2 0 1 5

Walk like an Egyptian

Eating Out page 8Flower Show page 5 Shopping page 9 Hole in one page 12

DELEGATE NE WSWelcome toSouthport

Delegate News is here to provide delegates coming to Southport with a useful and interesting read about the resort ahead of or during your visit. If you have enjoyed it, why not use Delegate News to help you in planning a relaxing day visit or short break following your business trip? There’s a selection of high quality accommodation on page 4, and also event highlights, plus details of our superb restaurants and other things to do around the town.

Enjoy the magazine!

The Atkinson’s stunning Egyptology collection, dating back 5,000 years, is now on display for the first time in 40 years. The Goodison Collection of Egyptology boasts over 1000 objects, including a sarcophagus lid, bronze figures, jewellery, clothing and scarabs. The Atkinson is Southport’s new home for Theatre, History, Art, Literature, Music and more. The multi art-form venue has two performance spaces, a museum, galleries, library, gift shop and café. It is the perfect day out for all the family. Open all year round, so whatever the weather make sure you pay a visit during your stay.

2 • DELEGATE NEWS

Dear Delegate....

VisitSouthport Website

Southport’s Tourist Information Centre is located in The Atkinson, on Lord Street, at the heart of the town. The team there will be pleased to help you with any assistance you need, before, during and after your visit.

They can assist with information on hotels and guesthouses in the town as well as details of restaurants, attractions and the many other things to do during your stay in Southport.

Call in to see them at The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB, ‘phone them or email them at info@visitsouthport.com

As the new Head of Tourism, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Southport for your conference, but did you know Southport is the perfect place for a day trip or short break, whatever the time of year?

We’ve world famous events in abundance (see page 5 for more details) and some great attractions including Merseyside’s only water park, Splash World! 22 miles of beautiful coastline, together with the awesome Marine Way Bridge, blend together effortlessly to create stunning views, so why not bring your camera?

There’s more golf than you can shake a club at, with six championship courses including the world-famous Royal Birkdale, nine times host of The Open. Shopaholics will delight in the renowned Lord Street and Chapel Street, with their covered arcades and impressive choice of high street names, independent boutiques and hidden gems.

There are also two retail and leisure parks just a short stroll from the town centre. For a bite to eat or to wet your whistle, there are over 200 restaurants, cafes and pubs offering a fantastic choice of cuisine, excellent service and great value for money. For more information on things to do in the resort

call into the Tourist Information Centre and pick up a copy of the 2015 Visitor Guide, or check visitsouthport.com.

Mark CatherallHead of Tourism, Sefton Council

Southport’s fully responsive website has had another update and now features our social media feeds including Facebook & Twitter. Tripadvisor is soon to be added, letting you check out the views and opinion of visitors on the town’s hotels, attractions and events.

Southportconferences.com will also receive the same updates, so conference delegates and organisers can enjoy the same features.

Our new, free Southport App will also go live in the spring, designed to help you find your way round town, where to eat and what to do, it will be invaluable to visitors and work on both android and iPhone.

Here to Help!

DELEGATE NEWS • 3 Southport’s BIDto be the BestSouthport has now joined the increasing number of towns to have a BID (Business Improvement District). BIDs are funded by a small percentage increase in the business rates paid by local businesses.

For Southport, this additional money will be used to attract more visitors to the town to support existing businesses and attract new ones.

Already over half a million new LED lights have been installed in the trees along Lord Street and these were switched on as part of last year’s Christmas celebrations.

There will be several BID sponsored events for the town including a Halloween Festival as well as bigger and better Christmas festivities.

Andrew Sloman the BID manager said ‘Southport Business Improvement District uses major investment from the business community to enhance the visitor experience in key areas such as the creation of new events including the Spookport Halloween Festival, installing vibrant new lighting and floral schemes, supporting classic heritage features and generally ensuring the town is somewhere visitors just want to keep coming back to’

The BID will run for five years initially and during that time will attract and invest around £2.5 million to support the local economy.

The exclusive Lavender House Day Spa situated at the head of Southport’s famous Lord Street shopping boulevard provides supremely comfortable and luxurious treatment rooms together with a wide selection of therapies to pamper you.

Providing you with those everyday essential must-haves including Shellac/Vinylux CND Manicures, CND and Pevonia Pedicures, Facials, Massage (Aromatherapy, Swedish and Lava Shells), Body Wraps and Lycon Waxing Treatments. Fabulously relaxing Holistic Treatments are available including Reiki, Indian Head Massage and Reflexology.

Whatever the occasion, Lavender House will offer a spa package specially designed to meet your relaxation needs. All of the day spa packages allow you unlimited use of the fabulous Thermal Suite, consisting of Salt Inhalation/Aromatherapy Steam Room, Herbal Sauna and Rasul Mud Temple to soothe your body and soul. Drift off into a deep state of relaxation in the post treatment room or sit and read your magazine whilst taking refreshment in the Tranquillity Lounge.

With their unrivalled range of Pevonia Botanica spa treatments for you to choose from, The Lavender House is the ultimate way to relax during (or after) your event. http://lavender.house

Lavender House Day Spa

The MetroTucked away just off Lord Street, The Metro is one of Southport’s most stylish places to eat, drink and sleep. Welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable staff provide first class service in superb surroundings combined with outstanding food and contemporary accommodation.

Whether you’re visiting for a drink, dinner or short break, The Metro is the place to be! For more information, visit themetrosouthport.co.uk or email info@themetrosouthport.co.uk

• H: Hotel • GA: Guest Accommodation • SC: Self Catering • THH: Town House HotelListed above are a wide selection of Southport’s accommodation establishments, all of which are members of the Southport Tourism

Business Network and who pride themselves on providing a level of quality and service which is second to none. For more informationand advice on accommodation please call: Southport Tourism Information Centre on 01704 533333 or go to www.visitsouthport.com

Just some of the places to stay in SouthportHotel Name Address Postcode Tel. No. GradingAdelphi 39 Bold Street PR9 0ED 01704 544947 3 Star GAAmbassador 13 Bath Street PR9 0DP 01704 543998 4 Star GABarford House 32 Avondale Road PR9 0ND 01704 548119 4 Star SCBaytrees 4 Queens Road PR9 9HN 01704 536513 4 Star GABold Hotel 583 Lord Street PR9 0BE 01704 532578 Awaiting Grading Bowden Lodge 18 Albert Road PR9 0LE 01704 543531 4 Star GABraemar 4 Bath Street PR9 0DA 01704 535838 4 Star GACarleton House 17 Alexandra Road PR9 0NB 01704 538035 4 Star GACastle Mews 9 Castle Street PR9 0NR 01484 722400 3 Star S/CClifton Villa 6 Bath Street PR9 0DA 01704 535780 3 Star GACross Farm Holiday Cottages Mairscough Lane Downholland L39 7HT 0151 526 1576 4 Star S/CDukes Folly Hotel 11 Duke Street PR8 1LS 01704 533355 Awaiting Grading Edendale 83 Avondale Road North PR9 0NE 01704 530718 3 Star GAFairfield House 83 The Promenade PR9 0JN 01704 530137 3 Star GAFormby Hall Golf Resort & Spa Southport old Road Formby L37 0AB 01704 875699 4 Star HHeidi 43 Bold Street PR9 0ED 01704 531273 3 Star GALeicester 24 Leicester Street PR9 0EZ 01704 530049 4 Star GALe Maitre 69 Bath Street PR9 0DN 01704 530394 3 Star GALynwood House 11a Leicester Street PR9 0ER 01704 540794 4 Star GAMartin Lane Farmhouse 5 Martin Lane Burscough L40 8 JH 01704 893527 4 Star SCMetro King Street PR8 1LH 01704 536836 Awaiting GradingMews Cottage Back 76A Botanic Road PR9 7NE 01704 227222 3 Star S/CNorwood 62 Bath Street PR9 0DH 01704 500536 4 Star GAPrince of Wales Lord Street PR8 1JS 0871 222 0039 Awaiting GradingPromenade Apts 70-71&78-79 The Promenade PR9 0JJ 01704 541719 4 Star SCRamada Plaza Promenade PR9 0DZ 0844 801 3580 4 Star HRiverside Holiday Park Southport New Road PR9 8DF 01704 228886 3 Star SCRosedale 11 Talbot Street PR8 1HP 01704 530604 4 Star GARoyal Clifton The Promenade PR8 1RB 01704 533771 3 Star HSandcroft Holiday Flats 13 Albany Road PR9 0JF 01704 537497 2/3 Star SCSandybrook Farm Wyke Cop Road PR8 5LR 01704 880337 3 Star S/CScarisbrick Lord Street PR8 1NZ 01704 543000 Awaiting GradingSeaview 28 Bath Street PR9 0DA 01704 530874 GAStamford 17 Bath Street PR9 0DP 01704 500836 4 Star GATalbot Hotel 23-25 Portland Street PR8 1LR 01704 533975 2 Star HVincent 98 Lord Street PR8 1JR 01704 534400 4 Star THHWarwick Hotel 39 Bath Street PR9 0DP 01704 530707 3 Star GAWaterford 37 Leicester Street PR9 0EX 01704 530559 5 Star GAWhitworth Falls 16 Lathom Road PR9 0JH 01704 530074 4 Star GA

Southport’s 2015 Visitor Guide is now available. You can either download it from visitsouthport.com or receive a posted copy by emailing the Tourist Information Team at info@visitsouthport.com or by calling them on 01704 533333.

4 • DELEGATE NEWS

Southport Visitor Guide

A taste of China comes to Southport this summer, as the annual flower show takes on an Oriental theme. Everything from the entertainment and food to the floral marquees and events will have a Chinese twist to them at the show.

In total, the event will display more than a million blooms and 350 independent stalls and shops, too. Visitors will also be able to see spectacular show gardens and a variety of cookery demonstrations by talented chefs.

To book tickets and for more information please visitsouthportflowershow.co.uk or telephone 01704 547147.

2015 prices/discounts/incentivesAdvance ticket price £18Gate price £22.50Gate price concession £20

Groups discounts and incentives are available for the show. Group prices for parties of 10 or more start at £16.20 (28% discount off the standard gate price). Groups of 49 or more are £15.30 (32% discount off the standard gate price). Parties of 10 or more will receive free coach parking and a complimentary ticket for the event organiser.

DELEGATE NEWS • 5

Event Dates 2015 DATE EVENT VENUE 29th March Southport Fashion Show Southport Theatre

9th - 11th April Crabbies Grand National Aintree Racecourse

8th - 10th May Southport Jazz Festival Southport

29th - 31st May Southport Food Victoria Park & Drink Festival

20th & 21st June Woodvale Rally Victoria Park/Princes Park

27th & 28th June British Armed Forces Day Princes Park

20th – 23rd August Southport Flower Show Victoria Park

September Southport International Town Hall Gardens/ Festival Lord St

12th – 13th September 24 Hour Yacht Race Marine Lake

19th – 20th September Southport Air Show Seafront

2nd – 4th October British Musical Victoria Park Fireworks Championships

October/November TBC Spookport Across Southport Halloween Festival

November TBC Round Table Victoria Park Fireworks Display

Saturday 21st November Southport Christmas Town Hall Gardens/ Lights Switch On Lord St

Please note that all dates are provisionaland events may be subject to change

please go to visitsouthport.com for the latest information.

SouthportFlower Show20th - 23rd August 2015

‘Dedicated Followers of Fashion’ will be delighted to hear that Southport Fashion Show will return to the Southport Theatre & Convention Centre on Sunday 29 March from 12pm – 5pm. This year the show will be bigger than ever with a separate food court so visitors can relax in between catwalk presentations and sample some of Southport’s culinary delights! As well as showcasing all the latest fashion trends, there’ll be arts, crafts, entertainment and much more. For further information call 01704 469897 or email fashionshow@live.co.uk

6 • DELEGATE NEWS

November will see The British Cattle Veterinary Association returning to Southport for a fourth time. Bringing around 400 delegates to the resort this bovine based organisation was established in 1967 and is the cattle specialist division of the British Veterinary Association with over 1200 members. The Association is involved with all aspects of cattle veterinary matters and is consulted by many organisations for informed opinion.

Providing courses for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Veterinary Surgeons is one of BCVA’s primary objectives. There are various courses arranged throughout the year on various topics relating to cattle health. However the flagship event is the BCVA’s Annual Congress, held in October, giving a mixture of scientific and practical presentations by speakers from the UK and abroad.

“BCVA first came to Southport Theatre and Convention Centre in 2006 (before the Ramada Plaza Hotel was built). The Convention Centre suited our needs well and with the addition of the Hotel on-site it was even better on our return in 2009 & 2011. Having everything in one location, helpful friendly staff at the centre and hotel, good quality catering, along with fantastic help from Southport Tourism offering an online booking system for hotels and help with putting together information for delegates about Southport is why we are returning in 2015, 2017 & 2019!” - Dee Little, Association Administrator, BCVA

The National Association of Retired Police Officers [NARPO] is a branch based organisation formed in 1919 and is made up of 111 local branches spread throughout England and Wales. NARPO returns to Southport in September this year for its Annual Conference bringing in excess of 500 members to visit the resort. NARPO provides excellent value for money for over 84,000 members, with an annual membership fee of under £20. The association affords members an opportunity to keep abreast of developments that affect former police officers and a chance to keep in touch with former colleagues.

NARPO negotiate commercial services for members including home and car insurance, a group travel insurance scheme, free advice on a wide range of issues, vehicle recovery, solicitor’s advice and assistance, holiday offers, medical insurance, discounted purchasing and much more.

“NARPO are delighted to be holding our Annual Conference in Southport once again – the conference venue, facilities, and organisation are excellent and live up to the standards and expectations of both our members and us. We are all looking forward to returning in September.” – Ian Potter, President of NARPO

Association helps Police Officers enjoy their retirement

Deja-Moo as Cattle Vets Return to Southport

DELEGATE NEWS • 7

Nice to Tweet you!

Rex & Roxy help delegates make the most of their free-timeSouthport has enlisted the help of Rex the dog for its current conference marketing campaign. Rex travels to exhibitions with the team and has even gathered his own followers on twitter and facebook!

Rex and his wife, Roxy were brought onboard following a major piece of research commissioned by Southport Conferences in spring 2014. The project looked into the habits of business travellers across the UK and their interest in extending a visit after a conference or event into a leisure break. The results gave clear indications that a seaside resort like Southport would be the ideal location to add on some leisure time or partner activity.

Southport offers an amazing choice of activities for free-time, visit our Delegate Zone on Southportconferences.com for more information and look out for Rex and Roxy in the press and online!

Southport Conference Team have joined the Social Media Revolution and we invite you along for the ride! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter before, during and after your event to get up to date information about the resort. PLUS why not upload photos and updates while you’re in Southport? We’d love to see delegates enjoying both their event and free-time in the town.

Facebook (facebook.com/conferences.southport) Twitter (@southportconf)

We’re also on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Flickr and Instragram – check out the website for links Southportconferences.com

Business Round-UpAs well as those organisations already featured, this year will also see Rotary International Districts 1220 and 1285 (ex-1280) returning to Southport in Autumn bringing over 1600 delegates to the resort. The Methodist Church of GB & NI return in summer for a second time and the popular IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) will be back again in July for their annual Congress.

Other notable events returning this year include UNISON Women’s Conference, Baker’s Food & Allied Workers Union, Prison Officers Association and Royal British Legion as well as the Institute of Chiropodists & Podiatrists in May in what is their Diamond Anniversary year.

First time visitors in 2015, we look forward to welcoming SPUC, the Association of Speakers Clubs and the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of GB & Ireland.

Dine out in Style

8 • DELEGATE NEWS

BRITISH

Conservatory Bar & BistroRoyal Clifton Hotel & SpaPromenade, Southport PR8 1RB Tel: 01704 533771www.royalclifton.co.uk

Forge BrasserieQueen Anne Street,Southport PR8 1EHTel: 01704 500522www.forgebrasserie.co.uk

The Hungry Monk20 Cambridge Walks,Southport, PR8 1ENTel: 01704 809355www.thehungrymonk.co.uk

London Sq of Southport31a London Street,Southport PR9 0UFTel: 07808 210576www.londonsquare-southport.co.uk

Marine Brasserie Lounge & BarRamada Plaza, Promenade, Southport PR9 0DZ Tel: 01704 516220www.ramadaplazasouthport.co.uk

Nostalgia Tea Rooms215-217 Lord Street,Southport PR8 1PFTel: 01704 501294www.nostalgiatearooms.co.uk

EUROPEAN

Auberge Brasserie1b-3 Seabank Road,Southport PR9 0EWTel: 01704 530671www.auberge-brasserie.com

Bistrot Verité7 Liverpool Road,Birkdale, Southport PR8 4AR Tel: 01704 564199www.bistrotverite.co.uk

Chez Moi569 Lord Street,Southport, PR9 0BBTel: 01704 545619www.chezmoibrasserie.co.uk

Claudes of Churchtown98 Botanic Rd,Churchtown, Southport PR9 7NE Tel: 01704 228334www.claudesofchurchtown.co.uk

The Bar & Burger CoOcean Plaza,Southport PR9 1SBTel: 01704 501745www.thebarandburgerco.com

Gusto Trattoria58-62 Lord Street,Southport PR8 1QBTel: 01704 544255www.gustotrattoria.co.uk

Lords Café Bar659 Lord Street,Southport PR9 0AWTel: 01704 543814www.lordscafebar.co.uk

Pizzeria Mamma Mia120 Lord Street,Southport, PR8 1AA Tel: 01704 540259

Rincon BodegaEastbank Street Square,Lord Street, Southport PR8 1NY Tel: 01704 530002www.rinconbodega.com

R Italian Diner (Robertos)Ocean Plaza, Marine Parade, Southport PR8 1SB Tel: 01704 530099www.ritaliandiner.co.uk

Salvatore’s Ristorante519 Lord Street,Southport, PR9 0BB Tel: 01704 534782www.salvatoresristorante.co.uk

Trattoria 5151 Promenade,Southport PR9 0DX Tel: 01704 510051www.trattoria51.com

Villaggio Cucina31 Liverpool Road, Birkdale Village, Southport PR8 4AG Tel: 01704 564564www.villaggiocucina.co.uk

Volaré613 Lord Street, Southport PR9 0ANTel: 01704 546232 www.volaresouthport.com

WORLD

Ho Lee ChowRotten Row,Southport PR8 2BZTel: 01704 551167www.holeechow.co.uk

Kasturi Indian Cuisine40 Eastbank Street,Southport PR8 1ETTel: 01704 533102www.kasturirestaurant.com

Lings on Kings52 King Street,Southport, PR8 1JX Tel: 01704 530169www.lingsonkings.co.uk

Saahil665 Lord Street,Southport PR9 0AWTel: 01704 512345www.saahil.co.uk

Taj Mahal35/37 Bath StSouthport PR9 0DPTel:01704 544991/545070www.tajmahalsouthport.com

The MetroPortland Street,Southport PR8 1LLTel: 01704 536836www.themetrosouthport.co.uk

U-Thai Restaurant & Bar241b Lord Street(adjacent toWest Street car park),Southport PR8 1NY Tel: 01704 620525www.u-thairestaurant.com

V Café & Sushi BarThe Vincent Hotel,98 Lord St, Southport PR8 1JR Tel: 01704 883800www.thevincenthotel.com

Warehouse30 West Street,Southport PR8 1QNTel: 01704 544662www.warehousekitchenandbar.com

For those of you who are not familiar with who we are, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about the SRA. The Association was founded in 2006 and now has 29 members all of whom are proud to offer a varied style of restaurant and cuisine for you to enjoy.

Our members serve everything from Italian to Indian and Japanese to Chinese – not forgetting traditional British of course.

When the SRA was set up it had one simple aim – to promote our businesses to you, our customers. All member restaurants are vetted before being allowed to join and have to make certain guarantees.

One of which I am particularly proud of in this era of fast food and microwave chefs, is that we promise that over 70% of the food we serve is produced freshly on site using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.

Each restaurant is owned by local people who take pride in their establishment. With us you will get that personal touch that only an owner can offer.

Thank you for your interest in our Association and I hope you will find a restaurant which tickles your taste buds!

Bob WarriorSRA Chair

The Promenade of Southport is internationally famous. A bronze statue of Queen Victoria is a focal point along this impressive stretch, Her Majesty surveying all that goes on beneath her. Walking up the Promenade, you can meander in and out of the stunning King’s Gardens. Often overlooked by the busy conference delegate, these beautifully landscaped gardens, opposite the Royal Clifton Hotel, grace the edge of the Marine Lake and provide an elegant opportunity to take in the scenery.

There’s also some unusual pieces of public art to spot along the way as well as flat & crown green bowls, Lakeside Miniature Railway, Model Railway Village, pitch & putt golf and much more.

The stunning seafront gardens were recently awarded more than £4 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund and this paid for major renovation works including a complete restoration of the Venetian Bridge, Victorian shelters, gardens and fountain and the addition of an exciting new play area – resulting in a first class park for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

DELEGATE NEWS • 9 Kings Gardens - the regal jewel in Southport’s crown

Shoppers Paradise!

There’s plenty of retail therapy on offer in Southport with a great mix of high street favourites and independent shops. The charming Victorian boulevard of Lord Street has been Southport’s most famous landmark for over a century and has almost a mile of canopied shops framed by leafy gardens and fountains. It’s on Lord Street, that you’ll find the Royal Arcade and Wayfarers Arcade, both packed with exclusive stores selling everything from antiques & collectables to wedding dresses and vintage home-ware. There’s much more beyond Lord Street though, with the pedestrianised Chapel Street offering high street names and Wesley Street with its pretty pastel coloured niche shops. The recently refreshed Southport Indoor Market prides itself on offering the freshest of locally sourced produce – and at bargain prices too!

Southport Pier - traditional and modern design in harmonySouthport Pier was the first iron pier, it was built 1860 at a cost of £8,700 and re-opened in 2002 following a £7 million restoration programme and is the second longest in the UK. The multi award-winning Pier has proved to be a real favourite amongst visitors, and regularly hosts a number of events, including bird watching and family fun days and the views at Pier-end are truly panoramic.

With it’s striking modern design, the Pier Pavilion is also very popular and the Pier Cafe offers light refreshments - there’s even a licensed bar if you fancy something a little stronger! The Pier Pavilion also houses a number of traditional style amusements, a real throwback to a golden era, plus an exhibition tracking the history of the Pier itself - a must for pier buffs!

A relatively recent addition to pier facilities is the tram. Added in 2005 this modern, air-conditioned tram is not only a state-of-the-art way for people of all ages to travel along the pier, but also a very practical way for visitors with limited mobility to get to the pavilion and enjoy the attractions and spectacular views.

10 • DELEGATE NEWS

• Hadrians Wall

Whitehaven •Coniston •

Preston •

Wirral •Crosby •

Martin Mere •

Malham •

• Grasmere

• Windermere

• Kendal

• Mount Snowdon

• SOUTHPORT

• LIVERPOOL• MANCHESTER

• CHESTER

• YORKSHIRE DALES

The Lake District

From England’s highest mountain to its deepest lake, the glorious Lake District National Park is just over an hours drive from Southport and a fantastic location for a day out in the countryside. The scenery is truly magnificent so why not visit and explore quaint towns & villages, visit stone circles & historic castles and maybe even take in a cruise on Lake Windemere.golakes.co.uk

Around and About the NorthwestSouthport is ideally

situated for touring the area with most of the region’s highlights less than an hour away, and only 30 minutes from

the motorway network.

Just a few miles from Southport, Crosby beach is home to 100 iron men who keep a watchful eye on the approach to Liverpool Bay.

This iconic sculpture was created by Antony Gormley who cast the 650 kilo figures from his own body and installed them so that the tide would ebb and flow around them to reveal and then submerge them, giving them a sometimes eerie quality.

‘Another Place’ will celebrate having been in its present location for 10 years in 2015 and there’ll be a programme of events to celebrate this milestone so go to visitsouthport.com for all the latest news.

WWT Martin Mere is where wilderness and family-friendliness combine.

Autumn and winter are fantastic times to visit the nature reserve and animal collection. In autumn 2014, a record 45,500 pink-footed geese used the reserve as a stopping point on their migration from Iceland providing a rare opportunity to see the display of thousands of geese whiffling over the mere. In winter, many thousands of wild ducks, geese and Whooper swans are drawn to the internationally-rated wetlands, offering spectacular displays of feather and flight with an award winning experience called Swan Spectacular when up to 2000 swans feed before your eyes. All areas of the centre are accessible by wheelchair and hides showing these spectacles are only a short walk from the visitor centre.

But there is plenty to see and do at Martin Mere all year round, with more than 100 types of rare and endangered water-birds to hand feed, a family of enchanting otters in residence, award winning canoe and boat safari and Downy Duckling experience in Spring and Summer, an imaginative playground for young adventurers and a rolling programme of events, walks and talks makes WWT Martin Mere an inspirational and fun day out for all ages. Visit wwt.org.uk/martinmere for further information.

Another Place

Getting around Southporteverything’s within walking distance!

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

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

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

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

J31

J26

J3

Preston

Southport

Ormskirk

Formby

Liverpool

St.Helens

A570

A565

A565A570

A59 M6

M58

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

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

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

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

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

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

DELEGATE NEWS • 11

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

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

12 • DELEGATE NEWS

A Hole in OneSouthport is widely regarded as England’s Golfing Capital, located right at the heart of England’s Golf Coast in the north west of England..

It’s home to no less than 5 championship links courses – Royal Birkdale, Formby, Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale and Hesketh, with a 6th, West Lancs, only half an hour away.

Royal Birkdale is recognised as England’s premier links course, having hosted The Open Championship no less than nine times, it will again be the venue in 2017. Previous winners at Royal Birkdale have included Padraig Harrington, Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer and Mark O’ Meara.

Ready, Steady, Go! The Grand NationalSouthport is becoming a bit of a Mecca for runners of all abilities. With races ranging from half marathons to family fun runs, there is something for all ages and abilities.

One of the oldest in the town’s racing calendar is the Natterjack 10k run. This race also has a family 2k run as part of the day, so the whole family can join in. The 10k course wends its’ way around Marine Lake and along the seafront, a lovely scenic route.

Southport also has an annual triathlon event which has three different difficulty levels ranging from the ‘sprint’ event (400m swim, 10k bike, 2.5k run) up to the full event (1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run).

So pack your kit and running shoes and enter one of this year’s great events now.

The world’s greatest steeplechase takes place at nearby Aintree Racecourse every April. The dates for 2015 are Thursday 9th April to Saturday 11th April.

Thursday 9th April is the Grand Opening Day which features live entertainment and music as well as a top notch race card.

Friday 10th April is Ladies Day, which provides an opportunity for racegoers to compete in the style stakes alongside top class racing action.

Saturday 11th April is the big one! With a worldwide audience of over 600 million watching the race live, 40 horses and jockeys will line up to race across the famous fences including Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn, Valentine’s and The Chair. This is the ultimate test of courage, skill and stamina for both horse and jockey.