HMS Mersey, photographed this morning from Hightown, moving into the River Mersey’s estuary. HMS Mersey is the youngest of the original set of River class patrol vessels. She patrols the waters of the UK and up to 200 miles in the Atlantic, ensuring that fishing boats and trawlers comply with internationally-agreed quotas. In May 2016, Mersey was dry docked in Martinique as part of her mid-deployment maintenance period. By July, Mersey had been relieved by RFA Wave Knight and was deployed on migrant patrols in the Aegean via a port call in Gibraltar. Mersey returned to Portsmouth on 10 February…
Author: Pat Regan
Dobbies on Bentham’s Way in Birkdale, hosted a special day of activities to launch the Little Seedlings play area on Saturday, September 22, including appearances from Spiderman, along with various Disney characters such as Moana and Maui and Rapunzel. Children enjoyed activities including face-painting, receiving glitter tattoos as well as dancing in the mini disco. Another treat consisted of the wonderful raptors (owls, hawks, etc) displayed outside Dobbies by S & R Birds of Prey. A fun-filled and successful day was had by all… Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/ More: https://www.otsnews.co.uk/new-soft-play-area-opens-dobbies-garden-centre-southport/
Dobbies in Southport is set to launch a much-anticipated new Little Seedlings soft play area on the 22nd September. To celebrate the opening a host of activities will be taking place at the garden centre to entertain families throughout the afternoon. Activities including face painting, balloon modelling, a mini disco and special guest characters will take place until 2 pm. Dobbies welcomes all children to explore the bright new play zone where they will be able to have fun and tumble with Bud and the rest of the Little Seedlings gang. The new soft play area has something for all…
Travelling along Southport’s Coastal Road at Marshside, eagle-eyed folks could perhaps have been forgiven for wondering what the strange cloud of distant UFOs over the River Ribble’s estuary actually consisted of. Had ET landed at Blackpool or…? At first glance it seemed like the mystery objects were a skein of large geese, but a closer look with the camera revealed the truth… I got the super-zoom out to discover more about these distant flying objects. They appeared to be kites. A quick Google search soon revealed that this was indeed a kite festival at Lytham St Annes. Above: crowds of…
Some cars got through the thick sands at Ainsdale’s beach entrance, while others were not so lucky. There was also no sign of any attempts to move the thick sand at the entrance by the local authority. Basically, numerous unlucky drivers were left to tackle the tricky situation, as best they could. The soft sands are very hard to avoid, as they frequently cover the whole entrance area. So what advice do Sefton Council give? They state: “We would ask visitors to ensure that they drive and park sensibly within the defined parking area and avoid areas of soft sand…
Southport Flower Show 2018 Thursday 16th to 19th August from 10am – 6pm (5pm Sunday). Venue: Victoria Park. One high-flyer at the show, who was not deterred by the threat of August rain showers… Even dull weather could not stop the magic of the show… The second day of the show drifted into the third and for a while the sun showed its face. NB. Thanks to Kyle Regan for additional images. Southport Flower Show is the largest independent flower show in the country, attracting over 50,000 visitors across 4 days. http://www.southportflowershow.co.uk/ Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/ See also: https://www.otsnews.co.uk/pictures-southport-flower-show-2018/ …
The day was dull and the crowds seemed thinner than last year. Regardless of the weather the show is always a magical experience. Time for a quick brew… Lord Fearn OBE appeared to be enjoying the ice cream… Floral blooms galore of course stole the show. https://southportflowershow.eventcube.io/ Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
Ahoy shipmates! Have you ever wanted to sail or charter a boat abroad but don’t know where to start? Then set a course to Greenbank High School on Hastings road in Southport this September where Paul Harrison from Seavoice Training will be ready to welcome you on board a 10 week Essential Navigation and Seamanship theory course. The Essential Navigation and Seamanship course is an ideal foundation course to anyone new to boating or for skippers who are a little rusty and would like to refresh their Navigation skills. On successfully completing the course you will be awarded a Royal…
Getting around town with increased gridlock and ticket-hungry traffic wardens ready to pounce on every corner can be frustrating. However, this high-flyer seems to have sorted out the problem. Sefton’s finest – always ready for action… Meanwhile, down at Ainsdale beach some unfortunate drivers have fallen victims to the deep, car-grabbing, sands. Of course it’s an ongoing problem as well… Cars and sand make for a bad mix at times, as we have seen in the past… https://www.otsnews.co.uk/wrecked-cars-moved-from-formbyainsdale-shore/ Locals looked on in disbelief, apparently not very impressed with the questionable parking facilities at hand… Our coast is beautiful and wild.…
Several police vehicles arrived this afternoon in Lord Street to deal with a problem involving an angry organist. The man, who was attempting to play gloomy church music, squared up to police and community support officers for some time. A great deal of shouting and gesturing went on, which attracted more police. Although not yet confirmed, it appeared that the officers were attempting to move the organist on after local complaints. The unusual fiasco attracted curious onlookers to the scene. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
A Teenage Cancer Trust supporter said. “I’m so very proud of these guys who are willing to parachute out of a plane at 10,000 feet to help raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust – North West & Cumbria on the 9th of September in Lancaster.” Teenager Cancer Trust helps teenagers, young adults and their families who are possibly going through the worst time in their lives. Not only supporting the patient but also the family and supporting them afterwards too… This is really an amazing charity that goes above and beyond the call of duty. We are lucky as we…
Shoezone mega store relocates to Ocean Plaza Above: Local mum, Cath Regan, with Shoezone Store Manager, Stephen Chisholm. Southport resident Cath Regan says: “One place I love to visit in Southport is Shoezone, which until recently was located in Marble Place off Chapel Street. I’ve never walked out of that shop without finding what I needed at a very affordable price. The store has recently moved to Ocean Plaza, which is absolutely great as parking on there is so easy and within walking distance from bus stops or train station.” Cath added: “The staff members and manager (Stephen Chisholm) are…
Police cordoned off Formby’s Altcar Road area this morning, after reports of an explosive device being found at the Household Waste Recycling Centre. Luckily this was deemed to be a false alarm. Merseyside Police advised that they had reports of a mortar being found at a waste facility site on Altcar Road. Stephenson Way to the Formby Bypass was duly cordoned off. The area is now clear. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
Crowds came to see the big Orange Lodge March today in Southport. Plenty of police at the event.. Towards midday parts of the town were getting quite congested. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/ Last May… https://www.otsnews.co.uk/pictures-orangemen-southport-28-may-2018/
The last day of the amazing 2018 Southport Air Show was again a hot one, with clear blue skies and high temperatures. I could not help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the poor little Bristol Blenheim Bomber, as it flew off over the Irish Sea all alone. This is the world’s only remaining flying Bristol Blenheim. Therefore, when it’s gone that’s it, the show is finally over… Nevertheless, today the Blenheim had the sterling company of two loyal spitfire escorts… The Tigers Army Parachute Display Team put on their habitually astounding appearance as well… Ears plugs may be…
Day two of the Southport Air Show and more lovely, warm, weather. Perhaps the change to this earlier July time schedule was a wise one. One spitfire is good but two are even better… Above: The famous Lancaster Bomber is always popular. The Bristol Blenheim made a rare appearance at the show… Cat and mouse tactics with the Mig and Vampire pair… Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers thrilled the crowds.. Above: aircraft were ‘not’ the only things flying around the beach today… Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
Images from the opening evening of the Southport Air Show 2018. More info: https://www.visitsouthport.com/airshow/in-the-air Above: note the strange extra ‘ghost plane’ effect (@ about 12-16 secs) at the start of the clip. There one second and gone the next. This seems to be caused by the jet’s shadow casting against the smoke trail. Above: the mighty Lancaster Bomber, part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Sunset over the beach during the show…. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
The Lydiate Classic Car and Bike Show was held today at 288 Southport Road, Lydiate, L31 4EQ, Photos and video by Jason Regan Above: Southport motor engineer, Dave Elsby, accompanied Jason Regan to the show. https://www.otsnews.co.uk/dave-elsby-mobile-motoring-services/ More… https://www.facebook.com/groups/91022806077/about/ https://www.otsnews.co.uk/southport-lads-venture-forth-2cv-gb-registers-day/ Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
The fire near Winter Hill was blackening the Lancashire sky last night (30 June 2018). The pictures and video taken in this article were shot from some distance at Rufford. The fire started at Winter Hill on Thursday and is smouldering across a 1.9 sq miles (5 sq km) area. The BBC reported that a 22-year-old man, from Bolton, was arrested on Friday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-44667762 See also https://www.otsnews.co.uk/firefighters-douse-blaze-caravan-club-birkdale/ Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
A fire crew extinguished a dune fire today in Weld Road Birkdale. It is believed this was created by natural causes, due to the recent intensely hot weather. The fire finally put in its place. Then the road was opened again, much to the delight of both man and beast … Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
This week’s confirmation by the government that they will not back the controversial Swansea Tidal Lagoon has brought in mixed emotions. Southport’s Libdems are not happy about the news. “Disappointing, but certainly not surprising” stated Southport’s Liberal Democrats, who have been suggesting a similar scheme for Southport. https://www.otsnews.co.uk/tidal-lagoon-decision-not-end-say-lib-dems/ Above: Previously, Southport’s (now ex) Cllr Fred Weavers had come up with the idea of a tidal lagoon at Southport. Souport’s MP Damien Moore also backed the Lagoon idea for the town saying: “Despite our political differences, I will work with Cllr Weavers as well as colleagues in Government over the coming years…
House Proud Domestic Services is a newly formed ‘people-friendly’ business that provides a bespoke cleaning service to suit the individual needs of the client, using only cruelty free products. Whatever your requirements no job is too big or too small and all reasonable requests can be met. Space for regular clients is very limited at the moment and is usually reserved for clients who are recommended by previous or current clients. However, there is availability for: One off cleans. Spring cleans. End of tenancy cleans. Christmas cleans. Special occasion cleans. One off clients do qualify to be added to the…
Formby Bridge is currently affected by traffic delays from today (Monday 4th June) for three weeks, due to road works. The works will be undertaken from 4th to 24th June. Road closures are in place from the junction at Duke Street and Kirklake Road. Additional data on Sefton Council site as follows… https://www.sefton.gov.uk/roadandstreetworks Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
Southport pals, Dave Elsby (Motor Engineer) and Jason Regan (Founder of Citroen 2CV Appreciation group) attended the 2CV GB Registers Day in Birkenhead. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1710547292574642/ Jason remembers that his parents had 2CVs when he was just a small boy and has loved the French cars with a great passion since then. Therefore, attending the Registers Day was to him a dream come true… Above: Jason trying out a 2CV in Bill Gale’s 2CV Southport workshop in 2012. Above: Southport mechanic Dave Elsby at the event. Dave works on all manner of vehicles and can be contacted on the following numbers. Landline…
The Ainsdale Gala Fun Day got off to a rather damp start, with drizzle increasing throughout the morning. Mr Trix, on hand to delight the children… Various stalls doing raffles and selling all manner of things. Despite the drizzle the band played on… Damon Noone performing at Ainsdale Fun Day 2018 Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/
Orange marchers paraded through Southport yesterday in sweltering heat. With temperatures up to around 27 degrees Celsius the bands played on. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/ Previously https://www.otsnews.co.uk/orange-lodge-parades-southport/
Professionally organised sand racing events were a popular attraction on the beach at Ainsdale during the 1970s. Did you attend as a fan, know anyone there or even win a racing event? Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/
A tribute to a dedicated, time-served, Southport gardener who knew his stuff better than most My father, Bill Regan, was the Head Gardener at Hesketh Park in Southport for around 50 years. When I was a boy, dad would take me around the park in the 1960s when he was working in the conservatory and the big greenhouses. His great love of nature was handed down to all his four sons. Above: Hesketh Park conservatory and the lake today. Above: Head Gardener, Bill Regan in the conservatory in 1956 Above: Bill Regan (second left) with fellow gardeners during the 1930s…
Householders warned to be vigilant concerning rogue gardeners. Cash-hungry cowboy gardeners are nothing new. As austerity bites deeper, garden work is an area that more than ever is ripe for manipulation by the less trustworthy. Quotations for jobs, which are questionably low, frequently indicate that something is wrong. The gardening cowboys, who are often untrained and uninsured, use every trick in the book to fleece home owners out of their hard-earned cash. It is often worth getting several quotations if there is a vast discrepancy in prices. Later add-on fees are not uncommon in the cowboy world. Some of these…
Some of us love the desolate wild places. Virtually the only sounds heard originate from the Irish Sea breeze whistling down the creeks, along with the melancholy cries of the curlews, godwits and various geese. In the above video clip one can see Blackpool initially, then Southport pier in the distance. Muddy creeks that meander out into the Ribble estuary… Since time immemorial the pink-footed and greylag geese have flocked in their thousands into the wild marsh. Geese resting up here with Blackpool Tower, over the Ribble estuary, in the distance. The grace of the incoming skeins is a wonder…