Liverpool Life 7:5 December 5 2018

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ERY V E FREE IGHT N FORT

Liverpool Life ISSUE 5

Dec 5 - 18

Panto Perfect for Louis Emerick

Liverpool Life contents Vol 7 Issue 5 December 5 - December 18 Northen Rail strike action Angel of Knives arrives in Liverpool Billion pound community investment

Andrea Leadsom visists LJMU

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A style for every story

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From cats to Tarantino

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McGinn strikes again

150-mile Vietnam ride for Claire House Celebrating a century of votes

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Fighting homophobia in sport

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8 Liverpool One

Š Annie Williams

LL Production: Simran Roy, Orlaith Clinton, Harry Leahey, Abigail Lawrence, Summer-Marie Gedall, Nadia Breen, Ellie Watkinson, Rebecca Thomas, Chloe Tomkins, Christa Daley, Rohin Jalota, David Haycocks, Angelica Day, Hannah Conboy, Shannon Lyon, Jack Gibson, Christopher Megrath, Tammy-Lee Walsh, Lucy Jones, Chloe Smith, Annie Williams

NEWS

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Northern Rail strike action set to disrupt travel in December

By CHLOE SMITH Passengers travelling via Northern Rail will face disruption every week over Christmas because of strike action.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has planned for strikes to run every Saturday, meaning that services will be disrupted in December.

The dates affected are December 8, 15, 22 and 29.

There will be around 700 services running, nearly a third fewer than their normal services.

RMT members have been taking strike action since August as part of their campaign to keep guards on trains for safety purposes.

Northern Rail are removing the guards because they believe that trains can be operated by drivers alone so there is no need

for guards. The RMT argues that the purpose of a guard on the trains is to stamp tickets and open doors safely.

RMT commented: “RMT awaits any new proposals from Northern Rail which maintain for the travelling public the same level of safety, security and access that they enjoy at the moment based on the guarantee of the guard on every train. RMT remain available for talks.”

This will also mean that there will be very limited services after 5pm on the Saturdays, which may cause rush hour disruption.

Twitter user Stephanie Williams commented: “How is this acceptable! We are treated like second-class citizens up in the North. The service we have received in the past three years have been absolutely shambolic and totally unacceptable.”

Customers are advised to plan

Northern RailCafé © Chloe Smith New look: Tabac their travel carefully for the upcoming Saturdays to ensure they can get to where they need to go.

David Brown, Managing Director at Northern Rail, said: “By the end of December, we will have had 19 consecutive Saturdays of RMT strike action.

“We have fantastic colleagues who have supported customers

Bar launches furry festivities

© Sam O’Hara

by keeping our trains running on each of the RMT strike days.

We are aiming to keep as many people moving as possible and ensuring customers can still travel.”

To help plan your journeys you can use the Trainline app.

For Christmas rail schedules turn to Page 7

Leadsom visits LJMU

By HARRY LEAHEY

Santa’s Little Yelpers © David Haycocks

By DAVID HAYCOCKS Tusk restaurant bar in the Baltic Triangle hosted a special canine Christmas to treat its customers’ four-legged friends.

The aim of the event - Santa’s Little Yelpers - was to create a

comfortable, exciting and festive event for the visiting pooches.

There were all sorts of treats available such as doggy cakes, doggy beer and doggy eggnog.

The event was not aimed to cater to humans at all which made it all the more fun and interesting.

The organiser, Neil Richmond, said: “We put this event on for the dogs really. We don’t do anything extra for the people, the aim of the event is to make a space where dog owners feel comfortable bringing their dogs.”

Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom took part in a Q&A session with students from Liverpool John Moores University.

The prominent ‘Brexiteer’ was asked about her recent decision to publically support the Prime Minister’s deal, as well as the progress Britain has made in the event of a no-deal scenario.

Despite supporting the deal, she admitted to still having some concerns over the controversial backstop arrangement, which many of her pro-leave backbench colleagues argue, fails to deliver the referendum result.

Her visit came following herappearance as part of LJMU’s Roscoe Lecture series.

Read more on Page 10.

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LL NEWS

Fab Four tempt Big Apple

By DAVID HAYCOCKS

PROJECT: Ian Bradley

Focus on Mersey Memories

By LUCY JONES A photo project is under way to help capture stories and memories from Merseyside.

LJMU lecturer Ian Bradley is the creator of ‘My Favourite Place’. He aims to collect contemporary and past images from different locations to help to collate stories of what people think is significant in the city region.

Ian has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund for a year to help with the project, which entails using six schools to represent the six regions of Merseyside.

Each school will have training in how to use a camera and software. The children will also get the chance to interview friends and families about their favourite places.

The inspiration behind his work was his interest in capturing stories and presenting them online.

He previously worked on another project which was displayed in Liverpool Museum and he is hoping to have the same response for the current one.

“Our ultimate aim is to present the pictures on our website and make it accessible so others can upload their stories and be inspired.

“It’s important to celebrate the diversity in the region. We have beaches and parkland and a vibrant night culture. To present that is vital, to show others so they can open their eyes to the possibilities that the region has.”

For more information on how to send in your photos, please contact favouriteplace19@gmail.com

The Beatles industry group has struck a deal with New York radio station SiriusXM to provide two lucky people with an authentic Beatles experience.

The group consisting of The Beatles Story, Hard Day’s Night Hotel, Magical Beatles Museum, childhood homes and Marketing Liverpool have come together with the station, which will host the competition to win a full VIP package.

The prize includes a stay in the Hard Day’s Night Hotel, a look at all the sights, VIP treatment in the Cavern and a journey on all the city’s tours. Although the competition is the main draw, the deal will help to put the thought of visiting Liverpool into the heads of the 55m weekly listeners Sirius boasts.

The Beatles have been attracting people from all over the world to Liverpool since the 1960s, Americans especially love coming over to indulge in the rich history of the four Liverpool icons that touched the world.

The Cavern Club in Liverpool © David Haycocks The inspiration behind the competition is the 50th Anniversary of the White album, which came out on November 22, 1968.

The director of Cavern City tours, Bill Heckle said: “The 50th anniversary of the White Album was in November, so they approached us at the end of October to put this all together so everyone in Liverpool is really excited.

“The fact of the matter is we started the company and a couple of years later the Merseyside Development Corporation did

worldwide market research about what Liverpool means to you, and in equal measures the two top answers were 90% LFC and The Beatles.”

Entrance to the Cavern Club © David Haycocks

Angel of Knives draws in crowds

Knife sculpture © Rohin Jalota

By ROHIN JALOTA An eye-catching sculpture containing more than 100,000 confiscated knives has been installed at Liverpool Cathedral as a stark reminder of the dangers of carrying a blade.

Called ‘The Angel of Knives’, the 27-foot piece was created by artist Alfie Bradley to raise awareness about knife crime.

The angel took over a year to build, with the knives collected from 43 police forces from all across the country.

Knife crime in the city is at the worst for ten years, with 900 serious incidents reported in the last year, up 18% on the previous year, according to the Office of National Statistics. A rise in knife-related deaths such as Sam Cook and 16-year-old Daniel Gee-Jamieson has led to the launch of the #NoMoreKnives campaign in the city.

Speaking about the impact the statue could have on knife crime, Sue Palam, a visitor to the sculpture, told Liverpool Life: “Knives should not be used for purposes other than what they were meant for - objects and certainly not hu-

mans. An end to this aggression is well overdue, the angel of knives is a symbol of that.”

Louis Bamber, from local organisation ‘Live your Life Drop The Knife’, echoed Miss Palam’s opinion.

He told Liverpool Life: “We think that the knife angel is absolutely fantastic, the awareness it has brought to the city is spectacular. The angel itself is surreal, it creates an atmosphere like no other. We are pleased it has arrived in Liverpool and look forward to seeing its journey throughout the rest of the UK.” The sculpture was brought to the city thanks to the hard work of Rob Jackson, a nurse at the Royal Liverpool Hospital. Mr Jackson is known in the city for his tireless efforts to raise awareness about knife crime, often visiting schools to hold assemblies.

He is hoping the angel will have a positive effect on people in the city. He said: “We’re hoping that by bringing the Knife Angel to Liverpool Cathedral it opens the debate about knife crime and its impact.”

The angel will be outside the Anglican Cathedral over Christmas until January 31st.

LL 5 Ambulance service wins praise for care and respect NEWS

By LIAM PLUMBLEY The North West Ambulance service has turned round its performance, having been told to improve only two years ago.

The latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection came in June, when the service was described as polite, caring and respectful. This came after staff had been witnessed holding hands of patients who were

Delight at the Dock

By MEGAN TATTERSLEY Liverpool’s Albert Dock welcomed people across the city to a special Christmas Extravaganza showcasing what the renowned tourist attraction has to offer.

Stores were delighted with the response from visitors.

Owner of designer store Hush Luxe, Tom Fowler said: “We were doing really well online, so we decided to try a store for a few months on the docks.

“We have already seen a great response from the people of Liverpool and are considering furthering our lease.”

The Tate joined in, welcoming everyone that passed through the doors to see its new exhibition with a free glass of wine.

Dawn Brady, of the Tate, said: “This event was a great chance to get a range of people to see the art we have on offer.”

The gallery also extended its opening hours to 9pm.

scared, and acting with compassion and respect towards patients.

Ambulance staff said they were extremely proud of their profession and the CQC believed that this was reflected through the quality care provided.

The CQC said that the service’s working relationships with agencies such as the police and fire were outstanding.

Michael Forrest, interim chief executive of the North West

Ambulance Service, said: “We are delighted with a ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission which we feel reflects the way we deliver services for patients and values the dedication of our hardworking staff who work under ever increasing demand.

“CQC said that our staff are proud to work for the organisation, and we’re extremely proud of them too! We are thrilled CQC noticed the high levels of care by

our frontline staff, where patients were treated with respect and compassion.”

However, the CQC added that the ambulance service should look at improving their systems to ensure that all vehicles are ‘safe, clean and ready to go’. They wanted the service to ensure consistent performance measurement and monitoring and standardising of care for patients with mental health issues.

£1 billion project to boost Wirral’s communities

By GEORGE ADAMS A billion-pound investment to develop Birkenhead town centre has been revealed.

The project aims to create a mixed-use, high-density, highly sustainable project with plans to elevate and regenerate the area to the benefit of its existing community.

The idea is to rejuvenate areas of the Wirral that are in commercial trouble and so create thriving new communities.

The plan aims to develop not only Birkenhead but also Bebington, Moreton, Bromborough and Seacombe.

Wirral Council Chief Executive Eric Robinson explained that the council is cash poor and asset rich.

He said: “What we are trying to do is use the assets we have, which is land and buildings, to the best effect. We put them in the mix, an investor has money and between us, we can make Birkenhead a much better place.

“We’re having conversations

Birkenhead town centre with some of the largest development funds in the world, whether that’s UK pension funds or international investors.”

Council bosses aim to see the Woodside waterfront transformed, along with the iconic building and new neighbourhood which plan to take advantage of the stunning views over Liverpool.

Part of the £700m developments will be centered on Birkenhead with the rest in areas including Hoylake and New Brighton.

Portfolio holder for Jobs and

© Sue Adair/Wikimedia Growth Councillor, Angie Davies said that public sector investment can help bring new life to the town centre.

She said: “Wirral Growth Company and its ideas for Birkenhead town centre are a ‘game changer’.

The draft proposals and recommendations we have agreed today will see a wide-reaching consultation, outreach and engagement programme with local residents, businesses and stakeholders to determine what the future of Birkenhead will look like.”

Research brings hope for kidney patients

By BEN HIGGINS

The University of Liverpool is to co-ordinate an innovative new research project into improving the lives of people with kidney disease.

Funded by the EU, the project, involving 15 partner organisations, will receive a total of 4.1 million euros over four years as part of the European Commission’s Framework Programme Horizon 2020.

The EU project, titled ‘RenalToolBox,’ launched this month and is aimed at improving the diagnosis of kidney disease.

It involves academic, industry and charity organizations in the UK, Ireland, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy and Belgium and will provide support for 15 PhD students in all, placing particular emphasis on young researchers.

End stage kidney disease (ESKD) is the last and most

severe stage of kidney disease.

At this stage, it can usually only be treated with dialysis or a transplant.

UoL’s research is based on developing therapies that can delay or prevent the progression of kidney injuries to ESKD. Coordinator of the project Patricia Murray, from UoL’s Institute for Translational Medicine, told LL: “The overall goal is to work towards better treatment for kidney disease.

“What we are trying to do, before resorting to dialysis, is to try and apply a therapy at an earlier stage in the disease so that we can prevent the progression of the disease to end stage.

“This is an amazing opportunity, funded by the EU, with the most important part being the training and the fact that students have to leave the country to undertake it.

“The idea is to present collaboration between us and different countries.”

LL NEWS Help a Mission to support the child get homeless in Birkenhead a bed for

By ANNIE WILLIAMS Christmas 6

By MEGAN TATTERSLEY A Liverpool charity has launched a campaign to get children a bed in time for Christmas.

Currently there are 10,000 children across the city who do not have a bed of their own.

The #bedforkids campaign aims to reduce this.

Not having a bed causes children to struggle with concentration at school, being embarrassed to invite friends over and poor mental health.

Campaigns Officer Paul Colligan told Liverpool Life: “This is the day-today reality for too many children. It is no way to start day and certainly no way to start life.

“I think it’s an especially important this Christmas because Universal Credit has already been rolled out across a lot of the region and is due to hit Liverpool by Christmas, so a lot of people will be struggling more than ever.”

He added: “Last year we had families where kids had asked for beds for Christmas - us being able to deliver them beds before Christmas meant that they were able to get some actual presents and have a proper Christmas!

“I think Scousers are known for going the extra mile and being really generous, but it’s been nice to see us getting support from across the City Region and beyond. Hopefully, we’ll be able to help even more local families this year.”

End Furniture Poverty begin their scheme around three weeks ago and will continue until Christmas Eve. People can donate by visiting the website https://mydonate.bt.com/ events/bedsforkids2018

A homeless centre in Wirral that provides essentials for those in need is urgently appealing for the help of the public this Christmas.

The Charles Thompson Mission in Birkenhead is asking for the community to donate rucksacks or shoeboxes consisting of everyday essentials, as well as any small gifts for all ages that anyone can afford to contribute.

The Mission has been a lifeline for those in need for over 125 years. It opens its doors to more than 80 people seven days a week, offering them hot meals, clothing and a chance to escape the poverty they are experiencing.

Set up in 1892 by grocer Charles Thompson, the Mission – on Hemingford Street – aimed to ease the suffering of children in poverty and donations came from local shops, businesses and individuals. The centre naturally evolved and began catering for those of all ages who required its help.

The Mission is now run by Bernie Frost, who first volunteered at the Mission 14 years ago, then stepped up to management position in 2012.

Speaking to Liverpool Life, Bernie said: “Christmas time is the busiest time of year for the Mission, we get so many people

through the doors for help with food as well as presents that parents cannot afford to get for their children.”

The centre is now open seven days a week and provides services from NHS professionals each week, including nurses, dentists, opticians and podiatrists. The centre also has its own hairdresser.

Bernie said: “From 7-9am we have bacon and egg on toast, that’s exclusively for homeless people. The numbers of visitors through our doors varies every day, but after 9am anyone can come in and get a hot meal until 1-pm.

“Among those coming through the doors are people who have moved on to find themselves accommodation, so they struggle.

“People can just struggle with life in general; paying bills, etc. We’ve seen a lot of people

Top: Volunteers © Charles Thompson Mission and, above, Bernie Frost © Annie Williams with mental health issues come through the door, also younger people, and we’re here to help them through those hard times.”

Donations can be made seven days a week during the centre’s opening times.

Beauty twist on a charity appeal

By CHANTELLE MCKEEVER A shoebox appeal with a twist is aiding women in refuge across the North West.

“Dignity after distress” is the mantra for volunteer organisation Elle For Elle, which collects body-care, haircare and cosmetics from public donations to give to women’s refuges, and shelters currently in the UK. Elle For Elle founders Rachel O’Hare and Lynette Page-Collin decided to launch the Beauty Shoebox Appeal which encourages people to fill a shoebox with new and unused beauty and sanitary products and drop it off at one of the designated drop off points.

The shoeboxes will be distributed to women in over 70 refuges across the North West just in time for Christmas.

Rachel and Lynette told Liver-

Beauty Box © Rob Hunter pool Life: “The idea came from a conversation we were both having about how much stuff we have beauty wise. We decided that we had way too much and people less fortunate would benefit.

“We thought about giving them to High Street charity shops but then quickly realised that they’ll only be sold and women who would need them won’t get them.

Elle for Elle was born that evening and we got in contact with our

local domestic violence charity.”

The appeal aims to help vulnerable women maintain some dignity by keeping the bathrooms and cupboards of refuges stocked up with beauty products so that they can a take a hot shower and use some decent products whilst keeping personal hygiene private without feeling more degraded.

Rachel and Lynette are being supported by business across the region by having stores act as drop off points for the boxes until December 18th.

They said: “The response has been phenomenal with large corporate companies and general public donating almost every day.

“Our goal was to have 1000 boxes but actually we think it’ll be a lot more.”

To find out more about the Beauty Shoebox Appeal, visit their Instagram @ELLEFORELLEUK

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Cyclists take on Vietnam ride to help Claire House

By ANNIE WILLIAMS

ANNOUNCED: train times © Chris McKenna/Wikimedia Commons

All change for festive Merseyrail services

By MEGAN TATTERSLEY Merseyrail has revealed its Christmas timetable.

The last train times will be different on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with last trains from Liverpool leaving at 20.31 on the Kirkby line and 20.40 on the Ormskirk line.

Platform upgrades on the Wirral Line will mean that replacement buses are in operation on December 24 and 31.

Engineering work also means that on New Year’s Eve Northern Line trains will start and terminate at Liverpool South Parkway.

Late night Christmas parties are covered on December 14, 15, 21 and 22 when the late night service from Liverpool Central will depart at 1:30am.

This service will run on the Northern line to Southport and Wirral line to Hooton.

The Merseyrail network will be closed on Christmas day and Boxing Day. Services will be back to normal from January 2.

Details on all the timetables can be found on Merseytravel’s website: www. merseytravel.gov.uk

A group of women from Wirral took in some of the world’s most stunning landscape views as they cycled 150 miles in aid of Claire House Children’s Hospice.

The fundraisers left their everyday lives and pushed themselves to extreme lengths, voyaging from Vietnam to Cambodia.

The six-day journey commenced on November 19 when the group powered through heats of up to 39 degrees beginning the stint at Ho Chi Minh City, making their way to the border of Chau Doc until they said farewell the Vietnam and cycled to Siem Reap in Cambodia on day six.

Stephanie Devaney had not ridden a bike since she was a young girl until the first day of training seven months ago.

She told Liverpool Life: “I’ve never been a gym-goer and I’ve never done anything like this ever before, but that gave me even more motivation to get involved in this amazing opportunity.”

The Rock Ferry resident said: “I cannot put into words the

Wirral Fundraisers: Getting ready to set off © Claire House amazing things I saw on that first day, it had been an absolutely amazing experience, the entire journey was.

“I am so proud of myself and all of us together. We stuck by each other through it all.”

Training kicked off seven months ago for the group where took part in regular, long-distance rides three to four times a week.

Elizabeth Wainwright got involved in the event after a work colleague encouraged people to get involved.

She said: “A colleague randomly asked in work if anyone wanted to take part in the challenge and explained who the fundraising was for and I thought ’Why not? What an experience that would be, as

well as for a fantastic cause’.

“Upon telling my best friends, two of them also signed up to take part.”

Along their journey, the Wirral tribe were guided by a number of reps along the way.

Elizabeth said: “The reps in Vietnam, Cambodia and Alex, our Global Adventures rep, were phenomenal.

“I would highly recommend this trip to anyone to push their own personal boundaries, raise money for a worthy cause and still be able to see beautiful sites whilst experiencing the real culture of each country.”

The group have caught the fundraising bug and are already planning their next charity event.

Caring campaign puts pets first

By TIARNAN QUIGLEY As Christmas approaches and many people are thinking of their families and friends, the RSPCA has asked the public to spare a thought for our four-legged companions.

The Stock the Sleigh campaign has been launched this year, and RSPCA Head of Media Jo Toscan spoke to Liverpool Life about how they aim to help neglected animals this Christmas.

Based on previous years, the RSPCA expects to help around 10,000 animals over this winter period and the money raised will go to making sure they can help everyone.

“We’re asking people to give animals in our care a safer and more comfortable Christmas we get around 2,000 calls a day to our 24-hour cruelty hotline during December.

“The money raised will help us give them the comfort, care and veterinary rehabilitation they need to get back on their feet.

“You read about the rescues but it’s so much more than that, when they come into our centre they could be there for weeks and months building up their strength, getting the treatment they need.

We’re asking people to give what they can to help us deliver that to animals this Christmas.”

She also mentioned how December has in the past been a particularly busy month for the RSPCA. They received 56,000 phone calls last December from concerned members of the public.

Jo also wanted to remind people that getting a pet is a big decision:

“Sometimes we get calls from people who have taken on a pet without realising how big of a commitment it is both time wise and financially.

“But before that people should look into how much it costs to look after that animal, not just day to day it’s a lifetime commitment.

“This is the first year we’ve done stock the sleigh, people can go online and give a gift amount of their choice, £3 buys a toy for an abandoned animal, £12 gives will give an animal some treats, a toy and a blanket.

“Or, if you’re feeling very generous, £48 will allow an animal to access veterinary care.

“It all adds up and anything you can give will help us do our best for animals. £6 can feed a dog in our care for a week over Christmas, £7 can provide a warm blanket, £24 helps us answer and respond to a call and give an animal a warm bed. But anything you can give us would help us to look after all those thousands of animals that need our help.”

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Celebrating a century of votes

St. George’s Hall© Adele Matthews

By ADELE MATTHEWS

J

ust over 100 years ago, the Suffragettes fought for the right for women to stand as a member of parliament and Liverpool has showed its support by lighting up white, purple and green at St Georges Hall to celebrate #vote100.

The event ,organised by Blackburne House on the anniversary of the Suffragette’s milestone and to emphasise women’s rights, attracted a large crowd.

The two-and-a half hour celebration included spoken word artists, a ukulele trio and a speech from Claire Dove, Chief Executive of Blackburne House, a social enterprise and leading education centre for women.

The night ncluded a performance from choir group, ‘100 Women’s Voices’ with people from all different backgrounds and locations joining as one to honour the Suffragettes.

Organiser of the choral performance, Jennifer John, 53, told

Liverpool Life: “We live in a world that’s really quite misogynistic, where women are told to take it off and put it on. The world is driven by men and so I think when you get strong women in it, it’s a really powerful thing to witness.

“Women have perceptions about compassion, we are highly intelligent and I think it’s a powerful thing, so, for me, equality for all is very important and when our children see women in powerful positions, it makes the world a better place.”

Following the Suffragettes’ perseverance to have the same recognition as their male counterparts, the Qualification of Women Parliamentary Act was finally passed on November 21, 1918.

The Act allowed women over the age of 21 to stand as a member of parliament meaning a new pathway was created for future generations, of whom would have equal opportunities and rights.

But, 100 years later the question posed from many is whether what the Suffragettes fought for has finally been met. In 2017, the

general election results showed that there was a record number of women in the House of Commons, 208 to be exact, up from 191 in 2015.

In the House of Lords there are 206 women peers and 489 women have been elected as MPs since 1918.

Yet women are still marginally under-represented and are still yet to receive the same opportunities as men with one of the most significant issue being the gender pay gap. New government data has found that four times more men than women in Britain earn a six-figure salary whilst an average median salary for a man is £25,700, but just £20,300 for a female.

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ampaigners have also warned that women will face a lifetime of “unequal pay” unless urgent action is taken.

Following an analysis conducted by Young Women’s Trust of earnings from 2017, women are losing out on nearly £140bn a year in wages, which is the equivalent of £9,112 each.

Liverpool Life spoke to Dr Pragya Agarwal, 41 who discussed her involvement in promoting women’s rights across Merseyside.

This was through her various feminist campaigns such as TEDxFormbyPointWomen.

“It’s been 100 years since women were allowed to stand as a member of parliament but we’re still fighting for equality today.

There’s still so much work to be done and it’s so disheartening that women have been ingrained to feel that they are not as equal as men or they have to be like men to succeed.

“I gave a TEDx talk earlier this year and I’m in the process of starting a satellite event called Fem chat, which will be all about creativity and female empowerment.”

Dr Agarwal is also hosting an event at Tate Liverpool on December 7 as part of TedXFormbyPointWomen which will discuss limited boundaries and encourage women to take matters into their own hands.

To find out more information, visit https://bit.ly/2ShVP2f

Lewis’ life defending free speech

By LUCY JONES

Journalism graduate Lewis Jennings returned to LJMU to speak to students about his life after university, and how future graduates should make the most of their opportunities.

The 23-year-old, who has worked for Index on Censorship for three months, explained how he has become the editorial assistant for the internationally-renowned magazine and website.

Lewis told Liverpool Life: “I have always loved magazines and now that I’m in a magazine I want to stay there.”

Since moving down to London, the Liverpudlian reflected on the life-changing experience he has been given by LJMU. He said: “I took a year off and worked at Radio City part time and had a bar job. I knew that there were still graduate schemes after university that I could apply for, so I decided to apply for Index

Censorship with the help of my lecturers.

“John Moores helped me a lot, with the placements (during my course) and even jobs after university, they helped me stay in journalism.

“That’s how I’ve landed up working for Index on Censorship.”

Index on Censorship is a non-profit organisation that campaigns for and defends free expression worldwide. They publish work by censored artists and

Lewis Jennings © Lucy Jones writers, and promote debates on a range of freedom of speech issues.

Lewis hopes to carry on his career internationally through contacts he has made working for Index on Censorship.

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Liverpool skyline © Daniel Kenealy

Snapped! Photographer in line for top industry award

By SEANAN McSHEFFREY

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photographer from Halewood has been shortlisted for the prestigious British Photography Awards.

Daniel Kenealy, 31, decided to enter some of his work into the awards and has been shortlisted for the Viewer’s Choice award.

He told Liverpool Life:“It felt great to know that a judge in a high regarded contest thought my work was suitable to be shortlisted.”

Daniel has been capturing landscape photography for the past three years.

He told Liverpool Life: “Roughly around three years ago I started landscape photography, as my main hobby of astrophotography had to take a side line with the birth of our third child.

“Shifts at work also made staying out under the stars very difficult. Reluctantly I sold all my astrophotography equipment to turned my hobby into a daytime hobby to make it more manageable.”

Growing up, it was not always Daniel’s dream to be a photographer. In fact, he told Liverpool Life that when he was younger, he wanted to be an air traffic controller.

However, he took up the hobby after getting inspiration from a friend and fellow photographer.

“Jon Hicks is a travel photographer and friend. When I first saw his work I could only dream of producing images as good as his.

He actually lent me some equipment at a camping meet up once and I was so worried about dropping it, I didn’t use it!”

In his spare time, Daniel is either hiking and wild camping or wandering mountains and coasts capturing those amazing landscape images.

With Daniel still being quite new to landscape photography, his goal for the future is to get his work out there and get his name recognised.

“I am quite new on the landscape scene so I am trying hard to produce quality work for highly

ranked contests to get some exposure. My plan would be to have enough of a following to start doing my own landscape photography workshops around the UK.” When asked what advice he would give to a budding photographer, he said: “Getting out in the right conditions is paramount. Landscape photography is all about light, be prepared to wait for the light.

YouTube is great for research you can never do too much of it.

“Starting in photography is quite easy now with the quality of smartphones and apps such as snap seed, you can create anywhere.

“Nothing beats the feeling of clicking the shutter and knowing you’ve captured something special.”

© Daniel Kenealy

Suilven mountain Scotland © Daniel Kenealy

“It felt great to know that a judge in a regarded contest thought my work was suitable to be shortlisted” Sunrise at Bamburgh © Daniel Kenealy

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Andrea Leadsom speaks to LJMU students

© Harry Leahey

We ARE ready for Brexit, says Leadsom

In Liverpool to deliver a Roscoe Lecture, the leader of the House of Commons was put in the hot seat by Liverpool John Moores University students. Harry Leahey reports

L

eader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom outlined her support for the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal when she was grilled by students from Liverpool John Moores University.

Ms Leadsom was in Liverpool for a two-day visit, which included delivering the prestigious Roscoe Lecture at LJMU. Having recently backed the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement the MP said that, as a parliamentarian, Britain making its own laws was “absolutely key” to her decision to support Theresa May and dismissed claims that the transition deal would lead to the UK following EU rules without having power over them, arguing we never had much power anyway.

She told Liverpool Life: “The reality is we were one of 28 members. Most decisions are taken under qualified majority voting.

“Usually the UK was outnumbered so what we ended up doing was abstaining.

“So therefore, taking back control of our laws by leaving the EU is absolute key to this.”

She also went on to defend the deal which involves accepting most of the EU’s rules on agrifood and other goods.

She said: “A lot of people say ‘Well, that’s not sovereignty, that’s appalling, we’ve accepted their rules’, but in my view, that’s 20% of our economy.

“Our economy is 80% services and only 20% industrialised goods and agrifoods.

“So, in accepting the EU’s rules, most of those rules are international rules anyway, so it’s a point of principle that my Brexit colleagues are making, not a point of practicality. In practical terms, we’d be likely to follow those rules anyway, so I don’t have a problem with that.”

Despite this, she still admitted to having concerns regarding the backstop arrangement

which is part of the PM’s deal.

The backstop, which is a position of last resort, could come into play if a solution to the Irish border is not established by the end of the transition period in 2020.

To avoid a hard border involving custom checks on goods coming into Northern Ireland from Europe, the backstop will have the UK remain in the EU’s custom union, restricting its ability to strike trade deals around the world, and potentially keeping it aligned to EU rules indefinitely.

“

I came into this job and started to take part in the committees that work on preparations for a no deal

”

Pro-leave backbenchers believe this fails to deliver the referendum result, saying a better deal, which avoids the concept of the backstop, could be made.

As a response to the criticism, she said: “The problem with the backstop is that there is no unilateral means of the UK to then exit it, and I share the concerns and I am extremely concerned about that.

“But I am taking a calculated risk that, because of the fact that we all do not want the backstop, we will more likely negotiate that future trading relationship whilst we’re still in the implementation period.”

If the PM’s deal is voted down in Parliament later this month, a no-deal outcome which avoids the backstop, could potentially happen as a result.

When asked what progress Britain has made in making contingency plans in the event of such a scenario, Ms Leadsom said the country has put a “huge amount of work” into that possibility.

She said: “I came into this job and started to take part in the committees that work on preparations for a no deal. And so, when I joined it, it was still in the relatively early stages of still identifying exactly what all of the challengers will be in the event of no deal. Exactly what departments needed to do, exactly what projects and so on.

“We’ve got 300 projects and there is clear management around each of those projects, clear time scales, clear project management goals and they all work towards them. And so, all of our preparations are very far advanced.

There’s no doubt that not everything will be achieved by March next year, but in the event that there was no deal in 2020, then the UK would be very well prepared for {it}.”

Regardless of what the outcome will be, Ms Leadsom was keen to stress that EU citizens’ rights will be projected.

The Q&A session came after the Commons leader took a brief break from talking Brexit to deliver a Roscoe lecture about the #MeToo movement at St Georges Hall, joining a long and illustrious list of speakers.

She spoke to the room of her personal experiences of “entrenched misogyny” before going into politics, and said that the issue remains prevalent in the House of Commons today.

LL CHRISTMAS Pic © Gavin Trafford

Wirral’s Christmas King lights up

By ANNIE WILLIAMS

R

aymond Parker set himself two long-term goals he hoped to one day achieve and after falling victim to a heart condition earlier this year, he used them as fuel to motivate him and make his dreams come true.

The 55-year-old pub landlord told Liverpool Life: “This pub is the centre of the community now.

I have put everything into building it up to be a place for everyone and this year I used my money to build a beer garden so people can sit outside in the summer.”

After some devastating news earlier this year when he was diagnosed with a heart condition, the community’s favourite landlord decided it was now or never to achieve his goals and first on the list was to bring Christmas to Saughall Massie.

“I get very emotional when I’m

talking about how far I have come and what I have built in the community, hosting a big Christmas event has always been a goal of mine. If anything ever happened to me and I did not have the chance to do it I would have been gutted.

“For the past three years I have set up a sleigh on top of the roof of the pub and I get up there for two and a half hours on Christmas Eve and then again on Christmas Day at 11am.

“The word has got around and now everyone in the community knows about it and drops by, bringing their kids and joining me. There are snow machines and lights and everyone comes together, it is great.”

Ray wanted his Christmas celebrations to bring the community together on a grander scale, which is why this year he has decided to host the community’s first ever

Christmas light switch on.

“I have wanted to host a Christmas light switch-on for a long time now but I couldn’t for financial reasons, but after having a couple of good years I decided to just go for it and paid for everything directly out of my pocket. The people in this area deserve it just as much as me.”

B

efore the event, members of the community voluntarily came together at the Willows in a fundraising event to help Ray make up the cash he had spent on lighting up the village.

“A combination of raffle tickets and donations raised a substantial £1,100 and, through further kind gestures from his friends, Ray has received more than £4,500 of the £9,700 he spent out of his own pocket on the Christmas event.

The Christmas light switch on

boasted talent from a local choir, fun events for charity fundraising and donkey rides for the little ones to enjoy.

Talking about the growing success of the Willow, Ray said: “This pub has a great owner, even greater people using it who all love and respect each other. I see this as a centre-piece of a giant jigsaw and the people who come in are the pieces that make up that jigsaw, I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Ray’s ultimate goal is to run the most successful community pub in the borough.

“It is an absolute pleasure to be a part of it all and is by far the most rewarding and best job I have ever done,” he said.

Ray is already in talks regarding how he can make next year’s switch on even bigger and continue to grow his reputation as the Wirral’s Christmas King.

Dashing all the way to the finish line

By ORLAITH CLINTON

S

anta’s ahoy! Liverpool’s annual Santa Dash made a return this weekend, despite the wet weather.

The event saw thousands of red and blue Santas gather in the city centre to take part in the annual 5k charity fun run.

Pier Head was awash with a sea of festivity as runners and spectators gathered at the waterside.

Music bellowed over the Docks and “Ho, ho, ho!”s came from the crowd of runners waiting at the starting line.

As with the public, many celebrities were also out raising money

for great causes, with members of the cast of Hollyoaks running in aid of the ‘Help the Animals’ campaign.

Hollyoaks star Adam Woodward told JMU Journalism: “It was fantastic to be involved and it was definitely a good laugh, especially when it’s for a good cause. It was just great fun.”

Radio City presenter Leanne Campbell was the one who broke the news to the crowd of jolly runners that this was the best turnout of a Santa Dash in the event’s history.

After exiting Mann Island, the

runners embarked on a new Santa Dash route, including Royal Albert Dock, to allow more spectators to view the Christmas spectacular.

The Santas were greeted by Liverpool drum band Katumba as they ran, walked and skipped past Moorfields Station.

Runners took off at the waterside and were cheered and greeted by family, friends and even pets, as they crossed the finish line at Town Hall.

Here, they received their participant medals and enjoyed the Christmas spirit.

Pic ©Paul Francis Cooper

CHRISTMAS LL

Rocking around the tallest tree

By LUCY JONES Liverpool One kicked off their Christmas festivities by hosting a big street party to watch the iconic tree being lit up.

The 30 metre tree was splashing multi-coloured lights last Friday throughout the night while people had the opportunity to visit the alpine themed bar, placed underneath.

Liverpool One’s communications manager, Laura Carter, told Liverpool Life: “We believe our Christmas tree to be the tallest in the country.”

The tree has been up for a week prior and will be taken down on the second of January.

In regards to the confusion over a Facebook event, when members of the public erroneously came to see the Christmas light up on the 8th of November, Laura Carter, said: “It was not a mistake on our side, there was an incorrect Facebook account; an event that had nothing to do with us.

“We put in a lot of time and effort in making sure that the

public were aware of the right date. Hopefully, the message did get through and we tried to get the message out there so everyone could join us tonight for the party.”

Christmas lights switch on © Lucy Jones

Rooftop igloo bar to launch on waterfront

By CHRISTOPHER MEGRATH Liverpool is set for a new addition as a winter spectacular is set to open through December.

Located on top of the Bentley Hotel on the waterfront and a part of the

Liberté bar and rooftop complex, 12 winter igloos will be installed that act as a winter land beer garden. Each pod fits between 10 – 12 people and are decorated with fairy lights, mistletoe, wreaths and other holiday trinkets, all contained in the glass igloo.

General Manager of Liberté, Jonathan Ryder, said, “We wanted to create a space that really comes into its own and provides truly unique surroundings for those looking for something a bit different from a day or night out.”

Opening Friday 7th, the plans for the rooftop venue have been a long time in the making, being part of the origiRooftop igloo nal building projection process for Liberté’s © Liberté first year.

WHAT’S Santa is coming From December 15 until Christmas Eve Santa will be at the Floral Pavilion inviting children to hear his Christmas tales.

Santa Claus will welcome visitors from 10am til 4pm. From December 17 this will extend to 5pm and then til 6:15pm from the 21st. Christmas Eve will run for a shorter time of 10am- 2:30pm to allow him to get back home and deliver presents across the world. Tickets are £12.50 per child as well as an additional booking fee of £1.50. Two adults can accompany children free of charge. For additional information you can visit www.floralpavilion.com or www.storytimewithsanta.com.

Fanfare returns

lIVERPOOL lIFE BRINGS YOU A GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS EVENTS

St Anne’s Church in Rock Ferry is hosting a night to get everyone in the Christmas spirit as the Festive Fanfare returns Visitors will be able to sit and reminisce on past Christmases while singing along to their favourite Christmas carol.

There will be variety of solo performances, duets and groups who will sing a range of traditional and modern festive tunes.

Tickets for the event on December 11 are available from Birkenhead Operatic Society and St Anne’s Church.

Joseph Hayden showcase Nelson Mass, one of Hayden’s greatest works, will be performed at the Civic Hall in Ellesmere Port on December 8.

The Mass was written in 1798 when Europe was in turbulence after Napoleon had won four battles against Austria within a year.

Music is provided by The Music Society Choir and Wirral Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Lloyd Buck. There will also be soloists Eleanor Garside, Helen Anne Gregory, Paul Smy and James Berry.

Tickets are £15 for adults, £7.50 for students and under-18s can attend for free. To purchase a ticket you can visit Chester Tourist Information or call 0151 339 5225 OR tickets@epmsonline.co.uk or www.wegottickets.com/epms.

By MEGAN TATTERSLEY & LORI DUNLEVY

ON

CHLOE TOMKINS TAKES US ON AN ADVENTURE THROUGH A CHRISTMAS SAFARI

T

he Lanterns at Chester Zoo are back for another month of Christmas magic in the lead up to the big day.

This is the place to be for any Christmas fanatics, young or old. Prepare to be enthralled in a snowy, winter wonderland with plenty of surprises along the way.

As a Chester resident the zoo is like a second home to me, at night sometimes I can hear the lions growling as we live so close. So, naturally I was hoping for something spectacular and for Chester Zoo to put on a great show and I was not disappointed.

As soon as I walked through the gates to start the Lantern trail, I was greeted by giant flying butterflies illuminated in pink and blue glowing lights, and a giant luminous snail rolling slowly across the ground, trailed by a gang of laughing children.

This is definitely the place to bring your kids and all the family. The fact that it takes place at night adds to the festive magic, everyone can get involved as you are handed a huge coloured lantern near the start of the route.

On opening night it was extremely busy with a real buzz of excitement in the air as families, couples and friends began their journey through the different shimmering areas of the zoo.

The magic really began for me when I got to the centre of the Lantern trail. We were greeted by an array of incredible almost sculpture-like, lit up animals, the most impressive being an elephant and her calf, joined by others

such as giraffes, chimpanzees and sun bears. I was amazed at the amount of detail which had been put into the design of the life-size animal lanterns, it wasn’t like anything I’d ever seen before.

Walking on through the winter wonderland we were joined by people dressed as colourful tropical animals like parrots, emus and toucans.

Chester Zoo has another treat in store for families and children as Father Christmas himself makes an appearance halfway through the trail in his traditional wooden sleigh.

The Lanterns at Chester Zoo is perfect for a fun family night out, a romantic date with your other half or even a date with your best mates.

And for those of you over 18 there’s a gorgeous pub (the original family home of Chester Zoo founder George Mottershead) about half way through the experience,

J

on Turley, Chester Zoo’s Head of Guest Experience, said: “We really hope this specially-crafted journey through the zoo will create some magical, festive family memories.

“The Lanterns will take you into colourful new worlds whether you want to stroll among our animal inspired lanterns or meet a host of twinkly costumed characters, such illuminated reindeer, dazzling penguins and even an emu and a curious white rabbit.”

The lanterns are open until December 23. Tickets range from £10 - £17.50 for adults and £5 - £15 for children. Infants two and under are free.

IT’s PANTO TIME A LOOK AT THE BEST SHOWS IN THE CITY

“Don’t you start on me, Snow White..."

By CHRISTOPHER MEGRATH

S

he’s behind you! Reality TV icon Kim Woodburn takes centre stage as the very fitting evil witch in the Epstein Theatre’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The fairest panto in all the land follows the classic fairy-tale story of Snow White, as she tries to escape the clutches of her evil stepmother, whose one aim is to become the fairest of them all.

‘I’m A Celebrity’ and ‘Big Brother’ star Kim will be joined by the Bootle-born world-renowned medium and host of ‘Most Haunted’, Derek Acorah, who will be playing the Magic Mirror through the magic of video projection.

Lewis Pryor storms back on the Epstein stage after taking audiences

on a highflying adventure to Neverland last Christmas as Peter Pan this year, he returns as Muddles. The young star finished 3rd place during the live finals of Britain’s Got Talent with dance troupe Boogie Storm.

No stranger to the Liverpool stage, Lewis is currently training at Jelli Studios and has previously studied at Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre and the Jennifer Ellison Fame Academy.

The panto features a range of songs and choreography as well as poisoned apples, magic mirrors and of course that much-loved showbiz magic - Snow White will have you on the edge of your seat.

The show runs from Friday 7 December 2018 - Wednesday 2 January 2019.

Did I love it? Oh yes I did

We do believe in fairies!

By ORLAITH CLINTON

By ANNIE WILLIAMS



D

rops of Light have made a return this year with their showcase of Aladdin.

Following the success of Beauty of the Beast in 2017, the team had big boots to fill.

Out of all the Disney films, Aladdin would be placed last on my favourites list however; I went to the Hope Street Theatre with an open mind and I was pleasantly surprised.

From start to finish, my cheeks were sore from laughing, my makeup was washed off with my unstoppable tears and my throat was numb from singing.

The 90-minute performance was filled with Scouse humour, some of which I laughed along with, but didn’t quite get! Nonetheless, my attention was kept throughout and the room erupted with laughter at every joke.

The cast were fantastic at getting the audience on their side, with snide remarks about “getting

the Tories out,” the interaction between the small cast and cosy audience was endearing.

The directors did a great job of incorporating well-known songs for all ages.

Songs from The Greatest Showman and child favourite Baby Shark had all the children (and me) off their seats and singing along. For the adults, songs from ABBA included opportunities for audience interaction and involvement.

The cast of 17 main characters and ensemble of 130 children were funny, witty and very aware of their audience’s mood.

Some blips occurred, with props breaking and mics not working, but they laughed it off and carried on. The whole performance was effortless.

My mind has been changed on the Aladdin story. I can’t wait to come back next year for Cinderella!

C

hristmas is upon us - which can only mean one thing, panto season! Let your imaginations fly away with you as Regal Entertainments whisk you off to the magical world of Neverland in 2018’s Christmas panto Peter Pan. Written by J.M Barrie by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, this Christmas classic stars Brookside and Coronation Street actor Louis Emerick as Captain Hook and Strictly Come Dancing’s Kristina Rihanoff as Tinker Bell.

With a sprinkling of fairy dust, Wendy, John, Michael…a nd the audience, will leave the Darling house and St Helens behind, flying past the second star to the right and straight to Neverland, where they’ll enjoy daring adventures with Peter Pan as they battle the evil Captain Hook and his hapless henchman.

Come on this fantastic adventure full of Pirates, Fairies, Lost

Boys, Indians, and of course one tick-tocking crocodile.

Get set to go on a heroic adventure with this timeless classic tale about the Boy Who Never Grew Up, taking to the stage from Saturday December 8 – Sunday January 13th 2019.

Tickets are on sale now.

CHRISTMAS

LL

The gift of friendship

By TAMMY-LEE WALSH

F

or most of us, Christmas is a time spent surrounded by our loved ones, when the first sight of festive adverts on the TV and streets lit up with decorations ushers in a wave of excitement.

It is hard to imagine that this could be a lonely time for anyone, but that’s the reality for elderly people who live alone.

Despite there being more awareness surrounding the isolation experienced by the elderly and vulnerable this time of year, it’s still a problem - but one that a small community in Liverpool have found an effective solution to.

This will be the fourth consecutive year that residents of Old Roan have got together to throw the ‘Home Alone Christmas Party’. The event is supported by donations and volunteer work of locals who aim to make Christmas less isolating for the elderly.

Speaking to LL, one of the event’s organisers, Danielle Woods, said: “Our party would not be possible without the help we get. We have so many donations and people offering to give us a helping hand on the day.

Everyone who attends the party is extremely grateful.

“It’s a very emotional but lovely day. We hope that by holding the party, it gives people a chance to come together and socialise.

People usually donate amazing prizes to give away at our bingo and raffle.

“We have also have a Christmas buffet. Once everyone has eaten, we do the live music and everyone gets up for a dance.

“We have so much given to us that usually no one goes home empty-handed!”

Hairdresser Danielle and fellow volunteer Rachel McDonald, a social worker, were inspired to hold their first party after seeing the John Lewis ‘Man on the Moon’ advert.

Through their jobs, both women have listened to elderly clients share their experiences of isolation. The pair had initially tried to join the Age UK charity but were told the area wasn’t in need of volunteers.

This year’s Christmas party will take place at the Holy Rosary Club, Old Roan.

Danielle said: “We both think this cause is important because

there are so many people who are alone but won’t admit they are alone. Some of the guests say they haven’t spoken to anyone all year or the only people that they speak to is their carer over the phone.

“I would hate to think of my parents or a grandparent being alone. Our older generation have given so much to us that I think we should take care of them in return.”

Here’s to a very vegan Christmas Turkey dinners, stacks of chocolate and fancy cheeseboards are the typical foods that come to mind this time of year - but one Merseyside town has attempted to challenge this norm by holding their very own ‘cruelty-free’ Christmas fair.

The event consisted of a range of stalls selling ‘cruelty-free’ beauty products, vegan food and homemade crafts.

Melanie Price, the organiser of Garswood’s vegan Christmas fair, spoke to LL about the inspiration behind this event: “I wanted to do things differently and show people that you can still celebrate over the festive season without harming, destroying or exploiting other creatures in the process.

“The rising consumption of animal products has a detrimental effect on human health and industrial scale farms are not good for animal welfare nor the environment. There is also no reason for cosmetics and toiletries

to be tested on animals when alternative methods are available. If you can be cruelty-free then why would you choose not to be?”

The fair took place on December 1st. It was the first event of its kind that Melanie has organised in Garswood.

Her goal was to raise money for the Garston Animal Rescue Centre and to fund a cause close to her heart.

She said: “I got three of my cats from there 20 years ago. The last one of them died in July of this year.

“I always promised I would help to raise money one day so now I am fundraising to help with the rising costs of providing for all the rescued cats in their care. It’s run

entirely by volunteers and relies upon donations to keep its doors open.”

The former Biomedical scientist addedd: “I think the more events there are along this theme then the more chance there is that people will start to think about the products they buy and the potential suffering caused by those products behind the scenes.

“I don’t think many people would change their whole lifestyle or way of life overnight from attending one of these events but the next time they are out shopping they may read the labels to ensure what they will be purchasing has not caused harm to animals along the way.”

By TAMMY-LEE WALSH

Above: Stalls at the fair Above left: Melanie Price Photos © Tammy-Lee Walsh

All I want for Christmas IS...

1. Puzzle toilet paper

7. Tea Lovers Advent calendar

(Prezzybox)

2. USB lamp

(Amazon)

(The Glow Company)

(Amazon)

8. Elf Earphones

3. Beard clips

9. Adopt a Sloth

(Find Me a Gift)

(adoptasloth.com)

1

4. Dog beard (Querkity)

10. Upside Down Wine Glass (Find Me a Gift)

11. Buy land and claim a Lord/Lady title

5. Breast milk lollipops

(lordtitles.co.uk )

(Amazon)

6.Grow Your Own Jesus

(Amazon)

2

(Prezzybox)

6

4 7

3

12. Snakes and Bladdered board game

5 8

9

11

12

10

FOCUS

LL

11

Everyone deserves happiness

Members of Mary Seacole House enjoying Cultural Appreciation Day Photos © Vanessa Banim

ANGELICA DAY talks to a supportive group raising awareness for the wellbeing of ethnicities in Liverpool

A

n organisation based in Toxteth is opening its doors to Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority (BME) groups, focusing on their mental health and wellbeing.

Mary Seacole House is a mental health hub that provides support ranging from advocacy services, BME family guidance, education training, inclusion activities and training courses.

They are a part of the Granby community mental group Umbrella and the day groups have been in operation since April 1991.

Operations Manager Reihana

Bashir, 41, of Kensington, said: “When we first came together it was because there was a huge gap within the BME people with mental health problems and the access to statutory services.

“We were getting a lot of people getting picked up by the police and found that many of the people were detained under the Mental Health Act in secure units, which really was not needed.”

The board, consisting of the Granby group and people within the community, identified that there was a need for a day service primarily for the BME communities to provide them with a safe environment, support and the

Members of the group participating in a recent fundraiser

opportunity to bridge the gap between the BME communities and statutory services.

“It took about eight years to convince the local authorities the necessity of this companionship.

Once the funding was in place for the day service, we also had the opportunity to lease this building and from April 1991 our doors have been open since,” Reihana continued.

L

ocated on 91 Upper Parliament Street, Liverpool, it is known well through word of mouth. At the start, the operation began in a building that replicated a ‘Home away from Home’, as most members of the activities felt more comfortable with this instead of hospital rooms.

Reihana told LL of the new provision they have in place: “We still have our day service but we do not run it from this building anymore as, unfortunately, we are not able to change anything on the inside and outside, meaning we do not have disabled access in and out of the building.

“So we hired some offices in the Kuumba Imani Millenium Centre which is across the road from us and have access for people with disabilities.”

This change happened in 2011 and has proven to be popular.

The advocacy service speaks for

anyone who has a mental health diagnosis and do not feel that they have the ability to represent their own rights.

They are able to seek advice from the advocates and gain support in any areas that they raise.

The second option is the family focus, which derived from the carer service. Anyone who cares for someone with a mental health need is also maintained.

Mary Seacole House changed its constitution so that it could provide a service to carers as well as, for example, elderly members who suffer from troublesome diseases.

After gaining further funding from the law and sustainability fund - part of the Big Lottery - to run a pilot for 12 months for BME families, it is still running today. However, the centre has to support itself as it does not receive any funding anymore.

Vanessa Banim, the assistant administrator in charge of encouraging events and fundraisers, said: “We host at least one event a month. We get about 30 people attending and they are mainly from the day service side and we do everything around mental health, suicide prevention and hate crime.

“All throughout the year we want to raise awareness to the community to donate any goods.

We have had other organisations host coffee mornings raise money for us.”

12LL MUSIC

FROM MAKING GOALS TO MAKING BEATS Neil Danns spoke to Jake O’Neill about his aspiration to become a music producer following his long career at the top levels of football

B

orn in Liverpool, 36-year-old Neil Danns has played at a professional level for over 15 years for the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Bolton Wanderers. Now playing for Bury in League Two, Neil has found a new passion in music and hopes to forge a different career after his retirement from football.

He said: “I started producing about a year ago whilst still playing football. I have been getting private lessons from a tutor in Liverpool, which has helped massively as I did not realise how much goes into mixing tracks.

“I was inspired to write my own things as I have been writing songs for years - but always had to write to other people’s styles and instrumentals. I wanted to improve on this and write lyrics to melodies that came from my own thoughts and taste.”

Neil has recently returned from international duty in Guyana, where his grandad is from.

After the final international game on the tour, he said: “It was an honour to captain Guyana.

The progression of the countries football is moving forward. Nice to get on the scoresheet also.”

The midfielder spoke about the style of music he is aiming for.

“I honestly don’t have an ideal genre. I just like what song makes me feel things and that can come from any genre. For me, music is about feeling and emotion, not just a sound that you are listening to.

“It’s something that I definitely want to have a go at full time after football. It is a passion of mine that I’ve always had and something that I am looking to build on.

“I am working hard on it at the moment to get to a good standard so when the time comes that I stop playing football, I can make a smooth transition.

“I have loads of songs that I’ve written and produced already, but before I release them I want to keep improving my mixing so that the overall mastered mix does not affect the quality of the

“

song.”

Neil told Liverpool Life that he hopes to make music that helps people.

“My Nan passed away around two years ago and I wrote a song for my mother about her for Mother’s Day, it meant a lot. Only my kids, my partner and mother have heard it.

“I plan to release it one day so that it can help anybody that has lost a loved one. If it touches even a few people then I will be happy, as it is a song that is sentimental to me and has been written to help others.”

Neil hopes to get some more tracks released in the near future, and hopes to work with other vocal artists on his songs.

My nan passed away around two years ago and I wrote a song for my mother about her for Mother’s Day, it meant a lot

”

THE GUIDE

BY ADELE MATTHEWS

Pic: © Wiki Commons

T

Be bold with your brows

he 2018 Homotopia festival invited people to appreciate something that is familiar to all us and is also an essential part of queer culture eyebrows.

As part of the festival The Open Eye Gallery presented “Browsing Queer Cinema”, a discussion of queer cinema icons and their eyebrows.

Brews&Brows is a project encouraging people to “be part of a conversation on eyebrows” which addresses the stigma attached to eyebrows, including the negative press surrounding the infamous Scouse brow.

Dr Niamh Thornton from the University of Liverpool, and one of the co-leads of the Brews&Brows venture, told Liverpool Life: “I got involved because of the film star María Félix, who was the biggest star in Mexican film of the golden age, and I was really interested in how to talk about her brows as she’s not written about too much.”

The event began with a short discussion from Dr Thornton, who specialises in Modern Languages including Mexican studies.

An image of Frida Kahlo and her famous monobrow was displayed before an image of María Félix appeared, leading to full analysis of how the actress’s eyebrows were instrumental in her movement and acting.

The discussion also talked

about the belief that women with adorned eyebrows are narcissistic, as well as the idea that women must have thin eyebrows and men must have thick eyebrows.

Dr Thornton told Liverpool Life: “Apparently eyebrows are why we like dogs because dogs have eyebrows so they can do things with them to make us like them more so it’s also kind of learning to be empathetic towards other people.”

The second part of the talk was introduced by University of Liverpool’s Paul Needham.

He discussed the power of Divine, the Baltimore drag queen who subverted drag and the conventions of femininity and beauty.

Across Divine’s performances, her eyebrows get more and more eccentric with an iconic look featuring a mohawk and a set of drawn-on eyebrows stretching around the back of her head.

Guest curator of Homotopia 2018, Cheryl Martin, 58, told Liverpool Life about why Brews&Brows is important to the festival.

“They got in touch with me and they explained the concept and their research into queer brows, and people’s attitudes towards eyebrows as well as how there’s a class element into how people do their eyebrows in Liverpool.

“I thought it was completely different and quirky and something that would be a very different type of event.”

Calendar Girls a night to remember

By SHANNON LYON

C

alendar Girls the Musical burst onto the stage at the Liverpool Empire.

The show has come straight from London’s West End and it had a lot of praise to live up to.

It did not disappoint, though - the musical brought happiness and joy to the people in the audience, with everyone laughing throughout.

The story, like the film of the same title, was inspired by true events, and follows the lives of

a group of women in Yorkshire, their family life, and how they achieved something extraordinary.

It continues to show the bravery these women faced when they fought for the right to be able to do a charity fundraiser for Leukaemia Research in the form of a nude calendar.

The event stayed true to its roots and including the cast Fern Britton, Anna-Jane Casey, Lorraine Bruce, Sara Crowe, Ruth Madoc, Rebecca Storm and Denise Welch.

It featured the women baring all

on the stage in a classy fashion.

It was an honest and beautiful look into the ups and downs of life, and the delights that can come from the saddest of times.

The audience was full of smiles and giggles as the talented actors brought life and soul to the show.

Gary Barlow brought his talents to bear by creating the music and lyrics that worked seamlessly with Tim Firth to create this stand-out musical.

 

14 LL STYLE

Centre: Susan Cary and Zandra Rhodes © Rankin; left and right: some of Susan’s designs

A style for every story

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BY EMMA FEGAN

usan Cary always dreamed of becoming a successful fashion designer, ever since the age of nine when her mother handed her an old sewing machine and Susan’s Wendy house became her fashion studio.

Now she has launched her very own clothing label, Susan Carys, which is Liverpool’s newest online fashion brand.

Susan, 33, from Hale Village, describes the brand as classy, glam, feminine and chic.

She told LL: “We design, pattern cut and produce all garments

FASHION: Design sketches

in house. Each item is made to order and our clothes are made to the highest quality offering a unique outfit, which cannot be found on your local high street.

“We have had an amazing response so far, especially throughout Liverpool. I am a proud welsh girl who fell in love with a Scouser 12 years ago. My friends call me an adopted Scouser, and let’s face it, Liverpool girls dress the best, so I could not be prouder to live and launch a fashion business in such an amazing city.”

After graduating from Liverpool John Moores University with a Fashion and Textiles degree, she began working in the vintage clothing industry, specialising in re-working garments.

Susan opened an online vintage store in 2010 which led to endless opportunities as she gained experience with some of the biggest names in the industry.

“I went from having dinner with Jeff Banks and working with Walé Adeyemi to being mentored by one of Britain’s most iconic fashion designers, Zandra Rhodes.

“I attended television interviews, launch events, shows and parties, with Zandra, but the highlight of this experience was a photo shoot by photographer to the stars Rankin at his studio based in London.

“This day was fantastic, there was a real buzz about the place!

I couldn’t believe I was standing in the spot where some of the world’s biggest stars have stood and having my photo taken with Zandra by Rankin was surreal.”

F

inding out she was pregnant with her daughter at the time hindered the launch of the business, until Susan took drastic measures to make sure she did everything she could to achieve her goals.

“When I became pregnant again with my son, I made the decision that things really needed to change. I love being a mum, however I didn’t want this to mean I should give up on my dream.

Shortly after the birth, I set my alarm for 3am and continued to

do so for the next 12 months.

“With four hours to myself every morning and his nap times every day, I was able to work enough to launch Susan Carys. I am not going to lie, it nearly killed me!

However with a morning run, my caffeine fix and an evening glass of red - or two - I just about stayed sane and my third baby was born - the Susan Carys label was launched in June 2018,” Susan explained.

“Life has thrown so many obstacles at me over the past 10 years, good and bad. It is just about finding a way of getting back up and moving forward.

“Even if it is tiny baby steps, you just have to keep climbing that ladder. You will never get to the top by looking up and complaining, you have to get up and climb up there yourself.”

Susan plans to open a store front in the city centre and if things keep going the way they are, she’ll soon make that dream a reality.

• For more information, visit www.susancarys.com

STITCH IN TIME: Susan’s sewing

Photos

© Susan Cary

REAL LIFE

LL 15

Keeping the Wolf from the door

By EMMA FEGAN

A

After studying criminology and psychology, Emma Purchase was just about to tackle a course in forensics when she was left as a single mum to four kids and had to drop her studies to focus on providing for her family.

Now, Emma, from the Wirral, has been named Inspirational Woman of the year by The Women’s Organisation for creating her dream business despite every financial hurdle, in addition to coping with the loss of her dad.

Knowing she had to support her family, 40-year-old Emma wanted to do something she was passionate about where she could also get her kids involved and so Sweet Pea and Little Wolf was born.

Her business Sweet Pea sells a variety of herbal tea blends and healing crystals, while Little Wolf offers a wanderlust-themed range of clothing and accessories for those who love camping, hiking and travelling in nature.

She said: “I had no capital because the kids’ dad left me with all this debt so I was struggling financially. My dad also just passed after a long struggle with Motor neurone disease and I was sick myself with blood clots in my legs, so I wanted something that would

fit around the kids.

“It first started off with the idea of juicing as I wanted to make healthy juices for those who were ill and needed energy like my dad, but the expense was too much so I started playing around with blending herbal teas which is where Sweet Pea came from.”

She originally started with just Sweet Pea Wirral, but Emma soon got inspiration to create her Little Wolf outdoor merchandise from her youngest daughter, who was just six years old at the time.

Emma said: “My youngest, Marnie, had a tough time last year when my dad died and went into her own little shell. She always wanted to be an adventurer when she was little so she had the nickname, Little Wolf. I told her we would make these designs and see if we can get them all over the world and if we do, we will look on the map where we got to and that is where she has to travel when she is older.

Emma’s daughter Marnie inspired the Little Wolf brand

“I wanted to make myself feel alive every day” “I knew I wanted to go down the wanderlust traveller theme and for three days I didn’t eat to pay for my first pack of enamel mugs. We took pictures with our designs in places like Royden Park woods and people would wonder where it was, and our Little Wolf pack began to grow.

“We would send out things to people and they would take pictures of wherever they are in the world.

Within about three months our products were in Yosemite National Park in America, California, Oregon and then over in New Zealand and Norway and it just built up.”

The Woman’s Organisation focuses on empowering women to develop their full potential and encourage enterprise and employment opportunities.

Emma said: “It wasn’t scary because I was in my own my little

Above: Emma Purchase Photos © Emma Purchase bubble looking after my children and when I had seen my dad struggle for 10 years I thought there is no other pain I will see that is worse than this.

“I want to show my kids that you can step out of your comfort zone and even if you have children, you can not only have a job, but build your own business and that you will fail sometimes but you have to keep going.”

Emma was shocked to find out she had won the award for Inspirational Woman of the Year: “It still doesn’t feel real because there were so many women there, who are doing life-changing things but then I see Little Wolf and I just picture Marnie’s little face and I’ve got that hunger for it to get where they deserve.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are because I started when I was older and if you’ve got something unique that’ll help you stand out.

“You just need to be prepared that it might take a while but you are getting there, it’s up and down and there is no security, but that’s what makes it exciting.”

Sweet Pea and Little Wolf have regular pop-up shops and events all around Liverpool. Their newest stall will be featured in the Ten Streets Market opening at the end of November.

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LL GRADWATCH

From cats to Tarantino Gradwatch

How one girl’s dream grew from interviewing family pets to taking over Liverpool’s broadcast scene

ORLAITH CLINTON talks to BECKY DAVIS

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JMU graduate Becky Davis has gone from interviewing her pets at home to interviewing Quentin Tarantino.

Chester-born Becky began her journalism career from a young age, making a small newspaper for her family at home. Since then, she has climbed the career ladder and landed herself a job at Radio City as the news content editor.

The 35-year-old has not always had a passion for breaking news, and originally dreamed of working in the wardrobe department at Granada.

With no room at Granada for work experience, Becky turned to her local radio station, Radio City, who took her on and allowed her to gain some experience during her teenage years. Little did she know, she would spend the next 10 years with the crew.

She told LL: “I started full-time at Radio City before I had even finished my degree. It was the March or April of my final year when I started.

“It was a nightmare because I had to do my dissertation at the same time. For about six months I had two hours of sleep every night - it was horrendous!

“I have never had a job interview, because I always had my foot in the door. I have been extremely, extremely lucky and I think that is so important to do.

“It is not totally true what they say that it’s all about who you know not what you know, but there is a huge element of that

“I am a determined person and have always had the idea that if somebody told me I couldn’t do something, I worked 10 times harder to get it” and you have to have the right contacts.”

During a recent retun visit to Liverpool John Moores after graduating in 2004, Becky reminisced about the very beginnings of her experience with journalism and news.

She said: “I always used to make a newspaper for my house and for my family. It sounds so tragic but I used to write stories about my cats and then go to the effort of printing it out and stapling it together.

“From that young age, I had an interest in news. What I love the most about journalism is that every day is different. I have been on this patch for 14 years now so you do see the same kinds of things happening but it is always different.

“I would find it monotonous to have a job that was the same every day. Also, I am a massive people person, I like to bounce off other people and have an environment where there are lots of people around.”

During Capital of Culture in 2008, world-famous film director

and Finlay, as a single mother.

She explained how she has always been determined to prove you can do both.

“You can be a good mum and you can work hard and still achieve a lot in your professional life. I am always on the go but I love it. Being a single mum is very difficult.

“I am a determined person and have always had the idea that if somebody told me I couldn’t do something, I worked 10 times harder to get it.”

Quentin Tarantino visited Liverpool. Becky was sent to interview him and listened to the “mad” Tarantino for 40 minutes.

Looking back on her successful bulletins, Becky talked to LL at length about her involvement with the coverage of the murder of Rhys Jones, the 11-year-old shot while riding his bike in a pub car park.

She said: “You are never over the moon to win the awards because you wish that these tragedies never happened in the first place.

“There is an element of pride in being able to deliver the story in the way that the Jones family want it to be delivered. The way that we are trusted to do that is a privilege.”

Becky has her hands Becky Davis at full at home, raising her two children Freya Awards 2018

North West Media © Becky Davis

SPORT LL

17

Double treat for fans of grappling

BY JACK GIBSON

Liverpool Hope University Netball team

© Lydia Holt

City set to take centre stage for netball boom

By SEAN WHELAN Liverpool is at the forefront of a netball boom - and those closest to it are delighted.

It was common knowledge that the city would host the 2018 Netball World Cup. However, what wasn’t certain was the continued comprehensive coverage this thriving sport would receive.

Sky Sports have been named as host broadcaster for next year’s event and will show every game emanating from Liverpool, in what promises to be an enthralling 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup. Coverage across linear, digital and social platforms will continue right through to the tournament’s dramatic conclusion on July 21st at the Echo Arena.

The BBC will also be providing extensive coverage of the tournament, which begins on July 12th.

Roisin Finnigan, the Vice Pres-

ident of Liverpool Hope University’s Netball team, is delighted with the confirmation of both Sky Sports and BBC’s respective coverage of the World Cup. “It’s very positive for all concerned including us here. It’s a testament to the popularity and expansion of the sport at all levels.”

Roisin told Liverpool Life: “We have two teams now which shows just how popular the sport is becoming.

“From children to adults, the demand to play is on the rise, and so is the demand to see it so I’m glad broadcasters will provide people with the opportunity.”

Lydia Holt, a member of the team at Liverpool Hope University, is thrilled with the coverage the sport is getting. “It’s great to see netball getting the exposure and attention it deserves, it’s long overdue!

“To me and the rest of the girls it

acts as a huge source of motivation. Netball players can now see a path to success and stardom. Boys playing football have always had the opportunity to go and play on the grandest stage in front of millions if they were good enough, slowly but surely netball players are receiving the same exposure and thus opportunities.”

It’s clear the sport that many hold so dear is flourishing, and not just at the highest level.

The numbers speak for themselves - there was a 44% increase in participation at grassroots level in the last year, with nearly 30,000 players taking to the courts across England.

Sky Sports’ decision to provide such extensive coverage of the Netball World Cup is not only a reaction to that but also a response to the fact that their viewership of the sport this year has more than doubled compared to the year before.

Wrestling is set to feature on Liverpool’s sporting calendar with two events taking place over the next two Sundays.

The first is Trauma at the Olympia this Sunday. It will feature a host of UK wrestling stars including Liverpool’s very own Zack Gibson as well as former WWE star Cody Rhodes.

This will then be followed

by WWE network sensations Bruce Prichard and Conrad Thompson, who will take part in a special podcast.

If this isn’t enough for avid wrestling fans, then you can sit in VIP seats with the iconic Papa Shango, who will also host a private after-party when the event comes to a close.

The week after will see another wrestling event come to Liverpool as the Winter Games takes place in Sefton.

Pic © Matt Brink

Teams aim for success in league sports fixtures

By SHANNON LYON It is a big day for league sports at University of Liverpool.

The university will be taking part in many matches throughout the day in a variety of different sports. It will feature both male and female

teams, across different venues throughout Liverpool.

The teams involved are badminton, netball, squash, table tennis, hockey, basketball and fencing.

Sport events will take place from 1pm to 6pm and are open to all to come and watch.

Tonight will feature the men’s badminton and basketball in the University of Liverpool Sports Centre, which will start at 6pm It will feature the men’s first badminton division playing against Liverpool John Moores, followed by the men’s second division

playing against Edge Hill’s first division.

The evening will also feature a game of basketball in which the University of Liverpool will be playing against Bolton.

Sports events in the day will feature the women’s hockey, netball and squash.

18

LL SPORT

Founder David Kelly with Co owner of Everton Bill Kenright © Rohin Jalota Matthew playing in a cup game again Penycae

© Matthew Jones

McGinn strikes back From scoring one of the fastest FA Cup goals as a substitute in the history of the competition, to firing Chester FC to a historic title, lower-league journeyman Matthew McGinn speaks to Liverpool Life’s STEPHEN KILLEN about his playing career

L

iverpool-born Matthew McGinn has played all over around the lower leagues in England and Wales, enjoying a few stints in Europe with Airbus Broughton FC before a shoulder injury forced the 35-year-old into an early retirement. But just a year out of football was enough before he made his return to Wales.

The Maghull-born left-sided midfielder, turned left-back, turned centre-half, became a father for the second time in September, welcoming another male McGinn to the growing football-dominated family.

Baby George joins Matty’s other brothers Michael and Marcus and his two-year-old son Joseph.

Sod’s Law that when Liverpool Life met with Matty, the shoulder injury that previously required surgery had flared up once again ruling him out for a few weeks.

Since returning to the Wingmakers in June 2018, he has yet to rue making his return to competitive football.

He told LL: “This season back at Airbus has been great as we are unbeaten in the first 13 league games.”

With Airbus flying high 12 points clear at the top of the Huws Gray Alliance, the 35-yearold recently got his name on the scoresheet, smashing home from 25 yards out in their 9-1

demolition of Llay Welfare in the Welsh Cup. In his first spell at the club he helped them to a Welsh Cup Final and two Europa League qualifications, against FK Haugesund and Lokomotiv Zagreb.

The left-sided player talked us through the persistent shoulder injury which sent him into retirement, claiming it as the hardest challenge in his career, “I’d say the toughest challenge in my career was over coming a dislocated shoulder at such a late age and having to call it a day from the game. The problem sparked away at Aberystwyth blocking the ball and as a result the lad landed on top of me.

“Then an opponent pulled me back by an already damaged arm, and did the ligaments in my shoulder. But I have since been able to play again.”

He will forever be in Chester FC folklore for the half-volley which cemented their place in the Blue Square Bet North (now known as the National League North), and securing back-to-back promotions, previously winning the Northern Premier League Premier Division. He regards the goal as one of the best moments in his career, “The promotion-winning goal against Northwich for Chester was probably my best memory in football. We were losing 1-0 in

the second half, I was playing left back to start before being pushed forward to left midfield. I got the ball, cut inside the defender and put it in the top corner from outside the box in front of 5,000 fans.”

The Hollyoaks electrician has joined forces with current Southport manager Liam Watson three times throughout his career, enjoying league success in two out of his three spells with the manager.

He first partnered up with him at Burscough, then during Watson’s first spell at the Sandgrounders, before moving from Chester to AFC Telford United, reuniting with his former manager for the final time.

A goal, which again established his name in folklore, was his goal for Southport, under Watson, in the FA Cup against Sheffield Wednesday, after coming on as substitute in the 57th minute and rifling home a half volley to level the second round tie. Despite the result, he stills deems it as one of his best football moments.

“I came on as a second half substitute, not long before the hour mark. We were 2-1 down at the time, Neil Mellor and Gary Teale were playing for Wednesday. I ran up to take the throw-in, it was headed back to me and I smashed it through the crowd of players and saw it nestle in the far corner.”

Derby fans unite for foodbank

BY ROHIN JALOTA At least two tonnes of food was collected prior to the Merseyside derby at the weekend by local organisation Fans Supporting Foodbanks.

The group, a partnership between Everton Supporters Trust and Spirit of Shankly, was formed three years ago with the aim of tackling increasing levels of poverty in the city.

Fans supporting foodbanks has gained huge support.

In recent months, Liverpool FC players Jordan Henderson and Andrew Robertson have been getting involved helping volunteers in the city.

The derby weekend provided a great platform for giving, with vans set up outside Anfield and around the rest of the city encouraging people to give what they can.

Jacobs biscuit factory in Aintree donated 12,000 packets of assorted biscuits – enough to fill the Kop on match day.

The charity have admitted that despite fantastic donations thus far, it must be doubled if it is to keep up with current demand.

Founder David Kelly said: “It’s not a humanitarian crisis, it’s an epidemic now.

We don’t want to be doing this but it just keeps getting worse.”

SPORT

LL 19

Greg’s goal is tackling prejudice Stephen Killen speaks to openly gay football coach Greg McLean about the fight against homophobia in football

A

fter I came out to my family, I didn’t feel confident or comfortable to come out to the lads of the football team I ran, so I walked away.

It took five months of counselling to get my confidence to a point where I was comfortable enough to tell them.”

So says football coach and referee Greg McLean. The Liverpoolborn coach grew up and went to school in Aigburth. Following a long battle to accept his sexuality, he eventually came out at the age of 24 to overwhelming support from his family, friends and teammates.

Speaking to LL, Greg praised the work that Stonewall have done to fight discrimination in sport.

Liverpool County FA expects the number of participants in the 2018 Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign to treble compared to last year, with 12 clubs and 230 players taking part.

“Stonewall’s involvement is incredibly important and the work they have done so far has been tremendous. The involvement and engagement from Premier League and Football League club’s has been much stronger this year than ever before,” Greg said.

But he insisted more needed to rally around the cause: “Stonewall can’t carry the fight against homophobia alone. This needs to be supported and echoed by all of the governing bodies within football from the top down.

“Hopefully, Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign can be the catalyst for ending homophobia in football given time.”.

The 26-year-old started refereeing in 2009. During that time he decided to set up his own team,

St. Margaret’s Old Boys FC, which two years later resulted in his decision to step down from refereeing. He finally returned this September.

During his time away from being the man in the middle, he made the biggest decision of his life - coming out to family and friends.

Like many in the UK and Ireland who find it hard to come to terms with their sexuality, Greg too struggled.

“For many of my teenage years I questioned my sexuality.

I had feelings that I did not know whether they were a normal part of growing up or whether I was different. I tried to portray that I fancied girls to my friends but the truth was, I didn’t.

“Every day I was living a lie, acting as though I was someone else.

I would deflect questions about girlfriends and change the subject whenever it would arise.

“I kept myself as busy as possibly to distract myself from even thinking about it.

“I gradually became deeply unhappy as time went on and I reached a real low point when I was 23 that I was trying to find a way out. I was depressed and also suffered from social anxiety.”

Ultimately, from brushing his feelings under the carpet, he grew unhappy and trapped which as a result drove him into a dark period of his life causing him to suffer from depression.

There was light at the end of

the tunnel, however, Geoff, his former head of Sixth Form at St Margaret’s, spotted the problem and helped Greg come to terms with who he was.

“It took a while, but eventually I admitted to him that I was gay.

He was the first person I told. The feeling of weight lifting from my shoulders was incredible.

“He advised that I tell people in my own time and only when I was comfortable.”

After receiving overwhelming support from his family and closest friends, he had the long battle with coming out to his teammates.

In the current climate of football, there is still only a handful of openly gay footballers, which adds to the stigma and the struggle of coming out.

“It took five months of counselling to get my confidence to a point where I was comfortable enough to tell them. I decided on my 24th birthday, when driving home, to stop the car in a side street.

“I just sat for a while. I then composed a personal message to each individual player explaining why I had left, that I had come out as gay and it was a hugely difficult time in my life.”

Greg could never have imagined the response he would receive off his team. He continued: “The response I received was overwhelming.”

Research from Stonewall found that 59pc of people thought offensive language towards LGBT people in sport was a problem.

Greg emphasised his feelings that not enough is being done to fight homophobia, especially in football: “I feel that more needs to be done on a regular basis to fight against homophobia in football.

“There needs to be more education for all age groups on the effects homophobia can have on people who are going through the challenges of coming out.

“Being gay should not and does not have any relevance whatsoever to someone’s ability to support a team, play for a team or coach a team. In the same way that many years ago, racism was rife in football; education has meant that people are much more aware of this being wrong.”

Greg had a message for anyone struggling to come to terms with their sexuality. He said: “You have to learn to love yourself for who you are.

“Life out of the closet is absolutely brilliant though. You don’t have to worry about hiding it from anyone and the feeling of freedom is liberating. The weight you have carried on your shoulders for a long time will suddenly be gone.”

“So be confident in who you are, and let the world see the real you.”

‘The Rainbow Laces campaign can be the catalyst for ending homophobia in football’

LL Liverpool Life

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Liverpool Life team We will be back in February to bring you more quality news and sport Picture Š Annie Williams