Liverpool Life issue 10

Liverpool

Life

www.jmu-journalism.org.uk

5th - February - 2013

CUT TO THE BONE

Brolly bad weather

Mayor Joe Anderson © Inniebear

’We simply haven’t got the money’ Pg 4

By Ian Bolland

Mayor Joe Anderson has warned of the pain and potential job losses to come as the council embarks on another round of deep spending cuts.

The mayor said that after the £32million savings for 2013/14 that the council doesn’t really know what to do when it comes to services after that.

Mayor Anderson said: “We’ve lost 1,600 jobs and that’s why services are not as good as they were and potentially there are more jobs to go but what I want to do is work with the trade unions who understand the predicament that we’re in.

“People are complaining to me

about the roads, the potholes, the cleanliness of the streets and those things are going to get worse because we simply haven’t got the money. The reality is that we’ll only be a commissioner of services rather than a provider.”

But the mayor insisted that Liverpool is in a good place with and is confident that projects such as the water scheme and the redevelopment of the Royal Hospital to come and pledged to help those who are struggling.

Mayor Anderson added: “Liverpool is in a great place, Liverpool is going places. I am absolutely confident of that.

“The city has a really bright future but it’s tough for those in need.

Continued on page 3

Joy for Oliver King Foundation as campaign reaches 100,000 signatures to trigger MPs’ debate See page 4 for more information

JMU student Kate Molyneux is seen struggling to keep her umbrella up as she fights against the wind. More bad weather conditions are to hit Liverpool.

Throughout the week there will a mixture of sunny and cloudy periods, with the more than likely chance of frost, due to the possible low temperatures of 1°C

Pg 7

Rocky Horror tours for 40th anniversary

Liverpool Football Pg 12 Club faces matchfixing claims over Champions League clash Turn to back page for more

Life/News/2

Philharmonic bids for £12m revamp

by David Williamson

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall has been successful in an application to go forward to Stage Two of the Art Council England’s (ACE) capital grants funding programme.

The proposed investment of up to £7.3 million towards the refurbishment of the Grade II listed building.

In 2012, ACE awarded seed funding of £634,000 to enable the Liverpool Philharmonic to appoint architects to lead a design team in the first steps towards the refurbishment.

The 1939 venue is the home of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and is one of the UK’s premier arts and entertainment venues.

The project target for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s refurbishment is £12 million.

For the Liverpool Philharmonic to progress in Stage Two of ACE’s capital funding programme it will need to submit detailed plans of the design and development demonstrating the organisation can deliver the project.

The refurbishment works will provide improvements to front of house areas and facilities for all visitors and participants including the foyer, box office, bars and catering, toilets and lift access to all levels of the building.

There will be re-buidling and improving of the stage and choir performance areas in the auditorium, new practice and backstage facilities for resident and visiting musicians, increased environmental sustainability, including the ability to reduce power consumption across the building’s utilities.

In September of 2012, Liverpool City Council’s mayoral cabinet endorsed the refurbishment plans for the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall by agreeing a capital contribution

The Phil: The Facts

The original Philharmonic hall was destroyed by a fire in 1933.

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall presents on average 250 events each year, of which approximately 70 are concerts by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and sells over 250,000 tickets annually.

The Philharmonic Hall is grade II listed.

The grade II building has been at the heart of Liverpool’s culture since its opening in 1940 of £2 million which will include modernising the current building lease on the council owned building.

Music critic Glyn Mon Hughes said: “It will probably mean that concert-goers will have a better experience.

“Remember that the hall is not just home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (they give around 80 or so concerts there each year) but it is also a venue for rock and pop events (though not the huge acts who would go to the Liverpool Echo Arena), comedy, film and conference-type events.

“Indeed, it is proving an increasingly popular venue with concert attendances for the RLPO up more than 10% since 2008 and overall hall events up by more than 5%. It is likely that the hall will become an even more attractive venue to

Liverpool

Life Team

Editor Lauren Murphy Deputy Editor Rachael Bentham Revise Editor Lucy Baines News Editor Joshua Nevett News Michaela Routledge Rachael Leitch Scott Rumsey Emma Kemmery

Features Editor Josh Parry Features Rachael Laird Paul Collins Karina Galli Sport Editor Adam Davies Sports Rachael Bentham Rory Kelly Picture Editors Phlippa Probert Karina Galli

touring bands and acts.

“Better bar facilities will mean people are more likely to use and stay at the venue and so spend money, which means income will rise.”

The refurbishment will see the bars and catering areas re-vamped.

Glyn Mon Hughes said: “When there is a sell-out concert, the bars are very uncomfortable and crowded and it is almost impossible to get an interval drink.

“In its defence, I’d say the hall was built at a time when people went out to the concert and returned home directly.

“There was not the culture of going out to a bar and restaurant beforehand and then hang around afterwards.

“If you look at places like the Royal Albert Hall in London, they have the same problem: totally in-

adequate bar areas.

“Compared to, say, Symphony Hall in Birmingham, the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester or even the Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank in London (built during the 1950s so not that long after the present Phil) the Phil is not a good venue for the times in which we live. So that will change.”

Subject to securing the required investment for the refurbishment, works to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall will commence in Spring 2014, with the venue undergoing a period of closure until the end of October 2014.

The full programme of works will be completed during 2015, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is the UK’s oldest surviving professional symphony orchestra and the second oldest concert-giving organisation in the UK. Liverpool Philharmonic has been working with schools and the community through its orchestral programme since the 1940s, when Sir Malcolm Sargent first introduced a concert series for schools.

The origins of the Orchestra’s concert series date back to the formation of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society, which administers it, by a group of Liverpool music lovers in 1840.

Gunshot victim praised for bravery

by Rory O’Reilly A Liverpool man has been praised for his bravery after he was shot when he confronted hooligans who stole his sister’s bike at gunpoint on Monday night.

Alan Moss, 26, of Netherton, was shot at point blank range by a gang of youths who had threatened his 13-year-old sister with a gun and put a knife to her throat just minutes before.

The shooting now means five teenagers are now in custody in connection with the incident, two aged 17, two aged 14 and a 15-year-old.

The teenager was held on suspicion of possession of a firearm and

section 18 wounding and robbery.

He was taken to a police station for questioning and remains in custody.

Mr Moss’ housemate Kevin Anderson, 28, said he was “lucky to be alive.”

He told the Liverpool Echo: “In a way it’s fortunate that they were just kids and didn’t know what they were doing, because otherwise from that range, he wouldn’t be here.”

Alan, who works at Jaguar Land Rover, heard the thugs had threatened his sister in Marian Square and went to help out with mum Joanne.

After he confronted them and pulled one of the youths off his sister’s bike, another shot him at

point blank range.

The bullet went right through his arm as he tried to shield his face and protect his mum, who was also threatened with the knife.

Alan was released from hospital yesterday afternoon after having surgery on his arm.

Sefton Area Commander, Chief Supt Nikki Holland, said: “We are taking this incident extremely seriously and are doing all that we can to investigate those responsible.

“This type of reckless behaviour cannot be tolerated and I would urge anyone who has any information about this incident to contact 0151 777 5699 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

High speed rail link boost

by David Williamson

The government have outlined plans to extend the ‘High Speed 2’ line to Liverpool. David Cameron hopes that the high speed links between the cities will help drive regional regeneration and

invigorate regional economies.

Liverpool will be connected to the high speed line on the West Coast Mainline at Crewe. This will reduce journey times to London by over half an hour from 2h 08m to 1h 36m. Secretary of State for

Transport, Patrick McLoughlin said: “High Speed Rail is an unparalleled opportunity to secure a step-change in Britain’s competitiveness, and this government will do everything possible to ensure that Liverpool benefits.”

More tributes to tragic teenager

by Ryan McCann Tributes have been paid to Nathan Taylor by his friends and family after the teenager’s body was recovered from Latchford Locks after a seven day search.

The 18-year-old from Padgate went missing after leaving a friend’s birthday party at Bridge Bar on January 26.

The search to find his body was aided by groups being set up on Facebook and other social media outlets. Friends and relatives volunteered to deliver police leaflets in the hope of getting him home safely.

Underwater divers recovered a body from the Locks on Friday afternoon. On Saturday police confirmed it was Mr Taylor’s.

Since then online group members have paid tribute to the popular Warrington Collegiate media student.

They described him as a big fan of working out at the gym and playing computer games.

Nathan’s cousin Hannah Taylor posted on Facebook: “I cannot thank you all enough, in Warrington and for coming together everywhere to give the support and help to our family the past seven days.

I can’t put into words the turn of events that have happened, you have been truly amazing and kept us all strong.” Anne Brodie-Simpson wrote: “RIP Nathan, such a sad loss to all who knew him.”

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “The thoughts of Cheshire Police and the communities of Warrington are very much with Nathan’s family during this difficult time.”

In a statement the family said: “We are very grateful to Cheshire Police for all they have done for Nathan and his family. A special thank you also goes out to the Cheshire Search and Rescue team and to the Staffordshire Search and Rescue team who worked so hard.”

Police drug warning

by Michaela Shaw

Merseyside Police have issued a warning about the use of illegal substances, following a surge in popularity of a ‘new’ drug in the county.

The force is asking people to be vigilant about the new type of class-A drug in the area known as Methamphetamine. The warning follows a large discovery of Methamphetamine in the Wirral last November.

The public are being urged to look out for the drug which is usually white and odourless, which dissolves easily in water and alcohol. It can be referred to as “ice” “crystal” or “glass” due to its transparency.

Methamphetamine belongs to the amphetamines family, and is highly addictive and has severe effects. Detective Superintendent Chris Green, said: “Methamphetamine causes the heart to beat faster and blood pressure to rise.

An overdose of methamphetamine can result in seizures, high body temperature, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke and death.”

Life/News/3 More Council cuts: Have your say bad news, says mayor

By Ian Bolland

Continued from page 1

Amanda Pugh, of Liverpool said: “Bedroom tax is disgraceful; it is completely out of order. People are being discriminated against.

I’m going to be paying £13 a week for my extra room.”

Jacqueline Hynes, of Liverpool said: “People over 60 aren’t getting looked after properly because of a lack of funding. The government needs to re-assess their actions because the cost of living has gone up, but you can’t afford to live.”

Eric and Mary Bache, of Liverpool said: “Our pension has only got up by £1 which amounts to nothing because everything else has gone up too. My gas bill is an extra £10 a week.”

Tunnel tolls set to rise again in April

By Rory O’Reilly

The cost of travelling through the Mersey tunnels is set to increase by 10p from April in line with increased funding for maintenance.

Merseytravel is increasing the toll from £1.50 to £1.60 for cars travelling this Thursday, a total rise of 7%. The increase will amount to an extra £2.6million a year for the Labour run authority which is needed for the upkeep of the tunnels.

Nearly £10million a year is still being used to pay of long standing debts on the tunnels which stand at over £58million. It was revealed earlier this month that half of the annual £37million collected in Mersey tolls is diverted away from their staffing and maintenance.

But despite Merseytravel not needing the additional £2.6million officials have recommended the rise to keep pace with inflation under the Mersey Tunnels Act 2004.

The move has been criticised

by Wirral Conservative coun-

cillor Chris Blakeley who said: “I find this absolutely incredible.

“Over the last 10 years Merseytravel has taken more than £40m pounds in surplus tolls to subsidise half empty new headquarters, tramlines that never saw the light of day and other vanity projects.”

In past years the authority has discounted the rate. But the report for this week’s meeting says that discounting the current rate should be done when “necessary” or “appropriate” on social or economic grounds.

The report also contains a comparison between tunnel tolls and other forms of transport getting across the river.

Since 2006/07 tunnel tolls have increased by 15.4% from £1.30 to their current price of £1.50.

Rail saw the biggest increase from £1.60 to £2.30 (43.75%) followed by buses which increased from £2.20 to £2.85 (29.5%) and then ferries £1.35 to £1.60 (18.5%).

At a meeting earlier this month Merseyside councillors

asked officials to contact government for clarification on the option for the tunnels to be brought into the national highway network.

Officials are expected to give a verbal update on that situation during Thursday’s meeting. If, as expected, councillors vote for the changes, the price will increase on April 1.The 7% rise will also apply to their types if vehicles, so that classes 2, 3 and 4 will pay £3.20, £4.80 and £6.40 respectively.

Earlier in January John McGoldrick, secretary of the Tunnel Users Association, said that the “usual excuses” would be used to justify the increase.

He also noted that there will be no local elections this year across Liverpool.

Mr McGoldrick said: “They feel that if they want to do something unpopular they stand a better chance this year.”

Merseytravel will not comment on reports that they will announce an unpopular proposal, and that they stand a better chance of passing it this year.

ficer numbers at their current levels and would cost “Band A” council tax payers - the majority on Merseyside - £2.01 per year She has proposed to increase the precept by around £1m bringing it to £51m. The extra 2% will enable her to set a balanced budget, maintain police officer numbers and protect frontline services.

Ms Kennedy is also reducing the costs of her own office by £800,000 over the next two years in order to keep the precept as low as possible and defend the police budget from further cuts.

Ms Kennedy also feels very strong-

ly for some communities on Merseyside, with gun, gang and violent crime destroying the neighbourhoods. Jane Kennedy said: “For me that’s got to be a top priority, tackling those kind of crimes, and then working together in partnership, when you’ve got a reducing budget the most effective way to maintain the best standards of policing and crime reduction is to work in partnership with their own, some crime is better dealt with by local authorities, some crime is better tackled even in schools and the title itself includes the word crime so it’s not just police, its Police and Crime Commissioner.”

Mersey tunnel tolls will increase by 7% ©Pimlico Badger

Police chief’s budget call Park and ride

By David Williamson

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside has asked for a 2% rise in her first budget proposal.

Jane Kennedy identifies that is the rise needed to prevent losing more frontline officers.

The current budget plans would force Merseyside to cut 25 police officers over the next three years.

Merseyside Police has already lost 624 officers and 177 staff posts since 2010.

The majority of the public on Band A would only see a 4p a week rise in council tax.

The 2% increase would allow Merseyside Police to keep of-

scheme fails

By Joe Lanigan-Smith

Merseytravel’s new park and ride scheme has failed to win over commuters, who are still parking their cars in side roads.

270 parking spaces have been installed at Birkenhead North Station, but the public are still leaving their cars in streets away from the station.

The scheme has been twinned with another in Bidston and both cost £2.6million to build.

Councillor Harry Smith, the Wirral councillor for transport, wants to speak to Merseytravel to see

if a resolution can be reached.

He said: “I agree that the present situation is far from ideal. First the extended bridge has yet to be built and also there are no yellow lines.

People will be reluctant to use it if they continue having to walk around to gain access to the station.

“I’m also asking for direction signs to be erected to encourage commuters to use the facility.”

A Merseytravel spokesman said plans for a bridge to connect the park and ride facility were in phase two of the programme due to be completed later this year.

Mayor Anderson added: “It’s tough for those who are unemployed, those who are on benefit and we’ve got to do all we can to try and help them.”

The city budget has been overshadowed by the Budget Working Group (BWG) – a cross-party group which worked on the council’s budget decisions - breaking down over the weekend. This transpired into an email row between Mayor Anderson and Councillor Kemp over documents from the BWG leaked into the public domain with the Mayor accusing the Liberal Democrat leader of being dishonest and of being a “despicable character.”

But Councillor Kemp claimed that despite the sour relationship that has developed between himself and the Mayor that he will support a lot of what the Labour group will put forward.

Councillor Kemp has expressed his bewilderment at how the BWG got to this stage.

“It was quite obvious that public finances were going to fall off a cliff irrespective of who had been in government because of the financial position nationally and internationally.

Responsible “We will support the vast majority of what has come through the BWG and we will support the vast majority of what the Labour group is going to do because we’d have been doing roughly the same thing.”

“We are going to be a responsible opposition.

“We will continue to support all those things which we think they’re having to do and having to do correctly so I’m not going to be leading an opportunist charge at the budget meeting that would be wrong” Councillor Kemp has also called for a fresh approach such as social enterprises to the way the council runs services like Allerton Golf Course and the city’s libraries - which could be hit by closures as a result of cuts.

“Let’s go and talk to the users and say “can you do something about this?” and in many cases they will do.

“Lots of these peripheral activities that are going to get chopped you could say “there you are, there’s the golf course, we’ll give you a 99-year lease, you run it and carry on running it then it won’t be a drain on our finances.”

He also said that libraries need to have a thorough review about what a library is for and the services and technology it offers.

“The biggest threat to libraries isn’t now money, anything that the government does, the council does, it’s Kindles and iPads.

“So my view was on the libraries - and I put this forward - is to have a thorough review about what a library is for and what it does and if you want to do those things, is the library the best way to do it [run the service] now?

“Because to my mind a library has become a specialist community centre now rather than a place of books.”

More job misery as 70 face the axe

by Lauren Kelly

Around 70 employees working at Liverpool training provider Scientiam were informed on Monday that they will lose their jobs after the company went into administration.

The firm, based in Hanover Street One, appointed administrators on Monday after several meetings with external assessors.

The board of Liverpool-based training provider Scientiam appointed Tim Askham and Robert Adamson, both of Mazars as joint administrators who said; “The appointment reluctantly followed an internal review supported by advice from the external auditors which concluded that Scientiam had become insolvent and could not continue its operations. Learner numbers not reaching targets coupled with claw backs of previously advanced funding combined to drain Scientiam of its cash resources.”

For over ten years Scientiam have become one of the largest training schemes in the region providing invaluable advice and skills to young unemployed people hoping to work in construction, retail, catering and management sectors. It has worked with the Skills Funding Agency and Education Funding Agency to deliver a range of Government-funded programs to young people.

Scientiam are currently providing training for 700 people, most of which are aged between 16- 18 but the end of its operations will mean that these young people will have to seek help from other organizations. However administrators have said that they are in discussions with other funding agencies who may be interested in

Streets on big stage

by Alice Kirkland Scenes of one of Liverpool’s most iconic streets were shown during Sunday night’s Super Bowl as part of a trailer for an upcoming Hollywood blockbuster.

Filming took place back in November for the sixth Fast and the Furious instalment as stunt cars and extras took to Dale Street and the surrounding areas.

Although none of the stars were present during the Liverpool filming hype quickly spread across social networks as crowds gathered to watch the high speed chases.

The trailer, which features Vin Diesel and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, was viewed by 71,000 people within the Superdome and over 100 million worldwide during America’s biggest sporting event of the year.

The much-anticipated half time show also featured trailers for Iron Man 3 and Star Trek: Into Darkness, as well as a spectacular performance by Beyoncé.

Advertisement slots during the show are widely regarded as the most lucrative time for commercials.

Life/News/4

£2.7m research to cut smoke deaths

by Sara Ainsworth

A Malawi woman cooking on an open fire

Liverpool researchers have been awarded £2.7m to explore the fatal effects of smoke inhalation from cooking in a bid to reduce death rates.

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Aintree University hospital have teamed up to lead the investigation on how to reduce the effects of smoke inhalation from open fires by supplying people with efficient biomass cook stoves that reduce smoke emissions and exposures.

The trial will be conducted in Malawi and involve 156 villages.

All households with a child under four and a half years of age will be entitled to two Phillips fan assisted stoves and the research will be carried out for two years.

Dr Kevin Mortimer, a Respiratory Consultant at Aintree University Hospital and a Sen

ior Clinical Lecturer at LSTM said: “It is the poorest people in the world who use open fires in their homes, which are often basic structures with poor ventilation.

“The harmful effects of the smoke inhalation lie between passive and active cigarette smoking. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an example of one of these harmful effects and is an area of great clinical and academic expertise at Aintree University Hospital.”

In Malawi approximately seven million households depend on biomass as their main source of fuel.

Smoke from burning biomass in open fires causes many health problems including chronic lung disease, lung cancer, heart disease, stillbirth and low birth weight which cause a total of four million deaths. In addition to this, a cooking fire fuelled by wood emits 400

Family of Oliver King in e-petition victory

by Joe Lanigan Smith The Oliver King Foundation e-petition for lifesaving Defibrillators in schools and public buildings has reached 100,000 signatures.

The matter can now be debated in Parliament as long as enough MP’s agree to approach the Back Bench Business committee. All Liverpool MP’s as well as shadow health secretary Andy Burnham are currently onboard with the campaign as are many more around the country.

The government would then have to consider whether it should be mandatory requirement for defibrillators to be installed in all public places.

The foundation was set up in memory of the 12-year-old

Childwall boy who died when his heart stopped as he swam in the pool at King David high school, in March, 2011. Up to 700 people a year – mainly children and young people – are thought to die from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) every year in the UK. Aims of the foundation include introducing defibrillators to all public buildings by 2017, and providing staff with the appropriate training.

Training would be provided for all young people working in a sporting environment between 15 and 35 and it is hoped this could reduce the current death rate by 12 people a week.

In Liverpool, 122 Primary schools now have lifesaving defibrilla-

tors fitted and this is all because of the campaign’s tireless work.

Labour Councillor for the Wavertree area, Jake Morrison who was instrumental in setting up the petition, told the Liverpool Echo: “Mark and Oliver’s family are absolutely delighted with the news that the petition has now received over 100,000 signatures.

Did we ever think that we would reach the figure we needed? No I honestly didn’t, but we’re so overwhelmed by all the support.

“We have done it. It has been a long and really busy 12 months, but we have the support of the British public.

Our job is now to take this back to the Government and work towards legislation which will save lives.”

Tragic: Schoolboy Oliver King

by Alice Kirkland A measles outbreak has been declared in the North West of England as over 700 cases of the virus were recorded in Liverpool in the first nine months of last year.

This increase in outbreaks has been put down to the knock on effect of the Autism scare nearly 15 years ago when Dr Andrew Wakefield believed he had found a link between the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine and the mental condition.

Within six years the research had been discredited but the seed of doubt had already been sown in the minds of parents around the country.

This resulted in a drop in the up-take of vaccinations implemented. By 2004 only 80% of all children aged between one and two had received the two-stage vaccination; a figure down from 92% previously. The implica-

tions of this have seen an increase month on month of the number of outbreak cases recorded.

The number of children receiving the MMR vaccine has increased each year since 2004 but the figure is still below that of the 95% which the World Health Organisation believes is needed to make it almost impossible for the virus to spread.

Other areas which have noticed a number of outbreaks of the virus includes the South East and London, which recorded around 400 cases, and the North East and Wales where about 80 cases were documented between them.

Dr Mark Ford explaind why the virus is more prevalent in some areas than others; “It’s a combination of bad luck, as the virus can get a foothold in an area, but also what we call ‘herd immunity’.

“This is where a group of people have not immunised due to the

hang over from the autism scare.

This group of children, usually no older than their early teens, are of a large enough scale for the virus to get a foothold and spread.”

In an attempt to prevent further outbreaks the NHS and the Health Protection Agency have organised a series of sessions in schools to immunise children who did not receive the MMR vaccine when they were younger.

Jane Cloud, whose son Jack, 12, came down with measles on New Year’s Day this year, said: “If I’d had him immunised this would never have happened.

While it’s readily available if you haven’t had your children vaccinated before get them done now.”

Anyone can contract the virus, which is passed on by direct contact, but it is most common in children, especially those aged between one and two years old. Early stages of

symptoms are not uncommon to those of a cold, but within four days a rash appears on the skin.

Although measles is usually a mild virus, and like chickenpox can only be caught once, it can have long lasting, and sometimes fatal, consequences for the victim In 2000, 1,500 cases were reported in Dublin, of which 100 children were admitted to hospital. Six of these found themselves in the Intensive Care Unit, three later died.

The MMR vaccine also prevents the contraction of mumps and rubella. Of the three viruses mumps is the most common, with over 50,000 cases reported in 2005.

Rubella, on the other hand, is very rare but can have serious implications. Anyone under 25 who has not been vaccinated is advised to do so and those who believe they have contracted the virus should seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

cigarettes worth of smoke in just an hour. Infant death rates are a growing problem in Malawi despite making progress towards the Millennium Development goal of reducing child mortality rates.

Pneumonia which can be caused by smoke inhalation accounts for 30% of deaths in children under 5 each year.

Dr Mortimer said: “The cookstoves burn the same fuel used in the open fires but much more efficiently, which reduces the amount of smoke emitted by around ninety per cent. The implications could be enormous and benefit millions of people around the world.”

The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (GACC) was launched in 2010 to give families access to clean affordable energy.

A target of the alliance is for 100 million homes to adopt clean and efficient stoves and fuels by 2020.

Measles outbreak in North West confirmed

Dr Andrew Wakefield

Life/News/5

Mersey school launches disablity charity

by Michaela Shaw

A Merseyside high school has launched a charity which aims to enable disabled pupils to take part in various sports.

The Mosslands School in Wallasey has created ‘The Mosslands Embrace Charity’ following a successful year for disabled sports with the Paralympics 2012.

It aims to raise money for specially adapted wheelchairs which will allow disabled children the opportunity to get involved in sports.

Tom Keggin, one of the charity leaders, said: “Last term a group of our pupils enjoyed a trip to The Oval Leisure Centre in Bebington for a Paralympics Day with other schools from the North West.

“After this we decided to launch the charity to get more suitable sports wheelchairs for students, and to try and involve the whole school in the campaign.”

Many of the activities the pupils can partake in with these special wheelchairs would normally be restricted due to their disability, but the charity aims to give them a new found freedom.

The new adapted wheelchairs are lighter and faster than the average ones, allowing the pupils to move more easily in PE lessons.

As well as raising money, the school hopes to raise awareness of disability and sports across the county, but the main ambition is to raise enough funds for six of the speciality wheelchairs needed to get pupils involved in sport, at a total cost of £3,000.

The charity also wants to focus on encouraging able-bodied pupils to participate in sport with fellow pupils who are disabled, enhancing the experience for both.

Tom added: “We are an inclusive school and felt that we wanted to offer more sports to our pupils with special education needs.

“The wheelchairs will really enhance our disabled pupils’ experience and participation in both PE and extra-curricular sports.”

Pupil-led fundraising events such as cake sales and non-uniform days are already under way and another Paralympics Day for Wirral schools.

Volcano climb in memory of Naomi Scott Stringer plans to climb the volcano Mount Semeru in Indonesia - despite it being active - after seeing a friend post about it on Facebook

by Hayley Minn

Scott described Naomi as amazing, kind and inspirational

A man from Bootle has decided to climb an active volcano in Indonesia to raise money for ward 10z in Liverpool Royal Hospital, in memory of his friend, Naomi Daly.

Scott Stringer, 25, made the decision to climb Mount Semeru to raise money for ward 10z just two weeks ago after seeing one of his friends, who lives in Indonesia, post a picture of the volcano up on Facebook, with the caption, “Some of my mates are going to climb this in August. Anyone’s welcome to join.”

Naomi was diagnosed with lymphoma and leukaemia, and passed away 16 months later, at the age of 21, and ward 10Z at the Liverpool Royal Hospital is the day care ward that looked after her following her stem cell transplant in February last year.

A close friend of Naomi, Scott said: “Naomi started the work that both me and Naomi's whole family wish to continue, which is to refurbish and improve the conditions on this ward. It was a cause very close to her heart and now close to mine. She was absolutely the most amazing, kindest, best inspirational person I’ve ever met.

She’d call me crazy for doing this, but she’d call me crazy anyway.”

Having never flown abroad before, Scott will have to endure an eighteen hour flight to Indonesia on his own, in order to meet the group of people he will be climbing up the 60ft tall volcano with, which erupts every 20 minutes, and takes over two days to reach the summit. However he insists that he is not scared about anything.

He said: “I went up Snowdon when I was 12, but Snowdon’s easy. I’ve got no fear at all. Noth-

ing can scare me. I’ve got two motorbikes, I’ve been in fast cars, I’ve had lots of piercings and tattoos and none of that’s bothered me. Nothing bothers me.”

A lover of tattoos, Naomi wanted a tattoo of a cancer research ribbon, with the words “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice” written across it. However, as she was unable to get it, Scott got it for her. The tattoo parlour where he had it, 3 Sixes Tattoo, are holding a charity day soon, where anyone can get a tattoo of a charity symbol, and make a donation, rather than paying for the tattoo.

Having already raised £464.25, Scott has already got some other challenges planned for before the climb, including kayaking Leeds & Liverpool Canal, a Race for Life in a Pikachu onesie, and he is even looking in to doing a mankini car wash.

Angie McCartney visits Royal patients

by Rory O’Reilly Sir Paul McCartney’s step-mother Angie gave patients at the Royal Hospital’s Linda McCartney Centre a pleasant surprise when she dropped in to pay a brief visit.

Angie was visiting Liverpool from LA last week to promote her new memoir ‘My Long and Winding Road’ and took time out of her schedule to visit the centre where she was shown around by staff.

Chris Holcombe, clinical director of cancer services at the

Linda McCartney Centre, gave Angie the guided tour. He said: “Angie has been a brilliant supporter of the centre for some years now, kindly sending over donations every year from the sale of her tea line, so we were really looking forward to finally meeting her.

“Without the continued support we receive from individuals like Angie, businesses and other organisations, we simply wouldn’t be able to maintain our position at the forefront of innovative treatment and care.”

The Linda McCartney Centre

began its life as a nursing college when the Royal Liverpool University Hospital was built in the 1970s but, once nurse training was transferred to John Moores University, it became under-utilised.

It re-opened in 2000, bringing together a state of the art breast assessment unit, a purpose built chemotherapy unit, an outpatient unit and a research and development department to oversee over 500 different forms of research within the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

SURPRISE VISIT: Angie McCartney at the Royal Liverpool Hospital last week

Life/Style/6

Will we ever learn to love gay marriage?

A heated debate over the same sex marriage bill has split Conservative MPs. The debate today (Tuesday) was met with a wave of anger amongst a selection of the Tory party. David Cameron is facing an army of his own party arguing against the same sex marriage bill, with a number of Tory MP’s expected to vote in opposition.

A national newspaper recorded a list of 118 Tory MPs who have expressed their disapproval of the bill, in comparison to the 14 Labour MPs who will vote against.

George Osborne, William Hague and Theresa May made a late appeal to Conservative MPs not to oppose gay marriage, insisting it “is the right thing to do at the right time”.

Locally within the Conservative party there is a clear

As Parliament discusses both sides of the argument, Rosie Cameron and Vanessa Gainford report on the same sex marriage bill split with Tory MP for Chester, Stephen Mosley, stating he will be voting in favour.

However Tory MP for Wirral West, Esther McVey, has said she will be voting against the bill.

With Liverpool having the second largest Pride event outside of London, it is evident that there has been a strong reaction from the city.

Star of E4’s reality show Desperate Scouse Wives, Jaiden Micheal was renowned for his honesty on the programme.

He said: “I believe that anyone, regardless of sex, race, and religion should be allowed to marry anyone they

choose to. I think it’s ridiculous how a government has the power to basically dictate someone’s future.

“I do however understand the religious argument as in history, same sex relationships were not allowed in the church. So why not legalise gay marriage then leave it up to an individual church to choose if they want to allow the marriage to take place there?

“Making gay marriage ‘illegal’ makes it sound terrible and wrong just by using that one word. It also promotes homophobia in a world where there is already enough of it.”

The passing of the bill

would result in all religious organisations being able to opt in to holding ceremonies with the Church of England and the Church in Wales’ agreement to change canon law. It would also allow couples who had previously entered into civil partnerships to convert their relationship into a marriage.

LJMU law student, Nathan Selby said: “Equal marriage is about bringing the UK in line with morality - legislating to say that the UK believes that, in terms of marriage, all citizens are equal - and - in a sense - that one instance of love is no greater or lesser than another.

“I hope that this Bill passes today. If it does, it will further cement our status as a modem and equal society.”

Over 120 Conservative backbenchers are expected to reject the Prime Minister’s proposal, arguing that legalising same sex marriage would mean the primary purpose and role of marriage will be lost and marriage’s role in assisting heterosexual couples bring up children will be undermined.

Tory MP, Esther McVey, has a large Catholic community in her Wirral West constituency. She wrote in a letter in July: “I remain concerned that re-defining marriage is unnecessary given the established legal rights, which effectively mirror marriage, for same-sex couples through civil partnerships. I presently intend to vote against the measure if it

comes before Parliament.”

Right-winger MP David Jones and Liverpool fan made clear his opposition in an email to a constituent in March. He said: “I believe marriage is an institution ordained to sanctify a union between a man and a woman.

If a vote is called, I shall vote in accordance with my beliefs.”

David Cameron has argued with the support from the vast majority of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs believes that the wording of the bill will ensure that the Church of England and the Church in Wales will not face any legal challenges to their strong stated opposition to holding same-sex marriages.

Labour Leader, Ed Milliband, said: “I’ll be voting for equal marriage, Proudly,” The vote will be at 7:00pm

‘In true love making a commitment cannot be denied’ Despite the gay marriage debate causing a split in the House of Commons, people on the streets of Merseyside believe we should move with the times and accept gay marriage ...

“All I can say is that it will happen eventually but it needs careful thought and discussion before they make it law.”

“In true love to make a commitment like marriage cannot be denied no matter what gender.”

Vincent Gilligan, 61.

“Personally I don’t like David Cameron but he’s right, being with someone of the same sex is legal so why shouldn’t someone be able to marry the person they love?”

“Well, I would agree with David Cameron.

“These are modern times and people should be allowed to do as they want. It seems strange for it not to be already legal as this is the 21st century.

“People are people and should be allowed to love and marry whoever they want.”

“I think it should be legalised too.

“It is between those two human beings if they want to make a commitment to each other.

“They should have access to same benefits enjoyed by heterosexual couples.

“It is discrimination not to allow it.”

“I agree because everyone deserves to be treated equally, gay or straight.”

Melissa Mulvey, 34 “I think gay marriage should be legalised because if you love someone, you love someone. It doesn’t matter if it’s female-female, malemale, dog-cat, it doesn’t really matter. So yeah I think

religion shouldn’t matter, it’s old fashioned. If you love someone you love them, you can’t help your feelings.”

Kate Quinn, 24 “I don’t see a reason why it shouldn’t be legalised.

“It’s each to their own; noone should be discriminated against.”

Life/Style/7

Liverpool

Life

Rocky Horror’s 40th showdown

by Hayley Minn Cult musical The Rocky Horror Show will come to Liverpool Empire next week as part of its nationwide tour celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the show sees West End star Oliver Thornton, who has appeared in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Chicago and Starlight Express, as the lead character of Frank-N-Furter.

The tour also stars doubleplatinum selling artist, Rhydian, who shot to fame on X Factor, before starring in We Will Rock You and Grease, as Rocky, former Emmerdale and Waterloo Road actress Roxanne Pallett as Janet and Ben Forster, who won the ITV series Superstar and then went on to play the lead in Jesus Christ Superstar, as Brad.

The Richard O’Brien musical tells the story of a group of college students whose brokendown car forces them into the house of Dr Frank’n’Furter, where they meet his menagerie of sci-fi/horror send-up companions.

It has a fiercely loyal following who regularly don fancy dress to attend performances and screenings of the 1975 film adaptation, and it is one of the only musicals known for audience participation, with

Maloney X Factor tour date

What’s On...

Music

Clubbing

Echo Arena

Camp and Furnace

6th February: X Factor Live Tour James Arthur, Rylan Clark, Ella Henderson, Christopher Maloney, Union J and District3 all hit the Echo arena on Wednesday 6th February for the Liverpool leg of the X Factor 2013 tour.

Tickets: £32.50

Saturday 9th February Bedrock Warehouse Party John Digweed will headline this Saturday at Camp and Furnace, alongside a DJ set from Friendly Fires, Greg Wilson, and other outstanding guests. Bass, funk, disco, techno and house will echo across the city’s quirkiest venue in the latest event brought to you by organisers ‘Freeze’.

Set list: Main Room: John Digweed (Extended set) Jemmy

Ella Henderson on Twitter O2 Academy

Oliver Thornton as Frank-N-Furter audiences bringing props with to shows.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe; the show, which first appeared at the Royal Court in 1973, was voted “favourite Royal Court Play” in the venue’s 50th anniversary year and was an immediate success, transferring to three London theatres.

This tour has already performed to rave reviews in Brighton and London. It runs at the Liverpool Empire from 11 to 16 February.

12th February: Therapy?: The band play the O2 Academy as part of their headline tour. Tickets: £15

Ben Forster as Brad and Roxanne Pallett as Janet

1st December: Jake Bugg: You may have heard his debut single Lightning Bolt resonating from your radio recently and now Jake Bugg is visiting Liverpool on his first UK Tour, supported by Valerie June.

Valerie is visiting from a small town in Tennessee, and performs an amalgamation of blues, folk, soul, gospel, Appalachian and bluegrass. Tickets: £13.75

New Jersey Nights gets Family Empire crowd on feet St George’s Hall

by Lauren Murphy

by Josh Parry

SCOUSER and X Factor finalist, Christopher Maloney, will return to the city tomorrow as the X Factor Live Tour 2013 comes to Liverpool.

The singer, from Kirkdale, who took third place in the competition, last night tweeted: “Rite gonna get some sleep on the tour bus and when I wake up I’ll be in LIVERPOOL ‘is rite’ xx.”

Accompanying Christopher on the tour will be Celebrity Big Brother winner Rylan Clarke, and X Factor 2012 winner James Arthur.

Also performing live on stage in the countrywide tour will be Ella Henderson, Jahmene Douglas and boybands Union J and District 3.

The tour, kicked off on 27th January in Manchester.

With audience participation from the word go, singers Jon Hawkins, Duncan Heather, Ricky Rojas and Damion Scarcella brought the famous songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to a full house at the Liverpool Empire.

Set in a ’60s bar, the boys were supported by a trio of female backing dancers who acted as an on-stage audience in ‘New Jersey Nights’.

With slicked-back hair and impressive dance moves, the cast brought the audience to their feet with the Four Season’s numberone hit, Sherry.

From then on in it was a hightempo showcase with hits such as ‘My Girl’, ‘Be My Baby’ and ‘Da Do Ron Ron’ the singers’ pitch-perfect voices reached even

the highest of notes in true Four Seasons style.

The only hitch in the show came when singer Duncan Heather was unable to sing a ‘D’ note- however it was handled with such good humour, and much ribbing from his fellow cast, that it could have almost been scripted.

Before the interval, the backing dancers proved they were fantastic

singers in their own right with a rendition of The Ronettes’ Be My Baby which left the audience wanting more. Aside from the flawless dancing and the fantastic singing, what really made New Jersey Nights stand out was the cast’s natural rapport and interaction with the audience. By the end of the show, the whole of the Empire was on their feet.

11th-23rd February The Narnia Experience is “In Another Place’s” acclaimed interactive production which brings the story’s characters to life. After a highly successful production at the Old Christ Church in 2009 they will be transforming the whole of Saint Georges Great Hall into the fantasy land with trees being imported; Mr Tumnus and Mrs Beaver’s homes being created; the Professor’s study being built and the White Witch’s throne room constructed. And young and old will delight at the grand model of Aslan himself.

Room 2 hosted by Waxxx Friendly Fires (DJ Set) Greg Wilson Mark E - Merc Adele Moss – mUmU Thomas Tuft - 3B Records/Juice FM Mr Paul - Waxxx / Discoteca Poca

Comedy Liverpool Empire Theatre 10th February: Harry Hill Live Harry Hill’s TV burp scooped three BAFTA awards and two British Comedy awards, and now he brings all the hilarity of his observational style to Liverpool.

Sausage Time is set to offer “incontrovertible proof that God exists” and brings back some of TV Burp’s favourite characters including Harry’s Nan and Stouffer the Cat. The Telegraph branded TV Burp “consistently one of the funniest shows on air” amongst other corresponding praise from the press.

So expect a usual loony performance from the king of Saturday night TV, including an all-singing all-dancing finale and a giant sausage.

Tickets: £34.50

© Mitchypop. Flickr

Do you have an event for our What’s On guide?

Contact Liverpool Life on liverpoollifenews@gmail.com

Life/Style/8

WET WEATHER WEARS OUR TOP MENSWEAR PICKS FOR THE GREAT BRITISH WINTER

By Josh Parry

Stay Bright No matter how dull it is outside, you’re sure to feel bright in this Topman Shibuya jacket. £65 topman.com

Just like Nanna used to knit Keep Warm and stay on-trend with this bobble hat and mittens combo from Topman.

Total Cost: £24. topman.com

Give winter the cold shoulder This thick knitted jumper from Burton features shoulder and elbow patches. £25 burton.co.uk

Wax Lyrical For heavier storms, this waxed Barbour TO KI TO jacket is ideal.

A limited edition, with signature Barbour tartan lining. £399 weaversdoor.co.uk

Keeps you Superdry This black superdry umbrella is sure to keep you sheltered from all weathers. £24.99 superdry.com

Give it some welly These hard-wearing but comfortable wellies are ideal for long winter walks in the snow. £75 landaustore.co.uk

Put the boot in These leather Superdry boots will keep your feet warm and dry in the cold. £84.99 weaversdoor.co.uk

Life/Style/9

Time to celebrate Year of the Snake

Lauren Kelly reports on the Chinese New Year

LJMU students who will be celebrating the Chinese New Year in Liverpool

The people of Liverpool are in vited to take part in a weekend of extravagant and fun events as the Chinese community of Liverpool celebrate the Chinese New Year across the city.

Lasting 15 days, Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festival of all Asian traditional holidays with the dates changing each year in accordance with the Lunisolar Chinese calendar.

Families all across Asia and the rest of the world will gather together this weekend to exchange presents, have parties and indulge themselves in traditional Chinese cuisine and clothing.

On Sunday the always spectacular parade will take place in Chinatown as a special lion, unicorn and dragon dance will make its way through the crowds, who can enjoy the selection of food and gifts available at the Chinese market.

Chinese New Year’s Day will say goodbye to the Year of the Dragon and welcome the Year of the Snake, the sixth of twelve

signs in the Chinese Zodiac years.

Whilst Dragon years are characterized as dramatic, full of lavish and unpredictable events, astrology predicts the year of the Snake will be filled with a new sense of peace.

Ancient Chinese wisdom says that snakes are a sign of wisdom and people born in the year of the Snake are the most intuitive, hardworking and ambitious in everything they do.

However, the Snakes are often believed to be sneaky because of their tendency to find loopholes in order to get what they want.

This weekend the city’s streets and museums will be turned into a dancing, singing and performing extravaganza as activities are planned to take place on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday a special Tai Chi demonstration, one of the most intense forms of martial arts will be held on Nelson Street between 12:30 and 3pm. Or alternatively there is the option to pop over to Williamson Square and watch Arts Academy, China Pearl’s

performance, a warm up and introduction for the main event on Sunday.

For the Chinese at home, Chinese New Year is the most exciting festival of the year, exchanging gifts and spending quality time with family.

Qi Jiang who is studying MA International Journalism at LJMU told Liverpool Life that she is feeling very homesick at the minute because she is missing the celebrations. However she and her friends are trying to bring a little bit of home to Liverpool and have bought festive gold and red decorations for their house. They are also all getting together on Saturday and are going to make a variety of Chinese foods just like she would do at home with her family.

One student, Cai Jiajia, said: “I am actually looking forward to the celebrations as my brother is flying to Liverpool from China.

I am going to take him and the rest of my friends to Chinatown to see the dancing dragon and the fun fair.”

Life/Sport/10 Stockton to be centre of Rovers attack

by Rory Kelly

Tranmere Rovers manager Ronnie Moore is ready to give teenager Cole Stockton an opportunity in the club’s first team, as Rovers embark on a promotion push in the next two weeks., Striker Stockton, 18, will be asked to lead the attack in the absence of the suspended Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro for the next three matches – unless Rovers’ luck in the long search for an experienced target man in the loan market takes a turn for the better.

Moore says he is willing to give Stockton his chance on the strength of the youngster’s encouraging performances in a succession of substitute appearances and occasional starts in his first season as a professional.

“We are trying to find an experienced, tall striker who can take the weight off the forward players who are not so physically strong – the likes of David Amoo and Michael O’Halloran,” Moore said.

“It may be Cole can do the job.

Every time he has played he has done well. If I don’t get anyone in on loan this week, then Cole will start the game at Leyton Orient on Saturday.”

Moore also said that Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro has let the club down after his red card in their 1-0 defeat to Carlisle.

The Frenchman faces a club fine after kicking out at full-back Frank Simek Moore said: “What a stupid thing for Akpa Akpro to do. He will be fined, he let everybody down.”

FA Awards for Reds pair

by David Williamson

England captain Steven Gerrard has been voted the Football’s Association’s England player of the year.

The 32 year old took the majority of over 180,000 votes from supporters, which is the highest number of votes cast since David Beckham won the award in 2003.

The midfielder received his award from Sir Bobby Charlton at the FA England awards ceremony at St George’s Park.

Gerrard said: “It means a lot to me when you look at the quality and standard of players in this squad. For me to be picked out to win an individual award is a bonus and something I’m really delighted with.

Gerrard joins striker Wayne Rooney and midfielder Frank Lampard in receiving the award twice.

Jordan Henderson picked up the England Under-21s Player of the Year prize making it a double success for Liverpool at the awards.

Henderson led his team to win six games in six, and qualification for Euro 2013.

It was the first time the prize had ever been handed out, and the Reds youngster faced competition from his Anfield team mate Martin Kelly and Manchester United recruit Wilfried Zaha.

Meanwhile, England’s women’s team picked up the Team of the Year award.

Liverpool Taekwondo club set for Olympic coaching

Olympic Gold Medallist Jade Jones in action during World Youth Games in 2010

by Tara Lamb Liverpool Academy Taekwondo group has been selected for a national coaching programme that could mean Olympic success in years to come.

The group, based in West Derby Road, Tuebrook, has been selected to pilot the new Talent Athletes Programme initiative beating thousands of WTF (Olympic-style) taekwondo clubs all over the UK. The ‘Talent Club’ initiative comes on the back of great success for taekwondo in the UK after Jade Jones won the first ever taekwondo gold medal at the London Olympics last summer.

Since the introduction of Sport England

funding in March 2011, the sole focus has been on athletic development.

Its purpose now is to drive athletic performance improvements and develop future taekwondo champions and Olympic stars for Rio in 2016.

Great Britain Taekwondo aim to work with Liverpool Academy Taekwondo to build a structure that provides high quality training environments for talented athletes on a daily basis.

GB Taekwondo coach education lead, Craig Richards, said: “GB Taekwondo has recognised the great work carried out by the Liverpool Academy and have selected them as one of two clubs within the UK to pilot the talent club initiative.

“It is now the ambition of the GB talent development programme to drive athletic performance through enhanced club environments.

“Peter Hankin (chief coach) and his team have a great reputation for running a fantastic club, and the athletes the Academy have on our cadet and junior GB talent squads are viable proof of this.”

Richards also outlined the pathway for future competitors based in Liverpool, and signalled how important it is that they are able to work with high quality coaches, as early as possible.

He said: “We look forward to working closely with the Academy to help enhance a structure that provides high quality train-

ing for Liverpool’s talented taekwondo athletes.”

Master Peter Hankin, sixth Dan and chief coach at the Academy, said: “This is fantastic for the Academy and also for the city.

“Liverpool has a long history of sporting excellence and now taekwondo is able to list itself among the city’s sporting honours.

“We look forward to working with GB Taekwondo and hope that one day the Academy can help in developing a future Olympic Taekwondo champion, just like Jade Jones who struck gold at the London Games.”

Jones made history after winning Olympic gold, and the 19 year-old will compete in the Swedish Open later this week.

Adlington waves goodbye

by Rory O’Reilly

Rebecca Adlington waves to fans at the Olympics

Double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington confirmed yesterday that she has retired from competitive swimming, but has pledged to stay in the pool for the rest of her life.

The 23 year-old’s career has come under immense speculation after claiming two bronze medals in last summer’s Olympic Games.

At a press conference yesterday in London, the Mansfield-born swimmer confirmed she was bringing to an end a glittering career that has brought her Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles.

Adlington recalled her 400m and 800m gold medals in Beijing and said she was convinced this was right time to call it a day.

“Beijing changed my entire life, everyone wanted to learn about me. It was the best moment of my entire career and I am so glad my

(800m) world record still stands.

But it’s time. I certainly can’t compete with that (younger swimmers). I can’t do the same level of work, I need far more time for recovery,” she said.

“I am so glad my world record still stands - but I certainly can’t compete with younger swimmers” Last summer, she feared she had disappointed the nation after claiming two bronze medals in London but the reception at the medal ceremony for the longer race moved her to tears, the crowd at the Aquatics Centre chanting her name.

“I certainly can’t compete with [younger swimmers],” added Adlington. “I can’t do the same level of work, I need far more time for recovery. It’s time.”

Since claiming the 800 metres freestyle silver medal at the 2006 European Championships, Adlington has won titles at Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth level. There have also been lows, fourth in the 800m at the 2009 worlds in Rome was devastating to Adlington, coming a year after Beijing.

She soon acknowledged she had not done the endurance training required for distance swimming because of all the invitations that had come her way since Beijing. to her drive, single-mindedness and talent.

Her down-to-earth personality and remarkable career achievements have made her a national treasure.

LFC charity games for all

Life/Sport/11

JMU aiming for champions trophy

by Tara Lamb Liverpool FC Foundation, the club’s official charity, has launched a new football programme that will see fun and competitive tournaments available for thousands of children across the city.

The programme, Football For All, held its first tournament with over 160 youngsters taking part at the Goals Centre in Liverpool. Over 17 local schools were involved.

As well as playing matches, the children were joined by Liverpool FC’s official mascot, Mighty Red, who posed for photos and presented the winning medals.

Mark Haig, LFC Foundation’s head of operations, said: “Our Football For All programme encourages young people of all ages, ethnic groups and disabilities to use sport as a facilitator to inspire positive change.

“The competitions are a perfect opportunity for young people to come together and play in a fun and competitive environment, which is professionally managed, and is another exciting development of our Liverpool FC Foundation.”

The Football For All programme will provide sporting opportunities for local boys and girls and will consist of regular tournaments as well as a weekly school football league.

The next tournaments will be held at North Liverpool Academy on the 18th, 19th and 22nd of February.

Tigers lose 21 games on run

by Tara Lamb Mersey Tigers remain bottom of the league, without a win in any of their 21 competitive games this season.

This weekend saw them lose two away fixtures at London Lions 88-79 and Jelsen Holmes DMU Leicester Riders 84-54.

The Tigers poor season has been a disappointment for the 2011 treble wining side which saw them crowned British Basketball League Champions, Cup Champions and Trophy Champions.

Two years on and this double loss on Friday and Saturday has kept them bottom of the league as they have failed to pick up any points this season.

Their next match will be a home fixture on Friday at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park against Glasgow Rocks where they hope to produce a miracle performance to win.

The last time the two teams met was just before Christmas which saw a high scoring match in which Glasgow Rocks won 109-72.

John Moores University Men’s Gaelic football team are hoping to bring back the trophy they have won five times already. and come back as winners.

by Ryan McCann

JMU Men’s Gaelic football team will travel to Birmingham this weekend with the hope of regaining the British Universities Championship.

Manager Eoghan Kerr believes it is imperative that the team travel back to Liverpool with the trophy they have won a record number of times.

JMU have dominated British Universities Gaelic football for the last decade and have been crowned champions five times in the last seven years. Last year, however, local rivals Hope University claimed their first ever

title in an emotionally-charged final against JMU. Kerr said: “Hope are definitely our main rivals and have been motivated by our success over the last ten years or so. The rivalry is fierce and we have to ensure that there isn’t a shift in power. We want to remain the strongest team and the team that everyone fears and the only way to do that will be to win the trophy again.”

“It’s very important to everyone involved, players and managers.

For the last decade or so, JMU have dominated Gaelic football in Britain and we owe it to ourselves

and the great players of the past to challenge for this year’s championship. We were very unlucky not to win it again last year after going nine points up in the final.

Throwing away that kind of lead is criminal and we‘ll be wary not to make the same mistakes again.”

JMU have been drawn in a group alongside a much fancied University of Glasgow outfit and the dark horses for the tournament, St Mary’s London. The other group is made up of Hope University, Northumbria and Napier, who won the title in 2010.

Preparation for the tournament has been hampered by the recent snowfall, but team captain Kieran Harte told Liverpool Life that every team has been affected ahead of the championships and excuses cannot be made.

Harte said: “The preparation has definitely been hindered by the snow and constant bad weather, but all the teams are in the same boat. We just have to go down there and do our best in every game and hopefully we can regain the British title. But we are really looking forward to it, it’s always a great weekend and this

year will be no different.”

The three-day event begins with the group games on Friday and the top two teams after the 30-minute blitz games will progress to the semi-final stages the following day. On Sunday, the two finalists will go head-to-head in the biggest game on the British Universities calendar, and Harte has no doubts that his JMU side have the ability to go all the way.

Harte added: “I’ve been here for three years and I’ve no doubt that this squad is as good as the previous panels I’ve been involved with.

Teen cross Bad weather makes country win pitch unfit for play

by Ian Bolland

by Tara Lamb

Harriet Knowles-Jones has won her tenth successive race to become the Northern Counties Cross-Country girls champion after winning the event in Liverpool.

The race, which took place at Knowsley Safari Park, saw runner’s ankle deep in snow as they battled out for the championship.

Harriet, from Lymm, won under 15’s category by an impressive 39 seconds.

It is the latest in a series of wins for the youngster, which included the prominent McCain Cross Country Challenge series in Liverpool, Cardiff and Bristol. She also competed in the Aviva English Schools Championship last July where she came sixth in the 1500m final.

Harriet is the product of a family with a notable sporting pedigree.

Both her parents were international runners and her sister, Emily, 16, is a GB swimmer and Olympic trialist.

Harriet said: “In the short term my hope is to do well at the next three major races – the Inter-County, the English Schools’ and the National Championships – which are coming up in the next few weeks.

“In the long term my aim is to be selected to run for Great Britain at senior level.”

Daniel Evans took home the crown for the boy’s category, winning with a 17 second margin.

The 14-year-old has had a fantastic few years which saw him crowned winner at the McCain race in Bristol, as well as finishing 2nd in the English Schools’ 1500m. He was selected for the

Liverpool St Helens Rugby Union will face a hard slog both on and off the field as they won’t have played home games at their Moss Lane home for over a month.

Their first XV currently sit second in a play-off spot which is a point behind Sale with a game in hand. However, bad weather including rain, snow and hail stone has halted their push for promotion in the North One West League.

There is also concern at the loss of income the club will suffer financially due to their second team also playing most of their matches away from home.

Jones wins © Flickr/AdamKR England team as a result, and subsequently came third in a home international competition.

Daniel said: “It was a quick race and it wasn’t until I got to the loop at the top of the hill – the final 400m – I knew I was going to win.

“It was a good feeling I was happy.

The pressure was off and I was very relieved. I had wanted to win this race and it was great to succeed.”

Their last outing at Moss Lane came in a 15-13 win over Wilmslow on 12th January but games against Vale of Lune and Rochdale were postponed because of unfit pitches. Liverpool St Helens will now spend the whole of February on the road playing games away from their Moss Lane ground. This means that they won’t have a home game until 2nd March against Leigh.

The second XV last played at home on 5th January with a 15-10 win over Wilmslow but will not play at Moss Lane again until 2nd March against Vale of Lune.

A statement from John Williams

on their website said: “It is hard to be critical of those who give their time to organise and administrate any sport at this level, not just Rugby, but the situation could have been mitigated by reasonable consideration of the needs of member clubs, particularly in the Bateman Premier League, which sets a new set of fixtures half way through the season. To have all their February fixtures on the road seems a bit harsh.”

Ray French, president of Liverpool St Helens Rugby Union said: “I can normally see the funny side of everything but on this occasion I cannot.”

Liverpool

LifeSPORT 5th February 2013

MATCH FIX ALLEGATION BAFFLES REDS Sturridge ruled out of clash with Brazil’s stars

England line up in a friendly against Brazil in Qatar’s capital, Doha in 2009. © D@LY3D/Creative Commons

by Tara Lamb

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out of England’s international against Brazil tomorrow (Wednesday).

Sturridge was substituted after suffering a thigh injury in the closing stages of Liverpool’s draw against Manchester City on Sunday.

Sturridge attended training with the England squad at St. George’s Park but withdrew himself from the match on Monday after a conversation with Roy Hodgson held only yards away from the national media.

Hodgson initially looked stern with Sturridge but ended with a

friendly handshake. According to the FA, Hodgson was simply encouraging Sturridge to get fit quick and that he remained in his plans, particularly with important World Cup qualifiers coming up next month against San Marino and Montenegro.

Captain Steven Gerrard is looking forward to the clash against five-time World Cup winners Brazil but has his eye set on the World Cup qualifiers coming up which will see them fight for a place in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Gerrard said: “To play Brazil at Wembley is fantastic but there’s already a little

bit in the mind that’s waiting for the Montenegro game because it is going to be a key game.

“With all due respect to San Marino, it’s a game we’d be expected to win comfortably.

“Montenegro is a massive game but if we can keep everyone in that list of 25 fit then I’m really confident we can go there and get three points.

“I look at this squad and I think you’ll agree it’s the strongest 25 Roy has named, so let’s hope we can improve from the summer and qualify for the World Cup.” Liverpool defender Glen Johnson is also included in

the 25-man squad alongside Everton players Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Leon Osman, who retains his place in the squad after his first call-up in the previous friendly against Sweden.

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has dropped down to the Under-21 squad where he is joined by four of his fellow Liverpool team mates to face Sweden at Walsall’s Bescott Stadium tonight.

Jordan Henderson, Jonjo Shelvey, Jack Robinson and Andre Wisdom, as well as Sterling, will be hoping they can maintain the run of form which saw the Under-21’s go the whole of 2012 unbeaten.

By Tara Lamb

Liverpool FC are at the centre of match fixing claims, as reports suggest their Champions League match against Hungarian side Debrecen was part of the matchfixing scandal recently uncovered

by Europol.

On Monday, Europol revealed that an organised crime syndicate in Asia had fixed more than 680 matches worldwide, with one Champions League game played in England being involved.

Danish newspaper, Ekstra Bladet, has suggested that the reports show that Debrecen goalkeeper Vukasin Poleskic had been bribed in their Champions League meeting at Anfield.

Poleskic is alleged to have been offered money in an attempt to ensure that there were more than two goals scored in the match.

The game ended 1-0 to Liverpool through a Dirk Kuyt goal despite having seven shots on target which he could have conceded.

Poleskic was also allegedly paid to fix Debrecen’s Champions League group game against Fiorentina, which saw the Italian side win 4-3. Debrecen finished bottom of the group that year with zero points collected in all of their group games.

The Montenegro goalkeeper was banned for two years from all football in 2010 for failing to report match fixing activities.

His ban ended in June 2012 and he has returned to the game to play for Debrecen this season.

Rob Wainwright, head of law enforcement at Europol, has claimed that their 18-month investigation has found that more than £6.9 million has been made in profits and £1.72 million given in bribes to

players and match officials from the Singapore-based crime group.

Mr Wainwright said: “It would be naive and complacent of those in the UK to think such a criminal conspiracy does not involve the English game and all the football in Europe.

“This is the first time we have established substantial evidence that organised crime is now operating in the world of football.

“It is clear that the focus of this investigation has been on other countries, not the United Kingdom. However we were surprised by the scale of the criminal enterprise and just how widespread it was.

“This is a sad day for European football.”

There is no suggestion that anyone connected with Liverpool acted improperly in any way and English clubs involved have yet to be contacted by Europol. The FA says they are ‘not aware of any credible reports into suspicious Champions League fixtures in this country’.

Liverpool fans have been having their say on the fan site Red and White Kop. LiverpoolKopKings said: “Another mud dragging experience is in the offing in my opinion. I just wrote to the club urging them to make a meaningful thought-out announcement, to distance ourselves from this.”

KopLord said: “I went to this game and it was dire. If the match fixing would have been about scoring the least amount of goals possible then I would be wary.”

Dr.Beaker said: “Nine hundred and odd games and which one gets the headlines?”

Inside: LJMU’S Gaelic football hopes and Gerrard’s PFA Award Pages 11 & 10