Seen mag june july by Seen Liverpool Magazine

Seen

LIVERPOOL JUNE/JULY 2013

LIVERPOOL VOGUE BALL 2013 Theme revealed

GARY MILLAR

Gay Lord Mayor speaks to Seen Liverpool

FREE

APRIL ASHLEY A True Icon

Civil Wedding Ceremonies at Aintree

Making your special day truly exceptional Plan your perfect day at Aintree or Haydock Park Racecourse. Make your choice from one of our beautiful locations. Aintree and Haydock Park Racecourses have everything you would expect from the perfect wedding venueâ&#x20AC;Ś and more. Whether you want to plan a small, intimate gathering or a grand, exquisite affair, we have a range of elegantly designed suites overlooking the finest racecourses in the country. Walk down the aisle in opulent surroundings or enjoy a unique reception in style.

Civil Wedding Ceremonies at Haydock Park

For more information or to discuss your individual requirement, please contact our team at Aintree on 0151 522 2922 or

Haydock Park on 01942 402 623.

CONTENTS

TEAM SEEN

INFO

09 Julian Clary talks Liverpool Love

EDITOR Rebecca Keegan rebecca@seenliverpool.co.uk

REK Publications Limited Trading as Seen Liverpool Company reg no: 08371056

GRAPHIC DESIGN Diane Tremarco - DT Media dtmediaonline.com

DISCLAIMER

13 Vogue Ball 2013 theme revealed 16 Hot Wheels – Liverpool Roller Derby 20 True Icon April Ashley 22 Adopted Scouser Lord Mayor Gary Millar 25 Style – Shabby Chic for festival season 30 True Blue – Seen it Love it 36 Male Grooming – Embrace or disgrace? 44 Liverpool Brazilica Festival 2013 48 Paul Holliday retires from Floral Pavilion 54 Picture this – new website from Matt Ford 57 Interview with band Audio Zero 32 Picture pages

WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Green andy@seenliverpool.co.uk

SEEN LIVERPOOL MAGAZINE is published by REK Publications Limited. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine without written permission is prohibited. Seen Liverpool Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published.

SALES & MARKETING Julie Waller julie@seenliverpool.co.uk

Neither the publishers or advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found herein, and the publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy of the statements made by advertisers in advertising and promotional materials.

STYLIST Dollworx Photography dollworxphotography@gmail.com

@SEEN_LIVERPOOL

CONTRIBUTORS Joan Burnett Kieran Bohan John Maguire Nicola Vaughan Perry Rowlands Thanks to Matt Ford and Dave the Pap

36 4

EDITOR

I’ve spent the past few months gathering a lot of reader feedback on Seen Liverpool. It has been fantastic to hear people’s opinions and ideas. As a team we have tried to incorporate as much of this as possible into the latest issue of the magazine. One thing that struck me when on one of my ‘feedback outings’ was the amount of people both in and out of Liverpool’s gay scene who love the magazine. It makes me very proud to hear so many compliments about how important Seen Liverpool is to the city. This said, no one was shy to give ideas for an enhanced product and we were eager to listen. In this issue we have spoken to celebrity comedian Julian Clary about his recent trip to the city to find love. We took a trip to Speke and watched the Liverpool Roller Birds do their thing as well as my personal favourite feature on the April Ashley exhibition due to open at the Museum of Liverpool later this year.

I can’t sign off without a mention of our cover photo though. Working with the talented Matt Ford and House of Suarez we have an exclusive version of the 2013 Vogue Ball image as well as an interview with Mr Darren Suarez about this year’s theme. All of this with Liverpool Pride and Brazilica just around the corner means the second half of 2013 in Liverpool is shaping up to be a good one!

Rebecca

Unplugged Fridays Join us between 7pm-10pm every Friday and enjoy the vibes of our acoustic performer. You can relax at the bar or enjoy a bite to eat in the restaurant as our guitarist and singer treats you to some funky chilled-out beats. And remember, with our Thank Fizz it’s Friday offer, you can enjoy a bottle of Champagne for only £20 before our acoustic session begins. Marco’s is the place to be every Friday.

Fridays For more information call us on 0151 559 0555 or visit www.mpwsteakhouseliverpool.co.uk

7-10 pm

MPW Steakhouse Bar & Grill, 10 Chapel Street Liverpool L3 9AG 6

START THE WEEKEND IN INIMITABLE STYLE AT MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE BAR & GRILL WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS SENSATIONAL NEW ACOUSTIC NIGHT - UNPLUGGED FRIDAYS. John Witherspoon, a local singer/ songwriter, will be providing guests at the popular Chapel Street restaurant (located inside Hotel Indigo) a backdrop of laidback sounds every Friday evening (from 7-10pm). It means guests can relax at the bar or enjoy a bite to eat in the acclaimed restaurant as our guitarist and singer showcases his unique talents. And remember, with our Thank Fizz it’s Friday offer, you can enjoy a bottle of Champagne for only £20 before our acoustic session begins. Would you really want to begin the weekend anywhere else? Stephanie Cannell-Corcoran, general manager of Hotel Indigo, says: “The intimate and relaxed surroundings of Marco’s is made for this kind of evening. Come and unwind after a hard week at the office for good food and drink and great conversation, while being soothed with the wonderful sounds of our fantastic acoustic entertainment. It really is the perfect end to a hectic week, and the ideal way to kickstart any weekend.” John is an experienced musician and a regular on the local gigging scene. A singer and guitarist since he was a child, John will treat guests at Marco’s with an eclectic mix of hits from the 60s onwards, incorporating indie, folk and rock classics, performed in John’s stripped-back style. John adds: “I played at Marco’s for two nights during the Grand National, and I have to say the atmosphere was unbelievable. It’s a beautiful performing space and perfect for this type of evening.” Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill is located in the heart of Liverpool’s Commercial District, and offers guests an affordable yet glamorous culinary experience courtesy of the internationallyfamed chef, and is a stone’s throw from Liverpool ONE and the city’s huge variety of high street and designer stores, not to mention the many theaters, museums and cultural hotspots Liverpool has to offer. To make a reservation for the evening, call Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, on 0151 559 0555. www.mpwsteakhouseliverpool.co.uk www.hotelindigoliverpool.co.uk

‘All You Need Is Love’ Raw Photography

Raw Photography

Hard Days Night Hotel is the crowning glory in Liverpool’s collection of venues. Set within a classical 1880’s building with its unrivalled design, it’s the ideal location for those couple’s looking for an exclusive and intimate civil partnership or ceremony in the heart of Liverpool. If you would like to organise a show round, or for a copy of our brochure to be sent to you direct, please contact our event co-ordinator on 0151 236 1964 ‘selecting option 4’ or email events@harddaysnighthotel.com.

0151 236 1964 / events@harddaysnighthotel.com Hard Days Night Hotel, Central Building, North John Street, Liverpool, L2 6RR 8

www.harddaysnighthotel.com

Julian

Clary

THE INFAMOUS COMEDIAN CAME TO THE CITY LOOKING FOR LOVE, AND HE WAS DETERMINED NOT TO DEPART EMPTY-HANDED.

YOU ARE INVITED TO A WEDDING. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CONFETTI. JULIAN CLARY WAS BACK IN HIS HILARIOUS NEW SHOW, “POSITION VACANT, APPLY WITHIN”, A SELL-OUT HIT AT LIVERPOOL’S ROYAL COURT THEATRE IN APRIL. The ‘Position Vacant, Apply Within’ tour underscores Julian’s status as perhaps our finest off-the-cuff comedian. Julian’s standing has been enhanced by his victory in Celebrity Big Brother last year. He reflects on the experience now; “There was a phenomenal opportunity for comedy with that bizarre collection of people – thank God we were able to have a laugh!” The comedian, who has also developed a second career as a bestselling novelist, is an effortless showman. He explains his love of performing. “It is an addictive thing. Getting a laugh is very good for my soul and for my ego. I genuinely look forward to it after nine months at home writing a book. I could never just write books. I need to go out and feel the love.” Julian, goes on to articulate the thrill he feels whenever he steps on stage. “Is it possible to put the feeling into words? I love the fact that it’s my material and my world. I often think how difficult an actor’s life must be – you sit around waiting for someone to invite you to say someone else’s words. But stand-up is your own universe. “My good friend Paul Merton once said to me, ‘You might as well go on tour because you would be doing exactly the same thing if you were just sitting at home.’ Stand-up is just being yourself in an exaggerated form. You’re making yourself feel good, as well as everyone else – it’s a win-win The comic goes on to outline why he was drawn to the tremendous idea behind ‘Position Vacant, Apply Within’. “When I first dreamt up the idea for the show, my partner had gone to LA and I didn’t think he was coming back. Initially he went for six months, but he ended up staying 18 months. So I thought, ‘I’ll show you!’ He’s back now, of course, but the idea of looking for love remains. “The show is like an open audition. We get a lot of people up on stage – up to eight. No man is safe, even though they don’t all have to be men. Like Sticky Moments, there is a series of elimination rounds. I have a cattle pen with a white picket fence and a prod so I can herd them into it. The eventual winner has a gay marriage

with me, conducted by a ‘bishop’. “They really have to earn the right to marry me. The winner was hoiked backstage to spend time with me at the end of the show.” The comedian has been touring “Position Vacant, Apply Within” since the autumn. It has just been extended, due to popular demand. Julian says that, “I made the decision a third of the way through the autumn tour to extend it because there were so many places I hadn’t been to and I was enjoying it so much.” Given the recent headlines about gay marriage, the show is also very topical. “That has given it an extra boost,” Julian confirms. “We also finish with a song, ‘Cool To Be Queer’ which you can see now on YouTube. It’s a serious song about gay marriage and persecution around the world”. Is it political? “Everything is political. I dared myself to do it and I’m very glad I did it. It’s nice getting a different reaction. People told me they find it very moving. It’s given them something different to think about on the way home.”

phone is not working, they expect innuendo from me when I’m actually in quite a bad mood. The other day an operator said to me, ‘I can’t say, ‘I’m putting you on hold’ without thinking of innuendo.’ But it’s a way of life for me now. Even on my gravestone there’ll be innuendo: ‘At last, a hole that fits!’” Julian is well suited to his role as a dazzling, improvisational stand-up. Could he ever have imagined doing any other job? “I’m quite good at solving people’s problems,” he replies, “So in another life I might have been a counsellor. I’m always doing that in my spare time anyway.” “I’m very grateful that I’m allowed to do all these things. Lord knows, I wouldn’t have lasted five minutes if I’d had to grow up and do something sensible.” Details about Julian’s nationwide tour, “Position Vacant: Apply Within”, are available on www.julianclary.co.uk

“

EVEN ON MY GRAVESTONE THERE’LL BE INNUENDO: ‘AT LAST, A HOLE THAT FITS!

Julian clearly revels in audience participation. He observes that, “Although it requires a lot of plate-spinning, it wakes everyone up. Everyone knows it’s dangerous and improvised and anything can happen. “It’s about swapping worlds around so the ordinary becomes extraordinary. In my world onstage, the rules are different. That comic device has served me very well over the years, and people seem to love it.” “Position Vacant, Apply Within” is also, of course, a really funny parody of conventional game shows. Julian says that, “The audience laugh at both the questions and the answers. This format also allows me to be in control of everything. I can decide who goes through. Bear in mind that one in five of the general public are mad and two in five of the general public are drunk! So you have to be able to sort the wheat from the chaff.” Julian has built his career on the brilliant use of camp comedy and he considers why we Brits love it so much. “Camp comedy is a way of trivialising life – and I’m all for that. It has also always worked really well for me. Does Shirley Bassey ever get fed up with singing Diamonds Are Forever? Of course not. It’s who she is. She’s not suddenly going to become a folk singer with a beard and a finger in her ear. “There’s a great British tradition of innuendo. The English language lends itself to playing with words and double entendre. That’s specific to English. However, Julian adds, “Innuendo can sometimes be a problem. If I call BT because my

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

©Disney/Pixar

WWW.ECHOARENA.COM | BOX OFFICE: 0844 8000 400

1 - 4 August £18.00 - £22.00

VIP £30.00 Family Tickets available*

LIVE MUSIC FROM PRIMAL SCREAM 1 June £12.50* (Plus £2.50 booking and handling fee)

Walking With Dinosaurs

Boyzone BZ20

The Arena Spectacular

20th Anniversary Tour

22 - 26 May £25.00 - £45.00*

8 December £35.50*

Snooker Legends ft Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Jimmy White & John Parrott 1 June £20.00 (VIP £70.00 Under16s £15.00)*

Starring: Tim Minchin, Melanie C, Chris Moyles and Ben Forster

15 October £30.00 - £65.00*

The Who

6 July £35.00 - £100.00 VIP tickets available*

Starring: David Essex, Hayley Westenra Paul Potts, Ruthie Henshall and Jonathan Ansell

24 October £35.00 - £55.00 VIP £155.00*

Cage Warriors 57

23 November £37.00*

24 November £38.50*

9 December £25.00 - £33.50*

Andre Rieu

and His Johann Strauss Orchestra 13 & 22 December £40.00 - £90.00*

Deacon Blue 14 December £18.50 - £36.50*

For The Love Of Mrs Brown

Radio City Live 30 October - 3 November £50.00*

Neil Young & Crazy Horse

Nickelback

Bruno Mars

20 July Tiers £30.00/Inner Ring £50.00/ Ringside £65.00*

27 July £25.00 - £75.00*

JLS

Goodbye: The Greatest Hits Tour

19 November £27.50 - £37.50*

30 June £60.00 - £70.00*

Price Vs Thompson

Adult £20.00 - £30.00 Child £10.00 - £20.00 Family £50.00 - £90.00*

FIVE

Quadrophenia and more Redemption

SuperEnduro Grand Prix Race Day 17 November

Starring Brendan O’Carroll 26 - 30 November £21.50 - £39.50*

Jack Whitehall

Milton Jones

18 August £35.00 - £55.00*

On The Road

KUGB Presents The WSKA World Shotokan Karate Championships 28 - 29 September Day: £25.00 Weekend: £40.00*

Jessie J

1 November £20.00*

Gets Around 4 December £23.50 - £33.50*

9 March 2014 £28.50 NUS Concession £25.00*

4 November £25.00 - £32.50*

Brit Floyd Presents P-U-L-S-E

20 March 2014 £27.50*

9 November

£10.00 - £29.50 (Gold Circle £39.50)* 13 October Adult £13.50 Child £11.50 Family £46.00

Micky Flanagan

Back In The Game Tour 12 November £24.50*

Status Quo Plus 10CC 6 December £38.50*

Miranda Hart

My What I Call, Live show

24 - 25 March 2014 £27.50*

...NOW THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT! *Online or telephone orders may be subject to a per ticket booking fee ranging from £1.50 - £10.00 dependent on ticket price. In addition tickets may be subject to a £2.25 per order handling fee. Cash purchases at TicketQuarter Queen Square Liverpool or the Echo Arena Box Office do not incur a booking fee. The Echo Arena Box Office 12opens from 12pm on event days only.

VOGUE BALL 2013

Gods & MONSTER S THE HOUSE OF SUAREZ VOGUE BALL THEME HAS BEEN REVEALED FOR 2013 AND WILL TAKE OVER LIVERPOOL’S CAMP & FURNACE ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 5. FOUNDER DARREN SUAREZ SPEAKS TO SEEN LIVERPOOL ABOUT THE EVENT. Following on from last year’s Twisted Fairytales theme, this year will see The Gods and Monsters Vogue Ball hit Liverpool. Darren Suarez, the man behind the event says: “I wanted to make it accessible to everyone to get involved and with a wider scope. This theme gives a wide scope for people to run away with it and create any type of monster they want. As for Gods, this could be a traditional roman god or a pop idol – whatever your interpretation is, you can create it.” Twisted Fairytales in 2012 was the biggest Vogue Ball to take place yet, with more than 500 people packing out Camp & Furnace creating an electric atmosphere to the one of a kind event. “I was on an adrenaline high for days after,” says Darren. “The theme fitted what was going on in real life too, as I had almost not made it to the ball because funding I’d relied on in previous years wasn’t given and I didn’t find out until the last minute. After taking advice from friends I went out and spoke to some Liverpool based businesses and gained sponsorship. They were fantastic and their support really helped make the ball happen. It just shows how Liverpool business people really can get behind and support each other. “With doubled audience figures we’ve set the bar now, and I think that 2013 will blow everyone away again. It will be bigger and better. “There are lots of special surprises in the pipeline for this October. I want to play round with the space and create a show even before the main event begins.” With the ball becoming bigger and bigger each year, we wondered if there is an overall aim for the event. “The Vogue Ball needs to stay without a doubt,” he adds. “It’s a one of a kind event and brings something extra special to the city. “From someone who has never taken to a stage, to professional international dancers, there is a category for everyone. It’s inclusive and to me that is the core value of the entire concept” Although Darren stresses the inclusivity aspect, there are limited spaces available for performers.

“Anyone who wants to get involved in any of the categories needs to get in touch as soon as possible. As much as I would like for everybody to strut down the catwalk, the show can only span a few hours” Last year saw House of ShoQlat enter the ball and win overall house. To compete in the event the team travelled from the Netherlands bringing their fierce competitive attitude with them. “We are expecting the Netherlands team to revisit us this year – they have a title to uphold!” says Darren. The frenzy that surrounds the ball is very evident with a simple search on youtube. As well as the year-long preparation for the ball, Darren has his hands full with other projects: “I’m hoping to create a Vogue festival in Liverpool pretty soon. It will take place over a couple of days offering some amazing talent and workshops. “I have also recently launched the House of Suarez Dance Academy currently for dancers at an intermediate level who want to learn to vogue. We also offer contemporary and jazz classes. “I am also looking into starting vogue classes for beginners. The dance style, generally done in heels, really gets you in shape and if there is a demand for it I will deliver it.”

WHAT IS THE VOGUE BALL? One Runway, five categories, five crowns, one overall winner. The Vogue Ball is a dance event like no other in the UK – where club culture meets high art and Vogue teams (known as ‘houses’) come together from far and wide to compete for dance supremacy, wearing creative costumes and flaunting props. Vogue Ball organisers House of Suarez are looking for Houses to enter the ball – entrants need not be professional dancers but must have imagination, flair and above all a fierce attitude. Vogue Houses will be required to provide their own costumes and consist of no more than 10 performers per house. Each house must enter into a certain category. There are five heats, performed before a Celebrity panel of judges. The categories are:

FANTASY Odd, extravagant, or eccentric in style or mode, strikingly out of the ordinary, very strange or unusual, the Fantasy category offers the widest range of creativity and display. Organisers want club freaks, creatures and a whole new species of humanity to be born at the Ball…

SOLO DANCE This section will give individuals the chance to show off their dance skills and work the Runway. Creativity is the key - whether whacking, vogueing, house dancing, hip hopping or performing in a new age hybrid style, excellence is standard.

REALNESS Realness contestants are required to use and build upon their own unique your look and attitude, showcasing their real personality. Work that runway and prove it… to the crowd and to yourself!

EROTICA This is strictly for the beautiful people. This section brings shallowness into fashion. Erotica contestants must have the XXX factor...

CHOREOGRAPHY This section is one of the crowning glories of the ball. Organisers want to see the best of all the Houses - vicious vogueing, wonderful whacking, and hardcore House dancing. To find out more about entering the Gods and Monsters Vogue Ball or the House of Suarez Academy email darren@houseofsuarez.co.uk or visit www.houseofsuarez.co.uk

TICKETS FOR THE BALL GO ON SALE IN JULY

HOT

WHEELS

In a nutshell, what is roller derby? Roller derby is a predominantly female contact sport played on quad skates. Played on an oval track, 5 members from each team take to the track at a time - 1 jammer and 4 blockers. The jammers score points by passing members of the opposing team, the blockers try to get their own jammer through whilst holding and blocking the opposing jammer. How many teams are there competing at the moment? Roller derby is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, with well over 100 teams and more cropping up each week. So whilst to some people it is relatively unknown, it’s definitely growing in popularity. Roller girls are forever being asked if the sport is anything like the film Rollerball, it was funny at first but now I just want people to know that it is a real sport and we take it seriously. What do you love most about roller derby? I love how inclusive roller derby is. When I walked into my very first session I was 18 and it was the first thing I’d ever done entirely alone, so naturally I was nervous. Now more than two years on my team are like a family and I’d feel lost without them. I think it’s brilliant that a league of 70 women can work together and respect each other. Every team supports each other and it feels like a community. I train hard and play hard with all these amazing women and it is honestly the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I’m never happier than when I have a pair of skates on my feet. Each team member has specific ‘nicknames’ do they choose these themselves? When a skater has passed her minimum skills test (that proves she is a safe and capable skater) she is eligible to take a derby name. These are almost like an alter ego, like a superhero name.

THE ROLLER DERBY SEASON IS IN FULL SWING. REBECCA KEEGAN SPEAKS TO ONE OF THE LIVERPOOL ROLLER BIRDS’ ELLIS HOGARTH (KNOWN IN THE TEAM AS CEE LO MEAN) ABOUT THE SPORT AND WHY IT’S SO FAST GROWING IN THE COUNTRY.

Taking to the track allows you to be someone else for a while. Each name is registered on a master roster of roller derby players all over the world so every name is unique. Examples of girls on our team include: Sissy Breakneck, Dolly Dreadful, Daria Dynamite, Corey Maim, Tinkerhell, Kitty Von Vixen, Yolanda B Cruel and Devil Mae Clare. Is it a difficult sport? It can be very complicated, it’s a good job it’s so fun otherwise all of the rules and strategy involved would be intimidating. People sometimes think it’s girls skating around in fishnets and tutus hitting each other but it’s so much more than that. The girls that play give the sport so much dedication. They are real athletes. I train 3 times a week, totalling 8 hours. If I’m coaching it’ll come to more.

How often are the matches? Our season starts in March and finishes in November so we skate for the majority of the year. In that time we’ll have about 10 bouts, both home and away, whether away means down the road to skate in Manchester or a plane away in Copenhagen. Is there a certain criteria needed to get involved? Not at all, that’s one of the things I love about roller derby. There’s a position suited for everyone, regardless of height, weight and size. Usually it’s the smaller girls that are jammers as it’s a position that requires stealth and speed, whilst taller girls make for great blockers, but in derby there’s never a “typical” position. Is it an all-girl sport? Originally yes, however more and more men’s teams are springing up and people even play co-ed now. I still see derby as a women’s sport though, female athletes never come close to getting the recognition of their male counterparts, so I’m very proud to be in a female dominated sport. The sport has an aggressive or violent reputation is this the right way to describe it? Roller derby is a contact sport so of course there is an element of aggression with people hitting eachother. I wouldn’t describe it as violent though. The hitting only comes secondary to the tactics deployed. It’s often portrayed as much worse than it is but the way we hit eachother is monitored. There are legal blocking zones within derby, such as where you can hit someone and what part of your body you can hit them with, so it’s relatively safe and people rarely use excessive force. Is skating good exercise? Yes, it’s brilliant exercise. I can see a difference in my body since I’ve been skating, particularly my legs are so much stronger. It’s great because it’s so much fun I never notice I’ve had so much of a workout until I’m taking my skates off at the end of the session. When we scrimmage (practice gameplay) we’re doing bursts of activity with small breaks in between so it’s great for cardio. How long have you been playing Roller Derby? I came to my first session in September 2010 and I’ve never looked back! I honestly don’t know what I used to do with my spare time before I caught the derby bug. To find out more about the Liverpool Roller Birds or get involved you can contact them via Facebook or follow them on Twitter at @livrollerbirds

Sun 23rd June, 7:30pm.

BACK TO BROADWAY Fri 9th August, 7:30pm.

FLAMENCO DE LIVERPOOL PRESENTS

FLAMENCO PASSION Tue 3rd to Sat 7th September, 7:30pm. Sat matinee, 2:30pm.

STAND UP THE MUSICAL Fri 27th September, 7:30pm.

SNOW WHITE WORLD PREMIERE PRESENTED BY VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET Mon 28th October to Sat 2nd November, 7:30pm. Wed & Sat matinees, 2:30pm.

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S

GO BACK FOR MURDER Tue 26th November, 7:30pm.

THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK GLAMOROUS AMOROUS Thu 12th December 2013 to Sun 5th January 2014

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

IN THE NAME OF EQUALITY FROM THE TRAGIC MURDER OF MICHAEL CAUSER, THE VISION OF A SAFE HOUSE FOR LGBT YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK WAS BORN. Youth Worker KIERAN BOHAN shares why he supports Michael’s Foundation ‘He was killed because he loved another boy’ These words, of a child explaining to her friend how Michael Causer died, give me hope that his death will not be in vain. If a ten-year-old can understand that no-one deserves to die because of who they are or who they love, then everybody can. After three years as a volunteer trustee of the Michael Causer Foundation, in April I became its first employee – a part-time development worker, to build on the goodwill and support Michael’s family have received since his murder in 2008, and to help achieve the Foundation’s goal: to provide a safe house for LGBT young people who are homeless or at risk in Merseyside. Michael’s story: Michael, aged 18, from Whiston was seriously assaulted at a house party in Huyton in July 2008. His phone was taken while he slept, and when images of him with his boyfriend were found, he was brutally attacked, causing a fractured skull and a swollen brain. He died in hospital on 2 August 2008. Four teenagers were charged - two with murder, one with perverting the course of justice and one for witness intimidation. One of those charged with murder pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defence, and was acquitted. The other was sentenced to life for murder without homophobic intent. As a sign of solidarity with Michael’s family, Liverpool’s LGBT community raised money to support them with funeral and legal expenses, and more than 100 people protested outside Liverpool Crown Court. Following an attack on trainee police officer James Parkes in 2009, Michael’s parents Marie and Mike led a March Against Homophobia through Liverpool. Speaking at a Diversity Festival, Marie talked about distressed LGBT young people contacting her on Facebook, many threatened with homelessness. Her vision of providing specialist emergency housing took shape, and in March 2010, the Michael Causer Foundation (MCF) was born. Why I support MCF I have worked with GYRO, Liverpool’s LGBT youth group, since 2005. Providing a safe, supportive social space for LGBT young people to meet and make friends, receive support and guidance is great. It’s wonderful to watch them grow in confidence and self-acceptance. But MCF goes further. Its vision is to create a society where LGBT young people feel safe,

happy and understood; at home in their communities; and supported and empowered to achieve their full potential. MCF has three aims: • Educate: To promote cultural change and raise awareness of LGBT issues, discrimination and hate crime. If children and young people learn to understand diversity of gender and sexuality in an ageappropriate way, the chance of them reaching maturity with prejudice decreases dramatically. • Accommodate: To help LGBT young people stay in their homes wherever possible, or to find safe alternatives where it is not. If young people rejected by their family – or driven from home by fear of rejection – find a safe, supportive place to stay, they are much less likely to fall further into unsafe situations. • Motivate: To support and empower LGBT young people to engage with their families, communities and careers to achieve their full potential. If LGBT young people have positive role models, and opportunities to achieve, they are more likely to assert themselves, advocate for others, and become role models. On the anniversary of Michael’s death each year, we gather in Temple Square, in the Stanley Street Quarter, to remember him and his legacy. This year the theme is ‘Friends’, aimed particularly at young people, though all ages are very welcome. The vigil is on Friday 2nd August, the eve of Pride, at 7.30pm. You can also become a member, or buy a brick to help us build an emergency home for LGBT young people. We aim to raise £1m by March 2015 – and we’re delighted that being one of the new Lord Mayor ’s chosen charities will help us achieve this. Marie Causer said: ‘People say it is a dream but it is not – we are going to make this happen and Michael’s legacy will live on.’ To find out more about MCF, visit michaelcauserfoundation.org.uk To find out more about GYRO, visit gyro.org.uk

True

ICON APRIL ASHLEY - PORTRAIT OF A LADY

THIS AUTUMN SEES THE OPENING OF HOMOTOPIA’S GROUND-BREAKING EXHIBITION AT THE MUSEUM OF LIVERPOOL CHRONICLING THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LIVERPOOL BORN MISS APRIL ASHLEY MBE, ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TO UNDERGO A SEX CHANGE OPERATION, WRITES ANDY GREEN. In this issue we exclusively publish some previously unseen photographs from April Ashley’s personal collection. Her fascinating story reflects the change in attitudes and law that have taken place over the last 70 years. The fact that such a major exhibition is taking place at all is in itself deeply significant, and will almost certainly change people’s perceptions of the Trans community for the better. Janet Dugdale, Director of the Museum of Liverpool said: “This exhibition is highly significant in telling the story of an iconic figure in Liverpool’s history, and we are really pleased to be hosting it at the Museum of Liverpool. The Museum is dedicated to highlighting the many landmark events and people associated with Liverpool. As one of Britain’s first transsexuals, April Ashley’s story - which began in this, her home city - has had a tremendous impact on the Trans community and people across the globe. “The exhibition is internationally-important and will share April’s story along with experiences of Trans people during the last 70 years. As a social history museum it was very important to us to be involved, supporting Homotopia to co-produce the exhibition in order to share with our visitors how April’s life has influenced the social, political and legal aspects of Trans people’s histories.” The project has been largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund after a successful bid by Homotopia and was launched at the Museum of Liverpool in July last year. Miss Ashley attended the event where she was interviewed by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips and took questions – and provided very witty answers from a specially invited audience. Since then extensive work has been undertaken to collect and curate the substantial archive that April has gathered over the years which includes letters, photographs and personal documents and also materials from the Liverpool Records Office. Here at Seen Liverpool we feel very privileged to be able to publish a couple of April’s previously unseen personal photographs.

The exhibition will chart April’s life from being born George Jamieson in 1935 in Pitt Street, Liverpool to collecting her MBE for services to the transgendered community at Buckingham Palace in 2012 and all of the amazing things that happened in between. The impact that April Ashley has had on transgender issues cannot be understated. As a top model she made the headlines when she was “outed” in 1961 and her famous divorce case in 1970 set a precedent when the judge ruled that the marriage was invalid because she was born a man – a decision that affected all transsexuals until the law was changed in 2004. April campaigned tirelessly in the intervening years and became an unofficial agony aunt to many Trans people. The project is not just limited to the life of April Ashley though; 25 Trans people have told their stories for inclusion in the exhibition and accompanying literature and they are all very different. The timeline of April’s life includes many changes that were important to all LGBT people and these will all be reflected in the exhibition. It’s Homotopia’s 10th anniversary this year and the April Ashley Project is arguably its finest and most high profile achievement to date. Liverpool should be very proud of the work that Homotopia does both here and internationally and it really shows off the fabulous diversity in this city of ours – no other place has anything quite like it. Homotopia’s Gary Everett said: “I couldn’t be happier that this year long exhibition is serving as the curtain raiser for Homotopia’s tenth birthday celebrations. We were so honoured and delighted when April offered us her archive that we knew we had to create something very special to do justice to her unique story. I urge everyone to come along and find out not just about April’s story but the extraordinary lives of all the other people we have interviewed who identify as Trans or gender queer.” The exhibition opens at the Museum of Liverpool in October. Visit www.homotopia.net for more details

The multimedia exhibition will run for a year and will take up a large part of the museum’s first floor including an amazing recreation of the Carousel Club in Paris where April started her performing career in the 1950s.

ADOPTED SCOUSER GARY MILLAR IS A LIVERPOOL COUNCILLOR REPRESENTING OLD SWAN AND HAS RECENTLY BEEN APPOINTED LORD MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL. HE’S THE FIRST GAY LORD MAYOR TO BE IN A CIVIL PARTNERSHIP. ANDY GREEN MET HIM FOR A COFFEE TO TALK ABOUT THE ROLE AND HIS ADOPTED CITY. “I was in the post of Deputy Lord Mayor for 12 months prior to becoming Lord Mayor and I called myself the ‘apprentice Lord Mayor’ learning from someone who has done an amazing job, the previous Lord Mayor Councillor Sharon Sullivan and she taught me a great deal. “It’s not just about meeting and greeting dignitaries and visitors to the city and bringing them to the Town Hall, it’s an ambassadorial role, it’s also about raising lots of money for the Lord Mayor’s nominated charities and she taught me all about that. She also taught me about chairing the seven major Town Hall council meetings, it’s a bit like being the Speaker of the House of Commons, that person you hear saying ‘order, order’ and that’s what happens here in Liverpool. It’s an apolitical role and you have to be fair and impartial to all parties and each of the 89 other councillors.”

“

ISN’T IT FANTASTIC THAT SOMEBODY WHO MAY HAVE A SEXUALITY DIFFERENT TO OTHERS HAS BEEN SO WELCOMED – IT ISN’T AN ISSUE. I THINK THAT THE PEOPLE OF LIVERPOOL AND, I HAVE TO SAY THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE STAFF ARE ACTUALLY A LOT MORE OPEN-MINDED AND WELCOMING TO PEOPLE OF ALL DIFFERENT KINDS OF BACKGROUNDS AND DIVERSITY, MORE SO THAN IS MADE OUT BY SOME OF THE PRESS, MORE SO THAN IS MADE OUT BY A MINORITY OF RESIDENTS.

One of Gary’s first duties was to attend the recent Battle Of Atlantic 70th Anniversary events and as he talks about it he’s visibly moved by the sacrifices people made to keep the supply lines open and says his highlight was meeting the veterans. He was also bowled over by the welcome he received from everyone, from senior naval officers to ordinary members of the public who were all fully aware of his sexuality. Gary has four nominated charities that he will be supporting during his year in office: The Michael Causer Foundation, The Whitechapel Centre, Variety - The Children’s Charity and the Linda McCartney Centre. These are charities that tackle cancer and homelessness, support vulnerable children and those with special educational needs and disabilities and help to create a safe haven for LGBT youth. Gary aims to raise £1m and has come up with a novel way of letting people donate, you can text LMAY13 £(insert amount) to 70070.

Speaking to Gary, it’s clear that he’s deeply honoured to be Liverpool’s Lord Mayor and also slightly surprised considering his background.

“I originally come from Edinburgh, from a very working class background. One room and a kitchen in Edinburgh’s Easter Road area near the Hibernian football ground. I’m not a Hibs or a Hearts fan but I do like both Liverpool and Everton football clubs. As a child in that council house I never thought that one day I’d be living in Liverpool, that eventually I’ll pass away in Liverpool because it’s my home. “I never thought that I’d be Lord Mayor and it’s absolutely wonderful, if I can do it from that kind of background then anyone can and even more so I’m gay. I’m not from Liverpool, I’m an adopted scouser - a gay adopted scouser in a civil partnership. My consort Steve has been my partner for 32 years and we’ll always be together. He’s from Greenock in Scotland but both of us have found home, have found friends of all genders, all sexualities, of all faiths, all social and economic backgrounds in this city.

Shabby CHIC STYLE SEEN

With the arrival of festival season grunge is back with strong denimn, sturdy boots and jazzy jumpers. Whether it’s Glasto or Gay Pride or even Creamfields (or the lot) there’s something on the high street for everyone this summer. Running on from last season’s strong ‘bib & braces’ look we’ve stripped the cosmetic style from the overdressed and showcased shabby-chic looks with this issue. 90s shell suits are fast donning window displays – and although most of us can’t pull off the retrogeek look, there will be a selected few out there who just manage to make it look cool.

Photography/Editing: Dollworx www.dollworx.co.uk Makeup Artist: Faye Horne Assistant: Nicola Livingstone Models: Bessie Winder-Rogers Rupert Hancock Clothing: A La Mode/ Pop Boutique Jewellery: Claudia Pink

TRUE BLUE

1 FABIOLA SCARF MONSOON £29 | 2 HAT LAREDOUTE.CO.UK £13.00 | 3 SOLAR LANTERN SAINSBURYS £15.00 4 STORAGE CADDY LOVE FROM ROSIE £10.95 | 5 15” SATCHEL PAPERCHASE £113 | 6 FAUX LEATHER JACKET LAREDOUTE.CO.UK £55.00 | 7 NAILS INC. DENIM EFFECT HARVEY NICHOLD BEAUTY BAZAAR £19 | 8 TWILL WAISTCOAT AUSTIN REED £160 | 9 DOG DOORSTOP MARKS AND SPENCER £19.50

Seen it love it!

ABOVE: CUT BLUE PUPPYTOOTH JACKET £299, WHITE OXFORD SHIRT £69.90, CUT NAVY CRISP TROUSER £160, NAVY BASE WHITE PAISLEY TIE £49.90 WWW.AUSTINREED.CO.UK

DELONGHI BLUE VINTAGE ICONA COFFEE MACHINE £170 WWW.DEBENHAMS.COM.

PERFECT TREAT Review by Rebecca Keegan

THE MALMAISON’S OFFERING DIFFERS FROM ANYTHING ELSE AVAILABLE IN THE CITY. IT’S BASICALLY THE ROLLS ROYCE OF SUNDAY BRUNCHES. THIS WITH THE MAL ON SUNDAY OFFER MAKES FOR A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP ON ANY WEEKEND. I’ve always been a fan of Malmaison Sunday lunch (the gravy in particular is fantastic) but in true Mal style, they’ve put a twist on tradition. Classic roasts are available, but the vast menu offers something for any mood. Not only that, but they’ve clearly been sure to cater for the vegetarians out there with a wide range of fish and vegi based dishes. So main courses ordered,(salmon & cod fishcake for me, steak and chips for my guest) we were pointed in the direction of a buffet table. Now the word buffet usually means one thing – stale egg sandwiches and supermarket bought sausage rolls. Not here though. If Carlsberg made buffets, they would have a job in competing with the Mal. Named ‘the chef’s table’ the buffet was extravagant. Fresh fish, salads, cheeses, breads, Parma ham straight off the bone, couscous,

pastries and so much more made for an almost surreal offering. After being very careful not to fill my plate (not wanting to fill up on the starter) I enjoyed fresh prawns, squid, smoked salmon and spicy couscous. It’s great to have the novelty of deciding for yourself how much of a starter you can handle. As if by magic, after a second trip to the chef’s table for my over-indulging dining partner, our main courses arrived. The steak was cooked exactly as requested and the fishcake was perfect – not dry or overpowering as is a mistake often made. If I could handle it, I would have paid a second visit to the chef’s table for some delicious looking sweet pastries and pancakes made fresh – but it

was too much of a stretch. Following lunch we enjoyed a beautiful (and well-priced at £20) bottle of red wine in the relaxed Plum Bar before retiring to our room. Bedrooms at the Mal are like nothing else with large walk in shower and a bathtub so huge I almost swam lengths. It’s easy to see why people fall in love at the Mal (as well as with it). They do everything in their power to encourage intimacy, which is a welcome change from the ubermodern feel seen in so many hotels these days. So, all you can eat now has a new offering in Liverpool in the shape of the seductive Malmaison Hotel. One tip I would give is – arrive hungry. This offering is something I didn’t realise was missing from the city until Mal introduced it.

THE DEAL OFFERED BY THE LUXURY HOTEL GIVES A ROOM AND £75 TO SPEND IN THE HOTEL BAR OR BRASSERIE FOR £100 (ESSENTIALLY A ROOM FOR £25). FANTASTIC DEAL. TO BOOK OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 0151 229 5000. 33

May saw the soft opening of the Richmond Luxury Living, known as The Richmond, to the city of Liverpool. Guests at the opening weekend included former Liverpool Football Club star Dietmar Hamann and members of the Norwegian Olympic team, including world skiing number 1 Anders Bardal. A new luxury accommodation concept for Liverpool, The Richmond combines the luxury and space of serviced apartments and full four star plus hotel services in its design, making it most ideal for residential conferences, events, business trips or leisure breaks of various lengths. The collection of 51 spacious apartments, suites, executive and classic rooms, all within a Grade II Listed iconic building, offers free Wi-Fi throughout, Mini Bar’s, Air-conditioning,

Molton Brown Toiletries, full Kitchens in Suites & Apartments, Smart TV Systems, Mood Lighting and 24hr Room service. Additionally, there will also be free transport to ACC events organised for conference delegates. Furthermore, guests will be able to take advantage of other facilities including the “R” Bar & Brassiere, onsite Car Parking, the recently opened and award winning Olympus Health Club & Spa – which boasts hot yoga classes, holistic treatments, fitness centre, juice bar, sauna and steam rooms, Jacuzzi and plunge baths. In addition guests have access to Capello Salon, offering delights such as Hair Design, Make Up, Eyebrow and a Nail Bar for every occasion. The Richmond is now registered for exclusive civil ceremonies, weddings & events, private dinning

or conferences our three event rooms the William Suite, Kane Suite & the Abel Suite, offer receptions of up to 200 guests. Steven Hesketh, Group Director of Richmond Luxury Living, says: “We are pleased to be opening our exciting development which brings a unique accommodation offering our amazing R Bar & Brassiere, Health Club, beauty facilities and state of the art banqueting facilities. We look forward to welcoming guest and visitors to The Richmond”. Other facilities within the development, which has 152 rooms between the 51 apartments, include a concierge service and flexible rooms able to sleep between one and 14 guests.

MALE GROOMING LIVERPOOL IS KNOWN AS A ‘BEAUTY CAPITAL CITY’ IN THE UK. WITH MORE ON OFFER THAN EVER BEFORE, WE ASK THE QUESTION – SHOULD MEN EMBRACE OR DISGRACE THE TREND? Studies show that more men than ever are spending lots of money on their appearance. Gone are the days (for most) of using a friend’s makeup, or grooming behind closed doors. Now more men are actively spending on their own makeup, waxing, hair products, grooming and fashion. Manicurist Jade, at Nails Inc. based at Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar says she sees a lot of men who want to look after their hands: “I see so many now, they come in for a manicure or hand massage and I think it’s great. Everybody should look after their hands no matter what their gender – we use our hands so much so why not take pride in them?”

The same goes for Chantelle who manages STRIP waxing at Beauty Bazaar: “We don’t do intimate male waxing at the moment but I’m often asked about it. We see a lot of men for back and chest waxing it’s a totally normal situation.” Beauty expert and co- owner of Liverpool’s So CoCo Rouge, Sian Auld says: “Men becoming more interested in their own beauty and grooming is only a good thing – and it doesn’t take anything away from masculinity.

CAROLYN HUGHES:

“Definitely EMBRACE. For years men’s men have secretly been pinching their partner’s or friend’s beauty products and now more and more of them have the confidence to buy their own. There is nothing wrong with being one of the lads and looking after yourself. “I am ok with the Beauty regime stuff – but the make-up, for me is a touch too far.”

ANDY GREEN: “Men usually only want makeup if they have a big event to attend, which is fine because when it’s subtle, and done right, it can be extremely complimenting. “The biggest seller for men is by far waxing – particularly eyebrows.” We asked some Seen Liverpool readers their thoughts on male grooming, embrace or disgrace?

“I’m all for well-groomed men and I have been known to sport a bit of eyeliner on occasion but some do go too far. Orange men with scousebrows do nothing for me and the look often reflects their personality – vain and shallow.” JAMES PAIGN: “Embrace for sure. Enhancing your features is nothing to be ashamed of. If women can wear makeup why can’t men? I like eyeliner, foundation, mascara – the works. It makes me

embrace or disgrace? JULIE DAVIES: “There are specific brands out there for men who want to wear makeup and I say go for it. My girlfriend and I have lots of male friends who wear it. They have Botox injections in their foreheads too which I also think is fine. Although whether it’s a man or a woman lip enhancement never looks good.”

DARREN SUAREZ: “My opinion is split. Personally think men should groom and make themselves presentable and also take pride in their appearance. Personally I’m not attracted to men who wear makeup nor would I use makeup unless it was for a production or a company related event. I feel men should maintain a sense of masculinity and makeup is primarily fem.”

JOHN MAGUIRE: “As my old Nan says, never trust a man who wears more make up than I do. “I am all for manicures, beard trimming, hairdressing and pedicures etc, indeed and perhaps a little make –up, so I do embrace to a degree. “However, I draw the line with fake tan, the only thing that should smell of dog biscuits is dog biscuits. “Groom but please not to the level of doom.” So when it comes to boy beauty the opinion is truly split, although the proof in the vastly growing beauty industry tends to side with the embrace option.

“

ORANGE MEN WITH SCOUSEBROWS DO NOTHING FOR ME AND THE LOOK OFTEN REFLECTS THEIR PERSONALITY – VAIN AND SHALLOW

“

feel and look more attractive and I’m often complimented on my look and style – it’s nice to groom yourself and take pride in your appearance and I wish more men would do it!”

The term try and test before you put it to rest seems valid. So boys, whether it’s a simple file of the nails or a full back wax why not give it a go? It might be just the tonic.

BEAUTY DESTINATION SEEN LIVERPOOL MAGAZINE HAS TEAMED UP WITH ENHANCE CLINIC IN WATER STREET LIVERPOOL TO GIVE AWAY ONE OF OUR HIGHEST VALUE PRIZES TO DATE.

PLUS THE NEWZ BAR OFFER A FANTASTIC VIP BOOTH FOR FIVE PEOPLE WITH CHAMPAGNE

MD of Enhance Clinic Sarah-Louise Archondopoulos says: “I wanted to give readers of the magazine the opportunity to see a bit more of what we do here at the clinic. This competition is the perfect opportunity. This as well as partnering with our neighbours in the Newz Bar will make for a perfect summer-time treat.”

to manage the aging process without the risks of surgery.

With a flawless reputation and highly trained staff (Sarah-Louise herself is Harley Street trained), Enhance offers Liverpool ladies and gents a discreet and safe service as well as a five star experience.

“The V effect or liquid facelift as we call it at Enhance is the key to restoring a youthful look without undergoing surgery. I believe in treating the cause as well as the effect and with the right volume and the right proportion the face will regain the optimum V shape and the wrinkles and sagging will naturally reduce without the dreaded pillow face we see on some celebrities. The treatment takes approximately 30 minutes and the effect will be seen immediately after injection, however best results will be seen 3 weeks post treatment and last between 12 – 18 months.”

“What’s more important to me than anything is client satisfaction,” adds Sarah-Louise. “This shows in the amount of people who come back to us time and time again, whether it’s for a big treatment or a spray tan.” Enhance Clinic is a one-stop fabulous beauty shop for almost anything. The spray tan they offer is from the award winning organic range Sienna. “It’s so gorgeous,” says Sarah-Louise; “Unlike most fake tans it doesn’t smell musty and because it’s organic it doesn’t cause any harm to the skin.” On the other end of the beauty scale, Enhance also offer a Liquid Facelift. Louise adds: “A lot of my friends and clients are turning 40 this year and it can be a scary realisation when we all feel so young inside. It’s something we have to deal with, but at Enhance we are helping

“Toying with the idea of a facelift and shuddering at the idea of scalpels, stitches and scars let alone the recovery period is a scary thought and not an option pricewise for many of us.

Sarah-Louise says although the clinic prides itself on a discreet service they also have an opendoor policy. “Anybody can drop in for a chat if they have any concerns or queries about their appearance. From eyebrows to injections we are happy to talk people through different processes as I understand how daunting it may seem to make a decision on how you look in a clinical environment. When people leave us though they are satisfied and always comfortable to come back. As I said, the clients’ well-being is always at the top of our check list.” www.enhanceclinic.uk.com

Morecrofts heads south with new office opening Merseyside law firm Morecrofts is marking its 200th anniversary with the launch of a brand new office in South Liverpool. Already recognised as one of the region’s most established and trusted legal advisors to clients across a range of family, employment, commercial and property matters, the company hopes to consolidate and strengthen that position by opening a fifth branch in Allerton Road. The area is well-known as being home to hundreds of businesses of all shapes and sizes, while the new office’s prime high street location should provide Morecrofts with the ideal platform to achieve its expansion plans. Helen Broughton, managing partner at Morecrofts, said: “Like many areas of Merseyside, South Liverpool can lay claim to a wealth of successful privately owned 40

firms, many of which are family-run or have been trading for many years. “We are proud to be one of Merseyside’s oldest independent firms ourselves and this history gives us a unique understanding of the many challenges that businesses can face in an ever-changing economic and social landscape. “The changing needs of our private clients, whether it be for relationship breakdowns, childcare disputes or probate matters, are also of paramount importance, so as we explored our growth options it was important that our new office should allow us to serve our clients as effectively as possible.

“Allerton Road was the perfect fit – a buzzing high street location visited by thousands of families and alongside fellow independent businesses, with excellent amenities and transport links for our staff and clients. It also complements our existing presence in nearby Woolton perfectly.” Morecrofts, which was first incorporated in 1813, has four existing locations in Crosby, Birkenhead, Woolton and Liverpool city centre and its new premises at 4 Allerton Road opened it’s doors in April. The new office allows Morecrofts to offer legal services face to face in a

we have big plans for Allerton Road and we are confident of being here for the next 200 years

N Allerew offic ton e opennow

busy High Street and will offer clients advice on a range of issues including conveyancing, commercial law, wills and probate and family law. Broughton continued: “The landscape for providing legal services continues to evolve at an incredible pace. We haven’t survived and prospered for 200 years by simply standing still, so it is crucial that we carry on moving with the times and give our clients what they need, when and where they need it. “Our determination to evolve is also reflected in our ongoing recruitment of the best practitioners in the region. Just a few months ago, we recruited a new partner in Carol Mason, who has more than 30 years’ experience in private client and property work gained across the North West legal sector. “We also hope to strengthen our relationships and build networks across the business community. It is wonderful that we are able to mark our 200th anniversary year by planting the seeds for success in yet another location and in turn leaving a legacy for future generations.” Jo-anne Lomax, Associate Solicitor at the Allerton Road Branch, said: “The entire team is very excited about the new office and we can’t wait to welcome our first clients through the door. South Liverpool is home to lots of great independent businesses and the spirit of the area matches well with our own ethos. “Together with Abode, who we share a building with, we have big plans for Allerton Road and we are confident of being here for the next 200 years!”

For further information about Morecrofts, please visit

www.morecrofts.co.uk

Need help with a legal matter? Come and see us for a free assessment* Our experienced team can advise you on: • Children issues • Mediation • Divorce & separation • Finances • Making your will • Reducing Inheritance Tax • Buying or selling a property • Providing for your future care • Appointing someone to manage your affairs • Setting up Trusts to protect your assets We have fixed fees to suit all budgets and can offer some services under our Legal Aid Agency contract. To book your free assessment call Nicola Howard:

08435 096848 or email nh@morecrofts.co.uk You can also pop in to our NEW Allerton office, 4 Allerton Road, Allerton, Liverpool L18 1LN We have ofﬁces in Liverpool City Centre, Crosby, Woolton & Wirral

www.morecrofts.co.uk /MorecroftsSolicitors

@Morecrofts

*Assessment is available for family matters

Morecrofts LLP offers legal advice on a broad range of services for individuals and businesses LLP No. OC333433

Seen Liverpool’s Rebecca Keegan visits Liverpool’s Elite Fitness Consultants to find out if the exercise fuss is really worth the glory.

HEALTHY BODY HEALTHY MIND?

SEEN LIVERPOOL’S REBECCA KEEGAN VISITS LIVERPOOL’S ELITE FITNESS CONSULTANTS TO FIND OUT IF THE EXERCISE FUSS IS REALLY WORTH THE GLORY. It’s a common joke among my circle of close friends that I am incapable of ‘sensible grown up living’ when it comes to domestics and being healthy. Being a journalist for almost eight years has meant that most of my adult life has revolved around deadlines – therefore convenient eating has always taken precedence over healthy options. That’s my excuse anyway. I’ve never set foot in a gym. When I’m not working I would much rather be seeing friends or spending time lounging about with family. A very active social life in the fantastic city of Liverpool means there’s always a new bar or restaurant to check out – which is very convenient since my ‘cooking’ skills are

usually limited to pasta, soup or toast. ‘Why bother with fitness when you’re so busy having fun?’ I’d often say to friends who boast about their gym sessions and latest randomly named exercise class. Of late though, like many of us at times I’ve started to feel slightly sluggish. At first I blamed it on my grand old age of 27 and indulging in the fast pace of city centre living (having an apartment a stone’s throw from The Lisbon makes it rather difficult for my stay at home will power). A friend suggested to me that some personal training might be a good idea ‘just to give you some extra focus’ he said when I gave him the ‘are you calling me fat’ look. Not one to seem narrow minded I met up with Elite Fitness trainer Kane Warren.

He’s actually better known to me a Lucifer as I’ve lost many friends to him in the past two years who have been converted into good eating, well living bores (note to these friends: this is my pre opinion and I do love you all). I’ve started to understand what all the fuss with Elite Training is about – and decided to share my journey. Not through vanity, but to let people know who are of similar mindset to me what it’s really like.

Elite Fitness 0151 668 0250 07771533408 www.elitefitnessconsultants.co.uk/ Facebook – Elite Fitness Consultants Twitter - @PTElite_

SESSION 1 I turn up at the Knight Street premises 15 minutes early dressed and ready. Trainers which have been worn twice in as many years with passable gym gear found at the back of my wardrobe (about three years ago I convinced myself I would get healthy and overspend in a sports shop, needless to say the tags were still on the clothes). After exchanging pleasantries we get down to the real business. My life. I don’t often speak about my health or fitness to anybody, mainly because I’ve never really given a damn about them and gym talk bores me to tears. Kane asks about what I eat, if I exercise, what my hobbies are, how often I go out, how drinking makes me feel, how I sleep, what hours I work – basically he wanted to know everything apart from whether or not I wear glasses. I told him everything from my love of Tequila and pasta to my hatred of exercise, half thinking I would scare him so much that he would kick me out on the spot. But he didn’t (damn). He goes over some facts about what I am doing to my body, but not in a ‘lecturing’ way, he tells me in a way that makes sense and isn’t condescending. We agree that I will return for an assessment in a few days so they can get all the details about my fitness / fatness they need. So session one was easy, it was more like a good gab!

SESSION 2 The Assessment. I saw Amy today. She’s relaxed and friendly and explains to me that this will be the most invasive part of my programme but she would need to do lots of measurements and tests to take note of my movement.

After a bit of prodding, lots of standing still while she checked my posture and a few stretches we were done. Sounds simple although it did take an hour. She explains to me that like many women my posture could do with a bit of work and body fat wise I’m slightly over average. Just slightly though. I blame it on a ‘fat day’. She just laughs like she’s heard it a million times. Ah well. She asks me to keep a food diary of everything I eat and drink.

SESSION 3 My first ‘exercise’ day. Kane has me do lunges across the room about eight times, but slightly changes the movement each time. He’s chatting to me as I work and far from boring it was quite enjoyable and time flew by. He also makes me to push ups – I’m convinced the reason for this is because he has heard I’ve called him Lucifer several times in recent years. My friends are complete traitors for telling him.

SESSION 12 I’m surprised how quickly training has worked its way into my routine. One of my many excuses for never ‘hitting the gym’ in the past was the time it would take, but two hours a week isn’t really much to complain about. I’ve tried morning sessions, which don’t work for me but find that late afternoon is great.

By session 18 the change in my life is massive. My posture is better, I am sleeping like a baby and am wide awake and alert all day. I know what people mean now when they say ‘I’m in the zone’ (a term I usually roll my eyes at). Elite have made me an eating plan and I’ve found that my culinary skills aren’t so bad after all. Simple changes to my lifestyle have had a huge impact and my work rate has increased by more than double. I’m impressed with what these ‘2 hours a week’ have helped me achieve and I have to say, I am officially converted. Oh and get this….without really trying I’ve lost over half a stone and toned up a lot. To me this is just a bonus but I imagine a very attractive incentive to people out there who are looking to shed a few pre-holiday (or post) pounds. Since going to print, Elite Fitness consultants have moved to a brand new large refurbished studio at Brunswick Business Park. Fully kitted out with professional equipment for all levels of training. I can’t recommend Elite Fitness Consultants highly enough. Although to be fair, the clue is in the name!

I’m constantly reminded by Kane and Amy how far I’ve come and how much I’m improving. Even got to do a bit of boxing, which I am loving.

LIVERPOOL’S INTERNATIONAL SAMBA CARNIVAL IS SET TO HIT THE STREETS FOR A THIRD YEAR AS A HOST OF TOP SAMBA ARTISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD PREPARE TO FLY IN TO PERFORM – AND THIS YEAR SEEN LIVERPOOL IS PARTNERING WITH THE FESTIVAL IN A SPECIAL ADDED EVENT…

2013

It’s Britain’s biggest celebration of Brazilian culture and this year the fun is set to last long than ever as festival organisers have announced plans for a week-long cultural programme packed with over 15 events taking place at venues across the city including the festival’s first ever Gay Carnival Ball hosted in conjunction with Seen Liverpool Magazine.

art exhibitions and Liverpool’s first capoeira encontro.

The week-long festival will take place from Friday 12th – Friday 19th July, warming up the city for the annual free Samba Carnival and Carnival Parade that takes place right in the heart of the city centre on Saturday 20th July.

The jewel in the festival’s crown – its annual Carnival Parade – will once again wow the crowds as infectious samba sounds accompany spectacular floats as they wind their way through the city streets. Maeve Morris, Artistic Director of Liverpool Carnival Company, said: “It’s so exciting to watch Brazilica grow year on year, both in terms of audience and the range of art forms and events

Returning for 2013 are the hugely popular Carnival Ball and Carnival Queen Competition in addition to Brazilian film screenings, carnival

Carnival day itself will, once again, be situated in Williamson Square where visitors can expect to find the best selection of Latin American food and drink whilst listening to a stellar line-up of authentic Brazilian musicians throughout the day.

on offer. From its beginnings as a carnival parade in 2008 to the fully fledged festival it is today, we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved and hope to continue to bring the party to Liverpool for many years to come. It’s an unrivalled chance to experience Brazilian culture, music, food and sport in the UK. “And, of course, we’re delighted to be working with Seen Liverpool Magazine to put on the first ever Brazilica Gay Carnival Ball. The Gay Balls are a huge part of celebrating Carnival in Rio and it certainly helps us to make sure those attending Brazilica feel like they’re in Rio celebrating.” Brazilica takes place from July 12-20. The full festival programme can be seen at www. brazilicafestival.co.uk and more details of the Gay Carnival Ball are coming very soon.

Keep up with the latest news online at www.brazilicafestival.com or follow @BrazilicaFest on Twitter.

I NEED A

HERO!

RECORD NUMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE SUPER HERO-THEMED LIVERPOOL PRIDE MARCH THIS AUGUST SINGER AMELIA LILY, WHOSE BIGGEST HIT ‘YOU GIVE ME JOY’ STORMED THE CHARTS IN SEPTEMBER 2012, IS TO TOP THE BILL. SINCE HER X-FACTOR SUCCESS, AMELIA SIGNED A MAJOR RECORD DEAL WITH XENOMANIA/ SONY AND HAS SINCE GONE ON TO SUPPORT GIRLS ALOUD ON THEIR NATION-WIDE FAREWELL TOUR AND RELEASED THREE TOP 40 HITS.

WHEN TINA TURNER SAID THAT WE DON’T NEED ANOTHER HERO, SHE WAS WRONG. LIVERPOOL PRIDE IS EXPECTING THOUSANDS OF THEM TO JOIN THIS YEAR’S MARCH, WHICH WILL FLY THROUGH THE CITY’S STREETS ON SATURDAY 3 AUGUST.

homophobia and the importance of a united community in the local area.

The marvel of caped crusaders will take flight at St Georges Plateau at 12pm, with participants asked to gather from 11am. It will then process along Lime Street before taking in Queen Square Bus Station and Whitechapel before making its way along Lord Street and North John Street before turning down James Street, crossing The Strand over Mann Island and landing in front of the main stage at the Pier Head, where the afternoon’s entertainment will begin.

James Davies, Festival Manager at Liverpool Pride said: “We’re delighted to return to St George’s Plateau for the start of the March and are grateful to have Hugh Baird involved as a sponsor. The community well and truly spoke when they chose the superhero theme, so we expect to see everyone marching together as Wonder Women or Super Men on the day. We have already been inundated with registrations, a lot more than we had at this time last year, so we’re expecting a record turnout of Liverpool Pride marchers through the city on 3rd August.”

The Pride March gives the LGBT community, their friends and their families the chance to take to Liverpool’s streets in a blaze of colour, music and this year; spandex, whilst raising awareness of

Sponsoring this year’s March and also taking part in force is Hugh Baird College, one of the largest providers of education and training in Merseyside. In addition to encouraging students to be entrepreneurial, the college takes pride in its reputation for promoting equality and diversity throughout the campus and beyond. A perfect match for Liverpool Pride.

Last year, over 3,500 people took part in the Liverpool Pride March with Patron

Angela Eagle MP at the helm and Liverpool Football Club leading the way as the UK’s first Premier League team to take part in a Pride March. Political Organisations, Trade Unions, the Police and Fire and Rescue Service were also represented in addition to many local gay bars, shops, restaurants, individuals and their nearest and dearest. 7000 people turned out to cheer on marchers in 2012. Both of these figures are expected to increase in 2013 as the festival continues to grow in its popularity. Similarly to previous Liverpool Pride Marches, there will be no motorised floats included, in order to place more emphasis on the issues of Homophobia in the Liverpool LGBT community and also to keep the festival’s carbon emissions to a minimum. LIVERPOOL PRIDE NEEDS A HERO! So, don your gold lamé cape, show us your underpants and bring yourself, your trusty sidekick, friends, family, work-mates and groups along-to take part in the March, which is completely free to join. Everyone is welcome and is invited to sign up at liverpoolpride.co.uk/march before 31st July.

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

Review by Emily Williams

A SHORT DISTANCE FROM LIVERPOOL’S OWN STANLEY STREET QUARTER STANDS THE HARD DAYS NIGHT HOTEL. THE GRAND HOTEL IS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE CITY, WITH A HIGHLY PRAISED OFFERING OF AFTERNOON TEA. SEEN LIVERPOOL WENT ALONG TO TRY IT OUT.

matter of minutes for finish before we take on the irresistible Smörgåsbord of desserts.

Ordering Champagne at 3pm in the afternoon seems somewhat rebellious. Sipping away in deep discussion is a delightful experience in the large yet comforting Lounge Bar of the Hard Days Night Hotel.

Hard Days Night Hotel is a four star, Beatlesinspired hotel located at the heart of Liverpool city centre’s historic Beatles quarter. Set in a grade II listed building; the boutique hotel features exclusive artwork by world-renowned Beatles artists such as Klaus Voorman and Shannon, and is home to Blake’s restaurant and the exclusive Bar Four.

When the food arrives the Champagne no longer seems rebellious. Three large tiers stand between my guest and I packed with sandwiches, cakes, tarts, scones and more. The finger sandwiches are light and fresh, with an array of filings from ham to smoked salmon – and also on a variety of breads. These take a

From freshly baked scones to cream cakes with chocolate it’s the most delightful chore one could enjoy. It’s imperative to have a sweet tooth when enjoying afternoon tea, although I’m sure if requested the portions could be switched. We were happy to receive one tier of sandwiches with two of sweet delights though and enjoyed the decedent afternoon treat.

The hotel opened to much acclaim in February 2008, and has since become a destination of choice for visitors and music fans from all over the world. www.harddaysnighthotel.com

THE FINAL

n i a t r u C

PAUL HOLLIDAY BEGAN HIS CAREER AT THE FLORAL PAVILION ALMOST 30 YEARS AGO. EARLIER IN JUNE HE SAID GOODBYE TO THE THEATRE AS HE RETIRED. HE TELLS SEEN LIVERPOOL OF HIS LOVE OF HIS JOB AND HOW HE WILL SPEND HIS RETIREMENT.

“I was first based at the Floral Pavilion back in 1974 as assistant manager,” Paul says. “I was there for three years before being moved to another role in the council looking after Wirral events, although I always had a hand in the theatre programming. Then, 20 years ago I became the manager of the Floral – and I’ve never looked back. “Times have changed in New Brighton. It was at one point very busy, and although sometimes it’s been quiet the resort is now back to being a destination. There’s a real buzz about it at the moment and I am delighted that the Floral Pavilion has become a main part of this.” Six years ago, the Floral Pavilion was demolished in a regeneration project by Neptune Developments. A year later (in December 2008) a new theatre on the same sight was opened. “One of my most memorable nights at the theatre was that evening when we opened up again. We had a big celebration gala and seeing the faces of guests and patrons as they saw the

new built theatre for the first time was such a pleasure. “Every body was in total awe of this amazing new venue and it gave us so many great opportunities to show off our resort. We even had a lovely visit from the Queen in 2009”. It’s not difficult to see why Paul enjoyed his time at the theatre so much, nor hard to see how much he will be missed. Former colleague Alistair Armit told Seen Liverpool: “Paul should be called Mr Floral; for most of his life he has brought a touch of showbiz sparkle to the theatre. He is a truly dedicated professional who seems to be known and loved by everyone in the industry. “It was an honour to work with someone that has grease paint running through their veins - a proper theatre professional who will be missed.” Paul continues, “I will miss the ambiance

of the theatre the most. The team are one of a kind and not seeing them every day will be tough – although I will still be spending time there on a new volunteer programme just launching called the Floral Ambassadors Scheme” And what else will Paul be doing with his time now that he’s retired? “Well I’ve already had a few difficult decisions to make – for instance I just couldn’t decide what type of ice cream to buy during a leisurely walk on the prom yesterday. Today is easier though – I’m just waiting for the Chardonnay to chill before enjoying the sunshine for a few hours. “On a more serious note, I am going to sit back and enjoy myself for a while. There are lots of things I want to do but now that my schedule has opened up I can plan whilst relaxing. “I’ll obviously still be attending shows at the Floral Pavilion – now as a patron. Although I might have a go at bunking in!”

GOLD INK TATTOO STUDIO 5/7 Rainford Square, Cavern Quarter, Liverpool, L2 6PX | T:0151 236 2225 www.goldinktattoo.wix.com/liverpooltattoo www.facebook.com/goldinktat2 email: shop@goldinktattoo.co.uk Gold Ink is a unique, vibrant, tattoo studio, which opened in May 2012. We are located in the Cavern Quarter at the very heart of Liverpool, seconds away from the gay scene. Our tattoo artists Caz and Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolios cover the whole spectrum of tattoo styles, specializing in high-end custom designs. Bring in your own ideas and work with us to create something unique for you. We also welcome customers without appointments; no tattoo is too big or too small for us to tackle.

Least painful places tend to be an area protected by a large muscle; such as the forearm, upper-arm, shoulder, calf and thigh. Any area directly over bone will be particularly sensitive; this includes ribs, feet, head, and pelvis to name a few.

ARE YOU ABLE TO TATTOO OVER SCARS?

Seen Liverpool asks some questions;

YES, is the simple answer, but the scar needs to be fully healed. A good time scale for large scars is 18 months to 2 years.

DO TATTOOS HURT?

CAN I USE NUMBING CREAM?

Yes, but not as much as some people might like you to believe, as after a short period of time your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural pain-killers (endorphins), kick in and make things much more manageable.

WHERE IS THE LEAST PAINFUL PLACE TO GET TATTOOED?

We do not recommend using them as when the numbness wears off the pain will come back with a vengeance! The cream fooled your body and it will not be producing those handy pain-killing endorphins, so you will be hit with the force of the returning pain with no protection.

TWO EXCITING LGBT EVENTS THIS JULY AT LANTERN THEATRE LIVERPOOL

QUEERTET 2013 -

GRIN THEATRE PRODUCTIONS ARE PROUD TO PRESENT ANOTHER FIZZY, FUNNY AND FILTHY OPENING ACT TO THIS YEARS PRIDE CELEBRATIONS.

25TH, 26TH AND 27TH JULY

UP4AMEET AN OUTRAGEOUS GAY COMEDY, FULL OF KILLER ONE LINERS, HILARIOUS CHARACTERS AND MORE GRATUITOUS NUDITY THAN IS DECENT. STARRING XFACTOR HEART-THROB LLOYD DANIELS AND BIG BROTHER ICON NIKKI GRAHAM.

29TH, 30TH AND 31ST JULY AND 1ST AUGUST

FOR TICKETS VISIT WWW.THELANTERNTHEATRE.CO.UK WHATS-ON OR CALL 01517 030 000 FIND US ON TWITTER- @LTLIV AND FACEBOOK-LANTERN LIVERPOOL 51

LIVERPOOL PRIDE’S SEXY COCKTAIL AT SIR THOMAS HOTEL THE SIR THOMAS HOTEL HAS SHOWN ITS SUPPORT FOR LIVERPOOL PRIDE WITH THE LAUNCH OF A SPECIAL COCKTAIL. The drink, named The Sexy Sir Thomas, is now on offer and all profits from the cocktail will be given directly towards supporting the festival which takes place on August 3. Desperate Scousewives Chris and Mark JohnsonWhite were on hand at the official launch of the cocktail to show their continued support.

Chair of Liverpool Pride, Zoran Blackie adds: “It is through support from businesses like the Sir Thomas Hotel and bars in the Stanley Street quarter that helps to keep Liverpool Pride a free event. Creating a new cocktail especially for us is such a unique and lovely gesture and I’m really grateful for the support. The cocktail looks fantastic and tastes great too.”

Last year, Liverpool Pride attracted over 50,000 visitors to Liverpool and festival organisers are expecting an even bigger turnout at this year’s Super Heroes themed event. Below: Chris and Mark were joined by Liverpool City Councillor Anna Rothery and Chair of Liverpool Pride, Zoran Blackie at the launch.

Chris says: “This is a fabulous idea and a great way to raise awareness and raise money for Liverpool Pride. And I’m really pleased that such a big name in Liverpool nightlife, that isn’t necessarily a gay bar, is supporting this year’s festival. I’ll be telling everyone to pop in for a Sexy Sir Thomas at the very sexy Sir Thomas Hotel.” Hotel restaurant and bar manager, Jamie Poole says: “We’re proud to support Liverpool Pride and I’m sure that the new Sexy Sir Thomas will be a hit with all of our guests, we’re even offering people who quote ‘Pride’ a two for one offer on the new drink.”

The bar that donates 5% to charity The Ethical Glass is a quirky, honestly priced bar that donates 5% to charity. Located opposite the Hard Day’s Night hotel – we serve good quality wines and beers, and decent Martinis! at uninflated prices. No sports screens, alcopops, or karaoke – just a decent place to have a chat, a drink and maybe something to eat – and at the same time make a small contribution to charity. Oh, and free fusball! “The best deal in town is the Martini and bottle of lager for six quid” John Sutton, Liverpool Echo April 2013.

Harrington Street Liverpool L2 9QA theethicalglass@hotmail.co.uk

The Ethical Glass www.theethicalglass.co.uk

GREEN’S SEEN

SEEN AND HEARD THERE IS HARDLY AN LGBT LIVERPOOL FACT THAT ANDY GREEN DOESN’T KNOW – AND HE’S NOT AFRAID TO SHARE HIS OPINION…

Gay marriage, what’s all the fuss about? The only people this legislation will affect are gay couples so I really can’t understand why people are getting their knickers in a twist over it. OK, some people have religious objections, fair enough, but no religious organisation will be forced to marry a same-sex couple if they don’t want to. Some churches, notably The Quakers have been actively campaigning to be allowed to marry gay couples.

“

THERE SHOULD BE NO PLACE FOR DISCRIMINATION PURELY ON THE GROUNDS OF A PERSON’S SEXUAL ORIENTATION.

“

Thankfully the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill was passed at its third reading in the House of Commons by a sizeable majority but those opposed to it (mostly Conservatives) were quite vociferous in their objections and I find that quite disturbing. I expect elected politicians to be reasonably intelligent but the arguments put forward against gay marriage were frankly bizarre and obviously based solely on homophobia rather than any thought through reasoning. And the idea put forward that the

institution of marriage would be “cheapened” if same-sex couples are allowed to marry is insulting to gay people everywhere. I applaud David Cameron for sticking to his guns on the issue – I never thought I’d be writing that! – and also the other parties who realised that the amendment to allow heterosexual couples to enter into civil partnerships was just a cynical delaying tactic that would wreck the bill. The civil partnership issue does need to be addressed at some point if only for the sake of total equality. The Tory grassroot activists, the “swivel-eyed loons”, are apparently in uproar over the issue and threatening to leave the party in droves but with some polls suggesting that over 70% of the population are in favour of equal marriage then they’re very much in the minority. The Bill now faces further scrutiny in the House of Lords which could prove to be a bumpy ride especially with the bishops vehemently against it but everything goes according to plan then gay marriages could be taking place in the summer of 2014. Same-sex marriage is common in many countries around the world with New Zealand and most recently France introducing it, even South Africa allows it. The UK is supposedly one of the most modern and democratic societies in the world and our laws should reflect that and there should be no place for discrimination purely on the grounds of a person’s sexual orientation. Some argue that there are more important issues that parliament should be concentrating on and that we should be content with civil partnerships and I know some gay people who think that but in the end it comes down to equality – you shouldn’t be barred from doing something just because you’re gay.

P I C T U R E P I C T U R E P I C T U R E Fashion photographer, Matt Ford, shifted direction just over a year ago and burst on to the local art scene helped by the success of three brake through exhibitions. His most talked about show to date, The Art Show SS12, gained international notoriety after being featured on Sky Atlantic’s City Secrets followed by a visit from Hollywood actor Alan Cumins.

T H I S T H I S T H I S

Walker Art Gallery, I think it’s the best Gallery in the world and it’s on my door step. To be able to go back in time and see historical paintings from 500 years ago inches from your eyes and then see modem art like a David Hockney or Bridget Riley in one lunch time is amazing. I’ve seen the work there a thousand times but I never leave uninspired.”

With a steady growing demand for his original art work, and even the odd celebrity buyer, the emerging artist’s next evolution is the recent launch of mattfordstudio.com. The site promises to be not only a platform to sell his work internationally, but also to showcase selected artists work from as near as L8 To as far as L.A. We caught up with Matt at his photo studio/gallery for an exclusive sneak preview at some of the forthcoming work to be released on his site in the coming weeks. We picked out our favourite pieces; Currently the studio is being used regularly by Liverpool’s up and coming and established photographers shooting images that are being used for major fashion mags, fine art projects and advertising campaigns. There are also up to 80 theatregoers and actors visiting during the intervals of the performances in the Actors Studio next door. Matt tells Seen Liverpool: “It’s exciting to see so much creativity flowing through the space. “There is a real buzz around the Liverpool art scene at the moment, it is pumping a creative energy that is both inspiring and refreshing.” Matt speaks proudly of the Art readily accessible in the City: “I’m always inspired when I visit the

Lu lowe. ‘Sensory Deprivation’ Lowe’s style mixes rough and ready grittiness of music photography with a radical fashion editorial style. By photographing the real people she meets, her work reflects a genuine sexuality, stripped of any commercial product placement.

Matt Ford ‘Danger, anger, love, passion’ Danger anger love passion are all connotations of the colour red. This work is an emotive piece intended to illustrate the way one can channel this colour and its negative energy into a positive force. As with all the ideas in this collection, the inspiration is loosely based on Buddhist philosophy, specifically for this piece the mediative powers of the colour red

Gregory Goldin. ‘Luminescent’ Goldin’s work explores the depths of forming an intimate connection through all his subjects. Developing himself artistically through different creative mediums, Goldin found fascination with photography and has quickly begun transforming his childhood passions into the success of an artist. Residing in Los Angeles, California, he continually strives to capture unseen perspectives. Goldin’s ambition is creating a legacy that will remain loved, hated, and influential to all.

Matt Ford: ‘Universal’ Ford’s art work takes on many visual metaphors. He often uses bold colours and silk screen prints to archive an emotive reaction. His recent work features larger than life nudes the stand more than two metres tall.

Seen Liverpool has to pose the question to art lover Ford; what would be the one piece of art he would own if he could? “It would have to be the original of ‘The Chinese Girl’ (often known as The Green Lady), the 1950 painting by Vladimir Tretchikoff. The fact it’s a reproduction and has been on hundreds of thousands of people’s living room walls, the idea of that has almost redefined the concept of art completely, it’s weird to think so many people actually own a piece of that one piece of art. To have the original would be something else.” To find out more about forthcoming exhibitions and events at The Studio or to just look at some cool art, visit www.mattfordstudio.com

…a gay owned boutique hotel …in Liverpool City Centre …we welcome & celebrate diversity …PodZzz rooms from £35 a night …loft rooms from £64 a night …5 single PodZzz …1 double PodZzz …8 double boutique rooms …3 twin boutique rooms …1 triple boutique room …2 award winning bars with amazing function space …perfect for civil ceremony/wedding receptions

Parr Street Studios & Hotel …is probably the most unique hotel in Liverpool a boutique hotel within a recording studio and home to Coldplay’s first 3 albums

@ParrStStudios

33-45 Parr Street Liverpool L1 4JN tel: +44151 707 1050 web: www.parrstreet.co.uk

Located in Liverpool City Centre - between Seel St & Duke St

O I D U A ERO Z Creating

memories

SEEN LIVERPOOL SPEAKS TO A WELLKNOWN CHARACTER ON THE GAY SCENE AND BEYOND, ‘SWITCH’, WHO HAS HIGH HOPES AND GREAT DREAMS FOR THE MUSIC CAREER SHE IS STEADILY BUILDING AS ONE QUARTER OF THE BAND AUDIO ZERO. 57

O I D U A ERO Z

Switch (real name Zara Batty but even her parents have adopted her knick name) has been practicing music since she was 12 years old when she taught herself how to play guitar and piano. “I’d come home from school and sit at my piano for hours writing songs, I was quite a nerd back then.” The 28-year-old has come a long way since her quieter school days - from busking on the streets of Liverpool to performing on stages to thousands of people – and she is loving every second.

Switch was the first ever person to receive a Seen Award, winning the title of LGBT Inspirational Person in 2011.

“Winning the award was amazing,” she recalls. “I’ve played at so many LGBT events in Liverpool and around the country and I’ve had so much support, it’s been crazy. I’m so thankful for everyone who voted for me. I’ve been singing/performing for a really long time and it was so nice to be recognised.” And her life goal? “I want to be just like Hugh Hefner....I joke, I just want people to hear our music. I want to hear people singing my songs.

I love being on stage with the boys (her band mates Rolo, Phil and Joe) we have a great chemistry and always have a brilliant time.”

“To perform at massive music venues and to know people are there just to see you must be the most amazing feeling.”

The band met in April last year on the internet; “We all placed adverts on the same website and strangely all messaged each other at exactly the same time. We met up at a rehearsal room in April 2012 and we just clicked. We all want the same thing, we live for music.”

Helping her along the way to achieving her dreams are her family including her parents and girlfriend Kim: “They’re at every single show, dancing at the front, making a show of me. My Mum and Dad must’ve seen me perform a thousand times. They always come to LGBT events to watch me perform....my dad wrapped in a rainbow flag!

Audio Zero are a pop/electro/rock band, “I’d say a mix up of The Killers/Pink...but with an Audio Zero twist.” Switch tells me.

“As a band we’ve got so many plans. We’re currently writing, recording, rehearsing...eating too much chocolate and drinking too much beer. We’re doing a school tour and our first single was released in April.” The band have recently filmed their first music video and are hoping to play at some pride events over the summer: “Anywhere that’ll have us. Any excuse to party too!” Switch reckons it’s the people of the city that make Liverpool so special, after she started to visit five years ago from her then home in North Wales she soon made the residential move here. “I didn’t know anyone the first night I went out and yet the night after, I had a flat full of amazing people who I’m still friends with now. The people in Liverpool are laid back and just up for a good time.” And does she think there’s much work to do on Liverpool to make it a gay friendly city? “I think there’s work to be done in EVERY city to create a more gay friendly vibe. But then, looking at the turn out for Liverpool Pride over the past couple of years, I’d say we’re on the right track and I’ll continue to support and champion the LGBT community in any way I can.”

SCREEN SEEN THE SIMPLE TRUTH IS NEVER SIMPLE

WITH A LONG TIME PASSION FOR QUEER FILM, JOAN BURNETT BELIEVES THE IMPORTANCE OF LGBT SEEING THEMSELVES ON SCREEN IS AS IMPORTANT AS EVER. WITH EIGHT YEARS AT FACT LIVERPOOL UNDER HER BELT, JOAN IS NO STRANGER TO GREAT FILM. SHE REVIEWS THE BEST IN NEW AND CLASSIC DVDS AVAILABLE NOW.

The death of Margaret Thatcher set us all thinking about our identity and where we might sit politically. Her administration brought in the infamous Clause 28 stopping local authorities “promoting homosexuality” and it was a time when talking about the “pretend families” of LGBT people was deemed acceptable by some. Both the following films aim to ask some questions about life as directly as possible.

REVIEW

UNFAITHFUL

How far we have come? Unfaithful (18) has just come out on DVD in the UK and sets up an interesting premise. Director Claude Pérès claims to “look into the heart of human desire” by asking an actor he has met to come to his apartment and agree to be filmed while they have sex. This is exactly what happens: Pérès sets up the cameras, Marcel Schlutt turns up, the cameras role and they get down to business. Unfaithful needs you to have some patience. The first half hour is filmed in very low light while the two men explore each other physically and conversationally, but as the new day dawns the power play between director and actor becomes fascinating.

NIGHTHAWKS The year 1979 saw the release of Nighthawks (15) as well as the start of Thatcher’s time as Prime Minister. It caused controversy both for its unblinking depiction of London gay life and for its fly-on-the-wall style. Ron Peck and Paul Hallam set out to make the “definitive gay movie” - to just tell it like it is - the film certainly feels authentic if a bit down beat. It is very much the precursor of films like Weekend and The Comedian (to be released later this year) that tell simple tales of ordinary lives but with a poetry and thoughtfulness that leave a lasting impression

REVIEW

Pérès is very aware of “directing” whereas actor Marcel Schlutt seems more relaxed, more” natural”, laughing at his own “porn moves”. Even when Pérès hands him the camera and Marcel films him, he is still in charge whilst the actor is merely “playing” director. When the event is finished, the two men are calm and contemplative: the sound track picks up the noises of everyday life happening around them: children in the street, traffic, rain. Pérès asks one final direct question to the audience “ do you think we made a movie with no fantasy, no desire or faith? Do you think we were “unfaithful”? I’ll leave it up to you to give him the answer.

PLUS SOME... It’s a common sight on a weekend evening to see a long line of people queuing up for access to the recently opened Bierkeller. With its reputation for a guaranteed good time for revellers its popularity comes as no shock to Liverpool. Not wanting a heavy night though I decided to pay a visit to the bar on a Wednesday evening.

The drinks list is also surprisingly diverse. Far from the bar’s namesake the venue boasts massive ranges of vodka, whiskey, general spirits and the cocktail list is fantastic. The wine choices are also affordable as well as good quality. Of course the beer menu is substantial although not overwhelming as beers are broken down by continent, country and region.

The saying ‘something for everyone’ is often overused when it comes to reviews – after all it’s a bold term. This said, at Bierkeller, no matter what your night out preference there really is something to suit.

Stairs ahead lead to another bar dubbed ‘Shooters’ it offers free pool, gaming and large tv screens. Perfect for sports fans with a very relaxed atmosphere and constant drink offers. Food is adaptable to platters and picking bits although still substantial.

Surprisingly it was relatively busy on this particular Wednesday – on entrance the spacious open bar is welcoming, with a restaurant and podium tables plotted around the room. It’s perfect for sipping a drink and people watching. The restaurant offers a wide range of good quality food with a ‘round the world’ theme. Dozens of course offers catch the eye from Asia to Europe with some slightly more adventurous choices such as a Kangaroo burger.

The largest and most popular part of the venue is the main Keller. With long benched tables spanning the room and a large bar bookings are usually essential. Mainly serving large steins of beer the room offers a real party atmosphere and it’s likely that you’ll find yourself turning strangers into friends before the night is over. Entertainment is provided on a large stage (as it is in the main downstairs bar) and there are special booths surrounding the room with

their own beer pump which are a novelty in themselves and can be hired for the evening. Each weekend the venue is quickly booked out as the main Keller puts on the show of the week. For every occasion, the interactive performance sees revellers literally dancing on the benches. Even the most reserved of party-goers will see their wild side come out for one night only as they raise their steins and drink with the entertaining compere. The Bierkeller is buzzing –it’s inclusive, chic, fun, entertaining - down right cool. The place to be in the city at the moment and I imagine it will hold the title for a long time to come. It’s fantastic addition to Liverpool One – and I say it with total confidence, there is something to suit every taste and every budget. www.liverpool.thebierkeller.com

NEW CINEMA SUPPER CLUB LAUNCHED Hilton Hotel have launched a new dining concept called ‘Cinema Supper Club @The Exchange’. A brand new menu, and a new look restaurant with old fashion classic black and white movies shown on a big screen from Thursday to Sunday evenings.

Tony Dixon, Lorraine McCulloch and Armand Beasley

Popcorn was served as guests sat down to dinner and diners were given cinema style torches to read their menu’s, while sweetie jars full of goodies were available for guests. Following dinner, guests enjoyed live music in the Hotels popular PIMA Bar.

Robert Hudaly, Jane Harris, Caroline Hudaly, Phil Harris, Adele and Julian Moss

Marius McGovern, Debbie McGovern, and Jenny Gallagher

Ray Jones and Ryan Jackson

Valerio Tambone and Luke Trevaskis

THE BIG REUNION AT HOUSE Band members of the Reunion tour celebrated in a star studded private party in Liverpool Bar and restaurant House. After a sell-out show at Echo Arena members of Atomic Kitten lead Five, Blue, Bewitched, Liberty X, Honeyz and 911 joined by ITV crew and close family and friends partied in style at the event sponsored by leading champagne brand Laurent Perrier organised by Bold Management and Chellew Productions. Kerry Katona & Fiance George Kay

Natasha Hamilton, Duncan James, Bewitched, Honeyz

Blue: Antony Costa, Duncan James, Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan

Bewitched: Sinead Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Corroll, Lindsay Armaou & Edele Lynch

The Honeyz: Celena Cherry, Heaveni Roberts, Mariama Goodman

LFC LEGENDS DINNER & LORD MAYOR’S DINNER

Ian Rush, Roy Evans, Jan Molby, Phil Neal, Brendan Rodgers, Jamie Carragher, David Fairclough, John Bishop and Chris Lawler

Left and above: The Liverpool Former Players Association hosted a Gala Awards Dinner at the Hilton Hotel to honour players from across the decades who have been a part of the Club’s enormous success story. The event, sponsored by Carlsberg and Wongs Jewellers and many of the former players were present to honour those receiving awards. Newly enlisted into the Liverpool Legends Hall of Fame, Jamie Carragher received a standing ovation as he picked up his award for ‘Player of the decade 20002010’

Chelsea Jefferson, Gail Powell-Hjort, Louise Kemp and Elisabeth Riley

Kieran Bohan, Gary Millar and Rebecca Keegan

Beth Tweddle and Peter Wong

Ian Cook and Nathan Poole

Below: City VIPs gathered at Liverpool Town Hall as guests for new Lord Mayor Gary Millar’s first official dinner after being sworn in.

April Ashley and Gary Millar

SILVER SOCIAL

Photosgraphs: Dave the Pap

LGBT people over the age of 45, and their admirers gathered at Parr Street Studios for the latest Silver Social event. With entertainment from the LGBT choir and Alan Cross the evening was a great success.

CELEBS IN LIVERPOOL RECENTLY. PICS COURTESY OF DAVE THE PAP

Former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan leaving Royal Court Liverpool

Former Pusscat Doll Carmit Batcher arriving at LIPS

Hollyoaks cast members PJ Brennan, Lucy Dixon, Jessica Fox & Joe Tracini at The Liverpool Empire

Kerry katona leaving Radisson Blu Hotel

Les Dennis and Claire Sweeney in Liverpool

Marcus Collins & Hairspray cast visit Herbert of Liverpool salon

Revenge actor Barry Sloane at San Carlo

Top jockey Barry Geraghty checks into Hotel Indigo

April Ashley at Hope Street Hotel

Juice FM Style Award Winner 2012 Voted for by the public Harley Street Trained for 10 years One of the North Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first aesthetic nurse practitioner Clinics in Lpool, Manchester Leeds, Sheffield and Nottingham Cosmetic Injectables

www.enhanceclinic.com Enhance Clinic Liverpool, New Zealand House, 18 Water Street, Liverpool, L2 8TD 0151 236 1488 68