Reports below are as follows:- THE LUKA STATE ON EUROPEAN TOUR, Can you solve a football mystery? LJLA celebrate 1st new route announcement of 2015 with easyJet's Summer Zante route launch, CLA steps up rural lobbying as 100 day countdown begins.

Can you solve a football mystery?

CAN you help solve one of the City's football mysteries by pinpointing the location of a stadium which once rivalled Anfield and Goodson Park?

Woodcroft Park, a 30,000 CapaCity Stadium, was the home of Liverpool Caledonians FC, 1 of the leading clubs in the City during the late Victorian times and while it is known it was in Wavertree, its exact location is unclear.

Now an appeal is being made for any information about the ground, the club and its history.

Local Councillor Tim Beaumont explained:- "The story of Liverpool Caledonians is part of our heritage, but there does not appear to be a great deal known about them or where they played. The Wavertree Society has been researching where this ground might have been and the most likely location is a site occupied by terraced housing next to the main London Railway Line, in Wavertree, between Picton Road and Smithdown Road. But the truth is that we just don't know for sure! So we need the help of anyone out there who may know something about Liverpool Caledonians or Woodcroft Park. There may be stories in families about an ancestor who played for them or there could be medals or other memorabilia which have been gathering dust in a loft, but which could provide valuable information; we would like to hear from anybody who may help."

Liverpool Caledonians were 1 of the 4 leading football clubs in the City in the 1890's, along with Liverpool, Everton and Bootle. As their name suggests their players were mainly Scottish.

Newspapers reports from the Liverpool Mercury, 10 June 1892, give some clues about their stadium:- "The grounds are in an excellent position, close to Wavertree Station, and are easily reached; and while suitable for football and cricket, the fast cinder track of a ¼ of a mile fits them for cycling and athletic purposes. The covered grand stand holds 1,000 persons, and the uncovered grand stand 2,000, while altogether 30,000 spectators can be accommodated."

Also in the Liverpool Mercury, dated 7 January 1893, it says:- "The accommodation for spectators is excellent, there being 2 stands (1 covered), about 40 yards long each, with ample press conveniences. There is also a good racing track, and the ground is very suitable for race meetings. The situation is most central, being only a minute's walk from Wavertree Station, and within easy distance of Sefton Park, Wavertree, and Fairfield. The turf is perfectly level and well drained."

"The story of Liverpool Caledonians is 1 of the great 'what -ifs' of the City's Football History. They were formed with the ambition of gaining league status and applied to join the 1st division in 1892; a full year before Liverpool FC attempted. Sadly they were unsuccessful. Later in 1892 they got as far as the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup - 1 round further than Liverpool FC - before losing to Northwich Victoria. They joined the Lancashire League, but were disbanded in 1893. Who knows how history would've turned out had they been admitted to the football league? 1 side that was successful that day was a certain Newton Heath; better known these days as Manchester United. And who knows, Woodcroft Park, may have become a Premier League Ground, so it would be very interesting to find out exactly where it was situated." said Councillor Beaumont.

If you can help, please send all information to:- info@WavertreeSociety.Org.

CLA steps up rural lobbying as 100 day countdown begins

THE CLA in the North is ramping up its rural lobbying campaign as the country enters the 100 day countdown to the general election on 7 May 2015. The organisation, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, is increasing its contact with prospective parliamentary candidates to ensure that the issues important to rural people are firmly on the agenda.

CLA North Director of Policy and Public Affairs Douglas Chalmers said:- "We have been contacting sitting MPs and also candidates as they become known to make sure they are familiar with our manifesto - Unlock the Countryside's Potential. There is a common misconception that the rural voice is too small to count but nothing could be further from the truth. There may be a higher proportion of voters and seats in the urban areas, but nobody should underestimate the positive impact a vibrant countryside can have on the rest of the country. Without the economic, environmental and social contributions from rural areas, the UK would be a far different and poorer place."

The CLA is urging those who live and work in rural areas to make the most of their vote and to quiz candidates on their rural credentials. It is organising a series of hustings events over February, so that members can pose questions directly to parliamentary hopefuls.

Mr Chalmers added:- "Everyone with a vote should engage with their local candidates. This type of individual contact carries tremendous weight with politicians and, most importantly, reminds them there are votes at stake. This election looks too close to call so every seat and every vote will be important to all the parties. We have a tremendous opportunity to make the rural voice heard."