Liverpool Life 4:11 February 10 2016 by Steve Harrison

10 - February - 2016

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE... PAGE 5

LIFEextra

SPORT

PAGE 9

Liverpool rescue dog to star in Hollywood show

Comedian raises money in the ring

©Anthony Welsh

©Michelle Langan

Ex-journalist on a mission to help the homeless

PAGE 11

©Adam Rowe

NEWS

COUNCIL TAX FURY

Wirral leader hits back at criticisms of increased tax rate

By SAM DAVIES

Wirral Council has hit back at criticism from a local pressure group amid a further 1.99% rise in council tax. The proposed additional increase, known as a levy, which will pay for services tackling anti-social behaviour, housing and roads, comes after an earlier 2% rise to support Wirral’s elderly care services. The move has angered a local pressure group, ‘Wirral – the People Fight Back’, but the council says the increases are necessary in the face of cuts made by the Government. A public consultation resulted in around four out of five of respondents saying they would be happy to pay more to protect services such as Merseyside

police. The two separate levy increases came after the Police Grant and Elderly Care Grant provided by Central Government were cut. Despite Chancellor George Osborne promising to protect police budgets, the Police Grant was reduced by 0.6% - equivalent to £1.35m or 26 police officer posts. A final decision on whether to proceed with the tax increase won’t be made until the council’s Budget meeting in March, but has already sparked outrage on social media. The ‘Wirral – the People Fight Back’ pressure group have openly criticised the levy increase, believing people are being asked to pay more money for fewer services.

A spokesperson from the group told Liverpool Life: “The issue is the use to which Council budgets, and the Council Tax is put, which is our greatest concern with Wirral Council. The trend over recent years has been for the Council to move so far away from the concept of public service that it has ceased to be a genuine consideration, and far more of an inconvenience. “The Council workforce has been seriously reduced, the overall budget has been reduced, and many services have been cut or reduced. This is reflected by the existing Council Tax levels increasing by 1.99% - plus the so-called 2% ‘grey tax’ imposed by Central Government - plus an additional precept increase

requested by the Police Commissioner. “Effectively more and more money is being asked of Council Tax payers, for the Council to supply fewer and fewer services, provided by fewer and fewer staff.” The group also cast doubt on the public consultation carried out by a leading opinion research organisation, claiming the number of respondents was not reflective of the wider populace. Wirral has a population of over 300,000, but only 1,200 people responded to the survey - around 80% backing the proposed increase. The leader of Wirral Council, Phil Davies, explained the reasons for the impending levy

increase and disagreed that the public consultation was not fairly reflective of the wider community’s concerns. He said: “Wirral Council is faced with more than £28 million in government cuts to its budget in 2016/17. This is on top of more than £150 million cuts since 2010 and an anticipated further £100 million cuts by 2020. Against a backdrop of such huge reductions in funds to support local services, the council has tough choices to make. “The council tax increase of 1.99% is around 30p a week for a Band A property and 50p a week for Band D homes. The Chancellor’s ‘Grey Tax’ will add about the same again. “The consultation survey

allows us to create a benchmark from which we can track and measure improvements. “Residents across all of Wirral told us they were most interested in the Council working to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour, maintain and improve the conditions of our roads and highways and in Birkenhead and parts of Wallasey, improve housing quality and support the creation of jobs. “This is just one tool the council and its partners use to stay in touch with residents, and while some may have different concerns, ultimately, residents consider the facts and vote for the councillors they want to represent them.”

 Continued on page 2

It’s top of the ﬂocks

FEELING SHEEPISH: The ﬂock are herded past the Cunard Building

©Katie Braithwaite

The streets of Liverpool welcomed a flock of sheep yesterday morning as they walked through the city centre, writes Katie Braithwaite. Cunard kicked off their centenary celebrations in front of their waterfront home the Cunard Building after being awarded the Freedom of the City last year. They decided to take up their right to drive a flock of sheep through the streets. Angus Struthers, Director of Cunard, said: “Last year we were proud to receive the Freedom of the City award. We now have our own right to drive sheep though the city of Liverpool and we are one of the rare groups of people to exercise this right. “The history of the Cunard intertwines with Liverpool and this has marked the 107 years since we were established. We will take every occasion to say thank you to Liverpool.” Tony Concepcion, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, said: “It is important that we celebrate this right. It is a unique way of celebrating 175 years as well as publicising Cunard here in Liverpool.”

Life|News|2

Cutting the ribbon on Liverpool’s Pullman By

CALLUM SMYTH

The first Pullman hotel in the UK outside London has been opened on Liverpool’s waterfront. The new 216-room hotel on Kings Dock, was opened by Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson this weekend. Guests enjoyed champagne and canapes in the lobby of the four-star hotel and took a guided tour to see what the building had to offer. Mayor Anderson was met by the hotel’s general manager Neil Brailsford at the launch. Mr Brailsford said: “We are extremely proud the Pullman has chosen Liverpool to open its first UK new build hotel. Liverpool is the perfect home for the Pullman, with its vibrant atmosphere, unique character and excellent location. “We have had some excellent feedback from guests attending the launch, and we look forward

to welcoming guests from all over the world.” Pullman Liverpool is part of the on-going investment on the waterfront and is the latest addition to the ACC Liverpool campus, which is home to BT Convention Centre, Echo Arena and Exhibition Centre. The hotel boasts an ‘executive floor’ which has direct corridor linked to the exhibition centre, meaning accessibility to events couldn’t get much easier for business guests. Mayor Joe Anderson praised everyone who helped bring the hotel to the city. He said: “This magnificent hotel is the latest chapter in the continued investment on Liverpool’s waterfront maintaining the city’s drive to be not only be a key regional destination for leisure, conferences, exhibitions and events but also a ‘City of Choice’ across Europe.”

By HANNAH HODGSON

OPEN FOR BUSINESSS: Mayor Joe Anderson and manager Neil Brailsford © Inﬂuential

Hoylake:England’s golf coast capital By CALLUM SMYTH

Wirral council received a majority backing from the community on their plans to establish Hoylake as the capital of England’s Golf Coast. The proposed new golf resort is part of Wirral’s Growth Plan, launched last week. It outlines the council’s plan to increase visitor spend to £450m by 2020. Wirral’s tourism economy has already grown by 40 per cent since 2009, making it the fastest growing in the Liverpool City Region. By working with partners the council plans to attract further new investment to grow the area into a premier tourism and leisure destination. Cllr Phil Davies, Leader of Wir-

Life

ral Council, said: “Hoylake Golf Resort promises to bring new jobs, prosperity and tourists to Wirral, boosting our economy and visitor numbers. At £355m, tourism’s value to Wirral’s local economy is already huge and we have a plan to grow it by an extra £95m.” The community had the chance to share their views on the initial outline plans with 660 people filling in the feedback forms. These showed the combined “fully support” and “qualified or reserved support” totaled 70.26 per cent (430) of respondents, with 29.74 per cent (182) saying they “do not support the proposal”. Cllr Davies highlighted that the council recognises some people have concerns over the plans,

Team

Bringing you the news every Tuesday Editor Jack Whitehead News Editor Amber Pritchard News Beth Hughes Charlotte Mann Steph Sweeney Emily Curren Features Editor Lewis Price

Features Michael Henry Christy Biggar Nathan Burgess Jessica Arnell Sports Editor Tiernan McGee Sports Jessica Bond

Junior doctors to take action

formally consulted on them. He continued: “It’s been great

to hear all the comments from the community on the outlined plans. Supporters of the scheme and those with concerns will still have the plenty of opportunities to shape the proposals through further consultations still to come.” The technical phase of the project will now begin, with a number of environmental and ecology surveys taking place over the coming year. Once these have been completed the Joint Venture partnership will finalise designs for the Nicklaus resort. Residents will then have the chance to see the detailed plans comment further prior to a full planning application being submitted, which will offer a further period of public consultation.

their area. Mrs Berger, who also serves as the Shadow Mental Health Minister, said: “This report confirms the severe challenges facing our acute adult mental health services that patients and professionals have long been warning of. This is yet another wake up call for the Tory Government. “For all Tory ministers’ talk of mental health, they are presiding over a system described as ‘potentially dangerous.’ The Commission rightly highlights staffing shortages, unacceptably long waits for care and the unacceptable practice of sending very ill patients hundreds of miles just to get a bed - something which has significantly increased

on this Government’s watch.” Mrs Berger continued on, urging ministers to enforce the recommendations put forward by the Commission. The conclusion to the inquiry come a week after the ‘Time to Talk Day’ campaign, which advocates more discussions regarding mental health. After logging almost 70,000 conversations in the day – a step forward in increasing the conversation surrounding mental health - this news comes as a setback for the mental health community. Meanwhile, the Government’s mental health minister, Alistair Burt, has said the report would help shape changes to build a better mental health service.

TEEING OFF: Golfers at Hoylake © Sue Adair and that no decisions on them will be made until the public are

MP highlights gaps in mental health services By CONOR ALLISON

Mental health services have been criticised in a fresh inquiry, with Wavertree MP Luciana Berger using the findings to highlight the Government’s shortcoming within the sector. The Independent Commission, chaired by ex-NHS chief executive Lord Crisp, concluded that patients are made to travel too much for support, and the current conditions must change. Describing some of the cases as potentially dangerous, it has been established that around 500 patients travel more than 30 miles to access treatment each month due to acute numbers of inpatient beds and services in

Around 2000 junior doctors in Merseyside plan to strike today after previous walkouts were called off earlier this year. Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) are striking over Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s attempts to introduce a new contract of employment for junior doctors. Aaron Borbora, Deputy Chairman of Junior Doctors Committee, said: “This strike is not something we want to do. We haven’t been left any other option. We hope that the government will understand our message and we can come to a negotiation. The junior doctors taking part are being told not to go to work and to join their colleagues on the picket lines being set up outside hospitals.” Doctors and nurses at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital are urging the people of Liverpool to think about whether they could be treated elsewhere before coming to the emergency department and are asking for their support during this busy period. Dr Tom Wiles, emergency medicine consultant, said: “We are seeing large numbers of patients and the department is very busy. There are many other ways of getting the healthcare you need and many illnesses and injuries don’t need to be treated in a hospital. There are lots of good support services out there, including NHS 111 and your GP. The strike will take place from 8am today to 8am tomorrow.

Council Tax row  Continued from page 1 The 1.99% council tax increase will be used in part to help fund Merseyside Police. The Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Jane Kennedy, proposed a 1.95% precept but promised to listen to the views of the public before making a final decision. The Merseyside Police and Crime Commission carried out their own public consultation survey, generating around 2,000 responses, 1581 of which approved of the increase. The council tax rise was disapproved of by 333 people, while 22 remained undecided. Upon the announcement of the consultation results, Jane Kennedy said in a statement: “Once again local people have reminded me just how strongly the residents of Merseyside support their police force. At the same time there are a significant number who feel they are taxed too much. “These results demonstrate beyond doubt that people on Merseyside are prepared to pay a little more - we even had members of the public offering to give us donations there and then.”

Life|News|3

Mersey nurses on African aventure By HANNAH HODGSON

Two midwives from Liverpool Women's hospital returned last week from a life-changing trip to Tanzania, where they helped deliver babies in a local maternity unit where all midwives have to rely on is buckets of water. Delia Jepson and Cheryl Stanley, who both appeared in the Channel 4 series "One Born Every Minute" swapped the modern facilities of the Royal Women's Hospital for the more basic conditions of Kiomboi Hospital in rural central Tanzania, to support WaterAid’s biggest ever appeal, 'Deliver Life'. The midwives made a huge impact in Tanzania and their memory will live on for a lifetime through little Cheryl, a baby named after the Liverpudlian who delivered her. Following her return to the UK, Delia said: "I feel quite humble to have met such dedicated midwives who have

had to work in such a challenging environment. "The absolute highlight of the trip for me was taking Elizabeth and her baby Ezekeli back to their village. A midwife's bond with a mother when she delivers her baby is indescribable anyway so going back with her, meeting her family and seeing where they collect their water was amazing." At Kiomboi Hospital Delia and Cheryl worked shifts alongside their Tanzanian peers, Ester Mang, Julianna Msofe and Daniel Paul, where they had inside look on how challenging it can be for midwives to provide a safe environment for mothers and babies when there is no running water. Cheryl said: "It was an amazing experience and a real privilege. I really saw how essential water is to midwives doing their job safely and how that if you can’t keep things clean then you are really doing more harm than good to mothers and their babies." During their time at Kiomboi Hospital, Cheryl and Delia met with Mary Samson Gunda, a

young mother whose baby, Lucy, was born in the hospital and was recovering from sepsis, a severe infection that is caused by unhygienic environment. The hospital sees around one case a week of sepsis in newborn babies or their mothers many of which prove fatal. Every minute around the world a newborn baby dies from infection caused by a lack of safe water and an unclean environment. The 'Deliver Life' appeal, will be the biggest campaign ever run by international charity WaterAid, whose mission is to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. The appeal will finish today, and every £1 given by the UK public will be doubled by the UK Government. WaterAid is working in communities to provide a clean water supply so that mums can protect their vulnerable newborns from the danger posed by unhygienic environments. For more information go to www.deliverlife.wateraid.org/ Award joy- Page 5

ART: First time the paintings are displayed together © Beth Collins

A new art exhibition is set to display historic art work in its first-ever public appearance. Many of the little-known treasures will be seen in Liverpool 135 years after they were first painted. The new display will showcase 120 Pre-Raphaelite paintings at the Walker Art Gallery from February 12th to June 5th. Christopher Newell, guest curator of the project, said “Naturally, this is a very exciting time for both the museum and art world, giving the public a chance to see many of these artworks for the first time. “Liverpool’s relation with PreRaphaelites began as early as the 1840s when their influence became noticeable and many of the inspired

Leave Lime Street alone By BEN CUMMINGS

CARE: Cheryl with a newborn baby

TEAM: The dedicated midvives in Tanzania along side Cheryl and Delia © WaterAid

First appearance for major artworks By BETH COLLINS

AUTHOR: Frank Cotrell Boyce ©Christopher Rieger

painters called themselves ‘The Liverpool School’. “Liverpool was a unique city when it came to the new art movement, they were very open minded to this sort of rebellious period. “Liverpool’s response represented an unexpected beginning to the arts, which only stressed how much Liverpool had an independent taste - it was different to other cities.” The exhibition is centred around the artist Dante Gabrielle Rossetti. The collection named the ‘The Salutation of Beatrice (1881/2) uses his muse, Jane Morris, cast as Beatrice Portinari, the subject of medieval poet Dante Alighieri’s unrequited love. The collection of paintings belonged to Rossetti’s friend Frederick Leyland, a Liverpool-born

shop owner and art collector. Interestingly, all three paintings remained in possession of Leyland’s descendants, and the exhibition marks the first time all three will be on display together. Rossetti’s collection will also accompany Monna Rosa (1867), a portrait of Leyland’s wife which has not been on public display for more than 140 years. Adding to the collection was a coloured chalk portrait by Rossetti of Leyland (1870) which, too, has never been exhibited. Alongside Leyland, work will be exhibited from the collections of John Miller and George and Julia Rae, who enabled these revolutionary painters to change the face of British art in the 19th century.

An LJMU lecturer has spoken out about a campaign to stop the regeneration of Lime Street accusing them of “scaremongering”. Dominic Wilkinson, who lectures Urban Design at John Moores University said that the SAVE campaign, who are fighting to block the £35 million redevelopment plans in order to preserve the World Heritage Site, will have no impact whatsoever in preserving it. Speaking to Liverpool Life, he said: “The world heritage site gets wheeled out as an excuse to not do something when specific arguments about the pros and cons of a development have failed. There are plenty of cases in the city where SAVE should be concerned about developments, Lime Street is just not one of them.” The comment comes after Save Britain’s Heritage announced they will be going through the Court of Appeal in order the stop the regeneration. Among those who have also spoke out against SAVE are the Neptune developers who are backing the regeneration scheme. The scheme would see the demolition of buildings, including the 1912-built Futurist cinema. Fundraising appeals to raise the estimated £12,500 legal costs of further action have so far led to donations totalling £3,000 from important figures such as the Merseyside Civic Society and 2012 Olympics opening ceremony writer Frank Cottrell Boyce

Rise in vermin running loose in Liverpool city centre By ELLE SPENCER

The number of rat sightings in Liverpool has increased significantly in the last two years, according to council figures. A Freedom of Information request submitted to the council revealed more than 7,000 calls were made to the local authority last year, compared to 5,374 calls made in 2013. This spike follows a reduction in Liverpool City Council’s pest control budget. A cut of £273,000 was made from last year’s figure of £807,000, with plans to cut it further by 2017.

But a council spokesperson denied that the cuts had had any impact on the increase in sightings, and stressed that there could be any number of reasons why the figure may have risen from previous years. LJMU student Alexandra Gorton, 21, found out first-hand the effect of the rising rodent population when she and her flatmates came face to face with a rat under the floorboards of her home in Kensington. She said: “The noises started getting louder every night and you could hear the scurrying in the walls and under the bedroom floor. “We couldn’t sleep, we were

so scared! We had pest control round four times to lay poison down and it still didn't die for a good two months. It was disgusting.” Liverpool City Council has maintained that they were carrying out every possible effort to prevent the spread of rodents across Merseyside. “The city council does carry out general sewer baiting and we also have a number of initiatives to try and deal with the problem. “There are education programmes which encourage people not to leave food waste on pavements and alleys and, as a last resort, we can use enforcement action if such waste

is persistently left out.” The figures supplied in the report, do not however include calls to private pest control services and so the number is considered to be in fact much higher. Mark Davidson, owner of Prokill Pest Control, a private firm based on the Wirral, told Liverpool Life that his business has increased by 38% in the last year alone and that a significant portion of these call outs were in relation to rats. “Typically in pest control, the work is predominantly seasonal. “April is insect season, then in September they die out. Come October, we start to see rats and

other rodent sightings being reported with it then finally dying down. “But this year, it didn’t die down at all.” Merseyside was identified as a ‘pest hotspot’ by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) in 2014, with Liverpool coming second only to Birmingham in terms of rat call-outs. Simon Forrester, chief executive of the BPCA, believes pest numbers across the UK have increased significantly since and fears the problem is likely to get worse. "If an infestation of any pest isn't dealt with quickly and professionally, it's likely

to spread. The problem then becomes much more expensive and carries a greater risk to public health.” But Mark Davidson said he doesn’t believe there is much more that Liverpool City Council could be doing to reduce the number of pests in the city. “If there’s a particular headache area, people are always willing to help. The worst problem is with in terraced buildings. Say for example, you get a call from someone in no. 5, you may find the problem is actually in no. 15 – and that’s when the council can step in and help, and they always do.”

Life|News|4

Star quits show

By KAMARA SAMUELS Merseyside’s Olympic bronze medallist Beth Tweddle, 30, has seriously injured her neck after a fall during The Jump on Channel 4, causing her to quit the show. The reality TV show is currently taking a review into safety procedures and C4 have asked the show’s producers to re-assess every event and training plan. A spokesperson for C4 said: “Though it is a new course the events have been designed to be no more difficult than in previous years and all contributors have undertaken a rigorous training programme to prepare them for the show.” The Jump follows celebrities as they try to master various winter sports, including ski jumping, skeleton and speed skating. She and her parents have said the last 48 hours have been ‘scary’ but the surgery has been a ‘success’. The retired gymnast, an LJMU alumnus, had fractured vertebrae fused together after she was injured while training for the show.

Dumpling emoji

Mayor plans to keep Fab Four’s legacy alive By HANNAH HODGSON A new Beatles legacy group is to be set up following a recent report which shows the Fantastic Four bring almost £82million to the city each year. The report, commissioned by the Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, was created to provide evidence from which policies and actions could be developed to maximise the value of the Beatles to the city. Research was undertaken by three institutes based in the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University: The Institute of Popular Music at the University of Liverpool; the European Institute of Urban Affairs at Liverpool John Moores University and the Institute of Cultural Capital, a department supported by both universities.

Lead author of the report, Professor Simeon Yates at the Institute of Cultural Capital, said: “In all the interviews we conducted there was a strong belief that the city would go on attracting visitors through its Beatles connection long into the future. However, underpinning the economic impact and the cultural value of the Beatles heritage is a positive experience for fans, visitors and citizens and the city needs to maintain standards in its efforts to promote this legacy.” Following this news, Joe Anderson tweeted: “Taking on recommendations of the report today I am setting up a Beatles Legacy Group to curate & develop the Beatles heritage in Liverpool.” The report also revealed that the impact of the Beatles created 2,335 jobs last year.

Domestic abuse campaign returns LEGENDS: The Beatles statue at the docks

By ROCHELLE BEIGHTON

A North West campaign launched ahead of Valentine’s Day has revealed that 90% of By LEWIS CALVERT domestic abuse is witnessed by A new emoji will be added to the children. smartphone keyboard next year To bring awareness to this after a group raised thousands of shocking figure the Public dollars to try and secure a place Health campaign, ‘Be a Lover not on the 11-strong board which a Fighter’ is back and will be seen approves smartphone emojis. across seven local authorities in The aptly named “Dumpling Cheshire, Merseyside and LanEmoji Project” was successful cashire. in convincing the board that The aim of the campaign is to the dumpling emoji has huge encourage people to talk about demand and the symbol will be domestic abuse and educate added to the list of likely emojis those who know sufferers. for release in 2017. Campaign spokesperson Clare Other Oriental-food themed Barber said: “The campaign is pictures will include a fortune running for four weeks in total. cookie, takeaway box, chopsticks Valentine’s Day is a good time and surprisingly, a face with one of year to launch campaigns like eyebrow raised. this one as it reminds people There are just 11 full voting about domestic abuse.” Unicode consortium members, Matthew Ashton, Chair of who each pay $18,000 a year for Cheshire and Merseyside Public the privilege of approving new Health Collaborative, said, “We emojis. have to make a stand against do-

Tune into our radio podcast

©Jenny Kirkham/JMU Journalism

mestic abuse to show collectively that it is not acceptable. Nationally 750,000 children a year witness domestic abuse” “By wearing the ‘Be a Lover not a Fighter’ badge and pledging support for the campaign we can hopefully make more people understand how domestic abuse has significant psychological consequences for everyone involved.” A spokesperson for Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service said: “It’s the first time I’ve seen that figure stating 90% of domestic abuse is witnessed by children, but that’s really high and something needs to be done. The Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service support the campaign and all awareness being raised on this issue.” Sixteen-year-old ‘Joe’ (not his real name), experienced his mother and her partner carry out domestic abuse towards each other as a younger child. After being in counselling for anger

SUPPORTING: Phil and Holly on This Morning

management. He said: “The worst thing was not knowing when it was going to kick off and what to do when it did. Me and my siblings were just in the middle. It was scary and it’s affected me and how I interact with others “I’ve been disruptive in school,

I’ve been excluded and finally now I’m getting some help.” Many Liverpool stars are supporting the campaign, including, ‘Benidorm’s’ Crissy Rock, “Brookside” actor Philip Olivier, radio DJ & Media Personality Pete Price, five times World Champion kickboxer and actor

©’Be a lover not a ﬁghter’

Lee Charles and Everton Football Club’s Ambassadors. Campaign badges are free and can be picked up at council one stop shops or at one of the public events which are taking place from February 10th-March 3rd. Visit the website:lovernotfighter. org.uk

Bank holiday festival line-up announced By CALLUM SMYTH The line-up for the “We LuV Festival” at Aintree Racecourse has been announced. The two-day event, which will take place on 28th-29th May 2016, will be headlined by X Factor winner Louisa Johnson, “She’s So Lovely” hit-makers Scouting For Girls, and local star Rebecca Ferguson. We LuV Festival aims to deliver a great festival experience for all the family over the May Bank Holiday weekend. The Saturday will see some of the UK’s current chart toppers take to the stage including Fuse ODG and Example, whereas the Sunday will have more of an old school feel with legend-

ary artists including UB40 and the Sugar Hill Gang set to perform. Events Director Ian Redman says: “This first phase release is just to tantalise any festival goers with a taste of the calibre of acts we have booked and confirmed. “Once the final line-up is out there, music lovers will be blown away. “Whether you are one, 21 or 101 then We Luv Festival is sure not to disappoint, with 40-plus acts scheduled to play to up to 80,000 people” Peter Crawford, We LuV Festival’s Head of Marketing added: “We want to create the largest family-led music event in the country.” SINGER: Rebecca Ferguson

©JMU Journalism

Life|News|5

Pride as festival bounces back by BEN CUMMINGS The annual LGBT festival will be returning to the city for two days in July following months of planning. Liverpool Pride will be taking place over Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July for a seventh consecutive year. The event will take a more prominent and visual position in the city, taking over St George’s Cultural Quarter, including St George’s Hall, The Plateau, William Brown Street and St John’s Gardens. The date coincides with the anniversary of the murder of Michael Causer, a gay teenager who tragically lost his life on 2 August 2008. The festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and empower the LGBT communities. This year’s Pride takes place the weekend before what would have been Michael’s 27th birthday. Joan Burnett, Trustee of Liverpool Pride Charity said: “In 2015 Liverpool Pride took a very difficult decision to downsize due to financial constraints. Doing that has ensured our stability and we’re bouncing back in 2016 with an extended festival and some great new ideas to get everyone involved.” They have described the upcoming event as “one of the most visual and flamboyant Pride events ever to have been created.”

Wrapping rough sleepers with love by LEIGH KIMMINS

A Liverpool writer has teamed up with local school children to mend lonely hearts this Valentine’s day by providing warmth and affection for the homeless. The idea is to tie scarves around trees and lamp posts and hope that people will pass them on to local rough sleepers. This will provide those less fortunate with a bit of added warmth in the midst of brutal weather sweeping through Liverpool, but Michelle Langan wants to give the recipients something else that they rarely receive. Former journalist, Michelle, who is 43, said: “The idea is to tie scarves across Liverpool, so peo-

COSY: The scarves are left on trees and lamp posts

ple can unwrap them and give them to a homeless person who needs it. Hopefully this will also foster some conversations.” Michelle had the idea when she saw an image of a similar act of kindness in Canada and posted it on Twitter. She said: “I had loads of replies saying how someone should do it in Liverpool, I thought ‘Yes’ I will be that someone.” Whilst many are scuffling to buy roses and gifts for their adoring spouse on Valentine’s day it’s easy to forget that some in Liverpool are struggling on the streets. “I picked Valentine’s day because there’s no better day to spread the love. Homeless people get no messages or cards so I thought people could share love through giving out scarves with cheerful messages attached. To let them know people care.” Kids aged eight and nine from Merchant Taylor school in Crosby also got involved, they made touching cards to accompany the scarves. One read: “You are not alone there are people who care like me, so I want to make you happy and give you this scarf. I hope this message lifts up your

spirit.” Another said: “To reader, I hope this scarf is very warm and soft through the day and night. Please keep safe by the road and the pathway. I hope this scarf shows that there are brilliant people that are willing to help you.” The words of a young Polish man sleeping rough in Liverpool resonated with Michelle and provide the inspiration behind the

project. ‘I’m not a beggar, I’m a human being.’ the man told Michelle, he was speaking about how the worst thing about being homeless was not the cold, not the lack of food or a safe haven but the fact that nobody would look him in the eye. “A lot of people don’t know how to react with the homeless, do they stop or walk past? Sometimes a homeless person

Photos © Michelle Langan can go without a conversation all day, which is really sad. This gives people a chance to speak to the person they give the scarf to, even if it’s just to say hello and ask their name. It makes a difference”, said Michelle. With more rain and winds heading our way you can contact the Whitechapel Homeless Centre on 0151 207 7617 if you see someone sleeping rough.

Mersey marathon man runs in kilt for kidneys by JENNY KIRKHAM

CHILLY: Scott played the bagpipes at the ﬁnish line © Siberian Ice Marathon

A Merseyside Police Officer has braved sub-zero temperatures in Siberia to run a half marathon, dressed in a kilt. Inspector Scott Crighton, 38, who is based in Crosby, undertook the Siberian Ice Half Marathon, in the Russian City of Omsk, to raise money and awareness for a charity called Kidneys for Life. The run was the first challenge in a series of marathons over nine months that Scott is undertaking for the charity and he will continue his challenges with the Manchester marathon in April. Scott, who is originally from Aberdeen moved to Liverpool to join Merseyside Police 14 years ago. He came up with the idea for

the challenges when he heard about 4-year-old boy in his son’s class who was waiting on a kidney transplant and would have to undergo a lot of dialysis. He said: “I’ve done a lot of things for charity in the past but the half marathon in January coincided with the date of his operation and was also Christmas Day in Russia, which I thought was pretty cool. I also thought that anything I would have to go through to complete the challenges was nothing compared with what he has to go through on a daily basis.” Mr Crighton had to run on ice and snow in temperatures of -34 degrees. He said that although he has trained hard it was difficult to acclimatise to the cold due to

Amy moved back home and had her daughter. The 31-year-old said: “After having my daughter, I really wanted more control over my working hours and to be my own boss, so I took night school classes in dressmaking and started sewing again. I started at craft fairs in Liverpool and St Helens and then, with help from the Chamber of Commerce in St Helens, got the lease for a small shop.” Gallery Clothing Boutique was set up two years ago, and is a small, independent boutique that

stocks exclusively made clothing, accessories and homeware. Amy’s latest 60s-style designs were inspired by famous designer Vivienne Westwood. Amy added: “I loved being my own boss but found I got more attention from the internet so I’ve been focusing more on that for the last couple of years. My latest photo shoot has been approved by Asos marketplace for a boutique so, fingers crossed, I’ll be selling through there in the next couple of weeks. My main selling point is my clothing is

bespoke, unique, versatile, and chic.” Amy is a creative person and her favourite thing about fashion is being able to make an idea in her head come to life and sometimes make it look even better than she originally thought. She said: “I’ve always wanted to design and make my own things for as long as I can remember. But, to be honest, it’s taken a while to learn the right skills and be happy with how things turn out, as I feel it’s still trial and error most of the time!”

Liverpool midwives win award by BEN CUMMINGS

A midwife at Liverpool Women’s Hospital has won the Midwife of the Year Award with another Liverpool midwife coming in second. Lisa Jones won the award with Gillian Walker coming in second. The award recognises outstanding dedication of caring for women and their babies. Sarah Martin, who works as part of the Honeysuckle Team at Liverpool Women’s, was also shortlisted for the work she does in supporting families who have suffered the loss of their baby. Dianne Brown, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Liverpool Women’s, said: “These three staff members are an absolute credit to the hospital, and we’re delighted that they have been recognised for the care that they provide to the women, babies and families of Liverpool and beyond. “No other Trust has more than one shortlisted candidate, so for Liverpool Women’s to have three is a massive achievement. We’re extremely proud.”

LETTERS: The scarves come with happy messages

the UK’s mild winter. He explained; “The Russians thought I was crazy. The two organisers from the Siberian Ice Marathon who looked after me and gave me permission to run in the kilt, Anna Kireeva and Inna Chernoblavskaya, were amazing. I played my bagpipes at the finish line to celebrate Christmas Day and I even appeared in the Russian media.” Scott’s challenges are far from finished and he will follow his Siberian run with the Manchester Marathon in April and the UK Ironman in July before hopefully completing the Berlin Marathon in September 2016. With a total of £1,527.50 raised so far, Scott is urging people to continue donating to the cause.

Booming success for designer’s unique chic by HANNAH HODGSON

A fashion designer from West Park, St Helens, has had a recent boom of interest in her quirky boutique and is hoping to get her clothes sold on popular online fashion retailer, Asos. Amy Lynch graduated from Liverpool John Moores University in 2008 with a Fashion and Textiles degree. She then moved to London to pursue her passion, and started working with a freelance textiles designer. After then working at Harrods,

FASHION: One of Amy’s designs © Amy Lynch

Life|Arts|6

Rolling back the gears The stunning Riley 1300 motor car is to be displayed in the atrium of the Mann Island museum. CONOR ALLISON reports

s old as the industry, as modern as the hour”, was Riley Motor Company’s motto for much of its 73-year history. Despite its production lines being cleared for almost half a century, the company’s statement once again rings true due to a new display at the Museum of Liverpool. One of their later models, a Riley 1300, will sit in the atrium of the Mann Island museum until late April. Even after a 47-year life its condition is perfect; featuring Trafalgar blue paintwork, leather seating and a walnut veneer dashboard. The cobalt, diamond-shaped badge also still sits on the hood, with the silver outline and handwritten-looking ‘Riley’ still shining. Held in collection by the museum since the 1980s, it has finally been put on show for the public, with its connection

to the city proving key in the decision. Museum of Liverpool curator for land transport and industry Sharon Brown talked about the decision. She said: “It obviously wasn’t made in Liverpool, but it’s got a local history because it was sold through a local business — Voss Motors on Hannover Street — and bought by a local man called Mr Smart for £1012 who owned it for 20 years and used it virtually every day. “We think it’s one of the last ones because it was purchased towards the very end of their production in 1969.” As pointed out by SharonBrown, Liverpool is not the home of Riley, only a beneficiary. Like countless other companies, Riley Motors was based in Coventry. Damien Kimberley, research officer for the Coventry Transport Museum, explained some of the history behind

the company: “The Riley’s were actually an old family of weavers in Coventry, but as that industry had been in steep decline, they decided to instead tap into the fast growing bicycle trade in Coventry by 1890. “As they didn’t know much about making cycles themselves, they wisely bought an existing, but struggling, firm called the Bonnick Cycle Company and changed the name to the Riley Cycle Company in 1896. “The first Riley motor was built in 1898 in the form of a motorised bicycle, but they didn’t start making cars until 1907. “By this time, Coventry was pretty well established in making motors of all types, so as a company Riley would have had no problem in attracting the expertise of mechanical engineers or designers as long as the terms were good enough. They were respected,

no doubt.” Though much of their success came on the race track and not necessarily in profits, the company had a solid following, producing a long list of family saloons and sports cars throughout their history. Damien Kimberley gave an indication of their market, saying: “I would say they were somewhere in the middle; good quality cars but not aimed at the top end of the market. They did, however, attempt to break into this market when they began to make luxury cars under the name Autovia. Unfortunately, this proved way too costly and nearly ruined the entire business.” Under the strain of two World Wars, Riley, like many companies, struggled further. Kimberley said: “They suffered heavily on both occasions, but for different reasons. During World War I, they lost many men, including some of the Riley sons to active war

service. This meant having to deal with a transient workforce over the subsequent four years whilst honouring government contracts. “During WW2, Coventry was targeted because of the munitions being turned out by the car factories, and several Riley units were hit. Like many other established firms they picked themselves up, dusted down and found alternative accommodation.” Without the financial clout of its rivals and continued shortcomings under new ownership, the Riley brand was eventually discontinued in 1969. However, in recent years, there has been some speculation that BMW, who own the Riley branding, would reboot the brand. Whilst Kimberley admitted it would be highly unlikely, the new showing in the Museum of Liverpool could perhaps signal the company’s return to the, as they put it, the modern hour.

‘As old as the industry, as modern as the hour’

Ten years on - and still a triumph Following its debut in 2006, the hit show Brick Up The Mersey Tunnel once again takes up residence at the Royal Court theatre in honour of its tenth anniversary – good news for those on at least one side of the river. The comedy musical tells the story of caked-in-plasterdust builder Dickie Lewis (Drew Schofield), drunkard tunnel engineer Nick Walton (Carl Chase) and ex- squaddie Gerard Gardner, three Scousers who - fed up of hypocritical ‘Wirralians’ looking down on Liverpool, while travelling to it each day for work – and driven to destraction by

REVIEW:  Royal Court Theatre Brick Up The Mersey Tunnel

blue-rinse highbrow Heswall resident Anne Twacky (Eithne Browne), hatch a plan to keep them out for good. Writers Dave Kirkby and Nicky Alt have admitted they were inspired to write the play after reading a letter in the Liverpool Echo from one such lady from Heswall who was complaining about the Scouse

accent, despite the fact that she worked in Liverpool every day. Her apparently hysterical rant ended with her proclaiming: “If I had my way I’d brick up the f-----g tunnels!” It’s one for the fans - certainly not the critics, as the show is not particularly sophisticated with its spoof country western covers, its simplistic

two- room set and Carry On style innuendos – un-ashamedly so. But make no mistake; Brick Up sells out seats every night and has audiences crying with laughter. The atmosphere in the room is electric, with theatregoers whispering to one another about how good the show is, while booing and cat-calling like an adult pantomime. But whether their postcode begins in an L or a CH, no one could deny the spot - on success that is Brick Up. Returning after five years to thunderous applause and belly laughs all around, the show is an undeniable triumph and a

Liverpool Royal Court Theatre © Alan Murray

Life|Arts|7

LIFE EXTRA Helen keeps up with Toffee appearances H

JAMES GAMBLE speaks to graduate Helen Mayo about life after LJMU and working with Everton Football Club

elen Mayo has gone from strength to strength in her communications career after graduating from LJMU in 2008, and is now in charge of appearances for a

Premier League football team. First starting as a Press and PR Officer back in 2011, her role has evolved to become the Media and Player Appearance Manager for Everton Football Club.

WORKING HARD: Helen is responsible for looking after requests for player appearances. Pictures © Gareth Jones

ENTERTAINMENT Impossible, Liverpool Empire

See the world’s greatest illusionists live on stage in a magic spectacular that will thrill and amaze audiences of all ages. Fusing death-defying stunts, technological trickery, grand stage illusions and close-up magic in a fast-paced breath-taking performance. Tickets available for Weds-Saturday from ATG tickets.

ART

Pre-Raphaelites, Walker Art Gallery

This new exhibition, showcasing more than 120 paintings by Pre-Raphaelite artists, will highlight Liverpool’s significant role in the art movement. Tickets £7.  Preview: Page 3

After graduation, Helen helped in the communications team at the World Firefighter Games in Liverpool and eight months later Merseyside Fire and Rescue offered her a job with the communications team. She said: “Making contacts is essential in this industry and I had a lucky break when LJMU tutors put my name forward to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to help out their communications team whilst the World Firefighter Games were in Liverpool. “It was a fantastic experience for me and I kept in touch with the staff there, who got in touch around eight months later and invited me to apply for a new role within their communications team. I got the job and went on to spend two brilliant years at the fire service, gaining experience in an industry quite different to football.” After gaining valuable experience with Merseyside Fire and Rescue, Helen secured a job with Everton FC in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since. “When I joined Everton my primary focus was to generate positive coverage about the club and to deal with media requests and enquiries. “Now I’m primarily re-

sponsible for looking after all requests for player appearances – so this could be a player visiting a local school, taking part in one of the sessions delivered by our wonderful charity Everton in the Community, or a photoshoot for one of our Club partners.” Helen praised the degree course at LJMU and said it gave her the skills and experience to go on to where she is today. However, she was quick to point out that it was not only the academic skills learned on the course that have helped her.

‘

Be patient and always listen. You can learn something from every person you meet

’

“It’s not just about the academic skills of writing, shorthand and understanding media law, but the skills you need in a workplace such as working as a team, learning from others, being confident enough to share your opinions,

What’s On COMEDY

Matt Forde, Liverpool Guild of Students

One of the country’s leading political comedians, Matt Forde, is heading to Liverpool on Thursday 11th at the Guild of Students. As seen on Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You and Question Time, Forde has been described as “singlehandedly fulfilling comedy’s brief of taking our political masters to task…combining spot-on impressions with up to the minute observations”. Tickets are available at LiverpoolGuild.org

problem-solving and so on.” Helen also spoke highly of the weekly news days she participated in during her third year on the course: “The weekly news days really stand out to me as a highlight of the course. Apart from actually doing work experience they were the best way to get a real understanding of what it takes to be a journalist.” Helen thoroughly enjoys her job, and loves the club that she works for, but she admits that it wasn’t easy to find a job after she graduated. “I had some really great work experience on my CV at national and local newspapers but ultimately there are a lot of graduates going for a small pool of jobs. It can take some time to find a role that’s right for you.” Helen is proud of both her job and the club that she is now a major part of and is equally proud of the players

that she works with, revealing that they are always keen and willing to get involved in the local community and the lifechanging schemes delivered by their charity, Everton in the community. She said: “The core group of players that have been at the club for a long time help new additions to the squad to understand Everton’s history, how much we engage with our supporters and our commitment to the local community.” When asked for advice for current LJMU journalism students, she said: “It’s important to be able to think on your feet, use your initiative and draw on past experience to make good decisions. Learn to be patient and always listen. You can learn something from every single person you meet.”

FILM

Deadpool, Liverpool ONE Odeon

A former Special Forces operative who now works as a mercenary is tortured, disfigured and transformed into Deadpool. The experiment leaves Deadpool with accelerated healing powers and a twisted sense of humor. Tickets available from the Odeon website.

THEATRE

Rent, Paul McCartney Auditorium, LIPA

Set in New York City, Rent unfolds in the shadows of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic of the late 1980s. Based on Puccini’s opera La Bohème, Rent is one of the longest-running shows of all time. Showing Thursday-Saturday, tickets £3 with NUS or £9.

Life|News|8 f

From Crosby all the way to Wonderland

A Crosby-based charity has set up an Alice in Wonderland themed event at St. George’s Hall in order to work alongside people with additional needs. Leigh Kimmins reports

itting in the grand conference hall where none other than Charles Dickens spoke 16 times throughout his lifetime the adventure has already started as one cannot help but explore the intricacies of the austere surroundings, from the crystal chandelier to the perfect paintings. Alan Smith, general manager of St. George’s, speaks proudly as he references Dickens, “I’m building on greatness here.” he says as he greets those present. The Alice in Wonderland themed event is put on by Crosby based charity, In Another Place. The charity was set up in 2005 and it aims to work in collaboration with community groups and involve those with additional needs all the while spreading a Christian message. On the face of it, The Alice Experiment may seem like a

fun day out, and it is, but it is much more than that as Annie Spiers, founder and full time volunteer of The Alice Experience, would go on to explain. “Everything we do is as a team. We all need each other. We have a big cast, 85 speaking parts, 160 non speaking which are largely by adults with additional needs and children with additional needs.” “That’s become a really important part of who we are. About a quarter of the people involved are people with additional needs and they love to be involved in a big thing rather than performances for just friends and family,” she said. “We have learned so much by having different people there and recognising that different people have different talents to offer and to ground us as well and remember at the end of the day we’re all human beings and we all have our moments where we need a hug or we need a

smile.” Annie added. Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland 150 years ago and that provides the inspiration for the latest theme the charity are adopting. The story of Alice in Carroll’s famous fable is a well-known one where a young girl meets many characters on a magical adventure. In Another Place have taken some of these characters and woven them into a walk through experience where participants can enter ‘Wonderland’ and try to make sense of the colorful craziness of it all.

he charity took the inspiration for their name from Anthony Gormley’s famous sculptures entitled ‘Another Place’ which are situated on Crosby beach, where the group put on their first event.

GREAT SHOW ON THE CARDS: The Alice Experience proved to be a success with people of all ages and abilities

The group have put on successful events before with The Narnia Experience proving a massive hit in Liverpool. The incredible thing is that these large scale events are put on almost entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers and take up to a full year to complete. “On the back of The Narnia Experience I was never ever going to do anything again!” joked Annie. “It’s totally exhausting, I’m an unpaid volunteer full time

STARS OF THE SHOW: The Alice Experience founder Annie Spiers (middle) pictured with the two lead roles, Alice (pictured, left) and Grandad (pictured, right)

and nearly all the team are unpaid volunteers as well. We live, breath, sleep and eat it (he projects) for a year or more, it’s a massive exercise. The reason that we do these big productions is that they are not just a fun theatrical production, although we hope it is fun, but we want normal average scousers who want to come and see something really exciting in this beautiful old building. But we also put these events on because we are Christians and we think lots of people don’t really connect with church for many different reasons now, Sunday is a different day than it used to be,” she added. For many, the productions are just a fun day out but the work that goes on behind the scenes is astounding. There are 85 main actors including 12 Alice’s, experienced and novices, from all over the North West. The production also includes people from four years old to sixty four years old! As you set off on your adventure through St. George’s you’ll see imaginative and colourful sets created by over 300 people. The 84 imaginative costumes are also sure to catch your eye, these were designed and sewn by over 30 people including community

college students. The actual performance does justice to the painstaking hours put into it. The colourful sets and costumes along with the charm of the old building combine with the excellent theatrics of the actors involved to keep the crowd entertained. “Calm down, calm down” shouted the red Roses perched in the hallway on the way to the ‘Mushroom forest.’ That one went down well, with a chrous of laughs echoing from the older audience members present. The volunteers from over 50 churches and community groups have collated to create something symbolic and beneficial, all the while demonstrating what teamwork can achieve when properly utilised. This is living proof that something fun can also prove to be enriching and entertaining at the same time. “I’m mad, you’re mad, everybody’s mad here!” said the Cheshire Puss to Alice halfway through proceedings, and you’d be mad to miss it! The Alice Experience runs from the 5th of February until the 19th and can be booked online at www.inanotherplace. com.

‘We have learned so much by having different people there and recognising that different people have many different talents to offer’

Life|Showbusiness| 9

Cleo is a familiar face around Liverpool. Now she is set to take the world by storm, performing in a Hollywood spectacular. Kamara Samuels reports

rom rags to riches, a Liverpool rescue dog puts on her shades to head to Hollywood where she will perform alongside a ‘world-famous’ magician. Cleo the dog will be living the American dream this summer as she goes to America for a three month tour with magical arts organisation, Magic Castle. A video of Cleo riding a bike around Liverpool went viral in June and she has since become an international sensation. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often seen around the city centre in the back of her owner’s bike wearing sunglasses and a jacket. She catches so much attention she is well known and loved by the people of Liverpool. Cleo’s owner, Anthony Welsh, 54, told Liverpool Life: “Cleo socialises really well with other people, including kids. All the kids play with her in town and they all fall in love with her.” Last year she was signed by animal actors agency, Urban Paws UK, after they saw her ‘relaxed and cool temperament’ at a local dog show. The talented pooch has been offered a

number of jobs including one paying £200 per hour. Despite Cleo’s fun personality, life was not always easy for the young pup. At 13-monthsold, Cleo was rescued from an abusive home where she was found locked in a cage in the living room. Mr Welsh said: “I’m a personal trainer and I came to meet Cleo through one of my customers, Gary. He told me about the situation with Cleo, so we went down there and rescued her. We have a great relationship with each other and she’s happy now.” The four-year-old dog, known as Princess Cleopatra SuperChill, was spotted by the founder of Magic Castle in Hollywood, Irene Larsen, during another dog show in Liverpool last year. The academy in Los Angeles trains magicians and puts on nightly performances. Irene told Mr Welsh Magic Castle don’t normally train animals but she is so impressed she wants to introduce Cleo to a magician’s repertoire. Mr Welsh said Irene is eager to get Cleo to Hollywood as she thinks Cleo is very loveable and has more edge and style than other dogs. Her tricks include

HOLLYWOOD BOUND: Cleo is set for the bright lights of Hollywood, after she was spotted by Magic Castle. © Anthony Welsh driving electric cars, riding a skateboard with sunglasses on and even playing musical instruments. Cleo is now preparing to go Hollywood around July this year where she will be wined and

dined like a real celeb. Mr Welsh said: “Irene wants us to go out there for 90 days and we’ll even be staying in her mansion, all expenses paid.” The show in America will be an hour long with Cleo having

a 15-minute time slot, where she will be performing with a ‘world-famous’ magician who is going to make her disappear in a magic trick. The two are all set for Hollywood and Mr Welsh said

during the tour he’d like Cleo to perform in New York, Las Vegas and finishing in Texas where his family have been living for 21 years. Sunglasses at the ready and lights, camera, action!

DOG OF MANY TALENTS: Cleo’s tricks include her being able to drive an electric car as well as ride a skateboard © Anthony Welsh

‘Cleo socialises really well with other people, including kids. All the kids play with her in town and they all fall in love with her’

INTERNET SENSATION: A video of Cleo riding a bike went viral in June. She has since become an international sensation. © Anthony Welsh

‘She catches so much attention, she is well-known and loved by the people of Liverpool’

Life|Love|10

Love is in the air Looking for that special place to take your loved one on Valentine’s Day? But like most of us, are you struggling to find somewhere special and perfect for the occassion? Look no further, we’ve uncovered four of the best restaurants to wine and dine your other half. NATHAN BURGESS reports ...



If you’re feeling good and want to fork out just that little bit more, then the King Street Tavern ticks all the boxes. A seasonal menu with the addition of some all-time classics, the Tavern is a destination restaurant offering simple honest food. The four course Valentine’s dinner includeing Pink champagne sorbet and a free glass of champagne will cost you £55

per person. Although slightly more expensive, the destination sets up for a perfect romantic evening. For starters you can enjoy the choice of Pan seared diver scallops served with English peas, Chive beurre blanc and vegetable crisp, Smoked duck salad served with fancy leaf, confit wine cherry tomatoes and crispy onion and raspberry dressing. The main courses include: Roast lamb loin with confit

wine cherry tomatoes, Lyonnaise potatoes and thyme jus, Turbot fillet with ginger & lime sauce and steamed green & tempura cauliflower or Saffron risotto cake with bok choi and artichoke puree & mini wild mushroom flan. For afters customers can choose from a range of Chocolate mille feuilles, Bailey’s mousse or Toffee fudge ice cream to finish off a romantic four course meal.

and for the singles...

Panam restaurant and bar located on the Docks offers a variety of modern British and European influences. On offer are choices of bistro, a la carte or pre-concert menus. For Saturday 13th February and Sunday 14th February (Valentine’s Day) couples can dine for as little as £40 per person. On offer is an exclusive couples VIP booth package with a four course meal, a bottle of champagne and chocolate



In the heart of Liverpool One treat someone special to a modern Italian three course meal costing £24.95 at Manzo. Choose between a new heart shaped homemade focaccia bread starters topped with plum tomato and pesto. The main course on offer is Risotto San Valentino with pumpkin, asparagus and truffle. To finish off the meal, you can indulge in a homemade cheesecake for dessert.

dipped strawberries.. A number of canapes are available on arrival. Starters include: Steamed tequila mussels, Sweet potato & poblano risotto, Smoky Mexican lamb meatballs and more. Main meals include: Fillet steak Churrasco, Caribbean Seabass and Portobello stuffed poblanos Desserts: Passion fruit & vanilla chessecake, Salted caramel chocolate pot and a selection of Cheese.

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can choose from Honey, You’re Smoking (avocado-filled smoked Scottish salmon with shrimps and an orange honey grave sauce), It mushroom be love (mushroom soufflé), The Manzo bomb (a coconut cheesecake and almond crumble bomb with rum and chocolate sauce) and many more. Free prosecco is also on offer if you book your reservations online.



If you happen to find yourself free and single this Valentine’s Day, don’t waste your time feeling down. Crawl out of that onesie, put down the Ben and Jerry’s, turn off The Notebook – and READ THE LIST BELOW.

PIZZA: Enjoy a Nutella Pizza at Crust © Crust Twitter THE ULTIMATE SINGLETON: Bridget Jones Liverpool Life’s singletons have come together to create the ultimate list of things to do to snap you out of the Valentine’s Day blues. • Pamper yourself. There’s nothing better than taking a little ‘me’ time and making yourself feel good. All you need is a facemask, some candles and bubble bath (wine optional). • Girl’s night out. Get your single squad together, get those heels on and get to town. Nothing beats a good night out with your girls. Top tip: request Beyoncé – Single Ladies. • Girl’s night in. If you’re not one for clubbing, you can have just as much fun at home. PJ’s, pizzas and

popcorn, what could be better? (We must insist that wine is compulsory). • Treat yourself. Just because you don’t have another half to celebrate the day with, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be spoilt rotten. • Watch a ‘girl power’ movie. No matter what you’re doing this Valentine’s Day, set yourself time to watch at least one female empowering film. Try Legally Blonde o Bridget Jones’ Diary… but definitely avoid reenacting the ‘all by myself ’ scene! • For the single men out there, try out an all-male Come Dine With Me or just simply take a trip down the pub for a few beers.



If you are looking for something vegan or vegetarian then Crust on Bold Street is the ideal place for you. For only £20 you can enjoy a three course Valentine’s meal at the new restaurant which is taking the traditional pizza and literally flipping it upside down. Vegan lovers can dig into a tofu salad starter, main of fresh handmade spelt tagliatelle pasta with courgetts and yellow cherry tomato finished off with a fruity homemade gelato dessert.

Meat lovers can get their hands on a selection of meats and vegetarians have a wide choice of cheese or if you fancy something a little bit different, you can order the Nutella topped pizza or the black dough pizza which is made from vegetable charcoal. Good news for the ladies ordering from the Valentine’s menu, a free glass of sparkling wine or fruit punch cocktail is on offer to start your evening. Sorry guys, you’ll have to get your own!

Life|Sports|11

Wirral date for martial arts champ

By JENNY KIRKHAM

Russian sparring World Champion Svetlana Metegina showed off her skills to Wirral Taekwondo students at a two day event. Svetlana was invited by ITF England to conduct two days of sparring seminars in Oxford with Martial Arts students from all over the UK. Six girls from Wirral UKTA travelled to the event with Senior Instructor Helen Bennett to attend the ladies only session. The girls, aged between 11 and 16 with grades from green belt to red, were in esteemed company with the majority of participants being black belts, including several England team members. Instructor Helen Bennett told Liverpool Life: “The girls really enjoyed it. It was great for them to see other women doing well in the sport. At the very least it might have inspired them to keep their motivation up.” The community led Martial Arts school were able to help the girls fund the trip and would hope to attend more seminars like this in the future. Helen said; “It was nice to have a ladies-only event for a change as sometimes things in the martial arts world can be male-dominated, which can be off-putting to girls just starting out.” Svetlana, with the help of Olympic volleyball gold medalist Yelena Godina, who acted as translator, introduced participants to lots of new training ideas and activities. The day was informative for all, with instructor Helen saying she was looking forward to implementing some of the new training ideas at the classes Wirral UKTA Taekwon-do School over the coming weeks.

By KAMARA SAMUELS England and Everton football legend Paul Gascoigne - Gazza will be revealing all as he speaks about his eventful career and private life in a live show at the Epstein Theatre. An audience with Paul Gascoigne promises to be a night of entertainment, including comedy, music, football ... even tears. The career of the former Blue is particularly remembered for his England caps. He earned 57 appearances for his country and is described by the National Football Museum as “the most naturally gifted English midfielder of his generation”.

The 48-year-old also helped the England team to the semi-finals of Euro 1996. Once again embedding himself in the nation’s hearts and minds with a spectacular goal against Scotland coupled with a memorable goal celebration. Josh Rowe, Marketing Manager for Epstein Theatre, said: “We're delighted to have Paul Gascoigne come to the Epstein. “He is a sporting legend who appeals to so many different people from all ages and backgrounds.” After retiring from professional football, Gascoigne’s life became dominated by emotional problems, including his personal struggles with alcoholism had recieved regular coverage

CRYING GAME: Gazza sent off playing in the 1990 World Cup

Cage ﬁghting company offers amateurs £1000 By LEWIS CALVERT

Amateur fighters across the city are being urged to sign up for an event by a Liverpool based MMA promotion company, who are offering rewards of up to £1000 to fight. Forty cage fighters will fight in Liverpool’s Olympia on April 30th for Shinobi War 7 and the promoters are currently putting the fight card together. Tony O’Reilly, one of three the owners of Shinobi MMA FC, told Liverpool Life: “We want knock out artists. This is a formal request for all heavy hitters to apply for the job role of Shinobi Biggest Hitter. “If they think they can get the quickest knock out of the night and fancy earning a grand in cash then we have £1000 waiting for them. “Get in touch with your coach,

get yourself onto SW7 and let’s get this money paid out to the biggest hitter in the U.K.” “The Shinobi” was a mercenary who operated in feudal Japan and specialised in intense, unorthodox warfare. One of the team’s matchmakers Jay Matthews said: “I have been with Shinobi since day one and I am passionate about this company and the massive potential we have as a promotion. “I will be in the process of contacting gyms and fighters over the next seven days to register interest in fighting on Shinobi War 7 and I can’t wait.” The event will be staged at the Liverpool Olympia, which is quickly becoming one of the fighting hubs of the North-West, having played host to string mixed martial arts events such as Cage Gladiators, OMMAC and recently BAMMA.

PINNED: Cage ﬁghting at Olympia © Ben Taylor Ian Munzberger, another of the promoters, said: “As a team, we are committed to creating the finest amateur U.K promotion and equally, to showcasing and developing some of the best up and coming amateur fighters that

the UK has to offer.” Shinobi MMA FC was founded in 2013 after a successful run of events in Deeside Leisure Centre and made its debut in Liverpool in March last year. Paul Reed, the third final part-

ner in the business, told Liverpool Life: “Our production is probably the best in the country and we want to make Shinobe like the UFC, but for amateurs. We’ve got the production, we just need the fighters.”

By LEWIS CALVERT

was diagnosed with a stage four high risk neuroblastoma, which is a very rare and aggressive from of cancer. Doctors found 27 tumours in his body, for which he underwent severe chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a host of other treatments and surgeries. He relapsed last year. According to Kian's mum, Kat, the NHS is only offering to prolong his life, whereas German and American doctors told Kat that relapse does not mean death. They said they will fight the relapse and will never give up on her son. After the bout, Adam said: “I think I'll stick to stand-up in future. Boxing is a lot harder than it looks. Elliot (Steel) beat me fair and square but I'm proud of what I brought. “And this fight is nothing com-

pared to the fight that little lad is going through.” The night was hosted by Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert, said: “I'm delighted to be involved. This is a special night, with a special atmosphere and I hope we can continue to raise as much money as possible in the coming months.” Funny-man Rowe, with his fellow comics, helped raise over £20,000 on Sunday night at the Blyth Sports Centre bringing the total sum to £275,509 of the £555,000 needed for treatment. Cancer Research UK reports around 500 cancer incidents per 100,000 people in Liverpool. In a video posted on his Facebook page, Kian said: “Thank you to everyone for your help. One day, I might be part of your team.” The fight continues. For more information visit: kapipal.com/caringforkian

Comedian’s ﬁght for Kian’s health

Greenbank disability tournament By JENNY KIRKHAM

Over 50 youngsters have taken part in a football tournament for those with physical or severe learning disabilities. Greenbank Sports Academy welcomed young people representing teams that play in the Physical Disability and those that play in the Severe Learning Disability League to the second of three fixture dates of the 2015/16 tournament. At the close of play Sandfield A topped the PD League with 22 points.

in the British press. He has attempted to live without alcohol on numerous occasions, though rehabilitation programmes have provided only temporary relief for him. Coming off the back of Paul’s recent hit documentary film, Gascoigne, fans have the chance to hear the full story of Gazza’s life at his live show on Thursday February 25. Josh Rowe added: “Fans will give Gazza the warmest of Liverpool welcomes and that after being hounded by the media both he and his fans will relish a chance to get the unadulterated truth from the man himself.”  For details of tickets and times, please visit The Epstein Theatre online.

A local comedian swapped punch lines for punches on Sunday in an ongoing campaign to raise over half a million pounds for a child with life threatening cancer. Adam Rowe, 24, from West Derby, was one of 20 comedians taking part in an event for Punch Drunk Comedy which saw comics from all over the country box each other to help raise £555,000 for cancer stricken three-yearold, Kian Musgrove. Adam said: “This kid deserves to have his life saved. He's so brave and does nothing but smile and be grateful for all the help he's getting. He just needs a little bit more. “He is the bravest and most inspirational little kid, no, most inspirational person, I have ever met in my life.” Kian, who is from Newcastle,

Liverpool

LifeSPORTS

MPs BACK FANS IN LFC TICKET ROW Wednesday 10th February 2016

By SAM DAVIES

A SOUTHPORT MP has urged Parliament to support the Liverpool fans’ protest at the proposed ticket price increase by tabling an Early Day Motion. John Pugh has already been joined by Walton MP, Steve Rotherham and Wirral South representative, Alison McGovern in support of the motion and is expected others to follow suit. The Early Day Motion will seek to have the matter debated in the Commons. Liverpool Football Club released the ticket price structure for the 2016/17 season pricing some matchday tickets as high as £77 and some season tickets at over £1,000. The proposals caused uproar among the supporters, and resulted in a mass walkout in the 77th minute of their 2-2 draw against Sunderland. It is believed over 10,000 people, including Liverpool legend and season ticket holder, Jamie Carragher, took part in the protest. Gareth Roberts, editor of Liverpool fansite, The Anfield Wrap, attended Saturday’s

clash with Sunderland and was among those who left early. He told Liverpool Life: “I left on 77 minutes myself and nobody knew how it was going to turn out, but I thought it was brilliant. I actually felt quite emotional at the time, seeing everyone get up and do it. “From the start, I thought it was a good idea, but at the back of my mind I had this feeling it could just turn into a huge argument between people who wanted to go and people who wanted to stay. And as it was, such a huge number got up and left that it’s made a massive statement. You can see the reaction from the media, it seems it has all fell down on the side of the fans. “It feels like the battle is won in many respects and now it’s just a case of our club and others, and the Premier League, all reacting to that and being fair about ticket prices. “There isn’t a good argument to keep putting them up. Saying it’s a business isn’t a good argument, because football is much more than that to the people who go every week. They live and breathe it, they

have done all their lives, it’s a habit and the clubs know that and that’s what the problem is. The fans feel that their loyalty is being exploited and that’s why they’re angry.” In response, Liverpool announced an urgent review of the ticket price structure and cancelled a live Q&A with Ian Ayre, Liverpool’s Chief Execu-

tive at the centre of the controversy, scheduled for Monday. In a statement announcing the Early Day Motion, the Southport Liberal Democrat, John Pugh said: “Football clubs like Liverpool should be the life and soul of their community. The increasingly corporate nature of the sport has come at the detriment of sup-

By LEWIS CALVERT

places. “New owners have caused chaos at their clubs but change is needed at the top because we have stagnated and fallen behind other clubs. I’m looking forward to do it and hoping for bigger and brighter times for Everton.” However, his optimism was not shared on social media.

Cage Fight Company offering amateurs £1,000

porters who are being priced out of the game.” Mr Pugh, a Liverpool supporter himself, praised the decision to try and increase the number of young, local fans into Anfield, but overall the action of Fenway Sports Group, the owners of Liverpool, will only further price out most fans from attending the games.

Blues takeover bid meets mixed reception TAKEOVER talks loom largely over Goodison Park today with Everton fans seemingly cautious over a potential £200m purchase by American investors John Jay Moores and Charles Noell. Sixteen years after Blue chairman Bill Kenwright ‘promised to find investment’ this appears to be the final act for the West End theatre producer. The group, led by former San Diego Padres owner Moores and fellow entrepreneur Noell were reportedly interested in investing in Swansea and the pair have spent six weeks conducting a process of due diligence. Lifelong Evertonian, Jonny Lennon told Liverpool Life: “I think to progress we need serious investment in a new stadium or a redevelopment of Goodison Park. If these guys can do that and invest in building our squad while holding onto our best players we can go

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORT NEWS

Brian Sinnott tweeted: “After all the ‘Kenwright out’ years, the Devil is at the door and people don’t want it. This is the new football unfortunately, owners want profit.” And James Gerrard tweeted: “This Everton takeover could be the worst thing they've ever done. Beware of the Yankees. Ask Aston Villa how it's going.”

It is believed two China-based groups also remain interested in buying Everton and in October 2015, City of London sources revealed to BBC Sport that American investors, some with links to Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City, were exploring the purchase of the club. Sentiments of the current

takeover talk air on the side of caution. Dave Clark said on Everton forum “Toffee Web”: “I'm so scared of this takeover. The Yanks have no clue about football and all they want is a huge return on their investment. I actually have no problem with that, but are the rest of you ready for it? “Buy Everton for £200m, sell John Stones, Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley for £150m and they get a bargain. Yes, it really is that easy and we the fans could do nothing about it. Be careful what you wish for.” Whilst others claimed it was too little too late. Stephen Scofield said: “I’ve been looking forward to a takeover for years. But I feel, with the money from Sky next year, and Financial Fair Play is it actually worth it anymore? I fear we have missed the boat.” Everton fans have held their breath until they’re blue in the face over and they will have to hold on a little while longer, whatever the outcome may be.

Local funnyman raises money for cancer fighter

Russian world champ holds Wirral workshop