Liverpool Life 8:7 November 20 2019

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF THE CITY

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ANDY COOKE REFLECTS ON ROLE OF POLITICS IN ANNUAL LECTURE

Chief Constable: ‘Accountable but independent’

By DAN JONES The Chief Constable of Merseyside addressed a large audience last night on the relationship betweeen politics and policing.

Liverpool John Moores School of Justice hosted their fourth annual police constable lecture last night, where Andy Cooke QPM was guest speaker.

Each year, the lectures are based on a question or pressing issue, such as Guns and Gangs in 2017.

This year was centred around the question: “Do policing and politics make happy bedfellows, or is a fundamental principle of British policing, operational independence, being eroded?”

CC Cook told Liverpool Life: “The rises in reports of crimes show that the people of Merseyside have trust in their force. There have been challenges but the force are seeing fewer issues than 10 years ago.”

During his time in the force, different governments have come in and out of power, each bringing different ideas about the police. In 2012, the government introduced Police and Crime

commissioners, whose role is oversee effective policing.

This meant that when CC Cook was appointed Chief Constable of Merseyside, his role was scrutinised by commissioner Jane Kennedy, a former Labour MP. In his talk he touched on how he felt towards the PCC, saying: “I am not anti police and crime commissioners.

Jane and myself agree to keep policing and politics separate but policing is a metaphorical pig in the middle between the parties.

“They way that I deal with crimes

LEFT, ABOVE and INSET: Merseyside Chief Constable Andy Cooke at last night’s lecture Photos © Dan Jones and what I chose to investigate is entirely up to me, I can be held accountable for them but I operate independently.”

Chief Constable Cooke has been been in the force since 1985, and has worked his way up while working in various roles over the years, including Detective Inspector in charge of Mer-

LJMU partners police training scheme The PEQF means that if an applicant doesn’t have a degree then they can follow an apprenticeship-style scheme where they study for three years alongside training to become an officer.

If the applicant is already a degree holder, they can train for two years and receive a graduate diploma in policing practice.

This scheme is part of ‘Policing Vision 2025’, a plan to be rolled out nation-wide to ensure policing skills are adequate for the demands of the 21st century. This includes new ways of tackling cybercrime, human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

Chief Constable, Andy Cooke said “I am pleased that recruitment lines

LIVERPOOL LIFE

Netflix series set to film in city

to join Merseyside Police have once again reopened and we are encouraging driven individuals who are passionate about serving their community to join the force.”

“Partnering with LMJU in the launch of PEQF will bring many benefits to the force, fundamentally developing the profession of the police

CONTENTS

©Merseyside Police

By EVELYN EDWARD A scheme has been launched by Merseyside Police that will see Liverpool John Moores University play a vital role in training new police officers.

People wanting to join the police force will now have to apply via the new ‘Policing Education Qualifications Framework’ (PEQF).

The PEQF - created by the College of Policing - aims to develop policing as a profession, along with ensuring police officers receive the best education they can.

The new application process will be delivered by police forces across the country in partnership with universities who have recognised expertise in policing studies, such as LJMU.

seyside’s Robbery Squad.

Since then he has worked with several forces across the North West.

At the Lancashire Constabulary he dealt with Specialist operations, making visible increases in the communities he served by developing the force’s ability to deal with serious organised crime.

By ETHAN JUKES-MCNEE A ground-breaking new Netflix series is set to film in Aintree after a production company took a five-year lease on a 32,000 square foot industrial space.

Commercial property consultants Mason Owen announced the space at Graylaw Trading Estate had been picked for the show - but the identity of the production company and the show have been kept under wraps.

Liverpool has been used for filming many TV shows and films due to its rich heritage and distinctive aesthetic as a portside city. Recent notable productions are Peaky Blinders, the 2019 film Tolkien and the new BBC series War of the Worlds.

Louis Holt, surveyor at Mason Owen, said: “We look forward to seeing the work produced in the space on our screens in the not-so-distant future.”

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EDITOR: Charlie Burgess PRODUCTION TEAM: Ashe Rowe, Emily Roberts, Katie Preece, Scott Clarkson, Ady Sargent, Scarlett O’Toole, Jose Ruiz, Christopher Megrath, Grace Plowman, Danielle Wilson, Tammy-Lee Wilson, Tilly Kenyon, Jessica Rigg FRONT COVER PHOTO: Scott Clarkson

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Scouse Monopoly hits the shops

By MEGAN STRINGER A Liverpool edition of the muchloved board game Monopoly has been launched just in time for Christmas.

The family favourite, which comes 20 years after a previous Liverpool edition, features many buildings and iconic places such as Anfield, Goodison Park, the Liverpool Echo, Sefton Park, Hard Day’s Night, The Beatles Statue, Liverpool Cathedral, plus many more.

As well as the famous landmarks, two Liverpool-based charities, Cash for Kids and Age Concern have their own spaces.

Laura Charlton, Cash for Kids Charity Manager told Liverpool Life: “Cash for Kids are delighted to be the Community Chest on the Liverpool Monopoly board, as we are so proud to make difference to the lives and communities we serve.

“We are honoured to be recognised by the city for the support we provide to disadvantaged and disabled children and young people in the local area.

“The Liverpool Monopoly board showcases many of the iconic features of our city, it makes me so proud to live here and see everything that Liverpool has to offer. I think that everyone who is a Scouser, or an honorary Scouser will enjoy playing the game.”

The creators have chosen to include both Anfield and Goodison Park on the same colour, with Aintree heading up the set.

A spokesperson for Winning Moves UK, who have the official license from Monopoly owners Hasbro to produce the game stated: “For

MONOPOLY: Liverpool edition of the boardgame diplomatic reasons, we decided to put the two city football clubs and their grounds on the same value space.”

Winning Moves UK also produced the last edition, which was hugely popular in its day but was discontinued several years

ago.

Earlier this year, locals from Liverpool were able to vote for what game pieces they would like to see with the game, and they have now been revealed as a football, guitar, ferry and a racehorse complete with a jockey.

The Monopoly Liverpool edition is on sale now and is available in stores including Waterstones, The Works and WH Smith and online on Amazon.

© 6 Star PR

LAUNCH: Mr Monopoly in Liverpool © Waterstones Liverpool

Cheers as thousands flock to Wirral beer festival

By BENJAMIN LYNCH

DRINKS: Fancy a pint?

POPULAR: Visitors at the event

© Benjamin Lynch

© Benjamin Lynch

This year’s Wirral Beer Festival drew thousands of visitors to enjoy a huge selection of beer, ciders and ales alongside live music and entertainment.

The Port Sunlight festival has become steadily more popular since it was set up by Ben Garner of local Liverpool pub, The Ship & Mitre.

Staff member Clare Duty, who helped to organise the event, which attracted more than 2,000 people, was pleased at the turnout and its affinity with the locals.

She told Liverpool Life: “It’s mostly local, some customers come over from Liverpool, but there’s not really much on the Wirral like this. It has been really good for us getting people in from the local area.”

She said the festival doesn’t just appeal to those on the Wirral, despite its local touch.

“Some people like to visit lots of different festivals, I was speaking to one guy before and he said that he goes to a beer festival every weekend!”

The award-winning Liverpool pub and its staff runs the bi-annual festival and it is now in its 11th year.

Claire said: “It’s only really a small business so everybody kind of pitches in, people don’t just have one role.”

Several live acts were on stage to entertain punters over the duration of the festival, which ran from last Thursday to Sunday, including The Detroits, The Asteroids and Irish music trio Hotfoot.

Hulme Hall, home to Ringo Starr’s first Beatles gig in 1962, was packed with people looking for their new favourite drink.

Ciders, ales and stouts from all corners of the world were on offer, including a rare ‘inverse stout’, which is normally very difficult to acquire.

“It’s [from] a niche brewery, it’s quite hard to get hold of so that’s a draw for people. Altogether we have 82 ales and overall there is probably over 200 [drinks].”

The next festival will held be at Easter.

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Why schoolgirl Chrisell is brushing her way to safety

By OLIVIA WAGG A seven-year-old schoolgirl from Wirral is using her spare time to clean up road signs to make Merseyside roads safer.

Community hero Chrisell Kenyon, from Meols, is brushing and clearing foliage away from street signs throughout Liverpool and the Wirral in a bid to tackle the issue.

The idea came to her following a holiday trip in April.

The youngster found that it was difficult for herself and her family to read the road signs due to either damage or dirt covering the text A day after arriving home from Chrisell founded Brushing Beautiful.

That same day she began her cleaning mission.

Eight months later and her Facebook page Brushing Beautiful has a following of more than 1000 people supporting her journey.

She told Liverpool life: “It keeps the local area looking clean and tidy, helps motorists find their way but most importantly it is for road safety, if motorists can quickly read the signs then they can concentrate on their driving and prevent accidents.

“If motorists can also see speed signs or warning signs this will also prevent accidents.”

With the help of her little brother Frederick, she tries to complete the community work at least once a week finding the time between school, dance and drama sessions.

She added “I also like to go and chat to local business owners and report on their business and anything they might be doing to help their

Lime Line aims to improve rail links

By STEPHEN BRAMHILL

DETERMINED: Chrisell completing the communtiy work she does every week. © Olivia Wagg local community just like me.”

Chrisell has even had special hi-vis jackets made and is using brushes with extra-long handles to reach signs that are high up.

This month the Kingsmead School pupil was awarded a grant from ‘52 Lives - School of Kindness’, a non-profit organisation that focuses on working with schools to help teach

children about kindness and the positive effects it has on their physical and mental well-being.

The Brushing Beautiful Facebook page enables people to see what Chrisell is up to, and also gives followers the opportunity to report any signs that need attention.

Reports can also be emailed to brushingbeautiful@gmail.com

Liverpool City Council has unveiled plans to add a new public transport route in Liverpool known as the Lime Line.

The proposal aims to reach destinations that have previously been harder to get to by public transport travel routes. One of the areas being targeted in this initiative is Paddington Village.

Following the £1bn investment into redeveloping this area, the council is eager to make this area more accessible for those who travel in and out of the city centre.

So far, it has been announced the route would pass Liverpool Lime Street, University Square, LJMU and Paddington Village.

Mike Doran, Communications Manager for Liverpool City Council, told Liverpool Life: “The Lime Line is effectively a proposal to deal with the ‘last mile’ between Lime Street station and Paddington Village.

“The public transport offer at present for visitors to Paddington Village is either Lime Street or Central Station. That leaves approximately a mile walk from either station to the development site.

“Able-bodied pedestrians are able to complete this in 20 minutes approximately, but it leaves a gap in the public transport offer.”

The route may also reach Bramley-Moore Docks, the site of Everton’s proposed new stadium.

‘Hearty’ gastropub enjoys sweet taste of success A gastropub in Hightown has recently been named one of the top 50 Gastropubs in the UK. The Pheasant was placed at 43 in the top 50 devised by the UK Big 7 Travel. It offers vegetarian, vegan and seasonal menus.

According to Big 7 Travel, The Pheasant is “the perfect destination for a hearty feed”. It also has a wide range of real ales, lagers and wines.

So Liverpool Life went to Hightown to review The Pheasant Once located, the drive to the award-winner is quite a scenic one. The Pheasant itself is found at the end of a long line of twists and turns to Sefton’s Hightown. The pub, which is situated on a hillside, offers diners a relaxing view to accompany their lunch.

On arrival, we were greeted by friendly staff. After cappuccinos to warm us, we were shown to our table in a corner of the pub.

A nice touch to the pub was the open fire in the middle of the room,

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The Pheasant has been rated one of the best gastropubs in the country. Faye Wasilowski visited and put it to the taste test which gave a relaxed atmosphere to the lazy afternoon.

Themed art hugged the grey walls, and next to our table a little cove offered waiting customers a selection of books about Liverpool.

We were told the sharing starter of baked camembert, and mains such as seabream and rack of lamb were not on the menu, which was slightly disappointing on a Thursday heading into the start of the weekend.

The staff were apologetic and offered lamb rump to compensate.

The King Prawn Gratin starter that I chose was not what I was expecting. Instead of big juicy prawns drowning in thick melted cheese, the prawns were rather keeping afloat in the light cheese and leek mix. Although I did enjoy this

starter, I would not order it again.

Although the interior of The Phesant is nicely decorated, it was the staff who brightened the place up.

They were very accommodating, and even offered a staff umbrella to shield us from the miserable weather as we were leaving.

I believe that The Pheasant did offer more than the typical gastropub. However, at restaurant prices, I was expected similar quality from the food, which was slightly disappointing.

Although I would stop at The Pheasant for a coffee or to try their Sunday Lunch, I would be reluctant to go out of my way again.

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COSY: The table design at the Pheasant in Hightown. © Faye Wasilowski

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Festive pop-up in Palm House proves a hit

By OLIVIA WAGG A pop-up Christmas market packed out Sefton Park’s Palm House at the weekend.

From tapestry designs to loaded halloumi fries, the grade 2 listed building was filled with independent stalls showcasing their finest products.

The market is in its second year and saw festive fans out in force making the most out of the winter season with queues stretching throughout the park.

Visitors were able to get their hands on handmade trinkets and gifts including jewellery, ceramics, prints and even children’s clothes.

Setting the scene, performer Lucy Sings also returned to the event with a lineup of Christmas classics.

Organiser of the event, Robyn, told Liverpool Life: “We love giving new and returning creatives the platform to showcase and sell their work and for the buyers to meet the makers of their new purchases.

“We think it’s great for people to be able to relax in the Palm House and soak up the atmosphere with a hot mulled wine and live music.”

Royal Albert Dock turns green to support NSPCC

By AOIFE MONAHAN Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock is the first landmark in the country to light up green in support of the NSPCC Christmas appeal #SparkleOn. A green light projection illuminated the side of the Liverpool Maritime Museum last week, showing the words, ‘Get your sparkle on, Royal Albert Dock supports NSPCC’.

It was specially designed for the charity by an art company called Double Take.

Deborah Sefton, fundraiser for the NSPCC, said: “We are over the moon that Liverpool’s beautiful Albert Dock is supporting us this year and encouraging people to get their sparkle on in such a stunning and eye-catching fashion.” #SparkleOn is the NSPCC’s yearly Christmas appeal.

Now in its fifth year, the appeal aims to ‘bring a light to every child’ by funding the NSPCC and Childline so that they have enough volunteers to answer the calls of Children in Need of help and run their programmes in more schools across the country.

Danielle Azanuwha, Childline supervisor at the Liverpool base, told LL: “Millions of people visit Royal Albert Dock every year, so thanks to their amazing projection and the wonderful media coverage, it’s fair to say the #SparkleOn campaign will have been seen by thousands of people.”

BRIGHT: Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock in green

Other landmarks around the country are also set to sparkle including Blackpool Tower, The Tyne Bridge and Battersea power station.

Danielle said: “Many more landmarks around the UK are ready to go green for the NSPCC and Childline, either on December 11 or in the runup to the day.”

Whether you are wearing sparkly clothing or hosting a sparkling bake off, the NSPCC can send you fundraising packs to help.

The fundraising packs include

© NSPCC

games, sparkling donation boxes, sparkly stickers and much more.

Visit www.nspcc.org.uk for more information.

Christmas charity launches donations appeal

By AOIFE MONAHAN

A Liverpool charity is looking for donations to fund its annual Christmas dinner for lonely and underprivileged people in the City.

The Imagine If Trust hosts a meal every Christmas Day with the help of volunteers. In 2018, they fed 250 guests and want to help as many people as possible again this year. They are appealing for donations through a just giving page, with the aim to, “feed 200-plus people on Christmas Day.” The day will consist of a threecourse meal served by volunteers followed by prizes, games, bouncy castles, live entertainment and music.

Christmas is perceived as a happy time to spend with family. However, some people in the community are isolated, vulnerable or cannot afford a meal. Imagine If Trust wants to help these people by making them have a memorable Christmas with a hot meal.

The Christmas dinner started in 2012 with about 50 people attending and has steadily progressed to over

200 people attending this year.

James Sloan, chief executive of the charity, told LL: “We don’t specify who can and can’t come. It’s open to anyone who needs it or want to access it. It would be people who can’t afford it or are lonely, or students who can’t get home for Christmas.”

Funding for the project is important to the charity, as it will help them pay for food, tablecloths and anything else they need for the day.

The project does not just benefit people by giving them a free meal the social aspect of the day can also have a big impact on people. Interacting with the volunteers and the other attendees is good for people who would have been lonely or isolated at Christmas.

James said, “We want to spend time with the individuals, get to know them, support them and connect with them.”

Donations can be made on the charity’s Just Giving page: https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/christmas meal2019.

APPEAL: Donate to support the charity

© Imagine If Trust

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VIBRANT: Instagram user and content creator Izhan Ahmed

By SCOTT CLARKSON

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nstagram’ s decision to hide the number of “likes” on posts has been welcomed by a leading North West content creator.

The move is designed to alleviate the pressures of social media on mental health.

Izhan Ahmed, who goes by the name “Iz_hxn” on Instagram, told LL at a north west networking event: “I think overall it can be a positive change as it will encourage people to focus more on the art rather than the engagement, and influence creatives to stop following trends based on engagement and think more about their own unique

passion and interests.”

Instagram’s move came after the social media giant - owned by Facebook - was singled out as the worst such platform in respect of the impact it has on youth mental health. The report by The Royal Society for Public Health says social media “may be fuelling a mental health crisis” in young people.

Following a trial in Canada earlier this year, instead of seeing a running total of users likes on a post, it now

Instagram move to hide number of likes is a ‘positive change’

shows a username “and others” underneath posts. This test has now been rolled out to Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Brazil and Japan.

What this will mean to people who rely on Instagram for their income via brand relationships and #ADs has not been addressed, as the long-term effects haven’t yet been studied.

Mia Garlick, Facebook Australia and New Zealand director of policy, said: “We hope this test will remove

the pressure of how many likes a post will receive, so you can focus on sharing the things you love.”

She added: “The goal is that users feel less judged and to see whether this change can help people focus less on ike and more on telling their story.”

Instagram made it clear that this test would not affect the creatives and businesses tools for engagement and post measurement. Users can still see their numbers and who has liked.

Social media helps to box off beauty project for artist

By DEMI WILLIAMS

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emma Murney has always excelled in art - but looking for work was hard. So when the chance came for her to illustrate for a global make-up brand, the 28-year-old couldn’t let the opportunity slip. Working from home, Gemma started her illustrating career via social media in 2014, creating graphical artwork of celebrities and sharing it online all while growing her Instagram account, which now has more than 14,000 followers.

Gemma said: “When I was out of work, my partner introduced me to Adobe Illustrator [a computer graphics programme] so then I began practicing and illustrating as a hobby to pass time.”

It was only when NikkiTutorials, a well-known beauty influencer and YouTuber, shared Gemma’s artwork to her

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own Instagram that makeup brand Juvia’s Place discovered Gemma and offered her a job.

The Huyton-based illustrator had not heard of the makeup company before, but after research realised that they were huge. When she heard they wanted to offer her work, she couldn’t believe it.

“It felt unreal, I can’t explain it. I didn’t expect anything like this to happen from a hobby,” she said.

With Gemma’s own artistic style combined with the ideas from Juvia’s, she creates iconic illustrations for the brand, inspired by African culture.

When the first palette arrived through her mailbox Gemma was so happy.

She said: “I was amazed and shocked at the same time. When they sent me the palette and I opened it,

holding it in my hand just felt so surreal.”

Juvia’s Place loved Gemma’s illustrations for the palettes so much that they carried on commissioning her for artwork whenever they were making a new palette. Soon enough, the brand offered her a full-time position as their makeup palette illustrator. Gemma has been with the popular makeup brand for several Gemma, above, and, top, one of her years now, all while working from creations © Gemma Murney the comfort of her own home.

“I love working from home, it’s in an office. There’s less pressure and I nice having my own comfortable can take all the time I need to create a work space and not having to work new piece,” she said.

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When graffiti becomes art Insight into the urban talents of artists across the city

INSPIRING: Above and below some of the art on London Road

By ETHAN JUKES-MCNEE

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raffiti in Liverpool has become more prominent with backstreets and shutters having signatures sprawled

across them.

But when does what was once seen as a form of vandalism become a work of art?

One part of the city that is being transformed by graffiti art is the area surrounding London Road.

The buildings are dilapidated and

it has become a rundown area of the city, which is surprisingly close to the city centre.

However, adorning the walls of these side streets is the work of some of the city’s many talented and underappreciated graffiti artists.

Meticulous and finely drawn pictures with vivid colours transform a drab abandoned shop front into a mural that people want to have pictures taken with.

One is a tribute to the women’s football world cup with a large picture of Nikita Parris.

It was drawn by Zem Clarke, an

Pictures by Ethan Jukes-McNee illustrator and graphic designer who works with Graffiti Kings, a group of graffiti artists that collaborate with people to bring their work to life on the city streets.

A spokesperson for Graffiti Kings said: “Due to the likes of Banksy, Shepard Fairey and many others graffiti is now mainstream.

There is money to be made when more thought is put behind the crime.”

This concept is perpetuated by the fact that a Liverpool store known as Zap Graffiti has been running since 1995 from the city centre.

They say: “Our aim at Zap Graffiti is to utilise graffiti as a positive art form, to brighten up areas and to actively discourage vandalism through the use of sanctioned spaces where people of all abilities can create.”

The store works on a voluntary basis in collaboration with local businesses to obtain wall space for artists to do their own work across Liverpool.

“The art is free for the donor of the wall space, yet beneficial in so many ways for them, the artists and the wider community.”

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THE MODEL STUDENT Samuel Agbiji is a Liverpool John Moores student quickly making a name for himself as one of the north west’s next top models

Instagram: Samuelagbiji

Liverpool Life photographer Scott Clarkson attended a creatives networking evening held in Manchester over the weekend and met up with influential model and LJMU student Samuel Agbiji.

The day consisted of creative photography and expanding on the creative network across Manchester and Liverpool with the newly-signed PHA Agency model.

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Double life of a DJ

By ROSIE PATEL

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student from LJMU is fulfilling his passion for garage music after creating a brand new sell-out club night, Pinnacles of Garage.

Nathan Clarke, 21, from Leicester, has had great success already with the tickets being snapped up almost instantly for his events.

He has always had a passion for music and enjoyed going to gigs, clubs and raves, so he created POG in March.

Nathan said: “I just wanted to become a part of it and play my own music to people in that environment, also the type of music I’m into and play isn’t that mainstream or big compared to other genres so I wanted to push that genre more.”

Nathan has been DJ’ing for around three years. He originally started producing music but didn’t have the right equipment to get into it, so he pushed himself towards DJ’ing more instead.

A Product Design Engineering student, he manages to balance his studies and DJ’ing, performing every couple of weeks. The amount he performs varies on the time of year, with some months busier than others.

He said: “Being in uni allowed me to spread the word about events and promote them.

Managing my workload alongside my DJ and event stuff wasn’t too bad as I’d take breaks from uni work to arrange bookings and source new music.

“This year I’m on a placement year, working full time. This has been a challenge to balance full time work with DJ’ing all weekend as well as admin work for the Pinnacles. I enjoy both sides of it though and it keeps me busy, so I can’t complain.”

Liverpool is well known for its nightlife and regardless what music

PERFORMING: Nathan Clarke

Picture © Nathan Clarke into starting to play out live in clubs, I was supporting a very popular DJ and played to a crowd of near 1000 people.”

Nathan has managed to grow quite a large fan base in a short amount of time.

Kelly Jones, 20, friend and supporter of Nathan, said: “I remember being there at Nathan’s first event, it’s so nice to see him doing so well and how much the support has grown for him.”

“I just wanted to become a part of it and play my own music to people in that environment”

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you play it is a city with a thriving music scene, so Nathan found it not being as difficult to get involved and start playing at clubs and bars.

Nathan said: “DJ’ing in Liverpool is sometimes hard as it’s a crowded scene. I’m fortunate enough to have made the right contacts who regularly get in touch when they have opportunities that would suit me as a DJ. “I’ll always DJ I hope, even if it’s not big club shows, I enjoy spinning records on my setup at home. The whole dream of being a ‘big DJ’ or whatever doesn’t appeal to me too much, if I’m honest.

“Personally, I wouldn’t want the

lifestyle all of the time, it’s fun but I like having a routine and some discipline to my life which I don’t think I’d have if I was a famous DJ.” Nathan still hopes to pursue DJ’ing and he hopes to have some music of his own released next year. Even though he sees what a great opportunity this is for him and is excited to see what happens, he does not want to rely on making a living through an unpredictable income.

He said: “My biggest achievement to date was probably playing at Hangar 34 for the first time.

This was just a couple of months

If you’re interested in going to one of Nathan’s ‘Pinnacles of Garage’ nights, tickets can be purchased at: https://bit.ly/2Qyyv2k

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Debut proves Driver heading for big time ADAM HIGGINS runs the rule over a new band who are already making a big noise on the Mersey music scene

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iverpool’s newest band drove music-lovers crazy when the emo trio made their debut at Heebie Jeebie’s nightclub.

The band Driver- the brainchild of Oscar Kimmance, Chris Blythyn and Jake Hoffman - are the new kids on the city’s musical block, who hope to revive Merseyside’s rock scene with a fresh blend of emo and alternative punk.

Their inaugural concert on Wednesday evening proved to be a Heebie’s hit, as the modest venue was brought down with a series of hard riffs and an air of punky psychedelia.

Driver’s curly-haired bassist Jake Hoffman told Liverpool Life of his delight with his band’s first foray into the world of music.

He said: “It was ace, we felt things have finally connected and we feel really inspired now going forward, playing a gig with people is a sure way to become great friends with them and that is what’s happening.

“The band is heavy alternative punk rock, with elements of Biffy Clyro, Radiohead and Linkin Park. The choruses are big and the drums are heavy, it is good musically though.”

Jake recalled hearing the band that Chris and Oscar were in originally, and played occasional bass for them: “I fell in love with the music gradually and then we started playing.”

Jake also stressed the importance of exposure for artists who are trying to

get a foothold in the industry: “Exposure is vital for new bands, or they’ll break up prematurely or stagnate and stay local forever.

“It’s down to them to promote themselves in today’s market as the big labels tend to lurk online these days, so a well thought out promotional campaign, a release strategy, being the best in a niche seems to be the way forward.

“It’s also important that the fans promote bands to everyone they can if they like them, help support and promote good music, because the right person might hear about them and have something to offer them.”

This was a sentiment echoed by Ellie Roberts of Liverpool’s Jacaranda club, which is famed for its support of local artists.

She said: “Most artists start by playing smaller venues, practicing in front of audiences, perfecting their act, and then going on to larger venues, without the chance to do this they would be missing out on a vital part of being a band.

“It doesn’t all happen overnight as the X-Factor would have you believe, bands often speak about their early days with a fondness, John Lennon famously referred to his years at the Jac as some of his favourite.”

The boys are back in town on December 8th when they hit the Zanzibar club on Seel Street, and ticket are available to purchase online.

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© Lauren Cowdell

We are heavy alternative punk rock, with elements of Biffy Clyro, Radiohead and Linkin Park

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ON RIGHT ROAD: Driver went down a storm at their debut © Lauren Cowdell

Modern spin on timeless tale is a triumph Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat/ St Helens Theatre Royal (until November 23)

COLOURFUL: Joseph

One of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s many successes, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a colourful retelling of the biblical story.

Having toured for over 50 years, UK theatre-goers are familiar with the music and story. However, Bill Kenwright’s glitzy recounting of the production is apt for a new generation..

The story follows Jacob, his 12

sons and a coat of many dreams, told by narrator Alexandra Doar, whose smooth vocals are pleasing to the crowd. Jacob’s prodigal son Joseph, tonight played by understudy Tom Bainbridge, showed a convincing lead role in his excellent performance. Joseph is given a coat of many colours from his father, and due to his brother’s jealousy, is sold into slavery.

Kenwright’s production has a large, energetic ensemble and vocal accompaniment, while also transforming into different characters. The production has very little dialogue, most of the musical being entirely sung

and accompanied with harmonies by a children’s choir. The cast perform modern and up-tempo versions of the popular songs such as ‘Any Dream Will Do’ and ‘Go Go Go Joseph.’

The modernised version of this classic has a comic element, with a genre spin on most songs, a questionable Elvis-inspired Pharaoh and amateur props, all of which added to audience humour. The varied audience loved the family-friendly production. which was praised with a standing ovation as the colours faded into darkness.

By LOUISE JAMISON

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Where science meets the taste of knock-out food FAYE WASILOWSKI meets the founders of a catering business with a healthy outlook

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new Liverpool business is leading the way for accessible healthy city centre eating, landing right on customers’ doorsteps, Knock Out Nutrition was founded by Oliver Millar and Kallum Richardson, who both have previous experience working for meal preparation companies but wanted to make a difference to public health. As a result, their business was born.

Oliver explained why he was drawn to the meal prepping industry.

He said: “We came to the idea that we just wanted to make a difference in public health and nutrition and that’s why we wanted to take it on a different path.”

The company specialises in preparing healthy and nutritious meals, which are carefully tailored to their customers’ needs, based on their end fitness goals, and then delivered to them.

He said: “We try and make everything fresh. Nothing bought is pre-prepared.”

Kallum studied a four-year degree and then went on to complete a Masters in Public Health and Nutrition at LJMU. He is responsible for the nutritional value of the products and for making the meals look presentable for customers.

Oliver, 24, explained how the

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meals are prepared in a sort of “factory process” by the four members of the team.

He said: “We prepare the meal and then go on to meal assembly, around midday.

“We have charts telling us what the meal is, how it needs to be made, and weights for measuring the amounts of food needed.”

The weight, height, age and gender of the individual customer is assessed, as well as their activity levels. Based on this information, the meal is prepared and weighed according to the calorific needs of the customer.

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ith around 50 customers in Liverpool, the company aspires to branch out to other cities soon.

Oliver said: “We want to grow. We want to make a difference in public health and nutrition in terms of companies out there currently, especially around Liverpool, in terms of meal prep.”

KO Nutrition want to set themselves apart from the rest.

Oliver added: “A lot of companies tend to say that they have a lot of packages, including those for weight loss, but none of them can actually tailor it specifically for individuals, which we are able to do.

“They are selling the concept and tricking people into believing it is good for them when really it is not good for them at all.”

WE WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND NUTRITION

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BRIGHT IDEA: Oliver Millar and Kallum Richardson founders of Knock Out Nutrition and, below, some of their dishes Pictures © KO Nutrition

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HELPING OTHERS: Mood Lashes creators Natasha Maria Foster, above left, and, above right, Pippa Sampson-Jones

In the mood to do good wo girls from Merseyside have created their own false eyelash brand with 10% of profits going to charity.

Mood Lashes was created by Natasha Maria Foster, 22, from Liverpool, and Pippa Sampson-Jones, 23, from Wirral.

After they both suffered with a mental illness, they decided to team up with mental health charity Mind and donate some of their profits to the cause.

Social media influencer Natasha told Liverpool Life: “We started our eyelash business because me and Pippa live together and we had both previously been off work due to depression.

“I never actually went back because I couldn’t cope, but we needed more

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Mind is an amazing charity

income because our bills weren’t getting paid.”

The pair launched their business and decided to share their profits.

“We wanted to support someone while doing our lash brand and thought that it would be a great idea

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By CHARLOTTE KENNY

to give back.”

The 22-year-old continued: “Mind is amazing, even down to the Instagram page which is perfect in this day and age because you can follow it and instantly see advice and positive posts.”

Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone who is experiencing a mental health problem.

Founded in 1946, the charity campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of mental illnesses.

Its three main services include an information line, a legal information line and professional workplace training.

The information line provides help to those suffering with mental illness and their family and friends.

The legal information line helps with discrimination, community care as well as mental capacity. Lastly, Mind Charity offers professional workplace training which includes suicide prevention skills.

Natasha said: “We both continue to suffer with our mental health, family and friends around us do too, so it is nice to know it’s something that most people can feel included in.”

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Setting the pace while setting an example

By ROSIE PATEL

LIMBER UP: GoodGym heading to Scope last week © Rosie Patel

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group of runners are using their Monday evening meetings to help with community projects and with older people in Liverpool.

The runners, known as GoodGym, set off at 6:30pm from the Hope Street Hotel. They run there and back as well as completing their weekly task within 90 minutes.

The runners will all meet, drop their bags off, warm up and then run to the place they will be helping out.

They will then work out by completing the task, whether that be digging, lifting, scraping or clearing, before running back and stretching

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under the guidance of qualified trainer Char Binns.

The runners will run anywhere within 5K of the city to help those most in need.

GoodGym member Sam Knott, 32, from Halewood, said: “GoodGym is about getting fit whilst having fun.

It’s nice just to help, we’ll basically do anything within 5k of the city.

“Last Christmas we went to Kensington to wrap presents for some kids. We also went to a local charity to cut down massive weeds which they said they had been waiting three years for someone to come and do it and we did it in about an hour.”

welcoming new runners and commit to never leaving anyone behind. If you can run for 15 minutes without stopping, then you’re fit enough to join the group run.

For more information about GoodGym visit www.goodgym.org

GoodGym is about getting fit whilst having fun. It’s nice just to help

CLOBBER: Runners sorting through clothing at Scope on Lord Street

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In the 18 months they have been helping the community, GoodGym have completed 1,510 good deeds, 26 coaching runs and 41 mission runs.

Each GoodGym run is completely different as one week they could be helping charities and the next shovelling a tonne of compost.

Member Baptise Audidier, 21, from Paris, said: “I enjoy going to different places every week and especially enjoyed helping at Scope charity shop.”

GoodGym ran to Scope on Lord Street last week and helped them sort out their stock of clothes to see what could be sold.

GoodGym Liverpool are always

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HAPPY TO HELP: GoodGym runners outside Scope, a disability equality charity © Rosie Patel

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Sporting events line-up not to be missed

By STEPHEN BRAMHILL A variety of sporting events are coming to Liverpool in the coming weeks.

These events range from amateur level to prestigious championships that are recognised nationwide, and emphasise the city’s love for sport.

One event that is already under way is Europe’s under-14 tennis championships being held at Wirral Indoor Tennis Centre.

The event is Britain’s largest indoor International Junior Event and is hosting players from more than 40 countries.

The prestigious tournament started on November 11 and is set to finish on Saturday.

Almighty Fighting Championship are hosting another night of amateur and professional fights on November 30.

The event, which will be held at the Liverpool Olympia, is being held for the 15th time.

It will run from 4:30pm to 11pm.

A fun event which is open to the public to take part in is an inflatable 5k run.

The event, which is coordinated by UK Running Events, is done throughout the UK and comes to Haydock Park Racecourse on November 30.

Pic @ Richard Matthews

TV spotlight on Wolves’ disability rugby team

Merseyside duo crash out of Darts’ Grand Slam

By SHELDON MCGGOVERN

There was disappointment for both Merseyside men as Michael Smith and Dave Chisnall crashed out of the grand slam of darts in the quarterfinals held in Wolverhampton.

Both players headed into their games in good form, Chisnall stormed through Ryan Harrington in the previous game with 10-3 win.

Smith also put in a brilliant last-16 display with a 10-7 win over world number 6 Daryl Gurney.

Chisnall opened up the quarter-final action against a very much in-form Peter Wright.

Wright went through a purple patch of superb double hitting and found himself 13-8 ahead in no time. Despite this dominance Chisnall refused to be beaten, he fought back to make it 13-12 but that’s all he could do.

Wright composed himself on the doubles and took the win 16-12. A high-quality game from both players.

Merseyside’s chances of bringing home the Grand Slam relied on world number 3 Smith who faced Glen Durrant. Like Chisnall, Smith started the match in explosive fashion. The first two intervals belonged to Michael who took a 6-4 lead. This seemed to really fire Duzza up. A barrage of double 16 hitting gave Durrant the eventual win 16-12 to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final.

All members of the public are encouraged to take part in the run at 10am regardless of their age or physical ability.

Moving into December, the iconic Aintree racecourse will host to the Becher Chase Day on Saturday December 7.

This famous event, which opens at 9:55, will include two races as well as many other festivities.

The first race will begin at 11:55, with the second race starting at 3:15.

On December 14, there will be another fighting event, this time through Premier White Collar Boxing.

By MEGAN STRINGER A fly-on-the-wall documentary following the journey and development of Warrington Wolves Physical Disability Rugby League team is to be broadcast next month.

The team, which was founded by comedian and broadcaster Adam Hills in 2017, follows the Aussie comedian and his Warrington teammates’ journey, from creating the PDRL team, through trials and to becoming world champions - within the space of six months.

The Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation side travelled Down Under to beat South Sydney Rabbitohs in the PDRL World Club Challenge. which was held at ANZ Stadium in August 2018.

Craig Thomason, disability development manager at the Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation, told Liverpool Life: “It’s absolutely fantastic for people to be able to not only see the journey that these players have been on, but that of the sport of physical disability rugby league in this

PRIDE: Comedian Adam Hills @ Wikimedia Commons, Fleet country and the world.

“The whole town has been behind the team from the very start, and to take the Warrington Wolves to a Friday evening slot on channel 4 is something we are incredibly proud of.

“As a foundation we strive to empower our community to change their

This event offers people with no boxing background the chance to apply to train and fight at this event to raise funds for charity.

This event will take place at Fusion and run from 4.30pm to 10pm.

Lastly, ever-popular The Liverpool International Horse Show will start on December 28 and finish on New Years Eve. The first two days will have two performances both starting at 1pm and 7pm.

The second two days will only have one performance in the evening, starting from 7pm. There will also be live music on the four days.

lives for the better and to represent this club on the world stage and on television really is a dream come true for us all.”

Adam was born without a right foot, and wears a prosthesis, which is commonly used as a source of comedy in his shows - he has been known to remove it and pass it around, or even use it to drink out of.

The 49-year-old, who is host of Channel 4’s The Last Leg alongside LJMU journalism graduate Alex Brooker, said: “Playing PDRL has been one of the greatest adventures of my life.

“I’m so glad we brought a camera with us, because it took me to places I never expected – like Wakefield.

“More than that though, it has shown me the power that sport has to change lives.”

Earlier this year, the team also became the winners of the first PDRL Super League Grand Final, beating Wakefield Trinity 10-4.

The one-off special will air on Channel 4 at 11.30pm on Friday, December 13.

Anfield hosts first-ever Women’s Super League game

By WILL MOORE Anfield hosted its first-ever FA women’s Super League game as Liverpool and Everton face-off in the season’s first Merseyside derby.

Everton women’s head coach, Willie Kirk, revealed that games presented in

Kickoff: Pic @ Harriet Morris

stadiums such as Anfield is a big lift for players and rewards them for all the hard work they put in.

“I think the one-off games that have been getting played at men’s stadiums recently are good rewards to the players and staff that work so hard in the women’s game,” Willie said.

“Clubs that have been hosting these matches have ensured that they are good, well put together occasions and it has meant that big crowds are turning up and it’s opening the women’s game up to new supporters.”

He added that he has seen

significant growth in the sport over the past few years and can only see it going in one direction.

“The women’s game has, and is progressing so quickly. My four-anda-half years in England has seen huge developments, ranging from player salaries, facilities, player fitness and many more.

“I can only see it continuing in the same way over the next few years and hopefully the 2021 Euros in this country will help boost national interest from spectators, commercial and TV even more.”

Kirk’s Everton side won 1-0 in the Anfield clash on Sunday which saw over 20,000 people attend.

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FOUR! © George Bougakov, via Unsplash

Sun City success for Fleetwood

By PAUL KELLY

Southport’s Tommy Fleetwood triumphed in Sun City as he won an enthralling Nedbank Golf Challenge after a dramatic play-off.

After an impressive final round -7, Fleetwood forced a playoff with Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult at the weekend.

Both players finished on 12 under par after 72 holes.

The Englishman made par on the first play-off hole with a clutch upand-down, while the Swede could only manage a bogey.

This is the first win of Fleetwood’s career since January 2018, and the Southport man was overjoyed to be back in the winner’s circle.

He said: “It’s really, really cool when you win a tournament.”

This win propels Fleetwood up to second in the race to Dubai standings, only just behind Bernd Wiesberger, who finished on 8-under this weekend in South Africa.

“It’s an absolute privilege to have a chance of winning the Race to Dubai,” added Fleetwood. “It’s one of the things I’m most proud of in my

career.”

The 28-year-old was six shots off the pace going into the final round. After carding the best score of the day, a 65, he forced a play-off with Kinhult who himself carded a 68.

The 65 included a magnificent three eagles, which just shows how impressive the Southport man was on Sunday afternoon.

As well as lifting the Nedbank Golf challenge trophy aloft, Fleetwood picked up a prize fund of $2.5m, the biggest monetary prize on the European Tour.

Fleetwood will be fancying his chances next week in the final tournament on the European Tour roster.

The best European players take to Dubai for the DP World Tour Championship.

The tournament winner next Sunday in Dubai will receive $3m.

The overall Race To Dubai winner will then also capture an additional $2m.

Fleetwood won the Race to Dubai back in 2017, and will be hoping to replicate this feat come Sunday at the Dubai finale.

Childhood bullying led to Jiu-Jitsu glory for homegrown champ Mario ‘Sukata’ Neto

By TOBY CLARKE

Francisco Mario Da Silva Peixoto Neto, otherwise known as Mario ‘Sukata’ Neto, is the current IBJJF British Champion, 2019 NAGA Champion, and the former IBJJF European and WAFC World champions.

Mario is a fighter who has travelled around the world and back, fought the likes of UFC Hall of Fame inductee Dan Severn, and trained high-level athletes such as former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping. He now coaches his own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team here in Liverpool.

Mario’s martial arts life began very early on, when his father sent

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him to his very first judo class at just eight years old.

He explained how he was bullied as a child, and how he felt lucky to have found martial arts early on in his life.

He said, “I can say that I was quite lucky because, early on, I found out that I needed to learn some kind of self-defence. I was bullied

back in school, but back then we didn’t call it bullying, that’s like a new word for a new generation. I had all the big kids pick on me because I was a big kid for my age.

“So, my father put me into judo, but I didn’t know that judo was judo, I thought I was doing karate or kungfu!”

Mario and his team have been training in Liverpool for three years.

They regularly compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments on

HERITAGE © HiClipart & Wikimedia Commons

Liverpool’s most charitable runners

Wolves TV Special airs next month

both the national and international circuit.

His team have quickly built a reputation for being one of the most respected and successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the country.

That achievement comes from the methodology employed by Mario, who strongly believes that consistency in training is essential. He explained: “The idea is to get bigger with quality, expand as an idea, but I want quality.

“MMA will help you to deal with many life situations, not only in the gym and in training, but outside too.

I can’t tell you how Jiu-Jitsu will help you, but I can show you.”

Sports events in Liverpool coming up