16 - November - 2016
INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE... NEWS
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Puppies light up the Merseyside Dogs’ fundraiser
LIFEextra
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The bears that are teaching young children yoga
SPORT
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Liverpool FC to create 60 jobs with new store plans
WALTON WALKOUT Prison staff protest against ‘dangerous’ Government cuts Staff at HM Prison Liverpool in Walton walked out yesterday amid rising concerns about health and safety in the jail. Their action was part of a national protest, consisting of around 10,000 prison officers all over the country, and comes after a growing number of what they consider to be alarming incidents that have highlighted the effects of the Government’s cuts to staffing levels in prisons. Speaking outside HM Prison Liverpool yesterday, Terry McCarthy, the chairman of the local Prison Office Association, told Liverpool Life: “Today we’re here in protest
because we simply can’t keep our prisoners safe anymore. “We can’t keep them safe because the Ministry of Justice has cut staffing levels to such an extent where violence is endemic now within the prison service” Only three weeks ago a murder took place in Pentonville prison, also the scene of a recent breakout, and in another incident a serious uprising took place in Bedford prison. Mr McCarthy said these are just a few recent examples of the volatile and dangerous situations occurring in UK jails because of the cuts. Other factors contributing to the epidemic of unrest include a rise in suicides, self-
harm and violence among prisoners. Mr McCarthy said: “This action is going to last all day, it’s a result of negotiations that have been happening for the last week before my National Executive Committee and the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice is refusing to move and offer us any meaningful solutions.” He continued: “The ultimate goal is to create safer prisons and the only way to do that is to increase staffing levels.” Emergency cover is being provided for the time being, however prison chiefs are seeking a High Court injunction to force the protesting officers back to work. The events of yesterday led
Protesting: Staff outside the HMP Liverpool in Walton to several trials being halted including that of Thomas Mair, the man accused of the murder of the Labour MP Jo Cox, and the defendants accused of the murder of Liverpool teenager Lewis Dunne. The Ministry of Justice continue to resolve the issue.
They said in a statement: “We have been engaged in constructive talks with the POA over the last two weeks and have provided a comprehensive response to a range of health and safety concerns. “The government has announced an additional 2,500
© Rebecca Cleverly frontline officers to help reduce violence in prisons. We have well-established contingencies in place to manage prisons and keep the public safe, but we are clear that this constitutes unlawful industrial action, and we will seek remedy in the courts.”
© Amber Roberts
By AMBER ROBERTS
Proud moment for Azrah Toxteth schoolgirl Azrah Ismail has been elected as a Junior Lord Mayor of Liverpool. The Year 5 pupil from Windsor Community Primary School is one of 24 young people across Liverpool who has won the opportunity to shadow the current Lord Mayor, Roz Gladden, in some of her official duties.
Members of each school’s parliament voted in a secret ballot to select who they thought would be the best person for the job. Azrah’s mum, Wajeeha Ismail, 49 (pictured left) said: “I’m really very, very pleased about Azrah and as a mum, working in the same school, it’s a very proud moment. She wants to be a doctor when she’s older and she’s been working hard.” Words and picture by Kerri Fitzpatrick
Life|News|2
Round of a-paws for Ability Puppies Police
Missing: William Perry
By EMMA WHITE
Merseyside Dog Homes hosted a celebratory music night to support the Paws for Ability Puppies programme in Hollies Hall in Halewood. Over a hundred people came along for an evening of music, joy and celebration to credit such a worthy cause, and to thank the staff at Merseyside Dog Homes for all the good work they do. Three special furry guests made an appearance from the charity to say a huge thank you to all the individuals who contributed to their cause, and for making the fundraiser such a bid success. A total of £860 was raised for Mer seyside Dog Homes and
lost dogs. Money from each ticket purchased will help go towards paying for Pablo the rescue puppy’s training to become an assistance dog, in which he will start in a years’ time after his training. On the night Pablo entertained everyone, showing off the new skills he’s been learning at his foster home. Emma Logan, Centre support officer and fundraiser ,said: “Our work is only possible thanks to the great kindness of those who give us donations or remember us in their wills. We are truly grateful to our supporters for their great generosity.” To keep the evening of entertainment, performances from the Halewood Community Choir took place singing
the best hits of the ‘80s along with performances from the Waltones. Emma Logan said: “It is a great opportunity to get the local community together and celebrate this work as we are helping humans as well as dogs through this programme. This is reflected in our third charity objective as we believe dogs have a great therapeutic nature.” Paws for Ability aims to bring people and dogs together for the benefit of the dog, individuals and the community. Working on improving their lives through association with dogs and enriching the lives of adults and children with disabilities by using dogs as therapy and training. This provides in-
creased independence for the adults and children, and assistance to their families. Emma said: “We raise funds for our Paws for Ability Programme which includes our work with Whitechapel, Knowsley Council and Kaleidoscope who all work with our dogs on a weekly basis.”
© Emma White
renew missing appeal
Hello: Pablo meeting Deputy Mayor Cllr Tina Harris. ©Emma White
Tunnel closure causes chaos in Liverpool
By JAMES JONES
Commuters could find out later today whether the Mersey ferries will be reopening after a month of closure. Both tourists and commuters have been left without a service across the Mersey after technical difficulties led to both the famed ferries, the Royal Iris and Snowdrop, being grounded for the last month. Ferry operators Merseytravel stated that they hoped the services would be back up and running by the second week of November. However, the timetable has been shifted with the Snowdrop Dazzle Ferry set to undergo a sea trial today after a main engine service. A decision is set to be made on re-introducing the
Life News Editor Andrew Livingston News Emma White Alistair Baker Hollie Hayes Rosie Steedman Features Editor Damien Horwood
Market’s £3.5m facelift By JAMES JONES
Repairs: Merseyside Tunnel going towards Birkenhead service if the trials are successful, with the ferry undergoing a service to ready her for January’s closure of the Wirral loop line, which will see the train line closed for six months. The Royal Iris came back
Team Bringing you the news every Wednesday
Editor Aaliyah Rugg
Merseyside Police is reappealing for the public’s help in tracing 15-year-old William Perry who has not been seen since Wednesday September 21. He was last seen in Liverpool city centre by St John’s precinct. The teen is described as white, 4ft 5” tall, slim build, with dark brown shaven hair and brown eyes. It is believed he is wearing a blue tracksuit and a grey coat. He is said to frequent Liverpool city centre, Maghull and Tuebrook areas. Anyone with information on William’s whereabouts is asked to call 101, via the Missing People charity on 116 000 or emailing 116000@ missing people.org.uk.
Features Laura Hughes David Purcell Sam Heyhirst Andrew Cook Sports Editor Josh Hodge Sports Poppy Backshall Gabby Walsh
to service just a month ago after an incident on a Manchester Canal Cruise when 69 passengers needed to be rescued. However, it was withdrawn almost immediately afterwards for further repairs.
Image from Google Maps This also follows the disruption over the weekend that was caused due to the Birkenhead tunnel shutting down for four days for maintenance repairs. Merseytravel stated that the repairs were “essential”,
meaning the tunnel was closed from both directions. Merseytravel chose the weekend to carry out the work as it was before the Christmas shopping period, but the closure still left commuters frustrated.
We need our Human Rights BY JOSHUA DOHERTY Teresa May is being urged by bereaved Hillsborough families not to repeal the European Convention on Human Rights. With Britain’s position on the Human Rights Act unclear post-Brexit, many campaigners are concerned that the removal of the Act may only help to protect corrupt police and authorities. The families of the 96 endured a long battle to overturn the original 1991 inquest verdicts of accidental death and say it wouldn’t have been possible without the Convention on Human Rights. The Prime Minister has been
vocally opposed to the European Convention on Human Rights, in favour of a British Bill of Rights but, according to Mandy Vere from Liverpool’s radical and community bookshop, News from Nowhere, the current system is an essential part of maintaining a fair judicial system and called upon the public to fight against any withdrawal of Human Rights. Speaking to Liverpool Life, she said: “I think that there needs to be an appeal system and a recourse for justice so it can be done properly. That’s absolutely essential within our society. “It’s something the public should really be fighting for,
losing the Human Rights Act could affect absolutely anybody within our society. But there’s that much to fight against now, with cuts to essential services and the NHS that it’s easy for issues like this to be swept under the carpet.” Furthermore, many believe this is a typical example that strengthens the case of having a referendum on the terms of Brexit. Mandy Vere told Liverpool Life: “I think it’s something this Government has wanted to do for a long time. “Teresa May was certainly vocal about replacing it with a Bill of Rights for a long time before she became PM.”
St Johns Market is reopening after a radical £6m revamp to the retail centre was completed, which involved upgrades to the Clayton Square centre. The market, which can be dated back to the 1820s, will have a ‘soft opening’ which will allow members of the public to preview it before its official grand reopening on Friday November 25. The £3.5m makeover, which started in July, includes a brand new events space, its first ever welcome desk and also free wi-fi. The purpose-built food court has also gone from 90 stalls to approximately 120, as well as a new seating area capable of holding 200 people. This is the first time since 1971 that St Johns has had a refit, which was then reopened by the Queen.
Birthday trip to Morocco Moroccan restaurant Kasbah are celebrating turning five by giving away a holiday for two to Marrakech.
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Live streaming �irst for unique festival By PAIGE FRESHWATER
Underrepresentation is one of the many challenges facing disabled people in the arts, but DaDaFest, a disabled arts group, has a plan to encourage open talks about disability at their annual festival in the city. Steph Niciu, DaDaFest’s Communications and Live-Streaming Intern, is planning to live-stream nine of the events taking place throughout the two-week festival. With an aim of reaching a wider audience, Steph hopes to encourage people to talk openly about deaf and disabled people in the arts. She told Liverpool Life: “Working as part of an organisation that wants to change the way we view
disability and disability arts has been great. “Everyone I work with is passionate, and we all share the same beliefs about how we want to challenge people’s perceptions of disability and make sure that we continue to represent disabled people and empower them. “While progress is being made, disabled people are still very much underrepresented. “I’m glad that I’m working with an organisation that it constantly trying to challenge this.” Founded in 1984, DaDaFest has played a significant role in the history of deaf and disabled artists in Liverpool, and created a platform for disabled people to showcase their talents. Developed to explore how disability is viewed in a
modern society and challenge the stigmas attached to disability, this year’s theme is entitled Skin Deep. When speaking about the theme of Skin Deep, LJMU graduate Steph said: “It makes you think more deeply about disability and the way it affects our lives. “As a disabled person myself, working at DaDaFest has made me question some of my own beliefs about disability, which has been really interesting.” Marking the 13th festival since its inception, this year’s DaDaFest promises to be the busiest yet with 35 unique events, running from November 17 until December 3. Steph added: “DaDaFest is the most major disability arts festival, but other cities around the UK are hosting smaller events.”
By JOSH DOHERTY
Challenging: Skin:Deep DaDaFest 2016. photo by © Paige Freshwater/JMU Journalism
Bestsellers boost for charity auction By AMELIA ECCLESON-DAVIES A number of best-selling authors have shown their support for a fundraising grandad in a bid to help BBC’s Children in Need campaign. More than 250 books have been donated, signed and personalised with illustrations and sentiments by authors worldwide, and are set to be auctioned online for charity. Among those are number one bestseller Paula Hawkins, author of Girl on the Train. The books are being auctioned online between November 14 and 18, and were showcased at Liverpool Central Library to raise awareness for the charity auction. Last year Paddy Heron, the organiser of the auction, raised £1,162 from only
38 books, so the Liverpool grandad is hoping to smash that total. He told Liverpool Life: “Their involvement is absolutely uplifting; they are the salt of the earth. The help they provide is unbelievable. Not only with their donations, but also via social media.” Author, Caroline Roberts told Liverpool Life: “I thought it was a brilliant idea when Paddy approached me on Twitter. It’s wonderful to support Children in Need which is such a great cause. I hope the auction is a great success.” Heron, 57, originally tried to obtain items from celebrities from across all fields to auction off. However, the response from the authors was so great that he realised that an author auction was a better idea to raise money. The Liverpudlian caught the fundraising bug when
Proud: Paddy and family at the display at Liverpool Central Library on Monday © Paddy Heron Twitter (@FundraiserPaddy) his son Paul and daughterin-law Christina entered and won a competition to ‘Win Your Dream Wedding’. The family managed to raise £23,600 out of a combined total of £38,500 between all five families that took part. He said: “The fundraising was hard work for two weeks, but fun. To raise such an amount was also fulfilling. Paddy continues to fundraise
alongside his regular job as a civil servant, where his work colleagues have set up a fundraising committee which has raised almost £20,000 so far. His efforts can be followed on Twitter at @FundraiserPaddy and on the auction page http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/bbccinauthors auction. The auction will finish at 9pm on Friday.
Bids: Books to be auctioned © Twitter Christina and Paul (@CFKwedding)
Prestigious award for diabetic pensioner By JOSH DOHERTY A Liverpool woman who has lived with diabetes for 60 years was presented with a prestigious award at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital on Monday. Barbara Watkinson, a life-long diabetic, received the Robert Lawrence award for successfully managing her condition as part of a wider presentation to raise
awareness on World Diabetes Day, last Monday. Speaking to Liverpool Life, she said: “I suppose every day over the years I’ve got so used it, it’s not so much of a challenge now. It’s just every day normal life to me. “Initially I didn’t know much about it because I was unconscious for two days and I was only a child, and as a child you accept things and just get
on with it. I had the support of my parents who made sure everything was done in the correct way. I was never made to feel different in that way.” Diabetes UK say 3.5m people have diabetes in this country, with an estimated one million more undiagnosed people living with the disease. Stuart Vaughan, a Volun-
Crime stats fall in city
teer Development Manager for Diabetes UK, told Liverpool Life: “It’s really important to pick up the condition as soon as possible to prevent the complications from developing. “It’s the complications of diabetes that have a really big effect on the NHS, it costs the NHS £10bn per year, so if you can catch people early you can avoid the amputations and the kidney failures that come with diabetes.”
Merseyside Police has seen a significant drop in the number of complaints received compared to last year. Figures released yesterday by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) show that police forces across the country show an average 8% decline on the number of complaints received. Merseyside police have shown a 26% decline on the number of complaints, beaten only by Kent, North Yorkshire and Northumbria. Chair of the IPCC Dame Anne Owers said in a statement: “The number of complaints in total has dropped by 8% since the previous year. “But this masks wide discrepancies, with one force reporting a 44% decrease through to one with a 49% increase. “We know that some forces are seeking to resolve complaints outside the formal system, and this may explain some of the differences. “But we are still finding that in four out of ten cases, forces failed to record a complaint when they should have done. “Our oversight team has been working with some forces to provide guidance, which in some cases has dramatically reduced the number of such appeals, and the number that we uphold.” Dame Anne also called for greater consistency with how complaints are handled across Police Forces. She said: “Within the system, forces can choose whether to deal with a complaint by informal local resolution, or by a formal investigation. They must investigate if the allegation, if proved, could lead to misconduct or disciplinary proceedings.”
Have you got a story for us? Get in touch at: Awareness: World Diabetes Day. © Rebecca Cleverly/ JMU Journalism
liverpoollifenews@ gmail.com
Life|News|4
Mission launches caring appeal By JAMES JONES You can make somebody feel loved this Christmas by helping the homeless and donating items for them this winter. The Charles Thompson Mission is appealing for donations for the homeless around Wirral to help “make our homeless feel loved this Christmas”. The charity is appealing for everyday items such as new clothes - ideally that are waterproof - as well as blankets and toiletries and items for the homeless with dogs who will need warming up this Christmas, including blankets and dog treats. Bernie Frost, the Centre Manager at the Mission in Birkenhead, talked about the importance of donations this Christmas as well as through the winter season. He said: “We want to raise money and get sleeping bags for people and small twoman tents, gloves, things like that that. “We’re always after clothes. At the moment we’re after men’s winter coats. “We’re after second-hand jeans, size 30-34 waist. Second-hand clothes are always good. “We also take in food and either make it into a hot meal or give it away as parcels for folks. “It’s not just for Christmas it’s through the winter time, people are giving us things for Christmas saying there’s some gloves, but we’re open now because it’s getting cold now.” He also said how helping the homeless doesn’t just have to be volunteering, it can be on a personal level as well, which many people have already agreed to do.
Nazi stickers spark outrage across city By JAMES JONES Stickers telling people that they are “entering a Nazi controlled zone” have been put up across part of Liverpool, causing outrage among the locals. The stickers were found around Aigburth which were placed on lampposts, doors and pelican crossing and were put up while many were attending Remembrance Sunday services in the city. Mossley Hill councillor Patrick Hurley said how it was just another example of “a rise in the politics of hate across the country.” The stickers, which had promptly been reported to Merseyside police and city council, were mostly removed due to a turnaround team which was deployed by the council that helps to tackle all racial or hate driven vandalism within a 24-hour
Action: Councillor Patrick Hurley removing sticker period. However since the incident on Sunday there have been more examples of this type of vandalism removed. The stickers also refer to the far-right group “National Action” which states its ultimate aim as a “white
Britain”. The group however has a history with Liverpool, after it was behind a failed march on Liverpool in August 2015 which saw the city and anti-fascists groups rise against them, causing them to become locked in a lost baggage facility in Liverpool
Lime Street. Councillor Hurley also praised the city of Liverpool for its actions both in the march and against the stickers that had appeared. He said: “There’s been a real positive response from people across Liverpool to the news that these Nazis and fascists are trying to stir up hatred. “They tried to do this ridiculous White Man March last year and again earlier this year there was a second attempt, and the people of Liverpool rose up as one and said ‘You’re not doing that in this city’. “I think we can count on the people of Liverpool and the people of this city to say no, we don’t want your politics of hate, we’re going to stay an open tolerant society. “We make sure that people are much more focused on what we’ve got in common than what divides us, and I
think actually that that’s to the credit of just not the people of Liverpool but people across the whole country as well.” He also urged people to take down the stickers and posters themselves, but issued caution for those looking to help remove the vandalism, saying: “I would encourage people to firstly report the issue if they see anything further to Merseyside Police, also to ring the city council hotline which is just the general number for the call centre and thirdly please do take them off yourself but be very careful, there have been reports that some of these stickers might have sharp blades put under them. “Colleagues of mine have said that during previous spikes in racially-based hate crime people have been putting stickers up with razor blades sticking out of them at the bottom and at the side.”
When there is a light that never goes out
By NICOLE QUINN
When we think of Christmas, a lot of people will see it as a time to spend with loved ones. For some that isn’t the reality. Some, unfortunately, can’t see their family over the festive period. At Woodlands Hospice, they recognise how difficult the holidays can be if you’ve lost someone close to you. Their ‘Light Up A Life’ appeal gives people the opportunity to celebrate the life of a loved one by dedicating a light on one of their Christmas trees over December. When you dedicate a light you will receive an invita-
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tion to attend a Light Up A Life service of your choice, either at the Hospice at Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, on Sunday December 4 or on Monday December 5 at St Andrew’s Church, Maghull. Each dedication will be carefully recorded in the Book of Life, which will be available to view at both services and throughout the year. To dedicate a light search Light up a life 4 woodlands or call Carole Riley on 0151 529 4143 by November 18. The organisation can be found on social media. Facebook (@WoodlandsHospice) and Twitter (@WeAreWoodlands)
Hope: The Light Up A Life service last year
© Woodlands Hospice Facebook
Speke reaches high Beat the bullies
By LUCY FEGAN
A new employment and training initiative has opened up in the Parklands Library, Speke, to ensure the local community have the right skills and qualifications needed to gain sustainable employment. Launching in September, the ‘Reach’ scheme was set up by South Liverpool Homes to support locals in applying for jobs, expanding their skills and CVs. Joe Cummings, Enterprise Manager for South Liverpool Homes, said: “Reach was driven by a need to build the capacity of local South Liverpool residents and to address
a gap in provision that was reduced due to funding cuts. “We believe that libraries are the hub of the community, and a space became available in the Parklands library where Reach could operate from.” Reach aims to get the people of Speke ready for job opportunities, such as work that will begin on the expansion of the New Mersey Retail Park early next year, which will create 600 construction jobs and 400 permanent roles upon completion. Since the launch in September, 166 people have registered and 46 local people have reached training opportunities.
By GABRIELLA SANGHERA
National Anti-Bullying week has started across England to raise awareness of the effects of bullying on young people. Schools in Merseyside are expected to take part in order to educate children on what they should do if they experience or encounter bullying. Running from November 14-18, the theme for this year’s annual campaign is ‘The Power of Good’. The key aims are to get children, parents, and teachers to use their power for good in order to help those who are affected. National
statistics show that more than 16,000 young people are absent from school due to bullying, and that there were over 25,700 Childline counselling sessions with children about bullying last year. Local Merseyside charity Bullybusters are visiting schools throughout the week to run workshops for students and are also fundraising so that they can continue to provide help and support for those affected by bullying. Social media app Snapchat is also involved, adding a Geofilter that users can attach to their photos in order to raise awareness.
Life|News|5
Man gives city forecast By PAIGE FRESHWATER An Aigburth meteorologist is providing the city with hourly updates from a weather station wired into his house. Neil Fay, 43, has been posting his weather readings online for around seven years and has built a Twitter following of 10.6K. Starting out with a thermometer, Neil now takes his predictions from a Davis Vantage Pro weather station that is wired into the console of his house and connected to his computer. He said: “I had always had an interest in the weather as a child and this carried on as part of my Human Geography degree. It has continued as a hobby and an interest since then.” The Liverpool John Moores University graduate manages the Twitter page ‘liverpoolweath’ and the Facebook group ‘Liverpool Weather’ and posts 24/7 weather updates.
Chairs for church
By NICOLE QUINN
Liverpool Parish Church is appealing for help to replace chairs that have been used for 70 years. Father Crispin told Liverpool Life: “The chairs probably date from somewhere between 1890 and 1920 and they have given us good service. However, the stock is now diminishing as they are falling apart.” They are giving people the opportunity to donate towards the cost of the new chairs. £100 for each chair includes a small plaque that can be engraved. He added: “We don’t receive any state funding, so we rely on the visitors and the people of Liverpool.” The appeal runs until November 25.
Kicking out loneliness for Christmas By ANDREW NUTTALL
A Woolton community group, run entirely by volunteers, is working to combat loneliness amongst the area’s elderly residents and people with special needs. The group were decorating stars this week to hang on their Christmas trees at their weekly meeting in Linksview Community Centre. The ‘Include Me’ group come together and chat over a cup of tea in a bid to tackle a fast-growing issue in the community. Organiser, Janet Keefe, said: “Me and my husband Mi-
chael started the group called ‘Include Me’ which is a community interest group and we are tackling issues of isolation in our local community of Woolton.” Last year, Janet’s husband Michael, who helped set up the group, passed away and she has continued to run the group with the help of the volunteers at the centre. Despite being common in later years, social isolation can strike at any age. Having a group in place where local people can meet, and form lasting friendships, is important to tackling this crisis.
The group relies entirely on volunteers and donations to continue doing what it does in the Woolton community. A small group of volunteers help Janet to run the afternoon, serving refreshments and providing company to those who find comfort in the group. One volunteer, June Carr, said: “I volunteer here with my friend Linda, we started two years ago and we’ve been here ever since!” The ‘Include Me’ group meets every Wednesday 10am-12pm at the Linksview Community Centre.
Crafts: Linksview Community Centre © Andrew Nuttall
Food for thought By EMMA WHITE
A Liverpool café welcomed guests for an afternoon brunch of Syrian cuisine and rich culture to raise money and awareness for the largest humanitarian crisis of our time since World War II. The Cook for Syria campaign is a month-long celebration in aid of saving the lives of more than eight million children in danger, running from October 31November 30. It seeks to raise vital funds for Unicef UK’s children of Syria and increase awareness of the plight of children in the war-torn country. Opening in 2013 in the Baltic Triangle, Café and events venue Siren held the event to raise funds for the larger campaign. Over £180 was raised from ticket sales and other donations on the day. Jeni Wadkin, Managing Director said: “We at Siren are also involved by selling a Syrian -inspired dish throughout November to raise funds, along with many other large and small restaurants and ca-
Eat up: Customers enjoy traditional Syrian food and drink. © Emma White fes over the UK.” Funds will go towards clean water and nutrition for children, maintaining children’s livelihoods in a safe environment and developing infrastructures where children can continue their education. Jeni Wadkin said: “We are aiming to raise £500 across November through sales of Syrian dishes. There have
been events in the past but none in this part of the country, so we thought this would be a good time to raise awareness around the North.” The day went as well as expected with guests sharing conversation and enjoying one of the world’s oldest cuisines. Throughout the month restaurants, chefs, bakers and café owners in Liverpool and
around the UK, will take part in this great cause by putting a Syrian style twist on one of their signature dishes and
donating £2 for every sale. To help you can donate via the website: www.cookforsyria.com
Station transformed by volunteers By PAIGE FRESHWATER
Green-fingered volunteers are transforming the gardens and creating a new home for wildlife at a railway station in Aigburth. Friends of St Michaels Station are dedicated to im-
proving and maintaining the green areas on and around St Michaels station, Southwood Road, Liverpool. With an aim to develop the gardens and provide a variety of ecosystems for wildlife, the group is always looking for keen volunteers to help
out. St Michaels railway station is on the Northern Line of the Merseyrail suburban system, and its reopening was part-funded by Marks and Spencer because of the company’s use of the “St Michael” brand.
Cllr Sarah Jennings said: “As so many people in the area don’t have their own garden it’s an opportunity to get involved with something that benefits the whole community, but is very manageable in size.” The Friends of the project
are encouraging rail users to sample their gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries and herbs which are all grown on site. The Friends of St Michaels Station operate most Saturdays 10am-12pm and always welcome new volunteers.
Life| Arts |6
Our fantastic streets and the films they're in
The Three Graces: © Creative commons
Harry Potter Studio:© Paige Freshwater
Paige Freshwater takes a look at the magical buildings and streets in Liverpool that have taken a starring role in some of Hollywood's biggest films
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iverpool’s starring role in the Harry Potter spin-off brought a record-breaking £11.5 million into the local economy. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by JK Rowling and starring Eddie Redmayne, added to the 257 movies and TV projects filmed in the city in 2015 and provided a major boost to the city’s economy. Lynn Saunders, Manager of Liverpool Film Office, told Liverpool Life: “A large film crew in the city centre is highly visible and always generates very positive press and great feedback from the businesses, residents and visitors to the city. “It's hugely positive, especially with a film like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, as Liverpool was the only place in the world where they filmed. “A large feature film can spend up to £30-40K per day on location. “I compare it to having a cruise liner dock in the city with over 1,000 passengers getting off and staying in city centre hotels and spending in the local bars and restaurants of an evening during their stay.” Based on the book of the same title, the pentalogy begins with Newt Scamander retuning from his global excursion to find and document magical beasts. While briefly stopping over in New York, magnificently
played by Liverpool, Newt’s fantastic creatures escape and begin causing trouble in the wizarding and NoMaj (American for Muggle) world. It is his job to recapture the creatures and retain relations between the two worlds. The city’s role in the film brought a buzz to Liverpool when the Cunard Building, St George’s Hall and Martin’s Bank masqueraded as buildings from 1920s New York. When the landmarks were zapped into a world of magic and mystery, the city’s Harry Potter fans “expulso” with excitement and managed to get the event trending on Twitter. The spin-off is expected to be the UK’s biggest film of the year and Lynn Saunders said: “Period buildings and streets that resemble other places, London and New York, are the most popular. “These buildings and streets are easy to manage, with sufficient notice. Residents and businesses support road closures to allow street dressing, action sequences and stunts to take place and can be filmed as other places, not readily identifiable as Liverpool.”
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ith over 2,500 listed buildings, Liverpool has played the part of numerous international cityscapes, including London, New York, Paris and Rome. Some of the highest-grossing films to be shot in Liver-
The Thunderbird: © Warner Brothers Studios
pool are The Dark Knight, Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Lynn Saunders added: “The rich diversity of locations in Liverpool, both contemporary and period, and the film friendly offer from Liverpool City Council is the main attraction. “The locations are worldclass and in abundance in a short radius. "Filmmakers come back time and time again because they find it so much easier to film than other places in the UK.” • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is released in cinemas across the country on Friday.
Fantastic Facts J.K Rowling wrote Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in 2001 The book contains the history of Magizoology and describes 85 magical species found around the world In the Harry Potter universe, the book is a required textbook for first-year students at Hogwarts Newt Scamander belonged to the Hufflepuff house while studying at Hogwarts A young Dumbledore is set to appear in the pentalogy American Muggles are referred to as No-Maj’s, which translates to No-Magic Newt Scamander has a grandson named Rolf, who married Luna Lovegood
'The Locations are world class and in abundance. Filmakers come back time and time again'
Is there Scouse independence on the horizon? David Purcell previews upcoming comedy Scouse: A Comedy of Terrors
T
he laughs, drama and razzmatazz of Scouse: A Comedy of Terrors will burst back onto stage tomorrow at Dome, Grand Central. Following a back-and-forth referendum debate for the entire country, this returning tale will open our eyes to something quite different – the possibility of Liverpool being an independent republic. The story is set to follow
the Liverpool People Party in their quest to be recognised as a separate entity by the European Union, United Nations, NATO and UEFA, but it won’t come without resistance from the UK government, who look to stop them right in their tracks. Tom, Kath and their children Ben and Susan stand together through the good times and the bad, but little do they know of the “tragedy” that is waiting to unfold.
Keen theatregoers might remember this comedy performance from when it was presented to the Everyman Theatre for the first time in 1997, and featured Andrew Schofield, Vince Pellegrino and Paul Broughton. Taking on the challenge of playing 30 different characters, the cast includes Peter Washington as Tom; Jackie Jones as Kath; James Ledsham as Ben; Katie King as Susan; Curtis Watt as Clive; Reg Edwards as Macka;
Louise Garcia as Tina, Nicola Ferguson as Lisa; Michael Hawkins as Darren and making his return to theatre, James McMartin as Macka, who he played in the original. A Comedy of Terrors will get underway on November 17 and will run until December 15. For more details about ticket prices and availability, you can either contact the box office on 0151 703 0000 or head over to www.scousetheplay.co.uk
Life|Arts|7
LIFE EXTRA Success at his feet as Adam grabs life by horns
I
t took Adam Jones only a matter of months after graduating to secure his dream job - being a sports journalist. Adam is employed by Trinity Mirror as a Social Media Sports Writer for regional papers, primarily at the Liverpool Echo. As part of his job he said: “I’ve got to know every sports team and it’s a nightmare.” This has, however, paid off as he’s interviewed several renowned names in the world of sports, including Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand. His work experience proved invaluable. Adam spent two weeks working for Mercury Press news agency as well as doing a placement at the Liverpool Echo for a fortnight. After he graduated, Adam went back to the Echo and worked unpaid on the sports desk. He then gained experience writing for the news desk and after nine months was offered an overnight sports job, which ended up lasting a month. Digital editor Maria Breslin called him afterwards to ask him to work full time. Adam chose to study journalism because it’s always
Victoria Howkins chats to LJMU graduate Adam Jones about life as a sports journalist and his path to a full-time job been something that has interested him: “I’ve always loved sport in particular. I’ve always loved getting news across to people so it’s always been something that I’ve really wanted to do.” Adam decided to take Sports Journalism and Print and Online as his modules for third year: “It’s stood me well. I don’t regret [taking] them because they definitely have got me where I am today. I think it was a tough decision between print and online and TV for me because I really did enjoy TV.” When asked what his favourite module was, he says: “Does anyone ever say Media Law? I’d say it was probably sport. It taught me a lot of stuff that I thought I knew but I didn’t. It taught me actually how to write a good sports story.” The graduate thinks the Journalism course at LJMU set him up well for the working world: “It’s amazing. I
Record Fair@ The Bluecoat 29 Oct
WHAT’S ON MUSIC:
BRUNO MARS @ Echo Arena Tickets on sale from November 21 JAMIE T @ Olympia Theatre 17th November Tickets from £27.50 THE COURTEENERS @ ECHO ARENA 18TH NOVEEMBER Tickets from £28.00
can’t speak highly enough of it. It’s taught me so much that I’ve needed to know for my job now. "The news days that we do in third year - they’re such good practice because it is what happens in the real world.” Adam tells us what happens in the real world: “First, I’ve got to see what website I’m actually working on. I’ve got to research the football team from the area and what the fans are talking about etcetera. "That usually takes me about half an hour at the start of the day and then I will come up with a few story ideas. I’ll pitch them and see if they’ve got any ideas for stories they want me to write and go from there.” At the Liverpool Echo, Adam is expected to write four news stories per day and says that on average, he interacts with 12 to 15 people every day. The website
strives for content that will get views. Adam says that you’ve got to get creative to reach a target number of hits and that adding video to a story is a good way to do this. Adam believes that the Echo newsroom is “a great newsroom to be in as everyone knows everyone else.” His advice for undergraduates is: “With your work placements especially, you’ve got to really put yourself out there. Make them remember you if you get me so work really hard. "That work ethic is vital and then if you’re working hard, you go above and beyond basically say yes to everything. "If they ask you to do something say yes because you’re at an age where you can do it. They’ll remember and then they’ll really appreciate you for it.”
Dream Interview: Adam, right, talking to ex-England footballer and presenter of Match of the Day Gary Lineker
"I've always loved sport in particular. I've always loved getting news across to people
"
Perks of the job: Adam gets to go visit Anfield on a regular basis, despite his Evertonian roots.
FILM:
THEATRE:
ENTERTAINMENT:
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM @ ODEON November 18
DREAMWORKS LIGHTS @ St George’s Hall
MURDER MYSTERY DINING EXPERIENCE @ St George’s Hall
Harry Potter fans have been waiting for this day since it was announced over a year ago, and the wizardry spin-off won’t disappoint.
The huge specticle is coming to Liverpool just in time for Christmas.
Tickets on sale now
25TH NOVEMBER
SEAN LOCK @ Phillamonic hall 21st November Tickets on sale now
MURDER ON MOTOWN December 2nd MURDER UNDER THE MISTLETOE December 9th Tickets for both events on sale online for £75.90 each
ARTS: LIVERPOOL CHRISTMAS MARKET @ St George’s Plateau (outside St George’s Hall) 18th November Free entry ICE FESTIVAL @ PIER HEAD 17th November Tickets £10 for students
Life|Sport|10
Becky gets her skates on for England glory Dream move for LJMU graduate as she joins her heroes Liverpool Roller Birds By PAIGE FRESHWATER A former LJMU student has skated her way into the England roller derby squad. After joining the Liverpool Roller Birds, Becky Currie, 27 known as Becky Ruckus on the track, has been selected to play alongside her roller derby idols in this year’s Team England training squad. Not yet believing her success, she admitted that before joining the Liverpool Roller Birds she did not know how to skate and that she never imagined that she “would actually make it into the training squad.” Becky told Liverpool Life: “I first joined the Liverpool Roller Birds ‘hatchlings’ intake in September 2012. “I liked the idea of the game and it looked like a lot of fun. Being a ‘hatchling’ is all about the training to pass your minimum skills requirement to officially become a ‘bird’, and be eligible to start playing the game. They taught me everything, including how to skate. “I was completely thrown back when I found out I was selected for the training squad. “I had absolutely no idea that they would pick me, I couldn’t sleep that night at all!” The fast-paced game of roller derby is played by two teams of five women on quad roller skates. It is a full-contact sport so players must wear protective clothing as it can get wild. The women, in a series of countdown jams, skate around a flat indoor oval track using tactics and planning to try and score points against the opposing team. In this fast and furious game, there are four blockers who skate ahead of their point-scoring jammer and create a human wall. It is the job of the blockers to hold
Game day: Liverpool Roller Birds in action
©Jason Ruffell of Roller Derby On Film
The Liverpool Life guide to Roller Derby Jammer: The skater whose job it is to score points. They can be identified by the star on their helmet. Ready: Becky Currie in kit back the other team’s jammer while allowing theirs to freely pass by. When the whistle blows, the jammers try to skate their way through the pack of blockers and out the other side and with every opposing player she passes she is awarded one point. The game moves fast, so the jammer wears a star on her helmet to make her standout to players and supporters. It is not uncommon for a blocker to knock down opposing players to make room for their jammer to pass on by and score a point. This is actually a crucial aspect of the game and for that reason roller derby is strictly for 18-year-olds and over. When speaking about her future in the full-contact sport, Becky said: “I am just so excited for what is around the corner. I am going to learn so much. “I’ll be skating as a rookie with all my heroes who I’ve been watching for years, which is mad. “It’s going to be hard work but I’m starting from now.
© Liverpool Roller Birds I’m preparing myself physically and mentally.” Currently roller derby is played by around 1,250 amateur leagues worldwide, and the Liverpool Roller Birds proudly hold the title for the city’s first roller derby league. The club currently has two teams of skater girls, which are the Sisters of Mersey and the Yellow Shovemarines. Becky joined the team four years ago as ‘fresh meat’ and when giving advice to aspiring skater girls, she said: “To anyone starting out the best advice I can give to them is to work hard and take your time. “You’re learning something so new and different that nothing is really going to click straight away, even if you see people progressing ahead, you learn in your own time. “You cannot learn something if you don’t practice it. Be dedicated and you will be re-paid. “When everything does click you will know about it and it is such a good feeling.”
Blocker: A skater whose job it is to block the opposing team’s jammer from passing while also enabling their own team’s jammer to score. Pivot: The blocker who stays to the front of the pack and determines the pack’s speed. The pivot can be identified by the stripe on their helmet. Pack: The mass of blockers from both teams skating around the track together. Bout: One roller derby match lasting around 60 minutes. Jam: A two-minute period during which the action happens. Lap: One full pass through the pack. Fresh Meat: New recruits. ©Jason Ruffell of Roller Derby
Life|Sport|11
Awards joy for sport stars By JESSICA HARRIS Liverpool FC celebrated a prize-filled evening at the MBNA Northwest Football awards last night. The annual awards, held this year at Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Old Trafford, pay tribute to and recognise those who have achieved football excellence both on and off the field throughout the previous season. Liverpool striker Philippe Coutinho was awarded Player of the Year with LFC ambassador Gary McAllister on hand to collect the award on his behalf. The Brazil international was recognised for his performances during the 2015/16 season when his 12 goals helped the Reds reach the final of both the League Cup and Europa League. Coutinho said: “It’s a real honour to win this award. “The 2015-16 season was a fantastic one for me and for the team and I hope that I am able to continue to deliver performances and goals of this quality during this year’s Premier League campaign.” The Reds number 10 wasn’t the only one with a cause for celebration as the club’s partnership campaigns with Standard Chartered, MBNA and Vauxhall were also nominated for awards. • Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has left American side LA Galaxy after they failed to win their MLS playoff vs Colorado Rapids. Gerrard went to America with the hope of helping the Galaxy to win another MLS cup and after just 34 games he has left the club with no indication as to what lies ahead.
Sprinter Sacre retires By JOSH DOHERTY Superstar racehorse Sprinter Sacre retired over the weekend after picking up a minor leg injury. The Nicky Hendersontrained 10-year-old won twice at Aintree’s Grand National Festival, in the Maghull Novices’ Chase in 2012 and in the Melling Chase a year later. However, the third-highest rated steeplechaser of all time was perhaps best known for his exploits at the Cheltenham Festival, where he won the Queen Mother Champion Chase twice.
Jobs goal as LFC announces store
By MATTHEW NOONAN
Construction is due to start on Liverpool FC’s flagship Anfield Store this week as a part of Liverpool Council’s plans to regenerate the Anfield area. The new flagship store, which will open in time for the 2017/18 season, will be a key source of employment for the area. It is expected that as many 60 permanent and part time roles will be created for local people. The store will be home to a first floor café, specifically designed exclusive products as well as more payment stations. It is hoped these new payment stations will ease congestion on both match and non-match days. The store, which will be designed to reflect the red
colours of the Kop, will include 19,500sq foot of floor space, making it four times the size of the existing Anfield store. Councillor Ann O’Byrne, Deputy Mayor for Liverpool said: “The new club store will be a key anchor for a new and revitalised high street in Anfield and is creating more much-needed jobs. “It is hoped that it will also attract new businesses keen to take advantage of a unique location next to one of the world’s most famous football clubs, while helping to support many of the existing businesses by driving people to the area.” The plans form a part of an Anfield Regeneration Scheme that began in 2013. The scheme has seen over £260 million being spent
PLAN: Construction of the new Liverpool FC Store © Liverpool Express over a period of four years Stand development as well “Liverpool Football Club in order to improve and as the Anfield High Street has an ongoing commitment regenerate the Anfield area. and will take us a step to the wider regeneration of Discussing the closer to offering our fans the Anfield area. regeneration, Billy Hogan, the best in-store experience “This development will Chief Commercial Officer possible.” further enhance the Main for Liverpool FC said:
Fans welcome ‘safe standing’ debate By CONNOR BENNETT The Premier League is set to discuss the possibility of safe-standing sections at their routine league meeting on Thursday. While talks at the highest level are at a preliminary stage, the plans have backing from multiple fan groups across the country. Everton and Liverpool fan groups, the Everton Supporters Trust and Spirit of Shankly, have begun quizzing supporters on their opinions, with SOS passing a motion at their recent AGM (annual general meeting) to begin a consultation process on safe standing sections. The Everton Supporters Trust have already issued a fan survey via social media that will collect data and be presented to the club. The consultations are likely to run for a number of weeks
STADIUM: Safe standing secions in Germany to allow both sets of fans a chance to make their opinion heard on the matter. Following their annual general meeting, the Spirit of Shankly group said: “The Union is committed to this debate being conducted with the utmost respect and in an atmosphere allowing all
© John Darch /Wikimedia Commons
opinions to be heard and where necessary, challenged. We hope those contributing will do so positively and constructively.” In the past, Safe Standing at football has caused highly emotive debates from both sets of supporters, those both in favour and those
against it, especially due to the sensitivity of the Hillsborough families. Rail seating has already been implemented in Scotland and Germany with plenty of positive reactions. The standing sections have also led to a reduction in ticket prices and led to
an improved atmosphere inside the stadium. The plans also have the backing of the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) following their research into the feasibility of the implementation of rail-seating safe standing sections in the Premier League. FSF safe standing campaign coordinator Peter Daykin said: “Fans have been asking for this to be looked at for many years now and it’s great to see clubs are willing to discuss it. “We’re very interested in seeing what comes from the Premier League meeting and offer our support in any further discussions with clubs and the league.” There are more details on the discussion on both club’s fan pages as well as comments on their official social media pages.
Liverpool
LifeSPORT 16 November 2016
FEMALE COACHES RECEIVE FA BOOST By JESSICA HARRIS Liverpool County FA are welcoming expressions of interest ahead of the launch of their brand new Female Coach Mentoring programme. Plans are under way to introduce the new ‘female only’ coaching programme in early 2017 following a peak in the number of keen female football coaches. The programme is open to all coaches from varying backgrounds, experiences, ages and qualification levels. Over the past two years, the LCFA have already delivered four Female Only Level 1 courses, as well as supporting female coaches in completing mixed Level 1 and Level 2 courses, Youth Awards and Goalkeeper courses. The new programme, however, includes identifying and supporting female coaches actively involved in the game at grassroots level, and providing mentoring support to aid coach development, as well as providing support to female players – especially those that could drop out of playing the game – by providing alternative ways of staying involved in football. Anna Farrell, LCFA’s Development Officer told Liverpool Life: “The difference between the two schemes is that the level one scheme is
ENCOURAGEMENT: The Liverpool County FA aims to increase the number of women coaches in Merseyside to support female players and coaches alike © Liverpool County FA solely a course that people will attend over a four-week period, which we hope now will be introductory to the new coaching course. “During the time as a Level 1, the girls learn how to teach basic skills and learn how to interact with both the kids and adults – it’s basically a stepping stone onto the coaching pathway with the FA. “Not many of the female coaches have managed to
make that step up from the Level 1 to the Level 2 courses so hopefully the Coaching Mentoring system will bridge that gap a little bit. It will give them new ideas, new opportunities within the network, such as partaking in CPD courses that specifically target goalkeeping, attacking and defending. In hindsight we want to support all aspects of the female game.” Research by Merseyside
Female Game Changer has shown that more females feel as though they would benefit from a Female Coach Mentoring programme. Farrell told Liverpool Life: “The Female Coach Mentoring programme is a course specifically tailored for women as we feel that there is a need out there for it at the moment. “We have seen an increase in the number of female coaches involved with
grassroots Football, not just within the female game, but within the male game as well. “We’re currently undergoing an expression of interest for coaches to register. We want them to tell us what they would like from the course and what days would suit them best. We are hoping that the programme will be available from January 2017 and will run throughout the year.”
Lallana doubt after knock
By CONNOR BENNETT Liverpool must wait on the fitness of Adam Lallana after the attacking midfielder was substituted during England’s 2-2 draw with Spain last night. The 28-year-old collided with Spanish midfielder Thiago on the half hour mark and could be a doubt for Saturday’s trip to Southampton. Lallana had opened the scoring in the first ten minutes from the penalty spot after Jamie Vardy was hauled down by former Liverpool ‘keeper Pepe Reina. Jordan Henderson captained the team following the withdrawal of Wayne Rooney through injury and played a part in England’s second goal. Nathaniel Clyne also put in a fine performance for the Three Lions in Kyle Walker. Daniel Sturridge was an unused substitute. Everton captain Phil Jagielka was a half-time substitute and became the most-capped Blues’ player for England. Former Tranmere defender Aaron Cresswell made his international debut.
Inside Sport
We already have the Merseyside Derby! Now Liverpool has its own representative in the England Roller Derby squad Full story on Page 10
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Will Premier League fans stand for this? p11