The Beautiful North Newspaper

BEAUTIFUL NORTH NEWS

ISSUE 2.WINTER 2013

FREE

IT’S CHRISTMAS!

The Christmas festivities got under way for the Beautiful North with a well attended launch at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory. Our photographer captured the atmosphere of the event as youngsters decorated the tree on the bandstand and gave their present lists to Santa. For more from the event and what’s on around the area in the run-up to Christmas see pages 2&3.

THE ROTUNDA MP VISITS ANFIELD Kirkdale’s beacon of community Shadow Secretary of State for activity.

Health visits to see benefit of investment in area’s housing.

AWESOME AWARD See how the International

COUNTY ROAD FOCUS New business and investment.

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foundation is helping Liverpool

THE FARM & GAMES STUDENTS DO HELL RUN COMMUNITY WELLBEING PUZZLES North Liverpool Voice interview Regenda Group’s team of Have a go at our Christmas quiz Team from Alsop high school with the iconic band and their hope for the regeneration of area.

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Community Wellbeing Apprentices celebrate a number of successes.

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with a great prize up for grabs, or try the festive crossword.

tackle notorious Delamere course.

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BEAUTIFUL NORTH NEWS WINTER 2013

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There’s no excuse for not finding something to do to get into the festive spirit in the Beautiful North.

Following the launch event at the Beautiful North Pole, held at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, there are a whole host of activities going on.

You could even find yourself winning a prize in the competition to find the best Christmas decorations across the Anfield, County and Kirkdale wards.

You can enter as an individual, or as a business and there are even categories for the best eco decorations and best decorated sheltered scheme.

Judging takes place in the week beginning December 16.

See the ad on page 15 for details.

The Isla Gladstone is hosting a Christmas Tea Dance on December 12th between 1pm and 4pm. Tickets to trip the light fantastic are available from councillors and community groups.

The County Christmas market organised by County Regeneration Group, takes place on December 7 at Walton Church followed by the County Road lights switch on carried out by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Gary Millar.

Youngsters will delight in a visit to the County Christmas Grotto which returns to County Road between December 9th and 20th. It will be open from 2-7pm, Monday to Friday, at 106 County Road, opposite Segura and will be run by Walton Youth project.

All are welcome to the Pinehurst Community Green annual Christmas celebration and fayre in St Columba’s Church Hall, Pinehurst Road, Anfield on Tuesday 10th between 4pm and 6pm.

A new event is the Dry Sports Bar Family Football Day at the Isla Gladstone incorporating the Beautiful North Christmas Cup. Don’t miss the chance to try a few `mocktails’, watch Everton v Arsenal on TV and participate in football activities. Tickets will be distributed to community group and some are also available from Kemps bistro on a first come first served basis. The event lasts from 3pm to 6.30pm.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a pantomime and the Kirkdale Neighbourhood Centre on Stanley Road is hosting a performance of Snow White on December 19th starting at 7pm. Tickets are available from the centre.

It will be eyes down for a full house at the Beautiful North Bingo at KNC. The event starts at 4pm and is hosted by the KNC – this will be supported by our Young Creators team.

And finally The Rotunda will be throwing its doors open for a step back in time when it hosts a Georgian Christmas event on December 12th. Georgian characters, a traditional Christmas market, mulled wine and a Grotto will be just part of the festive attractions. The event lasts from 4-6pm.

BEAUTIFUL NORTH NEWS

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Family fun at Christmas lights switch-on Parents and children turn out at Isla Gladstone Conservatory for 12 Days of Christmas Launch

It was the perfect evening for a Christmas launch.

Dry, clear and with just enough of a cold snap in the air to let everyone know what time of year it was.

All the ingredients were in place – a tall tree, excited children, plenty of hand-made decorations, some mulled wine and, of course, Santa.

The event was the launch of the Beautiful North’s 12 Days of Christmas programme hosted by the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, one of the event sponsors together with McDonald’s and the Beautiful North partners.

Hundreds of parents and children turned up to soak up the atmosphere and gather round the tree for the official lights switch on which saw the impressive tree situated on the bandstand illuminated and covered in the decorations the children had been making.

There was plenty to keep the youngsters occupied, with the opportunity to make a bag of reindeer food to leave out on Christmas Eve, a fairground carousel, the chance to make balloon shapes and also a disco that kept them all dancing.

With a choir singing to add an extra festive air, it was a fitting way to kick off this year’s Christmas celebrations.

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BEAUTIFUL NORTH NEWS WINTER 2013

THE ROTUNDA Learning centre, nursery, coffee house and bistro and now poised to become a business hub, The Rotunda is truly a beacon of community activity in Kirkdale.

Boosted by almost £2 million of investment, this last remaining Georgian block in the Kirkdale ward will soon be providing opportunities for local people to develop their business ideas and help in the further regeneration of the area.

And the business strand – through the provision of suites of serviced office accommodation – fits in nicely with the organisation’s aim of helping Kirkdale through some tough times.

“Our ethos is about bringing pride to the community,’ said chief executive Maxine Ennis.

“This area has been suffering for lots of reasons and now it’s starting to reclaim its identity, its culture and its passion.

“The vision is about business and community coming together, encouraging

local people to be entrepreneurial.

“This will be a great location as it is literally two bus stops from the city centre and walking distance for Sandhills station.

The building is fully DDA compliant, there is also a nursery on site and 24 hour access should people require it.”

“Our volunteer programme is not just about what they will do for us, it’s also about what we can do for them. Everyone will get a learning outcome up to GCSE level. We invest in our volunteers so they can advance in their personal development.”

With Liverpool Vision, the city’s business development organisation, already poised to take space at The Rotunda to provide business support, its appeal is well founded.

Other learning opportunities are offered in a variety of ways, too.

The foundations for success, however, are not just measured in pounds and pence. There’s a human dimension which has made the centre what it is.

“The people are inspirational. There are 30 volunteers on our programme who are determined to do something positive,” added Maxine.

“We have a long standing commitment to lifelong learning and working with partners such as Liverpool Community College, Workers Education Authority as well as the City’s’ Adult Learning Services.

“We are also keen to ensure our Heritage Activities and Exhibition Centre fit firmly with school curriculum priorities and hope to work with North Liverpool Academy to develop truly

innovative programme their young people can engage with.”

And offers of outside help haven’t been slow in coming forward when The Rotunda has needed assistance.

“When this building was completed we wanted to give the rest of the terrace a lick of paint and that’s where the Territorial Army stepped up to the plate and said we’ll do it for you, and we knocked on Peel’s door and said we need some paint, and they gave it to us, so both are owed big thanks.”

Whether people are coming to take a course, access childcare, or just socialising The Rotunda has a space for them – even more so since the opening of its new cafe – 107 by Siren.

The people who are running the cafe for

us – Siren – also run a cafe and bistro in the Baltic area and it’s a comfortable fit for us with what we are trying to achieve here.

Our cafe will be a centre of engagement via the arts with readings and open mic nights amongst methods of getting people through the door – as well as it being an excellent cafe in its own right.’

The improvements and the development haven’t just applied to the fabric and interior of the magnificent Georgian buildings.

Outside, too, there are plans to establish what would be a true standard bearer.

“Our garden has just received international sponsorship and we’re hoping this will allow it to become Kirkdale’s first quintessential heritage garden,” said Maxine proudly.

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HISTORIC RESTORATION The development of 107 Great Mersey Street has provided additional accommodation and facilities for Rotunda in the delivery of courses and services. Opportunities for funding were explored primarily with the Heritage Lottery Fund, StepClever and the Local Authority. Subsequent approval of a major heritage grant from HLF and match funding via StepClever led to the major restoration work being undertaken between July 2012 and June 2013. Chartered Building Surveyors Rowley Szilagy was appointed by Rotunda to develop proposals for the repair and adaptation of the building. Specialist conservation advice was provided by Brock Carmichael Architects.

The building has been carefully restored to reflect the form, quality and detail of the historic building whilst accommodating spatial and services demands for staff, users and visitors without detriment to the significance of the building. Extensive research was carried out to understand the building and analyse the surviving details, components and finishes to inform the restoration and adaptation of the building for use by Rotunda.

The external envelope/principal facades have been restored to reinstate the form, quality and detail of the early 19th Century building and provide a series of internal spaces generally following the original plan form to facilitate delivery of services and provide a unique working and social environment within the Kirkdale area of Liverpool. The late 19th Century two storey extension to the rear has been extended vertically to provide disabled access and additional accommodation for support services.

The Upper Ground Floor and First Floor Levels (Principal Family Accommodation) accurately reflect the Georgian details which have been painstakingly restored. The individual rooms are utilised as lettable office spaces with the circulation spaces/ hallways demonstrating the grandeur of the original building particularly emphasised by the decorative plasterwork. The Lower Ground and Second Floor/Attic Levels (Support/Servants Accommodation) whilst reflecting the original plan form have been opened up to provide ancillary and support facilities such as bistro and administrative offices without detriment to the quality and character of the original building. A heritage centre exploring the interpretation of the historic building within the local context of Kirkdale and wider context of Liverpool is incorporated within the bistro at Lower Ground Floor Level.

It is hoped that the restoration will be a catalyst for further regeneration within the area to include the remaining terrace houses to reinstate the detail and splendour of this remarkable surviving group of buildings from Kirkdale’s historic past.

David Watkins Architect Brock Carmichael

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BEAUTIFUL NORTH NEWS WINTER 2013

Burnham visits to see Anfield investment There was a warm welcome for Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham MP from Your Housing Group, and Labour MP for Liverpool Walton, Steve Rotheram, to Anfield recently to see how the investment in the area’s housing is helping to improve the health and well-being of the residents.

As the lead housing provider for Anfield, Your Housing Group has a great commitment to residents and the wider community. Since 2009 the Group has completed projects investing in excess of £23m involving 202 properties in Anfield. This includes creating new modern homes as well bringing back in to use a number of long term vacant properties.

Your Housing Group accompanied Andy to view a newly converted 2 into 1 pilot property on Gurnall Street, which demonstrates how the Group plans to create new family homes for the area. The spacious, modern house was created by transforming two small early 20th century terraces into one spacious, modern, three bed family home with open plan living space, an upstairs bathroom, and garden with seating area.

On Tancred Road Andy visited one of the The Anfield regeneration project has taken another step forward with the official opening of its first dedicated project office in the heart of the area.

Located at 60-62 Burnand Street, The Anfield Project Office is focused on supporting residents and members of the public in the Rockfield and Anfield Village elements of the wider £260m scheme.

There are also details on display of the wider Anfield project plan which is designed to transform the area close to and around the stadium. These plans were unveiled back in June and details of feedback generated by the public consultation are also on display.

Run by registered social landlord, Your Housing Group – a partner of the regeneration scheme – the office is open daily to offer assistance and advice on a range of issues, including rehousing, acquisition of properties and improvement works to private dwellings.

The office will also host a number of surgeries, including sessions by Liverpool in Work - who will offer advice and guidance for those seeking employment and training and Merseyside Police.

Council officers involved in the improvement of private properties in the area will also be available for local people to speak to, while

part of the office, complete with drinks and WC facilities, will be available for residents to hold meetings.

The regeneration around the Rockfield and Anfield Village areas, which is currently underway, involves the refurbishment of 562 homes and the demolition of 299 dilapidated properties.

Your Housing Group will be undertaking an extensive refurbishment programme and conversions of dwellings. Private properties in the area will also be benefiting from external frontal improvements

properties regenerated by Your Housing Group. The Group invested £660k to renovate nine vacant properties for sale, of which six have been sold. It is envisaged that that the investment and subsequent sale of the properties will help to drive up the value of homes in the area, which have decreased in recent years.

Andy Burnham MP, Shadow Health Secretary, said: “With an average annual investment of almost £6 million per annum, Your Housing Group is helping to transform the area and improve the lives of hundreds of families in Anfield.”

Brian Cronin, Chief Executive of Your Housing Group, said: “We are extremely passionate about Anfield we were delighted to welcome Andy to Anfield to see how our work is already making a difference in revitalising the area.”

“The work we have been doing in Anfield is about much more than simple bricks and mortar, it’s about creating a safe and positive area to live. It’s not only a focus on physical regeneration, but also a commitment to working together with our partners and community groups to create Life changing opportunities.”

Councillor Ann O’Byrne, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We are driving forward with our housing and regeneration vision for Anfield, and local people are finally beginning to see the results, in bricks and mortar, of plans that have been talked about for too long. The opening of the first dedicated office for the area is another important step forward for this ambitious project.

“I hope it will prove to be a valuable resource for the community, and a real focal point for local people to look at plans, access support and advice, ask questions and find out more about the work we are doing.

“Our vision is to transform lives and communities, and through a range of activities we will be working with people in Anfield, creating opportunities that will strengthen the community and improve the health and wellbeing.”

Steve Rotheram Labour MP for Liverpool Walton, said: “Your Housing’s commitment to Anfield is good news for the long-suffering residents who have had to put up with years of uncertainty. Hopefully there is now light at the end of a very long tunnel and these works will help revitalise the whole area.”

Following a period of uncertainty, Anfield is facing a more positive future following the announcement in June of a £260m regeneration plan by a consortium led by Liverpool City Council, with support from Your Housing Group and Liverpool Football Club, which will breathe new life into the area.

Commenting on the future for Anfield, local resident Ellen Lacey said: “The investment from Your Housing Group and others has given Anfield some hope for the future.

I have never seen so much work done on Rockfield. Everyone is made up, it’s slowly getting done and it is what we’ve all been hoping for.”

“We want to create homes that people want to live in, within a revitalised neighbourhood that we can all be proud of. To do that, it’s vital that we communicate effectively with local residents, engage them, keep them updated and place them at the heart of everything we are doing. This new Project Office will help us do just that.”

Brian Cronin, chief executive of Your Housing Group, said: “We are pleased to now have an office in the heart of the regeneration area dedicated to serving the residents of Anfield.

Its central location is a convenient base for those living in the surrounding streets and offers a hub for information and meeting needs.”

Sheltered Scheme Shopping Bus a big success!

“Ever since the Beautiful North came to St Luke’s and Florence Court we have been kept very busy enjoying ourselves and getting out and about. I myself have found a big improvement in my social life and am loving every minute of it.”

Sheltered Housing schemes St Luke’s Court and Florence Court are benefitting from a new free weekly shopping bus, following support from ward councillors Gerard Woodhouse and Eryl Owen.

The shopping bus has proved a huge success, enabling residents to do their shopping and experience shopping in other parts of the city. The bus is packed out every week and has allowed residents to meet new people and make new friends and they are even now planning to visit each other in the future to hold join events.

Residents have been so delighted with the shopping bus that they joined together to give a presentation about the difference it has made to them as a thank you to Cllrs Woodhouse and Owen for providing the funding and support needed to make it happen.

One resident, Jim from St. Luke’s Court, said: “This massive effort has made a great improvement to the quality of life at St Luke’s Court and Florence Court. It’s been a talking point and will be for many weeks

to come.”

Irene, also from St Luke’s Court, added: “Ever since the Beautiful North came to St Luke’s and Florence Court we have been kept very busy enjoying ourselves and getting out and about. I myself have found a big improvement in my social life and am loving every minute of it.”

The shopping bus scheme has also been made possible through support from the Helping Hand and Young Creators projects to tackle issues of loneliness and isolation often experienced by older people. Helping hands works to support older people and Young Creators works to get young people in North Liverpool more involved in their neighbourhoods, and together deliver intergenerational work to support these aims.

The weekly bus service is delivered in partnership with South Central Community Bus Service which has provided the service at low cost. The Isla Gladstone have also donated a shopping trip to New Brighton and afternoon tea at Kemp’s for the residents of the two schemes.

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AN AWESOME AWARD They love Liverpool and love helping to make awesome ideas happen. Every month, they make a £500 gift to a local project that solves a problem, has a clear budget and creates joy. There are no strings attached and they claim no ownership over the projects they support.

Awesome Liverpool is the local Chapter of the international Awesome Foundation.

One of these awards has been made to Lynn Tolmon for her project to create a network of homes from home for football fans and city visitors.

Lynn, who runs The Dog House B&B from her Anfield home, provides true home comforts for football pilgrims and city visitors.

Her project, Home Advantage, is helping other residents to do the same, supporting local people to run their own home-based businesses and increasing the amount of money visitors spend in the local economy.

The Home Advantage mission is “to bring the community and fans together using local residents’ spare bedrooms to accommodate visitors to the football club. A virtual hotel, a bit like AirB&B, but specifically for Anfield.

Centrally administered by us, and for the benefit of the whole community. Hundreds, even thousands of visitors to liverpool getting proper home comforts instead of a cold impersonal hotel room, and local families getting to connect with the people who love Anfield and Goodison Park more than anywhere else on earth.”

Because Awesome Liverpool is self-funding,

it has more freedom to support smaller projects and help people who have never applied for funding before. They love to hear from individuals, groups, schools and small businesses with awesome ideas.

Awesome Liverpool is made up of ten Trustees and a Dean. Their collective power makes this work: each Trustee donates £50 of their own money each month to create the £500 gift. Our Trustees have also supported finalists and winners through mentoring and guidance, in their own time and for free.

The Trustees include an oceanographer, technology innovators, a Smart City champion, creative business writer, digital marketing CEO / comedy writer, storyteller and film-maker, creative industries management consultant, a restaurateur and a design guru who also makes fabulous jewellery from waste.

Since June 2013, Awesome Liverpool has gifted £3,000 to projects including: • Tag-art art groups have been created by Nicola Taggart, a Fine Art graduate from Liverpool John Moores University who uses art to bring people together, explore creativity and promote career paths into creative industries. Nicola is has established an arts base at the Albion Centre in Everton, running workshops for children and adults.

Longer-term, Nicola aims to provide art accreditation courses to young people who

may have been excluded from mainstream education and adults looking for alternative routes back into employment.

• Clean, Green Team The Clean, Green Team from Orrell Park Community Group love their neighbourhood.

Their brigade of volunteers create joy by filling large wooden planters with flowers and shrubs, creating a community Christmas tree and working hard to keep their streets clean and tidy. The team are using their awesome gift to brighten up local shops, transforming grey shutters with creative designs.

• Ukuloopeaz Ukuloopeaz bought 10 beautiful ukuleles with their awesome gift, helping them to run a musical Summer Camp for local children.

Created by local musician and ukulele maestro Elaine Kinsella, Ukuloopeaz has been a huge hit. Elaine plans to grow Ukuloopeaz into a not-for-profit organisation.

• Synaesthesia Feast Synaesthesia Feast will combine music, food and visuals to create a feast for the senses. Synaesthesia Feast shared our September gift with Beerdfest, with each project winning £250.

• Beerdfest brought together beards, beer, music and food in a celebration of hirsute pursuits on Friday, 29 November at Camp & Furnace. Beerdfest supports the charity C.A.L.M. and shared

our September gift with Synaesthesia Feast, with each project winning £250.

• Sola Arts is a small charity that does big things, supporting the most disadvantage people since 2004 and intend to continue doing so through this brilliant and innovative project – a 12-week Art Therapy in the Community offer for people on low income with mental health problems.

Although we will focus on people from refugee and BME communities, the project will be open to anyone in need referred.

Awesome applicants complete a simple online submission. The Trustees then read all the applications and vote online to choose our finalists. Up to five finalists are invited to gift night to tell us more about their project and answer some questions from our Trustees.

The successful finalist wins the £500 gift.

Unsuccessful finalists get feedback and are welcome to apply again. Gift night is a fun event that is designed to encourage ideassharing and networking. We’ve already seen some great collaborations come out of chance meetings at gift night.

Find out more and apply: http://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/liverpool Like us: www.facebook.com/AwesomeLiverpool Tweet us: https://twitter.com/AwesomeLPL

RESIDENTS REWARDED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Local residents have been rewarded with a small token of appreciation for all they have done for the community. Cllrs Ian Francis, Adele Dowling and Brian Dowling made two presentations to Jude and Josh, accompanied by local residents Mike and Jackie Breen, plus Anfield Breckfield Community Council member Margaret Thornley. Both Jude and Josh received gift vouchers for their outstanding community service.

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COUNTY ROAD FOCUS

LOVE WEDDINGS? WE ALL DO! We offer a free one to one consultation at our showroom where we can discuss every aspect of your look over a cup of coffee in a relaxing atmosphere and are happy to show you video testimonials from our brides on their big day. Before you leave us we will supply you with a personalised package price that shows the individual prices of everything you are considering.

New businesses are springing up along County Road – and there’s no missing one of them.

I Do Love Weddings occupies 170-172 County Road and with its distinctive pink frontage is definitely one that catches the eye.

The store is run by Ian and Jeanette Fearon and houses three specialist businesses for the wedding industry – Sentimental Moments Venue Dressing, Krys Polkino Photography and bespoke stationery providers Gorgeous Weddings.

There is no hard sell, we actually prefer it if you don’t book us at your first visit, we want you to go away, shop around and compare us to the rest of the market because we give you this promise “You may find cheaper but you won’t find cheaper at our quality or with our attention to detail”.

Jeanette had almost 20 years experience in the event industry from catering to planning the Lord Mayor’s Ball when she started Sentimental Moments in 2005, working from home.

Visit us at www.sentimentalmoments.co.uk

“As the business grew I opened a showroom above the Segura wine bar on County Road and, as one of the first bespoke venue dressers in the city with a showroom, and our reputation for quality in design, we quickly grew in both the wedding and corporate markets,” said Jeanette.

Krys Polkino has experience in film and photography industry, loves books, dogs and music.

Within 18 months they needed bigger premises and moved to Walton Hall Avenue, and it wasn’t long before even this was outgrown.

“It was during this time that my husband Ian who had always played a part in the business finished work. This seemed to be the right time to take the next big step and look for large premises for our new venture where we could allocate some space to other small businesses within the wedding industry.

“It took two years to find the right size place because we wanted to stay in the North of Liverpool as coming from the area we strongly believe in investing in it.”

Eventually they settled on their new home which was given an official unveiling by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Gary Millar.

To mark the occasion a special competition was organised for one lucky couple to start their new life together with a bit more cash in their pocket and win all of their Venue Dressing, wedding stationery and bridal flowers, and the lucky winner was Gemma Blease from Walton.

Krys Polkino Photography

He is a photography lover, constantly looking for the ways to improve and deliver the best results.

Top: I Do Love Weddings shop front on County Road Middle: Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Gary Millar officially opens the shop Bottom: In-store display The businesses under the umbrella of I Do Love Weddings are:

Sentimental Moments Venue Dressing As one of the longest standing venue dressers in the city our success has not just been down to our attention to detail but our passion for what we do. We don’t just hire you a centrepiece or wrap a sash around a chair we are here every step of the way to help you bring your dreams to reality.

Of course we are happy to hire you one-off pieces such as starlit dance floors or centrepieces, but we are at our best when we work with our sister company Gorgeous Weddings to co-ordinate everything from your Venue Dressing through to your Stationery, Flowers and Favours giving you a seamless look.

For him the best photography is image with passion, photography where you can feel emotions and subtle glances.

KrysPolkino is not everyone’s photographer.

He is a photographer dedicated just for you. He wants you to feel special and have something what will stay with you for a long, long time. www.kryspolkino.co.uk

Gorgeous Weddings (Bespoke Stationery, Favours, Fresh Wedding flowers)

Here at Gorgeous Weddings we believe that individuality doesn’t need to cost the earth.

With a range of over 200 wedding favours and wedding day accessories as well as our bespoke Wedding Stationery through to Bridal Bouquets, Victorian Candy Carts and Post Boxes located all under one roof you can see, touch and browse until your heart’s content. We are on hand to advise and discuss all aspects of your Wedding design from your Wedding Invitations through to your thank you cards.

To find out more go to www.idolovewedding. co.uk

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FESTIVAL FUN COULD BE ON ITS WAY BACK Exciting plans to bring the Walton Festival back are in the pipeline.

County Road businessman Terry May and the road’s regeneration group are behind proposals to hold a two-day event in July next year.

“We’ve got people involved from all sections of society and we’re really looking to make this work.

“When I was growing up the Walton Festival was a really “Going back years to big weekend. County when I was a kid there Road was shut down was always the Walton for an hour or two by Festival which was a all the floats which brilliant event,” said Terry. would head to Walton Hall Park. In there “And when I was having a think about what we could do to help revitalise the area this would be all kinds was something I thought we could bring of sideshows and back.” stalls, and then in the Terry, who owns the Segura wine bar on evening the fun fair County Road, is one of the driving forces behind the regeneration group. would kick in.”

“Sometimes you walk around with blinkers on and you don’t notice what’s going on around you, especially when you’re busy and everything’s going on at 100mph.

“But when I had chance to have a look around me I noticed how tired and weary everything along County Road was getting, with shops all shuttered up.

“So I set up a group on Facebook and within about four days we had 500 people attached to it and it’s now up to 2,700 – all feeling the same way. It sort of galvanised the community.”

From those beginnings the first meeting was organised and an impressive 120 people turned up, out of which emerged a steering group.

COUNTY ROAD FOCUS

For next year the organisers are potentially looking at July 19-20 and hope to revive that community feeling with events that everyone can join in with, from floats to football, and music to Morris dancing.

“We’re working with our local councillors and I’m looking to meet with Steve Rotherham MP with a view to gaining support for the event’s return, and then we’ll go out to look for financial backing to make it happen.”

The County Road Regeneration Group can be found on Facebook county road regeneration or check out the festival website www.thewaltonfestival.co.uk

FREE and Impartial Advice & Support for Social Enterprises and SMEs Are you a small to medium sized business?

Is your business based in Merseyside?

Do you want to grow your business?

As part of the Making Business Work programme Plus Dane Group can offer you a range of business support packages.

If your business answers YES to the questions overleaf then you may be eligible for 12 hours free tailored business support from experienced business advisors including:

Planning for growth Calling all

Stanley Park Supporters Could you help to form a group with an interest in developing ideas around park events and projects?

There’s a public meeting in the Isla Gladstone Conservatory to discuss the group’s formation and even what type of group it should be.

All welcome - just bring along some good ideas!

14th January, 5:30pm.

For further details contact Nicola: Nicola.Higham@neighbourhoodinvestor.com Look forward to seeing you there.

Social media Social franchising Bid writing and fundraising Writing successful tenders Business planning To discuss your business requirements please contact Michael Simon on 0151 728 2939 or email: making.businesswork@neighbourhoodinvestor.com

BEAUTIFUL NORTH NEWS WINTER 2013

Flagship Academy is on its way

Excitement, daring, athleticism, skill – these and many other adjectives could be applied to Parkour and Freerunning.

And these very qualities can soon be learned in the Beautiful North when the Airborn Academy opens its new premises early in the New Year.

Airborn Academy has acquired a warehouse space on Boundary Street in Sandhills which is currently undergoing conversion to become its main training base in the city.

“More than that, it will be a flagship for the sport,” said one of the six Academy directors, Anthony Doyle.

With more than 8,000 sq ft in which to work it will be one of the biggest such facilities anywhere.

For those unfamiliar with Parkour and Freerunning, these disciplines are becoming more and more popular as participants look to defy gravity and obstacles while propelling themselves across the landscape.

It requires nerve and mental discipline as well as the necessary athletic prowess – but there are plenty of people looking to test themselves.

“We have anywhere from 80 to 110 people at our Thursday classes and these will be all kinds of ages,” added Anthony.

Currently the classes are held at the Park Road Lifestyles facility, but they will be soon able to spread their wings when the new environment comes on stream.

Clients can also benefit from masterclasses run by two-time Red Bull Art of Motion champion Ryan Doyle.

“Where we’re moving to is absolutely ideal.

It will also have a media suite so people can edit a showreel of their skills and use it on their CV. “People who are properly trained often go into stunt work or the theatre so this will be really useful for them.”

Beautiful North partner Plus Dane has helped the Academy with business skills training to help move the project along.

For more on the Academy go to www.airbornacademy.com

A member of Airborn Academy at the STORM JAM event

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THE NORTH LIVERPOOL VOICE For this edition we gave the North Liverpool Voice to Peter Hooton and Keith Mullin of The Farm to ask about their experience playing the Liverpool International Music Festival and its place in the regeneration of the area.

Photo by Terry Bouch

The Farm will always hold a special place in Liverpool’s music story.

Not just for their chart exploits in the early 90s which saw them top the album charts with Spartacus and also record one of the great anthems of the era in Altogether Now, but for their passionate support for city causes like the Hillsborough Justice Campaign.

The band and its members are ingrained into the city’s cultural life, so it was no surprise to see them headlining the Stanley Park music event which formed part of this year’s first Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF).

Thousands flocked to the park to be part of an event that was one of the highlights of the whole music festival celebration. As well as The Farm, there were performances from Natalie McCool and the Tea Street Band making it an afternoon to remember.

We spoke to Farm members Peter Hooton and Keith Mullin about the event and why it and events like it are so important to North Liverpool’s future.

Both were adamant that an important step had been taken by staging an element of the festival in North Liverpool – but that it was only the start.

“The city made a real change with LIMF,”

said Keith. “The Bank Holiday event in the city was fantastic, but this in Stanley Park was a little bit after it, and meant there were events in two major parks in the city at the same time, with the food festival going on in Sefton Park.

“Now what would be brilliant for North Liverpool and what would make a real statement is if the food festival could be moved to join what we have in Stanley Park.”

His bandmate shared the view and hoped that this year was something that would grow for future events.

“I’m fully supportive of LIMF. It was a great event and a real change of emphasis. This year for Stanley Park was very much about putting a toe in the water, but it could be something that really grows. From small acorns and all that!” added Peter.

Both, however, are fully aware that if the reality and perceptions around North Liverpool are to truly change then it will take more than bringing an event to the park to do it.

“Holding the odd event isn’t going to regenerate an area, it’s about the social conditions and opportunities, but what these events can do is create the climate and culture for change and show an area that it hasn’t been forgotten,” said Keith.

The current plans for the area give rise to hope that a better future is on the way.

“The regeneration of the area through the City Council has been promised for 15 years, but I think there’s a particular will for it to happen under these latest regeneration proposals.

“If this regeneration goes ahead and you have hotels and things like that getting built in the area it will provide a massive boost of confidence for businesses,” explained Peter.

“You need the infrastructure to make it a place that people want to live in and move to. The conditions are about having the regeneration take place, and creating opportunities in education and employment.

That’s when you get people staying.”

He was also keen to point out just how rich in world-wide attractions the North end of the city is and how important it is to tell that story to the world.

“If an area had the two most successful footballs clubs in the country, one of the world’s greatest horse races, and that area was North Manchester, you would never stop hearing about it. That’s all about promotion and publicity.”

Local singersongwriter Natalie McCool also performed at the festival

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BEAUTIFUL NORTH NEWS WINTER 2013

COMMUNITY WELLBEING APPRENTICES CELEBRATE THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS The Regenda Group’s team of Community Wellbeing Apprentices have celebrated a number of successes.

Since being appointed in April they have worked on a number of community projects.

They were joined by staff, partners and supporters including Ann O’ Byrne Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety for Liverpool City Council, at an event to celebrate their achievements so far and look to their future aspirations.

The team of young people have all been recruited from the local area of Anfield and Everton, and are taking part in a unique scheme that not only allows them to train in the career of their choice, but to give something back to their neighbourhood by working on community projects.

They gathered at their HQ to unveil a brand new piece of artwork in the centre’s courtyard.

Top: Apprentices and students at an environment project.

Bottom: Apprentice Sean Sturgeon at the celebration event

The apprentices worked with a local artist to produce a comic strip style visual of their journey so far.

At the event, Councillor O’ Byrne spoke of her enthusiasm for the project saying: “This group of young people is a real inspiration – they are working together with each other, with Regenda, and with the local community to not only develop their own careers and lives, but to make a real difference to the neighbourhoods where they live.”

Stephanie Harrison, Regenda Executive Director, added:

“Each of the apprentices has their own story to tell, and their own journey – they are all unique and every one of them is determined to make the most of this opportunity, and to achieve as much as they can during their apprenticeships, both for themselves, their families, and their neighbourhoods – they know the area inside out and have some wonderful ideas about what needs to be done to improve community wellbeing.”

Community projects that have been devised, planned and delivered by the apprentices so far are: • organising creative writing sessions at Maritime Lodge. Organised by apprentices Paul Whiteley and Sean Sturgeon The project encourages interested participants to share their story ideas or read each other’s stories.

• transforming a local grot spot into a beautiful community garden in Anfield. Working closely with local youth club Albion, apprentice Darren Viney, led the planting project, with the help of his fellow apprentices. They made sure that young people had their say and were encouraged to take part. They also liaised with other partners, including Your Housing’s Green Team, Liverpool City Council, Jigsaw, artist Nicola Taggart and local residents.

• organising a charity football tournament to raise funds for the Critical Care Unit at Aintree Hospital hospital. Apprentice, Stacy Kelley was passionate about organising a project that would enable her to give back to the hospital that saved her mother’s life last year. Stacy and her fellow apprentices recruited 12 teams to take part in the tournament, which took place at The Power League in Kirkdale (known as The Pitz) in September. The day also included a DJ, buffet, charity auction, a bar and the presentation of trophies and medals.

The apprentices are working on many more important community projects, as well as studying and working on their apprenticeships.

Watch this space for more developments.

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BEAUTIFUL NORTH NEWS

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For more information please contact Jane Moran, Allocation and Void Manager 0151 235 2324

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BEAUTIFUL NORTH NEWS WINTER 2013

GAMES & PUZZLES

1) Where did baby Jesus sleep? 2) In what town was Jesus born? 3) How many presents were given in total in the 12 days of Christmas? 4) How many of Rudolph’s eight companions names start with a D? 5) Who were first people to visit the baby Jesus? 6) Which English author wrote the book A Christmas carol? 7) In the Christmas song Jingle Bells how many horses pulled the sleigh?

8) Who played the Grinch in the 2000 film? 9) What colour of Christmas did Elvis Presley sing about? 10) Who first recorded Jingle Bell Rock in 1957? 11) Who was The Boss who sang Santa Claus is Coming to Town? 12) In the Song Christmas Is Coming what are getting fat?

January Offer Buy any breakfast sandwich and get 1 free Buy any 2 meals from the Daily Specials for £10 (Terms & conditions apply)

Promotion available Monday to Friday Breakfast served 9:30am-12pm Lunch served 12pm-4pm

One lucky winner will win a complimentary meal for two at Kemp’s Bistro. To enter simply email your answers to Paul@archetypestudio.co.uk

0151 263 0363

CROSSWORD 1

2 4

3 5

7

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10 11 14

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1 The mother of Christ.

2 People often mail these to friends and acquaintances.

5 Santa’s home and workshop are located here.

6 Traditional red-and-white-striped candy.

8 Santa’s vehicle.

11 A Christmas song.

13 _________ Christmas.

15 If you _________ a live Christmas tree, you must throw it out after the holidays.

17 A treat commonly left for Santa.

22 They followed a star to find the Christ child.

24 The night before Christmas.

27 Decorations commonly hung on trees.

29 The colour of Rudolph’s nose.

32 _________ Claus.

33 Kris _________.

35 A “door” for Santa.

36 St. _________.

37 These electric decorations were introduced as a safe replacement for candles on Christmas trees.

1 Baby Jesus had this for a bed.

2 Naughty children may find a lump of this in their stockings.

3 “not a creature was stirring, not even a _________.

4 People who go door to door singing Christmas songs.

7 If you _________ a live Christmas tree, you may plant it after the holidays.

9 Another word for present.

10 These should be hung by the chimney with care.

12 The animals that travel with Santa.

14 Christmas Eve services are held here.

15 “I’m dreaming of a white _________.”

16 A colourful decoration often added to the top of a package.

18 Angels announced Jesus’ birth to these people.

19 These spicy holiday cookies are often shaped as people.

20 This type of Christmas tree may be used year after year.

21 A round object often hung on a door.

23 A small person who helps Santa.

25 Santa’s preferred beverage.

26 He guided Santa’s sleigh one foggy Christmas Eve. 28 String this to decorate the Christmas tree.

30 Old _________ Nicholas.

31 __________ Christmas!

34 One of the three gifts the wise men brought to the Christ child.

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BEAUTIFUL NORTH NEWS

t m s i r a h s C Lights competition

Beautiful North are looking for the brightest, most colourful and most creatively decorated homes in the area! There are four categories and four different prizes: Best House

£200 towards your fuel bill for December (T&C’s apply) and a family ticket to the pantomime at the Epstein theatre.

Best Sheltered Scheme

£50 in vouchers and a Christmas hamper.

Business Prize

A table for 12 at the Isla Gladstone Christmas party on the 20th December (not transferable)

Most Environmentally Friendly £50 in vouchers

And it doesn’t have to be just Christmas lights – the more inventive the decorations, the better!

Judging week begins 16th December after dusk, so make sure you’re ready and your lights are turned on!

For more information, contact Nicola Higham on 0151 263 0363 or email nicola.higham@neighbourhoodinvestor.com

Name:

Please tick the box of the category you have entered Best House

Address:

Best Street Most Environmentally Friendly

Phone Number: telephone:

mobile:

Winners will be notified by telephone so please leave your telephone number

Drop off points for completed forms: Riverside 1 Walton Road, McDonald’s Walton Lane, ABCC Anfield, KNC Stanley Road, County Grotto, opposite Segura, County Road.

Teachers and students alike pitted their strength and stamina against the hills, bogs and obstacles of this ultra-tough annual event.

Terrible weather the night before the event made conditions even more treacherous around the 10-12 mile course.

With features such as the Hills of Hell, the Bog of Doom and a new lake crossing, the run is not for the faint-hearted.

The atmosphere on the day was brilliant; with people helping each other on.

For the first 2 or 3 miles there was even a chance to admire the views of the countryside while winding uphill on pretty even terrain, but once the number of runners began to thin out, the real work began.

One Alsop student who thought the Hell Run name might be nothing more than a marketing gimmick was about to find out how wrong he was!

The lake was a surprise, and chest deep in parts, plus it was freezing. It took some minutes after emerging for any feeling in the legs to come back.

The final water of significance - the Bog of Doom - saw contestants being urged on by the crowd through the hip-deep mud.

The route took in all the toughest bits of the forest, hills you needed to scramble up, streams to run through, the thickest stinkiest bogs to get stuck in and a lake to cross, ensuring everyone was totally exhausted – a true test of mind body and soul.

At the finish it was time to collect an excellent goodie bag with t-shirt and medal – plus a hose down to remove all the mud.

HIGHLIGHTS The achievement of all the staff and lads completing the Hell Run The lads asking every mile, is it nearly over yet?

The famous Bog of Doom.

Most running shoes are still in bin bags but the sense of achievement has lingered.

Conclusion = KEEP IT THIS TOUGH.

The Alsop High School team all enjoyed the experience and challenge and are already looking forward to next year’s Hell Run. All the lads were unselfish and showed great teamwork in their running helping each other out when other runners were struggling.

IT’S

A team from Alsop High School have emerged muddy but unbowed from tackling this year’s notorious Hell Run in Delamere Forest.

HELLOUT THERE

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BEAUTIFUL NORTH NEWS WINTER 2013