CITYLIFE LIVERPOOL
MAGAZINE
ISSUE 1
BETTE DAVIS THE 40’S RETRO EDITION FEATURING A TRIBUTE TO..
40’S GLAMOUR | FASHION | HISTORY | BEAUTY | MUSIC | MILITARY | LAW
MAJOR AUCTION SALE 23 October 2008 at Marriott Hotel City Centre, One Queen Square, Liverpool – please note the earlier start time of 11am due to the size of the catalogue 99 lots lots including various development opportunities, commercial & residential investments – with instructions from LPA Receivers, Liverpool City Council and Mortgagees in Possession to include the following:
7, 9, 11 & 15 Highgate Street, Liverpool L7 3ET
143–145 Duke Street, Liverpool L1 4JR
A redevelopment opportunity comprising a block of four vacant town houses, probably built in the late 1960s, suitable for a number of uses subject to necessary planning consents
Rare city centre Freehold opportunity within the heart of the Ropewalks area, suitable for office, retail and residential use (subject to planning consents). The property comprises two, adjoining and inter-connecting, middle terrace buildings of four storeys, including lower ground floor
Guide Price £110,000+
Guide Price £375–410,000
September auction result 61% realising £3.82 million! In 6 years we have held 43 auctions realising a total of £201 million. Average sale % over the 6 years: 76% Biggest catalogues, best results! We sell more because we do more
117 Edinburgh Road, Kensington, Liverpool L7 8RE A residential investment comprising a three bedroomed mid terrace let to four students producing a combined income of £11,220pa
Guide Price £60,000+ (3 other similar properties available)
247 Kensington, Liverpool L7 2RG A 3 storey end of terrace property consisting of a ground floor shop with storage above on 2 floors. There is also a basement. The property has recently been refurbished, with in excess of £45,000 spent as part of the Kensington Regeneration Scheme
Guide Price £95,000+
Sandown Park Social Club, 71 Sandown Road, Wavertree, Liverpool L15 4JA A former semi detached Victorian Villa plus side brick built extension, to be sold with vacant possession
Guide Price £165–185,000
3 Marlborough Road, Tuebrook, Liverpool L13 8AU A three storey detached property, which has been converted to provide three self-contained flats. The flats are vacant and require refurbishment
Guide Price £110,000+
39 Penny Lane, Liverpool L18 1EU A three bedroomed semi detached property benefiting from partial double-glazing and central heating. The property requires repair and modernisation
Guide Price £145,000+
21 Sefton Park Road, Liverpool L8 3SL A substantial 3 storey plus cellar semi-detached house in need of refurbishment, which has been converted into 3 self contained flats. The top floor flat is currently let by way of a regulated tenancy producing £2,520pa, the property will be sold with vacant possession
Guide Price £260,000+
To receive your special edition catalogue celebrating 6 years of successful auctions please call
0151 207 6315 or email cathyroberts@suttonkersh.co.uk james@suttonkersh.co.uk or view online at www.suttonkersh.co.uk
www.suttonkersh.co.uk
October / November2008
CITYLIFE
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
LIVERPOOL
MAGAZINE
ISSUE 1
BETTE DAVIS THE 40’S RETRO EDITION FEATURING A TRIBUTE TO..
40’S GLAMOUR | FASHION | HISTORY | BEAUTY | MUSIC | MILITARY | LAW
PAGE1(new).indd 1
2/10/08 10:02:17
2008 Issue 1 Editor
Kenneth T Webb
Editorial Assistant Joseph Pettersen
6 What’s on ‘08 Round-up of the City of Culture events
Creative Lead
36 Three VCs The Great War
24 Bette Davis The Queen of Hollywood
Ben Bradshaw
Creatives
James O’Connell Barry Myles
8 Editor’s Word 26 Sport Let us never take what Weekly roundup of we have for granted local sport
39 Miners A time of struggle
10 Spider Liverpool welcomes La Machine
28 Education Things to remember when going off to university
41 Law An insight into Conveyancing Law
30 Fashion RecycleRechic hits the catwalk
42 The Gun Guns and knives are destroying our society
16 May 1940 A broadcast to the nation... ...
18 Music iPod 32 - 34 Maritime iPods go head to head Strategies, threats and with the good old radio future vision 20 Gay Simply because he was gay
CITYLIFE MAGAZINE
Gareth D Boutell
Photography Matt Ford Barry Myles
Contributors
Laura Cartledge, Richard Walters, Andrew Guest, Monique Bell, Mike Doran, Helena Mitchinson, Caroline Opacic, Martin Shannon, Donna McCourt,Les Wood, Mr. Terry Bates, Linda Ryan, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band RN, Kathleen Woodside MBE, Dr. Frank Carlyle.
Design & Production
35 Local History A slice of real liverpool life
LIVERPOOL
Advertising
This magazine is designed and published by Pier Publishing Limited, therefore the copyright rests with us.
Pier Publishing Ltd Suites 1 & 3 4th Floor City Buildings 21 Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9BS T: 0151 236 8896 www.liverpoolcitylife.co.uk Printed by: Custom Print Limited
The contents of this publication are fully protected. No content may be reproduced in part or whole without prior written permission of the publisher. It is not our intention to print any discriminating or offensive material. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or advertisers. Pier Publishing Limited accepts no responsibility for mistakes or errors within this publication.
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 5
If all the world’s a stage, the spotlight is on Liverpool. Liverpool Biennial
MTV Europe Music Awards
20 September – 30 November Various venues
6 November Echo Arena Liverpool
The UK’s largest festival of visual art
Liverpool hosts the world renowned music awards ceremony
Le Corbusier - The Art of Architecture
2 October – 18 January 09 The Crypt, Metropolitan Cathedral
Major exhibition of the architect’s work
Power Plant
8 – 12 October Calderstones Park
Portrait of a Nation
December St George’s Hall
The nation’s young people come together in an exploration of heritage and identity
An evening trail of sound and light installations
King Lear
30 October – 29 November Everyman Theatre Starring Pete Postlethwaite
Homotopia
1 – 22 November Various venues Annual festival of LGBTG arts and culture
MTV Liverpool Music Week
30 October – 6 November Various venues
UK’s biggest indoor winter music festival
Register today for the very latest 2008 news at liverpool08.com
‘08 A city bouncing on culture boom
to visit in the UK. Now we need to make sure But as good as 2008 is, it’s important to realise the we come in the top two. Our next aim has to be year is part of a journey for Liverpool. It is not an challenging Edinburgh.” ending. The physical regeneration of the City and the new found economic confidence in the City will The city has also had a phenomenal summer leave a lasting legacy. programme from The Tall Ships’ Races, The Open at Royal Birkdale and from the Brouhaha to Mathew Since 2001 the City has invested almost over Street Festivals to name just a few highlights. £350million in cultural venues and facilities in preparation for this year, such as: The public art projects Go Superlambananas and • The new ECHO Arena and BT Conference Liverpool’s tenure as European Capital of Culture La Machine have also set the City buzzing. Centre 2008 is reaching a thrilling finale. • Restoration of St George’s Hall • A new cruise liner terminal An amazing 8 million people have so far had a Now autumn sees the onset of a feast of • Refurbishment of theatres, galleries, arts cultural experience in the city – with the promise blockbusters. centres i.e. Bluecoat etc. that the best is still to come. Amid all the activity, “must see” events for the final And the developments won’t stop now. With headline-grabbing stars such as Beyonce phase of ’08 include: heading for the MTV Europe Music awards and • The 5th Liverpool Biennial – MADE UP, In 2009 the Leeds-Liverpool canal sees the everyone talking about a monster spider, below the citywide, now until November 30 completion of its 2km extension to the Albert Dock radar the city has been enjoying a record breaking year. • The first Chapter and Verse Literature and in 2010 the £60m new Museum of Liverpool Festival - the Bluecoat - October 9 - 19 Life will open. The city’s cultural venues are experiencing a box- • Le Corbusier - The Art of Architecture, The office bonanza with Tate Liverpool and National Crypt, Metropolitan Cathedral, until January Of course, the regeneration of people’s attitudes Museums Liverpool recording their busiest 11 2009 and confidence is just as vital to the wellbeing of summers ever - two million people passing through • King Lear - featuring Pete Postlethwaite, any City. And as well as the record crowds enjoying their doors from May to August alone. Liverpool Everyman, October 30 - November this cultural feast, Liverpool is also basking in the 29 glow of unprecedented media coverage. Most Liverpool venues be it for theatre, music, art • MTV Liverpool Music Week ’08 - various or museum are recording an average 30% rise on venues, October 30 - November 6 By the end of August Liverpool’s Capital of attendances last year - but the Walker Art Gallery Culture celebrations had enjoyed media coverage has seen a phenomenal 119% rise on 2007! worth £75m, which includes 8,000 national and international newspaper articles. In a recent survey it was also found that 60% of Liverpool people have attended a local museum or The judges were quite clear why Liverpool won gallery in ‘08. the ’08 accolade – it was not just because we had good cultural venues, creative industries, a great The city has been further bolstered by the news musical heritage – important though all these are. that it has been voted one of the favourite cities It was because they had seen that the whole of the in the UK to visit - beating Cambridge, Durham city was united in backing the bid. and Manchester in a national league table of top city break destinations, compiled by Condé Nast Traveller readers. This has been achieved through the unique Creative Community programme. Since 2003 it’s Liverpool’s jump of four places to third has been involved: directly linked to Capital of Culture celebrations. • over 100,000 people With a score of 86.78 out of a possible 100, it • 2,000 artists was narrowly beaten by London, with 90.22, and • more than 3,000 projects Edinburgh, which scored 88.15. Third is thought to be the city’s highest ever position in the table, All participating and all creating across a variety of which has been compiled yearly since 1998. In fields such as: 2004 Liverpool was ranked 14th. • Education • Health Liverpool hosts the MTV Europe Music Awards This meteoric rise is a trend matched by the Office • Sport of National Statistics which now ranks Liverpool • • Environment Liverpool - Threshold to the Corners of as 4th most visited UK city by oversees visitors. In • Heritage the World, Victoria Gallery & Museum, 2005 it was 16th. November 1 – March 30 2009 As a result people have made films to radio adverts, • Homotopia - Annual LGBT Arts Festival If harder evidence was required of the ‘08 boom, performed concerts and created CD’s addressing various venues - November 1 - 22 in May the City’s hotel occupancy levels reached • everyday social issues from bullying to demolition. European Senior Boxing Championship, 81.1% - the highest in the UK. Final - Echo Arena Liverpool, November 15 The power of control over your own creativity is not • Cornerstone Music Festival, The Conde Nast Traveller’s editor-in-chief Sarah Miller to be underestimated – the empowerment people Cornerstone, Hope at Everton, November said: “A lot of readers seem to have experienced feel. The feel good factor. 19 – December 6 Liverpool for the first time and thought ‘wow’. • BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Echo Liverpool’s very much in people’s minds. They are It’s not surprising then to find that in a recent poll, Arena Liverpool, December 14 reading about it, seeing it on telly, they hear about 80% Liverpudlians have a more positive view of it and want to know about it.” Phil Redmond, Creative Director of Liverpool the City. Culture Company, said: “Our ‘08 programme has Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool something for everyone and with so many exciting And their new Liverpool has certainly rediscovered City Council, said: “This is what we set out to do: events still to come no one has an excuse not to try its special x-factor. to make Liverpool one of the most attractive cities something new.”
More
More
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 07
EDITOR’SWORD
As I sit here in the early evening in Old Hall Street, the police horses clipclopping on the street far below me seem to emphasise the success that we, the City and people of Liverpool are now enjoying. Without doubt we are bringing our unique status and approach to life, an added zest to the whole concept of Capital of Culture. For the doubters and cynics who say we will never be able to sustain it beyond 2008, I have only one request...look at our history and catch a glimpse of our future success. I was asked the other day why I had decided on this company’s name – Pier Publishing Limited; a fair question. It all began eight years ago on a Virgin InterCity from Bristol where I worked, when I penned the first pages of what has become probably my most important work – a two volume novel, semi-autobiographical, and with the specific objective of confronting prejudice, hatred, racism, and disorder which at times seems to have us all by the throat. I have always loved piers. To me they are the very life and soul of the nation. Mariners will say with true conviction that it is heart-rending to watch a ship go down because that ship does have a soul and life; so too do our piers. They are the Nations’ health barometer. The fact that the first page, the first scene of the story, is set on our own disused pier, just emphasised to me what had to be the work’s title. So when we formed Pier Publishing Limited this year it was a momentous event for all of us. With the British Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
by Kenneth T Webb
pier’s resurgence being reported only last month in The Times, it is a privilege to carry that name. Whilst we might still have the small disused pier down by Princes Half Dock, we also have the Nation’s greatest pier – Pier Head. For our pier is performing the task for which all piers were originally intended. As Tim Phillips, Chairman of the National Piers Society reports, ... ...the original function of piers [were] as landing stages for steamers bringing holidaymakers to the seaside. Liverpool’s pier is doing just that! It’s fully operational! What a sight to once again see the great cruise liners and Ships of the Line moored up at Pier Head. What a delight to see at Wellington, Belmore and Albert Docks, the Tall Ships; what an incredible tingle down the back when a departing liner or Royal Navy Ship bids farewell to the City. Of course, all of us this year have been coming to terms with the sudden economic downturn, the mergers and nationalisation which, at times increasingly looms towards recession. When we, at Liverpool CityLife decided to do an article on Bette Davis, the 1940s Queen of Hollywood, it quickly became apparent that there were many aspects of that decade that ran parallel to today’s. Only this morning a letter arrived on the doormat from my Mum down south in which, as Mums have that means of doing so beautifully, summed up the mood of Liverpool thus: As you say, a lot of hard work but I’m sure it will pay off. You, all of Liverpool, seem to be a good working team. That is vital, all stick together. That’s how Page 8
we won the last war but not without heartbreak, but still must go forth. I reckon there’s not a Mum in Merseyside of any generation who does not feel the same. That is why we are privileged to carry the images of the Late Queen Elizabeth when speaking to the wives and mothers in the Blitz, and that incredible newspaper image of the children in the trench watching the battle going on overhead. That is why we have carried an article about the momentous events of 10th May 1940, as important to these islands as 1066 Battle of Hastings and 1215 Magna Carta. To our young readership, do some research on Google or Wikipedia and even within your own families. 1940 was a year that should by rights have seen us go down the pan. The fact that we didn’t is an incredible study in history but more importantly it’s why we have our freedom today. With freedom comes the need for law and order, and we join with the people of Liverpool in extending our thanks to everyone in the Merseyside Police for the incredible work that has been done in upholding the rule of law in apprehending all those involved in taking the life of young Rhys Jones. The Police do a very difficult job, and whilst we do give them a hard time, we would also soon know it if we didn’t have our police service which stands unique on the ancient office of Constable. Ten years ago my friend, a serving constable, became the local police commander in Bosnia for the purpose of retraining that country’s police force. Ten years on I’ve just
learned he’s doing the same in Iraq. Not many people are aware that our police are regarded with such prestige that the UN and the USA looks automatically to us as the best means of retraining a regime’s police service! I’m proud of that. With Rhys’ case it is now for the courts to carry out the due process of the law; the work of the police is done in that respect. And we join with the Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside in reminding us all that everyone is entitled to a fair trial, that all hearings shall be conducted with dignity and that the bedrock of the English Legal System is that which many countries still can’t quite get their heads round – that a man is innocent until he is proven guilty. We are not a vengeful people; though God knows we do at times wish we could exact revenge upon those who cause us misery. But we have always risen above that. We must do so now. And so we join with Rhys’ Mum and Dad Melanie and Stephen not only in extending to them our deepest sympathy, but also in upholding their own courageous stance and the practical work they do through the Trust they have set up, their determination to combat gun crime, and the magnanimity with which they extend to those who have robbed them of the greatest love of their lives. We stand with Mr & Mrs Jones and with the Police in the determination of all of us to rid our city of rising gun crime. It is simply not to be tolerated. We do not need this culture. But we must do it through Parliament and not by taking the law into our own hands.
It goes without saying that we are grateful for the many letters, e-mails and verbal praise. As every magazine in this city knows, it is quite a task to bring a publication to the streets, coffee houses, hotels and businesses – due entirely to the leg work into the night hours of dedicated teams of people, who smile whimsically at the term night owl!
is now going out of its way to adopt the spirit of openness. In Zimbabwe we have seen a begrudging return to some form of democracy and power sharing. Let us hope it prevails.
Let us all acknowledge, as I have reported at Business Connect 08, that our City is enriched by all its asked as to whether it was right to magazines and we are a large enough publish this, I took the view that we can community to allow every publication on two counts – it is a matter of public to sit side by side. I like that idea. record and we, as a maritime people, will have a natural interest in what the It’s what this country is all about – Royal Navy is about. When recently freedom and free enterprise. I confess at a reception on board HMS Mersey I have some favourites but I do the first officer made an extremely especially look forward to Sixty-Nine. interesting observation. The public see the Army and RAF regularly, whether it As we go to press we have seen three be seeing the tank ranges on Salisbury appalling international tragedies of Plain or the fighter jets that come human misery and suffering – Burma, roaring down the Mersey each week. China and Zimbabwe. But 99% of the Royal Navy’s work is done far out at sea. All we see is the In Burma we have a totalitarian arrival and departure of ships. regime that is so motivated by suspicion and denial that a week 2008 is an extremely important date after the cyclone there was only a for the Royal Air Force – its 90th trickle of aid from that amassed on Anniversary and the 68th Anniversary the Thai-Burmese border. In China of the Battle of Britain. we have a totalitarian regime that
Finally, many thanks to everyone at the Liverpool City Council for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, the long council meetings and all the hassles of local politics that nevertheless give us this, our City, for which we are justly proud.
“
us never take “Let what we havefor
granted
We stand too with Mr & Mrs Causer in the equally horrifying murder of their Son Michael. We commend the City Council in its zero tolerance policing of our city, wards and districts. We are delighted to include in this month’s Armed Forces Feature Warrant Officer Terry Bates’ report, and who retired earlier this year, as well as the Policy Statement from the First Sea Lord. When I was initially
To all, take seriously your right to express your view through the ballot box. It has not been easily attained.
Whether it is government or opposition, all of us make an invaluable contribution from local, regional and national level right to the very top. Again for the cynics, I would say that what we take for granted others only dream of. This came home to me with news of Radavan Karadzic’s arrest. In a short visit as a guest of the UN to Bcko in Bosnia in 1998 I saw at first hand what that man had perpetrated. Let us never take what we have for granted.
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 9
g n lo e
A Cam A
giant mechanical Spider brought Liverpool streets to a standstill in September as part of a major Capital of Culture project. The giant arachnid, affectionately named La Princess could be seen roaming around Liverpool City Centre between Wednesday 5th and Sunday 7th September. It is estimated that more than 200,000 Merseyside residents and visitors turned out to catch a glimpse of the spectacle over the 5 day period. An imaginative story was used to entice the crowds which suggested that a mysterious, giant spider had appeared on the side of the Concourse Tower near Lime Street Station before
ASp
r e id By Joe Pettersen
for the £1.8 million project on the official website.
a team of French scientists were called in to examine the creature. The project was conceived and developed by the French theatrical company La Machine led by engineer Francois Delaroziere and took a year to complete. The company has in fact been responsible for a number of high profile projects over the last 15 years including Sultan’s Elephant which attracted huge audiences in London in summer 2006.
Richard from Birkenhead said, “I was one of the thousands of people gathered together in Derby Square IMAGES: BARRY MYLES for the ‘water ballet’, and what a Although there were a few technical show! Today was the first time I glitches, La Machine proved very saw La Princess move and I was in successful and crowds even braved absolute awe from start to finish.” torrential downpours to experience the magnificent creature in all its Bill O’Neill from Cambridge exclaimed, glory. Not only did the Spider move “We came from Cambridge, got very, gracefully through the streets, but very wet and cold but saw an amazing also provided a sensational show spectacle. The Scouse spider was encompassing flames, smoke, wind, FAB, Congratulations to the City of snow and light all set to a backdrop Liverpool and La Machine for giving of exciting live music. Many people us such pleasure and delight.” showed their support and admiration
Creeeepy Crawlings... ... •
Wednesday morning: the 50 ft spider appeared clinging to the side of The Concourse Tower near Lime Street station.
•
A Team of French scientists were brought in and after deciding the spider was about to enter a state of hibernation, moved it to a research centre based at the Albert Dock.
•
On Friday, the creature awoke to live music and moved towards the Salthouse Dock for a bath.
•
At the weekend, La Princess explored the Centre of Liverpool, visiting various city landmarks whilst accompanied by live music and visual delights.
•
On Sunday the creature escaped via the Mersey tunnel much to the alarm of the scientists!
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 10
KITCHENS
L15
Penny Lane Kitchens 374 - 376 Smithdown Road Liverpool L15 5AN 0151 733 3998
mention Liverpool CityLife to get a free oven and hob* * offer available on selected purchases, ask in store for details.
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 12
6 - 15 November The Russians are coming... and the French... and the Swedish... and the Hungarians... and the Polish... and the Germans... IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
2008
Finals: 15 November, 2008
Echo Arena, Liverpool. Preliminary rounds: 6 -13 November, 2008
Greenbank Sports Academy www.liverpoolboxing.co.uk
Finals Tickets: Adult £15 Concession £10. On sale now at Echo Arena, Liverpool (Box Office 0844 8000 400) Preliminary Tickets: Adults £10 & Concession £5. At Greenbank Sports Academy (0151 280 7757) & Everton Park Sports Centre (0151 207 1921) Corporate Hospitality: For more infornation please call 0151 233 4364 or 07900 961 932
MAY1940
LETTERFROMYESTER-YEAR
W.S. Churchill, Prime Minister:
The Battle of France is over… … I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin… … A broadcast to the nation: The Battle of France is over… … a long, long pause before those ominous words that heralded the reality of living in the Forties… …I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin… … I am 55 and from my earliest days I would listen to my parents, (and my four grandparents who each lost sons shot down over Germany in 1943 and 1945) as they recounted the lives of these men – my heroes – and also what life was like in wartime Britain, a beleaguered island but a defiant people, that withstood, in my mind, the most evil tyrant that had ever walked across the pages of history... And we won. As one well known writer once put it, I was like a small boy ‘who burst his buttons with pride’. I remember the first time I ever heard one of Churchill’s rallying speeches to the Nation and to the Empire – I burst into tears. Tears at the sheer fear of what would happen to us as I was vividly living in my mind those horrendous days of 1940, the terrible wartime newsreels, and that sombre day on May 10th 1940 that is most surely synonymous with 9/11. They were equally tears of pride, joy and victory that, regardless of what the rest of the world might think of us – the Empire and Commonwealth excepted – we had the guts to stand up to tyranny even when we didn’t have any army equipment. However, what we did have was men, women, ships and a very small air force – AND that indomitable spirit of the British People that stretches from the farthest isles of the outer Hebrides to the lonely and courageous Channel Islands. And so this formed the launch pad of my continued interest in history and in particular Sir Winston Churchill’s own role and contribution. Despite this bedrock of knowledge, I did find myself sometimes wondering whether our stand really was as fearful as my family had me think it was and as the more jingoistic publications openly stated. In 2001 I worked in Folkestone. From my office on the 6th floor I gazed out onto the Channel; just below me was Folkestone Harbour. On most days I would merely look up from the file in the same way as one does when a colleague enters the room, and be gazing at the white cliffs of the French coast – often so clear that I felt I could touch them. Out of my other window to the left of me I looked along the line of our own White Cliffs and watched the ships forever entering and leaving the Port of Dover. In the evenings I would see the brake lights of courting couples in the French country lanes. In fact, coincidence or not, on my first day in the office I heard the unmistakeable sound of a Merlin engine and, as the receptionist dashed in to tell me that it was a Spitfire, we both watched as it flew over Capel le Ferne above Folkestone cliffs behind us and did a perfect victory role. That sight and sound will never leave me. Over the next few months I came to realise just how much an influence the revisionist historians had had on me. I had loved to read about the Battle of Britain, to listen to Churchill’s speeches and to continue my study of that period. But deep down I always found myself thinking, ‘well, it was hard, but we now know that an actual invasion would have been far harder to mount in so short a time.’ I was also falling into that trap that many people living inland do – namely, that we who don’t live on the coast, and the Kent coast in particular, actually don’t really fully appreciate just how close the French coast is and just how narrow that stretch of water is. If a fleet of pleasure cruisers, river barges, and other craft can cross the Channel then the Channel Crossing would present (as well as the Mersey Ferry Royal Daffodil) no difficulty to a highly disciplined army within whose grasp lay the ultimate goal – London, the cradle of democracy, the guardian of liberty, the very bedrock of all the English Speaking Peoples, and the subjugation of an island people that had, so far as the enemy was concerned, for far too long had had it their own way! Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 16
And whenever I looked up from my file that horrible picture that used to so frighten me as a boy and even a young man – the newsreel of a Reich Marshal pompously looking on at his Fuehrer gazing at our White Cliffs through those enormous binoculars mounted on a pedestal – would flash across my mind again; and again, whenever I watched a single or twin prop aircraft flying straight and level towards me from France at about just the speed that Luftwaffe pilots would have flown. In talking to the people of Kent too I very quickly came to realise that they have a wholly different perception of those days – the same perception that Churchill had; that Liverpool had. They were in the front line and their Prime Minister was one of them too, having set up his home at Chartwell in Kent. Even that point didn’t really strike home until one learns how Churchill takes his wife up to the veranda to give her the reason for his purchase of such a house that she had never really taken to! Before them lay the garden of England. In 1941 the people and City of Liverpool themselves became the second most bombed city to London, a fact that required the late Lord Derby to compile a booklet Bombers over the Mersey in 1941 to bring to the Nation’s attention just what Liverpool had been through when the government had preferred scaling down the Liverpool Blitz for fear that national morale might falter. It was one of those moments when a government, whether in peace or war, fails to understand the will and resoluteness of the people. We write this article not only because it is wise to recall difficulties we have been through, and particularly young people as they see their friends going off to Iraq and Afghanistan. But because it is a backdrop against which we can see The Forties Glamour when, regardless of rations and clothing coupons, painted on nylons and that famous 1941 Bette Davis walk in Now Voyager, the long sweep of the dress, the hourglass figure, the sheer beauty and curvature of the body, and a very blunt ‘up yours’ to the tyrants! Opposite we see that spirit captured by the lens of a Queen and her People in their laughter and warmth – a characteristic of Her Majesty that caused Hitler to declare the Queen the most dangerous woman in the world.
School in 1940
The trench captures the bemused schoolchildren watching the Battle of Britain overhead, a photograph that did more than any other to cause American public opinion to swing away from isolationism.
We have here just a snippet of that 1940s glamour that defied tyranny and saw us into the 1950s..
KM The Pier Project 08
The Queen and her People Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 17
MUSIC
iPODS VS. RADIO by Caroline Opacic
When you get up in the morning, are you one of those people who turns on the radio straight away to listen to Wake up with Wogan? Or do you head straight for your laptop and put on iTunes? On the way to and from work, do you put on the Drivetime shows on the radio, plug your iPod into your car stereo, or listen to some of your favourite songs on your mobile?
things like calculate sums and book appointments on a digital calendar… in other words, with an iPod, there’s practically no other gadget you need in life. But consider this: Can regular iPods give you
As a radio student myself you’d think that as soon as I get up in the morning I’d head straight for my radio and listen to Chris Moyles taking the mick out of some unsuspecting celebrities, the latest news, and the most popular tunes of the week. In fact, this happens rarely. I, like a growing number of young people, head straight to my laptop instead, open up iTunes, search through my library and choose whatever I’m most in the mood for that morning.
Caroline Opacic time handpicking your playlists. You have the option of skipping a song after 30 seconds. You have every song you’ve ever listened to on your iPod, leaving you with far too much choice. Radio, on the other hand, is a secondary medium. You can have it on in the background and drift in and out of it at your leisure, whilst you drop the kids off at school or do your housework. You don’t have to think about it at all. It’s just there, with music you’re likely to enjoy, and news, information and general banter that your iPod won’t give you. iPods get lonely after a while. With radio, you feel someone is there, chatting to you in your own living room.
89% of the population listens to radio at least once a week (GadgetsAndGizmo.org).Most young people listen to their iPod at least once a day. If you’re anything like me, you’ll take it everywhere and listen to it when you’re walking, driving, commuting, in bed, or play it through loud speakers at a party. You have an entire library of music with personally chosen playlists literally in your pocket. But why are we so willing to abandon radio in favour of these new musical technologies? For me, it’s because I can have complete control over what I am listening to. If I am in the mood for some Arctic Monkeys then I can put them on. Or, if I want some cheesetastic classics from the 1980’s, then I can choose that instead. The user has complete control over the music they can listen to, whereas on the radio you have to stick to what the playlist has on it and which songs the DJ feels like playing.
Basically, radio is a far more personal experience. Radio isn’t going to go down without a fight, either. Recently, radio stations have become more specialist, so that if you own a digital radio, you are pretty much guaranteed to find a genre of music that suits you amongst the 70+ channels on offer. DAB radio has allowed niche stations to gain an audience. If you wanted a radio station that played just country music from the 1990’s then you will probably be able to find it. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on a DAB, then you can always head on over to internet radio, where the choice of stations is endless.
iPod fanatics will argue that iPods can do anything radio does. They can tell the time and date, they can play music, they can set alarms, and they can do a lot of extra Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
up-to-the-minute news? Can they provide you with travel information when you’re in your car? Can they make you laugh? Do they have a personality? iPods require effort. You have to spend
Page 18
by Joe Pettersen
GAYSCENE
Simply Because He Was Gay by Martin Shannon
On the 25th July, an event took place in Liverpool which went unnoticed by many. 18 year-old Michael Causer was attacked in a street in Huyton in what Merseyside Police stated was a “homophobic hate crime”. Contrary to speculation, this was not a random attack as Michael was known by his attackers, but the crime is nonetheless shocking.
Equality legislation exists which is intended to protect people from all sorts of discrimination. However, the death of Michael Causer clearly shows that changes in the law have not necessarily gone hand in hand with changes in attitudes. This tragedy is an extreme and frightening example of the wider issue of homophobia, which still exists at practically every level of society today. Prejudice on the basis of sexuality may not always find its release in such brutal ways. It is often expressed in more discreet, covert ways. But all forms of homophobia, even the smallest and most subtle forms, contribute to the climate in which it is possible for a young man to be set upon in the street and left lying in a pool of blood, simply because he was gay. Any right minded person would regard this as intolerable.
Michael was found by paramedics lying in a pool of blood with horrific head injuries. Tragically on 2nd August, one week after the attack, he lost his fight for life. Michael’s death appeared to go completely unnoticed in the national media and whilst it did receive coverage in the local media, it was very limited. It is true that given the impending legal proceedings, the media is constrained in what it can say about the case. But it is alarming that this crime slipped completely under the radar. Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
When compared to other major cities, Liverpool is still sadly very homophobic. The Stormbreak Report, commissioned by Liverpool City Council, revealed that 59% of gay and lesbian people in our City had experienced homophobic crime. This compares to 47% in London. These figures will shock the gay community and surprise the wider community. But to those closer to the problem they simply confirm what they already knew. Homophobic crime includes physical assault, violent threats, and damage to the victim’s property. Its most common form, however, is verbal assault, usually unreported as Page 20
many gay people have simply given to accepting verbal attacks as an unavoidable part of everyday life. Michael Causer’s death is not an isolated incident. It is the tip of the iceberg. As a responsible people we need to address it. It is difficult to comprehend that in 21st Century Britain, someone can be attacked so brutally and left to die, simply because of their sexual orientation. It is more depressing still, that this has happened on the streets of our own City at a time when Liverpool is pushing for its rightful place amongst Europe’s leading cities.
Despite the retraction of section 28, schools can sometimes be reluctant to tackle homophobia. It is worrying to read that in some schools there is a tendency to turn a blind eye, and not just by pupils. Teaching staff must do much more to tackle homophobic bullying and to challenge discriminatory attitudes amongst the young.
As Europe’s Capital of Culture we surely need to examine our attitudes and influence on society.
“If Michael’s death is not enough for people to take notice, then what else could it possibly take for us to treat the issue of homophobia seriously?” We need education and better understanding to combat the backward attitudes which can otherwise lead, in their most extreme forms, to the type of violence which led to Michael’s death.
Michael’s death has served as a terrible reminder of what bigotry, hatred and prejudice can lead to. May it force people to take a step back, reflect upon themselves and their own attitudes, and consider the terrifying consequences of hatred and prejudice in any part of any society. For the sake of Michael and his family and friends, let us hope that his tragic death is not in vain, but rather a turning point to a more positive path forwards, leading to greater acceptance and respect.
An Interview with... Merseyside Hate Crimes Units by Joe Pettersen
The six Merseyside Hate Crimes Units (HCUs) have been in operation since March 2007 and over the last 18 months have been working hard to increase awareness about hate crimes through the introduction of key initiatives in order to bring more offenders to justice. Liverpool CityLife held telephone interviews with Detective Constable Tracy O’Hara and Superintendent Karl Krueger who both work in the field of hate crime investigation, in order to understand exactly how the unit’s work and what they are doing to tackle homophobic crime. The HCUs were initially established in order to review the way in which hate crimes, whether they be racist, sexist or homophobic, are dealt with by the police. SIGMA units are used within each policing area of Merseyside and contain a number of investigators and detectives who deal specifically with hate crimes. If the police begin to investigate an incident and it becomes apparent that there is an element of discrimination involved, the case will be passed immediately on to an HCU. This includes incidents which may not actually qualify as criminal offences but still need to be addressed by the police. In each SIGMA unit there is a coordinator who looks for patterns and hot-spots in order to identify areas that hate crimes may potentially occur.
number of incidents reported as a positive thing. DC O’Hara says, “We actually want people to tell us about hate crimes as it certainly means we have a better chance of detecting them, solving them, and getting positive outcomes... We’ve seen a massive increase of people coming forward and they are telling us things they wouldn’t have said previously.”
Stop hate crime
automatically increases and we public in Merseyside. “I would say are able to arrest the offenders and that attitudes are changing. What’s achieve positive outcomes at court.” changing is people’s awareness of what is unacceptable and people A special hotline called Stophate are more prepared to tell us about UK has been introduced to provide it.” Supt Krueger adds that the Police key victim support. Supt Krueger: Force themselves are also being “Stophate UK is for people educated to help them deal with from lesbian, gay, bisexual and homophobic and other hate crimes transgender (LGBT) communities more effectively. “We have advance to report incidents in confidence so training for officers and staff in LGBT they don’t have to suffer in silence. issues to help them understand the It’s a bit like Crimestoppers in that specific issues when dealing with that that information can be given as type of crime. The training is delivered intelligence or anonymously... jointly between police officers and Really, it’s about protecting the most members of the LGBT community... vulnerable people in the community.” There’s also a heavy emphasis on diversity training for front line police One of the main problems associated officers as well as senior leaders.” with tackling homophobic crime in the past has been the lack of education Since its inception, the HCUs have surrounding what homophobia reported a detection rate increase actually is. As DC O’Hara of 25% and it is not difficult to see suggests, “we discuss the why. The units place far greater education surrounding emphasis on educating people about what homophobia is on hate crimes and make it far easier for a daily basis. It’s not people to report them.
simply about not liking
The HCUs have established a number gay people; it’s about of ways in which people can get in language and attitude. touch either directly or indirectly with It’s not simply about the police about crimes they have a right or wrong; it’s either experienced or witnessed. about a whole education They are important because some package which starts schools and people do not feel comfortable in with centres entering police stations. As DC community O’Hara explained, “We go out and right across the board.” proactively do drop-ins and surgeries and encourage people to tell us DC O’Hara is optimistic about the Unlike other areas of policing, the what’s happening. Of course, once way homophobia is increasingly HCUs perceive an increase in the that happens the number of reports being viewed by members of the
Contact Stophate UK
0800 328 2244
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 21
BETTE DAVIS THE QUEEN OF HOLLYWOOD by Kenneth T. Webb
A hundred years ago – Sunday 5th April 1908 – one of the greatest actresses of the 20th Century was born and who became the greatest Hollywood Silver Screen legend of that time – Bette Davis – a Lady formidablé – and for over twenty years the undisputed Queen of Hollywood. When I grew up it seemed that Miss Davis was in every major film; and this didn’t stop with the silver screen either; but moved into colour with such epics as Death on the Nile and that masterpiece, The Whales of August. For me though, the 1941 film Now Voyager will remain one of my favourites – a story so close to many of our hearts, the ugly caterpillar that becomes the beautiful butterfly, the Camille – and echoed in the camellias, her one link with her long lost love – to which she offers that classic understatement to her fiancée Elliott Livingstone that follows everyone down the ages to today in all our lives, whoever we are - “just a personal idiosyncrasy – we’re all entitled to them!” There will always be a very special place for Bette Davis – a woman with an incredible capacity to give, to love and yet to be caught up in that terrible co-dependency that exists for countless people to this day who and up forming relationships or marriages with the very partners who epitomise the often cruel and abusive, even alcoholic parents, and worse. Reading her biography, there is no doubt that Miss Davis was a lady formidablé and would challenge directors to “get it right”; to think things through, to ask themselves whether what they want the actors to do, would actually happen in real life. And this fierce independence led to an often stormy but almost lifelong association with Warner Brothers. Ironically, time and again we see her take a wholly different attitude to young people – doing all she could to assist and encourage them, and as Paul Reid wrote in his biography of Miss Davis, showing an incredible patience and charm and motherly understanding, the very attributes we see reflected in Now Voyager – a far distant cry from the more controversial and even violent roles that Bette Davis became associated with in later years.
“O h J e r ry , dOn’t let’s
ask
fOr the mOOn; we h av e t h e s ta r s .”
As with so many actors, her real life was full of tragedy and that scourge of co-dependency even carried on to the next generation; the backlash of what she suffered then coming out in her own daughter who came to resent her mother’s success to the extent that she went to extraordinary lengths to not only portray her mother in the poorest light to the media, but to even destroy her emotionally. Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 24
a l lIMAGES i m a g e s COURTOUSY c o u rt e s y o fOF w WWW.BETTEDAVIS.ORG w w . b e t t e d av i s . o r g ALL
QUEEN SILVERSCREEN OF THE
We know of course that too often the characters we see on screen bear no resemblance to the actors in real life. But we cannot deny either that acting is the very stuff of life; it is at the centre of every community; it gives an ear and a voice and now an image to the people to express themselves. To any young people who look to a future in the film industry, put aside time to read Bette Davis’ biography. It is one of those tomes that teach a lesson on every page. In Liverpool we have a thriving arts and drama community - not many cities can boast six major theatres outside of London. We at Pier Publishing want to encourage young people to review films, whether from bygone eras or the films showing even this year, this month or this week. If you think you have the ability to be a film critic we would love to hear from you and encourage you. Illy, who has directed Coronation Street is, as we have reported elsewhere in this edition, doing vitally important work in bringing these opportunities to young people by bringing to the schools another ‘silver screen’. With the screen plays that now feature at FACT off Bold Street, we see the very legacy that Miss Davis gave to the film industry, namely her patience and insistence to give an opportunity to young people; characteristics that too often she was unable to display to peers and employers. There is also another side that so befits the 1940’s glamour. With the World at War, Bette Davis took her role very seriously. Unlike many actors, she was known for her generosity and ability to be able to spend time visiting the American troops. There will always be harsh critics of Bette Davis but that is the lot of every film star. For most, she succeeded in bringing glamour to an austere world, those incredibly beautiful and bewitching eyes and the famous fulsome red lips and high heels. Liverpool CityLife is very proud indeed to publish this tribute to Miss Davis and, as many of our older readers will remember, that most beautiful final line in Now Voyager: “Oh Jerry, don’t let’s ask for the moon; we have the stars.”
W h at E v E r h a p p E n E d
to
B a B y J a n E ? (1962)
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 25
SPORT
Liverpool - A City Of Sport by Andrew Guest
GOLF
FOOTBALL
Away from football, the mantle of ‘capital of culture’ has undoubtedly attracted world class sport to the region. For instance, this summer, Merseyside hosted the most famous event in world golf, the British Open, held at the prestigious venue of Royal Birkdale. With some saying Liverpool is the true capital of Ireland, it was in some ways fitting that Padraig Harrington delighted many of Liverpool’s Irish inhabitants by retaining the trophy in a classy display that enthralled the 70,000 spectators at the four day event.
CYCLING
Mention the name ‘Liverpool’ to almost anyone, anywhere in the world, and unless they’re a Beatles enthusiast or have been living in a cave for the last forty years, then their instant reaction will usually be ‘football’. So taking that concept forward, it’s been an interesting summer for the city’s football clubs. Liverpool FC have had an interesting time of late. They’ve spent the best part of £20 million on Tottenham Hotspur’s Republic of Ireland international striker, Robbie Keane. Keane has been described as the “missing piece of the jigsaw”, a cliché used by the ‘experts’ meaning that the Irishman will be the key player in helping end Liverpool’s eighteen year wait for that elusive premierleague title. However, Mr Keane will be hoping that the supposed jinx that his number 7 shirt carries will not affect him too much and Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
that he won’t follow the long line of jigsaw ‘pieces’ that didn’t fit such as Harry Kewell, Vladimir Smicer and Øyvind Leonhardsen (who?). On the pitch however, it’s been a positive start for the men in red, remaining unbeaten since the start of the season and beating their most hated, sorry, heated rivals, Manchester Utd 2-1 at Anfield, with the young Dutch superstar in waiting, Ryan Babel, with the winner. With regards to the team across Stanley Park, Everton, it’s also been an intriguing summer for the tricky blues. Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE., formerly of Coronation Street, has been serving up more drama with his desire to not only move the club away from Goodison Park to a ‘superstore’, sorry, ‘superstadium’ in Kirkby, but also Bill has reiterated his wishes to sell the club to a Roman Abramovich Page 26
styled Billionaire to take the club to the next level. Thus far, the toffeemen are still waiting for their sugar daddy. However, these delusions of grandeur must have inspired Bill to splash out on Belgium’s newest sensation, Marouane Fellaini. Fellaini, who impressed for the Belgian side Standard Liege against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, cost the Toffees £15 million. Time will tell if Fellaini will prove to be a sweet buy or if he will become unstuck at Goodison Park. On the field, it’s been a stuttering start for the Blues premier league campaign, with home defeats against Blackburn and Portsmouth. However, recent form has improved and manager David Moyes will be hoping that they can recapture last season’s form which saw them finish fifth in the Premier League.
Hot off the heels of Team GB’s Olympic cycling success in Beijing, Liverpool hosted the climax of one of Cycling’s top events, the Tour of Britain. Just seven days after La Princess trundled through the city centre at a top speed of 5 km/h, Le Peloton charged along The Strand, this time at speeds approaching 60km/h! Once again, crowds crammed the city and race organisers plotted a thrilling finale which included six laps of the city centre, past familiar landmarks like the Three Graces, the Town Hall and the Walker Art Gallery. Route Director Graham Jones had promised another visual feast for fans and he didn’t disappoint as Italy’s Alessandro Petacchi was first over the line, taking his third stage win of the week in an exciting climax. The Overall winner of the tour however was Frenchman Geoffroy Lequarte, who held off the Wirral’s Steve Cummings to clinch first place.
SWIMMING RUGBY Many of Liverpool’s women were happy this summer, as the World Fire-fighter Games came to the city. The Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service beat off strong competition from around the world to win the right to host the biennial games. Yet again, like so many of the world-class events held in the city in 2008, it provided a huge boost to Liverpool’s Capital of Culture celebrations with thousands of fire-fighters and their families from around the globe gathering for a host of sporting events. The Games featured more than 5,000 athletes and included all the main Olympic events although the Blue Riband was the main event and established ‘the toughest firefighter alive’. Regrettably, Fireman Sam couldn’t compete, so the award was therefore given to Jonas Gårder of Sweden in the male 18-29 category and in the respective female category, a German prevailed, with Sandra Wiedenbein taking the title.
In Rugby League, St Helens have continued their amazing form by clinching the Super League Leaders shield for a fourth year in a row. They’ve also capped an amazing summer by winning the Challenge Cup defeating Hull FC 28-16 at Wembley and have gained a place in the Super League Grand Final, after defeating Leeds Rhinos. Departing Saints coach Daniel Anderson will hope to sign off on a positive note after announcing that he’ll leave the club once the season ends. The current Catalans Dragons coach Mick Potter has signed a two year deal to take over from Anderson from 2009 season onwards.
OLYMPICS
And finally, last but certainly not least, a very special mention to the region’s fantastic Olympians who undoubtedly made the city proud this summer. Boxer David Price, from West Derby, was unlucky not to come away with the gold, but still achieved a fantastic Bronze medal in the superheavyweight division. In addition to that, Gymnast Beth Tweddle was disappointed not to come
out of the games with a medal. Tweddle competed in the uneven bars and floor at the Olympics, and qualified for the bars event final finishing in a highly credible fourth place. However, the gold and bronze medallists in the bars event are under IOC investigation, as some sources report them as being too young for international competition. If the IOC disqualifies them, Tweddle will be promoted to the silver-medal position. From a Liverpudlian point of view, we all have our fingers crossed. I’m sure, being the amazing gymnast that she is, Beth has everything else crossed. Other notable local Olympians include Michael Rock and Fran Halsall who both competed credibly for Team GB.
OTHER So, taking in all the above, I believe It is safe to say that Liverpool has been a focal point of the summer’s sporting activity and I have no doubt that in the days, weeks and months to come, the City and indeed Region will continue to be. To all the sports men and women across the Region: Good luck! I’m sure like many others, I’ll be watching with interest.
all our cars are hand picked for quality and reliability, and come complete with 12 months parts and labour warranty, HPI check and serviced so you can buy with complete confidence and satisfaction
559 Smithdown Road, Liverpool L15 5AF 0151 733 1001
www.pennylanemotorco.co.uk Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 27
EDUCATION
THINGS I WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE GOING TO UNIVERSITY by Monique Giselle Bell BA(Hons)
The University of Liverpool Victoria Building Before going to University I wish I’d known that I was being thrown in at the deep end. It was like the day I was being taught to swim all over again. Every time my Father pulled me out into the middle of the water I would frantically struggle to the edge of the pool, barely keeping my head above the surface. This is the same at University.
It’s just you, all alone, in a giant building with thousands of other students.
Worse still, they all seem to know where they are going and you don’t! By the time you arrive at your first ever University Seminar you’re gushing with sweat, your face is as red as a tomato and your University handbook is falling apart due to the You’re so used to being spoon-fed clamminess of your hands. information at school that by the time you arrive at university the only Glamorous first impression – I think safety net you carry is the brand not.. So much for the brand new new pair of Converse on your feet, Converse, stonewashed jeans and the ones you went out and bought to typical grey hoody you forked out become an official ‘Stu-Dee’. Then loads on to get that perfect ‘StuDee’ look. You walk behind all the the fun begins. other new students who all appear to look better than you; and the girls, typically, stare at you as if you have just crash landed out of a flying silver disc and have tentacles and a face with a giant eyeball sticking out! And then you seem to clamber over everyone and eventually sit down amongst what feels like this enormous crowd. You run around trying to find what room you’re in and there are no I wish I’d known that the tutors don’t teachers in the corridors waiting to really push you as much as they might, because it is during these usher you around. three years at University that you, No friendly mentors who want to the ‘Stue-Dee’ learn how to be independent and self- disciplined. guide you. Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 28
No teacher, no parents standing there shouting, until they’re blue in the face that you need to get your work done. Suddenly they all seem to be in absentia.
Yes, and that means cancelling your Friday night plans with Rob and Laura, drinking bottles of Corona and head-bashing away to Indie music in your local ‘Stue-Dee’ Gaff. So on the whole, I wish I’d known about the huge responsibility it takes becoming a ‘Stue-Dee.’ It’s not all loans, scruffy clothes, partying for days. It is actually quite scary and if you want to make it to the Cap and Gown Finale you have to knuckle down and know your limits. That includes • • • •
planning ahead becoming organised listening working hard
It’s a challenge, but we can all make it if we try- and then the real partying begins!
Oh no, it is up to you to: • •
find out when your work is due in sieve through your Module Handbook and look at the dates and start planning ahead about when you are going to start.
Publisher’s Note Monique graduated in July in Drama and Theatre Studies combined with Film Studies, and we extend to Monique our heartiest congratulations. We are delighted that Monique will be a regular contributor in Liverpool CityLife Magazine.
ALL YOUR TIME BEING TAKEN UP WITH CHORES? HOME CLEANING SERVICES
in association with
HOUSEWORK GETTING ON TOP OF YOU?
Liverpool’s Property Maintenance 0845 408 4252
BMD:LAW 0151 222 5777
“OUR SERVICE IS ESSENTIAL BUT NOT EXPENSIVE” WE PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT, AFFORDABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY DOMESTIC AND OFFICE CLEANING SERVICE. OUR RATES ARE VERY COMPETITIVE PROVIDING YOU WITH A SERVICE THAT WE GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE HAPPY WITH. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT WE CAN OFFER, CALL OR EMAIL JAY NOW:
0151 521 8006 07533 157 958
jayslittlehelpers@hotmail.com jay@littlehelpers.org.uk
FASHION
RECYCLERECHIC by Donna McCourt
Recycle Rechic Fashion Show... the hottest and greenest fashion show in Liverpool!
Charlotte Denton from Britain’s next top model IMAGE: MATT FORD
The Metquarter hosted a very fabulous and very green event last month. The Recycle Rechic Fashion show, presented by Entourage with support from The Delivery Practice made us all think twice about recycling our empties as well as our wardrobes. Donna McCourt from Entourage PR explains the idea behind Recycle Rechic “we wanted to give Liverpool’s most innovative designers the opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity and nothing is recycled more than fashion. Each of the 5 design teams were given clothes and materials donated by the general public and we challenged them to create 4 outfits each to form part of the fashion show. The outfits were categorised into a Male Suit, Designers Choice, Sportswear and Couture Inspired Gown. The teams had three and a half weeks to design and make these outfits and were assigned one male and one female model to exhibit their designs”. The Metquarter retailers also showcased their new Autumn/Winter collections and of course no fashion show would be complete without the shoes, so kindly provided by Kate Kuba, these really finished the Recycled outfits in the most fabulous way.
Design team 1:
Design team 3:
Helen Brown is Liverpool’s newest designer. With a boutique opening in Southport in the Autumn, the designer has never been in more demand. Helen says “My designs are unique as I bring a personal touch to each and every piece...this is such a perfect event for me and I had so much fun making the outfits”. Helen’s new venture, Browns Boutique will host new Liverpool designers and include womenswear, menswear and accessories to offer the complete and most exclusive service.
Liverpool born Naomi was a finalist in a competition which showcased her work at a catwalk and is to be published in a book on contemporary illustration. Naomi “I loved being involved in this particular show as I specialise in printed textiles and fashion illustration and it allowed me to be seen by my home town. I also use modelling and draping techniques within my work and like to create unique, visually exciting pieces; my couture outfit was inspired by Galliano for Dior as he is one of my favourite designers”. Naomi will be launching a menswear line early next year.
Helen Brown, Browns Boutique
Naomi Williams
For more information on Helen Brown or Brown’s Boutique please contact For more information on Naomi Williams please contact Entourage on Entourage on 07824 629 214 or info@entouragepr.co.uk 07824 629 214 or info@entouragepr.co.uk
Design team 2:
Design team 4:
Sara Li-Chou Han
Liverpool John Moore Students
Sara’s team consisted of an excellent mix of creative talents from the Liverpool The Liverpool John Moore’s team contained some of the best work the fashion scene. university has to offer. Amie Price studies fashion and has enjoyed work experience in the design studio in Warehouse in London. She has had one Heading up the team was Sara, a freelance stylist and designer with her own of her fashion styling photographs printed in Graduate Fashion Week’s Daily avant-garde women’s wear label, Sara Li-Chou Han, which is sold at Landbaby Gossip Magazine. Amie says “My proudest achievement was winning the at The Bluecoat. Katy Rees of Unity Designs on Smithdown Road provided fashion category in the Northern Design Competition for one of my dresses, her own unique customisations with Swarovski crystals, graphic stencilling which earned £1000 prize money and my dress is being exhibited in Aqua and airbrushing. Katy worked on the sportswear and couture outfits to add Couture in Leeds with a view to selling my collection in the same boutique. I some bling to the evening. Recent JMU Graduate, Sarah McGranaghan has firmly believe that Liverpool has so much creative talent and I am grateful to been an integral part of the team, creating a sportswear textile and couture this show and its organisers to finally let us be heard!” Amie has also drafted bag. While JMU students Mat Hughes and Sharon Fernandez helped with the in High school friend and fellow fashion student Laura Mees-Harris. hand sewing and styling. You can contactAmie at peaflower@hotmail.co.uk or Laura at littlemees@ For more information contact Sara on. 07964 072 879, Email. info@ hotmail.co.uk saralichouhan.com, Web. www.saralichouhan.com Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 30
Design team 5:
AllyMac Representing the Wirral and indeed the winners of the competition we have AllyMac along with Neil Paul Cooper. AllyMac has clients who come over from France to get their outfits designed and made just the way they want them.
“This was a fantastic opportunity for us to work together and create something totally unique and inspiring. Recycling old into new is what the fashion industry has been doing for years and it’s about time we followed suit! We were thrilled to be a part of this, the hottest recycling show this year and to win the competition was truly amazing”. For more information, www.fashionbyallymac.co.uk and call Ally Mac on 07734 202 249 or Neil Paul Cooper on 0151 639 4888.
The Judges:
Neil is wearing Recycled two piece by Helen Brown
Katy “I was so excited to be on the other end of the judging, I
know how difficult it is to work under extreme pressure and in difficult circumstances with limited materials. What the designers produced was simply extraordinary”.
Gary
“This was a fabulous idea to get the general public The most prominent and important people of the evening were of course the thinking so positively about recycling, it’s such an important judges...experts in their field, Gordon Webber, head buyer at Drome Couture, issue and we all have our part to play”. Katy O’Grady from Project Catwalk and Gary Millar fashionista, from Parr St The night was enjoyed by all and even editor Ken Webb had his part to play, Studios. as well as winning the tailored shirt by Gieves & Hawks in the raffle (honestly Gordon “AllyMac’s designs were outstanding and through it wasn’t a fix!) Ken was delighted to see some of his clothes which he kindly tough competition she was the deserved winner”. donated, Recycled and Rechic’d on the catwalk!
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 31
IMAGE: MATT FORD
Ally said:
MILITARY
MARITIME by Admiral Sir Jonathon Band
The Future Navy Britain is pre-eminently a maritime nation whose people will continue to rely on the unhindered use of the sea for their security, prosperity and wellbeing. The world faces an uncertain, rapidly changing and competitive global environment in the early decades of the 21st century. My vision envisages a Royal Navy that in supporting the UK’s Defence Aim will contribute vitally and decisively to the security of the UK, to the preservation of international order at sea and to the promotion of our national values and interests in the wider world.
Strategic Context We have already entered an era shaped by the rapid globalization of every aspect of human activity, by accelerated technological development and by the prospect of geo-strategic changes of unprecedented scale and complexity. Current trends suggest that terrorism, climate change, demographic shifts, religious tensions and increased competition for resources of all kinds will lead to crisis, confrontation and conflict.
These threaten global, regional and national prosperity, stability and security and may strengthen the hand of those who oppose the liberal trading values of the international order on which we depend. Accordingly nations like ours will have to manage the consequences of crises and shocks, both natural and man-made, in a geo-political landscape characterised by volatility, complexity and surprise. We in the UK, while wishing to maintain a leading role, will continue to work with our established NATO allies, our European partners and our friends in the wider world to contain crises and mitigate risk. Accordingly, the sea, as the indispensable medium for trade and access to areas of strategic interest, remains crucial to our economic vitality and our ability to protect our country and our friends. Early in crisis in particular, Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 32
when host nation support and basing or over-flight permission cannot be guaranteed, maritime forces will be the principal means by which political and diplomatic influence and, if necessary, decisive force can be applied - and at acceptable levels of risk and without the need for long term commitment or an extended engagement.
Strategic Vision In our inter-connected world, the UK, with its global interests and diverse security concerns, will continue to need expeditionary military forces as a powerful expression of national power and influence. Our ability to exploit the lawful use of the sea means thatmaritime forces, uniquely, are able to intervene at a time and place of political choice andto project power both at sea and against the land. I envisage that our Navy will face a variety of challenges, both familiar and unfamiliar.
We will continue to deploy the national Strategic Deterrent in our ballistic missile submarines to deter potential aggressors and to dissuade those who might threaten us with weapons of mass destruction. The possibility of inter-state conflict, although reduced, still exists and more extensive conventional, regular threats may re-emerge as the years go by. To that end, we should retain sufficient depth, resilience and expertise in our conventional capabilities to deal with these challenges. I am determined that our distinctive ethos, preparedness for war-fighting and broadly balanced, world class conventional combat capability should remain the distinguishing characteristic of the Royal Navy. These benchmark qualities will enable us to maintain our standing in the world, to defeat threats decisively at any level and to prevail in the most demanding situations.
However, we will also need to deal effectively with the threats posed by the proliferation of irregular activities undertaken by terrorists, criminals or insurgents - some armed with sophisticated systems and weapons. We must also meet the challenges associated with failed states and unlawful activities at sea, mostly associated with illicit trade, migration, trafficking and piracy, since these too threaten the stability on which world trade depends. Most important of all will be to identify and prevent emerging crisis or conflict. These tasks, in particular, will increasingly demand flexibility and adaptability in our people, platforms and skills if we are to prove effective in support of the UK’s and the international community’s global security and stability needs. Finally, at all times we must be ready to provide humanitarian and disaster relief. All of us - Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Reserves and the civilians who directly support us - will need to understand the nature of the challenges that we face and can expect to be trained and empowered to deal with these complex situations.
Future Navy Vision Operational Context
I anticipate that our operational context over the coming years will feature: •
Continued Strategic Deterrence
•
Progressively integrated Joint operations at national and multinational levels
•
Increased cooperation with other instruments of international and national power
•
Strategic partnership and interoperability with the US
•
Continued leadership within NATO and Europe
•
Contributions to UN mandated forces
•
More operations in coalitions of the willing and with less familiar partners in the wider world
•
Maintenance of global treaties, agreements and commitments.
Special Forces missions - together with more sophisticated mine-warfare, and environmental support. In order to heighten the initiative in these areas, we must be more active in exploring the boundaries of what is achievable by rigorous experimentation and applied research. Our people remain our most potent and flexible asset.
Future Navy Capability Our future capability will be structured to deliver:
capacity for Joint, expeditionary and maritime security operations.
•
Maritime Force Projection – the deliberate employment of military power or influence at sea and against the land
•
in support of the realisation of a range of effects and outcomes in Joint, Combined and Inter-Agency situations
Our aircraft carriers, deep-strike aircraft, specialist amphibious shipping and landing forces must be complemented by increasingly versatile surface combatants, submarines and rotary wing assets. Our reach and sustainable presence, both in the deep ocean and the littoral, will continue to be enabled by specialist replenishment and support ships.
•
Maritime Security - the level of presence, assurance and capability that is required to defend the UK homeland and sovereign territories, at range where necessary;
When configured as a Joint sea base, which will reduce the logistics footprint ashore and provide a measure of force protection, these will increasingly be able to support Joint and Allied formations.
•
to preserve the free, safe and lawful use of the high seas;
•
and to protect Joint, Allied and coalition forces in oceanic and littoral areas
To take best advantage of new technologies and techniques as they become available and be better able to adapt to changing circumstances we should build versatility, capacity and agility into our platforms and systems. We must similarly invest appropriate skills and flexibility in our people by means of realistic through-life training and continuous education. Moreover, we will need to continue to harness the benefits of networked and automated systems and seek to employ innovative, pragmatic solutions, consistent with affordability, the demands of the environment and optimal through-life capability management.
Both of these strategic outputs will be enabled by Maritime Manoeuvre - which represents our ability to use the unique access provided by the sea to apply force, presence or influence at a time or place of political choice. A broadly balanced Fleet represents the most effective means of delivering this capability, both at home and abroad, as well as providing a reasonable assurance against the unexpected. This means that we will project and sustain Amphibious and Carrier Strike Task Groups simultaneously, configured for the most likely Medium and Small Scale operations, but with the surge capacity for more demanding, but less frequent Large Scale operations.
Progressively, we must exploit robotics, unmanned vehicles and loitering systems - to assist with command and control and to support intelligence, surveillance, precision attack and
Taut manning, the demands of expeditionary operations and the operation of complex systems are all very demanding of our people. Therefore, in the face of what is still a challenging life at sea, we will only attract and retain high quality personnel if we provide a sense of vocation, interesting employment and attractive prospects. The reasonable expectations of work/life balance will only be satisfied by strong leadership at all levels, responsive management and appropriate training and education, all linked to flexible career structures and opportunities, and underpinned by appropriate conditions of service, remuneration and care for families. Above all, in line with its unique heritage, the Royal Navy will continue, when necessary, to go in harm’s way to deter and defeat both the regular and irregular threats to our and other nations’ security and well-being. In this technologically enabled and fastchanging world, only our people can make this happen.
Implementing the Vision This vision will be articulated in greater detail and implemented through: The Naval Strategic Plan which will guide the decisions of senior Commanders and Maritime Headquarters staffs. The Future Maritime Operational Concept - which will describe how the Royal Navy will operate with other Joint capabilities, Allies and partners within the Maritime Environment. Admiral Sir Jonathon Band KCB ADC First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff.
Equally, our Fleet should have sufficient flexibility and size to deploy single ships and submarines on sustained, independent tasks on a routine basis, with the potential and capacity to switch quickly to combat and group operations. I wish to see us further improve our
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 33
Future Navy Vision Within the context of the Future Navy, the Royal Navy Strategic Communications Plan has been agreed and, in the interests of presenting an informed and unified message, all Royal Navy personnel should be familiar with the following Strategic Communications Themes: “RN Strategic Communications Themes” Modern and Relevant Capable and Resilient Top Class Employer of Top Class People These are supported by a range of statements in the Royal Navy Strategic Communication Plan, which reflect the Royal Navy’s ethos and capabilities, including:
•
A safeguard for the UK’s interests world-wide
•
A unique combination of land, air and sea capabilities merged into a single, flexible and dynamic force
•
A modern and capable force which can operate across the full spectrum of defence activity, and with constantly improving equipment
•
Operates in harmony with the other two Armed Services, other Government Departments and other nations.
•
Manned by resilient, well-trained and adaptable people, offering a wide range of employment opportunities
•
A professional and innovative Service that seeks todevelop individual potential
•
A responsible organisation, sensitive to social and environmental issues
•
Managed with a firm sense of direction, seeking efficiency yet responsive to change.
ROYAL NAVAL LINKS by Warrant Officer Terry Bates The Royal Navy has always had strong links with Merseyside. Our Ships visit the port of Liverpool regularly throughout the year. Our aim in the ‘Capital of Culture’year is to support as many events as possible. We regard all Maritime events as priority for Royal Navy visibility and the aim will be to support the ‘Clipper Race finale’ and ‘Tall Ships/Maritime festival’ (18-21 July) with RN Ships, assets and personnel. We also aim to be a part of the World Firefighter Games, as within the Royal Navy all personnel from all professions are trained to fight fires.
teambuilding and leadership activities to assist youth development.
From the Regional Headquarters at HMS Eaglet and the Royal Navy Careers Office in James Street we offer opportunities to local schools and colleges including
Warrant Officer 1 Terry Bates Area Recruiting Manager (Royal Navy) North West England
We also offer support to local area Sea Cadets, Air and Army Cadets whose volunteers need all the assistance they can get. As an ex Sea Cadet in TS Seahawk (Bebington) and Indefatigable (Anglesey), I can recommend the life and opportunities on offer. Now working from the Office that recruited me in 1974 the Royal Navy has given me a full and varied career with valuable worldwide experience.
AFCO (Royal Navy) Victoria House 15 James Street LIVERPOOL L2 7NX Telephone: 0151 236 1566 Mobile: 07970 727 559 Fax: 0151 236 4613 Email: nr-ne-arm4@rncareers.mod.uk The Royal Navy supports
Liverpool ‘08
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 34
Local History by Linda Ryan
A slice of real Liverpool Life by Kenneth T Webb It has always been our view that everyone has a wonderful story to tell, of successes, failures, love and war, social changes and that most incredible phenomenon, namely that come what may, the human spirit will always in the end triumph and overcome seemingly impossible odds. These individual accounts are the sum total of a nation’s history, a civilisation’s perseverance and our desire above all to make the world a better place in which to live.
So we start with this quite remarkable account of a Liverpool family by Linda Ryan and which is indeed moving and with which many will identify. And we will often transcribe the text exactly as we receive it, for the editor’s red pen can so easily erase the vibrancy and depth of soul of the writer’s thoughts. We prefer to imagine one of those notes or letters we see lying on the kitchen table as we walk by, we cannot help to glance again and say, What’s this about? What’s Mum writing of? Well I never knew that!
A nation that forgets its history is a nation that is on course for, what Churchill called, brute oppression, tyranny and fear. And so we invite all our readers to send in their own accounts, and we are not just looking at the older generation. We want young people to tell us of all the things that they have overcome too; for they are our future and it is right, good and proper that their voices should be heard as well. final_ad02.pdf
26/9/08
11:14:05
Advertisement
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Send your History articles to: history@liverpoolcitylife.co.uk Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 35
HISTORY
THREEV.C.s by Dr Frank Carlyle
Merseyside has a lot to be proud of, especially individual heroism under extreme pressure of warfare. Take for example an individual in a life and death situation where his own life is secondary and he is willing to sacrifice his own in order to save others. I have chosen by random three individuals who merit such a mention and whose experiences in life and death situations who deservedly won the Victoria Cross for Valour.
The horrors of war are well documented, but the extraordinary heroics of Captain Noel Chavasse, Captain Christopher Bushell and Private Richard George Masters and other local lads are sadly not! Much has been said about other heroics during the Great War and so they should! However, we on Merseyside seem to be reticent to demonstrate the exceptional bravery of our own lads. Here is a small collection of our own Local Heroes.
Noel Chavasse
Force. He was severely wounded at Mons on 14th September 1914. In November 1915 he returned to France to continue his duty fighting at the front.
Noel Chavasse was the only double V.C holder of the First World War, a remarkable accolade by any standards. He was a 1908 Olympian, an Oxford Blue and graduated with a First in Medicine.
earn his first V.C. Having attended the wounded all day, upon hearing a young man crying out in no-man’sland, he went out under heavy fire and brought him back a full 500 yards to safety. He then went back, still under heavy fire, with stretcher-bearers and brought back a further 19 men, buried two dead officers and took time to take the dog-tags off dead soldiers so Cpt. N Chavasse MC., VC.,VC that the lads could be identified back home. Altogether saved the lives of At the outbreak of World War One twenty men! Noel Chavasse was a surgeon at Liverpool’s Royal Southern Hospital His second V.C was won almost a and without any hesitation he enlisted year later on the 2nd August 1917 at in the Liverpool Scottish Regiment as Wielje, near Ypres. Noel went to an a surgeon. old German dugout to care for badly wounded soldiers who had been Dr. Chavasse and his Regiment were held up. He comforted the wounded sent to France. In 1915 he won a through death so that they could Military Cross for outstanding bravery die with a little dignity. He became and was promoted to Captain. their mothers, wives, sweethearts, fathers, brothers and sisters as they On the 30th July 1916 Noel Chavasse, clung on to Noel for what little time at the village of Guillemont, was to they had left. Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 36
A stray German shell came through the dugout killing the already wounded, and wounding the other soldiers including Chavasse. He dragged himself with a gaping stomach wound to the clearing station, where he was immediately operated on. He seemed to be on the mend and just wanted to get back to his men. However, he was very weak and problems began to set in. Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse never fully recovered from his shrapnel wounds. He later died peacefully and was buried at Brandhoek New Cemetery Belgium on 7th August 1917. Cpt Chavasse was a most remarkable and courageous man who sacrificed his own life in order to save others.
Christopher Bushell Christopher Bushell was born in Neston Wirral. When war broke out he was commissioned into the Royal West Surrey Regiment and went to France with the British Expeditionary
Lt.Col C Bushell DSO., VC
In June 1916 he was promoted to Captain prior to the Battle of the Somme, which commenced on the 1st July 1916. On the 23rd of March 1918, Bushell, while acting as Temporary Lieutenant Colonel in command of the 7th Battalion The Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment, was to earn a V.C for leading his men in a counter attack against heavy German fire. His Battalion was cooperating with an Allied regiment close to St. Quentin Canal that had seen some of the most fierce fighting of the war. He was severely wounded in the head,
but despite this he carried on encouraging and organising his troops. He refused to have his wound tended until he knew that his men were in a safe position to form a defensive flank against the enemy. When Lt.Col Bushell went to Headquarters, he reported the situation and finally had his wound dressed. He then immediately returned to his men who had moved back a short distance. He visited every position of the line, both English and
Allied in the face of heavy Machine gun and rifle fire. He inspired and encouraged his men to remain where they were and fight the enemy.
he was awarded the Victoria Cross and the D.S.O on the 13th May 1918. He returned to the front line on 22nd May.
Despite his wounds, the gallant officer refused to go to the rear in face of heavy enemy fire, he kept encouraging his men to stand firm and fight. Eventually he had to be removed to a clearing station in an exhausted and fainting condition after successfully defending his line for his magnificent spirit and courage
It was at the Somme, South of Morlencourt on the 8th August 1918 that this very brave man lost his life leading his men against a strong enemy line. Captain (Temp. Lt. Col.) Christopher Bushell was well respected by his fellow Officers and his men alike; he is buried at Querrieu British Cemetery France. Pt RG Masters CoteG., VC
Lt. Col. Bushell was married and he and Mrs. Bushell had one daughter. road was reported to be impassable, however, Richard was determined to get through. Richard George Masters Richard George Masters, a chauffeur, was born in 1877 at Birkdale and later The greatest difficulty for him was the lived in Southport where he married bomb craters and debris scattered over the road. Richard did have and had three children. difficulty clearing the debris, dodging When war broke out, 37-year-old craters while at the same time being Richard enlisted immediately. Being under constant heavy machine a chauffeur by profession and a little gun fire. He was also attacked and older he was posted to the 141st Field bombed by an enemy aeroplane. Ambulance Unit as an ambulance driver. Ambulance drivers knew the Finally he achieved his prime dangers of their tasks, being constant objective where, evacuating some 200 wounded men under heavy targets for enemy fire. bombardment. It had taken him all On March the 7th 1917 after a heavy afternoon from 1pm to 5pm none bombing raid on the Somme, Richard stop. Whilst removing the wounded volunteered to bring back trapped from the cellar of a bombed house wounded men from an advanced with a gas leak, Richard put the dressing station. Under constant safety of the wounded above his own heavy enemy artillery fire, he made despite being gassed himself. a staggering four trips, successfully bringing back the wounded Private Masters deservedly won the men. Richard, for his V.C to go with his Croix de Guerre. outstanding courage He survived the war after serving was awarded the in France for over four years for his Croix de Guerre by Country. the French. There were a lot of great local heroes Almost a year later on the 9th during the terrible conflict of the 1914April 1918 Richard again volunteered 1918 Great War. It is impossible to for a most dangerous mission near name them all and write about them the town of Bethune. Wounded here, but just like these random three, British soldiers were cut off and the they will always be remembered.
Email: Web: R
A TAYLO INTAGE REBECC V N A IC R E M A TIK EROS ANTIK BA Y IW S M E D R E ANNA SUI Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 37
r Pe
5 .9 £9 r Pe
n so
Balti House
Early Bird Menu* 5pm-7pm
t Onion Bhaji t Meat / Veg Somosa t Traditional Chicken Pakora t Chicken Kabadi Mix Platter for an extra pound. Chicken, Lamb or Veg, t Bhuna t Madras t Korma t Rogan Josh Murghi Hasina for an extra pound t Pilau Rice t Chips t Naan Bread Plus... a complimentary glass of beer or wine. Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday * excludes Bank Holidays
Christmas Lunch for £9.95 Christmas Dinner for £18.95 (Three course meals)
BOOK
CHRISTMAS
PARTIES NOW!
struggle A TIME OF
Today I picked up my pen and remembered the past Of colliers and pitmen, And pits that couldn’t last. Thousands of jobs that just came and went Politicians not blinking at the livings just spent People working, living and struggling together Bringing up families at the end of their tether But even with setbacks and shortage of money They just kept on going like bees at their honey Pay day comes round, smiles all about The children had toffee and the pitmen their stout This life wasn’t easy, we remember the losses They forfeited their lives as they toiled for their bosses One thing that they gained during really bad years Was respect for each other, even sharing their tears Some of these men were rough and ready and bad as enemies But would lend you a shilling when they only had pennies Their wives must have been clever, making small wages last from Thursday to Thursday and not looking past, if a neighbour was ill, they were first at the door Get the kids off to school and do any chore The shutting of pits just wasn’t economical It destroyed ways of living and should be called diabolical We buy coal from abroad as financially sound And leave what we’ve got, miles underground Politicians talk about money in terms of what matters But paying for wars, they can get it on platters Lets get people off the dole is their famous shout After shutting our pits and locking good workmen out Look back at the pits and see what went on When politics took over and common sense was gone But one thing millionaires with their money can’t do Look a miner in the eye and say “I’ve been there too.” by Les Woods Sutton, St Helens
IMAGES: PETER CLEMENTS
WWW.FREEWEBS.COM/YORKSHIREMAIN/
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 39
Pre-book your wine, spirits or Champagne by the bottle. Reserve yourself a booth or table for the night.
Tickets ÂŁ25 for non members, ÂŁ20 for gold card holders www.mosquito.uk.com
To purchase tickets or pre-book drinks call reservations on 0151 236 1999 or email liverpoolpa@thelivingroom.co.uk
LEGAL
CONVEYANCINGLAW by Helena Mitchinson
Buying is both an exciting and stressful time in your life. For the majority of people buying a house represents the largest item of borrowing and expenditure they have ever had to incur. The prospect of a new home can seem daunting and a buyer will be told at an early stage that they need to engage a solicitor as soon as their offer on a property is accepted. It is often a good policy to try and find someone who comes recommended, as your solicitor will have a considerable influence on the smoothness of the purchase.
• • • • •
completion of the transaction paying the Stamp Duty Land Tax completing the relevant Tax Return registering the title after completion dealing with any miscellaneous matters that arise.
In many instances a solicitor also represents the Mortgage Lender.
Solicitors investigate legal title to the property in accordance with long established legal principles Whilst it is true that costs can vary together with a list of requirements substantially you should try to find contained within the Council of out what is included in any initial Mortgage Lenders Handbook. quotation as some solicitors may not detail costs of the searches and From a buyer’s point of view it may other items such as a Land Registry seem on occasion that their solicitor fee. You should also choose a may be unnecessarily pedantic but solicitor you believe you can work this is often simply because all the with, and communicate with you, in requirements of the lender have the way you would prefer. to be addressed fully and to the solicitor’s satisfaction. Whilst factory or call centre type A buyer must remember that conveyancing may suit some ultimately it is the solicitor who buyers, others prefer to have direct bears the liability of certifying that contact with one person who can title to the property is good and liaise with them directly for the marketable and asking the lender duration of their house purchase. to release the mortgage advance Nowadays many solicitors will also funds. It is therefore an onerous communicate by email. and responsible task and should be appreciated by both the buyer One of the initial questions asked and all Estate Agents within the by a buyer is how long? Timescales relevant chain. are always notoriously difficult to predict at the outset because Exchange of Contracts they are dependant upon so many variables. For example, there may By way of guidance for a buyer, just be a short chain for some it is fair to say that the average matters whereas with others there transaction completes within 6 to may be a long chain of people and 12 weeks during which time your any ultimate agreed completion solicitor will liaise with the various date has to be synchronised with parties in the chain and the Estate all parties in the chain. Likewise Agents on the buyer’s behalf. most, if not all, people within the In an ideal world Contracts are chain will require a mortgage and exchanged so that the transactions the delay on the part of any of the within the chain are legally binding, lenders in issuing a Mortgage Offer some time prior to completion. can seriously affect the timescale within the chain. Completion The solicitor will be in charge of: • investigating the legal title to the property • approving and possibly amending the sellers contract • submitting Local Authority and other searches unless these are contained within a Home Information Pack • dealing with exchange of Contracts
Completion involves sending the purchase monies to your seller’s solicitors on completion day so that you can collect your keys and move into the property. There are times however when exchange of Contracts is simply not possible for a variety of reasons and exchange and completion occur simultaneously, although this is not ideal and leaves an element of
Helena Mitchinson-Partner, Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors
“A buyer must remember that ultimately it is the solicitor who bears the liability...” uncertainty within the chain right up the client is registered as the new owner, any mortgage is registered until the last minute. against the property and the solicitor has ultimately reported to both the Completion Statement client and lender. This takes some Before the day agreed for time after the buyer has moved. completion your solicitor will prepare Wills a statement detailing the purchase price and other disbursements to be incurred (search fees etc). The Finally, whilst it is probably the statement will then reflect any last thing on a buyer’s mind after money you have already paid your completion of a purchase, each solicitor and request a balance of property owner should consider money due from the buyer before making a Will or updating any existing Will. The majority of completion. buyers will have taken out Life Post Completion Assurance so that in the event of their death the mortgage will Following completion the solicitor be repaid and the buyer’s estate will deal with payment of Stamp will own an asset. It is therefore Duty Land Tax and registration of prudent to make a Will appointing the buyer’s ownership at the Land Executors and naming those whom Registry. The solicitor’s work is a buyer would wish to benefit in not completed until such time as the event of their death. Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 41
LOCAL
GUNS AND KNIVES
HAVE NO PLACE IN BRITAIN
+
by Kenneth T. Webb
Liverpool CityLife Magazine takes a very robust view when considering that British society is becoming increasingly lawless. In short, it won’t happen. We have an excellent police force and a government and opposition that, between them, will disprove the doubters in society. But we cannot We are delighted to review the forthcoming become complacent either. production of The Gun by Illy (who has directed Coronation Street). Illy’s work with schools is For whilst we do not have lawlessness, no one paramount. Young people can sometimes feel would disagree that the streets of Britain are far abandoned by teachers because of lawlessness in more dangerous today than they were even 30 the classroom. They become disillusioned, angry years ago. and so demoralised that they seek only to disrupt the institution that may not have provided them As with all responsible communities, individuals with opportunities for any number of reasons. fight back; in doing so, tragically, innocent people lose their lives or suffer terrible injuries either at the Illy’s philosophy is to give these young people the hand of a gun or the slash and plunge of a knife. So first chance to prove their abilities, and whilst they the message to all of us here is – might initially scoff at the idea, they do eventually turn up at each day’s production and make positive contributions. Many are dyslexic, severely to the point that because they cannot read their lines, they must rely upon memorising, coaxing, good direction and well-timed cues. Illy of course is a master of all of this and possesses the incredible But do call the police. They are the only people ability to put even the most nervous at ease with a who can deal with crime. Members of the public lovely twinkle in the eye and the hint of a smile that must refrain from intervention, for we now have a says “I’m about to beam!” The nation is enriched by society where criminals want intervention. many examples of his work including Coronation Street, Brookside and Casualty to name but three. Gun crime is increasing and the age of those carrying guns is getting younger and younger. But The Project’s 20 minute screenplay, filmed on and there are ways of getting the message across; around the Stanley Dock on Waterloo Road, is sad, namely, by educating young people and giving frightening and a true reminder of the problem we them the opportunity to avoid or escape violence face and with which this column opened – the ease and gang culture. with which young people can now acquire guns!
The Gun -
As much as we might want to pitch in, don’t!
Liverpool CITYLIFE Magazine
Page 42
A short film
There is much work to be done if we are to move our city forward and not be ankle-locked into the “Gangs of Liverpool” phenomenon. All of us have a duty and a responsibility to help here. The Gun is a gritty piece of social realism which focuses on a dispute between two Liverpudlian gangs; ‘The Dockers’ and ‘The QCG’. When ‘The Dockers’ are attacked by the ‘QCG’ they experience a bitter desire for revenge. ‘The Dockers’ then discover a handgun in a stolen car which they realise puts them in an advantageous position. Intertwined with this is a tragic Romeo and Julietesque love story which concerns the relationship between a couple each affiliated with the separate gangs. The acting is very impressive considering the teenagers involved are from deprived backgrounds with little or no formal training. The Gun is simple but effective in its portrayal of teenage gang culture in Liverpool with a clear, hardhitting moral message. My only criticism concerns the soundtrack which might have included music from local urban artists instead of the generic US hip hop it is laden with. The film has been screened through UFO Productions at FACT along with several other productions prepared by schools with whom Illy works closely.
all I want for Christmas... you’ll love sensational Christmas celebrations with The Living Room
Whether you’re booking an intimate meal with friends or organising the office Christmas party, The Living Room can cater for your every need. Design your very own unique celebration with creative canapés, seasonal cocktails and buffet choices, or simply enjoy Christmas lunch or dinner in the restaurant. As a thank you from us, we’ll give the party organiser a free meal for two when booking for 12 or more people redeemable throughout January 2009. To make your Christmas reservation please call our Christmas coordinator on 0151 236 1999 or email liverpoolpa2@thelivingroom.co.uk
www.thelivingroom.co.uk
...you’ll love
The Living Room, 15 Victoria Street, Liverpool, L2 5QS