The challenge august 2013

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YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Issue 315 August 2013

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“In total the numbers fed during this financial year is likely to be somewhere between 7,000 and 8,000”

NEWS HELP FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS IN KNOWSLEY Page 2 KNOWSLEY SCHOOLS GET LIFESAVING DEFIBRILLATORS Page 2 GEE WALKER TO LEAD WALK OF REMEMBRANCE Page 3 THE KNOWSLEY FLOWER SHOW IN PICTURES Pages 12/13

SPORT IT’S GOLD FOR ALEX DUNK AT EURO CHAMPS Page 32 KNOWSLEY SOUTH TAKE POSITIVE STEPS FOR KIDS Page 32 Keep up to date with THE CHALLENGE on our new website

INFORMATION News: 0151 706 7411 Advertising: 0151 709 7567 Email: thechallenge@merseymirror.com Facebook: thechallenge@merseymirror.com Twitter: thechallenge6 Copy deadline: Friday 30 August 2013

REGION SEES INCREASE OF 120% REFERRALS TO FOODBANKS “The impact of the benefit reforms are probably not yet fully felt but early indications suggest that these are having a massive impact” Barry Cooper - The Big Help Project

n a national review of Child Poverty undertaken by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), a leading charity campaigning for the abolition of child poverty, the cost of child poverty to Liverpool City region was revealed to be £968 million.

The figure, which equates to £10,856 for every child on Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral, stems from a report ‘Local Authorities and Child Poverty – balancing threats with opportunities’ which estimates the cost to every local authority and constituency in the UK. Frank Field MP, the chair of the Liverpool City Region’s Child Poverty and Life Chances Commission, identified the increase of referrals to foodbanks by 120% in some places within the city region as a concern that the cost will only spiral.

The Liverpool City Region Child Poverty and Life Chances Commission has been instrumental in recognising the role of transport, access to bank accounts and fuel prices in helping families lift themselves out of poverty.

Mr Field said: “There are huge costs, both human and financial, to child poverty.

I am proud to chair a group which is committed to helping every child have the best possible start.

“It’s not enough to just support each child, we need to help raise family incomes, too. This dual focus must be maintained if we are to avoid the pernicious impacts of poverty.”

Alison Garnham, chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group, said: “In Liverpool City region, the current extent of child

I

poverty costs £968m every year and a large part of this cost lands on council services. It is encouraging to see the strong local child poverty strategy so that children growing up in Liverpool City region have a better future, and so that we avoid having to spend on failure and can invest everyone’s council tax contributions in more positive ways.”

Barry Cooper from The Big Help Project (incorporating the Knowsley Foodbank), said: “We opened the Knowsley Foodbank on 30th ■ Barry Cooper – The Big Help Project in Kirkby September 2011 and fed “For instance during March 2013 we fed 1,842 people in the first twelve months.

295 people from the Foodbank but 370 Since then demand has continued to one month later (ie when the changes increase exponentially with 1,792 fed in started).

This is a 25% increase over a just four months from April 13 to July 13. single month!

“If numbers were to remain the same for “While this represents a terrible the rest of the year (without any further indictment on life in Britain in 2013, the increase!) then that would mean that we Foodbank is also a wonderful testament to would feed 5,376 during this financial year the generosity of so many people. as compared to 3,154 during the same “We regularly receive around 2.5 tonnes period last year, that is a 70% increase! of food a month donated by the public “In addition we also supply food for through offices, schools and churches”.

Knowsley Council emergency support The Knowsley Foodbank currently scheme so in total the numbers fed during distributes food from seven distribution this financial year is likely to be centres around the borough and over 50 somewhere between 7,000 and 8,000. people give up their time each month to “The impact of the benefit reforms are help. To find out how you can get involved probably not yet fully felt but early and where you can drop off food, please indications suggest that these are having phone 546 0470. a massive impact.

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2 August 2013

KNOWSLEY COUNCIL AND LLOYDS TSB HELP LOCAL BUYERS SECURE THEIR FIRST HOME Knowsley Council and Lloyds TSB will today join forces to help first-time buyers purchase a home with a deposit of just 5%.

Knowsley Council has set aside £1 million, which should help around 45 buyers on to the property ladder through the Local Lend a Hand scheme, which will be available in local branches of Lloyds TSB from today.

First-time buyers often say that raising a deposit is the biggest challenge they face when looking to take their first steps on to the property ladder.

Responding to calls for further innovation in the first-time buyer market, Lloyds TSB worked with Sector Treasury Services, part of the Capita Group, to develop the Local Lend a Hand product.

The scheme enables borrowers to buy their first home with a deposit less than the 10% required by most mortgage lenders. The fixed rate mortgage products that will be available during this scheme will also be at a lower rate of interest than would normally be available for this level of deposit.

Councillor Ron Round, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “This is a great boost for the borough. Through the scheme, first-time buyers who can afford mortgage repayments but not the initial deposits may get a foothold on the property ladder. This will help to create access to housing for first-time buyers, which could then stimulate additional moves in the resulting property chains.

We have a great choice of affordable

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■ Chris Dixon, mortgage and protection advisor for Lloyds TSB Huyton branch; Cllr Norman Keats, cabinet member for finance and IT; Cllr Ron Round, leader of Knowsley Council; and Katie Horswill, local service and performance manager for the Liverpool City Region, Lloyds TSB.

housing here in Knowsley and I would encourage first-time buyers to take up this great opportunity.”

Marc Page, mortgages director at Lloyds

TSB said, "With the launch of Local Lend a Hand in Knowsley we're making the housing market more accessible to more people.

Knowsley schools to get life saving defibrillators Knowsley Council is to provide every school in the borough with a life-saving defibrillator.

The council is investing £70,000 in equipment and training for all Primary, Secondary and Special schools within Knowsley.

The decision has been supported by the Oliver King Foundation, which was set up in memory of 12 year old Oliver King, who sadly died at his Liverpool school in March 2011 from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS).

Oliver’s father, Mark King, was the guest speaker at Knowsley’s annual Headteachers Health and Safety conference, where the scheme was launched.

Mark said: “It is a great pleasure that The Oliver King

Foundation will be working in partnership with Knowsley Borough Council.

“It is fantastic news that Knowsley Council are ensuring that from September 2013 each school will have fully trained staff who can use a defibrillator and all schools in the borough will now have the much needed access to life saving equipment.”

Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for children and family services, Cllr Graham Wright, said: “I’m delighted that we are introducing defibrillators in all Knowsley schools and it is fantastic to have the support of the Oliver King Foundation.

“It is absolutely crucial that children and young people are well looked after during the school day. Having a defibrillator on site means that trained staff

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will be able to take swift, lifesaving action in the thankfully rare event that one may be required.

The defibrillators will be installed in Knowsley’s schools from September 2013.

■ From L-R Sylvia Thomson, Headteacher of Cronton C of E Primary; Sharon Faulkner, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse; Mark King, Founder of The Oliver King Foundation and Gill Holland, Headteacher of Westvale Primary School.

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“We know that many young people turn to the Bank of Mum and Dad to get their foot on the ladder, but that is not a solution for everyone.

“Helping people to buy their first home is crucial in achieving and maintaining a sustainable housing market. Local Lend a Hand addresses some of the real problems that prospective buyers in Knowsley might face."

Subject to Lloyds TSB's usual lending criteria, borrowers are able to select any existing property in the area covered by Knowsley Council up to a maximum loan of £133,000. First-time buyers will put down a minimum 5% of the property price, and Knowsley Council will provide a cash backed indemnity of up to 20% as additional security. The local authority then earns interest on this amount.

The first-time buyer owns the property in its entirety, and will have access to a range of products at a lower rate of interest than would normally be available for this level of deposit.

Those interested in the local scheme should visit their local branch of Lloyds TSB for more information.

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Prescot rogue trader John Read has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a string of crimes, including fraud.

Liverpool Crown Court also ordered Read, who pleaded guilty to 27 offences, to pay court costs and compensation to his victims.

Read, 53, traded as the Mobility and Re-upholstery Centre in High Street, Prescot and lived on Queens Road, in the town centre.

His offences included failure to supply goods which had been paid for, poor workmanship, delays in supplying goods and services and aggressive trade practices.

He conned customers across Merseyside, Cheshire, the Midlands, North Wales and Northern Ireland, preying on several elderly and vulnerable people.

Trading Standards officers from both Knowsley and Liverpool Councils investigated the complaints and brought them to court.

August 2013 3

Slavery Remembrance Day Friday 23 August 2013

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Gee Walker will lead a Walk of Remembrance through Liverpool city centre as part of Slavery Remembrance Day commemorations.

Dr Walker lost her son Anthony, 18, in a racially-motivated attack in Huyton in July 2005. The Walker family set up The Anthony Walker Foundation (AWF) following his tragic death.

Slavery Remembrance Day has been commemorated in Liverpool every 23 August since 1999. It is organised by National Museums Liverpool in partnership with Liverpool City Council.

As well as remembering those lost through the transatlantic slave trade, Slavery Remembrance Day also reminds us of the threat of racism and discrimination in modern society.

The Walk of Remembrance will take place on Friday 23 August at 12 noon and weave through Church Street and Liverpool ONE before reaching the Albert Dock. The traditional African Libation ceremony will begin at 1pm outside the International Slavery Museum.

On Thursday 22 August at 6pm a Memorial Lecture will be delivered by leading Jamaican academic, Professor Verene Shepherd, at Liverpool Town Hall.

Booking is essential for this free event: 0151 478 4240.

Claire Benjamin, head of communities at National Museums Liverpool said: “We are honoured that the Walker family have agreed to take part in the Walk of Remembrance.

“Gee is an inspiration and her presence will add something very special to what is always a very moving

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and poignant day.

“Everyone is welcome to join us on 23 August and we’d hope Liverpool people come out and lend their support.

“We are also thrilled to welcome Professor Verene Shepherd to the city.

The Memorial Lecture is always very popular and we look forward to hearing Professor Shepherd’s lecture.”

Mayor Joe Anderson said: “It is vital that our children grow up realising the importance of Slavery Remembrance Day and what it means to live in a society that respects others regardless of their race or colour.

“I am delighted that Gee Walker has kindly agreed to lead this year’s walk, her courage and dignity is humbling for all of us.

“I hope as many people, young and old, take part in the activities taking place over the weekend but more importantly I hope we can encourage others to understand different cultures and help create a better, more inclusive future for everyone.”

Twelve Green Flags for Knowsley parks Success in the latest Green Flag awards means that Knowsley now boasts award winning parks across the borough.

Both Eaton Street Park in Prescot and The Pasture in Cronton have been awarded new Green Flags, bringing the total number of Knowsley parks with the prestigious award to 12 – double the number just five years ago.

The national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Knowsley’s other Green Flag parks are Jubilee Park, McGoldrick Park, Sawpit Park, King George V Playing Fields and Court Hey Park in Huyton, as well as St Chad’s Gardens and Millbrook Park Millennium Green in Kirkby, Halewood Park and Henley Park, Whiston. The impressive gardens at Fox’s Bank Cemetery in Whiston have also earned the graveyard Green Flag status.

Cllr Eddie Connor, Knowsley’s cabinet member for leisure, community and culture: said: “We are delighted that 100% of the parks we entered for the award were successful in gaining Green Flags.

“The achievement has been very much driven by Knowsley’s Green Space Strategy which has since provided a clear route map for securing the community engagement and external funding on which our success has been founded”.

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4 August 2013

APPEAL AFTER BRICK THROWN AT BUS SHATTERS WINDOW Merseyside Police is appealing for witnesses following an incident in Halewood on Thursday, 4 July.

At around 7.50pm officers were called to Leathers Lane, after a brick was thrown at a bus that was travelling into a shopping centre.

A 21-year-old woman, who was travelling on the bus with her child, received cuts to her arm as a result of a window on the bus shattering.

Detective Constable Barry Cadwallader said: “This must have been a very frightening ordeal for the victim, who thankfully received only minor injuries. This type of behaviour has the potential to lead to tragic consequences, and we are treating it very seriously.

“CCTV from the area is being examined and enquiries are on-going. I would urge anyone who has any information about this incident or anyone who witnessed it to contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.

ALT VALLEY MUSIC, CULTURE AND FOOD FESTIVAL The Alt Valley Community Trust will be holding a culture and food festival on Sunday 25 August 2013 at Croxteth Country Park.

The event starts at 12pm and closes at 5pm.

People have the chance to enjoy great local music talent with top quality food on offer.

The event is free to enter and there will be free children's activities.

The event is organised by Alt Valley Community Trust supported by Neighbourhood Services Company and Geraud Markets Liverpool Limited.

Two to stand trial in December The two men charged with the murder of Prescot man Jonathan Fitchett are to stand trial in December.

Gerard Childs, 27, of Rainhill, and Stephen Price, 28, of Prescot, will enter their pleas on 11 October, then begin their trial on 2 December.

They stand accused of beating Fitchett, 22, at Cables Retail Park, Prescot, on Thursday 11 July. The attack happened in the early afternoon, in front of shoppers and retailers.

Paramedics took him to Whiston Hospital, where he died from his injuries a day later.

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Corey donates her hair for charity

■ Corey before her haircut

■ Corey after her haircut

By Katy Doyle Nine-year-old Corey who lives in Huyton and a pupil of Hope Primary School has donated her beautifully long hair to the Little Princess Trust – a charity that provides real hair wigs to children who have lost their hair due to cancer.

Corey’s mum, Kelly, said that she could not possibly feel any more proud of her daughter.

There are a couple of people that both Corey and Kelly know who are suffering with cancer and when Corey recently started asking questions to her mum about why people get cancer and lose their hair, Kelly tried her best to explain and Corey instantly decided she would personally like to do something that would help.

Shortly after, Diva Hairdressing Ltd got

involved and helped to cut and style Corey’s hair.

Her hair was tied into a ponytail and then cut off. The brave Corey was able to donate 22 inches of her healthy, fabulous, thick hair!

Kelly said: “Corey’s hope was to help another child who is less fortunate than her.

Not only this but Corey also managed to collect her own sponsors and raised a fantastic £500 for this wonderful charity she wished to help.

“I as a mother couldn’t possibly feel any more proud of her, she had such a brave and determined attitude towards what she was doing, she is inspirational.

“I feel that if more nine-year-old children cared so much about others the world would be a much nicer place”.

FREE ARCHERY SESSIONS IN HUYTON Local youngsters can make sure they hit the mark by coming along to free archery sessions at Court Hey Park in Huyton.

The free sessions, run by Knowsley Council’s green space ranger service supported by the National Wildflower Centre and Friends of Court Hey Park, are being held on Tuesday, 13 August and Tuesday, 20 August between 11am and 3pm.

The sessions give children seven years and over the chance to have a go at archery and bow making.

Local families are also invited along to a teddy bears picnic at McGoldrick Park, Huyton on Wednesday, 21 August between 1 and 3pm. The event includes face painting, balloon making, a puppet show, storytelling and tea cup rides. There are prizes for best fancy dress and best dressed teddy.

For further information about events in Knowsley visit: www.knowsley.gov.uk

WANTED MAN ARRESTED IN WALES A Kirkby man who is wanted in Spain on suspicion of a fatal shooting has been arrested in North Wales.

Darren O’Flaherty, aged 39, was arrested by firearms officers from North Wales Police at a chinese restaurant in Caernarfon recently.

The arrest follows a joint operation by Merseyside Police and North Wales Police.

O’Flaherty was the subject of SOCA's Operation Captura publicity campaign seeking wanted fugitives in Spain. Spanish authorities want to speak to him about the shooting of a man in Torremolinos in July 2010 and two attempted murder charges.

He is also the subject of a European arrest warrant for a kidnap offence committed against a HGV driver on the A1 in Bedale in North Yorkshire in October 2006.

O’Flaherty has appeared before magistrates for a minor driving offence committed on Merseyside. Other court proceedings regarding the more serious offences will now follow in Yorkshire.

August 2013 5

6 August 2013

College Life…

Scouse impressionists Les Gibson and Darren Farley have joined forces to bring together voices from the worlds of celebrity and football.

The pair teamed up for a new video to promote Knowsley Community College, which they hope will go viral.

It features Britain’s Got Talent star Les as the principal Lord Alan Sugar and TV chef Gordon Ramsay as the catering teacher alongside students.

Internet sensation Darren, best known for his impersonations of LFC stars, appears as John Bishop as the head of construction, Brendan Rodgers as head of sport and fitness and David Beckham as head of hair and beauty.

Les, who grew up in Kirkby, said: “Darren’s got a huge following on YouTube and I had that profile from Britain’s Got Talent and we’re two Scousers, so we clicked well.

“Some promotional videos can be a bit boring so we wanted to bring a bit of fun to the video.

“Students from the college got involved and hopefully we can inspire them. That’s how it started for me - doing impressions of teachers.”

The video, will be used to promote the college online in a bid to encourage students to enrol.

The sketch was written by former Brookside actor Steven Fletcher and the video was produced by his management and production company 20ten Entertainment.

Darren, from Kensington, said: “We’ve been offering this service to businesses over the last couple of years because of my following on YouTube. It makes people laugh and helps the videos go viral.

“We even used some of the college’s own students who were great. It’s always good working with Les as it is a real laugh and his Gordon Ramsay impression is amazing.”

To watch the video go to http://bit.ly/132shUA

10th Annual Cadet Award Ceremony

On the 28th June, Skills for Health Academy North West hosted, on behalf of the partners, the 10th Annual Cadet Award Ceremony. They were joined by 400 Cadets and 600 guests from across the region as they celebrated the Cadet’s academic achievements and heard about their experiences on placement.

The audience heard from cadets themselves who explained how their values and behaviours shaped their practice, they also spoke about the importance of good role models and what they mean to them. Cadets had nominated placement mentors who they felt had given them exceptional support and encouragement and with over 100 mentors nominated the panel had a hard job of choosing one for each of the sub regions to receive the prestigious Michael McNally Mentor Award.

During the afternoon the Cadets were delighted to present a cheque for £2,334.93, to the Academy’s chosen charity, Help for Heroes. This is the third year that the Cadets have raised funds for this charity over which time they had raised a total of £14,855.81.

Celebrations continued as Cadets came onto the stage and awards for outstanding commitment were announced. The highlight of the Ceremony being the announcement of the Cadet of the Year, one per sub region, once again, there were three exceptional young adults who won this accolade.

The Academy were delighted to be joined by Sir Keith Pearson Chairman of Health Education England, John Roger CEO Skills for Health, Laura Roberts and Sally Cheshire from Health Education North West plus other distinguished guests many of whom had been instrumental in the development of the Academy 10 years ago.

To celebrate this milestone there was also a presentation which highlighted the journey of the Academy.

College to retain Kirkby site Knowsley Community College to retain and enhance Kirkby site and provide free transport for all 16-18 year-olds.

Knowsley Community College has revealed it will be retaining part of its site in Kirkby after an extended period of consultation with stakeholders.

The College’s base for Employer Engagement will remain in Kirkby along with new training facilities for its successful WorkWorld provision for unemployed adults that also operates in Huyton.

The college will be providing a free shuttle bus service between its Kirkby and Huyton campuses which will allow returning and new students who live in Kirkby to attend their courses with minimal disruption.

Steve Logan, principal at the College said: “We’re pleased with the outcome in the sense that we have achieved the significant savings needed, but still been able to retain a base in Kirkby.

“Ultimately, the Kirkby base will enable the College to enhance its work with local employers and strengthen our ability to help the adult workforce, learners and those seeking employment. In addition we will continue to offer a range of ‘first steps’ courses for adults returning to learning and these will be offered at the Kirkby site and a range of community venues in the area.

Most other courses will be transferred to the newly-refurbished Roby campus and the new high-tech facility site at Princess Drive, Huyton which focuses on engineering and motor vehicle technology, construction, electrical installation, environmental technology and logistics.

The College is also launching a series of new and unique fulltime courses including Radio Production, Forensic Science, multi-skilled property maintenance and transport & logistics alongside its broad range of A level and vocational courses. With additional financial support secured from Knowsley Council, the College has also announced that will be able to provide free bus passes to all 16-18 year-olds wishing to study at the College from September.

“We are grateful to Knowsley Council for the financial contribution it is making to support the travel costs of Knowsley residents, which can often be a barrier to young people continuing in further education. This means we will provide free, non-means tested bus services for existing and new students, plus a dedicated free shuttle bus from Kirkby to Huyton. There will be additional, generous travel allowances for all other students too.

Overall, it has been a very positive six months for Knowsley Community College.

Mr. Logan concluded: “On the back of our unprecedented results for a UK college following our Ofsted report in the Spring, we’ve just enjoyed record applications for courses. I’m looking forward to September because after some challenging times, we feel confident of a bright and most importantly, sustainable future.”

August 2013 7

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF CARE IN THE COMMUNITY

Celebrations went off with a…shovel and dig, shovel and dig…when the Lord Mayor came to visit.

On Tuesday 6 August Aaron Grange was delighted to welcome Mayor Councillor Brian O’Hare and his wife Councillor Mrs Christina O’Hare.

Their visit launched the beginning of the official 25 year celebrations of Aaron Grange providing care to the community.

An assortment of wonderful people, some who constantly work to make Aaron Grange the great home it is and other individuals from the surrounding community all came together to pull out all the stops!

Aspect Landscaping donated a beautiful Silver Birch to leave a constant reminder of the great service Aaron Grange has provided. The perfect way for this tree to be given its new home we felt was to be planted by the head of the community, Councillor Brian O’Hare.

Everyone within the home felt great excitement at the opportunity to meet the Mayor and his wife, both of whom spent

the afternoon meeting all our residents and enjoying a spot of afternoon refreshments.

They would also like to extend a special thank you to the art students who helped create the new ‘AG’ on the approach to Aaron Grange which is very eye catching and looks truly marvellous!

During its lifetime Aaron Grange has under gone many changes from being ‘Beecham House’ to the wonderful home and a community within a community, it is today.

Managing Director of New Century Care who owns Aaron Grange passed on his congratulations, saying: “Brightened by its recent refurbishment all the staff with lead from home manager Pat continue to work incredibly hard to make this the friendly and caring home which I am very proud of."

The Celebrations continued on the Saturday with their special celebratory Summer Fete, complete with a bouncy castle, BBQ, games and much more to which everyone was invited!

Time running out for applications to Life Sciences UTC Students rushed to take part in the first official tours of new Liverpool Life Sciences UTC this week.

Following a £4.5m renovation, the Grade II-listed CUC building has been transformed into a state of the art science college to develop the next generation of scientists, engineers and healthcare professionals.

Students with a passion for science had the opportunity to see new, industry standard Innovation Labs where they will participate in research on topics such as antibiotic resistance, vaccines and cancer treatments with support from industry partners and biochemistry expert, Professor David Hornby.

Students looking to specialise in medicine and healthcare visited new cutting edge learning facilities, including a mock hospital suite where they will learn alongside ‘Sim Man’ a dummy patient and consultants from the Royal Liverpool Hospital.

The college will offer 14-19 year olds a specialist education consisting of GCSEs, A Levels and professional qualifications to help open doors to the region’s lucrative life science, pharmaceutical and personal care businesses. With support from partners, including the University of Liverpool, Redx Pharma, Unilever, Novartis and Nutricia, the

college is able to offer extensive work placements including 200 placements at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, industry based projects and an extensive masterclass programme.

Principal, Phil Lloyd says, ”The response to our offering has been overwhelming, we are about to go to waiting list for places so if you are thinking about a career in science or healthcare, you owe it to yourself to find out more – fast.”

Your views needed Knowsley Council is asking people for their views to secure funding to expand the borough’s archive service.

The council has been awarded initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in a funding bid to develop the collection of unique materials from Knowsley’s past.

The development phase of the bid asks people to give their views on the current archive. A short questionnaire is now available from each of the borough’s libraries and One Stop Shops. You can also complete the questionnaire online through the council’s website, www.knowsley.gov.uk

8 August 2013

SETTING OUT FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN KNOWSLEY Knowsley Council has taken the next step in setting out how the borough might be developed over the next 15 years and beyond.

Knowsley’s ‘Local Plan’ – which all councils are required to produce – sets out broadly where and how new development will take place.

The ‘Core Strategy’ part of the plan has now been formally submitted to the Secretary of State, following several rounds of consultation with local people over the past three years.

It aims to: • Create attractive places to live, work and spend leisure time • Deliver more than 8,000 new homes by 2028 • Create new employment opportunities • Decide how town centres and smaller shopping areas should be developed • Make best use of green spaces • Decide how to tackle climate change As with all plans of this type, an examination in public will take place following the submission. This will be chaired by a Government-appointed planning inspector and will involve public hearings, expected to begin in November.

The council will then seek to adopt the core strategy as part of its statutory local development plan.

Cllr Dave Lonergan, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills, said: “This has been a large piece of work which has been carefully considered with input from our residents and local businesses at every stage.

“It is important because it sets out how we want Knowsley to look in years to come – and how we can use development to achieve some of the things that are most important to local people by providing access to employment, housing, and leisure opportunities.”

Information about the local plan and the forthcoming examination in public can be found on the council’s website at www.knowsley.gov.uk/localplan.

Knowsley Council libraries and one stop shops also have paper copies of key documents relating to the Plan which can be viewed on request.

Anyone who would like more information on the examination in public process can contact Paul Morris, programme officer by emailing programmeofficer@knowsley.gov.uk or calling 0151 443 3077.

FESTIVAL DELIGHT IN KIRKBY

Kirkby schoolboy turns keeper at Dudley Zoo

An animal-mad Kirkby schoolboy, turned keeper for the day when he joined staff at Dudley Zoological Gardens.

Nathan Stott, of Morston Crescent, worked with Brazilian tapirs at the award-winning West Midlands tourist attraction as part of the 40-acre site’s ‘Little keeper for a day’ experience, alongside his best friend Dylan Connor.

Nathan’s mum, Sharon, said the day was particularly special for her 11-year-old son, as he suffers from dyslexia.

Sharon said: “Nathan’s connection through life is with animals. He has always had a love for them from very young and he would rather spend all his time understanding them and looking after them.

“They both really enjoyed the experience and would love to do it again.”

DZG chief executive Peter Suddock said: “Nathan and Dylan had an fantastic time. We introduced ‘Keeper for a day’ and ‘Little Zoo Keepers’ for eight to 13-year-olds as an experience a few years ago and it has proved so successful that staff are kept busy with

requests from all over the country.”

Keepers for a day discover what goes on behind the scenes at DZG, one of the UK’s top zoos. Throughout the session they help staff with their daily duties including feeding, cleaning and caring for the collection, many of which are endangered species.

There’s a chance to catch up with the action in Lemur Wood before finding out more about DZG’s larger animals, including Brazilian tapirs and Rothschild giraffes, Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions, Humboldt penguins, red pandas, plus reptiles – you choose!

Mr Suddock added: “It’s a unique opportunity to get close to some of the rarest animals on the planet and work alongside our keepers with a wide range of exotic and endangered species most folk see only on their TV screens, and funds raised through the scheme support exciting conservation and animal projects at DZG. “It also offers a brilliant photo opportunity for the family album and makes a great gift for all occasions!”

Little Treasure’s in Whiston Yet again thousands of local residents turned up to the Kirkby Festival, the towns biggest one day attraction.

It was a glorious day enjoyed by all, with free arts, sports, circus skills, and face painting amongst the many activities provided free by the Millbrook Park Millennium Green Trust.

One of the Trusts organisers, Margi Metcalf, said: “Every year we find funding difficult to obtain but with the help of local schools, businesses and housing associations we manage to provide the towns residents with a free for all fun day.

“Local children and community groups performed on the main stage and received tremendous applause”.

‘Contrasting Land’ art exhibition The contemporary stART Space Gallery in Kirkby is currently home to a new and exciting exhibition.

The ‘Contrasting Land’ art exhibition presents Ian Hewitt’s collection of black and white images from across Merseyside and the north west.

The collection displays the varied landscape across the region, capturing neglected and long forgotten industries left to nature. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase items from the collection. The exhibition will be displayed

at the stART Space Gallery, Kirkby Library, until Saturday 16 November 2013.

Ian also has work on display in Kirkby Gallery as part of the artists on show in the ‘Travels with Turner’ exhibition.To view some of Ian Hewitt’s work visit www.wiseowlimagery.co.uk If you require further information about the ‘Contrasting Land’ art exhibition or any other exhibitions at the stART Space Gallery please ring 443 5617 or email: tina.ball@knowsley.gov.uk

Whiston Willis has been running a mums and toddlers session called ‘Little Treasures’, every Tuesday afternoon which has proved to be really popular.

Mrs Vasey and Miss Nealms, who run the group, have had some great feedback from parents who say they would definitely recommend to friends.

Learning Mentor, Paulette Steele, said: “We feel this is a great way for parents and toddlers, to link up and make friends and also to meet some of our school staff prior to the children starting school or nursery.

“The children do lots of fun and sometimes really messy activities, which they love!

Refreshments and snacks are also served each week for adults and children.

August 2013 9

10 August 2013

Health

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01. Lifts your mood 02. Improves learning abilities 03. Builds self-esteem 04. Keeps your brain fit 05. Keeps your body fit and able 06. Boosts mental health 07. Boosts your immune system 08. Reduces stress 09. Makes your feel happier 10. Has anti-ageing effects 11. Improves skin tone and colour 12. Improves sleeping patterns 13. Helps prevent strokes 14. Improves joint function 15. Improves muscle strength 16. Alleviates anxiety 17. Sharpens memory 18. Helps control addictions 19. Boosts productivity 20. Boosts creative thinking 21. Improves body image 22. Gives you confidence 23. Helps you keep focused in life 24. Improves eating habits 25. Increases longevity

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REASONS to exercise Strengthens your bones Strengthens your heart Improves posture Prevents colds Improves appetite Improves cholesterol levels Lowers risk of (certain) cancers Lowers high blood pressure Lowers risk of diabetes Fights dementia Eases back pain Decrease osteoporosis risk Reduces feelings of depression Prevents muscle loss Increase energy and endurance Increases sports performance Increases pain resistance Improves balance and co-ordination Improves oxygen supply to cells Improves concentration Helps with self-control Lessens fatigue Increase sex drive and satisfaction Makes life more exciting Improves Quality of Life

Are you eligible for a free Health Check?

People aged 40 to 74 are being encouraged to find out if they are eligible for a free health check.

The purpose of the check is to assess the risk of developing a number of conditions including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes.

The quick and simple check is carried out by a trained health check nurse and is available in your local GP surgery or local community venue.

During the check, the health check nurse will ask some simple questions about your family history and current lifestyle. They will measure your height and weight before checking your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The check could help to identify serious illnesses early and help to prevent health problems in the future.

If you live in Knowsley and are aged between 40 and 74, you can call the health check nurses on 0800 032 5821 or 07976 148 617. The nurses will be able to advise on whether you

meet the criteria for a free health check and can book you in for an appointment.

Matthew Ashton, acting director of public health for Knowsley, said: “Many Knowsley residents may be entitled to the free health check and all it takes is a quick phone call to find out.

The check itself is straightforward and quick, and can help identify potentially serious illnesses before it’s too late”.

MEETING CANCELLED Please be aware that due to the peak holiday season and annual leave, the Governing Body meeting scheduled for August 2013 has now been cancelled.

The Thursday 5 September, meeting will still go ahead as usual.

The meeting will be held in the Old School House, St Johns Road, Huyton, L36 0UX starting at 2pm.

Aged 11 to 16 and got something on your mind?

Teenage Health in Knowsley (THinK) can help with • Healthy Eating • Health Problems • Drugs and Alcohol • Stopping Smoking • Bullying • Relationships and Sexual health • Emotional Health and Well-being • Domestic Abuse and more… specialised type of support, we’ll direct you to the right people and services.”

If you’re aged 11 to 16 and having problems at home, school or college that are affecting your health – your School Health Team can help.

During term-time you can speak to a school nurse during a lunchtime drop-in session at your school.

Whether you’re struggling with conditions like asthma, epilepsy or diabetes or you want to smoke or drink less or eat more healthily there’s lots of practical hints and tips we can give you to help you to start to enjoy your life again.

You can also call in on our nurses at Whiston Primary Care Resource Centre on Old Colliery Road every Tuesday between 3.30pm and 5pm – including over the summer school holidays. If you live outside the Whiston/Prescot area please call us on the number below and we will direct you to a school nurse in your area.

We’re here for you to help you manage emotional problems too – especially if you’re struggling with bullies; a difficult situation at home or having relationship or sexual health problems.

“Our trained nurses have lots of experience when it comes to speaking to and helping children and young people,” says Colette Greaves, Performance Quality Lead for the team.

You can come alone or with your parents – it’s up to you. But please do ‘THinK’ about contacting us. You don’t have to struggle alone.

“We’re not here to judge, we’re here to listen to you in confidence and to help when we can. If you need a more

To find out more about ‘Teenage Health in Knowsley’ call 0151 426 0611.

August 2013 11

PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY AS KNOWSLEY WELCOMES BACK THE TOUR OF BRITAIN Preparations are well underway as Knowsley prepares to welcome back the UK’s biggest cycle race – The Tour of Britain – on Tuesday, 17 September 2013.

Over a hundred of the world’s top cyclists will be competing against the clock in an individual time trial, which starts and finishes at Knowsley Safari.

Cyclists will leave Knowsley Safari in one minute intervals and follow a 16km course through parts of the borough.

Cyclists will turn left out of the Knowsley Safari onto the A58 Prescot by-pass, take the first exit at the roundabout onto St Helens Road and then perform a sharp u-turn before the traffic lights at the junction with Burrows Lane.

They will then head back to the roundabout and take the second exit onto St Helens Road towards Prescot, turn right at the traffic lights onto High Street, along Derby Street, across both roundabouts over the M57 on A57 Liverpool Road and then onto Knowsley

Lane.

They will continue on Knowsley Lane through Knowsley Village, turning right onto Mill Lane, right onto Ormskirk Road and into the Knowsley Hall Estate. They will then exit Knowsley Hall Estate at George Hale Avenue, turning left onto Knowsley Lane. At the roundabout, they will then head back onto the A58 Prescot by-pass and turn left into Knowsley Safari.

The race commences at 12.00 noon and as part of its journey through the borough’s streets, local residents, schools, businesses and community groups are being invited to join in and welcome the national cycle race.

This is a fantastic opportunity to come along and watch this free, televised world-class event.

Throughout the day, there will be lots of activities taking place at Knowsley Safari and around the route – further details, including the map of the route, are available on www.discoverknowsley.co.uk

Trust staff honoured for providing excellence in patient care

■ Team of the Year winners, Urology Department, with Radio City 96.7 DJ Simon Ross

Staff at St Helens and Whiston hospitals were honoured for the excellent service they provide to patients during a special awards evening at the Liverpool Echo Arena in July.

The annual awards evening is the biggest NHS staff presentation event of its kind and this year was the 9th consecutive year.

The event is funded through ticket sales and the generous donations by the Trust’s partners and is organised at no cost to the NHS. The event recognised the hard-work and outstanding commitment of wards, departments and individuals who are delivering an excellent standard of service. Several special guests from the worlds of media and entertainment were on hand to present the awards to staff and applaud their exceptional work and achievements.

Ann Marr, Chief Executive said: “Our valued and dedicated staff make such a positive difference to the lives of so many patients and their families.

“This event is held to honour all our staff for providing an excellent service and I am delighted to be able to thank them for their hard work, care and compassion.

“We are extremely grateful to our partners whose kind donations enable us to continue to hold this magnificent event at no cost to the NHS, and to our special guests for so generously giving their time and support.”

St Helens College Enrolling Now At St Helens College we have spent £56 million on our brand new campus, making sure we have world class facilities, classrooms and workshops.

Our town centre location means many shops and restaurants are just next door, lots of which offer student discount.

You can choose to study from a range of vocational subjects where you will learn in a practical, hands-on way. Subjects you can choose from vary from Animal Care, Cabin Crew, through to Graphic Design, Horticulture and Sport.

St Helens College student Sharna Grimes has discovered that the sky really is the limit after successfully completing the Level 2 Diploma in Cabin Crew Skills. Sharna, a former pupil at Brookfield High School in Kirkby, has always wanted a career in the aviation industry.

Sharna says "The course provides you with hands on experience and the time we spent at the Thomas Cook Training Centre was fantastic. As well as developing our skills and learning about the industry, we also had a lot of fun and I have made many life-long friends."

Like many students studying on a vocation course, Sharna felt that each week at College was a step closer to her dream job.

She has now gained employment with Servisair at Manchester Airport, where she will be representing Thomson.

Whatever you want to do and wherever you want to go, St Helens College is your next step. Come into one of our sixth form enrolment sessions where you can find out more about St Helens College, meet our tutors, get careers advice or information and sign up for a course starting this September.

12 August 2013

Knowsley Flower Show Pictures: Tom Murphy

Over 22,000 people enjoyed an action packed day of fun at the 15th annual Knowsley Flower Show in Huyton on Sunday.

Highlights of the show, which is the largest free horticultural show in the North West, included performances by H&M Dog Display, Kuk Sool won Martial Arts, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Mersey Morris Men. This was in addition to the stunning floral marquee which was once again a blaze of colour with hundreds of fantastic horticultural displays, entered into more than 100 classes.

The overall winner of Best Exhibit in the Show was Philip Spark, for his two giant decorative dahlias.

Other winners included Chris Bright who scooped Best in Pot Plants Section and Helen Doran who went away with the Best in Cut Flower Section.

Amongst the younger flower enthusiasts, the Best in Young Persons Section went to Owen Murray. Aside from the judging, children enjoyed free face painting, circus skills, craft activities and pottery.

There was also a giant Craft Marquee, Geraud Produce Food Market, health

and wellbeing area, Community Marquee and the Marketplace Marquee which housed numerous Knowsley businesses and gave advice on starting a business.

Cllr Eddie Connor, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for leisure, community and culture, said, “This year’s flower show was once again a huge success and I’m glad to see so many people turned out to enjoy the North West’s biggest free horticultural event.

“The flower show attracts visitors from far and wide and is always a highlight in the Knowsley calendar.”

August 2013 13

Roll of honour Best in Cut Flower Section - Helen Dolan Best in Dahlias Section - Philip Spark Best in Roses Section - Sabah Khan Best in Pot Plants Section - Chris Bright Best in Vegetables Section - Ron Hill Best in Novice - Keith Silcock Best in Show - Philip Spark Best Boy - Owen Murray Best Girl - Katelyn Willock Best in Young Person’s Section - Owen Murray The Arthur Jackson Master Gardener - Richard Burniston The Freda Gabrielsen Trophy for best basket of flowers - Helen Dolan The Bill Sandifer Trophy for best Gladioli Exhibit - Sabah Khan The North of England Dahlia Association Trophy for best Dahlia Exhibit - Philip Spark The Albert Sutcliffe Memorial Trophy for most points in Dahlia Section – Philip Spark The Ford Sports & Social Club Gardening Challenge Cup for most points in Vegetable Section - Richard Burniston The Banksian Medal for most points in the Show - Derek Brooks

14 August 2013

Out & About AUGUST MONDAY 12 AUGUST SPOOKY CRAFT 14:00 – 16:00 Page Moss Library, Stockbridge Lane, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 3SA. Make a scary pop-up book. For children aged 6+. FREE. Contact Page Moss Library on 443 2678 TUESDAY 13 AUGUST MRS STANLEY'S STORY, SONG & RHYME TIME 14:00 – 15:00 Halewood Library, Halewood Centre, Roseheath Drive, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 9UH. Appetising adventures with words and music...bring your imagination For children aged 3+. FREE. Contact Halewood Library on 443 2086.

TUESDAY 13 AUGUST SPOOKY CRAFT 14:00 – 16:00 Whiston Library, Dragon Lane, Whiston, Merseyside, L35 3QW. Make a scary pop-up book. For children aged 6+. FREE. Contact Whiston Library on 426 4757 TUESDAY 13 AUGUST KIRKBY CHILDREN'S TOWN CENTRE FUN DAY 13:00 – 16:00 Kirkby Town Centre, St Chads Parade, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 8RR. Free Fun Day Event with Mini Disco, games, arts and crafts, face painting and much more. Contact Cathy Hughes 477 8641 TUESDAY 13 AUGUST DANCE MAGIC 10:30 – 12:00 The Craigs Community Centre, Little Moss Hey, Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, L28 5RH. Morning session is 10.30am until 12pm - £3 per person and £1 for carers. The afternoon session is 1pm until 2.30pm - £3 per person and £1 for carers. Refreshments available.

TUESDAY 13 AUGUST LONGVIEW KNITWITS 13:00 – 16:00. Longview Shops, Huyton, Merseyside, L36. 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 WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST SPOOKY CRAFT 10:30 – 11:30 Halewood Library, Halewood Centre, Roseheath Drive, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 9UH. Creepy crafts for little ones. For the 0 5s. FREE. Contact Halewood Library on 443 2086.

WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST STREET DANCE SESSION 12:00 – 14:00 Knowsley Park Centre for Learning, Knowsley Park Lane, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 3NB. Street Dance/Hip Hop sessions on the 14th and 15th August for ages 12-19. No pre booking required just turn up on the day. £2 per session.

Contact Peter Green 443 5648/peter.green@knowsley.gov.uk WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST YOUTH CLUB @ BRYER ROAD 18:30 – 20:30 Bryer Road Awards session, Bryer Road Community Centre, Prescot, Merseyside, L35 5DW. 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 WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST COPTHORNE PLAYGROUND WORKSHOPS 11:00 – 15:00 Copthorne Adventure Playground, Melverley Road, Westvale, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 0RP. Free art and craft workshops for children aged 0-11years. Children under 5 need to be accompanied by an adult. For further details contact Michael Evans on 0151 443 5666 WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST INFLATABLE FUN, SPORTS AND ARTS ACTIVITIES 10:00 – 15:00 Huyton arts and sports college, Seel Road, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 6DG. Open access sessions for everyone - £2 per person.

Contact Lucy Knight on 07919111293 for more details or Lucy.Knight@knowsley.gov.uk

email your events to: thechallenge@merseymirror.com WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST MRS STANLEY'S STORY, SONG AND RHYME TIME 14:00 – 15:00 Prescot Library, Prescot Shopping Centre, Aspinall Street, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 5GA. Appetising adventures with words and music....bring your imagination. For children aged 3+. FREE. Contact Prescot Library on 443 5101 WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST RELAXATION AND RELAXATION CRAFTS @ THE YOUTHY 18:00 – 21:00 The Youthy Youth Club, Woolfall Heath Avenue, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 3YE. Samples of relaxation methods such as hand and head massages, also making bird feeders. For ages 11 to 19. Cost 25p. Contact Chrissy 07766511203 / 0151 443 5333 THURSDAY 15 AUGUST NEW HUTTE WOODS FUN DAY 1pm-3pm New Hutee Woods, Redbourne Avenue/Mirfield Close (off New Hutte Lane), Halewood. A fun day for all the family.

THURSDAY 15 AUGUST WILDLIFE DISCOVERY DAY 13:00 – 15:00 Huyton Wetlands, Huyton Lane, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 7XQ. Come and discover what lurks in the pond at Huyton Wetlands. 1 - 3pm. Free of charge. Aged 6 plus.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Contact the North Huyton ranger on 07766 205541 for more details.

THURSDAY 15 AUGUST MILL FARM PLAY WORKSHOPS 11:00 – 15:00 Mill Farm Adventure Playground, Mill Lane, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 2AU. Free art and craft workshops for children aged 0-11years.

Children under 5 need to be accompanied by an adult. For further details contact Michael Evans on 0151 443 5666 THURSDAY 15 AUGUST UMBRELLA' - ART WORKSHOPS 10:00 – 16:00 Huyton arts and sports college, Seel Road, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 6DG. Open access sessions for everyone - £3 per person.

Contact Lucy Knight on 07919111293 for more details or Lucy.Knight@knowsley.gov.uk THURSDAY 15 AUGUST WILDLIFE DISCOVERY DAY – POND LIFE Huyton Wetlands, Huyton Lane, 1pm start – to 3.30 pm. An afternoon of themed wildlife discovery with games, quizzes and prizes. This event is free but booking essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult. To book contact the North Huyton Ranger on 0151 488 6151 or 07766 205541.

THURSDAY 15 AUGUST FOOTBALL COACHING SESSION 19:00 – 21:00 Towerhill Community Centre – Youth Club, Ebony Way, Kirkby, Merseyside Football coaching - no cost. Age range 11-19, qualified coaches from Everton in the Community.

Contact Joe Fogg 07810054146 joe.fogg@knowsley.gov.uk THURSDAY 15 AUGUST ENCHANTED DISCO - OAK TREE CC, HALEWOOD 13:00 – 15:00 St Marks School, Fir Avenue Halewood, Merseyside, L26 0XR. Get your tickets for this event at Oak Tree Children’s Centre for just £1 each and join us for a disco, magic show and crafts. Contact Oak Tree on 0151 443 2191 FRIDAY 16 AUGUST PLAY SESSION - JUBILEE CC, HUYTON 12:00 – 15:00 Jubilee Pavilion, Jubilee Park, Twig Lane/Dinas Lane, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 2LG Run by volunteers, they provide a variety of play activities for children ages 0 - 11. Sessions include cage football, art and crafts. Café is open for refreshments.

SATURDAY 17 AUGUST WILDLIFE DISCOVERY DAY – SPIDERS Huyton Wetlands, Huyton Lane. 1pm start –to 3.30 pm. An afternoon of themed wildlife discovery with games, quizzes and prizes. This event is free but booking essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult. To book contact the North Huyton Ranger on 0151 488 6151 or 07766 205541.

SATURDAY 17 AUGUST NORTHWOOD FOREST HILLS FUN DAY 12-3pm Northwood Forest Hills and Simonswood Playing Fields, Simonswood Lane. Kirkby A fun day for all the family.

MONDAY 19 AUGUST POND DIP 13:00 – 15:00 Halewood Environment Centre, Okell Drive, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 7XB. What lurks in the depths of the pond? Let's get dipping and find out! All equipment provided.

Suitable for families. Children aged 8 and above.

Free event. Call 0151 488 6151 for more information.

MONDAY 19 AUGUST FREE FAMILY FUN DAYS 12:00 – 16:00 Kirkby Town Centre, Newtown Gardens, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 8RR. Face painting, Bouncy Castles, Gyro Chair, Football Cage, live music, free burgers and soft drinks.

Children's story time at 2:30 each day. No charge.

Contact Graham Peel, 0776 4488724.

MONDAY 19 AUGUST VISUAL ARTS CAMP 10:00 – 16:00 Knowsley Park Centre for Learning, Knowsley Park Lane, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 3NB. Fun Visual Arts Camp to create banners for the Tour of Britain which will pass through Prescot. Ages 6+. Families welcome to attend. No pre booking required just turn up on the day. Free to attend. Contact Peter Green 443 5648/peter.green@knowsley.gov.uk MONDAY 19 AUGUST WEAR YOUR WELLIES TRAIL 10:00 – 16:00 National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Knowsley, Liverpool, L16 3NA. Free. This is a self-led trail for you to do at your own pace, drop-in anytime between 10am – 4pm and collect a trail. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear! For more information please call 0151 738 1913 or email events@landlife.org.uk Please note entry charges may still apply.

MONDAY 19 AUGUST MAKE IT MONDAYS 13:00 – 16:00 Prescot Museum, The Activity Room, Prescot Shopping Centre, Aspinall Street, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 5GA. Make it Monday's are all about making things..... on a Monday! You will be working with an artist who will provide all the materials you need. The workshops are free and no booking required. All children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Tina Ball 0151 443 5617 for further information.

TUESDAY 20 AUGUST ARCHERY SKILLS AND BOW MAKING 11:00 – 15:00 Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Huyton, Merseyside, L16 3NA. Try your hand at bow making, bushcraft or archery. Only suitable for children over seven years of age.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.Contact the Ranger 0151 443 3114 or 07771 550 843. Come along and have a go anytime between 11am – 3pm. Knowsley’s Bridgefield Archers will be joining us as we have a go at Archery Skills.

You can try your hand at bow making and bushcraft skills with My Outdoors Classroom and Knowsley Rangers.

Please note this event is for children aged 7 years and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. This event is supported by the Friends of Court Hey Park and is part of our Be Active - Free Workshops at the National Wildflower Centre. For more information please call 0151 738 1913 or email: events@landlife.org.uk. Please note entry charges may still apply.

TUESDAY 20 AUGUST SCAVENGER HUNT 13:00 – 15:00 Stadt Moers Park, Pottery Lane, Whiston, Merseyside, L35 3RG. Explore your local park and discover nature in this fun family activity. Free Event. Contact the ranger for details - 0151 489 1239

ONE NOT TO MISS

TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER THE TOUR OF BRITAIN The Tour comes to Knowsley and the streets will be lined with thousands of spectators hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the world’s top cyclists.

TUESDAY 20 AUGUST BOARD GAMES 11:00 – 12:00 Prescot Library, Prescot Shopping Centre, Aspinall Street, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 5GA. Play games with your friends. For children aged 5+. FREE. Contact Prescot Library on 443 5101.

WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST TRAIL RACE 3 19:00 – 20:00 Stadt Moers Park, Pottery Lane, Whiston, Merseyside, L35 3RG. Come along and take part in any of the three races across undulating terrain; 2k, 3, 8k. Starts from 7pm.

An excellent way to keep fit on a summery evening.

Members of an Athletic club - Race 1 (2k) £1, Race 2(3k) £1, Race 3 (8K) £2. Non members £3 per entry. Contact the Rangers on 0151 489 1239 THURSDAY 22 AUGUST WILDLIFE DISCOVERY DAY – BUG LIFE Woolfall Heath Meadow (meet at Woolfall Heath Road entrance, opposite Alt Resource Centre) 1pm start –to 3.30 pm An afternoon of themed wildlife discovery with games, quizzes and prizes. This event is free but booking essential.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. To book contact the North Huyton Ranger on 0151 488 6151 or 07766 205541.

FRIDAY 23 AUGUST WILDLIFE DISCOVERY DAY – ON THE WING (BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS) KGV Dell (meet at 1 pm outside the entrance to King George V Leisure Centre, Longview Lane, L36 7UN). 1pm start –to 3.30 pm An afternoon of themed wildlife discovery with games, quizzes and prizes. This event is free but booking essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult. To book contact the North Huyton Ranger on 0151 488 6151 or 07766 205541.

SATURDAY 24 AUGUST WEBSTER PARK FUN DAY 12-4pm Webster Park, Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby A fun day for all the family.

SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 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. SUNDAY 25 AUGUST ALT VALLEY MUSIC, CULTURE & FOOD FESTIVAL At Croxteth Country Park 12:00 – 17:00. Enjoy great local music talent with top quality food on offer. There will be free children's activities. The event is organised by Alt Valley Community Trust.

Supported by Neighbourhood Services Company and Geraud Markets Liverpool Limited. Cost: Free event.

MONDAY 26 AUGUST 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

August 2013 15

50p on entrance. Contact Peter Boardman – 07766558895 MONDAY 26 AUGUST MEMORY BOX MAKING @ THE YOUTHY 18:00 – 21:00 The Youthy Youth Club, Woolfall Heath Avenue, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 3YE. Create a box for keeping treasured memories. For ages 11 to 19. Cost 50p. Contact Chrissy 07766511203 / 0151 443 5333.

TUESDAY 27 AUGUST TRY SOMETHING TUESDAYS 13:00 – 16:00 Kirkby Gallery, Newtown Gardens, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 8RR. Fun holiday art workshops for all the family making something creative to take away - every week will be different. You will be working with an artist who will bring lots of exciting materials. No need to book and its all free. All children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Tina Ball 0151 443 5617 for further information TUESDAY 27 AUGUST MERSEY TIGERS BASKETBALL CAMP 10:00 – 15:00 Halewood Academy, The Avenue, Wood Road, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 1UU. This is your chance to receive coaching from Mersey Tiger professional basketball club coaches.

Tony Walsh, Mersey Tigers head coach plus a player from the team will be on hand to teach you the skills of basketball. For more information please contact Mersey Tigers on 0151 728 3135 or via email info@merseytigers.com WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST SERIOUSLY SPOOKY STORY SHARE 14:00 – 15:00 Stockbridge Village Library, The Withens, Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, L28 1AB. Ghastly, gruesome, and brooding spinetingling tales. Bring stories and poems you have read or written and compete to win a prize. For children aged 8+. FREE. Contact Stockbridge Library on 443 2501 WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST OPEN ACCESS DAY 10:00 – 12:00 Halewood Academy, The Avenue, Wood Road, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 1UU. Halewood Academy is having two open access days where you can come along and enjoy the inflatable castle, have your face painted and create your own art work plus much more. For more

information please contact Debbie Rose on 07825677159 or via email debbie.rose@knowsley.gov.uk These sessions are for the whole family and costs £3 for a two hour session either 10am-12pm or 1pm to 3pm.

THURSDAY 29 AUGUST CRAFT SESSION 14:15 – 15:15 Huyton Library, Civic Way, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9GD. Creepy crafts for older children. For children aged 6+. FREE. Contact Huyton Library on 443 3734.

THURSDAY 29 AUGUST CREEPY CREATIVE WRITING 10:00 – 14:00 Whiston Library, Dragon Lane, Whiston, Merseyside, L35 3QW. Create your very own creepy story and enter the competition. For children aged 5+. FREE. Contact Whiston Library on 426 4757 FRIDAY 30 AUGUST SPOOKY CRAFT 14:15 – 15:15. Kirkby Library, Newtown Gardens, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 8RR. Creepy fun for little ones. For children 0 - 5. FREE. Contact Kirkby Library on 443 4289 THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER ART & CRAFT SESSIONS - JEWELLERY MAKING 19:00 – 21:00 Tower Hill Youth Club, Ebony Way, Kirkby, Merseyside, L33 1XT. Pottery and Jewellery making sessions. No cost. Contact:Joe Fogg 07810054164 Joe.fogg@knowsley.gov.uk

16 August 2013

Gemma’s Story Woodlands Hospice often receive lovely stories from family and friends of people who have been cared for at the Hospice, who want to help them.

Gemma’s is one such story. She will be raising money through their Woofs and Wellies Sponsored Dog Walk in memory of Peter Jones, who sadly passed away in November 2012.

Peter was a colleague of Gemma’s and left behind a wonderful wife Linda, daughter Claire and son Andrew who recently had a new addition to the clan, a beautiful boy called Mason.

Gemma said: “Whilst Woodlands staff made every effort to return Peter home for his final journey it was decided this would be a strain, so they cared for him at Woodlands with compassion for both family and patient”.

Linda and her family were very grateful for the care given in their time of need. Claire and her friends recently took part in our Starlight Walk. Gemma felt this was a great cause so decided to raise more money through our Woofs and Wellies event.

You can join Gemma and her dog Khai at the Woofs and Wellies event on Sunday 22nd September 2013 by registering at: https://regonline.activeeurope.com/woof s2013 or following the link from their home page: www.woodlandshospice.org

■ Gemma and her friend Khia who will be raising much needed funds for Woodlands Hospice

Outdoors with The Hairy Gardener

TEENAGER JESSICA IS CROWNED KNOWSLEY’S RISING STAR A teenage singing star-in-themaking from Knowsley will soon be hitting the airwaves after winning a competition to find the most talented local performers.

Jessica Finneran, age 17 and from Huyton, stunned judges in the Knowsley’s Rising Star competition with her powerful voice and confident performance.

She went head-to-head with six other finalists in the grand finale, which was held at Knowsley Housing Trust’s Community Day at the weekend and hosted by 99.8FM KCC Live.

Judges Dave North, DJ at KCC Live; local singer Liza Barton; Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Gary Millar; and 2011 X Factor finalist James Michael, were impressed with the character and confidence of her voice as she belted out hits from musicals Fame and Les Miserables.

Jessica, who has been singing since she was 14, was shocked to win, especially as her mum entered her into the competition as a surprise.

Her ambition is to perform in musical theatre, emulating her idol Idina Menzal, star of west end show Wicked, and to be a recording artist.

The Liverpool Community College student said: “It was the first time I have performed in front of a large audience. I can’t believe I won!

“There are so many amazing songs in musical theatre and it’s just so different. I would love to sing on the stage.”

Her prize includes a day in a recording studio and her song will

receive airplay on KCC Live. She will also perform at KHT’s Community Achievement Awards in September.

Judge Liza Barton said: “I would pay to see Jessica on stage in a musical.

Her performance gave me goosebumps.

Dave North said: “She seems like she has been doing this for years” while James Michael told her: “You are a recording artist waiting to get into the studio”.

The competition was organised by Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) to inspire and support young people in the borough. They invited local singers to send in videos of themselves performing and the entries were cut down to the final seven.

Close runners up in the final were Victoria Goulding, Sophie Evans and Jess Bradbury.

Hi, my name is Peter Frances a.k.a. the Hairygardener Many of us will have grown up drinking blackcurrant cordial, this being the time to harvest and prune your fruit and bushes I thought I’d write a bit about them this month. The popularity of blackcurrant cordial stems probably from the Second World War. With the usual supplies of citrus fruit blocked by U-boats, the UK was in danger of being starved of vitamin C, so the government encouraged the nation to grow blackcurrants and from 1942 for a few years most of the country’s blackcurrants were made into cordial and distributed free as a simple, delicious way of getting vitamin C into the nations children.

One of the endearing things about blackcurrants is that they are uncomplicated to look after - and you can combine your harvesting with the pruning. As the currants ripen to deepest black you can get in there with the secateurs and snip off the short trusses of fruit or better still chop out the oldest third of the plant right down to the crown with the trusses still attached to the branch. It’s the perfect time to cut these branches to encourage new growth Blackcurrants are pleasingly versatile, being happiest in a sunny fertile location but they’ll do well in a damper spot where most other fruit would complain. Most of the varieties grow to around 1.5m in width and height.

Although they will get by if ignored for a while they would be grateful for watering until they are established and a good mulch of manure or compost in spring will be well rewarded.

Black currants can be grown successfully in containers of around 40cm diameter but you’ll need to water and feed them very regularly and repot them every three years And don’t forget the leaves as they make a refreshing cup of tea.

Happy gardening

Lost Kirkby Cup is re-housed

■ Left to right, Paul Jones (KHT), Gavin Beckwith (Park Brow higher level teaching assistant) and Miss Valmai Roberts.

A trophy played for by some of the region’s best footballers that was lost for almost 20 years has been rescued by Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT).

The Pendleton Trophy or ‘Kirkby Schools Cup’ had been played for by Kirkby’s finest young footballers since 1962 but had been lost since 1994.

It was uncovered by KHT operatives working on a or empty property in Kirkby, who soon realised its significance.

KHT, launched a Facebook appeal to find out more about the cup and secure a new home for it.

After a bit of polish, KHT has donated it

to Park Brow Primary School in Kirkby, which will once again ask pupils to play for this historic trophy.

Headteacher of Park Brow Primary, Valmai Roberts said: “We are really pleased to bring the cup back to Kirkby! We would like to thank KHT for finding it and restoring it and we will be asking our pupils to look into the history of the trophy to see which famous footballers played for it.”

Some of Kirkby’s most famous footballers who are believed to have played for it in their school days include Phil Thompson, Leighton Baines, Terry McDermott, Ryan Taylor and Rickie Lambert.

August 2013 17

18 August 2013

Education

KIRKBY SPORTS COLLEGE LAUNCHES CAREER TASTER COURSES Kirkby Sports College recently joined forces with the University of Liverpool to kick-off a new initiative to give students taster sessions on a range of careers.

The Knowsley college for 11-16 year olds took a group of animal-loving students to the prestigious university for a specialist veterinary training course. KSC careers coordinator Jay Phoenix said the session signalled the start of a new campaign to drive student career ambitions and raise aspirations.

Mr Phoenix said the college aims to achieve this by teaming up with business and organisations in the Liverpool region which can provide crash courses on a variety of careers. Ten Year 9 students took part in the visit to the University of Liverpool, which has one of the best Veterinary Science departments in Britain.

Mr Phoenix said it is extremely rare for the department to grant such access to school pupils but they were treated to a detailed programme including a practical lecture to show the students what it takes to become a vet.

“The visit dispelled a number of myths about potential barriers to attending university,” said Mr Phoenix. “It provided the pupils good clear advice about how higher education works after college. At the same time it allowed them to gain a better understanding of all round university life.”

As well as a practical lesson the university's Head of Faculty Professor Susan Dawson and Senior Lecturer Dr Neil McEwan spoke to the students. They told them about the qualifications they would need to achieve in their GCSEs and A Levels in order to be considered for the course.

Kirkby Sports College headteacher Bill

■ Joshua Kan, 11, Tom Pagan, 11, Tess Jenkins, 11 and Taylor Tully, 10, pupils from Park View Primary School, enjoy their visit to OurPlace, pictured here with PCSO Carl Barnes

■ Kirkby Sports College headteacher Bill Leyland Leyland said: “The students who attended the course are about to enter a critical two year period in their studies.

This visit helped motivate and inspire by showing how the next few years can directly affect their chosen career path.

Thanks to the time the university spent with them they know that to gain a place at the best veterinary school in the UK is within their reach if they work hard now.”

Prior to the visit the University of Liverpool sent a team of current students and recent graduates to Kirkby Sports College. They told the students exactly what higher education was really like and how they got there.

“They answered questions about finance, personal development, and gave advice on all the things young students worry about before university,” said Mr Leyland. “It has been a very worthwhile exercise and one we are looking to repeat as part of our on-going career taster course initiative.”

NOT QUITE 1001 NIGHTS

A group of pupils from St John Bosco School, Croxteth Year 12 A level Performing Arts students gave a fabulous performance of ‘Arabian Nights’ to appreciative audiences from Years 9 - 12, as well as teaching staff, family, friends and the A level examiner.

The students mastered a challenging script from the Bristol Young Vic Theatre and blended storytelling, physical theatre and hilarious comedy (with a bit of dance and singing thrown into the mix) in their outstanding performances that had the audiences crying with laughter.

The school also wowed audiences over three days, with one of the youngest casts ever, in their own version of Peter Pan. Staff and students have worked tirelessly to create this wonderful production

Primary pupils get a taste of OurPlace Year six pupils have been sampling the fun of OurPlace through special school visits.

Over 400 pupils went along to the youth facility in Huyton during the summer term to get a taste of some of the excellent activities on offer.

Following a tour of the multi-million pound building which boasts fantastic facilities including a media suite, skate park, dance studio and music room, the pupils then enjoyed an afternoon of fun activities such as archery, cake decorating and team games.

The 10 and 11-year-olds also had the opportunity to make their own healthy pizza in the state-of-the-art kitchen where young people learn how to cook their own healthy meals.

The visits were organised by local PCSOs and pupils went away with an OurPlace goodie bag that included details of how to join and make the most of the facilities on a regular basis.

Michael Otty, 11, pupil at St Columbas Catholic Primary School in Huyton, said: “Being in OurPlace was unforgettable because of all the fun activities. I will definitely be coming back over the summer with my mates.”

Cllr Eddie Connor, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for leisure, community and culture, said: “OurPlace is an excellent facility for young people in the borough to make new friends, develop new hobbies and learn new talents.

“It is great to see year six pupils getting a taste of just some of the activities and facilities on offer to young people their age. I’m sure the visits will encourage them to go along with their friends and make the most of OurPlace.”

OurPlace is open to 11 to 19 year-olds in Knowsley and offers a wide range of activities.

It is open six days a week and additional hours during school holidays.

August 2013 19

20 August 2013

Lifestyle

Hello Summer Want to find out the latest high street summer fashion?

Katy Doyle takes a look at a selection of the most popular trends right now!

Summer has finally shown it has arrived and with this range of quirky clothing, footwear and accessories will be keep you looking and feeling cool all throughout summer!

Even our smallest day-to-day accessories will impact your street style!

heart and palm tree top Asda £9

White Mickey Mouse Festival Print T-Shirt - River Island £18.00 Shirt Dress £9 from Asda

Black and Pink Floral Retro sunglasses - New Look - £5.99

Moto Pink Stripe Pini Topshop £42

Adult fitness classes in Huyton Dance Performance Project Would you like to perform at the Theatre Royal in November?

Then come along to our classes starting 4th September.

Wednesday: 4-5pm Little Movers - 4-7 year olds Street Dance - age 10+ Thursday: 4-5pm Rebound Kidz - age 8+ 5-6pm Musical Theatre - age 8+ All classes £3 or 2 classes per week £5

Huyton Gateway 115 Rupert Road Just come along or call the number below for more details

0151 489 4616 www.reboundcic.co.uk

er £3 p s cla s

Vans Shoes Liberty Pink/Leaves £55.00

Pink Diamante Ankle Strap Ballet Pumps River Island £25.00

Blue High Waisted Denim Shorts - £16.99 New Look

Kissing Lips Pendant £3.99 from Zara

August 2013 21

Monday Huyton The Old School House, St John’s Road 6.30pm Kathryn 07865 014437

Huyton St Aidan’s Club, Longview Lane, Huyton 9.30am & 11.30am Michelle 07940 181515

Huyton St Aidans Club Longview Lane 5.30pm & 7.30pm Michelle 07940 181515

Wednesday Dovecot St Margaret Mary’s Social Club (Behind Church) Pilch Lane 9.30am; 4.00pm & 6.00pm Julie 449 1074

Tuesday West Derby The Crown Inn, Leyfield Road 9.00am, 11.00am, 4.30pm & 6.30pm Marji 548 0018

Huyton The Royal British Legion Archway Road 5.30pm Ro 07709 956191

Kirkby Centre 63 Old Hall Lane, Next To St Chads 9.30am & 11.00am Eileen 548 0658

Thursday Whiston George Howard Centre, Lickers Lane, 5.00pm & 6.30pm Kathryn 07865 014437

Speke The Metal Boxonions Sports And Social Club, Speke Boulevard 5.00pm & 6.30pm Clare 07950 631858

Stockbridge Village Craigs Community Centre, Little Moss Hey 6.00pm Ro 07709 956191

Prescot St James Church Hall St Helens Road (Near The Wellington Pub) 9.30am, 11.30am 4.30pm & 6.30pm Lynn 480 1665

Huyton The Royal British Legion Archway Road 1.00pm & 6.00pm Joanne 254 1298

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 548 0018 Prescot Parish Church Meeting Rooms (next to Deans House), Vicarage Place 9.00am Lynn 480 1665

22 August 2013

THE

This Month with Jess Corcoran

bargain queen!

Look number two is the type of thing I'd wear to something a bit more smarter, maybe a interview. You can see how just changing how the shirt is worn changes the outfit enough in itself. You could wear this skirt two different ways by simply untucking the shirt and changing the jacket. Add a necklace, and the world is your oyster¡

don't know about you but I'm a avid lover of sales! I very rarely part with my cash for something without a 'reduced price' sticky label. Over the years of my fashion lust I've collected many bargains, with notable highlights including a £25 pound jumper down to just £3, a dress that would have cost me near £60 for just £15 and a pair of H by Henry Holland loafers reduced to £3.60.

Just call me the bargain queen!

The current economic climate means we all can't just go and splash the cash without a second thought, and we have to be creative in reworking and restyling outfits. I was browsing the rails of Asda the other day and picked up a jungle print pencil skirt for half price, I thought I'd buy it as an excuse to illustrate the many different ways to wear one key garment.

I

Look three is the most casual of the lot with an attempt to show you how throwing any T-shirt over it can still look good. I picked up my Arctic monkeys tee at a Spanish music festival last month but show your tastes by adding whatever you've got hiding in your closet!

Look four is all about reworking the idea of the skirt itself. You say pencil skirt, I say dress!

Think how many items you can restyle in your wardrobe by changing their dimensions. I recently turned a dress into a crop top and skirt...let your imagination run wild!

The first look I've created is somewhere between smart and casual. I've defied a so called 'fashion rule' by mixing print with print, but where is the fun if you don't mix it up a bit? I've added personal touches to it by knotting the shirt at the waist and rolling up the sleeves but you could easily add your own stamp!

Health & Fitness - with Emma Armstrong of Zest Wellness

Healthy Lifestyles for Busy People Trying to fit in exercise and healthy meals into a busy schedule can seem almost impossible at the best of times.

However healthy lifestyles are not excluded to those with spare time and few responsibilities. Below are just a few ideas to help fit in some healthy behaviours without intruding on other parts of life.

Cook in bulk and freeze – to avoid reaching for a takeaway or a ready meal when time is tight cook healthy options in bulk when you have the time and freeze it. Cooking in bulk takes no extra time and can also save you money. Then when you find yourself short for time your meal can be reheated and voila.

Always be prepared – be careful not to get the cupboards go bare as it is an excuse to eat badly. The same goes for when you are out and about. Very few places offer quick and healthy options, especially not on a budget so make sure you have a healthy option prepared and on you at all times to avoid temptation of cheap, unhealthy convenience food.

Shop online – shopping online can be done from the comfort of your own home whilst relaxing. The time you save by avoiding running round a busy shop could be used for exercise, whilst you won’t be tempted by the unhealthy snacks on offer in your local supermarkets.

Mix small blasts of exercise into

everyday life – adding in small amounts of exercise when you find a few spare minutes you can gain the same benefits without feeling you have sacrificed a large amount of time. These could be as little as 5-10 minutes at a time, although the same aim of 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise should be reached in total each day.

Buy pre-prepared or frozen vegetables – although pre-prepared options can be more expensive if you choose your options carefully there is no need for this to be true. Frozen and canned vegetables often come chopped

saving you time and are often modestly priced. In addition to this, the view that frozen or canned vegetables are not as good for you as fresh alternatives is not necessarily true as they are frozen or canned straight from the field preserving many of the nutrients which may be lost when fresh fruit travels from the fields to the supermarket shelves.

If you have any questions or need any hep or information you can contact me at: emma@zestwellness.co.uk

August 2013 23

SOLICITORS FIGHT TO WIN VOICE FOR KIRKBY CLAIMANTS IN LANDMARK LEGAL BATTLE Merseyside-based legal firm, Camps Solicitors is determined to bring the plight of Kirkby residents who are claiming against owners of the former Sonae factory to the attention of the national media.

In one of the biggest group actions of its kind in UK legal history, Camps Solicitors is acting as the lead firm, representing a significant number of residents within the Kirkby community who may have suffered adverse health reactions following a fire at the Sonae woodchip factory in June 2011.

In recent weeks, as a result of the continuing claimant work that Camps is undertaking and following a successful outcome at the High Court in Manchester when it was agreed that an extension would be granted to complete and submit detailed medical questionnaires describing the health problems suffered by Kirkby residents, the case has featured on regional news bulletins for the BBC and ITV, along with BBC Radio Merseyside and Radio City.

On Monday 12th August the Sonae case is scheduled to feature on national television, as part of The One Show, on BBC One. Anthony Wilson of Camps Solicitors said: “Securing the extension on the medical questionnaires was crucial in ensuring that our claimants get the justice they deserve.

“This case against Sonae is one of the largest

group court actions in English legal history and the large number of claimants illustrates the devastating impact the fire has had on the Kirkby community.

“It is extremely important to Camps that, in representing those impacted by the fire we provide them with a platform from which to be heard. By working with claimants to tell their story through the media, we hope to achieve this.”

Sonae, a Portuguese-owned company, has already admitted liability for the fire which claimants allege caused a variety of health issues including respiratory problems, ear nose and throat problems, headaches and skin reactions.

Many also had a range of pre-existing conditions exacerbated. The fire burned for eight days and smouldered for 20 days and created a large potentially toxic plume of smoke, debris and ash that was dispersed throughout the local vicinity.

Camps is now having to prove causation on behalf of its claimants, to ensure they receive justice and secure rightful compensation for their personal injury claim.

They have brought in a number of experts, both medical and non-medical, including toxicologists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, respiratory specialists and GPs, to provide opinion on a wide range of issues affecting the case.

The case is likely to progress to trial sometime between July and September 2014.

First all-electric private hire car licensed Knowsley’s first all-electric private hire vehicle has been granted a private hire vehicle licence from the council’s licensing team.

This new private hire vehicle will help both the borough and taxi/ private hire providers understand how zero emission vehicles can be integrated into taxi and private hire fleets from now on.

Electrically-powered vehicles provide many economic and environmental benefits. As well as being cheaper to run (many offer free road tax), they do not emit harmful exhaust emissions and they are much quieter to run.

These vehicles can be charged at home, at work or at a public charging point.

Cllr Thomas Grierson, chairman of the licensing committee said: “This is a great opportunity for the borough and I hope further taxi and private hire providers may look to

broaden their fleet with electric cars. This supports the council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and to supporting Knowsley residents in reducing carbon emissions in their community.”

Taxi owner, George Price, added: “I chose to go electric due to the increasing fuel costs and wanted to play my part in reducing carbon emissions. Given the mileage I cover as a taxi driver, it was becoming increasingly expensive to fill up at the pumps.

My vehicle is charged using solar panels installed at my house, so as well as saving money, I am also doing my bit for the environment! I would encourage other taxi drivers to go electric.”

24 August 2013

August 2013 25

STOCKBRIDGE VILLAGE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF VILLAGES Villages Housing is celebrating ‘moving in’ to Stockbridge Village 30 years ago this year with the annual gala day turning into a birthday celebration.

Residents of Stockbridge Village have been told to get ready for a fun packed day as Villages Housing Association celebrates its 30th birthday.

The gala is an annual celebration of all that the community of Stockbridge Village has to offer. The event will take place on Thursday 15th August and will include activities taking place throughout the day including local radio station KCC playing music solely from the past 30 years!

Villages, together with Knowsley Council have organised a range of festivities with events running from 27pm.

The event will feature soccer skills with Everton Football Club, performances from Enchord and Sam Caldwell, plus there will be face painting, a bouncy castle, Nordic walking, Tai Chi, a giant party slide, a climbing wall, BBQ and even donkey rides.

All the action will take place on Thursday 15th August in the Village Piazza and Neighbourhood Centre and best of all it’s free. The Gala is a wonderful opportunity for the residents of Stockbridge Village to come together and enjoy a free fun day out for the whole family.

Celebrating 30 years in Stockbridge Village is quite a milestone for Villages Housing, before 1983 the homes were managed by Knowsley Borough Council.

This was the first ever stock transfer in the country and a number of other housing organisations have been created in the same way ever since. Vernon

Jackson, Chief Executive at Villages Housing commented: “The Council and the residents put a lot of faith and trust in our ideas back in the early 80’s and were prepared to join in plans.

Looking back it has been extremely successful. We have been lucky enough to work with the Stockbridge Village community who want to engage with us and help us to continuously improve. The Gala day is a great opportunity for us all to celebrate together.”

Inter-generational Project Working Hard for the Community Established in 2010 The Stockbridge Community Inter-generational Project (SCIP) is going from strength to strength.

The group provide a wide range of activities including a community led play scheme, youth theatre, films, arts and crafts, badminton, judo and football - all in the local Stockbridge Village Neighbourhood Centre.

The group was originally set up by a group of mums all with the intention of providing activities for their daughters. The group has now expanded and includes both boys and girls with over 400 young people registered and 25 adult volunteers delivering activities every week including the very popular Saturday morning Safari club for children.

They also run the community cafe in the Neighbourhood Centre and the funding raised helps the sustainability of the group.

Earlier this year the group started a sewing, knitting and crochet group that meet twice a week. SCIP’s idea was an innovative approach to helping people keep warm in winter and also raise awareness about energy efficiency and reducing fuel bills.

Barbara Murrary, Community Development Officer at Villages Housing Association said “SCIP are a fantastic group because they offer a wide range of activities for women. The enthusiasm and drive of the volunteers is amazing and they have delivered great results for the Stockbridge Village community”.

For just £495 pcm* You could move into this fantastic apartment

Huge recognition for Villages Housing’s Green Champion Jed Pearson, Assistant Chief Executive at Villages Housing Association has been shortlisted in the 'Green Social Housing Champion' category of The Sustainable Housing Awards 2013, organised by Inside Housing magazine and its sister publication Sustainable Housing.

The awards put the spotlight on the best green social housing projects constructed in the UK, and the organisations responsible for them. It is a brilliant achievement for not only Jed but also for Villages Housing Association and Stockbridge Village as the competition for the awards is always fierce.

The recent regeneration in Stockbridge Village has seen more than 1600 homes benefit from energy saving improvements – making homes warmer and cutting energy costs.

Jed said “I am delighted to have been shortlisted in the Sustainable Housing Awards, it’s a huge honour. I am very proud of the work Villages has been doing to make our properties more energy efficient and

Your new home is waiting for you in Stockbridge Village

deliver real savings for our tenants. In addition to all the other improvements we, and partners, have delivered in Stockbridge Village over the past 18 months the area is completely transformed. Its wonderful to have all our hard work recognised.”

The awards ceremony takes place in October at the Lancaster London Hotel.

For more information or to arrange a viewing 0151 268 5245 www.villages.org.uk

2 Double Bedroom Apartment with: /DUJH OLYLQJ URRP ZLWK EDOFRQ\ 6HSDUDWH NLWFKHQ 6SDFLRXV KDOOZD\ 'RXEOH JOD]LQJ &RPPXQDO SDUNLQJ &RQWUROOHG GRRU HQWU\ V\VWHP KRXU &&79 /LIWV PLUS full central heating included in rent

Close to the vibrant centre of Stockbridge Village with local shops, supermarket and neighbourhood centre (including gym, swimming pool and library).

Excellent transport links to Liverpool, Warrington, St Helens and Manchester, and just minutes from the M57 and M62.

Priority will be given to applicants in employment. *One month rental amount required as deposit.

26 August 2013

Business

FIRST ARK’S LOUISE IS ONE OF HOUSING’S BRIGHT YOUNG STARS A Knowsley housing manager has been named as one of the young leading lights in her sector.

Louise Habberfield, corporate and social responsibility manager with Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT), part of the First Ark Group, has been placed in the Top 30 under 30 young leaders list.

Compiled by 24housing magazine, the list spotlights some of the brightest talents on the rise in social housing.

Over 100 young housing professionals were nominated from across the UK and the final 30 were chosen by a panel of expert judges including David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation and Jon Land, 24housing magazine’s editor.

Louise has been recognised for her passion for her work and her team.

She said: “I’m really pleased to be given this recognition for some of the projects I have delivered and honoured to be listed with some of the young people in the sector who are at the top of their game.

“I have been given fantastic opportunities where I can hopefully make a difference. I have to thank my previous manager Louise Harris for believing in me right from the start and giving me projects that push me to achieve the best I can.”

Louise coordinates KHT’s approach to social responsibility – the way the organisation gives back to the communities it works in.

She manages projects and seeks out new opportunities, partnerships and initiatives that provide ‘added value’. This could be anything from creating training, job or volunteering opportunities, helping residents save money, ‘green’ projects and anything that improves lives.

She led a volunteering trip to the Ukraine where 12 members of staff from across the First Ark Group helped to renovate an orphanage. The project was

life-changing for the staff involved and for the 33 orphans who benefitted from a fully renovated dining room, store room and recreational room.

She has also risen to the challenge of completing KHT’s first set of social accounts. She worked tirelessly consulting with all stakeholders and the accounts were fully audited and passed with flying colours. The project has gained recognition across the North West through Louise delivering presentations to other businesses.

Sheila Tolley, executive director of customers and communities at KHT, said: “Louise is an inspiration to her team, wider colleagues and partners and we are delighted she has been awarded this fantastic accolade.

“She works selflessly, is never fazed by anything and relishes a new challenge.

“It is individuals like Louise that make housing such a vibrant and rewarding sector to work in, and her enthusiasm and hard work allows us to deliver so much more for our staff and communities.”

Tacking youth unemployment across Liverpool City Region A review into the support available to help young people into work across Liverpool City Region has been completed. The review findings were endorsed at the City Region Cabinet meeting recently.

The review was commissioned by the Liverpool City Region’s employment and skills board, agreed with the Government through the Liverpool City Region Deal, due to the high levels of youth unemployment in the Liverpool City Region in early 2012. At this time, the number of young people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance for more than six months remained high at 7,170.

The board committed to halve the level of long-term youth unemployment within three years – from 7,170 in March 2012 to 3,585 in March 2015. After just one year, the City Region has achieved a 34% reduction in long-tem youth unemployment, a reduction of 1,205 claimants.

As part of the review, the Youth Unemployment Task Force, made up of young people and businesses in the region, was established to understand the issues and suggest ways to address them.

Key findings from the review were: • The majority of young people (94%) seek employment via the internet, with newspaper advertising the second most popular choice (47%).

• Almost three-quarters of business survey respondents stated they had employed somebody aged 18 to 24 in the last two years – 62% stated it was to grow their existing workforce and 56% to create skills that will help businesses plan for replacement demand.

• 72% of businesses stated that they were looking to employ a young person in the next two years.

• A lack of training, qualifications and work experience were barriers to employment for young people.

• Preparation for work needs to start early in school with in-depth, relevant careers advice with appropriate work experience placements.

Following the review, an action plan has been developed which is progressing a

number of key findings. This includes maximising talent match – a national investment of up to £100 million over five years to deliver creative ways to help longterm unemployed young people find work or start their own enterprise – creating more work experience opportunities, businesses to have a more prominent role in careers education, review financial incentives through reinvesting savings and removing restrictions and limitations which discourage career development and growth.

Stephen Roberts, vice chair of the Employment and Skills Board said: “Youth unemployment has a significant effect on our communities. The work of the Task Force has already delivered improvements, which we will now continue to build on.

“We are on target to achieve our pledge of halving youth unemployment across the City Region, which has been possible due to listening to and acting upon the views and experiences of young people and business across the City Region.”

Cllr Pat Hackett, cabinet member for the economy at Wirral Council, said: “It is vital to support our young people and help them to get a foothold in the labour market.

“The commissioning of the task force was an innovative and bold move by the Employment and Skills Board in directly seeking the views of the region’s young people and the businesses who employ them. It has been a pleasure to support them, and indeed an eye opener.

“I would like to personally thank everybody who took part for their time, effort and commitment and for sharing their views and experiences so readily, which at times, as a local Councillor, has been a challenging listen.”

Sue Riley, district manager for the Department of Work and Pensions added” “Throughout the review, we ensured that the views of a cross section of young people and businesses was captured.

“The results of this review will help to accelerate improvements within the City Region, helping to make a different to the lives of young people and support our businesses to thrive.”

Knowsley Discount Card is back!

A scheme which offers discounts at dozens of Knowsley stores has been re-launched with even more money-saving offers.

Residents can now get money off their shopping – from fashion and homeware to electrical goods – at 51 retailers across Huyton, Kirkby and Prescot with the Knowsley Discount Card.

Discounts of between five and 10 per cent are available at participating stores, plus many other deals designed to save shoppers money.

The scheme has been organised by Knowsley Housing Trust, Knowsley Council, and Knowsley Mutual Credit Union.

Sheila Tolley, executive director at Knowsley Housing Trust, part of the First Ark Group, said: “This is a brilliant

scheme that will not only save people money on their everyday shopping, but which also supports Knowsley businesses and encourages shoppers to use their local high street.

“In challenging times it is important that we support our local economy and keep cash within our communities as well as helping households to bring down their bills.

“This scheme helps us to support our tenants by providing affordable options on everyday goods and services that can make a big difference to their pockets.”

Cllr Dave Lonergan, from Knowsley Council, said: “There is lots of discussion in the press at present about supporting high street retailers. The Council is proud to work with our partners in providing the discount card scheme which is a practical example of how more trade can

be attracted to our town centres, as well as saving local residents money.”

Look out for participating stores that display the Knowsley Discount Card logo or view the full list at www.knowsleydiscountcard.co.uk The discount card is available free by calling Knowsley Housing Trust’s Advantage team on 0151 290 7000 or can be picked up at a number of locations: Knowsley Council One Stop Shops, Knowsley Housing Trust offices, Knowsley Mutual Credit Union and Knowsley Council libraries.

For more information visit: www.knowsleydiscountcard.co.uk

August 2013 27

28 August 2013

KNOWSLEY YOUTH WIN NATIONAL ANTI-SMOKING FILM COMPETITION ■ Participants, volunteers and staff get involved in the activities at the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dance and Movement group

DANCING FOR DEMENTIA Alzheimer’s Society is running fun and innovative dance sessions for people with dementia and their carers in Knowsley.

The sessions, which are being held in collaboration with Merseyside Dance Initiative, are designed specifically for people with dementia and their carers to have a lasting physical and emotional impact.

Existing research, has shown dance and movement activities can help to reduce falls, improve mental health, increase confidence and stabilise sleep.

Anne-Marie Cagliarini, Merseyside locality manager for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “What we’re trying to encourage is that you don’t just clock in and out of the sessions. These activities can continue outside of the groups by giving the carer the tools to continue to engage with their loved one afterwards.”

Merseyside Dance Initiative, set up in 1993, emphasises health and well-being in its community projects. Its project

development manager, Rachel Rogers, says rather than learning set routines, the sessions are led by dance artists and the style and pace of movement is decided by the participants, according to their energy levels and mobility that day.

Bill Spivey from Liverpool, who is living with dementia, and his wife and carer Joan, have been coming to the sessions together.

Joan said: “We have always worked, played and laughed together, but slowly that is disappearing. The dance and movement sessions are something we can do together and enjoy together. The bonus is we get some exercise and have met people who have become friends.”

There are places available on the fun and social sessions, which run twice a month in and Knowsley.

For more information or to attend one of the groups contact Beth Luxmoore, Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention (NPI) project manager at Alzheimer's Society on 01925 572 256.

Dog of the month Can you help Pansy enjoy her retirement?

Pansy, Female, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, 8-years-old Pansy is a lovely girl, with such a great nature, and loves nothing more than meeting people to fuss over her. She gets very excited when it comes to her walks, as she gets to spend more time with humans!

She also loves her canine pals, and is happy to go for walks with them.

She can also live with children over the age of 12, and she is housetrained.

If you think you could give Pansy a home, please contact Dogs Trust Merseyside on 0151 480 0660 or drop into the centre at Whiston Lane Liverpool L36 6HP, United Kingdom Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for over 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs each year through its network of 18 Rehoming Centres across the UK and one in Dublin

■ Shout4Knowsley with Lord David Puttnam CBE. Picture: David Griffin

Seven young people from Shout4Knowsley were presented with a National Cut Films Award for their short film, ‘ASH TV’, at the BAFTA HQ in Central London in July.

In addition to winning both the judges’ vote in their local north west competition, Shout4Knowsley’s film came top of the 20-25 age category in the national competition after a special judges’ panel made up of filmmakers, health experts, and the winners from last year’s Cut Films competition watched all 216 entries in the competition and decided on the winners.

The films creatively tackled a huge range of issues from plain packaging, long and short-term health risks, peer pressure to the actual ingredients found in tobacco. ‘ASH TV’ in particular presented the issues surrounding plain packaging in a funny and engaging way.

Cut Films is a youth anti-smoking film and social media project organised by The Deborah Hutton Campaign which asks young people to research smoking, make a short film about what they find out and share their film with their friends.

It’s tobacco education by young people for young people through the medium of filmmaking.

Julie-Anne Hornby, from Halewood, aged 22, who was part of the winning group who made ASH TV said: “We wanted to highlight the significance of the introduction of standardised packaging and the effect this might have on young people.

“When we started making the film we were just excited to have the chance to put our research to good use and produce a fun video on the subject. To have won the regional and national awards is incredible, we never expected it, but we are so proud of this achievement.

She added: “Picking up our award at the home of the BAFTAs where so many great filmmakers and actors have done the same made it extra special.”

Councillor Graham Wright, cabinet member for children and family services

added “This is a fantastic achievement for Shout4Knowsley. Not only have they had a chance to demonstrate their creativity, they have also helped to spread the very important message about the dangers of smoking amongst their peers. Well done!”

Matt Ashton, acting director for public health, added: “Reducing the harm caused by smoking is a key priority for both public health and the Health and Wellbeing Board. I am absolutely delighted that our young people have been recognised at a national level for their fantastic work.”

Andrea Crossfield, chief executive of Tobacco Free Futures who funded the regional version of the competition in the north west said: “I’m really pleased that Shout4Knowsley have won first prize in their category with their unique and clever take on cigarette packaging.

“Young people in the north west feel very strongly about the tobacco industry targeting them and their friends through the media and glitzy cigarette packaging.

Our region is leading the way in the UK on youth tobacco issues, with research findings suggesting 8 out of 10 young people in the north west think that the Government should do more to tackle smoking.

“We are disappointed that the Government has not committed to legislate to introduce standardised tobacco packaging which is urgently needed to protect young people from tobacco industry marketing.”

Emma Wrafter, Director of The Deborah Hutton Campaign and Cut Films, said: “The Cut Films judges were delighted by ‘ASH TV’. It demonstrated an understanding of the importance of plain packaging while presenting this knowledge in a clever and humorous way.”

The awards ceremony took place at BAFTA HQ in London and was hosted by (Channel 4/Sky) presenter Robyn Bright.

Independent film producer Lord David Puttnam CBE presented the awards to the young filmmakers.

August 2013 29

30 August 2013

HAUNTED MERSEYSIDE WITH TOM SLEMEN

Watching Julietta Julietta Henderson and Frank Rayle, a couple in their mid-thirties, moved into the little semi-detached house in Huyton on Monday, August 17, 1981, and from the moment Julietta walked into the new house, she felt a strange welcoming presence hanging in the air.

Frank worked at a factory in Kirkby, and after carrying in a few boxes of the couple’s belongings from his old Commer van, he set off for work, and Julietta unpacked a black and white portable telly, mounted it on a little round mahogany coffee table, plugged it in, and inserted the plug of the brown coaxial aerial lead into the back of the set.

It was half-nine in the morning and so there was mostly children’s programmes on; Larry the Lamb on one channel, the Wombles on the other side, and BBC2 didn’t even come on air till eleven with Playschool.

All the same, Julietta left the telly on for a bit of company in the new house, and she went into the kitchen to plan where her brand new fridge and washing machine and cooker were going to go – once Frank got round to buying them.

There was a fresh citrus-like scent in the kitchen, and that peculiar yet enchanting feeling of being welcomed was stronger in here. Julietta crouched and opened the cupboard under the sink, and she found a little tin box packed with bundles of pegs, a bottle of Brasso, Brillo pads, oven cleaner and a tin of Mansion Polish, as well as many yellow duster cloths.

Upon opening the tin, Julietta felt as if there was someone there with her in the kitchen, and she looked over her shoulder because the sensation of someone being there – a presence – was so strong. She stood up, placed the tin box on the formica work surface – and felt sick all of a sudden.

She leaned forward over the sink, thinking she was about to throw up for a moment, but the feeling of nausea passed. Julietta made herself a strong cup of tea – something her mother had always advised her to do whenever a stomach upset occurred; strong tannin in the tea ‘bound the bowels’ according to her mother. Two teabags were stewed in the mug as Julietta watched the TV from the doorway of the kitchen.

Around half-past three that day, there was a knock at the door of the new home, and Julietta answered and saw to her delight that it was her former next-door neighbour from Kirkby, Cynthia Jones, a woman in her late forties who had still retained a natural head of Titian red hair.

She hugged Julietta and then stooped to pick up a cardboard box crammed with all sorts of things for the house: a new toaster, a new kettle – even though Julietta had no intentions of parting with the old kettle her late Nan had given her years ago. Cynthia had also bought a bottle of rosé, a box of Matchmakers chocolates, some women’s

magazines and a pouch of tobacco for Frank.

Cynthia was known to be psychic, and she too detected the welcoming atmosphere in the house. She also spooked Julietta as she was being given a tour of the new residence.

After Julietta had shown Cynthia the bedrooms and the upstairs bathroom, the latter suddenly said: “Do you know we have been followed for the past twenty minutes?”

“What? What do you mean?” Julietta asked, feeling very unnerved by the strange comment.

“A woman has been following us round every room,” Cynthia replied, all matter of fact.

Julietta uttered a two-word phrase with nerves – and it was unlike her to swear in front of Cynthia, but her friend’s remarks had really creeped Julietta out.

“I’m not kidding Jules,” Cynthia said, her eyes darting left and right as she spoke, “but I don’t think she’s a bad spirit at all, she seems made up you’ve moved into her old house.”

The two friends had a cup of tea and shared the Matchmakers, and soon Cynthia was pestering her friend to get the cards out, for Cynthia read just ordinary playing cards – not the Tarot variety – just the common deck used by poker players and the like.

She had been taught this form of cartomancy by her grandmother as a child.

Julietta went rooting round Frank’s unpacked boxes and found his pack of cards, and Cynthia shuffled them and spread them out in several rows on the table. She studied them for a while, then said: “This is a bit odd,” and she touched the first card – the Queen of Clubs – with her index fingertip.

“A dark-haired woman, and the next card is saying that she was cut short in her prime.

Next we have the Jack of Spades – a dark young man, but the next card is a leaving card, and this means he went off the scene.

Now, here’s the King of Diamonds, a fair man who is ruled by a love of money.”

“Frank,” Julietta interrupted, “money mad.”

“Could be, but this pattern in the cards recurs with the Queen of Spades – still our dark lady, and the two cards following her – both belonging to the suit of hearts – tell me she is romantically involved in the moneyobsessed fair man; it might not be Frank so don’t start worrying or jumping to conclusions Jules.”

Julietta pursed her lips and gave a fake grin. “Oh any dark woman can keep him, see how long she lasts with him – she’d have to be one of the Rockerfellers or he won’t be interested!”

“Speak of the Devil Jules!” Cynthia caught a glimpse of Frank through the living room window as he came up the path.

“I forgot he gets home early on Mondays!

Oh, I wanted to hear the rest of this as well,” sighed Julietta as the Yale key rattled in the front door.

Frank saw the cards on the table and the drained cups of tea and the empty Matchmakers box – and he moaned: “Is that all you’ve been doing all day? Reading the cards like witches! Bet you haven’t even put the tea on yet!”

Cynthia got to her feet, said hello and goodbye to Frank, then went to the door with Julietta, who whispered for her to come around again as soon as possible during the week.

Julietta then went to the chippy and returned to listen to Frank moaning about his boss in work. According to Frank, his supervisor at the factory had threatened to sack him if he was late again, and Frank blamed the card-reading, saying it was unlucky.

Julietta took no notice of her husband’s daft superstition, but she wondered about the dark lady Cynthia had seen in the cards; was Frank having an affair? Julietta assured herself of his fidelity with one logical question: Besides herself, what woman would put up with him?

They sat in front of the telly watching the Krypton Factor, Freebie and the Bean, Secret Army and Great Fights of the Seventies – and then it was time for bed, and it was strange sleeping in the new house – at least for Julietta. Frank was soon snoring. She looked at his balding head on the pillow, and a tear almost came to her eye. She hoped no dark lady had her eye on him; she loved him for all of his faults – as he loved her. She’d been with him now for nearly six years and they were saving up to get married.

These sentimental thoughts were interrupted by a faint voice somewhere.

Julietta strained her ears to listen. It was a female voice, and she was singing a song Julietta had not heard for years – since she was in her teens. It was an old Cilla Black song: ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’.

It was not someone outside singing; the person was definitely in the house and their voice was echoing now, and they seemed to be getting nearer as the volume increased slightly. Julietta clutched Frank’s hand and ducked under the blankets. The singing became fainter, and somehow, Julietta managed to drop off asleep, but she soon found herself in a very strange dream.

A girl in a black polo neck sweater stood on Frank’s side of the bed. Her hairstyle looked as if it belonged to the 1960s. The girl’s face was very pale and her eyes were dark and tearful. She said to Julietta: “Please can I have your life fir a while? Please let me have your body and your life and your baby.

My life was too short. Please let me live again! You’re so like me, and your fellah is like the boy I was going to marry, but I died.”

In the dream, Julietta screamed for the ghostly girl to get away from her and her fiancée – but the girl stayed put and said

over and over: “Let me live again in you! Let me in! Or I’ll just come in to you! I’ll have your baby for you!” Julietta tried to wake Frank but he was out cold and snoring heavily. She looked at the alarm clock, hoping it would soon be morning, but it was only 3am.

Julietta woke with a start – and saw a faint glow on Frank’s side of the bed. It was the exact same girl out of the nightmare, surrounded by a blue aura. She glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside cabinet and saw it was 3am – just as it had been in the dream.

The girl with the blue glow around her head shouted: “Let me have your life for a while, please! Let me come into you! I want to have your baby and love your fellah too!

Let me in or I’ll just come in!”

Julietta screeched at the top of her voice and Frank woke, naturally startled. He caught a glimpse of the girl at the side of the bed – just before she vanished.

Julietta began to cry and her fiancée turned on the bedside lamp, then he cuddled Julietta for a while before taking her downstairs. He told her he had also seen the ghost, and even described her black polo neck sweater and her awful sad-looking dark eyes.

“We’re leaving here,” Frank decided, “this place is haunted.” And he meant it.

Julietta suddenly realised who the dark lady was Cynthia had been referring to in the cards; it had to be the ghost of the darkhaired girl. She had wanted to somehow posses Julietta to live again, and she had mentioned how she wanted to love Frank – but what about the reference to the baby?

Julietta realised the spells of nausea she had been suffering from were symptoms of morning sickness. She visited her doctor and discovered she was pregnant – and the ghost had somehow already known this.

It is said that a girl named Catherine died at the house in Huyton that Frank and Julietta temporarily moved into, but it is not known how. Perhaps the spirit of the poor girl still hankers for the days when she was alive. I still get occasional reports of a girl singing at the house in question in the wee small hours • Haunted Liverpool 23 is out now for the Kindle.

August 2013 31

Property

Average age of a second-time buyer reaches forty-two The average age of a secondtime buyer is now 42, reveals Post Office’s step-up report.

Those currently living in their first home took their first step onto the property ladder at the age of 28, but expect to wait a further 14 years before climbing onto the second rung (42-yearsold).

In contrast, those who have already made this leap and are currently second time property owners did so at the age of 34 – a head start of eight years.

In the mid-1960s, second-time buyers had to wait just three years before moving on from their first home as the average age of a first-time buyer between 1965 and 1969 was 25, moving onto their second home at the age of 28.

However, in recent years, this gap has climbed to nine years; the average age of a first-time buyer between 2010 and 2013 was 30, moving onto their second home at the age of 39.

Prospective second-time buyers would be encouraged to move if house prices were to fall (60 per cent), and just under half (45 per cent) would be swayed if they found their dream home.

Two in five (41 per cent) could be charmed into moving by competitive mortgage rates, while a quarter (25 per cent) would be led by their relationship and consider moving up if they had plans to get married or start a family.

John Willcock, head of mortgages at Post Office, said:

“Taking that all-important step onto the housing ladder sometimes seems like the biggest hurdle a homebuyer will face.

However, we can see that it doesn’t get any easier as people try to move up the property ladder and second-time buyers can face their own set of challenges.

“Second time buyers now expect to wait until they are in their 40s before moving on from their starter home, perhaps having to put on hold placing their roots or building a family home for years to come.

“At the Post Office, our products are some of the most competitive on the market and many come without arrangement fees, free standard variation and there’s no higher lending charge, which should give movers a helping hand covering costs as they climb the property ladder.”

NHBC REPORTS HIGHEST HALF-YEARLY HOUSING FIGURES SINCE 2008 NHBC’s latest registration statistics suggest that the UK house-building industry continues its recovery, with new figures revealing that 2013 has witnessed the highest half-yearly total of new homes registered since 2008.

67,422 new homes were registered between January 2013 and the end of June, with figures for Q2 2013 revealing a 38% increase in registrations for the period April – June compared to the same period last year (35,683 in 2013 compared to 25,798 in 2012).

NHBC Commercial Director Richard Tamayo said: “Our latest registration statistics show an encouraging broad-based recovery. While London remains an engine for growth we are seeing overall numbers up across the UK with both the private sector (up 23% to 48,817 in Jan – June 2013 compared to 2012 figure of 39,836) and the public sector (up 56%; 18,605 compared to the same half-yearly period in 2012; 11,960) contributing fully to this growth.

“The Chancellor’s announcement this week in relation to mortgage guarantee guidance to help boost housing supply shows that the Government

is maintaining its commitment to help the industry and those looking to buy a new home.

“After a pause in June while builders focussed on completions for their full and half years, July registrations are showing clear indications that builders are returning to the challenge of ramping up production and increasing volumes from this current low base.”

YOUNGER BUYERS ARE INVESTING IN NEW HOMES A recent Government survey has revealed that one in three homeowners are over 65 and that 35% of people are forced to rent, but Taylor Wimpey has homes in Prescot that are bucking this trend and proving to be popular with younger buyers due to their affordability.

According to the survey, published by the Department for Communities and Local Government, it is cheaper to pay a mortgage than it is to privately rent a home, which Taylor Wimpey has found to be the case for many local younger home hunters.

The study revealed that while the average private renter is paying £164 per week to line their landlord’s pocket, the homeowner is only paying £142 to pay off their mortgage.

Lynne Vogel, regional sales manager for Taylor Wimpey North West, said: “Younger buyers have a great opportunity in the current market to get onto the housing ladder.

“We are offering the new Help to Buy scheme at Speakman Gardens, which is making it easier for young people to secure an affordable mortgage and as a result our starter homes are increasingly popular.”

Under the Government backed Help to Buy scheme, eligible purchasers can get a 20% equity loan, meaning they only need to pay a deposit of 5% and secure a 75% mortgage.

There is a stylish collection of new homes available at Speakman Gardens.

The new two bedroom Hartingdale and Camden apartments include an open plan kitchen/living/dining area and a main bathroom. They also come with parking.

Apartments start at £86,995 and through Help to Buy buyers need only put down a 5% deposit of just under £4,350.

ASK THE EXPERTS I have recently moved into a new house but I wanted to check the electrics are safe and up-todate. Could you advise me on how to find a registered electrician?

Tony Cable, spokesperson for NICEIC, the UK’s leading regulatory body for the electrical industry, comments: “When moving into a new home it can be very easy to get carried away with new furniture and decorating, but ensuring electrics are intact, safe and up-to-date is vital. Always remember alterations and additions to electrics need to be done before decorating.

“To find a registered electrician in your area, I would recommend going to NICEIC.com, where you can find a register of approved electricians local to you.

It’s always best to get a competent electrician to check over the electrics and make sure you ask the previous occupier to see any reports or certificates for any recent work carried out which will confirm the

electrical installation has been tested and is safe to use.

“If they cannot provide you with this, you may need to get an Electrical Installation Condition (EICR) Report, which will spell out any work that needs to be done. The report will probably cost you, but it’s a small price to pay for safety.”

What should I ask a registered electrician before the work is carried out?

“We always suggest homeowners should get two or three quotes for the work and ask the tradesperson to really spell out what is included in that quote. That way, both parties are aware of what work will be carried out and also the expected cost involved.

“Once the work has been completed, the tradesperson will then issue a certificate to declare it has been carried out to the correct standard and is compliant with UK Safety standards (BS 7671). If

necessary, a separate notification will then be given confirming compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations. This will ensure that any work is legal and more importantly, safe.”

If I wanted to carry out any electrical work in my home, what am I permitted to do?

“While it may be tempting to carry out your own electrical work, we would never advise you to do anything apart from changing your own light bulbs.

The first thing to always remember is that when it comes to electrics, DIY stands for ‘don’t involve yourself’. The only way to know that electrics are completely safe is to employ a competent tradesperson, who is registered with a government approved scheme such as NICEIC.” Homeowners looking for a registered tradesperson in their area should visit: www.niceic.com

32 August 2013

SUN-SOAKED COMMUNITY DAY ATTRACTS THOUSANDS Talented singers, fun and games and glorious sunshine all helped to make this year’s Knowsley Housing Trust Community Day one of the biggest and best yet.

The community day, which has become one of the north west’s biggest free fun days, was held at King George V playing field in Huyton and attracted thousands of visitors.

They enjoyed entertainment including circus skills, face painting, a climbing wall, football tournament and a fantastic performance from some of Knowsley’s best young singers – and all for free.

The crowds were wowed by up-and-coming singers in the Knowsley’s Rising Star competition where the seven finalists went head to head in front of a panel of expert judges.

There was also the chance for residents to find out more about the support and services KHT and its partners can offer to help them balance their budgets, get advice on benefits and how to find a new home.

Anita Campbell, 45, from the Mosscroft area of Huyton, went along with her family. She said: “It is a great event because it brings the community together, it’s free and it has something for all ages.

“It’s also good to

find out about what’s going on in the community and all the services available, many of which we didn’t know about before.”

Her son Louis Campbell, 10, said: “It’s good for the local kids because it gives them something to do so they don’t get into trouble.”

Knowsley’s Rising Star competition, hosted by 99.8FM KCC Live, saw singers and musicians battle it out, but the crown was taken by 17-year-old Jessica Finneran.

Bob Taylor, chief executive of KHT, said: “We are

thrilled that thousands of people joined us once again for this event and that for the first time in a few years, the sun was shining at our community day!

“We were extremely impressed with the quality of the finalists in Knowsley’s Rising Stars and the crowd were fantastic with their support.

“It is a particularly challenging time for many of our residents and as well as all the fun, the community day was also an important opportunity for people to talk to us about a range of issues around housing, benefits and budgets and how we can help.”

Kirkby students connect with TV Apprentice Kurt

“YOU’RE HIRED!” BBC’s “The Apprentice” candidate Kurt Wilson echoed Lord Sugar’s no-nonsense style when judged the mugs, key rings and t-shirts produced by the students at All Saints Catholic Centre for Learning in Kirkby as part of their Young Enterprise business venture.

Kurt, who survived seven weeks on the reality TV show, spent time with the All Saints’ team who had already collected two of the four prizes on offer in the regional finals. The students set up and managed a personalised printing company called “Royal Heart Design”.

He put the aspiring students through a Lord Sugar-style grilling and gave them a unique insight into his experience on The Apprentice as well as answering all their questions and giving business advice.

Kurt said: “I think Young Enterprise is a great way to introduce school students to the world of business. These students have proved they can design and produce a product, source materials and sell their wares, whether to fellow students or the wider community. Most importantly they learn about leadership and teamwork in equal measure – Lord Sugar would love it!”

A spokesperson from the school said “It was fantastic to have Kurt visit the school. We try to instil a strong work ethic into all our students and Kurt is a great example of that. We’ve had great fun presenting our ideas to him.”

In the real world, Kurt is a Safety and Environment Officer for Peel Ports Mersey and also has a specialised health drinks business called ‘Fuel Shakes’ on Renshaw Street in Liverpool.

■ Kurt Wilson with the students from All Saints Catholic Centre for Learning

August 2013 33

NEW DRUG AND ALCOHOL RECOVERY SERVICE This month sees the arrival of the new Knowsley Drug and Alcohol Integrated Recovery Service, operated by CRI and commissioned by Knowsley Council.

The service will provide rapid and open access to drug and alcohol users.

CRI, a national social care and health charity, will provide the service across Knowsley, including Huyton, Kirkby, Halewood, Prescot and Whiston.

The charity offers assessment, treatment and support for people with drug or alcohol issues, promoting recovery from addiction and dependence.

CRI works to create links with the surrounding community and find opportunities to help people into work, training and education, where appropriate.

Peter Furlong, implementation manager for CRI Knowsley said: “CRI has been providing some of the country’s highest performing recovery services and has made real recovery possible for problematic drug and alcohol users.

“Previous and present service users assist in delivering interventions, many of whom have moved into paid employment within the services. This will be the same for Knowsley with a service user led focus at the forefront for Knowsley residents seeking support.”

Matthew Ashton, acting director of public health for Knowsley added: “We are excited about the changes this new service will bring for people of Knowsley,

and looking forward to working closely with CRI to improve outcomes for our residents.”

Knowsley covers a diverse area and CRI is pleased to announce that the first recovery hub has opened in Huyton, with another planned for Kirkby town centre.

Activities offered include service user training in a wide range of: life skills, sports, social activities, readiness for volunteering and training, and accredited learning peer mentoring, breakfast clubs, the Recovery Café, therapeutic group work and workshops, organised walks in

services to Huyton.

The new treatment and recovery hub in Huyton is based at: 11-14 Wilson Road, Chapel Brook Trade Park, Huyton, L36 6FH. Anyone who wants to know more, would like to access the service or is worried about a friend or family member and their drug or alcohol use can contact us on 0845 873 4462.

CRI Knowsley is also interested to hear from those interested in forming partnerships to broaden our reach into the community.

Hospital charity ‘bed push’ takes to the streets A team of fundraisers dressed as doctors and surgeons took to the streets of Knowsley to raise money for the busiest children’s hospital in Europe – Liverpool’s Alder Hey. Around 30 volunteers from the First Ark Group pushed two hospital beds from the organisation’s headquarters in Prescot to Huyton, collecting donations along the way and helping to raise awareness of Alder Hey children’s charity’s vital work.

The medical money-makers attracted plenty of attention from the public along their way from motorists and town centre shoppers, who donated to the cause.

The group finished their journey at St Aloysius Social Club where they held a raffle and collected further donations, helping to raise a total of more than £1,260 from the day.

Rachel Donohoe, from Alder Hey Children’s Charity, said: “First Ark is an absolute pleasure to work with and we’re delighted to be their chosen charity”.

Dogs Trust Merseyside hail success of Open day Dogs Trust Merseyside would like to say a massive thank you to all the residents in the Liverpool area who came to the Dogs Trust Merseyside open day in July and helped them raise £9,400 for the charity.

The day was a great success, with not only a record amount raised to help the homeless hounds at the rehoming centre, but also a fun day was had by all in the sunshine. Particular thanks goes to Huyton 1982 air squad who helped organise and manage the car parking on the day, which proved invaluable.

Aimee Best, supporter relations officer at Dogs Trust said: “The open day was an amazing success. We had around 2000 people who came down to support us, and I hope they had a really great day.

“We have also seen an increase in calls to rehome our dogs, which is fantastic as we have so many dogs that are desperate for a home. With the sun shining, it was the perfect day to celebrate all things dogs!

“We couldn’t have done it without help from our sponsors and all those volunteers”

the countryside and parenting groups.

CRI is also working to form partnerships with children’s centres, community groups and young people’s services to ensure access to services in places such as Halewood, Whiston and Prescot through delivering regular satellite services.

Interim services are being delivered from the new St Chads building in Kirkby in co-operation with 5 Boroughs partnership, whilst plans are underway to renovate the Old St Chad’s building to be launched in the autumn as the Kirkby Recovery Hub, delivering comparable

34 August 2013

Challenge Classified Advertising Telephone: 0151 709 7567 • Email: andy@merseymirror.com • PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003 – APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE TAKE NOTICE THAT Mr A Dickins has applied to Knowsley Council Licensing Authority for a new premises licence in respect of The RAF Association Club, Ellison Grove, Huyton L36 9GA. The application requests permission to provide licensable activities (sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment) 7 days a week 12 noon to 12 midnight other than recorded music which would end at 12.20am 7 days a week. A record of the application can be inspected by members of the public between the hours of 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday at the Licensing Authority which is located at Environmental Health and Consumer Protection Division, 2nd Floor Yorkon Building, Archway Road, Huyton, Knowsley, Merseyside L36 9FB. Please ring 0151 443 2300 to arrange an appointment. www.knowsley.gov.uk

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August 2013 35

More than 250,000 young people benefit from Olympic legacy programme

Sport If you have any sports news contact Daniel Mckeown on 0151 706 7411 or email: thechallenge@merseymirror.com

WEST PARK ST HELENS LAUNCH GIRLS RUGBY West Park RFC announced that they will be introducing three new girls teams to their flourishing Mini and Junior Rugby section at Red Rocks.

“We know there is a huge appetite for girls rugby in and around St Helens & Knowsley”, said Junior Rugby chair, Stuart Holland, “We are delighted to introduce three new teams.

“Our Girls U13s are for those girls in school Years 6, 7 and 8, the U15s are for years 9 and 10, with the U18s for those players in years 11 and 12.

This is a major step forward for the club and we recently welcomed new and existing players at the first training session at West Park in July”.

Merseyside Rugby development officer Mark Sutcliffe, said: “Women and girls rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and new teams are developing all the time. West Park are going from strength to strength and we are delighted with their progress” The club, which was recently awarded accreditation by the Rugby Football Union(RFU) is undergoing major renovations

during the summer which include the installation of new changing and showering facilities, along with extensive renovations to the social areas of the club – all of these enhancements are going to deliver a first class experience for all the West Park members both on and off the pitch, and are thanks to the various grants that have been received by the club.

Mike Simpson club chairman said: “We are really proud of the work the club is doing to improve the facilities into a first class community rugby club and we welcome

the initiative to bring girls rugby to Red Rocks” If you would like to know more about West Park Girls Rugby, contact Phil Cadman on 07896 904524 .

For all enquiries about boys rugby, please contact Stuart Holland on 07932 796 404

KARL IS KEY TO SUCCESS AT QUARRY GREEN JFC Last month marked the end of another successful season for Kirkby-based Quarry Green Junior Football Club.

One of their teams managed to retain the Walton and Kirkdale League Cup, while a few others finished runners-up in their cup finals respectively.

But none of this would have been possible had it not been for Karl Bell’s involvement at the club.

He started the club with just seven players and, several years on, it has been granted Charter Standard status by the FA. Karl himself had a fairly successful playing career, playing for north west club Accrington Stanley and local club Prescot Cables.

His passion for Quarry Green, formerly known as Warner FC, has seen Karl turn down opportunities in paid management at a number of semi-professional football clubs.

He has also oversaw the development of a number of youngsters who have then been scouted and signed up to academies at Wigan, Liverpool, Tranmere Rovers and Accrington Stanley.

One of the managers from Quarry Green, John King, has witnessed Karl’s incredible appetite for developing young talent: “From my own experience, Karl was the only manager to take a chance on my son, who we couldn’t find a club for at his age.

Karl helped to develop my son, JJ, by playing him a year above himself and this resulted in him joining Accrington Stanley’s academy” he said.

From this, young JJ has come to the

■ The recent Quarry Green awards night

attention of Tranmere Rovers as well as Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

Karl believes that all children should have a club to train at and the club never turns a child away.

Their training sessions often result in children as young as four getting involved and receiving their first taste of the game.

The club has over 150 players training and playing organised football and that figure is on the rise, mainly because of Karl’s commitment and dedication.

New figures published by Sport England show 256,297 teenagers and young adults have so far benefitted from free or discounted six-to-eight week courses in 70 different sports through Sportivate.

Of these, almost 215,000 have successfully completed their coaching course, missing no more than one session.

In Merseyside 6,725 young people have taken part in Sportivate sessions.

Backed by National Lottery funding, Sportivate aims to give young people who currently aren’t playing sport in their own time the chance to find a sport they like.

The young people are then helped to find a club or other venue where they can keep taking part.

Next season, Quarry Green JFC will be represented by 11 teams, ranging from the ages of 7 to 16.

All of the teams at the club will be participating in the Walton and Kirkdale League.

League fixtures take place on Longmoor Lane, Fazakerley, every Sunday.

The club’s training sessions take place at Kirkby Sports College from 6-8pm every Thursday. Children of all ages are welcome.

Jason Kenny (above), only got into cycling by chance when his uncle booked a velodrome for a cycling event and ended up with a couple of spare spaces which gave Jason and his brother the chance to give it a go.

Jason said: “I stumbled into cycling and fell in love with the sport instantly. Not everybody has had the opportunities that I have had but this is what is so great about Sportivate. It offers young people the chance to try new sports with the help of fantastic coaches.

“I would encourage all young people to get out there and find a sport they enjoy.”

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson said: “Sportivate is encouraging hundreds of thousands of young people who were inspired by the London 2012 Games, to take up sport, enjoy it and keep playing it.

Sport has an incredible power to bring young people together and improve their lives and I hope Sportivate continues to go from strength to strength.”

Research shows that eight out of 10 of the young people are sticking with sport three months after they’ve completed their Sportivate course.

One of the local successful Sportivate projects in Merseyside includes a table tennis session at Cronton Sixth Form College which has inspired participants to join a local club and to represent their college in a Cheshire Schools Competition.

36 August 2013

Sport If you have any sports news contact Daniel Mckeown on 0151 706 7411 or email: thechallenge@merseymirror.com

IT’S GOLD FOR DUNK AND THE BOYS AT EURO CHAMPS

■ Alex (third from left) with Max Litchfield, Caleb Hughes and James Guy

Huyton swimmer, Alex Dunk won gold at the European Junior Championships in Poznan, Poland, last month.

The 18-year-old, who is a member of the Prescot Swimming Club, won the 4x200m Freestyle along with team mates Max Litchfield, Caleb Hughes and James Guy. Dunk said: “It was a great experience being on the relay team with three of the fastest lads in Europe and standing on the podium. I can’t believe it.”

The team looked to be out of contention when they were behind leaders Spain heading into the third leg but they managed to claw it back and get the win.

Alex wasn’t worried, however: “I knew we had a great guy on the back leg and, after the third, we were in the lead anyway. It was a case of by how much we won by rather than whether we were going to win” he said.

The young man’s confidence in his team mates’ ability wasn’t misplace either, after taking the lead in the third leg, they went on to win by over one body length.

Following his European success, Alex has been awarded lottery funding and a place on the Podium Programme, a scheme set up by UK Sport to deliver expert support and coaching to athletes who show real promise of winning a medal in major competitions.

Dunk is flattered by the support he is receiving, but knows that the road to Rio is a long and difficult one, he said: “Getting there is going to be hard work, but I think I’ve got a

chance. I’m not saying it’s a definite chance, but if I just carry on my training with the same effort and intensity, I think I might just get there.”

Alex has been trained for the last few years by ex-Great Britain swimmer Helen Billington and he values her experience as well as her friendship: “She’s more than just a coach, she’s more like my best friend. She’s given me lots of advice and that, together with the training, has got me to where I am now. I can’t thank her enough” he said.

The 18-year-old trains at both Huyton Leisure and Culture Park and Parr Pools and has received plenty of support, he said: “They’ve been really helpful and if there’s anything I need, like land training facilities, they open them up for me.

If I ever need to go to the gym at Parr I can because they’ve given me a free membership, so they’ve been very supportive of me” he added.

Having been given a place on the Podium Programme, Alex believes that there is more for him to achieve in the future.

He said: “Honestly, with Helen, I think anything is possible because she’s such a great coach. If I can put in the work, I think I’ll get there (the Olympics).”

However, he does show a lot of humility and was quick to add: “I don’t want to be big headed and say I’ll definitely get there, but I think I’ve got a chance. It’s a boyhood dream to go to the Olympics but, these days, it’s becoming more of a reality.”

289 9999

Knowsley South take positive step to safer sports in the area Knowsley South Football Club became the first sports club in Knowsley to purchase a defibrillator last month.

The Community Chartered club’s purchase of the life saving defibrillator, and the subsequent training required to use it, were heavily subsidised by the Oliver King Foundation, who are fast becoming an integral part of defibrillators being made available in public places.

Knowsley South’s development officer, Mike Gibbons, said: “We are delighted to be able to have a defibrillator available at our facilities for those who may require it.

This is a massive football club, with our facilities in regular use by our own members, local teams, and members of the community. It is essential that we have the skills and equipment necessary to save someone’s life should it be required.”

The defibrillator works by delivering an electric shock through the chest wall, to shock the heart

back into a normal rhythm.

When somebody has a cardiac arrest, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation must be prompt as, for every minute that passes, the chances of survival decreases by around 10 per cent.

Knowsley South chairman, Mark O’Neill, said: “We felt, as a committee, that we should provide a level of first aid that is second to none. With the purchase of this defibrillator, we completely endorse why we are a Community Chartered club.”

The club, who are based on Knowsley Lane, now have around 15 members who have been trained and certified on how to operate the equipment by a local training company.

This should mean that, whilst the club has players, coaches and parents visiting, they will always have an official member of the club sufficiently trained should the worst happen.

■ Club members and players with the newly purchased defibrillator at home ground The Paddock, Knowsley

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