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Issue 319 December 2013
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❆ ❆ COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER ❆ YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT ❆
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Issue 319 December 2013
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Knowsley host final Afghanistan homecoming parade for North West Infantry
WELCOME HOME
Picture: Peter Kelly ore than 120 soldiers from across Merseyside and the North West paraded in Huyton this week to mark their return from Afghanistan. It was the last of three homecoming parades by the Duke of Lancaster’s
M
Regiment following its final tour in Afghanistan. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (2 LANCS), marched to the delight and pride of Knowsley residents. 2 LANCS is part of the North West’s
Infantry regiment and recruits soldiers from throughout the region, including Merseyside. It is based at Weeton Barracks, near Blackpool, and so this is a rare opportunity for it to parade in the county. In April just over 400 of the battalion’s
soldiers deployed to Afghanistan. During their tour they closed several UK bases, supported operations run by the Afghan National Security Forces and successfully handed control of Nad-e Ali to the Afghans. • Continued on Page 8
Seasons Greetings from all at The Challenge News: 0151 706 7411 Advertising: 0151 709 7567 Email: thechallenge@merseymirror.com Facebook: thechallenge@merseymirror.com Twitter: thechallenge6
4 December 2013
RETURN VISIT FOR FORMER MINISTER Former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Heseltine visited Stockbridge Village recently, 30 years after his initial visit to the estate. The visit offered an opportunity to showcase the vast amount of regeneration that has taken place there over the past three years. The former minister was greeted by staff and board members from Villages Housing along with representatives from Knowsley Council and residents from the area. Accompanied by his wife, Lady Heseltine, he was taken on a tour of the estate visiting the new neighbourhood centre, Police drop in centre and Stockbridge Village Primary School. The school children were very excited to welcome Lord and Lady Heseltine to their school and acted as tour guides for the visitors showing them the new learning facilities available at the school and later invited them to enjoy a musical performance by the children created especially for the visit. Lord Heseltine said: “It has been a delight to visit Stockbridge Village and to witness such remarkable developments to the area. “I have a strong belief that one of the key drivers of growth and transformation, is listening to the general public about how changes can be made. “Working together is much more effective than working in isolation, the
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Fire campaign to highlight safety
demonstration of the public and private sectors working together with the community have a central part to play in Stockbridge Villages’ determination to build a stronger future.” Vernon Jackson, Chief Executive at Villages Housing presented Lord Heseltine with a framed aerial view of the estate along with local honey from beekeeper Andy Hubbard. Vernon, also thanked Lord Heseltine for his continued support of the estate. Lord Heseltine first visited Stockbridge Village formally known as the Cantril Farm estate in 1982 when he was Secretary of State and Minister for Merseyside. The estate was in deep
decline and Lord Heseltine was appalled at what he observed. He requested a report be conducted into how the estate could be improved. This decision resulted in the first large scale stock transfer of social housing in the country. A model that has been used throughout the country since. Lord Heseltine, who is well known as a longstanding advocate of economic growth at a regional level, took the opportunity to set a number of challenges to Villages Housing Association for the future of Stockbridge Village. They included initiatives around business growth and developing work and training opportunities for residents.
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A two week campaign to highlight fire safety that got underway recently after an elderly woman was seriously injured after a fire started in a bedroom of a property. Eight fire appliances, including one from Kirkby community fire station, took part in the reassurance campaign in November which was targeting 378 properties. During November, fire safety leaflets had been delivered to 239 properties and 140 home fire safety checks were also completed at another 140 properties. Sarah Bell, district community fire prevention manager for Konwsley, said: “It’s a close knit community where the fire took place and we realise fires such as this have a wider imp-act on communities. “It is very important for us to highlight fire safety and raise awareness to help reduce the risk of fire to people in communities. Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Advocates were joined by a PCSO during the work. “We want to highlight safety messages and stress the importance of people having working smoke alarms during our campaign. “We are also urging people that if they do smoke that they do not leave cigarettes or pipes unattended and extinguish them fully. We also urge people not to smoke in bed. “Our staff also highlighted to people how they can identify and refer vulnerable members of the community to Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service for home fire safety checks alongside our other key seasonal safety messages. “In line with our fire safety advice we do advise people to have working smoke alarms on each level of their home and to test them each week by pressing the test button.” Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service was called at 3.50am on Friday, November 15, to County Road, Southdene. Firefighters gave oxygen to a woman and applied burn shields before the arrival of paramedics. The woman was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Aintree for treatment. The fire, which also involved part of a bed, was extinguished by around 4.08am on November 15. There was also some fire damage to a floor area. A fire appliance from Kirkby community fire station was first on scene. A fire appliance from Croxteth community fire station also attended the call-out. For free fire safety advice call 0800 731 5958.
APPEAL OVER ARMED ROBBERY
Detectives in Knowsley are investigating following an armed robbery on Friday 15 November in Kirkby. Officers were called to Tops Pharmacy on Glovers Brow at around 3.20pm to reports a man had entered armed with a knife. He threatened the three staff members before stealing a quantity of prescription medication. The staff members were uninjured but left shaken by their ordeal. Detectives would urge anyone with any information to contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
December 2013 5
HOSPITAL APOLOGISES FOR COLIN WHALLEY DRUG DEATH A hospital trust has apologised after the death of a man who was given a fatal dose of a drug through a drip. Colin Whalley was being treated at Whiston Hospital in Prescot, for breathing problems. He died after a dose of aminophylline, supposed to be delivered over 24 hours, was pumped into his body in 20 minutes. St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust accepted the error was a ‘significant’ factor in Mr Whalley’s death. A coroner is due to set a date for an inquest to look into the circumstances surrounding his death. His widow Norma, said it was appalling she has had to wait two years for an apology, especially because she realised what had happened straight away. She said: “I was speaking to Colin and all of a sudden he started sweating and he was shaking.
iPhone App! “By this time, 20 minutes had passed and the machine started flashing again and I just said ‘Oh my god, she’s overdosed him’.” Hospital officials said that because of a lengthy legal process, it was only now able to write to Mrs Whalley and formally apologise for the errors made. “The trust accepts that the error... played a significant part in your husband's death,” the trust said in its letter to her.
FOODBANKS FEEDING MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER BEFORE Over 7,500 people are set to use Knowsley Foodbank this year. Information released by Knowsley Foodbank show that more people than ever are using local Foodbanks. Knowsley Foodbank has fed 3,228 people since April 2012 including 1,417 children. In addition they have fed over 1,100 people through the Knowsley Council’s emergency support scheme. Projected over 12 months this will mean that at least 7,500 people are set to use Knowsley Foodbank, which is double the amount of people who accessed them last year. They have distributed a massive 26,487kg of food to the people of Knowsley, much of it was donated by the general public through school harvests and donations made at supermarket collections. “It is horrendous that in the seventh largest economy in the world, people right on our doorsteps are going hungry,” says Barry Cooper from the Big Help Project which includes Knowsley Foodbank. “People have to make the difficult choice of heating their homes or putting food on the table to feed their family. “The Foodbank can only continue with the generous support of literally hundreds of people who freely give up their time or donate food to help those who really need it. We are so grateful for all the support that we receive and would ask that if anyone else wants to help then they get in touch.” If anyone would like to donate food,
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volunteer or help in any other way can they bring their donations to or contact Knowsley Foodbank at Unit G, Business Resource Centre, Admin Road, Knowsley, L33 7TX or phone 0151 546 0470.
Stay protected Under 16s with long-term health conditions encouraged to stay protected from seasonal flu Public Health professionals in Knowsley are encouraging children under the age of 16 years with long-term health conditions to stay protected against flu. Long-term health conditions includes diabetes, asthma, heart disease or lung disease. Getting flu can be very serious as they are more at risk of developing serious complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and painful middle ear infection. Further information regarding the flu vaccine can be found on www.nhs.uk
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6 December 2013
Bogus official warning Residents are being warned to be on their guard, following a report of bogus callers operating recently. Two people claiming to be social workers visited a property in Huyton, when asked, the callers could not show their ID and ran off. All officials, including social workers and utility workers (gas, water, electric) will carry official identification at all times, therefore residents are reminded to ensure they ask for identification. If in any doubt, call the
organisation they are claiming to represent to verify their identity. In addition, ensure your back door is locked before opening your front door and use your door chain if you have one when answering the door. Anyone who has been approached in this way or who has concerns about suspicious callers should report it to the police, Trading Standards or Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 08454 04 05
THE DANGERS OF MOBILE PHONES
KEN’S ENTHRALLING TALK AT UA3
Kirkby & District U3A recently held their November monthly meeting with guest speaker Ken Pye, a well-known presenter of local Liverpool history. Historian and story teller Ken Pye came to the monthly meeting to share his unique stories about the origins of our Christmas traditions. Everyone was absolutely delighted with Ken as he told members tales from how
the robin got his red breast through to how David Lewis introduced the first Santa Grotto in his famous Lewis stores in Liverpool. Ken went on to tell them how to cook food, anything from sprouts to a turkey, even telling the tale of how the turkey got his name. His presentation proved an education to all.
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The dangers of driving whilst using mobile phones were highlighted to more than 200 people in Kirkby town centre as part of work for Brake Road Safety Week. Firefighters from Green Watch at Kirkby community fire station visited Kirkby town centre on in November, to raise awareness about the dangers on the roads. It was part of work to highlight Brake Road Safety Week. The charity Brake is urging drivers to turn off their phones or put them in the boot as part of Brake road safety week 2013. More information on the road safety week can be found at: www.brake.org.uk Watch manager Andy Bailey, from Green Watch at Kirkby community fire station, said: “As part of Knowsley district’s input to the Brake road safety week, Kirkby Green Watch, with the help from the RTC-reduction team at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, used the service’s ‘crash car trailer’ to exhibit the devastating impact that a severe RTC has on a vehicle. “The team also handed out leaflets and gave advice on road safety. “The event aimed aim to inform and enlighten people of the dangers and risks should they drive at excessive speeds, or use their mobile phones while driving.” Watch Manager John Cousins, who is the RTC-reduction co-ordinator at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and also attended the event John went on to say: “The message about the dangers of using mobile phones whilst driving were clearly highlighted during the day and more than 200 people were spoken to about road safety. “Our safety messages are aimed at drivers, passengers and pedestrians and we are also highlighting the
dangers that distractions can cause when driving through work during the year in schools across Merseyside and in the communities across Merseyside.” The visit to Kirkby town centre followed an event held in Liverpool city centre, where more than 250 people were spoken to about road safety. The event, organised by speed reduction campaign The 20 Effect, saw British touring car championship driver James Cole with his racing car join deputy chief fire officer Phil Garrigan, the RTC-reduction team and the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service crash car trailer.
“The event aimed aim to inform and enlighten people of the dangers and risks should they drive at excessive speeds, or use their mobile phones while driving” The event was held in Clayton Square, in Liverpool city centre. Volunteers from the Prince’s Trust team programme, run by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, acted as casualties in a ‘crashed car’ at the event to drive home the impact of crashes. The volunteers were from Team 30 Huyton, which runs from Huyton community fire station. Aimed at young people who are not in education or employment, the Prince’s Trust team programme, which is for people who are 16-yearsold to 25-years-old, develops their skills to increase their employment opportunities. For further information, please contact Tony Canavan, Youth Coordinator, on 07837 655627.
December 2013 7
MERSEYSIDE FIRE STATION MERGERS TO COST 88 JOBS Fire stations in Knowsley, St Helens and Wirral could merge with the loss of 88 firefighter jobs. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority have approved, subject to consultation, changes to stations that will impact on stations across the whole county. At a meeting of the Authority, the members agreed mergers of a number of fire stations in Knowsley, St Helens and Wirral in response to government grant cuts. The Authority also approved, subject to consultation, to the incremental move to days only crewing, leading eventually to one or more stations being closed in Liverpool and/or Sefton. Six stations will merge into three and the service claims it will lose the jobs through “natural wastage.” It is claimed the move will save up to £6.5m in the 2015/6 financial year and a consultation is taking place, but the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) described it as “vandalism”. The authority said it is a better option than closing stations outright. Knowsley, Huyton and Whiston stations would be merged into a new station at Prescot. West Kirkby and Upton will merge on Wirral with a new station at Greasby, and St Helens the Eccleston and St Helens stations will merge. Dave Hanratty, chairman of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Merseyside has had the worst funding cuts of any fire and rescue service in the country.
Whiston Fire Station
“We have reached the point where we cannot continue without reducing the number of stations we operate.” He said the number and distribution of fire stations across Merseyside “has hardly changed since the 1950s” while the number of incidents has “reduced by more than 50%.” A consultation, in two stages, will begin with an “open-ended listening phase” followed by a more formal second phase on the final proposals. Mark Rowe, secretary of the Merseyside FBU, said: “They talk about ‘merging’ fire stations - but we call it vandalism. There is no other name for closing fire stations and sacking firefighters. “I hope the government can live with their consciences, especially after the dreadful events in Glasgow last weekend. “There is no doubt that the government is to blame for decisions taken to keep accountants happy and without regard to the safety of ordinary men and women.” Senior officers have blamed the move on government grant cuts scheduled for 2015 onwards.
A cut above the rest
Michael Quayle, a Year 13 pupil at Halewood Academy, bravely volunteered to put his hair on the line in the aid of charity recently. With the support of all his peers, Michael and his fellow Year 13 students helped to arrange a raffle with the winner being able to choose a random hair style for Michael to wear. And Michael’s plan became reality as winner, Ellie Airey 11LFE, chose Michael to bear the stereotyped hair style of a monk. So far the total donated has accumulated to £320 with money still being collected, which, is being donated to BBC’s Children in Need. Thank go to Sandra Worrall for taking on the challenge of restyling Michael’s hair! Everyone at Halewood Academy would like to congratulate Michael and all Year 13 students for this massive achievement.
8 December 2013
WELCOME HOME • Continued from Page 1 It was the last time soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s will have served in the country in such numbers. Lt Colonel Neil Unsworth, Commanding Officer, said: “It is a genuine privilege to be invited to march through Huyton in Knowsley on our return from Afghanistan; it was a proud moment for all of us. “The support we have had from the people back home in Merseyside while we have been on combat operations in Helmand has been amazing, it made a real difference and I’d like to publicly thank everyone who took the trouble to write and send parcels.” The Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Brian O’Hare, said: “We are delighted and honoured that the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment paraded through Knowsley following the soldiers’ return from Afghanistan. “We are proud of our close links with the regiment and this parade is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Knowsley to show our appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices they make on our behalf.”
“WELCOME HOME DADDY” Out of the thousands that lined the streets of Huyton one special person was waiting to see the arrival of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. One-year-old Dolly Gregson was waiting to greet her father, Lance Corporal Martin Gregson originally from Huyton. Martin who had just returned from a three month tour of Afghanistan was more than delighted to see his daughter and was looking forward to a family gathering at their family home in Kirkby.
Pupils from St Aloysius Primary School, Huyton cheer on the returning soldiers
December 2013 9
Advertising Feature
Don’t be caught out this winter
WINTER DEATHS INCREASE BY A THIRD Figures issued by the Office for National Statistics have shown that there were an estimated 31,100 excess winter deaths in England and Wales last year – up by almost a third on the previous winter, with people aged over 75 making up 25,600 of the total number. The north-west of England had the highest rates of deaths according to these figures.
A spokesperson for Age Concern Liverpool and Sefton said the organisation feared that the figure could increase further still unless more care and provisions are put in place to support and protect older people: “Whilst these figures are worryingly high, we as an organisation sadly aren’t shocked. “With fuel poverty affecting more and more people as energy prices continue to rise faster than older
people’s income, people are being forced to turn their heating down, or indeed off, during the winter months. “Older people are often more affected than most by cold weather and can often be incredibly vulnerable as the winter months take their toll. “What we want to see is more care being taken to protect older people enabling them to adequately manage the cold weather”.
Help a relative or neighbour The Age Concern spokesperson continued: “More awareness should be made of UK wide schemes that aim to address fuel poverty and often provide assisted or free support with heating and insulation. “The ECO (Energy Company Obligation) initiative offers installation of free boilers for those living in private accommodation and in receipt of pension credits or other state benefits. “We believe that a significant number of older people are not aware they may be eligible and urge any person who meets these two requirements to get in touch with us. “A new A-rated boiler will provide better heating and can reduce energy bills by an average 30%. “Our partnership with Fletchrose Heat Team has helped thousands in fuel poverty over the last four months having new boilers installed free of charge. This will continue into early 2015.” Chief executive of Fletchrose Paul Durose stated: “ If you are in receipt of certain benefits it’s a fantastic way of getting a new boiler free of charge for your home. “As a company we are always trying to keep prices as low as can be for a quality service. “If you don’t qualify for a free boiler we have other excellent deals that can save you on average of £300 of your heating Bills. “These recent figures of avoidable excess winter deaths are incredibly distressing and it’s sad to acknowledge in today’s society that members of our community can die from the effects of bad weather. “For anybody who has an elderly relative, who may be able to benefit from the ECO scheme and gain a fully fitted free boiler, please pass this important message on. “Help is here and there are measures that can be taken to help tackle the British winter”. To find out if you or someone you know is eligible for a free boiler contact Age Concern Liverpool and Sefton on 0151 330 5678 or 0151 236 4440. To find out more about Winter Fuel Payments, call 08459 151 515 (8.30am-4.30pm Monday–Friday, textphone 0845 601 5613) or visit https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuelpayment. To find out more about help you can get during the winter or indeed any time of the year please contact Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton’s Advice Line on 0151 236 4440.
10 December 2013
POLICE HELP FOR HUYTON SHOPPERS
The singers from Halewood perform with the Shanty Kings (back row) at the Maritime Museum
Halewood group perform at the Maritime Museum A group of singers from Halewood with learning disabilities gave a live performance at Liverpool’s Maritime Museum recently. The group work with Knowsley Council’s Adult Services and meet on a weekly basis at Newhutte day centre in Halewood, where as well as singing they also take part in a range of activities including performance story telling and visual art. Over the last few months, they have been working with the Liverpool Shanty Kings, a
premier sea song group on Merseyside. The Shanty Kings have helped the group to produce the shanty singing spectacle at the Maritime Museum. The group of adults now plan to further develop their range of songs over the coming months. One of the singers, Barry Powell, said: “Working with the Shanty Kings has been fantastic and we have learned so much from them. We will use this experience and keep practicising. Look out for our future events!”
Pictured left to right: Karen Lever - ASDA customer services, Sean Codd - chief of security, PCSO-Julie Williams, Sgt Andy Johnson, Shirley Ellison, James Ellison and Maureen Mulligam.
Merseyside Police and ASDA Huyton have joined forces to help shoppers at the Huyton store. Officers gave away purse bells to the elderly people in Huyton on behalf of ASDA who have generously funded 1000 bells to be given to shoppers to combat the problem that they have had in their store. Over the last couple of months their store and shoppers have been targeted by two female shoppers who have stolen in excess of 15 purses. Because of this crime ASDA have stepped up and are working in partnership with Merseyside Police sending out the message that crime does not pay and letting people know that ASDA along with Merseyside Police are operating a zero tolerance policy in the
lead up to the Christmas period on the town centre. Neighbourhood Inspector Jennifer Wilson said: “Today’s event is just one opportunity for the public to get crime prevention advice and I’d like to remind residents that information of future events in their area can be found on the force website. “These events are an excellent opportunity to take advantage of crime prevention advice. “We will continue to target people, intent on causing misery, by stealing people’s belongings but we also want people to take responsibility for themselves; our message to people is take some simple steps, keep your bags fastened, and phones and purses hidden”.
Pupils remember at service On Monday 11th November, Miss Rogers and four students from Year 9 at Huyton Arts and Sports CfL were invited to attend the Huyton service of remembrance along with the Mayor and other dignitaries representing the armed forces, British Legion and Fire Service. The students who attended the ceremony were - Ben Hearn, Chloe Ball, Casey Regan and Connor Butler, Miss Rogers said: “Our students laid a poppy wreath and stood alongside the Mayor as we observed a two minute silence for
those who fell in World War One and all other conflicts since. “This was particularly poignant as Year 9 have been studying the causes and consequences of World War One in their History
lessons. “I would like to thank our four representatives who were excellent ambassadors for the school, and Knowsley Borough Council for inviting us to this moving event”.
December 2013 11
PLANS PAST FOR MAJOR DISTRIBUTION CENTRE IN CROXTETH PLANS for a new commercial development centre in Croxteth which could create up to 1,000 jobs have been passed by Liverpool City Council’s planning committee. The application, by Gallan Stoford, proposes creating 110,000 square metres of storage and distribution space on a 22 hectare site at Stonebridge Cross. The land falls within one of the city’s Mayoral development zones - set up to address issues of skills and employment, infrastructure and connectivity, business growth, enterprise and quality of place. Work is already underway on wider regeneration of the area, with construction underway on the new St John Bosco Arts College as part of the Mayor’s investment plan for schools. A new supermarket and retail centre which will create an additional 500 jobs has also been given planning approval. Mayor Joe Anderson said: “This proposal is a key part of
our efforts to regenerate Croxteth and the city as a whole, and has the potential to create huge, much-needed employment opportunities for local people. “Securing planning approval will be a vital piece in the jigsaw in securing an end user in this very fast moving sector of the economy. “These are exciting times for Croxteth as we regenerate an area that has been neglected for decades.” Regeneration Liverpool, the city council’s regeneration partner is working with developer Neptune to deliver the retail and commercial elements of the scheme. Other plans for the area include a health centre and community hub. Future phases of development at Stonebridge Cross will include new homes and associated local facilities, retail and infrastructure. Work would only start when an occupier is secured and river diversion works have been completed.
Vicki is a winner at Social Work awards A social worker from Knowsley Council has taken Silver in the Newly Qualified Adult Social Worker of the Year award. Vicki Steele, who has worked for Knowsley Council since February 2012 was recognised as a result of her outstanding work with adults who have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. She picked up her award at a glittering ceremony at the Lancaster Hotel in London. In her first year as a social worker, some of the people Vicki has been working with have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, or have substance misuse problems. She impressed the judges because of the great skill and huge commitment she has shown to helping her client group and their families, working with partners in other agencies and within the council’s public health team to raise awareness of people living with HIV or AIDS. Vicki started work at the council after graduating from Liverpool John Moore’s University with a masters degree in social work. She said: “Winning this award has come as a pleasant surprise to me and I am forever grateful to the council for nominating me for this award. “I am thankful for the support I have received from my colleagues within the team and from professionals with whom I have worked with.” Paul Boyce, director of people services at Knowsley Council said: “I’m thrilled that Vicki has won and delighted because this is a highly deserved accolade. “Vicki has impressed all her colleagues with the hard work and commitment she shows with everything she does. “She has worked tirelessly to help the residents that she supports, and has also done a lot to improve understanding of the issues among her colleagues in the council and other agencies.”
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Vicki was announced as the silver award winner in front of an audience of 300 other social workers and representatives of the profession.
Mayor of Prescot’s Charity Christmas Concert Thursday 12th December, 7pm-8.15pm Prescot Parish Church, Church Street, Prescot. Tickets £5 on the door (accompanied under 16’s free). Featuring The South Liverpool Orchestra (Hope University) conducted by Dr Robert Howard, with Evelyn Community Primary School Choir, St Mary & St Paul's Primary School Choir, Prescot Parish Church Choir and Prescot & Whiston Methodist Choir. Proceeds donated to Prescot Parish Church Roof Appeal and the four Mayoral Charities - Willowbrook Hospice, Bryer Environmental Group, Prescot Historic Society and Prescot Parish Church Choir.
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12 December 2013
Out & About DECEMBER
UNTIL 18 JANUARY ‘TRAVELS WITH TURNER’ Kirkby Gallery. On loan to Knowsley Council from Manchester Metropolitan University Special Collections, are a series of rarely seen prints by JMW Turner. Joseph Mallord William Turner is perhaps the best-loved English Romantic artist. Complimenting the Turner prints, will be a series of photographs taken in and around Knowsley by local photographer Ian Hewitt, presenting landscape photographs which echo the settings of famous Turner paintings. There will also be lots of fun, hands-on and informative interactives for schools and families to try their hand at. UNTIL SATURDAY 18 JANUARY ‘CONTRASTING LAND’, IAN HEWITT StART Space Gallery, Kirkby Library. This stunning exhibition presents Ian Hewitt’s collection of black and white images, showing the varied landscapes of the greater Merseyside and North West area. Hewitt’s work shows the land in its current state, whether it’s capturing the relics of neglected and long forgotten industry left to nature or impressive sea views. UNTIL SATURDAY 25 JANUARY THE 13TH KNOWSLEY OPEN ART EXHIBITION Huyton Gallery. With over 216 artworks on display in 2012, we hope that this years Open Art exhibition is even bigger again! We are opening up the ‘Young Artist’ category this year so that all young people up to the age of 17 years can enter, so watch out for the young creatives amongst us. TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER PARENTS AND TODDLER SESSIONS 13:00 – 15:00 Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT. Parents and Toddler Sessions - Cost 50p! For age group 1-5 yrs. Contact: Mark Nelson, 0151 486 2865. TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER AFTER SCHOOL CLUB 16:00 – 18:30 Vee’s Place, Zion Independent Methodist Church Hall, 74 Kemble Street, Prescot, L34 5SH. After School Club for 1016yrs olds, Games, Sport, Art, Crafts, Music, Karaoke, Workshops, Outdoor area, Volunteer work. Registration fee Youth £3. Parents need to sign consent forms. Subscriptions (per activity) £2.50 includes refreshments. Registered Charity 1093064. Contact: Vee Rhodes, 0151 289 3602, vee.rhodes@talktalk.net TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER HAPPY HOURS - CHAIR EXERCISE AND SOCIAL GROUP 10:30 – 12:30 Northwood Community Centre, Gilescroft Avenue, Northwood. Kirkby, Merseyside, L33 9TW. Chair Exercise/ Boccia/ Pool. Social and light lunch for 55s and over. £2.00 per week subs. £1 raffles. Contact: Wendy Ferguson 07717 301 444 TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER NORTH HUYTON THinK CLINIC 15:00 – 18:00 North Huyton Primary Care Centre, Woolfallheath Avenue, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 3TN. 12 to 20 years sexual health service. Contact: 0151 296 7936 TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER KIRKBY GIRLS GROUP 18:30 – 20:30 Westvale Community and Youth Centre, Richard Hesketh Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 0TZ. Girls group project based at Westvale Youth Centre for 11 to 19 year olds. Contact Charlotte Brookes, 0151 443 4168, charlotte.brookes@knowsley.gov.uk TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER STREET DANCE 18:00 – 20:00 Knowsley Park Centre for Learning, Knowsley Park Lane, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 3LD. Street Dance sessions for
email your events to: thechallenge@merseymirror.com all abilities and age groups. 6-7pm for ages 6-12 and 7-8pm for ages 13-19. No booking required. Contact Peter Green 443 5648 for costs and further details. TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER SECRET INGREDIENT'S 16:30 – 18:30 Hollies Hall, Hollies Road, Halewood, L26 0TH. Dancing classes: Free Style Disco Dancing Classes for ages 4-16 yrs. Cost £2.50 for 1 hour, £4 for 2 hours. Dance examinations and competitions (Regional and National). Regular Theatre appearances - singing and dancing. All qualified and registered teachers A.D.A., B.D.C., G.PT.D. UK professional teachers award. ADA School of the year award. Contact: General Enquiries, 0151 486 9594, amartin545@btinternet.com, c/o Hollies Hall, Hollies Road, Halewood, L26 0TH TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER STREETWISE - MASTER D. JONES 19:00 – 20:30 Kirkby Leisure Centre, Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 8SA. Korean martial art for self defence and Olympic sport. Ages 4+. Master grade instruction - 5th Dan Master Grade. Registered B.T.C.B. Recognised by International Olympic Committee (I.O.C). Contact: 0751 5386593 WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER JUNIOR ARTISTS CLUB 16:00 – 17:45 The Environment Centre, Okell Drive, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 7XB. Junior Artists Club (JAC) is for all children with interest in any arts & crafts based activities. Painting, drawing, drama games, sculpture, writing, etc. Every week is different. Many sessions relate to environment, nature, or local interests. Age: 7-11 years. Cost: £2 to cover snacks and materials. Contact Carole Trenaman at halewoodarts@gmail.com or call into Environment Centre Wednesday afternoons.
WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER LINE DANCING 10:00 – 11:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9TE. A fun way to keep fit and active, suitable for all ages and abilities. Price: £3. Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER CENTRE 63 YOUTH CLUB 16:30 – 20:30 Centre 63 Youth Club, Church of England Youth Centre, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 5TH. The Youth club in Centre 63 is open access for all young people aged 8 - 25 living in Knowsley. The Youth Club focuses on giving Young People a safe and friendly environment to come and socialise with their peers, develop social skills, community awareness and participate in positive projects and activities, including a chance to take part in new activities and experiences. The centre also runs the following sexual health workshops, drugs awareness workshops and various music workshops from recording to learning to play an instrument. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 4.30 8.30 open age WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER WIKED DANCE GROUP 17:30 – 20:30 St Edmund Arrowsmith Centre for Learning, Whiston, Merseyside, L35 2XG. WIKED Dance group age 4 plus for infants, juniors and older children- teaching a wide range of dance moves, skills and techniques with fully qualified coaches. 5.30-6.30pm infant, 5.307.00pm junior, 7.00-8.30pm older. Contact: 07954134599 or Chris Royle 07500765197 WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER STREET DANCE CLASS 17:00 – 18:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9TE. A class that's fast and funky for ages 10yrs and over. Price: £3. Contact Rebound Dance &
Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER KIRKBY YOUTH THEATRE 18:30 – 20:30 Kirkby High School, Bracknell Avenue, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 9PP. Kirkby Youth Theatre is an inclusive youth theatre, producing challenging, exciting work in collaboration with other youth theatre groups in the area. The group is for anyone aged 12 - 21. No experience necessary - just the desire to get involved, have fun, work hard and be creative! The group will be working towards a performance of A Christmas Carol for December 2013. Session costs £1 per week. Contact Altru for more information - hello@altu.co.uk 0151 443 0333 THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER ARNCLIFFE CENTRE YOGA CLASS 10:00 – 11:30 Arncliffe Sports and Community Centre, Arncliffe Road, Halewood, L25 9PA. Yoga class for relaxation exercise, breathing, stretching and feeling good. For teens and adults. Please contact for costs. Contact: June Baxter, 0151 486 3874, c/o Arncliffe Sports and Community Centre, Arncliffe Road, Halewood, L25 9PA THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER LONGVIEW KNITWITS 13:00 – 16:00 Longview Shops, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 6DY. Would you like to invite you to join them to knit and crochet items for the neonatal unit of the Liverpool Women’s Hospital. For further information or to donate wool, please contact: Mary 07845 419766 THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER EXCEL SCHOOL OF DANCE 15:45 – 18:45 Whiston Town Hall, Dragon Lane, Whiston, Merseyside, L35 3QW. Dance School: Lessons available in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Street, Jazz and Hip Hop. For ages from 3 to 65. We also perform in shows. Pupils are able to take part in competitions or take exams. Cost £2.50 per class. Staff are fully qualified and CRB checked. Contact: Kate Marzelos, 07867933764, k.marzelos@lipa.ac.uk THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER KIRKBY THinK CLINIC 15:00 – 18:00 Kirkby Health Suite, Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 9PA. 12 to 20 years sexual health service. Contact Jason Cole, 0151 443 4168, jason.cole@knowsley.gov.uk THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER ACE YOUTH CLUB 18:15 – 20:45 Ace Youth Club, Stockbridge Neighbourhood Centre, The Withens, Stockbridge Village, Merseyside. L28 1AB. Generic Youth Club offering awards, issue based projects and trips out through the school holidays. Young people supported to design their own programmes e.g. residentials, arts, crafts, sports, computer suite, accreditations plus much more. Cost 50p on entrance. Contact Rose Spellacy 07810054134 or email: rose.spellacy@knowsley.gov.uk FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER INDOOR SHORT MAT CARPET BOWLS 13:30 – 14:30 Northwood Community Centre, Gilescroft Avenue, Northwood, Kirkby, Merseyside, L33 9TW. Short mat indoor bowls for ever 55s. Tea/Coffee £1.50 per session. Contact: Wendy Ferguson 07717 301 444 FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER YOUTH CLUB FOR AGES 12+ 18:30 – 21:30 Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT. Youth club for ages 12+. Cost 50p per session. Contact: Mark Nelson, 0151 486 2865, Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER OUR PLACE THinK CLINIC 15:00 – 18:00 Our Place, Longview Lane, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 3YE. 12 to 20 years sexual health service. Contact: 0151 296 7936 FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER HAPPY HOURS - ZUMBA 11:30 – 12:30 Northwood Community Centre, Gilescroft Avenue, Northwood. Kirkby, Merseyside, L33 9TW. Adapted ZUMBA for over 55s. Tea/Coffee. £1.50 per session. Contact: Wendy Ferguson 07717 301 444 FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER HAPPY HOURS - LINE DANCING 12:30 – 13:30 Northwood Community Centre, Gilescroft Avenue, Northwood, Kirkby, Merseyside, L33 9TW. Adapted dancing for over
ONE NOT TO MISS
SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CRACKER 1-3pm Halewood Park. Festive fun for all the family. Santa’s Grotto, horse and cart rides, tinsel trail, tombola, arts and crafts, face painting and much more. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 0151 488 6151. 55s. Tea/Coffee £1.50 per session. Contact: Wendy Ferguson 07717 301 444 FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER YOUTH CLUB @ OURPLACE 18:30 – 21:30 OurPlace Youth Facility, Longview Drive, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 6EG. The Generic youth session each Friday is aimed at young people aged 11 -19. During the session young people have access to the OurPlace Skate Park, The Media suite and the generic youth club activities (Pool, Table Tennis, Computer Games, Arts and Crafts) and also the MUGA. There is also awards, issue based projects and trips out through the school holidays. The cost for the youth club is £1 for non Members and 50p for members. The cost of the skate park is £3.50 for non members and £1 for members. Membership is an annual £5 fee. The skate park can be accessed by people over the age of 19 at a cost of £3.50. Each Friday there will be a soaps night in the dance studio on the Big screen. Contact: Mike Spinks 0151 443 5323
SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER HALEWOOD JUNIOR BADMINTON CLUB 10:00 – 12:00 Halewood Junior Badminton Club, Halewood Leisure Centre, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 0TY. Coaching/playing Badminton for juniors 9-16 years old. Open to all interested parties, beginners, intermediate and advanced players. Coached by Badminton England qualified coaches. Competitive and social - Liverpool League Junior Badminton League and Tournaments. All equipment provided. Suitable clothing required i.e. trainers, joggers, etc. Cost £1 at desk and £1 organisers. Contact Jean Dean 0151 280 8595. SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER THE DANCE DEPOT PRESENTS BROADWAY AND BEYOND 5.15pm Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park, Longview Drive, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 6EG A musical theatre show sure to wow audiences with local youngsters taking to the stage to perform all the favourite Broadway hits including tracks from Mama Mia and Chorus Line. For tickets please contact the organiser Trish O’Reilly on 07984 126391. SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER WESTVALE YOUTH CLUB 18:45 – 21:15 Westvale Community and Youth Centre, Richard Hesketh Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 0TZ. Youth Club activity for 11 to 19 years. Contact: Charlotte Brooks, 0151 443 4466, charlotte.brookes@knowsley.gov.uk SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER ALTRU & KNOWSLEY YOUTH THEATRES PRESENT ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ BY CHARLES DICKENS 6.30pm (doors open at 6.00pm) All tickets only £6. Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park, Longview
December 2013 13
Drive, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 6EG. The groups that brought you ‘The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe’ in 2011 are back, with another Christmas show and this one promises to be even better! A Christmas Carol, the traditional story of Ebenezer Scrooge is sure to be a real festive treat for the whole family and stars 60 talented young people from across Knowsley. Call 0151 443 2200 to book or book online. MONDAY 16 DECEMBER KNOWSLEY VILLAGE YOUTH CLUB 18:30 – 20:30 Knowsley Village Youth Club, Knowsley Lane, Knowsley Village, Merseyside, L34 0BB. Generic youth club offering awards, issues based projects and trips out through the school holidays. Age Range 11-19 years. Cost 50p on entrance. Contact Peter Boardman – 07766 558895 MONDAY 16 DECEMBER HALEWOOD THinK CLINIC 15:00 – 18:00 The Halewood Centre, Roseheath Drive, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 9UH. 12 to 20 years sexual health service. MONDAY 16 DECEMBER LICKERS LANE YOUTH CLUB 18:30 – 20:30 Lickers Lane Youth Club, George Howard Centre, Lickers Lane, Whiston, Merseyside, L35 3SR. Generic youth club offering awards, issues based projects and trips out through the school holidays. Age Range 11-19 years. Cost 50p on entrance. Contact Peter Boardman – 07766558895 MONDAY 16 DECEMBER NIFTY 50'S 10:00 – 11:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9TE. A fun low impact class for anyone ages 50+. Price: £3. Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2ND KNOWSLEY 1ST WHISTON SCOUT GROUP - CUB SCOUTS 18:30 – 20:20 2nd Knowsley 1st Whiston Scout Group, The George Howard Centre, Whiston, Merseyside, L35 3SR. There are loads of fun things that you can do as a Cub Scout. You will get a chance to try lots of different activities like swimming, music, exploring, computing and collecting. If you do them properly you will get a badge which you can wear on your uniform. For ages 8–10 1/2 years. If anyone wants to join or requires more information please come to the centre on any Tuesday of phone the Scout Leader Brian McKee 07508 172706 TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER SOUTHDENE YOUTH CLUB 18:45 – 21:15 Southdene Community Centre, Broad Lane, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 9PQ. Youth
Club activity for 11 to 19 years. Contact: Stephen Blackhurst, 0151 443 4466, stephen.blackhurst@knowsley.gov.uk WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER GUITAR CLUB 18:00 – 20:00 Halewood Academy Centre for Learning, The Avenue, Wood Road, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 1UU. Monday - Play chords (Intermediary level). Wednesday - (Beginners level). No music required. For ages 16 -100 yrs. Cost £5. Contact details: Chris Vernon, 0151 477 8830, Halewood Academy Centre for Learning, The Avenue, Wood Road, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 1UU FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER OUR PLACE THinK CLINIC 15:00 – 18:00 Our Place, Longview Lane, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 3YE. 12 to 20 years sexual health service. Contact: 0151 296 7936 FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER AFTER SCHOOL CLUB 16:00 – 18:30 Vee’s Place, Zion Independent Methodist Church Hall, 74 Kemble Street, Prescot, L34 5SH. After School Club for 1016yrs olds, Games, Sport, Art, Crafts, Music, Karaoke, Workshops, Outdoor area, Volunteer work. Registration fee Youth £3. Parents need to sign consent forms. Subscriptions (per activity) £2.50 includes refreshments. Registered Charity 1093064. Contact: Vee Rhodes, 0151 289 3602, vee.rhodes@talktalk.net SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER THE ARCH - THinK CLINIC 13:00 – 15:00 The Arch, 2 Ellison Drive, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9GA. 12 to 20 years sexual health service. Contact: 0151 296 7936 SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER JUS KIDZ SATURDAY CLUB 12:00 – 16:00 Tower Hill PRCC, Ebony Way, Kirkby Merseyside L33 1XT. Jus Kidz offers an inclusive Saturday Club for children and young people with disabilities and their siblings from the Knowsley area. The Club offers a safe environment for indoor and outdoor play and a range of different activities. The Saturday club runs 50 Saturdays of the year. For ages: 0-19 Yrs Cost £1. Contact details: Cathy Manley, 0151 546 3622, 07917275559 jus_kidz@hotmail.com, St Peter and Pauls Church, Apostles Way, Tower Hill, L33 1XT MONDAY 23 DECEMBER STREET DANCE 18:00 – 20:00 Knowsley Park Centre for Learning, Knowsley Park Lane, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 3LD. Street Dance sessions for all abilities and age groups. 6-7pm for ages 6-12 and 7-8pm for ages 13-19. No booking required. Contact Peter Green 443 5648 for costs and further details.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO ACORN FARM Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Acorn Farm in Kirkby this December! Santa will be visiting Acorn’s Grotto on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December between 12-3pm, to meet young visitors and have a chat about what they would like for Christmas this year. Children visiting Santa’s Grotto will even receive a wrapped present from the man himself! The Grotto is set in the farm surroundings and will feature some of Santa’s favourite farmyard friends. There are also lots of other animals to see and feed at the farm, two outdoor play areas, a shop selling free-range beef, pork and lamb, as well as confectionary and souvenirs, and a cafe serving homemade meals and winter warmers. Other activities available at the farm
during the weekend include horse rides between 1:30-3pm and small animal petting sessions every half hour between 12-3pm (except 1:30pm) for a small additional charge. Alison Mercer, Acorn Farm’s education officer said: “Visiting Acorn’s grotto combines meeting Father Christmas with a fun day out to de-stress and have fun as a family on the run up to Christmas!” Tickets to visit Santa at Acorn Farm are available now from Acorn Farm’s shop for £5 per child and will also be on sale on the weekend of the event. Visitors must also purchase farm admission for £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children (under 12 months free of charge) and are welcome to enjoy the farm for the full day 10am-4pm. Visit www.acornfarm.co.uk or call 0151 548 1524 for more information.
14 December 2013
JOHN IS WORLD CLASS At just 4ft 8in tall John Tyrrell is a world class powerlifter for people with short stature. But that doesn’t stop him lifting more than twice his own bodyweight. John who works full time for Knowsley Social Services, tips the scales at just 6 stones but can bench press a staggering 13stone. Known in the gym as ‘the ant due’ to his power to weight ratio, John spends up to two hours each evening after work, working out in the run up to each of his powerlifting competitions. John from Kirkby, said: “Pound for pound I’m one of the strongest guys in the gym. “People say I am amazing but I just love the adrenaline of lifting weights. “I have been told by others at the gym that I am an inspiration because I never let my size get in the way of what I want to do. “At the Gym I am just one of the guys. “I love powerlifting because after all the training and competing there is the possibility of a medal at the end of it”. This year alone, John has won three Gold medals, a Bronze and a Silver in his competitions, he has also won an Adult Active Achiever Award 2013 from Knowsley Borough Council. John was also presented with the Adult active achiever award at the Knowsley sports and cultural achievements awards for achieving the Gold medal for powerlifting in the National Games for the Dwarf Sports Association in October. John says that his achievements would not have been possible without the support from his family putting up with him training six evenings a week, his work colleagues and his sponsors (The Mason’s and UNISON) John is now looking for further sponsorship to enable to him carry on with his training and competing, John can be contacted on: 07539 951 991
Santa Claus is coming to… Huyton! Shoppers in Huyton are in for some festive cheer when they visit their local Asda store this Christmas season. Asda will have a specially constructed Santa’s Grotto experience live in its store to bring an extra bit of Christmas sparkle to those Christmas shops. Santa will have his two helper elves on hand to make greet customers and help children pick their present from Santa’s gift sack. Visitors will then get a photo opportunity with Santa and there is the option for this to be purchased at the end. Children get the opportunity to meet Santa, his elves and receive a present all for £3 there is then the opportunity for a photo at the end for £2 Shaun Leech, Store Manager at Asda Huyton said: “This is a great way to get across the Asda personality and another example of how Asda stores are a destination for mums and kids. “We know that the Christmas shop is always fun but can sometimes be stressful we hope that this extra bit of sparkle in our store will make Christmas shopping trips easier and more enjoyable for all the family”.
Christingle Service
John Tyrell receiving his Adult active achiever award from Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health in Knowsley
Court Hey Methodist Church, Roby Road, Huyton will holding their Christingle Service on Sunday 15 December, 10:30am. All people are invited to attend with the service being held in aid of The Children's Society.
Outdoors with The Hairy Gardener Hi, my name is Peter Frances a.k.a. the Hairygardener “It’s Christmas” as Noddy Holder says in his song, time to get the tree out of the loft, buy a real one, bring the one you’ve had growing in a pot for a few years now and decorate them with brightly coloured Chrimbo deccys, but where did it all start. Well stay with me and I will tell you, many authorities believe bringing evergreen plants into the home started with the Egyptians who on December the 21st ancient Egyptians decorated their homes with palm branches to symbolize lifes triumph over death. In Britain the ancient druids placed evergreen branches over doors to frighten away evil spirits but one of my favourite tales of the Christmas tree is the story of St Boniface It is said that St Boniface who lived around the eighth century in Germany came across a group of pagans worshipping an oak tree and became angry, consequently he proceeded to cut down the oak tree, immediately a small fir tree is said to have sprouted from the middle of the oak stump and reached to the sky. Thus St Boniface told the onlookers that this would be their holy tree because it was evergreen, a symbol of everlasting life. The Christmas tree in Britain is a surprisingly modern custom. Around 1840 the German Prince Albert cut a small fir tree on the Windsor Castle estate and brought it inside to amuse his young wife, Queen Victoria. This was decorated with candles, sweets, small presents and paper chains. An angel stood on the uppermost branch- the Christmas tree had arrived and how, by this year the number of trees grown in Britain for the Christmas market is approximately eight million. Don’t forget if you have a rooted tree in a pot to place the pot in a tray as the tree still needs to have a Christmas drink as well as us to help stop its needles from drying out. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Hairygardener.
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16 December 2013
Health
Helping people with respiratory disease Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust marked World COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Day, by partnering with the British Lung Foundation (BLF) to support a team of its professionals who help improve the health of patients in Knowsley with severe respiratory disease. As part of the BLF Nurse Programme, the BLF is already working with the team of nurses to help provide uniquely customised and innovative care for patients, and will be supported by BLF study days on a number of crucial topics. In addition to focussing on a number of the most prominent severe respiratory illnesses, study days also focus on different aspects of the patient’s experience, including mapping a patient journey, self-management, and end of life care. Explaining the benefits of becoming part of the BLF, Dr Sarah Sibley, Respiratory Consultant at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, said: “We’re
delighted that we’ve been able to partner with the BLF to recognise and badge 14 of our specialist respiratory nurses. “Having won a prestigious national award for respiratory care at the Care Integration Awards earlier this year, badging our nurses is further evidence of our commitment to continue providing high quality care to people in their own communities with respiratory conditions. Dr Sibley added: “As badged BLF nurses, our team now has greater opportunities to share ideas with other BLF nurses, attend study days and conferences and stay up to date with all the latest developments in respiratory health – all of which improves the care that our patients receive.” The nurse team will be provided with unique training opportunities and access to all the support a major charitable organisation can offer, as well as becoming part of a strong network of other BLF Nurses across the UK. Speaking on the rebadging of the team, Katie Merrick, Service
Development Manager, British Lung Foundation North West region said: “This is a great opportunity for the respiratory team and builds on the fantastic improvements to
patient care already achieved by this team. “This demonstrates how the voluntary sector can help support the NHS and add additional value
and improve patient care” For further information about the Trust’s Knowsley Community COPD Service, please visit www.blf.org.uk
Get up and join in with Family Futures Make Yours and Your Child’s Future a Healthy One! Family Futures is a FREE communitybased programme for children who are above their ideal weight. At Family futures we offer a FUN way to learn about how to achieve a healthier lifestyle for children and parents too.
What is the programme? • Designed by families for families (especially for 4 to 16-year-olds) • Join for three months with options to stay longer • Tailored programmes to suit everyone individually • FUN and INTERACTIVE individual and group sessions What are benefits of being part of Family Futures? • Fitness tips for the whole family • After-school sessions to fit around your daily routine • Make new friends along the way Where is the programme? Huyton, Kirkby, Whiston and Halewood
How can my child get involved? You can self-refer your child or ask your GP or school nurse. “My daughter and I really enjoyed the group sessions. I was able to express my concern with other parents. It was nice to know someone else is going through the same as me” - Mum and child, age 9
Special points of interest: • Start the programme any time • Collect FREE gifts during group activities • Take part in family cooking sessions and learn new skills • FREE vouchers to use in Knowsley Leisure Centres • Collect other FREEBIES along the way to keep the whole family following a healthy active lifestyle!
Family Futures… there with you every step of the way For more information and advice, give the Family Futures team a call on 0151 290 4336 or visit us online at www.5boroughspartnership.nhs.uk For more information on community services in Knowsley, which are run by 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, call the Customer Relations Team on 0151 244 3453 or 3454.
December 2013 17
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP Make a healthy New FOR ‘DRY JANUARY’? Year’s resolution National alcohol charity Alcohol Concern, supported by Knowsley Council’s Public Health team, is encouraging residents to take part in Dry January - a 31 day challenge to cut-out alcohol. Residents who take part will see the financial and health benefits, as well as using it as an opportunity to assess their drinking habits. Dry January follows on from the successful alcohol roadshow which took place in Knowsley throughout October and November, helping residents to understand how many units of alcohol they were consuming. Excessive drinking can lead to a number of health issues including high blood pressure, liver disease and increases the risk of developing some forms of cancer including breast, bowel, pancreatitis and mouth, throat and neck cancer. Throughout Dry January, a panel of experts including doctors, dentists, nutrition specialists and fitness experts will be available for online chats through the Dry January Facebook page and Twitter feed, offering support, advice and encouragement to those who are taking part. Matthew Ashton, director of public health for Knowsley said: “Many people
are unaware of the impact on their health of regularly drinking in excess of the recommended limits. “This national campaign will encourage people to take up the 31 day challenge, which will hopefully lead to people assessing their drinking habits and drinking less.” The charity is aiming to sign up at least 10,000 people for the 2014 challenge. For more information and to sign up, visit www.dryjanuary.org.uk The survey reveals that while many people understand the relationship between drinking too much alcohol and liver disease, there remain other common illnesses such as cancer, where there is strong evidence to show they can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, which the public do not know about. • 66% of people did not know of the link between alcohol and bowel cancer. • 59% of people did know of the link between alcohol and stroke. • 58% of people did not know of the link between alcohol and mouth or throat cancer.
Public Health professionals in Knowsley are encouraging residents to make a New Year’s resolution to sign up to the latest Change4Life campaign. The new campaign will be launched in January in a bid to help families switch to healthier food options. Those who register will be encouraged to make one easy, healthy swap every day for a month. For instance, this could be as simple as a family switching from butter to margarine or full sugar fizzy drinks to diet varieties or 100% unsweetened fruit juice. Matthew Ashton, director of public health for Knowsley said: “A new year is the perfect time to think about making a change for life. Everyone is health conscious in January, and the new healthy eating campaign suggests lots of ways to switch to healthier foods. There’s also a helpful ‘taster recipes’ leaflet, packed full of tasty dishes which are simple and easy to make. “The campaign is all about helping us to make good choices about what we put in our bodies each day which can help prevent diseases like cancer, strokes, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The ‘taster recipes’ are all low in sugar, salt and fat and are a really easy way to get those important five a day.’’ Becoming healthier as a family is easier than you think. Change4Life has lots of ideas to help you do this. Whether it’s swapping to healthier foods, doing more physical activity or cutting back on portion sizes, Change4Life has ideas, recipes, games and tips to help the whole family get healthier and happier – plus it’s all free. To find out more and join Change4Life, visit www.nhs.uk/Change4Life or telephone 0300 123 4567.
18 December 2013
CELEBRATING INSPIRATIONAL EDUCATION IN MERSEYSIDE AT ANNUAL AWARDS Knowsley helps celebrate Education Awards There was a strong Knowsley presence at this year’s annual Educate Awards, held recently in the stunning Anglican Cathedral in honour of innovative and inspirational education among Merseyside Schools. Judges were overwhelmed by the quality of nominations for the awards, the categories for which ranged from the Career Aspiration Award to Teacher of the Year, and it was a gripping evening for all those nominated, judging and sponsoring awards. To effectively judge the nominations, Educate enlisted a panel of experts, including Chris Walker, regional managing editor of Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales, Mark Beedles, managing director of Connex Education, who are also title sponsors, Lisa Murphy, Head of Initial Teacher Education at London South Bank University and Knowsley’s Lesley Martin-Wright. Lesley, chief executive at Knowsley Chamber of Commerce, is an active voice in the support of young people in the world of work, and aims to drastically increase the number of young entrepreneurs in the borough, in part by helping many to start their own business on the right course. Knowsley Community College, represented at the event by deputy principal Chris Toon, sponsored the Most Inspirational Primary School, which he presented to St John’s Catholic Primary School for their imaginative and focused use of Pupil Premium to help disadvantaged children while enhancing the experience of all pupils. The event was hosted by award-winning writer and actor Neil Fitzmaurice (Peep Show, The Office), who said of the event, “I do quite a few awards shows but this is just one night to pat people on the back who work so hard, and two of my kids go to a school that has won an award tonight and that just sums it up. They are fantastic awards. It’s always an enjoyable night. I do a lot of silly things in my line of work and sometimes you get to do things where you think, ‘you know what? I can take a bit of pride in this’.” Also in attendance was the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Gary Millar, who expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying “To see the teachers getting awards and getting credit for doing an amazing job with their children, whether it is infants, junior or a secondary, or a special educational needs school, is absolutely outstanding. You can see the amazing inspiration that comes from these teachers, and they do great things. Let’s congratulate them and give them awards. It’s just a shame we can’t give every single one of them an award.” Executive editor acknowledged and thanked sponsors and judges for their involvement, simply saying, “Without your expertise, help and passion, these awards wouldn’t be what they are; that is, deserving of those Merseyside schools nominated.”
Knowsley Community College, represented at the event by deputy principal Chris Toon and students
Proud winners at the Educate Awards included St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, who were one of only three schools to receive more than one award; the SEN Provision Award, and the coveted Most Inspirational Secondary School. They received the awards not long after their ‘outstanding’ verdict at the school’s 2013 Ofsted inspection, and it was this, coupled with examination results that were best again in the school’s history, and their cohesive and structured approach within a broad and balanced curriculum, particularly with regards to their special educational needs, that showcased the school’s inspirational rise in
standards and status, and secured them their awards. Louise Godfrey, SENCO at St John Bosco, accepted the award for SEN Provision. She simply said, “This is for all of the staff at St John Bosco who have worked tirelessly for our children with special educational needs.” Anne Pontifex, headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, who collected the Most Inspirational Secondary School award, exclaimed, “We’re absolutely delighted. We are thrilled to receive the award. It is testimony to everything that has been achieved over the past 12 months at the school.”
Rainford High wins Prestigious Outstanding Commitment to Sport Award Rainford High Technology College are celebrating their triumph at the recent Educate Awards, where they were declared the runners up of the hugely competitive Most Inspirational Secondary School, and winners of the title Outstanding Commitment to Sport in a Secondary School. The esteemed judges were overwhelmed by the quality and volume of nominations for the awards, which took place last Thursday in the Anglican Cathedral. However, Rainford High deeply impressed them with the fantastic success of their sports teams, which have won regional, national and international achievements across a variety disciplines. Collecting their award from Justin Cheatle, managing director of John Cheatle Ltd, the school was described as having the “most successful year on record, with superb team and outstanding individual performances.” Ian Young, principal of Rainford High Technology College, said: “I’m obviously delighted for the students involved and for the school. It’s one of those awards that is all about their
Ian Young (left) principal of Rainford High Technology College with Justin Cheatle, managing director of John Cheatle Ltd
efforts and their performance as a team, and also the hard work of the young people who have performed in
their own individual sports as well. It’s fantastic for the school to have been recognised.”
December 2013 19
Community Leader of the Year, crowned A Knowsley NHS worker has been crowned ‘Community Leader of the Year’ in the regional NHS Leadership Recognition Awards 2013. Susannah Green, 31, leads the Community Health Development Team for Knowsley. She won her category at the awards which are held annually by the NHS North West Leadership Academy. The glittering event was designed to celebrate the contribution of NHS leaders highlighting the work that is being done to improve health and well-being for people across the region. “I felt honoured to represent my team who do some brilliant work across Knowsley supporting residents to make positive changes to their lifestyle,” says Susannah who works within Community Health Services, provided by 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. “I’d recommend anyone to have an informal chat with us at the Lifestyle Hub on freephone
0800 073 1202. We can advise how we along with our other healthcare partners - can support you to meet your personal lifestyle goals, whatever they might be.” Susannah was nominated for the honour by Nicky Over, business manager of the dietetics & wellbeing service. “We are very proud of Susannah and all her colleagues within the Community Health Development Team,” says Nicky. “The team have strived to make the service more person-centred and offer the best support possible to people accessing the service. We are committed to continuing to work positively with the local community to further enhance the health and well-being of Knowsley.” All winners from the regional recognition awards will be entered to the national leadership recognition awards later in the year; competing with peers across the country and attending a ceremony in February 2014.
Susannah Green, centre, receives her winner’s certificate at the regional NHS Leadership Recognition Awards 2013
BUILDING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Young people across St Helens are being urged to consider an apprenticeship with St Helens College. An apprenticeship offers progressive development leading to great jobs, but can also equally lead onto Higher Education. Some other benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship includes; learning on the job, building knowledge and skills and gaining qualifications while earning money. St Helens College hope that within 100 days they will have successfully placed 100 individuals onto new apprenticeship programmes. The College currently delivers apprenticeships across a variety of sectors and has strong working relationships with employers including St.Helens Council, Halton Housing Trust, Darkstar Laser and Alumasc to name but a few. Beth Nolan, Director of Business Development at St Helens College, commented: “Apprenticeships are the perfect route for young people who want a hands-on approach in developing a career, as they provide the qualifications wanted by industry and commerce plus training for future employment. Lots of our apprenticeship vacancies reflect rapidly growing industries across the Liverpool City Region and, in the current economic climate this means our young people are well equipped with the right skills that will be in demand in the future. St Helens College provides a tailored, supportive service to young people including the use of a vacancy matching service to ensure that they find the right candidate for the right business as well as help with CV’s, interview skills and applications. There are currently a range of apprenticeship vacancies including Electrician, Office Junior, Plumber, Nursery Nurse, Business Admin and many more. To find out more about apprenticeship vacancies or how you and your business can get involved in the campaign, visit www.sthelens.ac.uk or call 01744 623424.
20 December 2013
ALL IN A ‘GOOD CLAUS’ Hospital’s Knowsley Santa Walk Festive fun in aid of a ‘good claus’ came to Knowsley, when local residents took to the streets for a 1mile Santa walk. The residents, dressed in Santa hats, festive costumes and special t-shirts, were all cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital’s community services, and completed the route to raise awareness of both conditions. The patients were joined on the day by Mayor of Knowsley, Brian O’Hare, who wished the Santas ‘good luck’ and set them on their way around King George V Playing Fields. Elaine Gossage, lead nurse and community services manager at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, said: “All
the patients who took part in the walk are either currently completing or have completed a rehabilitation programme for either COPD or CVD. “Therefore for so many of our patients to complete the one mile circuit was a tremendous achievement!” She added: “For the past 2-3 years, we have been working in partnership with Knowsley CCG to improve access to cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease services for people
living in Knowsley. “Patients and their families are at the heart of everything we do and the services that we provide enable them to receive high quality, specialist care close to their home.” After the walk, all participants returned to the Knowsley Health and Culture Park for hot drinks, mince pies and raffle prizes, with the money raised being used to further support patient care.
Santa comes to Halewood The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) performs its annual Christmas concert at Halewood Academy on Tuesday, 10 December. Entitled “Santa Comes to Halewood”, the concert – supported by Halewood Town Council, Knowsley Council and Halewood Academy - will feature performances from local students and primary school children. Doors open at 6.30pm, concert starts at 7.00pm. Tickets are £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. FREE parking is also available at the venue. Tickets are limited, so please buy them early to avoid disappointment. Ring 0151 443 2063 for tickets and further information.
Participants of the Santa Walk celebrate their achievement
GARDEN REVAMP FOR DAY CENTRE
Huyton Prince’s Trust Team 30 volunteers with Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service staff as well as staff and service users from Huyton Resource Centre. Photo: Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MF&RS)
Young adults from the Prince’s Trust Team Programme run by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service have given the garden of a day centre a Ground Force-style makeover. The Huyton Prince’s Trust Team 30 volunteers renovated the garden area at Huyton Resource Centre in Huyton to enable the service users to enjoy more of the garden that was previously inaccessible. The team chose the project after deciding that service users would benefit from a larger paved area to allow them to access a raised planter in which they can grow fruit and vegetables. The new layout was inspired by conversations with the service users and staff about the gardening activities that the service users take part in, and their frustration at being unable to access the planter properly due to the uneven ground. Huyton Prince’s Trust Team 30 raised funds by holding a bag pack at the Tesco store in Prescot where they raised £700 to buy materials such as paving slabs, sand to make cement as well as new plants. The team also weeded and replanted in the existing flower beds to help maintain the garden. Aimed at young people who are not in education or employment, the Prince’s Trust Team programme, which is for people who are 16-years-old to 25years-old, develops their skills to increase their employment opportunities. As well as completing a community
project, the course includes a weeklong residential stay, two weeks of work experience and a week focused on improving CV and interview skills. Irene Seddon, co-ordinator for older people daycare sevices, said: “Everyone at Huyton Resource Centre, both staff and service users, are absolutely delighted and greatly impressed with the recent renovation of the patio area. “The teams’ hard work and dedication have been inspiring to all. Our service users will benefit greatly from this project both presently and in the months to come. “Our heartfelt thanks to everyone concerned.” Maria Talbot, Prince’s Trust Team 30 assistant team leader, who is based at Huyton Community Fire Station, said: “The service users and staff seemed to really appreciate the hard work that the young people had put into the project, and commented on how pleased they were to have a larger and more accessible area in the garden. “Some of the team surprised us by getting involved in the karaoke with the service users, providing a new interpretation to some of the old classics. “We have to say a big thank you to the Tesco store in Cables Retail Park, Prescot for supporting our bag pack as well as Travis Perkins Huyton for generously donating some materials to help with the project, B&Q Speke for giving us a discount and to Kirkby Skips for donating a skip to collect all of our waste”.
December 2013 21
Pupils learn First Aid
The pupils of Years 5 & 6 from St Michael and All Angels School, Kirkby have been undergoing potentially life saving first aid training, including basic defibrillator practice; as part of a programme supported by the Oliver King Foundation. The idea was first presented after the school’s staff undertook their own life saving training, and it was suggested that similar training could be extended to some of the older children at the school. “The children have been fantastic,” said school business manager, Maria Graham. “They’ve been so enthusiastic about their first aid training, and see it as a skill that could be useful not just at school, but in the wider community.” Mark King from the Oliver King Foundation presented the pupils with the well-earned first aid certificates.
The foundation was set up following the death of 12-year-old Oliver in March 2011, from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) a condition that exist particularly in young people, and which results in abnormalities in heart rhythms. The foundation’s community public access defibrillator scheme is now working to install the machines in communities across Liverpool. Knowsley Council recently gave the foundation £70,000 to put defibs and train staff in every school in the borough. St Michael’s And All Angels last OFSTED report commended the school as ‘outstanding’ and remarked on their pupils ‘care for each other’ and ‘their spontaneous response to the needs of others’. “So the children’s enthusiastic response to their first aid training is really an extension of that ethos,” said Maria.
FAIRHAVEN RESIDENTS DONATE TO FOODBANK
Generous residents at our sheltered scheme in Fairhaven have donated some of their own food for the local Foodbank. The OAP’s rallied round after scheme manager Maureen Campbell asked for donations. She was not disappointed as you can see with the amount of food donated by residents aged 60-92.
This is not the first time they have been generous. They have raised over £200 for Zoes Place by donating money instead of Christmas cards for the last year and £150 to McMillan Cancer recently too. A big well done to all residents and in particular scheme manager Maureen who organises their charity drives!
22 December 2013
This Month with Jess Corcoran
Snap up a bargain this Christmas Since December has already begun, I’m going to take a guess that your life right now is busy. I’m also going to assume that this month, your mind is filled with endless lists and chores... from all the stocking fillers that need selecting to getting a chance to decorate the house. There are so many Christmas related activities these days, and it can sometimes make you feel as though there are simply not enough hours in the day to be prepared for it all! Work parties, catching up with old friends you only get to see this time of year, New Years Eve events.. all these things can add a major strain on your bank balance, never mind your wardrobe! Because of this I'm attempting to ease the pressure by selecting three dresses useful for the festive season. Whether flats or heels, a leather jacket or thick winter coat, no jewellery or all out
sparkle, these dresses can fit in every occasion. Simply changing up the accessories you wear them with means people will never notice
you wore the dress for your work social and for cocktails with your friends – even if you are tagged in the Facebook photos!
So save your cash for the people that matter, and snap up one of these bargains for a fun Christmas time free from last minute outfit shopping.
I wish you a wonderful Christmas time and an amazing start to 2014. Merry Christmas X
Health & Fitness - with Emma Armstrong of Zest Wellness
Love your body Adult fitness classes in Huyton Monday: 10-11am Nifty 50’s - a low impact keep fit class for anyone aged 50+ 11.15-12.15 Yoga - an open yoga class for all ages and abilities Wednesday: 10-11am Line Dancing - a fun, friendly class open to everyone Thursday: 6-7pm Yoga - an open yoga class for all ages and abilities Everyone welcome - just come along in comfortable clothing
Huyton Gateway 115 Rupert Road 0151 489 4616 Rebound is a social enterprise, not for profit organization
er £3 p s cla s
In order to treat your body with the respect it needs when you are trying to lose weight you need to love it. The old saying ‘my body is a temple’ has never been more true. It is very easy to take dieting to the extreme but you will deprive your body of vital calories and nutrients. This sort of diet alone would be exceptionally hard to follow, but almost impossible after you add in dull skin, mood swings and constantly having no energy. Take care of yourself! A balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables should be enough to keep you on track with your diet. Respect your body and you won’t want to put rubbish in it! Always stay realistic! Being a size 12 may seem morbidly obese compared to the fashion models we see on a daily basis in magazines, but I assure you it is not! The fact of the matter is that these girls are usually airbrushed, see the gym as a full time job and haven’t even looked at a chip in years. It’s not worth it. Don’t bother teasing yourself by picking at your body or
comparing it to these models. It’s pointless and you could be spending your time doing something more productive, like drawing moustaches on their pictures instead! We need to ask ‘why are we always wanting better?’ Of course, if your health is involved it is great to want to improve it, and having an aspiration to do better in work or at anything else in life is essential to give you drive. But where in life should we draw the line? When should we accept things for the way they are and make the most of it? Maybe we should start to embrace life with cellulite and a bit of a double chin. Stop obsessing. Start to see a lifestyle change as something that will make you healthier, not just as a punishment you must go through temporarily in order to banish your love handles.
A healthy lifestyle starts with the mind. Anyone can change their diet without thinking too much about it, inevitably, they will be asking for failure. By changing the way you view your lifestyle and how much importance you put on your health, you will see the benefits whilst not even noticing the bad parts, or at least much less than you would if you just went on a diet. Don’t talk yourself down. Look at your positives and build on that. Confidence is the key to keeping your motivation levels up. Believe in yourself and you will know that you can, and will, succeed. If you have any questions or need any hep or information you can contact me at: emma@zestwellness.co.uk
December 2013 23
NEW CONSULTANT From Thursday 2nd January Dovecot Dovecot Labour Club Finch Lane 7.00pm Susanne 07785 459297 Monday Huyton The Old School House, St John’s Road 6.30pm Kathryn 07865 014437 Huyton St Aidans Club Longview Lane 5.30pm & 7.30pm Michelle 07940 181515 Tuesday West Derby The Crown Inn, Leyfield Road 9.00am, 11.00am, 4.30pm & 6.30pm Marji 07739 167048 Kirkby Centre 63 Old Hall Lane, Next To St Chads 9.30am & 11.00am Eileen 548 0658 Speke The Metal Boxonions Sports And Social Club, Speke Boulevard 5.00pm & 6.30pm Clare 07950 631858
Prescot St James Church Hall St Helens Road (Near The Wellington Pub) 9.30am, 11.30am 4.30pm & 6.30pm Lynn 07739 167051 Huyton St Aidan’s Club, Longview Lane, Huyton 9.30am & 11.30am Michelle 07940 181515 Wednesday Dovecot St Margaret Mary’s Social Club (Behind Church) Pilch Lane 9.30am; 4.00pm & 6.00pm Julie 449 1074 Huyton The Royal British Legion Archway Road 5.30pm Ro 07709 956191 Dovecot St Luke’s Community Centre Princess Drive 7.30pm Michelle 07940 181515 Thursday Whiston George Howard Centre, Lickers Lane, 5.00pm & 6.30pm Kathryn 07865 014437
Stockbridge Village Craigs Community Centre, Little Moss Hey 6.00pm Ro 07709 956191 Huyton The Royal British Legion Archway Road 1.00pm & 6.00pm Joanne 254 1298 Kirkby Holy Angels Social Club Sidney Powell Avenue 4pm & 6pm Sue 07546 148204 Friday Dovecot St Margaret Mary’s Social Club (Behind Church), Pilch Lane 9.30am Julie 449 1074 Saturday Huyton The Huycap Centre, Rupert Road 8.00am & 10.00am Joanne 254 1298 West Derby The Crown Inn Leyfield Road, West Derby 8.30am & 10.30am Marji 07739 167048 Prescot Parish Church Meeting Rooms (next to Deans House), Vicarage Place 9.00am Lynn 07739 167051
24 December 2013
Don’t weight for it, work for it!
A
n everyday person, who decided to transform her life by losing just over five Stone, is using her success to shape a whole new career helping their people change their lives for the better too. Susanne Corkill decided to tackle her demons and join a slimming world group in Liverpool three years ago and dropped from 16.9 to 12.6. Now Susanne has trained as a consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s leading slimming club, and is opening her own group at Dovecot Labour club, Finch Lane, Thursdays 7pm opening on 2nd January 2014. With the government figures revealing of the population of Liverpool are now overweight or obese, Susanne says her new role has never been more important. She said: “Obesity is becoming a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never in a million years dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight, but now I just can’t wait to get started. “It is a privilege for me to be able to pass on my personal experience; insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target. “Like a lot of slimmer’s, I had tried to lose weight so many time before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate, I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I joined Slimming World it was different, I never felt like I was on a ‘diet’. “The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself. “Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. It’s all about getting the support to choose a healthier lifestyle like finding ways to become more active even if you are not many mobile or plainly just don’t like exercise. “My weight loss has completely changed my life. “With four children and a job life takes its toll and I split with my husband. At one point I thought I couldn’t do this and was tempted to give up on the plan but I carried on with it. “With my new body shape thanks to my Body Magic and following the plan I now have a new partner Gary and I am very happy. “I can now do things I have not been able to do in a very long time I can run around with the children and take both twins up the stairs at the same time without being out of breath. “Gary and my family and friends made me realise how far I have come and how much I could help other people and have given me the support and help I need to push myself to becoming a new consultant.
Susanne before
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN… WITH SOME HELP FROM LOCAL STUDENTS
Father Christmas had a role reversal when he received his own generous gift from students at St Helens College. Engineering students have spent the past few months carefully crafting a new sleigh for him which was commissioned by Prescot Rotary Club. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of students the sleigh will be hitting the streets, starting its journey in Knowsley Village, from Sunday 8 December to collect donations for charity. The NVQ Level 2 fabrication and welding students who enrolled on the course in September began work on the project six weeks ago and throughout the construction process learnt how to read drawings, fabricate shapes and weld. They were also assisted by some of the Level 3 students who attend the college on day release. Level 1 & 2 Diploma Motor Body students painted the sleighs body work. Student, Luke Baker said: “I enjoyed working on the project as I felt like I was giving something back to the community. The project has helped me with my course; I’ve learnt new skills and feel more confident.” Jim Clarke, college lecturer added: “The project has been really worthwhile and has given the students valuable experience of working in a realistic working environment. The whole group have responded well to the project set and considering they had no experience 10 weeks ago, they’ve done a remarkable job.” The students are now looking forward to seeing the finished product when it hits the streets this Christmas. Susanne after “So as well as having losing just over five Stone with two more stone to go I now have the old me back, more confident and healthier but on top of that I’ve got a new career, its well-paid and the hours fit around my family, but best of all I’m doing something that I am passionate about. “As a slimmer myself I know how hard it can be and I couldn’t of lost five stone without my consultant Julie Latta, and my group sharing ideas and recipes, and overcoming disappointments as well as celebrating success is all part of my journey, so there’ll be lots of support, encouragement and fun at my new Slimming World group”. Susanne’s Slimming World group will be held at Dovecot Labour Club, Finch Lane every Thursday at 7pm from 2nd January 2014. For more information or to join Susanne’s group, either pop along on the 2nd January or call /text her on 07785 459297 or for more information visit www.slimmingworld.com or call 0844 897 8000.
WALKING FOR MARIE CURIE
A group of employees from Knowsley Council recently undertook a charity sponsored walk for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Woolton. The 10-mile walk took in Helm Crag also known as the Lion and the Lamb, in Grasmere, the Lake District. The Knowsley council employees raised over three hundred pounds for the cancer charity.
December 2013 25
The wheels are in motion TENANT EXTRA SUPPORT SERVICE AVAILABLE TO ALL LANDLORDS for volunteering project
North West based charity Alternative Futures Group, (AFG), has joined forces with Mencap Liverpool to support people with learning disabilities to access their local community through volunteering. The two year project, LEAF, (Learn, Engage and Achieve for the Future), will create a pathway for people supported at AFG Knowsley to get involved with volunteering and make a positive and valued contribution to their local community. Thanks to the new partnership, Ste, who is supported by AFG and is a resident of Kirkby, has secured a weekly volunteering role at Wheels For All, part of the Halewoodbased charity Cycling Projects. The charity Cycling Projects set up the Wheels For All initiative back in 1991. The project is about making cycling accessible to all. They have a vast range of adapted bikes available as they believe it’s possible for anyone to benefit from the joys of cycling, regardless of ability. Kevin McCann, from Halewood Wheels For All, explained: “Ste has been a breath of fresh air for our Wheels For All sessions. His enthusiasm really rubs off on everyone around him, from the distance he travels to the hard work he puts in when he’s here – he’s become a valuable member of the team.” Ste was referred by his support team to
Hailey Wood, Project Co-ordinator at the LEAF project, to help find him a practical role, one where he could help others. Hailey Wood, LEAF project co-ordinator said: “I couldn’t believe how quickly Ste got involved and how helpful he was towards others. Ste has something positive to look forward to on a Friday and is already looking for more days to volunteer. “I am very pleased that Ste wants to continue as a volunteer, as it is having a really positive impact on his life right down to planning his money so that he can organise travel to his volunteer role.” When Ste was asked about his new volunteering role, he said: “I truly like working at Wheels For All – it makes me happy seeing other people who come to ride the bikes happy, and I would love to do more things like that in Kirkby.” If you are interested in going along to Halewood Wheels For All to use the adapted bikes, the sessions are available, between 10am – 2pm, each Friday. For more information, contact Hailey Wood, LEAF Project Coordinator, on 07914 716 322 or email hailey.wood@mencapliverpool.org.uk In addition, if you would like to get involved in the LEAF Project, and volunteer in your community, please contact Hailey.
YOUNG PEOPLE IN KNOWSLEY GET HIV AWARE
Young people in Knowsley are busting myths surrounding HIV as part of European HIV awareness week (which commenced on 29 November) and World Aids Day (on 1 December). The Knowsley Youth Mutual - the new social enterprise delivering youth services in Knowsley ˆ has arranged a host of activities throughout the week to help inform youngsters about HIV. Teenagers are taking part in quizzes and Red Ribbon themed activities in youth clubs, THinK - teenage health in Knowsley - clinics and town centres across the borough. Knowsley Youth Mutual has come up with a really interesting and engaging series of events to help young people understand the facts about HIV during HIV awareness week. The week also provides an opportunity for those working with young people to deliver general sexual health education too.
Villages ‘Tenants Extra Support Service’ (TESS) offer housing support to people throughout Knowsley. The aim of the service is to help tenants to maintain and keep their tenancies. TESS will provide your tenants with a helping hand when they need it most. TESS will help tenants by educating and advising about money management, which can include monthly income budgets. If necessary the service will also help with assessing debts and making referrals to specialist debt advisors. The team will also signpost people to educational courses, employment and voluntary work opportunities along with encouraging them to engage with social activities helping them develop the confidence to participate in community activities. If you are a landlord, TESS can assist your tenants with any housing
benefit applications including applying for backdated housing benefit; they will also chase up rent payments and apply for any discretionary housing payments. Lyn Kelly, supporting people manager at Villages Housing said: “TESS is available to all landlords in Knowsley and is a free tenancy support service. “The referral process is simple and the team and we would like to
encourage more private landlords to use the service and realise the benefits that the team can offer.” If you are a landlord and would like to learn more about how TESS can assist you, or if you live in Knowsley and think you or someone you know would benefit from support from the service, please contact the team direct on 0151 949 5050 or visit www.villageshousing.org.u k/TESS for more information.
26 December 2013
Business
CELEBRATING BUSINESS AND REGENERATION Elite business people from Knowsley and beyond gathered to celebrate business and regeneration success. The annual Knowsley Business and Regeneration Awards were held on Thursday evening at the Grand Marquee in the grounds of Knowsley Safari Park. The awards recognise the cream of the crop of Knowsley’s business community, highlighting individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to the borough of Knowsley. Big winners on the night included Clarke Energy who received a Judges Choice Award that recognised their achievements as a world leader in their field. With headquarters in Knowsley, the company has operations in over 12 countries across four continents and continues to invest in local people providing employment and skilled training opportunities. A second Judges Choice Award was presented to the partners behind the Knowsley stage of the Tour of Britain, Sweetspot Group, Knowsley Hall Estate and Knowsley Cycling. The award recognised the part they played in putting Knowsley on the global map as millions of TV viewers witnessed Sir Bradley Wiggins win the stage three time trial that took place in Knowsley. The Regeneration Award went to Wetherby Building Systems Ltd for introducing energy saving measures in 2,050 Knowsley properties, making the scheme the largest successful private housing CESP project in the UK and saving residents £750,000 per year. Taylor Wimpey North West scooped the award for Best Housing Scheme for their Speakman Gardens development in Prescot.
Business of the Year award, 50+ employees, went to Warmer Energy Services Limited. During the last year the company has focussed on a clear growth strategy and achieved a massive turnaround, more than doubling its turnover and delivering a healthy profit and cash flow. The Corporate Social Responsibility Award was presented to First Ark Group, recognising the 1,700 volunteer hours delivered over the past 12 months and assistance for the local foodbank to support the equivalent of 2,900 people. Cllr Dave Lonergan, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills commented, “The awards are always a highlight in the Knowsley calendar and once again we were overwhelmed with the stories of innovation, personal success and contribution to the economy, and the borough as a whole, from businesses and entrepreneurs in Knowsley.” “The awards celebrate companies and organisations of all sizes and in all sectors, recognising the wealth of expertise, business talent and passion that exists in the borough.” “Every individual and organisation should be very proud of their achievements.” “I would like to particularly thank the sponsors of the event as without their support the evening would not have been possible.” The evening’s donations to the Mayors Charity, Magic Fund, totalled more than £6,800 (including a match donation from Barclaycard). You can view pictures of all the winners on Knowsley Council’s Flickr page.
Chris Saxton joins Vivark Board Award winning North West facilities management company Vivark has appointed Chris Saxton as a nonexecutive director of the board. Saxton has held leading positions across the construction and facilities management industry including chief executive at Morris and Spottiswood and managing director of Morgan Sindall’s regional construction division. At Morgan Sindall he was responsible for seven of the company’s construction brands, during which time he led the merger of these brands into a new national construction brand, Bluestone, becoming its managing director.
Vivark provides facilities management, repairs and maintenance and refurbishment services to companies across the North West. The company operates as a social enterprise, putting profits back into services and creating opportunities for the communities it works in, with this being recognised with a Social Enterprise ‘Rising
Star’ award in its first year. Saxton said: “Having worked in the industry for many years, I am looking forward to using my experience to support Vivark in driving forward its business growth plans. “I am excited about this opportunity to give something back to a business that will deliver real social value as it delivers it services.” Tony Cahill, Executive Director of Commercial Services at Vivark said: “We are delighted to have Chris join the Vivark board. His skills and extensive knowledge of the FM and construction sectors will be a key asset in supporting the business through a planned period of strong growth.”
Warmer Energy Services Limited receiving their award for Business of the Year (50+ employees) from Cllr Lonergan, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills (far left).
The full list of award winners: Business of the Year (1-9 employees) – LK Valves Ltd Contractor of the Year – Structec (NW) Ltd Employee of the Year – Lesley Davies, Chums Ltd Employee of the Year, Highly Commended – Paul Baker, Spaceworld Employee of the Year, Highly Commended – Richard Greaves, Potter Logistics Employee of the Year, Highly Commended – Susan Shelley, Davey’s Chemist Innovation Award – Glen Dimplex Home Appliances Ltd Visitor Attraction of the Year – Spaceworld Housing Scheme of the Year – Taylor Wimpey North West Green Award – Fieldway Group Corporate Social Responsibility Award – First Ark Group Regeneration Award – Wetherby Building Systems Ltd Business of the Year (10-49 employees) – Stroud Engineering Supplies Ltd Business of the Year (50+ employees) – Warmer Energy Services Limited Outstanding Contribution – Clarke Energy Outstanding Contribution – Tour of Britain partners – Sweetspot Group, Knowsley Hall Estate and Knowsley Cycling
RE-LAUNCHED SOCIAL ENTERPRISE APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF FINANCE The new financial director of a Liverpool-based social enterprise, the forerunner of several of today’s wellknown charities, has spoken of the importance of continuing to provide support shaped to people’s needs whilst offering value for money. Sharon Edwards (pictured), from Kirkby, says her aim is to ensure that PSS is competitive whilst retaining its flexibility in tailoring support to the needs of clients, from young carers and teenagers leaving care to women with post natal depression and dementia sufferer and their families. Her comments follow a major re-brand and name change of the Liverpool-based organisation, founded in 1919 by social campaigner Eleanor Rathbone. “PSS has a fantastic history but you cannot depend on that alone,” said Sharon. “The current economic climate remains extremely challenging for charitable organisations but I believe we are in a terrific position to go forward.” Formerly called the Liverpool Personal Service Society, PSS was responsible for social innovations such as Age Concern, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Relate. Operating across England, Wales and Scotland, PSS delivers a range of support services for vulnerable people working from pre-birth (pre and post natal depression) to end of life care.
It was recently awarded almost half a million pounds to extend its pioneering work with women suffering from post natal depression, the only organisation based in the north of England to receive such funding. “PSS is a terrific organisation and I am delighted to be joining at such an exciting time as it undergoes a major rebrand to take it into the 21st century,” said Sharon, who previously worked for charity the Furniture Resource Centre. Prior to that Sharon worked for various organisations including the Bank of America and a technology company, overseeing its merger with a Norwegian firm. “The work carried out by PSS is extremely innovative and I believe we can continue to innovate and adapt services to meet people’s needs whilst providing value for money, crucial in the current financial environment,” she added.
December 2013 27
FLIGHTS OF FANCY IN KNOWSLEY Recently Knowsley Park Centre for Learning invited Year 6 pupils from all the local Primary Schools to take part in a day of exciting activities around the theme of ‘Flight’. Pupils worked with Knowsley Park staff and students on different activities including The Rocket Factory where pupils had to design, build and fly your own rocket in 45 minutes flat. The rocket factory lets everybody build a rocket of their own. The session included an introduction to the mechanics of flight and the design of rockets. Finally pupils took their rockets out for a test flight from one of their compressed air launchers. A well constructed rocket can sometimes fly as high as 30m into the air! Pupils working with the PE Department actually found themselves flying with the use of trampolines and trampettes to see how high they can go! Barn Owl Bill also visited Knowsley Park with some of his rescued birds of prey. The Barn Owl Bill Charitable Trust is a local organisation that rescues and re-releases injured birds of prey across the north of England. Pupils heared about the different birds and got chance to handle and stroke the birds. Pupils were also involved in artistic activities linked to the theme of flight and designed and produce kites, flags and insects working with artists from around the north-west. At the end of the day pupils were invited to join in ‘The Great Knowsley Park Balloon Race’. Pupils released hundreds of balloons filled with helium. The balloon which travels the furthest will win a prize for the Primary School which launched it!
28 December 2013
Challenge Classified Advertising Telephone: 0151 709 7567 • Email: andy@merseymirror.com • PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003 - NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF PREMISES LICENCE TAKE NOTICE that Mr Somas Ahilen has applied to vary the premises licence for 139-143 Salerno Drive, Huyton, L36 7TU to allow alcohol for consumption off the premises to be sold 7 days a week 7am to 10pm, and to alter the interior layout of the premises. A record of the application can be inspected by members of the public between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday at the Licensing Authority located at Environmental Health and Consumer Protection Division, 2nd Floor Yorkon Building, Archway Road, Huyton, L36 9FB. Please ring 0151 443 2300 to arrange an appointment. www.knowsley.gov.uk Any responsible authority or any other person wishing to make representations on this application must do so in writing to Knowsley Licensing Authority by 31 December 2013. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application punishable with a maximum fine of £5000 on summary conviction.
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CHIROPIDY
December 2013 29
HAUNTED MERSEYSIDE WITH TOM SLEMEN
Angels Over Knowsley The following story is true in every detail and the people involved have asked me to use their real names, but I have changed them because a minor is featured in the account and I feel I must protect her identity at this time. Imagine walking into Kirkby Police Station on St Chads Drive and saying you’d like to report an angel hovering over the Johnny Todd pub on Whitefield Drive. A 70-year-old Westvale man named Arthur almost did this one snowy December night in 2009, but was talked out of it by his youngest daughter Mariel. This strange story has its origins further back in time, in St Chads Cemetery in November of 2009. It all started in earnest when Arthur’s 14-year-old granddaughter Avril tried to elope with her boyfriend Harry one morning at 2am. Avril and Harry got as far as Old Hall Lane, and as they passed the cemetery of St Chads, Knowsley’s answer to Romeo and Juliet saw a faint glow among the gravestones. The teens peeped over the cemetery’s low sandstone wall and watched the eerie proceedings. Tall figures in white flowing attire of some sort were hovering over the headstones. Avril was spellbound by the unearthly figures, but Harry said perhaps they should forget eloping and return to their respective homes. A blazing white beam, fringed with a glowing electric blue radiance, burst down through the trees dotted about the graveyard. This dazzling beam singled out a particular grave, and the elongated robed figures gathered around it. Harry was now too scared to even run off in case he was seen by the unearthly beings, but Avril had a strong urge to jump over the wall and get a better look at the supernatural activity. Something rose up from the grave and ascended along the shaft of silvery blue light. It was a woman’s body, in a burial shroud, and the corpse was straight as a plank and lying horizontal as it lifted steadily into the cold night air. Who were these sinister bodysnatchers? Avril wondered. Harry just wanted them to go away, and he hid behind the cemetery wall with a pounding heart. Avril climbed the little wall as Harry called her back, and she got about six feet nearer to the weird goings-on. There were about five towering whiteclad figures that seemed to be surrounded by silvery-blue auras, and they were floating up into the night sky with the body on the beam. Then came a blaze of blinding light – and then just as sudden, darkness fell on
the cemetery of St Chads. Harry shouted for his sweetheart to come back, but Avril was trying to determine which grave the beam had fallen on. She ascertained that the grave the laser-like ray had singled out was a Victorian one where a lady had been interred a long time ago. The grave had not been disturbed in any way – so how had the body been extracted? Avril pondered this, then returned to the cowardly Harry, and the youngsters went to Avril’s house to get a bite and leave the elopement to another day. Avril told her mother Mariel about the strange incident, but was accused of having an overactive imagination. Harry backed the girl’s story, and this made Mariel think because Harry was not the brightest spark and he certainly showed no aptitude for having an imagination, nor had he ever been known to lie. All the same, Mariel believed there was a rational explanation for the beam of light and ghostly figures in the churchyard, be it marsh gas, will-o’-thewisp or reflections in the moonlight. Around this time in 2009, I was receiving many reports of lights in the sky – and on the ground too – across Knowsley, and many people were of the opinion that these lights were manifestations of angels. A 6-year-old child who had died from cancer had allegedly been seen by her family, standing amidst a golden globe of light in her garden and surrounded by tall luminous figures in pale robes that were thought to be angels. An old woman in Prescot told me that her beloved cat had been ‘resurrected’ by angels and they had appeared with the supernaturally restored and radiant feline at the foot of the woman’s bed at four in the morning. ‘We will take you also when your time has come,’ said one of the night visitors in a soft reassuring voice, then vanished along with the revived cat. A couple in St Helens claimed that angelic beings of light had pushed their car out the way of a train when their vehicle broke down at a level crossing. Many more of these accounts were received by me, and are too numerous to go into within the space allotted on this page. Avril began to have dreams in which her late Nan, Margy, told her that angels would be seen in the skies soon at Christmas as a message of hope for those who were ill and downhearted in the world. Avril told her mother, father and her grandfather – Arthur – about the dreams, but the adults paid virtually no attention to the girl. Avril began to stay up late, and when she looked out her window she
noticed strange unexplained lights which flew at rooftop level in her neighbourhood around Northwood. Other people in the Southdene saw these lights too, and they became most active just before Christmas of that year, during a very cold period when heavy snow fell across the North West. Avril visited her grandfather Arthur with her mum, and they brought him presents and a hamper. They chatted till one in the morning and when Avril came out of Arthur’s house, heavy snow was falling. Arthur walked along Whitefield Drive with his daughter and grand-daughter, when Avril tugged at his elbow and pointed at a light in the sky. ‘That’s one of those Angels, granddad!’ she exclaimed, but Arthur just puffed on a cigarette and grinned. ‘Nah, that’s a shooting star thingy that, love,’ he said. ‘Shooting stars don’t hover like that,’ Mariel reasoned, looking heavenwards. ‘Jesus! Look at that!’ Arthur pointed to a brilliant light hanging in the air about 70 feet over the Johnny Todd pub. There was a humanlike figure in the centre of this light. ‘We’re being invaded!’
Arthur gasped, and after watching the glowing man for a few minutes, Arthur said they should all go to the police station to report the matter, but Mariel told her dad no one would believe him. ‘I told yous these things were about and yous never believed me!’ Avril told her mother. ‘Now do you believe me, eh?’ Arthur had been suffering from acute arthritis in his neck for years, but he noticed how his pain had now left him as he looked, mesmerised, at the beautiful glowing figures in the sky. A few other people out at that late hour gazed up and saw the ‘angels’ too, and a strange therapeutic hush descended on the area, and when it lifted – when the lights vanished, Mariel and Arthur found themselves in tears but couldn’t say why they were so affected. These reports of angelic encounters seem to be on the increase, and I wonder if these heavenly beings –whatever they are – will again invade our skies soon – perhaps as a sign that some great spiritual event that is coming our way. * Haunted Liverpool 24 is out soon from Amazon.
CHARITY CALLS FOR LOCAL APPEAL ORGANISERS Marie Curie Cancer Care is looking for people in Prescot, Huyton and Halewood to help organise the charity’s biggest annual fundraising campaign, the Great Daffodil Appeal. The Great Daffodil Appeal encourages everyone to give a donation and wear the charity’s iconic daffodil pin during March. All the money raised from the appeal will help the charity provide more free care to people with terminal illnesses in the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool. With planning for the 2014 campaign already underway, the local Marie Curie fundraising team are looking for volunteers to help in a variety of roles. From organising local collections to delivering boxes of daffodils to shops in your area, by volunteering some of your time you’ll be helping local people with a terminal illness to get the care they need. If you’d like to help your local Marie Curie fundraising team prepare for the Great Daffodil Appeal and make the 2014 campaign the most successful yet, then please contact Colette Byrne on 0151 801 1405 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil for more information.
30 December 2013
Sport If you have any sports news contact the Sports Desk on 0151 706 7411 or email: thechallenge@merseymirror.com Euro-MP is distance running champion once more
Knowsley Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies is celebrating success after defending his over 50 ultra distance running championship. Davies, 59, managed to fit in eight off-road races during the year over distances of up to 61 miles, and has been declared the men’s over 50 years old champion for the second year in succession. Davies was also 4th in the over 40 classification and beat over 200 competitors of all ages. The UK’s RUNFURTHER ultra running championships consists of 12 races over the countryside, including four ‘short’ races of 30-35 miles, four ‘medium’ races of 36-45 miles and four long races of over 46 miles. Competitors have to complete at least four races, including one from each category, with the best performances to count. Davies’s races have taken him from the Yorkshire Moors to the Brecon Beacons. Speaking after his win Davies said: “It’s hard to snatch the time to keep fit, but once a month I have taken a Saturday off work and gone for a long race over the hills or across the countryside. “Politics may no longer be associated with smoke-filled rooms but it’s still good to have the opportunity to get out into the fresh air and see some different landscapes. “Given my age I’m glad that stamina counts for more than speed in events of this kind, and hugely grateful that my knees haven’t given up on me.” The MEP says that his priority next year will be a different kind of challenge. He will be competing in the elections on May 22 to retain his seat in the European Parliament.
FURTHER SUCCESS FOR HALEWOOD CLUB Halewood Tae Kwon-Do Club’s were celebrating after their recent success at the 2013 GTI British Championships. The competition, held in Cheltenham in November saw 12 team members take part, and they brought home an impressive haul of 15 trophies and medals including seven gold, six silver and two bronze. Competitors were able to enter several events, including patterns (to assess technical ability); point-stop sparring, a bout favouring the fighter who scores first; and continuous sparring, favouring the fighter scoring the most points in a non-stop bout. Halewood’s black belt girls did particularly well with 11year-old Lauren Butler taking part in all three events, and becoming double British Champion after kicking her way to victory in both pointstop and continuous sparring categories. Faye Clifton (11) scored medals in all three events, taking silver in patterns, silver in point-stop sparring and bronze in continuous sparring. Five-year-old Jack Harrison was competing for the first time, and was delighted to come away from the competition with a silver medal in yellow and green belt point-stop sparring. He only lost out to his teammate Joe Southern (8), who showed excellent sportsmanship during the fight, and who thoroughly deserved to win the British title. Two Halewood lads also faced each other in the red belt continuous sparring event, as first-time competitor Joshua Alvers (8) faced his team-mate Joe Clifton (8) in the first round. Joe was the more experienced fighter and
showed excellent sportsmanship during the match. Although both boys fought very well indeed, Joe won the bout and went on to win the decision, taking a welldeserved British title. Owen Cooper (11), who only began competing this year, fought very well in the green belt boys division to take gold in point-stop sparring. Nine-year-old Olivia Connolly-Dixon also did well, winning silver in green belt girls’ point-stop sparring. Callum Edwards (9) held his own against several older opponents, achieving a bronze medal in the boys red belt patterns event. Phil Southern (45) was competing for the first time and did a great job, coming away with a silver medal in the mens yellow and green belt point-stop sparring event. Black Belt Stef Davies (31) finished off the day’s achievements with more silverware for the club. She achieved a silver medal in patterns, and went on to win
double gold in point-stop sparring and continuous sparring. Instructor Chris Davies (29) was extremely proud of his team’s achievements; and, in particular, the sportsmanship displayed by the younger students.
Knowsley Challenge is a free community newspaper to serve the Borough of Knowsley. Circulation 30,000. Editorial Office: 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Telephone: 0151 706 7411. Advertising, Graphic Design and Typesetting by Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Telephone: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678
This was the final tournament of the year for the club, and the team were pleased to have ended the year on a high. Halewood Tae Kwon-Do Club will be back in action and looking to achieve more competition victories in 2014. Double British Champion, Lauren Butler
Knowsley Challenge is a free community newspaper to serve the Borough of Knowsley. Circulation 30,000. Editorial Office: 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Telephone: 0151 706 7411. Advertising, Graphic Design and Typesetting by Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Telephone: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678