Liverpool Life 9:6 November 18 2020

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THIS WEEK

ARTS

LIFESTYLE

November 18 2020

FROM THE HEART OF THE CITY

Liverpool Life

ROLLING TO EQUALITY FOOTBALL BOOTS ON THE GRASSROOTS COVID MASS TESTING HITS THE CITY

FRESH FASHION THIS WINTER

> Step out of your winter fashion comfort zone as we suggest cutting-edge coats

Female skaters are rolling to equality - page 9

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CONTENTS 6

THIS WEEK

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4 Digital helps the radio star 5 Lewis’s podcast for Pride 6 They lack empathy: Wes Powell talks protests 7 Testing times for the city 8 Why grassroots football matters more than

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ever

9 Female skaters are rolling to equality LIFESTYLE 4

10 The 2021 music guide 12 Writing your way to happiness 13 Are lockdown habits destroying our vision?

14 Christmas gifts: Ideas to impress even the hardest to buy for

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16 Time to have some fun 17 Christmas is not cancelled 18 Winter street fashion

Pictures© Wes Powell, Gioia Dalosso Hemnell, Alex Usher and Allbeauty.com Front cover design: Steph Colderick, picture ©Robyn Couling

It’s time to look on the bright side...

Welcome back to another issue of Liverpool Life!

This week our reporters have taken a break from all the doom and gloom to supply you with a wave of fresh and positive content.

Alex Usher has been out to see the brand new ‘In Demand Radio’ station, while Gioia Dalosso Hemnell has been meeting the girls who have been pushing for nationwide inclusivity in skate parks.

Our own Wes Powell and Liv Houghton are delving into the current

coronavirus mass testing scheme in Liverpool.

Grassroots football is currently on pause, but Jayke Brophy gives us his expert opinion on the issue.

Leading into the lifestyle section, Lola Roberts speaks to an optician who is warning people about implications of screens on our eye health, and Annisha Maraj has interviewed the creator of project Skywriters – a new organisation with an aim to educate and spark a passion for writing.

This winter may be cold, but Robyn

Couling is giving the best fashion ideas to stay looking hot this season.

Finally, we conclude with a series of festive articles to prepare you for Christmas and the New Year. Chloe O’Connor writes about ways to lift your Christmas spirits even during lockdown, and Sarah Taylor shares the must-buy Christmas gifts for family and friends. As we all prepare to exit lockdown, Samuel Hodgkiss is looking into the best events the North West has to offer in 2021.

Marianna Owen, Designer

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LL THIS WEEK

Digital helps the radio star SOUNDS AMAZING: In Demand studio

By ALEX USHER

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ust 15 minutes from Liverpool city centre, new sounds are emerging on the airwaves. In Demand Radio launched on to DAB+ last Monday, to a stellar response from Liverpool and the North West, with lots of new listeners in their first week.

Word of the station is spreading fast, following a bold move from former Radio City DJ, Lee Butler, to host the breakfast show at the upand-coming Wallasey station.

Lee Butler said: “I was at Radio City for 17 years. I love Radio City.

I love the staff and I love the station but, in the end, for the past four to five years I’ve been doing an afternoon show on Saturday and Sunday where, when I get into the station, I had no input into the music at all, so I don’t have any choice on those four hours.

“As a club DJ, that’s where my roots are. That’s tough for me because my passion first and foremost is about playing music, not being a presenter. I just knew Liverpool and the North West were desperate for a station that didn’t play super safe songs on repeat.”

It’s clear that a shift in the way socalled ‘local’ radio is being broadcast has a big part to play in the birth of the new station, with a general frustration being felt across the region.

Over the last few years Radio City

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© Alex Usher

owner, Bauer Media, has begun networking radio shows across several stations, meaning that a large amount of ‘local’ radio isn’t actually being broadcast from the area it claims to be from.

The breakfast DJ said: “If we’re talking about Radio City, the only local radio show they’ve got is the breakfast show. As soon as 10 o’clock comes there’s nothing local about the station at all. It comes from Manchester. People are waking up to that and that’s why In Demand was born.”

In Demand Radio has been five years in the making, with most of the team taking the work to create the station at their own pace while working on other In Demand ventures, like music and event production. Most notably, the In Demand team have made their name locally by hosting the Reminisce Festival in St Helens, a dance festival celebrating the music of 90s and 2000s rave culture.

Station manager Steve Cocky said: “When Juice went in 2015, we said ‘There’s a big hole here’. We waited because we thought someone was going to take it, but nobody got it right. Lockdown gave us the opportunity to develop that side of the business because we had no work for anything else. As we planned the launch for November, nobody could have planned the lockdown. Actually, for us, that’s probably the second-best thing that could have happened after the first lockdown. People are sat at home on furlough, stuck in the house and putting the radio on, or they’re

working from an office, but they’ve got the radio on all day.”

But the passion only grows deeper, as Steve emphasised that the station is all about what the people of Liverpool want to hear.

He added: “The staff are all friends and are all handpicked. They’re people that understand the culture of not just Liverpool but locally. Our core demographic area, our people that work here, understand them.

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here are some absolutely massive records in the North West, some that aren’t famous anywhere else in the country.

You go play these in Birmingham, or London, they go “What’s this?”.

We play them and our switchboard melts. That’s not clever - that’s us understanding our audience and understanding local people.

“You can’t do that if you’re picking tracks off a chart database sat in an office in London. We sit in a playlist meeting. There are eight of us, all with different music tastes, and if it’s good we play it. It’s that simple. If you want to play good music and you want your audience to connect you need to know your audience and you need to know your music.”

In Demand Radio boasts a broad array of DJ talent, from global stars Tiësto and Alan Fitzpatrick, to local talent from students to club DJs. “Last night we launched a show with Johnny Bingo from Bongo’s Bingo, a show called ‘Thursday Night Sit Off’. There’s not a radio

station in the country that can touch it,” Steve added. “It’s insane. He’s playing drum and bass, he’s playing 80s, he’s playing some soul stuff, he has a feature called ‘donk-busters’, where he finds random scoused-up versions of tunes. It’s mad. There’s not another station in the country that can touch it because they’d be so petrified of people turning it off.”

Additionally, In Demand Radio has made the station digital, with an app to partner the station.

Through this they let listeners tune in to older shows and catch up or listen live if they don’t have a DAB radio.

The first week following the launch has exceeded the team’s expectations, with thousands tuning in from early hours in the morning.

“I knew the music would connect, but I didn’t think it would blow up like it did,” added Lee. “I come to do my show at 6 o’clock in the morning, and the texts are coming in like I’ve never seen in 17 years of radio. It’s lovely. It really feels like the crowd’s there in front of me because the texts are so busy. The response has been mind-blowing.”

“People are turning on and they’re leaving us on,” noted Steve. “Give them something better, give them something entertaining and they’ll listen for longer. That’s what we’re seeing now”.

It is clear that In Demand Radio is here to stay, and is already well on their way to steal Radio City’s local crown.

LL THIS WEEK

Lewis’s podcast for Pride A new podcast has aired that promises to give a voice to poeple in the LGBTQ+ with the aim of highlighting different stories and experiences to tackle stigma

SPEAKING out with pride: Lewis

© Lewis Jennings

By LIV HOUGHTON

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iverpool has a new LGBTQ+ podcast, broadcasting the stories and opinions of the community.

Loud and Proud in Liverpool has been launched by Liverpool local and John Moores alumnus Lewis Jennings and features different guests from the LGBTQ+ community in the city.

Since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in Journalism, Lewis has worked at the Scottie Press newspaper and up in the Radio City tower. However, his newest venture is one which is his own. The first episode aired on November 11, lasting half an hour, with three guests.

Lewis explains his main reason for the podcast is to bring conversations surrounding and within the LGBTQ+ culture to the forefront. An episode will be available every Sunday on streaming services such as Apple Podcast and Spotify.

“I created the podcast to give a platform to people in the LGBTQ+ community. We are some of the most marginalised voices in the UK, if not the world, so I wanted to make sure those voices are being heard and celebrated — especially in Liverpool, where there’s such a massive community.

“There’s also a segment called Confessions from the Closet, which shares coming out stories. Hopefully this inspires anyone who is thinking of coming out,” Lewis said.

The first guest to appear was Felix Mufti-Wright, who is a transgender activist. He talked about his struggles with his transition related to Coronavirus, and how the mainstream media has been harmful and created negative connotations around being

transgender. His second guest was Kevin Robinson, founder of Everton Together and a Green Party candidate. He shared his coming out story.

Followed by third guest, Joan Burnett, who is a queer film photographer. Lewis emphasises that anyone in the community is welcome to be a guest on his podcast, and allies too!

“To me, LGBTQ+ means inclusion and making sure no one gets left behind. It’s about being proud of who you are,” he said.

Setting up a new podcast is difficult under ‘normal’ circumstances, however Lewis describes how he wasn’t short of challenges faced setting it up during COVID. “With coronavirus, it’s been difficult arranging interviews and a lot of guests have had to cancel or delay. Due to restrictions, most of the interviews are done over Zoom at the minute, which can be an absolute nightmare.”

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OVID isn’t the only issue Lewis has had to tackle.

“I’ve also been wary about online trolls, especially homophobic and transphobic trolls.

“I think that, although we live in quite a progressive society compared to other countries in the world, homophobia and transphobia is still a massive problem — especially online, where people usually don’t face any consequences for spreading hate.

“But from the support and the response received so far, even if trolls do decide to crawl out the woodworks, they’re not p***ing on this parade.”

Despite the struggles he has faced, Lewis is determined to continue broadcasting his podcast.

“There are a lot of amazing people

and organisations doing incredible work for the LGBTQ+ community in Liverpool. Having a podcast that celebrates their work and experiences will hopefully tackle the stigma around being LGBTQ+.

“It’s also important for straight people to listen, who may want to learn more about queer people and our experiences, and also how to be a better ally to the community.”

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here has been more positivity than the negative issues, however. Lewis explained how the podcast has been well received.

“It’s had an overwhelmingly positive response so far. So many people have been in touch wanting to share their stories. I think it resonates with a lot of people, even those who aren’t queer, as it’s a podcast about being proud of who you are, and scousers are proud people.”

Personally for Lewis, this has taught him a lot not only about others, but himself and his profession.

“As a journalist, it’s taught me how important it is to always be prepped for interviews. Some topics I’ve spoken to guests about, I’m not fully clued up on, so I always make sure to learn more about it before the interview. It’s also taught me how valuable social media is as a journalistic tool. Through the likes of Instagram and Twitter, I’ve sourced multiple guests.”

Lewis added: “Our social media handle is @loudandproudin. We are on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

If anyone wants to come on about a topic close to their heart, or to talk about the work they are doing for the community, send an email to loudandproudin@gmail.com.”

Instagram promotion poster Credit: @loudandproudin

‘I created the podcast to give a platform to people in the LGBTQ+

community’

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LL THIS WEEK

They lack empathy

By WES POWELL

Liverpool Opinion

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he vast, vast majority of Liverpool people have done their part and remained at home since the start of the second lockdown, as the law requires.

For some, however, the message still hasn’t sunk in – and the actions of these people are an insult to those who have sacrificed so much already this year.

This weekend, two separate protests took place in the city centre, attracting thousands of COVID-deniers, conspiracy theorists, and those who are generally, in my view, too ignorant to see the bigger picture.

The police were quick to respond, introducing a ‘dispersal zone’ in and around the city centre and south Liverpool. This meant that police were able to instruct people to leave the zone, to avoid them committing crimes, and not return for up to 48

Royal Liverpool University Hospital

Graffiti supporting the NHS

hours. On Saturday alone, 27 people were arrested for public order offences. This, however, had little effect.

As LL reported last month, it’s important to take a step back and think about why someone might be protesting – after all, with the huge turnout of protestors, surely they have at least some case to make, right?

Well, not necessarily.

For most, the basis of their protest was formed over the very firmly-held belief that this pandemic isn’t a real, life-threatening thing. After all, if they can’t physically see the danger, and no-one they know has suffered or died from it, why should they?

The answer to this is, in my view, is simple: they lack empathy. They lack the ability to take on the opinions of experts, who have quite literally spent their entire professional lives studying in a scientific field, gaining

Picture © Chowells (Wiki-commons)

qualifications and amassing deep, insightful knowledge of a subject.

Instead, people like them would far prefer to conduct their own ‘research’ and ‘think for themselves’, which a lot of the time is in the form of YouTube videos and reading (often already-debunked) articles on social media.

Imagine for a second that you’re in the position of someone such as Chris Whitty, the UK Government’s Chief Medical Officer. Having dedicated a considerable portion of your life studying at Oxford and the London School of Tropical Medicine to become a top epidemiologist, your evidence-based approaches are often subject to ill-informed ridicule, mostly by those at the opposite end of the academic spectrum.

The sheer daily frustration Professor Whitty must experience would likely prove too much for most and, from his point of view, his televised government announcements probably resemble giving virological advice to a brick wall. But not just any brick wall – one that also insists that you’re wrong.

Those who argue that Coronavirus has such a low death rate (which is between 0.5% – 1% in the UK) fail to understand that every single serious case is another hospital bed used up. These same hospital beds would otherwise, before this pandemic, be used to treat patients who have fallen seriously ill from other causes. The

Picture © Kevin Grieve (Unsplash) more intensive care (ICU) beds taken, the less space hospitals have to tend to others. The main danger of this pandemic isn’t at all that Coronaviruvs itself will wipe out the population.

It’s the fact that hospital admissions from COVID could push our NHS to absolute breaking point, and render it unable to treat those who need it most. This is the serious issue, and could put an alarming number of lives at risk.

Even now, Coronavirus deaths continue in Liverpool’s hospitals, yet there are still people outside them claiming that the virus just isn’t real.

To anyone who seriously holds this

“I dare you to try and convince a respiratory nurse this is all one big conspiracy” view, I dare you to try and convince a respiratory nurse, who has first-hand seen the damage that COVID can deal, that this is all one big conspiracy. Just after she’s finished telling a grieving family over the phone that their loved one is dead, try and put your point of view across to her and see how far you get.

My guess? Not very far at all.

The LL podcast is here!

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LL THIS WEEK

Testing times for city Liverpool Life reporters headed down to a pop-up centre to find out how Liverpool’s mass-testing operation is going

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wo weeks ago, Mayor Joe Anderson called on the people of Liverpool to get out and get tested, whether they were showing Coronavirus symptoms or not. By creating mass testing centres to screen thousands for the virus with rapid results, the Government hope to paint a ‘clearer picture’ of its spread, using our city almost as a geographical petri dish.

Unsurprisingly, the people of Liverpool responded and the past few weeks have seen more than 100,000 of them take part in a test – ourselves included. So far, the results have proven interesting, with 373 positive cases identified, 292 of these people were Liverpool residents, with the others from surrounding areas. The 373 positive cases are of people who were not displaying symptoms for Covid-19 so would have been unlikely to come forward for a test before the mass pilot.

But many may be left wondering what is the actual process of being tested like?

Wes Powell

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efore setting off to St. John’s Market, I expected there to be queues running all the way down the shopping centre, and figured the process all-in-all would take at least over an hour. Upon arriving, however I soon realised that this really wouldn’t be the case. Two army personnel took my temperature and directed me up some stairs to more of their colleagues, who walked me through the registration process step by step.

This was very straight forward, especially as I had a smartphone on me, and took no more than five minutes to complete. Once my details were registered to receive my results later, I was issued with a barcode sticker and sent down the hall.

The next part was the actual test. Again, myself and two others were slowly talked through the physical process of sample collection – how and where to use the swab, the method of packaging it back up, and how to give the sample in. Then, after entering a testing booth, it was down to me.

While I wouldn’t say I’m generally quite squeamish with needles or much else, having to stick the long, metallic-tasting swab down to the back of my throat was a pretty awful experience. After this, the test also required I placed it far up my nose and keep it there for a few seconds – which again, wasn’t exactly a pleasurable sensation. However, once I was satisfied that the sample had been properly taken, all I had to do properly package the swab and pass it over to a lab worker on the opposite side of the booth.

And that was me done. After quite a warm ‘thank you’ from the army personnel, who were delightful

Pictures © Wes Powell to speak to, the process was over. While I had been advised that results were usually given up to a period of 24 hours, I was genuinely blown away when I received a text just under thirty minutes of my test.

My result was negative, as I had presumed, but I felt that although in such a small way, I had done my part for the city.

I was amazed by the efficiency of the test centre, and truly recommend that everyone should help out by getting tested themselves. While it might not have a huge effect on you personally, especially if you’ve been furloughed from your job and don’t come into contact with others often, the data has the potential to really help the city tackle Coronavirus head on. It doesn’t take long and is undeniably very straight-forward.

Twenty minutes of your life isn’t much, and it could well mean that someone else actually gets to live the rest of theirs.

‘I was blown away by the efficiency and ease’ Liv Houghton

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rior to hyping myself up to get the test, I had to find out where I was going. I did a quick google and within seconds I found all the testing sites across Liverpool. I found that my nearest test pop up was on the docks, however I had seen people queueing outside St John’s Market. So, for ease and comfort I trekked over into town.

Like Wes, I was initially intimidated by the thought of the length of the queue, and by the time I arrived there must have been around ten people ahead of me. Assuming I was going to be stood there for a considerable amount of time I took out my earphones and put on some music. Almost immediately after doing so, a smart-looking, polite solider came over to me and started chatting. I expected him to be extremely formal and quick to the point, but he was quite the opposite - chatting to me like we were acquaintances and having some friendly banter. This gentleman calmed my nerves and made me almost forget I was there for a test.

The front of the queue was fast approaching and before I knew it, it was my turn to go in. I must have been in the queue for no more than ten minutes and, as Wes recalls, had the form filled out on my smartphone in less than five minutes. A speedy process, particularly speeded up by the attentiveness and friendliness of the British Army. Although I was

Photo credits - Unsplash.com wearing a mask throughout the majority of the operation, unlike Wes, my temperature was not checked.

After filling out the form, I was handed a barcode sticker, so I was able to receive my results.

Up the escalators I went, and was promptly greeted by another soldier who directed me to the testing booths. His colleague explained how I was to take the test and placed me in booth 1. The swab came in a plastic packet and looked like an elongated earbud. Roughly a month prior to this, I had taken a test through a home testing kit, so I had an unprecise idea of how to go about it. In the booth there was a small mirror, which I used to navigate the swab around my throat. I had to rub the swab on each of my tonsils, and then up one nostril, far, for fifteen seconds. An unpleasant and undesirable experience, but not a particularly painful one. Once done, like Wes, I re-packaged the swab and handed it to the professionals through a little hole in the wall in my booth. And I was done.

Striding out of the test centre, slow motioned, hair blowing under the AC, it was safe to say I felt rather proud and accomplished. Proud in the sense I had managed to shove a swab down my throat and up my nose, and accomplished in the sense I had taken

Picture © Unsplash.com part in vital measures in order to defeat this horrific and chaotic virus. Perhaps also proud and accomplished on behalf of the British Army, on behalf of the doctors and researchers working tirelessly, and on behalf of the city of Liverpool, the community... in an oddly patriotic, rather emotional way. Within twenty-five minutes, I had my test results back, faultless.

In summary, I was absolutely blown away by the efficiency and ease of the test. The British Army were brilliantly friendly, and I would say quite possibly made my experience. I strongly advise all of those who are thinking about it, to go and take a test. Do it.

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LL THIS WEEK

Why grassroots football matters more than ever

Hundreds of amateur football clubs have been forced into their second significant standstill of the year. JAYKE BROPHY looks at what that means for fans and players

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rassroots football has been paused across the country.

Like every other halted activity this month, the action has been taken in an attempt to lower the number of Coronavirus cases before Christmas, but this could leave a number of clubs in financial danger.

Even the EFL has said this week that they have a number of teams struggling to pay players their wages. At the level of football which has been stopped however, it is even worse. These clubs rely on matchday income to pay the bills. Without shirt sponsors or having their stadiums named after luxury airlines, non-league clubs are on their last legs.

Outside of that, young people have also seen their pastimes taken away for four weeks. Whilst these youth clubs are in no financial danger, and most will undoubtedly be able to kick off from where they stopped come the first week of December, it means we now live in a

country where outdoor sport is considered ‘non-essential’.

It means we now live in a country where outdoor sport is considered ‘non-essential’. We now have to ask whether cancelling all grassroots sport for a month was the correct thing to do and does the science really back this controversial decision?

Grassroots football will always hold a special place in my heart. Any given weekend I am among the thousands of people either watching or participating in the beautiful game.

For many, it is a way of life. In my role as a referee I meet people from all around England every week who have spent their lives working tirelessly for their local side for nothing but the love of the game.

Since the return of football in August, these people have turned their devotion up a notch by not only volunteering their free time to their club, but doing so in a COVID-secure way.

I don’t say this lightly, but the safest I feel anywhere these days is at a football ground. Upon entry to any footballing venue everyone attending is

Grassroots Football UK used its Facebook page to make a public plea to Digital, Cultural, Media and Sport Minister, Oliver Dowden, left

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Jayke Brophy refereeing a match temperature tested, Track and Trace is in place, and social distancing is maintained in the bar at full-time. It is borderline insulting to the thousands of people who have invested and worked tirelessly to ensure their club is safe that they are suddenly deemed both non-essential and dangerous venues.

The real unfortunate issue within this second lockdown however is the suspension of youth football. I played kids Sunday League every weekend in the winter from the age of eight up until I was 16 and hung up my boots to pick up a referee’s whistle.

I know just how important football is to young people, not just as a hobby but also as a physical and mental exercise. To suggest that sport is ‘non-essential’ seems to set a dangerous precedent to me. In July, Public Health England suggested that people were 40% more likely to die after contracting coronavirus if they had a BMI of 35-40, compared to a much healthier level of Body Mass. This clearly shows the importance of advocating a healthy sporting lifestyle among young people.

If we need to close the pubs and restaurants for a month to ensure that people can still exercise readily, then that seems like a fair trade off.

Perhaps the hardest pill to swallow for young people will be the fact that elite youth sport has been given permission to continue. Meaning that there will be people in the same classrooms at school who have, or have not, been allowed to keep playing the sport they love, based purely on their ability.

On the Facebook page ‘Grassroots

© Jayke Brophy

‘To suggest that sport is ‘nonessential’ seems to set a dangerous precedent ’

Football UK’ there have been a number of posts showing the upset and confusion among their community.

Including an ‘open letter’ to Oliver Dowden, the minister in charge of sport, urging him to see the importance of exercise during the pandemic. The post has so far received over one thousand likes, proving that many people feel agree with the sentiment.

This suspension of grassroots sports came as a bit of shock to everyone, even when the Prime Minister was making his statement on October 31.

That Saturday, I was talking with my assistants for the day and the Chairman of the home side and we were all in agreement in our expectation that low-level sport, and football in particular given its outdoors nature, would be spared from the cull a lockdown provides. Perhaps we were in denial, but when we left the pitch at full-time that afternoon, none of us truly believed it would be the last time we would be on a football pitch for over a month. For now though we all eagerly await the return of our beautiful game and hope that those in power see sense about its importance.

LL THIS WEEK

Female skaters are rolling to equality

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Creating a space for women at skateparks, Chicks In Bowls members Joy Rider and Sam Flammers © Gioia Dalosso Hemnell

By GIOIA DALOSSO HEMNELL

kate park skating, also known as aggressive skating, may sound scary to most but today there is a growing movement of women that are endeavouring to stake their claim in the traditionally male-dominated environment.

Chicks In Bowls (also known as CIB) is an international community of roller skaters that aims to encourage women to ride the ramps in the skate park. Merseyside is no different and the local chapter has nearly 600 followers and skaters from all over the region that organise getting together to learn the tricks of the trade.

The organisation, which boasts 300 chapters globally, has, since its humble beginnings in 2012, encouraged

thousands of women to meet and empower one another to enjoy the exhilarating sport.

Samara Buscovic is one of the founders of the organisation.

“We have always aimed to encourage women to skate in a place where usually you would only find men skating,” she said. “But more recently we have looked to expand our ideals and values to include everyone, gender diverse, non-binary, women, men, children, older skaters, every size, every ethnicity and every shape.”

Merseyside boasts nearly 20 skate parks with a large majority of those being outside and free to use including ‘Evertro’, the UK’s first glow-inthe-dark skating venue. The angular

Proving girls can do it, too: Joy Rider in action

purpose-built site sitse was designed by leading South Korean artist Koo Jeong and is a prominent haunt for CIB Merseyside members to meet, lace up and roll out.

Amy Basto is a 40-year-old mum of two and came to enjoy aggressive skating through a friend that plays roller derby. “I roller skated as a kid and always fancied having a go again so, during the lockdown, I bought myself a pair of skates on the internet and hit the promenade in New Brighton,” she said.

“It all came back to me and I came to find I was pretty confident.

“Once we were allowed to meet up with other people, I joined forces with a friend that I knew used the skate park. She told me about CIB Merseyside and how there were little gatherings of like-minded people that would encourage teach each other.”

Rampworx, one of Europe’s largest indoor skate parks, is based in Aintree and hosts some of the CIB Merseyside gatherings. It offers free Friday night slots to all female skaters in a bid to encourage more women into the sport.

“I’ve been going ever since and I’m starting to find a brand-new confidence I never thought I’d ever have in a place that is traditionally filled with young lads on skateboards.”

Aggressive skating originated in the USA where skateboarders would empty disused pools and would ride the curves like they were surfing, but since then park and ramp skating have

primarily been men-zones. Skate parks are now changing and quickly are becoming a place for everyone.

Corrina McGowen is 42 and started skating during the lockdown and has begun extending her skills to the skate park too.

“As a new skater, it’s always a little intimidating to learn skills in public for all to see your fails, but it’s also an incredible feeling to show the progress of those fails that have turned into triumphs and where better to get that practice in than the skate parks,” she said.

The jewellery designer, from Oxton, Wirral, feels that encouragement from your peers is a vital part of the process and it gives her a sense of community despite any insecurities.

“I’m not saying all parks are totally accommodating to newbies or female skaters, as it’s always been regarded as a mainly male environment and therefore has its challenges,” she said.

“Some will still say that a skate park is a boy’s playground but times are changing and woman and girls are showing their capability of equal talent either on traditional roller skates, skateboards, in-line skates, scooters or bikes.

“It is getting easier for girls to enjoy the outdoor experience of skate parks.

As women we totally deserve to be there as much as anyone else.”

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Some will still say that a skate park is a boy’s playground but times are changing and woman and girls are showing their capability of equal talent

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LL LIFE

AT THE END OF A STORM 29

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The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club @ The Live Rooms, Chester The legendary scouse actor and brodcaster is back to bring you the best mix of UK Funk and Soul. The night will bring a return to dance-floor jivin’ and having a ball whilst you let the music take over your body.

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The Who @ M&S Arena, Liverpool British Rock royalty The Who will return to Liverpool next year. The band which have been rocking crowds on and off for over 50 years are back to perform some their classics such as ‘Baba O’Reilly’ and ‘My Generation’.

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Harry Styles @ AO Arena, Manchester Yes ladies and gentlemen, our prince Harry Styles is coming back to the North West on his new tour. The former One Direction superstar will be in Manchester to have a night of fun, hopefully a ‘Sign of the Times’.

Stormzy @ AO Arena, Manchester

Photo courtesy of Erwan Hesry

Brit Award Winner Stormzy is an artist who will certainly bring it when he rolls up to Manchester next spring, with his 2019 headline slot at Glastonbury being regarded as the greatest headline act in recent years.

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LL LIFE

THERE’S A GOLDEN SKY 11

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With 2020 and life in lockdown having huge implications for musicians up and down the UK, Samuel Hodgkiss has given us just a few artists you can look forward to coming to the North West in 2021.

Craig David @ M&S Arena, Liverpool A staple of UK R&B since the late 90s, Craig David is a real fan favourite amongst people of all ages. With his lively shows always a blast in the sunny haven of Ibiza, this vibe will sure get you ready for the summer.

Rick Astley @ M&S Arena, Liverpool A once ‘one-hit wonder’, Rick Astley is back on tour with his critically acclaimed brand new album. You are sure to have a ball when he arrives to Liverpool in May, because you know he’s never gonna let you down!

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Ronan Keating @ Liverpool Empire, Liverpool Irish heartthrob Ronan Keating was always going to be coming back to Liverpool, ‘No Matter What’. The former Boyzone frontman will bring his charm and flair for a night which for sure will be ‘One of a Kind’.

Heaven 17 @ 02 Academy, Liverpool The legendary new-wave and synth-pop British duo Heaven 17 will be bringing up the rear in 2021 with their huge hits from the 1980’s. And no I won’t make a pun, even though the ‘Temptation’ is there!

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The write way to find happiness ANNISHA MARAJ chats to a writer whose pen has been working tirelessly over the past few months

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ockdown seems to be a never-ending nightmare, with most people continuOusly thinking of new hobbies to start - baking, yoga, running, the list goes on.

Natalie Denny, 35, took this into consideration when creating Skywriters, a project that aims to lift people’s spirits through writing and creative education.

Natalie finds writing helps her in her own life.

“I wanted to replicate writing as a supportive aid for others,” she told Liverpool Life, “providing a Skywriters’ community using various exercises to support people to develop and grow.”

Like millions of others Natalie is facing redundancy, after only starting a new role in the museum sector in March. Lockdown has been a struggle.

“Not being able to do the regular normal family activities has been

heartbreaking,” she said.

The increased feeling of isolation has heightened for Natalie during the pandemic, she feels as if a writing community could help not just herself but also others combat this feeling.

Skywriters is described as a ‘creative education and training project that supports individuals, businesses and communities with self-esteem, confidence, personal development and cohesion to enhance lives’.

“Skywriters combines my love of writing, activism and education to create an engaging learning experience” she explained.

According to Natalie there needs to be more emphasis on supporting individuals with their mental health and combatting isolation in these uncertain times.

She said: “Many people cannot claim financial aid and this has a massive impact on their lives. So a holistic practical package that

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

doesn’t allow anyone to slip through the net is required.”

Skywriters hosts Instagram live streams Monday to Friday at 12pm where people can take part in writing exercises, you can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram ‘Skywriters_’ or Facebook ‘Skywritersuk’.

There is more information on how to get involved on its website www.skywriters.uk.

As the project develops, it will be launching a variety of different programmes targeted at children and adults.

Activism and young writers’ programmes, community coaching, one-to-one sessions

and education and training events, will all be based on the first stage of the project, Skywriters’ book resource, which is currently seeking funding via GoFundMe to create 100 books and cover the costs of creative education session development and piloting.

Aside from helping individuals putting their thoughts into words, Skywriters will also be participating in local activism initiatives.

The first projects are ‘Scouse Christmas Stockings’ and the ‘Big Winter foodbank drive’, where people can donate food, stockings and stocking fillers to Skywriters, helping families who may be struggling over the Christmas period.

Donation Links So far £975 out of the £6,000 target has been raised.

You can donate to Skywriters via this link https://gf.me/u/ y5yjzv.

For more information on how to donate visit https://www. skywriters.uk/scouse-christmas-stockings.

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Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

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t has been more than eight months since the UK first went into lockdown and we have now entered lockdown 2.0, meaning eight months of Zoom calls, eight hours a day on your work computer and Netflix binges which inevitably are going to put a strain on your eyesight.

Online glasses retailer Glasses Direct has discovered that one in five Brits believe their vision has declined during lockdown. The survey only revealed results from adults, but what about children’s eyesight? Has their eyesight been affected in a similar way and what can be done to prevent any further damage?

Veronica Tang, 24, has been a qualified optician for two years. She studied at Manchester University and then went on to do a pre-reg training program with Specsavers.

She has already noticed changes in her young patients.

“I have realised that since lockdown a lot of kids have come in needing eye tests as since returning to school they are struggling to see the board.

They have become a lot more short sighted.”

There are many studies that show a relationship between reading up close

Are lockdown habits damaging our vision?

LOLA ROBERTS speaks to an optician about the reliance on computerised screens while we are stuck at home and its damage to our health and short sightedness.

Veronica, who works at Specsavers in Huyton, added: “Our eyes are not made to look up close for a long period of time, there are a lot of studies in Asia that say anything close up will cause short sightedness as your eyes are only designed to look into the distance.”

Shortsightedness does not tend to be corrected, meaning it is vital to try and prevent damage to your eyesight as much as possible.

Veronica offered her advice and said: “I’d recommend to spend 20 minutes outdoors a day. There is also a 20 second rule, so every 20 minutes you are looking close up you need to look outside or in the distance for 20 seconds. This doesn’t prevent

‘Our eyes are not made to look up close for a long period of time’ shortsightedness, but it might slow it down.”

As children can stay in school this time around screen time mayfortunately be lower for them, however, for older students currently at university their whole degree will be studied online, which will could affect their eye health.

Veronica said: “I assume they will have more headaches because

they are constantly studying, if this includes you then you need to take regular breaks, stay hydrated and try to look from farther away.”

Veronica added that the most important thing is to take regular breaks and she urged everyone who is concerned about headaches to have an eye test to ensure there is no underlying prescription that could be causing them.

Photo by Kalea Jerielle on Unsplash Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

By SARAH TAYLOR Wondering what presents could be underneath your tree this year? Our helpful gift guide might spark a few ideas...

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Pandora has released some beautiful new jewellery for this Christmas season. With festive charms, necklaces, bracelets, and even a collaboration with Disney, there is something for all in this collection to help make your special someone’s day magical.

Starting from £25.

GIFTS FOR HER

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The famous candle company have brought out new Christmas scents to delight your loved one.

Available in many different variations, from ‘Fa La La La Llama’ to ‘Singing Carols’.

Starts from £1.99.

3 For a gift that keeps on giving, a monthly subscription to BuddyBox is the perfect present.

Labelled ‘a hug in a box’, it contains self-care treats which are delivered directly to their door to lift their mood.

Plans start from £21.50.

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Pick from a range of different brands, such as Dior, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo, and surprise her at Christmas with a bottle of her favourite – or soon to be favourite – perfume.

Can start from £9.99.

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FOR UNDER £100!

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GIFTS FOR HIM

Choose from many top brands, including Calvin Klein, Paco Rabanne, and Dior, and treat your loved one with the perfect scent for Christmas.

Prices start from £9.99.

2 Looking for something affordable yet good quality?

Then look no further than Harry’s. Supplying shaving sets for men, either as a one time buy or as a monthly subscription, this is the ideal gift for men.

Sets start from £14.

3 Put some new bling on his wrist with a Sekonda watch. With multiple different variations, all in very stylish designs, you can’t go wrong when putting this under the tree.

Prices start from £19.99.

4 Make him feel good this festive season with Nivea. Designed to care for the skin, there are plenty of options to cater to the man in your life.

Gift sets start from £9.99.

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LOCKED DOWN How to lead a socially distanced social life this Christmas

By CHLOE O’CONNOR Lockdown Part Two was the news we were all hoping to avoid this year.

But all is not lost. Here is a list of fun activities you can do in Liverpool city centre to keep your Christmas spirits positive and your COVID tests negative!

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. A Christmas Special Coffee Hunt.

Yes, lockdown part 2 has kept open all coffee shops allowing them to keep people’s festive cheer going with new and quirky special menus.

Here are a few to get you started: Gingerbread Latte anyone?

These times can make anyone feel like crumbs, so why not try one of Pret’s special lattes to give you that caffeine boost that is so desperately needed to finish off - or start - the Christmas shop.

Who doesn’t love the Purple One? All coffee connoisseurs will appreciate a quality beverage first thing in the morning, which is why Costa’s Quality Street latte is a great way to start a fun-fuelled caffeine hunt.

You’ve got to be yolking?

An eggnog latte? That’s right scrambling around in December can be exhausting, so why not kick back and give in to those guilty pleasures and try Starbucks’ eggnog latte.

We’ve heard they are pretty eggcellent!

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. A Winter Wonderland Walk.

It’s not quite Blackpool illuminations but - gosh - Liverpool really does light up at this time of year. Starting from the top of Bold Street you can enjoy the city’s display of twinkly lights and figurines. Following through to Liverpool ONE you can spot the tree spreading the love and bringing a bit of colour back to this gloomy year. Unfortunately, Bar Hutte has not yet been set up but I’m sure you’ll have enough energy left over from the coffee hunt. As you make your way to the Docks, you’ll be greeted by Liverpool’s giant merpeople who guide the way to a bright and magical stroll along the waterfront.

Albert Dock Lights

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©David Dixon

. Talent Tracking.

The Baltic Triangle is home to many talented artists who express themselves through various forms of artwork. These include murals, graffiti pieces and sculptures. Many, such as Paul Curtis, have found themselves becoming an Instagram sensation after creating his iconic wings for “all Liverpool’s Liverbirds” piece. Why not have a stroll through the area and see what talent you can find? Or, if you are feeling creative with this lockdown, why not give it a go yourself. We have some pretty talented artists out there. Don’t forget to tag us! We will share the most unusual and original pieces with our followers.

Baltic Triangle

©Chloe O’Connor

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. A Walk Back Through Time.

I’m sure at some point through this year you have all wanted to go back to another time where life was different and Liverpool wasn’t locked down in a pandemic. Well, why not go all the way back to the 18th century and explore Liverpool’s iconic Georgian Quarter.

With many of the original 1800s town houses still intact, the area truly can allow the mind to escape. On Rodney Street alone there more than 60 listed buildings that were home to some of the richest and notable gentlemen.

It even housed Jack the Ripper suspect James Maybrick.

Rodney Street

©Stephen Richards

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. Scoot and Shoot.

As I’m sure you are all aware the electric scooters have been a hit in the city centre attracting all ages.

The scooters are a perfect way to get across the city - fast - costing only £10 per day or 20p per minute.

Why not bring along a camera and allow your inner photography skills to capture those magical moments.

To get you started why not visit the cathedrals, the Royal Liver Building and Everton Brow.

Tag us in your masterpieces on Instagram @livlifemagazine

New E-scooters

©Ethan Taylor

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... BUT NOT OUT! Christmas is

NOT

cancelled

From a drive-in panto to a virtual festive fun run, SHANNON GARNER has found plenty of events to keep our seasonal spirits up

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he countdown to Christmas has officially begun and even though it may be a little different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are still many things to do to get into the festive spirit.

For panto fans, Liverpool have welcomed quite the selection to pick from and with the lack of productions this year, these shows are anticipated to be popular as people are craving live entertainment.

St Helens Theatre Royal are thrilled to be re-opening their doors just in time for the festive season and will provide you with a safe and festive experience with the family-friendly pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. Christmas pantomimes are a strong tradition for many and theatre manager Chantelle Nolan wants to “offer a sense of familiarity and normality this festive season” with the production still able to go ahead. The timeless classic will be running from December 11 2020 to January 3 2021 and audiences are reassured that the staff will be fully adhering to all restrictions and government guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone.

Tickets start from £14 and are available to book over the phone on 01744 756000 between 10am-2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. More information can be found on their website on http:// www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com M&S Bank Arena will also host a magical Christmas pantomime later this year. From December 18 to December 27, Jack and the Beanstalk starring Jake Quickenden, Leanne Campbell and comedy favourite Bippo will be running at the Auditorium of the Arena. Still loaded with the usual family fun,

CLAUS ENCOUNTERS: The 2019 Liverpool Santa Dash special measures will be in place due to COVID-19.

Tickets start from £18 to £30.

Book your tickets on https://www. mandsbankarena.com/whats-on/jackand-the-beanstalk/ The Parking Lot Social are bringing a new experience to pantomimes by giving us a drive-in version of Cinderella. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is to host the contact-free socially-distanced event on December 12 and December 13. The show has all the essential elements of the tale alongside a few twists to make it unique to the new experience.

There are plenty of song and dance routines, audience participation and a script that takes light-hearted digs at the challenges the current year has brought upon us all.

Tickets start from £41.46 to £51.66.

Live updates, further information and tickets available on https://theparkinglotsocial.co.uk/christmas/liverpool/.

The Parking Lot Social also has other events starting from December 9 which are all still going ahead so be

sure to check them out.

It is one of the most popular events in the city each year and you may have thought it was cancelled but the Santa Dash is still going ahead!

It’s usually the city’s kick-start to Christmas but with the latest lockdown and restrictions, adaptations have had to be made and the event will now take place virtually on December 20. This year, more than 1,000 Santa’s have registered, some from across the world making it an international event, and they can dash from wherever they are located whilst maintaining social distancing.

A postage service has also been introduced when registering so that participants can still get their suits, run number and bespoke medal as the pop-up shop has been postponed until further notice. The profits made are equally split between a good group of charities so get dressed up, get your festive fix and give back to charities whilst having fun. To register or for more information visit www.btrliverpool.com

© Paul Francis Cooper There may not have been any annual light switch on this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t admire the city’s Christmas-themed installations.

The city is currently twinkling all around with both previously loved and new light installations that are free!

See the city’s history mixed with Christmas spirit as the Albert Dock is lit up with the return of the sparkling Liver Birds plus characters from Liverpool’s coat of arms, Triton and Neptune who are guarding the docks’ entrance. Other areas to visit are Liverpool ONE, Church Street, Bold Street, Williamson Square and Hope Street but make sure to only visit when it starts to get dark as that’s when you will see the most beautiful views and capture the lights in all their glory.

Be sure to grab tickets for the events that need them whilst you can.

There are many festive fun events not mentioned as they have already sold-out. You don’t want to miss out on what’s left of this year.

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Street Fashion

NEXT GENERATION FASHION SECURE YOUR 2020 AUTUMN/WINTER WARDROBE WHY STICK TO WHAT YOU KNOW? STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Photo © Robyn Couling 18

• Model, Millie Simpson, 21.

AllSaints, £129

nations. Layering of jewellery is also one of my staples all year round. Adding layered gold necklaces can make any outfit look good so it is something I always trust to make my outfits look like they took way more effort than they did.”

Nasty Gal, £36

“A/W style 2020 has particularly stolen my heart - the copious amounts of faux leather, V-Neck sweater vests, knee high chunky boots and all the gold jewellery you can think of. My staple this year is layering, roll necks under V-necks, blazers under trench coats, it allows so much depth to an outfit and so many different combi-

ASOS, £69

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jackets for winter 2020

The North Face, £250

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REFRESH

YOUR WARDROBE

Topshop, £59

ASOS, £45

FIND YOUR NEW FIT

Photo credit, Robyn Couling 19

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The Royal Liver Building by STEPH COLDERICK