ORGANISERS of the Globe-backed Wirral Bikeathon are hoping for a bumper turnout this year.

This year's Bikeathon - taking place on Sunday, June 12 - is the first under the banner of Bloodwise - the new name for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

The new name reflects the important role this, the largest blood cancer charity, plays in providing support and information for sufferers from the full range of blood cancers as well as funding research into their prevention and treatment.

So far, the Bikeathon has raised more than £800,000 for the fight to beat blood cancer and now the organisers want to break the £1 million barrier.

More than 1,400 people got on their bikes for last year's event, raising close to £52,000 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Among those taking part this year is Hoylake-born Olympic champion Chris Boardman MBE, who is a patron of the Bikeathon.

He said: "Our charity has a new name - "Bloodwise" - but this year's Wirral Bikeathon will be the same great family day out that it has been every year since it started back in 1999.

"I hope as many people as possible turn out with me this year to help raise funds for the vital work that "Bloodwise" does.

"I am sure they will enjoy the day and I hope they will raise as much sponsorship money as possible to help beat blood cancer."

To sign up, visit www.wirralbikeathon.com

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Pensioners Association

Merseyside Pensioners Association has organised a conference that is open to all.

The conference aim is to bring together the young and the elderly.

The association believes there is a need within society to bring the young and elderly together.

It meets every Wednesday in the Unite building, Jack Jones House, Churchill Way, Liverpool, at 1.30pm.

Discussions are always interesting and membership is increasing.

If you would like further information telephone 605 1385.

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Oxfest family fun

The annual Oxfest family fun festival takes place this Saturday, May 28.

Hosted by Oxton and Noctorum Churches Together it will be held in Oxton playing fields from 11am to 4pm.

On the day there will be bouncy castles, food, music, 'messy church', face painting, football cage, nail painting and stocks.

Entry is free.

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Jewellery Talk

Michael Thornley will give a talk on bespoke jewellery at Irby Library tonight, Wednesday, May 25, at 7.30pm.

Book early and bring along a piece of jewellery to be cleaned free of charge.There will also be refreshments and tombola.

Tickets are available from the library.

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Folk group

Huw Williams will is Parkgate Folk Club's guest this Thursday, May 26.

Because of refurbishment at the Boathouse function room, the club has moved to Parkgate & Neston United Reformed Church Community Hall in Moorside Lane, where it will continue for the summer months.

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Charity needs you

Age UK Wirral has launched a recruitment campaign for mini-bus drivers to run its users to a from its day centres in Birkenhead and Bromborough.

If you are interested email ian.bourbonneux@ageukwirral.org.uk or call 0151 653 4404. 

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Sewing demonstration

Are you a sewing fanatic?

Ever wondered what the Janome Sewing Machine is actually like?

Well now's your chance with a demonstration at Abakhan Fabrics store in Birkenhead, this Saturday, May 28, from 1pm to 2pm, at the shop in Greenway Road.

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Annual meeting

Birkenhead History Society's annual general meeting takes place on Thursday at Wirral Ladies Golf Club, at 7.15pm.

There is a change to the speaker for the presentation starting at 7.45pm. Elizabeth Davey is unable to to attend, but Philip Barton will deliver an alternative talk.

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Flower club

Ann Hindle will be New Brighton Flower Arrangement Society's guest at its next meeting.

She will give a demonstration entitled Highlights at United Reformed Church Hall in Wallasey Village on Tuesday, June 14, starting at 7pm.

It promises to be a fun night with an opportunity to learn about plants and flowers, make friends, enjoy good humour and camaraderie.

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Bird club meeting

Wirral Bird Club's annual meeting takes place on Thursday.

Starting at 8pm, it will take place at Kingsmead School Hall in Bertram Drive, Hoylake.

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Community Cinema

Hoylake Community Cinema will screen Beasts of the Southern Wild this Friday.

The film starts at 7.30pm For more details or to book, go online to the website hoylakecommunitycinema.co.uk

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Farmers' Market

West Kirby Farmers' Market is open this Saturday. 

Held at St Andrew's Church Hall in Graham Road, West Kirby, it runs from 9am to 1pm.

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Static birds display

Static live birds of prey will be on display at the Coach House in Royden Park this Sunday, May 29, from 10am to 4pm.

For more details email midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk or call 0151 677 7594.

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Explore Royden Park

Globe readers are invited to join the countryside ranger on a wild trail across Royden Park next Wednesday, June 1, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Meet at the Court Yard Coach House at Royden Park.

Suitable for children aged five and upwards. Adults must accompany children and are encouraged to join in. No dogs allowed.

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Family workshops

Pamela Sullivan, artist-in-residence at Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, will run a free family drop-in workshop at the venue this Saturday from 11am to 3.30pm.

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Royal birthday A "Mad Hatters Party" will be held at St Paul with St Luke’s Church in Old Chester Road, Rock Ferry, on Saturday, June 18, from 2pm to 4pm, as part of its celebrations for the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Attendees are asked to dress in patriotic colours. Tickets cost £5 and are available from by telephoning 645 4258.

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Life drawing classes Evening life drawing classes with model and tutor are held at Williamson Art Gallery will start next Thursday, June 2, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Participants should bring a drawing board, paper and pencils or charcoal.

For more information call artist in residence Pamela Sullivan on 652 4177 or email pamelasullivan@wirral.gov.uk

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Rock 'n' Roll

Mike Byrne and the Sunrockers return to Heswall British Legion next Wednesday, June 1, performing the hits of Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others. Starts at 8pm.

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Time to meditate

Meditation classes take place in Atherton Street, New Brighton, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30 to 9.30pm.

For details telephone Hilary Scott on 07557 652 488 or email h.scott2@me.com

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Under fives art

'Make and explore' art sessions for under fives take place at the Williamson Art Gallery in Birkenhead every Thursday.

Lead by Nicola McGovern the sessions run from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Spaces are free but limited.

To book email NicolamcGovern@wirral.gov.uk

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Play bridge

Thingwall Bridge Club meets every Wednesday evening.

Sessions take place at Thingwall Recreation Centre in Sparks Lane, Thingwall from 7.15pm.

For details call 0151 652 9313.

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Golf club anniversary

Wallasey Golf Club will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a festival week at the club in Bayswater Road from June 12 to June 19, featuring golfing events, special guests and celebratory dinners.

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Get into art

Art classes using oil or acrylic are held at Mendell Court in Bromborough every Thursday from 2 to 4pm.

For more details call 678 6367.

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Country music

There is live country music at the Lever Club in Greendale Road, Port Sunlight, every Tuesday, from 8 to 11pm.

Admission is £1 for non-members.

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George Formby talk

Jon Baddesley will look at the life and work of legendary ukulele playing comedian George Formby as Neston University of the Third Age’s next meeting at Neston Civic Hall this Thursday, May 26, at 2pm.

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Jive talking

Salsa, Argentine tango and social jive classes for beginners take place at the Apollo Dance Club in Pasture Road, Moreton, every Monday night, at 9pm.

To advertise your event for free on our community noticeboard, email Craig at cmanning@wirral-globe.co.uk or call 649 4050