Liverpool Life 8:8 November 27 2019 by Steve Harrison

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 27 2019

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THRILL Comic Con coverage

NEWS EVENTS LIFESTYLE SPORT FROM THE HEART OF THE CITY

Comic Con strikes again with latest celebration of Doctor Who ‘Tardis Day’ By TILLY KENYON Widnes Comic Con returned for its third instalment on Saturday, this time taking the theme of popular sci-fi TV show ‘Doctor Who’. The Studio on Lacey Street hosted the event, welcoming guests, stalls, cosplay and entertainment. There were arts and crafts workshops giving people a chance to create a ‘Dalek army’, make masks and create their own film posters. Louise Nulty, manager of The Studio, told LL: “It is more community based, reflecting what the studio is about in Widnes. We know who our audiences are and we want them to feel that they can come to this. It’s about appealing to different audiences but also making the people who come here regularly feel welcome.” They have been organising the day since the last Comic Con event in May. James Swift, event co-ordinator, told LL how they like to do a theme each occasion and last time it was Star Wars. He explained the theme this time around was chosen because the event took place on ‘Doctor Who’ Day, also

known as Tardis Day, November 23 . Throughout the day there were different special guests. One of these was Matt Poll, who is a prop maker from Suffolk. He specialises in creating weapons and has recently started to make light-up ones. He told LL: “Everything I make is out of foam, so it is nice and lightweight and mostly durable. You can make anything you like out of it, shape anything you like and of course you can carry it around all day at a convention without getting arm ache!”

COLOURFUL: Organisers Louise Nulty, Meg DeMar and James Swift (left to right) all dressed up at Comic Con © Tilly Kenyon

Speak out to keep others safe By GRACE PLOWMAN

Appeal to find missing man A man from Liverpool has been reported missing from his home since May of 2019. Andrew Millet, 59, was last seen in Leeds, West Yorkshire, but is known to frequent areas such as Liverpool city centre and Mather Avenue. He has been described as 6ft tall, of heavy build with brown eyes, glasses, and speaks with a Liverpool accent. Andrew often wears a dark woollen hat and tracksuit bottoms, and may have a beard or be using a mobility scooter.

Liverpool has taken part in a special week of events to support those who are involved in domestic abuse. A number of pop-up stalls throughout the city have highlighted National Safeguarding Week to help victims of domestic abuse. The aim throughout the week was to help people come forward and receive the support they need. The week was led by the Ann Craft Trust, which raises awareness of all forms of abuse against vulnerable adults. Risk Manager Lisa Curtis told Liverpool Life: “The Safeguarding Adult Board provided all the pop-up stands and resources locally, the stands were at train stations, hospitals, libraries, they were anywhere where they thought they may be able to raise people’s awareness of safeguarding.” The week also included a conference

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on safeguarding issues. Lisa Curtis added: “The conference was a big part of the week, and making sure it was relevant to people.” In Liverpool, 39% of incidences of abuse reported are surrounding neglect. For those who may suspect someone is going through issues at home, it isn’t always the easiest thing to help, however Lisa Curtis added: “One of the things that we always say to peo-

ple, is that it’s everyone’s business. If you think someone is being abused in some way, see if you can just have a conversation with them. “We often get more people ringing in, if there has been a big story in the news. “The best safeguarding start is to have the conversation, it might not always be possible, but to ask if someone is okay, or if you notice something is quite right, it usually isn’t.”

White ribbons in spotlight Merseyside Police helped to mark International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women on Monday, writes SARAH ALMOND. Also known as White Ribbon Day, officers joined campaigners in Williamson Square to start the 16-day initiative against gender-based violent abuse. Charities such as Savera UK, Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service, Katumba, and South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service came together to support the campaign. The force’s headquarters will be lit up orange until the end of the campaign next month.

CONTENTS

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You have been reading ...

Christmas eco-market proves a success P4

Sea shanties from the seadogs P10

Brave art of the Burlesque P8

Liverpool’s bid to clear the air one day at a time P12

Director Mike Leigh bares all in LJMU visit P9

Ex-athlete’s mission to make sport more inclusive P15

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

Collection for the homeless at Christmas

Last-minute surge to vote as registration closes

By JESSICA RIGG

By ASH ROWE

Liverpool homeless charity the Whitechapel Centre has launched its Christmas Appeal 2019 with easily-recognisable black and yellow collection boxes visible in various locations around the city. The Whitechapel centre is an organisation that focuses on tackling homelessness and rough sleepers around Liverpool, providing shelter, food and essential items. It is appealing for a range of supplies which can easily be donated. These include clothing, tinned foods, toiletries and some household items. One of the donation boxes is in Liverpool John Moores University’s Redmonds Building as the Whitechapel Centre is one of LJMU’s partner charities. Kerrie Roan, Estates and Facilities at LJMU, said: “Our box is overflowing. Response from the staff here has been great.” Jennier Lovelady, Communications co-ordinator at LJMU, said: “The Christmas appeal has run for the last three years here at LJMU. We always get a great response from staff members and students as I think most people are becoming increasingly worried about the rise in homelessness in the city.” All donations need to be complete and ready to be collected by Friday November 29.

Last night marked the deadline to register to vote for December’s general election. The UK’s main political parties have been gearing their campaign towards one key demographic recently - the youth vote. Last week the Electoral Commission produced figures showing that one in three eligible teenagers had not yet registered to vote. Liverpool John Moores University journalism lecturer Dave Toomer specialises in politics, and has noticed the increase in the importance of the youth vote in modern democracy. He told LL: “In the last election, there was talk of the youth quake and young people entering the election and intervening in a way that they hadn’t done previously. “It’s clear that particularly Jeremy Corbyn is encouraging young people to vote because he knows that’s where his base will lie. “It’s not a given that every young person is going to vote Labour, but certainly he sees that as a strength and that’s why he’s been pushing for young people to vote.” He added: “In the last election, the student vote did make a difference, it threw up some real surprises in places like Canterbury and it possibly swung the vote in Sheffield as well. The outcome of the election could be determined by a few thousand votes in marginal constituencies.”

KNOWLEDGEABLE: Dave Toomer weighs in

While the student and young voter demographic are prevalent in Liverpool’s democratic process, Studio 2 on Parr Street opened its doors to focus on homeless voters yesterday, allowing them to register to vote at the venue. Anna McMahon, who manages HR at Studio 2 and helps run the venue with her husband, told LL: “The response has been great, I didn’t really know what to expect. We didn’t know whether one person, or no one, would turn up, or if we’d be inundated. We weren’t really sure. “We’ve had about 10 people that

have come through, and another few that weren’t actually eligible to vote. We had a guy who was 17 come in and somebody who wasn’t within the local eligibility. I’d say it’s been pretty successful.” Mrs McMahon added: “On Sunday after we’d posted on Facebook, there were quite a few people messaging us saying ‘How can we help?’, ‘Can we come down?’. “I think there’s been a real sort of community spirit about it really.” The deadline to register to vote was 11.59pm last night. The general election will take place on December 12.

University staff strike in fair pay campaign By SCARLETT O’TOOLE Lecturers and academic staff at four Merseyside universities are joining a national strike over a dispute about pay, working conditions and pensions. The University of Liverpool, Edge Hill University, Liverpool Hope University and the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) are facing eight days of industrial action, after university representatives failed to reach an agreement with the University and College Union (UCU). Dan Ashley, UCU spokesperson, told LL: “Earlier this week, UCU accused universities of playing games after their representatives refused to even discuss pay.” The strike action began on November 25 and will run until November 29. There will also be strike action on December 2 until December 4. Christina Malley, a music lecturer at LIPA, told Liverpool Life: “We’ve never done this at LIPA. We don’t want to be here. We don’t want to be cancelling lectures for students, we want to be in there teaching.”

Picket lines were set up in Liverpool at the University of Liverpool on Mount Pleasant and outside LIPA. Ms Malley said: “It’s a national strike with UCU on four particular issues. It’s on pay; there have not been pay increases for nearly ten years now. It’s on pensions, though that’s not affecting us directly here at LIPA, we stand in solidarity with our national colleagues. It’s about equality; the gender pay gap is a thing.” Currently, the gender pay gap is 15% industry-wide but it is 19% at LIPA. Furthermore, 38% of the highest paid positions in LIPA are done by women, compared to 92% of the lowest paid positions. Ms Malley added: “The fourth and final one, which affects me in particular, is casualization, 70% of higher education teaching staff are on zero hour contracts. I’m one of them. I’ve been here nine years and I’m still on a zero hours contract.” Many students have joined staff on the picket lines. Joe Norman, marketing and press officer for LIPA, told LL: “We realise

STRIKING: Protestors hold up placards some of our students may feel uncomfortable about crossing a picket line. Any students choosing to not attend during the strike will not in any way be regarded negatively. We respect student choice.” He added: “We are continuing to talk to our local UCU branch officers and know that informal contact has been made at a national level.” USS employers said: “It’s important

to remember that members voting ‘yes’ to strike action over pensions account for less than 10% of the scheme’s eligible membership. “Universities are doing everything they can to ensure that students do not lose out. Online learning materials, libraries and student support services will remain available throughout this period to support students’ independent study.”

A whole lot of litter love By JESSICA RIGG

Panel disscussion © Ash Rowe

Queer voices speak up on religion discussion reflecting on her disappointment in Friday’s news. She said: “My original speech Key members of Liverpool’s LGBTQIA+ religious community took part was me saying that I’m pretty angry at religious institutions at the moin a panel discussion on Saturday. Speakers included Charlotte ‘Char’ ment and I felt I had to start again Binns, a Quaker and part of the core because I wasn’t feeling angry this team of the Liverpool Queer Collec- morning. I was actually feeling futive, and Kieran Bohan, the National rious.” She did however go on to explain Coordinator of Open Table, a Christian network for all who seek an her reasoning for hope between religion and the LGBTQ+ commuopen church. On the day before the planned dis- nity. Addressing the audience in Leaf cussion, Churches Together in England announced that they would not on Bold Street, she said: “All too be accepting Quakers in Britain rep- often, LGBTQ+ people are made to resentative Hannah Brock Womack see that those two things are incompatible; to be a person of faith and onto their presidential council. They cited her equal marriage as to be queer. “Religion in that case can become their reason to “refrain from enacting the enemy. I don’t want that to be its presidency at this time”. While a lot of the conversation the case because if religion is the on Saturday reflected on positivity enemy, that means I am the enemy and progression in the queer-faith and these people sat up here are and community, Char Binns started the some of you are. I don’t feel that is

By ASH ROWE

useful.” Ellen Loudon, Director of social justice for the diocese of Liverpool chaired Saturday’s discussion. She co-hosted the event with the Right Reverend Paul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool. Following the panel and a lively question and answer session with the audience, she told LL: “There was a real sense of wanting to be a part of it, it didn’t feel like ‘them and us’, it felt very much like a conversation. “They’re good conversations and they’re honest conversations, with good people. We had an amazing panel with such diverse experience.” Other speakers included Christopher Greenough, Senior Lecturer in Theology and World Religion at Edge Hill University and Liz Edman, an Episcopal priest and political strategist from the US.

Litter pickers are donning their Chrristmas jumpers for a tidy up with a festive feel in Wavertree. The Christmas Jumper Litter Pick on December 7 will enable volunteers to get into the Christmas spirit whilst improving the community and environment. The pick is organised by a community group ‘Love Wavertree’ aiming to improve the overall appearance and cleanliness of Wavertree High Street, and putting a Christmas twist on the event. Sharon Bingham, 42, from Wavertree, organises and uses social media platforms to advertise the community events, using the page ‘Love Wavertree’. Sharon has been involved in organising cleaning-up events around Wavertree as well as other community events since July this year. She said: “Back in July a public community consultation was called for anyone in the local area who cared about the local area and wanted to see some changes. “To date, we have collected over 105 bags of litter and have over 100 participants. This form of volunteering has saved the council a lot of money and time.” ‘Love Wavertree’ provides all litter picking items for those who volunteer to participate in the events, making it very easy for anyone in the area to get involved. Sharon said: “Many people have commented and commended us for how much cleaner the High Street appears. A local resident has also put us forward for a ‘Keep Britain Tidy #LitterHero’ award.”

First eco Christmas market is a hit Katie Lee, owner of the Social Butterfly © Tilly Kenyon

By TILLY KENYON

Liverpool’s first Eco Christmas market took place this weekend at Camp and Furnace in the Baltic Triangle. The market featured vegan, eco, upcycled, recycled and reusable products on sale from different local businesses. Products ranged from soy candles and handmade jewellery, to repurposed furniture and reusable nappies. The event was held by The Social Butterfly, who run creative events in and around Liverpool, Manchester and Chester. Katie Lee, owner of Social Butterfly,

told LL: “It’s the first time we have done one of these events. I’ve run small market places in the past but not a bigger event like this. It is 100% eco, we’re going to have a carbon-neutral Christmas with all the makers locally sourced.” Katie is hoping to make this a monthly event in Liverpool and then eventually do it in Manchester and Chester. She hopes there will be three events a month by the end of 2020. Candle Collective UK had a stall at the event and Carol L’Surf, the owner, told LL: “I started making candles last year when I had the idea of

scenting my wedding day and started making candles for favours, and then it just grew and expanded from there. I make them all myself at home in my kitchen. They are made from 100% soy wax, premium fragrance oil and cotton wicks. “I’m buzzing to be here today. Markets are my thing, nothing can beat them as you can get hands on, let people smell the products and have a chat, it’s perfect.” Another vendor at the Christmas market was Fresh Baby, who sell reusable nappies, kids clothing made from organic cotton, Fairtrade toys

and much more. Hannah Ettrick, director of Fresh Baby, said: “Anything plastic free, Fairtrade, earth friendly that’s what I’m about. Real nappies are making a huge comeback now, thankfully. Every single disposable nappy ever manufactured is still on this planet and still will be for another 500 years or so. This is where the cloth nappies come into play.” Half of the ticket sales from the Eco Christmas market went towards Surfers Against Sewage, a charity which works to keep beaches and oceans clean and free from plastic.

Festival shines light on child emigration past Peaky Blinder Tommy Shelby ©BBC

Blinders set to return By HANNAH MARTIN

Dr Charlotte Wildman and Dr Eloise Moss delivering talks at Liverpool Central Library © Grace Plowman By GRACE PLOWMAN The Being Human Festival arrives again - but this time it is exploring the 90,000 British children who emigrated to Canada 100 years ago. The cultural festival is supporting those who wish to find out more about their relatives who crossed the Atlantic all those years ago. The festival this year is focussing on the thousands of children who were orphaned and forced onto the streets of Liverpool throughout the 1860s to the 1920s. It is estimated that around 23,000 Catholic children were sent to the Royal Albert Docks to live until they were sent to Canada. Dr Charlotte Wildman and Dr Eloise Moss have both been giving talks at Liverpool Central Library about the history of the migration and how today’s residents can locate their longlost family members. Dr Moss told Liverpool Life: “The Nugent Care Charity deposited around 90 of boxes full of archives which are

available just downstairs at the Liverpool records office.” Dr Wildman added: “Hopefully we will be doing a book about this. “We have a couple of journal articles out already and we have loads of stuff - it’s just getting through it all. We are going to do a bigger project about child protection policy very soon.”

The researchers gave their talks to people who have themselves been investigating family members who were sent to places like Canada and Australia many years ago. There was time at the end, which enabled people to share their experiences of finding their family and information on how to further their research.

First for Red Book Fairs By SCARLETT O’TOOLE

Liverpool Central Library ©Grace Plowman

Centre wins £3m nuclear project By JESSICA RIGG A Liverpool engineering business has been awarded a contract for a new nuclear project. The Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC), along with the University of Liverpool, have been awarded a £3.6 million contract to work on the Government’s Digital Reactor Design nuclear programme. The programme will focus on developing the use of new tools and disruptive technologies in a digital framework, using real-life case studies.

It’s been confirmed that filming for season six will begin in the city early next year and Cillian Murphy will be back in Liverpool. Season five was tense, to say the least. The six nail-biting episodes ended with a devastating conclusion and many fans were left wondering just what that ending means for the future of the show. Director Anthony Bryne will stay on to direct the next season. This has excited a lot of fans as many reviewers labelled season five as the best so far. Now that Thomas Shelby is fully immersed in the world of politics, it’s probable that we’ll see the Shelby clan try and take on the Britsh Union of Fascists Party for the second time. The imminent season is likely to see the return of Alfie Solomons, played by Tom Hardy although viewers thought he was killed in the finale of season four. Fans are hopeful he may have a permanent returning to the crime drama series as he was seen for a short moment in season five. Peaky Blinders season six is expected to get an official release date soon.

Konstantin Vikhorev, simulation team leader at VEC, said: “Being awarded this project shows strong recognition to our team’s capability in developing digital frameworks to support collaboration, design and improve operation. “When delivering complex national projects such as this, systems integration is key. The framework provides an opportunity for project partners to combine their capabilities, it will ultimately offer an infrastructure for collaboration for organisations across the whole sector.”

Liverpool’s Virtual Engineering Centre combines expert knowledge with academics by partnering with the University of Liverpool to demonstrate cost savings in all areas when working with nuclear reactor builds. Professor Eann Patteron, Principal Investigator at the University of Liverpool, said: “This project has already seen huge success in reviewing and mapping existing cross-discipline design and modelling capabilities, proving the concept for a new and better way of designing nuclear power reactors.”

Red Book Fairs organised their first Marxist book fair in Merseyside on Saturday, which took place at The Casa. The event had stalls and workshops from Industrial Workers of the World, Liverpool Marxist Society, News from Nowhere and Merseyside Socialist Theory Study Group. Jack Edwards, one of the organisers of the book fair, told Liverpool Life: “We hoped to give the people of Merseyside a chance to meet some of the local socialists who regularly campaign against the many inequities of present-day, capitalist society, and who point the way to a more affluent and just system for everyone.” Red Book Fairs have already started to organise a second Marxist Book fair next November.

Do you really need it? Hannah Martin talks to financial experts about the hidden dangers of Black Friday

rits plan to spend an estimated £5.6 billion this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, according to new figures released by money comparison site Finder.com. This colossal figure comes at a time when credit card interest rates are sitting at a record high. Britons owe an estimated total of £72.5bn on credit cards with £400m added to balances in November alone. Each household in the UK now has an average of £2,688 unpaid on credit cards, one of the most expensive means of borrowing, leaving more and more families with unmanageable piles of debt. And according to Liverpool financial advisor Vera Touringou Black Friday could spell more danger for shoppers and their debt levels. She said: “One of the main dangers with Black Friday is impulse buying. When you shop in this mode, mistakes are often made. “There are things that should have been considered which are often over-looked, such as ‘Do I actually need this, have I researched the quality, is this a genuinely good price or have the company inflated the price before slashing prices, what will the interest be if I can’t pay it back in time and have I budgeted for this?’ “For decades now Britain’s saving rates have ranked incredibly low in OECD data. The level of consumerism in this country is concerning to me, UK society seems to be seeking immediate gratification and ignoring the importance of saving and investment.” Figures released by Finder.com, highlight that last year, 21% of Brits purchased something on Black Friday and Cyber Monday that they

The facts... Figures released by Finder.com highlight that last year, 21% of Brits purchased something on Black Friday and Cyber Monday that they later regretted. ●£1.637 trillion is owed by individuals in the UK (June 2019) ●On average every Brit spent £967 on interest alone last year ●350 people are declared insolvent or bankrupt every day ●Citizens Advice Bureaux dealt with 2,527 new debt problems every day in the year (May 2019) ●15 properties are repossessed every day ●1,213 people a day reported they had become redundant between January and March (2019)

later regretted. Debt charity Step Change say stretched households are vulnerable to small changes in their income, rising inflation and higher interest rates. Debt advisor Charmaine Williamson told LL: “It’s not difficult to fall into debt. If you catch a stroke of bad financial luck and don’t have anyone in your life to help bail you out then credit can often be your only option. “Everyone thinks they’ll pay it off straight away, but life isn’t always that kind and when you combine your new debt with general living, the situation can quickly become a nightmare.”

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A person is declared insolvent/ bankrupt every four minutes in the UK

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Liverpool Homelessness Business Charter

Charter brings business together to tackle plight of homeless

’ M Charlie Burgess reports on a new initiative set to improve people’s lives

erseyside’s business leaders came together last week in a bid to combat all forms of homelessness across the region. They agreed to form the Liverpool City Region Homelessness Business Charter, the first of its kind in the UK. The Charter seeks to eliminate homelessness by using its members’ contributions in a number of different ways, from sponsoring employment skills training to volunteering for pro-bono services. Several business leaders have already signed up, including Investec Wealth & Investment Liverpool, Avison Young and Liverpool ONE. Research by the Charter found that, despite the numerous Liverpool businesses and charities that provide help for homeless people, many of the most popular forms of aid fail to address the systemic issues that cause or ensure continuing hardships for homeless individuals.

Everyone who works in the city centre sees on a daily basis people with absolutely nothing to their name

Phil Rooney, chair of Professional Liverpool, said: “Everyone who works in the city centre sees on a daily basis people with absolutely nothing to their name, living what must be a terrifying existence.” Things like collecting pocket change from members, buying hot meals or drinks and providing tents, while all certainly welcome, are short-term efforts. The Charter, conversely, seeks to tackle the larger issues at play, by providing early intervention advice for individuals at high risk of future homelessness, providing overnight shelter, phones and Wi-Fi and lobbying for more ethical and easy access to rented housing. Phil said: “The business community is well placed to make a

difference, not only in supporting the initiatives of the various agencies tackling homelessness, but also in spreading the message about the varied causes of homelessness and the best ways to tackle it.” Alongside the push for more tangible solutions to help homeless people, they are also trying to spread awareness of homelessness and how people can help. A recent move saw Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos donate $98.5m to a charity he ran, in an effort to combat homelessness in a similar way to the Liverpool charter. However, his move drew criticism for being less than 1% of his net worth and excluding aid to some kinds of homeless people, such as those staying in hostels or temporary accommodation.

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The charter hopes that by the end of 2020 each business will have a designated homelessness champion, trained by Crisis, a leading UK charity for helping the homeless. Inspiration for the birth of the charter came in part with help from the Community Foundation for Merseyside and Liverpool Parish Church, with the intention of having 200 businesses signed up by the end of next year. Its inception began after the ‘Homelessness and Rough Sleeping – Who Cares?’ conference in April at Liverpool Parish Church, where cases were brought up of rough sleepers dying of exposure in the area. They were just a handful of what the ONS recorded were 726 homeless deaths in 2018.

Burlesque bombshells strutting their stuff with style KATIE PREECE speaks to Tilly Mint of the Spare Rib, to find out more about the events they’re running and what they are bringing to our city

iverpool’s Burlesque dancers sometimes go under the radar - but for the last five years one event has been celebrating the city’s secret talent. The Burlesque Festival took place at the weekend, run by Tilly Mint and Minxie Coquette of the Spare Rib Burlesque and Cabaret, on Seel Street. The company has been running since November 2014 to showcase Liverpool’s extravagant talent. The weekend of burlesque celebrations included workshops throughout the event, taught by the performers. Each night of the burlesque festival was themed differently. The first night was called ‘Shimmy’n’Slice” - Minxie Coquette’s latenight brain child combining burlesque dancing with pizza. Tilly explained: “Minxie texted me in the middle of the night about it, and I just thought it was great! “Within a week we had got all the photographs done, organised it and had the line up, it was crazy. She was expecting me to say that it was crazy, I just thought it was amazing.” The Gala night followed on Saturday, with a collection of some of the best performers from the last five years. “We had big names like Velma von Bon Bon, Cleopantha and obviously, Minxie Coquette. So there really was something for everyone,” said Tilly.

The Sunday evening host was given her first opportunity at leading the evening of dancing. Arielle Firecracker had the crowd in stitches throughout the night, a talent that could have been missed if the Spare Rib were not so open to new talent. Phase One on Seel Street has become the home to the Spare Rib burlesque evenings. The hosts make an effort to make the events as inclusive as possible with gender-neutral toilets and extra accessibility. Tilly added: “We’re always willing to give people a chance. It’s about giving people the step and chance that they need, so we like to have established performers, but we also want to give people an opportunity to showcase what they do and to have some time on stage.”

s well as giving people the chance to try their hand at burlesque dancing on the stage, the Spare Rib holds a competition every year for new talent. “We allow the stage for newbies and the winner performs at one of our shows. We have an audience and judge’s choice. Our winner this year was Frisky Whispers, they performed last night at the Gala and are now producing their own shows. It’s a great community the burlesque community, we all encourage and help each other.” The versatile shows are made in-

ABOVE & BELOW- The dancers in action as they steal the show © Katie Preece creasingly interesting by the subject of which the dances are based. “A performer called Ruby Jones performed for us at the Queerlesque show we did in July - they did a moving piece on domestic violence. “The audience were so moved they were silent - you could hear people holding their breaths.” Tilly and Minxie met through their mutual love of burlesque dancing. Tilly said: “it was just pure luck that we bonded so well. Minxie was starting her own shows here so we got together, we’ve done a lot of shows since then, including charity shows so we’ve raised a lot of money for different charities over the last five years too.” The next Spare Rib Burlesque and Cabaret show is on Valentines day February 14, featuring the famous names of Ruby Jones, Minxy Coquette and Luna L’Etoile.

It’s a great community

By BEN LYNCH

iverpool John Moores University welcomed a prestigious film director on Friday - and he was keen to stress he was keeping his clothes on! Mike Leigh has directed a number of critically-acclaimed films and plays, including Abigail’s Party and Life Is Sweet. Before the screening of his film Naked, first released in 1993, he joked: “You may notice on the screen that it says ‘Mike Leigh’s Naked’. I’m afraid this is an error. As you can quite see, I’m not!” He was received at the university for a workshop with Liverpool Screen School’s film students in the morning. This was followed by the film screening and a subsequent question-andanswer session. Revealing that he was working on a small project to be released in 2020, Mike spoke about a range of topics, including his favourite films, directing style and his general thoughts on the film industry. Known as a creative, sometimes prickly, character, Mike offered plenty of his own thoughts on how his films might resonate with audiences from Liverpool.

He told LL: “I think one would have to say that this film [Naked] has had an extensive journey within the world, not just the UK, and it does resonate with people pretty much anywhere. “I would be hesitant to embrace the rather parochial idea that it speaks in a particular way to Scousers. I think that’s a load of bollocks, really!” Films such as Life Is Sweet, Naked and All or Nothing are often considered to his trademark films, their hard-hitting nature drawing in a wide range of audiences. However, Mike aired his frustrations at a narrowing film market and the growing lack of independent films.He encouraged filmmakers in Liverpool and said that more films coming out of the city would be something he would like to see. Mike’s main piece of advice to young filmmakers was to never compromise. “You are insulting audiences by treating them like idiots when you could have more films that could engage people more, and assuming that audiences are not sophisticated, because they are very sophisticated if you allow them to be.”

The Naked truth: Mike Leigh reveals all ...

Top five rated Mike Leigh films (IMDB)

1: Secrets & Lies 8.0/ 10 2: Naked 7.8/10 3: Vera Drake 7.6/10 4=: All or Nothing 7.5/10 4=: Life is Sweet 7.5/10

KNOWLEDGE: Mike Leigh talks about his experiences in the film industry. © Ben Lynch

New Dogs on the block

SHIPSHAPE: The Sea Dogs appear at the Royal Albert Dock © Barbara Coleman

By JOSE RUIZ icture this. You’re walking down the Royal Albert Dock and hear sea shanties coming from the river, complete with an accordion as backing music. That’s the Port Sunlight Sea Dogs, a group of men performing sea shanties in Merseyside and beyond. Their maritime music has seen them sail on board many iconic vessels, like the Zebu and the Kathleen & May ship. The group is always in high demand having just finished their involvement in the film “Wirral Smugglers” whilst still finding time to sell out local venues.

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The Sea Dogs are made up of five born-and-bred Mersey men: John Coleman, John Thackray, Mal Lowe, Denis Toohey and Arthur Vaughan. John Coleman has been involved in the Liverpool folk scene for 40 years and runs Bromborough Folk Club at the Bridge Inn in Port Sunlight. This is where the members used to perform individually before John got them all together to form the Port Sunlight Sea Dogs in 2013. Each of them brings a different music background on board; between them there is folk, Irish traditional music, skiffle, Merseybeat as well as local opera. When asked about his passion towards sea shanties, John told LL: “Shanties could be described as the

original Merseybeat, with the songs travelling backwards and forwards across the Atlantic Ocean about 150 years before pop music and technology ever did.” The music sung by the Port Sunlight Sea Dogs also educates its listeners on local maritime heritage. John said: “We always introduce songs with history. For example, the intro to ‘Shenandoah’ is about the links between Liverpool and the American Civil War, with the ‘CSS Shenandoah’ ship surrendering in the Port of Liverpool in 1865.” Although their music might seem to be part of a niche genre, the group are in high demand, constantly performing in many different types

Shanties could be described as the original Merseybeat, with the songs travelling across the Atlantic about 150 years before pop music ever did

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TAKE A BOW: The men swap the seas for the stage © Barbara Coleman

of events. This is because of their versatile musical background. The group not only sing about Liverpool but also the city’s Irish roots. John added: “We have no shortage of invitations to sing at events of all kinds, of course maritime ones but also every kind of fundraiser.” Before the year ends, you can catch the Port Sunlight Sea Dogs performing in a variety of locations Neston Parish Church, the Bridge Inn Port Sunlight and more. With Christmas fast approaching the group will be adding Christmas carols to their sets, the nearest date to see them live will be Friday November 29 at the CASA, Hope Street.

LEFT: 1975 Ford Escort. All images © Liverpool Museums

Transported back in time By JOSE RUIZ

he Museum of Liverpool is set to showcase its impressive collection of vehicles which were all made on Merseyside. A new exhibition, opening on Valentine’s Day 2020, will feature cars, motorcycles, bicycles and carts built by local companies such as the Pickering Brothers, Harry Quinn and Fords. Many of the vehicles will be on display for the first time in 20 years. Liverpool on Wheels: From Horses to Horsepower, will exhibit vehicles from as early as the 1800s and as modern as the 2012 Range Rover Evoque, with each being used to tell a story about Liverpool’s rich transport history.

Visitors will be able to take a trip down Memory Lane when seeing a bright yellow Ford Escort MK1 complete with fluffy dice, whilst children will be able to learn about the history of transport with displays such as a horse-drawn milk cart and an 1870 Rushton Velocipede. Sharon Brown, Curator of Land Transport and Industry, said: “I’m excited we are having a transport exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool. Many of these vehicles have never been on display. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the vehicles that have been made in Liverpool and the remarkable manufacturing history of the city.” The Museum hopes to attract transport enthusiasts of all ages to the exhibition which will run until November 1 next year.

Left: Vulcan Motor car 1910 Right: Bakers Van.

City bid to clear the air

By EMILY ROBERTS

Urban farm sets up green spaces, for goodness sake By EMILY ROBERTS

iverpool innovators Farm Urban have launched a new campaign to bring sustainable farming to the city. We’re all familiar with how gardens and greenspaces work. Planted in the ground and grown over a period of time our greens are then mass distributed by planes and lorries across the world. But Farm Urban’s “Greens for Good” project plans to replace that model with sustainable vertical farming. Having created Liverpool’s first hydroponic (a method of growing plants in a water based, nutrient rich solution instead of using soil) vertical farm beneath a school in the Baltic Triangle, the campaign aims to get the freshest local greens into schools and businesses across the city. Due to the lack of greenspace in the Liverpool city centre, this campaign will see space-saving vertical towers in the heart of Liverpool. Once grown, the greens can be

delivered by bicycle and contained in reusable and compostable packaging. Farm Urban was born out of the Life Sciences Department at the University of Liverpool. Aiming to link scientific research alongside local food production, the company want to implement their studies at their Baltic farm while aiming to change what we know of science and how we farm our food. The organisation - alongside groups as diverse as schools, allotment owners, residents’ associations, hospitals and universities - aims to develop programs and education around sustainable urban living. In collaboration with Liverpool Life Sciences University Technical College and the University of Liverpool, Farm Urban have also developed the Produce Pod - an interactive aquaponics system and living lab, together with an associated STEM club, which enables secondary school students to participate in real, collaborative scientific research and

develop skills and understanding in ecology and associated subjects. Jayne Goss, operations director for Farm Urban, told LL: “We are thrilled to have so much support” A survey conducted by mapping company Esri UK showed that Liverpool had the least green space of any of Britain’s major cities. Using satellite images from space and zooming in on the ten UK cities with the most populations, they found that of the ten, Liverpool has the least green space, accounting for only 16.4% of the city area. This coincides with the fact that Liverpool has also been heavily criticised for its traffic pollution rates, with the World Health Organisation report confirming that the city’s air pollution exceeds the limits set by the organisation. Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson wants Liverpool to have a ‘central heart’ by 2025 whereby walking, cycling, electric vehicles and clean fuels will dominate.

LivAIRpool is a new campaign set up by Liverpool City Council in order to reduce pollution rates across the city. In collaboration with air quality experts across the UK, Liverpool City Council plan to reduce the air pollution levels in the specific areas of the city that are over the legal limit set by the EU. Due to the industrial nature of the city, Liverpool’s green space is rather sparse in comparison to other UK cities. In Liverpool alone, around 650 deaths are linked to respiratory disease each year. A representative of the British Heart Foundation, Liverpool, told LL: “The this is an issue that can be reduced or even prevented. The people of Liverpool need to be made aware of the damages pollution can have. The best changes will come from within the city.” Currently, nitrogen dioxide is the only pollutant in Liverpool that is above the legal level in some areas of the city. When nitrogen dioxide is inhaled, over time it can inflame the lining of the lungs, reducing a person’s immunity to respiratory issues. This can then lead to problems such as bronchitis, colds, flu, coughing and wheezing. In order to do this the council has recently set up a series of advertising hoardings in Liverpool One in order to raise the importance of the issue to the locals. Alongside this is a ‘Breathe Liverpool’ initiative that aims to ensure the city meets these nitrous dioxide levels by 2020. The council plans to introduce a diesel-free vehicle fleet to operate in the city centre by the end of this year and across the entire city by 2024 for council operations. The city announced its plans to install approximately 100 plug-in electric vehicle charging points in 2017 and it has already started research on the most appropriate spots, including supermarkets, busy streets, leisure centres and parking lots.

STYLISH: Above and below, sone of the many Boho products on offer

Beauty and the business Danielle Wilson speaks to visionary entrepreneur Jackie McCarthy about her vegan creations

ealth concerns inspired Jackie McCarthy to launch a new vegan cosmetics business and now just over a year later she has mustered over 3,500 followers on social media. The 49-year-old, from Skelmersdale, set up Boho Boho Vegan Cosmetics after facing her own health issues and realising the importance of looking after herself and using the best beauty ingredients. She said: “I had to have multiple surgeries for a condition called Endometriosis. As a woman who has struggled with the pain of this disease for many years, self-care has helped me through some difficult times. “I wanted to create self-care products using the very best ingredients

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but also to be affordable. Self-care is such an important process. It can help with confidence, bring joy and comfort.” Jackie sells various items through Boho such as body butters and soaps. and she aims to expand the company to include more products. She continued: “I’m always thinking of new products to create, I’ve just created some Boho wax melts that are unique.” Working independently from home, Jackie hopes to grow Boho so she can hire a small team to help create products. She said: “I feel overwhelmed by the love and support I have received.” She started using vegan ingredients when first creating items for Boho, and

decided to continue using these and cruelty-free ingredients when the cosmetics brand took off.

he said: “People can trust Boho to always be a CF and vegan brand. I’m hoping one day to get my CF and vegan status. All my products have been cosmetically tested in line with EU regs and I’m fully insured. “I think eventually all products will

definitely be cruelty-free. “I would love to see more vegan brands also, but people still have the right to choose, just double-check that it is cruelty-free. Take a look at your favourite brand and ask if they are cruelty free. There needs to be more awareness.” • Boho Vegan Cosmetics can be found on Instagram (@bohovegancosmetics) and on Facebook under the same name.

I think eventually all products will definitely be crueltyfree

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Music lovers rock on Guitar show returns for seventeenth year, KATIE PREECE reports

ore than 100 collectors, exhibitors and dealers attended Liverpool’s biggest guitar show to date as music lovers gathered to buy, swap or have the chance to play unique styles of guitars that they would not normally find in the city. The Merseyside Guitar Show returned for its seventeenth year to Aintree Racecourse, where the stalls spanned four floors. Workshops and demonstrations were held throughout the day along with live music to entertain the music lovers and give people the opportunity to learn more about the instrument they’re playing, what accessories would help improve their performance the most and why. Verve guitarist Nick McCabe demonstrated Lucem guitars and Argent frontman John Verity demonstrated Scott Dixon speakers. Live performances also came from Carrie Martin, The Andy Bennett band, Aziz Ibrahim Esq. and The Huers. With more than 100 exhibitions, thousands of guitars and all of the live music, guitarists were spoiled for choice in how they spent their Sunday. Tim Webster of Fred Effects regu-

larly attends guitar shows to sell his guitar effects pedals. He said: “I’ve done every single guitar show to figure out which ones are worth doing. Shows with a younger demographic suit me better, but the exhibitions are definitely worth doing. I build boutique effects pedals in London, I work with a few different companies to make the enclosures and my partner Stacey designs the hand-drawn products.” It’s not only people who play guitars who attend these events. Ross Ferguson, from Maghull, said: “I am really interested in music, but sadly I can’t play any instruments. But I love guitars, instruments and music. I come here to buy a few things for my daughter who plays guitar, so that’s why I’m here. I have been coming for a few years now, it’s great, it’s a really good place.” One thing is for certain at the Northern Guitar show - every person there loves music. A spokesperson for Fret 21 said: “We do 10 or 11 guitar shows a year. Our speciality is finding an eclectic mix of guitars rather than stocking just one brand. We have been doing it for 10 years and see the same people come back to buy and swap guitars every year.”

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With more than 100 exhibitions, guitarists were spoiled for choice in how they spent their Sunday

Ex para-athlete to open doors for next generation By TILLY KENYON

SPOTY honour for city athlete By FRANK WATSON Liverpool Harriers athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson has been nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) 2019. The 26-year-old has competed in the past two Olympics and is on track to compete in Tokyo 2020. In October, Johnson-Thompson competed in Doha, Qatar, to become the World Champion Heptathlete. Meanwhile, team-mate Anyika Onuora has announced her retirement from athletics, only a year before the 2020 Olympics. The 35-year-old, who first competed for Great Britain 18 years ago, won 4x400m bronze at Rio 2016 having won the same medal at the World Championships the previous year. She also won European gold in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays and finishes her career as a three-time Commonwealth Games medallist. Apart from her success on the track Onuora is also known for her struggle with malaria before the Rio Olympics and her outspoken words on body image. Speaking about her retirement, she said: “ This has been a difficult decision to make but the time has come for me to retire from Track and Field, 18 years after my first GB vest. It was always a great honour to compete for Great Britain.” The announcement comes as a shock just one year before the next Olympics, but Onuora is another example of Liverpool Harriers producing world-class talent.

An ex-GB para-athlete has set up a business to help sport providers make their services fully inclusive and accessible. Claire Buckle has created a business called Ability Consultancy to work alongside schools, universities, leisure providers, professional sports clubs and more, to make changes in how they approach sport with disabled people. She believes a large number of disabled children in schools are missing out on opportunities because teachers are scared that they might get hurt, or don’t know how to adapt sports. The business was set up to try and change mindsets and upskill teachers, sports coaches and staff, to make sure they are aware of how to include young disabled people. Claire explained to LL about the disadvantages some disabled people can face in sport. “I go into some schools and I am told about situations where they have a disabled student. They are normally in charge of the stopwatch or whistle, or they are sent to the library to do other work. Health and sport are massively important and they could be doing it the same as everybody else,” she said. “I am hoping to get into teaching school alliances and work with the next generation of teachers. I have written a few courses and workshops for young people to try and get rid of the stigma and negative thoughts of a disabled person, so we can work towards a fully inclusive and accepting society.” Claire has been in the sports industry for more than 20 years, representing Great Britain as a para-athlete, in discus and shot put, between the years 1997 and 2007. She has competed at

DETERMINED: Claire Buckle live in action the European Championships and the World Games. She also achieved the UK qualifying standards for Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympic games, but missed out on a place in the final team. The business is still in its early days as it was only set up in March, but she has had some great successes.

Claire has delivered talks and workshops to a number of schools and universities and is working alongside a well-being company. She now has links with the NHS innovation agency and is helping them with patient engagements. Businesses have enquired about her work, so she has also delivered workshops and courses on disability awareness.

Everton heading Stateside By SCARLETT O’TOOLE

Everton Football College has been invited to take part in next April’s 41st Dallas Cup tournament, which claims to be the biggest soccer tournament in the world. The team will be going to Dallas and Tampa Bay as part of the contest. Everton join a long list of teams that have played The Doctor Pepper Dallas Cup, including Manchester United and Real Madrid. Dallas Cup alumni have gone on to play in over 500 World Cup games. Luke Cottle, who plays left midfield at the club, told Liverpool Life: “I am really excited about going as it is a new experience for me. Hopefully it’s something that can progress me as a football player.”

LL SPORT

Callum Smith retains world title By PAUL KELLY and LUKE EDWARDS

Tranmere Rovers launch appeal By SCARLETT O’TOOLE

Tranmere Rovers have announced that they will be running their ‘Super White Christmas’ initiative, which will involve collections and parties for under-privileged people in Wirral. This is the third year the appeal will run and managing director Dawn Tolcher said: “Every year we are overwhelmed by the amazing response from our fans and the local community who not only provide gift donations but also give up their time to help those most in need during the festive period. “We see first-hand the impact that Super White Christmas has and hope this year’s appeal will be just as successful as the last in ensuring that everyone can have a happy Christmas.” A Christmas party for children will take place on December 21, prior to the club’s home match against Accrington Stanley. They will also be welcoming care-leavers to Prenton Park for Christmas dinner on Christmas Day. Finally, the club is hosting an event for up to 50 adults in need on December 29. Adults who suffer from loneliness or homelessness will be given a hot meal, entertainment, a gift and a ticket for entry into the Tranmere Rovers vs. Blackpool game straight after the event.

INSIDE SPORT

Callum Smith’s trainer Joe Gallagher has called out four weight world champion Canelo Alvarez to go headto-head with the Kirkdale born SuperMiddleweight world number one. After defending his WBA Super, Ring Magazine and WBC Diamond titles against John Ryder, Joe Gallagher did not hide what he wanted to do next with his fighter. He said: “We want Canelo. That’s who we want. Tell Eddy Reynoso (Canelo’s trainer) to stop being scared.” He was confident his man won and refused to believe that the fight was even close. Gallagher said: “I think after seven rounds Callum was 6-1 up. John then had a couple of good rounds down the middle. Then Callum came back again and I had it 8-4 at the end of the fight. “Once I knew Callum got to the seven rounds mark, I knew he’d won the fight.” “He [Callum] held off the mandatory. I thought Callum Smith boxed really well, and like you say, a big 2020.” Callum Smith reflected on what was a very tough fight for the Liverpudlian: “I always felt ahead. I never once thought I was behind in the fight. “I’m a perfectionist. I always want the best, I’m disappointed when it

goes to points. I always want to be explosive and blow people out. I’m not happy with the performance.” The consensus ringside at the M&S Arena in Liverpool on Sunday was that it was an extremely close fight. Some people had Smith edging it, some had Ryder nicking it. Smith knows it wasn’t his best performance, but was happy to get the job done. He said: “I knew I wasn’t the best. I knew I wasn’t at the races.” Smith knows if he was to fight Canelo or another big name in the division, he’d need to up his game. “If you get me one of the big names

next time, I’ll need to be better. I’ve always said that fear factor where if I don’t turn up I’ll lose, that always brings out the best in me.” Many people in the boxing business were shocked when the scorecards were read. One judge had it 117-111 in Smith’s favour, whilst the other two judges had it 116-112 to the Liverpool man. Despite the controversy of the judge’s scorecards, Callum Smith is still the number one super-middleweight on the planet. The scouser will be looking for some huge fights now, and the potential of unifying the 168 pound division.

Wirral gymnastic trio heading to Tokyo 2020 By TILLY KENYON Three gymnasts from Wirral are heading to Tokyo to represent Great Britain. The women train at Birkenhead Trampoline club and will be jetting off to represent their country in both the World and World Age championships in Tokyo during November and December. Beth Williamson, 20, Lucy Steele, 19, and Heather Marshall, 15, from the club - based in Drill at the Grange Road West sports centre - will be competing. Beth will be competing in the senior women, Lucy in the 17-21 age group and Heather in the 15 to 16-year-old age group. Their head coach Sarah Madge is

Everton head stateside for Dallas Cup

also travelling with the trio as she has been selected as one of the team coaches. She told LL: “I can’t wait to head out to Tokyo with the whole Great Britain team. The experience will be fantastic for all and a privilege to coach for my country. “I’m extremely proud of all the girls for their achievements this year and I just can’t wait to see them shine in Tokyo.” Lucy, who is studying Sports Science at university, will be competing at her third World Age. She said: “I’m excited to get out there and I am aiming to make the finals hopefully. I’m also looking forward to seeing Tokyo and enjoying the new experience.”

Our Katrina in running for honour

Beth is a full-time teaching assistant and Heather is currently taking her GCSEs. They are both excited to be competing in Tokyo. It will be Heather’s first time representing Great Britain. She told LL: “I am looking forward to meeting people across the world. However, I am nervous to compete although I’m glad my coach Sarah is there.” All three of the gymnasts train at the centre three to five times a week. Beth added: “It should be an amazing atmosphere as it’s Olympic qualification in the same country where 2020 will take place. “Hopefully my hard work will pay off and the team will come home with a medal.”

Para athlete improving inclusion