Liverpool
Life
www.jmu-journalism.org.uk
9th - October - 2012
COUNCILS FACE ‘PAINFUL’ CUTS Liverpool duck’s in the pink
Yellow Duck Marine goes pink to show its support for breast cancer. Picture by Hannah Ashraf by Sarah Bold One of the famous yellow duckmarine boats has been painted pink for breast cancer awareness. The company have joined forces with the Linda McCartney Centre at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital to promote the charity and raise awareness of breast cancer in Liverpool. The boat will be pink for the whole of October, to promote
Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The duckmarines are a much loved landmark in the city, seen by tens of thousands of people each day, with the unique tours a top attraction for tourists. After a bumper year, with guests on board including the Queen and casts of reality shows such as Geordie Shore and the Only Way is Essex, the company decided that it was
The news this week... Runners from around the world will compete in a 26 mile marathon across Liverpool, this Sunday. More on page 3
time the boats used their prominence to help the community. Paul Furlong, product sales manager, told JMU Journalism: “We’ve had loads of phone calls asking why it was pink, and there’s been loads of people on Facebook saying it was a good idea. It’s had a big impact.” The change of colour has both excited and confused Liverpool locals. Tony Roache, the boat master,
“The media wall” facing Lime Street Station is set to be permanent fixture, costing £1 million. More on page 4
said: “It’s a bit different. People are put off by it until you tell them what it’s for.” Billy Senior, a tour guide, said: “People certainly notice it.” The boat will have collection buckets on board, and all donations made will be given to the charity. The DUKW was designed by naval architect Roderic Stephens of New York.
by Sam McDonnell
Both Liverpool City Council and Wirral Borough Council are preparing to make yet more major public spending cuts as a result of huge reductions in budgets. Liverpool City Council has to save £32 million in the 2013-14 period, adding to the £141 million that has already been cut in the last two years. Over the next four years the council will have to reduce its outgoings by nearly a third. Wirral Borough Council has been equally hard, losing £100 million of its £300 million financing over the next three years. Liverpool’s Executive Mayor Joe Anderson has put together a Budget Working Group to discuss where best to make the cuts in Liverpool, calling it a “huge challenge for the city.” Mayor Anderson said in a message to residents and staff: “It is going to be extremely difficult. We have a spend of £480million, then we are going to have to take out of that £143million.” He continued: “That is going to cause immense problems to how we are able to deliver services within the city. “We are going to do it, however, based on the principle of trying to protect as much of the services we provide to vulnerable people, as much as we can, in the same way we did last year and the year before.” The Mayor urged people to remember that everyone will be affected by these changes, in cuts that he said would be “painful for the city.” Mayor Anderson also said: “I’m glad to say we’ve now had a positive and constructive dialogue with the leaders of the opposition parties of the council and we are going to be working together to try and solve the budget problems that we now face.” Wirral Borough Council last month embarked on their ‘
With more catwalks outside of London than anywhere else in the UK, Liverpool is gearing up for its annual Fashion Week. More on page 6
What Really Matters’ campaign, where councillors and staff have taken to the streets to ask Wirral residents where they believe the savings should be made. The project is the largest consultation with the public that the Council has ever undertaken, measuring people’s highest and lowest priorities for public spending. The questionnaires also ask people to consider whether some services should be outsourced to save money in the long term. The Council has spoken to 11,000 people directly since the start of the campaign at events in local supermarkets and community centres across the borough, along with distributing 40,000 questionnaires. With two weeks until the end of the £25,000 project, Wirral Borough Council is hoping that even more people can have their say. Council Leader Cllr Phil Davies said: “The scale of the savings we are being forced to make is greater than anything we have faced before. ““I cannot stress enough how important it is that people get involved in this process. We have no choice but to become a different Council and this is going to mean radical and rapid change. Cllr Davies added: “We need to know what services matter the most to people and their families so that we can make sure that we spend our reduced budget on the right things.” Wirral Borough Council says the results will be used to develop specific options for achieving the savings that the authority has to make and that further consultation will then take place to gather views on these options before final decisions are made on how the savings will be found. The ‘What Really Matters’ campaign ends on Friday 19th October. Liverpool City Council says that the first set of savings will be discussed at the Mayoral Select Committee on Wednesday 24 October.
Life/News/2
Music plays on as council climbs down over buskers by Emma Callum
Busker performing outside Lime Street Station in Liverpool
Liverpool city council has made a drastic U-turn by scrapping recent busking restrictions. Campaigners had applied pressure to Liverpool bosses after the policy was revealed, which meant street performers would have needed to sign up to a compulsory licensing scheme to perform. The legislation meant buskers could have been arrested if found performing without a permit, were forbidden from sitting on the floor and acts could have been stopped by a council official or police of-
ficer on the grounds of taste. Keep Streets Live were the main campaigners behind the move to oppose the legislation, objecting that the new policy would make the city ‘less inviting’. Jonny Walker, a busker and campaigner involved with Keep Streets Live, said: “The policy was so forward and fundamentally wrong headed and there was no leeway. It wasn’t in the interest of the city.” One street performer sought legal help, and with the help of the campaign group, took the case to a judicial review to challenge the
legality of the policy, which they called unnecessary and unlawful. Mr. Walker said: “The restrictions were overstretching the law of the council. We were applying legal pressure as it wasn’t well thought out and was very restrictive. If the policy had gone ahead there would have been a big drop in street performances a big change in atmosphere. The city would be less colourful; and it street culture would have suffered.” The council suspended the policy following the High Court injunction and has since scrapped all restrictions.
University tribute to malaria expert
Timeline of life
1881: Entered the Indian Medical Service. 1892: He commenced the study of malaria. 1899: He joined the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine under the direction of Sir Alfred Jones. 1902: Ross was awarded Nobel Prize for study of malaria spreading. 1910: Honorary M.D. degree in Stockholm.
University Of Liverpool has named building after Ronald Ross who won the Nobel Prize for the study of Malaria by Alice Kirkland The University of Liverpool has announced it will name its new £23m Tropical Medicine building after nobel prize winner Sir Ronald Ross. The new Sir Ronald Ross building
is the first phase of the £70m investment at the Institute of Infection and Global Health, and 200 scientists will study at the centre. Sir Ronald was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for discovering that malaria was spread through mosquitos in 1902.
Liverpool
Life Team Editors David Williamson Arild Skjæveland News Editor Sam McDonnell News Lauren Kelly Ian Bolland Michaela Shaw Sara Ainsworth Hayley Minn Features editor Alice Kirkland
Features Rosie Cameron Vanessa Gainford Sport editor Tara Lamb Sports Joe Lanigan Smith Eoghain Mc Kane Picture editor Hannah Ashraf
The Liverpool Tropical Medicine centre was the first institution anywhere in the world dedicated to the study and teaching of tropical diseases when established more than 100 years ago. Ross spent a period of time at the Liverpool School dedicating his
versity and participating in expeditions to malaria ripe country’s receiving an Honorary Chair in 1912 from the school. The building will be opened by his grandson David Ross, who told the BBC “It’s wonderful to see my grandfather’s legacy recognised.”
Charity gets little extra help By Madelaine Cornforth A Liverpool Tesco has been chosen to be a part of new Kids United programme which gives money to local charities and schools for equipment. Tesco Extra on Park Road, Toxteth, is one of 14 chosen stores and is the only one to be chosen in Liverpool. Six charities or local schools were chosen by the staff at Toxteth’s Tesco to take part in the competition. Three charities ran up against each other for two weeks and three more the following two weeks. Each charity or school has a collection box that represents them. With every £10 spent at Tesco a shopper receives a red token which they then put in to the collection box of their choice. The amount of tokens given to each charity decides how much money goes to each community group. The non-profit organisations involved are; St Finbar’s Catholic Primary School, St Johns Youth and Community Centre, the Tab preschool, Dingle Lane Children’s Centre, St Cleopas 468 Commu-
nity Project and finally KIND, a charity which raises money for children in Liverpool. The store has £4000 worth of equipment to give away to these six places. The equipment ranges from toys and books to playground and school equipment which the charities can choose themselves. Stephen Yip, Chief Executive at KIND said: “We are looking to use our money raised to buy kids play equipment for our new Health, Wellbeing & Exercise Centre (based in Toxteth) due to be completed and open in early 2013. Cal Cairns, Community Champion at Park Road’s Tesco, said: “Kid’s United is a pilot programme used instead of the school voucher programme. I think it’s much better than the vouchers. “It is very important for Toxteth and I’m very excited to be a part of it. “It’s very exciting for the children. Thousands of people get the tokens and chose who to give them to so primarily it is local people who get to decide where the kit goes to.” In store voting ended on Sunday and the money allocation is set to be announced shortly.
1912: Appointed Physician for Tropical Diseases at Kings College Hospital, London, a post which he held together with the Chair of Tropical Sanitation in Liverpool.
Kirkby town gets a facelift By Jamie Allen
Plans to redevelop Kirkby Town centre are expected to be approved this week by Knowsley council. The plans will include a revamped market area and a base for new retail stores. The council hope that this is the start of a long redevelopment plan which will include a new health centre, primary school, library and upgraded public transport facilities. Initial plans for the area included a new stadium for Everton FC but the process was brought to a halt after the Government believed the plans were too big for a town of Kirkby’s size. It is estimated that £300m will put into the area as it undergoes a massive improvement over the next few years. A Knowsley council spokesperson said: “Bringing a range of public services and support under one roof is something that has worked so well in other parts of Knowsley that we are keen to bring the same ideas and benefits to Kirkby.” Local community leaders will hope that the new plans will allow Kirkby to become a destination for Merseyside shoppers. The planning committee has taken the views of local stallholders to be certain that these plans for the new market area fit their needs Mike Harden, Deputy Chief Executive of Knowsley Council said: “We believe there is an opportunity here to create a real community asset that will sit at the heart of the town centre and be used by a large number of local residents.” A public consultation had run through to 13th August but now the plans will go in front of the council and are expected to be given a green light.
Uni success
Liverpool John Moores University jumped 29 places in The Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2013, LJMU now stands in 66th place, leaving it as fourth overall in the North West.
Pupils’ thoughts for Sam, 15 By Josh Parry A Merseyside school has paid an emotional tribute during a memorial service for pupil Sam Capper, who tragically died after being swept out to sea. The 15-year-old drowned after falling into the sea when a fivefoot wave hit him in Llangennith, Swansea, where he had been camping with his family on holiday in August. The idea for a pupil-led service at University Academy Birkenhead came from Sam’s mum, Leah Hunt, who said she wanted his friends to be able to say farewell to the teenager in their own way. Paula Gidman, Sam’s former head of year at school, allowed his close friends to take the lead in planning the service. The year 11 pupils performed a number of songs and a reading entitled ‘Thoughts on Sam’ as a tribute to their former pupil. Instead of a minute’s silence, it was decided to hold a minute of applause to represent his personality, Miss Gidman said: “They didn’t want to have a minute’s silence for him because
that wasn’t him. He was an absolute chatterbox and he was always talking. “They didn’t want anything that represented a funeral. They all wanted to put down white flowers, so they carried 15 flowers out of the school hall and put them in the memorial garden for Sam. They wanted something that wouldn’t look out of place… they wanted something fitting.” During the service pupils sang two songs for Sam, and photo’s of Sam were displayed during the performances for pupils to look at. Miss Gidman added: “It was led by the students; it was what the students wanted, which is fundamentally what his mum wanted.” Sam was a former pupil of Rock Ferry High School, which was joined with Park High in order to form the new University Academy Birkenhead. Sam’s mum had previously paid her own tributes for her son, telling the Liverpool Echo: “Sam, who most people knew as Spud, was a unique, amazing, boy who touched the lives of so many people.”
Life/News/3
City marathon goes up against London
Liverpool Marathon runners make their way past the finish line in last year’s 12-mile race around the city by Jonathan Bridge Runners from across the world will descend on Merseyside this weekend when the RunLiverpool Marathon is held on Sunday Entrants from as far as Brazil and Australia will take on the 26-mile course. The race will start at 9.30am in Birkenhead Park and covers 12 miles of Wirral roads, two miles of the Queensway tunnel and 12 miles of Liverpool roads with runners eventually finishing in front of Mann Island. The event returned to Merseyside in 2011 after 19 years.
Race Director Alan Rothwell said: “2012 has proved more difficult than expected with numbers down on year one with fewer local runners but more from outside the Merseyside area. This is a clear indication that the medium to long term growth will come from outside the Merseyside area. “The five-year plan is to attract 20,000 runners from across the world.” This year a new 10k event will be added to the day for those who do not quite feel up to attempting the full marathon distance. “While most people will be inspired by the efforts of those
taking part in the marathon, it is clearly not for everyone,” added Mr Rothwell. “With this in mind, the marathon event has introduced a 10k element to attract recreational runners who may be off by the challenge of the marathon but would like to experience the atmosphere of the day – without the ultimate challenge of 26.2 miles. “The idea is to send the 10K runners away with a sense that perhaps they could do the marathon in subsequent years.” Mr Rothwell is confident that the marathon can continue to grow and attract participants from
across the globe. “The Marathon has been deliberately positioned in October as an autumn marathon given the dominance of the London Marathon and as such attracted 8,500 runners in 2011. This made it the biggest marathon north of London! “The Marathon has significant potential for growth because of what the city has become – a major tourist attraction. There isn’t a marathon in the world, let alone the UK, that will challenge London, so the ultimate aim for the event is to be the first marathon that people look to do after London.
“The marathon provides a captivating day for runners and spectators alike. With good local transport links between the start and finish, excellent vantage points along the way and a finish on a World Heritage Site, not many other marathons can claim to deliver a backdrop as compelling as Liverpool,” he added. From around 4am on the morning of the race, a traffic management plan will be put in place for the safety and consideration of runners and those using roads in close proximity to the marathon route to avoid any disruptions and help the marathon run smoothly.
Funds boost for film students by Elisha Storrow
Liverpool John Moores Screen School’s FilmMaker’s Club has been granted funds to help students produce films. The short films aim to get all students involved, from drama students performing in the films to media students helping with cameras and producing the films. The funding is only available to second and third-year students, as well as recent alumni, however depending on how the club progresses, the funds will also be available to first year students after Christmas. Film Studies lecturer, Corin Willis and Manager of Production unit, Paula Baines, who run the FilmMaker’s Club applied for funds from the university’s Academic Enhancement Fund and secured £5000, which is to be spent within the next 10 months purely to help students make films. Students are encouraged to pitch their ideas about films to the club. There is a £100 limit per film in order for everyone to have a fair attempt at getting their film submitted into competitions and festivals and enhancing their CV. The successful attempts are given more money on an individual basis. It also gives students the chance to listen to guest speakers and meet and work with students from other degrees and years. The club’s first guest speaker is Stacey Moore of Typhoo Tea on Wednesday 17th October at 2pm at the Redmonds Building, GO37 where a Social Media film competition will be launched just for Liverpool Screen School students Paula Baines said: “Students will be able to pitch ideas for films, and if successful, apply for funds to help make the films and pay for competition entry fees. We will also be looking to employ a student to help with the running of this club”
Keaveney runs for Fair to help homeless dogs police comissioner by Jessica Etherington
by Jamie Allen
Liberal Democrat candidate Paula Keaveney believes that the new Police Commissioners in the UK can have a big effect on communities ‘if they listen to what the people want’. The former Liverpool City Council member is standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Police commissioner in Merseyside. The biggest issue she finds with the forthcoming elections is the lack of knowledge about when they are and what they mean. She said: “Hardly anyone knows the election is going on and it’s how we make people aware that is the main issue.” The elections were originally scheduled for early May but were delayed until the current November date and the Lib Dem candidate this has something to do with it. “People are not used to it being at this time of the year, it’s normally a Thursday in May or June, there will be a big issue about the number of people who turn out to vote.” This new role will be important
lecturer knows what she wants to do if she takes the seat “I want to work hard to find out
Paula Keaveney attending the Lib Dem conference in 2011 in policing some of the UK’s biggest cities and Keaveney believes that whoever wins the position has to be active in their local community. She said: “It’s an interesting role as this job is effectively the voice of the people for their area; it won’t work if people want to sit in big offices and make decisions from there. “It is still to be determined what kind of impact this role can have on policing but the university
what people really think and I believe I am very qualified to do that and be the voice of Merseyside police.” People all around the UK will vote to decide on their area’s Police Crime Commissioners on Thursday November 15th, everybody is encouraged to take part in the poll and make their choice. Former Cabinet member John Prescott is to be a Labour candidate for the Humberside Police.
Liverpool charity Animals in Need yesterday hosted an autumn fair and fun dog show to raise money and help to get homes for some unwanted animals. Based in Melling, the sanctuary has over 160 animals to care for
and relies on volunteers to help with things such as walking dogs. The sun shone at Lydiate Parish Hall, which helped to bring around 200 people to the event, many of whom brought their four legged friends along with them. The West Lancs Dog Dog Display team put on a show, which
involved dogs of all breeds doing tricks from basic agility to jumping through rings of fire. Tracy Hillon started volunteering for the charity about a year ago, she said: “I started taking the dogs pictures for their Facebook page. Animals in Need are so kind to the dogs.
Life/News/4
Merseytravel axes the Royal Daffodil by Rachael Leitch
One of the famous Mersey ferries is to be taken out of service in a drastic move to curb a £1million deficit. The Royal Daffodil is being withdrawn in January, leaving just two ferries in service linking the Wirral and Liverpool across the River Mersey. The decision to remove the vessel, built in 1962, was made by the Merytravel’s Tunnels, Ferries and Visitor Economy Committee in the hope of saving of between £153,000 and £233,000 every year Passenger numbers on the Mersey fleet have fallen to 650,000 and Merseytravel has called the annual million-pound deficit “unsustainable”. Councillor Liam Robinson, Chair of Merseyside Integrated
Transport Authority, said: “The Mersey Ferries are an iconic part of life on Merseyside and we are committed to maintaining the ferries service for the future. “However we recognise the financial realities of the moment, so have taken the decision in order to help reduce the current operating deficit.” The Royal Daffodil’s workforce has been informed of the proposals and redundancies are not expected. Merseytravel insist any decisions concerning employees will not be made without union consultation. Cllr Robinson added: “We are actively looking at other ways of reducing ferries costs overall, as well as disposing of one vessel, to cut the operating deficit. Reducing the number of vessels is just one part of the process.” Merseytravel has stated that the
Royal Daffodil’s limited external deck space makes it less suitable than the other two vessels for commuter service at busy times. The company also said it is confident it will be able to operate an almost unchanged service with the two remaining ships. Cllr Robinson said: “The decision to take one vessel out of service will not materially affect the Mersey Ferries service to the public – and it certainly doesn’t signify any threat to this operation. Greater use of this service by tourists and local people alike will ensure a secure future for an attraction which is synonymous with Merseyside. We are totally committed to keeping the ferries on the river.” The retired ferry may be loaned to a local trust or museum, with the option of being called back into service if necessary. Royal Daffodil sails across the River Mersey
New campaign set to make travel safer by Emma Kemmery
The Stop Hate UK campaign has just been launched across Merseyside
News In Brief
Big top Biogas gohealth day ahead
Artists and circus acts are coming to Liverpool this Friday for World Mental Health Day. The event, organised by Liverpool Mental Health Consortium, will be held in Williamson Square from 11am until 3pm. The free event will also have dancers and musicians performing
A new biogas plant in Widnes that will turn food waste from across Merseyside into energy has been given the go ahead. The process will create a by-product that could also be used as farming fertiliser. The energy created can be used in engines, burned for heat and also fed into the national grid to help supply the rest of the country.
O’Grady’s new show
Homeless fun day
Lily Savage star Paul O’Grady has made a rare return to his Birkenhead birthplace to work on a new TV show about the history of the working class. Mr O’Grady said: “There were still lots of places which hadn’t changed. It was sad to see the shops in Church Road and Borough Road boarded up. But, it was lovely to go back to Birkenhead.”
A homeless charity in Liverpool will host a day of fun in aid of World Homeless Day tomorrow. The Basement on Parr Street will put on food and entertainment for 100 homeless people, including poetry reading, juggling and singing. The Basement work closely with the homeless community in helping them with finance, education, housing and healthcare.
A new campaign has been launched across Merseyside public transport to tackle hate crimes. The ‘Stop Hate’ campaign is expected to make bus and train journeys across Merseyside safer for passengers, as it aims to reduce the number of hate-driven crimes, providing 24-hour support and information to those affected by such attacks. Mark Leighton, Stop Hate UK Reporting and Support Programme Manager, said: “Stop Hate UK are absolutely delighted that Merseytravel is part of a wider partnership promoting safety across the Merseyside transport network.” Merseyside’s Travelsafe campaigners will work in partnership with Merseyside Police and also Liverpool, Wirral and St Helens Councils to make the movement
St John’s £1m screen to stay by Jessica Etherington
The giant advertising screen on St. Johns shopping centre is to become a permanent fixture, costing £1m. Facing the entrance to Liverpool Lime Street station, the 120m long screen is known as the ‘media wall,’ displays moving images advertsing movie trailers, TV programmes and current events. The wall which is between the Holiday Inn and St George’s Hall originally only had planning permission for five years. It was originally designed to conceal the unattractive ramp in St John’s car park. The city’s planning committee will meet today and are to replace the screen and fabric wrap-around with a view to making the feature permanent. The LED screen hasn’t always been popular with everyone. Some people have described it as unsightly with some believing that it is a danger to motorists. However, after the screen was monitored, it was found to have
no effect on road safety. St John’s centre manager Iain MacGillivray said: “I am in favour of keeping the screen it has a significant place in the community. Businesses and charities can advertise on there, an example was the recent Hillsborough vigil; we had that on the screen. “The screen is strong and iconic over the world as it is one of the best advertising features.” BMW recently used the screen to launch their new luxury five-series car. Mr MacGillivray believes the screen brings Liverpool as a city to the forefront. He said: “We want to refresh the screen with new fabric because the current design was made for the Liverpool Capital of Culture in 2008. We also want to get the latest technology and new LED bulbs.” He will be working with Liverpool City Council in working on future plans for the screen to make a new design that will reference Liverpool and give people a pleasant welcome when they get off the train.
a success. Councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel said: “I am very supportive of the work we do to tackle hate crime, as whilst we have one of the safest transport networks in the country, we should always tackle any forms of discrimination that arise.” The launch will see around 800 buses carrying the Stop Hate UK branding, and see more than 200 poster sites promoting the programme across Merseyside. Stop Hate have also joined forces with other parts of the UK such as West Yorkshire and the region’s crime and disorder reduction partnership Safer Leeds to place hundreds of stickers in taxis and private hire vehicles across the west of the city. Organisers of the campaign across the country hope that this message shows the public that inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.
Mersey memory therapy funding by Emma Callum
Merseyside is to get seven new services for people living with dementia after the Alzheimer’s Society won funding this week. The new research programme, which includes dance and art, hopes to help those affected by dementia continue to live well. Funding was given by Merseyside NHS as well Liverpool, Knowsley and Sefton councils and hopes to be accessible to the whole of Merseyside. The non-pharmaceutical project will look at how non-medicinal therapies can help people affected, and the society will be working closely with JMU to study the progress made by those involved. Dermot O’Connor, Services Support Manager at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “The services aim to help by allowing people living with dementia meet other people in similar situations, as well as removing the stigma associated.” One of the services to also be set up will be music therapy, which uses songs to encourage memories. Mr O’Connor said: “A mother and daughter came along and asked for a specific song as it was what her husband had used when he proposed to her. The aim is to encourage relatives to ‘remember the person’ and recognise what they used to enjoy.” As well as the therapies, a carer’s educational course will also be created to give advice and help to those who will be caring for relatives with dementia. The charity is trying to encourage volunteers to get involved in helping with the ‘maintaining skills’ therapy. The aim is to find out the background of people and what they used to enjoy to do, such as golf or crosswords, and help them build up these skills again. “It’s all about helping the person to live better and feel better.”
Life/Style/5
Liverpool
Life
Rising stars of Liverpool style by Kate Molyneux High fashion stars from Liverpool are busy launching their careers around the world. The city is known across the UK for its WAG style, and is now here to prove the people of Liverpool have a lot more talent to offer. Fashion has become more prominent here in Liverpool over the past few years, with numerous boutiques and vintage shops opening, and ever expanding fashion courses for students all over the city. One designer who has benefited from a fashion degree in the city is Leigh Mansfield, 22, from Liverpool; “I always had a strong passion for fashion design, and making my own garments. After friends of friends started asking to buy my garments, that’s when I decided I wanted to study fashion design properly in university.” Leigh has gained work experience with a famous fashion designer in New York City; “My most recent achievement so far, is having the chance to be an intern for Vera Wang’s design team, living in New York for three months and having an amazing time. I met amazing people and Vera herself.” Another rising star from Huyton is Siobhan Perry, 20, who is signed by Premier Model Management in London, and has modelled for Zara, ASOS and many high fashion designers She said: “I have walked for some amazing designers including Chanel in Australia, which is one of my favourite designers. My biggest achievements have been travelling to New York, Tokyo,
and many other countries to work and I have had some great experiences.” Siobhan, who was spotted at a competition when she was 15, said she loves her job and it is very exciting; “I have met some amazing people like Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and, at London Fashion Week, had a chance to meet Janice Dickinson.” Fellow model from Anfield, Kevin Potter said: “My biggest campaigns have been for Fred Perry in London and Stone Island in Milan. Recently I did a shoot for Vogue magazine, which is probably my biggest achievement. “There are brands, designers and photographers I’d love to work with in the future, which inspires me to try my best in what I am doing.” The fashion industry provides many diverse opportunities for people in the world of fashion and is reportedly worth £1.25 billion. Luke Trevaskis, who took a different direction into fashion and is a leading Contract Publisher and Style Editor, said; “This industry is a beacon of private sector wealth that contains a plethora of resources. The doors and connections this market sector possesses are unrivalled.” He added: “I mostly love the fact that no two days are the same. One day you can be on the field styling a high net worth client; the next you can be spotting next season’s trends on catwalks around the world.” The young Liverpool talent hoping to become big in the world of fashion are definitely promoting Liverpool, and proving, the standards of fashion are far beyond WAG wannabes.
Liverpool’s Christopher Maloney, 34, is through to the next round of the X Factor’s live show but the judges have claimed he is the biggest ‘diva’. After a dramatic results show, Louis Walsh was asked by a viewer, on the ITV2 spin-off show ‘The Xtra Factor’, who he thought was the biggest diva, and he replied: “I’ve heard Chris from Liverpool is the biggest diva.” Tulisa and Nicole Scherzinger were also there to support Louis’ claims and had heard the same
but Gary Barlow refused to comment. Referring to claims of Misha B being a bully, Gary said: “We all got into backstage gossip last year and it got us all into trouble so let’s not go back there again.” Christopher had chance to respond to the comments claiming that he believes it is all about being tactical as all of the judges are in competition. “To be honest with you Louis only sees me when I’m on stage. You know how hard I work behind the scenes and stuff. He’s got it in for me in one way or another and I just don’t care.”
Film
Music
9th October: Film Club – Large Lecture Theatre in Redmonds Building, 5:30-7:30 pm Film lecturer and awardwinning documentary filmmaker, Keith Marley introduces a screening of Dziga Vertov’s 1929 film, ‘Man with a Movie Camera’. Free entry
12th October: The Real Thing - Philharmonic Hall, 7:30pm The Liverpool soul group, featuring the Amoo brothers Chris & Eddy and Dave Smith, return, performing their hits and many more live on stage.
Theatre 9th-27th October: Dirty Dancing - Liverpool Empire Theatre, 7:30pm The fastest selling West End show in history is visiting Liverpool as part of its first ever national tour. Tickets £10-£75
12th October: David Munnelly - Sefton Park Palm House, 7:30pm David Munnelly is the featured musician of Liverpool Irish Festival and will be joined by keyboard player and flutist Ryan Molloy. Tickets £15 online at www. wegottickets.com/event/182214 12th October: Kelly Clarkson. Manchester Arena. Kelly will be performing songs from her fifth studio album, Stronger. She will be supported by Cover Drive. Tickets £35.75
Pic ©Liverpool Empire/Twitter
16th October: Jesus Christ Superstar. Liverpool Echo Arena. After winning Andrew Lloyd Webber’s reality TV show, Ben Forster takes to the stage with Tim Minchin, Mel C and Chris Moyles. Tickets £45-£65
Model Siobhan Perry and left Luke Trevaskis
Maloney branded biggest diva by Tara Lamb & Michaela Shaw
What’s On...
Christopher failed to make the final stages of the competition by entering the live shows. However, due to a wild card opportunity, the public quickly voted him back on for a second chance this weekend, and some are disappointed in the judges’ comments. Hayley Johnson, of Garston, said: “Chris won the public vote, he is obviously one of the most popular people on the show, I don’t really care what the judges think, and he is making the people of Liverpool proud.” Christopher will next sing in The X Factor’s Love and Romance themed show on Saturday.
Chris Maloney, ©ITV
Festival
Pic ©The cosmopolitan of Las Vegas/CreativeCommons/Flickr 13th October: Reverend & The Makers- O2 Academy, 7pm A collection of minds, ideas and musicians from Sheffield; Reverend and the Makers are back with a new record and a headline tour. Tickets £12.50
11th-21st October: Liverpool Irish Festival - across various venues Running over ten days and two weekends, this festival will be busy with a choice of events for festival goers to attend, particularly on weekends. Tickets free to £30
Charity
Pic © Reverend & The Makers/ Facebook
12th October: Mental Health Week, Williamson Square, 11:00am-3:00pm The Liverpool Mental Health Consortium is hosting an event to promote how people with mental health problems can get help. Free entry
16th October: Bowling for Soup. O2 Academy. The American band are returning to Liverpool to perform the songs from their new album, Bowling for Soup Presents One Big Happy.
New Everyman comes together
Liverpool Everyman Theatre MatthewBlackFLickr
by Josh Kilner
Liverpool’s new and improved Everyman theatre has started to take shape, 10 months after construction began. Work has now begun on the basement, the ground floor and upper ground floors, which have now been poured and the redevelopment is on schedule for a ‘soft’ opening at the end of 2013, with the first season scheduled to open at the beginning of 2014. The Everyman secured approval for the redevelopment of the 33-year-old building in August 2010, before closing the following July to be rebuilt. New features of the theatre will include a
400-seat ‘thrust’ auditorium, a new incarnation of the original Everyman Bistro, extra rehearsal space and production workshops, as well as improved technical facilities. Pippa Lea, Communications and PR Manager at Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres, said: “The Everyman and Playhouse have achieved a remarkable renaissance in recent years. An adventurous, high quality artistic programme has found an enthusiastic audience and the theatres have experienced remarkable growth on all fronts. However, this new-found vibrancy and future potential was under serious and immediate threat due to the age and condition of the
two theatre buildings. Without redevelopment there was a serious risk of closure.” “The new fly tower, flexible stage and technical facilities will mean that we can bring those theatre companies and artists to Liverpool that before were not possible due to our technical restrictions. “ Measures have also been taken to ensure the Everyman maintains its historic value: “We were careful to ask people what they liked so much about the Everyman and listen to what they said to take this forward to the new Everyman. This included the thrust stage, the iconic sign and the basement bistro.” This is the second time the
Everyman Theatre has been rebuilt - It was first rebuilt between 1975 and 1977. Earlier this year, it was also revealed that the new Everyman building would host the theatre’s new Young Everyman Playhouse programme; an initiative that the theatre believes will help nurture the writers and actors, technicians, audiences and cultural leaders of the future. The £28m development is receiving £16.8m of funding from Arts Council England, £5.9m from the European Regional Development Fund £5.9m and £2.5m which previously invested by the Northwest Regional Development Agency.
Cream celebrates 20th Anniversary by Joel Richards One of Liverpool’s most iconic brands celebrates a significant milestone this month. Since October 1992, Cream has played host to thousands of revellers and plenty of world-class DJs as it remains standing at the forefront of electronic music and club culture. Founded by James Barton and Darren Hughes the “super club” made its home in Wolstenholme Square (now home to Nation) and its legendary Saturday nights events were a frequent lock out. Although Cream now only hosts three big nights a year, the brand is still world famous with other projects such as Cream Ibizawhich is 18 years old- and also the Creamfields festival which currently resides in Daresbury Cheshire. An award-winning operation, it is replicated around the world from Australia to Argentina. Cream’s ability to change with the times while not losing sight of the club’s original ethos is evidenced by the birthday celebrations having sold out both nights. Last weekend, Steve Angello of Swedish House Mafia fame, alongside Eddie Halliwell performed while this Saturday’s line-up is packed with the
original “superstar DJs”, the men who put Cream on the map. In a legendary line-up of talent which reads like a who’s who, Fatboy Slim, Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong, Carl Cox, John Digweed and original Cream resident Paul Bleasdale are all on the bill. “I am so proud of what Cream has achieved over the last 20 years, when you look back you will see that this company has helped shape the landscape of popular culture” said James, 44.
No Scouse brows but something for everyone by Vanessa Gainford As Liverpool Fashion Week draws nearer, director Amanda Moss has told of how she first branched into Fashion Week. After being asked if she would like to create a fashion event four years ago, Amanda Moss would have never predicted she would still be in the fashion industry. But since tripling the amount of people that turned up and receiving constant emails asking if she would direct it again, Amanda realised how high the demand was for Liverpool to host a Fashion Week and decided be part of the team again. What confirmed Amanda’s belief that there was definitely a need for Fashion Week was Liverpool Fashion. She said: “Liverpool fashion is so different to the rest of the countries, we’re so glamorous and we want to get dressed up and we’re so into fashion that there’s a definite need for it. The whole culture of Liverpool lends itself to having a fashion week.” Amanda thinks that Fashion Week definitely puts the city on the fashion map in the UK. Liverpool Fashion Week puts on so many catwalk shows across the whole week that there are more catwalks here than anywhere else in the country excluding London. Amanda said: “Fashion Week shows the rest of the country that we’re serious about fashion. We’re showcasing new talent and existing designers that normally wouldn’t get their name out there. Also it’s promoting Liverpool as a city, as a fashionable place to come and visit.” Fashion inherently can be quite intimidating but Amanda’s aim is to make Liverpool Fashion Week available to everybody. She said: “Fashion week is affordable fashion for everybody. There are so many diverse trends out there, haute couture, casual, evening wear, work wear, there’s so much in the area of fashion, and there’ll absolutely be something for everyone.”
Liverpool Fashion Week also has catwalks for hats scarves, shoes, handbags, opticians and for the first time ever there will be cakes on the catwalk. In May articles were released saying that Amanda had “banned the ‘Liverpool look’ from Fashion Week” When asked if this ban was still in force Amanda stated that it is not the Liverpool look that is banned it is the fake celebrity look she dislikes and how a lot of Liverpool girls try to emulate it. She said: “I still stand by that, there’ll be no Scouse brows on the catwalk, there’s to be no fake tan and there’s to be no really long eyelashes. It’s all about natural beauty. The fake celebrity, wannabe status, is not something I applaud in fashion. You wouldn’t see models in London or Milan looking like that, so I don’t want people on the catwalk of Liverpool looking like that. To be taken seriously by the fashion industry we have to look the part.” Amanda said that she is currently very stressed but she does enjoy the process. She enjoys meeting people as they are all creative and talented. At the moment she is enjoying the buzz that is being created on Facebook and twitter. Amanda also enjoys how Fashion week can cause peoples ‘careers to blossom.’ She said: “I’ve seen models go on to be signed with agencies, seen people get jobs that are fantastic and I know that it all started here with Fashion Week.” Amanda’s favourite thing about fashion week is the diversity of the shows and fashion. After Fashion Week Amanda is also the director of the Liverpool Life Style Awards in February 2013. She is also due to host the first Junior Fashion weekend in Liverpool this spring. Amanda added: “Liverpool fashion week is bringing fashion to younger people. As there is a gap in the market for children and for young adults, so we’re doing a special weekend for children aged four to sixteen.”
George Michael back on stage by Elisha Storrow
The Real Thing back in Liverpool by Joel Richards
Cream Nightclub Logo
Life/Style/6
Former chart-toppers The Real Thing are set to turn the clock back this weekend as they return to their home town where it all began. The Liverpool soul group, featuring the Amoo brothers Chris & Eddy and Dave Smith, had No.1 hits in the 70s and 80s with You to Me Are Everything, Can’t Get By Without You and Feel The Force. The three original vocalists return, performing these hits and many more live on stage. This Friday’s show will give the audience a chance to relive that soul sound with all The Real Thing hits, and their versions of classics like Celebration, Ladies Night and
Ain’t No Stopping Us Now. The journalist, author and founder of Mojo, Paul Du Noyer credits them with restoring “Liverpool’s musical reputation in the 1970s” with their success. The UK’s own disco pioneers still whip up the crowds from the minute they hit the stage. In more recent times they had their version of Eleanor Rigby on the chart album Liverpool, The Number Ones and have released The Singles Collection a 35-track double album. The 12th October show at the Philharmonic Hall marks the start of a six-month tour where they will also play in Reading, York and Wolverhampton. For tickets visit www.liverpoolphil.com.
After postponing his Symphonica tour last year, George Michael is returning to the stage this autumn and has made Liverpool one of his destinations, performing in the city for the first time. The singer was forced to push back his successful tour after he contracted the life-threatening illness, pneumonia in November last year. However, he is returning to the stage this autumn and will perform at the Echo Arena as part of the Orchestral Tour on Wednesday 10th October 2012
(Originally organised for 30th November 2011). The former ‘Wham!’ star added dates to his Symphonica tour that include Austria, France and The Netherlands, which kicked off on 4th September 2012 in Vienna, where he was hospitalised with his illness. The 49-year-old’s first comeback performance came at the Olympic closing ceremony in August where he performed his new single, ‘White Light’ and 90’s hit ‘Freedom 90’, despite having many top 10 hits to choose from. This is the first time a George Michael tour has come to Liverpool.
George Michael ©GeorgeMichaelTwitter
Player arrested after bar incident
Hammill arrested by Joe Lanigan Smith Former Liverpool academy prospect Adam Hammill was arrested over claims he assaulted a female paramedic outside a Temple Court bar. The incident occurred at around 3.30am on Saturday night, following a disturbance at the Revolution bar in the city centre. Hammill who is on loan at Championship side Huddersfield town was on a night out with friends when a paramedic was apparently assaulted while she was treating another male. Chief executive of the club Nigel Clibben confirmed that Yorkshire side were aware of the incident and had contacted parent club Wolverhampton Wanders. The 24-year-old who was part of the 2006 FA cup youth winning side was sold to Barnsley in 2009 following a series of loan spells away from Anfield. He also represented England at under 21 level. A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: “A 24-year-old man from Bootle was arrested on suspicion of common assault in the early hours of Sunday, October 7. “The man was released on police bail on Sunday night pending further enquiries.”
Price set for test by Eoghain McKane
Liverpool fighter David Price has said he will take nothing for granted in his upcoming fight on Saturday at the Echo Arena. Price, who is unbeaten in 13 matches, is the heavy favourite and is expected to send Audley Harrison into retirement. Price will defend his British and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles against a fighter who won a gold medal in 2000. Price who won the bronze medal in 2008 has claimed that Harrison is a “big threat.” Price said “Now that the pressure is off him, that might bring something out of him, it brings risks. We haven’t left any stone unturned, we realise Audley Harrison is a big threat.” Harrison, 40 was knocked out in his last fight in the third round by David Haye where he threw only one punch. Harrison failed to attend the press conference in central London to announce the fight, but declared in a statement that there would be no repeat of the David Haye fight where the lead up the fight was extremely accromonious.
Liverpool manager Rodgers defends Suarez
by Eoghain McKane
Brendan Rodgers has leapt to the defence of Luis Suarez following the criticism of his diving against Stoke. Following claims from Stoke manager Tony Pulis that Suarez simulated and feigned injury, has led Rodgers to defend Suarez saying that he is being ‘vilified’. Pulis said that he wants to see Suarez banned for trying to con referees, and former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen also criticised the Liverpool forward for his play acting. Rodgers said: “At this moment, there seems to be one set of rules for Luis and another set for everyone else. I believe some people need to develop a sense of perspective and I also believe the vilification of Luis is both wrong and unfair.” It was suggested by Pulis that a three match ban would stop Suarez ‘falling over’ and Martin Hansen backed the simulation claims against Suarez by saying “There’s no doubt about it that he goes down very, very easily. But the English game is littered with players who go down too easily.” The controversy overshadowing Suarez’s diving and imitation overshadows the incident where Robert Huth was seen by video replays to have stamped intentionally on Suarez’s stomach. The FA is unlikely to take any action over the alleged dive because they only take retrospective action on unseen red card offences and not offences that may have only received a booking. The incident occurred during Liverpool’s disappointing scoreless draw against Stoke as Liverpool continues to sit at the near end of the table. With only 6 points in seven games Liverpool are in 14th position and rarely tested the Stoke defence, Rodgers however praised his young squad for standing up to the tough tackling of
Life/Sport/7 Tranmere make a record-breaking start to the season by Joshua Killner
Tranmere Rovers fans are refusing to get ahead of themselves, despite their side’s record breaking start to the season. The unbeaten Superwhites are four points clear at the top of League One having won eight of their first 11 games, beating their previous best start back in 1930. Rovers have also scored more goals than any other team in the football league with 26 goals, and conceded less than any other. In spite of their dominance early on in the league season, many fans remain level-headed and believe it’s too early to start thinking about hosting Championship sides at Prenton Park. Rovers have been stuck in English football’s third tier since their relegation from Division One in 2001. On a Tranmere Rovers fan forum, one fan said: “I think we should keep things in
perspective - We have made a fantastic start, yes, but 11 games is less than quarter of a season and two of our best performers are out injured for indeterminate but possibly lengthy periods. Dare to believe but let’s just enjoy this moment for the time being.” Another user reiterated the need to remain composed: “It’s a fantastic start, but it’s just a start.” Some fans couldn’t help but get over excited though. Christopher Cashin from Birkenhead said: “What the hell is going on? We are actually taking the mickey out of this league!! Scoring goals for fun and a little bit of daylight opening up. SWA!!” Rovers fan Miles Pillow is surprised by his team’s quality of football: “I never expected us to be at the business end of the table with such a small and inexpensive squad. It’s exciting, attacking football, which is enjoyable to watch and we’re scoring goals. Is this what being a Barcelona fan
feels like?” Rovers manager Ronnie Moore refuses to get carried away by his team’s impressive start to the season and has said the word ‘promotion’ will not get shouted about in the dressing room, insisting that staying in League One is their first objective. Speaking after their 1-0 away win at Notts County, Moore said: “I don’t think anybody can argue, the players deserve to be top of the league because they’ve been absolutely fantastic. There’s still a long, long way to go and it’s just a matter of coming out and performing like we did today.” Tranmere will look to continue their early run of form against 13th placed Yeovil Town on Saturday, but will have to do so without joint top scorer Akpa Akpro as he is currently out with an injury. Akpro suffered a broken metatarsal when he pulled up sharply after 17 minutes of the 1-0 win at Notts County last Saturday
Moyes’ top manager honour for September
Suarez is accused of diving
Rogers defends Suarez in media Pulis’s Stoke team. The topic of diving has been a prominent feature in the Premiership this season with players such as Ashley Young and Gareth Bale also being targeted for their ‘play acting’. Managers are expected to curb any type of play deemed ‘cheating’. The Liverpool team will take a break from Premiership football as an international break will now occur. Suarez will play for Uruguay against Argentina and Bolivia
by Eoghain McKane
Everton Manager David Moyes has been named September’s Premier League manager of the month. The award follows Everton’s impressive start to the season. Usually Everton have a sluggish start to the season but this year they sit in 4th place in the league boasting 14 points from seven matches. Moyes’s Everton have managed to dispel previous traditional starts and have managed to gain a few scalps off teams such as Man United thanks to a Marouane Fellaini goal. Moyes has gained the award but it will be thanks to impressive form from key players as Fellaini, Baines and key striker Nikola Jelavic. Everton will hope to Moyes is Barclays Premiership Manager of the Month continue their scintillating form as they will host the first September Results Merseyside derby of the season at Goodison Park in two West Brom 2-0 Everton 1st Sep weeks’ time. The international Everton 2-2 Newcastle 17th Sept break may be of a hindrance for Everton and they would Swansea 0-3 Everton 22nd Sept probably wish it came at a Everton 3-1 Southampton 29th Sept later time.
Oxton lacrosse show great form by Sam McDonnell
Birkenhead-based Oxton Women’s Lacrosse team started the new season in winning style despite being without some key players as an incredible nine of their first teamers are hunting for places in World Cup sides in 2013. The current European Club Champions boast two Scotland international players, two for Wales and as many as five for England, who are currently touring the US in a bid to make the cut from a squad of 25. The Oxton Sports Club team, formerly known as Wirral Women’s Lacrosse, arrived home from Prague in September having retained their
European Championship from the previous year. This added to their two consecutive North of England Women’s Lacrosse League trophies, the second of which they remained unbeaten for the entire season. They started the 2012 - 13 season in much the same fashion with a 14-5 against Mellor on Saturday, albeit with such a depleted side they were left with no substitutes. Coach Alison Dunn believes that being without such important players for the start of their season is just a result of a good framework of coaching. Alison, a former England international herself, said: “We’re a victim of
our own success really. “We’ve been so successful because we have a very good junior development programme in place. But, as far as these girls go, I don’t feel under pressure because they give so much and I have confidence and belief in them.” Alison, 51, gives up what she said was ‘hours of every day’,despite that her nose was broken by a stray ball from one of her Oxton first-teamers. Twice. Club captain Carina Walsh, who plays for Wales, added praise for the coaching staff and said: “We didn’t join the club as international players, we’ve been made into internationals.”
Carina, whose teammates called their ‘inspirational captain’, explained the level of devotion that particularly the players headed for the World Cup must give. She explained: “It’s completely self-funded. So if we did both tours that are arranged and the World Cup, plus our training, it would cost us at least five thousand pounds each. We must be mad!” With the youngest first team player, Emily Kealey, being just 16 years old, the Oxton first team said that more people should get involved in lacrosse because: “It’s fast, skilful, fun and addictive and it’s a great spectator sport.”
Oxton beat Mellor 14-5 in their first match of the season
Liverpool
LifeSPORT 9 - October - 2012
CALL UP FOR LFC SHELVEY 20-year-old Liverpool star impresses Roy Hodgson by Daniel Farrell Liverpool’s Jonjo Shelvey has been called up to the senior England squad alongside teammates Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson. The 20-year-old Liverpool midfielder has made a fine start to the season prompting his step up from the under-21s side to the senior squad to face San Marino and Poland in the World Cup qualifiers. Shelvey has impressed under Brendan Rodgers, and has made two starts and played in four games for Liverpool so far. The young Londoner was sent off in a defeat against Manchester United for a tackle on Johnny Evans, however has clearly made an impression on Roy Hodgson. Shelvey scored his third goal of the campaign against Udinese last week and has flourished under his new boss Rogers, scoring two goals against Young Boys, prompting a call up from the England manager. He is initially thought to have been called up as cover for Frank Lampard. Shelvey would be eligible to make his debut against San Marino at Wembley on Friday night, though Liverpool team-mates Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson will miss out due to match bans. Steven Gerrard has also praised the progress of the player and hopes that he is a mainstay for both Liverpool and England should he make his debut this week. Gerrard said: “He has been improving all the time since he ar-
Boxing at Olympia by Joe Lanigan Smith The weekend’s Prize Fighter event which was held at Liverpool’s Olympia was won by Terry Flannigan, who is now keen for a shot at the European title. The 23-year-old upset the odds by beating two former British title holders in Derry Mathews and Gary Sykes on his way to glory at the Liverpool Olympia. After announcing himself on the big stage, he now feels that he has a chance of a shot of European glory. The fighter from Manchester, who was a late replacement for Terry Needham, had to do it the hard way, coming through Mathews in the semi-final, before overcoming Sykes to pick up the £32,000 jackpot. He now hopes to compete on an even bigger stage after his victory in Liverpool
rived at Liverpool and has grown into a good footballer with good vision who can create and score goals. “He also listens which means he will only get better with more games and experience. “This experience of being in the full England squad will be great for him and hopefully Liverpool will benefit from it as well. I’m really pleased for him.” Roy Hodgson and his management team will decide this weekend whether Shelvey remains with Hodgson’s squad for next Tuesday’s qualifier in Poland, or joins Stuart Pearce’s under-21s squad in their play-off second leg in Serbia. Shelvey has played six times for England Under-21s and was a regular at U-16, U-17 and U-19 level. Shelvey, who was signed for a fee of £1.7million from Charlton back in 2010, has flourished under Brendan Rodgers so far this season, and the Reds boss is said to be delighted with the youngster’s progress. Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand has also been summoned after Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs was forced to pull out with injury. Bertrand’s inclusion for Gibbs was an obvious one given the Chelsea defender had been involved in England’s last qualifying match, the draw with Ukraine at Wembley last month. Everton’s Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka have also been named in the England squad to face Poland and San Marino for the qualifiers.
Jonjo Shelvey called up for the International friendlies against Poland and San Marino
Liverpool players’ tweets show support for April Jones by Joshua Killner
Liverpool football stars have taken to Twitter to help show their support for the search of missing five-year-old April Jones. Left-back Jose Enrique and injured midfielder Lucas Leiva each retweeted a picture to help raise awareness of the missing girl, abducted in her home town of Machynlleth, Wales. Former Reds Robbie Fowler and Charlie Adam also showed their support in the search. A number of various pictures have circulated Twitter, many with the caption: “Missing: Last seen this evening put into a cream/white van in Mach (Machynlleth) her name is April she’s 5yrs old! If anybody can help please contact Machynlleth police !! Please share!!”
The Liverpool stars have joined thousands of people in the city, including comedian John Bishop and Spice Girl Mel C, in taking to Twitter to raise awareness of missing April. April was playing with friends near her home when she was seen “willingly” getting into a van at 19:00 on Monday. Mark Bridger, 46, has appeared in court having been charged with the murder of April Jones, whilst a search to find her still goes on. Bridger has also been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice and child abduction. Iwan Jenkins, District Crown Prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service, has said there was “sufficient evidence to charge Mark Bridger with the murder of April Jones and that it is in the
Jose Enrique’s Twitter page supporting the search for April public interest to do so. “I have also concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge the defendant with attempting to pervert the course of justice and child abduction,” he added. “Accordingly, I have authorised Dyfed Powys Police to charge him with these offences and he will appear before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning.” Police decided to suspend nighttime searches for missing April
on Friday evening, but a fresh search resumed at daybreak on Saturday. Hundreds of volunteers have joined in the search to assist a large number of specialist search officers and more than 60 specialist trained officers made up of the emergency services and mountain rescue teams.
Joe Allen wins FA of Wales Player of the year
By Jamie Allen
Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has won the FA of Wales player of the year award after a number of impressive performances for club and country. The 22-year old, who moved to Liverpool from Swansea in August for £15m, has already established himself at the heart of the Reds midfield. Allen was one of the surprises of last season as he was a crucial part of Swansea’s impressive debut in the Premier League, as they finished 11th in the table after being widely tipped for relegation. The award is voted on by journalists and broadcasters for the period October 2011 to October 2012. As well as starring in the Premier League, Allen has cemented his place in the Wales midfield after only making his debut last October. His achievements were also recognised as he was called up for Team GB for the Olympic Games along with Wales teammates Craig Bellamy, Aaron Ramsey, Ryan Giggs and Neil Taylor. The midfielder has been ever present for Liverpool in the Premier League and has compiled a pass completion rate of 93%, one of the highest in the division. Liverpool fans will be hoping that he will continue his good form for the rest of the season as they try to climb up the league after a poor run of results.
Tranmere star gets Wales nod by Eoghain McKane
Tranmere goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams has received a call up to the Wales senior team. Fon Williams has impressed as Tranmere Rovers solid form continues to improve as they sit four points clear at the top of Coca Cola League 1. With six clean sheets in 11 matches, the call up is well deserved and he may feature in the World Cup qualifiers against Scotland this Friday and against Croatia the following Tuesday. Fon Williams said: “I’m going with the idea that I’m going to play. It’s a great opportunity for me. I have wanted to represent my country since I’ve been a boy.” Fon Williams is expected to start because the other two goalkeepers in the squad do not play first team football for their club side and 1st team regulars Wayne Hennessey and Boaz Myhill will miss the qualifiers through injury.