Liverpool Life 4:2 October 21 2015

21 - October - 2015

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE...

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Making families. Focus on UK adoption week

© Beth Meadows

Help the Homeless society raises money sleeping rough

LIFEextra

Countdown

Clocks to go back this Sunday, 2AM You know summer is over when mornings get lighter,

nights get darker and the confusion kicks in when you don’t know if you’re going to be early or late for work. This Sunday at 2am the clocks will go

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New Tranmere player fighting to turn Rovers around

UNDER ATTACK

By SAM DAVIES

Reminder: The Lime Street clock is ticking away

SPORT

©Richard Ault/talru.com

NEWS

©Emily Curren

back an hour. So if you’re out clubbing Saturday night, just remember you can have an extra hour in bed and nobody can make you feel guilty about it!

An historic Merseyside park is under attack from vandals, leading local campaigners to call on Wirral Council to develop a better security strategy.

Two separate acts of “mindless violence” in the last three weeks have worried community organisation the Friends of Birkenhead Park, along with allegations of drug dealing and other criminal activity in the area.

A break-in at the park’s Visitor Centre last Thursday night followed an earlier arson attack on the famous wooden Swiss Bridge, which may cost around £40,000 of tax payers’ money to repair through Wirral Council’s insurance.

Birkenhead Park, which was the UK’s first publically funded park, opened in 1847. The park was awarded more than £7m by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2000, which enabled a massive restoration project to take place.

In 2022, it will celebrate its 175th anniversary and plans are already being put into place to mark the occasion in style. A bid is also being made for the park to gain World Heritage Site status.

Following the latest attack the visitor centre was left with a smashed door, but nothing was taken from the building.

The Swiss Bridge will be out of action for some time as

the floor needs replacing and walls require a new paint job.

The wood used on the bridge is considered fire resistant, but it is thought the arsonists were present for at least an hour and a half before the bridge was set alight.

Unfortunately the CCTV cameras near to the bridge were not working, which has angered the Friends.

Speaking at a Friends of Birkenhead Park quarterly meeting on Saturday, Robert Lee, a leading member of the group called for Wirral Council to implement a proper security strategy to safeguard the investments made in the park.

He told Liverpool Life: “I think most of us feel now that this is beginning to form a pattern, they’re targeting the park and things will get worse. On Thursday morning we had a mini site inspection on the Upper Park. What did we come across? A large number of people dealing in drugs. And I think this happens on a daily basis.

“These attacks are totally appalling, it shows a disrespect to what is one of the world’s most important parks, at a time when the local authority is increasingly short of funds to repair and maintain the park. We really have to make sure that this type of problem doesn’t occur again.”

 Continued - page 3

Historic park hit by mindless vandals

Birkenhead Park ©Wikimedia Commons/S F Barnes

Life|News|2

Liverpool has soul for the first time

By LEWIS CALVERT

The first ever soul festival comes to Liverpool this weekend with British singing legend Gabrielle opening the show.

SoulFest 2015 will be headlined by the platinum selling soul singer known for “Rise” and “Dreams” but she is not the only talent on show, the critically acclaimed Ayanna Witter-Johnson will be closing and she spoke to Liverpool Life.

She said: “I love music because it allows people to elevate their soul to a beautiful place but it can also divide opinions.” with a keen sense of identity, Ayanna’s live shows are intimate journeys that chronicle her experience as a woman in the 21st century.

She has gigged on International Women’s Day, featured on BBC 4’s Woman’s Hour and feels strongly about issues effecting females today.

“There is lots of discrimination against women: superficially and how they look, ageism is another big one, discrimination against those with children or who are pregnant. It puts people off going for certain jobs if they can’t get time off because they’re pregnant. It just need to be ac-

cepted that women are going to have babies.

“I do believe we still have work to do with female rights, areas of society can be improved but I wouldn’t call myself a feminist in a traditional sense.”

She describes Eckhart Tolle as her favourite author, a man The New York Times labelled “the most popular spiritual author in the nation” but her own work, particularly her second EP Black Panther, received rave reviews from The Independent, The Huffington Post, MTV and SoulBounce amongst others.

Ayanna, a 2012 MOBO nominee for Best Jazz Act. headlines Sunday’s show at Studio 2 and when asked about the sexualisation of women in the music industry she said: “We had to fight equally hard for the right to wear what we want. If you’ve got the confidence and feel comfortable and it’s your individual choice, do it. But if you’re going to perpetuate stereotypes you have to take the responsibility that comes with that.”

She also stressed the need for positive black female role models like Nina Simone.

“Not many black women can overawe an audience like she did. She expressed the truth in

Cycling Scouser raises £20,000 for blood cancer

By JENNY KIRKHAM Cycling Scouser, Andrew Rogerson arrived home two weeks ago after a 10,000 mile cycling trip from China to Merseyside.

The 30-year-old began his trip in May to raise money and awareness for blood cancer charity – The Anthony Nolan Trust. Andrew has so far raised £20,000 for the trust and inspired hundreds of people to sign up to the bone marrow donor register.

The route began in Shanghai, China, before moving on to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hun-

Life

gary and Austria.

The finally stretch of the cycling tour included Czech Republic, Germany, Netherland and then finally the UK. Andrew’s gruelling five month journey was inspired by 9 yearold Leukaemia sufferer Charlie Fearns.

He said: “There was many points throughout my trip when I was tired and sore and feeling very sorry for myself but I just reminded myself of why I started the trip and how the struggles that I was facing were nothing in comparison to those of Charlie’s or any other cancer sufferer, I quickly got over it.”

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RISING STAR: Ayanna Witter-Johnson is closing SoulFest 2015 © Mkaela Westerholm. a socially turbulent time and was brave. She touched so many people.

“These artists are able to express themselves authentically and they show the wider spectrum of female beauty, skill and ability. This is important because whoever you are, wherever you’re from, you can follow them but in your own mould.”

A fluent French speaker, Ayanna says she would be a freelance

translator if not for a musician and one of her proudest achievements was when the London born musician was the first non-American to win the world famous Amateur Night at the Apollo in New York.

“The dream for me would be to headline the Royal Albert Hall with the New York Symphony Orchestra. That would be perfect.

The focus now for me is recording the album and touring it

around the UK, in the US and France.”

She is now currently crowd funding to raise £25,000 for her new album entitled Ruben&Ay. For more details about Ayanna Witter-Johnson visit http://www. ayannamusic.com/ and follow her on @AyannaWJ For tickets and more information on SoulFest visit http://www.liverpoolsoulfest. com/

Young stylist makes fashion final By

ELLE SPENCER

Gabrielle Finnin, 18, a personal stylist from Liverpool has been chosen as one of three finalists in an inhouse fashion competition.

High street brand Oasis, set their stylists a challenge to scout, style and photograph a member of the public in the hopes of being named ‘Style Scout 2015’.

“The competition is great because I got to see how others style and bring their creative thoughts together.

With the love I have for fashion and with working as a stylist, I get to see different styles every day, it inspires me in my work and life. I love that everyone has their own way of dressing.”

Gabrielle styled her model Molly Kirk, in the burgundy and neutral colours she felt suited her tones. She decided to follow this pallet all the way through to the second rounds of the competition as she felt they not only suited her model but are the colours currently displayed from catwalks to high street.

The stylist is now asking people to vote by liking and sharing her photo on social media to helpshowcase fashion in Liverpool.

You can do so at http://m. oasis-stores.com/fcp/ content/style_scout/ content?cm_sp=Social-_Feature-_-StyleScout

Artists plaque in involved rant

By CONOR

ALLISON

Artists in Chester have protested plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order by installing humorous plaques on benches throughout the city centre.

More than 17,000 people have signed two online petitions against the plans, after fears it would negatively affect the socially vulnerable in the city.

One of the two artists who created the plaques, said: “This was all done in good grace and with no malice or thought of financial gain.”

One of the plaques read: “This bench is reserved for the young, beautiful and affluent. If you are old, ugly or poor please sit elsewhere.”

The signs have now been removed, with tax payers’ money being used to take them down, according to head of place operations for Cheshire West and Chester Council, Maria Byrne.

McDonalds leaps into the future

By BEN CUMMINGS With Back To The Future day occurring today, McDonalds around Liverpool are almost starting to reflect something only seen in sci-fi films.

The fast food chain are starting to include new touch screen technology to help customers with their orders.

Lord Street’s McDonalds was one of the first to utilise this new facility, with the just re-opened Ranelagh Street store set to include the new technology as well.

The new computer systems will save waiting times and allow customers to customize their burgers They can also then pay via card, Smartphone or contactless pay.

Customers can also charge their phones and there are also tablets installed at some tables that customers can use free of charge.

Republik to be turned into hotel

By BETH

HOPEFUL STYLIST: Molly Kirk Modelling Gabrielle’s design © Gabrielle Finnin

COLLINS

Permission has been granted to turn former Republik bar into a new hotel. The move comes after owners scrapped plans to re-open the club due to opposition from Merseyside Police. The venue has been closed since officers raided Republik as part of an investigation into drugs and violence.

Initial plans for the bar involved turning the premises into a café bar back in July, however licensing chiefs refused the application despite club bosses offering to impose a long list of severe opening conditions.

The new hotel is to be renovated and could open to tourists in early 2016.

Life|News|3

Park campaigners’ shock after vandal attacks

By SAM DAVIES In addition to the worrying bouts of criminal activity, the Friends of Birkenhead Park discussed the potential consequences of further council budget cuts.

By 2020, the end of the current parliament, the running of Birkenhead Park is likely to be cost neutral, meaning the council would not fund park maintenance and the staff at the park would have to raise the money for their own salary.

Robert Lee said: “It’s not the council’s fault, we won’t know the full details until George Osbourne’s autumn budget but they can see the way it’s going to go.

“Wirral Council will have to make very substantial savings yet again during the current parliament, by 2020 they will have no money for spending on parks and countryside, anything that isn’t a statutory requirement, they will not be able to fund.”

Thursday night’s incident was caught on CCTV and the Birkenhead Park team believe three men broke into the building.

The offenders were able to flee the scene before the police’s arrival – just eight minutes after the alarm’s sound.

Volunteers at the meeting were baffled and outraged by the recent criminal activities in the park.

Volunteer Pauline Beecham told Liverpool Life: “I’m very disappointed about the two incidents, it’s terrible what’s happened and I think a lot of people are quite angry about it,

Arms trade links row

By ELLE SPENCER

COSTLY: Smashed window of the visitor centre

© Sam Davies

especially as it’s such a lovely park.”

Sheila Blair, project leader for Birkenhead Park’s Edward Kemp community garden added: “I think what’s happened here over the last few weeks is disgraceful because one of the things we are always doing is promoting how wonderful the park is and to be absolutely honest it’s mindless violence.

“I don’t understand why these people are targeting the park,” she added.

Sleeping out boosts funds for homeless DAMAGE: The Swiss bridge that was set on fire, left, and the park, above

By BETH COLLINS

A sleep rough campaign has raised £25,000 for the homeless in Liverpool City Centre.

The University of Liverpool’s Help the Homeless society took part raising money for the Whitechapel centre, Liverpool’s biggest homeless shelter which commits itself to helping people get off the streets long-term.

Six members of the group roughed it in the cold for the night but they were not alone.

They were joined by other charities, work forces and organisations in Liverpool that want to support ending homelessness throughout the North West.

The heroic Help the Homeless group managed to raise £662.84.

Beth Meadows, co-President of the society told Liverpool Life: “Homelessness is something that has always been close to my heart, and a big part of me felt so guilty every time I walked past a rough sleeper as their life is just as important as mine.

“It is my moral duty as a human being to do anything in my power to help, so my work with the society is a manifestation of that realisation to help not only those without a home, but displaced refugees too.

“I strongly believe in breaking down the stigma associated

Groups camped out to raise funds for Help the Homeless © Beth Meadows with homelessness as a lifestyle choice rather than an amalgamation of complex issues and circumstances that could happen to anyone, it’s important to recognise homeless people as equal human beings who certainly did not want to end up in the situations they unfortunately are in.”

The society has many other plans to raise money for homelessness throughout Liverpool.

She added: “We are currently working on plans for another fundraiser for the Whitechapel centre and AMURT around Christmas, a comedy night that should hopefully raise essential funds for charities that help those in society who need it most, especially in a climate of bitter austerity and lack of moral clarity on how we should act as a community to help others.

“I am very proud of the work our society has achieved thus far into the academic year, we are over the moon with how well the sleep out went and can’t wait for next year. Our weekly sandwich delivery to the Whitechapel and refugee breakfast projects are also going very well and looking to expand in order to accommodate our overwhelming influx of new members, 73 and counting!

“It’s really refreshing to see so many young people wanting to get involved with making a positive impact on society and inspiring change for the better.”

This sponsored sleep comes at a crucial time with the latest government cuts, the money raised is vital to the Whitechapel centre as it simply does not have the money and resources to help everyone it can.

Students, activists and concerned citizens alike gathered in the Liverpool Guild of Students on Monday to discuss the University of Liverpool’s alleged involvement with the arms trade.

Campaigner Greg Dropkin, who spoke at the meeting and who presented the report “Get Your Bombs Off Our Lawn”, examined links between the University of Liverpool and the arms trade. It is claimed students’ research may be being used to improve weaponry systems that could later be used to commit acts of war.

“This is not just some kind of kid’s game here. The university is helping to design drones and 10 to 15 years later these drones are killing people,” he told the meeting, organised by the Liverpool branch of the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT).

The University of Liverpool have insisted they abide by a strict code research ethics.

However, some students and staff have now grown so concerned over the university’s apparent lack of transparency that they have decided to take a stand and call for action.

Sarah Ali, a Palestinian who worked as a teacher in Gaza, spoke about her loss of education under continual military occupation.

She explained how oppressive the 24-hour drone surveillance was, how the continual buzzing felt like “drilling in your brain.”

She recalled a time when she allowed her students, aged 8 to 11, to draw during class. Nine out of her sixteen students drew bombs, missiles or similar - “one child drew a dead body”.

Despite having received several Freedom of Information (FOI) act requests, the University has declined to divulge any information regarding its financial relations with arms companies over the past five years. In response to the FOI request, the University cited protection of the university’s commercial interests and a breach in confidential data as reasons for choosing not to supply the information.

Details requested of UOL included the total amount the university had received from arms trade companies and the Ministry of Defence, a portfolio statement of their investments in funds and their corresponding companies, and a confirmation of whether they held any shares in arms trade companies.

According to CAAT, the University of Liverpool provided £17.5 million of funding for military projects between 2001 and 2006.

In response, the university referred to their original response to the FOI request and told Liverpool Life: “The University abides by a strict code of ethics, which applies to all of its research projects.”

Life|News|4

IN ACTION: Day of the Dead ©Cool Blue Brand Communications and Monkey Mind Productions

Catrina world record attempt

Men-only barber’s transgender snub

By KAMARA SAMUELS

By CALLUM SMYTH

An appeal has been launched for the people of Liverpool to help set a new world record.

Over 1000 people are needed to try and break a world record for the largest number of Catrinas in the one place, on the 31st of October at St George’s Hall.

A Catrina is a traditional Mexican skull and it has become a symbol associated with the “Día de los Muertos” or the “Day of the Dead”, which takes place on Halloween.

Cuauhtémoc in southern Mexico currently holds the record with a total of 509 Catrinas.

Two other Mexican towns will be competing against Liverpool at the end of this month in their own world-attempts.

The event is part of the iVAMOS! Festival which celebrates Spanish and Portuguese speaking cultures, combining cuisine, art, film, theatre, dance, music and fashion.

Boost for suicide hotline

The families and friends of young suicide victims have taken to the streets of Widnes to raise awareness for what’s becoming a growing problem.

According to national statistics 1,600 teenagers committed suicide in the UK last year.

Now the Widnes branch of the charity Papyrus has raised £1,500 to keep its suicide hotline open.

CONCERN: Barber Barber,

©Kamara Samuels

A gentlemen-only barbers shop in Liverpool has been criticised by the family of a transgender boy who say he was turned away by staff.

Evander Gould, 16, from Liverpool, is going through transition to be a male, was refused service at Barber Barber in Liverpool One. His sister took to Facebook to express her anger by writing a review on the shop’s page.

Harrie Muir, 30, said in her review: “Wouldn’t even consider cutting my little brother’s hair who is in mid-transition. So what are the rules, no women no transgenders…?!? If you had any idea you would know that being misgendered is a horrible experience for anyone transitioning, might be worth trying to be more sensitive and understanding.”

Muir told Liverpool Life: “He didn’t want to make a fuss about it as he didn’t realise just how out of order they had been to him. My mum was with him, she tried to get him booked in to get his hair cut but the manager came out and said they do not, and would not ever, cut a trans person’s hair.”

Despite Muir’s review and numerous tweets, the family say they have not received an apology. They were extremely angry but the teen didn’t want to fight it.

Huir said: “I’m disgusted with them over this behaviour, and have told everyone I know who have thought of going there not to, due to this incident.”

Barber Barber refused to comment on this incident.

In general, men are welcomed in the shop and offered free hot drinks and alcohol. Female partners however have to wait outside.

The ethics of this was questioned this week when a local councillor urged the city centre shop to stop their ‘gentlemen only’ policy if it is to continue providing alcohol to customers.

The barbers have been accused of sexism for not allowing women into the store.

Male customers are offered alcohol, including beer whilst they wait to be served.

Councillor Nick Small is against the ‘gentlemen only’ policy and is urging the barber shop to offer alcohol

to women also.

He has been labelling the company as ‘deliberately provocative’ and ‘childish’ and claims the law states that all licensed premises should be open to men and women.

Cllr Small, who is the Assistant Mayor of Liverpool, was open to controversy on Twitter this Monday when the public questioned him on his views against Barber Barber.

He tweeted: “They are being idiots here. I welcome the jobs they bring, just wish they’d follow equalities law.

To all those who think @BarberBarber is ok, what should I say to the mum of the trans boy refused service?”

The firm applied for a license to sell drinks after Liverpool Town Hall’s licensing department told them on Sunday that a license is necessary.

Josh Grocutt, Manager of Barber Barber Liverpool, told Liverpool Life: “You get customers who protest and go against our policy but the majority of people don’t mind.”

He then referred to a poll by the Liverpool Echo asking its readers if they agree with the gentlemen-only policy. Results showed that 67% agreed.

force model is sustainable and affordable adding that the force has controlled its expenditure well and has achieved its total savings requirement over the last spending review period.

Supt Mark Harrison, Merseyside police lead for cannabis, said the fall in recorded offences was due to reduced use of stop and search. He said: “Increased scrutiny of police stop-search practices has led to more efficient, effective and targeted stop-searches. Additionally, decreasing police officer numbers will continue to result in fewer stop-searches in the future.”

Temporary assistant chief constable Bill Jephson, head of cannabis operations for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “The police are having to

manage demand with decreasing resources and this requires tough decisions on priorities.

“Cannabis possession has never been treated as a top priority and law enforcement continues to focus their efforts on the basis of threat, harm and risk targeting the serious criminals involved in the supply chain.”

This applies to Merseyside police also and is a factor in the force not achieving an outstanding grade. The HMIC report stated that Merseyside forces respond to calls from the public on a priority basis. Calls are prioritised in conjunction with the level of threat, risk and harm to individuals and communities.

The report goes on to assess the forces resources and recognises it is difficult for them to manage

their resources across its various departments thus the fallen figures on cannabis prosecutions.

Concerning restricted stop and search methods, Bill Jepson added: “We want to ensure that these powers are only used in the appropriate circumstances. It is likely this will have resulted in fewer offences of simple possession being discovered by police.”

It seems a lack of funding has impacted the way police are treating small scale cannabis possession and this leads to far fewer arrests. Whether this is a shift in attitudes towards drugs in Merseyside or a purely cost saving message is unclear as some police constituencies in the U.K call for a serious look at a revamp of cannabis laws.

Drugs arrests dip as force commended

By LEIGH KIMMINS

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has published an independent report declaring Merseyside police forces as ‘Good’ overall, at the same time Merseyside forces saw the biggest fall in the prosecuting of Cannabis offences in England and Wales.

Figures released by the Freedom of Information Act reveal offences recorded by English and Welsh police forces fell by almost a third from 2011 figures to the most up to date 2015 figures. Meanwhile the HMIC report published for October this year that calls the Merseyside Police ‘Efficient’ and praises their budgetary meaures.

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Police in and around Liverpool continue to work against cannabis possession and distribution and have recently bust a massive Aigburth cannabis farm worth £600,000 a year along with other farms across Merseyside. Enquiries are still ongoing to find those behind the Aigburth farm but the Freedom of Information report points to ‘a silent relaxation’ on laws concerning cannabis, leading to the massive drop in persecutions.

Senior police officials across the UK have pointed to shrinking budgets, shifting priorities and reducing stop and search as reasons for the decline in cannabis possession offences, however, the HMIC report praises the Merseyside polices financial situation claiming their work-

Students have their say on education funding

By ROCHELLE BEIGHTON LJMU’S Mini SU (Student’s Union) have launched the Make It Happen campaign across campus this week. The campaign asks students what their opinions are on relevant questions about student life.

This week’s big question around campus was about how higher education should be funded.

With an interactive board students were asked to select which method of higher education they support.

The main choices included our current system, where Universities charge tuition fees for a selected course and students can get a loan to cover these fees. Students start paying back the loan when they are earning over £21,000 a year with low interest.

Another option was a graduate tax. Under this system, there would be no tuition fees or price for a degree and a loan wouldn’t be taken out. Instead, students would pay just a few percent more income tax on their earnings.

The last option was public funding. This is the old system used before tuition fees came in. In this system, tuition fees are paid for by the government through tax. So everyone pays in for the people who go to University.

There were mixed answers and majority of students liked the idea of a graduate tax where you pay after attending University rather than during.

Our current system proved the second most popular, with students saying they liked the system as it is.

Students can vote on which

CAMPAIGN: Make it Happen ©Rochelle Beighton of the three options should fund Higher Education by placing a chocolate coin into one of the three piggy banks held by the SU assistants The piggy bank votes are collected each day and communicated to the university.

Students have the chance to

win £10 Amazon vouchers in a game. The idea of this game is to guess what percentage of funding they think should come from each source of income. For a chance to vote in this poll look out for Mini Su reps throughout your campus this week.

Life|News|5

Family fundraiser run for tragic PC

By SAM DAVIES

Cold weather on its way © Wikimedia Commons

Stay warm this winter

By ROCHELLE BEIGHTON A Liverpool-based company is launching a campaign this winter in order to help local residents keep warm and tackle fuel poverty.

The initiative is being researched and organised by Viridis, a Liverpool based company that aims to help reduce the amount of energy people use and reduce household expenditure on energy, and comes after last year’s Met Office statistics showed that one in seven Liverpool households live in fuel poverty.

To raise awareness of this predicted weather, and offer help, VIRIDIS have planned a total of 24 events across the Liverpool City Region over the next four months.

John Bowker, LMH’s Chairman of VIRIDIS said, “Too many people still suffer during the colder winter weather and the risks are serious for their health and finances.

To combat this, the VIRIDIS Winter Warmth campaign wants to make people aware that there is a lot of help and support available that will make a huge difference.”

The first event will be at St George’s Hall on November 18th and will offer advice from 60 organizations on subjects such as energy efficiency, fuel poverty, debt advice, staying active, and eating healthy.

Chairman of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Phil Davies, said: “I welcome the partnership approach between councils and housing associations to deliver essential messages to prevent unnecessary illnesses and deaths this winter.

There is so much support out there to help people make their home warmer, reduce energy bills, reduce social isolation and staying healthy and I recommend people attend our VIRIDIS events to find out more.”

Locals can collect a free winter warmer pack that includes a 2016 calendar containing essential information and other items to help stay warm this winter at various venues throughout November.

For information about dates and times visit VIRDIS’s website at http://www.viridisenergysaving.co.uk/events

Colleagues of Dave Phillips have organised a memorial run in honour of the Merseyside Police officer.

PC Dave Phillips was tragically killed in the early hours of Monday 5th October, when he was struck by a stolen vehicle in Wallasey. A number of his friends and colleagues have decided a family fundraiser would be a befitting tribute to the dad-of-two.

The route starts and ends in New Brighton, near Vale Park, following the Mersey towards Seacombe before turning back to retrace the course. People of all ages are invited to run or walk the 6,554 metres, equating to just over four miles, which is a play on PC Phillips’ collar number.

PC Mark Hobin, one of the organisers, spoke to Liverpool Life to explain why the run has been organised.

He said: “The way the press have perceived Dave – it’s not just the police officer Dave, it’s the family man Dave. Which for me, I can associate with being a dad myself. And the pictures of when his little girls had to put flowers down at the scene was beyond upsetting. No kid should have to do that.

“Firstly, he’s a colleague that I knew, and secondly, he’s obvi ously a family man and I justwanted to do something for his girls. We can’t mend broken hearts but we’re trying to do a little something that makes the future a bit more bearable.”

PC Phillips and PC Hobin

Family man: PC Dave Phillips pictured here with his wife and two daughters became friends during their time working together on public order training programmes four years ago. Due to PC Phillips’ experience within his commu nity he became increasingly in volved in training pro grammes, helping officers with public order and staying safe on the streets.

He said: “I think the communi-

ty as a whole, have seen beyond the uniform with this, with the photographs of the family being released. The fact that he had this kind of infectious smile that comes through on some of the photographs.

I’ve never known it where so many police officers have been affected and also the other blue light services have been mas-

© Dave Phillips Memorial Fund

sively supportive, not just locally but on a national scale as well.

“And also the community reaction from the Wirral has been overwhelming. It’s been brilliant, everybody has come together. And hopefully we can do something small to make a big difference for his girls.”

Registration for the memorial run opened last Thursday and by

Monday afternoon 1,020 people had already signed up.

For adults it will cost £12.50 and for under 16s it is £7.50, with the profits going to Merseyside Police Federation Charitable Trust.  More information can be found at www.davephillips memorialrun.com

Music stars on song for Christmas at Echo Arena

By SAM DAVIES and CALLUM SMYTH

Christmas special: Olly Murs will take to the stage at the Echo Arena this December © Wikimedia Commons

The talk of Christmas in October may sound mad but Radio City 96.7 have announced the first four acts that will take part at this years ‘Christmas Live’ event in the Echo Arena.

Olly Murs will headline the event on Wednesday 9th December with support from DJ duo Sigma and last year’s X Factor winner and runner-up, Ben Haenow and Fluer East.

More acts are to be announced over the next few weeks

In July, Radio City took over the arena with their ‘Summer Live’ music event featuring Little Mix, Nick Jonas, Years & Years, Alesha Dixon, Mr Probz and Ella Eyre, amongst others.

Tickets for the concert are available online through the Radio City website at or at the Echo Arena box office.

The planning doesn’t stop there as the ‘Dickensian Christmastime’ themed party will take place in St George’s Hall from 7.30pm on Friday 18th December.

The evening will include a

Yule Time ball packed with performance, song, music and a selection of food from a variety of Dickensian themed food stalls. Guests are invited to dress up as their favourite Dickens character.

Alan Smith, General Manager at St George’s Hall Liverpool said: “The hall will have traditional stalls to allow guests to choose what they may like on the night whilst enjoying a Dickensian experience like no other.” More information on the event is available on their website.

Talking bus says it all

By BETH COLLINS The blind and visually impaired can travel at ease with the launch of the first ‘talking bus’ in Merseyside.

Arriva has introduced the system on the 500 service to Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport.

As the bus pulls into a stop an announcement is made

similar to those on train services stating the buses’ location.

The nationwide bus company has this system already in place in both Manchester and Wales, but this is the first in Merseyside.

Arriva has been working in partnership with The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA), which has been campaigning to show the

importance of making public transport accessible to all.

After the government decided not to legislate the implementation of audio announcements, the GDBA is trying to make it mandatory on all forms of public transport.

They hope other major bus companies will soon implement audio announcements on their services.

Travel at ease: Arriva will introduce ‘talking buses’ © Wikimedia Commons

Life|Community|6

The children who just want a family of their own

By SAM DAVIES

O

time that potential adopters Liverpool. ne of often prefer to parent a baby Monique Collier, Chief Liverpool’s rather than an older child, but Executive of Liverpool’s Young most famous it’s surprising that these so-called Person’s Advisory Service told landmarks older children are as young as Liverpool Life how important it helped to get four. was to promote the campaign a special message across this Our focus this National in Liverpool and urged week as the national focus Adoption Week is to find homes potential adopters to put the turned to adoption and the for these children – many of children first. children who are waiting to whom are insibling groups or find a new family.

She said: “A Liverpool A giant image was projected who have complex needs.” landmark is an essential form to promote National Adopof promotion and we believe tion Week on the Museum imagery speaks louder than ‘As an of Liverpool on Monday words. evening.

“As an adoptive parent I adoptive parent I would The slogan for the would encourage people campaign, running from encourage people who are who are considering Monday to Sunday, 25th adopting to think about October, is ‘Too Old at considering adopting to think the children waiting to 4?’ drawing attention adopted and balance about the children waiting to be be to the average age of that with your own children waiting longest adopted and balance that with needs of wanting to be for adoptive families. adoptive parents; that’s The image was proyour own needs of wanting to the deciding factor. duced by Mary McCa“Have conversations with rtney, the photographer be adoptive parents.’ social care and ask all of who recently took the official those questions that feel in the portrait of the Queen, and deway for you. picted a small boy accompaYou will build a relationship nied by the campaign’s slogan. with your social worker who will The campaign has been set guide and support you every up by First4Adoption, a dediThere were similar projections step of the way. cated information service for Strive towards your aim and across thecountry on Monday people interested in adopting allow for the most special life including Leicester Cathedral a child in England. time experience to happen for and Birmingham’s New Oxford Anna Lucking, First4AHouse all aiming to encourage your adoptive family.” doption’s Communications First4Adoption encourage potential adopters to consider Assistant told Liverpool Life: anybody considering adopting adopting children of all ages.

“We’re hoping that, through children to get in touch.

The image was also projected using this image, we’re able at the Bolton Wanderer’s Macron Their friendly trained advisors to draw attention to the fact are available by telephone at Stadium during their Sky Bet that four is the average age 0300 222 0022 from 10am-6pm Championship match with of children waiting longest Monday-Friday.

Blackburn Rovers last night for adoptive families and, There is also information There are around 650 children moreover, that four really isn’t available at www.first4adoption. waiting for adoption in the very old at all. org.uk.

North West, with 35 of these in “We’ve known for some

MESSAGE: The Museum of Liverpool lights up for national adoption week © Sam Davies

Emergency contraception on the rise

By HANNAH HODGSON authority in England. ew figures show that St Helens Council’s Director underage girls in St Helens of Public Health, Liz Gaulton, use the morning after pill more said: “Keeping young people than anywhere else in England. safe from harm - and supporting Despite a drastic 12% drop in them to make informed, healthy 2012, the use of the contracepchoices - are priority themes tion in under 16’s has radically within the multi-agency Sexual risen again in the town this year. Health Strategy in St Helens.”

The amount of girls aged 13-15 The figures released show that using the morning after pill is there were 59 visits for every seven times higher than the 1000 girls in St Helens, 31 in national average.

Liverpool, 29 in Knowsley, 26 in The Health and Social Care Wirral and 22 in Sefton.

Information Centre released the However, Liz Gauton added: figures that also show girls re"The uptake of Emergency, Horquired emergency contraception monal Contraception (EHC) in 285 times in Liverpool last year, the borough remains a key focus the highest number of any locaL of our work, however the data

N

GROWING PROBLEM: A pregnant women © Wikimedia commons

presented here is incomplete - as it covers only community sexual health clinics and not provision via GPs and pharmacies.

"Young people may choose to access EHC through a variety of channels and not all areas have access to such flexible, thriving community services - so a direct comparison with other areas cannot be made.

"Our Teenage Action Zone (TAZ) and Community Sexual Health Service clinics are welcoming, confidential and accessible to young people because they are designed especially for them - providing the help and support they need.”

Morning after pill-facts What is the morning after pill?

• There are two kinds of emergency contraceptive pill.

• Levonelle has to be taken within 72 hours of sex.

• EllaOne has to be taken within 120 hours of sex.

• Both pills work by preventing or delaying ovulation (release of an egg).

• The sooner you take either, the more effective it will be.

•Both can make you feel sick, dizzy or tired and can give headaches, tender breasts or abdominal pain.

Life|Arts|7

International aid challenge for Ida BEN CUMMINGS speaks to graduate Ida Sem Fossvick about life after LJMU and helping with the refugee crisis

I

da Sem Fossvick is only 34 years old but has accomplished so much since she graduated from LJMU with her degree in International Journalism.

Currently serving as the Communications Advisor for the Norwegian Refugee Council, Ida has worked in numerous countries in order to help provide aid for refugees.

She recently visited Greece to work with some of the new arrivals.

“It was kind of nice but disturbing at the same time.

It was obviously a very traumatic experience for them but they were all very grateful that they survived and they’re very hopeful that they will get a warm welcome in Europe. They don’t care about sleeping in tents if it means there is no danger in getting bombed. It’s quite overwhelming”, she said.

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he job as a whole is very exciting and we deploy people in many different

countries in the world. We had 50 people in Nepal after the earthquake in April.

“It is still challenging and sometimes demanding. You are dealing with a lot of catastrophe.”

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) was established in 1946 under the name Aid to Europe, to assist refugees in Europe after World War II. Today, NRC is organised as an independent, private foundation and co-operates closely with the UN and other humanitarian organisations, around the world as well as in Norway.

Ida started her current position as Communications Advisor in May this year but had worked with other agencies over six years and spent a year in Tanzania.

“Luckily I knew a few people in the business so it made it a bit easier for me!”

After graduating from John Moores, Ida worked as a freelance journalist, which she claimed helped a lot in getting her where she is today.

“Doing this job, it feels very easy for me to work with people from all different kinds of back-

FAMILIES: Ida meeting Syrian refugees in Greece during her visit with the Norwegian Refugee Council.

What’s On MUSIC The Liverpool Echo Arena pays tribute to the Magic of Motown Live on stage it is the music of the Temptations, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5. Catch them all this Saturday 24th October, find tickets at www.atgtickets.com

FOOD & DRINK Roast at Camp And Furnace The Sunday Times recently described the weekly Sunday Roast as ‘like being embraced by a big family.’ Sit down to this dinner this Sunday 25th October, pre book at www.campandfurnace.co.uk

THEATRE The Glass Menagerie

EXPERIENCES: Ida at the refugee camp in Lesvos, Greece All pictures © Raymond Aaserud/NORCAP. grounds. Studying Journalism definitely helped. I can use those skills and I get to help people.

We are getting people and the Government to sit up and listen”.

Ida is clearly very passionate about her job and spoke of what the government can do to lessen the crisis.

COMEDY

Comedy Central Comedy Club Located in the basement under the Blue Bar and Grill, at the world famous Albert Dock. Comedy shows are hosted every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with guests entertained each night by a selection of four local, national and/or international comedians. Tickets available at liverpoolcomedycentral.co.uk

“The course is very valuable as long as you know where you want to be heading” “For starters, we need to work hard to help the Syria crisis.

Syria has members of both ISIS and Al-Qaeda there, but most of the refugees say they are running from the regime.

“They are refugees not terrorists.

So many of them have families in Syria and just want a good life. Europe has done very little.”

Ida was also more than happy to give advice to current students studying Journalism.

“The main thing I think is to be persistent. I did some freelancing and I just pestered other employers. The course is very valuable as long as you know where you want to be heading.”

A frustrated mother, a daughter lost in her imagination, and a son intent on rebellion. Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and West Yorkshire Playhouse co-produce this new production by pioneering director Ellen McDougall.

Buy tickets at everymanplayhouse.com

ARTS

On the Verge: Performing Arts on Hope Street There is a wide variety of events starting from this Thursday with site-specific children’s theatre, short one to one experiences, and a performative auction.

Tickets can be bought online for £6.

FILM It’s future day at Liverpool ONE Odeon CHALLENGING: Ida finds her job exciting but demanding.

The ‘Back To The Future’ trilogy is being shown backto-back today at 6:30pm in honour of future day, October 21st 2015, the date Marty McFly travels to in the future. Tickets available from Odeon.co.uk

Life|Fashion|8

How savvy shoppers can weigh up a bargain

Words and pictures by ROCHELLE BEIGHTON

SHOPPERS DELIGHT: One customer checks out what’s on offer

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hrift fans and crafty creators flocked to Judy’s affordable Vintage Kilo fair when it returned to Liverpool in its usual spot at the Metropolitan cathedral and opened its doors to hungry vintage shoppers.

Shoppers were able to rummage through the massive collection of vintage goods with a twist on Saturday and they weren’t disappointed.

Janessa Williams, events and brand manager of the vintage kilo sale explained: “It’s a bit like pick and mix but with clothes. You pay your entry fee and then you get into the hall. Everything’s laid out either on rails or in tubs.

“The first hour is really popular for early birds, people who attend every single time come and buy loads and we normally clear out most things by the end of the day.”

Set up in 2009, this kilo sale is a collaboration between Judy’s Vintage and Glass Onion wholesalers. Glass Onion wholesalers provide the stock, Judy’s vintage run the door and both collaborate on the

A VINTAGE LOVERS HEAVEN: 1960s through to 1990s promotion and branding to bring us a buzzing vintage fair and fun day out.

Keen early birds were able to enter between 11am and noon for £3 and general entry from 12-4 was £1.50. Once in the hall you find an endless mix of men’s and women’s wear from the 1960s to 1990s all at just £15 a Kilo.

This unique shopping experience means bargain hunters can shop till they drop or take home just the one gem.

Janessa Williams said: “You can take home anything you fancy, have a rummage through our stock and then just pop it in your bag, once you finish shopping that takes you to the weighing scales where you’re charged at £15 per kilo.

“You don’t have to buy that much if you don’t want to.

Similarly you can buy loads, we have quite a lot of traders who just come and stock out entire shops.”

The event normally racks up anywhere between 800 and 100 people a day. Judy’s Vintage puts their success down to their venue, saying the kilo sale particularly

thrives in Liverpool.

“People in Liverpool are always really stylish, we find they come and are more willing to try things out. They’re not necessarily looking for a whole outfit, they think ‘oh I can customise that, or match it with something else’.”

Saturday was bustling with people of all ages filtering through the tubs and rails.

District nurse Karen Green from Halewood made a day of it with a group of girlfriends.

She said: “I got a dress, shirt and a fabulous designer, Frank Usher top from the 60s. I love it! it’s my favourite find. I’ve come for the first time this year after seeing it on Facebook and am so happy it all came to £15.

“I think the fair is really good, I thought there might be more shoes, bags, and accessories in general. But if you have a good look, you’ll find some. I’ve been here for two hours so far, I’ll definitely come back next time.”

Judy’s Kilo Vintage fair visits Liverpool four or five times a year and will be back on December 5th at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Warm up your winter wardrobe

As the nights are getting darker and much colder the transition to winter has begun. Here’s what fashion trends to look out for in the coming months according to JESSICA BOND:

PUNK ROCK Whether you prefer spikes or something a little more subtle, this is a trend everyone can get on board with. Good quality jewellery can cost the earth so bring to your attention the brand Cheap Monday, selling alternative ear cuffs from Urban Outfitters from £6.

KNEE HIGHS With the likes of Millie Mackintosh first showcasing this trend it’s become super popular but if the black heeled knee highs are a bit too pretty woman for you, check out these tan lace up knee highs from Urban Outfitters. They’re more relaxed and would look bang on trend with a floaty boho blouse.

KNITWEAR You can’t enter into the winter season without a cosy jumper or cardigan to wrap yourself in, right? If you haven’t got your hands on one yet, don’t worry, Zara has got you sorted.

Life|Lifestyle|9

Paradise for families

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Take a look at the beautiful skyline from across the river on the ferry across the Mersey.

Journal ism

Liverpool is incredible for its museums. From the International Slavery Museum to Tate Liverpool to the Beatles Story there is something for everyone!

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Jungle Rumble adventure golf is great for any ages. Located in the heart of Liverpool One, there are two 18-hole mini golf courses, including special effects and Aztec surroundings.

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©JMU

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©JMU Journalism

If there’s young kids on the trip to the city, then this is a must. Funtime soft play centre in Knowsley industrial estate is the biggest soft play centre in Merseyside. Children from 0-12 will enjoy their day here, and there’s even a café for the adults.

©JMU

lism Journa

There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained on the world famous Albert Dock. Blending the old and the new, there’s restaurants, bars, shops, museums and much more for the whole family to enjoy.

©JMU Journalism

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One for the adults now. The Cavern Club is one of Liverpool’s most popular attractions, known for being one of the first places The Beatles ever performed. The club has live music every day and night The Echo Arena always has a and is packed with Beatles memorabilia. show the family can see. There’s comedians, pop stars, Disney on Ice and more to enjoy and with a 12000 person capacity, you’re bound to get a seat.

iverpool has been named as one of the top 15 places to take the kids during half term. The list, made by Holidaylettings.co.uk, was created by counting the number of holiday homes booked in each city last October. With Liverpool’s famous attractions, beautiful beaches and fun parks, it’s clear why the city is such a hot spot for families this autumn. We take a look at some of the city’s best attractions which are fun for the whole family. Here’s our top 10 things to do...

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©Hannah

Hodgson

Liverpool is packed with parks for the children to play in.

Whether you want an autumn walk or ©JMU Journalism If you love shopping, Liverpool will a kick about with the kids, parks such as Sefton Park and be right up your street. You will be spoilt for choice with the City’s many Calderstones Park will keep you entertained. different places to buy a bargain.

If you’re not From the glamour of Liverpool One a fan of the Shopping Centre to the bohemian style Bold glitz and Street, there really is something for everyone. glamour of the city centre, then you can go for a peaceful stroll along Crosby beach.

Look out for the Iron Men!

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10

©Hannah Hodgson

Rossa’s in tune for success As Merseyrail Sound Station Festival returns next month, Liverpool Life’s Hannah Hodgson talk to one of the lucky finalists who is hoping that the competition will be his big break.

©WikiMedia Commons ©Shannen Bamford

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until I moved to Liverpool for make it through to the final. erseyrail Sound University.

“I’ve never been able to see Station Festival “I first entered the competition myself in a nine to five job or returns to last year and didn’t get through, in an office to be honest.

Moorfields but I’ve been working hard all “I want to travel, see station next year to improve aspects of my everything and meet new month, giving musicians the performance. I’ve been constantpeople. I suppose the ultimate chance to show their talent ly gigging and writing so I felt dream would be to be able and win a year of professional to make a living from my music industry mentoring, “I was well aware of the high music. free Merseyrail travel, studio time and slots at various standard of the competition, so it “If I could travel around, my music and make festivals throughout 2016. was a really nice surprise when I play enough to get by that could Rossa Murray, originally be as good as I could possifrom Portaferry, is one of found out I got through.” bly hope for! the top ten finalists hoping “I’m really looking forto make it big after his performore confident this time round. ward to the final, it should be a mance.

The festival is now on its great day.”

The 20-year-old said: “I actufourth year and is a fantastic The festival will take place at ally started off playing drums in spring board for musicians to Moorfields station on Saturday a band with a few friends when showcase their work. The last 21st November.

I was 14 but was always pretty eight months has seen musicians The show starts at 1pm and keen to write music so I started audition at Merseyrail’s upload entry is free, so there’s no playing the guitar and writing locations, where over 100 people excuses not to go and see Rossa songs when I was about 16. sang their hearts out to try to in action.

I played in local bars at home

Life|Sport|10

Jackson ready for fight to turn Rovers around

BY KATIE BRAITHWAITE

Things are looking good for Tranmere Rovers after their 2-0 victory against Conference Premier leaders Forest Green last weekend. After picking up their first win in four games, the Wirral outfit now lie in fifth place in the league.

Liverpool Life spoke to striker Marlon Jackson, who joined the squad in late August after leaving Oxford City on a non-contract basis.

“Liverpool is a big city and I am settling in well. I like living up here, a lot of the lads are from Liverpool so they have been able to show me around; where to get a haircut and things like that.”

Jackson, who has already made 11 appearances this season, has played for a number of teams in his career. Contracted to Bristol City from 2009-12, the striker was loaned to Hereford United, Aldershot Town, Northampton, Cheltenham Town and AFC Telford United.

After three years of temporary teams Jackson joined Hereford United full-time, where he has scored his highest number of goals to date.

The striker has also made appearances for Bury, Lincoln City, Halifax Town and most recently, Oxford City where he made 24 appearances – equalling his highest number in a single season.

Jackson expressed his joy with Rovers’ result at The NewLawn, as he said: “Forest Green were top of the league and they were running away with it for a bit, so that’s a massive win for us, going

TOGETHERNESS: Tranmere players need to work with each to get promiton to the football league. Photo ©Richard Ault/ talru.com

down there against them after the back of two results.

Despite Rovers suffering back-to-back relegations, and dropping out of the Football League for the first time in 94 years, the fans still seem to be sticking by their side, Jackson said: “The fans are great. We are in the Conference now and dropped two leagues, so you’d think there would be a dip in the amount of fans, but we have probably got the highest attendance in the league and maybe one of the highest in the league above as well”.Tranmere have this week signed local lad Steve McNulty on loan - the centre back has been recognised for his charisma as a team leader.

Gary Brabin, Rovers manager said how the signing is a big plus for the team because he is a leader and was in the League Two ‘team of the year’ last season.

Jackson has played against McNulty during his football

career, and is now looking forward to playing alongside him: The twenty-four year old added; “I don’t know him personally but I know he is a good leader. I’ve played against him a few times and I know players who have played with him and have said that he is a massive leader around the changing rooms and on the pitch.

“You can see it by just the person he is and because he is a local lad, it won’t take him two minutes to settle into the team which will be good for us”.

Tranmere are ready to face league rivals Lincoln City this Saturday at Prenton Park in the FA Cup Qualifying match, with Jackson hoping the team can continue their momentum with a second win in as many games: “The lads are going to be buzzing come Saturday as it is the FA cup and that’s enough excitement as it is. We are going to be right up for it and hopefully get a good result.”

TAKING CONTROL: Marlon carrying the ball in a recent fixture. Photo: ©Richard Ault /

Kicking high for brave little Ben

BY JENNY KIRKHAM A Speke martial arts club aimed at families has raised nearly £5000 through a sponsored kick-a-thon for cancer sufferer, 4-year-old Ben Willans.

The club used the annual kick-a-thon to raise money to send young Ben to America to undergo specialised treatment for the rare form of cancer, Neuroblastoma.

Laura Shipley, owner of Family Martial Arts told Liverpool Life: “Every year we get our students to take part in a charity kick-athon where between them they aim to do 1000 kicks. Usually we do it in support of Clare House but this year Ben’s cause seemed more appropriate.”

The group of students who undertook the task broke their previous record of 5000 kicks and are still waiting on more sponsorship being added to the current total.

Ben was diagnosed with neuroblastoma last month and he tragically passed away on Sunday afternoon. The money would have been used to support Ben’s family in their trip to America and to help pay for the £100,000 treatment but it will now be donated to a Neuroblastoma research charity.

Rugby club’s coach search

By ELLE SPENCER

FOR BEN: The team who have helped raise the money. Photo © Laura Shipley

Liverpool Collegiate rugby club is searching for a new senior coach to help develop and oversee their four men’s teams, all of whom play within North West leagues.

The collegiate is made up of 16 teams in total, with a full Men’s, Ladies’ and juniors’ teams who train at Liverpool Cricket and Sports Club.

The club hopes that a new coach would join their staff within the next month and would be responsible for training players and developing game tactics.

The club, which was named Lancashire RFU Junior Club of the Year, was proud to see their 1st XV team win their last match against Winnington Park on Saturday 19th.

Anyone interested in the position should contact Club Secretary Chris Jones at LiverpoolCollegiateRugby@ yahoo.com

Life|Sport|11

Cricket surprise Olympic call up

BY LEWIS CALVERT The President of the JMU Men’s Cricket Society is shocked by the news that cricket could be used in the Olympics games.

The International Olympic Committee will meet with the International Cricket Council next month to discuss the possibility of adding the sport to the Olympic program.

Matt Bridgewater, who is also a student at John Moores, said: “It was more of a shock when I read it. It’s weird. I don’t see how it would fit into the Olympics what with the ICC Cricket World Cup and the ICC World Twenty20, there could be too many fixtures. I suppose the good thing about it would be it gets more people into watching the sport. But the Olympics is supposed to be an amateur game. I don’t agree that professional sports like football, tennis or cricket should be in it.”

David Richardson, Chief executive of the ICC, said: “The plan is to meet them at this stage in mid-November, we are still trying to finalise a date, but the invitation has come to meet.” Richardson added that the meeting with the IOC would be “exploratory in nature”.

The JMU Cricket club currently fields one team in the BUCS North division and a BUCS indoor league and local league throughout the winter. For more information on how to join visit www.liverpoolsu.com for more information.

Football News & views

BY CONOR ALLISON New Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp ended his first game in charge with 0-0 draw away to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Klopp’s first game at Anfield will be against Russian side Ruben Kazan in the Europa League on Thursday, which promises to be an electrifying night.

Kopites have a new found belief in their team since the German’s arrival, and match goers will look to impress their new boss and rival the atmosphere he was so used to at Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool are hoping to win the competition as a means of getting into the Champions League next season, and are still looking for their first win in the competition after draws with FC Sion and Bordeaux under Brendan Rodgers’ reign as manager.

Meanwhile on Merseyside, Everton look forward to playing an in-form Arsenal on Saturday after suffering a 3-0 loss at Goodison Park to Manchester United.

Tranmere Rovers host Lincoln City in the FA Cup Qualifying Fourth Round. Read Katie Braithwaite’s interview with the Superwhite Army’s newest striker, Marlon Jackson, for more news on the Rovers’ season.

A climb with a view: Graduate’s pain gain

Golden Gloves aims to the top

BY JENNY KIRKHAM

STUNNING: The View of Kilimanjaro during the long treck down from the peak. Photo. ©Hannah Francis

BY ELLE SPENCER Continuing from page 12 “Setting out wearing every single item of clothing we owed it was so, so cold. The terrain up to the Summit is basically like walking on sand that was constantly slipping under your feet. It was so steep and so hard.

We were all exhausted. I don’t remember a lot of that night but I remember it being the longest of my life.

“At one point, I actually thought I was dying. I was so cold and I was falling asleep as I was walking I was convinced my organs had begun shutting down. The only thing I looked at on that trek was the persons feet in front of me, every time we stopped our group nearly fell asleep with exhaustion. You concentrated on

SELFIE: Hannah takes picture with group at Snowdon. ©Hannah Francis the rhythm. Our usually chatty, noisy group were deadly silent.

“Stella Point is 100m bellow the

summit. When we arrived the majority of our group started crying as we could, for the first time, see our goal in sight. For a normal person walking at home it would have taken maybe 20 minutes to get there from Stella Point but it took about an hour due to sheer exhaustion and pain.”

When Hannah’s group reached the top they barely mustered the energy to hug and have their pictures taken. “I wish I could tell you more about being up at the top apart from relief and exhaustion but there wasn’t room for anything else.” It wasn’t until she made it back to camp that she realised just what she had achieved “The phone call to my mum when we had arrived back down

was one of the best moments. I called her, told her I was safely down and I made it to the top.

She cried and couldn’t tell me how proud she was of me enough. It is so far the most wonderful thing I have ever done in my life and one that I will bore the pants of everyone talking about for the rest of my life.”

Hannah, who has climbed Snowdon, the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco and other mountains in Spain and Greece now plans to trek along the Inca Trail and climb Machu Pichu.

She says she may even attempt Mount Everest one day.

“I have all the kit now and the travel bug so the only thing I am waiting for is my bank account to grow and the time.”

Boxing club The Golden Gloves ABC are continuing their fight back from the brink of closure.

Earlier in the year the south Liverpool club appealed for support from the local and boxing community and with the donations they managed to sufficiently secure their financial future.

Their search for premises in the L8 postcode has been futile and in an open letter, the club are once again asking for help finding their new home.

“After being forced to leave our previous premises, our boxers have been training in a temporary gym almost five miles away in Garston. This is a complete inconvenience for the young people. We are making this desperate plea to see if anyone can help us find our own independent home in the Liverpool 8 area of the city, so we can build, and continue the club’s success, for many years to come.

“If there is anyone out there with any details on a potential suitable premises that we could move into and make our home.”

If you or anyone you know can help the club in anyway please email goldenglovesabc@ outlook.com

Kendall - A true Blue, through and through BY: CALLUM SMYTH Tributes continue to pour in for former Everton manager Howard Kendall, as the city opens a book of condolences at Liverpool Town hall in his name.

He was manager at the club on three different occasions winning both the FA Cup and the European Cup between 1983 and 1985 as well as two First Division titles.

Mr Kendall started off his career as a player at Preston North End aged 17, playing 104 matches, including a Wembley FA Cup final where he became the youngest player to reach that stage.

The Durham-born player moved to Everton in 1967 and played a total of 229 games with 21 goals scored.

In 1974 he moved to Birmingham City where he played over 100 games over a three year period. He finished his career with two years at Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers each. He also had his

first managerial position at Blackburn, before moving to his new post at Goodison Park in 1981. Former player Barry Horne said he will be “forever grateful” to Howard for signing him at Everton.

He said: “He was obviously an Evertonian. He was largerthan-life. He was the most successful Everton manager and one of the best managers in Europe at the time.”

He led the blues to the league title in 1985 and 1987 and to a FA Cup victory in 1984.

They also managed to win the European Cup Winners’ Cup the following season under Mr Kendall.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez said that Mr Kendall put the Merseyside team “on the highest step” in European football in the 1980s.

He added: “The relationship with the crowd and the high standard he set - he brought belief that anything could be achieved. For anyone who is representing Everton today, we have to be up at that level.

GOODISON PARK : The ground on Saturday as flowers were lay on the pitch . Photo © Lewis Price

TRIBUTES: The city have opened a condolences book at Liverpool Town hall. © Callum It needs to be a special occasion for Howard.”

After his first managerial spell at Everton, Howard moved to Athletic Bilbao in northern Spain for two years, followed by a year at Manchester City.

He made his return to Everton in 1990 and he famously justified the move by saying that Manchester City was just an affair, but Everton was his marriage. During this period he managed to save the side from relegation to the Second

Division, finishing in ninth place.

Mr Kendall was also manager at both Notts County and Sheffield United between 1995 and 1997, before his final run at Everton, which was his last managerial job.

The Union flag at Liverpool Town Hall was flown at halfmast this weekend as a sign of respect for him. Fans also laid floral tributes at Goodison Park.

Other sporting legends took to twitter to express their

sympathies for the 69 year old.

Kenny Dalglish (Former Liverpool manager and player)tweeted a tribute : “Very, very sad news about Howard Kendall. Total respect for him as a player manager and person. Fantastic character.

Be sadly missed. A legend.”

Neville Southall (Former Everton goalkeeper) also tweeted: “A great manager an even greater man. Whatever I did was solely down to him.

Gentleman, friend, mentor.”

Liverpool

LifeSPORT

HITTING NEW HEIGHTS WEDNESDAY, 21-OCTOBER-2015

LJMU GRADUATE’S CHARITY CHALLENGE

BY ELLE SPENCER

An LJMU graduate has recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for charity. The 22 year old from Staffordshire raised £3000 for Dig Deep charity by climbing to the dizzying heights of almost 6000m.

Hannah Francis, who studied Psychology at the university, was looking for her next adventure when she came across volunteers for the charity at an LJMU Fresher’s fair. Having previously worked as a teacher in an orphanage in Ghana, Hannah was passionate about giving back and was particularly aligned to Dig Deep’s cause.

“I understood the importance of water, I don’t just mean for survival, but to give these people a chance.

By building wells and water facilities we give the children an opportunity to go to school, to become the best person they can be, to bring wealth and knowledge to their village. It sounds so dramatic but the difference between a village with and without a water well installed is in itself dramatic.”

It took Hannah months to raise enough money to reach her goal. The student took part in bake sales, sold her childhood belongings at car boot sales (her mum was thrilled), organised a fancy dress ball, raffles, used her tips (and her colleagues) from her job at Wetherspoons and dressed up in furry onesies as a street collector. “If anyone says raising money for charity is easy, they could not be more wrong. There is a lot of bad feeling about giving money overseas when so many of our own children are living in poverty and people are very sceptical about charities.

“I also know how hard my friends and family work for their income so asking them for money always made me feel so awkward. But luckily for me, I have an amazing set of friends that support me 100% -I mean they told me I was crazy- but they knew it was something I believed in.”

The journey to reach Hannah’s goal was difficult but nothing could have prepared her for the almost 6000m climb itself. It took six days

all told and were some of the most trying of her life.

“The climb was every single emotion you could ever think of all rolled into one. It was exhausting, exhilarating, painful and yet stunning. The mountain had a way of making you forget everything you normally worry about.

“The first few days were fun, it was hot and the terrain wasn’t too bad. Day 1 think rainforest, day 2 was rocky so we were scrabbling up the mountain side. By day 3, altitude sickness had started effecting some of us.

This was the big thing for me – it was horrific.

“It affects people in different way, so for someone who suffers from migraines, of course mine came in the form of a blinding head ache that was so bad it made me throw up. It was scary how quickly my little head ache turned into something that was near unmanageable.

“Day 4 and 5 were very cold, the thermals came out, the hats and gloves went on.

You have to do the summit at night as the ground is harder and therefore easier and safer to walk on, a fact

SUCCESS: Hannah celebrates by posing for a photo at the summit. © Hannah Francis that you don’t really appreciate until you do it.

“So we walked up to base camp and had a 4 hour nap –no food as our guide said we would just throw it up anyway.”

Hannah’s courageous Kilimanjaro story: continued on page 11

Rover’s Jackson talks to JMU: PAGE 10

Tributes flood in for former Everton Manager: PAGE 11