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Liverpool Life
‘BUILDING BACK BETTER’ IN THE CITY
THIS WEEK
ARTS
LIFESTYLE
November 25, 2020
FROM THE HEART OF THE CITY
COMMUNITY CENTRE LIFELINES RESPONSIBLE REUSABLE FASHION
’80s throwback > Creativity in desperate times
’80s Liverpool Lads by Rob Bremner Documenting real people in an era of despair: p18-19
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CONTENTS This Week
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4 Community centre lifeline 5 People help the people 6&7 Expert talks: COVID immunity 8 From China with love 9 Skatepark glow-up Life
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10&11 Christmas lights and sights 12&13 Parents and pets gift guide 14 Move over Movember 15 Have a happy, healthy lockdown 16&17 Responsible, reusable fashion
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Arts
Cover photo © Rob Bremner
18&19 Rob Bremner: 1980s Liverpool 20 ‘Building back better’ in the city Sports 21 Green light for sport 22&23 What’s On sports calendar Welcome back to another week of colourful content here with us at Liverpool Life. Our team has been working hard over the past week to bring you the latest stories, tales, and updates about the city we all love. From throwback photography careers to upcoming Christmas cheers, you best believe we’ve got it all covered. Kieran Carson has spoken to a community centre providing a life-
As Christmas approaches... line for the city, and Kiva Donald has caught up with local heroes helping others. Beth Gavaghan caught up with a leading immunologist to give an insight into the latest developments, while Nathan Sartain hears from Chinese students left out from the pandemic. Ben Roberts-Haslam brings us the
latest on a Southport skatepark set for refurbishment, while Anna Michealides and Emily Ash manage to sneak in some Christmas spirit with must-see lights and sights. And finally as an exclusive this week, we’ve topped it off with a ‘What’s On’ sports calendar to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Wes Powell, Designer
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‘ There’s no
day I don’t see a person in front of me crying
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Kieran Carson on how one Liverpool community centre is supporting families in the run-up to Christmas
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The bigger picture is that I’m 58 and never in my life have I seen it so bad.” Labour and Co-operative Party Councillor Gerard Woodhouse, is blunt about the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on his ward. “I go in houses. I see the way people are living and it’s not a joke. People just have not got the money to live. People are still being sanctioned. People are still waiting eight to ten weeks for money,” he said. As Chief Executive of the L6 Community Association he can see how
people are suffering on a daily basis. The L6 Community Association was founded 21 years ago but has massively expanded in recent years. It provides a food bank, food union, a children’s uniform store, a baby bank for expectant mothers, a youth club and outreach programmes such as a pensioners’ clubs and shopping buses. Despite being based in Everton, only five of every 100 people helped by the Association are from the L6 area, with aid being given in many ar-
Pictures© L6 Community Centre
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HELPING HAND: Volunteers at the L6 foodbank eas of Merseyside, including Walton, Childwall and Fazakerley. “We’ve now become a centre where people from the whole of Merseyside come and we support something like 1000-1400 people per week and that’s without school holidays or Christmas. That’s just on a normal week,” said Gerard. Any other year at Christmas, the L6 centre would be supporting 10,000 children at Christmas. They would be hosting Christmas parties, pantomimes and bingo. Typically, they would raise £80,000, which would be spent on toys for the children, but this year the number of children needing support could double, which paints a grim picture as the charity is “losing a hell of a lot of money”, according to the councillor. During the first lockdown, the L6 centre was able to secure £30,000 worth of funding, distributing 13,000 parcels to over 3,000 people over the 13 weeks. Second time round, the organisation is finding support a lot harder. “The second lockdown has been a lot harder because people were not expecting it. A lot of our people work on the matchday, so they’re not paid weekly,” said Gerard. “It has been worse this year in terms of austerity as the council has lost a lot of funding. They haven’t got any money.” The third sector organisation has applied to the council twice for
funding, but did not meet the criteria. Gerard stressed the ways in which it is trying to support communities, through campaigning for funding to one-to-one support. “We’re still getting daily issues of people’s benefits being stopped or they have to wait six weeks for them.” he explained.
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e’re having to feed them each week, supporting them and getting them help with electricity and gas, speaking to the mortgage people. It’s just non-stop.” Metro Mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotherham, described the city’s public finances as being at ‘breaking point’. With the 2010s bringing Merseyside some of the harshest cuts to council funding, it’s not clear how devastating the long-term compounding impact of pandemic could be for the constituents of the city region. “There’s no day that I don’t see a person in front of me crying. Or a day where I don’t watch a little kid with a face on them. They haven’t got shoes on them or they haven’t got the money to get their dinner at school. It’s just unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.” Heartbreaking anecdotes such as this from Woodhouse are all too common. Find out how you can help the centre by calling them on 0151-260 1297 or emailing L6centre@aol.com.
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The gift of giving The story of a Facebook Group helping each other through tough times
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By KIVA DONALD
s the festive lights start to bring Liverpool to life, Christmas this year feels a little less joyful than usual; and families and expectant parents across the city are finding this time one of the hardest in their lives. Covid-19 has left many in tremendously vulnerable situations. Some find themselves below the poverty line, others for the first time spending long periods of time alone, without support and disconnected from the world around them. But in times of crisis, communities find ways to come together and Liverpool has once again done exactly this People Help the People is a community Facebook page, where members can put up items they wish to donate and others will comment to be considered for the donation. The page is a raft of support with hundreds of items posted every day and comments constantly rolling in as more and more parents seek help from their neighbours. Liverpool Life spoke to three mums who jumped on board to help other families and parents around Liverpool for Christmas during these unsettling times. Chelsea Jones, 25, is a single mum and expecting her second baby in the new year. She says she has found it extremely difficult to attend scans and appointments alone and began thinking of first-time mums dealing with pandemic restrictions with no support. She decided to donate baby clothes, soaps and essential items to put a smile on someone’s face. “The response to my post was brilliant yet heart-wrenching, as so many mums needed that help not just because of the pandemic but because they were facing the whole pregnancy and bringing a child into the world alone. A lot of them were in mother and baby units or getting support from the local authorities and it really broke me how quickly the comments filled up my post.” She explained she was shocked to see the sheer desperation some mothers were facing in the comments and the young mum decided to split what was originally two donation bags, into five. “I’ll be helping a first-time mum with autism, a mum who’s escaped domestic violence, a mum who’s in a mother and baby unit, another first-
time young mum with little support and one who’s just lost her job due to the pandemic and fell pregnant.” The 25-year-old. from Huyton, is a self-employed cleaner and currently out of work due to maternity. She said she could empathise with single expectant parents who are struggling to make ends meet and wanted to reach out as she would hope others would do if she was in need of help. “A lot of people rely solely on help from the government and councils. I think that’s acceptable but also not always the best way, especially in the current situation, community is a huge part of helping people in need. Councils and governments are busy with problems surrounding the pandemic and a lot of people are at home furloughed and in a position where they can offer support or time.” Helena Murphy, 36, from Prescot, gave birth during the pandemic and said she understands how hard it is for parents unable to access support groups during the second lockdown. The mum-of-two said she is fortunate to still be receiving two incomes into her household, and that her family are still being properly provided for during the pandemic. But after joining the Facebook page and seeing people in desperate need of basic items, she felt compelled to help parents. “The person I donated to was very grateful for the items she received and in her words told me it really meant a lot to her. She sent me photographs of her child with some of the items. The donations provided her with basic baby items that she may not have been able to afford herself. “It is important for communities to stick together during these difficult times as mental health is currently soaring and what I thought was a really small gesture, meant so much more to the person receiving it.” Jennifer Nicholas, from Norris Green, found a well-kept collection of toys and clothes her children had outgrown. Initially, she had planned to sell them to buy some Christmas presents, but decided that with so many people on furlough she would donate the items to families struggling to get by. “We tell our children that mummy and daddy pay for the toys and Santa delivers them with a little extra gift especially for him, so we told them
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What I thought was a really small gesture, meant so much more to the person receiving it
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CHARITABLE: A post from the Facebook group offering toys for free that we could sell them and give Santa the money for them or we could give them to a mummy or daddy who can’t afford to give Santa any money for toys and they were both happy to do this.” The mum-of-two said she feels very fortunate that she and her family have kept afloat this past year, but fears for others that may not be so lucky. Her Facebook post received over 60 comments and all of the items were donated. “Everyone was so grateful and
some of the messages I received after they had collected were so heart-warming. They were worth so much more than the cash we could have got. “Community is everything, I know a lot of people who physically and mentally wouldn’t have made it through this pandemic without the amazing community they have around them! You only have to look at pages like People Help the People to see how much of a fantastic community Liverpool is.”
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©Unsplash.jgp
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© This Morning ITV
Hidden Hidden Immunity? Immunity?
Dr Karol Sikora, pictured, explains to BETH GAVAGHAN how T-Cells from previous infections may be protecting people against the Covid-19 virus
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n expert in immunology has given positive feedback to the hopes of a Covid-19 vaccine are growing, but acknowledges there are many factors to take into account before it can be rolled out on a wider scale. Dr Karol Sikora is a British physician who has been advising the media and professionals throughout the pandemic on his thoughts on lockdown restrictions and the different responses to the virus. He now feels that with hopes of a vaccine we will soon be able to return to a normal life. Experts have said that the first
hurdle in distribution would first be deciding who will benefit most from the vaccine. It is thought that those who have been shielding during the pandemic will be entitled to it first, lowering their risk significantly and allowing them to experience the freedom they have not had access to for nearly a year. Additionally, some research is suggesting that some people already have immunity to the disease and would not require a vaccine to protect them from the virus in the foreseeable future. It has been suggested that individuals may experience residual immunity from old viruses which can explain why some people may still test negative after coming into close contact with someone who is positive with Covid-19. Dr Sikora said: “A paper that came out from Public Health England on November 19 suggested that around 25% of people have T-Cell immunity, not against this
virus but against previous coronaviruses that seems to reduce the chances of Covid-19 infection.” The study conducted by Oxford Immunotec and Public Health England showed that 3,000 participants who had a high T-cell response did not show symptoms for the virus, and the reaction to T-Cells also declined with age. Dr Sikora also said: “If you get the vaccine going, you don’t have to vaccinate that many more people. “Obviously the priority would be to give it to those who are elderly or vulnerable, at which point you can actually get up to 50 or 60% of the population being immune at which point the virus won’t spread which is great news.” He noted that because of this factor he expects society to resume to a more normal way of life. These ideas would indicate that ‘herd immunity’ could be
achieved sooner than first imagined, although this is a disputed theory. The development of the vaccine against coronavirus has been the quickest turnaround in history, which as Matt Hancock announced, the vaccine could be ready as early as next month. The success of this has been largely determined not only by scientists and researchers, but by participants who agreed to take part in the trials which showed whether or not it was effective. Glyn Mon Hughes, who participated in the vaccine trials led by the worldwide research group Synexus, said : “I’m glad I did it as it will help others and it did give me a medical. To date, I have not had any after effects, despite the fact that I tried to kid myself last Thursday that I felt really ill. I didn’t remotely. I guess if there was anything else wrong with me, they’d have been in touch.”
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From China, with love NATHAN SARTAIN explores the plight of international students studying in the UK as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt lives
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his year has been a major challenge for UK university students in several ways. With more focus on online classes, hugely reduced social contact, and never-ending changes to other restrictions, things have altered massively for millions - but what happens to the thousands of international pupils who travel to study in the country? In Liverpool, a majority of international students are from China. In the University of Liverpool, almost one in five students are Chinese according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, and it’s predicted that by the end of the decade, this will account for 30,000 students per year travelling from China to study in the city. Unsurprisingly, this may not go to plan. Amidst the ongoing pandemic, and the differing responses from country to country with how spikes have been dealt with, for some students travelling abroad to England is not an option. Chengzheng Dai, who last year studied Business management in Liverpool, said: “I was meant to have my second year of UK study this year, but I decided against it. I felt lonely last year, especially when the pandemic got serious here (the UK), and after leaving in August, I knew to myself I didn’t want to come back. We have a lot of normality now in China, and I would feel foolish to leave that behind.” It’s a shared sentiment, too. Joey Huang, who studied teaching, stated that he didn’t enjoy his time in the UK, and found himself wanting to return home after Christmas. He says he was scared, but feels secure now in his hometown of Guangzhou, where things are “going back to normal”.
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owever, these opinions and thoughts do deviate from the official UK Government advice. Despite an April survey from the British Council suggesting that around 60% of students will cancel their plans for studies, a letter from the Education and Universities Ministers from around the UK suggested otherwise. In July, it was said that “efforts had been made” for international students to travel into the nations to study, and they should continue to apply, even if they wish to take a course online. The message goes on to state that this is because universities will be
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Liverpool’s lack of traffic during tier 3 restrictions © Nathan Sartain
I am so happy that I came back, even if I can’t do many activities
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flexible to the needs of these prospective students and ensure that they can still get the same type of experience as those who have studied before, or will study in the future. In September, it was reported that specific flights were chartered for these international students, encouraging them to travel safely for the academic year. Such an approach appealed to Zhi Ge, who chose to travel to Liverpool for his studies, despite his business management course being exclusively online.
St John’s, empty during lockdown © Nathan Sartain
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e said: “I always wanted to study in the UK, and last year I had fun here and got to try a lot of new things. I left in March, but always planned on coming back for this year. So far it has been different, but I am so happy that I came back, even if I can’t do many activities.” In terms of UK students studying in China, there is a different story entirely. The Chinese embassy in London has banned the entry of non-Chinese nationals into the country in a bid to stop the virus being “imported”. Nevertheless, online classes have resumed for non-native students studying at Chinese universities, with updated technology allowing for real-time viewings of classrooms for participation within lectures, according to a spokesperson for the University of Nottingham Ningbo. For Steven Gamble, a Liverpool-based student, this ban was particularly detrimental. Looking forward to travelling to a new country for his final year, he found his visa torn up just one day after receiving it. He says he has spent 90% of his days trying to find a working visa so he can enter the country to get his “life back on track”, even if he does understand the cancellations. Amongst all students, there is a shared hope for a vaccine and the chance to get back to a more comfortable normal, whether so borders can be opened or just so people can return to a bit of familiarity again. Who knows, though, with encouraging signs on clinical trials, that may just happen sooner, rather than later.
Lockdown view from Liverpool Lime Street at night © Nathan Sartain
Guangzhou in November © Chengzheng Dai
Liverpool Lime Street at night © Nathan Sartain
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Delight as Southport ramps set for revamp BEN ROBERTS-HASLEM meets the skater championing his sport and enforcing change within his community
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popular skatepark is set for a long overdue refurbishment. Despite hundreds of people using Southport skatepark, it has been left damaged with multiple holes across the ramps since its opening in 2004. The ramps would have been left unfixed if it wasn’t for Southport-based international skater Mike Marsh. The 26-year-old started an online petition to get the park refurbished for the health and safety of not only him, but also the community that uses the skatepark. “Hundreds of kids go there every week,” said Mike. “If they weren’t there, they’d be roaming the streets. All the skateboarders, myself on my skates, we’d all be at the bandstand, on the monument, in car parks if it wasn’t for the skatepark. “When I was 16, I was in trouble with the police. I was close to getting sent to prison. I started going to the skatepark, got some skates and I’ve not been in trouble with the police since. I have travelled all over the world and done competitions around Europe. It’s saved my life, and a lot of my friends are the same. It’s a place for people to feel safe. “I suffer from epilepsy and when I have seizures in the night or in the morning it gives me the motivation to go out and do something instead of being stuck in the house,” he added. “I go out, sweat it out and get some fresh air, instead of being stuck in the house, feeling sorry for myself. I wouldn’t even know what skating was if it wasn’t for Southport Skatepark” Mike was quick to thank the people involved with the campaign, with Sefton councillor Sean Halsall helping to put it before the council. The Labour councillor has emphasised the need to include young people in the community. “I think a lot of the emphasis is put on Lord Street and shopping rather than the town’s own younger people and activities for them to do,” he said.
“We saw the closing of all our youth centres when the authority was controlled by the Liberal Democrats, showing how little they think of the town’s young people. “I think it is important that we are delivering for all the town’s people and not just the older people or businesspeople, and that our young people have something to do.” Mike highlighted the inclusiveness of the skatepark community. “I’ve played snooker since I was ten and there’s racism in snooker. I’ve played football since I was six, there’s racism in football. “I’ve been to the skatepark for ten years and I have never heard racism. It is such a welcoming community.
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t doesn’t matter what you dress like, where you’re from, what religion. As long as you’re on wheels you’re automatically part of the community. “You have something in common, something to talk about, and it’s free. “You can’t complain, the only thing to complain about at the skatepark is the holes.” The formation of Southport Skatepark also came about in the same way the resurfacing has, with a petition sent around the town. Mike explained the process which led to a petition for the skatepark. “Daniel Stark, the creator and the original person who helped get the skatepark, and a couple of his close mates used to skateboard. “They used to go to a little half pipe in Hesketh Park, it was just a little ramp. “They used to go round the streets, but people would complain, so they started a petition which got 10,000 signatures from them going round the streets asking people to sign it.” Resurfacing is set to start in the next six weeks, with Fearless Ramps offering to do the job. Fearless Ramps have been headily involved, and with it being confirmed less than a week after the petition, young people locally will be ecstatic.
A stark example of the damage at the old park and danger that it had posed to skaters
‘It doesn’t matter what you dress like, where you’re from, what religion. As long as you’re on wheels you’re automatically part of the community’
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Meet people behind Liverpool’s lovely Christmas lights
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t’s that time of year again, the days are getting darker as December creeps around the corner and that means more time to enjoy the spectacular Christmas lights around Liverpool. Understandably, there has been no big event for the light switch on this year, but Trapeze Creative have once again joined up with the Liverpool One team to design stunning light displays across the city centre. Trapeze Creative, who are responsible for all of the Christmas display pieces that are presented across the Liverpool One site, delivered their first Christmas in the city in 2014. The creative director of the company, Iain Kerr, says that projects like this require immense planning. Iain told Liverpool Life: “We work all year round on our Christmas projects, refurbishing each of the existing display pieces, designing new pieces, prototyping and manufacturing original pieces to add to the presentation, and planning the installation work and logistical operation in advance of each season’s activity at Liverpool One.”
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By ANNA MICHAELIDES It is easy to appreciate the lights and decorations but sometimes the effort that actually goes into putting them up can be forgotten. Iain said: “We train and prepare our staff and deploy 15 team members across the site at Liverpool One to complete the installation, with additional staff activity at our factory and warehouse, supporting the on-site project.” He also pointed out that, as is the case with so many other businesses, the coronavirus pandemic has been a major challenge for Trapeze. “We have had to adapt our planning, training and on-site team management, to care for, and protect our staff. “Our team members now travel and operate in small working bubbles and we closely control the sharing, preparation and cleaning of equipment, tools and machinery.” The distinctive, brightly coloured, 30-meter-tall Christmas tree right in the centre of L1 is hard to miss at this time of year. The tree is made up of red love hearts which light up and change colour. Trapeze designed the piece
to make a “striking, modern and unique statement” and it was manufactured only for Liverpool One. The company makes designs based on the specific needs of the shopping centre but also take advantage of the physical opportunities offered by the built surroundings and according to them “Liverpool one is a unique environment”, automatically making it different to any of their other projects. Iain is clear about what is his favourite part about working around Liverpool One. He said: “Firstly, the environment is great. It’s exciting and vibrant which provides a wonderful setting for our work, plus the clients are very professional, positive and open to new ideas and that makes for a perfect combination. As a team we also enjoy being in the city. “We travel a lot and see many cities at Christmas, and there truly is nothing quite like Liverpool.” Iain’s favourite piece is their latest addition on Peter’s Lane which is a large light-up reindeer. He said: “We have worked hard to produce a striking piece
which has a pure, sculptural quality. From initial sketch, to our scaled maquette model, to creating a full-scale prototype, onto which we sample finishing and lighting techniques, takes about 18 months, from start to finish. “So, it’s wonderful to see the finished design right in the heart of Liverpool One.” • Here is where you can see Christmas lights across the city this year: Williamson Square; St Paul’s Square; Church Street; Christmas ceiling of lights on Richmond Street; Ceiling of lights in Church Alley; Exchange Flags; Castle Street; Lord Street; Whitechapel; Paradise Street; Tithebarn Street; Chapel Street; Bold Street; Church Street; Church Alley; Parker Street/Houghton Street; Nelson Street; Berry Street; Hope Street; Derby Square.
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W share them:
e have 10 top ways to get into the Christmas spirit this year -and we want to
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Eat as much chocolate as you can! It’s been a stressful year for everyone, and exceptions can be made in December so it’s a pretty good way to start. There’s always the new year to be healthy again! That Quality Street tin isn’t going to eat itself, is it?
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We haven’t been able to have the Christmas light switch on, but the usual Liverpool one tree is up and ready for visitors (see previous page.) Excitingly, the Bar Hutte is scheduled to open on December 3 with a pre-booking system. Perhaps this one might be better for the adults! www.barhutte. co.uk/bar-hutte-liverpool
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Chester Zoo lanterns. If you fancy the travel, Chester Zoo’s lanterns are a different way to celebrate Christmas with
the family. Opening on December 3, the Lanterns might just make this year that bit more magical but be quick because tickets are selling fast. Chester Zoo’s webpage: www.chesterzoo.org/events/thelanterns-a-starlit-christmas/
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Netflix and hot chocolate nights. Why not put your feet up and watch a Christmas film? The classics start to appear on streaming sites in the lead up to Christmas, so treat yourself to some new PJs (or wear your oldest and comfiest) and laugh or cry depending on your choice of film!
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Winter walks. We still need to make sure were getting fresh air, even on the colder nights. The obvious place in Liverpool is Sefton park but why not try a walk along the docks? With the city lights in the background, it’s a different kind of experience. So, wrap up warm and get your steps in!
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Pantomimes. In a time where we are experiencing a new normal, why not look
for the old. Playhouses are allowed to reopen after December 2 and tickets are already online ready for families and friend to come together for a classic tradition. Again, tickets are selling fast so the earlier you book, the better. Jack and the Beanstalk at the M&S Bank Arena: https:// www.mandsbankarena.com/ whats-on/jack-and-the-beanstalk/
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Treat yourself to the Black Friday deals. A lot of shops have already begun deals and extended the times the deals are on for, despite the official Black Friday on November 27. If you don’t fancy anything why not treat friends and family to something nice instead?
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Grottos! Santas grotto at Dobbies in Speke might just be the family day out needed post lockdown. There are of course other grottos in Liverpool if this is not for you. Otterspool Adventure Centre is offering a Christmas Experience, with a live pantomime on
top of their famous grotto www. bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/dobbies-liverpool The Christmas Experience: https://otterspooladventurecentre.co.uk/the-christmas-experience/
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Baking! Ever been in the mood for gingerbread more than at Christmas time? It can be great family fun (as long as everyone follows the recipe!) and the great thing about baking is that you get to eat it at the end! Here’s a link to a recipe: https://www. bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/gingerbread-people
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Tails and Tunes night. Have yourself a Covid-friendly cocktail and put on the cheesy Christmas songs we all love to belt. There are plenty of recipe to be found online, including the BBC Goodfood website, although we must warn you that side effects include headaches and karaoke! More information at www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/ cocktail-recipes
By EMILY ASH
How to have yourself a Merry Little postlockdown Christmas
Image:careergirldaily.com
Image:The Guide Liverpool
Image: countryliving.com
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A gift guide full of family fun by JESS BECKETT
For Mum
Perfect present pets and per Ted Baker Socks, £17 Socks are the perfect gift for anyone in your life, Dad’s in particular. This set from Ted Baker combines practicality with style, making an everyday necessity a thoughtful gift.
Coffee of the world – Whitard, £25
For Dad
This coffee of the world set from Whitard is the perfect gift for any coffee lover. These coffee samples from 9 countries around the world might just fill the void left by this year’s lack of travel options.
UGG Slippers, £80
Every dad loves slippers, especially around Christmas time with the constantly falling temperatures. This pair from UGG are comfortable without looking like they belong on a grandpa.
Personalised Wallet, £39.90 A wallet is a staple gift for any dad, this one from Not On The Highstreet offers personalisation, making it that extra bit special.
Kiehls Cologne, £43 Fragrances, while a great gift, can be tricky to choose for someone else. This classic musk from Kiehls is bound to please anyone, originally created in the 1920’s, this timeless fragrance will suit just about anyone.
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The White Company Candle, £20
Wolf & Moon, £38
There is nothing better than a sweet smelling candle on a cold winter day. This one from The White Company is the perfect choice, with a combination of spicy cinnamon, rich warming clove and fresh zesty orange.
If y-ou’re looking to support small businesses this Christmas, jewellery is the perfect option with an abundance of online small stores offering beautiful pieces. Wolf & Moon has quirky, handmade designs made fully with ethnically sourced materials at an affordable price.
Slip Pillowcases, £85
Jo Malone Perfume, £105
If you were looking to gift something more practical this year, a silk pillowcase is a great choice! Recommended by both hairdressers and dermatologists, silk pillowcases are proven to reduce hair loss and signs of ageing. Slip, the original designers offer a range of colours and sizes so you can find the perfect one for your mum.
Perfume is an obvious choice for Mums, Jo Malone offers both a scent finder and bottle personalisation on their website, taking the stress of finding a gift away, as well as making your mum feel extra special this christmas.
My Family Cookbook, fill in yourself, prezzybox, £17.99 This fill your own cookbook is the perfect gift for a mum who loves to cook! It offers blank pages to fill with personal recipes which can then be passed on. The cook book is set out like a traditional recipe book. Every page has a template for ingredients, method, timing and there's even space for an image of the finished product. A slightly different take on an extremely sentimental gift that can be kept forever.
ts for pampered rky parents Furbo Dog Camera, £129 This Furbo dog camera is the perfect present for if you miss your dog while out of the house. It’s an easy way to keep an eye on them and includes features such as a treat release for if they’re behaving well. Head over to Furbo’s website to buy your very own dog camera.
Pet Stocking, £9.99
For the Pet
This is an all-round great gift for pets, with variations for both dogs and cats you can’t go wrong.
Cat Tower, £63 This cat tower fit for a king can be found at Pets at home. It would make a great gift to keep your pets busy all day. To buy this cat tower visit Pets at home online.
Treat Dispenser, £8 This is the perfect gift to keep your dogs entertained and away from the wrapping paper this christmas!Visit Pets at home online to purchase.
Pet Costume, £21 Perhaps the cutest thing you will ever see – Disney’s line of pet costumes would make a brilliant gift for both you and your pet to enjoy.
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The Month of the Moustache DAVID DIANGIENDA talks to university societies about Movember and how they’re raising awareness for men’s mental health
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lubs and societies from LJMU and the University of Liverpool have been raising money for the Movember charity throughout this month. The Movember charity is aimed at raising money for causes affecting men in society from male suicide, to men’s mental health and prostate cancer. It has been very different to previous years this year as more people are having to do virtual events given current restrictions. Members of LJMU men’s and women’s Hockey teams have been doing their bit to raise awareness of the initiative this month despite the strange circumstances’ students find themselves in. Individuals involved are doing a wide range of activities in order to raise money, from Move for Movember, growing a moustache and even hosting their own movement. The men’s hockey team are growing their moustaches whereas the women’s hockey team are doing a 60km challenge run/walk. The person hugely involved in this and the mastermind behind the Hockey team’s campaign is their captain Aidan Keenan, 20, from Birmingham. Having been made captiain for
the team this academic year, Aidan alongside his teammates haven’t been able to play matches this season - but that hasn’t stopped the squad from fundraising and being active. Aidan has had previous experience fundraising for Movember from last year and explained how the team has continued their fundraising efforts on social media. He said: “We did it last year and we got eight or nine participants.” On the hockey teams Instagram page they have put a post up for all their followers to see to try and encourage them to take part or donate to the cause. They have been using their social media as means to plug their donation links where possible and members of the team have been using the team Facebook page to gain additional support. Mr Keenan, who has started to grow a moustache for Movember, would like this month to be a time where people speak about their mental health and raise awareness about men’s mental health whilst being on national lockdown. He has made it clear of his long-term ambitions for both himself and the team for this cause. He added: “My main goal is to complete the 60km run and for the team
ABOVE: George Jones, left, and Josh Mayhew, LJMU Team Members. BELOW: Aiden Keenan, LJMU Hockey Team Captain © LJMU Men’s Hockey Team Instagram to raise as much money as possible.” So far, Aidan has raised £103 for Movember, setting himself the target of £200 by the end of the month and the men’s hockey team has raised £178 but are aiming for £500 overall. The women’s hockey team have also been raising money during the month, totalling at £1,638 so far. To support Aidan and his colleagues by donating, go to www.justgiving. com/team/LJMUMHC?fbclid=IwAR3L8OmcLiZNhGFXqo_EmA1lz6NNAu6ZSFePVMu-VayiO4bbop-h5noNrA8.
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Classes to beat closures BEN ROBERTS-HASLAM reports on a scheme to help bring health to Liverpool’s resident, virtually
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n organisation that brings together Liverpool businesses promoting a healthy lifestyle has used lockdown to provide 30 days of free online classes to help people in the city to take the restrictions in their stride and stay well. Varying from Pilates to cook-alongs, Liverpool Health and Wellbeing is using its website to promote the virtual courses from a variety of businesses. Liverpool Health and Wellbeing has hosted a city-wide festival, Eudaemonia, for the past two years but have been left to adapt this year’s event because of Coronavirus. The Merseyside-based company took the opportunity of lockdown to introduce a wide range of activities through the Scouse Support Scheme, to support people’s mental and physical health. Co-founder Jack Smith is an advocate for good health and want everyone to know that they are there to support people through the tough times we’re going through. The 31-year-old and his brother founded the company in 2018 and have since had a great response from people all over Sophie Hatton is campaigning to help the communtiy understand the benfits Merseyside. Jakc said when speaking to a reporter physical exercise can have on wellbeing. from Liverpool Life: all aspects of wellness, (including) “What we do generally is create events. In these teaches.” meditation, yoga, Pilates. events we promote health Sophie also highlighted the new “It was World Men’s Day and happiness. It could opportunity Southport has to become last Thursday, so they had a just be getting active more integrated with Liverpool: big focus on mental health physically and then be “We’re in Southport and suddenly it for men, and it’s been a brilactive mentally. isn’t just a little town out on a limb, liant opportunity. There was “So, we do big festivals we’re now classed as and closed a Pilates-shaped hole and I in the city and we get down as part of the Liverpool city jumped right into it. a load of local inderegion. To me, those barriers are “I said, ‘I’ll do it’. I’m pendents together from breaking down. hopefully doing another one foodies, to yogis, to “Merseyside and the city region of before the month is out and meditation, to hypnosis, Liverpool should work together, and we restart back again, it’s and we just put them all I just wanted to help the guys out. I a great opportunity to give together in one room think it’s a really great concept and back to people who want to and showcase what they really worthwhile.” try Pilates and have never can do. The company also have plans for gone down that route. “Obviously lockdown the future with their own directory “At 7:30am you have to be hit so we couldn’t do any of independent business across the pretty dedicated to someof these festivals. We region that people can use. thing, either early morning couldn’t promote local Jack said: “We have a directory of fitness or Pilates but we had business like we want to, health and wellbeing across the city, a great turnout, and that will we couldn’t showcase and not just for the city as we want go live up onto the site, so what the city is about to get outside the city as well, and there will be a library of all and what it has to offer the directory is for people to have an the classes. in terms of health and easier and more accessible way to “It is a brilliant concept, wellbeing.” locate health and wellness. and I just love giving. Like I Sophie Hatton is one “It could be that they want to find said, it is a great opportunity of the many business a healthy food shop to go and have to just give something back owners that have helped Sophie hosting one of her online Zoom classes something to eat, like a salad, or and support people who want contribute to the online they might want to find something to try it, try a new teacher, beclasses. that is an activity that they don’t cause we all get stuck in our ways. The Southport based Pilates really see advertised on Instagram We all find something we like and instructor highlighted her desire to and it’s a bit low-key.” that’s just a way of life. help the Scouse Support Scheme and The company’s next venture is “I have dipped into a few of get her profession out there for more creating an app. the meditation classes and the people to see. “The app is going to allow people yoga classes which is something I She said: “It’s a brilliant set up to find all these exclusive places wouldn’t normally do because I’m that Liverpool Health and Wellbeing but also have an exclusive discount far too busy doing Pilates. It’s just have. Over this lockdown, for 30 through us, to go and try out new great to have that opportunity to days, they were going to have 30, food, or new coffee place. So that’s have a taste of how somebody else 30-minute free sessions covering going to be an exciting time ahead.”
‘ We’ve had to adapt ’
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Recycle, re-use
DANIELLE NORTON explores how fashion can be made sustainable
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n the Liverpool City Region around 18,000 tonnes of clothing and textiles end up in people’s bins each year. That’s an awful lot of waste, but it can be reduced with recycling, reusing and rehoming unwanted items. Danni Miller, from Recycle Right, part of the Merseyside Waste and Recycling Authority, based at Mann Island, Liverpool, explained that when you throw away your old t-shirt that can no longer be worn, you are also throwing out the 2,700 litres of water that went into the production of that one t-shirt. In a recent study done by Recycle Right, 41% of people admitted that they weren’t even aware of textile recycling centres but luckily, 57% of people are regularly recycling their clothes. In Liverpool, Old Swan Household Waste Recycling Centre is just one of the places where unwanted clothing can be rescued. Danni explained that almost all clothing and textiles can be recycled. “If you have old socks with holes, stained clothes or even old bedding, they can all be used to create something new.” She also said that all clothes can still be put to use before recycling them, such as passing them on to a family member, upcycling them or donating them to your local charity shop. The British Heart Foundation turns unwanted clothes into ‘lifesavers’ to sell in their shops and online to raise money. Even throughout lockdown when their stores are closed, donations can still be made and are greatly appreciated. Julie Miller from the charity said: “We thank everyone who donates, so much for their support especially during this challenging time. Donating through our postal service is quick, easy and free.” In 2018-2019 the British Heart Foundation raised more than £138 million through all their donations, including clothing. Donating your clothes does not only reduce your clothing waste, it also helps people in need. Unless your clothes are in the condition where they can no longer be worn, all clothing items can be reused. You may not love your old
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wardrobe, but it is possible that your family, or friends might! All clothing items can last up to three years, so giving your clothes to be re-used and re-worn is another way to limit your clothing waste and make your clothes lifespan last to its full potential. This also helps you, or the person you give it to, save money. This is especially important since what is inside our wardrobes is worth around £4000 yet 30% is unused, according to Recycle Right. Another way to reduce your clothing waste is to upcycle items. If you think there is no possible way to wear your clothes anymore, think again. Your old jeans can easily be given a makeover by turning them into distressed jeans. You can cover any tears with patches of fabric or create more tears and turn them into a ‘ripped jeans’ type of style. Don’t like the ripped jeans look? You can turn your jeans into shorts instead. Sometimes your clothes don’t need a DIY restyle, but rather a lesson on new ways to wear them. Those dresses that you felt were only appropriate for summer can easily be worn into the winter with layering. Adding tights underneath your dress and a jumper on top can be stylish and warm. If you are stuck for inspiration, check out www.whowhatwear.co.uk – they post style guides and tips daily.
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Unless your clothes are in the condition where they can no longer be worn, all clothing items can be re-used
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Your wardrobe may be bursting, but think before you throw away your old clothes Pictures © Danielle Norton
LL LIFE
Stella McCartney puffer coat
Silfen shoulder bag
Floral mask from People Tree All products available from www.renoon.com
and then...
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By HENRY BROWN ith fast fashion offering clothes cheaper and more conveniently than environmentally-conscious and ethically-produced brands, many people can find it overwhelming and difficult to shop sustainable. But a new fashion tech start up is aiming to change all that. Renoon, which was founded in February 2020 and is based in Amsterdam, seeks to educate people on sustainable fashion and make it easier for people to make the transition from fast fashion. The website works by compiling brands from all over the world based off your search requirements, doing the hard work for you, so that you can shop sustainably with confidence. There is also an educational section, featuring articles written by
Renoon
ambassadors but also from independent contributors not officially affiliated with the company. Costanza Fisogni, marketing intern at Renoon and co-ordinator of the Re/Ambassador programme spoke to Liverpool Life: “Renoon is a search engine that allows you to search through more than 200 sustainable fashion brands and find your perfect match in a matter of seconds. It also allows you to customise your search according to your own values and what you believe, e.g. no leather, no plastic, recycled.” The ‘Read’ section of the website is where you can find educational and opinion pieces on the fashion industry and its effects. “We try to feature as many people as possible so if you are reading this article and want to contribute to our website that is more than fine, just send an email to my address: costanzafisogni@renoon. com” For those with a love for clothes
and who wish to become a part of the sustainable fashion industry, the Renoon Re/Ambassador programme, run by Costanza, is a great place to begin: “Right now, the best way to get involved with Renoon is to get the app, so that you have early access to our new version; and talk about Renoon with the people that you feel could benefit from using it. “But if you are willing to spend more time building your sustainable conscience and that of those around you then you should have a look at our ambassadors’ website and take part in the programme. “What we do is we try to filter the people who already have a passion for fashion, sustainability or both. We have people from the UK, Italy, Netherlands and France and we’re trying to expand as much as possible. “We put all of them in touch, we offer workshops, they can create blogs and we have platforms where we feature their work; we’re
organising more exclusive workshops with our partnered brands and influencers for the future. “We then hire interns over spring and summer from our pool of candidates to work for the Renoon team.”
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Search through more than 200 sustainable fashion brands and find your perfect match in a matter of seconds
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Thatcher’s Britain put under the lens LL ARTS
ROMY WILSON speaks to photographer Rob Bremner, who captured life on the streets of Liverpool in 1987
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iverpool in the 1980s was a very different place. Brutally hit by the country-wide recession and Thatcher’s conservative policies, by 1985 unemployment was double the national average with deindustrialisation causing mass hardship in a city with an extensive cultural history. Capturing this memorable era for Liverpool became a major piece of work for photographer Rob Bremner, whose pictures chart these tumultuous times. Rob is a social and documentary photographer who documented working-class people in the Everton and Vauxhall areas of Liverpool in 1987 at a time when these areas were some of the hardest hit with deprivation and poverty. Rob was born in Wick, a small village in the north of Scotland, whilst working in a garage alongside going to school, Rob decided to quit his job and pursue a career in photography. He got in contact with a local photographer, who introduced him to a press photographer in Inverness,
where he was given a six-month position in the YPS. This inspired Rob to attend Wirral Metropolitan College, where he became acquainted with well-known photographers Martin Parr and Tom Wood, who were photographing New Brighton at the time. Rob would spend Sunday afternoons following both Tom and Martin around the seafront taking photographs, he says this is how he became interested in documentary photography. While studying, Rob worked on a series in 1987 as a project for college, a series on people in the Everton and Vauxhall areas. Rob worked in Tom’s Darkroom throughout his college years, including his time at Newport College, where he was accepted onto David Hurn’s famous documentary photography course. “We would work in his darkroom until two in the morning and then I would go out the next day and take photos in Everton. “There was a guy in a chip shop in Everton on Great Homer Street and he couldn’t understand why I wanted to go
Pictures © Rob Bremner
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around and photograph people, I was getting a grant from the government while studying at college and I think the entire thing just baffled him, but he was nice, even though he didn’t want his photograph taken, and he was the only person that didn’t, as I can recall”
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ob talks about his working-class background and his fond memories of Liverpool, which he photographed from 19842007. He said: “The people in Liverpool were incredibly friendly; you know they are incredibly friendly. It felt like a home away from home, I feel more at home there than I do in Wick” He said people were always welcoming towards him. “There was an old guy that used to go to the pub at one in the afternoon and if it was raining, he would invite me down to the pub with him for a pint and then he used to take me home and his wife would cook me something to eat.” At the time, lots of flats were being pulled down, such as St Georges Heights where Rob knew a family who lived on the top floor. Kids first started asking him to photograph them and then Rob just started
asking other people. “One of my fondest memories of Vauxhall was sitting watching Bob Hope and Bing Crosby in the ‘Road To’ movies because it was raining so I’d sit in all afternoon watching movies with a couple of retired people.” In 1987, while Rob worked on his series, Margaret Thatcher won a second landslide election. Rob said: “There was a lot of strikes, and I started to work for Trade Unions and there had been a lot of protests because Liverpool and the north were being hit the hardest, the industries were closing left, right and centre.” The photos weren’t published until some years later but someone got in contact with him about a picture Rob had taken of his grandad because there were no other photos of him. Rob laughed when he said: “I’m not sure what his grandad did but he refused to ever have his picture taken.” Rob explains that his favourite picture from that time was the image of Sharon and Claire in 1987, which captured the 1980s and the popular fashion at the time. “Eventually the pictures were shared around the internet and I like that fact they are a historical record of a moment in time”.
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Sharon and Claire in 1987, one of Rob’s favourite pictures because it captured the fashion and attitudes of the times © Rob Bremner
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The people in Liverpool were incredibly friendly. It felt like a home away from home
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Sparking nature in the urban car park City living has many benefits, but a sustainable lifestyle is not usually one of them. Pollution, congestion and the loss of green space are all facts of life in a concrete jungle, as JACK PLAYLE reports
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oday, governments and businesses are rightly focusing on creating a fairer, greener and more resilient economy for the future. They are encouraging Britain to ‘build back better’ than they did before Covid-19. And here in Merseyside an organisation called Transition Liverpool is urging people to ‘bounce forward’ rather than back, by reclaiming the city’s streets and celebrating the local businesses on them. In an event put together called sPark It Liverpool, a non-partisan group of volunteers is hoping to transform parking spaces across the city into galleries, gardens and other green utopias that inspire people to think differently about changing the way we use our urban outdoor space. The project is designed to celebrate imagination and foster collaboration between independent businesses and creatives alike in a way that will build stronger community networks and provide more opportunities for training, employment and volunteering within the Liverpool City Region. The organiser of the event and network coordinator at Transition Liverpool, Paul Riley, said: “sPark It has the real potential to be a catalyst for change in the city. “It’s a gateway drug for urban transformation that gives people little ideas and empowers them to think differently about the way they operate. “It’s a proven process of positive
psychology. You can’t achieve something like change unless you can visualise it. The aim is for sPark It to get people visualising the future by showing them interesting and alternative eco-friendly ways of using urban space.” The initial event is set to take place in June next year, homing in on giving 30 independent businesses and community organisations on Hope Street the opportunity to build their own pop-up infrastructure. The idea is that through the design of each installation, creatives and independents will be able to shine a light on all the amazing initiatives that are out there - strengthening community networks and diverting public attention to local produce. “It’s all about community wealth building. We’re trying to create more opportunities for people to get involved with more organisations,” added Paul. “For example, we’re hoping to partner with the School of Architecture at the University of
‘A more pedestrianfriendly city centre will be good for all business in Liverpool’
City dwellers enjoy the urban nature space
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Photos © sPark It
Pop-up park with a view of Liverpool Cathederal Liverpool to get young architects and designers customising personal popups alongside businesses. “It’s this way we’re hoping to create accidental activists, getting people who don’t normally consider the environment together and getting them to think about it. We’re trying to create a platform to show them how to do things in a simple, practical way – alongside getting them to think about what they want a sustainable future to look like. “A lot of people see environmentalism as something that costs money. But in fact, it can really create money and jobs that can be really good for the local economy.” We Mean Business, a coalition of leading companies that is committing to climate action through partner initiatives, believes that in order to rebuild the economy we need bold leadership.
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he decisions that governments make now will lock in the strategic direction of companies and economies for years to come. Pairing recovery action with climate action will ensure that economies can recover stronger than before while simultaneously reducing emissions and safeguarding economic growth. They are calling for longer-term economic stimulus to be screened through the lens of climate and resilience action like sPark It, the sort of projects that will support artists and creatives to re-imagine civic space and promote social cohesion in a way that advocates a sustainable future. Han Duijevendak, a volunteer for Transition Liverpool, said: “We’re hoping that the sPark It pilot scheme may lead to Hope Street and Arrad
Street being made more pedestrian-friendly and, in the long run, for there to be fewer cars around. “A more pedestrian-friendly city centre will be good for all business in Liverpool – and especially for the independents and the hospitality sector. We’re hopeful that we can create a change in mindset of both customers and business operators, to become less reliant on car transport.” SPark It is the pathway for people to ask questions. It’s designed to get people thinking about a better world. One with clean air and easy access to local produce. One that pursues what people value most and protects those things for future generations. Joanne McMahon, the building manager for the Annexe Inc Ltd, said: “The project should be a fun way of lifting people’s spirits.” The Annexe is home to many small creative businesses on Hope Street and is currently preparing a pop up for next year’s event. “Our installation could be really useful to us. It should create a more sociable space that will not only engage more interaction but give passersby a better insight into what goes on within businesses like ours,” she said. Paul Riley believes that enforcing change is all about building a power base. In order to get the city of Liverpool to ‘bounce forward’ rather than back, people need direction for which way to go. SPark It is all about showing them the way forward, and that’s through supporting local business in projects like this one. Get in touch via network@transitionliverpool.org, or findt their crowdfunder at spacehive. com/sparkitliverpool.
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Fans set for stadiums return By LEWIS GIBSON
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maximum of 4,000 fans will be allowed back into stadiums in the lowest-risk areas when the current lockdown ends on December 2, Boris Johnson announces. The Prime Minister revealed in his latest plans that up to 2,000 spectators will be allowed in stadiums in tier two areas, whilst teams located in tier three areas will have to keep their doors closed for now. Elite sport was given the go-ahead to continue without fans during the latest lockdown. All three Merseyside league teams; Liverpool, Everton and Tranmere have not welcomed fans in their stadium since March. The last time was the now-infamous trip made by Atletico fans to Anfield, just days before professional football ground to a halt. However, clubs in the seventh tier and below were allowed to host fans at the start of the season. Local clubs like Marine and Prescot
Cables welcomed fans back for a short while, but stricter restrictions and council recommendations dealt another low blow for the financially stricken clubs. Johnson addressed the nation via video link on Monday evening and outlined the latest plans for moving out of lockdown in December. “In tiers, one and two, spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distanc-
ing,”. “Later this week, we will announce which areas will fall into which tier – I hope on Thursday – based on analysis of cases in all age groups, especially the over-60s.” Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden was also buoyed by the latest news. “Bringing grassroots sport back was my number one priority, so I’m pleased we are reopening sports and gyms in every tier, in recognition of the significant health benefits.”
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden
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20/21 must-see With the possibility of crowds returning to sporting events, be it only 4000, what better time than to let you know what events you’ve got to look forward to?
2020 Betfred super league grand final – 27th November 2020
Double page spread to come on Weds am
Top of the league team Wigan Warriors meet defending champions and rivals St Helens in the 23rd championship-deciding game of rugby league’s Super League competition. For the fist time the event will not be held at Old Trafford but will instead be played at Hull FC’s KCOM Stadium, but don’t worry, you can watch it on Sky Sports.
Icons of Darts - December 11 2020 Oldham - The Queen Elizabeth Hall
Legendary darts players Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld are set to re-spark their infamous rivalry when they play against each other in Oldham. With his 16 World Championships, Taylor is unarguably the greatest darts player of all time, but nobody has challenged him quite like Van Barneveld – this is something you won’t want to miss!
Britain’s Strongest Man Qualifying Rounds 16 January 2021 Fly DSA Arena Sheffield The 2021 World’s Strongest Man Qualifying Tour starts in Sheffield arena for the 4th time, with the top 3 finishers being given a golden ticket to the World’s Strongest Man finals. Although it may be a small trek away, who doesn’t want to look in wonderment at the pure brute strength of the country’s strongest men?
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sports guide Written by Alex Usher
Liverpool vs Everton – 20 February 2021 Anfield Stadium The second Merseyside derby fixture of this year’s Premier League season will see the two bookies favourites fight for them all important 3 points. Who knows, we could even have a crowd at this game! Following last times shocking 2-2 result, this is a mustwatch game this season!
Grand national – 10 April 2021 Aintree Racecourse Who doesn’t love tradition? Next year marks the 139th year of the iconic horse race at Aintree Racecourse. Dress to the 9’s and spend a day in the high life for a day of high-speed horse racing and responsible betting.
Champions league final – 29 May Atatürk Olympic Stadium Istanbul In times like these we’ve got to be optimistic, and nothing screams optimism like the idea of reclaiming European Royalty. With Liverpool safely sitting at the top of their group, the chance of the reds taking back the Champions league trophy is high.
Rugby league World Cup – November 2021 Stadiums around the country are getting ready to welcome the 16 national teams that will be battling for the status of world champion. Tournaments for men, women and the all-inclusive wheelchair will be held in stadiums from St Helens to London. In the 2017 men’s tournament we saw England lose in the final against defending world champions, Australia. Will the home turf help the Brits take the throne?
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Contact us: @: liverpoollifenews@gmail.com Follow us: Liverpool Life News magazine @LivLifeMagazine St. James Gardens by MARIA MURPHY