Liverpool Life 4:7 November 25 2015 by Steve Harrison

25th November 2015

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE... NEWS

PAGE 3

Sir Brian Leveson pays a visit to LJMU library

LIFEextra

PAGE 7

Grad Watch: Josie Timms’ year in censorship

SPORT

PAGE 12

LJMU women’s rugby continues winning start

TAXIS IN TURMOIL By AMY COLE The leader of a Liverpool taxi organisation this afternoon branded the man who will decide on plans for an increase in fares as being “hell-bent on destroying black cabs”. Jimmy Bradley, of the Taxi Alliance Liverpool, which represents the industry, was scathing about Ron Odunaiya, Director of Community Services for Liverpool City Council, who will have the final say tomorrow morning on whether the fares increase. Mr Bradley fears the increase will be given the go-

FARES INCREASE COULD ‘DESTROY’ BLACK CABS ahead at tomorrow’s meeting and he’s concerned this will have a detrimental effect on taxi drivers. Unite the Union are urging an increase in fares for black cabs in Liverpool as hackney fares are currently 12% lower than the national average. However, Mr Bradley said: “We are objecting this in the strongest term possible.” According to Mr Bradley, if these plans were to be enforced, Unite the Union member taxi drivers would

increase to the new fares and Taxi Alliance member drivers would stick to the old ones. This would cause great confusion within the city and they might have to resort to car window stickers to let people know what they are paying. In Private Hire and Taxi Monthly magazine, Liverpool ranked 303 out of 365 for most expensive taxi rides for September. A typical two mile ride

would cost, on average, £5, whereas in Chester, an average two mile ride would cost you £6. Tommy McIntyre, chairman for Liverpool’s Hackney Unite, said: “There hasn’t been an increase in fares for four years. I don’t think we are dear. We are talking about a 20p increase, that’s all. “You know the traditional black cabs you see out there, last year that cost £34,000, an astronomical price. This year they have gone up to £39,000.

I don’t think we are asking for an awful lot.” Cab drivers around the city are unsure how this will impact on them. Competition is fierce for black cabs already, especially after the arrival of private hire company Uber. John Powell, a black cab driver, said: “No one is sure what is going on at the moment. “We all know of the situation but no one has told us the details. We don’t know

what the prices will be yet.” A spokesman for Liverpool City Council said: “This is a formal request which has been made by Unite, which represents a large proportion of the hackney taxi trade in Liverpool, rather than the city council itself. “Following the submission of this request, it is being considered by the council on Thursday morning. It would be inappropriate for us to comment when a decision has yet to be made.”

Life|News|2

Climate activists march for change

By BARRY ROCKS

Activists will gather in Liverpool on Sunday to march for action against climate change, before the United Nations climate conference in Paris next week. COP21, also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, will, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, “aim to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C”. Recently 2000 academics including Linguist Noam Chomsky and historian Naomi Oresk were among signatories in an open letter which urged leaders to limit warming to 1.5C, rather than current 2C target, at the talks. The Liverpool People’s March for Climate, Jobs and Justice has been organised by Fossil Free Liverpool. taking part in a wider global project which seeks to draw world leaders attention to the growing and already vast support for bringing in solu-

tions to tackle climate change. The march will begin at 2pm outside St Luke’s church before proceeding up Church Street and finishing at Vauxhall Square outside the courts at 3.30 pm where there will then be a rally. The global Fossil Free movement began four years ago by climate researcher Bill McKibben and 350.org and according to Jay Melia-Jones, Fossil Free Merseyside Organiser, it is: “the fastest growing divestment movement in history. The movement calls on public institutions such as universities, schools, local authorities, healthcare and churches to remove their financial endorsement of the fossil fuel industry by removing investments, and instead reinvesting the money in to ethical renewable solutions.” According to Fossil Free Merseyside, local authorities combined have £350m invested in Fossil Fuels. They believe this money could be better invested. A recent post on their Facebook page called for action from the people of Liverpool, It said:

Merseyrail disruption By CONOR ALLISON

Commuters faced disruption on Tuesday morning, as Merseyrail services between Southport and Hillside were cancelled due to a points failure. Services saw problems begin around 8:30am, with Merseyrail informing customers on Twitter that delays could occur for several hours. A replacement bus service was scheduled between the disrupted area, but many travellers were forced to travel to other stations in order to use the service. One customer affected by the delays, Rosie Matthews,

Life

from Birkdale, said: “I only got the train this morning because my car wouldn’t start, and I turned up to the station to see all the services wiped out. “It’s a nightmare, really. I’m in work for 10am.” Another, Graham Mortenson, said: “There was delays between the two stations last week, as well. “It’s kind of expected with leaves falling and everything, but it doesn’t make it any less annoying when you rely on it every day.” Normal services resumed around 10:30, with Merseyrail apologising for the inconvenience caused.

Team

Bringing you the news every Tuesday

Editor Katie Braithwaite News Editor Conor Allison News Sam Davies Beth Collins Callum Smyth Leigh Kimmins Features Editor Lewis Phillips-Calvert

Features Ben Cummings Elle Spencer Kamara Samuels Sports Jenny Kirkham Hannah Hodgson Rochelle Beighton

PROTEST: Fossil FRee Campaign poster ©Fossil FRee “We need to show strength and call for action before the COP21 Paris UN Climate Summit.” Jay from Fossil Free is expecting a strong turnout on Sunday, He told Liverpool Life: “Around

the world people are no longer waiting for lazy and corrupt leaders to take action against climate change or to bring about social justice. “Affirmative action is being tak-

en from below by people around the world demanding that the necessary changes occur.” Ten Universities have already made investment changes before COP21 Paris.

Commuters to face further travel chaos By LISA RIMMER Commuters travelling into Liverpool are facing even more delays as Halton Borough Council have announced further road closures this week, as work continues in building the new Mersey Gateway. The Runcorn/Widnes Bridge is a vital link for road users travelling into Liverpool from surrounding boroughs and even more widely, the M6 and M56. Proposals to close roads have already been met with heavy criticism from residents in Runcorn and Widnes but since new closures are causing even more delays, those who work in Liverpool are starting to voice their anger. The original Silver Jubilee Bridge spans the Mersey and following years of maintenance, a decision was made to build a new six lane structure to cope with the demands of traffic. Louise Bond, 29, from Runcorn currently works as a primary school teacher in Aigburth. She told Liverpool Life: “The central expressway is used by the majority of road users in Runcorn. It’s also a link from the M56 to the bridge so by nature, it was always busy anyway. “Now that they have closed roads joining the Central Expressway, I’m having to leave home an hour and a half earlier. “A thirty minute journey is now

IMPRESSION: Building the Mersey Gateway on ©MerseyLink talking over an hour and a half and the council have said the lane closures are going to last up to 12 months. The traffic is horrendous and it’s only getting worse.” Proposed plans are set to bring huge benefits to the area and according to official figures from The Mersey Gateway project, there are promises of an estimated 4,640 new jobs through direct employment and an estimated £61.9 million a year generated from these new roles by 2030. With even more proposed plans for road closures announced, there is a huge strain on relations between residents and the council. However, Halton Borough Council are reassuring road users that the closure are necessary and there most importantly as a means of keeping commuters safe.

Cllr. Rob Polhill, Leader of Halton Borough Council and Chair of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, told Liverpool Life: “We are aware that these road closures are a major issue for those commuting to surrounding areas such as Liverpool. It is a frustrating time but we are urging people to be patient whilst this essential work takes place. “Once completed, the new gateway will provide a much needed and improved road network and will minimise journey times. We ask that road users keep this in mind throughout the extensive construction period.” W Work is set to continue and roads will remain closed within both Runcorn and Widnes for at least the next 12 months.

Students bid fond farewell to noted professor By JAMES GAMBLE After nearly 15 years of working at Liverpool John Moores University, Emeritus Professor and former Head of Journalism Chris Frost has announced his retirement. Prof Frost said: “I will miss the students and the staff most, I’ve got a lot of friends here. It’s a real buzz to pass on what you know to other people, and to have a good relationship with the students and see them start their careers and adult life, and to see them winning awards makes me feel like I’ve done my job.” Prof Frost admitted that when he first joined John Moores as head of journalism, he thought the course was in need of strengthening, so he made some substantial changes. He also introduced lots of new technology that is updated year in, year out. Previously, Prof Frost taught at Preston for 12 years, giving him over 25 years of experience teaching journalism in higher education. He is now looking forward to settling down to retirement, waking up late and possibly writing fiction.

Coral to headline Sound City Festival By HANNAH ROGERS The Coral are returning to Liverpool for their first live performance in five years at 2016’s Sound City festival. The Wirral born band have ended a hiatus to release a new album, Distance Inbetween, in March 2016. To coincide with the album release, The Coral will be headlining the ever growing Sound City line up on the closing night of the festival. Known for their upbeat indie pop songs Dreaming of You and In The Morning (which reached number six in the UK Charts), the Liverpool music scene has been eagerly awaiting the band’s return. Dave Pichilingi, Sound City CEO, said: “The Coral have always been on our wish list and we are absolutely delighted they have chosen Sound City for their return. We’re expecting some big scenes when they close the Atlantic Stage on Sunday night, facing out across the water to their Wirral home. “They are part of the DNA of this city and occupy a very special place in our hearts. It’s going to be a landmark show and one not to miss.” Sound City started in 2008 and has been nominated for the Best UK Metropolitan Festival for the past six years. Tickets for the event go on sale November 27 while the festival itself will take place on May 28 and May 29.

Life|News|3

Blues stadium scheme under fire By CONNOR LYNCH Everton’s plans to build a new stadium in Walton Hall Park came under financial scrutiny at the club’s annual general meeting on Monday. Everton’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Elstone claimed at the meeting that the club’s project to build a new stadium had been undermined by Liverpool City Council’s failure to provide adequate support. Elstone said in the meeting, held at the Philharmonic Hall, that if the plans for the proposed new stadium fall through,

the club would consider the possibility of increasing the Park End stand. However, he stressed this was a last resort due to the difficulties it would cause. Liverpool Liberal Democrat Councillor Richard Kemp, feels that the plans simply can’t go ahead as the council does not have the funds available for a regeneration project of this nature, especially considering the cuts the council has recently faced. He told Liverpool Life, “I think it has become quite clear that it won’t go ahead. Everton are requiring a big investment from the council in order to proceed with their plans, and there

simply isn’t the money available. “I feel that the council needs to remove any uncertainty that is left regarding the plans, so that the residents of Walton Hall can finally have a firm understanding about what is going on in their community.” Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson was sceptical following the meeting saying on Twitter: “Re Everton FC, CEO comments at AGM that they are ready on stadium. I am looking forward to receiving their planning and financial proposals tomorrow.” Everton originally announced its desire to build a new stadium 15 years ago, with a number of

Goodison: The Park End © Wikimedia Commons/ zachleat different projects having been scrapped over the years. This most recent plan, the Walton Hall Project, was

conceived 14 months ago, but has faced strong opposition since its conception from locals and councillors.

Leveson pays visit to LJMU library By SOPHIE SEAR

Students were greeted by the Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, Sir Brian Leveson, as he visited the library’s special collections to commend their latest project. Students studying courses under the humanities and social sciences bracket were offered the opportunity to intern for the university’s library over the summer. Working on a task called ‘Femorabilia’, English, Media and History students were responsible for promoting and digitalising 20th century comics aimed at women. Their work has recently been exhibited in Liverpool’s Central Library, titled ‘Cover Girls: The Changing Face of Female Comics’ as part of the Being Human Festival, and is now on show at the Aldham Robarts library. Sir Brian Leveson took a detour on his way to a graduation ceremony at the Anglican Cathedral to visit the intern’s work on display. Observing the various 20th century female comics, including Judy, Jackie and The Butterfly, Sir Brian said: “The very interesting question is whether these magazines type cast girls well and how you move this work on

EXHIBITION: Sir Brian Leveson casts his eye over a selection of comics at Aldham Robarts Library © Matt Thomas from showing what girls read in the 70s to what they read now. I don’t remember these particular journals… Beano however…” Femorabilia interns and LJMU students Charlotte Seddon and Aadrienne Gowns were invited to do an interview on BBC Radio Merseyside to promote the exhibition.

Charlotte, who studies English, Media and Cultural Studies, was speaking to Sir Brian of her experience. She said: “It was my first time on radio, and Billy, the presenter, was really good. He’s also interested in comics and I found it really fun and enjoyable.” Sir Brian was eager to offer

some words of advice in response. He added: “When you have a microphone in front of you, you realise actually [journalists] can ask you anything they want. “You’ve got to think quite quickly so you don’t say something you’re going to later to regret. “The first radio interview I did

was in a tiny room with just a pair of headphones and a great big microphone. You suddenly realise that they are speaking to you but you are speaking to everyone.” Speaking to Liverpool Life, Sir Brian turned his attention to the skill of shorthand, adding: “Use it or lose it.”

Christmas tree farm booming By HANNAH ROGERS

Rainford’s: Christmas tree at Lime St © Hannah Rogers

Merseyside’s largest Christmas tree farm business is set to have its biggest year yet. Rainford’s Christmas Tree Land, at Catchdale Moss Farm in Ecclestone, has more than 50,000 trees growing which are

ready to sell to the public this Christmas season. The family-run farm has been in business since 1858 when it was owned by Captain Molenyeux, but it has grown to the single largest Christmas tree farm in the North West, even supplying Lime Street Station’s

2015 Christmas tree. A tree has also been donated to Prescot town centre’s display, and discounts to Kirkby and Huyton. The farm also provides services to cut down trees fresh for customer and delivery for a small fee, collections after the holidays is also offered.

Region may lose two MPs By SOPHIE SEAR

Merseyside could lose two of its constituencies as a result of young adults failing to register on the new electoral system before the deadline next month. The change in legislation means that individuals have to register to vote themselves as opposed to the head of a household doing so for all its residents. The concern with this is that many young adults living in shared residency, either halls, shared houses or flats, would not take the time to register. This would result in many disappearing off the electoral list. Stephen Twigg, MP for West Derby, spoke on BBC Radio Merseyside. He expressed the need for people to register, as this number will be used to determine a boundary review of Parliamentary constituencies. If this drastically decreases, Merseyside could lose two of its MPs. He said: “People in Liverpool want to make sure they have a voice in London. And that’s part of the reason why this register is so important. “What worries me about that Is will we lose the voice of Liverpool, the voice of Merseyside, in Parliament at a time we are already seeing things like local government cuts and local police cuts, harming Merseyside massively disproportionately.” According to Twigg most people are now registering to vote online, and he encourages people to ensure they do.

Support for metro mayor By STEPH BOCKING

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) have announced its support for the historical devolution deal ratified last week. The deal will see Liverpool gain greater control over transport, employment support and skills, and the appointment of a ‘metro mayor.’ LJMU said: “As a modern civic University we are a central part of the culture and infrastructure of Liverpool and the region. “Additionally, as a key driver of the Northern Powerhouse, the University is keen to work closely with the Combined Authority.”

Life|News|4

Liverpool hospitals under review

By SOPHIE CORCORAN Patients, public and staff of The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals are being invited to share their views and experiences of hospital services. The event will take place on Thursday 3 December at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital between 10am and 4pm. Patients and visitors will be able to talk to representatives from the local independent patient champions, Healthwatch Liverpool. The event is part of a week of patient engagement events at the Royal which will To find out more about the event, contact the Royal Liverpool University Hospital’s patient experience team on 0151 706 2212.

Frances could be a Brit

Church alive with the sound of music By AMY COLE

The All Hallows Church in Allerton, hosted the famous Mold Town Concert Band on Saturday night for the first time. The Welsh band from Flintshire in the north of the country was formed in 1997 and has 40 members performing regularly with ages ranging from13-80. The group take to the stage on a regular basis and have played in other beautiful venues around Liverpool, including Palm House in Sefton and Speke Hall. The music on the night consisted of classical musicals, marches and other well known favourites. Music Director, Geoff Coward, kept the crowd intrigued and entertained throughout the night with facts and jokes about the history of the bands music. He joked to the crowd: “I have

to talk between each piece to allow the band to catch their breath, when the conductor is meant to catch his breath I don’t know.” Twenty-year-old solo singer, Holly Teague, sang four operatic solos before singing alongside side the band for a successful performance that had never been practiced before. Holly’s parents played alongside her as members of the band. The energetic performance encouraged audience participating during the ‘Cheerio March’ when everyone clapped and whistled along to the band. All Hallows Church frequently hosts events to raise money in aid of Church Funds, but donates 10% of their yearly proceeds to a number of different charities. Members of the Parochial Church Council are encouraged to nominate chari-

ties to receive donations. This year charities include: The National Churches Trust and The Children’s Society. The church also hopes to support Liverpool Seafarers Centre who work in over 260 ports caring for seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs. They say on their website ‘Through our global network of chaplains, staff and volunteers we offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to seafarers.’ Gill Chamberlain, Fundraiser for All Hallows Church and PCC member, said: “Mold Town Concert Band gave a tremendous performance at All Hallows; everyone there enjoyed a great variety of music which warmed us up on a chilly night” The event raised around £500 that will be used to help charities nationally and around Liverpool.

The Mold Town Concert Band performing in Allertons All Hallow Church © Amy Cole/JMUJournalism

By SOPHIE CORCORAN

A former LIPA student has been nominated for the BRIT’s critic’s choice award. Frances, a singer-songwriter studied in Liverpool for three years and has been named in the shortlist for the award, which was this year won by James Bay. Frances has released two EP’s, and has recorded a live lounge edition of Justin Bieber’s hit single, What Do You Mean? Her debut album is also in the works. Since graduating from LIPA, Frances has played Liverpool’s Arts Club and toured the country as part of the Communion New Faces Tour which highlighted new musicians in the country. The winner will be announced on Friday November 27 and the BRIT awards will take place on Wednesday February 24, 2016 at London’s O2 arena.

Pearls of wisdom from the Sky By CAOIMHE HARKIN

A former Sky managing editor, Dave Betts, brought his talents to JMU Journalism for the day, guest editing for the TV bulletin produced by third year Journalism students. Mr Betts said: “I initially failed my degree in geography and economics in Kale University in Staffordshire. There was no journalism courses in those days so alongside my degree I was editing at a local newspaper. I was given the choice of what to choose and I decided that I wanted to be a journalist.” Mr Betts, who is originally from Leeds, has had a very suc-

Tune into our radio podcast

cessful journalistic career. He started by working in local radio and then moved on to work at the BBC in London. Later, he worked on Radio 1 and Channel 5 news and then from there worked his way up to Sky News, firstly as a news editor. He first started freelancing and news editing the night that Princess Diana died and has covered many things since then. The journalist offered advice and help to final year students who were studying text and radio. He tsaid: “I have been amazed by all the students’ energy and thirst for a story. They aren’t just turning around

press releases. Students are looking for new angles and going out of their way to produce excellent stories.” The facilities which LJMU offers to students studying Journalism are crucial to the courses success. Mr Betts told JMU Journalism: “It is vital that journalism courses have facilities that match what are used in the industry. The facilities here do that and give students the chance to prepare for life in a real newsroom.” The advice which Dave would give to students is this: “It is a very crowded market out there. You have got to concentrate on what makes you distinctive and stand out.”

Dave Betts with third year students

Students vote to join Israel boycott action By BARRY ROCKS A boycott of companies with links to Israel has been backed by the University of Liverpool’s Guild following a vote. The motion proposed was to join the Boycott, Divest and Sanction movements which advocate divestment from companies that are “complicit in the Israeli Occupation of the West Bank”. The Guild, which is UOL’s students union, initially rejected the idea put forward by the Liverpool Friends of Palestine Group but the Guild’s summit were eventually considered it following constant campaigning by the student group and it was put to a vote within the university. A preferendum is

just like a normal referendum but instead of having a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ option, people can vote on three or more possibilities. The ballot had three options, one to pass the motion, one to reject it and the final was to agree with the decision made at the Guild Summit. If students didn’t rank all of these options, then their one chosen option was given less weight. The voting took place over a period of a week and there were a total of 1,866 points in support of the BDS policy. Nine hundred and thirty four opposed the motion and 1,479 supporting the guilds previous decision last year. Following the result of the preferendum Friends of Pales-

tine posted on their Facebook site celebrating the win, they said: “The scale of the victory for BDS clearly shows that a large majority of the student body is, or has been made, aware of Israel’s apartheid regime and oppression of the Palestinians, and is prepared to make a stand against it.” The proposal prohibits the Guild from stocking products from Israel and states that the Guild should lobby the wider University to follow suit. The Guild will also not be able to renew previous contracts with companies like G4S. Opponents of the BDS have claimed it is divisive and splits students in universities. The Union of Jewish Students

expressed dismay at the result of the vote, They said: “This decision only serves to further divide groups on campus. UJS will continue to work closely with the Liverpool J- Soc in ensuring Jewish students are not marginalised on campus and that students continue to be made aware of the case against BDS.” Guild President Harry Anderson told Liverpool life: “We have been, and will continue to meet with both groups about this over the coming days to agree on the best way forward. Whatever the outcomes, Liverpool Guild is fully committed to providing an inclusive and safe space for all our student groups.”

Life|News|5

Research Domestic violence marked across Liverpool ship for Wirral creation By HANNAH ROGERS

by CONNOR LYNCH

A deal has been finalised for the creation of a £200 million polar research ship in a Birkenhead ship-yard. The ship is set to be developed by Cammell Laird, the UK’s largest ship building and repair organisation, who fought off world-wide competition in order to secure the deal, which could see the creation of hundreds of jobs in the area. The project is to be funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and is set to begin June 2016. NERC Chief Executive Professor Duncan Wingham said, “This new research ship, which is expected to become operational in 2019, will be equipped with on-board laboratory facilities and will be capable of deploying robotic technologies to monitor environmental changes to the polar oceans and will help UK scientists continue to lead the world in understanding our polar regions.” Cammell Laird CEO Professor Duncan Wingham believes that the signing of this deal is a great moment for the company and the local area, hoping that over 500 jobs will be made available. He said, “Signing this contract is another great day and proud moment for myself and the company. It is tremendous news for Merseyside and the UK maritime industry. It is further a fantastic endorsement of the world-class skills and experience of our workforce and the calibre of our facilities which are among the best in Europe.”

Merseyrail festival winner crowned

by STEPH BOCKING

Aspiring Liverpool singersongwriter Katy Alex has been crowned winner of the 2015 Merseyrail Sound Station Festival, which was held at Moorfields station on Saturday. The 20-year-old performed before being awarded top place at the presentation party at The Hatch on Mathew Street. The judges voted unanimously in favour of Katy, who beat off 100 other local musicians. Katy said: “I was over the moon to hear my name get announced, It felt great knowing that all the hard work had been worth it.” Katy was also awarded a year of professional music industry mentoring. She said: “I’m looking forward to sitting down with my manager and the guys from Merseyrail Sound Station and Bido Lito. I’m planning a music video for my new song ‘Light’ right now, so you can keep your eyes out for around mid-December.”

Two events are going to be taking place in Liverpool to pay respects to women who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Today marks the start of 16 days of activism to help raise awareness, pay respects and help combat domestic violence, not only in Liverpool but around the world. At 10am 104 orange and white flowers will be dropped into the canal link at Pier Head to represent the number of women each year that

lose their lives to domestic violence. The Cunard Building and St George’s Hall will both be lit up orange this evening for the event and on Saturday at 2.30pm, ActionAid activists will gather at Lime Street Station to give the Statue of Bessie Braddock a red sash. Kate Menear, local writer and campaigner in Liverpool, said: “Bessie Braddock dedicated her life to helping other, through her work as a social activist in Liverpool in her early years, as a Labour Councillor in the 1930s and during the second world war,

when she left her union post to join the Liverpool Ambulance Service as a driver, attached to G Division.” The former councillor, and later MP, was an avid campaigner for women’s rights in the areas of maternity, child welfare and youth crime. The movement is being supported by ActionAid, a charity that campaigns for human rights across the globe. People who attend are being invited to hashtag #FearlessLiverpool on social media to show their support for the events and for women from Liverpool.

Victims recalled at transgender event DEDICATED: Bessie Bradock © El Pollock

By AMY COLE

EQUALITY: Wreaths being laid by guests

A moving service has been held at the Museum of Liverpool to remember transgender people who have been discrimnated againist. As part of the event, an iconic image of April Ashley MBE was welcomed into the museum’s permanent collection. The photo by Tim Walker, was introduced on Friday as part of the Transgender Day of Remembrance events. The Liverpool born, 80-year-old model was outed by Sunday People newspaper in 1961 as a transgender woman and was one of the first British people to have gender reassignment surgery. The crowd gathered around the photo of April Ashley as speakers told their stories, including Janet Dugdale, Director of Museum of Liverpool; Gary Everette, Artistic Direction of Homotopia and Andy Cooke, Deputy Chief Constable of Merseyside Police. Themes of the talks included

how the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender community didn’t need to include Transgender people as part of their group, as being transsexual and homosexual aren’t interchangeable terms, but needed to support them ‘as the opposite side of the same coin’. Wreaths were laid by the Deputy Constable and other speakers, which was then followed by a remembrance silence. Deputy Constable Cooke went on to express his condolences to anyone who had lost their life because of transphobia and discrimination. Jerry Potter, an ex-cross dresser from Manchester, who used to spend his life living as a woman named Chloe, recited a poem called: ‘What is thing called gay?’ which described how being homosexual should be except for more people than just the white males. He said: “Cross-dressing was the ballsy, theatrical sense of being alive.”

Yummy Christmas breakfast for homeless

by STEPH BOCKING A Liverpool café is getting into the festive spirit early this year by offering to welcome the homeless in for a full English breakfast on Christmas morning. Yummy café on East Prescot Road in Knotty Ash, which has only been open for six weeks, will be offering a warm breakfast and some company to the city’s homeless. Simon Whitter, owner of Yummy Café, knows how hard it can be to sleep rough on the streets, he spent several months homeless on the streets of Manchester when he was a teenager. He told Liverpool Life: “I was homeless myself over 20 years ago so I know what it feels like, so I just wanted to do something to help people, especially as it’s Christmas.” Simon, 42, had initially planned to cater for roughly 30 people, however, he now hopes to take this one step further by helping those that may not be able to reach the café. He said: “I’m now trying to arrange a mini-van to drop off food to the homeless, as I know it’s not possible for some people to reach the café, so I’m now looking at catering for 100 plus.” The father-of-three is planning on keeping Yummy Café open

until 11am on the morning of December 25. Simon hopes the café will be full of festive cheer with Christmas songs, crackers and mince pies on offer to his guests. Other local businesses have also shown their support, the Village Tea Rooms in West Derby have offered to help cook breakfasts and bring them to the café and volunteer baker group Free Cakes for Kids have offered to donate cupcakes. As well as support towards providing enough food, Simon is also appealing for locals to donate warm clothes such as clean coats, hats, gloves and scarves as a gift for their visitors. He said: “I’m hoping to collect as much as possible so that people can just have a root through and see if there’s anything they want. “I’m also asking for sleeping bags and anything that will help to keep them warm. “I was homeless during the summer and it was cold during the night time then, so I couldn’t even imagine how cold it must be at this time of year for people.” If you can help staff at the collect warm clothes to give to the homeless on Christmas morning, please drop them off at Yummy Café, open daily until 2pm or call Simon Whitter on 0151 254 2105.

TASTY: Yummy Café kitchen and seating area

Life Focus 6

Dark nights and grey days, the misery of seasonal blues A staggering one in five of the UK population will suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) this winter, bringing depression. LUCY DARBYSHIRE investigates

s the nights get darker and the weather gets colder, it’s no surprise that people are starting to suffer from SAD, The Seasonal Affective Disorder, which occurs repeatedly at a particular time of the year. The disorder usually starts around autumn or winter, when the weather starts to deteriorate. This week has seen the weather turn miserable and cold, so it’s no surprise the disorder is starting to spread. The disorder can affect each person differently some will just find it irritating while for others is can severely affect there day to day lives. As the exams and deadlines start to close in, Liverpool students are starting to feel the pressure. Sheila McRannal, from LJMU’s mental and health wellbeing service, told Liverpool life: “I have

seen one or two people that I would say have seasonal affected disorder, to help fight it I would say light boxes, they can be really helpful especially once the daylight saving initiative starts happening and you’ll have less access to light. So if you suffer from this disorder, buying alarm clocks and getting up early can be really helpful.” The Met Office is showing that the cold and rainy weather is expected to continue till the weekend, so anyone suffering from the disorder should stay in bright rooms and keep active, to ensure they have a positive next few days. The NHS website has a page dedicated to S.A.D. It says that the symptoms can often begin in the autumn as the days start getting shorter. They’re typically most severe during December, January and February.

Signs you are suffering from SAD • a persistent low mood • loss of interest in normal everyday activities • feeling irritable • feelings of worthlessness • low self-esteem • tearfulness • feeling stressed or anxious • a reduced sex drive • becoming less sociable

DEPRESSION: About 2% of the UK population are seriously affected by SAD which causes severe symptoms and affects their day to day lives. Pic © Katie Braithwaite

Effective ways to fight SAD Make your life brighter: Open blinds, trim tree branches that block sunlight or add skylights to your home. Sit closer to bright windows while at home or in the office. If these don’t work try investing in a light box (see left). Get outside: Take a long walk, eat lunch at a nearby park, or simply sit on a bench and soak up the sun. Even on cold or cloudy days, outdoor light can help, especially if you spend some time outside within two hours of getting up in the morning.

Light boxes to tackle depression

Left to right: SAD Solutions BLUElight SAD Light White selling £99.00, Lifemax Light Pod 107a SAD Simulated Daylight Box selling £32.99, Beurer TL40 Daylight Lamp SAD Light £38.99. All available on Amazon.

Exercise regularly: Exercise and other types of physical activity help relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase SAD symptoms. Being fitter can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood

What’s on MUSIC

THEATRE

COMEDY

ARTS

Abandon Silence: Farewell to the Kazimir Part 3 at Kazimier in Liverpool, Friday 27th November

Rapunzel Rock ‘n’ Roll panto at Everyman Theatre Saturday 28th November 2015 to 23rd January

Michael McIntyre: Happy and Glorious at Liverpool Echo Arena Friday 4th and Saturday 5th Decemeber

Works to Know by Heart: Matisse in Focus Tate Liverpool: display Friday 20 November 2015 – Monday 2 May

For the last ever Abandon Silence party, The Kazimier will host a special ‘Friends and Family’ show with some surprises and secrets on the way. Performing on the night is Jeremy underground, Andrew Hill, Owain Gwyn, Rich Furness and more special guests to be revealed on the night.

The Liverpool Everyman theatre and playhouse production presents Rapunzel Rock ‘n’ Roll panto. The show will begin on 28th November until 23rd Jan and is sure to be fun for all the family. This performance takes place at the Everyman, 5-11 Hope Street, L19BH. Stephanie Hockley will play the role of Rapunzel. Tickets are £12.50 and can be purchased online or at the theatre.

Michael McIntyre returns to Echo Arena on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December 2015 with his hotly anticipated brand new stand-up show Happy & Glorious, with special guest Paul Tonkinson. Michael’s previous tour, Showtime, was the biggest-selling comedy tour in the world in 2012, performing to over 640,000 people. This show is suitable for 14+.

This winter Tate Liverpool presents one of the most iconic works ever made by Henri Matisse – The Snail 1953. Due to the delicate nature of the work, this is your only opportunity to see The Snail outside of London, as this masterpiece will not tour to other venues in our lifetime.

Life|Arts|7

Champion of free speech

hen Josie Timms started her time at LJMU she didn’t expect to leave with an inaugural fellowship to her name, but that’s exactly what she did. Josie was awarded the first ever LJMU/Tim Hetherington fellowship, named after the Birkenhead-born photojournalist who was killed in Libya in April 2011. The fellowship was a highlight of Josie’s hard work and skill but it also offered her a years employment as an Editorial Assistant at the free speech website and magazine, Index on Censorship. “I was honoured to win the award. There were lots of great journalists on my course so to win was an amazing feeling. I’d worked so hard throughout University so to be offered the award just showed that all my hard work had paid off,” Josie said. Despite only graduating earlier this year, Josie’s work with Index on Censorship offers her opportunities many journalists can only dream of, working together with artists and creative writers in countries where they face mass censorship from various religious and government groups. Just a couple of weeks into her work at Index, Josie was offered the opportunity to interview documentary maker Johanna Schwartz about her film for the website called ‘They will have to kill us first.’ This has been, according to Josie, one of the major

LUCY NIXON speaks to graduate Josie Timms about her life after LJMU highlights since leaving LJMU. (See the panel on the right.) However, Josie is acutley aware of the importance that being honoured with an award named after such an icon of their industry brings. “Tim’s work as a photojournalist is incredible, so I couldn’t have been happier to recieve the award. I also got to meet his parents and they are both so lovely. It made me feel very proud to have won an award in his honour.” For Josie, journalism was the obvious career path. A keen writer with a strong creative flair, it was only once she began researching universities that she fell in love with Liverpool and all that studying here had to offer. “I’d heard Liverpool was a great city, so when I visited I loved it and knew it was where I wanted to study. I chose LJMU in particular because the course was one of the best I’d looked at”, she added. Her decision to become a journalist Josie says, is all down to her passion for writing and interest in Journalism as a whole. It was the weekly newsdays that she took part in as part of the JMU Journalism team that Jo-

sie remembers with the fondest memories. “I’ve always had an interest in journalism and enjoyed writing, so I always knew I’d like to do something that involved that. I’d changed my mind a lot but the more courses I looked at, the more I realised I wanted to be a journalist.”

he invaluable experience that Josie will gain at her time with Index, she hopes, will allow her to become a bigger and better journalist in the future. “I’ve learnt so much already, so I hope to keep learning new things and building new skills. I just hope to enjoy my time working for such a great organisation.” Originally intending to study for a masters once she had finished her journalism degree, Josie is considering returning to education once her fellowship ends but for now isn’t making any firm plans for the future. “I’m really interested in photojournalism so this is something I may go into in the future. For now I’m not too sure what my goals are, I just hope to keep building my skills and to have a long and successful career in journalism.”

I changed my mind a lot, but the more courses I looked at, the more I realised I wanted to be a journalist CONGRATULATIONS: Josie Timms graduating from LJMU

ALL SMILES: From left - emeritus professor Chris Frost, Josie Timms and Judith Hetherington, mother of Tim, after whom the fellowship was named

Mali music

Josie Timms writes for Liverpool Life about an inspiring ﬁgure she interviewed during her time at Index on Censorship In 2012 Muslim extremists captured northern Mali, implementing Sharia law and banning music. Musicians had their instruments destroyed and even musical ringtones were banned. The film They Will Have to Kill Us First tells the story of the musicians who fought back and refused to have music taken away from them. The film’s director, Johanna Schwartz, was affected by the situation in Mali so much she just got on an airplane and went. Schwartz said she didn’t plan on making the film, but found herself working on it without realizing, encouraged by the general lack of knowledge about what was going on in Mali. “The rise of extremism in Africa is quite confusing. People aren’t really sure why, where or to whom it’s happening,” she said. “The rise of extremism in Mali and west Africa is something that we all need to know a lot more about, and, in a way, the film doesn’t even begin to cover it.” Music plays a huge role in Malian society. Disco, a musician featured in the film, discusses how music is a way to teach morality and to get your message across, whether it be about health, beauty, education or politics.

Many believe the importance of music to everyday life in Mali is why it was attacked so specifically. Songhoy Blues, a “desert blues” band made up of musicians who fled northern Mali also feature in the film. “When we met Songhoy Blues they were refugees and now they’re literally international superstars,” Schwartz said. “Watching them get their manager, watching them record their first album, watching them perform it for the first time, watching them go on tour for the first time, play the Royal Albert Hall, go on and International tour, it’s been incredible to be with them.” Despite the serious issues in the film, which premiered at the London Film Festival in October, Schwartz hopes it will have a positive impact on people: “Even though this is a film about conflict, war and censorship, it’s ultimately hugely uplifting and inspirational. People can come out of it feeling quite positive about the impact these musicians are having.” The makers of They Will Have To Kill Us First and Index on Censorship have recently launched the Music in Exile Fund, which aims to help musicians facing similar struggles as the musicians featured in the film.

Life|Arts|8

SPATIAL:

Lucio Fontana artwork that inspired the performance

Hannah Rogers reflects on a new arts exhibition at the Liverpool Tate

nterpretive arts hit new heights on Thursday last week as 12 Dance undergraduates from Liverpool John Moores University expressed themselves to aid the launch of Tate Liverpool’s newest exhibition: An Imagined Museum. The Dance Studies students performed an interpretive dance that took inspiration from Lucio Fontana’s Spatial Concept. Working with their choreographer to ensure that their input was conveyed in the eventual performance. Darren Carr, programme leader for Dance Studies at Liverpool John Moores University, said: “The puncture marks represent the artist’s movements of the hand across the canvas. So what we did was traverse that into dance movement and it’s about the movement across the space. One of the interesting things about the artwork is that when you’re viewing the work it’s like you’re looking through the puncture holes to the space beyond, so physically the dancers create the frames, they create the levels, they create the spaces for the audience.” The opening dance was a collaboration between LJMU, the Tate and the English National Ballet. While the exhibition itself combines works from Centre Pompidou National Museum of Modern Art, Paris, and Museum für Moderne Kunst Frankfurt

am Main, as well as Tate. An Imagined Museum brings together more than 60 pieces of significant art, in an attempt to demonstrate to the public that art is still a valuable aspect of modern culture. The display takes inspiration from Ray Bradbury’s sci-fi novel, Fahrenheit 451, in which all literature is banished and must be memorised in order to preserve them. The exhibition will climax at the end of February, when all the artworks will be removed and will be replaced with people, who will describe the artworks from memory. Darren Pih, Exhibitions and Displays Curator at Tate Liverpool, said: “It’s really this idea of an immersive fiction, it drops the audience into this immersive scenario, where you must remember the works on display. “It’s celebrating the power of regional museums like Tate Liverpool and how original museums can have a particular relationships to their local art audience. I hope they will remember many of the works that they have seen and tell their friends and this will create an imaginary museum in the minds of the audience.” The exhibition will run at Tate Liverpool until 14 February 2016, when it will be replaced the following weekend with the closing exhibit – 2053: A Living Museum, when the public will take the place of the art.

When an imagined museum becomes reality

TATE: LJMU students taking part in a dance performance at the launch of Tate Liverpool’s new exhibition. The performance was a collaboration between LJMU, The Tate and the English National Ballet

Mo’ money Mo-vember

BY SOPHIE SEAR

LJMU’s drama department have ditched the razors for a month and are embracing the facial hair to raise money for the Movember Foundation. The team of 25 consists mainly of second year drama students, alongside some participants from first and third year. Two drama lecturers, Andrew Sherlock and David Lewellyn, are also taking part. All together they have so far raised over £900. This year’sefforts have been organised by student Carl Fowler, who has committed to the cause for the third year running. Speaking to Liverpool Life, he did not expect to have so many of his peers on board to go a month without

shaving their top lip. Carl added: “I felt so happy that people on the course got involved. We’ve been fundraising individually and as a team and we’ve had donations from people outside family and friends. After two weeks we had about £500.” Fellow student Daniel Henson said: “I recently lost my grandad to prostate cancer and I was feeling really down about it. But because we’re doing something productive and raising money I feel really positive now.” As well as raising money and awareness about prostate cancer, Movember also highlights the issues surrounding mental health, which swayed some of the male students to

get on board. Daniel added: “It’s such a strange topic, men’s mental health. It’s perceived as not masculine to be depressed or suffer mental health issues.” Despite raising money for Movember, all those involved from the university’s drama department have had fun, although not all enjoy having a moustache. Organiser Carl said: “I hate having a moustache, look at me. I walk down the street and smile at people but they don’t have the same reaction as they used to. We should have t-shirts that say ‘I’m raising money for Movember, I’m not a creep.’” The group are also hosting a fundraising night on

30th December at local pub, The Pilgrim, where they will auction themselves for two hours of service to the highest bidder. The university’s standup comedy society will also be providing entertainment. Listed on their website, the LJMU’s drama department’s motivation is to ‘to change the face of men’s health by growing beautiful theatrical moustaches that would inspire the bard himself to pluck out his own whiskers, dip them into ink and write a quaint sonnet.’ Donations can be made through the LJMU Drama fundraising page. PROUD: Members of the LJMU drama department outside the Joe H. Makin drama building. © Sophie Sear

Life|Fashion|9

Festive Favourites As we enter into the festive season, our calendars begin to ﬁll up with family parties, work’s nights out and drinks with friends. Let’s face it – everyone loves a Christmas do. Wondering what to wear? Liverpool Life shows you how to keep warm and stay bang on trend this winter.

Party Must-Haves For her (from top to bottom):

Coat - River Island: £50 Dress - House of celeb boutique: £105 Cuff Bracelets - Accessorize: £8 Nail Polish - Illamasqua in Scarab: £14 C l u t c h - To p s h o p : £ 2 5 S h o e s - To p s h o p : £ 1 2 5

For him (from top to bottom): B l a z e r - To p m a n : £ 1 2 0 Shirt - River Island: £28 J e a n s - To p m a n : £ 4 0 Shoes - Next: £48

Life|Sport|10

Roller Birds suffer end of season loss By HANNAH ROGERS

Liverpool’s Roller Derby team held a double match at the weekend, marking the end of the season for the city’s only team. The double-header event saw an exhibition game between the leagues A-team ‘Sisters of Mersey’ (With a few guest players from ‘Furness Firecrackers’) and ‘Vagine Regime’ (a team composed of queer skaters from leagues across the country) and a ranked bout between Liverpool Roller Birds and Sheffield Steel Roller Girls B-Teams ‘The Yellow Shovemarines’ and ‘Crucibelles’. The first bout saw Vagine Regime beat Sisters of Mersey 161 to 117 after an intense second half saw Liverpool’s A-team fight to get into triple figures. Sheffield’s Crucibelles managed to shove their way to victory, winning by over 100 points at a final score of 209 to 87 against The Yellow Shovemarines. Roller Derby is a mostly female contact sport, where teams skate on a track in the same direction. Points are gained when a designated ‘jammer’ laps members of the opposite team, while other members attempt

to hinder the other teams jammer. Laura Rushton, or Dolly Styrene when she’s on the track, from Sheffield Steel Roller Girls (SSRG) said: “It has been fantastic. I started about four and a half years ago, I was living in Wales and I saw the film Whip it! And thought it looked amazing. “I started training with the midWales roller derby. Then when I moved to Sheffield I joined SSRG and I’ve been playing with them ever since and it’s been the best thing ever.” Having been hailed as the ultimate feminist sport, it is helping to break the stereotype of women being dainty and ladylike. The fast paced game is not for faint hearted players, and the thick kneepads, elbow pads and helmets are a testament to that as the players get thrown to the ground throughout the bouts. Fiona Innes, Liverpool Roller Birds, ‘Faytella Tracktion’, said: “You have to be physically strong and mentally strong for this sport. “It takes a lot of sportswomanship to be knocked to the ground and helped up by the same woman but we do it because we know how hard we train so if someone can knock me over, fair play to her.”

“We enjoy busting down the stereotypes that tell women to be delicate little flowers. We encourage all the women on our team to be athletic and strong and powerful. That’s the whole point of this sport.” A minute’s silence was held at the start of the afternoon to pay respects to a French Roller Derby player, Lola Salines, who lost her life in the Paris attacks on Friday 13th of November. All the players and officials wore ‘109’ stickers, her vest number, to remember her. Dia Broughton, Livepool Roller Birds, ‘Boa D’Slayer’, said: “Many of the girls on the team have daughters meaning that those little girls are inspired by strong powerful women. My daughter gets to see her heroes every week. “She can talk to them and hug them and they inspire her to want to be like them, instead of her aspiring to be looked after all her life. she will grow up and learn to be an independent woman like the women on this team.” They day was rounded off with an after party at The Zanzibar for all the women to unwind after the big day. The Liverpool Roller Birds are currently looking for new skaters and off skates match officials.

Positive week for Mersey squads By JAMES GAMBLE Liverpool: Arguably Jurgen Klopp’s biggest feat of his Liverpool career so far over the weekend, as his strong side beat an impressive yet lacklustre Manchester City team who looked inferior against the reds. Klopp made the controversial decision of starting with Firmino up front, leaving Sturridge and Benteke on the bench, but the decision paid off, and Firmino even got a goal for himself. Skrtel was arguably the best player on the pitch, putting in a great defensive display and scoring a great goal to put the reds 4-1 ahead. Still, Klopp insists there is more work to be done on the team, but was happy with the performance. With Henderson out injured Lucas Leiva has stepped up and improved Liverpool side.

Everton: Remi Garde’s Aston Villa faced a massive blow at the hands of Everton, who battered a weak Villa side with two goals each from Lukaku and Barkley, both in great form this season. The biggest strengths the Toffees have shown this season is through their youth, and depth in their squad. Barkley and Lukaku continue to perform and score goals, but the strike partnership between Lukaku and Kone is working very well. The two strikers play off each other so well, with Barkley sitting just behind, which was clear to see in the 6-2 home victory over Sunderland a couple of weeks ago. James McCarthy’s strong defensive performances are also allowing Barkley to get further forward, and provide support for Kone and Lukaku. Another high scoring game for Everton shows that their attack

Bringing you all the news every Wednesday

is very strong, and with Stones at the back, and Galloway performing adequately at left back, the blues could potentially challenge the likes of rivals Liverpool, and other top four hopefuls like Tottenham for a Champions League spot. Everton are away at Bournemouth next Saturday, and should be confident of another win being in the form that they are in. Tranmere: Tranmere striker James Norwood scored a brace including a late penalty to earn Tranmere all three points at home to Guiseley, taking them up to 10th place. Guiseley opened the scoring with a great long range volley from Danny Boshell, but Norwell nodded home from Adam Mekki’s corner to level the scores just before half WINNING: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp secures time. Tranmere face Boreham another win for the football club ©Conor Allison Wood away from home this Saturday.

Success for LJMU footballers By SOPHIE SEAR LJMU’s Men’s first football team are so far undefeated in the season, winning five and drawing one of their games. Their second game of the season brought a win for the team, beating last year’s league winners Newcastle 5-0. First team captain Luke Robinson spoke to Liverpool Life about the team’s winning streak. He said: “The key to the team’s success has been three things- hard work, belief, and never giving up no matter what the circumstance.” Liverpool John Moores football has one of the lowest budgets in the country and they are the only team in its league without an external coach paid for by the university to coach and manage them. As a result, the responsibility falls on the students to take this on alongside playing every week. Speaking of winning the league this season, Luke added: “It would be proving everyone wrong who said negative comments about myself and the players during the early stages of the season. [It would] prove that having money doesn’t make you good at football, but with a bit of hard work you can achieve big things.” A win this season would be a first for the LJMU men’s football. Their captain expressed how much joy this would bring to all the players on the team, who are more than just teammates but friends as well. Luke added: “To ensure we continue to be successful, we have to keep our feet on the ground and keep on pushing ourselves for the next two to three games. There’s still a lot of hard work to be done. We have to prepare ourselves and be mentally strong to get over the line.” The 1st team will be competing in BUCS 1A league in 2015/16 season. After a tough league campaign last year the team will be putting extra work in, in the hopes of making it to the final.

Life|Sport|11

Student brings home the gold for GB

Yoga dreams come true By STEPH BOCKING

By STEPH BOCKING

An LJMU first year student was part of the Great Britain team that were crowned wheelchair basketball champions in the Kitakyushu Championship Cup. Nathan Maguire, 18, was selected to represent the Great Britain’s Junior Men’s team that took home gold in the tournament, which was held in Japan last week. The international tournament saw Team GB defeat all in the tournament, starting with a 6526 victory over the US. After the success of the next two matches, against South Korea and Japan, the team were guaranteed a place in the final, again alongside the host nation Japan. In keeping with their fantastic form, Great Britain took a fivepoint lead in the first half, 31-26, and pressed on to be crowned champions with a 66-49 win. Nathan, from Chester, has been playing wheelchair basketball for ten years and his relationship with Team GB developed two years ago. He spoke to Liverpool Life about the competition. He said: “The experience was amazing, I loved every minute. The crowds were so enthusiastic which made playing even more brilliant. It was an honour to represent Great Britain at this tournament and I hope there are many more to come.” Nathan, who studies Inclusive Sport Development at LJMU, has also just been selected by British Athletics for the Futures Programme. He said: “It’s really exciting, I’m so glad to have been selected for the Programme aimed at athletes making the step up to world stage. It will enable me to train harder and allow me to achieve my ultimate goal of Paralympic success.” Off the basketball court, Nathan participates in a variety of other sports. Earlier this year, he won the Virgin Mini Marathon and is now the course record holder. Nathan was also selected to represent Great Britain at the IWAS World Junior Games 2015, where he won two bronze medals.

New status for rowers as club goes it alone By BARRY ROCKS

Liverpool John Moores Rowing team have been officially affiliated as a boat club. The recognition from British Rowing means the team are now an independent organisation. It is a massive step for the university outfit which in the past has been officially credited under the banner of Mersey Rowing Club, whom they hire equipment from and share a boat house with. LJMU Rowing president Liz Oxby is overjoyed with the news which has been many years in the making, she told Liverpool Life: “To now be able to say that we row for LJMU RC and not Mersey RC is very exciting. “The affiliation with British rowing is something we have been working towards for the last couple of years, and to finally achieve this is the accumulation of a lot of people’s hard work in the club.” The club can now represent the university fully at competitions.

The Merseyside sporting champion’s dinner will take place at the Adelphi hotel this Friday, ran by the Merseyside sports partnership. The dinner will celebrate the

Fury start season with win By CONNOR LYNCH

HOPE: Rowers talk about future plans in last month’s Liverpool Life LJMU hope to build a name for themselves as a serious competitor in the North West. Liz added: “This big step will allow the club to race for its self and move away from our sister

club Mersey RC. I’m sure they enjoyed taking the credit for all our success the last few years but it’s our time to shine by ourselves and make an impact.” LJMU has also recently invest-

ed in their own boat as they continue make more progress. “Until now we had reached full capacity of what the boats at Mersey RC can accommodate for us.”

Merseyside celebrates sporting champions By LUCY DARBYSHIRE

A Liverpool business woman’s dream of running her own hot yoga studio has been realised after receiving support from Merseyside Special Investment Fund. The Life Balance Yoga Studio on Harrington Road in Formby is owned by Lisa Wilson, from Blundellsands. Her ambition of owning her own health studio became possible with the help of a funding package worth £27,000. Lisa, previously a gym instructor, was able to set the studio up after backing from the MSIF, with help from the Start Up Loans Programme and the Regional Growth Fund. The Life Balance Yoga studio hold several hot yoga classes throughout the day, which meant that the studio needed to be converted for the stateof-the-art equipment that heats the studio to 40 degrees. Due to high-levels of interest from the public, the business has already had to increase the number of classes on offer to meet the demand.

county’s sporting talent, as well as the people who make sport and physical activity happen in Merseyside. It will also raise much needed money to fund bursaries for the county’s future sporting stars. The evening will be filled

with awards, delicious food and fun. People attending the dinner will be entertained by stand-up comedian and BBC Radio Merseyside presenter, Sean Styles. Hosting the dinner will be Radio City’s own Steve Hothersall.

Ticket prices are going from £50 for one and £500 for a table of ten. The awards given on the night will be Lifetime Achiever, Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Primary School of the Year, and more.

John Moores University American football team came back from a half time deficit to win its first game of the year in a tough match against local rivals. The LJMU Fury defeated the Edge Hill University Vikings 35-19 at the JMO Sports Park, in the first of two games that the sides will play this week. The Fury, who were down 7-13 by halftime, put on a determined second half display scoring four touchdowns, as their defence held their opponents to only one touchdown and forcing a number of fumbles and interceptions, even forcing the Edge Hill quarterback to pick up a safety recovery. Laurent Tshimanga put on an impressive performance, as Edge Hill seemed unable to stop his running game, as he ran for three crucial touchdowns that helped the team to firmly take control of the game in the second half. The LJMU team travel to Omskirk on Sunday to face Edge Hill again on their home turf.

Liverpool

LifeSPORT

RUGBY GIRLS ARE GOING FOR GLORY

25 November 2015

Season gets off to ﬂying start

By CHRISTY JADE BIGGAR JMU women’s rugby team have continued their triumphant winning streak by beating University of Chester 44-0 this week. Hollie Hayes, who started playing rugby for the first time last year, told Liverpool Life the team has risen like a phoenix from the ashes. She said: “At the fresher’s fair we were told our team hadn’t won a single game the whole season before I started. Then last season we won nearly every single game. It was incredible.” The team’s last season was their record best as they won six out of eight games. This season, the team have won two out of two games. This week against Chester and also beating Leeds Trinity University 8 – 58 on November 11th. Captain Nikita Duong believes rugby is more than just a sport. She told Liverpool Life, “Rugby is an escape from all the stressful things that are going on in your life. It’s an empowering and explosive full-contact sport that

gives you so much adrenaline, which honestly lasts for the full 80 minutes of a game.” The stereotype of rugby being an only male sport motivates Nikita to strive for perfection. She said: “It makes me feel like I have a point to prove on that pitch.” Team spirits are also higher than ever and there is an indescribable atmosphere before the game starts. She described: “The starting team talk before we get in to position, clutching everyone’s shirt in a huddle and getting in to game mode. The first tackle is always the hardest. “The blood, sweat and tears that come with winning, losing and supporting your team mates and then, the moment you make a break and slam that ball passed the try line, are TEAM SPIRIT: Liverpool John Moores girls rugby team © Holly Hayes almost euphoric.” If JMU Women’s beat Lancaster University today, they will be through to the quarter finals of the BUCS league. Nikita said: “The girls are more than ready and I could not be a prouder captain of such a fantastic women’s rugby team. I cannot wait!”

Inside Sport

‘The blood, sweat and tears that come with winning, losing and supporting your team mates and then, the moment you make a break and slam that ball past the try line, are almost euphoric’

Liverpool hosts end of season Roller Derby match

Rowing crew gain ofﬁcal team status