Did you see the pigs swimming in the Marine Lake? Hear the story of Silcock’s Carousel going backwards to save money? Read the tale of the huge new tower at Southport Pleasureland? Or wonder about the new airport in Southport?
Were you taken in by any of them….?
Today is April Fool’s Day, and social media today had some great April Fool’s Day pranks!
Here are the best from Southport this year. If you know of any others, please let us know!
1 – Silcock’s Carousel to travel backwards to save money
Silcock’s has come up with the perfect way of saving money.
They posted: “Silcock’s famous Carousel at Southport Pier is now doing its best to save energy and combat the rising cost of electricity. As of today we will be running the Carousel backwards every other ride to reverse the meter wheel and save money.
“Maintenance manager Micheal Ross commented ‘It’s just a simple case of reverse phase omulation, a simple trick I learnt working many years at the fairground’.
“Silcock Leisure’s operation manager Serena Silcock-Prince said ‘We know going backwards may make some people dizzy so we will allow them to stay on for the next forward ride to reverse the dizziness.’
2 – New Tall Tale Tower set for Southport Pleasureland
Plans for this Tall Tale Tower appeared on Stand Up For Southport this morning. We wrote:
“This exclusive CGI image today reveals the first impression of the sensational new ride planned for Southport Pleasureland.
“The 180 metre high landmark will be one of the highest in the North West, towering above the likes of the Blackpool Tower in Lancashire (158m) and the Radio City Tower in Liverpool (138m).
“The exciting new attraction, which will be able to be seen for miles around, will include a drop tower ride, a roller coaster around the building and will house a multitude of rides, games and restaurants.
“Thrill-seekers will be treated to spectacular views across the coast, with people able to see the sea even when the tide is out.
“It will be the centrepiece of a new literary-themed section of the park, which will be based around famous children’s stories.
“Named the Tall Tale Tower, it will stand alongside other new rides including Pinocchio’s Waltzers, the Rail of Pol and the Fairytale Funhouse.
“Restaurants inside the new tower will include Southport’s first ever drive-through Burger King emporium, allowing riders to stop and order a takeaway meal halfway through their roller coaster ride. “
3 – World famous swimming pigs in the Marine Lake
Who thought that the Marine Lake was telling porkies today…
They posted: “If you’ve taken one of our lake cruises around the Marine Lake, you might have seen our world famous swimming pigs (Kevin and Richmond) who usually live on the North Island.
“With all this beautiful sunny weather they have ventured down the lake and now reside amongst the motorboats and have befriended a flock of geese. Have a lovely day all.”
4 – RAF Woodvale to become Southport Airport
Were plans for a new airport at RAF Woodvale pie in the sky?
Sandgrounder Radio posted: “Sandgrounder Radio can exclusively reveal that RAF Woodvale is to become Southport Airport.
“In echoes of nearby Blackpool, Southport is set to get its own airport with Sefton Council having purchased the site on the A565 between Southport and Formby at Woodvale.
“The move is being welcomed as a way of opening up Southport as a tourist destination to not only other parts of the UK but also to international tourists too.
“A spokesperson for the new Southport Airport has confirmed an agreement is in place with operator Ryanair with the first flights due to land and take off from Summer 2023.
“Between now and then extensive work will be carried out on the now former RAF site to transform it into an operational airport, as well as making sure the work is with in keeping of its surroundings.”
5 – Tour Of Britain to open with Southport stage after ‘cycle lane success’
OTS News said: “The largest cycling race in Britain will open with a stage in Southport in 2023.
“The race takes place annually each September attracting hundreds of pro riders and is likely to bring thousands of tourists to the resort.
“Tour President Michael Take said the “success of cycle lane schemes in Southport” had convinced the organising committee to select the town.
“While the route is yet to be confirmed, organisers suggested roads that cycle lanes installed will receive preference.
“Michael Take said: “Southport’s strong embrace of cycle lanes made it difficult for our organising panel to look elsewhere for the opening stage of next year’s Tour of Britain.
“We hope we can work with the local authority to assist Southport in their incredible efforts to promote green and healthy living.
“We particularly admire Southport’s calm and rational response to their installation.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
