Liverpool Life: 4:6 November 18 2015

18 - November - 2015

Nous sommes Paris

POWERING AHEAD RESPECTS: Liverpool joins in the mourning of the Paris attack victims with a condolence book at the Town Hall. Read the full story on page 3.

©JMU Journalism

• Elected mayor for Merseyside • £900 million investment fund • More control over transport budget and employment support

By AMBER PRITCHARD

The people of Merseyside will go to the ballot box in 2017 to elect a new mayor to represent the region, following the signing of a new devolution deal.

The historic agreement will mean the Liverpool City Region will be the sixth to get a ‘metro mayor’, to represent the entire area. The post-holder’s responsibilities will include local transport budgets, franchised bus services, employment support and skills provision.

The deal was signed at Mann Island in Liverpool yesterday by local leaders, including Com-

munities Minister Greg Clark and Commercial Secretary to the Treasury, Jim O’Neill.

However, the final agreement is subject to all six councils Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, Liverpool, Halton and Wirral accepting the terms. It is expected to be ratified by all councils on the City Region Combined Authority tomorrow.

Communities minister Greg Clark said: “I think it’s a fantastic deal for Liverpool and the surrounding areas because it takes money and powers that were previously held in London by ministers in parliament and puts it in the hands of leaders

who work and live here.”

The plans will see a major transfer of powers from Whitehall to local control. The metro mayor will take on control including the management of a more than £900million investment fund spread over the next thirty years.

Councillor Phil Davies, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: “I believe that it is the best deal we can secure at this time for the benefit of the Liverpool City Region.”

Part of the agreement reads: “Liverpool City Region has the opportunity, through devolu-

tion, to ensure it is at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse.

With the River Mersey and the integrated cluster of logistics and expertise through Superport, The Liverpool City Region has unique economic assets that can help transform the Northern economy.”

The devolution agreements are part of the Northern Powerhouse proposal, which is looking to boost economic growth in the North of England.

Chancellor George Osbourne said: “Today is a historic day for the Liverpool City Region and a historic day for the Northern Powerhouse. This revolutionary

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE...

NEWS

Students hold immigration strike

PAGE 2

LIFEextra

PAGE 8

Taxi company launches Movember competition

deal cements the area’s position as a gateway to the north, from North Wales all the way to Newcastle, and gives local people control over their own affairs for the first time.”

Liverpool city region will become the fifth major northern city to sign up to devolution.

Following recent deals signed in Greater Manchester; Sheffield City Region, the North East and Tees Valley, while a deal is also set to be signed today with the West Midlands.

A Single Investment Fund (SIF) will be created to provide funding for an investment programme across the region.

SPORT

DONE DEAL: Minister Greg Clark ©Liverpool Life

PAGE 11

From Birkenhead to Bengal: Hume’s big move

Life|News|2

David Charters ©Colin Lane

Talks set to reveal Wirral’s secrets

By LUCY NIXON

Merseyside people are to have the chance to hear the hidden stories of the Wirral in two special talks.

Birkenhead journalist David Charters will give two talks titled ‘Mysteries of the Other Side - Wirral the Enchanted Peninsula’ at St George’s Hall in January and March 2016.

Dubbed the ‘bard of Birkenhead’, David is an unashamed patriot of his homeland and is using his talks to introduce more people to the charms that are on offer over the other side of the water.

David, who worked as a columist at the old Liverpool Daily Post for 25 years, now writes the ‘Bard of Birkenhead’ column for the Wirral edition of the Liverpool Echo meaning he’s well qualified to educate the people of Merseyside on what the Wirral has to offer.

From stories of Knickerbocker Glories and rock stars to the church that should have been a cathedral, the talks will take place at one of Merseyside’s most historic buildings, St George’s Hall.

Delivered in the Concert Room on January 20th and March 17th 2016 tickets for the talks are £5 and can either be paid for in advance or bought on the door.

Life

Community fears over student halls

By CHRISTY JADE BIGGAR student complex in Marybone go

An abundance of student accommodation in Liverpool city centre is worrying residents who fear any more will destroy their community.

Various new complexes have been proposed in the past six months and the fate of the proposed 193-bedroom complex, on the corner of Great Crosshall Street and Fontenoy Street, was debated yesterday, with councillors expected to arrive at a decision. However, many town hall colleagues urged a deferral, arguing the number of students in the area has reached “saturation point.”

If plans for a new 193-bedroom

the future of the primary school.”

Councillor Nick Small told the ECHO: “The balancing of interests between long-standing residents, principally families and pensioner households, and students is out of kilter. Issues like un-neighbourliness and antisocial behaviour are becoming unmanageable because of the volume of students in the area.”

Planning officers in the area recommended the student accommodation for approval as the council has no formally adopted planning policy directing locations of student accommodation.

They said: “The local planning authority has no reliable means to restrict [the plans].”

Halls being built in Rodney Street

©JMUJournalism

LJMU students show strike support

By CHRISTY-JADE BIGGAR International students held a walk out of university yesterday on International Student Day, to show solidarity against increasing pressures around immigration rules and security.

National Union of Students (NUS) declared a day of action and called upon students to walk out of lectures between 11am and 2pm.

NUS said: “International students have been mistreated and their rights have been compromised for years.

The scrapping of the post-study work visa, charging for the NHS, introducing biometric identity cards, and landlord immigration checks are a few examples of policies that are in place to attack international students.”

Students from Liverpool John Moores University were urged by Liverpool Students Union not to picket or cause disruption, but to celebrate International Student Day and congregate at Byrom Street or Redmonds building.

Aisling Davis, Vice President Community Engagement at Liverpool SU said: “We advised that we would only support this if it caused minimal disruption to both students’ and academic staff ’s day-to-day activities. As a result of this, it will be held during lunchtime.”

As a union, we value everything that international students bring to our institution.”

Team

Bringing you the news every Wednesday

Editor Lucy Nixon Chief Sub-Editor Hannah Rogers News Amy Cole Barry Rocks Connor Lynch Features Editor Lucy Darbyshire

ahead, this will add to the student population in the area, which currently stands at around 4,000.

But long-term residents are becoming increasingly concerned with the size and impact of the Marybone student population, with fears regarding the noise levels and traffic that the new complex would bring to the area.

Opposing the plans, one neighbour’s complaint said: “Residents totally oppose any more student accommodation. In the last 18 months, three multi-storey blocks of student accommodation have gone on-site. What is needed is more housing for families and to balance the area and help support

Features Lisa Rimmer James Gamble Sophie Corcoran Sports Editor Steph Bocking Sports Ryan Jones

©James Gamble

Word of the year is not a word

By CHRISTY JADE BIGGAR For the first time, a pictograph is being used as Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2015.

Officially called the ‘Face with Tears of Joy’ emoji, this was selected as the ‘word’ which best reflected the ethos, mood and preoccupations of 2015.

Emoji’s have been in use since the late 1990’s with the use of online chat such as MSN Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger, but 2015 saw the use of the word emoji increase dramatically.

Statistics have shown the ‘Face with Tears of Joy’ made up of

20% of all emojis used in the UK in 2015, and 17% of those in the USA. Emojis are no longer only in the sphere of teenagers, as many adults embraced the emoji to express themselves via text and messenger.

Even American presidential candidate Hillary Clinton solicited feedback in the form of emojis on Twitter. She said: “How does your student loan debt make you feel? Tell us in 3 emojis or less.”

A runner up for the Word of the Year was the adjectival phrase “on fleek” describing something extremely good, attractive or stylish.

£3m funding success for Wirral health

By JESSICA ARNELL More than £3 million in additional funding will be invested in Wirral’s healthcare system over the coming year as part of a project aimed at improving the lives of the borough’s communities.

The project is a partnership between Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group, Wirral Council, Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, local GPs, community groups and Healthwatch.

New Brighton Pavillion © Rept0n1x/Wikimedia Commons

The funding boost comes after Wirral was successful in bidding to achieve “Vanguard” status by NHS England.

Healthy Wirral will be launched at a special event on November 26 at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton.

Life|News|3

Woolton restaurant up for award

The atmosphere is so bleak at the moment...

By CHARLOTTE MANN

A Woolton Eatery is up for a curry Oscar after public nomination.

Liverpool restaurant, Holdi, Lounge Bar & Restaurant has been shortlisted at the British Curry Awards 2015.

British Curry Awards, fondly named the ‘Curry Oscars’ invites members of the public to nominate their favourite local curry restaurants for a deserving accolade.

This year 218,000 public nominations have been received via post, app and online, from diners nominating their favourite curry restaurants, with 2,459 restaurants being nominated.

This year’s winners will be announced at the 11th annual award ceremony to celebrate the nation’s favourite dish on Monday November 30 at Battersea Evolution, London to a guest list of restaurateurs, foodies, celebrities, MPs and dignitaries.

Wirral woman of the year

By EMILY CURREN

A widow from the Wirral has won an award for a documentary of her life following her husband’s suicide.

Angela Samata was presented with the “Merseyside Woman of the Year” award by the mental health charity Mind for her Life after Suicide documentary.

The award was presented by Downton Abbey actor David Robb, who also lost his wife to suicide.

Angela hopes to get rid of the stigma surrounding mental illness by sharing her account of being a victim of suicide after her husband Mark took his own life 11 years ago. She also aims to encourage people who are suffering with mental health problems to get help.

Men walk the mile

By NATHAN BURGESS

A “Walk a mile in her shoes” campaign will be taking place next week in St Helens.

Men will walk a mile in high heels around St Helens town centre to help raise awareness of domestic violence.

Members of the St Helens council and fire service will participate in the walk to contribute to White Ribbon Day which is on Wednesday, November 25.

The annual day aims to encourage members of the public and especially men to not partake in any forms of domestic violence.

The walk is open to the public and will start at 12.15pm at St Helens Town Hall.

ALL CHANGE: Looking onto a previously peaceful Paris © Helen Lang

By STEPH BOCKING A Formby student living in Paris has spoken to Liverpool Life about how the city is struggling to return to normality in the aftermath of Friday’s deadly terrorist attacks.

Helen Lang, 20, a University of Leeds student, is an intern at HSBC in ‘La Defense’, the business district, of the French Capital. She was visiting a friend in London on Friday when the attacks unfolded, but has since returned to work.

She said: “The atmosphere is so bleak at the moment, every-

one just seems so despondent.

A lot of people have been saying “that’s life” when they speak about the attacks because Charlie Hebdo is so fresh. It’s like people have come to accept it.

“Security is tight but not overbearing because they don’t want to cause panic. Around La Defense, there was already lots of security but now people are afraid to come into work out o worry it could be targeted next.”

For many Parisians, the weekend’s attacks still seem very surreal, with many resigned to the possibility of more to follow.

Helen said: “I don’t know when it will return to normal.

People are convinced there will be more attacks at Christmas so everyone is on edge.

“I think until Christmas is out of the way. And then January will bring the anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attacks.

“Lots of people are afraid and are avoiding crowded places.

The traffic is absolutely awful as well because people don’t want to use public transport. Whilst everyone else seems to be going about as normal, just to prove that they still can.”

City’s message of support for Paris

By JESS BOND

The people of Liverpool are standing shoulder to shoulder with Parisians by writing messages of support in a book of condolence at Liverpool Town Hall for those caught up in Friday’s Paris terrorist outrage.

Among the heartfelt messages included in the book is: “To everyone in Paris, all our thoughts are with you. Together we are stronger and we will get through this.”

Another message says: “Separated by water, brought together by grief, the world mourns with you.”

Liverpool City Council has now tweeted that anyone who cannot get to Town Hall to write their own message of condolence can email a tribute to town.hall@liverpool.gov.uk or tweet @TownHallLpool and their message will be passed on.

Visitors can leave messages in the book from 9am to 5pm every day and 12pm-4pm at weekends until Sunday November 22nd.

Cities all over the world are showing their support after 129 people were killed and hundreds injured in a series of terrorist attacks on the French capital.

In Liverpool, large crowds gathered for a minute’s silence on the plateau at St George’s Hall

on Monday to remember the victims of the attacks.

The hall also joined with iconic buildings and monuments across the globe in lighting up for Paris at the weekend to show solidarity.

Attractions including Sydney Opera House, Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Shanghai and New York’s One World Trade Centre were brightly displayed with France’s national colours of red, white and blue.

Mayor Joe Anderson spoke at the remembrance service on Monday and ended the silence by saying: “It’s a remembrance for everyone across Europe who has suffered a loss.

“It could happen everywhere and its right that we join together in solidarity joining in cities across the country.”

This was followed by Rector of Liverpool The Rev Dr Crispin Pailing, who led a time of prayer for Paris and world leaders.

“We pray for an ending of fear that people may go about in peace,” he said.

France was in a nationwide state of emergency after the horror that unfolded in Paris on Friday, when gunmen opened fire in restaurants, took innocent concert-goers hostage and launched suicide attacks near the national stadium.

SOLIDARITY: Standing together for Paris © Jenny Kirkham Among the dead are Nick Alexander, a former Liverpool student and an unnamed 26-yearold Everton fan who ran the French Toffee’s football fan club.

The Liverpool service was concluded by the French national anthem and the French flag flown at half mast, marking the end of an emotionally-charged day.

Wembley’s arch was also lit up in French colours at last night’s friendly football match, with 90,000 fans paying tribute to victims of the attacks.

COLOURFUL: Liverpool lights up blue, white and red © Nathan Burgess

Diplomacy is the answer for tackling Islamic State

By TIERNAN MCGEE

A military response to the Paris attacks is not the only answer to the crisis, according to a nationally renowned terrorism expert, who believes it is diplomacy that can help solve the ever-growing issue of ISIS. On Sunday, twelve French aircrafts dropped twenty bombs on ISIS positions in Raqqa, Syria, in reaction to the terrorist attacks on the capital. However, Dr David Lowe, principal lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University’s Law School and terrorism researcher, said: “Bombing alone won’t solve the issue of Islamic State, I think the UK should provide a diplomatic route.

“We have got to work together in this and Russia is now seen to be part of the G20 talks.

However, for Syria there is not a simple political, diplomatic or military solution – there isn’t one, it is going to be a long-term strategy.”

He said that if the world looks beyond bombing towards a political solution for peace it can be achieved, although it is a complex issue.

“If we work together, progress towards peace can work. You’ve got nations now talking around the table.”

Dr Lowe believes that Europe was waiting for more terrorists attacks.

“In the European Union,

DIPLOMACY: LJMU Lecturer looks at other answers © LJMU France, Belgium, Holland and the United Kingdom were wary of terrorist attacks because of what we have done in the past and our actions in that region, so this sort of attack has been

anticipated in the UK, we’ve been anticipating it since Mumbai.

He said there had been fears that a similar attack could be launched during the 2012 Olympics.

“If they were going to strike they’d do it during the Olympics. So it has been on the agenda for some time, the question is ‘Why France?’”

Dr Lowe’s research areas are mainly in terrorism and security as well as policing in general. His work in these areas have been published and he is regularly called on by media sources to provide expert commentary in these areas.

Dr Lowe highlighted France’s

lack of security and the need for resources to tackle terrorist communication.

He said: “France has over 1,500 of their citizens who go over to the Islamic State in Syria and they reckon half of them return, so that is 700 individuals.

On top of that, French Intelligence are trying to monitor, because they have the largest ethnic group in Western Europe, a home-grown threat - those who have been radicalised. It is an enormous task, 700 people to keep an eye on all the time is very difficult with the lack of resources. It takes around 15 to 20 officers to monitor one person.

So you can see how difficult it is.”

Life|News|4

Pudsey power to help youngsters

By CHRISTY JADE BIGGAR

The Children in Need spirit was in full swing last Friday at the University of Liverpool Guild, with a bake sale to raise money for the charity.

The University of Liverpool Bake Soc managed to raise £70.53 by selling homemade cakes and other treats including brownies, peanut butter cookies and cupcakes which all sold out within a few hours.

The society holds several bake sales a year, as well as providing for other societies’ bake sales – if you want to get involved with any of their charity work contact them at liverpoolbakesoc. charity@gmail.com

Donations raised Friday night by the Children In Need appeal will help Claire House make lasting memories for terminally ill children and their families.

The Bebington-based children’s charity looks after around 200 families from across Merseyside and is one of the 22 UK children’s hospices funded by Children In Need.

Lynne Matthews, Play Therapist at Claire House said: “If anyone understands how amazing Children In Need is, it’s all the staff and families here at Claire House.”

Lynne works in the sensory playroom known as ‘The Hub’ in the hospice. It is a place where children can be children, and where illnesses are briefly forgotten. It can sometimes be the only happy escape for a child who isn’t expected to live to adulthood.

She said: “Children In Need has supported our play therapy, so the children we care for can have loads of fun exploring in the way all children should, or with glitter and paint. We’re always so grateful to those who support Children In Need.”

The Hub also allows children to interact with the world around them. It houses an immersive wall and floor projection that can turn into a splashing rock pool, or it can allow the children to hear the sounds of snow crunching beneath them, even though many are confined to wheelchairs and have limited or no movement.

Drawing a picture for mum

be aware we have put warnings in place. There is a risk of trees and branches coming down because the wind will be quite nasty. Stay indoors if you don’t need to go out and keep your pets in to keep them safe. There’s a risk of some floods because of heavy rain around Merseyside.”

Storm Barney comes after Storm Abigail last week which has already caused wide-spread damage to leaving more than 20,000 homes without power and forcing schools to close in Shetland and the Western Isles.

Ian Thomas, Deputy Launching Authority at the New Bright-

on RNLI, spoke to Liverpool Life about potential flooding in the North West. “If we get a spring tide which is anything over 9 meters and you get a strong wind behind it, that’s what will cause flooding. Freak conditions can happen.”

In January 2013, New Brighton was hit with severe floods. The New Brighton waterfront saw cars and businesses partly submerged by 2ft of sea water. The supermarket Morrisons was affected badly, with cars stranded in the carpark buried in water.

Ian Thornton was on duty that day and had to rescue at least 24

By AMBER PRITCHARD

PUDSEY FUN: Freya Mathison joins in with Clare House staff and dad to hang on the fridge is also possible because of the donations from Children In Need.

Eye-operated communication systems empower children with disabilities to take part in moments all children should have, and proud moments many parents take for granted. 166 children and young people have benefited from play therapy during the last year.

© Clare House

“Children In Need night is always super fun here at Claire House, with face painting, biscuit making and lots of giggles.

Claire House is proof of some of the amazing work that can be done thanks to Children In Need,” said Lyme.

Pudsey the Bear and Children In Need have raised nearly £800 million for children’s charities in the UK since its launch in 1980.

Storm Barney is set to batter Britain

By BETH HUGHES

Severe weather warnings have been issued for Merseyside as Storm Barney sweeps in.

Yellow ‘beware’ warnings for Wind hit Merseyside after the Met office stated that there would be 80mph winds yesterday.

They also released a warning for heavy rain which could potentially mean flooding for Merseyside and Wales which will carry on till the end of the week.

A spokesperson for the Met Office told Liverpool Life: “It’s up to people if they want to travel but

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Healthy housing scheme to be expanded

children and adults who were stranded in the Bubble’s world of play centre. He said: “There was about 2 to 3 feet of water around the centre. We got them all out and put them on the lifeboats.

The kids were too young to realise the severity of the situation but the parents were a bit jittery, however they were all very grateful.”

Mr Thornton added “Local shops all keep sandbags. We have flood protectors on the lifeboat station. The council are also trying to improve flood defences that go along the marine point.”

Rob Clayton, duty manager of

New Brighton Morrisons said: “We’re not worried about flooding again but we’re apprehensive.

Of course we’re concerned for stock but our main concern is for the safety of customers. We actually have a flood warning system which is from local life guards. A sensor is triggered if a flood is expected to hit us and we get notice a couple hours before.”

By the weekend torrential downpours will clash with subzero Arctic winds triggering blizzards for the North England, Wales, and Scotland meaning snow is on its way.

Minister defends cuts

By AMBER PRITCHARD Communities minister Greg Clark yesterday spoke to Liverpool Life about the effect recent police cuts could have on the city’s safety following terrorist attacks in Paris.

The government has demanded Merseyside police force to make £48m cuts by the end of the 2018/2019 financial year – on top of the £77m already cut since 2010.

Mr. Clark said: “There is a spending review that is going on across government that will set the spending for the next four years. Next week the chancellor

will announce the contents of that, so in terms of budgets for all areas, we’ve got to wait for that.

“Clearly it’s important at any time, but especially in light of the terrible events in Paris, we must make sure we have a system in place for law enforcement and intelligence here that can protect our citizens.”

Police commissioner Jane Kennedy has launched an online campaign, lodged on the Parliamentary petition site, in a bid to prevent the predicted loss of 1,000 police officers and staff that will be caused by the cuts.

So far the petition has attracted 12,224 signatures but must reach

100,000 before it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

Andy Burnham, MP said: “If Ministers cut the police on the scale proposed, they will be putting public safety at risk and will go down as the Government that took thousands of Bobbies off the beat.”

He added: “David Cameron promised to keep the British public safe but he’s breaking that pledge.”

However, the Home Office has said no decisions have been taken on police funding beyond 2015/16, and future funding is subject to the outcome of the Government’s Spending Review on November 25th.

Housing and health representatives from across the North West are joining together to promote better living conditions throughout the region.

The award winning Healthy Homes programme, initiated

by Liverpool City Council and commissioned by public health, aims to prevent ill health and injury resulting from poor quality housing conditions.

Now a Housing and Health group has been set up with similar teams from other organisations including those from Knowsley Council, Wirral Council, Blackpool Coastal Housing and St Helens Council.

The Healthy Homes programme visit homes to gather information about the occupants and their health needs, as well as the condition of their homes.

They can then provide free help and advice to residents to remove or prevent hazards that can improve their health and wellbeing.

Advice is given on health proofing homes from excess cold and damp, fuel poverty - keeping homes warm through winter and maximising income.

They also have a team of Environmental Health Officers who can use enforcement powers to make unwilling landlords improve properties if there are serious health and safety risks to their tenants.

Improvement Partners of the Healthy Homes include Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Roy Castle Fag Ends and the Citizen Advice Bureau.

The teams will combine their knowledge and experience which will also enable joint bids from the authorities to be made for funding with a spring national conference next year.

It is intended to include other authorities which have similar schemes and hold a national conference in spring next year.

Councillor Frank Hont, Liverpool city council cabinet member for housing, said: “Our Healthy Homes team has been very successful in helping to improve housing conditions, but you can always learn from other people’s experiences.

“For example, we have recently gained Home Improvement Agency status, meaning we can help elderly people care and repair for their homes. This is a status Blackpool already has so we will be keen to hear about how they operate.”

He added: “And, of course we will be letting other healthy home teams know about what works well for us in Liverpool.

Importantly, by joining together we will have much more clout when we are applying for funds which will enable us to improve housing conditions.”

Life|News|5

Foodbank’s Christmas gift to families in need

By CHRISTY JADE

BIGGAR

Volunteers at Wirral foodbank in Birkenhead will be helping families right up to Christmas Eve to ensure no family in crisis goes without food this festive season.

Since the foodbank opened in 2011, Wirral foodbank on Birkenhead Dock Road has fed and supported over 30,000 people, including 11,000 children.

Each year demand for the help of the Wirral foodbank has increased. A year into production, the number of people accessing the service grew by 55%.

Richard Roberts, Trustee of Wirral foodbank, said: “Winter is a tough time.

“Our advice is to seek help as soon as possible. [We] are there

to help, and individuals can only obtain food from us if they have a foodbank voucher, [but] we don’t decide who gets the vouchers.

“We work with many organisations who hold our vouchers including Citizens Advice Bureau, One Stop Shops and Housing Associations.

“They will offer invaluable support and advice, and as a part of their support, they may decide to issue a food voucher.”

In the New Year, the foodbank hopes to help even more people by expanding the fuel bank scheme, in association with the npower fuel pilot.

This pilot scheme gives families or individuals, who are currently in receipt of aid, a £30 fuel voucher they can use to repay emergency credit to top up their

gas and electricity meters.

Richard added: “In Winter, fuel bills rise, adding to the financial pressure for those we help.

“The npower fuel bank enables households that have run out of energy to get the power back on within a few hours, to keep the heating and lights on for around a week. It is hoped we can extend this to other centres. This is a short term measure for people in crisis. We’ll then work on behalf of the individual to resolve the underlying cause that has resulted from them needing the support of the foodbank.”

After Christmas Wirral foodbank distribution centres will be operating from 29th of December through to New Year’s Eve. Christmas help for the Homeless visit Pg. 10

Community: Wirral Foodbank has supported 30,000 people since 2011

Tackling transphobia together

By EMILY CURREN A wreath laying ceremony is taking place this week as part of Transgender day of remembrance, a day when communities around the world come together to remember transgender men and women who were killed by hate crime and transphobia.

This Friday from 3pm at the Museum of Liverpool, a ceremony will led by representatives from the Trans community and Merseyside Police, as well as a poetry reading from Liverpudlian poet Gerry Walker as part of the ongoing Homotopia festival There will also be an appearance from Liverpool-born April Ashley MBE, a former Vogue model and actress who was one of the first people in the world to undergo pioneering gender reassignment surgery. A portrait of April Ashley, by photographer Tim Walker, will be presented to the

Pioneer: Liverpool-born April Ashley will be making an appearance at the festival this weekend

Museum of Liverpool to become part of their permanent collection.

Speaking to JMU Journalism, Homotopia Communications and Marketing Consultant Louise Muddle said: “We hope that between 30 and 50 people will attend on Friday – these are the kind of numbers we have seen attend in the past two years. The service is very moving every year - a representative from the local Trans* community and a representative from Merseyside Police lay wreathes and there is a minute’s silence to remember all those victims of Trans Hate Crime across the world.

“Homotopia aims to bring communities together by building understanding and respect - it is very important for people to attend these acts of remembrance if they are gay, straight, trans or cis gendered. No one should be terrorised for their humanity.”

Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1998

in memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered in Allston, Massachusetts. Since it began the day of remembrance has slowly evolved from a web-based project into an international day of action.

In 2010, TDoR was observed in over 185 cities throughout more than 20 countries.

Izzi Mckay, a member of LJMU LGBT+ society, said: “So much of the time trans murders are sensationalised in the media and portrayed disrespectfully so it’s really important to have a safe space to mourn with other people.

“I think the general public should be more aware of these issues, especially in the UK because lots of people think that discrimination doesn’t really happen anymore, and the more the public encounter trans issues and stuff, generally the less transphobic they will be because a lot of people are transphobic entirely by accident.”

Bierkeller’s Christmas makeover

By CHRISTY JADE BIGGAR Bierkeller in Liverpool ONE is to undergo a £500,000 makeover in time for Christmas.

The three bars under one roof, Around the World in 80 Beers, Shooters Sports Bar and the Bierkeller room itself will all still be open whilst the renovation is taking place over the next three weeks.

The entertainment complex only opened three years ago, the complex wishes to improve the customer

experience even further by allowing the bars to be self-contained within the venue.

Signage will clearly identify each bar within the property, as the wider general public simply calls it “Bierkeller”.

Shooters Sports Bar will expand by knocking through to the current Bierkeller room, as well as installing a high-tech screen to the delight of Merseyside sports fans, which will be 4 metres wide by 2 metres high.

The pool table area will also be moved behind the current bar, creat-

ing more space.

The size of Bierkeller will be reduced from 350 people to 300, creating a more intimate Bavarian Bierkeller feel.

Head of Marketing for the Bierkeller Entertainment Complex, Isaac Mayne said: “Time has flown by and we were overwhelmed by just how popular our venue was from day one.

We thought now the time was right to adjust and tweak a few areas to offer our loyal customers and even better experience one of the three bars, just in time for Christmas.”

Renovation: Sports bar to reduce its capacity © Arild Skjaeveland

Scouser debuts new drama

By BETH HUGHES

Liverpool-born director Terence Davies, is to release a new critically acclaimed drama.

Terence Davie’s new film ‘Sunset song’ debuted at the Toronto Film festival in September and has already received good responses.

The film, made by Liverpool’s Hurricane films has now been shortlisted for the BFI London Film Festival competition.

The film is an adaptation of Scottish Novelist’s Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s classic story.

It is widely regarded as one of the most important Scottish novels of the 20th century.

Terence Davies, from Kensington. worked for ten years a shipping office clerk before leaving Liverpool to attend Coventry Drama School, where he wrote his first screenplay for his first autobiographical short.

The movie hits cinemas on December 4th.

Support for city youths

By AMBER PRITCHARD Liverpool city council are expanding support strategies in place for vulnerable young people.

Two new units will be created to support those with social, emotional and mental health in the city.

The council’s Cabinet has approved proposals which will fill existing gaps in provision, particularly for young girls.

At Woolton High School, a 20 place unit will be created for vulnerable secondary school girls who would previously have been sent to alternative provision outside of the city.

And at Ernest Cookson Special School in Tuebrook, a dedicated 24 place short stay assessment unit will be created and the school will become co-educational.

Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet member for education, said: “We are hugely proud of the support our special schools provide to our young people and this expansion of services is good news.

“It will mean we no longer have to send young people outside of Liverpool to receive the help they need and we have made sure that both the north and south of the city are covered.”

Life|Focus|6

WINNER: Josh Parry with his award © O2 UK Official

RADIO PRIZE: Chris Chambers (right) © O2 UK Official

TOP AWARD: Rhiannon Hilton with prize © O2 UK Official

Congratulations!

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By LEWIS PRICE

JMU Journalism graduates have excelled at the North West o2 Media Awards, collecting awards and commendations for their work.

The event, which took place at Chester Racecourse and was hosted by BBC Breakfast’s Louise Minchin, included 21 award categories and attracted entries from across the region, making this one of the most fiercely fought contests in recent years.

More than 25 working editors and executives from newspapers, magazines, broadcasters and on-line publications were involved in the judging process.

Rhiannon Hilton, who graduated from LJMU in 2010, won the title of ‘Young Reporter of the Year’.

She now writes for the Crewe

Chronicle and one of the stories that she covered this year was a campaign launched by Terri and Hannah Cliffe, of Audlem, to raise money for specialist treatment for their mum Berni who was suffering from cancer. The pair managed to reach their £100,000 target.

Rhiannon said: “Being named Young Reporter of the Year at the O2 North West Media Awards is my biggest achievement to date since I began my journalism career in 2010.

“I started at the paper by working for free and since being offered a job have progressed to become the Nantwich patch reporter, as well as crime reporter.

“I also stand in as news editor when my boss is away. I am extremely proud to have won the award, especially as I was up against some tough competition.

My time at LJMU taught me many things, but above all that determination gets you far - and that there’s always more to the story!”

Also commended in the ‘Young Reporter of the Year’ category was Josh Parry, who graduated in 2013.

He told Liverpool Life: “It was really good because there was a lot of entries and I did not feel that I stood a chance and for such a popular category, it’s nice to have your work being recognise.

“I can’t thank the LJMU lecturers enough. Every single day I use the skills that they have taught me and writing for Liverpool Life is pretty much exactly what it is like in a newsroom and prepared me for life after university.”

do it because you love the job and the people you communicate with on a daily basis, so to be acknowledged by fellow journalists as someone who is getting it right means a lot.

“Since graduating I have learnt a lot as a journalist and continue to learn on a daily basis - but the most important lesson has been to respect and understand who it is you are talking to and to deliver an honest, credible service.”

In the ‘Scoop of the Year’ category LJMU graduate and now radio journalist Adam Phillips was named as one of the finalists.

LJMU Journalism Programme hris Chambers, who Leader Jackie Newton said the whole graduated in 2004, team were extremely proud of the has been working at award winners.

Juice FM in Liver“We feel privileged to have had a pool for seven years. part in launching these fine journalHe scooped the award for ‘Radio ists’ careers and it has been immenseJournalist of the Year’. ly rewarding watching them develop Speaking about his success Chris in the industry. It is fantastic to know said: “Without doubt you don’t that they are out there upholding the best values of quality regional become a local radio journalist because you aim to be rich, you journalism.”

C

‘Being named Young Reporter of the Year at the O2 North West Media Awards is my biggest achievement to date since I began my journalism career in 2010’ - Rhiannon Hilton

Life|Arts|7

Career dream now a reality for Ayden JESSICA ARNELL

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speaks to graduate Ayden Feeney about his career and life after LJMU

eing part of the Royal Air Force had been a lifelong dream for Ayden Feeny.

He graduated from the steps of the Anglican Cathedral in 2011 and left with the ambition of becoming an officer in the RAF. Ayden had always been interested in the air force from a very young age but before achieving his dream he carried on with his studies and embarked on a journalistic journey as a back-up career plan.

Ayden told Liverpool Life: “It’s always been a lifelong dream to be a part of the RAF. My grandfather was in the air force in the Second World War, so it that was him that fostered my spirt for wanting to join up.”

From 2008-2011 Ayden studied for a journalism degree at LJMU, whilst completing his studies Ayden’s love for the service did not waver and he joined the University Air Squadron.

He said: “I learnt a lot, it gave me a taste of military life and a taste of how the RAF works, I was given unique opportunities, for example, I got to do some flying training which was good .”

Although Ayden enjoyed the three years he was studying, he knew he wanted to embark on a career in the air force.

However after graduating Ayden’s dream was put on hold, the timing of his graduation coincided with the defence cuts which meant recruitment was stopped for a while.

Because of this, Ayden became a retail manager for a year-and-a-half and it was only at the beginning of 2013 that he finally submitted his application to the RAF. “When I graduated in 2011 I went to work in retail management. Once the air force recruitment opened up after the defence cuts, a job as a logistics officers became available, so I applied

degree is what has helped him in all the jobs he has done.

Becoming a logistics officer has allowed Ayden to have both a rewarding and challenging career, which includes highlights such as travelling the world.

He has had the opportunity to travel across the globe doing different operations, he is also hoping to do some more travelling in the New Year.

“The opportunity to travel is one of the best parts of the job for me.

Another highlight is the people I come across.”

The job that started off as a dream for Ayden when he was just four years old has now become a reality.

MUSIC

Animaux presents: Zenker Brothers (Ilian Tape / Tresor / Munich) Thursday November 19th After its success in York for the past two and a half years, Animaux is expanding and coming to 24 Kitchen Street this week. The Bass/Tech-House/Techno-filled night has hosted artists such as Randomer, Annie Errez, Tom Hades, Palace, Troy Gunner and more in the past, and this time round is no different - Thursday’s line-up consists of Zenker Brothers, Endeser, Sloemoe and Spoonco. Tickets available on skiddle.com, prices starting at £8.

for the role.”

Ayden attended the selection process based at the force’s spiritual home, RAF Cranwell, where he was subjected to three days of interviews, group tests and discussions, as well as physical and medical examinations.

“I went through selection for the RAF in mid-2013, I was then selected for officer training at the end of the year.

“I completed officer training for around 9 to 10 months. Physical fitness and robustness became a key and substantial part of my life, with morning runs, sprints up hills, Battle PT in full kit, swimming and circuit training.

“All of this made me ready for a life as a junior officer.”

It was in September 2014 that Ayden graduated as an officer, he said: “I went on to do further logistics training and was then posted to my first base in April of this year, where I am at the moment in RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.”

Ayden believes all the skills he developed whilst completing his

‘Journalism is a massively interesting degree, there are loads of different life skills that you can take from it - but the main thing for me was the communication and confidence skills’

What’s On

THEATRE Shrek the musical in the Liverpool Empire Wednesday November 25th to Sunday December 6th Hailed by critics and enjoyed by audiences of all ages, SHREK THE MUSICAL® will play at the Liverpool Empire from November 25th to December 6th 2015, as part of its tour of the UK and Ireland. Coming direct from London, where it was seen live on stage by nearly a million people, the UK and Ireland tour of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane production is directed by Nigel Harman, who starred as Lord Farquaad in the west end production. Ticket prices start from £10.

ARTS Telling the story at the International Slavery Museum Saturday November 21st

HIGH FLIER: Ayden n his RAF uniform

Meet the authors of books about modern slavery in India, hear why they write and how they translate the issues into a story on the written page, and maybe become inspired to set pen to paper yourself. The event will take place at the International Slavery Museum on 21st November 2015 at 1pm and will include interviews with the panel, readings from their books and the opportunity for audience questions.

COMEDY Laughterhouse Mathew Street Launch Friday November 27th

CELEBRATING: Ayden and the rest of the team Photographs © Ayden Feeney

Laughterhouse comedy club in Mathew Street is to present its newly refurbished venue on Friday 27th November.

Liverpool’s most successful provider of live comedy, Laughterhouse has converted the original Eric’s Club into a purposebuilt comedy venue. The opening night will feature comedy heavyweights such as Matt Richardson and MC Chris Cairns.

Closing the show will be a mystery guest - a Liverpool lad, he is also one of Britain’s best loved comedians.

Life|Charity|8

Movember madness raises hairs

Support for a men’s health campaign is growing on the streets of Liverpool

BY NATHAN BURGESS

Mo Bros all across the world are carefully crafting and carefully raising their new powerful creation which is of course the beauty of the hairy top lip. The moustache can sometimes be discussed as off-limits amongst men however this isn’t the case during the month of November.

Men on average across the world die six years earlier than woman and mental health issues are more likely to occur in men.

Prostate and testicular cancer also have a substantial effect on a number of lives, with prostate cancer being the second most common cancer amongst men worldwide.

The World Health Organisation estimates that 510,000 men die from suicide globally each year.

Movember is the time of the year where men stand tall and unite together to show off their moustaches to help raise money and awareness for men’s health.

One man taking part for his fifth year and helping to donate to the cause is Ian Jackson, Business Systems Manager at Danone, he told Liverpool Life: “The biggest reason for me to take part is that men’s health isn’t talked about as much as it should be. Men “In General” aren’t as open when discussing health issues be it lumps, cancer, mental health etc.

“Any money donated can play a huge part in getting the message out there and to raise health awareness in men of all ages using as many mediums as possible.”

Fact file The Movember Foundation is a global charity committed to men living happier. The charity which was set up in 2003 has since then raised around £402m for men’s health all over the world.

There are a number of rules that Mo Bro’s have to follow: • Once registered online each participant must start with a clean shaven face on November 1st.

• Each moustache must be grown and groomed for the entirety of Movember.

• No beards, no goatees and no fake moustaches.

• Use the power of the moustache to create conversation and raise funds for men’s health.

• Each Mo Bro must conduct himself like a true gentleman.

Make a donation at Movember.com where you can donate to a Mo Bro or Mo Sista’s efforts.

The money raised from the Movember Foundation contributes funding to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.

Last year was a successful Movember for Jackson and the employees at Danone where they pushed really hard for “Danoners” to donate money. The company raised in excess of €15,000 and Jackson is urging people to keep on donating, he said: “On the donation side it’s important to help your “Mo Bro” keep on track and not get the urge to shave off early because every pound you donate will help keep him focused and in the game.

It will also encourage others to donate too creating a snowball effect. It’s a fantastic foundation and growing from strength to strength each year” A number of campaigns are running across the city and Liverpool based taxi-top digital advertising company Open Messenger have joined in with Movember this year. #ScouseMuzzies has been launched to help raise awareness for men’s health. The firm are using their Hackney cabs to advertise a number of illustrated moustache’s across the city. Famous names such as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Joey Barton and Terry Mcdermott will have their tashes on show for all to see.

Stephen Clare, from the Communications and Social Media team, told Liverpool Life: “The thinking behind the campaign was from the Movember style guide. We knew we wanted to somehow use our fleet of taxi screens across the city.

Participants also have the chance to have their beautifully crafted Mo masterpiece’s showcased as an illustration to be viewed across the city. To get involved with the social media campaign just tweet a picture to @OpenMessenger using the hashtag #ScouseMuzzies or get involved with Instagram. You could have your Mo considered for a place on the illustrious Liverpool facial hair ‘hall of fame’.

If you still want to join in with the cause, it’s never too late. You can still take part for the final two weeks and donate at: www.uk.movember.com/get-involved/ donate

Above: Ian Jackson shows off his moustache attempt for Movember. Pic © Ian Jackson.

Below: You can nominate a famous scouse moustache to be featured on Open Messenger cabs. Pic © Open Messenger.

Christmas appeal for the small charity with a big heart

BY CHARLOTTE MANN

Sunflowers, the small charity with a big heart, was set up by a group of people who all had something in common - each of them had been affected by cancer.

The independent charity was founded in 1986, based at 21 Aigburth Road, South Liverpool.

The charity began after two women realised - following the death of their husbands - there was little support.

After attracting a small amount of funding a successful drop in centre was established. Providing guidance, counselling, complementary therapies and group support for people living with cancer, whether newly diagnosed or in remission. Sunflowers charity is a free service, confidential and run by professionals.

Recently announced are a wide range of new services being offered such as Yoga, paper-crafts, counselling, support groups, Pilates (mat based and standing).

Emma Squibb CEO of Sunflowers told Liverpool Life: “We’re delighted to be able to offer such a wide range of services to people living with, or beyond cancer in Liverpool.

“We’ve worked hard to design a programme that has something for everyone, whether they want to make friends, keep fit or just enjoy a bit of pampering. Our services are free and available to anyone living with cancer so we hope to see lots more people coming

through our doors.”

Starting in January, breast cancer recovery Pilates will be taking place. The specifically designed course can help women return to fitness, improve flexibility and build core strength.

At one time there are around 15,000 people living in Liverpool being treated for cancer and at least three times as many recovering. Bringing the number to 45,000. One in 2 of us will be affected by cancer either directly or indirectly by knowing someone suffering with cancer at some point in their lives. Merseyside has the highest incidence of cancer in the UK. Sunflowers are offering an in demand service with the aim to see every patient with a cancer diagnosis to have access to their service.

Sunflowers charity are appealing this Christmas. With no marketing budget the charity is totally eclipsed by the larger cancer charities. As a registered charity they rely on grants and donations to provide to the people of Merseyside. All the money raised will be spent directly on providing activities and support for individuals and families in need.

In the run-up to Christmas why not support the charity by attending their Christmas craft fair on Saturday 5h December and the sunflowers Christmas party on Friday 11th December.

SUNFLOWERS: The charity are appealing for help this Christmas Photo © Sunflowers

Life|Fashion|9 Black Robin Christmas Jumper available from: BHS £25.00

RoseBud Faux Fur Bootie available from: www.bouxavenue.com £20.00

Lipsy Women’s Snowlong Pyjama set available from: Getthelabel.com £26.99

WINTER WARMER © cliparts.co

Jack Jones Men’s Pat Knit Beanie available from: Getthelabel.com £7.99

The long, dark nights may bring on the blues, but don’t be discouraged as there are plenty of winter warmers here to see you through the cold, blustery days!

Leather Trim Glove available from: Whitestuff £19.95

Houndstooth Scarf Available from: Next £20.00

Accessorize Bobble Knit Chunky Scarf available from: Accessorize £22.00

Blue Skiing Penguin Christmas Jumper available from: Primark UK £12.00

Life|Community|10

Helping the homeless this winter Michael Henry takes a look at those who will be coldest and hungriest this Christmas and the charities that help them in their time of need

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s the days get shorter and the nights get longer, the signs are here that winter is truly on its way. For most of us this means nights spent in front of the television with a hot cup of tea, reading a book in a steaming bath or indulging in a warm supper. The harsh reality for many people in Liverpool though, is that winter means long nights spent sleeping on frozen footpaths, searching for the next meal to see them through the long and insufferable night.

Feeling cold during the winter isn’t the only issue facing the homeless people of Liverpool, freezing temperatures can also lead to further problems such as rising blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attacks, and the potential redundancy of the immune system, leading to hypothermia.

Homelessness is an issue in Liverpool that needs tackled immediately, and luckily for those unfortunate enough to be sleeping rough this winter, there are initiatives being set up across the city to help them find somewhere to rest and eat.

Forward-thinking mother of two, Natasha Grindley, from Childwall, has gone down a different route than most in her aim to help those in need. She recently set up a petition calling on the Liverpool City Council to open disused buildings to house the homeless over the coming winter months. The petition has so far been signed over 6300 times and Natasha has said that she wants to bring the petition to the council once it reaches 10,000 signatures.

While the city waits to see if Natasha’s proposal will be accepted, a number of other organisations continue to provide care and support to the homeless people of Liverpool on a regular basis. Liverpool City Council are currently one of the most active in Britain in helping the homeless and invest £12.4m per year in tackling the issue. One of the charities who benefits the most from this government funding is the Whitechapel Centre.

The Whitechapel Centre, based on Bold Street in the city centre, is one of a number of charities who are going

beyond their means to help the homeless people of Liverpool.

Russell Ainslie, a director at the Whitechapel centre, spoke to JMU Journalism about the work Whitechapel carries out.

He said: “The initiative is designed, first and foremost, to give people the opportunity to sleep indoors. Anyone who sees a homeless person can call us and we will pick the person up and bring them to our main stay assessment point. Hopefully, after bringing them off the street that night, we can take them to the next step, whether it be speaking with housing support or helping them find a job. We want to relay the message as much as possible that anyone can become homeless, but it is never by choice, and everyone deserves a second chance.”

It was set up in 1975 as a day centre for homeless people and a place where they could go to eat and have their clothes washed, although it has quickly evolved into something far greater. These days the centre serves many functions; it now has a multi-functional area and communal space which allows people to eat, acquire essential hygiene items and clothes, and simply provides the visitors a sense of relaxation and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city centre streets.

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he final step in the development of the Whitechapel centre was to help the homeless get back on their feet and eventually start planning for the future.

In 2010, activity sessions began as way of helping people get their lives back on track.

These sessions are designed to build confidence and self-esteem within the individuals, many of whom have had every inch of self-respect within themselves crushed after months spent on the streets begging their way to their next meal. The sessions also provide training in order to develop the skills and independence of the attendees, in the hope of helping them to gain the necessary employment skills to find work once their time at the centre draws to a close.

To find out more about Whitechapel Centre, please visit http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk/.

Or, to sign Natasha Grindley’s peitition, please visit https://you.38degrees.org.uk/ petitions/unlock-unused-buildings-in-liverpool-for-the-homeless-over-the-winter

CAMPAIGN: A poster for the ‘No second night out’ campaign run by the Whitechapel Centre

GIVE Kitchen gives back A Liverpool based eatery has become the first of its kind in the UK to offer a free meal to a homeless shelter for every meal purchased by a regular customer.

GIVE Kitchen, based in the city centre close to the Albert Dock, have promised to donate a fresh and nutritious meal direct to a homeless centre for every purchase made.

It is the UK’s first and only vegan food delivery service, and from now until the end of December they are also offering free box of 7 luxury raw, vegan truffles for every purchase made by a customer.

The initiative was launched in Liverpool

in June and has so far donated over 355 meals to homeless shelters across the city.

GIVE is a humanitarian themed takeaway, proved by their mission statement that they released on their website.

It says: “GIVE is a collection of people who share the common goal to make the world a better place; bit by bit, day by day, year by year, until our collective goal is achieved. We are committed to ending world hunger, poverty and disease by 2040. You can become part of GIVE. We are not selective, we are open to all colours, religions and races. ” To find out more, please visit https://givekitchen. com/.

Shoebox full of love A campaign designed to help the homeless and vulnerable people of Merseyside during the festive season is underway for the second year running.

The initiative, called “A shoebox full of love”, calls on local residents to donate a shoebox filled with essentials for those who need it most during the cold winter months ahead.

The organisers have asked for the boxes to be wrapped but unsealed, so they can be checked for safety, and then left to one of the various drop off points around Merseyside.

The boxes are then col-

lected from the drop off points and taken to the community storage centre.

From this point, the boxes are sorted and distributed, with particular preference going to homeless people and those who have been forced to leave their homes to flee domestic violence.

A statement from their Facebook page outlined a few suggested items that people could donate.

It said: “We ask people to donate a shoebox filled with life’s little essentials, a “survival kit” essentially to be distributed to adult males and females, children, teenagers, veterans, and of course homeless dogs.

We also accept any new bedding, clothes in good condition, sleeping bags and tinned foods also.”

Additionally, the organisers are running a few further events in order to raise extra funds to pay for van hire collection and distribution costs, alongside additional donations which are being made to the Liverpool Homeless Outreach, who hold a soup kitchen every Sunday to feed rough sleepers.

To find out more about the campaign, visit the Shoebox Full of Love Facebook page, which is at www.facebook. com/liverpoolchristmasshoe boxappeal

SHOEBOX: One of the Winter shoeboxes for the homeless

Hume proves to be a success abroad

ICON: Former Tranmere player Iain Hume has upsticks and moved across the world to continue his footballing career in the newly founded Indian Super League. Hume is following in the footsteps of a number of former footballing superstars including Robert Pires, Italian legend Alessandro Del piero and Nicolas Anelka

Adapting to a new lifestyle, country and culture.

Tranmere legend Iain Hume talks to Life Liverpool life about all things India.

LEWIS PRICE spoke to the man himself

I

f you ask any Tranmere Rovers fan about Iain Hume, chances are that they would light up and be able to talk about him for hours on end. After all, he is arguably one of the best footballers that Tranmere has produced from their youthful ranks over the past decade.

Originally from Edinburgh, Hume, progressed through Tranmere Rovers academy roots and entered the competitive world of football at the young age of 16.

Hume featured in many crucial games for Tranmere including a 3-0 triumph over Everton at Goodison Park in 2001.

In the six years that Hume played for Tranmere, he could not help them to gain promotion to the championship despite coming close in 2005, when they were knocked out on penalties

by Hartlepool United in the Championship play-offs.

The following year, Hume decided to move on from life in Birkenhead before moving

Life|Sport|11

Success: Phil Jagielka ©Chensiyuan

Jagielka screamer voted goal of the year

BY JACK WHITEHEAD

to championship outfits in Leicester, Barnsley and Preston.

Hume continued to impress and racked up 69 goals from his time with all three sides.

Although Hume was born in Scotland, he took on Canadian citizenship and turned out 41 times for the national team.

In 2012 Hume was loaned out for two consecutive years with Doncaster Rovers and Fleetwood Town. After his loan moves, Hume became a free agent and the search for a new opportunity had begun.

Various meetings with his agent took place and eventually Hume was offered to join the Kerala Blasters as part of a newly formed competitive league in India. With the league proving to be very successful Iain decided to remain within the league and signed for Atletico de Kolkata the following year.

Before coming to India, Hume was unsure of what to expect.

Before making the 4700 mile trip, Hume admitted that he was unsure of what to expect from India’s culture and told

Liverpool Life: “The culture difference was obviously a bit of a stumbling block, but coming out last year with an open mind about what I was going to encounter, allowed me to adapt a lot quicker than I had originally expected.”

“Being surrounded by people who were very friendly and accepting into their way of life, was a very big help and made the time it took to adapt a lot shorter than I first expected.” he added.

Since the addition of the Indi-

an Super football League, Hume was overwhelmed by the level of support from the local population and said: “It was definitely unexpected to witness the level of support that this league has received.”

“You only ever hear about India and their love for cricket, but their love for football, especially in the southern states, is near enough on par with that. I’ve been fortunate to play in two of the most football-daft states Kerala & Kolkata and I can definitely say it’s one of the highest levels of support I’ve witnessed in 16 years of professional football.”

T

Winner: Iain Hume being presented with the Indian Super Leagues player of the year award

he fans at the club I was at last season, Kerala Blasters, have been likened to the Yellow Wall of Borussia Dortmund who are amongst the best fans in the world. For me they were the best I’ve witnessed in my playing career!”

Hume was recently awarded with the ‘2015 Player of League’ accolade for his strong performances for the Kerala Blasters: “The awards that I’ve received have just been added bonuses as they were well beyond any of my expectations. I am very honoured and humbled to have been held in such esteem.”

Hume lives with his family and they regularly travel to India to watch him play when they can.

When they can’t make the trip the family sit together and watch their hero play on TV. With just seven games left to play in the Indian Super League, his team are locked in a four-way tussle for top spot.

The North West football awards took place in Manchester last night but teams from Merseyside took home some of the awards that were on offer.

The award ceremony highlights some of the top class football performers in the North West with a variety of categories including goal of the season and player of the season.

Everton’s Captain Phil Jagielka received the award for goal of the season after his last minute strike in the Merseyside derby snatched a draw for the blues.

He beat off competition from Liverpool’s Phillipe Coutinho, for his goal against Southampton, and Juan Mata, for hi strike against Liverpool at Anfield.

Jagielka was also nominated for the player of the year award, along with Coutinho, Sergio Aguero, Tom Heaton and David de Gea. Both Merseyside players were trumped to the award by Manchester City’s striker Sergio Aguero.

However, Jagielka wasn’t the only triumph for the Blues that night.

Gabby George, Everton’s Womens footballer, won the rising star award.

Meanwhile the Blues also received the award for best marketing campaign in relation to their ‘Chosen’ season ticket advertisement for the 2015-2016 season.

Liverpool-based journalist Tony Barrett, of the Times, won the best Journalist award to cap off a good night for Merseyside.

Liverpool

LifeSPORT

GRASSROOTS BOOST FOR MINNOWS 18 November 2015

Memberships now on sale to own City of Liverpool Football Club

By JACK WHITEHEAD

Plans to create a Liverpool fan-funded club have now been made official as the City of Liverpool FC will have a team for the 2016/17 season.

Confirmation of the clubs ability to hand out memberships means they can now officially operate as a football club that is owned by the fans.

A statement on the club’s website read: “We are delighted to announce that we have now had

OFFICIAL The club can now hand out memberships. ©City of Liverpool FC

confirmation... that our status as a CBS (Community Benefit Society) is now in place. We are now officially a supporter-owned football club!

“This is the latest step in securing a team, it’s been a long process that has been two years in the making.”

There was a meeting in September when volunteers outlined the clubs aims and told members of the public how they plan to run the club.

One of the main aims of the club is to put money back into grass roots football which has had a dramatic decrease in funds given to them in the past few years.

Paul Manning, chairman of City of Liverpool FC, doesn’t blame the council for their actions but feels the growing commerciality of Premier

League football is now the main problem.

He told Liverpool Life: “We don’t blame them [the council] and neither do we expect them to look after the football needs of the people of Liverpool.”

“They [the football clubs] are increasingly becoming franchisable marketing opportunities for their corporate sponsors and less and less the footballing embodiment or pride of the local football supporters, whom both clubs really belong to.”

Liverpool’s grassroots football has been famed in the past for producing footballers such as Jamie Carragher, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard.

A potential problem for the club however, is finding a pitch that will be available for them use.

Everton’s planned movement

to Walton Park could hamper City of Liverpool’s ability to tie down a full time location for them to play football.

Club founders say they want to showcase and develop local talent while working with amateur and non-league teams across Merseyside.

People wanting to join the club now can for a small membership fee. The money received will help the club build up some much needed infrastructure to help them move further down the line.

Mr Manning added: “In five years’ time, we want to be playing in our own stadium in Liverpool, hopefully having taken 2 or 3 steps up the football league pyramid. With the entire city knowing that there is a football club available to them to support.”

TRANMERE LEGEND IAIN HUME SPEAKS TO LIVERPOOL LIFE Full story on page 11

Measure of success as LJMU Slow start for Seconds looks to improve rankings

By CHARLOTTE MANN

By TIERNAN McGEE Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has currently secured 102 wins so far in the 2015/2016 season, with a total of 82 defeats and 20 draws across all platforms of university sports.

LJMU is now sitting in 15th place on the Northern region tables, seven places behind their arch rivals the University

Inside Sport

of Liverpool.

On Saturday, LJMU seen a heavy defeat for the Ladies 2nd Gaelic Football Team, 9-35 point loss to Liverpool Hope University first team.

John Moores Basketball team produced a fantastic winning performance against University of Sunderland, 100-47 points.

This week’s upcoming fixtures sees LJMU’s Women’s Football team take on University of

Tom Heaton © Kelvin Studdard/ Wikimedia Commons

Liverpool in what is to believe a great fixture of passion and pride for both respected univerities.

In tennis, another early varsity against University of Liverpool as John Moores first team will be hoping for another win.

LJMU will need to boost their sporting performances if they want to improve in the league standings.

Players recognised at North West Football Awards

It has been a mixed start to the season for Liverpool JMU’s women’s second team.

They currently sit fifth in the BUCS Northern 3A league with three points from the first three games.

The girls started with two disappointing 8-0 and 8-1 defeats to Bangor University and Manchester Metropolitan University respectively.

However, they dusted themselves down to beat Liverpool Hope University 5-0 in their previous fixture.

Next up they face rivals Liverpool University and a win could see them move up to third place should results go their way.

Central midfielder Courtney Greene told Liverpool Life: “We were all disappointed with the way we started this season but I’m impressed with the spirit of the group.

“We have worked on weaknesses in training and have seen a huge improvement. We are

HOPEFUL A win for LJMU’s women’s second team tonight could move them into third position © Courtney Greene all eagerly anticipating our next game.”

Get down and show the girls

support for their next home game today: 14:45 at I.M Marsh Campus.