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YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY PAPER
Issue 311 April 2013
“The school is part of the neighbourhood and the more local people who use it the better”
EASTER TREAT FROM CHRIST THE KING A roast dinner and a food hamper were served up to local pensioners by pupils at Christ the King in Knowsley. The easter treat was a joint venture between the school in Huyton and the new community liaison officer, PC Natalie Roberts. Local stores Tesco, Batleys and Farmfoods donated the food for the hampers and the event included easter eggs, hot cross buns and tea and coffee. The pensioners were all from the area and were chosen by the L14 community association and the Friends of Christ the King group. They were picked up and dropped off by minibus and there was bingo organised after the meal. The key organisers were Hugh Shacklock, Christ the King’s leisure and culture development officer, the school’s chaplain, Aileen Jones, senior operations manager Stuart Evans and Natalie Roberts. “It was a great day,” said Hugh. “The pensioners really enjoyed it and the pupils of Christ the King were absolutely fantastic. “We have great relationships
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
JESSICA IS TOP APPRENTICE Page 5 SUMMER AIM FOR RHYS JONES CENTRE PAGE 2 APPRENTICES REVITALISE HALL Page 4 NOMINATE YOUR GOOD NEIGHBOUR Page 7 WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH Pages 10/11 JESS CATCHES UP WITH MUSIC BAND AUDIO ZERO Page 20
with the local community and it was great to see our young people mixing and chatting with the older generation. “It’s something we’d like to do more of. The school is part
of the neighbourhood and the more local people who use it the better.” Christ the King and all of Knowsley’s centres for learning are open at weekends, in the
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Above: Pupils at Christ the King centre for learning in Huyton serve up an easter treat for local pensioners
evenings and during the school holidays, for community use.
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SUMMER AIM FOR RHYS JONES PITCHES A community centre and sports pitches in Liverpool dedicated to the memory of Rhys Jones is set to open in July 2013. The idea for the centre arose following the tragic shooting of 11-year-old Rhys in 2007 and a trust was established to raise funds for a community centre for people living in the Croxteth Park estate and surrounding neighbourhood. The trust raised £255,000 and the council agreed to contribute £250,600 to the project, together with land it owns at Langley Close. Now the Mayor’s cabinet is being recommended that the council take on the responsibility for delivering and owning the centre with the aim of having it open by July. Planning permission has been granted for the centre in Langley Close. It will include a community building with changing rooms and two allweather floodlit football pitches. There will also be parking facilities. The council will be transferring the completed facility on a peppercorn lease to the Alt Valley Community Trust, who already operate sports facilities in the area, will manage the community centre. “We are now making real progress on a project which was first proposed over five years ago, “ said local Councillor Peter Mitchell. “We gave a commitment to the community and we can now see that that pledge is becoming a reality.
“The memorial fund and trust cannot be praised highly enough for their efforts in bringing this about and the approach which is being taken is supported by the stakeholders group which has many local representatives “Above all Rhys’s parents are in full support of what is proposed. This centre and sports pitches will be a fitting memorial to Rhys.” A number of the companies involved in developing and delivering the scheme, including Regeneration Liverpool, Neptune, Tweeds, Deloittes, Falconer Chester Hall and DWF have all
waived their fees. The Cabinet endorsed the proposal at its meeting in March. The centre was designed by Falconer Chester Hall architects as part of a group of companies who pledged their support to the Rhys Jones Memorial Fund campaign to help deliver the project. Adam Hall, managing director of Falconer Chester Hall, said: “It has been a privilege to work on this project and help provide a lasting memorial to Rhys Jones - one that will have considerable value to the local community in which he lived”.
SHANGHAI SURPRISE! Knowsley Community College business students linked up with Shanghai this week to find out about working in a global market so they’ll be more likely to get a job in the future. The innovative link up is part of the college’s commitment to give
its students the edge in finding jobs. The college hosted the web conversation for its business studies students with John Cunliffe, deputy head of Inward Investment for China at UKTI, based in Shanghai.
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TRAIN NAMED IN HONOUR OF HAROLD WILSON
L - R - Mike Roe, Cllr Liam Robinson, George Howarth MP for Knowsley and George Wilkinson, Head Boy, Wirral Grammar School.
Harold Wilson, one of the greatest parliamentarians of our time, has been honoured by Merseytravel and Merseyrail with a train named in his memory. The event took place at Rock Ferry station, in recognition of Harold Wilson spending a significant part of his early life in Wirral. In the early 1930s he attended Wirral Grammar School for Boys, becoming the schools’ first head boy and in later years met his future wife Mary, then a secretary at Lever Brothers, when he visited Port Sunlight Tennis Club. After graduating from Oxford, Harold Wilson joined the Labour Party and returned to the north in 1945 when he was elected as MP for Ormskirk, within two years becoming the youngest cabinet minister of the 20th century at the age of 31. In 1950 he moved to the new constituency of Huyton, an area he was to serve as MP for the next 33 years, encompassing his time as leader of the Labour Party. Speaking at the train naming ceremony, Councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel said: “Throughout his early years as party leader Harold Wilson revelled in his Liverpool connection, which in the age of Beatlemania was a sure fire popular vote winner and it was Wilson who nominated the fab four for their MBE’s.” Robin Wilson, eldest son of Harold and Mary Wilson, sent his best wishes saying: “Our family is delighted that one of the Merseyrail fleet of trains is being named after my father. In particular, my mother, now aged 97, sends her best wishes for the occasion. “We’re very sorry not to be able to join you all today for this exciting event, and hope that it is a resounding success.” Mike Roe, engineering director at Merseyrail, said: “Merseytravel’s train naming initiative began in 2008 to celebrate the capital of culture year. It proved so popular that Merseytravel and Merseyrail have since extended the programme to include people of distinction, such as politicians and sporting heroes, as well as local figures who have contributed to public transport.
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The Challenge April 2013 3
SCHOOL CALLS ON DRIVERS TO SLOW DOWN Madison Reed from Knowsley wants the world to slow down – well, outside her school at least. The five year old helped create a sign to warn drivers outside St Mary and St Pauls primary in Prescot to watch their speed. The design was created in a competition supported by Knowsley’s travel plan advisor. Three winning entries have been made into permanent signs displayed outside the school in Bryer Road. The road safety campaign has also encouraged pupils to walk or cycle to school more often. Older pupils at the school have taken part in cyclist training to gain the skills and confidence to cycle on the road. The school has also had some financial help to install racks where bikes can be left and they’ve provided pupils with safety and security equipment. Cllr Dave Lonergan, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration,
A 1 TA X I S iPhone App! Book and track your taxi! Five year old Madison Reed from St Mary and St Paul’s primary in Knowsley calls on drivers to slow down.
eEconomy and skills, said: “The safety of our children is so important. “We all have to accept our part in that, whether it’s walking our children to school rather than taking the car or, as drivers, watching our speed and taking more care. “The pupils at St Mary and St Paul’s have made their feelings clear – now it’s up to us to listen to them”.
KNOWSLEY COUNCIL BY-ELECTION RESULTS Three new borough councillors have been elected in Knowsley. A by-election took place on Thursday, April 4, for three wards following the recent deaths of three serving councillors. Lynn O’Keeffe of the Labour Party was elected to the Prescot West Ward, with a total of 441 votes (44% of the total). Liberal Democrat candidate Ian Smith was second with 403 votes while Stephen Whatham of the Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts was third with 86 votes. Other candidates were Robert Avery of the Conservative Party (62 votes) and Robert Mbanu of the Green Party (14 votes). The turnout was 19.46%. In Prescot East Ward, the winning candidate was Steff O’Keeffe of Labour with 515 votes (58% of the total). Second was Carl Cashman of the Liberal Democrats (328 votes) and third was Adam William Butler of the Conservative Party (47 votes). The turnout was 15.72% And Vickie Lamb of Labour was elected to the St Michael’s Ward, with 676 votes (86%% of the total). Second was the Liberal Democrat candidate, Mike Currie, with 69 votes and third was David Dunne of the Conservative party with 44 votes. The turnout was 15.4%. All three seats were held by Labour. It means that all 63 seats on Knowsley Council remain Labour. The full list of results is available on the Knowsley Council website www.knowsley.gov.uk Two town councillors were also voted in. Carl Cashman of the Liberal
Democrats was elected to represent the Prescot North West Ward on Prescot Town Council. And Del Arnall of Labour will represent Knowsley Park North Ward on Knowsley Town Council.
QUALITY STATUS Halewood Town Council were awarded a further four years re-accreditation for Quality Status at a meeting of the Lancashire Association of Local Councils Headquarters on Tuesday 22 January 2013. The Chairman of the Panel called the submission document “exemplary” and congratulated the Town Council on the beginning of their third term of qualification.
CHARITY NIGHT There will be charity night at the Falcon pub, Bewley Drive Kirkby on Friday 12 April. The evening will be in memory of Clare Copper and funds raised on the night will go towards the Woodland Hospice in Prescot. For tickets contact Susan Finnegan on 07707 082213.
OPEN DAY Liverpool Astronomical Society will be holding an open day on Saturday 13 April at Pex Hill Visitor Centre, Cronton. Activities include nature activities for children, cake sale, raffle and much more. For further information contact 0151 423 4433
It’s FREE!
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The Challenge April 2013
APPRENTICES REVITALISE COMMUNITY HALL Young volunteers pulled on their overalls and picked up their paintbrushes to help redecorate a community hall. The volunteers, apprentices with the First Ark Group, helped paint the hall at Knowsley Housing Trust’s South Avenue sheltered scheme in Prescot which is used regularly by the residents for coffee mornings, bingo and a range of other activities. All 17 apprentices from across the group took part to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2013 (from March 11 to 15) and illustrate what apprentices can offer. The community hall was in need of updating and they were able to give it a new coat of paint throughout. Chris Doyle, a resident of the scheme, said: “The centre feels much more cheerful and we are very happy with the outcome. They only took two days to decorate the whole centre so we only missed one bingo session!” The First Ark Group has launched a major new volunteering initiative that will see the organisation give over 500 working days each year to allow employees to take part in schemes like this that give back to the local community. Laura McCumiskey, who works in the social responsibility team at First Ark, said: “This project has improved the centre for the residents and also brought the apprentices together to work as a team. “It shows the vast range of skills and the enthusiasm apprentices can bring and the contribution our employees can make to the local area through our volunteering initiative that can improve lives and opportunities in Knowsley.” Affordable warmth apprentice Tony See, aged 17, said: “I wanted to take part in the volunteering scheme because it gives me the chance to give something back to the community and to make a difference. “My apprenticeship has helped me gain a lot of confidence, new skills and qualifications while being in a work environment.”
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Knowsley Community College celebrated community-spirited students, recently at their annual Citizenship Awards. The awards are a favourite in the college calendar and celebrate students who have contributed to the wider community, often through voluntary work, carried out outside of college hours. This year’s event saw record numbers of nominees, with 25 staff-nominated and five student-nominated individuals. Their contributions ranged from volunteering with local community groups to charity fundraising. Presenting the awards was chair of governors, Mark Flynn along with college principal, Steve Logan. All nominees received certificates before the runner up and category winner was announced. Runner up was Racheal Flattery, in recognition of her voluntary work, and winner of the studentnominated award was Robert Austin, who works with primary school children, teaching guitar and expression through music. The overall winner was then announced as Daniel Spelman. Daniel was nominated for his work with 99.8FM KCC Live and by his personal
tutor, Eve Green. During his time at KCC Live he has regularly presented a weekly show, and helped out at extra events in the community. He is also a volunteer worker for Barnardo’s Charity Shop in Huyton, where he works on the till and shop floor, as well as doing media interviews and organising fundraising events. Commenting on being chosen as the overall winner, Daniel said: “I was surprised to be nominated and even more shocked when I was announced as the overall winner. I love my voluntary work; the best thing about it is meeting new people and learning from others’ life experiences. Thank you to my tutor and KCC Live for nominating me” As the College winner, Daniel is now invited to Liverpool John Moore’s Citizenship Awards presentation, on 19 April.
The Challenge April 2013
KNOWSLEY’S ‘APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR’ NAMED AT INAUGURAL AWARDS Knowsley’s most successful apprentices were honoured recently at a glittering awards ceremony held at the iconic St George’s Hall. The Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards 2013, presented by award winning comedian Neil Fitzmaurice, provided the perfect platform from which to recognise the region’s best and brightest young apprentices and applaud the employers who support their future career development. The title of Knowsley’s Apprentice of the Year (16-24 years old) went to Davey’s Chemist apprentice, Jessica Whitehead who was commended for her continual hard work, progress and dedication. Jessica’s training was provided is Intraining. Jessica began her apprenticeship in January 2012 and quickly impressed her bosses. She studied hard to gain her NVQ2 in Customer Service in less than seven months before beginning work on Level 3. In January this year Davey’s Chemist took Jessica on full time, and she is now studying for the National Pharmacy Association Medicines Counter Assistant qualification as accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council. Nominating Jessica, Business Development Manager at Davey’s
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• Jessica Whitehead receives her award off Paul Morton, Deputy Principle at Myerscough College
Chemist, Karen Snellgrove, described her as “totally inspiring” and said: “she is extremely caring and always goes the extra mile for the customers, especially those who are less mobile. She is dedicated and prepared to do whatever is required of her, staying late at short notice if needed.” Before taking up her apprenticeship, Jessica says she had never really considered a career in pharmacy, but now she loves it and hopes to enjoy a long and successful career – something her bosses are confident she can achieve! Jessica fought a tough battle to take home the award against fellow shortlisted apprentices Daniel Carroll of
• Richard Else, Jaguar Landrover, Halewood, won Employer of the Year presented by Adrian Heally of InTraining
ColorMatrix (training provider North West Training Council) and Mark Meadows of First Ark (training provider Knowsley Community College). Paul Morton, Deputy Principle at Myerscough College who sponsored the Knowsley award said: ‘We fully embrace and celebrate apprenticeship schemes at the college. They are a massive driver for the rejuvenation of businesses and the local and national economy. Having started my career as an apprentice I know first hand how powerful apprenticeship schemes can be both for the apprentice and the employer.’ The three shortlisted apprentices in each category were chosen out of the hundreds of nominees who were for put forward by either their training provider or employer. Cllr Ron Round, Leader of Knowsley Council and lead for employment and skills on the Liverpool City Region cabinet, said: “In the last few years we have seen time and time again how apprenticeships can transform lives and bring immense benefits to businesses. These awards help us celebrate this and demonstrate how vitally important apprenticeship opportunities are for our region, not only to those individuals who undertake them, but also to our long term economic prospects”.
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The Challenge April 2013
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BOB ‘FIXES IT’ AT A LOCAL PARK Children’s favourite Bob the Builder was fixing it for Kirkby youngsters to bring a new-look play area to a local park. Bob and pupils from St Laurence’s Primary schools in Kirkby joined workers starting a £68,000 project to create a new toddlers’ play area at Webster Park in Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby. The children were asked what they wanted in the play area and were keen to see how their ideas had been included in the final design, which includes a roundabout, climbing frame, swings, see saw and natural play boulders. The work is expected to be completed later this month. The project has been spearheaded by the Friends of Webster Park in partnership with the council and funded by Ibstock Cory, the Big Lottery Community Spaces Fund and Knowsley Council. Cllr Eddie Connor, Knowsley’s cabinet member for leisure, community and culture said: “We have supported the ‘Friends’ group bid for the funding which is creating this exciting new play area. Our children had many great ideas which have been reflected in the final design. When completed this new-look play area will be well used and a great addition to the park.” Bob the Builder and pupils from St Laurence’s Primary School at Webster Park
ALZHEIMER SOCIETY KNOWSLEY WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH Monday April 8th Alzheimer’s Society Knowsleys Office Support Groups will be having their Evening Carers Group at the Village Hotel Bar, Fallow's Way, Prescot, L35 1RX. The groups is 6-8pm, all carers who care for family with Dementia are invited to come along to meet other people who are in the same caring role as yourself. Telephone 0151 426 4433 for further information. April 2 & 16th Dance and Movement Support Group at Knowsley Leisure Centre, Longview Drive, L36 6EG at 1-3pm. People living with Dementia and their carers are asked to come along and join the group, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Telephone 0151 426 4433 for further information. April 3 & 17th Reading Together Support Group on at the Old Schoolhouse, St John’s Road, Huyton, L36 0UX 12.30 - 2.30pm. People living with Dementia and their carers are asked to come along and join the group, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Telephone 0151 426 4433 for further information. April 24th Maintaining Skills Support Group at the Arncliffe Centre, Arncliffe Road, Halewood, L25 9PA 1-3pm. People living with Dementia and their carers are asked to come along and join the group, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Telephone 0151 426 4433 for further information. April 19th Music and Sound Support Group on at Centre 63 Youth Centre , Old Hall Lane, Kirkby, L32 5TH 12.30-2.30pm. People living with Dementia and their carers are asked to come along and join the group, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Telephone 0151 426 4433 for further information. April 12 & 26th Carers Café Support Group on at South Avenue Community Centre, South Avenue, Prescot, L34 1LT 10am till 12pm. All carers who care for family with Dementia are invited to come along to meet other people who are in the same caring role as yourself. Telephone 0151 426 4433 for further information. April 12th & 26th Art Support Group on at South Avenue Community Centre, South Avenue, Prescot, L34 1LT 10am till 12pm. People living with Dementia and their carers are asked to come along and join the group, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Telephone 0151 426 4433 for further information.
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NOMINATE YOUR GOOD NEIGHBOUR TODAY! Nominations are now open for the Good Neighbours in Knowsley Awards 2013. The awards are organised by The Knowsley Partnership and recognise the special people who go that extra mile to help their neighbour, or who work to make their community a better place to live. Now in their fourth year, the Good Neighbours in Knowsley Awards highlight the importance of everyone playing their part to make their community a better place to live. A small gesture to help a neighbour can go a long way in building relationships and strengthening the local community. Anyone who lives in Knowsley can be nominated for a Good Neighbours Award, and nominations are being
sought for people both young and old. A winner will be chosen from each of the six areas in the borough, with an overall winner being selected for outstanding contribution to their community. Nomination forms are now available in each of the council’s One Stop Shops and libraries. You can also nominate your Good Neighbour online through the council’s website, www.knowsley.gov.uk (search for
CARE AND RESPITE SUPPORT SERVICES BRINGS WINTER CHEER Care and Respite Support Services (CARSS) a Knowsley based care provider and a registered charity has brought a smile to the faces of more than 150 vulnerable Knowsley residents. Thanks to funding received from Community Foundation for Merseyside, Warm Homes Healthy People fund, they have been able to prepare and distribute 100 winter warm packs. The packs included items of warm clothing along with food parcels including different food items that were warm and nourishing. The packs were distributed by the staff of CARSS to Knowsley people with disabilities aged over 26 and also to vulnerable elderly people. “They have also been able to provide care support hours for some of their vulnerable service users to enable their carers to go shopping or to attend medical appointments whilst our care staff looked after the people with care support needs. Norman Harris, operations and marketing manager at CARSS, said: “The provision of the winter warm packs and the care support hours has been a huge
One of the beneficiaries of our winter warm packs receiving the pack from a member of the CARSS care team.
success and it has emphasised how many vulnerable and elderly people become isolated and at risk particularly during the winter weather conditions. “We have helped to make the lives of some of the beneficiaries of our support safer and more inclusive. We are proud to have been able to make such a positive difference.” CARSS would like to
thank the Community Foundation of Merseyside for awarding us the funding and the staff at B & M, Prescot for helping their staff to unload and pack the many trolleys of food and clothing items that they purchased and for them also sharing their staff discount with them so that they could make their funding go even further to help even more people.
Good Neighbours). Cllr Ron Round, leader of Knowsley Council, said, “The Good Neighbours Awards are a fantastic way of recognising those who go out of their way to help their neighbour or make their community a better place to live. “We have always had a tremendous response for nominations in previous years, and I’m sure the popularity will continue this time around. Knowsley has a great community spirit and it’s wonderful to be able to say thank you to those special people in the borough.” The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 7 August 2013. Winners will be presented with their Good Neighbours Award in September 2013.
FUNFAIR IN PRESCOT The fair is back in town at Prescot. Starting on Thursday 28 March and ending Sunday 14 April, the funfair takes place on the old Pirelli/Prysmian/BI site, off Manchester Road (near Tesco). Ride tickets are eight for the price of five.
POLICE PROBE ARSON Police are investingating an suspected case of arson after a camper van was set alight in Prescot. Firefighters were called out on Thursday 4 April after a fire broke out in the vehicle which was parked outside a house in Hughes Avenue. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire, which they believe was started deliberatly, after the owner confirmed there were gas cylinders inside the vehicle.
GARDEN PARTY Wilowbrook Hospice will be holding a garden party on Saturday 18 May. You are invited to come and join the fun for the Willowbrook Garden Party at 1:00pm at their centre in Portico Lane, Prescot. They will have plenty of stalls there including plant stalls, book stalls and a gifts stall. There will be plenty of games happening for the kids and at 2pm, Brookie Bear will be hosting his Teddy Bears Picnic! All are welcome, so come along from 1pm and join in the fun! For further information contact 01744 453798
GLEE LOVING ODDBALLS Love singing and dancing? The Glee Loving Oddballs will be starting back after easter on Monday 15 April with a toe tapping ‘Dolly Parton Week’ at the Halewood Centre for Learning, Halewood. No experience necessary! Want to come along and join the fun? The evening starts at 7.00pm until 9.00pm and costs £5 per adult. Email: imgloexcited@gmail.com
CHANGES AT PRESCOT POST OFFICE The Post Office is looking for a new retailer to take over its operations in Prescot. The current shop, on Aspinall Street in the town centre, is one of 370 Crown Post Offices in the UK owned directly by the Post Office, and one of 70 chosen to be taken over by other retailers, due to a nationwide annual loss of £40 million. There is no possibility of closure, but it’s likely a new owner will mean a change of premises within Prescot.
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The Challenge April 2013
ONE OF A KIND IN KNOWSLEY
FRIENDS AND FAMILY TEST St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has launched the national ‘Friends and Family Test’ initiative at Whiston and St Helens hospitals. As from March, patients admitted to the hospitals are being asked a single, simple question to measure how well their expectations are being met. The question is ‘how likely is it that you would recommend this services to a friend or family?’ using an ‘extremely likely’ to ‘not at all likely’ scale. The results of the test will allow patients and the public to compare healthcare services and clearly identify the best performers. Each patient attending Accident and Emergency, or admitted as an inpatient, will be supplied with a postcard to record their responses. Answers are confidential but results are recorded for each ward or department through a unique barcode for each area. Results will be published on the NHS Choices website and locally within the hospitals themselves. Ann Marr, Chief Executive said: “I am keen for all patients to tell us about their experience. The feedback we receive is vital to us and helps to further improve the high standards of care provided at the hospitals.”
Gee Walker, mother and founder of The Anthony Walker Foundation (AWF), a charity established by Anthony’s family following his tragic death in a racially-motivated attack in July 2005, recently appeared at Park View Primary school in Huyton to participate in the celebration presentation of the ‘One of a Kind’ project. The project involved the children from seven Knowsley primary schools coming together for a half day session each week for five weeks. The sessions have involved a range of speakers from the CPS, Merseyside Police and Bully Busters as well as interactive and creative activities to raise the children’s awareness of issues such as discrimination, stereotyping and the devastating impact of hate crime – and the importance of promoting diversity and respecting people from different backgrounds. Bukky Olaleye, a representative of the foundation spoke about the different aspects of work the Foundation does in order to promote racial harmony and challenge the attitudes of racism and hate crime. Gee also spoke about the story of Anthony and encouraged all young children within the project and parents to continue to promote their skills, knowledge and attitude of equality and diversity as the children grow into young adults. Gee presented the children with certificates to congratulate them on the completion of and participation in the project. Teacher Anita Waters, said: “The project will have a positive and lasting effect on all those who are involved and will go some way towards contributing to tackling and reducing instances of hate crime.
“Whilst we cannot prevent hate crime from happening we can educate the children in our care of the importance of respect, acceptance and consequences of our actions and the affect it can have on others through all aspects of hate crime. The schools involved included Park View Primary School, Roby Park, St Gabriel’s, Huyton with Roby, St Anne’s, St Josephs and St Columbus. Guest speakers at the sessions included Katrina Igbinovia from the Crown Prosecution Service; Kayte Walsh, Bullybusters; John Scott and Will McAdam, Merseyside Police, Sesmin Ewing, drama therapist; Kevin Rigby and Gill Napier, area community safety managers and CLC.
WITHDRAWAL OF LEGAL AID COULD PUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS AT RISK A leading family law expert has spoken out over a legal loophole which allows prosecuting parties a ‘passport’ to legal aid. Paul Hunt from leading law firm Kirwans has voiced his concerns that nonmolestation orders, a vital tool for those who are experiencing domestic violence, may come under the spotlight if they continue to be abused – which could prove detrimental to those in need. Paul said: “As we know, from April 1st legal aid is no longer available for family law cases unless they involve proceedings with social services or there is a proven element of domestic violence. “In many cases no such ‘proven element’ will exist, as many victims of domestic abuse will suffer a number of incidents before telling close friends or family, let alone police or social services. “The other way of proving the domestic violence element is to be able to say that a non-molestation order – also known as an injunction - has been made within the last 24 months. Such an order can restrain another party from using or threatening violence or initiating threatening or abusive communications, in whatever form.” Paul said: “Unfortunately, the withdrawal of legal aid will put people in Knowsley and elsewhere in desperate financial situations. Once they realise that obtaining a non-molestation order may be a passport to getting legal aid for financial or child-related issues, there is a risk that such applications may be made without proper justification, especially when the prospects of being challenged at a later date by the other party are reduced”.
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KNOWSLEY TO HOST THE TOUR OF BRITAIN’S LONGEST EVER TIME TRIAL Knowsley will host The Tour of Britain’s biggest ever individual time trial this September, as stage three of The Tour comes to Merseyside on Tuesday 17 September. Riders will face a ten-mile (16kilometre) test against the clock, starting and finishing from Knowsley Safari Park. A traditional time trialing distance in the UK, the ten-mile route will also help celebrate ten years since the modern Tour of Britain was revived in 2004. The announcement follows Knowsley’s successful hosting of the finish of stage two of the 2012 Tour of Britain, won by Australian rider Leigh Howard. Cllr Eddie Connor, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for leisure, community and culture, said: “We are delighted that The Tour of Britain is returning to Knowsley. Last year thousands of local people lined the streets to cheer on the cyclists to the finish at Knowsley Safari Park and we’re sure the race will be welcomed back just as enthusiastically. “The Tour of Britain is just one part of the borough’s cycling strategy, which has seen significant investment in the new outdoor velodrome and BMX
track, which opened last year. In addition, there are new cycling paths and a number of cycling events taking place in the borough, which has helped to create a real buzz about cycling here. Hosting such a prestigious sporting event in the borough is fantastic for local people.” “The fact that we will also host the biggest ever individual time trial, which promises to be a really dramatic part of the race,
makes this event one not to be missed!” The Knowsley stage will be the fourth occasion that an individual time trial has been included on the route of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race. Previous venues for time trials include Birmingham (2005), Crystal Palace (2007) and central London (2011). “We are very pleased to be able to introduce such a time trial into this year’s Tour of Britain, on what will be a route perfect for specialists against the clock,” said race director Mick Bennett. “Knowsley Council and Knowsley Safari Park have worked tirelessly to enable such a stage to happen, and we would like to thank them for their efforts to help us put on what will be a must see leg of The Tour.” The 2013 Tour of Britain, the tenth edition of Britain’s national tour since it’s revival by SweetSpot Group, will start in Peebles in the Scottish Borders on Sunday 15 September, finishing eight days later in central London on Sunday 22 September. For full details of the route, please visit www.thetour.co.uk
VICTOR SPREADS EASTER CHEER Victor Anichebe brought smiles to the faces of children at Whiston Hospital recently. The Everton striker paid a surprise visit to the children’s wards, taking with him an armful of easter eggs. He took time out after training to meet children who are currently being treated at the hospital, chatted with their families and posed for photographs with staff. The hospital have three busy children’s wards and the young people were delighted to see a familiar face to brighten up their time in hospital. Anichebe was also joined by staff from Everton in the Community to play a series of fun games at the children’s bedsides and he was happy to be able to bring some easter cheer to the wards. He said “It’s been great seeing the smiles on the kids faces. Visits like this can go a long way and really lift the spirits of the children so I’m happy to be here. It’s a great feeling to see how happy they are.” Sally Duce, lead nurse at Whiston Hospital, said: “We are delighted and grateful that Victor took the time out to visit the children and staff on the children’s unit today. They were thrilled to meet him, he brightened up their day and made easter extra special for them.”
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Challenge
What’s On Guide www.thechallenge.co.uk April Thursday 11 April, Saturday 11 May and Thursday 30 May Forest school Halewood Park Thursday 11 April, 1pm to 3pm Saturday 11 May, 2pm to 4pm Thursday 30 May, 1pm to 3pm Come along and learn some new practical skills in the great outdoors. Suitable for families. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear, and book your place in advance. Contact: To book a place and for more details ring 488 6151
Saturday 13 April Roller disco Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park, 2pm to 4pm (all ages); 5pm to 7pm (all ages); 7.30pm to 9.30pm (over 18s) A fun and funky roller disco with the latest music. Ticket price includes hire of roller skates personal roller skates not permitted. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Licensed bar available for over 18s session. Tickets: £6 adult/child. Contact: For tickets and more details ring 443 5749 Friday 19 April We Can Make a Difference Appeal Fund A fun packed evening at St Aidan’s Parish Club, 90 Adswood Rd, Liverpool, Merseyside L36 7XR. Phone: 0151 489 9024 on at 7.30pm. Tickets £2 adult £0.50 child. Singer and entertainer, shared table, raffle tickets now on sale. Prizes include portable TV, games console, digital camera, Asda gift cards, digital radio and many more...... Saturday 20 April Conservation task day Stadt Moers Park 10am to 12 noon. Help the friends of Stadt Moers improve your local park. Contact: Ranger 489 1239 Saturday 20 April Spring nature walk Stadt Moers Park 1pm to 3pm. Take a stroll with the rangers around your park and enjoy the local wildlife. Contact: Ranger 489 1239 Sunday 21 April and Sunday 2 June Health walk Halewood Park 10am to 12 noon Join us on a two to three-mile walk through the local countryside at a steady pace. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Contact: Ranger 488 6151
Friday 26 April PRESCOT FESTIVAL Variety Night & Quiz Prescot Parish Meeting Room, Church Street, Prescot, L34 1LA 7-9pm Tickets £5 including cheese & wine - available in advance from prescotfestival@gmail.com (and on the door). Musical and comedy items plus quiz which will include easy, multiple choice questions. Come as a team or on your own and enjoy cheese and wine in the process! Proceeds in aid of Prescot Festival. Saturday 27 April St George’s family fun day McGoldrick Park 12 noon to 4pm. Come and join the St Gabriel’s Network for an afternoon of family fun with a dog display team, fairground rides, circus skills, information stalls and more. Contact: Ranger 443 3114 or 07771 550843 Sunday 28 April Nest box making Webster Park 1pm to 3pm. Help support our bird population and provide them with a ready-made nest box. All materials provided. Contact: Ranger 07810 054159 May Saturday 11 May Minibeast hunt Littlewood, Stockbridge Village, 10am to 12 noon Halewood Park, 2pm to 4pm Discover which creatures live in the local natural environment. All equipment provided. Contact: Littlewood 07810 054159; Halewood Park 488 6151 Saturday 18 May Henley Park Good Neighbours Day Henley Park 12 noon to 4pm. A family fun day with lots of free activities including a climbing wall and birds of prey display. Please note that some activities incur a small cost. Contact: Ranger 489 1239 Saturday 18 May Unusual tree walk Court Hey Park Starts at 1pm. Come and see what unusual trees are living in Court Hey Park. Contact: Ranger 443 3114 or 07771 550843 Saturday 18 May Discover wildflowers Woolfall Heath Meadows 10am to 12 noon. Discover the wildflowers of Woolfall Heath and have a go at our quiz. Contact: Ranger 07766 205541 Sunday 19 May Tea dance Sawpit Park
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1pm to 3pm. Come along for an afternoon of song and music provided by the Norman Roy Orchestra. Contact: Ranger 443 3114 or 07771 550843 Tuesday 28 May Treasure hunt Court Farm Woods, 10am to 12 noon. Halewood Park, 2pm to 4pm. Use your map to hunt down the clues, solve the puzzle and claim your prize. Contact: Ranger 488 6151 Tuesday 28 May and Wednesday 29 May Scarecrow making Tuesday, Jubilee Park, 10am to 12 noon Tuesday, Court Hey Park, 1pm to 3pm Wednesday, McGoldrick Park, 10am to 12 noon Wednesday, Ten Acre Pits, 1pm to 3pm Come along and make your own miniature scarecrows. All materials provided. Contact: Court Hey Park & McGoldrick Park 443 3114 or 07771 550843; Jubilee Park & Ten Acre Pits 07766 205541 Wednesday 29 May Kite making Webster Park 1pm to 3pm. Have a go at building your own kite to fly in the park. All materials provided. Contact: Ranger 07810 054159 Wednesday 29 May, Thursday 30 May and Friday 31 May Nature art Wednesday, Stadt Moers Park, 1pm to 3pm Thursday, Eaton Street Park, 1pm to 3pm Friday, Henley Park, 1pm to 3pm Be creative and produce art using natural materials from the local environment. Contact: Ranger 489 1239 Thursday 30 May and Friday 31 May Pond dipping Thursday, Acornfield Local Nature Reserve, Kirkby 10am to 12 noon Friday, Halewood Park, 2pm to 4pm What weird and wonderful creatures lurk in the depths of the pond? Let’s get dipping to find out. All equipment provided. Contact: Acornfield 07810 054159; Halewood Park 488 6151 Friday 31 May Mini beast hunt Acornfield Local Nature Reserve, Kirkby 10am to 12 noon Discover which creatures live in the local natural environment. All equipment provided. Contact: Ranger 07810 054159
Friday 31 May Milkshake! Live Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park
Shows at 1.30pm and 4pm Starring favourites including Little Princess and Scruff, Noddy and Tessie Bear, Roary and Big Chris, Fifi and Bumble and B1 & B2 - the Bananas in Pyjamas. Tickets: Adults £12; Children £10; family £40 (2 adults & 2 children) Contact: Carla Simkin 443 5749 June Saturday 8 June Bowls taster session McGoldrick Park, 10am to 12 noon Court Hey Park, 1pm to 3pm Compete against your friends and family, or just have a go yourself. Crown green bowling is a fantastic and easy sport for young and old. All equipment provided. Contact: Ranger 443 3114 or 07771 550843 Friday 14 June Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Knowsley for a spectacular evening of wonderful classical music. Tickets: Adults £12; Concessions £10 (over 60s and under 16s). Contact: Carla Simkin 443 5749 Saturday 15 June Cronton gala Cronton Pasture 12 noon to 4pm A family fun day in the park with lots of activities. Please note that some activities incur a small cost. Contact: Ranger 489 1239 Sunday 16 June Bird watching walk Acornfield Local Nature Reserve, Kirkby 10am to 1pm. Join the ranger on a pleasant countryside walk to spot some of our resident birds. Contact: Ranger 07810 054159 Monday 17 June to Saturday 5 October ‘Shoreline & Watershed: British Landscape and Contemporary Woodcut Printing’ exhibition Huyton Gallery A collection of woodcut prints, watercolours and sketch books reflecting a lifelong passion for the British landscape. Contact: Tina Ball 443 5617 or email tina.ball@knowsley.gov.uk Ongoing until Saturday 13 July Kirkby creates exhibition Kirkby Gallery Exhibition showcasing some of the local community’s views on Kirkby which has helped to develop three public artworks planned in Kirkby town centre. Contact: Sarah Craven sarah.craven@knowsley.gov.uk
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FIRST ARK STAFF IN THE RED FOR COMIC RELIEF Staff at the First Ark Group, which includes Knowsley Housing Trust, did their bit for Comic Relief by wearing red. They donated money to ‘dress down’ in the bright colour for Red Nose Day at the organisation’s Prescot headquarters on Friday and raised more than £400.
PARK TRANSFORMED INTO OUTDOOR EDUCATION HOTSPOT
Angela Haymonds (CETB) digs in with Knowsley Council ranger Gordon Lavender.
SCHOOL WINS TOP SINGING AWARD
More children are now able to access outdoor education following the completion of a project at Stadt Moers Park in Knowsley. The project involved improving the existing woodlands at Stadt Moers Park and developing three forest school areas, which are now being used by Knowsley Council rangers to host outdoor classes and weekend family days. The woodland now includes clearings with seating and campfire areas, where children can participate in activities ranging from woodland arts and crafts to den building. The improvements have also included litter clearance, and the woodland now features a wildflower meadow and a small orchard of plum and apple trees. Two Knowsley council rangers were trained up to be forest school leaders as part of the project. The project was funded by Cory Environmental Trust in Britain (CETB) and coordinated by The Mersey Forest. Volunteers from The Conservation Volunteers were also involved in helping the woodland improvements to take shape. Angela Haymonds from CETB said: “It’s fantastic to have been part of a project which will extend the benefits of natural play to children of all ages in the local neighbourhood”.
NEW SEASON AT NWC
The pupils from Ravenscroft primary in Kirkby celebrate their singing success with a song. A Knowsley primary has won a top award for putting singing at the heart of school life. Ravenscroft in Kirkby is one of only two schools in Merseyside to gain platinum singing schools status The award has been given by the not for profit organisation Sing Up that promotes singing in schools. The school has a good morning and good afternoon song, a line up song, singing stops on the playground and a singing club for younger pupils. The older pupils act as singing leaders, singing playground songs with the younger children, there’s a singing
club and a large choir that sings in the community. “Every class has its singing leaders and our teachers sing something with the children every day,” said the head of Ravenscroft, Jeanette Hegarty. “The children sing off the cuff as they make their way around the school and praise each others efforts. They’re always ready to do solo performances too. “They love it and its all had an incredibly positive impact on their behaviour, self confidence and self esteem.” Jeanette said the “infectious
determination” of staff member Nicola Cochrane, had helped them become a singing school. The platinum award was presented to the children at a school assembly by Angela Ball, head of Knowsley’s music and performing arts service. Also at the assembly were Knowsley MP George Howarth and Steve Rotherham, Labour MP for Walton in Liverpool. Steve’s been heavily involved in the campaign to help people affected by the Hillsborough disaster and the school has raised money for the campaign.
Spring is here, well allegedly…, and it’s the opening of the new visitor season here at the National Wildflower Centre from Monday 1 April. The cold spell has meant many of their flowers are still tucked up asleep so they are opening their doors for FREE during April. The National Wildflower Centre is a national environmental charity working to promote new wildflower landscapes and better places for people and wildlife. They work with communities on projects to increase biodiversity in their neighbourhoods and encourage healthier, happier lives. They have a social enterprise producing native wildflower seeds for people to sow and grow - shop online at www.wildflower.org.uk Based in Court Hey Park, Huyton, they are part of a strong UK eco-attractions partnership bringing people closer to nature, science and our fantastic environment!
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SURPRISE FOR ZOE’S PLACE
SMILE PLEASE!
Knowsley Safari's Amur tigers bask in last week's unexpected snowy conditions. Merseyside's snow is of little concern for the tigers - their thick fur coats are adapted to keep them warm in the harsh Siberian winters where temperatures can drop to -40’c.
HEALTHWATCH KNOWSLEY This month, Knowsley Local Involvement Network (LINk) will become Healthwatch Knowsley, giving people who use health and social care services an opportunity to have their say on services provided locally. It will work to help people get the best out of their local health and social care services - whether it’s improving them today or helping to shape them for tomorrow. They will help to influence the delivery and design of local services. Building on the work of Knowsley LINk, it will continue to champion fairness and equal access to treatment, making sure they are at all times representative of the whole community and local needs, which is based on the evidence of people’s experiences of health and social care services within Knowsley. Healthwatch Knowsley is a community led organisation which actively seeks views from all sections of the community. Local Healthwatch organisations will: • Help residents and communities to get the best out of their local health and social care services, shaped by
local needs and experiences. • Enable people to share their views and concerns about local health and social care services and find out when services are doing well, and how they can be improved. • Support trained volunteers to complete Enter and View Visits on health and social care services accessed by Knowsley residents. • Influence how services are commissioned by having a seat on the local Health and Wellbeing Board. • Produce reports and recommendations to service providers and commissioners, which will influence the way services are designed and delivered. • Signpost community members to advice and support about local services How can people get involved? Any Knowsley resident can get involved in Healthwatch activities. This can range from attending focus groups, coffee mornings, participating in consultations and receiving regular updates and information from Healthwatch Knowsley. To find out more, telephone Kelly Hurn on 0151 449 3954.
LIVING WITH AND BEYOND CANCER The Cancer Services Department at St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust are hosting ‘Living With and Beyond Cancer’. The event takes place at St Anne’s Millennium Centre, View Road, Rainhill, Merseyside L35 0LE on Wednesday 8 May 2013 at 12.00pm-3.00pm This is a great opportunity to ask our professionals anything you need to know about cancer care and treatments, with information for patients, carers, family and friends. This drop-in event aims to highlight the
support available for cancer patients in the local area. A host of professionals, from Whiston and St Helens hospitals, will be available on the day including Macmillan Cancer Support, benefit advisors, carer support, local cancer support groups and much more. There are also taster sessions of complementary therapies and free tea and coffee. All are welcome to attend. For further information please contact: Julie Parr, Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Manager Tel: 01744 647 000
KHT DELIVERS EASTER TREATS Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) helped to spread some easter cheer this bank holiday by delivering chocolate treats. Staff delivered hampers to residents in the borough, with more than 200 easter eggs donated by KHT staff and contractors including Travis Perkins, Arcus, Prescot Self Drive, Mainsway Ltd, Baas Construction, ADT, Whiston Carpets and BB Hygiene. The project is one of the many ways that KHT, invests in communities, going the extra mile to provide value far beyond its housing services, from something as simple as an easter egg, to providing job and training opportunities or volunteering for local organisations.
Miss Cuddy Year 1 teacher presented the cheque to John McCormack – Fundraising Officer, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice also pupils Ben Cook, Alex Thomas, Mia Pinnington, Caitlin Shrimpton, Ella Baines Staff and pupils from St Michael and All Angels Primary school, Kirkby were proud to present their £500 cheque to John McCormack – Fundraising Officer, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice this week. The money was raised through donations from their Christmas Raffles and cake sales. Teacher, Miss Cuddy said: “We were delighted to present the cheque to a very worthy cause and we would to thank all the children and everyone involved in the fundraising events
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Business News
KNOWSLEY ENERGY SCHEME DOES THE JOB Knowsley residents have been toasting the success of the ‘Community Energy Fit’ scheme, which provides energy efficiency training and practical work experience to unemployed people looking to boost their job prospects by volunteering to tackle fuel poverty locally. The 18-month scheme was set up by national fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) and energy company E.ON, with Knowsley Council and other local organisations including Knowsley Housing Trust and Villages Housing also acting as major partners. Over this period, 160 volunteers have trained in energy efficiency awareness and developed new skills. Some of the project participants chose to become community energy champions, volunteering their time at a range of local events in order to share their learning with their local community and gain valuable work experience and employment skills. These Champions have already reached over 400 residents with the energy efficiency message. The celebration took place in March, at The Huyton Suite, Poplar Bank,
Huyton and a number of partners gave praise to the scheme, including Knowsley Mayor Cllr Norman Hogg. Local not-for-profit group Knowsley Community and Voluntary Services (KCVS) was awarded the Community Legacy Fund – a £20,000 grant that will be used to continue the work that the community energy fit scheme has accomplished in Knowsley. Lorraine Donaldson, project development manager at NEA, said: “NEA enjoyed working with E.ON, Knowsley Council and other local organisations on this very worthwhile project. With the help of KCVS, the good work already done by Community Energy Fit can be continued and developed to help even more householders heat their homes more affordably.” Alison Gibson, senior community relations officer at E.ON, said: “This project set out to help unemployed people to improve their employment prospects and also to advise the local community, particularly those who are suffering from fuel poverty. I’m grateful to all of those residents who chose to become a part of it, and helped make community energy fit a real success in
L-R: Alison Gibson, Senior Community Relations Officer, E.ON; Steve Lauri, Bid Manager, E.ON; Tony See, Project Participant; Carl Grant, Project Participant; Diane Wheatley, Project Participant; Councillor Eddie Connor, Knowsley Council; Jimmy Pugh, Project Development Co-ordinator, NEA; Liam Blackwood, Project Participant
ANNUAL LADIES LUNCH RAISES OVER 100K FOR WILLOWBROOK HOSPICE Dedicated supporters of Willowbrook Hospice for twenty years, The Knowsley Chamber Ladies Committee chaired by Ann Snowling MBE has organised many events to raise money for the hospice. The annual sell-out Ladies Lunch in Knowsley Hall was held on March 7, with speaker Eithne Brown providing a fascinating talk about her fantastic career. The ladies enjoyed lunch in the beautiful setting of Knowsley Hall, kindly supported by Lord Derby, patron of the Hospice. Each year this event raises around £10000, which is over £100000 in the last ten years! Nichola Saunders, Fundraising Manager at Willowbrook Hospice, said: “Willowbrook Hospice would not be here if it wasn’t for the continued and passionate support from these hard working ladies. “Their support has helped us to provide our specialist palliative care to many local people in Knowsley and St Helens. I am personally grateful, as my husband enjoyed his time at Willowbrook before he passed away. Thank you Ladies!”
Knowsley. “It’s important that we continue to explain to people about energy efficiency as it’s estimated that around 14,500 households in Knowsley currently suffer from fuel poverty. Switching to the best tariff for them and implementing simple energy saving tips at home will ensure that no hard-earned
cash is wasted unnecessarily.” Cllr Eddie Connor, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for leisure, community and culture said: “This initiative has provided invaluable training and volunteering experience as well as offering some really useful, money saving energy efficiency advice at a time when we’re all counting the pennies.”
STUDENTS CELEBRATE AFTER SCOOPING PRESTIGIOUS AWARD A group of enterprising Edge Hill University students are celebrating after winning a prestigious award. The second year business school students won the Best Business Plan prize, sponsored and judged by Santander Bank, at the Young Enterprise Regional Finals for their Graduate Enterprise Company, Spectrum Soaps. The company, which specialises in selling a range of toiletries at reasonable prices, was created through Edge Hill’s graduate enterprise module, which gives students enrolled on any undergraduate degree within the business school the opportunity to develop a real-life enterprise. Business and management student and member of Spectrum Soaps, Gemma Hulme, Pictured right, is delighted that the company won the prize. The twenty-three-year-old from Kirkby said: “Competing in young enterprise and representing Edge Hill was a real honour and we are thrilled to have won the prize. We have worked extremely hard and put in a lot of time to write the company’s business plan, so for the judges to recognise it is brilliant.” “The graduate enterprise module gives you the opportunity to put what you have learned in your degree into practice, which has been great and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this practical aspect of the course.” The Young Enterprise regional finals gave students across the north west the chance to pit their entrepreneurial skills against one another. Alongside Spectrum Soaps, Edge Hill was represented in the finals by UniBooksSOS, a company who provide a trading service for students who wish to exchange or sell their old textbooks. Sue Murrin-Bailey, who delivers the Graduate Enterprise module at Edge Hill, is proud at what both companies have managed to achieve. She said: “To watch Spectrum Soaps and UniBooksSOS perform in the finals to such a high standard was wonderful. Both companies have been able to demonstrate that they know how to identify gaps in the market, deliver products to their target audience and generate profit. The young entrepreneurs involved are all ones to watch in the future.” Mel Bulmer, who is the Young Enterprise Business mentor for students who participate in the Graduate Enterprise module, was also impressed at the level Spectrum Soaps and UniBooksSOS displayed in the regional finals. She said: “Both teams have really impressed me with their flair, motivation and commitment. “The competition was particularly high this year but they more than met the standard. They are a credit to themselves and the University and I have really enjoyed working with them.” The Graduate Enterprise module is available to all students doing a business-related degree regardless of their pathway. Find out more by contacting Sue Murrin-Bailey on Susan.Murrin-Bailey@edgehill.ac.uk. For more information about Spectrum Soaps, visit their website at http://spectrumsoaps.co.uk
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Education News E-SAFETY AT ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS Pupils at St Michael and All Angels Primary school in Westvale, Kirkby have been learning about ‘e-safety’. Each year group took part in their own ‘e-safety week’ and explored the ways in which they access online sites, games etc and about the importance of staying safe on the internet. The year groups also delivered an assembly, which teachers are following up with an information session for parents. The school is also surveying parents to gather their views or concerns about their children’s internet use and offering further sessions on a variety of topics, from setting parental internet controls on home devices to staying up to date with the latest social networking sites. The children have created a variety of posters and leaflets, which are being displayed in a number of places around Kirkby. So, if you’re taking out a book in Knowsley library or going for a swim in Kirkby sports centre, catching a train to Liverpool or shopping in the town centre, keep your eyes open for their e-safety information.
‘BREAKFAST BONANZA’ Roald Dahl, wildlife and far eastern culture are just some of the themes at a Knowsley primary school breakfast club. Funded by housing association Riverside, which donated £780 from its community chest fund, the ‘Breakfast Bonanza’ at Kirkby Primary School is proving to be the perfect start to the day. The breakfasts are held in the school hall and children, parents and staff are all invited to eat together. The parents can also take away recipes so they can reproduce the meals at home. Elaine Parr, extended school services co-ordinator at Kirkby Primary School, said: “Research has revealed that as many as one in seven children don’t have breakfast. Yet it is a well-known fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. “Children who eat breakfast perform
better, both mentally and physically, than those who don’t. There is also a direct correlation between those who skip breakfast and obesity.” Sophie Brown, community engagement officer for Riverside, added: “No child should be prevented from attending a social club or miss out on well-balanced and nutritional food because of financial barriers. “Often parents only attend school when there is a problem so it can be quite intimidating. Also some parents feel isolated on the playground if they don’t know other parents. The ‘Breakfast Bonanza’ addresses these issues in a relaxed social setting.” By allowing the children to have an input into what food is bought, how it is prepared and how the hall is decorated, it is hoped they will learn new skills and be able to help their parents prepare healthy meals at home in the future.
KIRKBY SPORTS COLLEGE DRIVES IMPROVEMENT RULES OFSTED Kirkby Sports College’s new leadership is having a “positive impact” with a clear strategy in place to drive improvements, according to the latest Ofsted report. The findings have been published on the Ofsted website following the first monitoring inspection since the college was placed in special measures in November 2012. KSC is working alongside Wigan based Hawkley Hall High School with a view of converting to an Academy in September under the Rowan Learning Trust. The latest report said student behaviour is improving, the checking of student progress is more rigorous and appropriate steps are being taken to improve teaching quality.
Meanwhile, senior management have a clear understanding of what needs improving and the mechanisms for driving up standards. Furthermore, both the college’s improvement plan and Knowsley Council’s statement of action have been deemed “fit for purpose”. Ofsted inspectors recorded that the “drive and determination” of Kirkby Sports College’s acting headteacher Bill Leyland is having a “positive impact” on moving the college forward. Mr Leyland said the college has a solid foundation to raise ambitions, aspirations and academic success. “We are pleased with this latest report which clearly acknowledges the procedures we have put in place to
drive improvements at the college,” he said. “The senior management and teaching staff are clear on what needs to be done to raise standards. Staff roles and responsibilities have been reviewed to match the improvement priorities. Ofsted has judged our improvement plan as clear and concise. Critically, we have itemised the actions the college will need to take to address each of the areas for improvement identified in the previous inspection.” The inspection involved in-depth meetings with teachers, senior leaders and representatives from Knowsley Council as well as a tour of the college, lesson visits and informal discussions with students. Officials judged the Interim
Kirkby Sports College acting headteacher Bill Leyland
Executive Board, which replaced the school’s governing body, as having suitable expertise and experience with effective plans to monitor, evaluate and review the impact of the college’s work.
The Challenge April 2013
FIRST ARK WELCOMES NEW APPRENTICE
APPRENTICES COULD HELP NEET YOUNGSTERS NEET (not in education, employment or training) has become the buzzword of the recession. Since the start of the economic downturn, youth unemployment has increased in the UK at a faster rate than any other G8 country. According to official figures, one in seven 16-24 year olds are currently NEET.
Young people have been given the chance to take the first steps into a career through apprenticeships with the First Ark Group. The nine new apprentices, all aged from 16 to 24-years-old, will be working in various departments and in many roles across the group, including Vivark business support officer, Housing Officer at Knowsley Housing Trust and on the IT helpdesk in First Ark. The new intake has been recruited through Knowsley Works and takes the Group’s total number of apprentices to 26 – 5.5 per cent of its workforce. During their 12 months at First Ark the apprentices will learn new skills and complete a NVQ Level 2, helping them to get a foot on the careers ladder. Sheila Tolley, executive director of customers and communities at First Ark, said: “It is vitally important now more than ever for businesses to provide these opportunities for young people. “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way
to earn while you learn and develop skills that will set you up for the future and they have been proven to increase business productivity. “They are an important part of our organisation and we will continue to invest in apprentices to ensure our workforce has fresh new skills, talent and enthusiasm into the future.” The First Ark Group has a strong drive to invest in the communities it works in, through providing training and work opportunities for people in Knowsley and many other projects and initiatives that give people the chance to change their lives. The Group’s commitment to training apprentices has resulted in a number of awards, and one apprentice was recently shortlisted as Apprentice of the Year in the Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards 2013. Sheila added: “We look forward to helping these new apprentices develop their skills and progress in their careers.”
Young people in Knowsley are amongst those worst affected, with some reports suggesting we have some of the highest unemployment figures in the country. The Prime Minister has stated he wants to make apprenticeships ‘the norm’ in terms of a solid path for young people to enter the work force, and it seems to be working. Gone are the days that learners were encouraged to attend university to gain a successful career. Asset Training & Consultancy Ltd specializes in the delivery of apprenticeships, work based training programmes that are aimed at current and future employees, they are available to candidates aged 16-18 & 1924 and customised courses to suit the employer and apprentice needs. Young people in Knowsley are realising the benefits of apprenticeships and reaping the rewards. The government has recently invested a large sum of money into creating apprenticeships with the aim of crafting a highly skilled workforce, capable of competing on the global market. At Asset we realize that every learner is different and that each learner has a different style of learning technique. Full time education isn’t the ideal route for many and apprenticeships address this in the form of “earning whilst you learn” which allows learners to experience the workplace whilst still having the financial backing to continue on their career path. Peter McEvoy, Asset Training
Do you want to eat, smoke or drink less and move more? Our FREE NHS Lifestyle Advisors can help Eating too much and exercising too little? Drinking to excess or smoking? We understand it can be difficult to make lifestyle changes, even when you know you’d feel better in body and mind. That’s why we offer a listening ear and a helping hand to help you to achieve your goals. If you’re aged 18 or over and living in Knowsley or registered with a Knowsley GP we can help you to:
• cut back or cut out cigarettes • make better food choices • reduce your alcohol intake • exercise more • find out about other NHS, local authority, commercial and voluntary services in Knowsley. We’re based throughout the area at various locations including Primary Care Resource Centres, and can offer morning, afternoon or evening appointments to suit you. Whether you’d like a face-to-face chat; call
For more information on Community Health Services in Knowsley call the Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 073 0578 or visit www.5boroughspartnership.nhs.uk
over the phone, or to receive some information through the post, we’ll tailor our support to your needs. You can access our help through your local GP and
any other health professional, or call us directly on tel: 0800 073 1202 / 0151 289 9555. You can also email health.trainers@5bp.nhs.uk
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18 The Challenge April 2013
A FIRST FOR HUYTON SQUADRON AIR CADETS Cadet Sergeant Jack Lynch, who is 17 years old, from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets, has become the first ever cadet from the squadron to complete the challenging and highly sought-after, Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course (QAIC) held at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire. The course, which requires serious commitment from the cadets, qualifies its graduates to operate the flight simulators and other equipment that are used by the Air Cadet regional activity centres; this covers everything from aerodynamics and pilot studies to air traffic control and personal development. Jack began the course in September 2012 and since then has dedicated many weekends to QAIC training; Jack said: “I have attended a lot of courses during my cadet career however the QAI Course was by far the best! I highly recommend it and can’t wait to pass my newly gained knowledge on to the other cadets.” Jack can now wear his blue lanyard and begin passing on all he has learnt by delivering lectures for the BTEC Certificate in aviation studies and running the squadron’s flight simulator. Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose, officer commanding 1982 (Huyton) Squadron,
said: “I congratulate Sergeant Lynch on gaining this prestigious qualification, he has demonstrated a huge commitment to the course and his own personal development. I am looking forward to seeing him put his new skills into action at the Squadron, to the benefit of all of our cadets.” Huyton Squadron Air Cadets covers part of the South Liverpool area and offers a host of opportunities to local youngsters aged 13 to 18. To find out more about Huyton Air Cadets visit their website at www.1982.org.uk or call the squadron on 0151 449 3012, Tuesday and Thursday 7:00pm till 9:30pm.
HUYTON ROUND TABLE SEEKS IDEAS FOR ITS FINISHING SCHOOL FOR MEN Huyton Round Table is on a mission to create the ultimate finishing school for men and is asking people in Huyton for suggestions on things every man should know. Once upon a time the rules of manhood were straightforward but in the 85 years since the Round Table was established things have got a lot more complicated, so Round Table are looking for you to come to the aid of today’s modern man. In order to produce its authoritative finishing school guide, Round Table wants your idea of essential man skills. Whether it’s pouring the perfect pint, competent DIY skills or knowing how to compliment a woman, Huyton Round Table wants to hear from you! Cait Allen, from Round Table UK, said: “Round Table has been built around providing a network of advice and camaraderie for men aged 1845 since 1927, and therefore our members are well placed to give guidance to men. “But we are also appealing to people in Huyton to send us their thoughts with the aim of using the responses we receive to produce a definitive guide to becoming an allround modern day gentleman!” People who have tips or ideas of
things that should (or should not) be included in Round Table’s guide should email communications@roundtable.org.uk Round Table offers a wide range of social and sporting activities in the local community, as well as personal development skills including event organisation, public speaking, and of course knowing how to have fun. To find out more about Huyton Round Table, including how to join, email join@roundtable.co.uk or visit www.roundtable.co.uk/findoutmore
PRESCOT VARIETY NIGHT & QUIZ The Prescot Festival are holding a Variety Night & Quiz on Friday 26th April, 7-9pm at Prescot Parish Meeting Room, Church Street, Prescot, L34 1LA. Tickets are £5 including cheese & wine - available in advance from prescotfestival@gmail.com (and on the door) Musical and comedy items plus quiz which will include easy, multiple choice questions. Come as a team or on your own and enjoy cheese and wine in the process! Proceeds in aid of Prescot Festival.
Outdoors with The Hairy Gardener Hi, my name is Peter Frances a.k.a. the Hairygardener Lately as I’ve looked out of a night and seen more and more clear skies my mind drifts back in time to early gardeners and farmers and I wondered how they knew when to plant and when sow seed, not many books or Monty Dons about in the times that I’m thinking about even I wasn’t about, well not in my present form. So how did they know, instinct? old wives tales? Knowledge passed down almost definitely. One method definitely used and one close to my heart was planting by the phases of the moon and its usefulness is still evident today,we gardeners should not dismiss anything that will help us grow better plants. It is probable that each gardener had a planting calendar based on the moon phases these being passed on through generations evolving over time as they grew different crops. Slowly but surely it was noticed that different plants grew better when they were planted during the different phases of the moon. Each of these phases imparts an influence on the way vegetation grows on the planet through the rising and falling of the moisture in the ground and in the plants. Accurate records had to be kept, it was noted that certain crops faired better when the moon was in a specific constellation and as the moon passes through this constellation in 2-3 days, records were vital. But planting time was not the only important time for the farmer and gardener to record, harvest time also had to be noted because if you harvest at the correct time your produce will last much longer, this down to how the plant stores the water in the fruit/crop at different phases of the luna cycle. If you will bear with me I’ll continue this in the next article and if you don’t I’ll write it any way. Good Gardening
DOG OF THE MONTH – BEAU, MALE, JACK RUSSELL TERRIER (JRT), AGED 7 Beau is a lovely, lively dog, who is full of life, and loves going for walks to explore the undergrowth. He has a very loving nature, and likes to curl up with you and have a cuddle! He will walk quite happily alongside other quiet dogs, but doesn’t like too much attention! Beau would like to be the only dog in the home, and he loves one on one interaction. He needs an adult only home as he does have some attachment issues that will need work on. Beau’s new owners will have to be patient and understanding but will have complete help and support from the Dogs Trust Merseyside training and behaviour advisor. If you can give Beau a loving home, please contact Dogs Trust Merseyside on 0151 480 0660 or drop into the centre at Whiston Lane, Whiston, Liverpool L36 6HP. 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 nationwide. For more information about the charity’s work please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk
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FIRST ARK VOLUNTEERS GIVE SCHOOL CHILDREN A TASTE OF CAREERS IN HOUSING Housing staff took part in special careers events to give Knowsley school children a taste of different professions in the industry. The Careers Carousels, a type of ‘careers speed dating’, provided pupils with a quick-fire taste of different occupations to offer inspiration for future career paths. The First Ark Group, which includes Knowsley Housing Trust, volunteered to be part of these events organised by Liverpool Compact Education Business Partnership. First Ark staff are giving their time to different groups and organisations in the borough in a major new volunteering drive by the Group to further increase the ways it gives back to the communities it works in. Ten members of the Group took part at several primary schools across Knowsley to answer questions about their work from groups of pupils. Neighbourhood management officer Andy Spedding attended Cronton Primary School. He said: “This is an event I wish that my school had undertaken when I was a student as it would have been beneficial for me, and hopefully it was for these children involved, in getting them thinking about
their futures and the different paths available to them.” Executive director of Asset Management Ian Thomson visited Northwood Primary School in Kirkby. He said: “It was extremely rewarding. It exceeded my expectations as the questions and input from the pupils about career choices and opportunities was excellent. “Volunteering is good for everyone and our staff have really enjoyed this opportunity. Our organisation is part of the community and we have a highly skilled workforce that can make a significant contribution to the local area.” The Careers Carousels bring volunteers from various industries into schools to help broaden children's awareness of different career paths, raise future aspirations, enhance communication skills and to build confidence. Jeanette Hanley from Liverpool Compact EBP said: “These worthwhile and rewarding events create an ideal platform for partner companies to visit local primary schools and inspire children about their job roles and organisation, helping inquisitive young children to expand their knowledge and
First Ark staff speak to pupils at Knowsley primary schools about their careers and housing.
understanding of the world of work.” First Ark has committed 500 working days each year to encourage staff to volunteer with groups and organisations, using their highly skilled staff to drive positive change in local communities. The Careers Carousels are just one way that employees can donate their time and skills. First Ark has also become a provider of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme which staff are encouraged to volunteer for.
HELPING YOU HELP YOURSELF Tell me something that we do in life that doesn’t involve the Mind? This is why my courses can help so many different types of people, how we feel day to day is affected by how we think, how sports people and teams perform is massively affected by our mind. I made the realisation after fighting for Great Britain at Kick boxing when I was younger that how I thought had a direct effect on how I fought and I realise later I would have been more successful if I knew the NLP tools then. Look how low division football teams with part time players beat highly trained professionals, These ‘giantkillers’ affect the minds of the teams they play reducing their playing ability. Another example is England’s attitude towards taking penalties, all in the mind and is easily fixed. Going for an interview, driving test, asking for a date EVERYTHING is first run through our minds! I have studied the mind/brain/ body connection and how it affects our lives for 40 years. My teaching is a mixture of many different types of therapies but I mostly use NLP. What is classed as the ‘user manual’ for the most powerful computer in the world- our brain. I have turned my life around from being a painfully shy and introverted child with a stammer, which was severe, enough to have me
• Terry McElhinney too scared to attend school, I would make myself ill as facing school and the bulling was to fearful. I had zero self esteem, confidence and very low self belief. Over the years all the reading, cd’s and courses I attended on self improvement started to work plus the extra boost of confidence I got from doing Martial Arts. About 15 years ago I started on the road to help others and had a passion to help as many people as I could by passing on the easy to learn but powerful life changing techniques. I have also worked with school children helping with exam nerves. One of my problems as a child was that I always went blank when doing my school exams which resulted in leaving school with very low results though I was bright. Some of the issues I help with are improving our self beliefs, helping with low self esteem and confidence.
A lack of work life balance, high sickness and stress management is a big issue at the moment which I have been instrumental in helping companies improve on in the last few years. At the time I studied NLP it was written in a jargonised way that I found hard to understand even though I had studied it for years and I was determined to teach it in a way that anyone could understand and be able to use the tools straight away, over the years this has been a big part of the positive feedback I have had. I have passed on these life changing tools to thousands of people from 1-2-1 coaching to small and large companies including many within the NHS. With all the redundancy in this climate,the mind set, beliefs and attitudes of those unfortunately who have lost their jobs affect how they cope or don’t cope, I can help them. Also NLP is not just used to help people feel better or improve low self esteem etc its great for those who want to go to another level, who want to achieve more and be the best they can be. This is why my company is called Body and Mind Unlimited as I believe it is. The brain is the best computer ever developed it just didn’t come with a user manual and that is NLP.
www.bodyandmindunlimited.co.uk How Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) can help you succeed Terry McElhinney is living proof of the power of NLP. Through the study and practise of NLP techniques he has not only overcome his personal barriers, but has achieved goals beyond his dreams and he can help you in the same way. Terry uses his own personal experiences and wealth of knowledge on motivation, NLP and his understanding of human behaviour, to enable the people he deals with to tap into their inner talents and achieve great things. He is recognised as a corporate advisor in this field, whose talents for effective interaction with people is key to his success. A former British Middleweight Kickboxing Champion who is a self-employed Martial Arts Instructor, Fitness Trainer and ‘Life Coach’.
How Terry can help you • 1-2-1 Coaching, NLP • Fast Phobia Cures • Improve Self Esteem • Mind Coaching for Teams & Individuals • Work Life Balance & Stress Management - help reduce sickness levels in the workplace • Confidence Building - help with stammering, exams, interviews and driving tests
Support with the past, present & future to Enhance Performance in Business, Sport & Life T: 0151 420 5545 M: 07931 340906 E: terry@bodyandmindunlimited.co.uk W: www.bodyandmindunlimited.co.uk Foxglove Farm, Twyford Lane, Widnes WA8 3UT
20 The Challenge April 2013
This Month his month I’ve seen a prominent link between music and money. Only, in a good way. Instead of paying for overpriced CD’s and mass produced chart downloads I’ve been fortunate enough to witness some great new live music- for a small donation to charity (or- ‘through a band who participated in a charity event held in school’). I’m a big fan of interactive charity fundraisers, because although it’s nice to give to a particular cause, it’s also a rewarding feeling turning up and having a good time and knowing that you’re in some way making someone’s life a little easier. I previously mentioned the ‘Open Minds’ gig I attended last month, which featured a lot of brilliant performances and in the end raised over £250 for the mental health charity ‘Mind’. Whilst I was having such a good evening there, memorised by the talent of all the acts, I saw this month’s column as a perfect time to introduce you all to another band I saw that were keen to perform and raise money for Comic Relief. I knew for definite that you all needed to hear about them, so I grabbed an exclusive interview with their drummer, Phil court!
with Jess Corcoran our love of music and the ‘Zero’ part was inspired by my bank balance at the time. I met Zara (vocals) through a music website ‘Join My Band’ with the intention of me being a part of her new backing band as a solo singer. About two months later we decided to form a proper band and found Joe and Rolo, whose previous band had recently ended, through the same site.
T
What has been your best gig or performance? I think one of our best performances was at Bierkeller in February. Everything was perfect and we had such a good time... although thinking upon it, I’m torn between that performance and one at Oxjam Festival late 2012.
synth-rock/pop…basically a lively rock/pop music with a dancy electronic edge to it; we want to get people dancing and having a good time at gigs again! Lyric-wise, our songs tell real life stories that pretty much everybody can relate to, so we have a few deep songs thrown in to give people a rest from dancing.
Welcome...Audio Zero! Hi Phil. First of all tell us about the sound of your band, what type of music do you play? We’re probably best described as
Do you have any particular musical influences? Who are you comparable to? As a band we all have quite a few shared influences and have similar
likes and dislikes music-wise. I would say all our influences make Audio Zero’s sound comparable to bands like The Killers, Neon Trees and McFly’s more recent work, so if you like them, you should like us. Who else makes up Audio Zero? The other 3/4s of the band are made up of Zara - vocals/synth, Rolo guitar and Joe on bass.
Where can we hear your stuff or see you perform? You can find us on Facebook, the link is facebook.com/audiozerouk. You can find links to our Soundcloud and YouTube accounts there, as well as links to our new single release ‘Neon Soldier’ which is out on the 22nd of April. We’re taking a mini writing break from gigging but have one or two organised, the next being a charity event at The Hilton hotel in May. Thanks Phil!
Where does your band name come from and how where you formed? Well, one band-legend has it that the ‘Audio’ part of the name came from
Be sure to check out Audio Zero’s new single!
Health & Fitness - With Emma Armstrong of Zest Wellness Do diets really work? Every few months a fabulous new diet comes about. It offers miraculous weight loss for what seems like very little effort, but are these diets all that they seem? Atkins Diet: a low carbohydrate diet which works by depleting our glucose stores so we start to use our fat stores as energy. This is a process called ketosis. Unfortunately our brains are not capable of metabolising fat for energy and can only use glucose. This is why this diet leaves people feeling lethargic and often brings about mood swings. Many people have found the diet to be successful with weight loss but the unpleasant side effects makes it hard to keep up. More often than not the weight creeps back on. The Cabbage Soup Diet: A short term 7 day diet in which you can eat unlimited cabbage soup alongside a few select foods depending on which diet of the diet you are on. The diet is very strict but has been proven popular with people who want a quick fix. The diet works on severe calorie restriction although most of the weight that people on this diet lose is water weight. This is not a diet for the long-term! 5:2 Diet: the 5:2 diet is based on intermittent fasting. The diet involves eating normally 5 days a week and then 2 days of calorie restriction, 500 calories per day for women and 600 calories per day for men. This diet has been
favourable for many due to being able to organise life around the diet, moving the two fasting days to fit in with events. Despite this, fasting days may be extremely difficult and leave you feeling tired, hungry and irritable. It is important for further research to be carried out to whether this pattern of dieting is any more beneficial, or even possibly detrimental, than reducing calories evenly throughout the week. Although there is consistently more and more research investigating weight loss, a miracle quick fix has not been found. The majority of diets, whatever their form, work by reducing calorie intake. The only way to lose weight is to reduce energy intake and increase energy output. If you are looking to lose weight and increase your health, it is important to avoid quick fixes and choose a diet you can keep up for the long term without affecting your energy levels or mood, a healthy lifestyle. Remember you don’t have to be hungry to lose weight! Emma – emma@zestwellness.co.uk
The Challenge April 2013
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
Dovecot Dovecot Labour Club Finch Lane Entrance 6.00pm Jean 290 0034
Huyton St Aidans Club Longveiw Lane 5.30pm & 7.30pm Michelle 07940 181515
Wednesday Dovecot St Margaret Mary’s Social Club (Behind Church) Pilch Lane 4.00pm & 6.00pm Julie 449 1074
Friday Dovecot St Margaret Mary’s Social Club (Behind Church), Pilch Lane 9.30am Julie 449 1074
Huyton The Royal British Legion Archway Road 5.30pm Ro 07709 956191
Saturday Huyton The Huycap Centre, Rupert Road 8.00am & 10.00am Joanne 254 1298
Thursday Whiston George Howard Centre, Lickers Lane, 5.00pm & 6.30pm Kathryn 07865 014437
West Derby The Crown Inn Leyfield Road, West Derby 8.30am & 10.30am Marji 548 0018
Stockbridge Village Craigs Community Centre, Little Moss Hey 6.00pm Ro 07709 956191
Prescot Parish Church Meeting Rooms (next to Deans House), Vicarage Place 9.00am Lynn 480 1665
Tuesday West Derby The Crown Inn, Leyfield Road 9.00am, 11.00am, 5.00pm & 7.00pm Marji 548 0018 Kirkby Centre 63 Old Hall Lane, Next To St Chads 9.30am & 11.00am Eileen 548 0658 Speke The Metal Boxonions Sports And Social Club, Speke Boulevard 5.00pm & 6.30pm Clare 07950 631858 Prescot St James Church Hall St Helens Road (Near The Wellington Pub) 9.30am, 11.30am 4.30pm & 6.30pm Lynn 480 1665
Huyton The Royal British Legion Archway Road 6.00pm Joanne 254 1298
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22 The Challenge April 2013
Lifestyle
Amanda is the greatest loser! A super slimmer is proving to be a winner at the losing game after shedding 5st 7lb and being named West Derby’s Slimming World ‘Greatest Loser’, with the emphasis well and truly on greatest! In February 2012, the 24-year-old weighed 14st 2.5lb and her size was affecting every aspect of her daily life. Since joining her local Slimming World group in West Derby, she is 5st 7lb lighter. Not only has she won the best prize of all – a fitter, healthier, happier future altogether – she’s also won the group’s ‘Greatest Loser 2013’ prize for the member who’s lost the most weight – and all in just 10 months. Amanda says: “I feel like a new woman since losing weight – in fact, I look so different that people I haven’t seen for a while say they don’t recognise me! I feel happier and healthier, I’ve got more energy and I’m much more confident now too. “Before, I lost the weight I’d pretend I didn’t care that I was bigger than other people, but that just wasn’t true. I hated clothes shopping and just climbing the stairs would leave me out of breath. I felt awful. Now I just want to make up for lost time and experience all of the things that my weight held me back from doing.” So, after, seeing a banner on the venue Amanda joined her local Slimming World group at The Crown Inn, Leyfield Road, West Derby. She says: “Walking through those doors was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, I was embarrassed and terrified that I was going to be the biggest person there. But I needn’t have worried because everyone there was so very friendly and welcoming. “I’ve made so many friends there and their support and encouragement has been the best. When you have a lot of weight to lose there are
many hurdles to overcome to change old ways and adopt new healthy habits that you can sustain for the rest of your life. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my Consultant Marji McEvoy and the rest of the group. Every week they were there with a new recipe or shopping tip and if I was struggling someone always seemed to have the perfect piece of advice.” The club’s now-famous Food Optimising plan was a surprise too: “People think slimming means going hungry, eating nothing but salad, obsessively counting every calorie you eat and weighing or measuring everything on your plate, but it’s not like that at all at Slimming World. I love food and it’s never once felt like I was on ‘a diet’. “I still enjoy all my favourite meals like burgers and chips and roast dinners but I’ve learned how to make small changes like using lean meat or low calorie cooking spray instead of oil or butter. It fits in really well with the rest of my family as well. We all enjoy the same meals and we all feel tons better for it.” Now Amanda’s lost a total of 5st 7lb and gone from a size 18 to size 8. She’s also more active nowadays and regularly goes to the gym. Marji McEvoy, who runs the West Derby Slimming World group, says: “The change we’ve seen in Amanda is amazing. She’s a huge inspiration to the other members and I hope her success will inspire other people in West Derby who’d like to lose weight and become happier and healthier to take action. There’s a warm welcome waiting at Slimming World”. The West Derby group meets every Tuesday at 9am, 11am, 5pm and 7pm; Saturday 8.30am, 10.30am at Crown Inn Leyfield Road West Derby. For more information contact Marji McEvoy on 0151 548 0018 or 07739 167048
World’s longest designer dress revealed in opening spectacle
Beef curry A spicy delight served with rice and relish to satisfy even the most demanding curry fan. This recipe is a good source of protein and carbs that’s also low in salt and fat. Serves: 2 Time: 55 minutes Ingredients 200g stewing beef or soya chunks 1 onion, finely chopped 1 pepper, finely chopped 1 carrot 2 garlic cloves 1 tbsp curry powder 1 tin of chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp mango chutney 1 tbsp tomato purée 130g basmati rice, raw Method 1. Chop the beef into cubes, about 2cm square. 2. Brown the beef in a pan over a low heat. Add the onion and cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the chopped pepper, carrot and garlic and cook for five minutes, stirring often to stop it from sticking. Add a little water if necessary. 4. Add the curry powder and stir well to mix. 5. Add tomatoes, mango chutney and tomato purée. Simmer gently for 20 minutes, adding more water if necessary. 6. Cook rice according to the packet instructions and serve.
The world's longest designer dress was revealed at the centre of a spectacular opening ceremony. Curated by British fashion designer Henry Holland, the event welcomed shoppers into Trinity Leeds the only major shopping centre to open in the UK this year for the very first time. Measuring 15 metres high, the equivalent of the height of three double decker buses and 480 square metres wide, the world's longest designer dress was worn by aerial acrobat and former Cirque Du Soleil principle artist, Colette Morrow.
The Challenge April 2013 23
MERSEYSIDE ADVENTURE MAKE A WILL MONTH TRAINING EXERCISE
The Woodland Hospice annual will scheme will once again run throughout the month of April when you will be able to have a standard will prepared in return for a donation to the Hospice. Woodlands Hospice, based in Fazakerley, hold the annual ‘Make a Will Month’ scheme in partnership with local solicitors and professional will writers to encourage those people who haven’t yet made a will to do so. Making a will is sensible, practical and inexpensive. You can make provision for your family and know that your wishes will be carried out. No one likes to think of making a will and surprisingly only three in 10 people actually do so. The absence of formal arrangements can cause a lot of distress to family members at a time when they are already very upset. Their research shows that of those who have made a will few rarely revisit it once it has been written and with the increase in property values we recognise that many estates are now vulnerable to inheritance tax. A properly organised will ensures that your assets go to the people you love or to your preferred charity rather than to the state, often through inheritance tax. If you choose to make a donation to Woodlands Hospice or indeed any other UK registered charity in your will, that donation will be free from inheritance tax. Solicitors participating in the scheme will help people by waiving their usual standard fee in return for the person making a donation to the Hospice via the solicitor at the time of making their will. People are able to make appointments either at the hospice, at the solicitors or in their own home to have their Will prepared. If you have not yet made a will and would like to take advantage of the scheme please contact either Tracy Barnes on 0151 529 8193 or email: tracy.barnes@aintree.nhs.uk or Nick Morris on 0151 529 8152 or email: nick.morris@aintree.nhs.uk
A team of four cadets from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron ATC has recently taken part in the Merseyside Wing Adventure Training Exercise (WATEx) held at Capel Curig, North Wales. The WATEx which is held annually challenges all 30 squadrons in the Merseyside Wing to compete in various adventure training activities, this year 18 teams attended and took part in climbing, kayaking, archery, mountain biking and navigation exercises to name but a few. The team, which consisted of Flight Sergeant Scott Gibson, Corporal Jack Paterson, Cadet Joe Nugent and Cadet Ryan Taylor-Smith, worked hard during the weeks leading up to the exercise and using their knowledge and experience in the AT field excelled in both the climbing and kayaking events as well as the navigation exercise and navigation exam. Overall the team from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron came 6th in Merseyside Wing and is already planning training for next year’s competition! Deputy Wing AT officer and competition organiser, Flying Officer Neil Osborne, commented, “As always there was some tough competition at this year’s WATEx, the team from 1982 worked very hard and gained a respectable position as a result.” he continued “I would also like to congratulate 2375 (Neston) Squadron on winning the Merseyside Wing Adventure Training Exercise for a second year running.”
LOUISE’S ROYAL RECOGNITION
WEEK OF ACTION ROUND-UP More than one million pounds of drugs have been seized by Merseyside Police in a week-long crackdown on cannabis farms. Officers confiscated almost 1,500 cannabis plants with an estimated yield of £850,000 along with large quantities of cocaine, heroin and amphetamine. The force-wide ‘week of action’ targeted organised criminal groups responsible for operating cannabis farms in communities and resulted in 94 people being arrested for drugs and other offences. Handgun ammunition, expensive watches, drug-packaging equipment and mixing agent were also seized after officers executed almost one hundred Misuse of Drugs Act warrants last week. Superintendent Mark Harrison, who led the operation, said the results showed the force was successfully tackling the issue of cannabis farms in people’s communities and going after the criminal gangs running them. He said: “A great deal of work went into gathering the evidence for these
warrants and into carrying them out so it is good to see them bring about positive results. “We have seized large numbers of cannabis plants worth a considerable amount of money to the criminal gangs growing them and arrested almost a hundred people suspected of drugs and money laundering offences. “The fact that we have found ammunition, class A drugs and large amounts of unaccounted for cash at some of these premises shows that cannabis is not a harmless drug. It is linked to serious and organised crime and the cultivation of cannabis is damaging our communities so it is imperative that the police, Crimestoppers and the general public continue to tackle it. “The Crimestoppers ‘scratch and sniff’ card initiative was a great way of educating local people about what to look out for and, with farms increasingly being set up in residential areas, we need the public to be our eyes and ears and tell us what they know”.
First Ark’s Louise Harris has been royally congratulated for her inspirational work in making business good for communities. Louise, director of social responsibility at Knowsley Housing Trust, part of the First Ark Group, met HRH The Prince of Wales at a special reception at Westminster where he thanked her for her work in in promoting socially responsible business. She is one of 100 individuals invited to the royal reception who have been named ‘Game Changers’ by Business in the Community, an organisation for which HRH The Prince of Wales is president. Louise said: “It was a real honour to meet HRH The Prince of Wales. We spoke about housing and what First Ark delivers in Knowsley and I invited him to visit the First Ark Group next time he is in the region. “This is fantastic recognition for First Ark’s work in this area, showing that we are leading the way and doing the right thing for our teams, our tenants and our communities.”
The Game Changers Award is a one-off recognition for people like Louise who work behind the scenes to change business behaviour and promote social responsibility within their companies. She has been a driving force behind the Group’s approach to social responsibility since it launched its strategy in 2011, which sets out a commitment to ‘give something back’ to communities. This includes volunteering, creating jobs, training and volunteer opportunities, and supporting new businesses and social enterprise. Bob Taylor, chief executive, First Ark Group said: “All businesses should see social responsibility and social innovation as a core part of what they do – It’s good for business, good for people and good for the local economy and the right investment to make. “Louise’s achievement reflects the fantastic commitment she gives every day in her role which has helped to really create life-changing opportunities for people in Knowsley.”
24 The Challenge April 2013
HAUNTED MERSEYSIDE WITH TOM SLEMEN
William ‘No Milk Today’ said the note curled up in the pint bottle on Maureen Kershaw’s doorstep. Jim, Maureen’s husband of fifteen years had recently died from a long illness, and now Maureen felt as if she couldn’t face the world – even the milkman who always asked how Jim was. She was only in her early forties but Maureen felt her life was over after losing what we would today call a ‘soulmate’. Jim and her had been so close, they’d almost been telepathic, and liked the same things in life, same music, same food, same telly programmes, and now he was gone. Surely if there was a life after this, Jim would have been in touch? Maureen mused upon this each day, and longed for some sign from the world beyond – some subtle indication from the promised life beyond the grave. Nothing. And then Maureen’s old aunt, Lizzie, passed away that arctic winter in 1963, and the old woman left her favourite niece a three storey house on Canning Street. Maureen eagerly left her home in Huyton and moved in to the new residence to forget the life she’d had with Jim. However, Maureen had barely been in the new home for three days when she made a shocking discovery. A ghost was at large in the house. The creepy revelation took place as Maureen was gazing out the window, wallowing in self-pity one snowy afternoon when a musical voice below said, ‘Polka dot drawers! How novel my dear!’ Maureen yelped, then looked down at the floor, and she saw a man’s head with wavy golden hair gazing up her skirt as he howled with laughter. For a moment, Maureen thought some burglar had tunnelled up into the living room from the cellar, but then the intruder – who was visible as far down as his shoulders – flitted into the carpeted floor and vanished. Maureen crouched down in shock, unable to understand why there wasn’t a hole in the floor where the peeping Tom had been up her dress at her knickers. There was just smooth red carpet at that spot. Maureen felt ill with fear, and left the house to go next door to her new neighbour, old Mrs Berry. “You’d better get used to these things because your house is haunted,” she calmly told Maureen, “and it was like that before your auntie lived there. I couldn’t tell you who the ghost is though. All these old houses have these shadows in them; they’re that old, so it’s to be expected I suppose. I get a smell of lavender now and then from something passing through here.” Maureen contacted a young priest and he put her in touch with a retired priest who had secretly studied the occult for many years, and this old former priest recommended a man named Roger Newton, a layman who had quite a reputation for exorcisms and the laying of ghosts. Roger was recovering from flu though, and said he’d visit the Canning Street house as soon as he was well enough. In the meantime the blond-haired ghost would
tickle Maureen’s toes as she lay in bed, and he’d kiss her on the cheek (whilst he was invisible) whenever she went out. When Maureen would play her records, a chair would dance around the room, or the ghost would appear in a mirror, dressed in outdated clothes, miming the words to the songs. On one occasion, the mischievous attention-seeking spectre pulled the cloth from the tabletop straight across the room as Maureen was eating her dinner, leaving the plates, cups, bowls and condiments all in place. Then there came laughter from the upper reaches of the chimney. The spooky shenanigans terrified Maureen at first, but surprisingly, she soon became used to the ghost, and in a weird way, it provided the widow with some much-needed company. The blond phantom began to manifest regularly and even struck up a conversation one evening as a blizzard raged outside. “My name is William,” the ghost announced, “and I died after a fit of laughter in this house a long time ago,” he added. Maureen asked him about the afterlife, but William shrugged and said: “A lot of them over there are asleep, and some have gone to a lovely place, all sunny and apple-sweet, but I have only glimpsed it. “I come back here because I loved this house; it holds so many happy memories. Some of us come back here when we reminisce. Sentimentality I suppose.” Maureen told William about the loss of her husband and asked if he would be able to go and see if he was ‘over there’ in the life beyond, but William looked down at the floor and told her it was unlikely he’d be able to find him. The next world was such a big place, and he didn’t really have much to do with it. “I’m sorry you are lonely,” he told Maureen. “On my soul I know what loneliness is. I have walked the rooms of this house, and sometimes the streets outside, in the moonlight, when the living are asleep, and I have visited the places where I courted long ago.” William often played the piano, even when the lid was down, and he would recite beautiful poetry with so much feeling, he would sometimes shed a tear, and he also told wonderful stories of lost loves from a bygone era. In particular he missed a lady he had once loved from afar named Lucinda, and sometimes visited her tomb in a local churchyard. Other spirits had told William that Lucinda had not gone into the world of spirit when her life ended, but lay in a type of sleep in her tomb for some reason. Some said she refused to cut the earthly ties with this world because she had been waiting for her love to join her, but that man was untrue, so now she prefers the eternal sleep of death where her heart can never be broken. When the exorcist, Roger Newton called, Maureen sent him away. Then a second ghost – a Mr Alfred Wiles – began to appear, and a phantom dog also. Then over the course of a few months, the house would occasionally revert back to its Victorian state, with sumptuous and
elaborate furnishings of long ago. The sounds of horse’s hooves and trundling carriages would be heard in the vicinity of the house, as if the past was seeping into the present. As lovely as this seemed, Maureen felt as if some unspoken law was being violated. One summer evening that year, an old man dressed like a Quaker appeared in the hallway of the house on Canning Street, and in a rather nonchalant manner, informed Maureen he was a spirit guide. He said he had come to take the ghosts back to the hereafter, where they were supposed to be. He then went upstairs and vanished. When William and his friend Alfred appeared sometime later in the parlour, Maureen warned them about the spirit guide and advised them to make themselves scarce and lay low for a while, but the door to the parlour flew open as she spoke, and there stood the guide, and behind him was a golden light as bright as the morning sun. Maureen shielded her eyes from its intensity, and she could hear voices shouting, the barking of the spirit dog and someone crying, and it sounded like William sobbing. He begged the guide to let him stay with Maureen but then the light vanished in an instant, and so did the tumult of voices. A sweet smell like lavender hung in the air, but faded within minutes. Maureen waited and waited for the return of her friend from beyond, but as far as I know, she never saw him again during her life on earth. She eventually mingled with the living again, and met a lovely man named Phillip. Maureen began to date Phillip, and after a courtship of just over a year she became engaged to him, and eventually married him. Maureen never forgot William, and often dreamed of him and his friend Alfred, and the little dog; three souls who brought comfort into the life of a woman who used to be so lonely and forlorn. For more spooky tales, visit www.slemen.com
HUNT FOR A NEW BREED OF BUS DRIVER Huyton Transport Ltd (HTL) is working in partnership with Job Centre Plus, Merseytravel and Warrington Collegiate to recruit new drivers into the industry. Following a successful pilot scheme last year that recruited eight drivers, HTL are preparing to employ 24 new drivers into their operation with support from Merseytravel’s ‘Merseylearn project’, which provides relevant training for successful applicants to make sure they have every chance to succeed in their new role. HTL operations manager Darren Stewart said: “We’ve made a real change in the way we recruit. We’ve worked closely with Job Centre Plus to give people a chance that in the past would have been overlooked. But in fact what’s happened is that the new drivers have thrived on the opportunity. “Merseytravel have provided the funding for the new employees to receive Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) training through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund and combined with sector-specific pre–employment training provided by Warrington Collegiate they are ready to start with HTL”.
BISHOP’S PERSONAL INSIGHT ON HILLSBOROUGH Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend James Jones will offer a personal reflection on his work on the Hillsborough tragedy to coincide with the launch of a unique exhibition, Justice Tonight, at Edge Hill University. On Wednesday 17th April the Bishop of Liverpool will talk about his work as Chair of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, which was established in 2009 to oversee the release of documents relating to the 1989 Hillsborough football disaster that resulted in the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans and a subsequent 23-year campaign by the victims' families and survivors for justice. Arrival for the public lecture is from 5pm, with a 5.30pm start. The event is free to attend but booking is absolutely essential - visit the website www.edgehill.ac.uk/events
The Challenge April 2013 25
Motoring News National Survey Reports Rise to More than two Million Potholes
EXTREME RAINFALL HIGHLIGHTS £10 BILLION CRUMBLING ROAD CRISIS The annual national survey of local road network condition and funding published in March 2013, reveals a crumbling road crisis of increasing concern, renewing calls for Government support for increased and longer term funding. The 18th Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) Survey was completed by 75 per cent of councils across England and Wales and reports that the number of potholes filled over the last year rose to over two million, an increase of 29 per cent on the previous year. The Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) is calling for action from central Government to introduce longer-term funding mechanisms, allowing councils to move from one-year costly cycles of highly reactive work to planned, preventative maintenance programmes. The cost of filling the estimated 2.2 million potholes across England and Wales came to £113 million, while £32 million was paid out in compensation claims and the cost of staff time spent on claims amounted to over £13 million. Councils have paid out 50 per cent more last year than the previous year in compensation claims from road users for damage or injury due to poor road condition. While the cost of filling potholes is not increasing significantly overall, they indicate poor road condition that is costing the country heavily in many other ways. This year, local authorities in England (including London) report a shortfall in their annual budgets of £829 million. Across England and Wales, authorities estimate that £10.5 billion would be needed to bring their roads back into reasonable condition. “Constantly having to patch up crumbling roads rather than using highway engineers’ skills properly, to ensure good road condition in a planned and cost effective way, is nonsensical and costly to the country,”
says AIA Chairman, Alan Mackenzie. “The DfT’s Potholes Review was a welcome initiative and concluded that ‘prevention is better than cure’. When you add up all the costs incurred by not following this advice, it’s hard to understand why central Government cannot find a way to invest in this much needed work and save on higher costs in the future.” The local road network accounts for 95 per cent of the country’s roads. One in five local roads is reported as being in “poor condition”, which is defined as having five years or less life remaining. The longer remedial work is delayed the more its cost increases. Poor local road condition is costing the country’s small and medium-sized businesses a cumulative £52 billion a year in various ways such as reduced productivity, increased fuel consumption, damage to vehicles, and delayed deliveries. The 59 per cent of ALARM respondents whose roads were damaged as a result of the extreme rainfall in 2012, estimated the total cost of their repairs at £338 million. Extreme weather has a disproportionate effect on roads that are not kept in good condition and water is particularly damaging to the lower, structural layers of the road. “Emergency funding from Government is welcome, but a little extra here and there makes very little difference,” says Mackenzie. “The additional £215 million announced in the autumn to help improve local road condition over the next couple of years doesn’t even cover the £338 million of damage repair needed as a result of last year’s rainfall. “It’s time to stop the rot. The Government needs to make sufficient funding available now that will enable local authorities to get their roads back into a condition that will quickly and directly boost the economy, help businesses and improve local communities”.
ALARM SURVEY 2013 QUICK FACTS: • £829 million annual funding shortfall – England and London • £6.2 million annual budget shortfall (per authority, England) • 1 in 5 roads with residual life of less than 5 years • 12 years to clear backlog (in England) • £338 million – cost of damage caused by 2012 extreme rainfall • £10.5 billion – estimated “one-off” cost to get roads back into reasonable condition • £32 million – amount paid in road user compensation claims • 2.2 million potholes filled across England & Wales • £113 million – total spent filling potholes – England & Wales
26 The Challenge April 2013
Challenge Classified PUBLIC NOTICE
CHARITY
PUBLIC NOTICE KNOWSLEY TOWN COUNCIL
British Heart Foundation
Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (2012) Knowsley Town Council has received a copy of the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel in respect of the payment of Parish Basic Allowance and Chairmanʼs Allowance. The Panel noted that Town Councils may resolve to pay their members an allowance known as Parish Basic Allowance. The Panel acknowledged that Town Councils may also pay a Chairmanʼs Allowance under existing Regulations. Conclusion of the Panel No Parish Basic Allowance be payable during the financial year 2012/13. Reasonable out of pocket expenses for travel and subsistence be reimbursed in respect of duties and meetings covered by the relevant regulations. Knowsley Town Council having regard to the Panelʼs report on allowances, noted the conclusions of the Panel and RESOLVED to pay members a Basic Membersʼ Allowance of £830 per year and a Chairmanʼs Allowance of £1,000 per year. Copies of the Panelʼs report are available for inspection by arrangement at: Knowsley Town Council Office, Knowsley Village Hall, School Lane, Knowsley Village, Merseyside, L34 9EN. Contact: Paul Lawday – Clerk of the Council on 0151 548 4545
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The Challenge April 2013 27
CHALLENGE SPORT KNOWSLEY LAUNCH NEW HARRIERS GRAND PRIX EVENTS The Knowsley Harriers AC have teamed up with MerseyVend to bring you the TTR (timed training run) series of events, the aim is to give runners of all abilities the opportunity to test themselves against the clock over a specified distance in a friendly environment. You do not need to register in advance, just turn up and take part. By taking part your are automatically entered into the Grand Prix with points being allocated to runners based upon finishing positions, so the more fixtures you attend the more points you will gain! Following the final fixture they will award a trophy to the overall male and female winners, and if you run for a
BASKETBALL ACADEMY
club you will also count towards your club’s score and at the end of the grand prix season they will crown one club champions. The event is sponsored by MerseyVend who provide bottled water at the finish for all runners and also £20 costa coffee vouchers, and also a £10 costa coffee voucher which is awarded as a spot prize following each race. Each fixture is the first Saturday of each month at 10am. The start and finish of the race is the Halewood Enviroment Centre, Okell Drive, Halewood L26 7XB. For further information e-mail: contact@knowsleyharriers.com
RACE FOR CHARITY
Pictured (l to r) Stuart Evans, Dave Carline, Keith Dudley and PC Natalie Roberts from Christ the King centre for learning in Huyton after running the Liverpool half marathon.
A team of runners from Christ the King Centre for Learning in Huyton have raised hundreds of pounds for charity. They ran the Liverpool half marathon on St Patrick’s Day and raised £350 for the charity Nugent Care that helps vulnerable people. The team included three teachers, and the school’s Community Liaison Officer, PC Natalie Roberts. Nugent Care is the school’s chosen charity and staff and pupils organise several fund raising events throughout the year.
A brand new Basketball Academy is about to be launched in Knowsley, as a result of a partnership between Knowsley Community College, Knowsley Council and Mersey Tigers one of the UK’s top Basketball Teams. This is a key part of the Borough’s Basketball Strategy. Knowsley Community College is offering the high quality basketball courses and training in partnership with the Mersey Tigers - the ambitious professional BBL team playing their home games at Knowsley Leisure and Cultural Park in Huyton, Knowsley The Knowsley Basketball Academy will provide the opportunity for dedicated athletes aiming for professional coaching or playing careers in the UK or overseas to learn about all aspects of the game and benefit from professional coaching, physical training and competition. Alongside this, students will study towards academic and coaching qualifications that are designed to provide the ideal pathway to university courses, overseas scholarships or the professional world of basketball.
PRESCOT ARE DOUBLE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS The Prescot Ladies first team finished the season with 16 wins from 16 and a massive 77 goals scored in their first season of the Greater Manchester League. The 16 wins is a club and league record, and they are now promoted to the First Division. Not to be outshone, the Ladies Seconds also completed a league double for Prescot as they won Division 4 by a point on the last day of the season. It’s been a great season for Prescot Hockey Club, and they will be recruiting new members (Men and Women) of all abilities over the Summer, attending UK wide tournaments and building on the success of this season. The Men’s Veterans also retuned to action at the weekend, entering a team in the prestigious Timperley Tournament, picking up four points and looking good for the 2013 Cup. Ladies 1st XI Greater Manchester Cup winners and Division 2 Champions Ladies 2nd XI Greater Manchester Division 4 Champions.
Students will receive professional coaching, education, fitness training every day and will be expected to play competitive games for the academy and deliver coaching sessions for young players and teams across Merseyside. Alongside this, all academy members will attend academic lessons and play an active part in college life, supported by qualified tutors and highly experienced coaches. Knowsley Basketball Academy will offer the highest quality basketball coaching and development available in the UK for players aged 16 and over. As well as competitive basketball in the British College Sport system, academy players will benefit from free access to first class fitness training, physiotherapy, sports massage, and Spa facilities at the college as well as free access to fitness and leisure opportunities in the Borough’s Leisure Centres which includes the world class Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park. Students will also work closely with Mersey Tigers professional players and will support the club at all home games in Knowsley. Knowsley Community College is superbly equipped for the teaching of basketball, with many great resources at the Roby Campus and the nearby Leisure and Culture Park in Huyton. What the Knowsley Basketball Academy can offer: • Direct links and progressions to the BBL with the Mersey Tigers • Scholarship opportunities to UK and overseas Universities for some students • Professional coaching in a professional environment • Free access to first class fitness training, physiotherapy, sports massage, and Spa facilities • 7 days a week • £2000 Scholarship available for highachieving students and outstanding athletes • Financial Support of up to £1200 to support your studies
28
The Challenge April 2013
Challenge SPORT If you have got any sports news contact us on 0151 706 7411 or email: thechallenge@merseymirror.com
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LAST CHANCE TO JUMP IN TO SWIMATHON 2013
COLLEGE SUCCESSFUL IN SPORT ENGLAND BID Knowsley Community College has announced plans to drive forward sport and physical activity in Knowsley, following a successful FE Activation Fund bid with Sport England. The funding will give hundreds of students the chance to get involved in sport and physical activity and encourage them to continue this throughout their lives. Two individuals will also have the exciting opportunity to become apprentices in sports development, with the responsibility of planning and organising activities to suit everyone in college. College principal, Steve Logan said: ‘We are incredibly fortunate to be successful in our bid and see this as a
key factor in our ability to change the lives of many of the students we work with. We look forward to working closely with our sports clubs and partners so students continue to take part in sport and exercise when they leave college.’ As part of the plans, the college will increase the sport and physical activity options available to all groups of students, especially over 19s, females and students with a disability. The main aim is to increase long term participation in sport and physical activity so that college students can go on to lead successful and healthy lives. The college looks forward to being a driver for change towards healthy living both within college and into the wider community.
With only weeks left to enter Swimathon 2013, Marie Curie Cancer Care is encouraging people across Knowsley to sign up for the world’s biggest fundraising swim. Swimathon hits over 615 pools across the UK between 26-28 April, including pools in Halewood, Huyton and Kirkby. Funds raised by Swimathon will help support Marie Curie Nurses who provide free nursing care to people with terminal illnesses, in the place of their choice. Lyndsay Jude from Halewood Leisure Centre said: “All the staff are thrilled to be supporting our local Marie Curie hospice by hosting Swimathon again this year at all three of the public pools in the Knowsley area. “We’re looking for more people to jump in and make a splash this April at our Halewood, Huyton and Kirkby pools, you can join us by signing up online today at: www.swimathon.org”. Fundraiser Antony Jones said: “Last year 126 swimmers took part across Merseyside and together raised a brilliant £14,203.32 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. “We hope to raise even more in 2013, and want to let people know it’s not
Left to right: Stuart Cargill, Lindsay Jude as Daffy and Mark Polsan from Halewood Leisure Centre
too late to sign up and take part. “It’s a great way to get fit and every length you swim will help raise vital funds, so that Marie Curie can provide support to terminally ill people and their families.” Swimathon participants can choose from the 5k, 2.5k or 1.5k individual challenges, or take on Swimathon as part of a team in the Team 5k or
Team 1.5k distance challenges. Swimathon is open to all ages and abilities and provides a great form of exercise, which can help to relax the mind and body and also build endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. Entries are open until 24 April 2013 at www.swimathon.org
TABLE TENNIS SUCCESS FOR KNOWSLEY PARK Pupils from Knowsley Park Centre For Learning are celebrating after wining the Inclusive ‘P’ Scale table tennis competition at the Merseyside School Games Table Tennis competition. The event, held at Halton Stadium in March, involved young people from across Merseyside in an inclusive multisport event. Key Stage 3 and 4 competitions were delivered by event organiser Karen Tonge MBE in partnership with the
Merseyside School Games operational group. Halton Table Tennis Club members supported the event, along with 52 trained Year 10 sports leaders from Wade Deacon High School, who officiated the matches. Two BBC News Schools reporters from Childwall Sports College took up the opportunity to put their reporting skills into practice on the programmes national development day reporting on the activities.
Knowsley Challenge is a free community newspaper to serve the Borough of Knowsley. Circulation 30,000. Editorial Office: 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Telephone: 0151 706 7411. Advertising, Graphic Design and Typesetting by Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Telephone: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678 Printed by News International Newspapers Limited at Kitling Road, Prescot, Merseyside L34 9HN.