Liverpool Life 2:5 Oct 29

Liverpool

Life

www.jmu-journalism.org.uk

A VOICE AT LAST

29th - October - 2013

New ruling will allow victims of crime to speak out in court

By Gemma Brezinski Victims of crime in England and Wales are set to be given the opportunity to tell their story in court.

In a new victims’ code, people who have been subjected to crime now have the right to directly explain to offenders the impact it has had on them and their families.

Currently, judges read the victims’ personal statement in private with only parts being read aloud.

John Sandwell, from Support After Murder and Manslaughter Merseyside (SAMM), told Liverpool Life that they are delighted that the new code has finally come out after several years of hoping and wishing.

Full story on page 3

Channel 4’s Alex Brooker returns to where it all began

More on page 7

The lock of love What is the story behind the love padlocks at the Albert Dock? More on page 3...

The news this week...

Our step-by-step guide to pumpkin carving for your Halloween

Liverpool Life explores the world of women in golf

More on page 9

More on page 10

Life|News|2

COUNCIL ADVICE ON COLD CALLERS

by Nathan Pearce

Liverpool City Council has issued residents with advice on how to deal with cold callers offering the Green Deal scheme.

The nationwide scheme, which allows homeowners to pay for property improvements through their electricity bills, has come under fire after trading standards received a number of queries regarding their consumer rights.

The Green Deal scheme is a loan, not a grant and must be paid back in full through instalments. The government hopes the scheme will allow homeowners to improve their home in an environmentally-friendly way.

Councillor Tim Moore, cabinet member for transport and climate change, said: “Nobody should feel pressured into agreeing to an assessment and we want to make sure householders are aware of their rights in dealing with callers so that they can make informed ecisions about their homes. Green deal issues may be complex and you should not rush into making any decisions.”

The council warned residents to check the ID of all cold callers and that anyone falsely identifying themselves as a Green Deal assessor should be immediately reported to trading standards.

It also warned that Green Deal assessments could incur charges of around £120 and should not be completed on the same day as a cold call visit.

They also insisted that homes with a ‘No cold callers’ sign or who live in a no cold calling zone, such as the ones in Walton and Childwall, should not be contacted about the scheme.

The deal allows improvements such as, insulation, heating, draught-proofing and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to be fitted to your house.

MONKEYS’ TRIBUTE

Yorkshire band, Arctic Monkeys, performed at the Liverpool Echo last night.

A giant ‘A’ and ‘M’ lit up the stage as they sang their well known hits such as, ‘You look good on the dancefloor’, They also made a tribute to the late Lou Reed by performing a cover of ‘Walk on the wild side’.

The Redmonds Building is one of the buildings to be shut during the strike. Pic by Sarah Mee

Lecturers ready to strike over pay University buildings set to close in industrial dispute

by Helen Healy University staff that are part of UCU, UNSION and Unite are to hold a one day strike on Halloween.

The strike is being held as part of the University and College Unions ‘Campaign for a better deal’ over current pay and working conditions.

This will be the first time the three unions have joined together to take action over pay disputes.

Last minute talks have tried to be arranged by the unions,

Liverpool

Life

with the employers, to avoid the walk out but up until now the employers have refused.

Staff from John Moores, Liverpool Hope and the University of Liverpool will be amongst the many universities taking part across the country in the one day strike – which means lectures and classes will be cancelled for the day.

Members will be able to voice their anger against pay cuts, which have seen lecturers in further education have their pay packets slashed by 13% since October 2008.

Starting on the picket line on Thursday morning and then joining local rallies in their area, staff members will be hoping to have their opinions heard.

On average a university lecturer gets paid £2000 less than a teacher and higher education staff have only been offered a 1% pay rise this year. Compare that to university Vice Chancellors who see their pay and pension package at nearly £250,000.

UCU head of higher education, Michael MacNeil, spoke of his anger on the matter: “Staff have suffered year-on-

year cuts in the value of their pay. Quite simply, enough is enough.

“We urge the employers to reflect on the fact that they are about to face their first ever strike by three unions at the same time and come to the negotiating table to resolve this dispute.”

Steve Harrison, lecturer at LJMU will be supporting the strike on Thursday: “Striking is always a last resort, but I feel quite strongly that lecturers are being given a raw deal. We just want the University to make a

reasonable, realistic offer.”

All of LJMU librabries will be open as usual as well as some university buildings including: Kingsway House, Tithebarn Street, JMU Tower , Egerton Court and Rodney House.

Liverpool Hope SU President Ben Ramsdale has also been showing his support for the strike on his Twitter account: “@benramsdale: I’m proud that Hope SU are supporting #fairpayinHE this week. I will not cross any picket lines.”

Anyone wanting to show their support can use the hash tag #fairpayinHE on Twitter.

Apprenticeships offered at Academy

Team

Editor Simòne Foggin Chief Sub James Routledge News Jade Masri Ryan McElroy Alisha Daya Gemma Sherlock

Features editor Shannyn Quinn Features Hazel Miller Kerryleigh Gough Sport editor Laura Ryder Sports Will Shaw Sarah Mee

Do you have any news or feedback?

Email us on: liverpoollifenews@gmail.com

The North Liverpool Academy. © flickr @comedy_nose

by Helen Healy Pupils at North Liverpool Academy are to be offered the opportunity of apprenticeships and trainee work schemes to help them secure future employment.

Learndirect, the UK’s largest provider of training and employment services, have joined together with the secondary school to improve the job prospects of young people from the local area.

North Liverpool Academy, situated in Everton, opened in 2006 after two schools; Anfield

Community Comprehensive and Breckfield Community Comprehensive, merged together. Specialising in computing, mathematics, business and enterprise, the Learn Direct programme will fit alongside the current curriculum.

The focus from the two partners is that despite the academy being situated in an area of high deprivation, pupils who attend there should be given the same amount of opportunities as anyone else in the country – regardless of their social background or academic ability.

The partnership was made after North Liverpool Academy

staff heard about the services Learndirect offer through the National Apprenticeship Service.

A spokesperson for North Liverpool Academy told the Liverpool Daily Post: “The qualifications we will be delivering together will largely be focused on employability skills for young people. So far we have recruited a small group of sixth formers to work in business and admin, facilities and hospitality placements within our organisation.”

“We’ve also recruited a small group of students on a traineeship programme who for 26

weeks will participate in an employability programme including enterprise placements.”

Suzana Lopes, Senior Vice President of Sales at Learndirect, said in an article on their website: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with North Liverpool Academy. At Learndirect we’re passionate about improving the prospects of young people and by working together we’ll be able to give more young people in the local area the opportunity to gain skills and qualifications which will put them in good stead for their future careers.”

STORE PLUNGE MENTAL HEALTH REPORT

By Gemma Brezinski

Merseyside care chiefs have been asked to submit a report on the death of a mental health patient who fell from a third floor balcony of Liverpool’s Primark store.

Susan Wood died at around 6pm on Tuesday last week, after falling 80ft off the balcony in the Church Street store.

An inquest into the death was opened at St. Georges Hall and told the Kirkby mum of two had been a patient at Stoddart House NHS care home.

On the day of the tragedy Mrs. Wood, 57, had been on release from the center that helps patients with mental health disorders.

Coroner's officer Oliver Knaggs said that some time before 6pm Primark department manager Christine Wilson had seen Mrs Wood leaning on the barrier around the balcony's edge.

She then saw her fall from the balcony down to the basement area of the Church Street store.

DEADLOCK OVER £260M ANFIELD BUYOUTS

Life|News|3

Tributes to teenager swept out to sea

By Lisa Jones

Family and friends have paid tribute to the first fatality of St Jude’s storm.

Dylan Alkins, 14, who is originally from Liverpool, was swimming with friends in East Sussex on Sunday afternoon when the current swept him away. The family moved away from Liverpool to Sussex just one month ago.

Coast guards immediately began searching the shoreline of Newhaven’s West Beach for several miles, but Dylan has still not been found.

A Facebook tribute site has been set up where friends and family have left messages about him.

Dylan’s mother, Amelia Kattenhorn, wrote: “Hoping and praying my son is alive, devastated completely and utterly devastated.”

Rhys Davey, 14, who was with Dylan when he was swept away, wrote: “A massive wave came and washed him out in front of my eyes.

There was nothing we could do apart from wait. Me and Zach are in tears together and don’t know what to do. Dylan was a very good mate of

ours and we have some very funny memories. He will be missed and loved by loads of people.”

The storm has also led to a tree falling into a static caravan in Hever, Kent, killing a 17 year old girl who was staying there while her home was getting renovated.

Another tree fell on Lower High Street, Watford, hitting a 50 year old man in his car.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Merseyside has so far avoided the worst of the weather, but the Met Office has said that there is still a yellow warning for rain and Liverpool should expect winds of up to 40 miles per hour.

Winds speeding up to 80 miles an hour have been recorded in the South West of England, causing many overland trains to be cancelled due to fallen trees and debris on the tracks. People traveling are urged to take care and expect delays.

Due to flood warnings Prime Minister David Cameron has chaired a government meeting to ‘ensure people are protected.’

Flowers resting on the Newhaven seafront in East Sussex © Facebook Dylan Alkins RIP

Albert Dock love locks - romance or rubbish?

By Elen Crean

Anfield residents are still to reach deals on home buyouts surrounding the Liverpool FC ground to make way for the £260m regeneration of the area.

A total of forty-two empty houses on Baltic Street, Burnard Street and Rockfield Road are awaiting bulldozers.

When the area is cleared, it will be redeveloped into the “business hub” part of the scheme – with some of the land will being left as open space.

The council approved plans on Friday, resorting to compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to try to force some owners to sell up so that that they don’t hold up the scheme.

Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Ann O’Byrne, told the Liverpool Echo: “This latest demolition work is part of our wider vision to build a brighter future for Anfield.”

MOUNTAIN WALKERS RESCUED Two men from Wirral had to be rescued in the early hours of yesterday morning due to severe weather conditions.

The walkers were attempting the Welsh 3000s, which involves climbing 15 mountains totalling more than 3000ft, within 24 hours.

The men called for help at 4am from the Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia, but lost mobile phone signal soon after – preventing them from being tracked.

Two search parties were sent out to locate the men.

The low cloud meant the search and rescue helicopter could not join the search until the men were some way down the mountain.

They were located and brought to safety at 8:30am.

Left: Thousands of Love Locks placed on the Pont de l’Archevêché bridge © Flickr by Kinchan1

Above: Love locks placed on chains in the Albert Dock mimicking those in Paris Picture by: Harriet Midgley

By Gemma Brezinski A new-fangled commemoration to love is sweeping the nation in the form of ‘love locks’.

Originating in Paris along the Pont de l’Archeveche, where couples would take a romantic stroll across the bridge and ‘lock’ their love onto it, initials and pictures of loved ones on bridges across the world.

The craze has swept the globe leaving its mark in China, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, England, Canada and many more.

The love locks can even be found locally at the Albert Dock in Liverpool and Queens Park Bridge in Chester, where their appearance wasn’t accepted by everyone, prompting their removal.

The mystery of the Chester love locks’ disappearance was solved earlier this week when a man was caught cutting them away late at night.

But the locks are flourishing at the Albert Dock, decorated with loving messages to boyfriends, girlfriends, mum and dads. Standing out from the crowd is one lock with a poignant dedication to “hero” dad.

Here at Liverpool Life we want to know if you have any love lock stories? Have you personalised one to a loved one? Or know anyone who has? Do you know whose hero Dad is remembered with such love? Do you like them or loathe them? Email us at liverpoolifenews@gmail.com or contact us on facebook and twitter @ livlifenews.

Victims of crime have found their voice

By Gemma Brezinski

Mr Sandwell said: “Victims will feel more part of the justice system instead of feeling pushed out.”

Victim support believes the new code will give victims a louder voice and make the police, courts and other agencies more responsive to their needs.

Ministers agree, saying the

move would “make sure victims’ voices were heard” but Labour has called the code “toothless”.

Judges claim to take personal statements into consideration when determining the length of a sentence, but the Ministry of Justice says only 9% of victims know they are entitled to make a statement.

The new code will explain to all victims that they are en-

titled to make a statement.

John Sandwell encouraged victims to talk to SAMM and explained how important it is to talk about loved ones.

SAMM will help victims write their personal statements if they wish.

Javed Khan, Chief Executive of Victim Support, said: “We speak to more than a million victims of crime every year and know how of-

ten they feel left on the sidelines. Setting out what they can expect, accessibly and clearly, will go a long way towards ensuring victims do not feel like an afterthought in the criminal justice process.

“We look forward to working with the police, the courts and other criminal justice agencies to ensure they recognise and respect the new rights of victims and witness-

es, and in doing so deliver a better service for people affected by crime.”

Mr Sandwell added: “The code will make victims feel like a human being again, not just a piece of evidence.”

The code hopes to ensure that victims receive the support they need, and sets out how to navigate the criminal justice system more easily than before.

Life|News|4

City leaders show their support for HS2 high speed rail network

By Damian Leonard Civic leaders are standing behind their support for the HS2 high speed rail network even after facing heavy opposition.

A meeting held in Liverpool by the HS2 Board, business leaders and the council reiterated their backing for the project.

The Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “As Chair of the Liverpool City Region Cabinet, the importance of HS2 is absolutely critical to future economic prosperity of the region, and indeed the North of England. It represents a unique opportunity to stimulate transport development in

the region, bring benefits to existing network and transform our infrastructure beyond recognition.

The HS2 is being backed by Liverpool leaders, as they hope the rail link, which will travel from London to Manchester, will shed its light of prosperity onto Liverpool.

The scheme is not being backed by everyone however.

The Chief Political Commentator for the Daily Express and candidate for the UK Independence Party (Ukip) described is as an “enormous vanity project”.

Patrick O’Flynn said the money spent on the project, which is expected to cost over

£42 billion, could be better used on improving the entire UK transport infrastructure.

Speaking to the panel in Uxbridge, he said: “My party is against HS2 and wants it scrapped straight away completely. We’ve got a clear position on it.

“I think it is an enormous vanity project and the money could be vastly better spent on 10 large projects or 20 medium projects updating our whole transport infrastructure.

“It’s ludicrous.”

The amount of benefits predicted relative to the cost for the HS2 has been lowered after the government’s latest business

case. The expected benefit-cost ratio (BRC) has fallen from £2.50 to £2.30 in benefits for every pound spent. This fall is mainly because of a massive £10bn rise in the scheme’s £42.6bn cost, which is said to have been added earlier this year.

Danny Alexander, Treasury Minister, insisted the cost would not change, telling the BBC: “The real cost is the budget that we set out in June this year: £42.6bn. It hasn’t changed at all.

“That number includes within it a significant amount of contingency.

“I’m very confident that, as we work through the project and

deliver it, we will not just deliver it within that budget but, like the Olympic Stadium project, under budget too.

“That is something I’m working very, very hard to make sure happens.

“We are applying the same techniques we used to deliver the Olympic Park to the HS2 project.”

A campaigning group called Liverpool HS Too are trying to improve the HS2 for the benefit of Liverpool city region.

They tweeted: “Liverpool invented intercity rail, but is side-lined by HS2. Making the case for Liverpool to be at the heart of HS2”.

Beatles legend’s first home for sale

By Nathan Pearce

Beatles fans can bid to own John Lennon’s childhood home when it is auctioned in the iconic Cavern Club this evening.

John lived in the red-brick house, at 9 Newcastle Road, Wavertree, with his parents and grandparents from his birth on October 9th 1940 to 1942 and then returned to the address from 1943 to 1946.

The house has a guide price of £150,000 to £250,000 and is being sold by Countrywide Property Auctions.

It is also where the Beatles legend is said to have penned the song One After 909 later in his life.

The modest three-bedroom home with its bay front comprises of a lounge, rear lounge, kitchen, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Outside there is a yard to the rear of the property.

It is thought that only a handful of people have owned the property since John Lennon lived there during the 1940s.

The current owner said: “I’ll be sad to leave John Lennon’s first home but I am retired now and would really like a property with a bigger garden.

“I have made sure original features have been preserved so that they reflect the 1960s period, when the Beatles wowed the whole world with their rock and roll music.”

Stephen Giddins, Regional Sales Director of Merseyside based selling agent Entwistle Green, said: “We are delighted to be acting on behalf of the current owner of 9 Newcastle Road, a property which has such

a unique history.

“The Beatles still attract thousands of visitors to Liverpool each year, so to get the opportunity to offer for sale John Lennon’s first home is very exciting.

“Taking into consideration the location, the property itself and the background we expect a lot of interest locally and internationally and would urge all interested parties to register their details as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out.”

The Cavern Club has also been named as one of the top tourist attractions in the world to visit nexr year by an international travel guide.

The club, famed for hosting many performances by The Beatles, was a top pick for Fab Four fans to celebrate their 50th anniversary by travel guide company Lonely Planet.

Duncan Frazer, Visitor Economy Marketing Manager at Marketing Liverpool, said: “It’s a fantastic accolade for the Cavern and for the city as a whole. The Beatles are seeing a spike in popularity around the globe especially surrounding the 50th anniversary.”

The Beatles first played the Cavern Club in 1961 and went on to play over 290 times between 1961 and 1963.

Mr Frazer added: “The Cavern is hugely important to us when attracting visitors to Liverpool, so having this accolade from such a prestigious company is a great achievement.”

Lonely Planet is the largest travel guide publisher in the world and released its latest travel guide, ‘Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2014’ on Tuesday.

HOUSE BURGLED AS MAN VISITED ILL WIFE A Merseyside man’s home was burgled while he was out visiting his dying wife.

Whilst the man stayed over in the Willowbrook Hospice in Prescot, visiting his wife, his house was burgled. The incident occurred between Wednesday October 16 and the following morning. His wife passed away just five days later.

The victim returned to his home in Rainhill to discover a Links London charm bracelet and earrings had been taken, as well as two digital cameras – a grey/silver Toshiba PDR M65/ M61 and a black Samsung NX11 that contained numerous photos of his wife.

Police are calling for anyone with information to come forward, and they should call St Helens CID on 0151 777 6829 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

GREEN LIGHT FOR TITANIC HOTEL Liverpool’s Titanic themed hotel has had the go-ahead from local council planners today.

Plans to turn the former White Star Line headquarters into a waterfront hotel have been approved.

There were no objections at the meeting with the committee approving the hotel unanimously.

Albion House, originally built in the 19th century had been empty for twenty years before being bought by ‘Signature Living.’

The company plans to turn the landmark building into an upmarket hotel with 350 rooms, wedding facilities, a bar and a restaurant.

PROPOSAL FOR CITY CAB WI-FI

By Jack Maguire

ICONIC: 9 Newcastle Road, John Lennon’s childhood home

Pic © Flickr/bfrposh

Black cabs in the city could soon be fitted with Wi-Fi technology under new plans set to go before licensing chiefs.

London-based company ‘Ubiquitous’ are currently pioneering the new kit in the capital, as Liverpool cab bosses now consider proposals to introduce the technology here in the north west.

The hubs work via a dashboard-mounted aerial and passengers are required to scan a barcode-like sticker with their smartphones to gain access to the network.

The news is the latest step towards better broadband speeds and Wi-Fi connections in Liverpool.

Earlier this month it was announced that Merseyside councils had signed a £15.9m deal with BT to deliver faster broadband to 43,000 businesses and homes through a scheme called Merseyside Connected.

Life|News|5

Carragher’s bars go bust owing £1.2m

By Helen Healy

Jamie Carragher’s two city centre bars have gone into liquidation.

Moments bar, situated opposite the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool One, and Café Sports England restaurant, located on Stanley Street in the city centre, have ceased trading after debts reached almost £1.2m.

The main amount of the arrears were owed to the Flanagan Group, a Liverpool based company that provides services in the leisure, construction and property development industries.

City Life Projects Ltd was owed £141,000 and ex-Liverpool player Carragher was out of pocket by £102,000.

Moments bar was opened in July of this year in an attempt to boost profits and re-brand the venue from a sports bar to a high end brasserie and replaced the former Café Sports Express venue, which was first opened in 2007.

The former Liverpool defender now turned TV pundit saw growing competition against his two venues with the opening of the Bierkeller directly above Moments bar in November 2012 which replaced former Zeligs Restaurant.

The popular chain of Bavarian themed pubs offers all things German from beers, bratwursts, regular themed nights and weekly food and drink offers that are considerably lower than The empty terrace at Moments Bar which has now closed. Picture by Harriet Midgley other bars.

Hope Street residents’ fears Wacker Quackers over invasion of students face water ban

By Harriet Midgley

The Hahnemann Building on Hope Street is set to be turned into student accommodation © Flickr CrosvillE

By Gemma Sherlock Residents fear a student invasion will occur over approved plans to turn Hope Street’s Hahnemann Building into student accommodation. The planning committee for Liverpool City Council approved the grade II listed building today, despite the objections of many residents.

Gwen Backwell, of 17 Hope St, who lives opposite the building, pleaded with the the planning committee to reject the plans: “I would look to put forward to you what it will be like having

100 students and their friends living within 10 yards from you.

“I don’t want to believe that you wish to put this nuisance on us and I would like to ask you would you want this on your doorstep.”

A spokeswoman from Save Our City Campaign said: “Liverpool is a student city and with this massive increase it’s beginning to look like an invasion.”

The plans were agreed by seven councillors. However, Councillor Steve Radford said that he can’t ignore the social impact it will have on the street.

Originally built in 1887, the

building was used as a hospital site and was previously owned

by Liverpool John Moores University. Bootle-based Maghull Developments will transform the building into 100 student rooms after dropping a previous project to turn it into a boutique hotel, restaurant, bar and spa.

They hope to attract mature students and post-graduate students to the building.

Designed by Liverpool architecture firm Falconer Chester Hall, the building will feature car parking space, 24 hour security management, a façade lighting scheme outside, 36 cy-

cle spaces and communal areas throughout the floors.

Mr Williams, of the Rodney Street Association, believes the building should be used for a different purpose.

He said: “It needs to be used for a more sensible development that won’t harm the architecture too much, such as ten or twelve private flats.

“The lighting outside is a horrendous idea. Hope Street is a great street with amazing buildings to boast the architecture, the street has a certain subtle uniqueness and does not need brashness.”

Mischief warning for Merseyside

By Lisa Jones

For more Halloween news, turn to pages 8&9

Merseyside police have promised a swift response to anyone causing anti-social behaviour during Halloween and bonfire night.

Extra patrols will be out to deal with any problems to ensure the events pass by smoothly.Parents have been asked to make sure their children know the dangers that playing with fireworks can have on themselves and others.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has also issued a warning about the dangers of bangers and selling fireworks illegally.

A spokesperson said: “Fireworks can only be sold by retailers with registration from

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service between October 15 and November 10. The illegal sale of fireworks and poor storage of fireworks can lead to a conviction.”

The number of illegal fireworks seized has been reduced from 12 tonnes last year to 1.5 tonnes in 2013. However, Merseyside Fire and Rescue still say this is too much.

Watch Manager Ian Mullen, who is leading the bonfire strategy for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service this year, said: “In some serious cases in Merseyside young people have had their fingers blown off by bangers. They are unpredictable and are dangerous.

“People who sell illegal fireworks, particularly to youngsters, could be responsible for leaving them with serious injuries through firework misuse.”

Young people are reminded to take personal responsibility for their actions and not to cause people undue concerns.

Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service will be working together to make sure that any illegal fires are dealt with quickly as well as those responsible for starting it.

Chief Superintendent Rowley Moore of Merseyside Police said: “Police will not tolerate any behaviour that causes problems in our communities.”

Investigators have called for duck boat sailings to be banned after two of the Yellow Duckmarines sunk this year.

The Yellow Duckmarines, fondly known as ‘Wacker Quackers’ were a popular way for tourists to see the city.

The tour would take visitors to view Liverpool’s iconic landmarks before entering the water at Salthouse Dock and emerging again at the Albert Dock.

The recent investigation into the two incidents which occurred in March and June revealed that both sank due to buoyancy issues.

All four Yellow Duckmarines were banned from entering the water after the incident in March but three were then declared safe again in May. Passengers, including small children, had to swim to shore during the second incident, as the Yellow Duckmarine started to sink at the Salthouse Dock.

Since June, the company who own the tours have gone

into administration.

Although tourists and staff were unharmed in both incidents, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said that marine vehicles should no longer be permitted to operate after the sinking of Liverpool’s ‘Wacker Quakers’ and a similar problem in London.

It is believed that there was not enough foam used to provide buoyancy in both the Liverpool Duckmarines, while in London the foam was packed too tightly around the engine, eventually causing a fire.

The amphibious vehicles were originally designed during World War II for transporting goods and troops over land and water and for crossing beaches during attacks.

The vehicles were only designed to last long enough to meet the demands of combat but have since been restored.

The MAIB have suggested that duck boat sailings should not be able to operate until the required standards of stability have been met.

Life|Focus|6

Don’t worry, we’re happy!

By Nathan Pearce

Liverpool residents are among the most unhappy people in the UK according to a report by the Office for National Statistics.

People in Liverpool were quick to defend the city with some claiming it’s the best city outside of the capital.

The new report examined personal well-being across the UK by looking at a range of different areas including, happiness, self-worth, anxiety and life satisfaction.

Liverpool ranked below the national and regional average in three out of the four areas.

However, when Liverpool Life asked people in the city what they thought of the study, the overwhelming majority dismissed the claims.

Dan Thompson, 21, a student studying in Liverpool, said: “Those results surprise me.

The city’s full of friendly people, good shops, good connections to other cities and I’ve been really happy since I moved here.”

Diane Andrews, 36, a Human Resources manager, said: “Oh how ridiculous.

Liverpool’s a fantastic city,

Liverpool residents have dismissed claims the city is amongst the lowest in terms of happiness, self-worth, life expectancy and life satisfaction

that’s only heading one way – that’s up.

I’d go as far to say it’s the best city outside of London.”

The city’s historical and cultural impact also gave people a reason to smile, with some commending the work of The Beatles.

Joan Peterson, 69, a retired cleaner, said: “How can’t people be happy when their lives are sound tracked by those lovely four boys from Liverpool.

I challenge these government folk to take anyone to Penny Lane or the Cavern Club and not crack a smile.”

However, not all of the

Daniel Thompson thinks the city is full of friendly people

Amy Leicester thinks Liverpool was full of ‘bad people’

responses to the study were dismissive, with some claiming high rates of unemployment and having little money were the reasons behind the

How can anyone be happy in a city where everyday someone loses their job or someone gets stabbed?”

Brentford in Essex was

unhappiness and satisfaction.

Amy Leicester, 24, currently unemployed, said: “There’s no work, no money and the city’s just full of bad people.

revealed as the least happy place in the country.

Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton also ranked low in the tables

The ibbon that saves lives The spotlight was shone on breast cancer awareness this month, as businesses throughout Liverpool showed their support. Damian Leonard looks at the origin of the iconic pink ribbon campaign

The origins of the ribbon date all the way back to the early 1900s, with the song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon”, which was a US marching song.

The song then prompted Penny Laingen, a wife of one of the hostages held in Iran from 1979-1981, to use the ribbon to remind people of the plight of their family and other hostages.

The ribbon was then adopted a decade later, when AIDS activists ‘Visual Aids’ turned the ribbon bright red, looped it, and sent it onto the national stage during the Tony awards pinned to the chest of actor Jeremy Irons.

Overnight, every charitable cause made it their mission to have their own ribbon.

After just a short time, they were so ubiquitous that The New York Times declared 1992, “The Year of the Ribbon”.

The concept for a breast cancer awareness ribbon came from Charlotte Hayley, a sufferer of the disease, who introduced a peach coloured ribbon.

She attached them to cards saying,

“The National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is 1.8 billion US dollars, and only 5 percent goes to cancer prevention. Help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon.”

Haley handed the cards out at the local supermarket and wrote to prominent women, everyone from former First Ladies to Dear Abby. Her message spread by word of mouth and she distributed thousands of these cards.

The cosmetics industry got on board in 1991 to promote breast cancer awareness with the help of Evelyn Lauder of Estée Lauder Cosmetics and Alexander Penney, the editor-in-chief of SELF magazine.

When Evelyn Lauder and Alexander Penney were working on their breast cancer awareness promotion, they liked Charlotte Hayley’s concept of giving ribbons to promote the support of breast cancer awareness.

Lauder, Penney, and Hayley worked together to come up with the pink ribbon symbol for breast cancer awareness.

These ribbons can now be seen pinned to the coats and jumpers of many of Liverpool’s residents, and some businesses have gone even further in the fight to raise awareness.

As well as big organisations like Primark encouraging all their staff to wear pink, smaller trades are pulling out the stops as well.

A raffle to raise money for the fight against breast cancer took place in Liverpool cafe ‘Simply Coffee’. The cafe sold pink ribbon themed buns, with profits being added towards the total raised.

With prizes such as £100 gift vouchers and football boots given away, the cafe managed to raise over £1000 – leaving the owners very proud.

Part owner of the business, Karen White, said: “Our night was a great success. The grand total raised was £1187.23. We were over the moon with this.”

Breast cancer awareness month occurs annually, every October.

Life|Arts|7

Life in front of the camera

Pick of the week Murder and mayhem at St George’s Hall

Alex Brooker with (from left) LJMU students Loren Mitchell,Georgie Moore, Lucy Bannister

A

smiling young man walks into the lecture room - and it’s instantly filled with chatter.

He’s familiar to some of the students who recognise him from Channel 4’s comedy show ‘The Last Leg’, which discusses the week’s news. But there’s a lot more to Alex Brooker than his career in television.

“As you can tell, I wasn’t the best at TV,” Alex jokes. There is uproarious laughter as we watch the first TV news package he made as a student, nearly 10 years ago.

With shaky camera shots that randomly zoom in and out of the bird excrement on one of the platforms at Lime Street Station, it’s hard to believe this is the work of someone who went on to become a sports reporter and TV presenter.

“I still think I was harshly graded for that,” he jokes, with one eye on his former lecturer sitting at the front of the lecture theatre.

Alex talking to students at LJMU

From LJMU graduate to celebrity, Alex Brooker on lectures, laughs and lager

By Lucy Bannister Alex has returned to his former university to give a talk on journalism and how he made the transition from student journalist to TV presenter.

After graduating LJMU with a degree in journalism, Alex went on to become a sports reporter at the Liverpool Echo. He then worked for the Press Association: “I just wanted to get paid for watching football.

That’s all I wanted to do.”

Although, it turned out that this wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and he became disillusioned with football. Anxious for a new challenge, Alex applied for a job at Channel 4, who were seeking disabled people with a keen interest in sport and journalism to report on the Paralympics. This opportunity seemed like it was made for him.

A fascinated Alex fiddles with one of our

TV cameras; it was only a few years ago he was behind one of these himself as an amateur student reporter.

“I always wanted to be a television reporter. I did the Paralympic World Cup for Channel 4 in 2012. I absolutely loved it.

Probably the best thing I’ve done in television.

“It changed my whole outlook, I was really confident. It was what I wanted to do.”

But what kind of student was Alex in his younger years at Liverpool John Moores?

“I wasn’t as attentive as I should have been,” he admits, grinning. “Our year was ‘the year of the naughty boys’. I was one of those!

“I left my dissertation late. It wasn’t big and it wasn’t clever. You should make the most of your time at university because it changes when you leave.” ot only has Alex had a colourful career in the media, he also accidentally found himself on the Paralympic shooting team. While reporting on the trials, he tried out for all the sports, hoping for a place on the table tennis team.

When he was unsuccessful, he finally tried out for the rifle shooting, only to find he was a natural: “It was something I fell into. I tried it for the experience, just threw myself into it.”

However, Alex decided to leave the shooting team before the Paralympics and this was a decision he hasn’t regretted: “It’s these little moments you can look back on and say it hinged on that one decision.

“If I’d have never done the rifle shooting, then I never would have had the Paralympic experience, which enabled me to get to

N

Channel 4 and get on telly.”

Nowadays, Alex is one of the three presenters on Channel 4’s comedy show, ‘The Last Leg’, along with Adam Hills and Josh Widdicombe.

The third series of the show has now finished and the fourth is set to start at the end of January.

A delighted Alex excitedly leans forward in his chair: “I love doing that show; it’s the single best thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s amazing.”

And if you watch the show, it isn’t hard to tell. It’s clear the chemistry between the presenters on the show is one of the reasons it has been such a hit.

“People always say, ‘Do you, Adam and Josh get along as well as you do on telly?’ Yes we do, we are genuinely very close.

“Adam completely changed my perspective. He’s my first mate who has one leg like me; I look up to him like an older brother. Josh is just a really good friend; we’ve been through this rollercoaster ride we never imagined.”

So what does the future hold?

He’s just appeared on hit TV show ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’ and is set to be on ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’. It looks like he’ll be having quite a busy schedule for a while. But television hasn’t changed him - he’s a modest man with a disarming smile.

“Cheers, that was alright.” He springs up to shake hands with the reporting team, but not before reminiscing about his exploits in Liverpool’s student hotspot, Medication... naturally.

Deemed the biggest murder mystery event to be held in Liverpool, the second ‘Murder at St. George’s Hall’ will be held on Halloween night following its successful first appearance on Friday 13th September. During the event, organised by Lovehistory, guests will enjoy a three-course meal whilst listening to stories based on criminal trials held at the Hall’s courts. The event will feature 12 actors representing characters from historical Liverpool murder cases, who will be interrogated by guests to unveil the culprit, in an event which promises to be a real Halloween treat. This event is sold out.

Scary delights at the zoo Chester Zoo is holding a Halloween half-term event featuring over 400 bats, 250 pumpkins and a 33ft-wide animatronic tarantula. The event is on now until 3rd November and includes a pumpkin hunt and a special Halloween menu at the cafes with witches’ broth, toffee apples and other scary delights! A great day out for all the family over the holiday period.

Guys light up at Sefton Park Don’t miss out on the annual fireworks display at Sefton Park and Newsham Park this Bonfire Night. Both displays are FREE and begin at 7:30pm on the 5th November. The fireworks will be synchronised to music, perfect to brighten up a dark November night. The event will run for approximately 20 minutes and it is advised that visitors attend on foot or use public transport.

Drake to perform at Echo Arena Canadian rapper Drake has announced a short UK tour in support of his recent album ‘Nothing Was The Same’, and will be performing at the Liverpool Echo Arena on 22nd March next year.

It is part of an eight date tour and tickets will go on sale this Friday, 1st November.

Life |Family |8

Happy It’s almost Halloween, the time of year for trick or treaters, scary movies and pumpkins. So Liferpool Life’s reporter SimÓne Foggin has a step-by-step guide to help you carve your lanterns.

Difficulty rating:

What you will need:

1 Large pumpkin, Selection of sharp knives (safety first!), 1 black pen, 1 spoon scoop and 1 candle.

1

2

First things first, select your Halloween design.

If this is your first time, as it was mine, I suggest going pretty simple. Using your black pen to draw out the design on one side of the pumpkin remembering to stay scary.

Now you need to make a circle shaped hole in the top of the pumpkin, here is where you will scoop out the inside to make room for your candle. Once you have done that, then the fun can really begin.

3 Be sure to remove all traces of guts, brains, membrane and any other slimey material from your pumpkin.

4 Here comes the fiddly bit. To start off, take a sharp knife and pierce the pumpkin on one of the lines you drew earlier. Once it is through carefully carve along the guide lines. Do this stage in sections, starting at the top – in this case the eyes. Repeat until all sections are removed.

Top tips: 1. Scoop out as much of the pumpkin as possible, this will make the skin thinner and carving easier.

2. Use a selection of knives, more intricate designs may require smaller knives.

3. Do this with a friend – four hands are better than two.

...Finally Once you have finished carving out your design, use your hands to rub off any remaining pen marks (this may require some soap and water). Place the pumpkin in a safe area, away from anything flammable and add your candle to the centre.

Have a Happy Halloween!

Life|Family|9

HALLOWEEN A quick and easy way to put together a last-minute costume idea is to indulge in the ‘onesie’ craze. Team with your own face paint to whip up a scare in no time at all.

This Dracula onesie is just £12 from Primark and can be re-used as cosy (yet scary) pyjamas for the winter months.

n o t ele

Sk

a l cu

a r D

Witch’s Fingers Ready in: 55 min

An original favourite and easy to put together on a budget. Check out this sleek and simple skeleton look for £11.99 from Pilot.

Liverpool Life’s guide on what to wear to scare in...

Frightful fashion

Witch If you are trying to keep costs down this Halloween, and find something which can be reused after the fancy dress parties are over, the simple witch is always a good call.

These sparkly cobweb tights from Accessorize are £6, perfect to set off the look and keep your pins warm!

Teamed with this sleek witches’ hat from woolworths. co.uk £6.50 the look is complete for less than £30.

Serves: 30 Preheat oven: 160C/Gas Mark 3 ·

225g butter, softened

·

125g icing sugar

·

1 egg

·

1 teaspoon almond extract

·

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

·

350g plain flour

·

1 teaspoon baking powder

·

1 teaspoon salt

·

100g whole almonds

·

1 tube red decorating icing

1. Combine the butter, sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat together with an electric mixer; gradually add the flour, baking powder and salt, continually beating; chill for 20 to 30 minutes.

2. Remove dough from fridge in small amounts. Scoop 1 heaping teaspoon at a time onto a piece of greaseproof paper.

Use the paper to roll the dough into a thin finger-shaped biscuit. Press one almond into one end of each biscuit to give the appearance of a long fingernail. Squeeze biscuit near the tip and again near the centre of each to give the impression of knuckles.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until the biscuits are slightly golden in colour, 20 to 25 minutes.

This dress is just £15 from Primark and can be reinvented and teamed with some stylish heels for the Christmas party season!

All images ©PR shots

4. Remove the almond from the end of each biscuit; squeeze a small amount of red icing into the cavity; replace the almond to cause the icing to ooze out around the tip of the biscuit.

Life|Sport|10

Gentlemen Only, L adies Forbidden?

Jess Watters takes a look at the continuing challenges women face on the fairway

With another golf season coming to an end, we have all heard about Tiger Woods’ fight back to world number one and Rory Mcllroy’s up and down year.

But does anybody know what has been happening in women’s golf?

This year has seen Inbee Park of South Korea become world number one after an incredible 2013. Meanwhile, the well-known Michelle Wie has dropped to 64th.

The divide between men and women in golf has been present forever, and doesn’t seem to be coming to an end anytime soon.

The Ricoh Women’s British Open is coming to Royal Birkdale next year for the sixth time, but still does not receive anywhere near as much coverage as the men’s Open. There are many male-on-

Golf

• Contra

Fact

nym fo ry to what s om r • Ther Gentlemen O e people are e are tw nly, La told, th o is know dies F orbidd e word “golf n as th golf balls on en. ” is no being e th fifth m e moo t an ac the ro• The m only man w an to set foo n. NASA astr t on th ho eve o arks yo n aut Ala e moon r hit tw have th u see o n She .H o e n golf ly golf clubs across the world that “My home club was also very strict balls a golf balls wh e is also cre pard has 33 same numb e dited a r 6 il e r e d o c completely forbid female membership. im on the all fd on when women could play and when ples w s • Only moon. hile Br imples. For ed dimples.

22% o Recently, there have been massive G we did they often complained about e it x o is a lf f the g h m • The c b g p a o le ll lf ba , an s do olfe h debates over the 142nd British Open, our pace of play.”

67 mil ances of mak rs in the wo lls have 330 American g not olf ball lion. rld are dimple ing tw which is to be hosted at Muirfield Golf “It took me years to find sponsors. o hole women • Phil s M . in ic one in kelson Club in East Lothian. The Open Cham- ship as brands such as Nike are only • 80% , who a roun of d of go pionship is being held at the famous interested in having their name across • The d all golfers w plays left-ha lf are o n il r d iv l ne in e never er swin d golf course in Scotland, where women , the TV and women’s golf is not given is for an a ctually achiev g s p a e ed of a verage e a han r ig are banned from being members. h much coverage. Without this sponsorth 108mp n aver age lad dicap of less anded. h for a LPGA profe Laura Davies, the most successful ship it is hard to find the funds to travel s n aver age PG sional; 84mp y golfer is 62 than 18 British female player of modern times, m h and compete.”

A Tour player for an avera ph; 96mph has said that it’s time for Muirfield to ; 130m ge male ph for Tiger W golfer; catch up with the 21st century. oods.

Amy Boulden caddies for Tiger Woods. Pic © Amy Boulden/Facebook Women’s golf receives next to no coverage on TV or in the media.

Sky Sports and the BBC show daily coverage of the men’s British and US Open, as well as the Ryder Cup and the European Tour.

And despite major female competitions like the Solheim Cup being covered, the build-up and awareness prior to the event is not comparable to the events that are contested by their male counterparts.

Men and women are also rarely allowed to compete against each other.

In 2007, golf saw professional Michelle Wie coming through the ranks. She was often compared to World number one Tiger Woods, and when asked, said that she would love the chance to play against Tiger and believed she could beat him.

The very suggestion was laughed off by Woods’ fans across the world.

Amy Boulden is a LPGA tour professional from North Wales who is the only Welsh golfer (man or woman) to win three home international titles.

She has faced challenges throughout her career due to sexism in golf, saying: “Golf has always been a sexist sport and always will be. I remember growing up playing at my local club the boys would tease me because I received more shots than them and the girls tees were ahead of the boys.

File

“It took me years to find sponsorship”

Amy Boulden, LPGA tour professional

NEW SYSTEM FOR THE OPEN

Life Sport 11

Welch returns for Rugby World Cup

by Elen Crean

The Open Championship qualifying will change for next year’s Open at Hoylake.

The Royal and Ancient have announced there will be a new international qualifying series.

The new system replaces International Final Qualifying, which was introduced in 2004.

It will use existing global Tour events involving ten worldwide Tour events offering Open qualification – his is in addition to the four UK final qualifying events for next year’s Open.

Final qualifying has also been changed for 2014. Three places from each of four courses are still available but the courses will be in different parts of the country, rather than all near the Open venue.

The venues are Glasgow-Gailes Links, Hillside, Woburn and Royal Cinque Ports.

REDS HAMMER WEST BROM Luis Suarez was a hat trick hero on Saturday, as he fired Liverpool to a comfortable victory against West Brom at Anfield.

The 26 year-old took Liverpool into the lead come the 11th minute and made it 2-0 only six minutes later.

James Morrison pulled a goal back for West Brom with a controversially awarded penalty before Daniel Sturridge snuffed any hopes of a comeback 15 minutes from time with a wonderful 20-yard chip.

Suarez and Sturridge have now scored 14 goals between them in the league this season, with the Uruguayan having achieved 36 goals in his past 46 matches for Liverpool.  Suarez in line for honour Back page

OSMAN INSPIRES VICTORY

Everton enjoyed a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa at Villa Park as loanee striker Romelu Lukaku scored his fifth goal in five games for the Toffees.

The Belgian struck from the edge of the box midway through the second half, before Leon Osman doubled the away side’s lead with a low, left-footed shot from outside the box.

It was Everton’s fifth win in their last six Premier League games, and they are now sixth in the league.

On Saturday, Everton welcome Tottenham to Goodison park as they look to built on their strong start to the season.

Once upon a time Taylor Welch spent his Wednesday afternoons thinking about playing in the Superbowl, come Wednesday he will be making his Rugby League World Cup debut.

The 24-year-old winger, would never have dreamed of representing the States at rugby league until he moved to Lancashire, following the death of his Mother in 2003.

The ‘American Wire’, Welch will feature for the USA against the Cook Islands when the two sides meet at the Memorial Stadium in Bristol.

The tournament kicked off in Cardiff on 26th October when Australia beat England 28-20 at the Millennium Stadium and will continue to the 30th November when the final will be held at Old Trafford.

Welch went to school in Warrington and was introduced to rugby league by then head coach of Warrington Wolves, Paul Cullen.

Welch’s rugby progression with Warrington Wolves was initially held back due to his classification as an overseas player, until it was resolved with special dispensation from the RFL. His rugby appearances made him the first American to play for Warrington and the first ever to play in the Super League.

Since then he has gone on to play both rugby league and union in Fylde, France and Chicago.

Liverpool Life caught up with

the USA Tomahawks Winger for an exclusive interview to find out his pre-match feelings for the game on Wednesday.

How does it feel to be back in your hometown playing in the world cup for the US team?

It couldn’t be a better story really could it? I started my career here and now I get to play here on the biggest stage.

Your first match is against the Cook Islands on Wednesday in Bristol. What are the pre-match team feelings?

Everyone’s feeling focused.

We have our game plan and we just need to stick to it and get the job done on Wednesday night.

We are a very talented team but also the most determined team I’ve been a part of. We really want to make a name for the Tomahawks this World Cup. What are your favourite and least favourite aspects to training?

There are tons of favourite things: being part of the team, the connection you build together going through hard sessions and seeing yourself improve daily always trying to get better.

I’d say the only thing that I don’t really like is the ice baths!

I know they’re good for you but still! Not a fan!

Are you proud to be known as the first American ever to

play for Warrington?

Very proud. Also the first American to play in Super League. A little bit of history that I managed to make: I’ll take that. Something to tell the grandkids eventually!

What will the team’s celebrations be following a win on Wednesday?

Everyone will be ecstatic but only for a short time. It’s only a four-day turn around until we will face Wales at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham. So heads back together and start preparing for the next match.

How would you feel to be part of the winning team of the Rugby League World Cup? It would be a dream to win it!

I don’t think I could even imagine how happy I’d be. Saying that I feel privileged and lucky to just be a part of this group and the World Cup. Hopefully it won’t be my last one!

Fact File Name: Taylor Welch Age: 24 Born: Dallas, Texas Nicknames: Welchy, Squelch Schools: Crosfields, Lymm High School Rugby position: Winger Previous teams: Sale F.C, Warrington Wolves, Chicago Griffins

Welch on debut for Warrington in 2008 ©Facebook

McCoy in form at Aintree

by Nick Seddon

Lineker has hit out at parents touchline behaviour ©Twitter/@GaryLineker

Junior league takes action against parents

by Jack Birch The Edge Hill Junior Football League has suspended all matches this weekend due to the persistent abuse of referees.

The league, which hosts matches for teams ranging from under 7s to under 12s, took the decision to cancel all matches for the following weekend on Sunday.

The suspension comes as a result of verbal abuse aimed at referees, some as young as 16, from parents and managers of the junior football teams.

The move will affect more than 600 children set to play matches on Sunday.

The decision was announced via the league’s website.

The message posted online said: “Due to persistent abuse/ threats towards referees the committee have decided to cancel all matches scheduled to be played on 3/11/13.

“A managers’ meeting will be held to discuss ways of tackling this unacceptable behaviour towards referees from the sidelines (managers and parents included).”

All league managers are obliged to attend the meeting in the hope that a resolution can be found.

A spokesperson for the league said: “The decision was made

due to referees consistently being verbally abused by managers and parents, we need to take action before a ref is hurt.”

He added: “We are making a stance to protect the league’s excellent reputation, and want our players/referees and all personnel to feel safe in an enjoyable, friendly environment.”

Gary Lineker has been outspoken about parent’s behaviour at junior football matches.

He wrote, in the New Statesman: “We need a parental cultural revolution. If we could just get them to shut the f**k up and let their children enjoy themselves, you would be staggered at the difference it would make.”

Champion jockey AP McCoy moved to within touching distance of an historic tally of 4,000 winners, with an emphatic treble at Aintree on Old Roan Chase Day. McCoy, who is now just 11 winners away from the landmark total after the weekend’s races, won the feature race of the day, the Betfred Monet’s Garden Old Roan Chase, with a gritty performance aboard the Steve Gollings trained Conquisto.

Speaking after the race, the 18-time champion jockey explained that he was hopeful he would soon hit his target.

He said: “It’s still a bit away but I’ll keep going and hopefully I’ll get there in the very near future.”

Winning trainer Steve Gollings could not hide his delight at the result for a horse he holds close to his heart.

He said: “He’s a personal favourite this horse because he’s not very big, so at a big track like this it’s more difficult for him and he’s got to try that little bit harder.

AP said to me he didn’t know what this horse was made of, I told him probably the same stuff

as he is!”

The performance was the highlight of an exciting days racing, which kicked off the new jumps racing season at the world famous racecourse. Punters wear fancy dress at the races.

In the popular Veteran’s chase, ten-year-old Jamsie Hall rolled back the years to score for Gordon Elliot, fighting off a late surge from the gallant Pigeon Island in second. Fifteen-yearold Monet’s Garden returned to parade before the feature, a race he won a record three times, before leading the runners out of the paddock.

Karinga Dancer put in an impressive performance in the opening race of the day to score over hurdles by eight lengths, with his trainer Harry Fry planning to send him over bigger obstacles for the remainder of the season.

He said: “The plan was to go chasing after one hurdle win and we’ll very much stick to that.

He’s every inch a chaser, so we look forward to getting him out.”

The meeting concluded on Sunday with a seven-race card, before the course hosts Grand National trial the Becher Chase on December 7.

AFC Liverpool progress

by Niall Dudley AFC Liverpool are through to the next round of the North West Counties League Cup after beating West Didsbury 5-1 on Saturday.

A second half hat-trick from Ronnie Morgan added to goals

from James Buckley and Steve Jones to secure a convincing victory for the reds.

AFC face Alsager Town on Saturday. The non-league side have won their last five games and a win on Saturday would see them top of the North West Counties League.

29-October-2013

SPORT

Undefeated Smith’s knockout win lands crown

By: Will Shaw Callum Smith is hopeful of boxing on the undercard of Tony Bellow’s world title fight in Canada, following his knockout victory over Ruben Acosta on Saturday.

The Liverpool fighter claimed the WBC International super-middleweight title when he beat the highly experienced Argentinean and continued his unbeaten record of 9-0.

Smith, 23, is due to finish off the year with one more

fight which may take place on the undercard of Carl Froch’s world title bout on November 23rd in Manchester.

Joe Gallagher, Smith’s trainer, is due to hold talks later this week with promoter Eddie Hearn about the fighter’s next move.

Former Great British amateur, Smith, has said he would fight on either card but would relish the opportunity to both fight in Canada and give his support for Bellow.

Michael Owen: First Red to receive the award.

Pic © Flickr

Suarez nominated for sport honour

CHAMPION: Callum Smith wins WBC International super middleweight title Pic © Callum Smith / Twitter

ROVERS’ FAN BID CAUTION

Luis Suarez has joined the race to be win the FIFA Ballon d’Or. The Liverpool forward is one of only four English Premier League footballers to be on the list, along with: Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Yaya Toure (Manchester City), and Robin Van Persie (Manchester Utd).

Suarez has been in fine form since his return from suspension and is now in with a chance to become the first Red to win the FIFA Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen.

INSIDE

Women take to the tee P10

PRENTON PARK: Tranmere Rovers Stadium Pic: © LensEnvy / Flickr

By Niall Dudley and Nick Seddon Tranmere Rovers fans have responded with caution after the club’s Supporters Trust appealed for them to help buy the club.

Many supporters are unsure of the benefits of owning the club themselves with their relatively small fan base.

The trust launched the campaign back in August 2011, and held a meeting to introduce a new vision and business plan to the fans before Saturday’s win

over MK Dons.

The trust has set the target of raising £500,000 by the final day of 2013 so that they can table an offer for the club, and have also secured the services of former West Ham United finance director Nick Igoe to provide financial advice.

Many supporters reacted to the meeting on the popular Tranmere fans message board “The Paddock” later on Saturday night.

Ste25yearsafan posted: “After listening to all the rumours today (and there were quite a

few) I’m not convinced the trust takeover would be the right way to go.”

TranmereFan went on to say: “I would love the club to be in fan ownership. But with a core fan base of 5.5k, And 1/3 of those probably being 21 or under, I don’t see how the revenue streams could sustain any promotion aspects. I would hate us to turn into a Chester or a Wrexham.”

But Ben Harrison, chairman of the trust, believes the time is right for the Wirral club to be owned by the fans.

He urged them to donate to the cause, saying: “If the club was to fall into trouble, you wouldn’t want to look in the mirror and think you could have helped.”

“The club needs to stand on its own two feet and we have a five to 10 year-plan to take it forward.”

However, he also admitted that the trust would be open to offers from businessmen who they were confident would be able to take the club forward: “If someone was to come in and unveil their business plan for

the club to the supporters, we’d all embrace it.”

While the debate over Tranmere’s ownership rumbles on, things on the pitch have recently improved for the club.

They won their first home league game of the season 3-2 against MK Dons on Saturday, as Ryan Lowe scored twice for Rovers against the side he left in the summer.

The win still leaves Tranmere in the relegation zone, but only on goal difference, slightly easing the pressure on manager Ronnie Moore.

Pic © Stacey.Cavanagh / Flickr

Tony McCoy success at Aintree P11