazing trip in the Lake District. The inn is a family-run business as owner, Steve, works side by side with his two sons, Craig and Shaun, and his head-chef, Jamie. They pride themselves on their ability to provide a broad variety of hearty meals from locally sourced produce into their even broader variety of menus. The dining experience at Lyth Valley Country Inn is renowned for brilliance; not only is the food exquisite, but the internal
environment and surrounding areas allow for total satisfaction. Breakfast delivers the opportunity to devour the likes of fresh pastries and artisan coffee or, if you prefer to eat out during lunchtime, why not pop in to enjoy the highly recommended lunch or afternoon tea menus?
Experience the delightful dinner menu during the evening with the highly sought-after succulent pork belly, which is slowly cooked for seventy-two hours. You will not fail to find something that caters to every taste, diet, or requirement. This same level of greatness can also be found
within the bar of Lyth Valley Country Inn, as they hold both the finest ales, due to the Winster Valley Brewery, and the best wines from all around the globe. Don't forget to check out their cocktail menu as they also provide expertly mixed concoctions which are a treat to the taste buds! Take a seat with family or friends within the cosy booths or venture out on to the raised decking area to savour both the drink and the spectacular views. The greatness of Lyth Valley Country Inn spills over into their sister pub, the Brown Horse Inn, which is located just three and a half miles away. Contemporary takes on the traditional dishes has allowed them to form their classy and chic menu with a comprehensive range of wines
and ales served alongside. Like Lyth Valley, the Brown Horse also offers on site accommodation as well as the added luxury of self-catering cottages scattered around the Winster Valley. So, why not indulge in yourself this Christmas and journey to the Lyth Valley Country Inn - or the Brown Horse Inn - to experience the fun fuelled festivities with great company among beautiful surroundings. LYTH VALLEY COUNTRY INN: Lyth, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8DB. Tel: 015395 68295. Email: info@lythvalley.com Web: www.lythvalley.com BROWN HORSE INN: Winster, Nr Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NR. Tel: 015394 43443. Web: www.thebrownhorseinn.co.uk
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‘Greater variety of independent retailers and leisure opportunities key to ambitious
town centre plans’, says Deputy Council Leader
St Helens Council’s Deputy Leader has hailed the attitude and determination of a number of independent St Helens Town Centre retailers that appear to be flourishing, despite a tough national economic climate. Over the past few years, St Helens Town Centre has seen more and more independent shops, bars and restaurants open up for business which shows that the trust is there from investors who are showing faith in the council’s ‘Transforming our Town’ vision – and buying into what the town could be. Only recently, news emerged that OD’s Designer Clothing in Claughton Street has been shortlisted for two national awards in the ‘Multichannel Independent Retailer of the Year’ and ‘Kidswear Independent Retailer of the Year’ categories at The Drapers Independent Awards this September. Having been based in St Helens since 1992 when its menswear shop first opened, owner Chis O’Dea has built up an excellent retail portfolio in the town centre, adding a womenswear, jewellery store - and most recently a children’s wear store - to his business empire. Speaking last year ahead of the opening of OD’s Juniors - which is among the biggest stores of its kind in the UK – Chris, who is a member of the St Helens Ambassadors scheme to attract more investment in the borough, revealed how a meeting with the council underlined his faith in the work he’s doing, and stated that there is massive potential in the town. Just a stone’s throw away from OD’s, Momo’s independent coffee shop has brewed up a positive storm with customers since opening in December last year. Receiving nothing but excellent reviews so far on review site, TripAdvisor, Momo’s is the brainchild of town centre resident Claire Rigby who opened up Momo’s as a way of
bringing the community together – with poetry and drama workshops; board games; dementia and autismfriendly evenings - together with a delicious range of homemade sandwiches and cakes – making it a popular addition to the town centre offer. Meanwhile, earlier this summer, the opening of Sabroso Tex-Mex in George Street quite literally spiced up the town centre’s restaurant scene. Expanding on their successful takeaway in Thatto Heath, husband and wife Paul and Sharon Bridge from Sutton have come in for high praise for transforming a large empty unit into an eye-catching eatery which serves a mouth-watering range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. St Helens’ first vegan restaurant is also going from strength to strength since opening in November last year, drawing in visitors from far and wide. Phoenix Plant Based Eatery in Corporation Street – which aims to change people’s perceptions of vegan food through offering a widerange of tasty meals – has attracted visitors from Italy, Germany, Slovakia, Belgium, Lithuania, the USA and Australia, to name a few. Turning to the town centre’s nightlife, the opening of several classy drinking establishments over the past year has provided a boost to St Helens Town Centre’s night time economy, with the £500,000 Punch Tarmey’s investment by The Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, as well as the opening of The Church
and The Secret Garden in Ormskirk Street by local entrepreneur Ian Pitts, all hitting the ground running as the council looks to improve the town centre’s food, drink and leisure options. Councillor Bowden, who is also the council’s portfolio holder for economic development and town centres, said: “These independent business owners should be applauded for their decision to invest in the borough and for showing tremendous spirit and confidence in St Helens Town Centre. “A greater variety of independent retailers and leisure opportunities is a key priority in our ambitious plans for St Helens Town Centre’s regeneration –and these businesses have set the bar at the level of quality we’re aiming for. “We’re under no illusions, and know full well that major changes are needed in order for St Helens Town Centre to rub shoulders with some of the best town centres in the country. “Our vision is that of a thriving town centre and it’s an absolute priority to turn that vision into action.”
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Healthy Living Team
to host free-family fun
in parks this month
St Helens Council’s Healthy Living Team is hosting a range of fantastic fun activities in some of the borough’s parks over the summer for all the family to enjoy. Starting tomorrow (Wednesday 8 August) right through until Wednesday 29 August, activities form part of Healthy Living’s ‘Fit4ALL Summer Time Fun’ programme
which includes walks; nature hunts; balls games; Olympic and sports day type events, and much more besides. No Healthy Living event would be complete without an appearance from mascot, Captain Tuck who will be in attendance at every FIT4ALL Summer Time Fun event. Meanwhile, as a way of promoting the borough’s outdoor gym stations, family-friendly fitness in the park sessions with qualified Healthy Living workers will be held in Queens Park, Taylor Park, Nanny Goat Park, and Mesnes Park. Introduced in spring 2016, the gyms were installed as part of the St Helen’s Council’s Healthy Weight Strategy to increase activity levels and promote green space. Encouraging residents to get involved, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Better Health and Building Arts & Culture, Councillor
Gill Neal, said: “It’s always good to get out and enjoy the fresh air in our beautiful parks and open spaces, but there’s even more of a reason to through these fun events which are a great way to bring families together while promoting living a healthy lifestyle.” FIT4ALL timetable of events is as follows Wednesday 15 August, 2:00pm4:00pm: Taylor Park Wednesday 22 August, 2:00pm4:00pm: Mesnes Park Wednesday 29 August, 2:00pm-4pm: Victoria Park Fitness in the Park sessions Monday 13 August, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Queens Park Tuesday 14 August, 10:00am12:00pm: Taylor Park Tuesday 14 August, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Nanny Goat Park Monday 20 August, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Queens Park Tuesday 21 August, 10:00am12:00pm: Nanny Goat Park Tuesday 21 August, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Mesnes Park Tuesday 28 August, 10:00am12:00pm: Mesnes Park Tuesday 28 August, 1:00pm-3:30pm: Taylor Park
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MICHAEL VAN GERWEN secured his first World
Series title of the year as he beat Raymond van Barneveld 11-4 to win the 2018 Auckland Darts
Masters, presented by TAB and Burger King.
In a scintillating display of darts at the Trusts Arena, Van Gerwen was at his imperious best as he beat Peter Wright and then compatriot Van Barneveld on the way to the title. Dropping just seven legs across the two games, and 13 in the tournament as a whole - Van Gerwen was back to his brilliant best after four televised tournaments without a win. In the final, the two-time World Champion began the game in style holding throw in ten-darts to set the tone for the remainder of the encounter. The world number one quickly raced in to a 6-1 lead, barely breaking a sweat as he edged closer to the title. Van Barneveld was then able to produce a comeback of sorts, breaking the throw to close the gap to two legs, giving the Dutch legend hope. This seemed to inspire Van Gerwen though, who went on to win five consecutive legs, which included a 156 finish on his way to the crown. “I’m delighted to win this title for the
first time,” said Van Gerwen after his impressive victory. “There have been a few tournaments since I have won and I know I don’t need to send any messages but sometimes it is nice to let everyone know who is boss. “The standard of darts is getting better and better on this side of the world and it is important for the sport that it keeps growing,” added the 29-year-old. “Now we head to Melbourne and it’s another chance for me to pick up a title, I feel good and ready to go.” Raymond van Barneveld was appearing in his second Auckland Darts Masters Final after losing out in the decider to Adrian Lewis in 2015. The five-time World Champion was aiming to win his first World Series of Darts event but ran in to an inspired MVG in the final. “He’s ruining everything for us, he keeps winning everything,” joked Van Barneveld after the match.
“I felt better in the final than I did in the semi but when Michael gets on a roll you can’t stop him” Earlier on in the evening Van Gerwen dispatched Peter Wright to book his place in the final, beating the Scot 10-3. The Premier League Champion hit back-to-back 170 and 164 finishes in the middle of the match with the Dutchman ending the clash with an average of 102.76. Van Barneveld secured his spot in the final with a convincing 10-5 win over Simon Whitlock. The 51-year-old produced an average of 102.79 in an impressive performance. The final was a step too far for Van Barneveld though as the world number one claimed the title and cemented his reputation as the world’s best player. The World Series returns on August 10-12 in Melbourne at the Hisense Arena before the tour Down Under concludes in Brisbane on August 1719. Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King Sunday August 5 (6pm) Semi-Finals Simon Whitlock 5-10 Raymond van Barneveld
Michael van Gerwen 10-3 Peter Wright Best of 19 legs Final Raymond van Barneveld 4-11 Michael van Gerwen Best of 21 legs
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