Liverpool Life 4:8 December 2 2015 by Steve Harrison

2 - December- 2015

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE... NEWS

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LIFEextra

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Liverpool Life talks to writer David Charters

Mersey police chief visits LJMU

SPORT

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Gymnast stikes gold at world championships

TIME TO DECIDE Mersey MPs ready to vote on Syria military action NO: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is against the proposed strike © Wikicommons

NO: Marie Rimmer also backs the Labour leader

UNDECIDED: Frank Field is

unsure on military action

Merseyside MPs are preparing to vote on Syrian air strikes today, in a decision that could see British aircrews in action almost immediately. While the Conservative Party will back Prime Minister David Cameron over military action, the Labour Party appears to be split, with some MPs rejecting their own party leader’s stance and others saying yesterday that they are undecided. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has come under fire from some of his Shadow Cabinet over his stance to oppose the air strikes, being forced on Monday into allowing a free vote for Labour MPs. Meanwhile, Merseyside MPs have outlined their stance ahead of today’s Parliamentary vote. Marie Rimmer, Labour MP for St Helens South and Whiston, said that there is no clear plan for those who will govern in Syria after the strikes against Islamic State. Frank Field, the long-standing Labour MP for Birkenhead, told LIverpool Life last night: “I am undecided

By CONOR ALLISON until I’ve heard the Prime Minister’s statement.”. Ms Rimmer said yesterday she had received a great deal of contact from people regarding the situation. Questioning the long-term plans for diplomacy, she said: “My concern is more about the practical implementation and outcomes of the aim. What would that actually entail? What is the timetable for implementation of any agreements arising from that process? What is the likely success of the process given the multitude of interested and competing parties in a widely recognised volatile mix? “For example, at present there is no clear plan at all as to who will end up governing Syria, nor how we are going to get neighbouring Arab countries involved and no specified role for the UN in any ongoing settlement.” Marie Rimmer, who only joined the Commons after May’s General Election, added: “Military action in the form of bombing is inappropriate,

notwithstanding the interventions currently under way by other nations. “I do not want to crudely misinterpret one of the Prime Minister’s arguments about the need for British intervention. But it appears to be significantly, if not primarily, based on a flawed notion. “This is that other nations are fighting our battles for and are protecting our national security through the bombing of ISIS, and that we should fight our own battles, albeit in alliance with others, otherwise it reflects upon our national integrity. “This argument predominately appeals to pride rather than reason - and we all know it can come before a fall.” Parliament last voted on Syrian intervention in August 2013, when the Government’s proposed action was defeated. Merseyside MPs Joe Benton, Bill Esterson, Luciana Berger, Angela Eagle, Louise Ellman, Frank Field, Alison McGovern, Steve Rotherham and Stephen Twigg were all among the 220 Labour MPs who voted against military involvement. The vote is expected to take place at around 10pm tonight.

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Hospital merge is a real possibility

By HANNAH HODGSON

Royal Liverpool hospital has agreed to consider the plans to merge with Aintree Hospital after months of deliberation. Aintree’s directors met last month to consider the same merger proposals, which were outlined in a report written by leading city doctors. Health bosses say this merge is one of many options being considered to make the NHS better in the future. Aidan Kehoe, chief executive of the trust that runs the Royal and Broadgreen Hospitals, told Liverpool Life: “We have a once in a life time opportunity to radically redefine the provision of healthcare across the Liverpool City region. “Having local organisations working together differently to support the health and wellbeing of their local populations, lie at the heart of current thinking regarding how healthcare should be organised.” The Clinical Commissioning Group recently published the Healthy Liverpool Blueprint

which sets out the vision for the development of a centralised university teaching hospital campus to act as a hub for a distributed model of city-wide single service delivery for adult acute services. Mr Kehoe added: “This is very much aligned with our own vision for the delivery of patient care, fit for the future, through the establishment of a life sciences campus, generating world class research and innovation, in partnership with other providers, universities and the life sciences industry. “Our vision is to work more closely with other local hospitals and community health services, as well as the City Council and other local organisations, working collaboratively to improve the health and care for the population we all serve. We are keen to move to the next stage in which, with regulators, we will evaluate the best way in which our organisations can achieve this.” In November, Mayor of Liv-

Transformation: Aintree hospital may merge with the Royal. Pic © Wikimedia Commons erpool Joe Anderson also backed the plans to merge two of the biggest hospitals together. A merger of both hospitals has been suggested several times in

the past but the plans have never gone further. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is currently undergoing a multi-million pound re-build

and is set to be the largest hospital in England to have all single rooms for inpatients when it opens. All those involved are hoping for a swift decison.

Plans to build road over pedestrian zone under fire By SAM DAVIES Wirral Council has come under fire for plans to build a new two-way road through the pedestrian area of Hamilton Square. The scheme, costing £1.1 million, will remove the pedestrianised area in front of Birkenhead Town Hall, which was developed during the £80m Hamilton Quarter initiative between 1995 and 2002. The plans have been met with disdain by the local public,

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with an online petition and two Facebook groups being set up. Mark Griffiths, of the Help Save Hamilton Square Birkenhead group, claimed transport links around the Square were not the problem, but accepted improvements do need to be made. He told Liverpool Life: “The Square is not without problems, and we would like to be busier with people. However these plans do nothing to help that, they just make it busier with traffic that could easily result

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in pedestrians and businesses being driven away. “We also need to remember that the Council closed the road originally as it said it was too busy and dangerous. Since 2000 there are now 20% more vehicles on the UK’s roads. How is opening up the road again going to make the situation safer? “The Council press releases have centred around saying the new scheme will make the Square ‘more vibrant’, being more attractive to pedestrians. The road will bring vibration, not vibrancy, and pollution instead of population. We need to also remember that the Square has over sixty Grade I listed buildings, and these need to be protected also.” The historic Hamilton Square, originally the centrepiece of Birkenhead, is nearly 200 years old and has the most Grade 1 listed buildings outside of London in the UK. In recent decades Wirral Council have built shopping facilities in other areas of Birkenhead, shifting the centre of the town away from the Square. Pat Cleary, a Green Party councillor for Birkenhead and Tranmere, openly opposes the plans and thinks more of the public should be listened to. He told Liverpool Life: “We want to see the council consult properly with the local community – both residential

Anger: Birkenhead Town Hall

Pic © Jon Picton

and business – about a proper vision for the whole area. It’s a very iconic area in Birkenhead, it has fantastic views over Liverpool and has real potential, but they’ve never come up with a plan to use those natural assets to build something that would attract people into the area. A recent council consultation generated 150 responses, with most being critical of the council’s plans. A spokesperson from the ‘Wirral – the People Fight Back’ group reiterated the importance of consulting the public and criticised the council’s management of the Square. He told Liverpool Life: “The future for Hamilton Square has been set back at least 12-15 years and making a through

road is no solution to any of Hamilton Square’s existing problems. It needs a holistic approach, starting with the Council talking to the people who live, work and use – or at present don’t use – Hamilton Square and then devise a relevant solution. “Despite what Wirral Council spin doctors put out in the public domain, the Hamilton Quarter did not fail to attract investment, businesses, public, footfall, enhanced visitor and business experience, but Hamilton Square was failed totally by Wirral Council having no succession strategy whatsoever “All the opportunities created during the Hamilton Quarter project, including a number of new Council facilities have since been closed by the same core of politicians.”

Hope: Famous street part of debate. Pic © Peter Hodge

Student housing scheme approved

By BEN CUMMINGS A former hospital will be turned into student accommodation, despite protests from councillors and growing concern among residents. The Grade II listed Hahnemann Building on Hope Street is to be converted into a 100-bedroom student accommodation block. City planners agreed to the move yesterday, despite the fact that members of the public are concerned about the growing number of student accommodation buildings in the city centre, and the threat that this will continue to pose. The Rodney Street Association have also expressed fear at this decision. In a statement submitted to the Liverpool City Council Planning Committee yesterday, the group said: “Insufficient public consultation has been undertaken for this application. “We consider the proposals inappropriate as they would further contribute towards an over-concentration of student accommodation in this locality, which risks de-stabilising the local community”. The building shut its doors in 1976 although most of the interior is said to remain unchanged, including an early example of a hydraulic lift, which will be refurbished under the proposed development. The fear comes only weeks after the Marybone community received almost identical news that student accommodation will be taking over the opposite end of the city centre.

£20m revamp gets go-ahead By CONOR ALLISON A major regeneration scheme for the former Kensington market has been approved by city planners. The £20m project, which includes family homes and student accommodation, had already been supported by local councillors. At a meeting of the city council’s planning committee yesterday, the plans were welcomed as an alternative to the dilapidated site. Councillor Sue Heron told the planning committee: “This is going to be fantastic for the area. We have consulted residents and they are in favour of the plans.”

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Doctors’ strike called off at last minute By JENNY KIRKHAM Junior doctors yesterday called off their proposed strike action, although hundreds of patients across the region had operations cancelled or postponed. The strike was due to take place yesterday starting a 8am for 24 hours, in Merseyside and the rest of the UK. An 11th hour agreement from the government to suspend its threat of new contracts is said to be the reason the British Medical Association called off the action. This would have been the BMA’s first industrial action since the 1970’s and comes after Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt

MERSEYSIDE: 24 hour strike called off proposed a new contract of employment for junior doctors. The government plans to cut the number of hours classed as unsociable meaning doctors

will be paid less for evening and weekend work. An estimated 4,000 patients across the country have had treatment delayed as a result

have been working around the HIV community for over 15 years and know the importance of keeping HIV on the public’s agenda. “World AIDS Day is a day to remember the lives we have lost to HIV, celebrate the activism that is still going on and remind people HIV has not gone away, is still here, on our doorstep.” In another recent event, Liverpool Philharmonic gave all proceeds to Sahir House from a concert they held last month as part of Homotopic- a local and international LGBT Arts Festival. The Celebration of Life concert featured performances from local musicians and poets. Ms Cavanagh believes the event was a great success and over £5,000 was raised. She said: “Sahir House organised that event with 2 of their patrons, Jenifer John and Thomas Lang. It was a great

opportunity to raise funds and awareness at the same time.” Paul, a HIV positive man living in Knowsley, said in Sahir House’s recent press release: “More HIV training is needed to raise awareness with any public service providers because in my experience there has been very little available in Knowsley. “My own GP thought I was first and only HIV positive person in his practice when I was diagnosed five years ago.” It has been said that many people do not realise they have HIV and some can go for years without being symptomatic. However, most people do report the initial symptoms which include: positive include fever, loss of appetite, arthritis, rash, fever, oral ulcers and weight loss. About 35.3 million people are living with HIV worldwide with around 100,000 of them living in the UK.

of the strike action and the decision came too late to reinstate the procedures. BMA council chair Dr Mark Porter said: “The decision is in the best interests of patients, doctors and the NHS.” He added: “It is unfortunate that we have not been able to reach agreement sooner but patients, doctors and everyone else who works across the NHS will be pleased that in the end the right decision has been made.” A spokesman for the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), which has been hosting the talks, said: “Following five days of productive talks under the

auspices of Acas, the BMA, NHS Employers and the Department of Health have reached an agreement. “Acas is pleased that the talks have been held in a constructive manner and cooperative spirit between the parties will allow an improvement in industrial relations.” A ‘junior doctor’ is a term used to describe a doctor below a GP or consultant level. It includes newly qualified medical staff and those with decades of experience. The starting salary for a junior doctor is currently just under £23,000 a year, but those at the top end of the scale can earn in excess of £70,000.

Red ribbon worn for AIDS awareness day

By KAMARA SAMUELS

In celebration of World AIDS Day, a Liverpool charity that offers HIV support, held an event yesterday at St. George’s Hall to raise awareness of the illnesses, in an attempt to reduce stigma surrounding the topic. People throughout the world have been wearing the distinctive red ribbon in an act to support World AIDS Day. The red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV. The World AIDS Day event, held by Liverpool Sahir House, included testimonies from people living with HIV as well as songs from the Up for Arts Community Choir. Serena Cavanagh, Health Promotion Leader of Sahir House, told Liverpool Life: “I

One of Merseyside’s biggest boroughs has vowed to continue taking action to improve schools standards. Knowsley has been named as one of the few areas of the country to not feature a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ secondary school in Ofsted’s annual report yesterday. The report has highlighted a north-south divide in the country. Underperforming secondary schools have shown to be concentrated in the North and Midlands,

where 410,000 children attend a secondary school described as ‘not good enough’. Ofsted Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw, launching the report, said: “If left unaddressed the consequences will be profound. Our society, our future prosperity and development rely on the better education of our children.” The Ofsted head was quick to refute suggestions that the north-south divide in education services was linked

to poverty in the northern regions. Knowsley’s primary schools were given a better rating, with only five needing improvements. Ofsted’s report found that seven of Knowsley’s primary schools were outstanding, with the remainder being judged as at a ‘good’ standard. However, two of the borough’s secondary schools - Halewood Academy and All Saints Catholic High School were deemed inadequate. Cllr Gary See, Cabinet Member for Children’s

Festive fun at Speke Hall

By KATIE BRAITHWAITE

Speke Hall are offering visitors the chance to step back in time to a Victorian Christmas. The Great Hall has been decorated and opened over the weekend. People will be able to take a seat in the Great Hall to listen to traditional carols and try their hand at sugar mince making in the kitchen. There will be plenty to do for everyone – children will be able to take part in donkey rides and meet Father Christmas in his grotto. A mixture of food stalls, including roasted chestnuts and traditional goodies like Ney Nelly Cake will be on hand, as well as food being served in the Home Farm restaurant and the Stable Tea Room. The events will continue to run throughout the festive season until Sunday 13 December.

Refugee survival packs By BEN CUMMINGS

AWARENESS: Symbol of support ©Niki K Graphics

Borough vows to keep improving schools By SAM DAVIES

SPEKE HALL ©Wikimedia

Services at Knowsley Council, said: “As a local authority, we want the very best for our young people and are working extremely hard with our secondary schools to help them to raise standards. “Four of our six secondary schools will be Academies by the end of this year and we’re pleased that we have secured partnerships with some of the leading Academy Trusts in the country with strong track records in school transformation. “These partnerships are beginning to have an impact

on results and this year Knowsley saw the biggest percentage increase in GCSE results in the whole of the North West. “Of course there is much more to be done, but this is an encouraging sign that our schools are making the right progress.” Liverpool was also found to be one of the 13 local authorities in which less than 60% of children attend a good or outstanding school. These areas offer a lower than average attainment and progress at the GCSE level.

A local charity is appealing for emergency donations to fill three pallets that they aim to send to refugee camps in Greece. MerseyAid, which previously brought supplies to Calais in September of last year, will be sending supplies to the island of Tilos which has been overwhelmed with migrants. The charity have insisted that the food donations are the most important and need to be received by tomorrow. MerseyAid founder, Genna Rouke, 34, said that as well as food, they are looking for alcohol for injuries, thermometers, bandages, insect spray, flu medicine cutlery, and plastic glasses. Tents, sleeping bags and mats, jackets and coats of all sizes, nappies and sanitary towels, blankets, shoes, children’s clothes, baby clothes, jumpers, trousers, gloves, hats and scarves are also wanted. Those looking to donate items for the Tilos pallets can take their contributions to BayTV Liverpool in Windsor Street, Toxteth from 11-3pm, Roberts Recycling depot at Unit 4, Brickfields, Huyton Business Park and the Wirral Business Centre in Dock Road, up until the Thursday deadline.

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Budget hotel backed

Christmas social at community cafe By KATIE BRAITHWAITE

By HANNAH HODGSON Plans by hotel group easyHotel have been approved by Liverpool City Council to bring its first project to the city. Councillors unanimously backed the scheme for a 77-bedroom hotel above Castle Street restaurant Salt House Bacaro at a meeting of the Liverpool council planning committee yesterday The total cost of creating the hotel, which was bought by easyHotel in April, is estimated to be £3m in total and bosses hope rooms will be ready from Spring next year. The hotel chain was founded in 2004 as a “super budget” hotel group, opening its first hotel in South Kensington, London, in 2005. The business was founded by Sir Stelios HajiIoannou, nine years after his launch of EasyJet. The company has hotels across Europe, but Castle Street could be its first venture in England outside of London. The cheapest rooms currently advertised on its website start from £19 per night in Croydon and Glasgow.

Waste collections suspended By KATIE BRAITHWAITE

Householders are being reminded not to leave their green bins out for collection between 7 December and 14 February. Experiences have shown that there is a low demand for the service at this time of the year. Therefore, suspending the service will enable the crews to carry out other tasks which are needed to deal with the waste and recycling collections over the Christmas and New Year period effectively. Councillor Steve Munby said: “We have notified householders about the arrangement and I believe they will understand the reasons for it and cooperate.”

The final event of the year for the monthly community events held at St David’s Church’s community café in childwall, will be a Christmas Social. The three Childwall Labour Councillors, Ruth Hirschfield, Jeremy Wolfson and Frank Hont, at the request of Reverend Rob Williams of St David’s Church, set up the ‘The Friday Café’ almost three years ago. It is run by volunteers every morning in the church hall for local residents – whether church members or not. Ruth Hirschfield, told Liverpool life: “Over the last 18 months or so, we have held an event of interest to residents on the first Friday of the month. “First Friday events have involved the expertise of many different groups and agencies

in Liverpool such as; Dementia Alliance, Liverpool City Council” Healthy Homes,Livepool Central Library and Liverpool Mutual Homes. All of these have ranged from improving internet skills, providing health advice and saving energy in the home, healthy living and researching family trees to cope with dementia. Councillor Jeremy Wolfson, said: “To round off the year, as everybody is getting in a festive mood, we thought it would be good to have a social event in which people can relax, meet other members of the community and make new friends. All the events are and open to the whole community” The event will take place on December 4th (10am-12 noon) and will include live music and a visit from Father Christmas.

Visitor boost for St George’s Hall

FESTIVE SPIRIT: St David’s Church café to hold Christmas social event ©Wikimedia/ Rept0n1x

By CONOR ALLISON

With the recent arrival of the Weeping Window poppies exhibit, St George’s Hall is looking to develop both its content and business. General Manager Alan Smith has told Liverpool Life of the plans for a night economy and potential exhibit numbers for next year. The poppies have brought a boost to the local economy, and this is something that the Hall is keen to take advantage of whilst the artwork is still available. He said: “Our aim is to get better content. With posts regarding the poppies, we’ve had over 50 million ‘impressions’ on Twitter, which goes some way to showing what we’ve got here. “We do something called ‘promenade performances’. We’ve built it up, the brand, and they absolutely sell out. From an economic basis it brings £60,000. Where I go with that, I want to

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do 26 a year and get to £300,000£400,000. Our economy might be £1m, but, for the region, it’s way more than that; with support companies, local employers, things like that.” This popularity has brought with it the opening of a new marquee, the Plateau Pavilion, which offers both food and drink for those visiting the Hall. Smith continued: “The marquee is here for the poppies, until January. The day time has done extremely well. Up to now, in the 10 or 20 days that we’ve been open we’ve earned up to £40,000. We’re going to launch our evening economy with this, so we can do corporate events and you can pop in after seeing the poppies.” Despite the well-known economic struggles over the last eight years, the Hall has proven sustainable, and even profitable, during this time: “St George’s Hall is trying to grow and develop. It’s been unusually successful.

EXHIBIT: Weeping Window poppies boost Liverpool’s economy Year on year we’ve increased our business by 20%. “To do that in this climate is unusual. It’s not a case of getting

credit for it, it’s realising what we’ve got and what Liverpool is. Over the last couple of years the Hall’s been getting stronger and

©Conor Allison stronger. We have something I call ‘greatness thrust upon us’, and I feel proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish.”

Charity warns of money scams

By BETH COLLINS

In the lead-up to Christmas, the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is appealing to the public for information on those making, buying or selling counterfeit banknotes. Their new campaign ‘Fake money is a crime – who’s selling it?’ aims to raise awareness of counterfeit cash and to urge Merseysiders to stop crooks using fake banknotes in the run up to the festive period. Crimestoppers have also targeted bars and clubs across Liverpool to make sure the city is prepared. Crimestoppers, North-West told Liverpool Life: “The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of counterfeit money,

especially around Christmas when money can be tight, but also to highlight how heartless and callous fraudsters can be when targeting their victims. “I’d ask anyone with information on those selling counterfeit notes to contact Crimestoppers anonymously, knowing you may have prevented someone’s Christmas from being ruined.” One incident saw a scammer in Worcester trick and take advantage of a partially-sighted man by asking the victim for change of a £20 note and handing him a fake note. Ben Crosland, Senior Manager of the Banknote Education Team at the Bank of England, said: “The general public play an important role when it comes to reporting counterfeit currency,

FAKE: Charity warns of scammers and campaigns like this are essential to encourage the public and businesses to help us and our partners at the National Crime Agency stop the counterfeiters.” Counterfeit crimes are rarely victimless and across the city, retailers, businesses, schools, charities and the elderly have

©JMU Journalism

been conned out of large ammounts of money. Signs of what to look out for on a genuine banknote include: feeling for raised print across the words ‘Bank of England’ and holding the note up to the light to check for the original watermarks.

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Cadbury’s truck rolls in by Beth Collins

A wall-to-wall chocolate wonderland arrived in Liverpool yesterday as Cadbury’s festive advent trucks arrived in the city. Liverpool was the first stop on their venture with 23 more trucks set to follow suit, travelling across the UK throughout December as part of the delicious countdown to Christmas. The truck parked outside Liverpool ONE on Paradise Street and on the arrival the doors of the first festive lorry were opened to reveal a huge Christmas grotto.

New line-ups Liverpool-based stations Radio City 2 and Radio City Talk have revealed its new line-ups launching on December 7th. Bauer Radio has revealed it was given the green light last month to change licences and frequencies at the stations.

Police chief’s relief at U-turn over cuts

by Amy Cole

Additional reporting by Hannah Hodgson

Merseyside’s police chief has given a cautious welcome to the Chancellor’s U-turn on cuts to the police force. Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy shared his views at his third annual lecture at Liverpool John Moores University. The recent terrorist attacks in Paris led to cuts to policing forces across the UK being scrapped by the Chancellor, George Osborne, in his autumn statement. Since the attacks, the Home Secretary has insisted on every force upping the capacity of their firearms and more investments need to be placed into digital policing. The Chief Constable said the recent decision about proposed cuts were “ a great relief ”, but added: “I have to utter a note of caution because until we get the detail from the Home Office, we still aren’t sure what this means. “There is money that needs to be found. So whether we are top slice for that, which means we will lose money we weren’t expecting to, that is not clear. There

is no money in the budget for pay award or inflations. “If everybody in the force received a 1% pay award over the next five years that is a total £9million. They only way we can finance that is to lose people. “All of that has to be found but it is much better than we were expecting” Sir Jon, who rose to the role of Chief Constable in 2010, has an extensive career portfolio. He worked alongside the FBI, earned the Fullbright Fellowship and was on the frontline during the 1981 Toxteth riots after joining the Merseyside Police Force as a cadet in 1975. He was knighted in 2014 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. The lecture, entitled “Is there a future for neighbourhood policing?” explored the many ways in which the term ‘neighbourhood policing’ umbrellas the entirety of the Merseyside Police Force. The police chief explained the importance of visibility in making the public feel safe. Seeing a ‘bobby in a hat’ walk past a window makes the people of Merseyside feel reassured that if ever they needed a police of-

ficer they would not be far away. “However, because of the loss of 1,600 officers and police staff since 2011, with more cuts expected, visibility may not be something the force can continue to provide.” He said: “Since the cuts started in 2011 we have lost 1600 people. “That is a mix of police officers, community support officers and staff. The whole force has had to rearrange itself. “At the moment we still have a visible presence in neighbourhoods but the cuts are making that harder to sustain.” According to the Chief Constable, the daily statistics for the Merseyside Police Force include: 97 domestic violence cases, 100 ‘missing from home’ reports, managing 1,300 registered sex offenders, 117 crimes reported and 44 arrests. When asked why less than half of reported crimes end in arrests he replied there had to be a “necessity” to arrest because of the limited resources and amount of work the force has to deal with. If there is no threat to security or to a witness, an arrest may not be considered necessary.

CAUTION: Sir Jon lectured at LJMU Sir Jon said about the changing nature of the police force: “When I joined the police there was so notion of listening to communities. “It was very much what I would describe as the ‘fire brigade’ police in the way the public would call, we would deal with the incident and then we would go away. “There was no great notion of building community relationships, nurturing a neighbourhood or learning about the people that live there. It was very much a responsive style of policing.

“Neighbourhood policing isn’t like that. It’s about identifying and having a relationship with the community.” The Chief Constable’s ‘beat’ when he first joined the force was Toxteth. He did not view his patch as something that needed nurturing, but instead, somewhere he needed to prove himself. In an increasingly online world, Sir Jon spoke of the necessity of needing bodies policing the ‘virtual neighbourhood’ that captures so many unsuspecting victims.

Charity’s race against time

Appeal: CEO Emma Squibb shared Sunflowers’ services in last month’s Liverpool Life

The only charity in Liverpool to provide services specifically for cancer patients and survivors isfacing a race against time to raise money for its Christmas appeal. Liverpool Sunflower Cancer Care Centre has so far raised £1,360 of its £2,000 target on fund raising website Crowdfunder. However, if they do not reach their target within the next 20 days they will lose out on all of the money. Crowdfunder states: “You will have 4-6 weeks to raise a target amount via an organised campaign. The platform works on an ‘all or nothing’ basis, so funds will not be released unless the target is met.” Emma Squibb, CEO of Sunflowers, told Liverpool Life: “Some people assume we are supported

by LEWIS PHILLIPS-CALVERT

by the large national charities like Macmillan and Cancer Research UK. We aren’t. “We have always been funded by the local health authority (Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group), but last year we were told that the funding would be stopped. This means we now need to rely entirely on public donations to carry on supporting local families in need.” The service, situated on 21 Aigburth Road, delivers approximately 9000 support sessions every year to local people, Emma said: “We are a small charity, with a big heart, and every penny we receive by way of donation makes a huge difference.”

The management team at the centre have been in charge for roughly six months and have so far introduced a host of changes including monthly family sessions, Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi and Pilate’s classes, as well as extended opening hours on Tuesdays. One patient told the charity: “Sunflowers gives me a purpose for getting out of bed. Having being unable to socialise helps me with basic essential things like applying for a disabled rail card. The therapies are out of this world - provided by dedicated expert staff, the day trips are fantastic and afternoon teas and pamper evening are amazing.” There are around 15,000 people being treated for cancer in Liverpool at any one time.

Don’t miss the special Christmas edition of

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Next week!

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TREATMENT: Holly Shaw at home ©Holly Shaw

‘I’m waiting for someone – a family – to make a special decision’

Figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant show that of the 7000 patients in the UK currently waiting on the transplant list, a staggering 30% have been waiting more than two years HANNAH HODGSON reports

teaching assistant has been sharing her anxious wait for a kidney through a video blog after a national campaign showed how many patients are waiting for transplants across the UK. Holly Shaw, 28, started blogging about her experience when she was 17 after she was diagnosed with kidney failure. Her first video has been watched more than 3000 times. She said: “When I was told that I needed a new kidney, it was a huge shock to me and my family. Being on dialysis is very restrictive. One of the side-effects is that I get very tired very easily, which means I can’t take my dog, Buddy, for long walks and I have to plan my route to make sure there’s a bench so I can rest.” The blogger, from Warrington, waited three years until she finally had her first transplant in 2008. After six years of living with a new kidney, Holly now needs another transplant and is back

on dialysis. Family members of Holly’s have been tested and none were compatible. Holly added: “I know that I’m waiting for someone – a family – to make a special decision. I want people to know that their decision can transform a life. It only takes a few minutes to register. Those few minutes can make a big difference.” Holly has been trained to use a dialysis machine from home so she doesn’t have to make the long 40 mile round trip to the Royal University Hospital three to five times a week. Dr Peter Hampshire, clinical lead for organ donation at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, said: “Every day three people in need of a transplant across the UK die waiting for a donor. “Compared to our everyday frustrations, the wait for a donated organ really is a matter of life and death. Joining the NHS Organ Donation Register can really make a difference. One donor could potentially change the lives of up to eight lives.”

COMPANIONS: Holly with Buddy

©Holly Shaw

Wales announces new donor ‘opt out’ system By KATIE BRAITHWAITE and BETH COLLINS

ales has become the first nation in the UK to introduce a “revolutionary’ new system to increase the number of organ donors. As of yesterday, adults will be regarded as having consented to organ donation unless they have opted out. More than one million people – 34% of the population – have registered to opt in already and 86,000 have opted out. The so-called soft opt-out system will now apply for thosewho are 18 and over and have lived in Wales more than 12 months and have died in Wales.A person will become a potential donor whether they decide to opt in or not.

Their consent will be deemed to have taken place. If families knew their loved one did not wish to be a donor, even if they have not opted out, they will still be able to inform doctors of their relative’s wishes, and donation will not take place. Liverpool Life took to the streets of Liverpool to see what the public reaction was. Roslyn Crossley, 21, Manchester told Liverpool Life: “Some people don’t even know about it. I applied when I was filling out my driving license, there’s a

separate form.” Kinga Broda, a 35-year-old nurse from Poland, seemed to be completely against the idea: “It’s wrong I think. I don’t agree with it at all, it should be your own personal choice, because some people won’t do it because of their religious beliefs. “To me it is like depraving your own liberty and against human rights. I can understand that there is a lovely cause behind it, but it’s interfering with your personal beliefs. Some people want to be cremated or buried as a whole and not with parts taken out.” Jed Manning, 51 of Liverpool, said: “I

think we should have this in England because it’s more humane. It’s the continuation of us all.” “In the rest of the UK, the opt-in system still applies, but ministers In Northern Ireland and Scotland are likely to be watching what happens in Wales closely.

Tom Boddington

Anna Durin-Clark, 34, Liverpool,said: “Yes, I think it’s quite a good idea. But it is a scary thought, because on your driving licence you are automatically put in for it.” “It is good because you can pick what organs you want to donate.” Roslyn Crossley

Life|Arts|7

LIFE EXTRA Writer’s wisdom from the Bard of Birkenhead A WHAT’S ON ffectionately dubbed the ‘Bard of Birkenhead’, journalist David Charters’ heart always has, and always will, lie in Merseyside. Working the patch for the past 50 years, David started off as a cub reporter at the Birkenhead News. He’s covered most of the major events in his region’s recent history, and has become one of the most recognised and celebrated writers at the Liverpool Echo and its former sister paper, the Liverpool Daily Post. Sitting down with Liverpool Life in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, one of the region’s most historic buildings, there seems no better place for this Merseyside maverick to explain how he’s never lost his enthusiasm for his art. “I’m as pleased to see something printed now as I was 50 years ago, I still look at it with a guarded eye to make sure no comma has been changed. I take great pride in my work because I’m making a record of an event or experience,” he said. Growing up in Birkenhead, David was the son of a doctor but it wasn’t medicine where his talent lay but, instead, the written word. His passion and enthusiasm for Merseyside is unrivalled and David fondly remembers childhood trips across the water. “The water is like a psychological divide, you went over to Liverpool for the shopping and to admire the buildings of which Liverpudlians are so proud.”

avid’s love for Wirral - in particular Birkenhead - will lead to him giving two talks next year at St. George’s Hall on the secrets that the other side of the water has to offer, specifically aimed at Liverpudlians. “The notion of the talks is to describe the mysteries of the other side. There is a divide across the river and I would like to humanise the Wirral to the people of Liverpool, to emphasise its depth of character,” he explained.

Veteran journalist David Charters was recently made an Honorary Fellow of LJMU to mark his contribution to the community. He talks to LUCY NIXON about the people and places which have inspired him

By JENNY KIRKHAM Music

Andre Rieu Echo Arena

Saturday 19th December 2015

Writing is a passion that David has held on to since childhood and now he’s helping to inspire the next generation of writers as a founding judge in the Liverpool Athenaeum competition for young writers. “You have a duty to the reader to give it your best every time, sprinkling your writing with atmosphere to give it that spice.”

n an ever-evolving industry, it is community news where David believes the future lies and he hopes that even the most successful journalists never forget their roots. “The biggest change has been the role of local newspapers, they were very much a part of the community and the journalists tended to come from the communities that they were reporting on. “I think even professional journalists should write community news, it’s going to be an important part of the journalistic future.” And what advice does David have for the journalists who will be leading that future? “Get the biography right, don’t write in haste. In newspapers

“There is no

greater desire in life than to be a writer. I don’t see why newspaper writing should be seen as an inferior art form than novel writing. In fact I would hope it was superior.

”

there’s the desire to be first give it a bit more consideration. “Just as a good doctor should respect every patient, a good journalist should respect every interview subject. Your job is to ensure that their story is told well.” If you are interested in attending one of David’s talks, the first takes place on January 20th in the Concert Hall at St. George’s Hall.

The world’s most successful violinist returns to Liverpool with his Johann Strauss Orchestra for one night only. Fans can expect a completely new show full of emotion, humour and music for everyone. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from the Echo Arena or Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Freeze presents 40 years of Greg Wilson The Garage Saturday 5th December 2015

Liverpool club brand Freeze will be celebrating the fourdecade career of DJ Greg Wilson at The Garage this Saturday. The DJ began his career in Liverpool clubs in the 70s, and he is now recognised as one of the most important figures on the UK dance scene.

is back in the city where it was first brewed after actors Philip Olivier and Jake Abraham decided a second round is in order. The Ale House gives the audience a glimpse inside a local drinking establishment the chance to familiar with the regular clientele. Tickets are £20 and on sale now.

Paddy McGuinness Southport Theatre and Convention Centre Friday 4th December 2015

One of the country’s best-loved and most popular comedians Paddy McGuinness has announced a brand new UK tour for 2015 & 2016. Starting in September this year, the star of ITV’s Take Me Out will return to his performing roots, with his first stand-up comedy tour since 2011.

Film

Sunset Song FACT

Thursday 3rd December 2015

Thursday 25th February to Saturday 19th March 2016

Acclaimed Liverpool Director Terence Davies will return to Liverpool this Thursday for a special screening of his latest film. Following the showing of the poetic Sunset Song at Fact, the director will take part in an intimate Q&A with viewers.

Raucous comedy The Ale House

Family Film Club

Comedy

The Ale House The Dome in Grand Central

Whitby Hall

Saturday 19th December 2015 An afternoon to suit the entire family. Film choices include Disney classics and cartoon favorites. Indoor pic-nics are encouraged and popcorn is provide. To find out what film will be (always rated ‘U’) please call 0151 357 2120.

Art

Winter Arts Market St. George’s Hall Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December 2015 The Winter Arts Market 2015 will feature work from over 200 artists, designers and makers with something for all ages to enjoy. See St. George’s hall transformed into a hive of festive activity with thousands of items for sale. Entry cost is £2 or free for under 16s.

Dazzle Ship prints

The Walker Art Gallery Finishes Thursday 31st December 2015 This display of four ‘dazzle ship’ prints shows the work of Edward Wadsworth, an Intelligence Officer for the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during the first World War.

ADVENT CALENDAR Enjoy the Independent Liverpool Winter wonderland Go visit the Reindeers in Queens Square

Take an Elfie Selfie

Go to a carol service

Go to

Visit Liverpool the Disney One to look at Store the Christmas Tree Home Alone film

Visit Speke Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Victorian Christmas

Make your own Christmas decorations

Head to Claremont Farm to buy a Christmas tree

marathon - watch all three films

Buy a Christmas jumper

Buy festive socks

Do some Christmas shopping

Have a ride on the Liverpool Wheel

Get some Christmas pyjamas

Fill a shoe box for the Whitechapel Centre

Ice Skating in Liverpool One

25 AC THI NG RO TH SS M S TO IS C ER D HR SEY O IST SID MA E S

Get supper ready for Santa

Step into a winter wonderland as Santa Land comes to South Liverpool

Watch a pantomine Drop into the Ice Bar

Go and see the Coca-Cola truck

Enter in the Santa Dash

Donate a toy to Mission Christmas

Organise a Christmas Come Dine with Me with friends

Life|Arts|9

Pic

ip ar ts

.C o

Living her life-long dream

BY Charlotte Mann

essica Arrowsmith Stanley has wanted to be an artist for as long as she can remember. It’s something that she has always wanted to do, she told Liverpool Life:

“It hasn’t felt like a choice, as there is nothing else for me to be.” From studying art and design at college in Southport onto art foundation at Winstanley in Wigan, she said: “I found incredibly helpful broadening my skill set, I’d say that’s where I pushed myself and learnt most in my art education.” Jessica then moved to London to do a fine art mixed degree at Westminister where she started painting murals. As an independent artist Jessica told Liverpool Life: “When you chose to purchase from any local business you are helping an individual live their dream. Without my clients buying my work I wouldn’t get to do what I love every day, it means so much to me and I can’t thank them enough for that.” Commission-based work is what Jessica is working on, creating work based on what the clients like. Popular culture past and present, movement and illusion are themes Jessica works

with when she gets time to create something for herself, taking inspiration from every day, colour, culture, texture, typography which naturally filters into her work. Having a degree wasn’t essential for Jessica to progress her career. She told Liverpool Life: “For me, I didn’t get taught a great deal in terms of skill and technique in my degree, I found art foundation much more helpful in terms of developing my skills. I do however think moving to a new city, meeting all kinds of people and pushing myself to something completely unknown has made me who I am and I had the best time of my life which has probably been even more important to my work and finding the courage to freelance full time rather than the degree itself.” After moving back to the Merseyside area a year and a half ago, Jessica is working as a freelance artist. Since being in Liverpool she has a couple of solo shows in Southport, she has worked on markets in constellations and Palm House. Her work will be featuring at the Independent Liverpool’s winter wonderland selling her work in December and her studio, 104

Duke Street Studios, will be turning their loading bay into a gallery, having a group show for light night. Offering advice to students she said: “Push yourself as far as you can and enjoy every second, you are so incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to chase what you love so don’t waste your chances! Do as much as possible because almost every employer wants experience, life as a graduate is so competitive and you have to fight for what you want because if you don’t someone else will. It’s hard work but You’ll look back and be so proud of yourself and it will all be worth it!” Jessica hopes to have another solo show in 2016 and aims to get a show in Liverpool. Take a look at Jessica’s work on her website at www.jazzstan.co.uk and her Instagram and Twitter accounts are @Jazzstanart.

Meat-Lover’s paradise comes to Liverpool BY Callum Smyth

new American style smokehouse restaurant opened on Hanover Street this weekend and co-ordinated the launch with a charity initiative. Red’s True Barbecue partnered up with local homeless, charity the Whitechapel Centre, when Red’s hid £1,000 of gift vouchers around the city, with clues to the locations going live on their website at 12 noon on Black Friday. Those who were lucky enough to find the vouchers were able to use them to receive discount on their bill at Red’s. In return the customers were asked to donate to the Whitechapel. The restaurant will match every penny donated to give to the charity ahead of their Christmas appeal. Ruth McCaughley, of The Whitechapel Centre, said: “We’re delighted that Red’s True Barbecue is supporting us in this way and helping the most vulnerable people in our city.” James Douglas, co-founder of Red’s True Barbecue, said: “This is a win-win for the good people of Liverpool and this amazing local charity - the finder gets to enjoy authentic smoked meat on us, and the charity earns further awareness and much-needed

funds. “Our vision to bring True Barbecue to the masses is well under way; it seems the public have an insatiable appetite.” Liverpool Life attended a preview event held at the restaurant prior to opening, to get a sense of what to expect from the Leedsbased companies’ latest venture. Upon entry to the restaurant the high standard of the décor was very hard to ignore. The first thing that caught the eye was the authentic Bedford truck that hangs over the ground floor seating area. This part of the restaurant has been designed to look like a retro mechanics garage, whilst the upstairs is decorated in the style of a 1970s apartment, complete with old-school circle designs across the walls of the bathrooms. The hard work of the interior design has been balanced with the hard work that has clearly gone into the menu and theme. The menu itself has been named “The Good Book” and it contains a wide variety is dishes that would make the mouths of true barbecue enthusiasts water. The theme of the entire restaurant is loosely based on religion, with biblical references being used throughout their website and inside their

“Church of True Barbecue”. Customer main dish favorites of the launch included the dry rubbed St Louis ribs and the brined Sticky Chicken, but the main attraction to Red’s for some is the range of American burgers. From the Juicy Lucifer to the Donut Burger, there is something for everyone to enjoy, cooked in their very own “Holy Smokers”. Red’s is the latest restaurant to open in Liverpool city centre in recent weeks, with the opening of a Mexican themed restaurant ‘Wahaca’ on College Lane last week, adding to the ever growing variety of restaurants the city has to offer. A Thai themed restaurant ‘Busaba’ is due to open next door to Red’s in 2016, giving Hanover Street an extra part of the world to taste, right on our doorstep.

Life|Sport|10

Muay Thai boxing club goes for gold WINNERS: (Left to right) Jack Morris, Joe Ryan, Mike Egan and Leon Fletcher wearing their medals © Karl Ryan

By JENNY KIRKHAM

Muay Thai boxing club in Birkenhead has returned from a competition in Spain with three world champions. The Two Brothers Muay Thai Gym took home three gold medals and one bronze from the meet in Benidorm and Head Coach Karl Ryan could not be more pleased with the results. He told Liverpool Life: “For me as a coach, it’s a highlight of my coaching career, three world champions! One of which is my son, so I’m very proud.” 11-year-old Joe Ryan joined his clubmates Leon Fletcher (15) and Jack Morris (18) in claiming gold at the WTKA Unified World Championships, the world’s biggest event of its kind. Joe won the UKMF British Title eight weeks before Spain and was carrying a foot injury so was unable to train properly on the r u n

up to his fight. He is the current UK number one in his age and weight category. After a controversial decision Mike Egan WBC Champion from North Wales, took bronze home after losing to his American opponent. Leon Fletcher from Kirkby beat his Dutch opponent in just five seconds, while Jack Morris beat a Spanish opponent after just 15 seconds to become world champion. Karl added: “All my fighters train full time, so it’s pretty much a lifestyle. When they’re not at a class or in my gym, they are doing other things like strength & conditioning & lots of road work.” Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand which is also referred to as “the Art of Eight

Euro Tour for snooker pros By LEWIS PHILLIPS-CALVERT

wo of Merseyside’s professional snooker players will be hoping for better luck in the Euro Tour after disappointing results in the UK championships. Wirral’s very own Robbie Williams, who is no relation to his pop star name sake, will look forward to a match with James Cahill on the Tour, also known as the Gibraltar Open. Meanwhile, Scouser Rod Lawler will face Lu Ning when the tour-

nament begins on December 9th. Williams, who is currently ranked 58th in the world, was swept aside 6-3 by Joe Selt at the York Barbican Centre on Sunday, dashing all hopes of the £150,000 tournament prize money on offer for the UK Championships. The 28-year-old had been playing well after beating Mitchell Mann 6-3 in the first round and Joe Perry 6-3 in the second. Rod “The Plod”, noted for his very slow play, however, had an even worse time.

The world ranked 44 was knocked out in the first round of the UK’s by Welshman Daniel Wells 6-4. Current UK Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan will not be defending the title as he is taking a sabbatical from the sport and has not yet given an indication as to when he may return. The final will take place on December 6th. Both Williams and Lawler will now look ahead to next week and hope to land the 25,000 Euros on offer for winning the Euro Tour.

Team GB ladies bounce into the Olympics

By LEWIS PHILLIPS-CALVERT SUCCESS: Leon and Joe with their belts © Karl Ryan Limbs” due to the fact that when training or fighting, fists, elbows, knees and legs are all used to deliver blows.

Great Britain have earned two female trampoline spots at the Olympics for the first time ever Bryony Page finished fifth and Kat Driscoll seventh at the Trampoline, Tumbling and Double-Mini Trampoline World Championships on Sunday, securing two places in the women’s trampoline event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Page, 24, briefly led the women’s individual trampoline on 55.295 points while team-mate Driscoll, 29, scored 52.935 as China’s Li Dan took gold. Liverpudlian gymnast Nicole Short earned a team’s silver medal on Saturday along fellow Brits Kirsty Way and Sapphire Dallard. Short then added to her collection with an individual double-mini trampoline silver medal on Sunday. The 21-year-old said: “I wanted to carry on the pattern of three, two, one, but I’m thinking about retiring after this one, so it’s a little bit emotional.” Short has previously won bronze and silver medals in the World’s and would love to go one better should she travel to Rio.

Life|Sport|11

Sports person of the year award By LEWIS PHILLIPS-

CALVERT

A former Liverpool player has been nominated for this year’s Sports Personality of the Year Award ... but it is not who you might think. Step aside Steven Gerrard because ex-Liverpool ladies footballer Lucy Bronze has been put forward for the annual prize. The right-back played 28 times for Liverpool scoring three goals between 2012-2014 and got the nod after her impressive performance with England during the World Cup in which the team reached their furthest ever position coming third. Newly crowned world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury gets his first ever nomination along with Lewis Hamilton who won the award last year. Andy Murray, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill are all up for the award as well. Other nominees include: gymnast Max Whitlock, rugby league’s Kevin Sinfield, athlete Greg Rutherford, swimmer Adam Peaty and cyclists Chris Froome and Lizzie Armitstead. The winner will be decided on December 20th.

Darts derby success for pub teams

By LEWIS PHILLIPS-

CALVERT

A local darts derby took place on Monday night in one of the city centres most famous real ale pubs. Ship and Mitre “A” beat Ship and Mitre “B” in a tight encounter in the Liverpool Open Darts League. The A team’s plan came together beating their friendly rivals narrowly 5-4. Monday’s game effectively saw the A side as the “home” team despite their opponents playing out of the same pub. The pub gets its current name from a combination of its two previous names - The Flagship and The Mitre and its downstairs bar reflects the inside of a ship. The two sides first met night of the opening night of season back in July where the “A” team came out 3-6 victors. The night also marked the halfway point in the darts season with the league still very much to play for. Newstead “A” are the current champions with their “B” team having lost every game this season.

Grand National to begin one hour later

By LEWIS PHILLIPS-

CALVERT

And they’re off… a bit later. The Grand National will start an hour later than usual for the first time to attract more viewing figures globally. Channel 4 hope the change will provide an opportunity for more racing fans to watch and listen to the greatest chase in the world both here and via other global

GRAND NATIONAL: Aintree racecourse to push back scheduled race time by one hour © Wikimedia Commons media outlets. Aintree Racecourse announced yesterday that the Crabbie’s Grand National will move from 16.15 to the new scheduled time of 17.15 on Saturday, April 9, 2016. John Baker, Regional Director of the Jockey Club North West, said: “We’re excited about the possibility of showcasing the greatest chase in the world to a wider national and global audi-

ence. “We’re always keen to explore ways to grow and enhance this superb three-day Festival and we believe that in collaboration with our broadcast partner, Channel 4, and with the backing of the BHA, this is another extremely positive step forward.” The “People’s Race” was watched by 8.9 million viewers in the UK last year, the largest in Channel 4’s history, and more

than 600 million viewers tuned in to watch it worldwide. A later time may maximise the global and domestic figures and research has shown that most people do not currently know the start time is usually 16.15. Ed Havard, Channel 4’s Head of TV Events, said: “The Grand National is one of the greatest sporting occasions in the world and one of the most-watched TV events of the year. This move will

place the National as the fitting climax of the three-day festival, showcasing the race for the widest possible audience and in the most spectacular fashion.” The 17.15 slot follows afternoon live football which would have hindered viewing figures in previous years. More than 152,000 people attended the three-day racing festival last year, with Grand National Day selling-out.

Fighting trio face Blues progress to busy month ahead League Cup semis By LEWIS PHILLIPS-

By LEWIS PHILLIPS-

CALVERT

It is a busy month for Scouse boxers with no fewer than three fighters involved in important bouts this month. Tony Bellew is fighting the Polish Mateusz Masternak for the vacant European cruiserweight title on December 12th on the undercard of Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. Should Bomber come through his bout with the Polish hard hitter, he is expected to go on to challenge for world honours next year. The proud Evertonian was recently cast in as “Pretty Ricky” Conlan role in Sylvester Stallone’s boxing film “Creed”. The movie premiered in the US last week and has so far received fairly positive reviews and is due to be released in the UK on January 15th. WBO world super-welterweight champion Liam Smith will face off against Jimmy Kelly

FIGHT: Boxers prepare to ﬁght © Lewis Phillips-Calvert on December 19th. It will be the Liverpudlians first defence of the title since beating American John Thompson for the vacant belt. The night will be headlined by Ireland’s Andy Lee and England’s undefeated Billy-Joe Saunders for the WBO World middleweight strap which is set to be a historic occasion as the first ever world title match between two travellers from the UK. Meanwhile, Tom Stalker is on the same bill as he looks to get his career back on track after just one win in his last four fights. The former Team GB Olympic

boxing captain has a rematch with Craig Evans due to a controversial draw back in October, with many spectators thinking Stalker had been robbed of the result. Tickets also went on sale this week for Derry Mathews’ world title challenge against Mancunian Terry Flanagan. The bout will take place in Liverpool’s Echo Arena on February 2nd for the WBO World lightweight title, with Flanagan stating this week that “chinning” Mathews in his home town will be “all the sweeter”.

Everton are through to the semi-finals of the League Cup after beating Middlesbrough 0-2 at the Riverside Stadium last night. Former Liverpool players Stuart Downing and Daniel Ayala started for the Championship side but it was the Premier League quality of the Blues which quickly prevailed. Gerard Deulofeu tormented the opposition defence from the kick-off, the young Spaniard deserving his goal after a neat bit of skill and a tidy finish from the edge of the area 20 minutes in. The 21-year-old goalscorer then turned provider after a series of dazzling step-overs on the right wing to cross for Romelu Lukaku who headed home just eight minutes later, effectively sealing the Toffee’s fate in the next round. In the other two quarter

finals; Manchester City beat Hull 4-1 and Stoke beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0. Meanwhile, Liverpool travel to Southampton for a place in the semi-final of the League Cup tonight. The Reds go into the game on the back of five wins from their last six games in all competitions, including a drab 1-0 win at home to Swansea on Sunday, thanks to James Milner’s controversial penalty. Daniel Sturridge - along with Philip Coutinho, who has been out with a hamstring injury will be in contention for a start tonight. Southampton are still without long term injuries Jay Rodriguez (ankle) and Fraser Forster (knee) and are short of confidence after successive defeats to Manchester City 3-1 and Stoke 0-1. Both sides will know the League Cup could be their best chance of winning a trophy this season.

Liverpool

LifeSPORT 2 December 2015

FURIOUS VICTORY

Amid strong winds and fierce rain, LJMU Fury rallied from behind to register a 14-8 overtime win against the Edge Hill University Vikings. The triumph on Sunday takes their season record to 2-0. With back-to-back wins over Edge Hill, Fury now move to the top of the table. They travel to Bangor University this Sunday to face the Muddogs. The stormy weather proved a factor from the start, with a botched snap on just the third play from scrimmage resulted in a defensive touchdown for the Vikings. Unsuccessful drives from both

their opponents battling into the wind, they would gain the ball back with just minutes left to play. Several pounding runs from running back Daishawn Honohan brought JMU into opposing territory, but the drive would stall near the goal-line once again. With 1:53 left on the clock, Fury would settle and tie the game at 8-8 with a field goal, despite a toughly negotiated snap and hold by the unit. With offense proving virtually impossible going against the wind, Edge Hill could not respond with a late score of their own, sending the game into overtime. The Vikings received the ball first after the coin toss, who started their possession with a designed quarterback run down the left sideline. With ensuing plays being defended well by Fury, the home side looked to take the lead with a field goal into the wind. Like countless times on the day, though, a poor snap would

prove the downfall, as a low Edge Hill kick cannoned into the oncoming rushers. JMU took over on downs, knowing any score would secure a dramatic come-from-behind victory. On their first play, Honohan showed patience on a run to the right, eventually bursting through an open lane and away from Viking defenders into the end zone to seal the win. Head coach Neil Mingaud, in the role for the first time this season, told Liverpool Life: “It’s up there with the worst conditions I’ve coached in. I was happy when we got the field goal that took it to 8-8 and then I thought once we got to overtime it could go either way.” Speaking of the inclement weather, Mingaud continued: “It affected the game massively today. We don’t really spend much time preparing for poor conditions. “What we have to do is keep guys focused and do our best to make sure they execute. “It’s the challenge of coaching through the winter.”

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By CONOR ALLISON

teams would follow the initial score, but it was the Vikings, playing their first ever game at home, that would extend their first-quarter lead. After penalties forced Fury near their own end zone, a poorly handled snap would see the defense force a safety, taking the team’s lead to 8-0. JMU would register their first points with a short field goal midway through the second quarter. However, after driving to within ten yards of the Vikings end zone, it was a disappointment to leave points on the board in a game of such small margins. Hailstones now accompanied the wind, which was seen to lift a nearby pile of metal sheets into the air, damaging power lines and forcing a road closure. With field position often hard to dictate, scoring opportunities remained scarce throughout the second half. It was Fury who would strike next, closing the Vikings’ lead to just three points after forcing a safety of their own midway through the fourth quarter. With

Birkenhead boys win three gold medals for Muay Thai boxing club

Why next year’s Grand National will be off to a late start at Aintree Snooker Euro Tour hopes for two Merseyside players PAGE 10

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LJMU Fury American Football team tops league table

Inside Sport