Liverpool Life 3:4 October 21 2014

21-October-2014

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE...

NEWS

Special baby memorial for grieving parents

PAGE 5

LIFEextra

Liverpool charity helps the homeless

PAGE 6

SPORT

PAGE 12

Aintree Racecourse offers free tickets to locals

LADY LEVER HITS THE JACKPOT £1.2 million boost for gallery

GALE FORCE

WINNER: Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight © Tim Dutton/ Flickr

By ANTHONY FISHER

Liverpool feels the power of the storm.

Full story on Page 2

© Stephanie Bewley/JMU Journalism

The Lady Lever Art Gallery has received a funding boost of £1.2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The donation will contribute towards the £2.8m renovation of the gallery, including new display rooms that will feature more than 1,500 items.

Sandra Penketh, Director of Art Galleries at National Museums Liverpool, told Liverpool Life: “The money will go towards developing sources for schools, families and tourist groups. We are working with the Wirral Multicultural Organisation on getting help on reinterpreting the Chinese collections we have.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support and enthusiasm we have received from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It’s a very strong project and we couldn’t do it without their support.”

The art gallery was opened in 1922 by William Hesketh Lever, the Port Sunlight gallery is regarded as one of the best galleries in Europe and plans to restore its Eighteenth Century, Napoleon, Wedgwood and Chinese Rooms.

The gallery is also hopeful that the renewal will bring more tourism to the Wirral.

Sandra Penketh added: “We hope the improvement will help the Wirral generally and bring in more people from beyond the Merseyside region. In terms of tourism, we are hoping the project will help The Wirral. The gallery is an important contribution towards Wirral heritage and is a place of great interest.”

The remaining £1.6m of the project’s finance has been received through a number of grants, donations and corporate sponsorship. The project is due to be completed in early 2016.

Life|News|2

Beatle’s home goes under the hammer

By ADRIAN SPEED

The childhood home of Beatle George Harrison sold yesterday at auction for £156,000 at Liverpool’s Cavern Club.

The three bedroom home, on Upton Green in Speke, is famous for not only being Harrison’s residence, but where the early Beatles held many of their first band practices as the Quarrymen.

Harrison lived at the house from the age of 6 in 1949 to the 1960’s. Paul McCartney also lived in Speke as the band were starting out.

The home was bought by Beatles fan Jackie Holmes, 47, who had previously attempted to unsuccessfully purchase the home of John Lennon and his aunt Mimi at 251 Menlove Avenue.

Yesterday’s property attracted bids from all over the world, with huge interest coming from America.

Mrs Holmes said that she is thinking about moving into the property in the city as she currently lives in London and she has plans to convert one of the bedrooms back to how it was during Harrisons’ days at the address.

She said: “I can’t tell you how happy I am right at this moment, I’ve been a real fan now for about 30 odd years and I’ve collected Beatles memorabilia. I’ve seen George Harrison live at the Albert Hall. Basically I’ve seen all the Beatles live except for John sadly, so to own an ex-house of theirs with an historical connection is just fantastic.”

Beatles memorabilia is highly collectible, ranging from instruments and items owned by the “Fab Four” to properties around the city linked to the band. However not all sites are afforded the same value as Ringo Starr’s faced a battle to save it from demolition in May this year. This is in contrast to another of Lennon’s childhood homes which sold in 2013 for £480,000.

The Beatles continue to be a huge draw and money earner for the city and former homes are extremely popular places of pilgrimage for those around the world.

The sale coincides with the announcement that the Strawberry Field gates will be returning to their original location as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment and Beatles Museum.

SOLD: George Harrison’s childhood home.

© Wikimedia Commons Lipinski

Hurricane Gonzalo storms Liverpool

By ADAM JONES

Strong winds battered Liverpool this morning as the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo reached the UK. Gusts of up to 50 miles per hour and heavy rain caused travel disruption across the region, and the Met Office issued a wind warning until this evening advising the public to travel carefully.

Parts of Old Hall Street and Tithebarn Street were closed by police after metal panels came loose on the 17th floor of the Unity Building in the City Centre.

Travel from Liverpool to Ireland was disrupted as the strong winds caused large waves on the River Mersey.

P&O Ferries said: “Liverpool

Life

and Dublin services have been affected by adverse weather with sailings being subject to delays and disruptions. P&O Ferries will continue to issue regular updates throughout the period.”

Merseyrail services experienced signalling problems throughout the morning and were also affected by a tree branch that fell on to the track on the Ellesmere Port line.

Trains were starting and stopping at Hooton until the obstruction was cleared from the track but the line was back to normal from 7:30am.

Minor damage took place across the region including some trees in Crosby, Garston and Wavertree, causing some traffic disruption.

The Runcorn Bridge was also closed to high-sided vehicles

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this morning due to the strong winds.

A Liverpool John Lennon Airport spokesman said that their services remain unaffected for the day.

Head of PR and Communications for the airport Robin Tudor told Liverpool Life: “I’m pleased to report that so far it has been business as usual with the weather not having an impact on flights at this moment in time.”

Forecasters had previously warned that falling leaves could block drainage systems and cause surface water on some roads.

Winds are predicted to subside over the next few days but the region is expected to stay breezy with chances of rain until the end of the week.

The International Space Station is orbiting over Merseyside this week, with amateur astronomers hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous satellite.

The ISS has been visible at several times in Liverpool since Friday and will continue to be noticeable at certain stages until 28th October according to NASA. Gerard Gilligan, Honourable Secretary of the Liverpool Astronomical Society, told Liverpool Life that the space station is usually better viewed during the summer months.

He added: “In the winter months the Earth casts a high shadow into space so the visible track of an object can be short. The way the orbit of the ISS works is that it can be seen for about 2 weeks in the

evening skies, then goes over for two weeks in daylight, and obviously cannot be seen, then goes over in the early hours of the morning for two weeks.”

The ISS orbits between 205 and 255 miles above the Earth and reaches an average speed of over 17,000 miles per hour, actually passing over the UK a few times each day. Perfect conditions to spot it are when it is dark on Earth but the light of the sun is still reflecting off the station.

Tonight the space station will be visible for four minutes at around 7:16pm, about halfway up the sky from the West South West. You can track exactly where and when to see the International Space Station through NASA’s ‘Spot the Station’ website.

Councillors face cuts

By ANTHONY FISHER

Wirral council is considering cutting the number of councillors in the borough by up to a third in an attempt to save money.

The cuts were proposed by Tory leader, Jeff Green, who hopes to reduce the number of Wirral councillors from 66 to 44 reduce the number of electoral wards by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

As it stands, there are 38 Labour seats in the council, as well as 21 Tory, six Lib Dem and one Green councillor.

Cllr Phil Davies, leader of the Wirral council, said: “I am not at this point advocating we should go ahead, but I have an open mind on the whole issue as part of the wider review of expenditure.

“I do not rule it in and I do not rule it out.

“But I believe councillors do a brilliant job and could make the argument that the role of the councillor is becoming more important in dealing with the changes we are facing.”

Each councillor in the region currently receives £8,712.45 per year, as well as expenses to cover any further responsibilities.

This means that over £190,000 would be saved if the authority agrees to go through with the cuts.

In 2013-14 the total paid in allowances and expenses to Wirral’s councillors was over £700,000.

The idea to reduce the number of councillors in Wirral was previously proposed in February of last year.

However the idea failed to finalise when both Labour and Conservative parties collectively disagreed with the plan.

Profs against library closures

By JOSIE TIMMS

Liverpool-born professors have joined in the fight against library closures.

Seven leading academics who used the libraries as children have wrote a joint letter to Mayor Joe Anderson urging him not to close the libraries.

Over 500 writers, musicians, actors and academics have now backed the campaign to save eleven libraries since Liverpool City Council proposed to close them in August.

The letters is signed by Professors; Vincent Gillespie, John Kerrigan, Michael Brennan, Peter Robinson, Tony Crowley, Michael O’Neill and John Whale.

They wrote in the letter: “As Professors of English who grew up in Liverpool and who benefited from the use of a local library, we wish to protest against the proposed closure of 11 of the city’s libraries.

“We ask you to reconsider the decision immediately.”

The council has held a series of meetings and are set to reach a final decision on the closures by next month.  Kensington closures : page 5

Death row diner set to open

By JOSIE TIMMS

A new restaurant inspired by dinners served up to death row convicts is set to open this week.

Death Row Dive N Diner will open its doors at 32 Hope Street serving meals based on those served to criminals condemned to death.

Based on American 1950’s dives and diners the menu offers burgers, ribs, shrimp and other American classics. Along with food the diner also serves American themed shakes, a cocktail menu and provides evening entertainment on the weekend.

The opening night is on Thursday October 23rd at the basement of 32 Hope Street, and they are now taking bookings through their website.

Scary race raises money

By ANTHONY FISHER

Phil Davies: Council Leader © JMUJournalism

Racers took part in Beat the Reaper, a 10k marathon to raise money for charity, on Sunday morning.

Participants who joined in the Halloween-themed fundraiser were required to run two laps across Croxteth Country Park, while Reapers waited ready to race the contestants to the finish line.

Many of those taking part dressed up in scary, halloweeninspired costumes.

Medals and t-shirts were awarded to those who ‘Beat the Reaper.’

Life|News|3

Ebola causes spike in burner demand

By DAN GOULDING

A Southport company which produces incinerators has been bombarded with requests to send their burners to Ebola-stricken countries, in order to help sterilise the contaminated areas.

Inciner8 International is a leading manufacturer of general, medical and animal waste furnaces and product development.

Over the past two months it has sent out over 100 burners to West Africa where the outbreak has been most dominant.

Burners work by reducing waste to ash using high temperatures. Made out of insulated material, the burners keep heat inside the furnace allowing it to

UK firm leads safe waste drive

work more efficiently.

Director of sales and marketing, Paul Niklas, told Liverpool Life: “The incinerator helps to destroy the contaminated waste, leaving it sterile, which reduces the risk of further pollution if is not transported. Destroying it at the source is vital.”

Ebola has hit the headlines over the last few months with many worried about the virus spreading across Europe and through the UK. The virus was first discovered in the 1970s, but the first real outbreak started in March this

year. The virus has since killed over 4,500 people and has affected mainly West African countries including; Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. According to the NHS, the virus is a “serious, usually fatal disease, for which there are no licensed treatments or vaccines.”

The Southport Company usually sends out engineers to help assist with the setting up of its products.

When travelling is not advised, they invite their customers to the premises to help assemble the burners.

Paul Niklas added: “We are training aid organisations operatives to operate the machines in West Africa.”

Recently, The Royal Liverpool hospital was one of four English hospitals to be put on standby to treat anyone in the UK should they contract the virus.

There are medical centres in London, Newcastle and Sheffield making up the rest of the quartet although professionals have played down risks of the virus coming to Great Britain.

Spanish nurse, Teresa Romero was the first person outside of

West Africa to contract the illness earlier this month. She tested negative for the virus on Sunday after being quarantined with 15 other people including her husband, Javier Limon at the Carlos III hospital in Madrid for almost two weeks.

None of the other 15 show any signs of the disease however the nurse will require a second test before she can be declared free of Ebola in the coming days.

Last week, Senegal was declared free of the virus, as well as Nigeria which was given the all-clear by the World Health Organisation on Monday after there were no new cases of the disease in six weeks - twice the incubation period for the virus.

Musicians tune up to raise funds for Oxfam

By SARAH HANCOCKS Liverpool’s music scene was taken over this weekend by The ‘Oxjam Music Festival’ which raised over six thousand pounds for charity group Oxfam.

The nationwide music festival spread itself across seven venues showcasing some of Liverpool’s best local and most diverse artists all in the name of charity.

Josh Ray, Marketing Coordinator for the Liverpool Oxjam Takeover, told Liverpool Life: “There was a great mix of music; The Brink and the Oxjam Hub in the Arts Club bar eased us into things with some laid back acoustic, the Arts Club loft rocked out to some psychedelic sounds, House featured a range of different pop acts selected by Popped Music and Maguire’s Pizza

MUSIC FESTIVAL: Ruby SKy band © Laura Bennett

was shaken to the core by some ruthless punk”.

Liverpool is just one out of sixty cities across the country who are being taken over by local bands and artists to help raise money for the Humanitarian charity. With Liverpool’s rich music background, it worked well as a foundation for the weekend’s events.

Josh Ray added: “Although we arguably have the best selection of local musicians to choose from – a very charitable bunch as well I might add – we also have to compete with everything else going on in the city.

But it all worked out in the end and we got a great share of the crowd.”

Tickets were priced between £6 and £12 and all funds went towards beating the four thousand pound target set by the charity.

Charities’ dismay as more dogs are left abandoned

Radio students meet the experts

Almost 1,000 dogs have been abandoned in Merseyside since the beginning of the year and the situation is expected to get worse over the winter months.

The RSPCA have revealed Merseyside is the fourth worst county in the North of England for abandoning dogs after 918 were found to be neglected throughout this year.

There has also been an alarming 33% increase in animals being abandoned across the country since 2009.

A spokesperson from Dogs Trust Merseyside said: “We continue to be saddened by the number of dogs abandoned each year and continue to invest heavily in responsible dog ownership programmes to educate the public about the commitment it is to take on a dog for life.

LJMU Radio students were lucky enough to attend the ‘Foot in the Door’ event as part of the annual Radio Academy Festival last week.

The event, held at The Lowry at Media City in Salford, gave students the opportunity to meet, ask questions and seek advice from industry experts in a speed dating environment.

Richard Rudin, Journalism Lecturer at LJMU, told Liverpool Life: “Whether it be BBC, commercial or communicative to some extent, I think the sessions are really useful because our students might want to go into a different facet of radio. It might not be news journalism, it could be production or writing for radio.

So it does give them a really good insight.”

By LYDIA MORRIS

Dogs in peril ©Liverpool Life “We believe it is vital to educate people about responsible dog ownership as being a responsible dog owner can prevent unnecessary suffering by ensuring that every dog is cared for.”

RSPCA’s Superintendent, Martyn Hubbard said abandonments are likely to increase over the

Christmas season as people get rid of their pets, rather than paying for them to be looked after while they are away on holiday.

He added: “The shocking fact is that even in a nation of animal lovers, there are thousands of people out there who don’t care about their pets at all. In fact, some literally treat them like rubbish.”

A Dogs Trust spokesperson added: “We see dogs handed over for a whole number of reasons, from financial issues to dogs bought as unwanted presents and no longer wanted.

“With Christmas approaching we urge dog lovers to help spread our simple message of ‘A Dog is for Life, Not just for Christmas’ to reinforce the lifelong commitment that comes with owning a dog for its entire life”

By BETHAN TOLLEY and SARAH HANCOCKS

Among the experts were the likes of Vodafone Big Top 40 producer Greg Hughes and XFM breakfast show presenter Tim Cocker. Students also attended a master class session where political interviews were discussed by Nicky Campbell and John Humphrys.

The following day, LJMU student Bethan Tolley was asked to head to Media City again and record a professional demo with her choice of BBC radio stations.

After choosing to take on the role of a ‘Music News Reader’ for BBC 6Music, she went into the studio with a current news reader, a producer and an engineer to make the recording.

Bethan said: “It was so exciting to record in a real BBC environment. Everyone was full of enthusiasm and I got a real buzz from it.”

Liver problems high in region

By JOSIE TIMMS New figures show over 100,000 alcohol related admissions were made to hospital in Liverpool in 2012-13.

The data released by Alcohol Concern shows that people in the North West are the most at risk of alcohol-related liver disease within the UK. Also a new health map released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) highlights the regions with the highest level of alcohol-related liver disease.

The HSCIC revealed that there were 141 emergency admissions for alcohol-related liver disease alone in Liverpool between April 2013 and March this year.

HSCIC chair Kingsley Manning said: “This map paints a powerful picture of one of the many impacts that alcohol has on patients and the NHS in this country.

“While many will be familiar with the HSCIC’s annual alcohol statistics, fewer people may be aware we also publish a myriad of different health and social care indicators about different conditions and care on a regular basis.

“The data we have presented about alcohol related liver disease is the first such provisional data for 2013/14 to be published at such a local level. It should act as basis to help the NHS commission services effectively.”

According to the figures released by Alcohol Concern the amount of men being admitted to hospital with alcohol-related illnesses is nearly double the amount of women, with male alcohol-related inpatient admissions at 7789, compared to 4201 female admissions.

The alcohol awareness charity also stated that the cost of these A&E visits amounted to £32.9m, averaging at £84 per adult.

St George’s Hall of Horrors

By SARAH HANCOCKS

A paranormal events company is bringing the nine circles of hell to St George’s Hall this Halloween.

DeadLive Events will host the annual ‘Liverpool Shocktober’ this month with Dante’s Inferno being the inspiration for the theme.

The ‘Skool of Horrors’ and ‘Journey into Hell’ tours will take over the Liverpool landmark with daytime visits for children aged 8-12 years and evening tours for adults only.

James Griffiths Managing Director of DeadLive Events and owner of Liverpool Shocktober, told Liverpool Life: “After seeing so many Zombie festivals and scream parks opening up, I noticed there was never anything for children during the Halloween period. I found this very strange as Halloween was essentially for children.”

Alongside the two tours, the city will also play host to a number of physic nights, ghost hunt workshops and ghost walks across different venues.

Mr Griffiths added: “We would hope that it will bring tourism from around the country.”

Life|News|4

NO GO: Controversy over Joe Anderson’s plan for bus lanes © Wikimedia Commons Spsmiler

Bus lane decision sparks protest

By SEAN PURVIS A decision to scrap all but four of the Liverpool’s bus lanes has been met with criticism from one of the main opposition parties in the city council.

Lanes at Lime Street, The Strand, James Street and St. Johns Lane are the only ones that will survive, as Mayor Joe Anderson revealed plans to get rid of 22 bus lanes which could operate at different times if approved by the city councillors.

The decision has received a mixed reaction with many car motorists welcoming the plan.

However, many public transport users are said to be left disappointed, as they predict more congestion for buses.

A final decision will be made regarding the proposal when the council’s cabinet hold a committee meeting later on this week.

Liverpool Mayor, Joe Anderson is also set to reveal plans to introduce cycling lanes to the city. To make sure that travelling throughout the city as quick as possible for all road users.’

Liverpool Leader of the Green Party Group and St Michaels Councillor, John Coyne has criticised the plans. He told Liverpool Life: ‘’The devastation of the city’s bus priorities makes Liverpool stand out as the most backward-looking city in England for promotion of public transport over the use of the private car. I am shocked about the way the decisions to introduce the bogus experiment have been and continue to be taken.’’

To coincide with the meeting to rid 20 bus lanes, a protest is set to be staged by the Green Party on Wednesday as Councillor Coyne explained: ‘’In response to the bus lanes calamity Green Party members and supporters, as well as other people who support public transport, will protest outside the Town Hall from 4.30 on Wednesday.

The demonstration will show the committee members that they will not be forgiven for rubberstamping this flawed decision.’’

LIVERPOOL LIFE: ALL THE NEWS, EVERY TUESDAY

Formby footprints echoing the past

By LAURA SCHUMANN

More prehistoric footprints have been discovered on Formby beach, revealing suggestive new details about human life in prehistoric ages along the coastline.

Such footprints were first discovered in the 1980s - however, recent findings provide evidence of everyday activity which will be familiar to all of us.

Dr David Jordan, 54, who lives in the Formby area, is one of those studying these types of footprints and how they got there.

The lecturer of forensic archaeology at Liverpool John Moores University told Liverpool Life: “After the last ice age had gone and the ice had melted, the sea began to rise. It had risen up to 15 feet more, which has completely changed the coast.

“Sand has washed along the shore as the sea levels have changed leaving behind trails of

sand bars, which are little islands of sand with channels between them.

“If you go to the north of Liverpool and along the coast you will see lots of these channels.”

David explained how people lived in this type of landscape and how the footprints have managed to be kept well preserved.

“People just like us, just as clever as we are, just as capable, lived across this land. Needing to survive in difficult circumstances, they were really strong and fit and they had boats.

“On the foreshore in the area of the tidal zone, there were lots of things to eat. There were lots of shellfish and fish in pools so it was a great place to go and hunt.

“Over time, the sea comes in and out with the tides and the storms, and it buries the footprints that these people walking across the marsh leave behind.

And we find them.

“Here we are 5000 years later, the sea is eroding with the sand on the beach, and with the layers of mud left behind from the muddy marshes left the footprints.”

What has been recently discovered by examining these footprints are things we can relate to today. For example, footprints of young children found in bigger footprints of an adult.

Dr Jordan added: “You can imagine the parents walking along just as I would with my children, with the kids following the parents’ footprints, it’s beautiful.

“You can find footprints of kids playing, running round in circles.

“These footprints are impressed into the mud and then they have survived by being preserved over by further mud.”

By investigating even further into the footprints and the type of mud they have been impressed into, forensic archaeologists

at Liverpool John Moores and Manchester University can understand more about how these people lived.

Using the latest in technology, scientists can study the microscopic layers of the mud to find out what type of plants would have survived around the area, and what the climate could have been like.

By doing this, forensic archaeologists can have a more detailed picture of the type of people that have left behind their footprints.

Dr Jordan said: “We can take samples of the mud and look at it under a microscope and see the little bits of what’s there.

“We can look at the structure and layers in the mud, if we cut it very finely we can see that.

“I’m looking to put together a team of people here in Liverpool and in Manchester to tell us about what type of place these people lived in.

“That is the future.”

Giant boost for city economy

STUDY: LJMU lecturer Dr David Jordan is one of those studying the footprints © David Jordan

Cost of the ‘Phil’ soars

By SEAN PURVIS

The cost of refurbishing the Philharmonic Hall has risen by almost £2m more than initially expected, with Liverpool city council set to cover the extra cost with an additional grant.

It has been revealed that the extra money for upgrades including; installing new disabled access lifts and improving the foundations of the building means the financing is a lot higher than expected.

The refurbishment includes the upgrading of the foyer, bar and café areas, there will also be new practice areas for musicians playing the Hope Street venue.

The overall cost of the project has gone up £1.8m to £13.8m, with the ‘Phil’ having to repay the council through an increase on the ground rent from £20,000 to £30,000.

Historic vessel scrapped

By SEAN PURVIS WALKING TALL: The Giants attracted an estimated 1.5million to Liverpool

By LYDIA MORRIS A visit by giants marking the anniversary of World War One last July was one of Liverpool’s most successful event ever, a report has said.

Memories of August 1914, featuring a grandmother, a little girl and Xolo the dog attracted over one million visitors over five days, injecting £46 million into local economy.

The independent report produced by The Murray Consultancy Ltd, revealed many of

its visitors were international, coming from as far as Australia, Hong Kong and France.

A spokeswoman for Liverpool City Council, Sarah Langworthy said: “Weexpected this event to be received well by members of the public and we knew we’d pull in a large audience, but it has surpassed our expectations to generate an economic impact of £46 million.”

In 2012, the giant Sea Odyssey show attracted around half a million people boosting the economy by around £12

million. It involved the three mechanical puppets walking through the streets of Liverpool for a three-day spectacle event.

She added: “People who had seen the giants in 2012 returned, and people who missed out first time round were desperate to come and see the magic for themselves.

“From the moment we announced the event in January there was a buzz in the city and people were excited to see the return of these giant visitors.”

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe

© Angharad Millington Anderson said the economic boost from the event is one of the biggest the city has ever experienced.

He added: “I’m proud to be Mayor of a city which is renowned for having the ambition and commitment to stage events of this scale.

“It cements our reputation as one of the most creative cities in the world.”

Ms Langworthy stated there are no plans for another show just yet, but are always looking at outdoor street theatre events to bring to the city.

HMS Liverpool will today be broken up at a Turkish scrapyard after the historic ship was sold.

The boat dubbed ‘’Crazy Red Chicken’’ after her Red Liver badge, was built in 1982 and was finally laid up at Portsmouth Naval Dockyard on March 30 2012, after 30 years of service.

The boat took part in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Falklands War and helped evacuate the Caribbean island of Monserrat after a volcanic eruption in 1995.

The ship was sold to Leyal Ship Recycling, Aliaga, Turkey.

Life|News|5

NEWS IN BRIEF

Residents’ fury at library ‘vandalism’

By ANGHARAD MILLINGTON

© Catherine Bebbington/ Parliamentary Copyright

City to host popular show

By SEAN PURVIS

Vulnerable and deprived areas of Liverpool are being hit the worst with the closures set for 11 of the 18 libraries, according to city’s residents The last of the four public consultation meetings took place at Kensington Neighbourhood Health Centre on Edge Lane, to discuss the future of the libraries in Kensington and Breck Lane.

A report is set to be presented to the council on 12th November but it was clear that many residents were not happy at the prospect of no library in the community.

Lesley Mahmood of South Liverpool’s Citizens Advice Bureau spoke at the meeting, She said: “It will be economic, cultural and community vandalism.

“I work in the Job Centre and it will become even harder for the unemployed who have to access computers, to claim their benefits.”

The thought was echoed by Labour Cllr Adele Dowling, who represents the Anfield ward, after residents were left feeling angered at yet another closure in their area.

She said: “They feel that this is unfair as it is already a deprived area. My main concern is for those who are claiming benefits and can’t afford a computer in

their own home.”

John Keane, Divisional Manager of Libraries and Information Services, said: “It is heart-breaking for me and I passionately do not want to close any libraries.

“I started working in Kensington when I was 18 and I’ve worked here for around 40 years - it’s dreadful what’s happening.

It’s upsetting for the community and us as officers but we are working very pro-actively to ensure the best for all,”.

It has been recommended that the award-winning Central Library on William Brown Street will remain open 70 hours per week.

However, one young protester questioned the closure of Kens-

By HOLLIE BRADBURY Acclaimed film-maker, Terance Davies is returning to Liverpool in November as part of the city’s annual Homotopia Festival.

Writer and journalist Laura Brown will be talking to the Liverpool born film maker at the The Black-E on Saturday 8th November about his career and life growing up in post war Liverpool and the conflict between homosexuality and faith. The event starts at 7pm and tickets can be bought on the Unity Theatre website.

Chip Off

A nurse has been suspended by Nursing and Midwifery Council after taking a patient’s chipshop dinner and asking if there was any curry sauce to go with it. She is suspended for four months by the panel who said they were; “troubled by the fact that Ms Collins had on the contrary stated that she had not done it.”

isolation and decreases in literacy levels. We will not give up our libraries without a fight!”

But John Keane was clear that there would be a library within two miles of where people live and after talks with Merseytravel, travel pay will hopefully be changed in the city.

The council must save £2.5m from its library service due to a 58% cut in funding from central government.

Speaking at the meeting, Kensington Cllr. Wendy Simon said: “These are the most vicious cuts this council have ever seen and we need to make them sustainable for the future.”

A demo will be held outside Central library in November.

Baby memorial comforts grieving parents

By CONNOR DUNN

Popular topical debate show Question Time is coming to Liverpool on Thursday night for the first time in a year.

The BBC show hosted by David Dimbleby has a number of guests from the world of politics and media who will answer questions posed by members of the public.

Political commentator, author and Guardian columnist Owen Jones is among the guests for this week’s show. Actress turned UKIP MEP Louise Bours, who tackled footballer Joey Barton on a previous edition of Question Time and the leader of the Unite Union Len McCluskey are amongst other guests. The programme airs on Thursday at 10.35pm on BBC One.

Annual festival returns

ington library saying that there was no one to help him in Central Library and that most of the computers were often out of order but Kensington library staff were always able to help.

Mr Keane stated that staff would now be asked to be more vigilant.

Libraries campaigner Sue Ferguson praised the disability access in Liverpool libraries but noted that if they were to close, travel would become more difficult for those in wheelchairs.

She said: “Access to libraries is great but this review of libraries is a scandal! Have you ever tried getting on and off a bus in a wheelchair? If these libraries close you will find increases in

A new memorial has been installed at Prescot Cemetery to remember stillborn births at nearby hospitals.

The memorial was officially opened on Sunday by the Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Frank Walsh, together with the Mayoress of Prescot, Gillian Flatley.

The service, conducted by Reverend Canon John Taylor, was a moving ceremony and people arrived with flowers to place at the memorial.

Viv Frodsham, chair of the group, said: “It gave parents a chance to grieve and have somewhere to place their flowers for the children they have never forgotten.”

She added: “It was a day when we were so proud of what we have achieved, and all the hard work was worth it.”

The Friends of Prescot Cemetery community group

MEMORIES: Prescot cemetery

New app maps around Liverpool

By HOLLIE BRADBURY Two new mobile apps have been launched to help people find their way around Liverpool.

The two apps called Liverpool ONE and ThIS Liverpool contain information about restaurants and cultural venues in the city centre, including details of money-saving offers and discounts.

Sara Wilde-McKeown, chair of the Liverpool City Region visitor economy board, described the apps as an important step in the city’s ambitions to be a digitallyconnected destination. She said: “People expect to be able to access information about their retail and leisure choices in real time and to be able to use mobile platforms to plan their visits and stays. Being able to communicate the richness of our city centre offer is essential if we are to continue to grow the city’s already booming visitor economy.”

The apps showcase the city centre from Liverpool ONE to Bold

Street and Water Street, including Metquarter, Clayton Square, Queen Square, St Johns and Cavern Walks shopping centres, in addition to all of the main cultural venues in the city centre.

Joe Keggin, the press officer for visitor economy, Marketing Liverpool told Liverpool life: “There’s so much going on in Liverpool at any one time that visitors need as much clear information as possible. Apps such as ThIS Liverpool are a key way of pointing them in the right direction, showcasing what the city has and helping them to discover something new. This both attracts new visitors and improves the experience of those staying here, encouraging return visits.”

Both apps are available to download free. The Liverpool ONE app is available on both Android and Apple platforms.

The ThIS Liverpool app is available on Android and will be shortly available from the Apple Store.

Donna Howitt, Marketing Director at Liverpool ONE, told Liverpool Life: “We wanted to create an app for Liverpool ONE which was more than just a guide but instead gave people access to exclusive offers and discounts

MAPS: ThIS Liverpool app ©Liverpool ONE

has been working for over 12 months to clean up the cemetery and restore it back to a respectable state.

Mrs Frodsham, stated: “Throughout the year we have done unbelievable work.

The ancient churchyard of St Mary’s has been neglected for centuries and we have remedied that. Through grants and donations we were finally able to go forward with the Memorial Garden, in an area of the cemetery which was redundant.”

The memorial campaign began last year when the group announced it wanted to erect a memorial for the babies who are buried in unmarked graves.

They also held an event with a Christmas tree for people to hang remembrance cards on for their loved ones.

The group has worked closely with Knowsley Borough Council and its Parks and Cemeteries Manager, Steve Jones,

Life|Focus|6

Helping hands when others just walk on by

As the temperature drops, SAMANTHA GAULTER-GREEN reports on how one Liverpool organisation is trying to make life better for the city’s homeless

clothing.”

During the winter temperatures are predicted to be 0°C or colder, for three consecutive nights the Whitechapel Centre open the doors to their ‘Cold Weather Shelter’ that is open to Liverpool’s rough sleepers from 10pm to 8am.

She added: “There has been an increase in people who go to the Whitechapel for help. The centre has seen a rise of 32% over the past three years alone.”

Former Lord Mayor Gary Millar believes in the importance of helping and preventing homelessness. Whilst in position, he raised over £300,000 which he will donate between four local charities, including the Whitechapel Centre.

Cllr Millar told Liverpool Life: “My donation to Whitechapel is as a result of my fundraising whilst Lord Mayor of Liverpool from May 2013 to June 2014.

“It’s one of a number of donations I am making to help tackle cancer and homelessness, support children with disabilities and special educational needs and to create a safe haven for LGBT Youth.“ Although the charity does receive some funding from the council, donations from the public

VOLUNTEERS: The centre helped over 4,500 homeless people last year in the lead up to winter are crucial for the charity.

The Whitechapel fundraiser added: “There are many different reasons why someone can become homeless, with relationship breakdown as the most common.

Homelessness really can happen to anyone.

“A financial donation will help us to work with more people who need our help this winter.”

OPEN: The Cold Weather Shelter

All photographs © The Whitechapel Centre

HOMELESS: The Centre offers support

‘I was just so ashamed’ The hidden dangers of sexting

people have 37% of young hoto sent a naked p olds have 30% of 15-yearhoto sent a naked p a naked image t n se e v a h % 4 2 ey only know to someone th online a naked image 24% have had t their consent shared withou nding a naked 49% believe se ss fun image is harmle

By GEORGIA DUNNING

S

© Liverpool Life

A

utumn has arrived and has brought with it spells of icy cold wind, but the coldest temperatures are still to come. When winter arrives there is nothing more pleasant than cranking up the heating, making yourself a nice hot drink, and curling up under a blanket on the sofa.

But it’s important to remember that during these bitter temperatures not everybody has these luxuries - or even a home.

In Merseyside there is an abundance of people sleeping and living on the streets. The Whitechapel Centre provides the homeless with temporary shelter and food, amongst many other services such as offering long-term support for those who are at risk of homelessness. Last year the centre helped 4,485 people throughout Merseyside.

Ruth McCaughley, fundraising manager at the Whitechapel Centre, told Liverpool Life: “We are open 365 days of the year and are busy throughout, but particularly as the weather turns colder we see more people coming in to the centre. We provide a warm, safe place for people who have slept rough, access to food, a shower and a change of

exting is an increasingly common activity amongst young people. However as the number of people sending naked pictures increase, so does the risk of the pictures being shared without your permission.

A study by Ditch the Label, an anti-bullying charity, found that 37% of young people aged 13-25 have sent a naked image of themselves and 24% of these have had that image shared with without their consent.

Liam Hackett, CEO of Ditch the Label, told Liverpool Life: “It is increasingly common for young people to take and send naked images of themselves, especially with celebrity influences in the media such as Kim Kardashian and Rihanna, who often share provocative photos.”

Liam, who set up the charity in 2012 to help combat the effects of bullying, described the recent celebrity naked photo leaks as having a negative impact on tackling the problem.

He added: “It definitely has had an effect on young people because it has totally glamourised the entire thing.

“Young people have the mentality that if celebrities are doing it then therefore that means that it is cool and is something that is desirable in society.”

A victim of having a private image shared is 20-year-old Emma, she described her experience as ‘mortifying’ after an ex sent her picture to friends at school after they broke up.

She told Liverpool Life: “I was just so embarrassed and ashamed, everyone was doing it but mine got sent to everyone and the whole school saw.”

The survey also found that 49% of young people who sent a naked image thought it was just ‘harmless.’

Liam Hackett believes the key to resolving this issue is educating young people on how to use technology in a safe way.

He said: “There is definitely a short fall in education in

terms of teaching people how to behave when using this technology.

“The landscape of social media and technology is constantly changing. It is really important schools and colleges do remain up to date with it.”

He believes young people forget that once they send an image to someone, whether they trust them or not, they have no control over who sees it or where it goes.

Ditch The Label have workshops where they go into schools and colleges and give advice on how to prevent being a victim of ‘revenge porn’ and how to deal with it if they find they are.

Legislation currently going through parliament will make it an offence to publish revenge porn, which can have a punishment of two years in jail.

If you’ve had an indecent image shared without consent please speak to someone you trust, or visit the website.

Life|Arts|7

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Br eaking G ood

2-8-18-7 Samantha GaulterGreen talks to JMU Journalism graduate Stephen Kelly about life as a freelance entertainment journalist

W

riting articles for Doctor Who magazine and brushing shoulders with Peter Capaldi would surely make any sci-fi lover’s dreams come true - but that is not even the best of the many projects that JMU Journalism graduate Stephen Kelly has worked on.

From sitting in a university newsroom on a dark and dingy Liverpool winter morning, who would have thought that within five years this TV buff would be in sunny Albuquerque, New Mexico, writing a piece on Breaking Bad for the Guardian.

Since graduating in 2009 Stephen has worked on numerous projects as a freelance journalist from writing regular columns for the Independent on Sunday to reviewing concerts and gigs for NME Magazine, yet before starting university, this successful man had no clue what career he wanted to pursue.

Stephen told Liverpool Life: “Throughout school I had no idea what I wanted to do and the only thing I knew I was good at was writing, so my teachers suggested I had a look into journalism courses.”

Throughout university Stephen, originally from London, juggled student life with working as a freelance, admitting that it was a difficult time.

He said: “Most of the stuff I remember doing from university was freelance stuff because I began freelancing for NME magazine in second year, so all the memorable stuff was going to review gigs and to the MTV awards.”

The sci-fi fanatic admits that writing for magazines alongside being a student journalist did hinder some of his university work, but he has no regrets.

He added: “A lot of my work suffered because of freelancing but in all honesty that was the most important thing to me at the time.

“I graduated years and years ago and since then it has been my experience in freelancing is that has secured me jobs.”

W

riting pieces for NME magazine is an opportunity that the 27-year-old believes kicked off his freelance career, saying: “I am really lucky to have gone to Liverpool.

“I got lucky in a way because at the time the NME didn’t really have anybody in Liverpool, whereas if I had stayed in London I wouldn’t have got the chance to work for them. It was my niche at the time.”

Working for the music magazine made the film enthusiast realise that it is important to write about things that you are actually interested in and in his

BACKSTAGE: Stephen with singer Lily Allen

THE DREAM: Stephen pictured at the Breaking Bad tour in Albuquerque © Stephen Kelly case this was television and film.

Music was not an interest of his and so he started to write pieces on TV and film.

Stephen added: “I have done lots of journalism where you go and get stories and it is very satisfying - but I always got into the industry so that I could write.

“That is what I like about being a freelance journalist as you can kind of pick and choose what type of stories you write about, and can write them to your own time limits.

“I kind of hate throwing down anything to submit as a draft, I like being able to spend time on pieces.”

The most interesting piece Stephen worked on was covering the Breaking Bad tour in Albuquerque for the Guardian, which entailed visiting all the sets and writing a travel piece on it.

The Breaking Bad fan added: “It was one of the best things I have ever done to be honest.”

As do many freelance journalists, Stephen understands the difficulty and insecurity of working for yourself, as it all

depends on pitching your ideas to editors. As well as freelancing the JMU graduate also works part time for the Radio Times.

However, the best thing Stephen finds about working freelance is the freedom of working to what hours you want.

With the clock ticking until the graduation of the next batch of journalism students, it is clear that many will aspire to be as successful as this man.

Stephen Kelly is proof that a career in freelancing can be exciting and that every day is different.

In terms of advice for the class of 2015, Stephen added: “First of all recognise what your niche is, what your interests are, and therefore what are the suitable magazines for you to write and pitch them suitably.

“Then you have got to get around the art of pitching, as you have to convince and tell the editor why it only you should be writing about this.

“It is hard but if you want it that much you will put the effort in and do it.”

CRITICS’ CHOICE film Fury

A determined U.S Army Sergeant named Wardaddy leads his five-man crew on a brave mission aimed squarely at central Nazi Germany in World War II. In cinemas now.

music

Echo Arena

Golden Globe and Brit award winner Andrea Bocelli will be coming to the Echo Arena on November 18th.

The popular classical music artist has sold over 65 million albums since hitting the music scene in the 90’s, making him one of the most popular artists of our time.

Standing tickets are still on sale.

Life|Style|8

Final curtain falls on a feast of fashion

By HOLLIE BRADBURY

T

Here come the dogs

Everning glamou

© Hollie Bradbury

he curtain came down on Liverpool Fashion Week 2014 with junior models and dogs forming the centrepiece of closing night.

Busting the infamous “never work with children and animals” assertion, the tiny tots and four-legged friends took to the catwalk like seasoned pros.

Collections came from head sponsors Childsplay clothing, Vertbaudet, Do Wah Diddy, Lego Europe and Liverpoolbased dog’s boutique Pawabella, owned by perhaps the youngest entrepreneur in the country, 11-year-old Angel Thomas.

Angel’s mum Anita told Liverpool Life: “I think there is a place for dogs on the catwalk they’re a big part of the family.

Some people love them more than they love their kids so they should get spoiled like models just the same. It’s been fantastic this week but we wouldn’t have been here if it wasn’t for Amanda Moss, who has supported local businesses like Angel’s.”

Angel, whose luxury dog boutique has attracted attention from One Direction’s Harry Styles and the wider media, told Liverpool Life that her favourite part of the show was “all of the dogs walking down the catwalk”

though after taking to the fashion runway herself, she said: “I’d do it again but I was really scared.”

As closing night wrapped up, backstage the hair and make-up artists were taking a deep breath after five consecutive days of styling and powdering. This year’s hair and make-up was created by award-winning Jane Bellis and her Bellisimo team.

She told Liverpool Life: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. My favourite night was Thursday because it was international fusion, a very creative night.

“The team got to be involved with some really wild make-up and the pressure was on because we then had to change the models back to a really natural face for the last show, it was about six minutes per body.

I’m absolutely exhausted but all of the team would do it again tomorrow, we’ve loved every minute.”

Jane’s right hand man and head make-up artist of Liverpool Fashion Week, Michael Perks, said: “This week went amazingly well, it’s been crazy, crazy busy but hopefully if we can come back next year I will be the creative director which is so exciting.”

With director and organiser Amanda Moss already planning 2015’s edition of fashion week, it’s clear that people are already looking forward to next year.

r © Natalie Tow

‘I’m absolutely exhausted but all of the team would do it again tomorrow, we’ve loved every minute’ nsend

Floral extravaganza © Natalie Townsend

Young models ©

Hollie Bradbury

‘They don’t call Liverpool East Dublin for nothing’ City’s celebration of Irish culture

By SEAN PURVIS

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Moxie © Lara Brown

celebration of Irish culture kicks of this week in Liverpool with a series of concerts, films, traditional Irish music sessions and Irish food banquets taking place across the city over ten days.

The celebration starts on Thursday night with Irish band Moxie taking stage at 7.30pm in St. George’s Hall Concert room, the group plays a blend of bluegrass, jazz and rock with a traditional backbone, and will be supported by Liverpool based traditional Irish music band Anam, in the first of 64 events

taking place from October 23 to November 2, 2014.

Irish lunch buffets and dinners take place on Friday at the academy restaurant and in the evening Peter Kavanagh’s pub will play host to a free traditional Irish music night at 9pm.

On Saturday, a feast of Gaelic football takes place in Wavertree Park with men’s and ladies clubs and universities from all over the North West competing in a 7-a-side blitz to battle it out for a title.

Popular student bar Kelly’s Dispensary on Smithdown Road will be serving up free Irish stew as they play host to their own Traditional

Irish music night on Sunday at 5pm.

Explaining more on the links between Liverpool and Ireland, one of the event organisers, Laura Brown told Liverpool Life: ‘’They don’t call Liverpool East Dublin for nothing, there are so many Irish people and people with Irish relations living in the city, and this festival is all about celebrating the cultures and history linking Liverpool and Ireland. It’s the biggest UK celebration of Irish culture and this year is the biggest festival we’ve had so far’’ Details of all the events taking place can be found on the Liverpool Irish festival website: http://www. liverpoolirishfestival.com/

Life|Food|9 THE ALBERT DOCKS re ies when you’ ove – Time fl C s er gl ug Sm l’s having rum. e is situated on Liverpoo te, six ov la Smugglers C d opens at 12pm until an Albert Dock en their days a week. g to cure a hangover th n’t in do If you’re look food is something you inner pirate-themedIf you’re feeling like your nge ra want to miss. ng to escape their huge arm ti w rs y el bu it is n fi te de ra pi cocktails will n’t do of rum-based winter. If the pictures do d view is an th eir website your belly ice, check th the place just u. en their tasty m

©Kayleigh Watthey

AMERICAN DINING Almost Famou s good they shou Burgers – Their boozy shakes ld are so Almost Famou be famous. s can be found on Parr Street an lucky us, it’s op en This place is de from 12pm, seven days a w d ee finitely a great place to go if yo k. nursing a hang ov u’ a million times er. It’s like a burger bar but re be quirkiest burger tter! If you can imagine the is where you’ll you’ve never seen, then here se pretty incredib e it. Their drinks menu is also le but their spec boozy shake w iality is their w hi ee haven’t tried th ch always look A-mazing. If kly yo is place then yo something epic u’re missing ou u t on .

©Kayleigh Watthey

THE BEST QUIZ to shame your The Shipping Forecast – Roasts mother. et Find this treasure on Slater Stre nd on a tight frie a with out ng eati y fanc you If ecast’s 2-4-1 deal on budget then The Shipping For for a midweek treat, t grea is y burgers every Tuesda – The Shipping but don’t just try their burgers which will help st roa day Sun t Forecast do a grea oked meals you you through the lack of home-co nd a special place fi will e plac is Th ity. vers get at uni roast fan! The in your heart if you’re a Sunday nday so pop on Mo ry venue also holds a quiz eve es, as this quiz is a down for a bit of fun and gam than your average al ctic pra lot more hands-on and z. qui pub

Holly Hayes ©/Flickr

THE BEST TEA PARLOUR THE BEST PUB the rest The Tea Parlour – A cut above nce away from the Described as a surreal experie et, The Tea Parlour hustle and bustle of Mathew Stre to escape for a e is a wonderfully traditional plac tage and authentic, Vin cup of tea and a slice of cake. ction of sandwiches The Tea Parlour also has a sele beautiful china. a on up ed to choose from, serv not, this is a lovely, or Whether you’re a tea drinker hectic Liverpool the from y awa get to ce tranquil spa life.

© Judy Dean, Flickr

THE BEST SHISHA CAFE Mirage Shisha C Take a step back afé – The perfect place to rela x one of the man from reality and choose from y has to offer. Th flavours of shisha that this pl e ac of flavoured teas café which also sells a variety e , ha s a re laxing ambience the perfect plac and e an adult can be to chill out and de-stress. Li is fe as very stressful so a cup of tea an d let the shisha kick back, grab take your stress away. es

© Christian Senger, Flickr

THE BEST SWEET TREATS The Custom C up the sweet tooth. cake Company – One to satis fy Based at the to p Cupcake Compaof Bold Street, the Custom cupcakes that ch ny offers a variety of homem ad £2 a pop it is pr ange on a weekly basis, and at e et sells a range of ty hard to ignore. The café al ho so of luxurious ca t and cold beverages and sli ce ke sweet-tooth-lo . With famous visitors to the s ve from the Amer r’s haven such as Jesse McClu ic re would be mad an Series, Storage Hunters, yo not to head on down to Bold st u straight away. reet

©Instagram/ Sammygaulter

Top ten places to find perfection on a plate As Wirral restaurant Fraiche is named one of the best eateries in the UK, and The Quarter in Liverpool is listed as one of the best places in the country for brunch, we have chosen our own favourites for Merseyside munchies Words: Sammy Gaulter-Green, Kayleigh Watthey and John Elsworth

THE BEST COCKTAILS Font Bar – Stud en With two meals t heaven you are a studen for £8 and 3 cocktails for £5, if place you had bet and have not yet visited this you purchase th tter give your head a wobble.

If from an array ofe £3 loyalty card you can bene fi ad t va nt ag es. Also on a Th night the bar ru ursday ns win themselves a pub quiz where teams ca n a Garlands later crate of beer or VIP tickets to that night. If yo u’re tight on yo budget and fanc ur look any furthe y a little treat, you do not need r. to

©Instagram/ Sammygaulter

Wetherspoon’s – Cheap and cheerful and popular Wetherspoon’s is always a safe choice a burger and pint a get to able place to go. Being Always busy for £3.99, you really can’t complain. friends won’t and always full of life, you and your g for food goin re you’ feel out of place whether drinks are ap Che ks. drin of le coup a for just or people hit of lot a why ons reas y one of the man ays a great Wetherspoon’s before a night out. Alw herspoon’s Wet dy, alrea n’t have you if re, atmosphe is one to visit.

© Instagram Sammygaulter

THE BEST STUDENT FOOD Nandos – The obvio When it comes to us choice ch to go. Liverpool off icken there is only one place ers various Nandos around the city, an restaurants d you get paid or it’s is a definite choice when student loan day. As chain of restaurant the s is definitely the pla have a loyalty scheme, it ce to go back to in ter reaping rewards. W ith an array of flav ms of our choices to choose from an d could, you cannot every variety of chicken you really beat a cheeky Nandos.

©Instagram/ Sammygaulter

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT . ian restaurantc Italian Experience The best Ital ti en th want The au Carluccio’s – the place to go when you asonably re is Carluccio’s ian food. Delicious and ast, dinner authentic Ital eat place to go for breakf a quick st gr priced, it’s a g for family meals or ju s a busy ay in w az al m is A ’s a. io te cc or nds, Carlu ie at other fr e ls th ea h M it . bite w the busy feel due to too much ut ho it w t nting place, bu n be disappoi el secluded restaurants ca arluccio’s you always fe s a shop C er at off t so bu rant al noise, and if ll. This restau even if it’s fu and drink to take away a Vespa for od y fo bu h n es fr ca h u wit , yo g extra fancy you’re feelin £2400.

©Bob Hall/Flickr

Life|Sport|10

WBO against Smith rematch

by SOPHIE LOCKETT

The World Boxing Organisation has ruled that the controversial bout between Scouse boxer Paul Smith and Arthur Abraham will not result in a forced rematch.

British super-middleweight Smith was beaten by the German in their first fight after many claimed that the scoring of the match was biased in favour of Abraham.

Despite petitions for a rematch, WBO president Paco Valcarcel has announced that Abraham is under no obligation to defend his belt against the Liverpudlian.

Valcarcel tweeted: “Rematch petition is DENIED. What caused controversy was margin of scores, not result.”

He added: “More on #AbrahamSmith, we are the first ones to condemn scoring of this fight, particularly Laguna’s outrageous 119-109 for Abraham card.”

The ruling means that Smith will need several significant victories before he can have another shot at the world title unless a deal can be reached with Abraham’s promoter.

In response to the verdict, Smith tweeted: “Loads asking: re the rematch: it’s not happening. But I’m 100% confident it WILL happen. Will know more soon.”

It is thought that even with his loss to Abraham, Smith will still retain a top five position in the WBO rankings.

Beard praises champs

Legend Cunningham to take Saints’ reins

HOME: St Helens’ Langtree Park Stadium

by DAN GOULDING St. Helens legend Keiron Cunningham has been appointed as the new head coach of the Super League Champions, following the departure of Nathan Brown.

Brown, who watched his side win 14-6 against Wigan Warriors in his final game in last weekend’s Superleague final was allowed to leave a year early out of his three year contract, to return to his homeland in Australia.

New boss Cunningham said: “I was never going to say no.

“It’s something that I always dreamed of doing. I started coaching and I was always adamant I was going to be head coach one day. It’s the proudest moment of my life.

“It’s up there with lifting the trophy for the town at Wembley, I’m so proud to do it.”

The 37-year-old spent all of his career at the Super League champions, making his debut in 1994 and retiring in 2010 - making 495 appearances for the club.

During his playing period, the hooker

scored 175 tries, won five Super League titles, seven challenge cups, and two World Club Challenge trophies, becoming known as a local hero amongst fans..

His legendary status for the club earned him his own statue outside the Langtree Park stadium.

Cunningham went on to international success; representing Wales seven times and winning 16 caps for Great Britain.

After he hung up his boots four years ago, he joined the backroom staff at the club as an assistant coach, where he helped guide

the team to this year’s Super League triumph at Old Trafford.

Saints chairman, Eamonn McManus told the club website: “Keiron is ready for this professionally and totally committed to the task ahead of him.

“He has been heavily involved in the success of this season and is ideally placed to carry it on for years to come.

“Not only does he understand our culture, he has been instrumental in its development since the inception of Super League.”

Adams’ mission to save Tranmere starts tonight

by DAN GOULDING AND SOPHIE LOCKETT

by KATIE DODSON

Liverpool Ladies manager Matt Beard has praised his team after a tense end to the season. Chelsea Ladies and Birmingham City both dropped points in their final game, allowing Liverpool to win the Women’s Super League for the second year in a row beating Bristol Academy 3-0. Despite losing out to the Swedish team Linkopings, in the Uefa Women’s Champions League, the team and staff have been praised for their commitment throughout the season.

Beard said: “It has been an unbelievable season for us. The players’ commitment and togetherness all season has been crucial for us. I cannot praise the players enough this season. It has been very difficult at times, but to retain the WSL trophy is a fantastic achievement.”

© www.airviews.info/CreativeCommons/Flickr

TRFC: © Ben Sutherland/CreativeCommons/Flickr

Micky Adams begins his tenure as manager of struggling Tranmere Rovers tonight with a home clash against Mansfield Town.

Adams, who resigned as boss of Port Vale after three years in charge last month, officially took the job on Monday as he delivered his first training session and press conference.

Rovers, who were relegated last season, were defeated for the eighth time in the league by Oxford United 2-0 at the weekend, with their new manager sitting in the stands. The 52-year-old’s first game in the dug-out will be tonight at Prenton Park against Mansfield, who sit sixteenth in the table, eight places above Tranmere, who are currently sitting bottom of League Two. Adams started his managerial career, as player- manager of Fulham back in 1996, winning promotion to division two. Ad-

ams, since then has had successful spells at the likes of Brighton, Leicester and Vale, who he guided from administration back to league one in 2013.

“Tranmere is a good club with a proud history and one which shouldn’t be near the bottom of the division,” Adams said.

“In the weeks and months ahead I’ll be doing everything I can to drive the club forward and to a much healthier position.”

Chairman, Mark Palios added: “We had applications from 70 guys, so it was a very long list.

Micky Adams was top of the list alphabetically and top of the list in being the right man for the job.

Meanwhile the club was also affected by the departure of CEO Jeremy Butler, who left the club by mutual agreement.

Mr Butler was brought in by the team’s previous owner Peter Johnson to restructure the club’s operations.

Palios also praised the former

CEO, stating that he had joined the club at a difficult time of transition and particularly noted his achievement in improving communications with key stakeholders.

Mr Butler pushed through a range of reforms and cutbacks during his seven months at Tranmere, in particular focusing on improvements in both communications and public relations.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working for this great Football Club despite all the challenges we have faced in my time at Prenton Park.

“I would like to thank Peter Johnson for giving me the opportunity to come to Tranmere Rovers and Mark and Nicola for their support since they bought the Club. I do feel, with their expertise and passion, the Club is in good hands.

“Tranmere also has an excellent staff working hard to ensure the club has a bright future and I wish them every success.”

Life|Sport|11

BRENDAN RODGERS © Geoffrey Hammersley/ Creative Commons/ Flickr

Rodgers pledges to stay in role

By SOPHIE LOCKETT

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has stated that wishes to stay at the club for the next 20 years.

He has also revealed that after his time at Anfield is up, he could be moving overseas to manage in Spain.

In an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, he said: “I’m only 41, which is very young, and there are lots of things I want to achieve here at Liverpool. It’s an incredible club and I hope to be managing here for another 20odd years.”

Rodgers has been in charge at Anfield since 2012 after being in charge of Watford, Swansea City and Reading.

He also oversaw Liverpool’s climb back into the Champions League after a five-year absence and came close to winning their first league title in 24 years last season.

As he prepares his team for their clash against European giants Real Madrid, Rodgers admitted he would be keen to work in Spain and already speaks to his Spanish players in their native language.

When asked where he sees himself in five years time he said: “I don’t know, I hope one day to work in Spain.

“I’ve studied Spanish, but I need to improve. I’ll probably improve when I work in the country one day. For most people, when they travel to a country their language becomes better.”

Tennis festival in park

Victoria Park in Crosby is getting ready for a busy weekend as it is due to hold a school tennis festival on October the 24th and a public tennis afternoon on Sunday the 26th.

The Tennis For Free scheme was launched last year by exLiverpool football star Jamie Carragher, who retired at the end of last season. The scheme was set up in partnership with Sefton Council and Tennis For Free which offers free tennis coaching to the community each Sunday at the park.

All levels of tennis are welcome, from beginners to those who play on a competitive level, and equipment is also provided.

Following a very successful first year, Tennis for Free are excited to announce they will be doing the same again every Sunday during 2015.

Fans hoping for stronger club links

By SOPHIE LOCKETT

Liverpool and Everton fans could soon be getting involved with the running of their clubs following a government consultation about increasing supporter involvement.

A panel of experts have been brought together by sports minister Helen Grant to examine ways supporters can have stronger links with executives and owners and to make it easier for clubs to become community owned.

Ms Grant said: “We want to see what more we can do to give fans a stronger voice in how their club is run, as well as looking at ways in which we can help remove some of the barriers to supporter

ownership.”

Ticket prices are rising faster than the cost of living and many supporters feel disconnected from their clubs due to ownership from international millionaire investors. Fans of Premier League clubs are paying almost four times as much for tickets compared to German fans.

The group was launched after a visit to Portsmouth Football Club, which became a supporterowned club in 2013 after the club fell into administration for the second time.

The supporter ownership and engagement panel will include government representatives, the Premier League, The FA, the Football League and Supporters Direct, the organisation that

FANS: Want more power © Naif Al’as / Flickr promotes fan ownership via trusts.

Supporters Direct chief executive Robin Osterley added:

Reds return to European Game

“It is very gratifying to see the Government addressing the problems that prevent an increase in supporter ownership.

“This is something that can directly and tangibly benefit supporters’ trusts, and we look forward to making swift progress on the issues.”

Labour also recently revealed plans to make it a requirement for clubs to include direct supporter representation on their boards.

Set to be part of their 2015 manifesto, Labour have pledged to give supporters two seats on club membership boards and if a club is sold, supporters’ trusts would have the right to buy up to 25% of shares.

Both the Government and Labour initiatives come following concern about the apparently increasing gap between football clubs and the wider communities they are involved in.

From Left: Mylie Mcbride, Mark Forde, Conor Classon, Barry McGinley, Oisin Porter © Niall McGovern RETURN: First Champions League football since 2009 © Ver en vivo En Directo/ Flickr

By DAN GOULDING Liverpool play host to current Champions League winners Real Madrid tomorrow night as the two go head-to-head. Fans will be hoping to see the return of those ‘special’ European nights at Anfield.

The two sides last met at the last 16 stage in 2009, with the Reds advancing to the next round with a 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu and then closed the tie with a resounding 4-0 victory against the Galacticos in the return leg.

Brendan Rodgers will see this game as an opportunity to get his side’s European campaign back on track, after suffering a defeat to FC Basel earlier this month and currently sitting third in the group, behind the Spanish and Swiss outfits.

Madrid, who have never beaten the Merseysiders will hope to change that, to make it three consecutive victories in the group stages, after seeing off both FC Basel and Ludogorets Razgrad. The ten-time winner’s coach Carlo Ancellotti will be well aware that a win will all but secure their qualification to the next round.

The holders are in somewhat of a goal-scoring frenzy, with their tally standing at 30 in their last eight games. Star man Cristiano Ronaldo has been in blistering form, finding the net 10 times in his last four appearances, including a brace at the weekend in a 5-0 rout away to Levante.

The home team, however have had mixed fortunes in recent times, with just four victories this season, including a dramatic 3-2 victory over QPR on Sunday and just two clean sheets in their last 20 games. They know this game will be a massive test of their credentials- with the La Liga side picking up maximum points in their last seven matches.

Madrid will assess several key players before Wednesday’s tie, including Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and defenders Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, who all missed Saturday’s win. Luka Modric picked up a knock at the weekend and is also a concern, whilst Sami Khedira and Jese Rodriguez are definitely out.

Liverpool will again be without Daniel Sturridge after he pulled up with a calf strain in his first training session back on Friday, after being injured on international duty last month.

The Reds are likely to choose maverick striker Mario Balotelli to lead the line as he looks to improve on his current poor goal-scoring form, finding the net just once in his last 20 appearances.

The five-time European cup winners will hope to get something out of the game, knowing any points will boost their qualification hopes.

With Ludogorets entertaining Basel in Bulgaria, all three teams know a victory will put them in the driving seat for that all important second spot.

Meanwhile, Everton will be hoping to continue their good form when they travel to Lille on Thursday in the Europa League. The Toffees currently stand at the top of Group H after a convincing 4-1 win against VfL Wolfsburg last month and earning a point against Russian team FK Krasnodar.

Young midfielder Ross Barkley will be eager to start his Europa League campaign after returning from a knee ligament injury against Aston Villa last weekend.

Barkley was instrumental in the game after setting up Romelu Lukaku for Everton’s second goal.

Kick-off is at 6pm.

JMU Gaelic lads confident ahead of Irish Festival

By ANGHARAD MILLINGTON

LJMU Gaelic team are set to kick up a storm this weekend as part of Liverpool’s Irish Festival.

Taking place in Wavertree Park, the Roswick Liverpool Irish Festival GAA cup will see university’s from all over the North West competing.

President for the LJMU Gaelic team, Mark Forde, told Liverpool Life: “The competition in Wavertree will be tough because the standard of the Gaelic clubs here in Liverpool is very high so no team will be easy to beat this weekend but I’m confident of our own ability and feel we will be able to compete well.”

Last year saw the team winning the 9th British Championship and expectations are high for

season this year.

The 21-year-old said: “I’m feeling confident about the forthcoming season, we have a lot of new talent this year from the first years and the side is looking strong.”

The team also have their eyes set on the Trench Cup which takes place in Ireland.

Mark, from Donegal, said: “Although we have to win the British league to get into this cup, it is our ultimate goal for the year.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to bring the team we have here in LJMU to Ireland and compete over there together because outside of University this team splits up as the lads play for different teams back home.”

The team are in action in the 7-a-side competition on Saturday 25th October from 10:30am.

Liverpool

LifeSPORT

21 October 2014

Inside Sport

Flickr © Airview Photography

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AINTREE FOR FREE! RACE DAY: Aintree’s Grand National meeting in 2012

By KATIE DODSON

Aintree racecourse is offering free tickets to the Merseysdie community for one of the biggest events in the racing calendar, the Betfred Becher Chase.

In a bid to show its support to the people of Liverpool, Aintree is allowing people to attend free of charge to some of the most exciting race days of the year.

The industry’s broadcaster, Racing UK, will launch The Aintree Community Programme during the event, which is set to provide opportunities and help to adults and children in the community. It involves working with Everton in the Community, Liverpool FC Foundation, Alder Hey

Hospital and The Walton Centre as well as others to provide a variety of opportunities to support people in the community.

The Betfred Becher Chase is on Saturday December 6. As well as the Becher Chase, there is the Betfred Grand Sefton which runs over the worldfamous fences, with extra entertainment throughout the day.

Race sponsors Warrington-based Betfred are said to be happy with the possibilities of the initiative. Spokesman Mark Pearson, said: “We are delighted by this initiative to give the opportunity for local people to watch top-quality racing for free.”

John Baker, North West regional director for Jockey Club

© Trinity Mirror

ACCESS: Across the road from the race course Racecourses, is also pleased with the new Community Programme.

He said: “Aintree Racecourse is primarily a racing venue, but in reality it is much more, it is part of the cultural landscape of Liverpool and a world renowned sporting venue for the people of Merseyside.

“We are also really pleased to launch our new long-term community programme to help improve people’s lives in Merseyside. “This is a great new

© The Canon/ Flickr/Creative Com-

project that we are all extremely passionate about and we look forward to working with our partners to help support the community.”

The £140,000 Grade Three Betfred Becher Chase is recognised as a trial for the Crabbie’s Grand National in April and is run over 3m2½ furlongs and 21 fences on the Grand National course.

The audience may see the potential winner of the 168th Grand National, which takes

place on April 11th next year.

Last year Philip Hobbs’ Chance Du Roy won the Becher Chase but went on to finish sixth in the National.

Free tickets can be found at www.aintree.co.uk or by calling 0844 579 3001. The sales office at Aintree also has opening hours of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. There is a limit of four tickets per person. On Becher Chase day gates will open at 10am with the first race starting at 12pm.

© Liverpool FC Twitter

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