See "Decadance" at Blackpool Grand Theatre - 1st October 2012

Brooklyn’s sensational all-female Decadance will burst onto The Grand’s stage with their triple bill spectacular, hip-hop dance performance on Monday 1 October!

Brooklyn-based, Decadance, redefine the image of women in hip-hop and have become a key ambassador of authentic, New York City hip-hop culture around the world- and they will be bringing their amazing hip-hop to The Grand!

 

This evening of knock out performance at the Grand Theatre fuses old-school hip-hop styles with cutting edge 3D video, taking the dancers into an abstract world where b-boying (breakdance), popping and house dance come alive. Even if you have never seen hip-hip or contemporary dance before, this is a performance for anyone who enjoys watching energetic, skilled performers and jaw-dropping dance.

The Decadance performers dance and interact with stunning 3D video during the performance, embracing the fluid side of hip-hop. The dancers float, slide, spin, wave, and balance as the projections and choreography seamlessly merge together.

Decadance takes female dancers out of the background of music videos and into the forefront of theatrical performance. Whether you are a regular contemporary dance-goer or have never seen a piece of contemporary dance in your life, this will be a night of dance and performance you certainly won’t forget!

Decadance’sspecial performance kicks off a spectacular programme of contemporary dance at Blackpool’s beautiful Grand Theatre. Following Decadance, David Hughes Dance’s Chinaski Sessions will take to The Grand’s stage on Monday 22 October.

The award-winning David Hughes Dance prides themselves on delivering passionate and beautiful performance through skillful and innovative dance, which is both enthralling and accessible. David Hughes Dance, in true troubadour fashion, will perform anywhere from a stripped down barn by candle light to a full Opera-House spectacular- and they are making their way to Blackpool’s beautiful Grand Theatre in October!

In The Chinaski Sessions, live Belgian rock music and explosive contemporary dance collide in an evening of highly-charged and skilled performance! The Chinaski Sessions depicts an evening in the life of seven testosterone-crazed men, trapped in a rock-band's home studio, as they try to finish their new album. Chaos ensues in the form of vicious drumming and explosive dance performance that will leave you amazed!

On Wednesday 7 November, 12 Degrees North Dance Company will appear at the Grand Theatre to present an engaging programme, which includes Article 1, a new piece of work by Alesandra Seutin for 12 dancers. With her vision of fusing African traditional dance with contemporary dance and urban forms, internationally acclaimed choreographer, Seutin creates distinct Afro-pean dance theatre from a feminine perspective.

If you can’t get enough of contemporary dance, then you can also see Champloo’s performance of White Caps at The Grand on Sunday 18 November. White Caps follows the journey of two men as they embark on an epic adventure, through cinematic film and b-boying performance.

For a decadent night of amazing dance performance, energy, and style don’t miss the international dance sensation that is Decadance!

Decadance on at The Grand on Monday 1 October - Tickets from £10

David Hughes Dance’s Chinaski Sessions is at The Grand on Monday 22 October - Tickets from £10

12 Degrees North is at The Grand  on Wednesday 7 November - Tickets from £7.00

Champloo present White Caps on Sunday 18 November -Tickets from £10

Booking/Transaction fees apply

You can now make the most of a brilliant dance offer- you can book two of the dance shows listed for only £15.00!

For the fastest way to book tickets for any show visit The Grand’s brand new interactive website www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk where you can now select your own seat! Alternatively call the Box Office on 01253 290 190.

Pendle War Poetry Competition - Results Announced

Results for the 2012 Pendle War Poetry Competition can now be seen here: www.pendlewarpoetry.com

The winning poems will be read out at a special presentation evening to be held at the ACE Centre in Nelson on Thursday 18^th October on the occasion of the East Lancs Première of the Bullets & Daffodils show, in the presence of the Mayor of Pendle, local MPs and other dignitaries.  

Competition winners will be contacted individually regarding the Presentation Evening.

Tickets for the evening are on sale to members of the public from the ACE Centre box office now – priced £6 (£4 concessions) tel: 01282 661080 and can also be ordered online here: http://www.ticketline.co.uk/bullets-and-daffodils#bio

Ice Hockey: Fylde Flyers 9 - Blackburn Eagles 6

Saturday 29th September 2012
English National League Division 2 North

Fylde Flyers 9 - Blackburn Eagles 6
Period Scores: 2-1, 3-1, 4-4
Shots on Goal: Flyers 63 - Eagles 34
Penalties in Minutes: Flyers 62 - Eagles 52

More to follow - please check back!

Photo by Jon Birtwistle

NWCFL Premier Division: AFC Blackpool Match News

AFC Blackpool's home game against league leaders Bootle had to be postponed due to an electrical failure in the clubhouse.

It is hoped that the fault will be repaired in time for the Lancashire Challenge Trophy match against AFC Darwen on Tuesday evening, which was re-arranged from last Tuedsay evening.

Squires Gate FC lost 4-1 away at Winsford on Saturday.

Their scheduled home game for this Tuesday evening in the NWCFL Premier Division has been postponed due to opponents Barnoldswick's involvement in the West Riding County Cup.

Squires Gate are next at home on Saturday  6th October playing Wigan Robin Park, while AFC Blackpool are away at Stockport Sports.

More info:  www.afcblackpool.co.uk  www.nwcfl.com   www.squiresgatefc.co.uk 

Rugby Union: Fylde 12 - Sedgley Park 11

Saturday 29th September 2012
National League Division 1

Fylde 12 - Sedgley Park 11  (Half Time: 0-11)

Our first visit to Fylde Rugby Club this season and what a great game ...in the end!

Left pointless at half time, having looked sloppy and unconnected, and conceding a try and two kicks, Fylde came out looking a much changed team for the second half.

An early try by Nick Royle steadied the nerves and Fylde managed to keep Sedgley out for the rest of the game.  Some inspired player substitutions made all the difference late in the game and a second try and conversion kick sealed the points, giving Fylde only their second win of the season so far.

Fylde Rugby Club are away at unbeaten league leaders Ealing next Saturdayand then play host to 3rd placed Cinderford on Saturday 13th October.

More info: www.fylderugby.co.uk 

Best Kept Secrets Show on 103.2 Preston FM - Friday 7pm

Join us for another great "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show this Friday from 7pm on 103.2 Preston FM.

In this week's show:

we'll be looking back over the recent Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship that was held at Hoylake on the Wirral

we talk to Soren & Bradley, The Sugar Dandies, about the Same Sex Dance Competition that they are organising in Blackpool at the end of October

and we look ahead to the Autumn tour of Bullets & Daffodils - The Wilfred Owen Story - with interviews with Christopher Lee Power, choreographer Charlotte Roberts (in photo with Lucy) and Pauline Power.

There'll be music from the Bullets & Daffodils show and new releases from The Musgraves and Deborah Bonham.

So join us from 7pm on Friday evening as we'll have something for everybody in our "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show.

You can tune in to Preston FM on 103.2 FM in the local area or "listen live" worldwide over the internet at www.preston.fm 


PLEASE NOTE: THIS SHOW HAS BEEN PRE-RECORDED. WE HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THE BLACKPOOL PERFORMANCE OF BULLETS & DAFFODILS ON SATURDAY 29th SEPTEMBER HAS BEEN CANCELLED.  APOLOGIES FOR ANY CONFUSION THAT ARISES FROM LISTENING ON FRIDAY EVENING.

Theatre Review: Michael Morpurgo's "Farm Boy" at Blackpool Grand Theatre

At first, I feared we had arrived late because the curtains were open and something was happening on stage but the house lights were still up, people were still chatting and standing around.   The stage was light and centre stage was a tractor with a man working on it.  To the right was a gentleman sitting on a chair, reading a newspaper.  Then the bell went, so I breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed.

Michael Morpurgo’s “Farm Boy”, adapted and directed for the theatre by Daniel Buckroyd and brought to us by Scamp Theatre and New Perspectives Theatre Company, shows what can be done with minimal scenery, allowing the audience to concentrate on the ability of the actors.  And what a fine performance we saw tonight from the actors – John Walters as the Grandfather and Gareth Bennett-Ryan as his Grandson.

Michael Morpurgo’s sequel to “War Horse” held the audience spell-bound as we were reminded of how Joey and ‘The Corporal’ went to France during the First World War  - in those days horses were needed for the Cavalry, to pull gun carriages, supply carts and ambulances - and what happened when they returned home together.

You can almost smell the new mown hay, hear the horses and see the swallows swooping and diving as the story unfolds about life on a farm in between the wars when tractors were just proving their worth.

A wonderful, nostalgic story – all too soon it was over and time to thank everyone and come home.   An excellent show - definitely a 'must' for any fans of “War Horse”.

The play is touring and there are dates across the country.

Next show: Blackpool Grand Theatre tomorrow (Monday) 1.30pm only.

National tour dates can be found here:
http://www.newperspectives.co.uk/event_dates?showid=10

NWCFL Premier Division: Squires Gate 2 - Maine Road 1

Squires Gate FC picked up only their second win of the season in this hard fought encounter with Maine Road.  After a tightly controlled first half in which Gate looked the better side, the visitors piled on the pressure and will be wondering how they did not win this match, hitting the post twice, the bar once and having an almost certain goal cleared off the line.

Squires Gate remain in 20th place in the NWCFL Premier Division Table while AFC Blackpool's 5-1 defeat away at Congleton Town sees them drop to 7th .

AFC Blackpool are at home to AFC Darwen in the first round of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy on Tuesday evening - 7.45 kick off  - and then entertain undefeated league leaders Bootle on Saturday 29th September.

Squires Gate do not have a midweek game and are away at Winsford United on Saturday.

More info:  www.nwcfl.com   www.afcblackpool.co.uk  www.squiresgatefc.co.uk

See Michael Morpurgo's "Farm Boy" at Blackpool Grand Theatre - Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th September

New Perspectives and Scamp Theatre presents Farm Boy. It sometimes felt as though time had stood still on the family farm – swallows nesting in the eaves, the old Fordson Tractor quietly rusting in the back of the barn, Grandpa still tending his chickens – that is, until the summer his grandson finished school and came to stay, and the old man started telling stories of what it had been like on the farm when he was a boy.

Farm Boy, the compelling sequel to the award-winning War Horse, is a moving account of the changing face of the English countryside and a beautifully-crafted reminder that stories really can reach out across the generations.

Following critically-acclaimed runs at both the 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the 2011 Brits Off Broadway Festival in New York, plus a hugely successful UK tour, this magical tale of the bonds linking grandfather to grandson and ultimately both to the land has once more been brought to life by New Perspectives Theatre Company in their delightful touring show combining drama, storytelling and original music.

Recommended Audience: Families & Children Aged 7+ Years

Show Times: 
Sunday 23rd September: 1.30pm and 7pm
Monday 24th September: 1.30pm

For bookings, call the Box Office on 01253 290190 or go to www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Last few days to view paintings by Tom Eccles in Lytham, Grant Smith Therapy Centre - until 29th September 2012

The Grant Smith Physiotherapy Centre in Lytham are hosting an exhibition of paintings and prints by artist Tom Eccles.

Many of these delightful prints and paintings feature local scenes of Lytham and Wrea Green and are definitely worth a look.  The Exhibition runs until Saturday, 29th September 2012.

The Grant Smith Therapy Centre is situated in 25 Westby Street, Lytham in the conservation area. Their hours of opening are Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m. Saturday 9.00 a.m. till 1.00 p.m.

For further details, please call 01253 735728

To find out more about the wide variety of therapies available visit www.grantsmith.co.uk

Dean Johnson and The Wilfred Owen Story present Wilfred Owen Day in Oswestry on 9th October 2012

England Ladies Football Team Qualify For 2013 World Cup Finals

The England ladies football team secured automatic qualification for the World Cup finals to be held in Sweden in July 2013 with a 3-0 win over Croatia.

Goals from Jill Scott, Eni Alouka and captain Casey Stoney meant that England finished on top of the group, 1 point ahead of Holland who also qualify as best 2nd placed team.

More info: http://www.thefa.com/England/womens-seniors

NWCFL Premier Division: AFC Blackpool 2 - Wigan Robin Park 3

Two goals from Blackpool front man Ben Waddington (pictured) were not enough to save The Mechanics from a 3-2 home defeat by Wigan Robin Park on Tuesday evening.

The home side took the lead early in each half (8 mins and 46 mins) but were pegged back each time by a workmanlike opposition, before finally being undone from a direct free that rolled past the diving keeper into the bottom right corner in the 84th minute.

Squires Gate FC were also at home in NWCFL Premier Division action on Tuedsay evening, losing 2-0 at home to Bacup Borough.

Those results leave AFC Blackpool and Squires Gate 5th and 20th in the NWCFL Premier Division respectively.

Squires Gate are at home to Maine Road FC on Saturday 22nd September in a 3pm kick off, while AFC Blackpool ar away at Congleton Town.

The Mechanics are next at home on Tuesday 25th September when they entertain AFC Darwen in the first round of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy.

More information: www.afcblackpool.co.uk  ,  www.nwcfl.com 

Heswall Arts Festival Wirral 2012

The Wirral Peninsular is THE place to be - there is so much going on and plenty of good hotels and restaurants.

Heswall Arts Festival is on from 13th October 2012 until 27th October 2012 and there is something for everyone in their programme.

Official programmes on sale now.

Further information from www.heswallfestival.com or
e-mail info@heswallfestivalcom
or call 0151 336 3618

Ji Yai Shin Wins Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship

South Korean Ji Yai Shin overcame ferocious winds and rain in the fourth round of the Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship at Hoylake yesterday to secure her second British open title - adding to the crown that she won in 2008.

She finished on an amazing 9 under par - 9shots ahead of fellow Korean Inbee Park who finished second on par, followed closely by American poster girl Paula Creamer and +1 and Japanese Mika Miyazato on +2.

The highest placed British finisher was 2009 champion Catriona Matthew from Scotland who came joint 10th on +7.

For a full list of scores, click here: http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/lpga/leaderboard

To find out more about the Ricoh Womens British Open, look here: www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com

The 2013 championship will be played at St Andrews from 1st to 4th August 2013

Walking The Course - 4th Round

Somewhat buoyed by walking a few holes of the course to follow a particular tie yesterday, I decided to do the same again today. Venturing back out of the media centre after the mid day rain had stopped, I happened upon game 6 of the fourth round, which had started off at tee 10 and was now coming to the 18th hole, which in their case was the 9th.

I was struck by how few people were following this game - especially compared to Ji Yai Shin's third round game which had finished on the 18th hole a little earlier.

Then the crowd of spectators had been about 3 deep whereas now, watching 3 players who had little chance of winning the title, there was hardly anybody there to cheer them on.  But these are still world class players - they beat the cut when other big names and former champions did not - and they still earn many thousands of dollars in prize money every year  and, as they were about to go to the 1st tee (which would be their 10th), I decided that this would be my "match of the day"  - for 3 holes, anyway.

So: cue Becky Morgan from Wales, Erina Hara from Japan and Lindsey Wright from Australia.

I got a really superb view of the players teeing off at the first tee - unlike yestererday's Creamer/Tseng/Miyazato encouter - and followed the action up the fairway.  I was glad I was there because at one point there were only about 6 people following match and we were actually outnumbered by the playing party (3 players, 3 caddies, scorer, walkie talkie man and board carrier) at one point on the second hole....

The thing is - even thought the we were well off the lead at this point, each player's perforamnce was still very important. Each shot on each hole could make a difference to their overall finishing position in the tournament which would affect how much prize money they earn, overall tour rankings and, in some cases, whether or not they qualify for their relevant national teams...  So I was there rooting for them all to do well. 

The crowd picked up a bit as we progressed along the fairway for the 3rd hole. That's where it passes closest to the spectator village and, after three holes, I took my leave of the girls and came back to tell you all about it.

At this moment Msses Morgan, Hara and Wright are out on the 7th hole somewhere - which today is their 16th - and it is absolutely pouring with rain so I think I probably made the right decision!

More tournament news to follow - watch this space!

Catriona Matthew MBE - Breakthrough Breast Cancer Women's Golf Ambassador

The LGU (Ladies' Golf Union) have announced that Catriona Matthew, the 2009 winner of the prestigious Ricoh Women's British Open Championship, has become an official ambassador for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre.

The specially designed LGU pink pin is available from golf links and courses in the UK and currently at the Ricoh Merchandising Stand at the 2012 Ricoh Women's British Golf Open Championship at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, Wirral.

This is especially significant since Sue Turner, Manager of the GB and Ireland Team for the Curtis Cup, died following a brave battle with the disease in February 2012.

More info:
www.breakthrough.org.uk
www.lgu.org
www.ricoh.co.uk
www.royal-liverpool-golf.com

Korean Shin Still Leading After 3rd Round Of Ricoh Womens British Open

The 3rd round of the 2012 Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship has just been completed at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake with overnight leader Ji Yi Shin (pictured) from South Korea still in the lead on 10 under par - 5 shots ahead of Australian Karrie Webb.

Overnight second-placer Inbee Park has slipped to 3rd place on 4 under, just ahead of Mika Miyazato on 3 under.

The fourth round is now under way but with the weather quickly deteriorating, there is still scope for plenty of upsets as the players attempt to get round the final 18 holes of this championship.

More info from: www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com  

Ji Yi Shin Carries Big Lead Into Round 3 Of Ricoh Womens British Open

The 2008 champion Ji Yi Shin of South Korea (pictured with Paul in 2009) hit a superb 8 under par in today's second round to finish 9 under par after 36 holes of this 72 hole competition.

The overnight leader has a 5 shot lead over second placeed fellow Korean Inbee Park, who is on -4 and then come Mika Miyazato from Japan and Karrie Webb from Australia who are both -3.

The leading British player in the tournament at this stage is young amateur Holly Clyburn from Cleethorpes who is making her first appearance in the Womens British Open. She is level in 17th place on 1 over par along with big names such as Michelle Wie, Cristy Kerr and Paula Creamer.

Because a day's play was lost on Friday, rounds 3 and 4 will both be played tomorrow (Sunday). To make it possible to fit two rounds in one day, the cut has been shortened to reduce the number of competitors, there will be a two tee start and matches are being played in threes instead of twos.

You can see the full results from the 2nd round on the official website at: www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com

Ricoh Womens British Open Golf - Walking The Course

As mentioned before, when covering this event, I tend to set up at the 18th hole and that way manage to catch most of the competitors as they finish the course.

However, it was such a nice day today that I fancied a walk out and - as luck would have it - the layout of this course means that the tee off for Hole 1 is next to the spectator area for the 18th. Hole 2 comes back almost parallel with Hole 1 and then Hole 3 goes around the back of the tented village here and finishes you (well, me in this instance) back at the Media Centre. So, off I went to get some "whole event experience".

As luck would have it, my arrival at the 1st tee coincided with one of the most interesting - and indeed, glamorous - ties of the round and I found myself walking the course with twice winner Yani Tseng, American poster girl Paula Creamer and Japanese superstar Ai Miyazato. By way of introduction, Yani Tseng is from Taiwan and has won this tournament for the past two years and is therefore the reigning champion.

Ai Miyazato has mega-star status in her Japanese homeland and her picture is always to be seen in the various celebrity magazines. For this reason, she is followed around by a dedicated band of Japanese press photographers who snap her every move. Armed with this knowledge, I resolved to place myself across from the "japarazzi" at every opportunity in the hope of being "discovered" in a Japanese style magazine.

American Paula Creamer (pictured) is the poster girl for the Ricoh championship and also a Ricoh world brand ambassador. Always easy on the eye, she did not disappoint on this occasion either, shunning the autumnal attire of her fellow competitors and wearing a fetching skirt with long socks instead.

There was a sizeable crowd of spectators watching this particular match and I took my place among them to watch all 3 girls tee off. My comparative inexperience at following a hole was immediately shown up as most of the crowd suddenly set off en masse, shadowing the players on the fairway, and by the time I had caught up, the second shots were already being played.

Following this steep learning curve, I adopted a tactically better watching position for the next shot which meant I could then keep up with play as we got ever nearer to the hole.

By the time we reached the 3rd hole, I had pretty much mastered where to stand, when to clap and when to put a spurt on....  experience that will serve me well tomorrow as I select another match or two to follow around the course - well, 3 holes anyway...

For the record, Creamer hit 4, 5and 4 for these first three holes of the second round, Tseng 5,5,and 3 and Miyazato 4,3 and 4.

To find out more about the Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship, check out the official website at: www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com 





    

Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship - Round 2

The 2012 Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship got back under way today at the Royal Liverpool Golf Course in Hoylake following yesterday's cancellation due to bad weather.

The second round is now being played in full today (Saturday) and the plan is to play both the 3rd and 4th rounds tomorrow (Sunday) with a lower cut in place to reduce the number of players.

Of the players who have already finished their rounds today, Japanese Mika Miyazato (pictured) is the best placed, finishing on 3 under par but there is still a long way to go in this exciting tounament.

In a break from the usual form - ie sitting at the 18th hole watching everybody as they finish - yours truly took a walk around the course, following one of the more glamorous matches for a few holes to get the complete Golf Tournament experience.

A full report will be posted here shortly - do check back!

Play Cancelled For The Day At Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship

Due to continuing bad weather at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake, it has been decided to cancel all play for today in the 2nd round of the Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship.

The second round will now start at 6.50am BST tomorrow (Saturday) morning and further announcements are awaited as to the format for the rest of the tournament.

US star Michelle Wie was one of the few players to make a start in the second round before play was suspended this morning.

She talked about the weather conditions and you can hear what she had to say by clicking on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):

Day 2 Play Suspended At Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship

The eagerly anticipated second day of play at the Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship has been suspended due to exceptionally high winds at the Royal Liverpool Golf Course this morning.

Beacuse of the difficult playing conditions early on, the scores for the early starters have been cancelled and all competitors will start from scratch once play is resumed.

It is hoped that play will be possible later today and an announcement will be made at 2pm BST, although the earliest that play will resume would be 3pm.

We had a chat with Colin Callender from the Ricoh media centre who explained the current situation and what happens next.

To hear what Colin had to say, click on the sound icon below (this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...): 




Stay with us for more news from the Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship as the weekend progresses.

For the very latest news about the Ricoh Womens British Open Golf championship, check out the official website at: http://www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com/2012/

To view the up to date leaderboard, click here: http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/lpga/leaderboard

Vision For Wirral International Golf Resort Launched

Plans are afoot to build a new world class golf resort complex on the Wirral peninsular close to the existing Royal Liverpool Golf Course at Hoylake.

The plans were unveiled by Wirral Borough Council at a special media brunch at the Ricoh Womens British Open golf championship whihc is being held for the first time at the Hoylake course this weekend.

The plans for the new resort include a 5 star hotel and spa as well as a new international standard golf course and come as part of a wider regeneration and tourism package that is being put in place across the borough. 

The council are now looking for potential partners to express their interest in participating in this new adventurous project.  More information can be found at: www.investwirral.com

Photo:  Recently appointed chief exceutive of Wirral Borough Council introduces presentations by Deputy Council Leader Anne McLachlan and Kevin Adderley, Director of Regeneration, Housing & Planning.

Koreans Lead After Day One of Ricoh Womens British Open Golf

Two South Korean players - Haeji Kang (in photo) and So Yeon Ryu - hold the narrowest of leads at the top of the leaderboard after the first round of the Ricoh Womens British Open golf championship at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake.

They both finished on 2 under par and are chased by a pack of 9 players who are just one shot behind on -1. These include Japanese poster girl Ai Miyazato, 2009 champion Ji Yai Shin, British teenage amateur Charley Hull and Lydia Hall from Wales.

Just behind them is another large group of players who finished in par, meaning that the top 30 in this competition are separated by just 2 shots heading into the 2nd day's play.

Stay with us for more news from the Ricoh Womens British Open Golf Championship as the weekend progresses.

For the very latest news about the Ricoh Womens British Open Golf championship, check out the official website at: http://www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com/2012/

To view the up to date leaderboard, click here: http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/lpga/leaderboard

Review: "Breaking Free. From the Streets to the Stage” by Christopher Lee Power

From the back-streets of Birkenhead to a brilliant career in acting on stage, screen, television and radio, Christopher Lee Power takes us on his own, brave, personal journey.  

His book "Breaking Free. From the Streets to the Stage" , published by O Books, is an extremely inspirational and uplifting read, delivering a powerful, positive message in these difficult times that there is hope for anyone and everyone struggling to come to terms with life today, as so many of us are.  Christopher demonstrates that even seemingly insurmountable problems can be overcome with the right attitude and that it is never too late.

The important messages of hope running throughout the book, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading and found very inspirational myself, are to love and trust God, to accept responsibility for your own life and to understand the power of prayer.

Definitely a Must Read.

Front cover photograph by Jean-Pierre MAGLOIRE.

Order link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-Free-Christopher-Power/dp/1846941717/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347564537&sr=1-1

Teenage Prospect Hull Finishes Under Par in First round

Teenager golf sensation Charley Hull (in photo) from Woburn  finished 1 under par in the first round of the Ricoh Womens British Open, outperforming many seasoned campaigners - including the 2009 champion Catriona Matthew (who finished on +4) and American poster girl Paul Creamer (+1).

At this early stage of the competition, Charley finds herself on the same score as 2008 champion Ji Yai Shin and Japanese superstar Ai Miyazato, albeit with much of the field still to complete their opening rounds.

Despite her tender years, Charley is very confident about her chances and enjoying the competition so far.

You can hear what Charley had to say by clicking on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):



For the very latest news about the Ricoh Womens British Open Golf championship, check out the official website at: http://www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com/2012/

To view the up to date leaderboard, click here: http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/lpga/leaderboard

Top Brits Looking Forward to Great Weekend Of Golf For Ricoh Womens British Open

The 2012 Ricoh Womens British Open Golf champiosnhip gets under way at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake on the Wirral this morning and despsite the usual concerns over the weather, the top British contenders are looking forward to the tournament.

Catriona Matthew - who won the title three years ago at Royal Lytham & St Annes, and who was the highest placed British finisher in last year's event, coming joint 5th - said: "The course is in fantastic shape and the greens are some of the best we have putted on all year.  Obviously, the wind will make it a huge challenge - but that's links golf."

Melissa Reid (pictured) is looking forward to aveing lots of family and fineds to support her around the course: "A few of my friends are coming out at the weekend. My dad may come out tomorrow (Thursday) and one of my sisters who has not seen me play gold before is going to come out on Friday."

"It's a great golf course - obviously it's dependent on the wind. It's just a matter of keeping your head strong and accept that if you finish par going in to the turn, you're going to have a pretty decent lead to be honest."

1986 British Open champion Laura Davies is also complimentary about the Hoylake course: "I always thought that Lytham was one of the best bunkered golf courses I ever played but I think this is on a par to it because you can see them all and you can see what you're facing - I don;t know who designed it - but it's fantastic."

To find out more about the Ricoh Womens Britsh Open Golf Championship, keep an eye on the official website at:  www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com

Ricoh to Sponsor Womens British Open Golf Championship to 2016

Ricoh, global technology and document services expert, today signed an agreement which confirms that it will continue as title sponsor of the Ricoh Women’s British Open until at least the 2016 Championship, and the ten year anniversary from its first participation in 2007. Ricoh will also continue to support the tournament organisers with its document services, which it ensures are carbon neutral through its Sustainability Optimisation programme. The announcement confirms the importance and strength of the Championship and the relationship between the primary stakeholders Ricoh, the Ladies Golf Union and IMG.

Under its corporate tagline ‘imagine. change.’ Ricoh helps companies transform the way they work and harness the collective imagination of their employees. Ricoh has certainly lived up to this tagline bringing its imagination together with the LGU and IMG to collectively, change, grow and enhance the Ricoh Women’s British Open.

Simon Sasaki, Corporate Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Ricoh Company Ltd. explained, “The Ricoh Women’s British Open is a global tournament that brings together the best golf players in the world.  Each player, with the help of her team, is focused upon improving her golfing techniques year on year.  This is how we like to work with our clients too, collaborating with them to understand the best ways to manage information, improve business agility and respond to their needs.”

He added, “We are delighted to announce that will we extend our title sponsorship of the Ricoh Women’s British Open until at least 2016 and continue collaborating with the LGU, IMG, LPGA and Ladies European Tour to further develop and enhance this great tournament in-keeping with our imagine. change. tagline.

Ricoh Global Ambassador and World Number 14, Paula Creamer, who is seeking her second Major win at this week’s Championship said, “It is great to know that the people at Ricoh are enjoying their relationship with us just as much as we are enjoying our relationship with them!  From its document services behind the scenes to its global brand presence on the course, it has brought many benefits to the tournament.   For example, it has grown its international status, been hosted by the best golf courses in the UK and allowed us to improve our game by attracting the best players in the world. On behalf of all the players I would like to say how very grateful we are for Ricoh’s continued support and I hope we can all go out there this week and reward their support with some high quality golf on this beautiful course.”

Shona Malcolm, Ladies’ Golf Union’s CEO, added, “I am thrilled to be here today sitting alongside Ricoh and IMG, as well as the LPGA and Ladies European Tour announcing Ricoh’s long term commitment to our Championship. The success of this sponsorship for Ricoh and this announcement illustrates the strength of the women’s game globally and the strength and value of the Ricoh Women’s British Open as an effective marketing tool.”

Guy Kinnings, Global Co-Managing Director, IMG Golf added, “Renewing any sponsorship arrangement is very satisfying as it means that the partnership continues to align with the goals and values of all the teams that are involved. The women’s game is growing in stature globally and works hard to present the best possible product for it’s partners. Ricoh is a fantastic supporter of women’s golf and its continued support to 2016 is great news for all concerned.  It is a testament to the LGU, the LPGA, the Ladies European Tour and the entire IMG Women’s British Open team that the future of this great tournament looks so bright and we are thrilled to be announcing this great news today.”

Speaking on behalf of the LPGA, Commissioner Mike Whan commented “The Ricoh Women’s British Open has always been a key event on the LPGA schedule and one which the players look forward to due to its long and prestigious history, world class host golf courses and great hospitality. I am delighted that this is set to continue for many more years with this announcement today.”

Alex Armas, Executive Director of the Ladies European Tour concluded, “This is fantastic news and on behalf of the Ladies European Tour and our players I want to acknowledge how important Ricoh’s investment and support has been for women’s golf. Each year the Championship seems to get better and this is not only down to the expertise of the Ladies Golf Union and IMG, but also Ricoh who is a fantastic sponsor to have on board.’

 

The Ricoh Women’s British Open was founded by the LGU in 1976 and is staged in conjunction with IMG, the world’s largest sports marketing company. The event has been co-sanctioned by the LPGA and LET since 1994 and gained Major status in 2001.

First Ever Same Sex Open Dance Tournament Coming To Blackpool - 27th October 2012

BLACKPOOL will be playing host to same-sex Ballroom and Latin dance couples from around the world to compete in the first ever Same-Sex Open dance tournament on 27th October 2012, which will be held in the Spanish Hall at the Winter Gardens.

Featuring a full programme of competitive dancing from beginners to championship level, the event will be a world class experience for both competitors and spectators.

Competition Categories:
 - Mens Ballroom
~Womens Ballroom
~Mens Latin
~Womens Latin
~Couples Showdance (single class)
~Groups Showdance (single class)

Details of how to enter the competition - as well as ticket prices for spectators can be found on the official competition website here: www.samesexopen.co.uk

NWCFL Premier Division: AFC Blackpool 3 - Silsden 0

AFC Blackpool moved up to 3rd place in the NWCFL Premier Division after this well fought victory over Yorkshire visitors Silsden.

After a tight and goalless first half, Blackpool settled the nerves after the re start with a Marc Beattie headed goal from a corner after 51 minutes.

Two more followed - from team captain Martin Baird (75mins) and Ryan Stayte (83) as the game gradually slipped away from Silsden.

Squires Gate FC lost 3-2 away at Runcorn Linnets - also in the Premier Division -    which leaves then in 19th place with just 5 points from their first 9 games.

Both teams are away in FA Vase action next Saturday, with Squires Gate away at Armthorpe Welfare and AFC Blackpool away at Nostell Miners Welfare.

Assuming they are not involved in FA Vase replays, AFC Blackpool will be at home on Tuesday 18th September in NWCFL Premier Division action against Wigan Robin Park while Squires Gate will play host to Bacup Borough.

For more information, check out the official websites at: www.afcblackpool.co.uk   and www.nwcfl.com

Winter Wonderland Floral Demonstration, Art Deco Cafe, Stanley Park Monday 19th November 2012

If you are heading to the Wirral for the Ricoh Women's British Open why not visit the Rathbone Studio in Birkenhead

The Rathbone Studio is situated in premises that formerly housed the famous Della Robbia Pottery.

They also offer creative pottery workshops - so you can create your own work of art.

For further information, please see www.rathbonestudio.com
E-mail info@rathbonestudio.com
or call 07903 337 995

David Windle and Lynne Fox present "An Evening with the Gershwins and Cole Porter", Saturday, 6th October 2012

David Windle and Lynne Fox present their fantastic evening "With the Gershwins and Cole Porter" at St. Teresa's Church, St. George's Avenue, Cleveleys, FY5 3JT on Saturday, 6th October 2012 at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets are £4.00.  To book please call 01253 827061.

"An evening of beautiful words and music" . . .

Blackpool Football Club - a Club for all Seasons not just Football Matches

Exciting things are happening here at Blackpool FC.

If you require a venue or know someone who is an looking for the ideal location for a wedding / birthday party etc., please contact John Rodgers to view our fabulous facilities.

We have a brand new hotel which overlooks the Bloomfield Stadium.

We also have exciting new banqueting menus for dinner/birthday parties, anniversaries, christenings etc.

Our next Boots Ladies evening will be the Clarins range on Thursday 20th September. Then on 12th October the Estee Lauder range , will be demonstrated by their very own Thelma Stables.  These evenings are fantastic as there is a superb meal included in the ticket price (see below).

There is an A.F.R.A (african-caribbean friends & relation association) night coming up in October  details will be out shortly.

Why not celebrate your staff Christmas party with us? Our new Xmas leaflet is out now, so book early to avoid disappointment! 

Due to popular demand, our Christmas shopping event in conjunction with Debenhams, will be held in the sponsors' lounge, bring your friends along with you and shop till you drop.

  

Courtesy of Blackpool Football Club In association with BOOTS Bank Hey Street, Blackpool Demonstration by Thelma Stables Estee Lauders Skin Care & Make Up Expert 6.45 pm Reception 7.15 pm Dinner 8.30 pm Estee Lauder Demonstration In the Hospitality Lounge at Blackpool Football Club A free gift is available with 2 purchases or more Raffle prizes to be won Boots Advantage points on all purchase Ticket information hotline 01253 685023 Ticket Office 0844 847 1953

FRIDAY 12th OCTOBER £14.95(INCLUSIVE MENU Valentine of Pork Steak Served upon sage and onion creamed potatoes topped with a mushroom and bacon sauce. Penne Pasta With cherry tomatoes and mozzarella bound in, a rich roasted tomato and basil sauce accompanied with garlic bread. (VEGETARIAN OPTION) New potatoes with herb butter selection of seasonal vegetables Individual Fruits of the Forest Cheesecake. Light mousse with crisp biscuit base, topped with mixed berries and served with fresh cream Coffee & Mints

For further information, bookings, etc. please contact John Rodgers, Sales and Events Co-ordinator on 01253 685023.