Liverpool Life 3:7 November 11 2014 by Steve Harrison

04-November-2014

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE... NEWS

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How can Liverpool kick the title of Capital of Cancer?

SPORT

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LJMU Handball team secure sponsorship deal

City’s under-threat libraries are saved from closure

LIFEextra

REMEMBER RESPECT: Armed forces veterans and families gather at St George’s cenotaph today to pay tribute to Britain’s fallen heroes. © Adrian Speed By ADAM JONES Liverpool fell silent at 11:00 today as the city remembered the fallen heroes of the First and Second World Wars. Hundreds gathered at the cenotaph outside St George’s Hall for a ceremony which included an extremely well respected two minute silence and

there was a sombre atmosphere across the crowd as a trumpet played to signify the start of the period. The ceremony ended with children’s voices united in song as pupils from St Margaret Mary’s primary school performed classic wartime songs including “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary”.

SILENT TRIBUTE Special report - page 8

Life News 2

By SAMANTHA GAULTER-GREEEN

A Wirral accountancy firm is contender to win a national award for best small independent business, and has pledged to donate £5000 to a local charity should it win. Woods Squared, based in Birkenhead, chose Stick N Step to be its charity partners for 2014, meaning that any fundraising it does will be donated to the charity that helps make life better for children with cerebral palsy. The company was previously chosen as ‘The Kalixa Pro Best Small Business, North West’, and was therefore shortlisted for Kalixa’s national award for best small business. It is up against 11 other businesses from across the country. Alan Wood, Director at Woods Squared, told Liverpool Life: “The way that we are approaching it [voting] is North West people, supporting a North West business, but at the same time helping a North West charity that will benefit hugely from us winning.” As most of the accountancy firm’s clients are based in and around the North West, winning the regional award is what Mr Wood is most proud of. Mr Wood is campaigning to win the national award to benefit the charity as he believes his company would not gain a lot from it. He added: “Our reason for wanting to win the national award is to benefit the charity more than for us. That is our drive.” The cerebral palsy charity helps children achieve the greatest independence possible through conductive education, where children are helped to retrain their brains so that they can do simple movements that others take for granted, such as dressing themselves or walking. Stick n Step assist 70 children every year from across the North West of England, and the North of Wales. They treat children from as young as 22 months old to those as old as 18, and offer them three-hour educational sessions twice a week. Kerry Roe-Ely, Community and Events fundraiser for Stick N Step, told Liverpool Life: “We need 350,000 annually just to keep our doors open. “We do not get any government or any NHS funding, and we rely entirely on the generosity of people like Alan Woods.”

Life

Lord Mayor single spreads festive cheer By SARAH HANCOCKS &

GEORGIA DUNNING

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Erica Kemp is getting into the festive spirit this season by releasing a Christmas single in aid of a local charity. The song ‘Liverpool Heart’ features over 200 performers on the track including the Liverpool Community Choir, AFMIM gospel choir, the choir with no name and Whitefield school Choir. Lord Mayor Cllr Erica Kemp told Liverpool Life: “As I am the first citizen as Lord Mayor this year, I think it is a fantastic opportunity to produce a song by everyone in Liverpool. I think it will be great for the city.” The song has since been backed by a number of famous faces such as Bernie Hollywood and Ricky Tomlinson, by posing with the Liverpool Heart sticker on social media and encouraging

tion of the song. Head teacher of the school Nadine Carroll told Liverpool Life: “Obviously the children were delighted to have a Christmas single, it is everybody’s dream. We are always looking for lots of enriched opportunities for our children to be involved in. We think it is particularly important our children are involved in the city of Liverpool and see it as their city.” The involvement of Community and school choirs has been the one of the main focuses of the song alongside raising money for charity. Ian Hewitt spoke to the students at Whitefield where they told Liverpool Life: “What makes Whitefield stand out is the level of commitment they had to the project, they were really, really behind it. We are lucky Liverpool has got so much talent. “

BIG HEART: Ian Hewitt and Erica Kemp ©Big City Soul Collective

Upcoming young local artists such as Joe Maddocks, Sophie-Ellen Evans, Hayli Kincade, Sophie Clarke, Harmonee and Michael Owens also feature in the song showcasing some of the city’s best talent. Lord Mayor Erica Kemp added: “I used to sing in school choirs when I was younger but

it is the first time I’ve ever been involved in a Christmas single. It was pretty nerve wrecking! But I absolutely love singing so I was delighted to take part. It was my pleasure”. available to download on iTunes for 79p and can be purchased in loca shops across the city.

Exhibition centre reaches milestone By GEORGIE WHITWORTH Branded Hotel Management. The new development will link The development of Liverpool’s to the existing arena and con£66m Exhibition Centre reached vention centre via a pedestrian a new milestone when a topping link bridge, making the building out ceremony was held on Friday. the only purpose-built arena, The event was held at the ACC convention and exhibition Liverpool waterfront site, home centre in Europe. of the Echo Arena and the BT Liverpool City Council has Convention Centre, and saw the funded the centre through borsigning and installation of a spe- rowing money which will be paid cially commissioned steel beam back by income generated by the at the highest point on the build- centre. In its first year of operaing. tion, the centre is expected to Those in attendance at the host about 50 events and event included, David McDonattract more than 250,000 visnell, chairman of ACC Liverpool, itors. Mayor of Liverpool, Joe AnderThe centre is estimated to bring son, along with representatives a further 200,000 jobs to the city. from contractor ISG, hotel operSpeaking at the event, Mayor ator Branded Hotel Management Joe Anderson said: “This is great and Pullman. news for the city, great news for The steel beam also features our economy and for my deterindividual plaques representing mination to create a sustainable Liverpool City Council, ACC city for the future. Liverpool, ISG and Pullman This investment by the city is Hotel and Resorts, and was one that will pay us back over a lifted into place by the site’s 70m long term and bring extra revetower crane during the ceremo- nue into the city at tough times ny. but for me the most important Exhibition Centre Liverpool, thing is to put our city on a levdue to open in September 2015, el playing field with other cities will more than double the across not only the UK but across existing 7,125 sq m capacity at Europe in being able to attract ACC Liverpool to 15,225 sq m of events and functions and conflexible exhibition space. The ventions to the city of Liverpool.” development will include a The international construc£26m integrated 216 room tion company ISG, the business Pullman hotel, operated by behind the London 2012 Velo-

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others to download the Christmas single. Ian Hewitt produced the lyrics for the track which was recorded in Parr Street Studios under the banner of the Big City Soul Collective. Ian Hewitt told Liverpool Life: “We are very adamant that with the track itself, there are no celebrities, no X factor. It’s just Liverpool Heart, it’s an honest single. But we need the sons and daughters of Liverpool and celebrities to get talking about it.” All monies raised will go towards the charity Liverpool Heartbeat which helps fund projects to help young people in Merseyside achieve their creative potential. The Whitefield School Choir on Boundary Lane were approached by Liverpool heart and are amongst a number of local talents involved in the produc-

Features Editor Imogen Sweeney Features Melissa McFarlane Bradd Chambers Sports Editor Michael Glynn Sports Angharad Millington Steph Bewley

Business in line to win top award

PROUD: From left - Mayor Joe Anderson, David McDonnell (Chairman of ACC Liverpool), Jonathan Sheard (Pullman & Accor UK), Robert Mullen (Apprentice) and Frank Joyce (ISG’s Project Director)

drome, are responsible for the building. Denton Corker Marshall, who designed the Melbourne Exhibition Centre in Australia and the Stonehenge Visitor Centre in England, is the architect on the project. David McDonnell, Chair of the ACC Board said: “ACC Liverpool now has been established for some six and a half years with the Echo Arena and the BT

Convention Centre and it’s no exaggeration to say that it’s been a phenomenal success becoming one of the UK’s leading venues, making a major contribution to the city’s reputation and its economic wellbeing. But over the period of six and a half years we have become to some extent, victims of our own success, in that we have identified areas in the market where we

either didn’t have the capacity to service at that stage or for some other reason that couldn’t take at this stage. This project will enable us now to significantly expand our offering to host large national and international trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences, banquets, sports events as well as standalone exhibitions.’’

World class ranking Bag pack for Santa By SAMANTHA

News report, which is based on a GAULTER-GREEEN wide range of research performance measures. “It is a result of our efforts to The University of Liverpool has establish international research been named as the 150th best collaborations and our reputauniversity in the world, according to rankings published by US tion as a global university, and supporting research excellence in News and World Report. our Schools and Institutes.” Liverpool was placed as the “We hope that recent and 55th best university in Europe, and 15th in the UK after achiev- continuing increases in recruitment of Ph.D. students will lead ing an overall score of 51.2% in the first ever Best Global Univer- to further improvements in our position in later years as those sity rankings. students complete their degrees.” Alison Fairclough, Head of The top three worldwide Research Policy at the University of Liverpool told Liverpool Life: universities were all based in the US with Harvard stealing the top “The University is delighted to spot. see its strong ranking in the US

By SARAH HANCOCKS A local Liverpool Charity is taking part in the Morrison’s Big Bag Pack this Christmas to help raise money for ITV’s Text Santa appeal. The supermarket chain are looking for volunteers across Merseyside to take part in the national initiative to raise money for the Together for Short lives charity, which covers all children’s hospices in the UK. Fundraising Manager for Zoe’s Place, Carol Kirkham told Liverpool Life: “The Morrison’s big bag pack takes place across

all Morrison’s stores on the 4th and 5th December. Most people who volunteer are passionate about helping people and it has a meaningful, positive impact on our community.” Last year, the Text Santa appeal raised a whopping £5,100,000 and are aiming to top that this year. As a member of the National Fundraising Scheme, Zoe’s Place are one of many children’s charities in the country who will benefit from the monies raised this year. You can Donate by texting: Text SANTA5 to 70760 to donate £5.

Text Santa

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Family reunited by world war memorial By GEORGIE WHITWORTH

Sir Brian Leveson © JMU Journalism

Sir Brian hosts ‘historic’ reception By OLIVIA SWAYNE-ATHERTON

The chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University Sir Brian Leveson held the first-ever student and staff reception in the grand Middle Temple Hall in London last night. Students and staff gathered to network and chat with the chancellor and the university’s vice chancellor Nigel Weatherill. They got the chance to share their thoughts about their courses, their time in Liverpool and their experience at John Moores. With so much history in one room, the vice chancellor said: “Few have the greatness to make history but everybody should be given the opportunity to; as students. I hope as vice chancellor I give then the opportunity through the institution, all our hard working staff, to make history.”

St Francis Xavier’s College, Woolton © Robert Cutts/ Creative Commons/Flickr

Archbishop role for Briton

By KATIE DODSON

Liverpudlian Archbishop Paul Gallagher has been appointed to Foreign Minister by the Vatican. After a reshuffle by Pope Francis, Archbishop Gallagher is now the first Briton to be given the title and is now in the third highest position in the Vatican. The new role for the 60-yearold means there is a possible route to higher office for him. Pope Francis is said to have appointed him to be the link with national governments. Archbishop Gallagher said: “In making this nomination Pope Francis has done me a great honour, for which I humbly thank him”. The Archbishop attended the Roman Catholic secondary school St Francis Xavier’s College in Woolton and started his ministry in Fazakerley. In later life he earned a doctorate in canon law as well as being fluent in French, Spanish and near-native Italian.

PROUD: The research team

A Garston history project into the soldiers of World War One has helped to reunite long-lost family members. To mark the centenary of the breakout of the First World War, The Garston District Historical Society has compiled research into the lives of each solider on the Garston War Memorial at St Michael’s Church. A team of eleven, consisting of experts and novices, have spent over 21 months gathering background information on each man via ancestry websites, local newspaper archives and family of the deceased. One committee member, Margaret Davies, even discovered new family members through the research. Margaret found that her grandfathers’ brothers

were on the memorial. Ms Davies said: “I had no idea any of my relations were on the memorial until we got into the research and I discovered that my grandfathers’ brothers were on there. “I traced and contacted one of their granddaughters and we were able to meet up in Garston. A strong friendship has now been established between us.” The research was on display at the Garston Park Church Hall on Garston Old Road last week. It will also be displayed in Banks Road Methodist Church Hall, on Banks Road, from 10am – 4pm on Friday 21 November and Saturday 22 November. Though the committee found some of the men quite hard to research, they managed to identify the backgrounds of all but five men.

Controversy over students’ sex play By GEORGIA DUNNING

The University of Liverpool is under fire after medical students wrote a play including sexist references and rape jokes. Medical students at the university, which is known for its scientific research and was recently ranked number 150 in the world, have been at the centre of a controversy following the release of the play script which allegedly makes light of rape and sexual assault. The play which has taken inspiration from James Bond with the title ‘James Bondage in Hymens aren’t forever’ tells the tale of a doctor who lectures on safe sex and supports the ‘No means No’ campaign (nicknamed Dr No) who gets drugged and raped by one of his students. One student, who studies in the medical school spoke about her battle to get the university to take action. She says she was not taken seriously and the university failed

to take any action. Speaking to Liverpool Life, she said: “We tried to approach our medical school directly and didn’t get much of a response. The university just said they’ll look into it, but it wasn’t their problem. We just didn’t get anywhere, we were hoping to be taken a bit more seriously.” The script includes notes such as: ‘Girls perform a gloriously slutty dance preferably to an 80’s tune or in retro slutty clothes.’ After a lecture on safe sex, the script reads: ‘Pussy Galore regales the reason she came to Liverpool-for the promiscuous reputation, then sings ‘Hymens aren’t forever’. Following a growing Twitter interest from students, members of the public and a feminist magazine, the University of Liverpool was forced to look into the issue after a number of complaints. Weeks after the script was sent out it released a statement which said: “The University, the Guild

of Students and the Liverpool Medical Students’ Society are shocked at the content of this material which is clearly unacceptable. The University is investigating. We will continue to work together in combatting sexism and sexual harassment.” The play, which is due to be performed in a few weeks, is an annual event for all, attracting lecturers, students, faculty leaders and doctors from outside the university each year. It is unclear who wrote the script and if the faculty of medicine or the university had any involvement or had even read the script. A medical student, who asked not to be named, told Liverpool Life: “When you’re looking at university you’re looking at quite young people who maybe haven’t really had loads of sexual or relationship experience and don’t know that that actually isn’t the norm. I don’t think rape jokes or advocating rape is ever acceptable.”

SHOCKED: The script for the ‘inappropriate’ play

U-turn decision saves Liverpool libraries

Payday loan lenders face new regulations

By SARAH HANCOCKS

By LIAM COTTON

Campaigners in Liverpool are overjoyed after Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson announced that all libraries facing closure in Liverpool will remain open. The statement was released just two days after 100 protesters took to the streets outside Liverpool central library following plans to close more than half of the city’s libraries. Mayor Anderson said: “We have been working very hard over the last couple of months to secure a future for all 19 libraries in Liverpool. I can confirm today that none of our libraries will close.” A petition which included 15,000 signatures was handed to the city chiefs last week, not including the additional 500 obtained throughout the protests held on Saturday. Proposals and alternative funding sources are in discussion amongst council leaders which will be implemented following cuts of 58% made by the central government. The libraries which were at risk of closure included Kensington, Fazakerly,

Breck Road, Sefton Park, Old Swan, Lee valley, Wavertree and Walton. Martin Ralph, from the group the Old Swan Against Cuts, said: “Joe Anderson now says 11 libraries will not close and he has ‘found’ some money – perhaps £680,000 – to keep some libraries as they are. But others may be sold or run with volunteers.” The passion of the people and effort displayed by campaigners to keep the libraries open has been commended by the Mayor in a press release. Mayoral lead for Reading Performance, Councillor Lana Orr, said: “The Mayor’s announcement on libraries shows just how much we care about access to books and reading. By working with other organisations and communities a solution has been found. This is wonderful news.” Campaign leaders see this as a triumph for protest groups after months of demonstrations to raise awareness of the importance of local libraries. Martin Ralph added: “We forced the changes and that is a victory, but it is a concession not a retraction or a complete U-turn.”

Student finance experts yesterday welcomed news that payday lenders will have their rates capped. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) capped loans at 0.8% per day, and ordered that borrowers should never pay back more than twice the amount that they borrowed. Lynne Condell, LJMU’s Student Funding Manager, told Liverpool Life: “Obviously I think it’s a great idea. In terms of what people were paying before it is a step in the right direction. As much as people don’t like them, we know people use them. There is a place for them.” Ms Condell said that she was aware many students don’t understand their options, they think getting into debt with a bank is bad so they turn to payday loan companies and by not trusting banks they end up costing themselves more. She also added that LJMU Student Welfare encourage students to use their free overdraft rather than payday loans. “Students often turn to payday loans because you don’t usually have to speak

to someone personally, you can apply for payday loans by text or email; its faceless credit. Part of becoming an adult is having difficult face-to-face conversations with people. FCA said that the regulator’s research shows that just 7% of 70,000 people who currently have a payday loan would be able to secure another payday loan under the tightened rules. However, Russell Hamblin-Boone, chief executive of the Consumer Finance Association, said the payday loans industry had already put in place higher standards of conduct including restrictions for extending loans, rolling over loans and tighter checks on people before loans are approved. Mr Hamblin-Boone fears that preventing access to short-term loans will lead to more people turning to illegal loan sharks for money. Speaking to the BBC, Mr Hamblin-Boone said: “We’ll inevitably see fewer people getting fewer loans from fewer lenders. The fact is, the demand is not going to go away. What we need to do is make sure we have an alternative, and that we’re catching people, and that they’re not going to illegal lenders.”

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Monty takes a trip to Heswall By ANTHONY FISHER

Wirral-born Dougal Wilson has paid tribute to his hometown in this year’s annual John Lewis Christmas ad. Mr. Wilson, who is the director of the latest in the series of iconic adverts, tells the tale of Monty the Penguin who is looking for love. It sees Monty take a trip through the Wirral on the number 45 bus displaying Heswall, the birthplace of the director, as the destination. Viewers spotted the bus and took to Twitter and Facebook to share their opinions on the ad. @Jenpricediaries tweeted: “Love that the bus in the Christmas John Lewis advert is going to Heswall. Very cute advert!” @browsandbelles, also enjoyed the ad, tweeting: “Amazing to see the bus in the new @johnlewisretail advert is going to #heswall #johnlewisadvert #JohnLewis”

100th day of inquests By SARAH HANCOCKS

The Hillsborough inquest has heard its 100th day of evidence since they began in Warrington in March this year. The new enquiry into the death of 96 Liverpool fans back in April 15th 1989 is expected to last up to a year at Birchwood Park and is being heard by Court of Appeal Judge Lord Justice Goldring. Witnesses, along with families of the victims, have been making statements since the inquests began and will continue to do so for the next few months. So far the court has seen a 3D virtual tour of Hillsborough in 1989, a jury visit to Hillsborough and a video representation depicting how the disaster unfolded.

Be prepared ... at click of a mouse By ANTHONY FISHER

A website has been launched to help the people of Merseyside prepare for emergencies. ‘Merseyside Prepared’ has been established to provide information about emergencies and alert the public about the signs to look for when there is a risk of a hazard. The website has been set up by The Merseyside Resilience Forum (MRF), a multi-agency partnership that consists of all the organisations that are necessary when it comes to dealing with any major incident. Contact numbers for a range of different emergencies are available on the website, including flooding, gas leaks and problems with roads and pavement, as well as advice on how to protect businesses, homes and communities. Dan Stephens, Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue service, said: “What the website does is provide useful advice for the members of the community as to how they can best prepare themselves for any of the foreseeable risks that might affect Mer-

seyside. “It links into lots of other useful advice, weather warnings as an example from either the met office or the environment agency.” Category one responders such as British Transport Police, Environment Agency, Merseyside Police, NHS England and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have collaborated on the website and identified some of the risks that the people of Merseyside could face. Additionally, Category two responders like the Highways Agency, Merseytravel and United Utilities have offered their services to Merseyside Prepared. A survey, created by University of Liverpool students, attempts to understand how much the public already know about how to react in an emergency. The survey is available online and can be found on the official website for the Institute of Psychology, Health and Society. It is available to complete over the next three months. The website can be accessed at http://merseysideprepared.org. uk/.

PREPARED: The website offers advice for emergencies

Bid to be fastest humans on Earth By JOSIE TIMMS

Liverpool students are attempting to break the world record for the fastest human-powered vehicle. Sports scientists from Liverpool John Moores University, the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University have tested applicants from across the country to take on the World Human Power Speed Challenge in 2015. The testing took place in LJMU’s Tom Reilly building due to its extensive facilities in sports

and exercise sciences. Applicants for the attempt, which included teenagers to those in their 40s, were put through ten months of intense training to ensure they were at their peak fitness, to ride the vehicle, the ARION1 Velocipede. The ARION1 Velocipede is a pedal powered aerodynamic bike being built by the University of Liverpool Velocipede (ULV) Team. When completed the ARION1 Velocipede should be able to reach speeds of 90 mph and also create enough power to light a

house. The current male land speed record is 83.13mph and current female land speed record is 75.69mph. ULV is hoping to smash these records by 7% using ARION1. Weighing under 25 kilos the vehicle will travel at double the current speed cycling record and will be 35 times more aerodynamic than a standard bicycle. They are aiming to generate 800 to 850 watts of power from a female or male rider respectively. The World Human Power Speed Challenge (WHPSC) will

By SOPHIE LOCKETT and ADAM JONES

for children and families; the ice slide will be great fun. “The Ice Festival will be home to lots of festive rides and attractions including a Christmas roller coaster, traditional carousel, chair-o-planes and many other rides for children of various ages.” Organisers have labelled the launch ‘the best yet’ and festival creators, Ice Box Entertainment, agree. They said: “The Ice Festival at Liverpool ONE is an excellent example of working alongside a busy retail centre, in a central city location and the success in attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to all of the attractions is testament to the style, standards and quality of the event. “The Ice Festival at Liverpool ONE has exceeded everyone’s expectations.” Previous festivals also saw some of Santa’s helpers come to Liverpool, with live penguins and reindeers getting shoppers into the Christmas spirit. It will be staying with us after Christmas and into the New

be held in Battle Mountain, Nevada, in September 2015 and the ULV team will be the first University in the United Kingdom to attempt the land speed record. Liverpool Hope University’s Dr Peter Angell said “We combined the use of a normal, upright cycle and a recumbent bicycle during the training, gradually moving towards using the recumbent cycle more, until we’re able to use the ARION1 for parts of the training and testing. “This is where the rider will begin to reach the record-breaking speeds required.

“We could potentially be training the fastest human on earth – to do that we need to help plan for every eventuality and ensure that the chosen athlete is at the optimum performance level.” Patrick Harper, Lead Ergonomics Engineer with the ULV Team, said: “There are some really talented sports men and women being tested I am looking forward to seeing the athletes being put through their paces by the sports scientists from Hope and LJMU. “After these tests we will be left with a difficult decision: who will ride our speed bike.”

Christmas lights up city Christmas arrived in Liverpool over the weekend after the festive lights across the city centre were switched on. The event was also marked by a lantern parade organised by Liverpool One and the Liverpool Lantern Company and thousands lined the streets of the city centre to watch, however the lights were switched off all day today to mark Armistice Day. The annual Ice Festival has also launched at Liverpool ONE after being opened by Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe. First held in 2012, the Ice Festival sees in the return of winter at the shopping centre with activities finding their home at Chavasse Park. The festival boasts an ice rink, après bar serving hot mulled wine, an ice bar with temperatures as low as minus three and the UK’s only real ice slide. A spokesperson for Liverpool ONE told Liverpool Life: “There are numerous activities suitable

FESTIVE: Lights in Liverpool Year, closing on January 4th. This is the start of numerous Christmas themed events around the city, with the Christmas tree on Church street due to be illuminated on the 20th November and the popular markets set to return on the same date.

© Adam Jones Other upcoming events also include the annual Santa Dash, St George’s Hall’s Santa’s Grotto, the annual Christmas Markets and a brand new Snowflake trail which is set to give Liverpool a white Christmas regardless of the weather.

Life|News|5

NEWS IN BRIEF Rickshaw Challenge rolls to Liverpool By SAMANTHA

GAULTER GREEN

The One Show’s Children in Need rickshaw challenge passed through Liverpool on Sunday. The show, which aired on BBC One last night, saw five young people arrive on the rickshaw at the Pier Head after driving it from Blackpool. This was the third day of their 450-mile journey from Salford to Walford. Star of the One Show, Matt Baker, offered support to the riders by cycling alongside them. He said: ““It has been great to see the support from people on our journey from Blackpool to Liverpool today with people eager to give money to keep Team Rickshaw going.” Children in Need donates almost £1.5 million to charities across Merseyside. This includes the charity Oakleaf, which works with young people who are suffering from bereavement or separation, and Collective Encounters, that runs a free youth theatre for disadvantaged children. Ariel Trust is another Merseyside charity that Children in Need support and allows people to make their own short films about different issues that affect their lives to be uploaded to YouTube. The next leg of the tour led the rickshaw to Buxton in Derbyshire. The annual Children in Need event will be held and televised this Friday from 7pm on BBC One.

Awards galore for Liverpool music festivals By ADRIAN SPEED Liverpool can once again be proud to boast that it is one of the best places in the country to see live music after it was announced that three of the city’s festivals have been nominated for the 11th UK Festival Awards, which is an unprecedented number for a single city. Liverpool Sound City, Liverpool Music Week and Creamfields are all up for several awards including best line up and best overall

festival across the country, along with festival giants Glastonbury, Leeds and Reading. Each year the three festivals have been able to attract bigger and bigger acts from all over the world to play, with this years’ bill including artists such as Gruff Rhys, Dead Maus, Mogwai and The Antlers. Festivals such as Sound City also helped establish inner-city festivals and was very much at the forefront of bringing bands to several venues across three days

when it began back in 2008. It is now seen as the blueprint for urban festivals such as Manchester’s Dot to Dot festival. As well as making use of some of the city’s well loved music venues it has previously brought live music to the stunning Anglican cathedral and has just announced it has acquired land on Liverpool’s water front at Bramley Moore dock to hold next year’s festival. Liverpool music week has also helped to showcase local talent alongside some of the foreign big

name visitors to the city. Liverpool Music Week director, Mike Deane, said: “It is amazing and telling, though, that across the board Liverpool is the city receiving most nominations. “This doesn’t even include other amazing festival line-ups that could easily have a slot in the Best Line-up category like Liverpool International Festival of Psychedelia, Africa Oye and Liverpool International Music Festival. It’s very exciting times for the city – we should be proud.”

This all comes in the same week that it was announced that the £14.5m renovation of Liverpool University’s Guild of Students, previously known as Liverpool University Academy is near completion. It is now currently the second largest music venue in the city and will see acts such as Jamie T and Placebo play there this month. The UK Festival Awards will be held on December 1 in The Roundhouse, London.

on buildings in their community. Mary told Liverpool Life: “I tried to think of the most iconic buildings in Liverpool which would make people sit up and take notice. “I think there is a real momentum now to raise awareness, improve earlier diagnosis rates and hopefully increase support for more research into this cancer.” Known as the silent killer, the survival rates for pancreatic cancer have seen no improvement in over 40 years. Mary said: “If it leads to someone getting an early diagnosis then it will have been a great success. It makes me very sad that my Dad didn't stand any better chance of surviving pancreatic cancer 34 years after his dad died.”

Every year almost 9,000 men and women are newly diagnosed with the disease and, with the lack of symptoms leading to late diagnosis’, they face a shocking three per cent chance of survival and average life expectancy of three to six months. Maggie Watts started an e-petition in 2013 to get more funding and awareness for pancreatic cancer which was successful in reaching 106,403 signatures and gained a debate by the Backbench Business Committee in Parliament. Maggie Watts told Liverpool Life: “The Turn it Purple Campaign has been incredible this year. So many buildings have participated and this has really contributed to the much needed awareness for this disease.

“This year will see the first World Pancreatic Cancer Day on 13 November which will add to the great awareness that's ongoing in November for awareness month. The #PurplePSelfie for pancreatic cancer awareness is also gathering pace on social media so great things are happening to get awareness out there which will, hopefully, result in more people recognising the early warning signs because catching this disease early is currently the only way you can survive it.” An iVan service will be available to the public outside St George’s Hall. The iVan is no-appointment necessary information and support service with a small private consultation with information on spotting the signs and symptoms of cancer.

TRAGIC : Jimmy Whitby © Mary Whitby

Charity harnesses the power of purple By KATIE DODSON

St George’s Hall is to turn purple for the annual Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. As part of Pancreatic Cancer Action’s Turn it Purple Campaign, the building will light up purple on the 12th November. Mary Whitby, from Liverpool, contacted St George’s Hall hoping they would support the campaign after attending a patient’s forum and learning more about the disease that her father, Jimmy (inset), and granddad, Samuel, died from. The campaign calls for businesses and individuals to highlight the fifth deadliest cancer in the UK by embracing purple – the symbolic colour for pancreatic cancer – by shining purple lights

Battle of the bands at Moorﬁelds By JOSIE TIMMS

Sunetra struts to Blackpool By SOPHIE LOCKETT Liverpool’s Strictly Come Dancing and Casualty star, Sunetra Sarker, is on her way to Blackpool after making it through another round of the dance competition. Sunetra and her partner Brendan Cole will be taking to the floor of the famous tower ballroom this weekend alongside fellow competitors Pixie Lott and Frankie Bridge. The Liverpool-born actress said she was looking forward to the trip as it would allow her to visit home and family along the way. Sarker said: “I only ever went there for the candy floss and the donkey rides and the illuminations and to think I’m now going to go to dance in Blackpool is amazing, it’s just incredible.” She follows in the footsteps of fellow Liverpudlian Abbey Clancy, who went on to win the show last year.

MUSIC : One of the ten acts performing in Moorﬁelds station

Moorfields train station played host to a mini music festival this weekend. Ten finalists battled it out in the Merseyrail Sound Station Music Festival on Saturday in the hopes of winning a year of music industry mentoring as well as studio recording time and free rail travel. Winner, Blue Saint, fought off competition from over one hundred entries , including acts such as She Drew The Gun, Silent Cities and The Ragamuffins from new artists in Merseyside to take home the prize. “I felt a mixture of emotions that varied between surprise, happiness, and excitement but

for the most part I felt exhilarated as I knew that by winning the competition it would allow me to grow more as an artist and take a step further down the path that leads to my goals,” he said. “The prize enables me to expand artistically and creatively due to the fact it gives me different beneficial options and opportunities, such as the months of professional music mentoring and management it provides. It also provides a professional music studio that will play a great part in allowing me to hone my skills.” Runner-up Emily Ayre said: “I don’t think I would have got kick-started if it wasn’t for Merseyrail.”

Corrie’s scouse star lands in the jungle By LYDIA MORRIS

Liverpudlian and Coronation Street star Craig Charles has landed in Australia ahead of his jungle entrance for the ITV show I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here! The new series of the hit celebrity show, which hits television screens on Sunday, could also be welcoming Hollyoaks actress Gemma Merna, better known for playing Carmel McQueen

after she has supposedly signed up to face the horrors of the Australian jungle. Charles, who plays Lloyd Mullaney on the ITV soap said he is not scared of swapping the cobbles for the jungle although he is also dreading being away from his loved ones as he departs on the adventure of a lifetime. The show has seen other classic Scouse stars appearing in the daunting jungle over the years

such as MPs, actresses and singers including the likes of Crissy Rock and Sheree Murphy. Benidorm actress and Liverpool born Crissy took on the challenge of the dreaded bush tucker trials in 2011 after lasting 19 long days in the jungle having ‘the best laugh of her life’. Runner up in 2005 to winner Carol Thatcher, Sheree Murphy, better known in Emmerdale as Tricia Dingle described her ex-

perience in the jungle as terrifying and something she would never do again as she is ‘scared of everything’. Singer and Actress Malandra Burrows faced her fears in 2006 as she appeared late in the show as a mystery guest. She said the show needed ‘more drama’ after being able to watch a few episodes before going in. However some did not go down well with the public after being booted off the show first.

Liverpool born Conservative MP Nadine Dorries who entered in 2012 was the first to go and was later suspended from her post at the parliamentary Conservative Party after making the decision to take part in the show without informing the Chief Whip. Entering the jungle with Sheree Murphy was former Atomic Kitten, Jenny Frost who was nominated out by the public after the fourth week.

Life|Focus|6

City signs funding deal to help business B LOCAL SUPPORT: Mayor Joe Anderson © Twitter / BBC Merseyside

By GEORGIA DUNNING

Idea promotes small businesses By ANGHARAD MILLINGTON

centre in Kensington has launched a new initiative to promote local businesses. Kensington Community Learning Centre (KCLC) is looking for trade professionals to promote themselves on the centre’s ‘WHAK’ website, ‘What’s Happening Around Kensington,’ via a new local business section. Alan Tapp, KCLC manager, said: “By launching the new local business section of the site, we hope that local

businesses in the area will promote themselves to their own local community for a small premium. “From window cleaners to plumbers, local residents will be able to find these sort of businesses online quickly and easily,” he added. The WHAK site was launched after the centre decided to take the lead when it was revealed that locals wanted to be made more aware of what was happening in their area, which is one of the most diverse areas of Liverpool with a continuously evolving community.

Now the constituents of Kensington are able to view the events that are happening in their area online 24/7, as well as on the TV outside the centre, which was partly funded by Liverpool City Council. The centre has transformed the lives of many people in the Kensington area by creating a variety of ways to help people develop their IT skills and enhance their chances of employability. The site can be found at www.WHAK.info, with the directory available online.

usiness is booming in Liverpool as a large amount of government funding is being injected into the city. The government have signed a £230m Growth Deal with Liverpool City Region’s Local Enterprise Partnership. The schemes that will be funded by the deal include; improvements to colleges, investment into transport connections, investment into local businesses and funding of the International Festival of Business 2016. The funding has been split into two halves; in the first year Liverpool will receive £45.7million and the rest, £186.5million, will be given in 2016/17. The deal claims to create 15,000 new jobs in the city, however there is no indication as to where these jobs will be. There is also discussion of 16,000 new homes being built with the funding, though the location is uncertain. The Prime Minister said of the Growth Deal: “Growth Deals are a crucial part of our long-term plan to secure Britain’s future. “This historic deal means real change for Liverpool, including major investment in transport to help people get to work and back business and new training facilities at six colleges, to help young people get the skills they need.” Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “This is great news for Liverpool and means we can build further on the recent transformation of the city centre. “Liverpool is an international brand at the heart of the city region and a great place to live, work, do business and to visit.” Another exciting government funded scheme is the £10m tourism boots strategy for the North of England.

ick Clegg has backed the scheme saying: “It’s absurd that our great North is missing out on visitors when it boasts such stunning countryside, history and culture.” The International Festival of Business 2014 was the biggest business event in the world this year. It saw thousands of business leaders from around the world come to Liverpool for the 50 day festival. Mayor Anderson is tonight meeting with the Government Minister in London to discuss the success of the event, the investments that have been made and the impact this will have on the city. Max Steinberg, Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision, the company behind The International Festival of Business, said: “Liverpool in 2016 will again be the centre of UK business and the centre of hopefully world business. “I think it’s because we put on such a

© MoncefBoufares / Wikicommons great festival that the government committed so quickly to it. “It will produce more investment, more opportunities and this city, I think, is building a reputation not just for being The Capital of Culture but for the fact that it is the capital of commerce business, and that we can do business in the city and bring investment to people.” Max Steinberg, who helped plan and oversee the International Festival of Business went on to say he believed the people of Liverpool will be very happy with the outcome of tonight’s meeting: “For local people the other news going out in Liverpool tonight is on investment in the local economy. I think again you’ll hear some very good news about how much is invested in the city and the city region’s economy.” Liverpool’s Growth Deal is part of a much larger initiative from the government. In total £10billion is to be given to various regions all over the UK over the next 5 years. Out of the whole of the UK, the North West has £1.1bn to share between the counties. As well as Liverpool, Manchester has received £476.7m, Lancashire £234m, Cumbria £26.8m, and Cheshire and Warrington £142.7m.

Zombies celebrate the British invasion By HOLLIE BRADBURY

o celebrate the opening of the British Invasion exhibition at The Beatles Story museum, 1960s rock band The Zombies will tonight give an exclusive performance to over 150 guests. The exhibition curated by Grammy museum executive director Bob Santelli, includes costumes worn by The Supremes, handwritten letters from Paul McCartney, to Beach Boys vocalist Brian Wilson and drummer Keith Moon’s 1974, 12 piece drum kit. The exhibition, which will run for two years, is the first exhibit of the British inva-

sion from an American point of view. Bob Santelli told Liverpool Life: “It was the British bands such as The Zombies and many others that invaded America in 1964 with The Beatles. “The idea of the exhibit is to show how that invasion impacted American music and American culture and then ultimately the course of rock n roll. The exhibit takes place from 1964 to the end of 1966.” The Beatles Story managing director Martin King told Liverpool Life: “This is the third of our temporary exhibitions. It’s a continuing look at the influence of The Beatles.

It’s great to be working with important artists such as The Zombies and also the Grammys.” The Zombies vocalist Colin Blunstone, ahead of the performance, told Liverpool Life: “The British public don’t realise what a big impact the British invasion had on America. “It’s a huge cultural development. I wasn’t aware at the time. I was only 19, I had just discovered beer and women and so I wasn’t interested in cultural invasions. I’ve thought back on it and I definitely didn’t know that we were a part of a cultural revolution, in hindsight you can look back.”

MOON’S DRUMS: On display

Life|Arts|7

VIPs and variety fuel Jess’s PR passion Georgie Whitworth talks to LJMU Journalism graduate Jessica Etherington about a career change from being a journalist to now working in public relations

his week’s Liverpool Life success story shows a bit of a different perspective to the journalism

degree. Despite studying journalism at LJMU, Jessica Etherington has now found herself on the other side of the fence - Public Relations. Jessica graduated less than two years ago but already has a successful job in PR at Wirral Chamber of Commerce. Jessica’s role as a press and PR Officer entails writing press releases for the Wirral Chamber and its members. She is also in charge of the Chamber’s social media accounts, a bit of designing and helps with organising Chamber and member events, as well as attending them. But Jessica has come a long way and is now wining and dining with Chamber members. Reflecting on her time at LJMU, Jessica told Liverpool Life: “I enjoyed my time at John Moore’s and, although it was less than two years ago that I graduated, it feels like a lifetime ago. The journey involved a lot of free work for various organisations and maybe jobs here and there that I didn’t enjoy.” During her time on the course, Jessica became a Community Reporter for the Liverpool Echo. “I think third year was my highlight. I enjoyed meeting people

when working for the Liverpool Echo and Liverpool Life. The ‘little people’ if you like- the people that dedicate their lives to raising money for charities or work tirelessly to represent something that they feel passionate about, I loved speaking to those kinds of people. I also enjoyed that everyone came together in third year to work as a team and a lot of people made friends with people that they hadn’t said one word to in the previous years.” Jessica’s passion for PR began when she chose it as her optional module choice in her final year and really got into writing press releases and PR campaigns. During her third year, Jessica did a placement at a PR company in Liverpool which she really enjoyed. “I think that there is a particularly glamourous image associated with the world of PR; that it’s all networking and champagne.” Though Jessica has taken a different route to most of the previous graduates Liverpool Life has featured, she stressed how beneficial journalistic skills are for a job in PR.

“Training as a journalist helped me immensely. When I started my job I think my employers were pleased that I didn’t have to be trained to write press releases and that I was used to meeting new people all the time. The skills I learnt on the course and whilst doing my work experience were vital to getting this job. Even the design side of things which I didn’t enjoy at uni has come in handy.”

essica said that she is really happy in PR and is unlikely to look for a job in journalism in the future but, she adds, “Never say never!” Jessica expressed how exciting and diverse a job in PR can be, telling Liverpool Life that one of her highlights came when she had only just started her job at the Chamber. “On my first day I was told that the following day I’d be going to a question and answer session with Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and that I’d be writing the press release. It was all top secret for security reasons

‘I like that every day is different and it’s not always a 9-5 job. I also think I’m pretty good at it, so that helps!’

THEATRE

Dancing in the Streets

The original and best celebration of all your favourite Motown classics. Experience the electric energy of the sensational cast and band as you are transported back to where it all began. The critically-acclaimed production promises songs made famous by Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes. Starts Thursday at the Liverpool Empire.

so I couldn’t tell anyone but I was surprised to be doing something like that so quickly. A few weeks after that, the Chamber brought David Cameron to the Wirral for a lunch and question and answer session, which, despite anyone’s political stance, to be one of around 100 people in a room with the Prime Minister is an exciting thing to be a part of. “I was a part of organising the Wirral Business Awards, an annual awards ceremony which honours local businesses on the Wirral and I really enjoyed being part of the organisation. My main job was live-tweeting the results on the night which was fun!” efore Jessica said goodbye, she made sure to give some solid advice to our third-year students: “On a sensible note: Get as much work experience under your belt as you can because it will help you so much in the extremely competitive world of journalism and PR and listen to people when they tell you how quickly your final year goes, because it really, really does. Don’t do what many people do and say ‘I’m having a break before I apply for jobs.’ If you want a job then apply ASAP, the likelihood is that you will receive job rejections before you get the job that you really want.

CRITICS’ CHOICE FILM

Interstellar

A group of scientists embark on a space journey when they travel through a newly discovered wormhole. Matthew McConaughey stars as Cooper, a widow who must leave his two young children behind. Beside him on his journey are Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine.

©Facebook / Jessica Etherington

MEET & GREET: Jessica has met George Osborne and David Cameron whilst working for the Chambers “On a not-so-sensible note: You can enjoy yourself as well as work hard. Don’t think that in third year you have to spend all of your nights in the library and have no social life at all. If you

manage your time correctly you can have the best of both worldsa social life and a great degree. Remember, you get out what you put in. and if you work hard you will get the best.”

MUSIC

Calvin Harris The highest paid DJ in the world according to Forbes is back with his new album ‘Motion’. Featuring number one singles ‘Under Control’, ‘Blame’ and ‘Summer’, it is sure to climb to the top of the charts. The album also boasts collaborations with rapper Big Sean, girlband Haim and royal favourite Ellie Goulding.

Life| Remembrance|8

‘There are 800,000 reasons why I’m here today’ ©JMU Journalism/Ade Speed

By ADAM JONES

t may have been a cold November day but the sentiments were warm and genuine as hundreds gathered outside St George’s Hall today to remember those who have given their lives in global conflicts. From young children to veterans, everybody was united in paying tribute to the fallen. Mayor Joe Anderson attended the event and told Liverpool Life: “After Sunday, it’s always great to see so many people turning up for events like this on bleak, cold and rainy days. It shows how great this city is that on the 11th hour the whole city comes to a standstill, people still engage in remembrance events for our fallen heroes.” He added: “I think the kids today did tremendously well and I thought they sang brilliantly, credit goes to their teachers and staff.” Dozens of wreaths were laid around the cenotaph, with special mention being made for the 100th anniversary of the First World War starting. Jason Everett toured Iraq and Afghanistan amongst others during his time in the army which ended in 2010. Now a student at Huddersfield University and a lecturer at Liverpool City College, he was pleased with the turnout and thought that people shouldn’t be forced to attend these events. He said: “If you push it onto people their reluctant. But unless you’re there in the trenches, you have no idea, walk a mile in my shoes as people say. Unless you were there you won’t have any idea what it’s like. As you can see it’s something that the British Legion are doing very well aren’t they?” Alan Parr, who served two years national service and has a son who recently served in Afghanistan said: “There are 800,000 reasons why I’m here today. But it’s not just remembering those who died, we also have to remember the terrible effect on the survivors. There was a huge mental effect on them, they were treated as deserters; they suffered from shellshock.”

©JMU Journalism/ Dan Goulding

©JMU Journalism/Ade Speed

‘Everyone in the village is proud of our heritage’ By DAN GOULDING and GEORGIE WHITWORTH The people of Wirral came together in the Autumn sunshine on the centenary of the outbreak of World War I to remember those who sacrificed their lives during the battle. The remembrance service at Port Sunlight was conducted by Reverend Anne Bedford at the village’s war memorial, and at the Christ Church where several hundred people attended. Birkenhead’s service was led by Reverend Dallas Ayling. The sound signal was given to mark the two minutes silence.

Lionel Bolland, Chief Executive of the Port Sunlight Village Trust, told Liverpool Life: “We have a parade from one side of the village to the other in commemoration of soldiers. “Everyone in the village is extremely proud of the heritage.” The service consisted of hymns, readings and songs from the choir. The Mercian Regiment, cadets, St. Johns Ambulance, Port Sunlight Boys Brigade, Brownies and various volunteers marched through the village as people remembered the fallen

soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country. In Birkenhead wreaths were placed at the foot of the monument as a sign of respect. The bands of St John Plessington Catholic College and The Salvation Army began the service, the Choir of the Priory Parish of Birkenhead, members of the Clergy, and the Civic Party took up their positions on the square. The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Steve Foulkes, and Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, James Davies Esq DL, placed the first wreaths

followed by representatives from Wirral Council, armed services and relatives of the fallen. A poignant silence was observed by all, young and old, as thoughts went out to those that gave their lives for our country. After the silence, the Reveille was sounded and the colours were raised and more readings were delivered. The crowd then joined in with various hymns and the National Anthem led by the choirs of The Priory Parish of Birkenhead and the Off Pitch Choir of Caldy. Port Sunlight has a lot of history when it comes to the First World

War and was an instrumental element of Merseyside’s part in the war. According to Mr Bolland, 700 people volunteered to the call of arms in 1914. Mr Bolland added: “The memorial tells us stories about warfare, telling us how terrible it is- it gives us the whole story.” Andrew Hinch, Work Director of Unilever’s Port Sunlight factory, expressed his delight of the village still coming together to remember soldiers. He told Liverpool Life: “The impact the war had on both the village and people was incredible.”

©JMU Journalism/ Dan Goulding

Life|Health|9

Can we stub it out for good? P

eople in Liverpool have proved that they are top when it comes to stubbing it out, as new figures from Public Health England reveal that over 4,000 in every 100,000 smokers in the city were able to pack in the habit for four weeks. This compares to the North West average of over 3,000 and a national average of over 3,500. But, despite the fact that the city smokers are good at giving it up, around a quarter of Liverpool residents over the age of 18 are thought to be smokers, and this compares to a national average of 18%, which might explain why Liverpool has the highest lung and oral cancer rate in the country. Over 144 in every 100,000 people in Liverpool are said to get lung cancer each year and another 21 in every 100,000 were diagnosed with oral cancer- the nation’s highest result. Chief Executive of the Heart of Mersey charity, Robin Ireland said: “Smoking is the leading cause of health inequalities and contributes not only to how long we live but the quality of life in our later years.” Joan Elmer, Chief Executive Officer at Sunflowers Cancer Support, told Liverpool Life:

Liverpool has one of the highest national rates for giving up smoking - and yet the city still has the highest rates of lung cancer in the country. Lydia Morris reports: “It is very encouraging to see so many people fighting the addiction in Liverpool.” She said she has worked with lots of people who have tried really hard to try and give up smoking, and it has proven to be one of the most difficult things to achieve. She added: “As just an ordinary person in the street, I am shocked to see such significant numbers of people, and especially young people, walking around with cigarettes, and that really is quite sad to see. “Very sadly, I have worked with young people who have not made it due to other cancers. To see these people who would do anything to fight for their lives, it makes me so frustrated to see such young people bringing on cancer to themselves by smoking.”

isa Williams, Service Manager for Roy Castle FagEnds, told Liverpool Life that they actively encourage smokers to attend the quit support service. She said: “We are working

in a number of ways to reach young people and highlight the dangers of smoking. We have a dedicated Young Persons Stop Smoking advisor who supports them to quit or help them cut down. “Our ‘Me and My Bear’ project educates primary school children about the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke.” Joan Elmer said that people who have been diagnosed with lung cancer are less likely to take up support services as they blame themselves for the bad lifestyle decisions they have made. She said: “This is a big concern and it is something which needs to be addressed and tackled knowing the shocking figures of people suffering from lung cancer in Liverpool.” Sunflowers Cancer Support emphasised if anybody has any

concerns relating to these issues to contact them at joan.elmer@liverpoolsunflowers.com or the charity at www.liverpoolsunflowers. com.

‘I am shocked to see such significant numbers of people, and especially young people, walking around with cigarettes’

By JOSIE TIMMS Scientists at the University of Liverpool are researching the genetic makeup of one of the worlds most common eye-sight impediments. The researchers have sequenced the mitochondrial genome in glaucoma patients to help further understanding of the genetic basis of the disease. Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness as it affects over 60 million people worldwide, and is expected to increase to increase to an estimated 76.9 million people by 2020. However, it is thought glaucoma has genetic origins and many experiments show that new sequencing approaches could understand how the condition develops. Professor Colin Willoughby, from the University’s Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, explains: “Understanding the genetic basis of glaucoma can direct care by helping to determine the patient’s clinical risk of disease progression and visual loss. “Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction results in glaucoma and drugs that target mitochondria may emerge as future therapeutic interventions. “Further studies on larger glaucoma numbers of patients are required to firmly establish the link between genetic defects in the mitochondrial genome and glaucoma development. “Our research, however, has demonstrated that massively parallel sequencing is a cost-effective approach to detect a wide spectrum of mitochondrial mutations and will improve our ability to understand glaucoma, identify patients at risk of the disease or visual loss and support the development of new treatments.”

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Research will aid ﬁght against Glaucoma

By JOHN ELSWORTH

he first advert since 1965 to depict smoking was aired last night on ITV, advertising VIP e-cigarettes. The advert has sparked outrage across the nation as viewers believed the advert glamorised and sexualised e-cigarettes. The public took to twitter last night brandishing the advert as ‘disgusting’ and ‘outrageous’. Many also believed that the advert shouldn’t have even been shown after the 9 o’clock watershed. Speaking out against the portrayal of electric cigarettes glamorising smoking, co-founder of VIP e-cigarettes David Levin said: “There is no smoke, it is actually just vapour from an e-cigarette that they will see.” Many also question the addictiveness of e-

E-cigs stir up TV drama cigarettes. DrugFacts said the following about the product. “Although they do not produce tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug.” The country has been divided on an online poll provided by The Mirror, asking readers if they think the e-cigs should be televised or not. 54% voted yes with 46% opting no. Those who voted “yes” did so because it isn’t actual smoke, it is vapour. The advert seemed like a hot topic on the streets of Liverpool too. Samuel Thomas, 22, said: “I really don’t see the harm in it because she’s not actually smoking. The sexualisation however is unnecessary

but sadly, sex sells.” On the other hand, Vicky White, 29, couldn’t disagree more: “I don’t think it should be aired because it depicts smoking. How would a child know the difference?” The 20 second advert shows a woman describing an e-cig, but before this is revealed, the advert shocked viewers with its sexual innuendo’s. “I want you to get it out. I want to see it, feel it, hold it. Put it in my mouth,” coos the actress. One twitter user said of the advert: “Trouble is that young kids have enough bad advertising to look at without making smoking like some sexual activity.” The advert comes with an 18+ warning and is shown after 9pm.

Life|Sport|10

WWE returns to Echo Arena By DAN GOULDING

Wrestling came to the Liverpool Echo on Monday night, with the WWE brand putting on another show tonight at the arena, in a two-day event. Last night’s RAW main event saw John Cena take on Ryback as ‘The Team takes on The Authority’ grudge match. Cena eventually won the contest by disqualification, after Kane, who was ringside, attacked the former ‘Marine’ actor following an earlier altercation. Sheamus, a Liverpool fan, who toured Anfield on Monday, lost his United States Championship bout against Rusev, after he was attacked by The Authority outside of the ring, whilst the referee was distracted and was counted out for ten. Tonight’s Smackdown main event sees Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho, who was in Liverpool today, signing fans’ books of his third autobiography ‘The Best in the World: At What I Have No Idea’, take on Kane and Bray Wyatt.

Blues help elderly capture memories By MATTHEW JUDGE

Members of an Everton in the Community initiative dedicated to people who suffer from dementia, were given a treat when a local historian popped by to give a talk on all things Liverpool on Wednesday. Ken Pye, 63, paid a visit to Goodison Park to talk to more than 20 people part of Everton FC’s official charity’s ‘Pass on the Memories’ group, which supports patients with memory loss in partnership with Mersey Care NHS Trust and holds regular weekly events. The father-of-three, who has been a historian for ten years and currently does regular slots on Radio Merseyside and Radio Wirral, guided residents through early twentieth century Liverpool and offered a unique insight into the rich tradition the city holds. He said: “This is the second time I’ve been to speak to this particular group and I have done

GOODISON PARK

work within the football club as well from a local history point of view with various other groups, but this is particularly special. “The Pass on the Memories group is so important. My mother died younger than she should have done and suffered very badly for the last ten years of her life with Alzheimer’s disease. “Anything we can do to help people hang onto their identity, memories and who they are is

Rovers seek Cup revenge at Bury

By DAN GOULDING

Gymnast crowned winner

By KAYLEIGH WATTHEY A St. Helens gymnast has been crowned the senior women’s World Tumbling Champion at the final in Florida last week. Team GB’s Rachael Letsche, from Sutton Leach, St Helens, managed to bag herself a gold medal, beating China’s Chen Lingxi. Her first class performance saw her jump from eighth place in qualification to the gold medal position in the final. The 23-year-old said: “It’s an overwhelming feeling I’m so shocked with the results.” Britian’s Lucie Colebeck also competed in the championship and came eighth place in the final.

Tranmere Rovers travel to League two side Bury for the quarter final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy quarter final clash at Giggs Lane. The hosts, who beat Tranmere earlier last month in a comfortable 2-0 home win, thanks to goals from Kelvin Etuhu and Daniel Nardiello, will be looking to repeat the result and advance to the semi-finals. The away side are in good stead to see off Bury, having won at the weekend in the FA 1st round, beating Conference side, Bristol Rovers 1-0 despite being reduced to ten men after George Donnelly was shown a straight red, after kicking Bristol’s Tom Parkes. That result will certainly boost team morale, as they currently languish second from bottom in the league whilst Bury are in a more positive position, sitting pretty at 4th in the table. The hosts comprehensively saw off Conference South visitors, Hemel Hempstead 3-1 at in the FA Cup first round on

Saturday and will be confident they can put an end to Rover’s mini revival. The league two flyers may hand a debut to goalkeeper, Scott Loach, having signed him on loan from Rotherham. The 26- year-old has made over 230 first team appearances, having successful loan spells at Ipswich and Watford. The Shakers will have Tom Soares back after he completed his one match suspension at the weekend after picking five bookings this season. Striker, Nardellio will also return after making his comeback as a substitute on the weekend when he grabbed a goal. He may be pushing for a start as he looks to improve on his fitness. Rovers will be without a host of first team players. George Donnelly, will start his three game ban, loanee striker Armand Gnanduillet will be missing as his parent club, Chesterfield, haven’t allowed him to feature in cup competitions. Jason Koumas, Danny Woodards, Matt Hill, Liam Davies and Cole Stockton are all sidelined and will miss the game.

crucial and I’m so pleased that Everton Football Club are really taking it seriously.” The Pass on the Memories scheme was first launched in 2013 and claimed the Best Older Person Initiative’s second prize at the 2013 Liverpool Older Peoples Awards, narrowly losing out to Lee Valley Pensioners Club. Brought up in Old Swan, Mr Pye, who has five books on the tales of Merseyside published with two more coming out in Spring 2015, is a proud Liverpudlian and added that he ‘grasps’ any opportunities that arise to educate people about the city. He said: “I have lived and worked here all my life and I am a born-and-bred scouser and deeply proud of that. I wouldn’t willingly want to work anywhere else because I think Liverpool is a special place and I think we are outstanding people. What makes Liverpool special is our sense of community and family that matters to us.”

Pye pays vist to Everton FC

Yellows set for Gateshead clash By SEAN PURVIS Warrington FC have been rewarded for their heroic FA Cup first round tie win over Exeter City on Friday with an away tie against Conference side Gateshead. The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier side put Exeter City, who are ranked 100 places above them in the football league, to the sword in front of a packed 2,400 sell-out home crowd. Warrington’s fourth consecutive 1-0 FA Cup win was certainly the sweetest of them all as the BBC cameras where there to see Shaun Reid’s minnows historic win at Cantilever Park. A defensively stout Warrington faced everything Exeter fired at them, defending the 1-0 lead held since the 7th minute when Craig Robinson fired the Yellow’s in front from Captain David Mannix’s corner. Time and time again, Exeter were knocking on the door but Warrington held on to record the most famous victory in the clubs history, and there were ju-

TROPHY © TheFA.com bilant scenes as delirious fans invaded the pitch to celebrate their teams heroics. Next up is last year’s conference play-off finalists Gateshead in round two, with the Tyneside club having home advantage over Warrington. Warrington are ranked outsiders but will relish the underdogs tag again against their higher opposition. High-flying Conference side Gateshead will be wary of the threat Warrington pose, as they look to book their place in the FA Cup third round and

land a dream tie with a Premier League team. Warrington boss Shaun Reid is looking forward to the tie, he said: “Gateshead are doing very well in the Conference [currently third]. It will be a difficult tie, but it’s the FA Cup and it’s 11 v 11. We won’t go there with fear. The FA Cup seems to bring the best out of my players. “I’ve got plenty of people in football who can help us scout I’ll call in a few favours. They’ll find it more difficult to find out about us - I change my team a lot,” he added. Elsewhere, Tranmere Rovers face the long trip to Oxford United, the struggling Wirral side beat Conference side Bristol Rovers to book their place in the 2nd round of the historic football competition. Chester meanwhile won their first round tie in impressive fashion ending Southend United’s FA Cup dreams with a 2-1 away win, they now face a tricky trip to League One side Barnsley. The ties will be played on 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th December.

Life|Sport|11

Everton remember the fallen

By KAYLEIGH WATTHEY

Everton Football Club held a remembrance service at Goodison Park this morning for Armistice Day. The service, held around the Dixie Dean statue by Reverend Harry Ross, was to remember the fallen who died during World War One. Many paid their respects today, observing a two minute silence at 11:00 GMT. Passages were read out and poppy wreaths were laid around the statue. Former Everton players Graham Stuart and Duncan McKenzie were amongst those at the service. As a mark of respect, the Christmas lights across Liverpool will be switched off for one day.  City’s silent tribute: page 8

University celebrates winning streak

Basketball setback for Liverpool lads By KAYLEIGH WATTHEY AND HOLLIE BRADBURY

LJMU Men’s Basketball team played and lost in what their captain described as a learning curve in their home fixture last Wednesday. The men’s basketball first team which doesn’t yet have a name to support it, lost to the University of Manchester men’s second team. Last week’s match was a home game for the LJMU basketball men and was held at the IM Marsh Sports Hall, Aigburth. Training takes place at the IM Marsh Campus on Tuesdays 9-10pm and Fridays 5-8pm. Game days for sports clubs in universities are Wednesdays and games can differ from being played at LJMU’s campus or a rival’s campus. Talking of their loss in their most recent game, LJMU Men’s Basketball captain, Michael Coumas told Liverpool Life: “Both men’s basketball teams, have experienced a tough week, the seconds continue to be hit by the proverbial injury bug with several players out this week. Unfortunately the first team lost, despite being up 25 at halftime, it was a learning curve for us. We got complacent and

OPTIMISTIC: The team wear smiles after defeat stopped doing the fundamentals which ultimately led to us losing by three points.” Captain Coumas said that the team are happy for new people to join in the sport and should get

in contact with him via the Students Union sports page to take place in a trial. Adding to his reflection of the recent defeat, Michael Coumas, told Liverpool Life: “You have

to love the game, most guys that play make it their life. You have to be physically in shape and you don’t have to be tall despite what most people think, basketballs like an art and it takes a lot of

Women’s North West derby win

St Mary’s crowned

By SEAN PURVIS

The St. Mary’s College Under 16 netball team are celebrating after being crowned as champions of Sefton. The squad, captained by Hannah Campbell, beat off the challenge of teams from across the borough to win the annual Sefton Schools Tournament for their age group. During this one-day event, organised on a round-robin basis, St. Mary’s recorded a pleasing victory against old rivals Merchant Taylors’ Girls School, as well as wins over Chesterfield High School, Maricourt High School and Sacred Heart Catholic College.

By OWEN SWIFT

Liverpool University enjoyed a record of overall win rates this past week, across the British University and College sport leagues for this season. These bout of successes brought the win rate to a strong 63% with 29 wins, one draw and 16 losses. Netball in particular held a series of wins, with its first team coming out on top in a match against its second, meant that they held on to their unbeaten record at the top of Northern 2A. As well as a trouncing by the fifth team against Cumbria’s third in a victory scoring 110-6. The squash club had a notably fantastic day at home with the women and men’s first and second teams all coming out on top against Keele University. This win has secured top position of Northern 2A for the women and next week their attention turns to the next round of the cup where they have drawn Newcastle’s third team at home. Men’s basketball had a similar success story in which its first and second teams went to Lancaster and Chester, respectively, each coming back with a win. Women’s football clinched and important 3-1 win against Cheshire while men and women’s rugby union first teams gained three points each away at Leeds and Lancaster. Next week, 25 of the teams are in the next round of cup, with 12 other teams carrying on their league fixtures.

practice and commitment!” LJMU’s team will play their next match at home against Manchester Metropolitan University Men’s 3rd team on Wednesday 12th November at 3:30pm.

OVERJOYED: A happy team celebrate their goal © Liverpool University Womens FC/Twitter/@LUWFC By HOLLIE BRADBURY With the season gearing up, the first team at The University of Liverpool women’s football played host to Manchester Met seconds at Wyncote Sports Campus. The mid table clash gave Man Met the opportunity to leapfrog the opponents and Liverpool gaining three points would keep them on the top of the table. The game started at a high tempo with firm challenges and chances from both teams. After enduring a frustrating start and hitting the woodwork on two different occasions the deadlock was finally broken, 10 minutes before half time when LUWFC forward Becca Sidley latched onto a long ball from Captain Robyn Wilkinson. Once play resumed for the second half, there appeared to be a change in tactics as Liverpool’s right midfielder Rachel Killeen switched flanks in order to have

more of an effect on the game. However LUWFC were largely frustrated by Manchester with stand in keeper, Lucy Anglin being called into action on numerous occasion. Manchester were dealt a further blow when substitute Erin Slade latched on to a through ball to take it past the defender and strike across the advancing goalie, taking the game out of the reach of Manchester. The pressure was raised in the 74th minute, when second substitute Cat Moran appeared to put the ball under the goalkeeper and into the net only for it to rejected as being over the line. Rather than the team taking this as a negative, the incident appeared to invigorate Liverpool and after sustained pressure, the team reaped their rewards when the ball found the back of the net. This however, was not the final twist in the tale as Manchester began to throw players forward in search of what appeared to be a consolation goal.

The pressure eventually paid off when the centre forward was upended by Liverpool’s centre half resulting in a free kick. The free kick was played in from the wide right channel with a Manchester player beating the defence and heading the ball firmly into the roof of the net. Although, a consolation at the late stage in the game gave Liverpool coach Jeremy Currell something to think about. After the game, he told Liverpool Life: “I was pleased with how our girls started the game today and we were unlucky not to go ahead early on. The disallowed goal seemed dubious and from my angle looked like it had crossed the line but it is difficult for the referee when they don’t have linesman, it must be hard to keep up with play. Fortunately it didn’t matter in the end as we got the result we wanted.” The final result was Liverpool 3, Manchester 1.

Farewell to LFC Legend

By KAYLEIGH WATTHEY Liverpool legend, Sammy Reid died at his home in Wishaw at the weekend aged 75. A previous winger for LFC, he held the honour of being Bill Shankly’s first ever signing as Liverpool manager in 1960. Liverpool Football Club released a statement on Monday announcing its upset following the death of the former player. Sammy Reid made his place in football history in the 1967 Scottish Cup, scoring a 1-0 triumph over the Glasgow giants at Shielfield Park.

Liverpool

LifeSPORT

11th November 2014

Inside Sport

ACTION: Students competing in handball at IM Marsh, Aigburth

Uni handball hosts student cup By HOLLIE BRADBURY

LJMU handball has gained sponsorship this year and has hosted the second instalment of the ‘Save the student cup’ at IM Marsh in Aigburth.

Two days of hard-fought handball, consisted of players experienced and novice playing side by side. 10 teams and over 120 participants were involved in the weekend, which was run voluntarily by the team.

Men’s handball captain, Karl Hughes told Liverpool Life: “We run the competition every year as a way to provide competition for our newest student members, and a way to raise funds for their coming year. Handball in the UK

is not a very well subsidised sport given its niche status within the sporting spectrum. “The sponsorship given to LJMU Handball along with the funding from Liverpool students union, has helped for the team to

establish a successful girl’s team. “This directly influenced their ability to start up this year, and was arguably the reason behind them winning the women’s competition after beating UCLAN in the final.”

CONTENDERS LOSE HOPE By SEAN PURVIS

TEAM COLOURS: Defeat may cost the side a place in the ﬁnal

Liverpool John Moore’s University Gaelic football side fell to a four-point defeat to city rivals Hope at Greenbank on Saturday. The Hope win puts the sides level points in their league group, with both sides winning one game apiece with still a game to play. A win would have seen John Moore’s qualify for the final of the league, but in a tightly-contested match Hope held on to boost their chances of qualifying and defending the league title they won last year. Delighted with his side’s win was Hope’s goalkeeper, Tyrone man Conleth McGeary. He told Liverpool Life: ‘’The match was very level up until the last 15 minutes then we pulled away, we were the fitter side, we got a controversial penalty at the end but we were good value for the win.’’

Men’s Basketball Report P11

Everton help elderly community P10

Gaelic team fall to cruel defeat Donegal native Conor Classon, who plays for LJMU, was disappointed with his sides defeat and the referee’s performance. He said: “They (Hope) got a strange penalty call and they should have at least got three black cards - but that’s football.’’ Winning the league final means progression to the Trench Cup semi-finals to take on other university’s from Ireland in 2015. Last year Hope beat John Moore’s in the league final, but JMU got their revenge in the British University Championship final beating their fierce rivals 0-13 to 1-07 to win the trophy for a record 9th time.

Warrington draw Gateshead P10