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3 quarters of
North West drivers ill prepared for winter journeys
THE Highways Agency is
urging drivers in the North West to 'Make Time for Winter'
by preparing themselves and their vehicles to help keep the
roads running smoothly.
The latest research from the Agency shows that almost
3 quarters of drivers in the region do not check their vehicles
before travelling in severe weather.
Roads Minister Robert Goodwill says:- "The Highways Agency
does all it can to keep the roads open during severe weather. But
drivers need to play their part too by making simple vehicle checks,
carrying a few important items and planning their journeys according
to the weather. In very severe weather, drivers need to consider
whether their journey is really necessary."
However, the Highways Agency's research shows that in the North West
72% of drivers do not make any vehicle checks and almost half; that
is 48%; do not take any of the items in the suggested emergency kit
such as de-icer or warm clothing.
Highways Agency Traffic Management Director, Simon Sheldon-Wilson,
says:- "The Highways Agency is well-prepared for ice and snow.
We have over 500 salt spreading vehicles, ploughs and snow blowers,
and 270,000 tonnes of salt already in stock. Using detailed weather
forecasts, we treat the road network before road temperatures fall
below freezing; often at night in preparation for peak traffic
periods. But that doesn't mean people should drive as they normally
would; they still need to take care, as they would during any kind
of adverse weather, and plan ahead."
In Cumbria and north Lancashire the Highways Agency
has 28 salt spreaders and 2 snow blowers on standby to help keep
drivers on the move over the winter period. Almost 20,000 tonnes of
salt are in stock.
In south Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire
there are 45 spreaders and 4 blowers; with more than 25,000 tonnes
of salt in stock.
The Highways Agency provides real-time traffic information for the
motorways and other strategic roads in England using a range of
channels, including the web, social media and through national and
local radio stations.
The Agency encourages drivers to take some simple
steps during winter:-
► Check your vehicle – fuel and fluid levels, electrics and tyres –
before setting out.
► Be prepared with an emergency kit in your vehicle, including
ice-scraper, de-icer, warm clothes and blankets, torch, boots, first
aid kit, jump leads, a spade, a road atlas and sunglasses (for the
winter glare).
► Plan your journeys. Check weather and travel conditions before and
during your journey.
► If the weather is very severe, consider whether your journey is
essential or travel at a different time. In winter, the weather can
change quickly so always be prepared for bad weather
► Remember that even when roads have been treated with salt, ice can
still form, particularly on bends or under overhanging trees.
For detailed information on local and national weather conditions,
visit the Met Office
website.
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THE NUTCRACKER
VISITS LIVERPOOL!
ENB's The Nutcracker is at
the Liverpool Empire from 20 November to 23 November 2013 to take
note!!! There's only 2 weeks until English National Ballet launches
it's Christmas season with The Nutcracker at the Liverpool Empire
Theatre. The spectacular production will play for 4 days before
returning to the London Coliseum for the remainder of the festive
period.
To celebrate their Christmas season, English National Ballet are
hosting a fantastic array of captivating behind the scenes
activities to run alongside this magical production as part of it's
learning programme with something suitable for all of the family.
The events aim to add value, inspire, promote health and well being,
increase self confidence, enhance physical skills and essentially
leave a lasting legacy.
English National Ballet's learning programme provides a gateway into
the world of ballet connecting young people and communities to
artistic practice and engaging them in a range of inspirational and
high quality participatory activities nationally and
internationally.
If you do not know the story, well... In a world of Edwardian
elegance, Nutcracker brings to life the eternally popular
Tchaikovsky score featuring the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and
the Waltz of the Flowers. This classical production is a magical,
memorable and unmissable Christmas treat.
On an enchanted Christmas Eve, under the heavy boughs of the
candlelit tree Clara battles with the Mouse King and falls in love
with a handsome stranger. As the air grows colder and snowflakes
begin to fall, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a hot balloon
ride across the frost-dusted London skyline to the glistening Land
of Snow where her adventure really begins.
LIVE DRAWING EVENT
On Thursday, 21 November 2013, from 1pm, the Liverpool Empire is
holding an exclusive opportunity to draw dancers in company class
with a focus on capturing the body in motion. £20 Ages 16+
DANCE IS THE WORD
Calling all dance fanatics aged 16+, bloggers and tweeters! A unique
opportunity to develop the skills required to critique dance
performances, led by acclaimed dance critic Donald Hutera. This
event includes a ticket to see the show and the chance to write a
review which will be submitted to English National Ballet's Dance is
the Word blog. This event takes place on Friday, 22 November 2013,
from 5pm to 6.30pm... This is just £20!!!
CENTRE STAGE SERIES - NUTCRACKER FAMILY
DANCE AND DESIGN EVENT
On Saturday, 23 November 2013, from 9.30am to 12pm, get in the
festive spirit with an exciting morning of fun for all of the
family. Join in the party celebrations and re-enact the Mouse King
battle in an action-packed dance workshop led by ENB dance artists.
£30 Ticket for 1 adult and 1 child (age 5 to 16)
COMPANY DANCE CLASS
Watch the daily class where dancers warm up their muscles and
stretch before rehearsals and performance, essential for dancers to
maintain and improve their technique. This takes place on Saturday,
23 November 2013, from 11.30am to 1pm. Cost just £12 and aimed at
Ages 5+.
For further information about English
National Ballet
2013/14
Performance Schedule
visit:-
ballet.org.uk. You can find
English National Ballet on Facebook and Twitter @ENBallet.
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Choreography by:- |
Wayne Eagling |
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Based on... |
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A concept by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling |
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Music by:- |
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky |
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Design by:- |
Peter Farmer |
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Lighting by:- |
David Richardson |
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Date in 2013 |
Performance |
Principal Casting:- |
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Clara |
Nephew |
Nutcracker |
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Wednesday, 20 November |
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Daria Klimentová |
Vadim
Muntagirov |
Junor Souza |
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Thursday, 21 November |
Matinee |
Elena Glurdjidze |
Arionel
Vargas |
Zhanat Atymtayev |
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Thursday, 21 November |
Evening |
Alina Cojocaru |
Vadim Muntagirov |
Junor Souza |
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Friday, 22 November |
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Elena Glurdjidze |
Arionel Vargas |
Zhanat Atymtayev |
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Saturday, 23 November |
Matinee |
Lauretta Summerscales |
Max Westwell |
James Forbat |
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Saturday, 23 November |
Evening |
Alina Cojocaru |
Vadim
Muntagirov |
Junor Souza |
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Please visit:-
ballet.org.uk for cast biographies. |
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