Liverpool Life 4:10 February 3 2016 by Steve Harrison

03-February-2016

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE... NEWS

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Double honour for Beatles museum

LIFEextra

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SPORT

Celebrate the Year of the Monkey

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Liverpool FC ticket prices rise

Festival of light

After the disappointing decision to postpone the Liverpool Lantern Festival in 2015, it is ready to return later this month. FULL STORY: Page 5

MISERYSIDE

Liverpool Lantern Festival PIC © Lantern Company

City tops unhappiness index with most anxious residents By BARRY ROCKS and SOPHIE SEAR

Liverpool is the least happy and most anxious region in the UK, according to official figures released yesterday. The survey from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) measured National Well-being and Personal Well-being in the UK. The statistics were gathered over three years from April 2012

to March 2015 and involved 165,000 participants. The ONS regularly publishes these figures to show how people across the UK feel about their lives. The previous survey carried out in 2011 scored the Liverpool region’s happiness at an average of 7.06 this was the 37th worst in England. Yesterday’s results show this has dropped to 6.96 cementing Liverpool in bottom place in

the list of 208 regions in England. In terms of anxiety, the region scored 3.34 in 2011, which was the 55th worst in England. That score has now increased to 3.52, placing Liverpool top of the table of anxiety in the UK. The report also included figures for “Worthwhile” and “Life Satisfaction”, with Liverpool coming in 224th and 133rd place respectively.

Personal Well-being provides an important insight into people’s thoughts and feelings about their quality of life. Previous research has shown that the three most important factors related to Personal Well-being were people’s self-reported health, work situation and their relationship status. Its measurement forms part of a wider initiative in the UK, and internationally, to look beyond Gross Domestic Prod-

uct (GDP), and to measure what really matters to people. However, Liverpudlians shouldn’t be too disheartened - a survey carried out by business psychologists OPP asked 2,530 UK employees if they were satisfied with their job, and Liverpool has been placed second for work satisfaction in the UK. The happiest job sectors are media, law and architecture.

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Beatles exhibition up for two awards By CAOIMHE HARKIN The award-winning Beatles Story has been nominated for two prestigious awards for the charity-driven ‘Imagine No Food Poverty’ and ‘Beatles Ambassadors’ campaign. The world’s largest permanent exhibition which is purely devoted to the lives and times of The Beatles, is also partaking in a social media search to find the biggest Beatles fans from all over the globe. Marketing manager of the Beatles Story, Diane Glover said: “Myself and everyone at the Beatle’s story are so proud and excited to have been shortlisted for three awards by two very prestigious bodies. “We are very much looking forward to the awards ceremony and our anniversary event in May. This is a great start to 2016 for the Beatles story.” The Beatles Story has had a

total of 4 million guests visit its halls since Mike and Bernie Byrne first opened its doors on May 1st 1990. This year the award-winning tourist attraction has had over 250,000 visitors, from all over the world come through its doors this year. Replicas of the Casbah, Mathew Street and The Cavern capture the early 60s, allowing customers to personally experience the very places that helped make The Beatles the biggest band in the world. This year the award-winning tourist attraction has had over 250,000 come through its doors this year from all over the globe. The high-profile awards event will take place on Thursday May 21st at St George’s Hall. The world-famous tourist attraction will be celebrating its 25th milestone with a star studded event in the Albert Dock on 1st May.

EXHIBITION: The Beatles Story ©FSamuels / Wikimedia Commons

Liverpool talks to man on the moon Tim Peake By CONNOR LYNCH The World Museum in Liverpool was selected to be the only venue in the United Kingdom to host a live inflight call from the International Space Station. UK Astronaut Tim Peake, who is the only British person on board the International Space Station (ISS), answered questions that were submitted by schoolchildren from all over the world, as well as dazzling the intrigued onlookers with

Life

zero-gravity experiments. Twelve schools out of a possible 7,000 from across the UK were chosen to take part in the event that broadcast live to classrooms all over the country. Tim answered a few questions from the excited children, whose primary concern appeared to be how things tasted in space and how easy it is to actually eat, before he wowed everybody with a display of ‘ping-pong’ with a bubble of water. Tim also let the curious crowd know what his favour-

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ite button on the whole space station is, and as it turns out, it’s the button that leads to space! The broadcast was part of the ‘Cosmic Classroom’ event, organised by TES Global, the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency, with the goal of the event being to get young people thinking about their place in the world, and hopefully inspire them to follow in Tim’s footsteps. Matt Goodman, Communications Director for the UK Space Agency said: “We are

really trying to do is inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. “With Tim’s mission and the educational campaign built around it, we are giving kids the chance to do science and learn a bit more about space.” Jon Marrow, Senior Education Manager at National Museums Liverpool, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that World Museum has been selected to host the only live educational in-flight call during Tim Peake’s mission.”

Over the moon: A cut-out of Tim Peake © Connor Lynch

New “Mum-to-be” passes available on Virgin Trains

By AMY COLE Pregnant women can now satisfy their cravings whilst sat on a guaranteed seat on Virgin Trains. A new system sees new ‘mums-to-be’ passes for expecting mothers who need to travel. This pass guarantees pregnant women a seat on Virgin West Coast services. If a seat is not available, a member of staff will upgrade any expecting mother to First Class. To obtain this pass, an MAT B1 form and passport photo can be taken to a Virgin Trains ticket office. The pass must be

used in conjunction with a valid travel ticket. Mums-to-be can satisfy their cravings with the new ‘Cravings Collection’ snacks featuring the most common, yet unusual, items that are craved, including chillies, marmite and even charcoal. According to the train service, 51% of expectant mothers experience cravings whilst they are travelling, with 31% feeling irritable if their cravings are not satisfied. Anita Brown, Customer Experience Strategy Manager at Virgin Trains, said: “We’re always striving to make sure

our customers have the most enjoyable journey possible. With our new mums-to-be pass, our pregnant customers can feel confident that we will get them a seat when they travel with us. “Now that we know from research that travelling increases cravings for over a third of expectant mothers, we are looking forward to seeing how customers respond to the Cravings Collection.” The trial for ‘Cravings Collections’ is only between Euston and Manchester, but there are plans to expand it to the rest of the West Coast services.

Beauties and rebels come to Walker By SOPHIE CORCORAN A new major exhibition at Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery will cement the city’s position as the Victorian art capital of the north. Pre-Raphaelites: Beauty and Rebellion will showcase more than 120 paintings by PreRaphaelite artists. Through some of the most enduring and popular works of the period, National Museums Liverpool has worked with one of the world’s leading PreRaphaelite experts, Christopher Newall to produce an exhibition which reveals the full extent of a Northern art scene that rivalled London in Victorian England. Paintings on loan from institutions and private collections, many of which have never been seen will be on display before will feature. The exhibition will examine the relationship between artists like Ford Madox Brown and Dante Gabriel Rosseti with their Liverpool contempories, collectors and the institutions that welcomed them, many of whom had Liverpool collections. The exhibition will present fascinating new research into Pre-Raphaelite painters and collectors in Northern England. The exhibition will be open from February 12 to June 8. It is £7 entry and £5 concession but is free entry for under 18s. Tickets are available online from the National Museum Liverpool’s website.

First ever driverless car test in Britain

By STEPH BOCKING

Merseyside carmaker, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), has announced plans to test a fleet of autonomous vehicles. It will be the first experiment of its kind in Britain. JLR, which currently builds the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport at its Halewood branch, will test the fleet of up to 100 driverless cars on a 41- mile stretch of road between Coventry and Solihull. The futuristic project will last for three years and will test the vehicles’ ability to communicate with other road users and other roadside sources of information, such as traffic lights.

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Nut your average Liverpool milkman By BARRY ROCKS

A young entrepreneur from Liverpool has established what he believes to be the first alternative milk delivery service in the UK. Alternate dairy products have captured the English market in recent times with leading nutrition figures such as Jamie Oliver heading the drive for people to mix up their milks. The timing couldn’t have been better for Robert Lewis, former technical manager of the Kazimier who launched “Nuts about Milk” earlier this year. Mr Lewis uses a bicycle as his mode of transport for his new business venture. He told Liverpool Life: “In recent times with the industrialisation and commodifying of animals, which I find deplorable, I wanted to do something new. “It has been an absolute scream bringing all my friends the freshest and the most vital Nut Milk, feeling fitter for the cycling and feeling the vibe of the Nut Milking Ritual.” Robert, alongside Dr Joe But-

ler, a Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool specialising in Molecular Biology, has been producing a variety of nut based milks such as almond, cashew and brazil. The company is based out of a former school at the town end of Princes Avenue and the “Nuts about Milk” bike is continually pedalling around Liverpool, seven days a week delivering milk around the city. The Kazimier shut its doors for the last time on New Year’s Day as part of a redevelopment of the surrounding area. This provided the perfect opportunity for Robert to focus full time on his new venture, he admits it gave him: “The gut-wrenching impetus to provide the best nut milk in the world.” In the time since, he has established associates in America. On a recent trip to New York, Robert sought out potential contacts he could use to enhance the brand. Taking the initiative, he filled out a general enquiry form on Milton Glaser’s website, the world-renowned graphic de-

DAIRY VARIED: Robert Lewis, left, and Graphic Designer Milton Glaser signer and man behind the designs include the ‘I LOVE NY’ logo and Bob Dylan’s psychedelic poster. On the application Rob stated: “I currently run the world’s first free-from-dairy milk delivery service.” Within two

hours Mr Glaser replied personally. Rob said: “The meeting went very well and he loved the cashew milk that I had made for him. He was sold and is now currently designing the Nuts about Milk graphics which will be huge.”

Robert revealed big ambitions for the business, he said: “Future plans include a Nuts about milkshakes shack in Liverpool and New York City and for Nuts about Milk to be a leading provider of delicious free from dairy milk.”

Care home brings high street indoors By LISA RIMMER

HAIR: Simonsﬁeld has opened a pub, hairdressers and cinema. © Simonsﬁeld Care Home

A Runcorn care home has brought the high street home by turning its lounge area into a pub, hairdressers, cinema and tearoom. Owners of Simonsfield Care Home on Boston Avenue, Runcorn, are hoping that providing ‘familiar’ surroundings for residents will help those suffering with dementia feel more at ease. Debbie Smith, manager of Simonsfield Care Home, said: “The refurbishments have been really well received by residents and families. It’s nice that adding little touches like the traditional barber’s pole and the pub style bar will relax

our residents and make their time here a more enjoyable experience.” Residents can now book in to have their hair done at a fully functioning hair salon whilst others can relax and watch a movie in the homes cinema room. Carol Matthews, whose mother is a resident at Simonsfield, said: “It’s such a great idea. My mum suffers from dementia and often gets really confused. It’s lovely that the hairdressers and the tea room are a permanent fixture here so she can really get comfortable in her surroundings. She now has everything she needs in one place.”

Worries over Merseyside ﬁre service By LISA RIMMER

A Westminster debate has uncovered how cuts to Merseyside’s Fire & Safety Services could place the safety of those living in the region in jeopardy. Wirral West MP Margaret Greenwood, expressed in Parliament how in real time figures, cuts to the regions fund-

ing would mean the loss of 10 engines and the loss of four or more fire stations. She said: “In 2011, we had 42 fire engines now we have just 28. Having to make £26million in savings could potentially lead to up to 300 job losses in the region.” Worries concerning the amount of time it will take limited fire crews to reach the

scene of a blaze has also been raised and the ‘minutes cost lives’ slogan has never been more appropriate. Greenwood went on to say: “Any increase in response times increases the risk of loss of life. It’s vital that we outline the implications that these cuts may have on the lives of people living within Merseyside.”

There have been talks about tackling cuts by merging Merseyside Fire & Safety Services with Merseyside Police and Crime Services, but such proposals have been met with heavy objection. Those opposing have highlighted that fire and fire safety do not fall under the same umbrella as crime. Blue light time to change: p5

CONCERNS: Fire brigade ©Jackus2008 Wiki Commons

John Lennon Airport gets busier By STEPH BOCKING

New figures released by Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) yesterday revealed the Airport has experienced 12 consecutive months of growth. The figures show that 20% more passengers chose to fly via LJLA in January compared to the first month of 2015. Just over 300,000 passengers passed through Liverpool last month, 50,000 more than the same period last year. The airport is expected to enjoy continued passenger growth throughout 2016 with new and additional services set to open in coming months. Robin Tudor, Head of PR at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, said: “It has been a great start to the New Year for us very much continuing where we left off in 2015, having announced three new routes that will start later this year as well as seeing more passengers continue to choose to fly from Liverpool.” 2015 was the Airport’s busiest period in three years, LJLA believes strong passenger figures on established routes, in addition to new services launched in 2015 to Amsterdam, Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh and Riga have all contributed to the upsurge in business at the Airport.

Police show support for LGBT month

By LUCY DARBYSHIRE To kick off Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender history month this February Merseyside police have swapped their black shoe laces to rainbow colours. Deputy Chief Constable Andy Cooke, said: “As a force we have already pledged to do everything we can to support members of the LGBT community and tackle homophobic and transphobic hate crime in Merseyside. “We pride ourselves on being a diverse, fair and equal opportunities employer and the networks we have forged with, such as Homotopia, help us improve the service we give to members of the LGBT community.” If you want to show your support for LGBT history month, go to www.stonewall. org.uk to purchase your own pair of rainbow laces.

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Neighbours unite to clean up area

By LUCY NIXON

A new clean-up operation is set to launch across Kensington Fields in the hope of cutting waste throughout the area. ‘Kenny Fields Fights Waste’ will aim to reduce the amount of food which is thrown out and stop alleyways being used for fly-tipping. The drive, which will unite local residents, councillors and recycling representatives, will aim to improve the level of recycling

in the area. The scheme will see the nomination of six to 12 ‘champions’ who will be local residents with the job of helping to maintain recycling standards throughout the neighbourhood. It has been backed by a £20,000 grant from the Local Government Association which will fund training and support for the champions as well as items such as Euro Bins. Councillor Steve Munby, cabinet member for neighbour-

hoods, said: “Kensington Fields has a low recycling rate, around 10%. “There are other problems in the area as well such as food waste being dumped in the alleys which leads to other problems as it becomes a feeding ground for rats” Organisers are hoping that by appointing local residents to oversee the campaign, more people will get involved and there will be less opportunity for people to dispose of their

waste in the streets. “We are looking for some local people to champion the scheme, they would be the eyes and ears of the neighbourhood, reporting when there has been fly-tipping and advising their neighbours on what can be recycled” added Steve. The scheme was set to be launched yesterday afternoon at Kensington Fields Community Centre where residents could go along to receive recycling advice as well as nominate to

work as a champion. Local resident Fran Hall told Liverpool Life how she hoped the scheme could only benefit both the area and residents. “To be honest there’s parts of the area that are real eyesores and there’s been loads of times that I’ve been walking home and seen a rat run across the street. I really hope the scheme works, it would be nice if it just had a little bit of time and care spent on it.”

Generous train driver makes young girl’s day By SOPHIE CORCORAN A five-year-old girl who is living with a disability so rare it doesn’t even have a name was given a day to remember by a kindly train driver. Sienna King, from Warrington, spends a lot of her time at Alder Hey Hospital where she is undergoing treatment for a disorder that doctors there have never even seen before and have taken to calling “Sienna Syndrome”. But during her free time Sienna, unlike a lot of fiveyear-olds, enjoys enjoys taking train journeys to the countryside with her mum. It was on one of these journeys that she met First Transpennine’s Express train conductors Mark Kennedy who decided to do something nice for her. Mark said: “She pulled on my heart strings when I first met her. It made me realise how much we take for granted sometimes. She told me she loved trains so I made a promise to her to have this special day.”

With his boss’ permission he put Sienna “in charge” of his train on a trip from Warrington to York. On Saturday they took the “Sienna Express” to visit the Siemans train maintenance depot where Sienna was invited to drive a train using a simulator which is used as part of driver training and allows people to have a firsthand experience of driving a train. After a tour of the depot Sienna was taken back to the York train station for the ride back to Warrington. Sienna was invited into the cabin to watch the driver use all the controls she used at the Depot. Sienna’s mum Selina King said: “It was a wonderful day. I’m sure she won’t be forgetting it any time soon. She really loves trains and can enjoy her time away from the hospital” by taking train trips

across the North. I think she did a great job for her first attempt at train driving, but I think she needs a bit more practise before I’d let her behind the controls.”

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Plans for new Bard theatre By STEPH BOCKING

A planning application has been submitted for the construction of a Shakespearian Playhouse in Liverpool. Plans for the £19m Jacobean theatre in Prescot, Knowsley, are part of a campaign by Shakespeare North to celebrate the Elizabethan heritage of the area. The campaign claims to be an “artistic, educational and socially important vision for the North West.” Its ambition is to rebuild The Playhouse in Prescot, which over four hundred years ago, was the only purpose-built playhouse outside of London. Shakespeare North hope the new theatre will bring social and economic regeneration to the Knowsley community. The 350-seat theatre will also include teaching space for up to 100 students, The project is being supported by academics at Liverpool John Moores University and holds a wealth of famous Patrons such as Sir Paul McCartney, Dame Helen Mirren, Vanessa Redgrave and Kim Cattrall.

Fury at waiting times By AMY COLE

GENEROSITY: Sienna with rail staff

Charitable Everton fan rewarded By SOPHIE CORCORAN The kindly brother of a wellknown Everton football player is to be given a reward for his efforts in fundraising across Merseyside. Billy Birch, 73, of Ellesmere Port, has been invited by Goodison Park to meet players of the first team and watch a match after he dedicated the last 20 years of his life raising money for health equipment throughout the region. Billy, whose wife died in 1991, decided to start raising money after an accident in the same year put him in intensive care. He used to work for Ken Whale builders before he retired but was crushed between a skip and a dumper truck in June 1991. He was in a coma for three

weeks, and he decided to start raising money. He said: “I was a mess. I stayed at the Countess of Chester hospital. “All the arteries in my body had burst and I had a punctured spine. The doctors only gave me a 1 in 100 chance of survival and I had machines everywhere to keep me alive. “It was after that I decided to start raising money. I first raised £1,000 for equipment at the Countess of Chester.” He now raises money across the region and has branched out and raised money for garden furniture and equipment for hospitals, handicap centres and schools. Billy said: “I do it through raffles. Companies and people donate items and I raffle them in pubs and supermarkets. “Altogether I’ve raised £11,259

just from raffles, at the moment I’m raising to buy two laptops and an iPad for a handicap centre in Ellesmere Port. “I would like to thank everyone in Ellesmere Port for their support and to the companies who have donated to the raffle. I couldn’t have done it without them.” Billy, who is the brother of Everton legend the late Kenny Birch, is a keen Everton supporter and regularly watches their matches on the television. However, he has unfortunately been unable to make it to a match recently. An Everton spokesperson said: “Billy has raised an incredible amount of money for countless causes and for the last 20 years he has been going the extra mile to improve the lives of others” and his community spirit is an inspiration.”

Medical professionals across the North West are dissatisfied with current mental health service waiting times. Children could find themselves waiting for over a year for mental health support. The NSPCC have launched a new campaign called ‘It’s Time’ that aims to tackle the problems children are faced with when seeking mental health help. Keeley Scanlan, NSPCC Media Officer, said: “The ‘It’s Time’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the barriers abused children face getting help to rebuild their lives and call for improved access to therapeutic services that meet their specific needs.” A survey conducted by the NSPCC shows that nine out of ten medical professionals in the North West feel mental health services are inadequate. According to the 2015 NSPCC survey, around 50% of the over 1000 professionals asked think that tight criteria is making it difficult for children to receive the treatments they need. It is feared that once a child opens up about their abuse, they are then forced to wait for months before they are seen. Only cases involving suicidal thoughts or self-harming are seen as a priority.

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Green light given for blue light campaign by BARRY ROCKS

Merseyside Fire and Rescue service has joined emergency services from around the UK in signing the Blue Light Time to Change pledge. The pledge, with mental health charity MIND, shows a commitment to ending the stigma around mental health in the workplace. A signing ceremony took place at the weekend at Merseyside Fire and Rescue, where representatives vowed to support the Blue Light Programme, promote a better understanding of mental health issues and offer greater advice to their staff. There has been a growing focus on the mental health of emergency service workers due to the long working hours and the possible exposure to harrowing –life-threatening situations. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan said: “We are extremely proud of the work that our staff do on a daily basis, under some challenging and traumatic circumstances, so it is right that we should do everything we can to support their mental health and wellbeing.” It will be added to a growing list of support programmes the Fire and Rescue Service offer to their workforce including Family Liaison Officers. Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said “By signing the Blue Light Time to Change pledge Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is helping to fight stigma and promote positive mental health in emergency services.”

Chester Zoo star of new C4 show by AMY COLE

A new six-part documentary aired last night about Chester Zoo. Channel Four’s Secret Life of the Zoo was on at 8pm, following the stories of life at the zoo. 20,000 animals call the zoo home, alongside 700 workers that enable the place to run smoothly. The series follows the relationships between animal and keeper within the UK’s ‘number one wildlife attraction’. 500 different species live at the zoo and other types of animals are helped through the zoo’s conservation projects. The zoo has recently seen the arrival of a lizard that apparently outdates the dinosaurs. Tuatara’s original come from New Zealand, this newly-hatched rare lizard joins a family of six others in its new home.

Lantern festival is switched on again by LUCY NIXON

Above: Halloween themed lantern festival in Sefton Park Below: Animal themed lantern festival © Gateacre School

Liverpool’s popular lantern festival is set to return later this month after being forced to postpone due to a lack of funding. Last year’s annual Halloweenthemed festival, which normally takes place in Sefton Park, was unexpectedly cancelled after the company could no longer afford to control the ever-expanding crowds at the event. In order to accommodate the large crowds the event will now be held over three evenings, February 18th, 19th and 20th at a brand new location, Liverpool Festival Gardens. This year’s festival is in partnership with Liverpool City Council and has received funding from Arts Council England. The gardens are set to be transformed into an eye-catching spectacle and the theme of this year’s festival is Luminous Landscapes, with the aim of raising environmental issues related to landfill and recycling

in a humorous and thoughtprovoking way. Jo Pocock, artistic director of the Lantern Company told Liverpool Life that audiences can expect a luminous journey through a secret woodland, filled with illuminated magic and live music. She said: “Audiences should expect an unforgettable and thought-provoking journey where the night unfolds in astonishing ways for audiences of all ages.” Visitors to the festival will be free to wander around the gardens at their own pace with hand-held lanterns, experiencing the natural world from a new perspective. The festival is centred on community participation and is expected to engage with over a thousand local people through community art workshops, where people will have the chance to create lanterns and various other luminous accessories to be carried by visitors at the event.

This year’s festival comes after the company received extra funding from Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool, Arts Council England and Granada Foundation as well as various donations from members of the public. Organisers are hoping that experiencing the festival at a different time of year, in a new venue, will help to offer a whole new perspective and excitement to the event. “We are very grateful for the continued support and funding from Liverpool City Council, Arts Council England and the local community, without which our new event would not be possible. Luminous Landscapes is a really exciting project for us and we are delighted to have the support from many of the city’s organisations who are putting environmental issues at the top of the agenda” Jo added. For more information on how to book tickets, early-bird packages and workshop venues and times visit www.lanterncompany.co.uk .

Grandad’s memorial concert in aid of Alder Hey Hospital

by SOPHIE CORCORAN

A bereaved grandfather is putting on a concert in order to raise funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Derek Russell, a former financial advisor from Clitheroe, Lancashire, will put on the concert in March this year to raise funds for Alder Hey after they treated his granddaughter who sadly died in 2005. It was on the tenth year anniversary of his granddaughter’s, Lillian Florence’s death that Derek decided to help raise more money for the hospital. Derek said: “My wife and daughter have raised money throughout the years. I saw a poster while at Alder Hey for the Grand Canyon Challenge where you raise money and

Above: Entrance to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital © Wiki trek through the Grand Canyon. I wanted to do more for the hospital as I have retired now and have more time on my hands. It was then the idea for the concert was born.” Derek got together a group of his friends to come up with ideas for the concert, which will take place on March 4th at The Grand, Clitheroe. Originally a one act festival in a

small venue the idea has grown in both ideas and supporters. He said: “At first it was just to raise a couple of hundred pounds but it’s grown. The treatment both my daughter and granddaughter received whilst at Alder Hey and the efforts the doctors go to are amazing.” The concert, called Hey Clitheroe, will feature some of

We’ve got lots of experience now and are hoping to make the Alice Experience even better than previous events.” The event is coming to the hall to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s children’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The charity has had to recruit a massive team of around 500 volunteers to help maintain the event. This includes actors, stewards, a construction team, set and costume designers and lots more. Joe said: “It’s a really big team effort to put the event on. It’s a chance for kids to experience and interact the world of Alice in Wonderland for themselves. ”

Actors will be playing all the favourite characters of wonderland, but it’s the interactivity of the characters that will be special for visiting children meeting The characters from the books. Children will follow the white rabbit and Alice into St George’s hall, enjoy a cup of tea with the mad hatter at his tea party, visit the pipe smoking caterpillar, meet the mysterious Cheshire cat, sing along with the playing cards and attempt to hold onto their heads when they meet with the ruthless Queen of hearts. The Alice Experience starts this Friday 5th February, and will run over half term until 19th February. Tickets cost from £7 for adults, and £5 for children.

the region’s most well-known acts including Good Foxy and Blu Funk. Not only has Derek’s family been touched by the efforts of the doctors there but there are other who have been helped more recently. A road accident recently saw a baby airlifted from Clitheroe to Alder Hey. This has raised support for the hospital who care for over 270,000 young people and their families every year. Derek said: “We’ve had donations from so many people everywhere. We’ve got friends over in the United States, Spain and in London who have sent money and kind words. A wellknown bank has also pledged that for every £1 on the raffle

we raise the night of the concert they will match. “We’ve decided to run the concert yearly now and will raise money for worthwhile organisations.” Lillian suffered from a heart condition which could be treated by a procedure which only three hospitals in the UK will undertake. Alder Hey is one of them. Unfortunately she died at just six days old and the concert will be 11 years after her death. Derek said: “I can’t say how many times I’ve broken down in tears at the generosity and warmth that has been shown. It really is amazing.” Tickets cost £8.50. Family tickets for two adults and two children cost £23.50.

St George’s Hall to be transformed into Wonderland by JAMES GAMBLE

Wonderland is coming to Liverpool this February, when St George’s hall will be transformed into the weird and wonderful world of Wonderland. The event is called The Alice Experience and is a walkthrough theatrical production by Crosby based charity In Another Place, who have had previous success with a similar event called The Narnia Experience. Joe Macgill, Event Manager, said: “The charity has a great relationship with St George’s Hall, and they originally came to us to ask us if we wanted to run an event on the anniversary of the Narnia books in 2011.

Above: The Alice Experience © In Another Place Right: St George’s Hall where the event will be hosted © Owen Swift/JMU Journalism

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She was a voice for those without one Eleanor Rathbone is honoured as one of the most inﬂuential women of the 20th Century. James Gamble reports.

ne of the city’s greatest unsung heroes Eleanor Rathbone has been honoured in the most recent LJMU Roscoe Lecture, presented by Dr Susan Cohen in the beautiful St George’s hall. The lecture focused on the life of Eleanor, and some of the greatest feats and life accomplishments, such as founding the 1918 Club, campaigning for refugees during the Second World War and being a voice for those whose voices were not heard. Eleanor was an incredible woman, but also remains a role model for the youth of today for not only disagreeing, but acting. She was from a wealthy background, but committed her life to

speaking out for others and righting the wrongs of the world. She campaigned for votes for women and against Nazism during the Second World War, also speaking for the Jewish people who were forced out of their home country and forced to seek a life elsewhere. Susan Cohen is an Honorary Fellow of the Parkes Institute for Jewish/non-Jewish Relations at the University of Southampton, and has published and lectured widely on the welfare and rescue of refugees from Nazi persecution, including her book, ‘Rescue the Perishing: Eleanor Rathbone and the Refugees’. Another of Eleanor Rathbone’s achievements was the 1918 club, started because she felt that there was no-

where for women to talk and discuss key issues affecting them. Dr Cohen said: “The 1918 club is a bit of a mystery. She started the club at the end of the First World War because she felt that there was nowhere for women to meet and discuss key issues freely. There was plenty of clubs for men but women could not go, and this is primarily why she started the club.” Eleanor briefly studied Philosophy, which certainly influenced her on her outlook in life; in particular her understanding of Utilitarian philosophy and her strong sense of duty. Dr Cohen believes this may have also influenced her never wanting recognition, or awards for the work she did. She said: “Eleanor never wanted any recognition. She

HONOURED: LJMU Vice Chancellor Professor Nigel Weatherill with Dr Susan Cohen

ELEANOR RATHBONE: 1872-1946

“If she were here today she would be in the House of Commons speaking out, and ﬁghting for Britain and others to do more” didn’t do it for an award, she did it because she was able to and because she felt that it was her duty to do it.”

espite her studies, Rathbone was very individual - she made decisions based on her own moral thinking and took ideas from other people. Rath-

bone also never planned to take any issues on, and called the issues that she did take on ‘unsuspected obligations’. Dr Cohen explained: “Rathbone called any cause that she decided to take up an unsuspected obligation. She never planned to take on any particular issue at any time, but if somebody came to her with an issue she felt obliged to do it, but she never planned it.” Rathbone achieved so much in her life, both at home and abroad, but the most evident reflection of her legacy lies in child benefits and how they are paid to women. Dr Cohen said: “The most tangible achievement in Rathbone’s life is without doubt the introduction of family allowance – which is now child benefits. The campaign to get that money paid to women started in 1917, and lasted right up until 1945.” Up to the very last minute, she was opposed in the House of Commons by people who felt the money should be paid to men instead of women. But she was absolutely adamant that the money should be paid to women, and after a long

campaign she achieved this in 1945. Another issue that Rathbone tackled is her work with refugees. The work she did, and what she achieved, was quite incredible and the refugees themselves felt very strongly that she was the best advocate they had in parliament. Dr Cohen said: “If she were here today she would be in the House of Commons speaking out, and fighting for Britain and others to do more. She would prioritise, in the same way that she did during the Second World War, the people at the greatest risk, and would be helping them to get out of their war torn countries and into ours.” Events on Eleanor Rathbone will be continuing throughout the year and a campaign for a statue of Rathbone to be erected in St George’s hall, where the lecture was held, is also under way. However, as she never wanted any recognition for the quite incredible work she did in her life, some are questioning whether or not she would have wanted a statue.

Life|Arts|7

LIFE EXTRA There’s nothing stopping Gemma

BETH HUGHES spoke to graduate Gemma Sherlock about her career and life after LJMU

emma Sherlock left LJMU with a strong desire to be a newspaper reporter. Just before graduation day she landed a job as a trainee reporter at a Lancaster Guardian & Morecambe visitor newspapers.She said: “I think it was about May all our assessments were in. So I just started looking for jobs for trainee reporters. Then a few weeks went by and I heard from the one in Lancaster and Morecambe asking me for an interview. I got told I got the job, just before graduation. Funny enough, at the time I was on my way to Blackpool for an interview, when I got told I had the job so I had to turn around on the motorway.”

‘When I ﬁrst started it was a little overwhelming’

t first Gemma felt out of her comfort zone. Moving from the Wirral to Lancaster with very few contacts was a big step. “When I first started it was bit overwhelming but what helped is that I work for two weekly newspapers, so it’s not like a daily. The pressure is still there but there isn’t the daily pressure to get a story every day. “With saying that though it’s all about online now, so with that we kind of work like a daily, even though it is a weekly newspaper.” Gemma told Liverpool life that her proudest achievement was getting a front page spalsh, just a week into gettin there job.

“A week into the job I got my first front page. It was about a woman who gave birth to a stillborn, which was very sad. When she was preparing for the funeral, there were any clothes available in shops anywhere that would fit her baby. So she had to go to the toyshop Build a Bear to actually get an outfit for the baby. That was my first ever splash so I’d say that was my proudest moment.” In December Lancaster was hit by horrendous flooding meaning major problems for Gemma’s papers. Gemma couldn’t even stay at her home in Lancaster because there was no electricity and she had to return home to Merseyside to stay with her parents for a while. She said: “It was horrible; the power went off in the whole of Lancaster. Because the powerstation that provides the ele ctricity got flooded, so everywhere was off so we couldn’t even get the paper out on the Monday.” Although the floods caused major nuisance for the paper,

What’s On MUSIC Stormzy at Chibuku, shut up!

Chibuku returns to present a special grime night featuring Christmas number one runner up Stormzy and up and coming independent rappers Section Boyz. Tickets cost £22 and the event will last into the early hours of the morning. 6th February @ Arts Club

SPORT

Superbowl Sunday To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of America’s Football Season highlight, Hickory’s restaurant has extended their opening hours to accommodate the all night celebration. Offering deals on American beers and buckets of classic American foods, the event starts at 10.30pm and is free entry. February 7 @ Hickory’s West Kirby

THEATRE NOW! Young People Arts Festival

SUCCESS: LJMU graduate Gemma Sherlock now works as a reporter for two weekly newspapers.

Gemma stressed that it brought good stories for them. “It was bad but good as well because we had a lot of stuff to write. I did a little piece about how a baby was christened by candlelight in a church during the flood. Softer news stories like that come out as well so it’s not just all doom and gloom.”

WORKING HARD: Gemma busy at her desk

When asked what advice she would give to students wanting to follow in her footsteps she stressed the importance of qualifications, especially those from the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists).

ut, she added: “Never put yourself down, never think you can’t apply for

a job. “I think if you’re confident within yourself. You know you’ve got stories you can write, just go for it. “What helped with me was I worked on the Echo for three years, while I was at university and I was a community reporter so obviously I built up a portfolio, which I think helped. As long as you’re thirsty for it there’s nothing stopping you.” Gemma has recently passed her diploma as a trainee journalist. Then she has a final exam and will become a senior reporter.

Children and young people aged 8-18 from Merseyside come together to showcase original performances and films designed around the theme of mental health. Pupils from 14 schools in the area have teamed up with artists and organisations to perform the pieces. February 10-11 @ Epstein Theatre

COMEDY

Stand-up clubs around the city

Thursday: Compere Paul Smith introduces ghost hunter Barry Dodds and headliner John Gordillo at the Crown Hotel. Friday: Chris Cairns welcomes the hilarious Steve Shanyaski and award winning Karen Bayley at the Slaughterhouse. Saturday: The talented Pete Otway hosts as a mystery headliner live at Baby Blue.

ARTS

Works to know by heartj The exhibition featuring works from Tate, Centre Pompidou, and MMK Collections and accumulates with a closing performance where the pieces of art are removed and people take their place to describe the artworks from memory. Closes February 14

FILM

Banff Mountain Film Festival A selection of short films from adventure film makers come to town for a one night only film festival. Follow the expeditions of adventurers and extreme sport people in wild, beautiful landscapes across the world. February 26 @ Plaza Community Cinema

Life|Arts|8

Two pints of laughter and dodgy DVDs

The Ale House comedy is returning to Liverpool with a new updated version of the Furlong and Power’s play. Hannah Rogers reports

aving just about recovered from the booze-fuelled Christmas celebrations and commiserating Dry January failures with another bottle of the good stuff, The Dome is offering an addition to the love of a good night out. The updated version of Furlong and Power’s comedy Ale House opens at Grand Central’s hidden gem of a theatre on February 25 for a four-week run. The show follows the antics of regulars in a Liverpool pub, bringing to the stage characters who could be found in any of the dying breed of a ‘local’. Philip Olivier is best known on the streets of Merseyside for his role in soap opera Brookside as Tim O’Leary, but makes his directorial debut alongside Jake Abraham in the 1995 follow-up to the hit Night Collar. He said: “What makes the play so great is the characters themselves, they’re so colourful, they’re almost like caricatures in a way. It’s so current and up to date and there’s great characters in there.” Olivier also features as one of these eclectic array of characters, starring as Yogi, the ‘typical, bragging looney tune’. Many of the characters are relatable to the personalities that can be found propping up the bar in any pub, such as the punch drunk bruiser, the war veteran (although Abraham’s character has a hilarious case of well-timed Tourette’s), the ale chugging pensioner, the lad flogging rip off DVDs, the tough as nails landlady and the grandma insistent on gossiping to anyone that will listen over a bottle of vodka that she snuck in. The two first-time directors have worked together before and have formed a partnership that they say has brought a great energy to the

production. The show had a five day run at St Helens Theatre Royal in October last year and the popularity of it helped bring the show back to its roots in Liverpool. Jake Abraham, previously starring in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and 51st State, said: “When we performed at St Helens we did really get this connection and feedback from the audience and we could feel them rooting for us and so in the end we did five days. It felt to me there was something left unfinished and when I was offered the chance to co-produce and co-direct I jumped at the chance.” Donna Furlong, wife of one of the original writers of the play, Tony Furlong, and Jimmy Power was also on hand to help with pushing the show to reach its potential, hoping that showcasing the play on stage will lead to the screen. “It was my job I felt to bring the alehouse back into the forefront to give Liverpool a chance to see the creativity of Liverpool it’s a Liverpool show set in a Liverpool pub about Liverpool people.” The play features talent from across the board of entertainment from the stage, to TV to the big screen. Lindzi Germain reprises her role as landlady after her feats on stages across Liverpool, offering a larger than life, big hearted character but with a beautiful voice to help along with the musical numbers. Also starring is Liverpool born and bred Grange Hill alumni, George Wilson, playing the part of the punch happy drunken bully. The comedy follows the events of a New Years day, following the shenanigans of the day after the night before with the promise of ‘music that will have you dancing in the aisle, a touching narrative and tears of laughter.’

The Ale House even have their own beer!

It’s flipping Pancake Day Yes, it’s that time of year again. It’s time to start practising your flipping skills for Pancake Day 2016. Hannah Rogers has some delcicious recipes With less than a week to go before Shrove Tuesday on February 9, it’s time to prep the mix, clean the frying pan and try something different this pancake day.

Gluten free pancakes

Ingredients: - 140g of gluten free all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed - 2 teaspoons of baking powder - 2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder - ¼ teaspoon of salt - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 teaspoon vanilla essence - 35g applesauce - 225ml milk • In a medium size mixing bowl, sift together flour, flax meal, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. • In a separate bowl, combine honey, vanilla, applesauce, and milk. Slowly mix in half of the liquid into dry bowl, stirring continuously, and the rest a little at a time to avoid a runny batter. Mix until you get the lumps out of the batter. You don’t want it to be too thick or too runny. • On a greased, heated frying pan over medium heat begin to cook pancakes about a ¼ cup of the batter for each one. • Cook 1-2 minutes until they start to bubble around the edges, and flip. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from pan and serve.

Savoury pancakes

- 200g self-raising flour - 1 tsp baking powder - 1 rosemary sprig, finely chopped - 1 egg - 300ml milk - 25g butter melted and cooled, plus a knob extra - 2 tbsp olive oil - 250g butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into smal cubes - 100g goat’s cheese crumbled into small pieces

• Mix the flour, baking powder, rosemary and a good pinch of salt in a large bowl. Beat the egg with the milk. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and whisk in the milk mixture and melted butter

to make a thick, smooth batter. Place in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. • Over a medium heat, add a knob of butter and 1 tsp oil to a large pan, then add the butternut squash and cook for 10 mins until tender, turning the heat up for the final few mins to brown a little. Remove batter from the fridge, add the goat’s cheese and squash, then carefully fold everything together. • Heat a little oil in a non-stick frying pan, then, in batches, add a ladleful of batter per pancake. Allow to cook for 3 mins until bubbles cover the surface, then flip over and cook the other side until golden. Serve with dressed rocket salad, a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds and onion chutney on the side.

HAPPY NEW YEAR by Sophie Sear

or a city outside China, Liverpool really does embrace Chinese New Year Celebrations. With the largest Chinese population outside London (estimated at 7,978), it’s no wonder we like to grasp the opportunity for a party and oriental food with both hands. This year the Spring Festival’s celebrations will begin on Sunday February 7th, seeing in the Year of the Monkey. A thousand Chinese lanterns will decorate Liverpool’s Chinatown, lining Nelson Street with an oriental glow as communities gather to welcome in the start of the New Year. Other events marking the Year of the Monkey include a traditional Chinese dance and song, martial arts demonstrations and a parade featuring iconic Chinese characters. Along Great George Street there will be a Chinese Market selling gifts, souvenirs and authentic cuisine. But in light of all these events, where did the traditions of Chinese New Year stem from? The Chinese Lunar New Year celebrates the start of the lunisolar calendar. Festivities usually begin on the evening preceding the first day of the new calendar and run up to Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month. The festival itself is centuries old and gains significance because of the myths and traditions that have been passed down generations during this time. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honour deities as well as ancestors and is still considered a major holiday for the Chinese. A typical New Year in China consists of

celebrating with family, usually around food, and begins eight days prior to the start of the new calendar with a traditional porridge. The equivalent to New Year’s Eve in Chinese celebrations consists of families gathering for a reunion dinner after cleansing their house. And although Chinese culture is perceived as traditional, New Year traditions vary widely across China and are often interpreted differently depending on where a person resides. The same could be said for British Chinese traditions: we all know our take on Chinese food is not truly representative of Chinese cuisine. Current LJMU student Sea Huang told Liverpool Life: “All the family share food with more than ten dishes. We normally will have chicken, duck, fish and pork all together. We hope we are rich and will be better the next year. “Fish in Chinese sounds like ‘yu’ which means ‘left’. We have a saying nian nian yu which means every year we have something left. “So we leave the fish dish, not finishing it is a good symbol on the New Years table. “The food is good. It’s pretty much close to home food. But sometimes I really miss home, especially new years time. But this year is going to be the most special one because its my first year away from home. “I’m very impressed and honoured that Liverpool has so much atmosphere for Chinese New Year. Even in our accommodation the reception are preparing a New Year party for us Chinese residents.”

‘Sshin-nyen kwhy-ler’ ‘Happy new year’

Top 5 Chinese restaurants

Blind Tiger, Seel Street: Starters are the best part of a meal and Chinese food offers a great selection called Dim Sum to pick and choose from Char Su Bau to spring rolls.

Chung Ku, Columbus Quay: If you want to avoid the queues at restaurants in the city, this restaurant in south Liverpool offers a meal with a great view of the Mersey.

Big Bowl Noodle Bar, Berry Street: The cost of Chinese food can soon add up, but Big Bowl offers large helpings for a reasonable price, probably the reason the restaurant is never empty.

Chy Liverpool, Renshaw Street: With positive comments on TripAdvisor as plentiful as their generous servings this restaurant offers some of the best Chinese cuisine in the city.

Mei Mei, Berry Street: Located near the Chinatown Arches, Mei Mei offers everything you’d expect from a traditional Chinese Restaurant: good food and a good atmosphere.

ENJOY!

Life|Arts|10

Red and Yellow and Pink and Green...

The Eye for Colour exhibition returns to Liverpool’s World Museum as visitors get the chance to discover the beauty behind the colour. Nathan Burgess reports

e are all surrounded by colour every day. No matter where we are or what we do, there is always colour to be seen amongst us. But how much do you really know about colour? You might be able to tell the difference between one and the other or identify a different shade and perhaps know which colours to mix together. But do we really understand a lot about colour and the science behind it? The Eye for Colour exhibition at the World Museum has all the answers to everything colour related and is here in the city until early September. On its tenth anniversary, children from the Holy Cross Catholic Primary School got a chance to have a sneak peek at the exhibition before it opened its doors to the public this

month. Director of World Museum, Steve Judd, said: “The exhibition is all about colour and how it shapes or forms our lives. “Colour in nature, colour in culture, how we react to colour and colour in the environment. It’s all about understanding the physics and science behind the colours that we see today. It makes you step back and look at things you perhaps took for granted during your life, such as the colours around us. “It makes you think about them in a different way to what you may have used to.” Young children as well as adults, can among other things, discover how colour is formed, how artists use colour in creativity and how animals can use camouflage. You can also get an idea of how dog’s, fish and bug’s view the world we live in every day.

Visitors can also enter the Mood Room which explores the effects colour can have on us emotionally. It gives you a chance to sit down and take the colours in as you are surrounded by the beauty of colour. Steve added: “It’s the fourth time we have held the exhibition, we developed it over ten years ago with a consortium. It’s been around Europe and had over 1million visitors. “We’ve had it back a number of times over the last ten years because we know it just works so well with our family audience in particular; it’s very hands on, very interactive and it’s very cool. “My personal favourite is Flashy Fish, I encourage a lot of people to check it out. It’s really fun. That’s what the exhibition is all about, Eye for Colour brings education and fun together!”

ARTIST’S PALETTE: Discover how pigments are made and what they are made from

HANDS ON: Pupils from Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, above and below, take part in a number of activities at the exhibition.

‘It makes you step back and look at things you perhaps took for granted during your life’

Life|Sport|11

Rovers conﬁrm shirt sponsor

By JAMES GAMBLE The shirt sponsorship for Tranmere Rovers is set to change from Home Bargains to B&M Waste Services in June, on a new three year partnership. The successful Wirral-based family-run company have just celebrated their 60th anniversary, and will bring their swan logo to the front of the Rovers training kit and Puma shirts for the first team and the development squad. Mark Palios, chairman of Tranmere Rovers, praised the club’s current sponsors Home Bargains for the ‘fantastic commitment’ the company has shown the club over the last three years. He said: “They have been supportive partners through what has been a particularly difficult time for the Club. Home Bargains will always be welcome at Prenton Park.” As for the new sponsor, Mr Palios said: “It was important to us to get the right partner and from the very first meeting we held it was obvious that there were a great number of parallels in what we are both trying to do.”

Blues aim to build on Cup form By RYAN JONES

Following a poor performance against a struggling Swansea side, Everton will be hoping to build on their display away at Carlisle when they welcome Newcastle to Goodison on Wednesday. The Blues faced criticism after bowing out in the semi-final of the Carling Cup against Manchester City and need a strong performance to boost morale. Liverpool haven’t scored a goal in over 210 minutes of football and Jurgen Klopp’s men will have to be firing on all cylinders if they’re to beat Leicester City who are flying high at the top of the league. For Tranmere, it’s derby day as they welcome Southport to Prenton Partk

Red fans’ fury at ticket price hike By RYAN JONES

Liverpool fans have voiced their anger after it was announced match day and season tickets at Anfield will rise to as high as £77 and £1,029 resepctively from the start of next season. There will however be an initiative to get more local and young fans to attend their home games. There will be a special scheme for 17-21 -year-olds and children’s tickets will be as low as £9 But the focus is on the increased proces after over a year of discussions between supporters groups and the club there were hopes that tickets were going to be decreased to a more reasonable price due to the increase in revenue. It currently costs up to £59 to attend top tier games such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton and Chelsea, so the decision to increase the prices

Fans-tastic: Liverpool’s famous support in a packed-out Anﬁeld further have been met with some surprise. The Spirit of Shankly supporters group released a statement on Monday expressing their discontent. It said: “The outcome is extremely disappointing and a

missed opportunity for LFC to lead in a fairer approach to ticket prices. “After months of time and effort, meetings and debate of ideas and plans to lower supporters’ costs, the owners have chosen to

© Vegard Grott increase prices for many. In the context of the huge income rises the club will receive next year, to up their revenue from fans through season and match day tickets is both unnecessary and morally unjustifiable.”

Liverpool fans have also criticised the decision online. Sam Halliwell posted on twitter, he said: “I’ve spent an absolute fortune watching Liverpool this season and they reward the fans with a price increase to £70 a ticket. Disgrace @LFC”. The club agreed to freeze prices for this season following concerns that should they continue to go up, the younger generation of supporters will be priced out of attending the game. Sam McGuire, a contributor to the Anfield Index fan website said: “The fans aren’t naive and they realise ticket prices will always rise but with the new TV deal is it really necessary to fleece fans for that extra £11 per game? Match day revenue looks good on the books though when potential buyers are doing their due diligence. It’s not like the product on display is blowing us all away, is it? Seventh place finishes are becoming the norm.”

LFC celebrate sporting role models By RYAN JONES Liverpool Football Club became the first Premier League Club to officially march at a PRIDE event last week when they hosted the Pride in Sport celebration of LGBTQ Sporting Personalities and their Allies. The crowd of over 100 was filled with a whole host of LGBTQ sporting stars including Paralympian Claire Harvey, Sophie Cook, the Premiership’s first Trans Photographer and Suzanne Smith and Nicola Hobbs from the FA Women’s Super League. The message of the night was clear; be true to yourself. Sophie Cook spoke of her transition and how she believed that if she was to come out then it could end her sports photography career. However Bournemouth FC were incredibly supportive of her during her transition from Steve to Sophie. Claire Harvey, a sitting volleyball Paralympian

offered words of advice, she said: “It is your responsibility to consciously include all members of society because if we don’t consciously include we unconsciously exclude.” The event was sponsored by Barclays and raised over £1,000 which was to be split between Liverpool Pride and Diversity Role Models. Amy Stanning, Co-Chair of Barclays Spectrum said: “Barclays is proud to sponsor this inaugural event celebrating LGBT role models in sport. Barclays supports diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society as people give of their best when they can be themselves.” Those in attendance were treated to a drag display from Cheddar Gorgeous, a transgender performer, and there was a raffle made up of items donated by Barclays, Everton FC and a number of LGBT athletes from across the country. According to Emma Baldry, an

event organiser from Planet L Events, plans for the next Pride in Sport event are already in motion. She said: “I am thrilled with the success of tonight’s event and thank everyone who helped to make evening such a wonderful occasion. We plan to make Pride in Sport an annual event and already have plans for 2017 and 2018.”

Role models: Sophie Cook, left and FACT’s Visitor Services Manager, Joan Burnett both speak at the event, while, below, the audience enjoy the evening © LGBTQ

Role models: Sophie Cook, left and FACT’s Visitor Services Manager, Joan Burnett, above, both speak at the event.

Liverpool

LifeSPORT 3 February 2016

KICK OUT THE BABY BLUES PLAYING BALL: Mums show off their dribbling skills

By LUCY NIXON

For busy mothers, playing football is perhaps not at the top of their priority list. However, that could be set to change thanks to the latest sport phenomenon that’s sweeping across Mersey side. Mumball is an initiative set up by busy mums for busy mums, offering them the chance to take part in football training sessions and mini league games in their free time. Set up last year by friends Becki Gerrard and Louise Codman, the idea for the group came after both women had their own children. “We both suffered from post-natal depression. We played alongside each other for a local amateur football team and discovered that the symptoms were relieved after a training session.

We wanted to recommend it to other women going through a similar experience,” Becki told Liverpool Life. After doing some research, the pair discovered there was nowhere in Merseyside offering football for beginners and so Mumball was created. The group aims to offer a comfortable and welcoming environment with no pressure or expectations. The group started out simply as a part-time hobby. However, the more people who heard about the idea, the more it spread. With pressure from friends and family to get the idea off the ground, Becki and Louise took the plunge and booked their first taster session. The reaction they received was greater than they could have ever expected. “We were inundated with messages and emails from women

who had loved the idea of being able to try football just for fun and to meet other women for a kick-about. “It’s been really overwhelming the attention and support we’ve received from everyone. What was once a small hobby now runs across Merseyside and hopefully one day there will be Mumball groups across the country,” said Becki. For many of the women who attend the weekly training sessions, the group offers an escape from the day-to-day pressures of being a busy mum. With 1 in ten women suffering from post-natal depression, Becki knows how important groups like Mumball are. Since the group began, it has become more than just a hobby and a way to keep fit. It offers women of all ages from all

backgrounds the chance to make friends and focus on themselves. “Since the beginning of Mumball we have had really positive feedback from all women that have been helped in one way or another by attending the sessions - be it anxiety, depression, feelings of social isolation and fitness. “Strong friendships have been made which is a big part of Mumball, everybody is welcome, any age and any ability,” Becki added. The sessions are relaxed and focus on team spirit rather than ability and competition. “You will start with a couple of drills aimed to get you warmed up and improving certain areas of the game. Then we play a small sided match for the last half hour. The main thing to expect if you join is to be welcomed

by supportive coaches. Expect to have a laugh, a good run around and definitely expect to sleep well that night!” explained Becki. For many of the mums who join the team, it comes after years standing on the side-lines watching children and husbands playing their own matches. For Michelle, a Liverpool mum it was this that prompted her to join her own team. “After watching my daughter and son playing football for the past 10 years, and itching to get on and join them I saw MumBall advertised and figured I had nothing to lose. When you’re a working mum it’s still important to take time for yourself,” said Michelle. Mumball sessions run each week at various locations across Merseyside. For a full list of venues, visit www.mumball.com

Stephanie deﬁes odds to skate to success A Runcorn ice skater has defied the odds and won a gold medal in Austria after a stroke as a baby left her with a weak arm and leg, writes Lucy Darbyshire. Stephanie Gott, 18, competed in Austria in the Pre-Games, a lead up heat to the Special Olympics World Winter Games set to be held in 2017. Born with a congenital heart disease,

Stephanie took up free skating to boost her confidence. Talking about her successes, Stephanie said: “Its crazy to think that I have a gold medal. I want to show people that even though you may have personal challenges it doesn’t stop you from achieving things that you work hard for. “My family are so proud. All I’m focused

on now is the inclusive skating competition that I’ll be competing in in Glasgow this April, that’s my next big competition.” Stephanie, a former Ashley School pupil, underwent surgery at 18 days old to swap the main arteries in her heart. Now she is competing at a professional level and blooming within the skating world.

Inside Sport

LFC fans voice anger at ticket price rise

Liverpool celebrates sporting LGBTQ stars

Tranmere Rovers land new shirt sponsorship