Brilliant Birkenhead!

I’m back on Merseyside and so glad to be here. This time I started my day ‘over the water’ in Birkenhead and it’s been a pip and a dandy. Look here at Sid Cottam with his great grandson Colin Ervine aged just two. What a wonderful day!

I’m assured by our good friends on the smokefree stand that interest has been high among the populace with plenty of shoppers signing up the Smokefree pledge – you’re in safe hands with NHS Wirral Stop Smoking Service – last year they helped 2,359 smokers to kick the habit. Utterly astonishing!

I was hoping to find some time today to see some of the special sights here on Wirral – I’m told the Lady Lever Art Gallery is right up there, as is Port Sunlight itself. But gracious, I’ve been so busy. And let’s face facts; I’m not here to improve myself, I’m here for the good of your health

So Wirral is on my list of North West places to revisit – come to think of it everywhere I’ve been is on that list! That list is now as long as my flipper … or is it a wing?

Just short entries today since I’m in a spot of bother – more later.

Wandering into Bolton

I travelled back to Greater Manchester today to visit Bolton and meet another sporting hero – the Bolton Wanderers mascot Lofty the Lion.

We met at the town’s Market Place shopping centre, and I have to say that riding those escalator thingies with Lofty was tremendous fun. I was startled to learn from Lofty that they aren’t actually a form of light entertainment – not strictly speaking any way.

I also learned today that Bolton is home to some of your country’s most well-loved showbiz personalities – Peter Kay, Vernon Kay (two Kays!) and Sara Cox. Lofty himself is quite a celebrity and attracted a huge amount of attention to our Smokefree stall. I’m told that all our leaflets were snapped up very quickly – isn’t that just fabulous?!

Let’s hope all of those smokers who took a leaflet, contact the NHS for help – they’re far more likely to quit if they do get in touch. Last year 1,718 people became smokefree with help from Bolton Stop Smoking Service – what a success!

If you want to quit smoking, do call the Penguin Stop Smoking Hotline on 0800 032 7252.

Well it’s the cat’s pyjamas being here in Bolton – I do hope I can get back before I head back South. I’ve become very fond of the place, perhaps because I too am a Wanderer of sorts ….

Any way! Another busy day on the road concludes, and its time for my tea. I fancy some Arctic Roll – have you ever tried it?

See you tomorrow in Birkenhead!