Liverpool Life 9:10 February 10 2021

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Liverpool Life

February 10 2021

THIS WEEK

ARTS

LIFESTYLE FROM THE HEART OF THE CITY

Dine at home this Valentine’s Day

FIVE WAYS TO WELLBEING IN LOCKDOWN

ON THE LOOKOUT FOR LOCAL MUSIC

WIRRAL WOMBLES: THE LITTER LIFESAVERS > Why residents are tidying up during lockdown

> Sweet treats for Valentine’s Day: 10-11

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CONTENTS THIS WEEK

4&5 Wirral Wombles tidy up

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6&7 Eco-friendly homes on the way 8&9 The new health crisis 10

LIFE

10&11 It’s Valentine’s Day 12 One way only at West Kirby 13 High Street woes 15

14 Liverpool Opinion 15 The Year of the Ox arrives 16&17 Profile - sports journalist, Anna Kessel

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ARTS

18&19 Liverpool musicians to watch This edition of Liverpool Life is brought to you with love - just in time for Valentine’s Day! Our reporters have once again brought together the best Merseyside content, despite the continuing lockdown restrictions.

This week features a whole host of stories, including the development of a new eco-friendly building, and we talk mental health - how this third lockdown is affecting people, and

Love is in the air.... a new digital service for those who need support.

We’re also getting prepared for the annual holiday of love! Whether you need Valentine’s gift ideas for your loved one, are curious on how to bring the restaurant experience to your home, or communicating and meeting new people during the pan-

demic, we’ve got you covered.

Shannon Garner speaks to Anna Kessell, the first women’s Sports Editor for the Daily Telegraph, about her career and new job role, and we conclude by recommending some up and coming Liverpool-based bands to keep your eye on.

Sarah Taylor, Production Team

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Wombles tidying up the Wirral

By GIOIA DALOSSO HEMNELL

Lindsey Whitley litter picking at Leasowe Whitehouse

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© Liverpool Life

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nvironmentally-aware residents in Wirral have made it their mission to keep the peninsula tidy.

More than 700 volunteers from all over Wirral have given their daily exercise during lockdown solely to the purpose of litter picking.

The Wirral Wombles is the brainchild of teaching assistant Andrea Cutts and NHS biochemist Lindsey Whitley.

The sisters, from Wirral, had been picking litter for a number of years already but during the start of the 2021 lockdown they decided that they would like to get others involved.

Andrea, 56, from West Kirby, said: “On January 15, Lindsey’s birthday, we met socially-distanced at Leasowe nature reserve where we know there is a kingfisher. Out of our frustration over the amount of litter we found, came the idea to maybe establish some sort of group.”

The group Wirral Wombles was set up and within a few short weeks already boasted hundreds of members

posting daily about their litter picking adventures along with cheerful photos to encourage others to do the same.

She said: “We have been delighted to discover there are so many like-minded people who care passionately about keeping our lovely peninsula in a good state. The group consists of a mix people who were already litter picking in their local areas, and many people who have been inspired to start by other group members.”

Lindsey, 51, from Greasby, added: “One of the best things is the positivity and encouragement shared within the group.

“Although the litter problem is a big one, we feel very optimistic that a real difference is being made and will only continue to get better.”

The group enjoys hearing from individuals and families, but hopes that in the future, when it is safe and legal to do so,it will be able organise groups of Wirral Wombles to tackle problem areas.

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Banjo the dog out on a

litter pick © Faith Victoria Gadsdon

We feel very optimistic a real difference is being made

at Leasowe Hollie Gregory litter picking sey Whitley Lind © Lighthouse

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Lindsey Whitley & Andrea Cutts – Wirral Wombles Founders litter picking at Benty Farm © Liverpool Life

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The developers who are revolutionising the way we live...

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Eco-friendly living

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As the development looks today

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By WESLEY POWELL major £40m building development is underway in the city centre, with hopes of becoming the most eco-friendly place to live in Liverpool.

Building work for ‘ELEMENT The Quarter’ is taking place along Low Hill, opposite the Royal University Hospital.

The firm behind the project, RW Invest, have promised to plant 100 trees for each of the 450 energy-efficient apartments that are sold. Working alongside non-profit environmental group One Tree Planted, their aim is to plant a total of 45,000 trees in the Amazon rainforest, in the fight against deforestation and climate change.

Julian Ramsden, Director of RW Invest, said: “There’s never been a bigger need for eco-conscious properties. It’s no secret that humans need to do more to help heal our planet, and properties like this will go a long way in doing that.

“You only have to check the news to realise the importance of society becoming more sustainable. This was an important step in our thinking.

Sustainability is key for us, which

is why we’re using some fantastic technology to help us achieve these goals.”

Previous plans for developments on the site collapsed last February, after the managing firm went into administration. Instead of continuing

new solar panels, energy-saving LED lighting, a rainwater recycling system, and many other innovative designs.

The building will also have a system to detect empty rooms, and switch off or adjust energy consumption to prevent waste. The company believes this will promote sustainability and keep running costs low.

The ambitious project is set to become they city’s first major eco-friendly residential development, in a move towards making environmentally sustainable living more commonplace in a modern-day Liverpool. The developers aim to complete the project in full by the summer of 2023, and “provide quality new homes and regenerate a key area on one of the key gateways into the city.”

Depending upon the success of the project, the company may look to branch out further with similar plans across the country.

Mr Ramsden added: “While this is the first eco-development of its kind in the North West, we hope to bring more properties like this to the market in the future, working closely with the developer, Nexus Residential who pioneered the concept.”

‘We want the ELEMENT brand to be a beacon of hope for the future of sustainability alongside the new co-living approach’

the project as it was, however, the new company chose to shift the focus onto environmentally-friendly living.

The new apartments, which will vary in size, will foster ‘low-carbon smart technologies’, including brand

How the finished project will look

© RWInvest

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Remember to mental health SHANNON GARNER talks to Liverpool charity Imagine Independence about finding support during lockdown and how to take care of ourselves

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National Lottery Community Fund, allows Liverpool residents to access mental health support during COVID-19 for free. It aims to enable more people to strengthen their mental wellbeing and build confidence as well as helping to prepare them for future challenges.

Miss Mason added: “Commencing in October 2020, the service has had to adapt as restrictions have not yet eased to a point where we can deliver our service in the community.

“Our support has primarily consisted of supporting people to become digitally included so that they can access the support, facilities and everything else that the online world has to offer.

“Our project facilitators have enabled people who had so far been excluded from online contact and support to learn how to use WhatsApp, Zoom, access other support, join learning sessions, make new friends, gain confidence and feel that they are no longer alone in this.”

1. Connect - Feeling close to, and valued by, other people can help

us all to feel more positive in our lives and is a key step in promoting wellbeing, especially during the pandemic when we can’t see people as we usually would. Whilst meeting in person isn’t possible, you could try a virtual get together on video call or Zoom.

2. Be Active - Physical activity can help lower depression and anxiety across all age groups. Although gyms, sport centers and team sport’s aren’t possible right now, you can still have an hour of exercise. Go for a walk, run, cycle, try a home workout or yoga session!

3. Keep Learning - Learning something new gives us a sense of achievement and boosts our confidence, and it can be fun. Try rediscovering an old interest, learning to play a music instrument, reading or setting a new challenge like learning a language.

4. Give - Evidence shows that people who have a greater interest in

helping others feel happier and more fulfilled. It could be as little as smiling at a stranger or you could set up a regular donation to a charity, give food to your local food banks etc.

5. Take Notice - Being aware directly improves your wellbeing

and enhances your self-understanding. Take some time to enjoy the moment and the world around you.

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iss Mason also reminded those who want to seek help but are afraid of reaching out and asking that they aren’t on their own.

She said: “We anticipate that there are many more people who would benefit from reaching out to us but feel unable to do so. It’s really important to realise that help is out there, please don’t be afraid to ask. You definitely aren’t on your own.”

“None of us have been through such a time as this before, it’s new to us all and we’re all working our way through the best we can.”

As a way of protecting your mental health soring lockdown Imagine Independence suggests ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’, which are also recommended by the NHS (see right).

Picture ©Mike Williams @anfieldspy

or more than a year now the key health focus has been the continued battle against coronavirus. Yet there is another dangerous - and possibly longer-lasting - health crisis developing: the deterioration of people’s mental health.

Even though the amount of people seeking medical care and contacting general practices has fallen dramatically, cases in worsening mental health have risen. During lockdown, people have been advised to “stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives” and many are finding it harder and harder to remain positive.

In a recent survey by Ipsos MORI, six in ten Britons admitted to this in both their day-to-day life and in the long-term. Imagine Independence, a Liverpool-based charity which supports people experiencing any type of life challenges, spoke about the toll lockdown has taken on people’s mental health.

Kim Mason is the project manager for the charity’s new scheme Build Up Stronger (BUS),which enables people in Liverpool to find support for mental health issues. It tackles digital exclusion and helps people to develop the skills they need to be able to access support and advice online.

She told Liverpool Life: “We became aware very quickly at the beginning of the pandemic of the effect upon people’s mental health and wellbeing.

“Fear, anxiety and isolation due to lack of face-to-face contact were having a significant impact on people’s mental health.

“In order to tackle the isolation people were experiencing, we created a model called Build Up Stronger with he aim being to support people whose mental health had been The pilot scheme, funded by the

Five ways to wellbeing

Sefton Park in South Liverpool is just one of the local beauty spots Merseyside has to enjoy whilst exercising.

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look after your in lockdown...

GIOIA DALOSSO HEMNELL speaks to Phil Bridges, founder of The Mind Map, about their ‘one stop shop’ method to help people cope during difficult times

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The Mind Map’s founder Phil, second left with counsellors Tess, Charlotte and Alan delivering therapy online. Clients can choose a qualified counsellor by location, gender and specialism. We have sessions people can purchase, plus we are providing free counselling to healthcare workers and unemployed people in Liverpool’s L8 area.”

Figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest that twice as many adults in Britain are reporting symptoms of depression in the last year in comparison to the previous 12 months.

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mita Melling, a counselling psychologist at The Mind Map, has been practicing for seventeen years and sees the pandemic as a serious threat to people’s mental health.

She said: “Unfortunately, anxiety has been through the roof since March. It’s like peeling an onion, you start with pandemic-induced anxiety - exacerbated by working from home and loneliness - and often find deeper-lying issues, such as thinking errors.”

Smita said: “It can take an awful lot

for a client to seek help and if they have to wait, it adds insult to injury.

The Mind Map bridges the gap between counsellor and client, allowing them to find help immediately.

“I decided to join The Mind Map as being paired with clients means I get to concentrate on delivery, as opposed to the business side - an achilles heel for many counsellors.”

The Mind Map’s new website offers tangible mental health support in a range of ways.

The platform helps normalise mental health through engaging advice and articles from academic experts, writers and public figures.

Browsing the immersive journal section leads you to international musicians and Premier League footballers talking about everything from anxiety to grief and how they have dealt with their respective life challenges and mental health issues.

The work by The Mind Map creates dialogue, reduces stigma and helps put Mental Health front and-centre as an important issue for people in the UK..

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housands of people working from home are being supported by a Liverpool digital service in response to an increase in mental health problems during COVID-19.

The Mind Map has launched the UK’s first ‘one stop shop’ for mental health provision.

Through its innovative and interactive new mental health platform www.themindmap.co.uk, people and organisations have the opportunity to book online counselling, access Mental Health First Aid training, find free mental health services and read expert advice and articles.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected people working from home across the country, with millions making their home an office for the first time.

Some are positioned at kitchen tables and others have ‘made do’ with a laptop on the sofa for months, but more and more of these people are reporting mental health issues caused by isolation and loneliness.

The organisation’s provision is the result of a ground-breaking research project carried out between The Mind Map and leading syndicates Liverpool John Moores University, Imperial College London and the NHS, with ‘mental health’ at the centre of their agenda.

Founder Phil Bridges, a lecturer in Mental Health Innovation and a Mental Health First Aid instructor, said: “Our research uncovered that people don’t feel they have access to the support they need, in a format that is accessible and relevant to their everyday lives. This was certainly the case for me personally when trying to find help for my anxiety and OCD. “With recurring lockdowns restricting people’s ability to receive in-person support, we have recruited 20 associate counsellors experienced in

Unfortunately, anxiety has been through the roof since March

Photo©Lesly Juarez @jblesly

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VALENTIN DINING IN ON THE DAY O Many restaurants have had to adapt to a new way of dining since the outbreak of coronavirus, offering takeaway menus for delivery and collection. This Valentine’s Day, more restaurants than ever are creating menus that can be made at home or ordered. There has already been a great amount of interest in these menus with multiple restaurants already selling out of their offers.

Trattoria 51

Elaine, from Cuthbert’s Bakehouse, said: “During lockdown we continued to develop our love of afternoon tea with our home-baked afternoon tea boxes delivered to customers doors throughout Merseyside and the Wirral.

“Our customers have enjoyed a range of themed afternoon tea menus, with limited menus in 2021 running for Valentine’s Day, Mothering Sunday and

Belzan

Trattoria’s menu offers:

For £70 the menu includes:

Starters: Caciucco alla Livornese, Classic Fish Soup from Tuscany 9.95 Pork Cheeks in creamed Jerusalem Artichokes and Baby Spinach 6.95 Roasted Vegetable Terrine 5.95 Main course: Beef Fillet Wellington with Mushrooms, New Potatoes and Roasted Vegetables 24.95 Atlantic Cod Loin en papillote - Steamed Cod with Asparagus, Carrots, Cappers, Mussels, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, Oregano, Garlic and White Wine 17.95 Lobster Thermidor 29.95 Heart Shape Vegetarian Ravioli filled with Spinach and Ricotta served with Butter and Sage 11.95

1 Bottle of red wine Wild Mushroom & Truffle Ravioli.

Smoked Onion Broth.

Glazed Beef Short Rib, Boulangere Potatoes & Bordelaise Sauce.

Dark Chocolate & Passionfruit Tart.

Roast White Chocolate & Hibiscus Fudge.

Dessert

Easter. It’s been so lovely to run this service to b our love of baking to our customers to enjoy, an forward to welcoming them back to the Bakeho soon.”

Liverpool Life have sought out five restaurant are offering a Valentines menu that can be orde recreated for that special someone. Bon appetit!

Words by ANNISHA MARAJ

Lu Ban

Lu Ban are offering a banquet for one and a couple: One £30 For Two £85 Lu Ban Drappier Champagne.

Siu Mai – 10 siu mai pork dumplings with red dragon dipping sauce and dumpling sauce.

Roast Duck and Pancakes – cherry wood roasted duck leg with orange, plum and hoi sin sauce, cucumber, pancakes, green onion and Lu Ban spice.

Jiang Beef – melt in your mouth slow braised feather blade of beef in an aromatic Jiang sauce. (We will include rice to go with this dish. The rice will require cooking).

The Valentines Banquet box for 1 includes: Siu Mai – siu mai pork dumplings with red dragon dipping sauce and dumpling sauce.

Yin & Yang Hot & Sour Soup – a delicious, traditional hot and sour baby vegetable soup with a kick.

Roasted Pork Belly – slow roasted crisp pork belly with sweet and sour sauce. Rice included with this dish – the rice will require cooking.

Special Valentine Dessert Platter for 2 to Share 12.95

2021 Valentine’s 1. Item printed with someone’s face on it These gifts are all the rage at the moment, so why not buy your valentine a pillow, pair of socks, underwear, mug or a t-shirt with your face on it, you never know it could be the perfect way to have a laugh at your expense.

2. Name a star after them Whether your fascinated by space or just find the whole idea cute, naming a star is a great way to show someone you care about them. With many retailers providing an app alongside the star you buy so that you can have a startastic stargazing session.

3.Make a scrapbook This could be your chance to get super creative this Valentine’s with the chance to make your loved one a scrapbook, it could include pictures and notes of all your favourite memories. It could even have a theme, such as featuring all your funny memories together.

4. Hamper of all their favourite things Making or buying a hamper filled with all of your Valentine’s favourite things is a great way to personalise a Valentine’s gift. This year M&S are doing a breakfast in bed hamper filled with lots of heart shaped goodies delivered straight to your door.

NE’S DAY SPECIAL...

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ROMANCE The Art School

Cuthberts Bakery

All change in dating game

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For £25 p/p and the option of a mini or full size prosecco, the menu includes: Meat EaterShredded barbeque Korean chicken, cucumber & sesame.

Rib of Beef, parmesan, rocket & horseradish cream.

Smoked Salmon, horseradish cream, caviar pearls egg & watercress.

VegetarianKorean barbeque jackfruit, cucumber & sesame. Brie & apple jelly, onion bhaji, mango mayo, pomegranate pearls brioche. Egg & watercress.

Scones & PreservesVanilla scented scones with clotted cream and strawberry pink gin jam.

SweetsDouble chocolate fondant brownie Red velvet cannoli Rhubarb & Lemongrass whip love heart Chocolate dipped strawberry.

Amuse BoucheNative lobster cocktail with lime & mango salsa and reduced fresh lobster bisque served with Art School breads & Wirral single-herd raw milk butter Starter: Twice baked soufflé of natural smoked haddock “Suissesse” with a sauce of creamed leeks & keta caviar Main: Baked fillet of Peterhead halibut with Morecambe Bay crab & parsley crust, pommes violette, chanterelles, cavolo nero & romanesco in a herb butter, cauliflower puree and a green grape & Dijon verjus cream sauce Dessert- A Valentine’s entremet of Valrhona white and dark chocolate with new season confit rhubarb, champagne jelly, finished with strawberries and gold leaf.

Gift Guide 5.Make a bouquet With flower bouquets being so 2020 (and the fact we’re trying to move forward from that year…), people are sick of the unpractical and ridiculous gifts we consider to be normal. People have become quite inventive and started to find humour in Valentine’s day gifts, such as with the chicken nugget bouquet. Why not make or buy your own funny or bespoke bouquet this year?

Words: ROMY WILSON

he impact of coronavirus has led us to discovering and developing lots of new ways of living - and one aspect of our lives that has been affected by the pandemic is our dating life, writes OLIVIA HOUGHTON. No longer can we make small talk with a stranger at the bus stop, or flirt with a fellow partygoer in a club. Has the lack of face-to-face exposure worsened our dating life?

Tinder has been downloaded more than 340 million times since its launch in 2012. Charly Lester, dating expert for The Inner Circle platform, said there has been a surge in using the dating app: “Matches have risen by 15% and the number of messages sent is up by 10%”.

It is clear singles are still willing and wanting to get to know new people, despite Covid. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there are lots of people eager to delve into the online world and explore the festivity.

Beth Veevers, 20, a student in Liverpool, explained her struggles when trying to meet and date new people during the pandemic.

She said: “Meeting new people in the current climate has been hard. Normal ways of meeting people out and about and relaxed have gone.

It’s much harder to approach someone online than in person as you have no context of the situation or any idea about the body language towards you.”

Dating can be seen as an awkward and tricky time, even in normal circumstances. Plucking up the courage to speak to someone is not always easy for some.

“I struggle to speak to someone at first anyway in normal times. I am finding conversation with anyone I don’t already know limited and uncomfortable. There are only a select few friends of mine who enjoy chatting to people online, they say it is straight to the point,” said Beth.

The way we date is evidently changing and Covid is proving that no matter whether in person or online, dating might always be awkward!

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Walk this way...

JAYKE BROPHY investigates another ‘new normal’ – a one-way system at West Kirby Marine Lake

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council’s move. One Twitter user said it was, “A belated but sensible move” from Wirral Council, which has installed signage along the walkway to ensure users know and follow the route.

Another Twitter user believes the move to be overdue, saying: “To be fair, I hoped it would have been changed to one way years ago.”

The walkway was initially closed during last year’s first lockdown, but due to there being more provisions allowing outdoor exercise this winter, the narrow walkway has been able to remain open.

Originally built in 1899, the 3.4km route has always been a popular place for walkers due to its views of the Welsh Hills and its location. The Marine Lake itself houses the Wirral Sailing School who use the manmade saltwater lake for watersports such as canoeing, sailing and windsurfing.

The lake was subject to a £750,000 renovation project in 2013 in order to repair the by-then century old outer walls. Since then, it has become one of West Kirby’s top rated tourist attractions according to TripAdvisor.

Wirral Council has said that it is trialing the new system for six weeks to test how effective it can be, with the hope being that then it can be used to ensure the safety of walkers for the remainder of the pandemic.

Footprint, photo: George Evans, Unsplashed

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deccision to enforce a ‘one-way system’ at a popular Wirral walking beauty spot has divided residents.

Starting this week, the West Kirby Marine Lake walkway will opt to use new one-way, anti-clockwise, system in order to help with social distancing for walkers getting their daily exercise. Wirral Council was behind the decision to implement this system.

Increased use of the path during lockdown has made the measures necessary to ensure the safety of everyone using the path and the new system will ensure that the path can remain open throughout the remainder of lockdown. But the temporary measure has proved to be divisive.

For many, the new system has caused annoyance which has been expressed on social media.

The decision was described by one user on Twitter as a “Load of nonsense. Now everyone has to go to one end to start their walk. Hope they don’t end up close to each other!”

Others have brought up concerns over how the system will be enforced.

A Facebook user said: “People will still walk the other way round if (it is) one way. Even when the path was fenced off people climbed over or knocked it down.”

Another comment on the Wirral Council’s Facebook page questioned the purpose of the new system, by saying: “People will still pass each other when over taking the elderly or a child so I don’t see the point in a one-way system as it changes nothing in regards to social distance.”

However, some residents have been suggesting the idea over the past few months and therefore there has also been some positive reception to the

don’t see the “Ipoint in a oneway system as it changes nothing in regards to social distance

West Kirby Marine Lake

© Nicola Milburn

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Photo © Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Lockdown low for the High Street LOLA ROBERTS shares her experience of redundancy during the COVID-19 pandemic

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hen I received a text this week telling me that I had been made redundant I couldn’t

believe it.

I work for a concession stand inside Topshop on Church Street in Liverpool, so never in one million years did I expect it to close.

I first found out ASOS had bought Topshop on their social media page.

I found this really insensitive and it angered me as I had lots of friends that worked in Topshop who were worried about their jobs.

That worry and anger is happening across the country as retail workers find out they no longer have a job to go to as our High Streets and shopping habits change forever.

I was completely naïve about the situation, I thought as I worked on a concession stand in the store that my job was safe and if the building was to be taken over I could carry

on work as normal but when it was announced ASOS would only be purchasing the brand I started to worry.

My bosses were unable to keep me updated as Topshop was not updating them on the situation, after two days I received a text to let me know that me and my team were going to be made redundant I am devastated to know I will never work with my team again and even if the shop eventually one day re-opens each of us may have had to get a different job by then.

Even though I have processed the fact I have been made redundant the situation concerns me for any future job I may have, if a high street giant such as Topshop can shut down then is there any job security at all?

The majority of my team are only trained in hair and beauty so are having to rethink their whole career choices as that is another industry that is collapsing.

While it is really upsetting for me,

I have no bills, I am a student and I have no children, other people are not that lucky and losing their job so suddenly would be a lot worse.

We are fast approaching the oneyear anniversary of lockdown.

One whole year of 75% of the population ordered to stay at home. With footfall down to a minimum, our High Street has reached crisis point.

It was not long ago we cheered “Goodbye” to 2020 under the sweet illusion that coronavirus would vanish as the clock struck 12.

Five weeks later, the COVID death toll is at its highest, the UK is in lockdown 3.0 and more businesses enter administration. Already this year two retail giants have shut their doors for the final time.

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he ASOS announcement on social media last week, that they have purchased Topshop and Topman for £265m, followed Debenhams’ announcement that they had been bought out by online brand Boohoo for £55m.

Both ASOS and Boohoo operate online and have only purchased the digital rights to the brands, leaving two huge Liverpool stores empty.

A 2019 report by retail economics estimates that online shopping will dominate by 2028.

This report was published prior to the pandemic and before coronavirus acted as a catalyst in the shift towards online shopping.

Sophie Picton has run her online clothing business “Changing Seasons” since 2016 and in that time the

Instagram account has accumulated almost 60k followers.

The 26-year-old, from Liverpool, told me: “I hated the idea of working for somebody else and I love fashion so I decided to start my own clothing line.”

For Sophie, online fashion shopping was the key to help her turn her dreams into reality. She is part of a growing trend of small independent retailers who use social media to promote their brands and avoid the expense of investing in retail facilities.

“I don’t think having a shop is profitable because of rent and bills.

With online trading there aren’t as many outgoings.”

Sophie added: “Running an online business is more money and time efficient. Online is quicker, easier and you get the items delivered to your door.”

Online businesses are perfectly poised to benefit from this shift in consumer behaviour, a shift which has been markedly accelerated by the effects of COVID, but had already begun before the pandemic arrived.

Liverpool, like many other cities is feeling the effects. Dozens of big names, including Bon marché; the Arcadia Group; Bensons; Go Outdoors; Victoria Secret and Quiz, have disappeared. Will they ever return?

Sophie added: “One day retail will definitely solely operate on an online basis. I don’t think High Street brands keep up to date with the latest fashion trends anymore. There is a wider variety of clothing online than in shops these days.”

LOLA ROBERTS and her former team Sophie Picton 13

LL LIFE

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n the mid 18th century Liverpool was a major slaving port; its ships and merchants dominated the transatlantic slave trade and much of the city’s wealth was built upon the profits garnered from this horrific time in human history.

So encompassing was Liverpool’s part in the trade that one in five captive Africans crossing the Atlantic Ocean was carried in a Liverpudlian ship. The city also contained over 100 more operational slave vessels than in London and more than thrice the amount in Bristol.

Fast forward 200 years and Liverpool is no longer the financial behemoth it once was, as London has continued to forge ahead as the epicentre of modern commerce in the country, Liverpool has downscaled and become less flush with cash.

However, many remnants of the exNorthern powerhouse remain; ‘Penny Lane’ - the street made a household name by the Beatles - was named after the slave trader James Penny, who was vocal in his opposition to abolition.

Rodney Street is named after Admiral George Rodney, a prominent supporter of slave ownership in the city and in 1999, Liverpool City Council debated a motion to recognise the city’s involvement in the slave trade in a town hall that contained images of African slaves moulded into the plasterwork.

Last year the unlawful killing of George Floyd in the US sparked worldwide protests and prompted a discussion on how we view historical figures involved in the slave trade

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‘Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it’ Liverpool and the nation’s Opinion colonial past, particularly those immortalised transatlantic in bronze. slave trade; Many believe if we open that the buildings more and statues built people’s eyes are done so to to the horrors of

By HENRY BROWN celebrate those events who committed past, they will despicable acts Whilst appreciate more I am sympathetic to greatly the gravity this argument and agree of modern-day with the connotation inequalities that that when commissioning unfortunately plague statues of historical figures our society. we are doing so as a way of Without the named celebrating a positive impact streets, buildings and that they have had on society, statues in Liverpool I I believe that we should not would not have researched erase our history. and realised the extent of Before Churchill made it his the part the city played in the own, George Santayana said: sale of slaves. I would not have “those who cannot remember the understood the magnitude and past are doomed to repeat it.” horror and felt compelled to visit I believe that Liverpool the International Slavery Museum should continue its efforts to be to learn more. transparent about its role in the

If we sweep matters under the rug and pretend they never happened, then we are failing to recognise our own historical shortcomings.

The city has already taken some steps to confront its past, formally apologising for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade at the turn of the century and in 2007, the aforementioned International Slavery Museum was opened. Whilst these were great first steps, there is no denying that the city could take further action.

Ex-Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson apologised last year to minority communities, stating that the council ‘has not done anywhere near the amount or the things it should have done.’

The council also unveiled plans to introduce plaques on streets to explain their history and names. This would be a welcome move and could help prompt others who otherwise would not have been aware, to educate themselves.

Liverpool is a city that leads others culturally; it took on the most Irish migrants during the Great Irish Famine and the range of the communities that form Liverpool today are a beacon to other areas that diversity should be celebrated. It is time for Liverpool to once again lead the national discourse and position itself on the correct side of history.

Chiefly, we should accept that the past is deeply flawed, but that we cannot change the mistakes of those before us, we must instead learn from them, so as not to repeat them.

Photographs © Unsplash

Confronting the past is the best way to learn from it

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It’s the Year of the Ox

By CHLOE O’CONNOR

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or the first time Chinese New Year will not be lighting up the streets of Liverpool with its flamboyant parades and vibrant culture.

The Year of the Ox will be quiet compared with former years. The celebration marks the beginning of the traditional Chinese calendar and usually involves reuniting families, but this year won’t be like any other.

There will be no dragon dancing or lantern lighting under the archway leading to Europe’s oldest Chinese community, but there are still opportunities for families to unite in their bubbles or over Zoom.

Mother-of-three, Shirley Keane, 51 said: “We celebrate every year. It breaks my heart knowing we all can’t meet up like we usually do. This time of year, we are supposed to see those we never have time to see.

“We need that more than ever now. It has been nearly a year and it

is devastating. I have to call up my family online and light our lanterns together virtually.

“It just feels so surreal.”

China Spirit UK is hosting an online event this Friday at 4:30pm, welcoming all ages.

The event will host traditional Chinese lion dances, a message from the Mayor of Wirral along with many other innovative and creative activities.

The group is founded by 6th Duan Chinese Martial Arts Master Xingbo Liu, who trained in the Shaolin Temple in Henan, China, and his wife.

Liverpool decided last year to carry on with the celebrations despite growing concerns over the coronavirus.

The city welcomed the Year of the Rat unaware of what it had to offer.

People were not socially distancing, no one wore masks and parades and celebrations carried on as usual. The

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past year has shown the possible dangers of this, as other cities and towns across the country, for example Cambridge, cancelled their plans to keep people safe.

Unfortunately, nowhere across the UK will be celebrating their normal Spring Festival this year.

Tradition says the Year of the Ox will bring prosperity, success in business and career advancement. It’s also said to signify wellness for all signs

Decorations at Liverpool One

” Celebrations, left and top.

Pictures ©Unsplash.com

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LL LIFE

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LL LIFE

SPORTING REVOLUTION?

GAME CHANGER The first Women’s Sport editor on a UK daily newspaper talks to SHANNON GARNER about her new role and why the future of female sport is so exciting

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portswriter and journalist Anna Kessel has landed the role of Women’s Sports Editor for The Daily Telegraph - a title that has never existed on any newspaper before.

Gender equality in sport has always been a controversial topic and even though it has come a long way, it still hasn’t come far enough.

Commenting on her new title, Anna said: “I think when I first saw the job advert, I nearly fell off my chair because I couldn’t believe someone was going to take such a bold step, not only to create my role but also a whole department.

“When I joined, I called it a revolution but it does feel like a revolution, just because it isn’t happening anywhere else and it is helping to drive change. I feel really privileged to be part of it.

“I felt like I had been given this amazing present, not just for myself but a present that was about to really change the status quo of the industry.

“And not just the media industry but potentially the lives of sports women and anyone who wanted to be involved in women’s sport.”

With women’s sport being covered on such a minimal scale in comparison to men’s, Anna also shed light on the sport in general.

She said: “There was always that conversation that maybe women couldn’t be entertaining because they were slower than men and weaker than men so surely they couldn’t be as good to watch.

“A lot changed around that when reports came out in 2013 showing how little women’s sports media coverage there was.”

In a Liverpool Life exclusive survey, which covered the topic of women in the journalism industry, 57% said that they think sports journalism is the most male-dominated, with one person saying that women’s sports only gets around 5% of media coverage.

Prior to her new job, Anna added to those statistics. “The percentage of women’s sport covered in sports pages was around 2% prior to the launch of The Telegraph women’s sport.

“Things have changed really rapidly over the last few years, which is great - but it is appalling that there was such little coverage before this.

“There’s still many milestones and barriers to break but I think that the fact our department exists and that women’s sport has grown so much in profile is really exciting.”

Whilst it is widely acknowledged

that more should be done to promote women’s sports. Sexism and the need for equality is still rife in the competitive industry.

Anna said: “Along the way, there have undoubtedly been difficult experiences that we have gone through. Lots of sexist comments, lots of things that made me feel like I shouldn’t be part of the industry, and structural barriers.

“It’s one thing for people to say you have to have tough skin and get through it. I sort of did feel like I could manage to do that, but when there’s structural barriers you physically can’t get through it, or women finding out they’re paid less than their male counterparts. It’s really hampering.”

She also commented regarding the much needed topic of equality: “If you’re going to call it women’s sport, you should also be calling it men’s sport.”

“I was quite heartened to see on

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The Guardian’s website yesterday that they called it the men’s transfer window, which I have never seen someone do before. That was pretty cool.

“I think that for where we are at the moment in society with women generally still being at a disadvantage and still very far from achieving equality, I think that it is important to still have those markers of something being about women.”

Despite the industry having made ‘amazing advances’ in the recent years, there are still barriers to be pushed through.

Anna told Liverpool Life: “There’s still many milestones and barriers to break but I think that the fact our department exists and that women’s sport has grown so much in profile is really exciting.

“There is still a lot we need to do to support women and anyone who is still underrepresented in the sport media industry.”

Anna Kessel © AnnaKessel. Opposite montage: © Unsplash

If you’re going to call it women’s sport, you should also be calling it men’s sport

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LL ARTS

SOUNDS FRESH LOOKING OUT FOR LIVERPOOL’S LOCAL ARTISTS

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here are a wealth of local acts to be on the lookout for this year.

2021 is well underway, and that means there’s a whole lot of new music coming our way!

We’ve already been treated

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By ALEX USHER to fantastic releases from the likes of Shame & Fredo, and big-name releases from Foo Fighters and Slowthai are just around the corner – but what about the smaller

artists? What names should you be keeping an eye on this year? You don’t have to look any further because we’ve got you sorted - these are the five local acts that you should be on your radar in the coming months.

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Courting Liverpool lads Courting (pictured, facing page) have been making a buzz in the city for a while now.

Having played alongside bands like Sports Team and Feet they’re gradually cementing themselves as one of the most important voices in the Liverpool scene right now.

Their 2021 looks very promising, with the release of their debut EP The Grand National due to drop in April, alongside an appearance at Futurama festival at the Invisible Wind Factory (headlined by no other than Joy Division’s Peter Hook!).

Courting’s most recent single Popshop! is a refreshing take on the modern indie-punk sound, as the Liverpool lads sing about a ‘lads-ontour’ trip to Pontins over raw jangly guitars.

FOR FANS OF: Talking Heads, The Strokes, Parquet Courts, The Libertines, Sports Team

Dead Animals

Nathaniel Reid has slowly been dropping an impressive catalogue on SoundCloud under the Dead Animals name, dipping his toe in a range of genres over the years, from punk, to pop, to soul, to electronic.

His 2020 Taxi Driver EP brought us a brooding edge that we had only seen glimpses of in single Cut Off The Head earlier that year.

The EP delves into the character of the films protagonist Travis Bickle,

DEAD ANIMALS is on the rise after his track “Travis” from his 2020 Taxi Driver EP racked up 31,000 listens on Soundcloud. with American Hero being a highlight; an abrasive tune with a rager of a chorus that begs to be heard live.

Dead Animals has dark catalogue that promises excellence in the years to come.

FOR FANS OF: Idles, Slowthai, Nine Inch Nails

Samurai Kip Imagine bright, jazzy chords over luscious melodies that transports you to a dark-lit jazz bar; that’s pretty much Samurai Kip. The coarse vocals cut through the polished instrumentals to provide a

gritty edge to their dreamy sound, and the addition of horns to the band gives them a unique sound within the city that’s remnant of the end of a warm summer’s day, especially on new single I Reflect.

Daybreak is Samurai Kip at their best though, as they combine their indie-jazz sound with elements of big band and psychedelia, with some sections feeling evocative of early Pink Floyd. Samurai Kip are one of a kind and are providing the Liverpool scene with an exciting new sound that also feels strangely familiar.

FOR FANS OF: King Krule, Palace, Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, Monks, Pink Floyd

ABI ROSE KELLY is one to watch this year after releasing her new single “Kill The Waitress” at the start of this month

Abi Rose Kelly

Stone Loud, scouse bangers - the sort you’ll blare from your speakers at 3am after one too many.

The band formally known as The Bohos transformed themselves in 2019 to a louder, new-wave sound now going by the name Stone.

Mammoth tracks like Stay Silent are a breath of fresh air for the Liverpool scene, feeling like a fitting summary for

what life has become for twentysomethings constantly disassociating on social media and throughout their day-to-day.

Sell-out crowds at Liverpool Olympia and Invisible Wind Factory are just the start of things to come.

FOR FANS OF: Slaves, Idles, Queens of the Stone Age, Dinosaur Jr., Shame

Abi Rose Kelly (above) has been making a fair bit of noise over the past few years, gigging all over the city with the help of the guys from Softlad Promos.

Her newest single Kill the Waitress takes Abi’s sound down a darker alt-rock route, with the chorus hitting like a punch to the gut.

“Kill the Waitress” is a big change of sound from 2020’s Polaroids & Violence, especially with it’s polished production and the grit in her vocals making her sound better than ever.

The sound is meatier, the guitars are cranked all the way to 11, and the track screams urgency. That’s not to knock the 2020 single though, as it’s still one of the freshest sounds to come out of the city in recent years.

Something tells me that Abi Rose Kelly is only just getting started; keep your ears open.

FOR FANS OF: Nothing but Thieves, Wolf Alice, Snail Mail

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John Lennon Statue by Paul McAuley

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