Liverpool Life 8:11 February 19 2020

LL

FEBRUARY 19 2020

Liverpool Life

It’s time to be kind Funding the forest A bug’s life in Anfield NEWS EVENTS LIFESTYLE SPORT FROM THE HEART OF THE CITY

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Thank-you surprise to show the love for NHS staff

By KATIE PREECE Valentine’s Day is all about sending love and appreciation to those closest to us, but his year one group of NHS supporters decided to give a gift to staff at Arrowe Park Hospital instead.

After a turbulent few weeks caring for the evacuees from Wuhan, Defend our NHS Wirral campaigners felt it was time to make their appreciation known to healthworkers at Arrowe Park Hospital, for their dedication and hard work.

Kevin Donovan, member of Defend Our NHS Wirral, who was at the hospital on Saturday, told LL: “Today we’re here to give a giant Valentine ’s Day card to the staff because we want to say thank you to all the staff.

“Arrowe Park has had the extra problem of coronavirus to cope with.

They had no notice whatsoever and with no extra resources they’ve coped magnificently and those people left on Thursday with a huge thank you to the fantastic staff. That encapsulates the way the NHS finds it hard to deal with

Cost fears could hit popular festival

By TOM BATTISON

The huge Valentine’s card on display a crisis like that, but does it magnificently when it has to.”

The Defend the NHS group’s aim is to make others aware of the crises facing the NHS. As well as giving their support to NHS staff, the group regularly leaflet, run events and put up posters.

Retired Kevin, who now calls the NHS his full-time job, told LL: “As a group we’re out as often as we can

© Katie Preece

be. We are also having a film festival where we are showing three films about what’s happening to the NHS. It shows how illicitly, secretly and under the radar the NHS is being dismantled.”

Saturday was considered a ‘national day of action’ to support the NHS. Demonstrations were held in cities around the UK in an effort to spread their message.

Planting scheme secures £2.4m backing

By TILLY KENYON Backing of £2.4 million has been secured by The Mersey Forest from The Urban Tree Challenge Fund to plant trees across Merseyside and North Cheshire.

This is one of 13 projects in urban communities in England that have been awarded a share of the £10 million in the first round of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund.

Carl Smethurst from The Mersey Forest team explained to Liverpool Life how last summer they pulled together a partnership with local authorities from Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St. Helens, Cheshire West & Chester and Wirral as well as Peel Group (Wirral Waters).

He said: “These partners put forward their ideas for tree planting locations and we brought them together as a ‘block bid’ totalling £5 million, with around £2.4 million to be funded by the UTCF. All the locations had to

6500 trees will be planted in Merseyside © Mersey Forest be scored to ensure they will deliver the right trees in the right places, to maximise the benefits to people and wildlife.”

Around 6,500 trees will be planted.

Most of these will be large ‘standard’ trees, around three to four metres tall to have an immediate impact.

Mr Smethurst said: “Compared to the 9 million+ trees planted so far in The Mersey Forest this may not seem a lot, but the right tree in the right place can make a big difference to the

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look and feel of an area.”

The trees planted through the UTCF project will help to fill in some of the gaps where trees are needed.

The Mersey Forest explain how trees can help with climate change, not just by locking up carbon, but by helping urban areas adapt to higher temperatures, providing shading and cooling of the air. They also help to filter pollution, reduce flooding and shelter building from extremes of temperature.

Trees are also a vital way of bringing nature back into our urban landscape, providing homes for wildlife and reconnecting people with nature, which has huge benefits for mental health.

Mr Smethurst added: “Our bid was ambitious – representing nearly a quarter of the national ‘pot’ of money, but we were thrilled to be offered support for almost all the schemes we put forward.”

CONTENTS

Organisers of the Africa Oye Festival say the event is struggling from rising costs and are urging local investors and businesses to help keep the festival free.

The annual event, known as ‘the people’s festival’, takes place in Sefton Park and has gone on to be arguably the UK’s leading African and Carribean music festival.

But as a registered charity it is short on finances, although the festival gets more successful year on year. It broke records in 2017 with 80,000 people in attendance. The festival’s main funding is from the City Council and the Arts Council.

Artistic Director of Africa Oye Paul Duhaney told LL: “I’d have to assess it if it comes to a ticketed event, I’m hoping it doesn’t. We’re on the edge at the minute.

“I think people are under the impression that the city council picks up the tab for the cleansing of the park, it cost £12,000 to clean.

Added costs for licences, permits, health and safety, fencing, staging, security, I could go on and on of a hundred things that have to be paid for.

“So far we’ve had some really good, positive responses from potential sponsors, potential investors. I’m pretty confident we’ll reach a target to make it happen this year.”

Paul talked highly of the festival’s reputation and how embracive the occasion is to communities.

He said: “It’s almost like a goldmine and someone out there could really do something good (and) invest in something that’s so good for the city and very good for not just the black community but for everybody.“ The festival is set to return again to Sefton Park on the weekend of June 20 and 21.

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Asylum seeking family facing deportation P3

Liverpool’s journey to the 21st Century P13

Liverpool initiative reducing loneliness P7

LJMU Dancers ready for competitions P15

Knowsley Comic Con comes to town P8

England to get new Strongman representative P16

EDITOR: Tom Battison PRODUCTION TEAM: Matthew Nyland, Maisie Harvey, Sarah Almond, Louise Jamison Jada Jones, Mary Slowey, Luke Edwards, Dan Hopkinson, Stephen Rawlinson, Chloe Morgan, Lydia Baggs, Daniel Williams FRONT COVER PHOTO: Stefi LaReine

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Recipe for healthy eating on a budget

By GRACE PLOWMAN

Food union to bring cost under control

By TILLY KENYON A project aimed at combating food poverty in South Liverpool is about to be launched.

The Florrie Food Union is an initiative which will allow a family or an individual to pay a certain amount per week to be able to visit the shop at The Florrie which will provide food, household goods and toiletries at a heavily discounted price.

Ian Broadhurst, part of the media and marketing team at The Florrie, told Liverpool Life about how excited the team is to launch the union.

He said: “We’ve had volunteers in, building and stocking shelves for the past few weeks to get it all set up. We hope it’s going to have a massive impact on people’s lives by offering an alternative to food banks.

No one should be going hungry in one of the world’s richest countries but the sad reality is that they are and we’re doing our bit to help.”

The scheme buys in food wholesale, as well as receiving stock through donations, and passes on the savings to those in the community who need it most.

Unlike foodbanks, which are often used in emergencies and to patch up problems, it aims to work with the community to help people work together to help each other in the long term.

The hope of the food union is to reduce the stress of shopping and ensure that no families suffer from food poverty. It offers an alternative to food banks which usually work by referral, for example a doctor’s note, and sometimes suffer from fears of stigma.

He explained how the idea has grown out of the Florrie’s Holiday Hunger Scheme, which supports families during the absence of school meals during the holidays.

“During the last school holidays 900 free meals were given to local school children as part of the Holiday Hunger Scheme, helping children who would usually receive a free school meal in term time,” added Mr Broadhurst.

The Food Union is a not-forprofit scheme which is open to all who are in need locally, whether they are in work or not.

Anyone interested in joining or supporting the scheme can email Amy on volunteer@theflorrie.org to find out more.

A Liverpool caterer is helping struggling families to eat more healthily by giving away slow cookers.

Fresh food caterer Can Cook Kitchen’s most recent project “Good Food Meal Bag” has given struggling families in Liverpool a chance to eat healthier, home-cooked meals.

The business found that slow cookers are using as little as 6p in electricity for every meal they cook.

For the families that this project is supporting, it is essential that they give them healthy ways to eat, and the cheapest way to do it.

Liverpool City Council has supported the local business in distributing slow cookers to families in need.

The annual project began at the start of November this year and finished earlier this month.

Over the years, the business has provided 180,000 free fresh meal bags to families who need them.

More recently a bag of pre prepared food has been delivered all over the city for those families.

The fresh ingredients mean the families are eating healthy and nutritious meals, rather than eating the sort

of food which is usually more convenient when on a |budget.

The Can Cook food bags ranges from 2-4 people and includes fresh vegetables and meat and a seasoning pot.

The business has taught over 15,000 families throughout South Liverpool to cook healthy meals.

Can Cook Kitchen said: “The Good Food Meal Bag project was designed with dignity in mind. Of course the project tackles hunger in the region head on. However, it is a project that offers dignity to those in crisis.

“Dignity in the form of offering

those in crisis hearty home cooked meals, as opposed to tinned products.

Dignity in the form of nutritionally rich food, low in fat and salt food, that acts to strengthen the health of our participants as opposed to foods that contribute to the decline of their health. It’s dignity through good food rather than poor food handouts.”

All aspects of the project are important to the business.

They have even ensured that the food arrives completely eco-friendly bags which will decompose within a few months.

Liverpool City Council’s Communication Officer Paul Johnston said: “This is an excellent project which the council is pleased to support. It is a sad indictment that schemes like this are necessary but they are extremely valuable in supporting vulnerable residents.”

“The council has invested £23m over the last year in supporting people and families in crisis, such as those on low income or at risk of losing their home, including £2.7m in crisis payments to help people with the cost of food, fuel and clothes and £3m to protect people from reforms to housing

Petition fight to prevent family being deported

IN DANGER: Wilson Mukerjee and his wife Ruth

By SCARLETT O’TOOLE A petition has been set up to help prevent the deportation of an asylum seeker family and their disabled son.

Wilson Mukerjee, a qualified solicitor, fled Pakistan back in 2011 with his wife Ruth and son Charles. The family requested political asylum in the UK because Wilson is accused of blasphemy in his home country.

The Mukerjees, however, have not been granted leave to remain.

Christopher Allen, the man behind the petition, told Liverpool Life: “I’m doing it because I couldn’t bear the thought of them being deported.

“If they went back to Pakistan and I didn’t know what had happened to them, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.”

Mr Allen fears that Wilson, who is a Christian, could be killed if he returns to Pakistan. The country’s blasphemy

Courtesy Asylum Link Merseyside via Facebook

laws carry a potential death sentence for anyone who insults Islam. There is also risk from vigilante groups, who have been known to harass, threaten and attack those accused of blasphemy. Charles Mukerjee is 24 and has a learning disability and epilepsy. He is reliant on the care of his mum and dad.

Sarah Jones, Chief Executive of Mencap Liverpool, told LL: “If Charles was back in Pakistan as a young man with a learning disability, he’s unfortunately likely to face a lot of stigma.

“Epilepsy is very misunderstood in Pakistan. There have been numerous cases of people being stoned or being thrown down wells because they’re seen as being possessed by evil spirits.”

The family’s case has been going on for seven years. During this time,

they have lived in poverty, relying on food from charities.

Despite this, Ms Jones said: “They are the most giving individuals. They would give you the shirt off their back even though they have so little themselves.”

The Home Office has received 11 independent medical assessments of Charles to prove his vulnerability.

The family has also provided documentation about Wilson’s blasphemy charge, which has been approved by the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement.

Their case file also includes letters of support from charities such as Asylum Link Merseyside and Mencap Liverpool. The Home Office has declined to comment on their decision.

Mr Allen has urged people to sign the petition and write to their local MP.

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Sefton Park weekly clean-up is rained off

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Salt the Snail: Junkyard Cat

© Ash Rowe

Salt the Snail release new single on vinyl

By ASH ROWE

WARMER TIMES: Friends of Sefton Park on litter duty © Andrea Ku

By GRACE PLOWMAN A litter-picking group had their cleanup efforts disrupted after stormy weather took its toll on Sefton Park.

Friends of Sefton Park gather every Sunday to help keep one of Liverpool’s largest parks clean.

But recently they have cancelled litter picks because of the constant rain, which has made the park extremely muddy.

However, the Sefton Park group is planning to get back on schedule on February 26 if the weather improves.

The group organises events throughout the weeks to encourage people to visit the park, such as nature walks, landscape history walks and forage walks.

It is helped by local volunteers from schools, such as Duke of Edinburgh project participants, and other visitors that help litter pick whenever they are in the city.

They are hoping to expand to Aigburth Road with their most recent campaign Stop The Drop.

Andrea Ku, Chairwoman of The Friends of Sefton Park, told Liverpool Life: “We are currently setting up a sub group, as one of our volunteers who joins us on our litter picks has helped us set up another campaign called Stop The Drop which will be based around the busier parts of Aigburth Road.

“We also litter pick along Lark Lane as we occasionally merge with other litter picking groups.”

be someone’s protector, so they don’t need to have any worries or anything. I’m a chilled person and I want everyone else to be chilled and just be happy.”

So far, the band have released three official singles, each accompanied by a video. If the scenes of a luchador-masked figure trotting through boarded-up streets on horseback from their ‘Spanish Announce Table’ video are anything to go by, they have set the bar very high with their previous releases.

The lead singer added: “Regarding an album, I think we need to hit the big time before we go there. We’re getting a few people asking, but until we’re confident we can sell a hell of a lot of albums we will be doing singles with videos. We do have new 7” vinyl singles coming out very soon.

“We want people to want our songs, not roll their eyes because we’ve put 12 albums out in a week.

Liverpool’s punk scene is set to receive another rowdy release from local live legends Salt the Snail.

The band have been around since early 2016 and have gained a lot of favour and attention for their live shenanigans. These usually feature everything from an inflatable cat’s face, to the lead singer hoisting members of the crowd into the air.

Speaking of cats, their newest release “Junkyard Cat” will be available tomorrow. Their frontman Krystian Hudson told Liverpool Life a little bit about the process behind their latest release.

He said: “Junkyard Cat is a reference to a very, very good episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, where the gang want to get a junkyard dog, but end up with a Junkyard Cat and they name him Jack Bauer.

“The song is about wanting to

People help make the connection

By JESSICA RIGG

BUG HOTEL: Bugingham Palace

© Charlie Burgess

It’s buzzing at the Grand Bug-a-Pest Hotel

By CHARLIE BURGESS A group of young activists from an Anfield primary school have built a replica of Buckingham Palace as a hotel exclusively for creepy crawlies, in an effort to increase awareness of the alarming number of insects facing extinction.

The royally inspired insect abode, dubbed ‘Bugingham Palace’, is part of their new campaign ‘Love Bugs’.

Eco Emeralds, a group of nine children from All Saints Catholic Primary School, wormed their way into the news last year for their efforts to get

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kids to spend one million hours outdoors, which gained support from the Duchess of Cambridge.

The children’s idea for a Grand Bug-a-pest Hotel came after learning that 41% of the world’s insect population is considered at risk of extinction.

While the grandiose palace replica remains in the Anfield school, over 980 Iceland stores in the area will be giving away 300,000 free bug hotel kits, to be used in conjunction with the Backyard Nature campaigns website, which features an app to highlight local greenspaces, where new bug hotels can be constructed with no

planning permission or license fees necessary. The Eco Emeralds hope this will help boost insect habitats and population following years of decline.

Richard Walker, Iceland’s managing director, said: “It is ideas like Love Bugs that truly show that the next generation is committed to connecting with nature and their planet.

“We’re looking forward to hearing about the bugs who are checking into our hotels across the nation.”

It will also include information on how kids can help protects insects and educate them on why they are so important for the environment.

Wavertree has been voted the ‘most convenient area’ in Merseyside.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that Wavertree is the best-connected place in Merseyside.

With emphasis on the L15 district areas between Salisbury Road and Woodcroft Road, the ONS concluded that Wavertree is Merseyside’s most connected region.

The ONS studies all the neighbourhoods in England and measures how long, on average, it takes a person to reach local facilities, such as primary and secondary schools, doctors surgeries, shops and transport links.

Clare McIntyre, Councillor for Wavertree Ward, said: “Wavertree is really well served by public transport – which is really positive and to be embraced even more.”

Despite being awarded for the facilities and convenience of local services, Cllr McIntyre added: “Wavertree’s biggest asset has always been its people.”

Resident Sharon Bingham added: “Wavertree is full of great people who do great things and help to change the community for the better.”

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Pavement parking is causing ‘equality issue’

By FAYE WASILOWSKI

Campaigners have highlighted the problems that inconsiderate parking on pavements can cause and is asking the public to share their concerns with them on social media.

Merseyside Road Safety Partnership, which tweets as @Merseyrsp, monitors incidents where cars are parked recklessly on pavements, causing disruption and hazards for pedestrians. It also interacts with the public and uses their photos and tweets to raise awareness of ongoing problems.

One concerned individual, Alan Robertson, said that people who use pavements to park their vehicles are causing an equality issue which affects those with mobility issues.

He said: “I am an able-bodied healthy male with no visual impairments, this behaviour is mainly a frustration for me.

“However, for those with mobility issues or visual impairments this becomes much more problematic and may mean it can become awkward to participate in the community and society in ways I am able to.”

Mr. Robertson also suggests there needs to be a “candid discussion from the highest levels of political leadership” about people’s expectations of vehicle use.

The group recently highlighted a new report from Guide Dogs Campaigns, which is also investigating pavement parking.

City cycling policies are an additional concern. Since 2015, Liverpool City Council has been pushing for shared pathways between cyclists and pedestrians to cut down on emissions produced by vehicles.

Larry Neild, a Liverpool commentator on social and environmental

Dry Rain appeals for mask donation

By TAMMY-LEE WALSH

STUCK: A pram struggles to get by an inconsiderately parked car issues, described how he was personally affected by shared pathways and inconsiderate parking and now wants to raise awareness of the issue.

Mr Neild said: “Like many people I tut-tutted when I saw pavements blocked by parked vehicles, or saw cyclists racing along footpaths and pavements.”

Then, a close family member developed an eye problem that eventually led her to lose all sight Fortunately, she made a full recovery after a series of operations, but, Mr Neild said: “During the time of what the family member called her ‘darkness’ years, it came well and truly home to me and other family members the almost impossible task of navigating the streets.”

He continued: “Watching her trying to cope with uneven or damaged pavements, then obstacles such as ‘A’ boards, street furniture and parked vehicles was eye opening. Even in parks she would freeze on the spot if she

heard an approaching cyclist.”

Mr Neild describes how the problem got so bad that his family member “never ventured out of doors unless accompanied by a relative or a trusted friend.”

It has not been an easy campaign for Mr Neild, who claims that he has received “harsh” and “thoughtless” comments He wishes to make it clear to transport commissioners in Liverpool and Manchester that whilst being more eco conscious is vital, it should not come at the expense of those who are not as abled as others.

He said: “Their cycling ambitions must not be at the expense of condemning blind people and such to fear and isolation. Shared spaces for cycle/walking spaces may seem a good idea on paper, but for the blind they are a living nightmare.”

For more information about the Merseyside Road Safety Partnership www.merseysideroadsafety.org.

A shop in Liverpool is asking customers to donate medical masks for Buddhist Monks in China who may be at risk from coronavirus.

Dry Rain is a small business on London Road, best known for selling handmade jewellery, crystals and other gifts.

Owner Sakina Ali says that she has already contributed to a donation of 100 masks sent to a hospital in China.

Ms Ali and a friend, who does not wish to be named, have been raising awareness via social media, asking the customers of Dry Rain to donate medical masks.

The first collection of masks was sent to doctors and nurses working in the People’s Hospital of Dao Fu County, Si Fuan Province.

Now, they’re hoping to send another batch of masks to Buddhist monks in China.

Ms Ali told LL: “We added about 49 masks with the first batch sent away.

“We would like to send another 100 masks for the next donation.”

The donations are part of an initiative to help people most at risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Sakina added: “We’re very grateful to people who would like to leave us some masks to get sent over.”

Blood campaign goes mobile to find male donors

By JESSICA RIGG

Pic ©Jessica Rigg

Liverpool’s famous Church Street was home to a parked mobile blood van last Thursday and Friday.

The campaign, run by the NHS Liverpool Blood Donor Centre, was set up to encourage members of the general public to register to give blood.

David Hill, a member of the NHS Give Blood team, said: “It is important to donate blood because whatever blood type you are, someone somewhere will need it.

“You never know when you’re going to have an accident and when you’re the person who will need blood, so we always encourage people to donate as much as they can.”

With a specific shortage of male blood donors, the van was placed in the central location to attract as many new male donors as possible.

Employees were on hand with leaflets providing more information about the services and what registering to be a blood donor entails.

This included finding out your own

The blood van parked in the middle of Liverpool blood type, learning who is and isn’t eligible to donate blood and also an opportunity to register then and there.

Mr Hill explained: “It’s a very easy and quick process. On the day there

©Jessica Rigg

will be a nurse who will take blood from your arm using a machine.

“This takes about 10 to 15 minutes and then after that you have a sit down and have some refreshments.”

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Council accused of ‘failure’ over pollution monitoring

By ASH ROWE

S

efton council was criticised for failing in its duty of pollution monitoring at a panel discussion in Crosby on Monday.

Liverpool Friends of the Earth sponsored the meeting, a platform for debate and discussion about the sustainability of Liverpool’s ports in the future. Among the other issues discussed was Highways England’s controversial A5036 Port of Liverpool access plan, which could see a disruption of iconic greenspace in Rimrose Valley.

Friends of the Earth CEO Craig Bennett said: “When I met with local residents in Rimrose Valley I was really shocked to see what Highways England was planning, that they would cut through the middle of this community and destroy this wonderful earth green space being used by school children.”

Highways England were invited to join Monday’s discussion, but declined. They have stated that: “The A5036 between the Switch Island Interchange and Princess Way is a key commuter route, as well as the main access connecting the Port of Liverpool with the motorway network. The road currently suffers from severe congestion, which causes delays, safety issues, and environmental concerns.

“The proposed bypass will take traffic away from communities by Church Road and Dunnings Bridge Road, reducing congestion at junctions and along local roads.”

Also at the panel was John McDonald, representing the Church Road and Districts Association, which started as small group of residents concerned with developments effecting their area. They have since expanded to looking at surrounding districts, taking specific interest in how the council is monitoring the

Members of the panel, including Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson, discuss environmental issues facing the future of Liverpool’s docks © Ash Rowee environmental effects the busy roads have on the community.

Mr McDonald said: “We are campaigning and arguing with various members of the council and the Labour Party, for people from Millers Bridge to Switch Island.

“There are six schools in the direct fallout zone of the pollution road, from this port. None of those schools, absolutely none of those schools, have digital monitoring to look after what happens during the day.”

He added: “We’ve got the likes of St Phillips school which has got

a playground eight metres from the tarmac of the main round, which is continuously gridlocked, day after day, for up to four hours when those children are at school. We want to protect them.”

He claimed: “The local authority is responsible in its entirety for the pollution monitoring and the protection of the communities. Sefton Council are failing in that duty.”

Cllr Paulette Lappin claimed that some of Mr McDonald’s complaints were caused by a lack of funding and the council is doing what it can to en-

sure the safety of residents. She said: “In some ways we do need to spend more money, but we’re struggling to do that at the moment.

“What we’re trying to do, through our clean air zone and everything else, is to improve the air quality and we are deeply committed to improving the air quality of our children.

“I find it quite disturbing that anyone would think local councillors who live in the local area do not have a passionate commitment to looking after the local children and working with local people.”

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Be Kind: The dark side of social media

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By EMILY ROBERTS

Stephi LaReine Instagram: @StephiLaReine and StephiLaReine.com

he tragic death of TV personality Caroline Flack this weekend has reignited the debate over how we can be kinder on social media.

Social media has been with us for many years now but recently the amount of social media-related suicides has raised concerns.

Provisional data compiled in 2018 by the Office for National Statistics shows the suicide rate in children and young people in the UK aged 15 to 19 has increased, while it dropped in older groups.

The numbers indicate a growing concern about the impact social media may be having on young social media users.

Liverpool-based fashion, lifestyle and music blogger Stephi LaReine spoke to LL about her experiences with hate comments on social media.

“Whenever I’ve had a collaboration that goes out to millions of readers online, I’ve found a huge percentage of hateful comments.

“There’s even been death threats for simply having different coloured hair, or the way I’ve done my makeup.

“At first I was extremely hurt and upset because everything that was said was targeting something that I really believed in, which is that everyone should be individual.”

Speaking of the one particular quote that has seen her through all the hate on social media, she continued: “What Suzie says about Sally, says more about Suzie than Sally.”

The continued onslaught from online trolls begs the question – do social media platforms have a bigger responsibility to ensure a ‘duty of care’ to its users?

Mental health charity Mind has released guidelines on its webpage of how to ensure safer and more respectful experiences on social media, some of these include be respectful of others and their opinions, do not make personal attacks in your comments and do not post anything that could be libellous or defamatory.

The mainstream media is also in the spotlight following the news of Caroline Flack’s death, with 689,860 people already signing an online petition to support a new ‘Caroline’s Law’.

This would make it a criminal offence, not dissimilar to Corporate Manslaughter, for the British Media to knowingly and relentlessly bully a person, whether they be in the public eye or not, up to the point that they take their own life.

• If you need any help contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. You can also contact Anxiety UK on 03444 775 774, Mind on 0300 123 3393, and Calm (Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35) on 0800 58 58 58.

A little less loneliness

By JESSICA RIGG

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he UK is facing an epidemic of loneliness, with more than nine million people saying that they are always, or often, lonely, according to national research.

The problem is particularly serious for older people with more than 2.2 million people aged 75 and over living alone in the UK, which can have a serious impact on their health and wellbeing.

Older people may have smaller social circles, poor mobility or have lost most of their family members and friends.

In 2016 Age UK revealed that half a million older people go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all.

In Liverpool, however, a city-centre based charity is aiming to make a real difference in reducing isolation and loneliness for anyone and everyone around the region.

Introduced to Liverpool over a year ago, Liverpool Cares the charity aiming to get people to talk, Liverpool Cares hopes to bring people from the community together and introduce people to each other as well as to new places in the community.

Development Co-ordinator of Liverpool Cares, Rachael Forde, 29, from Wigan, said: “Isolation and loneliness can be as detrimental to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“It is so important to have something like this in Liverpool, as it is one of the major cities in the UK. It is vastly expanding and a lot more people are moving to Liverpool.

At the end of last year, the charity was awarded

first place for the Outstanding Older Person Initiative for 2019 at the Liverpool Older People Awards.

Liverpool Cares currently focuses on three projects. These include social clubs, winter warmers and also a ‘love your neighbour’ project.

The social clubs occur 15 times a month in various areas of the city in locations such as GP surgeries, churches and other community facilities.

Open for all ages to attend, these help people in the community communicate and share stories. Within these social clubs various different activities are presented, including teaching older generations how to use social media and technology.

Rachael added: “These social clubs attempt to abstain from the stereotypical activities people tend to associate with groups for older people.”

Another project the charity is largely involved with is ‘Love your neighbour.’

Focusing on bridging society, this is used to create mutually beneficial relationships with local people who are isolated in the community.

Rachael added: “Whether it’s just saying hello to someone else in the community, taking their bins out or making them a cup of tea, all these are small acts to help other people which may even be next door to you.”

The charity currently has

Pictures courtesy of Rachael Forde, Liverpool Cares large partner organisations such as ‘The Big Lottery,’ ‘Nesta’ and ‘Esmee Fairbairn.’ Despite this, the charity relies heavily on events and fundraisers for donations.

The next Liverpool Cares charity fundraiser, “The great Scouse ‘spring clean’ clothes swap” will take place on March 1.

This focuses on recycling clothes and sharing once-loved items.

Whilst combining social clubs, fundraisers and an environmentally-friendly project into one, this is a new and innovative way to incorporate new ideas into the community.

Rachael said: “Fast fashion is a real issue at the moment. It is very damaging to our world and pollution.

“By swapping and sharing clothes this initiates conversations between people, learning about the clothing items as well as the history and background of them and most importantly, the people.”

The event will be held at Tusk, located in the Baltic Triangle, and is open to anyone and everyone.

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HAPPY EVER AFTER: Your dream prom dress could be far cheaper than you first thought © Paula Donaldson

You shall go to the ball, Cinderella!

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A mother’s mission to help all children attend their fairytale prom

By MARY SLOWEY

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t is prom season up and down the country and many parents will be worrying about the financial toll that will take on their bank account.

For some, the costs can simply not be met and they will be dreading having to explain this to their children.

However, local community Facebook pages have seen a surge of generous people offering their old prom dresses to help those who otherwise would not be able to afford it. Some people have even been offering their free beauty services including hair, make up and nails.

The average prom dress price in the UK is estimated at a hefty £220 not including shoes, bags or any beauty treatments.

In total prom costs parents a whopping £90m a year.

Liverpool resident Paula Donaldson used Facebook to collect dresses, shoes and other accessories from people to safely donate to people who deserve it.

Paula and three other women

Every child deserves to go to prom

’

collect the items from people in the Aigburth, Huyton, Bootle and Walton areas and call the scheme “Going to Prom.”

Paula started “Going to Prom” last year and said in a post last month that parents were messaging her in a panic wondering if she was doing it again this year.

She said: “Every child deserves to go to prom”.

Paula explained that she will indeed be continuing the generosity this year.

She and her team of Liz Brown, Natalie Davies and Lyndsey Newport

launched collections from this month and will continue up until prom dates, which are typically in the months of June and July.

Although the focus is mainly on the collection of prom dresses and accessories, the team also encourage people to donate suits and communion dresses.

Paula told LL: “My son was talking with his friends about his prom, I heard one girl say ‘my dress is £600.’

“When they left, I said to my son, ‘How sad, I’m sure a lot won’t go because of the expense’.

“I thought I have a dress from a wedding that could pass as a prom as a dress. So, last year started asking family and friends for donations of dresses, shoes, makeup and jewellery.”

Paula added: “Then I posted on groups, well over 500 dresses went out and suits for the boys, my son, who is a barber, did free haircuts for some boys on his day off, so it is a family affair.

“Girls came here picked a dress, tried it on and then took whatever accessories to match.”

CHARITABLE: Paula Donaldson © Paula Donaldson

GLASS SLIPPER: Going to Prom offers shoes and dresses for a dream prom © Paula Donaldson

Children’s charity express shoebox need for 2020

A

By CHARLOTTE KENNY Merseyside charity that was founded 13 years ago to help children in need overseas has launched its 2020 mission.

Shoebox Express, run by volunteers at Formby Methodist Church, provides Christmas shoeboxes for children living in disadvantaged conditions.

Beginning with 84 boxes in 2007, the charity has now grown to distribute almost 2000 shoeboxes a year.

The mission for 2020 is to increase how many shoeboxes are created and sent.

To do this, Shoebox Express is making the production process simple, fun and inexpensive for people

8

who wish to get involved in the local community.

Shoebox Express said: “It doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming or expensive to participate in a Christmas shoebox scheme. We make it easy, fun and inexpensive for you to help a child in desperate need at Christmas.

“For many children, your shoebox will be the only Christmas gift they receive this year.”

The charity said its highights last year were four grand bazaars, producing over 800 Christmas shoeboxes, one ‘flag event’ day, which raised over £1000 and a total of 1860 Christmas shoebox parcels, which were sent to children in Ukraine, Sierra Leone and Romania.

Together with special events, the

ALL SMILES: Shoebox Express volunteers celebrate successful appeal © Shoebox Express Formby registered charity purchases items in bulk and out of season to get the lowest prices.

For example, volunteers will buy from seasonal or ‘closing down’ sales so that they can ensure they get the best value for money.

They also purchase from internet wholesalers as well as having a group of people who knit as they can knit hats, glove puppets and other gifts.

It is also encouraging people to ‘subscribe’ to the scheme.

For £6, volunteers will put together and send a shoebox with items of school stationery, toiletries, games, toys, hat & gloves and a bag of sweets.

The subscriber has the option to specify the sex and approximate age of the intended recipient.

The charity is happy to accept one-time subscriptions or regular donations.

Shoebox Express can be contacted on 0330 120 0707.

LL

City echoes importance of slow fashion

BY SCOTT CLARKSON AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

F

rom Burberry’s showcasing of modern equestrian chic to Victoria Beckham’s “gentle rebellion,” London Fashion Week (LFW) has lived up to its illustrious name.

The event, the biggest in the UK’s fashion calendar, sets the industry’s agenda and this year the theme was ustainability - a message that has found support in Liverpool.

Resurrection Clothing in Bold Street has roots in the city dating back to 1991 and Rhiain Jones, shop worker said: “This industry is definitely moving in the right way Vintage and up-cycling is the way forward.”

Another fashion-diverse business ‘Soho’s’ is also located on Bold Street and manager Jade said: “Since everything is mass-produced now, with us its almost like we are giving back to the environment. Fast fashion brands like Primark are so bad for the environment, and with us you don’t get those problems.”

New designers like Anna Roseblade debuted at LFW20 with fresh ideas to embrace the concept regarding ‘Sustainable Fash-

ion’, from recycled denim projects to up-cycling old wears into new drips the show brought the concept forward with a bold presence.

The concept of sustainable fashion is not a new one, and has famously been noted though time with several brands.

Patagonia one of the most highly regarded outdoor brands changed its wavelength back in 2011 to “implement solutions to the environmental crisis”. Stella McCartney’s label, set up in 2001, has always remained ethical and has proved it is possible to create trend-led collections without damaging the environment.

More recently however street wear and faster fashion brands like Adidas have made waves in the industry by partnering with the non-profit organisation Parley and has been reducing its use of ‘virgin plastics’ as well as using plastics collected from the ocean.

Later this year, Adidas are set to launch their Primeblue and Primegreen fabrics, two new sustainable forms that will be made of 100 per cent recycled polyester.

Even the fastest of fashion brands like boohoo are bringing attention to the matter with directives like their #ForTheFuture campaign.

Model Cheye Waithe in Canary Wharf © Scott Clarkson

Love for comics brings community together

© Jose ent. Photos t the comic ev

Ruiz

DARK

Clem So a

By JOSE RUIZ

K

nowsley got a taste of its first ever comic con event after long-time friends Gareth Royston and Nick Roach decided to share their love for comics with their local community.

The event was driven by the pair’s passion and enthusiasm and despite its small budget attracted several high-profile guests.

Gareth Royston told LL: “All the guest jumped on board with it. Some even contacted us directly to tell us

they were coming!”

Dominic Pace, who has recently been in The Mandalorian, as well as Clem So, who has appeared in Star Wars and Marvel films, to mention a few, set up stand to meet and greet fans of the franchises.

There was also a chance to trade cards, play videogames and buy official merchandise at the event, which took place at Knowlsey Leisure and Culture Park.

When speaking about the social stigma that was once attached to comic

SIDE:

Star

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thusia

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Comi

cons, Gareth said: “The stigma has gone! When I was younger in the 80s and 90s if you were considered a geek it wasn’t ‘cool’, as they say, but now, because of the amount of shows available, there’s something for everyone” Clem So spoke to LL about the magic of comic cons, saying: “I love the diversity here, it’s really nice to see so many different people from different backgrounds just being themselves.”

The actor doesn’t consider the

c Con

2020

people that approach him as fans of his, but rather of the franchises, adding: “When they make that connection and understand that you are actually in their favourite films, it’s a beautiful moment.

“Seeing the joy in their faces makes my heart melt and makes it so much worthwhile to come to these events.”

Gareth and Nick have hit home with their first comic, with the community thoroughly enjoying the event.

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LL

Nude’s the word for flawless style

I

t’s surprising how many hours are spent adding just another layer of makeup or trying a new technique that more often than not, does not work!

Every day we are exposed to extravagant makeup looks that look amazing, but really, who has the time?

Managing to nail a “low-maintenance” beauty

look means, less expenditure, less room for error and the ability to really get to know and perfect your ideal look. The dewy, nude style works no matter what time or what day it is, and it’s back in style for Spring 2020.

LL spoke with two dreamboats, Anaisa and Aiste Peciulyte about their go to makeup styles and their top tips on how to achieve flawless dewy style.

Liverpool Life’s HANNAH MARTIN talks to two of Instagram’s inspirational beauties about their make-up secrets

Aiste Peciulyte Aiste’s Nude Routine Eyes Revolution Imogenation palette or just use some bronzer. No mascara.

© Aiste Peciulyte

Face Chanel tan de soleil bronzer & RMS beauty living luminizer.

Lips Lip liners instead of lipstick She says “I also love Illamasque as they don’t test on animals”

Aiste

‘

It’s all about creating your signature style

Anaisa’s Secrets Eyes I trust my life with Collection 2000, especially when it comes to mascara.

Brands Barry M’s glitter brightens up my life and MUA is cheap and cheerful and their nude range is lush.

She says “It’s all made of the same s*@! to me!!” © Anaisa

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’

Anaisa

Anaisa

LL

Holiday fun for the family without blowing the bank and many of re e h is rm e -t lf a H g our us will be stretchin ur fun, BUT savings to fund o er a list of th e g to t u p e v a h we around FREE things to do the whole p e e k to l o o rp e iv L family entertained Let’s go to the Library Liverpool’s Central Library is free and fully accessible to visit and there are excellent facilities throughout. It includes a Tourist Information Centre, cafe, free Wi-Fi and computers, printing, study spaces, bookable meeting rooms and a roof terrace. There are books for lending, including graphic novels, large print and audio books, language courses, CDs and DVDs. There is a children’s library in a transformed historic space with a large collection of books. Free events are put on during school holidays.

Bring on the beach Located in Wallasey just a short train journey from Liverpool with Merseyrail, New Brighton Beach offers miles of golden sand - perfect for a sunny day! Bring your bucket and spade and see how many sandcastles you can build.

Rice Lane City Farm

Just outside the city centre it’s the perfect place to see some farm animals up close all for FREE!

Come down to the farm

Take a walk through the garden Located on Edge Lane, Wavertree Bota nical Gardens are bursting with all sorts of colourful flora l displays! Enjoy a stroll around or admire the stunning garden lake and don’t forget the children’s play area.

Rice Lane City Farm in Walton has been established for 40 years and has a number of farmyard animals that you can pet.

There is also a woodland walk that is a great oppurtunity to see and hear wildlife that you might not see anywhere else in Liverpool. Refreshments are available at the farm’s cafe.

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LL

Only music matters

By ASH ROWE

T*TS UP performing together at the Jac and, right, after the gig © Ash Rowe

N

o one’s questioning that there needs to be more diversity in Liverpool’s music scene - well I’m not, anyway - but a gig in the Jacaranda on Monday did raise one interesting question for me. On our way to more band diversity, does your gender or your sexuality become a ‘selling point’?

The show was part of a joint tour of Slash Fiction and Nervous Rex, who describe themselves as a “Five-piece Emo Queer-core band from South Yorkshire” and “the UK’s first Trans/ Non binary, dinopunk band” respectively.

Bands and genres have always had a kind of love/hate relationship but you can usually at least expect an idea of how they sound from how they describe themselves. But maybe I’m getting too bogged down in descriptions - the actual show is the important bit, right?

The opening act, Adam Carpenter, was a welcome warm-up. Starting off with an acoustic act can be risky sometimes, it can be a nice way to set an intimate, friendly mood in the room.

However, if you’re going to follow that with some fast-paced, aggressive punk, can kind of blow itself out of the water.

You won’t want to leave right now

By JESSICA RIGG

Guess what was next?

Fast-paced, aggressive punk.

Local girls, T*TS UP seemed to be responsible for most of the numbers in the room. It’s a fairly common ploy by promoters when organising tours for smaller bands - get a local band on the bill to pump up the crowd. T*TS UP had gone beyond the call of duty here, especially considering it was their first gig.

Guitarist Jess Beesley told LL: “It’s kind of weird being in a band that’s all female because people just tend to run with it and think that being in an ‘all-girl band’ is completely different to just being in ‘a band’.

“We’ve been described as having ‘heavy punky-feminist riffs’ from a ten-second teaser we released. How?!

We haven’t actually released or said anything that’s feminist. People just automatically assume that because we’re girls and we’re in a punk band that that’s our agenda.”

She added: “The music we make isn’t affected by our gender. I mean, we’ve written a song called ‘Macho Bullsh*t’, but that’s just taking the p*** out of ‘lad’ culture. We’ve got a song called Gaffer Tape… We just

like Punk music, and playing punky riffs.!”

Their set was tight, noisy, and catchy. The crowd had gone from swaying along to Carpenter’s folky melodies to banging their heads.

Nervous Rex had the opportunity to come out to an eager crowd now, sufficiently hyped up and eager from a successful opening line-up. While their simple melodies and altogether ‘honest’ composition were charming in a way, it was a little jarring considering what we had just seen. That said, the crowd seemed to enjoy it, with a fair bit of joining in.

Slash Fiction brought the energy back up again and closed the night out with some big riffs.Their lyrical content about feeling powerful and comfortable in your sexuality is definitely a message I can get behind, I just don’t know if the music itself was quite as poignant.



Will Young has announced a Chester date for his first-ever spoken world tour, Show And Tell.

The double BRIT award-winning singer and radio DJ is picking up the microphone but this time to talk about his life and experiences rather than break into song.

Coming to Chester’s Storyhouse on September 20, the show is set to cover various topics ranging from the evolution of pop to gay rights.

This will also include Will’s own personal and funny moments during his successful 18-year career, stemming from winning the first ever Pop Idol when he was aged 22.

Will said: “It’ll be a funny show and I’ll be talking about my career as well as looking at mental health, gay rights and much, much more.”

The Show And Tell tour will also be in various other locations throughout the UK including Cheltenham, Bristol, Lincoln, Shrewsbury and Kingston-Upon-Thames.

Fans are also able to get their hands on VIP meet and greet tickets, meeting Will before he heads onto the stage.

If only I had a ticket for the Wonderful Wizard of Oz

By EVELYN EDWARD

I

f you’re looking for something to do with the family this week, you might be interested in the St Helens Theatre Royal’s February half-term panto.

This up-tempo rendition of the Wizard of Oz stays faithful to the plot of the 1939 movie, but embellishes it along the way with songs from the original, its prequel Wicked and modern classics like Bat Out of Hell.

All the cast have clear vocal talent, with no weak links. The dance numbers were vibrant and energetic, with the young ensemble doing a fantastic job.

While Mia Molloy puts up an excellent performance as Dorothy with great vocals and an emotional redition of ‘Over The Rainbow’, almost all of the comedy comes from the supporting cast, particularly Reece Sibbald as the Scarecrow.

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The cast accepting their applause from the crowd © Evelyn Edward A pantomime veteran, Sibbald has clearly homed his comedic timing and had plenty of interaction with the audience- throwing out one-liners about anything from the video game Fortnite to Philip Schofield.

Sibbald balances slapstick aspects of his performance - which sent children into fits of giggles - along with topical jokes that had adults doubling over

with laughter. The sets and costumes were particularly high quality, with the glittery glamorous dress of the Wicked Witch (Samantha Palin) being a highlight.

Palin delighted in every boo and hiss the audience launched at her, kicking off the yelling crowd from the start.

Buddy the dog as Toto was adorable and well-behaved, especially consid-

ering the loud music and pyrotechnics in some parts. However, the Wizard of Oz does suffer from a couple of technical limitations, such as some outdated graphics during the tornado sequence.

The panto also comes to a blistering halt at some points, such as just before the final scene where glowing dinosaurs dance to Gangnam Style- a song that might have been relevant in 2012, but not now.

However neither of these are too major, and judging by the reactions of the kids sat next to me delighted them.

The cast seemed to be having a great time and this was reflected in the energy of the audience as both young and old stayed spellbound throughout the show. Overall the Wizard of Oz is a fast-paced, all-star production that has something for everyone.

Catch it at the St Helens Theatre Royale until February 23.



LL

The Sefto Ruiz hotos © Jose

n Landau

All p Baker’s van

Explore the journey from horses to horsepower The Vulcan motorcar

BY JOSE RUIZ Liverpool on Wheels: From Horses to Horsepower is the latest exhibition to hit the Museum of Liverpool.

A collection of vehicles from Merseyside including cars, motorcycles, bicycles and carts are being showcased.

This is the first time in 20 years that the vehicles built by local companies such as the Pickering Brothers, Harry Quinn and Fords are available for viewing.

Sharon Brown, Curator of Land Transport & Industry, said: “I’m excited we are having a transport exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool.

“Many of these vehicles have never been on display or have not been seen for a long time. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the vehicles that have been made in Liverpool and the remarkable manufacturing history of the city.”

(Left) Ford Corsair, (Right) Ford Escort Mark

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LL

The man who could cure your asthma

I

s it possible to improve your health simply by changing the way you breathe?

Joel Jelen, the founder of Reset Breathing is helping Scousers ‘re-educate’ themselves on the way they breathe, with some interesting results.

“I’ve had a successful case study of a client with asthma who is now off their steroid inhaler,” he said Joel began his career in London working in media.

During broadcast work, one of his stories led to him meeting a doctor who taught breathing technique.

What Joel learned would remain in his mind as he continued his career; covering health and lifestyle news as a freelance writer, studying Health Economics at Newcastle University and then moving into PR, once again focusing on health and wellbeing.

This eventually led to him creating his own company, Reset Breathing. After experiencing a variety of physical symptoms that neither he nor his GP could explain, Joel discovered that he was a ‘habitually bad breather’, attributing this to working in a job that involved a great deal of anticipation.

Reset Breathing uses the Butyeko method, which contains six core techniques. The method was developed in the 1950s by Russian respiratory physiologist Dr. Konstantin Buteyko. It was used as part of a study to investigate its effectiveness for the treatment of chronic rhinitis in asthma. The study proved the method had positive impacts; a three month follow up showed a 71% reduction of rhinitis symptoms.

Joel received his breathing retraining in 1995, learning from those who were trained by Dr. Konstantin Buteyko.

Studies have shown that ‘mouth breathing’ adults are more likely to experience sleep-disordered breathing, fatigue, decreased productivity and poorer quality of life than those who breathe through their nose.

But it’s not all just breathing techniques, Joel says: “If you talk a lot during the day, by drinking sparkling water it can help your breathing rate because of the Co2 in it.

“Your breathing rates will go up if you drink alcohol or eat processed foods or red meat.”

Praise on his website states: “One of the most eye-opening pieces of advice was about social media and how it can cause us to hyperventilate. I was really surprised about this and have found that cutting down on it makes me feel generally better and happier.”

It's an impossibly simple solution to a chronic health condition.

LAURA KELLY investigates the extraordinary world of breathing techniques

JOEL JELEN: Founder of Reset Breathing © Laura Kelly

Stopping a panic attack

1. Exhale through nose 2. Pinch your nose with your mouth closed, and hold it for 3-5 seconds 3. Let go, keep your mouth closed, and relax for ten seconds 4. Repeat this up to six times To find out more email Joel at: joel@resetbreathing.com

Bringing you sports stories from around the region MERSEYSPORTLIVE https://merseysportlive.co.uk/ 14

Vikings face defeat

By WILLIAM MOORE Widnes Vikings fell to their first defeat of the Betfred Championship season, after Danny Ward’s London Broncos took a comprehensive 38-12 victory back to the capital.

Dual-registration players Dec Patton and Leilani Latu were unable to inspire the Vikings as London ran over five unanswered firsthalf tries to put the Broncos in the ascendency early on.

Deon Cross and Jack Owens managed to reduce the arrears early in the second period, but the hosts failed to build up enough steam to mount any sort of comeback, with Corey Aston completing the Broncos’ victory late on.

“It was a very disappointing first-half.

“I know we chose to run into the wind and we chose to do that last week as well, but it was a different standard of side today,” Sheens said.

“They played extremely well down the short sides, made good yardage and were miles too strong for us down the middle.

“We have a pretty good backline at this club, but we just didn’t do enough in the middle.”

Two wins in two games and sat third in the league standings, Sheens’ tenure as Vikings head coach couldn’t have got off to a better start. However, they were coming up against a resilient Broncos pack, who took their fight for 2019 Super League survival right to the wire.

It was Ward’s side who started the brighter.

A free-flowing move over to the right eventually found James Meadows, who would have made the breakthrough, only to be heldup in the Vikings’ try area.

Despite spending much of the opening stages defending on their own try-line, it was the hosts who opened the scoring.

The Broncos were penalised for holding down after great link-up play between Dec Patton and Owens, and the latter was able to slot over the two points and give the Widnes an 11th-minute lead.

The home side’s lead did not last long, though, as the visitors hit back in convincing style.

Owens fumbled a high kick and coughed up possession, gifting Josh Walters the chance to muscle on over the right-hand side.

After their opening try, London really started to assert their dominance onto the contest.

With the game knowingly out of sight, both sides played out a scrappy final 10 minutes, however, there was time for one final try.

Aston burst through to race over, sending London back home two points better off.

LL

LJMU dance their way to competition season

By TILLY KENYON and KATIE PREECE LJMU dancers have started their competition season at the University of Edinburgh dance competition.

It was a 2am start for LJMU’s team, followed by an intense nine hours of dancing throughout the competition day.

The competition consisted of a variety of dance styles, which include both intermediate and advanced, contemporary, tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop and the separate wild card category, which the LJMU team entered with their lyrical dance.

Natalia Williams, a third year student at LJMU, told LL: “We’d never been to Edinburgh before so it was exciting to go and see what we were up against. Our energy was amazing, we did so well and winning the tap (category) has spurred us on to only get better for the Manchester comp and hopefully smash our own comp at the end of the month.”

The LJMU Dance team are widely recognised for their passion and their support for other competitors. They have won the team spirit award at the University of Manchester competi-

LJMU ballet team at the Edinburgh competition tion for the last three years and will be hoping to win again this year.

An LJMU Dance team spokesperson told LL: “These competitions not only provide a great opportunity for our dancers to perform in a competitive but fun environment, but also enable a true team spirit to grow within LJMU Dance Team. We also run non-competitive classes for those who want to dance for fun.”

The LJMU dance team will be competing at Manchester University’s dance competition on February 22 and holding their own competition on February 29.

Why Stockport County star Jess stepped down

By OLIVER GREEN LJMU student Jess North, a promising player in women’s football has stepped down from the game due to lack of funding.

Prior to starting her studies at Liverpool John Moores University, Jess’s dream of playing football for her beloved Manchester City was well on track, but had to come to an end due to lack of cash in the women’s game.

Jess settled into the youth system at Stockport County after impressing for the U18s. Now 22, she was promoted to the first team after a successful trial. She enjoyed a year playing in the North West Women’s Regional Football League Premier Division.

The league is the fifth tier on the women’s footballing pyramid, and is an equivalent level to the National League in the men’s game.

The key difference in the National League is that the male players are paid – either on a professional or semi-professional basis.

For Jess, there was no chance of this happening at Stockport – there simply wasn’t the money or infrastructure at that level in the women’s game – and there still isn’t.

“It was a mixture of reasons,” Jess revealed, when asked about her decision to leave Stockport.

“One reason was that I had applied for universities that were outside of Manchester.”

Jess believes that if she were play-

© LJMU Dance

The jazz team before their competition performance

© LJMU Dance

Ahead of the Grand National

By THOMAS ELLIS

Jess takes a corner playing for LJMU © Oliver Green ing at the same level in the men’s game her career would not have been ended so prematurely.

“I’d have been getting paid [at the same level] in the men’s game so that would’ve been another incentive to actually stay there and the money would’ve helped me commute from Liverpool back to Manchester to go to training,” Jess’ ability was noticed on a few occasions, but ultimately went to waste due to the limited interest in the women’s game.

Although Jess still plays regularly for John Moores, she admitted that she is far more interested in the men’s game and rarely watches the women’s variation of the sport.

Despite her belief that the men’s game is superior, she conceded that women are not provided with the same chances as male counterparts.

Even though the teams in the league Jess played in for Stockport still don’t offer any form of payment to their players, it is a possibility that doesn’t seem too far off.

Superstar jockey Bryony Frost revealed her ambitions for Grand National hopeful Yala Enki after riding in the Unibet Grand National Trial on Saturday.

Frost returned to the weighing room heavily mud splattered saying: “He just got a bit tired, that’s all that was. He has run a massive race for me”.

Yala Enki had a busy summer, having wind surgery in August, before moving to Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat base.

Frost has quickly become fond of him and believes he is a smart horse.

“He is intelligent into a fence you know, I just let him come in and pop it. He is an extremely intelligent horse like that, and I love riding him.”

Owned by the Hills of Ledbury Ltd, he is one of six entries for the Champion trainer in the Grand National.

Frost believes Yala Enki can improve for the Aintree showpiece.

“April is a long way away. With the way (it went) today, the ground starting to come up very soft, it was a lot for him. Those two lighter weights just got away from him.”

The 24-year-old has ridden 36 winners already this season including another at the weekend on impressive Sir Psycho.

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LLSPORT Arena date for boxing champ

By JAMES LEE

PRESSURE: Jamie Bazley hard at work

Picture © Alan Haigh

Scouser pulling his weight to be Strongest Man

By SCARLETT O’TOOLE A 32-year-old from Hunts Cross has thrown his name into the hat to be crowned England’s strongest man.

Jamie Bazley, who works as an auditor, will take part in the North of England’s Strongest Man competition.

He must place in the top three of this qualifier to win a chance to compete in England’s Strongest Man. Mr Bazley told Liverpool Life: “I’m going to be competing with people that have been on TV, which is a bit weird because I’m still fanboying. It’s a bit like a fan at Anfield being picked out of the KOP to just take someone’s place in the pitch.

“It’s like a dream come true.”

The North of England’s Strongest Man competition is set to take place on March 21 in County Durham. The events are run by Ultimate Strong-

man, an organisation led by Glenn Ross who was once crowned the UK’s strongest man.

The competition involves a variety of events including an axle press, deadlift, super yoke, farmer’s carry, sack toss and atlas stones.

The 32-year-old said: “For the qualifiers, I’m quite confident that I’ll get by with a lot of the lifts. The 300 deadlift I think I’ll pull.”

The insurance worker trains a minimum of four days a week at Dedicated Strongman Strength & Conditioning Gym. He trains at either six in the morning or six in the evening.

He is currently being coached by Delroy McQueen, a former Commonwealth weightlifting champion.

Mr Bazley is in his third competitive year as a strongman.

He told LL: “April 16th 2018, that was my first ever competition. I came

HEAVY: Mid training session Picture ©Jamie Bazley two from the bottom but I wasn’t bothered. I had made the step into the world.”

He hopes to one day become the world’s strongest man. Mr Bazley said: “I am confident that this time next year I will be making serious waves.

“I think it’ll be the year after that when hopefully I’ll be fighting for a place in the World’s Strongest Man.” If Mr Bazley qualifies, he will be competing in England’s Strongest Man on March 29.

Doing well in this competition would allow Mr Bazley to qualify for UK’s Strongest Man, which is aired on TV.

Liverpool boxer Anthony Fowler is set to return to the ring next month to defend his WBA International SuperWelterweight title against Jack Flatley.

The bout will feature on the undercard of Jono Carroll vs Scott Quigg on March 7 at the Manchester Arena, live on Sky Sports.

A rematch with bitter rival Scott Fitzgerald surely remains at the top of Fowler’s wish list for 2020, but the Commonwealth Games gold medallist will face a tough test in Manchester.

Flatley (16-1-1, 4 KOs), a former English Super-Welterweight Champion, has only lost once in his 18-fight career.

‘The Machine’ is coming off the back of a unanimous decision win last November at the Echo Arena.

Fowler said: “I watched his fight with Troy Williamson in the ABA Final as an amateur and when they boxed as pros. He’s a tough lad with a big heart and he comes to fight.

“The only fight I want is the Fitzgerald rematch. A good win against Flatley sets that up nicely for the British Title, so let’s tell Scott to give the fans what they want.”

RETURN: Anthony Fowler © Anthony Fowler

Women’s team move sparks pitch debate on social media LFC Women’s football team’s recent move from Prenton Park to Chester’s Deva Stadium has received mixed reactions from fans on social media, writes KATIE PREECE There has been some concern on Twitter who feel the women are not well cared-for in terms of pitch

upkeep. However, other Twitter users believe this could be down to the women’s playing.

Vicky Jepson, manager of LFC Women’s has welcomed the move.

She said: “The Chester FC ground staff have worked incredibly hard to maintain a high standard of playing surface at this time of year and they

have been extremely accommodating to us.”

Twitter user @LFCposts6 said: “That pitch (Prenton) is in a really bad state, the best ground staff in the world probably couldn’t do much with it. Chester could be the solution for now but long term more needs to be done.”

Despite hopes that the move will mean more people will attend the Women’s matches, fans remain angry with how it has been handled.

Twitter user @kkfla737 said: “Either place they play the ground isn’t kept up properly compared to what some other Prem sides are doing with their women’s team.”