The Challenge February 2015

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YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

INSIDE

STROKE SURVIVOR URGES PEOPLE TO ACT FAST

Issue 333 February 2015

Local Taxis for Local People

Fears have been raised over teens being targeted on social media

Page 3

THE SEARCH FOR A RISING STAR BEGINS Page 4

ENTERPRISE @ PARK VIEW PRIMARY SCHOOL Page 8

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO SEE EVENTS IN KNOWSLEY Page 13 Keep up to date with THE CHALLENGE on our new website

INFORMATION News: 0151 706 7411 Advertising: 0151 709 7567 Email: thechallenge@merseymirror.com Facebook: thechallenge@merseymirror.com Twitter: thechallenge6 Copy deadline: Thursday 5 March 2015

KNOWSLEY TEEN SEXTING FEARS The NSPCC has launched its Share Aware campaign to get families talking about socialising safely online

nxious parents concerned that Merseyside school bullies could be posting sexual images of their children online are being reassured: “There is help out there.”

Merseyside Police have been visiting schools in Knowsley warning parents of bullying incidents involving posting explicit pictures online.

Detective Sergeant Cat Walsh from Knowsley CID said: “We have recently received a small number of reports of teenagers using social media to post inappropriate images of other young people on group profiles.

“This can be extremely distressing for people who may have sent explicit images of themselves to others and then find that they are visible online.

“We are now working hard to establish the full circumstances around the reports that have been made.”

Detective Sergeant Walsh added: “Incidents such as these can happen to anyone, anywhere, but there are lots of tips that parents, guardians

A

and children themselves can take to stay safe when they are using the internet and social media.

“If you are a young person, never be encouraged to send any images of yourself which are explicit or your feel in any way uncomfortable about.

“Even if you text images to someone you think you can trust, those pictures can ended up being posted online, and once they are on the internet they can be very hard to remove.

“Keeping children safe online is the biggest child protection challenge of this generation” “If you are concerned about anything you are being asked to do, whether by an adult or another young person, confide in an adult that you trust.

“If you are a parent or guardian, you should ask yourself if you know what sites your children are using and who their online friends are.

You should always set

appropriate parental controls on your child’s computer, mobile and games console.

“As an adult, you should also know where to get help if you are concerned about any contact that has been made with your child, either on their mobile or online.

“Tuesday, 10 February is World Safer Internet Day. Merseyside Police is supporting it and we’d encourage people to use it as an opportunity to talk about the risks and benefits of social media sites and how people can enjoy them in a safe and

responsible way.

“There’ll also be lots of tips and advice on twitter - just follow #SID2015.”

A spokesperson for Knowsley Council added: “All Knowsley schools receive ongoing support from Knowsley Council to help ensure pupils know how to stay safe online.

“This includes guidance on policies and training for staff and governors”.

The NSPCC has launched its Share Aware campaign to get • Continued on page 2

2 February 2015

KNOWSLEY TEEN SEXTING FEARS • Continued on page 2

families talking about socialising safely online.

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “Children are taught from an early age that it is good to share but doing so online can be very dangerous.

We must all be Share Aware.

“This Christmas many children will have been given a smart phone, a tablet computer, or a games console. So it’s the perfect opportunity for parents to have that important conversation with their children about who they are talking to and what they share when they socialise online.

“We know that children do take risks online, sometimes without realising it. And we know some parents feel confused by the internet – out of their depth, and out of control.

“Our Share Aware campaign gives parents straightforward, no-nonsense advice that will help them to untangle the web and feel confident talking to their children about online

safety.

“Keeping children safe online is the biggest child protection challenge of this generation. Parents have a vital role to play but we want social networking sites to respond to parental concerns about their children’s safety and privacy.

“The NSPCC will continue to challenge and work with internet companies and the Government to make the internet a safer place for children.”

The NSPCC’s Share Aware campaign is aimed at parents of 8 to 12-year-old children and also features two animations to be shown on prime time TV and digital spaces.

‘I Saw Your Willy’ and ‘Lucy And The Boy’ are engaging films with a serious message that follow the stories of two children who share too much about themselves online.

Both films contain the simple message that although children are taught that it’s

good to share, this is not always the case online.

People can find out more about the NSPCC campaign at www.nspcc.org.uk/shareaware and join the debate on social media by following #ShareAware.

Anyone looking for advice about keeping children safe online, or concerned about the safety and

welfare of a child, can contact the NSPCC’s 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk Children worried about online safety or any other problem can call the free, 24-hour helpline on 0800 1111 or get help online at www.childline.org.uk

The naming of the park A new park in Croxteth formerly known as The River Alt Restoration Project has now been named. The new name for the park will be Alt Meadows.

The name was shortlisted from originally 54 names, then whittled down to four names and finally the winning name, Alt Meadows was announced.

The name was originally chosen by local resident Lynne Bryne who lives very near to the new meadows. The name got a majority vote as

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the winner by local community members.

The Cass Foundation who are the project managers have now ordered the welcome signage for the park which should be completed in the not too distant future.

The activity on the Alt Meadows has been non stop over the past few months and they held the start of National Tree Week in November 2014.

Residents and school children have planted trees on Alt Meadows and they have come out in all sorts of wintery weather to get the whips and feathers (tree sizes) planted before the spring.

The tree planting is still currently ongoing and Alt Meadows is looking more established than ever.

The trees that were planted were a variety of hawthorn, silver birch, holly, oak and hazelnut.

This is excellent for the local environment and long term sustainability of the Alt Meadows.

The Mersey Forest and The Conservation Volunteers have also done a fantastic job of planting trees and bulbs on site and we hope to see blooms in the up and coming months.

TACKLING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN HALEWOOD Three young people from Halewood have been issued with two year Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates’ Court.

The applications for ASBOs were made by Knowsley Council, on behalf of the Community Safety Partnership, due to complaints of conduct causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to persons not of the same household as them. Reports included the group using foul, abusive or threatening language and congregating in groups.

Carl Francis Masher, aged 16years, Liam Riley, aged 18 years and Kieran Roberts, aged 17 years are prohibited from:• Using foul, abusive or threatening language or behaviour towards any person in any place to which the public have access for payment or otherwise; • Associating with, or being in the company of, each other, either separately or collectively, in any public place, or place to which the public have access; • Entering the boundary of any residential property without the consent of the owner or occupier,

this includes communal areas within flats; • Not entering or being on the pavement to the front of, the Grenadier Public House, Camberley Drive, Halewood. In addition to this Carl Masher and Liam Riley are also prohibited from: riding any pedal cycle or other motorised vehicle/scooter/scrambler without the express consent of the owner, who must be identifiable by him.

A Knowsley Council spokesperson said: “Knowsley Council has worked closely with partners from the Community Safety Partnership to address the concerns of our residents, which were having a negative impact on our communities. As you can see, we are committed to reducing antisocial behaviour and we have taken robust action.

“These orders send out a clear message that anti-social behaviour is unacceptable.”

The orders will remain in force until 14 January 2017. If the conditions of the ASBO are not adhered to, the group are liable to a term of imprisonment, a fine or both.

Residents in Knowsley can report anti-social behaviour in a number of ways – call the Police on 101 or report online at www.knowsley.gov.uk/asb.

February 2015 3

Stroke survivor Kate Jones, 54 from Huyton

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STROKE SURVIVOR URGES PEOPLE TO ACT FAST

The Stroke Association has launched a new initiative to help more people affected by stroke receive emergency medical treatment.

The charity is calling for people across Knowsley to support the FAST Forward campaign by learning the signs of a stroke and sharing the message to help save more lives.

The FAST Test identifies the three most common symptoms of a stroke or ministroke and the right action to take: • FACE: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

• ARM weakness: Can the person raise both arms?

• SPEECH problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

• TIME to call 999 Kate Jones, 54 from Huyton, had a stroke in December 2012 and believes the FAST Test made a huge impact on her life.

Kate was at home preparing to put up her Christmas decorations when she felt the left side of her face tingle and couldn’t move the left side of her body.

Having seen the FAST adverts, she knew the signs and was certain she was having a stroke.

Because she acted quickly and arrived at Whiston Hospital within four and a half hours of the stroke, Kate was given the clot busting drug, thrombolysis, which helped her to recover more quickly.

Kate said: “I now walk with a stick and have limited movement in my left arm but the hospital said getting to them so quickly was the best thing I could have done.

“I was very lucky to be within the timeframe for thrombolysis. I’d tell anyone who thinks they may be having a stroke to act FAST and get help immediately.”

Chris Larkin from the Stroke Association said: “When it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost. A stroke is caused by a blockage or a bleed in the brain, which cuts off the brain’s flow of oxygen and causes brain cells to die.

“So recognising the symptoms of stroke and calling 999 for an ambulance as quickly as possible is absolutely vital.

Acting FAST can help reduce the devastating impact a stroke can have.

“We know that well over a tenth (13%) of people in the North West wrongly believe a stroke could never happen to them. Sadly this cruel condition can happen to anyone at any time. The more people who are FAST aware, the more lives we can save.”

To find out more about the FAST Forward campaign, and to view information and support available, visit www.stroke.org.uk/FastForward

App also available on Android

4 February 2015

The new slip road opens Nearly £2 million has been invested into the A5300 Knowsley expressway improvement scheme through the Department for Transport’s Local Pinch Point Fund, which will reduce congestion in the area and support growth and investment across the Liverpool City Region.

Representatives from Knowsley and Halton Council’s officially opened the new route in January, with the cutting of a ribbon in recognition of their successful partnership working in this area of the Liverpool City Region.

The junction is a key part of the City Region’s transport network, connecting residents to large employment sites. It also forms a vital part of the main route to and from the Mersey Multimodal Gateway development, Liverpool 2, the UK’s first Superport, Runcorn Bridge and the New Mersey Gateway.

Cllr Ron Round, leader of Knowsley Council said: “This improvement work enhances the existing superb transport network we have in Knowsley and will further strengthen the connectivity of the borough. Knowsley’s great transport links is one of the mains reasons that so many companies choose to be based here, so it’s important that our highway network supports this demand.

“Just as importantly, the improvement works will help to reduce congestion for motorists who use this route on a daily basis and will open up links to new employment sites.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the delivery of this scheme which has been completed ahead of schedule and in difficult weather conditions.

“We are now planning phase 2, which will invest an additional £5.4m into the junction to further improve connectivity to the M62 and Superport.”

This first phase of the improvement scheme has installed a left turn slip road from the A5300 Knowsley Expressway southbound carriageway to the A562 Speke Road eastbound carriageway together with other enhancements to the overall interchange.

Cllr Ron Round, leader of Knowsley Council and Cllr Rob Polhill, leader of Halton Council cut the ribbon to open the road.

SEARCH FOR A RISING STAR BEGINS Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT), is searching for the community’s next great undiscovered singing talent as part of its third annual Rising Stars competition, which offers one lucky young person the chance to pursue their dream of a music career.

Each year KHT searches for Knowsley is eligible to showcase Knowsley’s next singing star by their talent and enter the asking the borough’s residents to competition. submit a video entry of a musical Entries can be submitted by performance. posting a YouTube or SoundCloud From these entries, a select clip on KHT’s Facebook page or group of entrants will be invited to alternatively, CD copies of a perform for a crowd of spectators performance can be mailed to and a panel of expert judges at KHT’s offices. the competition’s grand final, as Executive director at KHT, Ian part of KHT’s community day in Thomson, said: “We’re passionate July. about offering inspiring Last year’s community day, opportunities to those who live in which is one of the north west’s the communities in which we largest annual free family events, operate. had a record attendance of 4,000.

“Previous winners of our rising Included in the eventual stars competition have gone on to winner’s prize bundle are a day in great things with one person a studio to record their winning securing a place on the song, which will then be added to performing arts course of their KCC Live’s playlist for a month, dreams, demonstrating that this is and the chance to perform at the a fantastic chance for a young Community Achievement Awards person from Knowsley to take in autumn 2015. their first steps to showbiz This prize, offered in conjunction success. with KCC Live, is part of KHT’s aim “Merseyside has a long tradition to deliver a wide range of of producing great musical talent, opportunities for its tenants and so I’m excited to see what this other Knowsley residents. year’s finalists have to offer.

Any young person aged 13 or KHT is keen to create success over, who lives, works or studies in wherever possible throughout the

region, and this is one of many projects we’ll be undertaking in 2015.”

Eleanor Nelly, 14, who won the 2014 rising stars competition, said: “I’ve been gigging across the North West as a singer songwriter for a long time and have found it hard to find opportunities to perform in Huyton, where I’ve lived all my life. That’s why rising stars is such a great opportunity for people in our community.

“It gives Liverpool’s young people the chance to showcase their talent and build support from the area in which they live. I was so excited to hit the recording studio when I won last year’s competition, because all I’ve ever wanted to do is perform and work with music.

“The standard was so high in 2014 and I couldn’t believe it when I won. I can’t wait to see this year’s finalists perform at the KHT community day. I’d tell anybody who has a passion for singing to get involved – it’s definitely been a great experience for me.”

To enter the competition via Facebook, please visit www.facebook.com/knowsleyhous ingkht. For more information about KHT, please visit www.k-h-t.org.

February 2015 5

CARERS BEGIN DIALOGUE ABOUT CUTS IN SERVICES

Knowsley Carers Centre recently held an event at the Old Schoolhouse, Huyton, during which carers were given the opportunity to direct their questions about cuts in services that affect them and the people they care for to a panel of invited guests.

The panel was made up of officers from Adult Social Care including Julie Moss, assistant executive director of Adult Social Care, Darren Persand, senior commissioning manager and Terry Corry, head of service, Adult Social Care.

Over recent months carers have expressed concern about a number of issues.

They have seen the introduction of charging for travel to and from day care services and a reduction in respite provision.

Carers have told staff at Knowsley Carers Centre that they feel increasingly under pressure with the changes taking place, they fear more cuts in services and feel frustrated about the lack of communication and consultation about services.

The NHS and Adult Social Services rely

on carers to provide invaluable support to the cared for person.

Staff at Knowsley Carers Centre requested that the panel attend the meeting to start a more positive consultative relationship between carers and local authority officers.

The meeting was highly charged with carers demonstrating their strength of feeling about the topics discussed but the outcome was positive and they came away with a commitment from the officers present to engage fully with the issues through further consultation.

A carer is a person of any age, adult or child, who provides unpaid support to a partner, child, relative, or friend who couldn’t manage to live independently or whose health or wellbeing would deteriorate without this help. This could be due to frailty, disability or serious health condition, mental ill health or substance misuse (Carers Trust).

If you want any more information about services to support carers or any information regarding your caring role, please contact Knowsley Carers Centre on 0151 549 1412

MAN CHARGED WITH FIREARM OFFENCES

Merseyside Police can confirm a man has been charged following the recovery of a firearm and ammunition in Huyton on Wednesday 4 February.

At 10am officers executed a warrant at a property on Radway Road in Huyton.

Following a search of the property a handgun and ammunition were recovered.

A 20-year-old man, Joshua Harrison of Radway Road, Huyton, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and ammunition and was subsequently charged with these offences.

A 24-year-old man was also arrested on possession of a firearm and ammunition.

He was bailed pending further enquiries.

NORDIC WALKING Halewood Country Park are holding FREE ‘Learn2' Nordic Walk training sessions which begin on Tuesday 24 February at 1pm.

It includes a four week certificated course with option for regular Nordic walks thereafter. Poles and tuition are provided.

For further details and to book your place contact annick@landlife.org.uk or 0151 7381913

6 February 2015

MOTIVATIONAL MORNING AT ST JOHN BOSCO and empowered by the work she continues to do for not only woman, but all victims of forced marriage and abuse.

“We would like to thank Jasvinder for joining us and providing our students with a morning they won’t forget.”

Jasvinder’s charity, Karma Nirvana was established in 1993, initially as a local project to support woman who experienced language and cultural barriers. Since its inception, it has developed in to an international project which also supports men and couples.

The charity also runs the National Honour Network Helpline, the UK’s first helpline that’s dedicated to supporting victims of forced marriage and honour based abuse.

Since the success of her debut novel, ‘Shame’, she has been applauded for her campaigning and relentless lobbying of government to criminalise forced marriage, with Prime Minister David Cameron quoted as stating how Jasvinder has ‘turned his head on the issues of forced marriages’.

Residents invited to find out about street lighting work in Huyton A respected author, campaigner and advocate for the rights of those experiencing forced marriage and abuse visited St John Bosco Arts College to share her story and campaign.

Jasvinder Sanghera CBE, delivered an inspirational talk relating to her own experiences, which saw her promised into marriage at the age of eight.

She talked about her triumph over adversity and how she established a safe network for women through the charity, Karma Nirvana.

Year 11, 12 and 13 Students gathered on The Hill, St John Bosco’s new assembly area to listen to Jasvinder’s

moving talk.

Students listened to her inspiring story and real life experiences, as she shared her first-hand knowledge of forced marriages, and her aim to raise the awareness of their prominence in the UK through her charity.

Students were able to ask questions during a Q&A session at the end which prompted further discussion.

Headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, Anne Pontifex says: “It has been wonderful to welcome Jasvinder Sanghera to our school, she is an inspirational woman and a great role model for our girls.

“Our students were moved by her story

Knowsley residents living in Swanside, Huyton are invited to attend a public consultation event on Thursday 19 February to find out more about the next phase of the borough’s multi-million pound street lighting programme.

Knowsley Council is working with SSE Contracting to carry out a multi-million pound revamp of the borough’s street lighting.

The next phase of the project will see work starting in Swanside at the end of March.

Members of the local community are invited to attend a consultation event being held on at Swanside Community Centre at 6.15pm.

Representatives from both Knowsley Council and SSE Contracting will be on-hand to answer any questions residents may have regarding the work that will be taking place.

The event will begin with a presentation outlining the street lighting scheme, along with details of the timescales and benefits it will bring to the area. This will last for around 15 minutes and will be followed by an opportunity for residents to ask questions.

The video which will be played at the event, giving residents a better idea of what to expect from the new lighting, is available to watch on You Tube.

Artist Patricia McDonald with one of her artworks

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Printmaking brings places to life in ‘Latitude and Longitude’ The very essence of some of the world’s most famous landmarks is captured in a new exhibition by Knowsley artist Patricia McDonald.

Latitude and Longitude, which opened in the Huyton Gallery on February 2, is a collection of digital and traditional printmaking pieces based on images taken on the artist’s trips to Australia, Japan, America, Berlin and Belize.

At the heart of the exhibition are a series of new large-scale digital and traditional printmaking pieces, which create a kind of visual travelogue. With layering, marks and texture using a variety of traditional woodblock, silkscreen, embossing and digital printmaking techniques, the works appear somehow ‘otherworldly’.

“The work is about me trying to capture the essence of those places I’ve visited, says Patricia. “Not only how the landmarks look, but how the place felt and my memories of being there.”

Whiston-based Patricia is a well known name on the local art scene, having exhibited regularly at the Knowsley Open Exhibition. Alongside her husband David Holmes, a designer, Patricia regularly runs art, printmaking, paper making and animation workshops with local schools and community groups through their company, Art4Design. Together they were behind the colourful artwork inside the new Prescot Soccer Centre, which commemorate the heritage of the area.

Latitude and Longitude runs until May 16. Huyton Gallery is on Civic Way, Huyton, Knowsley, L36 9GD and is open Mondays and Fridays 9am to 5pm; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm. Entry is free.

February 2015 7

PLACE YOUR BETS AT THE BIG SCREEN RACE NIGHT IN PRESCOT Willowbrook Hospice is holding a ‘Big Screen Race Night’ at Prescot Town Hall on Friday 20 March from 7pm, with the first race kicking off at 7.30pm The fundraising event features an entertaining night of virtual horse racing, where guests can place their bets, watch the races on an indoor screen and have the chance to win prize money.

With all the excitement of the upcoming Grand National, guests can place their bets on a virtual horse for £1 and be in with the chance of winning prize money during each of the eight races. For an extra chance to win, you can own a horse from any race for just £3

and the owner of the winning horse will receive a prize.

Nichola Saunders, Fundraising manager at Willowbrook said: “With the Grand National just around the corner, what better way to get in the mood than a night with the runners and riders for Willowbrook. Get dressed up and join us knowing that all the money raised from the night will help local people with life limiting illnesses”.

Entry tickets for the event can be bought in advance for £5, which includes light refreshments.

For tickets, contact the Willowbrook Fundraising Office on 01744 453798 or email: events@willlowbrookhospice.org.uk

Unique drop-in event to celebrate ‘Prescot Old Buildings Day’ 25-29 Eccleston Street, Prescot

A unique drop-in event celebrating Prescot’s rich history and heritage, will take place on Saturday 7 March.

The event will be hosted by Prescot Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), in association with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

People are invited to drop-in any time between 10am and 4pm at Prescot Town Hall, 1 Warrington Road, Prescot.

Throughout the day, there will be a variety of demonstrations, including brick, plaster, roofing / slate, stone and timber. In addition, there will be a one-off demonstration at 1pm for lime slaking. You will be able to have a go at some of the crafts yourself, guided by the SPAB craftspeople.

Talks will also take place throughout the day. Between 11am -11.45am, come along to ‘Getting to know your old building’ or between 2pm – 2.45pm, there will be a talk on ‘Looking after your old building’. Book your place today on the talks – email owen.barton@knowsley.gov.uk In addition, you can ask an SPAB expert specific questions about your own building or project between 10.30am – 12 noon and 2.30pm – 4pm.

Cllr Dave Lonergan, cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills, said: “I would encourage people to come along to

such a unique event and gather useful advice and tips on how to look after old buildings, including general maintenance and managing damp. The event will also showcase the traditional skills used in days gone by, which will prove to be a popular attraction.”

The event supports the £3.2 million Prescot THI which is transforming the town centre. Work is nearing completion on 40 High Street – both internally and externally.

The historic brickwork and stonework has been revealed after decades of paint has been stripped away, whilst the upper floors have been refurbished ready for occupation as an affordable home.

The plain twentieth century shopfront has been replaced with a handsome all-timber shop front, complementing the building’s traditional architecture.

Extensive repair and restoration, both internally and externally is also underway at 29-31 Eccleston Street, with works due to be completed by the end of March. The vacant upper floors are being converted into four affordable dwellings.

The next phase of building restoration and repair is due to commence at 11 Market Place which should see dramatic changes to the exteriors.

For the latest THI news and updates on the Old Buildings Day on 7 March, visit www.prescotthi.org.uk/blog

8 February 2015

ENTERPRISE @ PARK VIEW Pupils from Park View Primary School, Huyton recently started up their own small business as part of their Enterprise Week.

Children worked in Year Group teams to design their business model with one main objective in mind – MAKING A PROFIT!!

Their start up fund was only £20 per year group. Before the children were allowed to sell any of their products, they had to present their business idea to the Park View Dragons Den Team…… consisting of Miss Harrison and Ms Walker!

After the product research and development had been completed, the

stalls were set up, extensive marketing had taken place and with queues of eager customers lined up outside the school gates the doors to the ‘Park View Market’ opened……. and what a busy day they all had!

Headteacher, Ms Ruth Harrison said: “The children and staff worked hard all day selling their products. The total start up fund paid out by school was £120 £20 to each year group.

“We still have orders coming in and some payments still to be made, however, the children have managed to turn £120 into £1400.

“We certainly have some young Alan Sugars in Park View”.

February 2015 9

With a ‘Little Help from their Friends’

Dogs Trust Merseyside are hoping that dog lovers in Merseyside will ‘come together’ and help them find homes for four seven week old American Bull Dog cross puppies.

The puppies, nick named after the famous fab four, John, Paul, George and Ringo are hoping that someone will ‘Love them Do’ and give them a forever home.

Aimee Best, supporter relations officer at Dogs Trust Merseyside, said: “These puppies are a total delight, and very sweet. They have a lovely temperament, and love nothing more than cuddles with their carers.

“As they are American Bull Dogs, they are going to be a large breed, so any new potential owner must be aware of that. They will require puppy training classes and lots of socialisation.

“As they are still so young, their owner must be around for most of the day to be with them.”

Staff are hoping that this will be the end of their ‘hard days life’ and will be heading off to new homes soon.

If you can give one of these pups a loving home, please contact Dogs Trust Merseyside on 0300 303 0292 or drop into the centre at Whiston Lane, Liverpool, L36 6HP

COLLEGE PLEDGES TO COMBAT YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT St Helens College has launched a campaign to recruit young people from around the region who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

The College today kick-started the campaign aimed at those aged 16 to 25 by highlighting its highly successful Prince’s Trust and Directions programmes, which provide students with the foundations to further their education and enter employment or an apprenticeship.

The free short courses provide NEET young people with the opportunity to explore their options, undertake work experience and gain valuable life skills.

The courses can last anything from 6 to 12 weeks and students are provided with free bus passes and breakfast. The Directions course also provides students with a £25 per week training

allowance and if eligible, a bursary.

Dr Jette Burford, principal of St Helens College said: “St Helens has an estimated 355 NEET young people. Although the figure has decreased year on year in St Helens the College is still committed to reducing that number through innovative programmes such as the Prince’s Trust and Directions.

“Directions and Prince’s Trust provide a stepping stone for young people in the region to gain qualifications, experience and knowledge to enter employment or to enrol onto training or an education programme.

“The course aims to provide students with a whole host of opportunities to enable them to reach their personal goals, despite their background.

“The College provides financial support for students on the

Paula Rowlett, Prince’s Trust Team Leader at St Helens College

programme and are committed to each student progress.”

Directions and Prince’s Trust recruit all year round, to find out more information about the courses or to join today call 0800 99 66 99 or visit www.sthelens.ac.uk

10 February 2015

ONE NOT TO MISS Knowsley Open Art Exhibition

FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY Kirkby Gallery, The Kirkby Centre, Norwich Way, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 8XY. Knowsley Council presents 14th Knowsley Open Art Exhibition which showcases 2D visual art created by people over 18 years who live, work, volunteer or study in the borough of Knowsley. The ‘Young Artists Open’ exhibition will also be on display, to celebrate the work of young and emerging artists of all ages up to 17 years. For further information contact 0151 443 5617 or email: galleries@knowsley.gov.uk

email your events to: thechallenge@merseymirror.com MONDAY 9 FEBRUARY NIFTY 50'S 10:00 – 11:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9TE. A fun low impact class for anyone ages 50+ Price: £3.

Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ HOLLIES HALL INDOOR BOWLING 12:00 – 15:30 Hollies Hall, Hollies Road, Halewood, L26 0TH. We run an indoor bowls activity (not 10 pin) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Playing on 2 mats, 12 people to each mat. For ages 21+ Times 12 noon-3.30/4.00pm Contact: Mrs Freda Rowlandson 0151 486 4214 HALEWOOD THinK CLINIC 15:00 – 18:00 The Halewood Centre, Roseheath Drive, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 9UH. 13-19 years sexual health service. Contact: 0151 244 3580 SWIMMING CLASSES - DUCKS 15:30 – 16:00 Kirkby Leisure Centre, Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 8SA. Ducks - Must be 3 years old to attend the learn to swim lesson. Classes with Emma. 7 weeks payment £31.50 or PPL (PassPort to Leisure) £18.90. If you are interested in these classes please either go to reception and book your place or call 443 2200 HUYTON CHILDREN’S THEATRE 17:00 – 18:30 Lord Derby Academy, Seel Road, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 6DG. Huyton Children's Theatre is a group for children aged 7 - 11 who want to develop drama skills, have fun, work with others and create new and exciting theatre productions. Each year the group create 2 performances that are showcased to parents, friends and family. Session costs £1 per week.

Contact Altru - hello@altu.co.uk 0151 443 0333 KNOWSLEY VILLAGE YOUTH CLUB 18:15 – 20:45 Knowsley Village Hall, School Lane, Knowsley Village, L34 9EN. Youth Club activity for 11 to 19 years Cost 50p. Contact: Brian Rodgers 07825677161/ Lyndsey Ledden 07867492563 Brian.rodgers@youthmutual.co.uk Lyndsey.ledden@youthmutual.co.uk Bryer Road community centre, Bryer Road, Prescot, L35 5DW ZUMBA CLASS 18:30 – 20:00 Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT. Zumba Class cost £3.00 Contact: Mark Nelson, 0151 486 2865, Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT TUESDAY 10 FEBRUARY SWIMMING CLASSES - ADULTS 11:30 – 12:15 Kirkby Leisure Centre, Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 8SA. Adults Learn to swim lesson. Classes with Emma. £5.30 or PPL (PassPort to Leisure) £3.15 per session If you are interested in these classes please either go to reception and book your place or call 443 2200 PARENT & TODDLER SESSIONS 13:00 – 15:00 Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT. Parent & Toddler Sessions - cost 50p Contact: Mark Nelson, 0151 486 2865.

JAN WILLIAMS THEATRE SCHOOL 16:00 – 20:00 SPACE Building, adjacent to St Columba's Catholic Primary School, Hillside Road, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 8BL. Established back in 1985, we have a rich history of successful dance training; specialising in many different forms of dance, drama and singing so there is sure to be something that will excite you. Taster day free of charge - call us now to arrange! Cost £3 per class. Contact details: 07874 767316, cath@jwts.co.uk, www.jwts.co.uk KIRKBY GIRLS PROJECT 18:00 – 20:30 Westvale Community and Youth Centre, Richard Hesketh Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 0TZ. Generic youth club activities including arts and crafts, sports, game station, issue-based provision and youth centred projects. For ages young women aged 11 to 19.

Cost free. Contact: Charlotte Brookes on 0151 443 4466, charlotte.brookes@youthmutual.co.uk 07810053363 SOUTHDENE YOUTH CLUB 18:45 – 21:15 Southdene Community Centre, Broad Lane, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 9PQ. Generic youth club activities including arts and crafts, sports, game station, issue-based provision and youth centred projects. For ages 11 to 19. Cost free. Contact: Stephen Blackhurst on 0151 443 4168, stephen.blackhurst@youthmutual.co.uk RUNNING SESSIONS - KIRKBY 19:00 – 20:00 Kirkby High School, Bracknell Avenue, Kirkby, L32 9PP. Running sessions at Kirkby athletics

track delivered by Knowsley Harriers Athletics Club for both beginners and more experienced runners. Ages 16+. £1 per session. See www.knowsleyharriers.com/ for further details

WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY LINE DANCING 10:00 – 11:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9TE. A fun way to keep fit and active, suitable for all ages and abilities. Price: £3 Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ AFTER SCHOOL CLUB 16:00 – 18:30 Vee’s Place, Zion Independent Methodist Church Hall, 74 Kemble Street, Prescot, L34 5SH. After School Club for 10-16yrs olds, Games, Sport, Art, Crafts, Music, Karaoke, Workshops, Outdoor area, Volunteer work. Registration fee Youth £3. Parents need to sign consent forms. Subscriptions (per activity) £2.50 includes refreshments. Registered Charity 1093064 Contact: Vee Rhodes, 0151 289 3602, veesplace@hotmail.co.uk JUNIOR ARTISTS CLUB 16:00 – 17:45 The Environment Centre, Okell Drive, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 7XB. Junior Artists Club (JAC) is for all children with interest in any arts & crafts based activities. Painting, drawing, drama games, sculpture, writing, etc. Every week is different. Age: 711 years Cost: £2 to cover snacks and materials.

Contact Carole Trenaman at halewoodarts@gmail.com or call into Environment Centre Wednesday afternoons.

STREET DANCE CLASS 17:00 – 18:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9TE. A class that's fast and funky for ages 10yrs and over Price: £3 Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ KIRKBY YOUTH THEATRE 18:30 – 20:30 Kirkby High School, Bracknell Avenue, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 9PP. Kirkby Youth Theatre is an inclusive youth theatre, producing challenging, exciting work in collaboration with other youth theatre groups in the area. The group is for anyone aged 12 - 21. No experience necessary. Session costs £1 per week.

Contact - hello@altu.co.uk 0151 443 0333 THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY THE SEWING CAFE 10:00 – 12:00 Stockbridge Village Neighbourhood Centre, The Withens, Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, L28 1SU. Take part in FREE workshops & activities to learn how to sew, knit, rag rug, crochet & patchwork. All materials are supplied for free and everyone is welcome.

Organised by Stockbridge Community Intergeneration Project. For further information please contact: Margaret O’Sullivan, mosully@hotmail.co.uk - 07926473711 OLDER PEOPLE'S FUN OLYMPICS 10:30 – 12:30 Halewood Leisure Centre, Baileys Lane, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 0TY. Come along to one of our training sessions. Cost £1. For more details on these sessions please contact Geoff Lyon on 0151 430 7710 or email GgeoffLyon@aol.com HOLLIES HALL INDOOR BOWLING 12:00 – 15:30 Hollies Hall, Hollies Road, Halewood, L26 0TH. We run an indoor bowls activity (not 10 pin) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Playing on 2 mats, 12 people to each mat. For ages 21+ Times 12 noon-3.30/4.00pm Contact: Mrs Freda Rowlandson 0151 486 4214 REBOUND KIDZ 16:00 – 17:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9TE. An exciting dance class of various styles for ages 8 - 11 yrs.

Price: £3 Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ CENTRE 63 YOUTH CLUB 16:30 – 20:30 Centre 63 Youth Club, Church of England Youth Centre, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 5TH. The Youth club in Centre 63 is open access for all young people aged 8 - 25 living in Knowsley. The centre also runs the following sexual health workshops, drugs awareness workshops and various music workshops from

recording to learning to play an instrument Monday, Wednesday, Thursday. 4.30 - 8.30 open age Contact: 0151 549 1494 info@centre63.co.uk RUNNING SESSIONS - HALEWOOD 19:00 – 20:00 Halewood Environment Centre, Okell Drive, Halewood, L26 7XB. Road running sessions delivered by Knowsley Harriers Athletics Club for both beginners and more experienced runners. Ages 16+. £1 per session. See www.knowsleyharriers.com/ for further details FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY MEMORY CAFE 10:00 – 12:00 South Avenue Community Centre, South Avenue, Prescot, L34 1LT. People living with dementia and their carers. No cost, refreshments provided.

Contact Gaye Williams 0151 426 4433 for further information SWIMMING CLASSES - SWIM A SONG 11:30 – 12:00 Kirkby Leisure Centre, Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 8SA. 1-2-1 ratio. From birth - 3 years. Classes with Emma. £4.50 or PPL (PassPort to Leisure) £2.70 per session If you are interested in these classes please either go to reception and book your place or call 443 2200 INTERACT PROJECT 16:30 – 21:00 Westvale Community and Youth Centre, Richard Hesketh Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 0TZ. Targeted Youth Project centred around a structured programme. For ages 10 - 14 via referal only. Cost free.

Contact: Jason Cole on 0151 443 4168, jason.cole@youthmutual.co.uk 07917596095 CALL OF DANCE 16:30 – 18:30 Call of Dance, Swanside Community Centre, Willoughby Road, Huyton, Merseyside, L14 6XA. Street Dance class run Fridays 4.30pm - 6.30pm at Swanside Community Centre. Ages form 11+. Cost per session is £4. Pupils are entered into shows when they are held. Contact: Kimberley 07902107586, Kim_nbc@hotmail.co.uk BASKETBALL COACHING SESSION 19:00 – 20:00 Halewood Leisure Centre, Baileys Lane, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 0TY. Basketball coaching sessions for all abilities. Ages 7 upwards to adult. Cost £2 per session. Contact club coach Reg Allen 487 8994 for further details.

SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY FOOTBALL COACHING 09:30 – 10:30 Prescot Soccer & Leisure Centre, Warrington Road, Prescot, Merseyside, L35 5AD. Football Coaching - sessions are for 4-11 year olds and are run by qualified coaches. These sessions are designed to be fun and teach young people a range of skills and techniques. £3 per session. Contact Barry Lloyd 07825145105. barry.lloyd@knowsley.gov.uk.

HALEWOOD JUNIOR BADMINTON CLUB 10:00 – 12:00 Halewood Junior Badminton Club, Halewood Leisure Centre, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 0TY. Coaching/playing Badminton for juniors 9-16 years old. Open to all interested parties, beginners, intermediate and advanced players. All equipment provided. Suitable clothing required i.e. trainers, joggers, etc. Cost £1 at desk and £1 organisers Contact Jean Dean 0151 280 8595 THE SAFARI KIDS CLUB 12:00 – 15:00 Stockbridge Village Neighbourhood Centre, The Withens, Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, L28 1AB. Priced at £2 per child (discounts for families) and parents get in for free. Don't forget to bring your leisure pass! Organised by the Stockbridge Community Intergeneration Project, for further details please contact Margaret O'Sullivan, mosully@hotmail.co.uk 07926473711

MONDAY 16 FEBRUARY RESCUE BIRDS OF PREY 10:00 – 15:00 National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Knowsley, Liverpool, Merseyside, L16 3NA. Cost: Free Join S & R Birds - Rescued Birds of Prey here at the National Wildflower Centre. Bring a camera and take a photo of one of these lovely creatures.

Donations welcome. For more information please call 0151 738 1913 or email events@landlife.org.uk ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY DANCE AND MOVEMENT 10:30 – 12:30 Old Schoolhouse, St John's Road, Huyton, L36 0UX. People living with dementia and their carers. No cost, refreshments provided. Contact Deby Chadwick 0151 426 4433 for further information

CREATIVE CRAFT SESSION - PRESCOT LIBRARY 11:00 – 12:00 Prescot Library, Aspinall Street, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 5GA. Jewellery making workshop for children aged 5+. FREE. Contact Prescot Library on 443 5101 C. A. M. E. O. 12:45 – 14:45 Huyton Parish Family Project, Huyton Church Hall, Bluebell Lane, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 7SA. Parent/Carer & toddler group Term time only. 60p per person. Contact Angela or Alison on 482 6042 or email: familyworker@btinternet.com BIRD BOX WORKSHOP WITH OUR GREEN SPACE RANGER 13:00 – 15:00 National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Knowsley, Liverpool, Merseyside, L16 3NA. Bird box making with our South Huyton Green Space Ranger. Please note there will be a small charge for materials for each bird box. For more information please call 0151 738 1913 or email events@landlife.org.uk TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY, EXPLORER TUESDAY 10:00 – 15:00 National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Knowsley, Liverpool, Merseyside, L16 3NA. Free - Self -Led. Drop-in Put your walking boots on and explore the Great Outdoors. Please note this is a self led session. For more information please call 0151 738 1913 or email events@landlife.org.uk PARENT & TODDLER SESSIONS 13:00 – 15:00 Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT. Parent & Toddler Sessions - cost 50p Contact: Mark Nelson, 0151 486 2865, Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT ACTING UP DISABLED DRAMA GROUP 17:30 – 19:30 The Youthy, Woolfall Heath Avenue, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 3YE. A bespoke drama group for young people with disabilities aged 12-25. Cost £1 a session. For more information please contact Katy McLoughlin 0151 443 5749 or email:Katy.McLoughlin@knowsley.gov.uk WEDNESDAY 18 FEBRUARY SPRING BULBS BASKET CRAFT - HALEWOOD LIBRARY 10:00 – 11:00 Halewood Library, Roseheath Drive, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 9UH. Fun for the 0 - 5s.

FREE. Contact Halewood Library on 443 2086; 14:00 – 15:00 Stockbridge Library, The Withens, Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, L28 1AB. Fun for the 0 - 5s. FREE. Contact Stockbridge Library on 443 2501 JUNIOR ARTISTS CLUB 16:00 – 17:45 The Environment Centre, Okell Drive, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 7XB. Junior Artists Club (JAC) is for all children with interest in any arts & crafts based activities. Painting, drawing, drama games, sculpture, writing, etc. Every week is different. Age: 711 years Cost: £2 to cover snacks and materials.

Contact Carole Trenaman at halewoodarts@gmail.com or call into Environment Centre Wednesday afternoons.

NORTHWOOD YOUTH CLUB 18:45 – 21:15 Northwood Community Centre, Gilescroft Avenue, Kirkby, Merseyside, L33 9TW. Generic youth club activities including arts and crafts, sports, game station, issue-based provision and youth centred projects. For ages 11 to 19. Cost free. Contact: Lyn Pye on 0151 443 4466, lyn.pye@youthmutual.co.uk 07825145064 THURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY SPRING BULBS BASKET CRAFT - HUYTON LIBRARY 09:30 – 10:30 Huyton Library, Civic Way, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9GD. Fun for the 0 - 5s. FREE. Contact Huyton Library on 443 3734 THE SEWING CAFE 10:00 – 12:00 Stockbridge Village Neighbourhood Centre, The Withens, Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, L28 1SU. Take part in FREE workshops & activities to learn how to sew, knit, rag rug, crochet & patchwork. All materials are supplied for free and everyone is welcome.

Organised by Stockbridge Community Intergeneration Project. For further information please contact: Margaret O’Sullivan, mosully@hotmail.co.uk - 07926473711 TOMATO DAY 12:00 – 15:00 National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Knowsley, Liverpool, Merseyside, L16 3NA. Free Join our Great Outdoors Project as we learn all about tomatoes from seeds, plants to tasty fruit. All ages welcome. For more information please call 0151 738 1913 or email events@landlife.org.uk STORY SESSION WITH SUSANNA MEESE - KIRKBY LIBRARY 14:00 – 15:00 Kirkby Library, Newtown Gardens, Kirkby, L32 8RR. Come along and be entranced by the stories chosen by the story wheel. For children aged 6+.

FREE. Contact Kirkby on 443 4289 JUNIOR ATHLETICS SESSIONS 17:30 – 18:30 Kirkby High School, Bracknell Avenue, Kirkby, L32 9PP. Junior Athletics Coaching at Kirkby athletics track run by Knowsley Harriers Athletics Club.

Ages 7-16. Free to attend. No booking required just turn up. See www.knowsleyharriers.com/ for further details FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY SPRING BULBS BASKET CRAFT - PRESCOT LIBRARY

February 2015 11

10:00 – 11:00 Prescot Library, Aspinall Street, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 5GA. Fun for the 0 - 5s. FREE. Contact Prescot Library on 443 5101 STORY SESSION WITH SUSANNA MEESE - HUYTON LIBRARY 11:00 – 12:00 Huyton Library, Civic Way, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9GD. Come along and be entranced by the stories chosen by the story wheel. For children aged 6+. FREE. Contact Huyton Library on 443 3734 BIRD FEEDERS WITH PLANTLIFE 13:00 – 15:00 National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Knowsley, Liverpool, Merseyside, L16 3NA. Free ‘We’re in the Wild’ Bird Feeders. It’s National Nest Box Week, atch out, it could get messy!

Warning: Not suitable for people with a nut allergy For more information please call 0151 738 1913 or email events@landlife.org.uk

MILKSHAKE LIVE 13:30 – 15:30 Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park, Longview Drive, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 6EG. The popular Channel 5 children's show Milkshake is coming to Knowsley as part of a live tour. The all singing, all dancing stage show will feature Little Princess, Bananas in Pyjamas, Noddy, Tickety-Tock and Pip Ahoy. Tickets £12 Adults/£10 concessions/Family Ticket( 2 adults /2 children) £40 For further details, please contact 0151 443 5749.

SPRING BULBS BASKET CRAFT - KIRKBY LIBRARY 14:00 – 15:00 Kirkby Library, Newtown Gardens, Kirkby, L32 8RR. Fun for the 0 - 5s. FREE. Contact Kirkby on 443 4289 STORY SESSION WITH SUSANNA MEESE - HALEWOOD LIBRARY 14:00 – 15:00 Halewood Library, Roseheath Drive, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 9UH. Come along and be entranced by the stories chosen by the story wheel. For children aged 6+. FREE. Contact Halewood Library on 443 2086 THE FRIDAY NITE PROJECT 18:30 – 21:30 Copthorne Adventure Playground, Copthorne Walk, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 0RP. Jus Kidz youth club "The Friday Nite Project", is based at Copthorne Adventure Playground and is for young people with disabilities, their siblings and friends from age 11. £2.00 subs per week. For ages: 11-25 Yrs Contact details: Cathy Manley, 0151 546 3622,

07917275559 jus_kidz@hotmail.com, St Peter and Pauls Church, Apostles Way, Tower Hill, L33 1XT SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY HALEWOOD JUNIOR BADMINTON CLUB 10:00 – 12:00 Halewood Junior Badminton Club, Halewood Leisure Centre, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 0TY. Coaching/playing Badminton for juniors 9-16 years old. All equipment provided. Suitable clothing required i.e. trainers, joggers, etc. Cost £1 at desk and £1 organisers Contact Jean Dean 0151 280 8595 JUS KIDZ SATURDAY CLUB 12:00 – 16:00 Towerhill Community Centre, Ebony Way, Kirkby, Merseyside, L33 1XT. Jus Kidz offers an inclusive Saturday Club for children and young people with disabilities and their siblings from the Knowsley area. For ages: 0-19 Yrs Cost £1 Contact details: Cathy Manley, 0151 546 3622, 07917275559 jus_kidz@hotmail.com, St Peter and Pauls Church, Apostles Way, Tower Hill, L33 1XT BUSHCRAFT 13:00 – 17:00 Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot, Merseyside L34 4AN. Bushcraft - learn fire lighting, shelter building, animal tracking and more Suitable for families, young people and adults. Cost U16 £15.00 4 hour session, Over 16 £25.00 4 hour session. Special rates for families and groups. Minimum age for unaccompanied young people is 8 Years of age. Contact Komaru Outdoors Nick@komaru.co.uk or Tel 07729295923 www.komaru.co.uk MONDAY 23 FEBRUARY NIFTY 50'S 10:00 – 11:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9TE. A fun low impact class for anyone ages 50+ Price: £3 Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ HALEWOOD THinK CLINIC 15:00 – 18:00 The Halewood Centre, Roseheath Drive, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 9UH. 13-19 years sexual health service. Contact: 0151 244 3580 KIRKBY THinK CLINIC 15:00 – 18:00 Kirkby Health Suite, Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 9PA. Young Persons health and wellbeing support clinic. Confidential help, advice and support concerning young person health issues. For ages 11 to 19. Cost free. Contact: Jason Cole on 0151 443 4168, jason.cole@youthmutual.co.uk 07917596095 Zumba Class 18:30 – 20:00 Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT. Zumba Class cost £3.00 Contact: Mark Nelson, 0151 486 2865, Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY SUNRISE CLUB - OAK TREE CC, HALEWOOD 11:00 – 13:00 Oak Tree Childrens Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 1TT. This is a

support network group of parents and carers from Knowsley who have children with a disability or additional need, Children are invited to attend the quality crèche provision which runs alongside the support group.

For more information call 07771 517791 ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY MAINTAINING SKILLS 13:30 – 15:30 The Arncliffe Centre, Arncliffe Road, Halewood, L25 9PA. People living with dementia and their carers. No cost, refreshments provided. Contact Deby Chadwick 0151 426 4433 for further information HALEWOOD YOUTH THEATRE 18:30 – 20:30 Halewood Academy, The Avenue, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 1UU. Halewood Youth Theatre is an inclusive youth theatre, producing challenging, exciting work in collaboration with other youth theatre groups in the area. The group is for anyone aged 12 - 21. Session costs £1 per week. Contact Altru for more information - hello@altu.co.uk 0151 443 0333 WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY LINE DANCING 10:00 – 11:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9TE. A fun way to keep fit and active, suitable for all ages and abilities. Price: £3 Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ LITTLE MOVERS 16:00 – 17:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9TE. A fun dance class for ages 4-7yrs. Price: £3 Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ WESTVALE YOUTH CLUB 18:45 – 21:15 Westvale Community and Youth Centre, Richard Hesketh Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 0TZ. Generic youth club activities including arts and crafts, sports, game station, issue-based provision and youth centred projects. For ages 11 to 19. Cost free. Contact: Charlotte Brookes 0151 443 4466, 07810053363, or on Mondays you can also contact lyn.pye@youthmutual.co.uk 07825145064 THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY ARNCLIFFE CENTRE YOGA CLASS 10:00 – 11:30 Arncliffe Sports and Community Centre, Arncliffe Road, Halewood, L25 9PA. Yoga class for relaxation exercise, breathing, stretching and feeling good. For teens and adults. Please contact for costs.

Contact: June Baxter, 0151 486 3874, c/o Arncliffe Sports and Community Centre, Arncliffe Road, Halewood, L25 9PA KIRKBY THinK CLINIC 15:00 – 18:00 Kirkby Health Suite, Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside, L32 9PA. Young Persons health and wellbeing support clinic. Confidential help, advice and support concerning young person health issues. For ages 11 to 19. Cost free. Contact: Jason Cole on 0151 443 4168, jason.cole@youthmutual.co.uk 07917596095 YOGA

18:00 – 19:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9TE. A gentle, relaxing class for any age to reduce stress, improve posture, sleep and flexibility. Price: £3 Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ RUNNING SESSIONS - HALEWOOD 19:00 – 20:00 Halewood Environment Centre, Okell Drive, Halewood, L26 7XB. Road running sessions delivered by Knowsley Harriers Athletics Club for both beginners and more experienced runners. Ages 16+. £1 per session. See www.knowsleyharriers.com/ for further details FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY MEMORY CAFE 10:00 – 12:00 South Avenue Community Centre, South Avenue, Prescot, L34 1LT. People living with dementia and their carers. No cost, refreshments provided.

Contact Gaye Williams 0151 426 4433 for further information CALL OF DANCE 16:30 – 18:30 Call of Dance, Swanside Community Centre, Willoughby Road, Huyton, Merseyside, L14 6XA. Street Dance class run Fridays 4.30pm - 6.30pm at Swanside Community Centre. Ages form 11+. Cost per session is £4. Pupils are entered into shows when they are held. Contact: Kimberley 07902107586, Kim_nbc@hotmail.co.uk SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY FOOTBALL COACHING 09:30 – 10:30 Prescot Soccer & Leisure Centre, Warrington Road, Prescot, Merseyside, L35 5AD. Football Coaching - sessions are for 4-11 year olds and are run by qualified coaches. These sessions are designed to be fun and teach young people a range of skills and techniques. £3 per session. To book please contact Barry Lloyd 07825145105. barry.lloyd@knowsley.gov.uk.

HALEWOOD JUNIORS 10:30 – 12:00 Halewood Juniors, Arncliffe Sports & Community Centre, Halewood, Merseyside, L25 9PA .

We encourage young people to play football and netball from an early age and help train and develop players to compete in teams. Beginners’ sessions each Saturday 10.30 – 12.00. £1 per child per session football coaching. Contact: George Vaughan 07931 660195, 10georgev@tiscali.co.uk THE SAFARI KIDS CLUB 12:00 – 15:00 Stockbridge Village Neighbourhood Centre, The Withens, Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, L28 1AB. Priced at £2 per child (discounts for families) and parents get in for FREE. Activities and fun for children up to 12yrs. Giant Bouncy Castle, Multi Sports, Arts and Crafts, Community Café, Monthly Movie Club, Cookery and so much more. Don't forget to bring your leisure pass! Organised by the Stockbridge Community Intergeneration Project, for further details please contact Margaret O'Sullivan, mosully@hotmail.co.uk

12 February 2015

Health

One click away This month, Knowsley Council’s Public Health team is launching an exciting new website that will help residents improve their health and wellbeing.

The Healthy Knowsley website is full of helpful advice and information to help people make the small changes needed to improve their lifestyle.

The website includes advice on healthy eating, physical activity, stopping smoking, sexual health, mental wellbeing and the effects of drugs and alcohol, plus links to advice on work, learning, money and housing.

It starts with an easy lifestyles quiz to let people know how healthy or unhealthy their current lifestyle choices may be.

Knowsley residents can sign up to access tools that will help track their progress and they can get in touch with a Wellbeing Advisor who can offer additional support.

Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health in Knowsley, said: “The Healthy Knowsley website is really easy for people to use and it’s a great ‘one stop shop’ for health information and advice."

“Our residents can access it from the comfort of their own home and at a time that suits them, so they really are only one click away from improving their health."

“I would encourage everyone to take that small first step to improving their health and sign up to the website.”

Take the first step, visit www.healthyknowsley.co.uk and register today.

BE CLEAR ON CANCER

Campaign raises awareness that ongoing heartburn can be a sign of cancer The latest ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign launched earlier this month urging people to visit their doctor if they have heartburn most days for three weeks or more, as this can be a sign of oesophageal or stomach cancer.

Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health in Knowsley, said: “Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer can save lives.

“Heartburn most days for three weeks or more could be a sign of cancer as could food feeling like it’s sticking in your throat when you swallow.

“I would urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical help.

“The chances are it’s nothing serious but finding it early makes it more treatable and early diagnosis and treatment of cancer can save lives.”

The campaign launch coincides with results of a new survey commissioned

by Public Health England, which reveals that nationally, only one in two people (55%) would visit their doctor if they experience the above symptom.

Early diagnosis of oesophageal or stomach cancer (also known as oesophago-gastric cancers) is crucial and means treatment is more likely to be successful.

Nationally, around 67% of people diagnosed with oesophago-gastric cancers at the earliest stage survive for at least five years. This figure drops to around 3% for those diagnosed at a late stage.

According to the survey, 59% of respondents did not know that heartburn could be a sign of cancer with just 15% saying they were certain that it is a symptom.

Another symptom highlighted by the campaign is that of difficulty swallowing food.

Here the survey found that 70% did

Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health in Knowsley

not know food sticking in the throat could be a sign of cancer and just 13% of those surveyed said they were sure it is a symptom.

Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England, explains the importance of this awareness activity: “People may be reluctant to visit their doctor about persistent heartburn, thinking that it’s something they just have to live with. But heartburn most days for three weeks or more could be a sign of cancer.

“The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chance of survival. If we’re to improve early diagnosis rates, we need to encourage people with symptoms to go to their doctor, which is what this latest Be Clear on Cancer campaign aims to do.”

The four-week campaign will see adverts running nationally throughout England on TV, radio and in the press.

For further information about the signs and symptoms of oesophageal and stomach cancers, please visit nhs.uk/ogcancer

CALL REMINDER SERVICE SET TO IMPROVE PATIENT EXPERIENCE St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is launching a new telephone system that will help patients remember their hospital appointments.

The new automated service will contact patients of Whiston and St Helens hospitals to confirm the date and time of their next appointment. The patient will be asked to confirm that they will attend the appointment, and if they cannot, the appointment will be given to another patient on the waiting list.

It is hoped that the reminder service will reduce the number of missed appointments and help patients to be seen quicker.

Ann Marr, chief executive, said: “We are always looking for ways to further improve the experience of our patients and the new call reminder system will help to make our services even more efficient.

“It is really important that patients let us know if they cannot attend the hospital.

Their appointment can be rearranged and another patient on the waiting list can benefit from the free space. This allows us to maximise the time of our doctors and nurses to the fullest.”

February 2015 13

NEW SEASON AT KNOWSLEY LEISURE AND CULTURE PARK A colourful programme of theatre, music, sport and children’s entertainment are on offer as Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park kicks off 2015.

The curtains open with Milkshake! Live delighting young audiences during February half term.

The all-singing, all-dancing show features all your favourite children’s TV characters from the Channel 5 Milkshake show, with presenters Derek and Olivia hosting the fun.

Younger children will be enthralled to see favourites including Little Princess, Bananas in Pyjamas, Pip from Pip Ahoy, Noddy and Tessie Bear and, of course, Milkshake Monkey, live on stage.

Choose from the 1.30pm or 4pm shows on Friday, February 20. Tickets cost £12 for adults, £10 for children or £40 for a family ticket (two adults, two children).

There is more family entertainment on Friday, March 13, with classic Wind in the Willows being performed at the venue.

Presented jointly by the award-winning Immersion Theatre and critically acclaimed Cambridge Touring Theatre, this will be a spectacular musical adaptation of a much loved tale.

Join the boat-loving Ratty, the sensible yet curious Mole, wise old Badger and the fantastically impressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime – culminating in a colourful battle with a pair of pick-pocketing weasels to save Toad Hall!

Tickets are priced £12 for adults, £10 for children, with a family ticket (two adults, two children) available for £40.

Then on Sunday, March 14, the American Wrestling Show superslams back into Knowsley after an incredibly popular performance at the venue last year.

Aimed at all the family, this action-packed show is two hours of non-stop, high

adrenaline entertainment, guaranteed to have audiences up in their seats, cheering on the ‘goodies’ and booing the ‘baddies’!

Tickets are £10 for adults, £8 for children, or £34 for a family ticket (two adults, two children). Bring a big group, and you’ll get one ticket free for every 10 you buy.

And in April, it’s panto season again!

Following the incredible success of KLCP’s Christmas panto, Cinderella, comes Peter Pan to inject some swashbuckling slapstick fun into the Easter holidays.

Starring X Factor’s Chris Maloney, Emmerdale’s Kurtis Stacey and Britain’s Got Talent’s Steven Hall, you can catch the panto on Friday April 17 at 7.30pm and again on Sunday, April 18, at 2pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 for adults, £8 for children and concessions.

To book tickets for any of the shows, call into Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, on Longview Drive, Huyton; call 0151 443 2575 / 2200 or book online via www.knowsley.gov.uk/tickets

COMPETITION TIME The Challenge has teamed up with Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park to give our readers the chance to win big with tickets for three of the shows. We are offering: • Four tickets for the 4.00pm show of Milkshake on Friday 20 February • Four tickets for Wind in the Willows on Friday 13 March • Four tickets for The American Wrestling on Sunday 14 March All you have to do is either send a postcard to: The Challenge Competition, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS or email: thechallenge@merseymirror.com stating which show you would like to see. Please supply your name, address and contact number

Free activities for all the family at Northwood Fun Day Join us on Wednesday 18 February from 10am to 2pm Leading a healthy, active lifestyle is important to living life well in Northwood.

Try something new for free!

• Baby yoga • Zumba

That’s why together with our partners, we’re pleased to invite you to join us at Northwood Fun Day - taking place at Northwood Community Centre, Gilescroft Avenue, Kirkby on Wednesday 18 February. Between 10am and 2pm you can:

• Older Peoples’ Olympics’ • Face painting • 10-minute ‘Shake-up’ games and activities with Change 4 Life

partners – we’ll be sharing lots of advice and information in the marketplace on everything from food and nutrition to exercise.

‘If you don’t move very much or if you tend to eat ‘quick fix’ foods like a take-away, this is the ideal event to get all the support you need to

take small but positive steps towards feeling better.’

“We hope to help young families choose well from the beginning to live happy, healthy lives.”

Got a question about Northwood Fun Day? Contact 0151 244 3240.

• ‘Get on your bike’ with Dr Bike and learn how to cycle safely in and around Northwood.

• Try fun activities, which will get people of all ages moving including babies and small children, and • Learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices to improve how you think and feel.

North Public Health Alliance Group is hosting this free-to-attend event, which includes three dedicated zones for Babies and Children; Young People and Adults.

Donna Wilson from Universal Child Health Services part of 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust says: “‘Keep Learning’, ‘Connect’ and ‘Be Active’ are three of the five steps to mental wellbeing you can easily take by joining us at Northwood Fun Day. ‘Take Notice’ is another important step, which is why - along with our

We’re proud to work with North Public Health Alliance Group; Change 4 Life; Home-Start Knowsley; Kirkby Children’s Centres; Knowsley Council; Sustrans; Big Local; Big Lottery Fund; Citizens Advice Bureau and Everton in the Community.

14 February 2015

Homestyle Top tips for your carpet

W

ith so much choice, getting the right carpet for the right place in your home or contract location can be an extremely daunting prospect.

But you won’t go wrong if you choose Paul’s Carpets of Kirkby, at Paul’s Carpets they have a fantastic range of high quality competitively priced carpets.

Luckily for us however, the way carpet made today means there are very few really poor carpets.

Improvements in fibre technology and carpet construction techniques thankfully mean that even the less expensive carpets will wear well if they are put in the right place.

Of course, different fibres and constructions will lend a carpet certain properties – wool carpets, polypropylene carpets, nylon carpets or a blend of fibres will each react differently within the same

location – but this is by no means the end of the story.

The length of time a carpet will last depends on several factors and each must be considered at the purchasing stage: the carpet pile itself, the fibre, the weight of the fibre and the density of the pile will all contribute or detract from a carpet’s suitability for your chosen location.

The rule of thumb in selecting a carpet is location, location, location. You will find that it pays dividends to spend slightly more for higher quality carpets for areas of high wear such as hallways and living areas, but you may well be able to save some hard earned cash where those feet aren’t quite as frequent.

These eight tips will extend the life of your carpets, and keep them looking fresh and newer for longer: 1. Vacuuming: Vacuuming is the easiest and cheapest thing you can do to extend

the life of your carpet.

2. Buy a good vacuum cleaner: All vacuum cleaners are not created equal so make sure you buy a good one that pulls the grit that lays low in the carpet and not just the surface debris. It’s the grit deep in the carpet that rubs and wears the fabric away causing your carpets to look older.

3. Good quality underlay: When you buy a carpet you should always replace the underlay with a good quality underlay to support your new carpet, if you don’t you’ll shorten the life of your carpet. A new good quality underlay will keep your carpet looking fresher for much longer and extend the life of your carpets.

4. Carpet Cleaning: Ideally you should clean your carpets at least once a year.

Carpet cleaning removes the ground in dirt and debris and also removes oily residue

and stains. It will make your carpet look newer and it will extend the life of your carpet.

5. Shoes off: Have people remove their shoes when entering your home. Even though the soles may be clean they carry fine particles and oily substances from outside which can damage the carpet and age it.

6. No bare feet: Now I bet you didn’t realise that bare feet are as damaging to your carpets as shoes are. That’s because the soles of your feet have an oily film (no you can’t feel or see it) that will be picked up by your carpets leaving a residue behind that attracts dirt which then abrades your carpet.

7. Mats and Runners: For high traffic areas such as halls or entrances a mat or runner is an excellent way to save abuse to the carpet. Use the mats and runners to absorb initial dirt and grime upon entering the house and keep it isolated. The mats can easily be replaced or cleaned. This will add years to the carpet in these areas.

8. Remove Stains: Remove stains immediately after they occur. Follow the manufacturers directions or use a carpet cleaner solution. Stains once set can be difficult to remove and nothing will age your carpet faster than a bunch of stains.

Most stains, yes even the difficult ones, can be lifted if the proper procedures are followed.

GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT Whether you call it the living room, lounge, sitting room, front room or parlour, the living room of most homes is where you’ll spend a lot of your time, so why not make it as enjoyable as possible?

If you’re lucky enough to have more than one reception room, you may make your living room a separate, more formal space away from a family room or relaxing lounge, but for many of us we have one living room that needs to adapt to different purposes - watching TV, relaxing, reading, eating or simply chatting with friends and family.

It can sometimes be tricky to get the balance right when you are having to take so many functions into consideration, but with our help, you’ll soon find living room ideas to inspire your redesign and help you make the most of your living space.

How should I arrange my living room?

Living in the UK we know that living rooms come in all shapes and sizes; unfortunately not all sitting rooms are perfectly rectangular with a fireplace and windows at either end of the room, so how do you arrange your lounge furniture if you have an awkwardlyshaped or small living room?

The key is to think about the focal point of the room. Do you want it to be

the fireplace (if you have one)? The television? A coffee table? A piece of art? Start from here and work outwards.

There are also lots of great small living room ideas to open up boxy rooms. Apart from the obvious ideas such as using light colours, glass and mirrors, small furniture and decluttering, you can also try some built-in living room storage ideas, such as sofas with drawers and hidden storage spaces.

Carefully placed plants can also brighten up small rooms and if you have a corner area to work with, a corner sofa utilises all the space and offers ample seating room.

How do I choose a living room colour scheme?

The colours and styles you choose for your front room or living space should obviously reflect your personal style, but sometimes it can be difficult to decide on a colour scheme or style that will fit with the rest of your home and work with the space you already have.

Again, it may be useful to start with a focal point or object of inspiration. If you already have a lounge furniture set then it’s best to work your living room decor ideas around the colour scheme of the furniture. The same may apply if you have a picture or set of art pieces that you wish to display.

If you are looking for modern living

room ideas then block colours, clean lines and feature lighting work well. Grey living room ideas are popular as they give a sleek, crisp edge to modern furnishings. If you’re a little shy of bold statements, then stick to neutral colours for your main pieces of furniture and then have fun with accessories such as cushions, throws, rugs, mirrors, pictures, plants and ornaments.

How should I plan my living room redesign?

If you’re starting completely from scratch you should first think about where the static elements of your sitting room will be - the fireplace, plug sockets, TV aerial port, phone socket, doorways etc.

You don’t want to have arranged all your furniture and decor only to discover you’ve placed your whole media centre on the opposite side of the room to the aerial and sockets.

Next, it’s probably best to think about your seating seeing as that will be the main purpose of your lounge. You don’t want your sofa or armchairs to overcrowd the room but you need there to be enough seating space to accommodate everyone that will be using the room on a regular basis.

This is where clever ideas such as window seats and small but comfy seats and stalls can be useful; don’t just go for the largest sofa you can squeeze into the space.

Whatever your living room design, whether you have ideas for a grey, red, green or white living room, traditional or contemporary, you’re bound to find some inspiration on http://www.houzz.co.uk.

Use the options on the left to further define your style or just search for any decorating ideas you have in the search box.

February 2015 15

ÂŁ7.50 sq yard

16 February 2015

SUPPLIERS OF KITCHENS AND APPLIANCES Dixon Road, Knowsley Industrial Park L33 7XP T: 0151 546 7911 W: www.knowsleydomestics.co.uk

Knowledge is our key to success Kevin Soo started Knowsley Domestics way back in 2003 and though he admits the recession was tough, the company amazingly not only managed to survive it but actually grew.

Knowsley Domestics specialises in domestic appliances and kitchen sales.

They offer built-in appliances, freestanding appliances, spare parts

and they also provide repairs.

Knowsley Domestics is a one stop shop that has evolved from very small premises at the beginning to its present two floor building.

Kevin said: “We have had to move with the times. That has been important for us. Websites are much more prominent now and the market for built

in appliances has grown. we have adapted, survived and thrived.”

Knowsley Domestics is all about its customers. Kevin added: In this business you have to have a lot of knowledge and we certainly keep up with everything.

“We are here to help and advise - we are honest, true and reliable. That is so important when you are a local business. Customers trust us and we have worked hard for that”.

Knowsley Domestics always carries good stock levels with most brands represented.

They can deliver the same day, fit new appliances and dispose of the old ones.

With a kitchen designer in store and the latest software onboard, it is hard to see how Knowsley Domestics can be beaten. with more than 25 kitchens on display at any given time in the showroom the choice is huge.

For your next kitchen makeover or appliance, you’d be hard pushed for a greater choice, better service or keener quality and price comparison than a deal from Knowsley Domestics.

February 2015 17

Homestyle

It’s got to be Perfect!

BEAUTIFUL FLOORING FROM NUFIX If you want beautiful flooring that won’t break the bank, Nufix are here to help.

Nufix are dedicated to providing their customers with some of the most sought after designs.

From contemporary laminate flooring in beech, walnut and oak designs to rustic and antique shades, they are confident that they have something to suit every preference.

Nufix strive to provide you with stunning designs that you won’t find elsewhere.

Their laminate flooring provides homeowners with a simple way to create beautiful rooms at speed.

Their selection of laminate flooring is not only visually appealing but versatile and durable, making it the perfect choice for your next home improvement project.

If you would like to find out more information regrading any of their designs, they are only too willing to help.

You can talk to their team on 0151 208 9500 and bring your dream home to life.

You may think that plantation shutters are the latest trend to hit the high street for your windows?

In fact, they have been readily available down south for over 15 years and were first brought to Liverpool by your local family business PerfectShutters back in 2005 some 10 years or more ago!

PerfectShutters were the first northern distributor to be specially trained, mentored and then carefully selected to be your Merseyside and Wirral licensed master partner by S:Craft (The UK’s premium supplier of plantation shutters!)

After many years perfecting their craft with their very own highly skilled team of surveyors and installers, all fully backed up by knowledgable advisors at the head office in Stafford Street, Liverpool - you only need to view the gallery on their website, which fully backs up all their hard work and thousands of delighted customers across

the north west!

You may have also seen PerfectShutters located in the entrance of Taskers, the home store in Aintree and Wavertree and if you have seen any plantation shutters installed near you and were to ask the homeowners who it was that installed them, you will likely find the answer to be PerfectShutters and that they would highly recommend Paul and his lovely fitters!

Paul said: “There has never been a better time to get a free quotation to have our plantation shutters installed in your home, they fit, function and look fantastic in all properties whether traditional or modern and at the moment, we are running the biggest SALE of the year in conjunction with S:Craft “LOVE SHUTTERS” offering 30% savings - which makes them truly great value and extremely affordable for everybody- but hurry promotion ends on Valentine’s Day!”

The Home Improvers www.nufixdoors.co.uk Set of 5 doors Colonial Supply and fitted

£199 Free Measure

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18 February 2015

February 2015 19

HAMLET COMES TO PRESCOT

Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School in Prescot, performed two special performances of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ in school at the end of last year and they were so successful that they were invited to perform again last month at their feeder secondary school St Edmund Arrowsmith Centre for Learning to their Key Stage 3 peers.

An outstanding performance was appreciated by staff and students alike at St Edmund Arrowsmith and will greatly assist in a smooth transition to the ‘big school’ having raised both the self-esteem of the Year 6 and the aspirations of their secondary peers.

Head of St Edmund Arrowsmith, Brian King said: “I was pleased to be invited to a production of Hamlet performed by Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School and was impressed by the quality of the performance and the obvious joy that students expressed by being on stage.

“Our students were very impressed and enjoyed the production immensely. Well done to all at Our Lady’s. They should be very proud of the children’s efforts.”

During October, they had performed this specially abridged version of our most celebrated bard’s tale, at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre as part of the National Schools Shakespeare Festival.

The Year 6 pupils from Our Lady’s joined 1,000 other schools both primary and secondary by performing to a paying audience in one of 150 theatres across England.

Having received rapturous applause at the Epstein the children had to wait patiently, due to regulations, for more than a calendar month before they were allowed to perform the play for a second time.

Headteacher, Haydn Boyle, enthused: “How wonderful it is to be part of the UK’s largest youth drama festival which empowers our children by raising their self-esteem, develops our teachers’ skills and attracts new audiences to Shakespeare’s works.

“2014 was a fitting time for this tribute as it marked the 450th anniversary of the ‘Bard’s’ birth.”

20 February 2015

This Month ow do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Personally I’m just not really a fan. I don’t think we should pick one day a year to proclaim our love for others; we should do it every day! I also think it’s important to see value in ourselves without the admiration or approval of others and that we should learn to love ourselves.

Even though I’m the self-proclaimed queen of clichés, somewhat surprisingly I’m not really into the cheesy 14th February stuff, however I am big on all the themed items that come with it!

I love how the shops are all filled with items revolving around cute, kitsch stuff and since Red and Pink are my two favourite colours I’m really onto a winner this month. I don’t have my own place yet, but I’ve seen so many cute home décor and fashion items that I’m tempted to buy them all anyway!

Although I’ll be bypassing the typical flowers and chocolates, I do have a few items I’m planning to treat myself too. Why not spoil yourself, after all the day is all about love!

H

Adult fitness classes in Huyton Monday: 10-11am Nifty 50’s - a low impact keep fit class for anyone aged 50+ 11.15-12.15 Yoga - an open yoga class for all ages and abilities Wednesday: 10-11am Line Dancing - a fun, friendly class open to everyone Thursday: 6-7pm Yoga - an open yoga class for all ages and abilities 11am-12pm - Line Dancing Everyone welcome - just come along in comfortable clothing

Huyton Gateway 115 Rupert Road 0151 489 4616 Rebound is a social enterprise, not for profit organization

er £3 p s s cla

with Jess Corcoran

“Love is in the homeware!”

Get the year off to a great start Liverpool women are being urged to get the New Year off to a great start by signing up now to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2015.

Every hour, more than four people are diagnosed with cancer in the north west.

And that’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women in Liverpool to fight back against this devastating disease by entering Race for Life 5k or 10k events at Aintree Racecourse on Sunday, June 21.

As well as raising funds for life-saving research, taking part in Race for Life is an easy way to be more active – perfect for those setting themselves a fitness goal as part of their New Year’s resolution.

Jennifer Ward, Cancer Research UK’s Liverpool event manager, said: “We’re urging

women of all ages, shapes and sizes to take on Race for Life in their region and sign up now.

“Race for Life is noncompetitive. It’s not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer.

“If you’re looking for an opportunity to get active in 2015 and shake off those January blues, there’s no better time to take on Race for Life.

“With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that Liverpool ladies are up for the challenge.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring womenonly series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise

millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding life-saving research.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Merseyside.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Jennifer continued: “We’re calling on the brave ladies of Liverpool to show their fighting spirit once more and take on cancer at this year’s event.

“Race for Life is to celebrate

those who are with us, and also remember those who are not.

The atmosphere is electric, our participants are so inspiring and we’re calling on the women of Liverpool to help make 2015 our best year yet.”

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

February 2015 21

Serves: one adult Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: none Calories per portion: 140kcal (586kJ) Ingredients: 40g tinned mango slices (discard liquid) 40g tinned peach slices (discard liquid) 40g frozen spinach 1 medium banana 200ml water (or as required)

Lifestyle

Smoothies are a great introduction to breakfast if you don’t normally have much of an appetite at the “crack of yawn”. They’re also a good portable option for your morning commute.

Compared with some hardcore green smoothie recipes, our green smoothie is a softer version that is quite sweet and fruity, while still giving you a healthy serving of greens. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Add more water to achieve the desired consistency.

Tips: Instead of tinned fruit, you can also use frozen or fresh fruit. 150ml of this smoothie provides two of your 5 A Day. No matter how much you drink, smoothies can only make up two portions of your 5 A Day. Or you could try: banana and oats smoothie – transform your speckled bananas into an energy-boosting liquid breakfast. Blend one banana with 2 tablespoons of

oats and 100ml of semi-skimmed milk until smooth.

Can also be made using a soya drink.

“Very berry’ smoothie – take one banana, 140g of frozen summer berries or forest fruits, 40g of low-fat natural yoghurt and about 100ml of apple juice.

Blend the banana and berries until smooth. With the blades whirring, pour in apple juice to achieve the consistency you like.

Pimp your toast – tired of your usual toppings?

Toast doesn’t have to be boring. Brighten up your bread spread with these healthier combos: mashed avocado and hard boiled egg, marmite and grilled 30% less fat mature cheese, or banana slices and peanut butter.

3 TOP

TIPS

Monday Huyton The Old School House, St John’s Road 6.30pm Kathryn 07865 014437 Tuesday Prescot St James Church Hall St Helens Road (Near The Wellington Pub) 9am, 11am, 4.30pm & 6.30pm Lynn 07739 167051 West Derby The Crown Inn Leyfield Road 9am, 11am, 4.30pm & 6.30pm Marji 07739 167048

Green smoothie

1 Start small It’s easy to promise yourself you’re going to hit the gym six days a week – but harder to do it, especially when the days are short. Aim for three hard days a week – you can use any leftover energy to go shopping or batch-cook some health food.

2 Set definite goals The more specific, the better. ‘Lose fat’ or ‘Add muscle’ isn’t very specific - ‘Lose 2%’ bodyfat or ‘Add 2kg of muscle by March’ is much more specific, and it’ll keep you focused. Even better - set yourself gym targets like a bodyweight bench press or 25minute 5k. They’ll keep you focused, and the body changes will be a nice side effect.

3 Have a plan If you go to the gym with no idea what you're going to do, you’ll waste time once you’re there. Pick a plan you’re prepared to commit to for at least a month, and stick to it.

Kirkby The Kirkby Leisure Centre Cherryfield Drive 9.30am & 11.00 Eileen 07742 424767

Kirkby Holy Angels Social Club Sidney Powell Avenue 4pm & 6pm Sue 07546 148204

Wednesday Dovecot St Margaret Mary’s Social Club (Behind Church) Pilch Lane 9.30am; 4.00pm & 6.00pm Julie 449 1074

Dovecot St Lukes Church Princess Drive 7pm Susanne 07785 459297

Thursday Whiston George Howard Centre, Lickers Lane, 5.00pm & 6.30pm Kathryn 07865 014437 Huyton The Royal British Legion Archway Road 1.00pm & 6.00pm Joanne 254 1298

Friday Dovecot St Margaret Mary’s Social Club (Behind Church), Pilch Lane 9.30am Julie 449 1074

Saturday Huyton The Huycap Centre, Rupert Road 8.00am & 10.00am Joanne 254 1298 Prescot Parish Church Meeting Rooms (next to Deans House), Vicarage Place 8.00am & 9.30am Lynn 07739 167051 West Derby The Crown Inn Leyfield Road 8am, 9.30am & 11am Marji 07739 167048

22 February 2015

Outdoors with The Hairy Gardener

Hi, my name is Peter Frances a.k.a. the Hairygardener ith the first day of spring upon us, yes I know time waits for no one, the first day of spring is which ever date you follow i.e 1st3rd of February and is known by quite a few names such as Imbolc, Candlemas, Brigid day.

Which ever day you use it is the seasonal change when the first sign of spring and the return of the sun are noted, the sprouting of the Crocus flowers in other words it is the festival of the successful passing of winter and the beginning of the agricultural/ horticultural year.

Again this year I’m growing plants together in large pots, one it uses up space which for me is at a premium and two I like experimenting in gardening, seeing what will grow well together plus you can place the pots in the sunniest part of your garden.

So what can you grow together well that’s up to you, one thing I’ve tried is growing tomatoes and basil together in a five litre pot, they are good companions any way and planted out when all signs of frost are over end of May time should give you good yields of both.

One tip while I remember about growing tomatoes is the best tasting toms I’ve ever had is when the plants are grown outside not in a greenhouse, in the garden soil or large pot for this we need a good summer, try it for yourself and plant one in a greenhouse and one outside and see what the differences are.

One fruit I hope to try growing in pots this year are raspberries but for pot cultivation the raspberry has to be the autumn fruiting variety such as “Autumn Treasure” and/or “All Gold”.

These will fruit between august and october and are ideal for growing in containers as they don’t need supporting. They are great for beginner gardeners as the pruning is very simple.

Now then pruning raspberries, Primocanes and Floricanes don’t let these terms confuse you. Most autumn fruiting varieties are primocanes producing fruit in their first year of growth.

Summer fruiting varieties are usually floricane which have stems that grow for one year before bearing fruit and flowers so they require slightly different pruning techniques.

Autumn fruiting are the simplest to prune. In late winter prune all the canes to ground level before growth commences. The plant will fruit on new growth.

Summer fruiting produce fruit on one year old canes, in autumn cut all canes down to soil level that bore fruit during the summer, it may be worth marking the fruiting canes during the summer so you can distinguish between these and the new seasons canes (new seasons canes are green and lush, tie in sixeight of the strongest new canes and remove the rest.

The new canes should be spaced about four inches apart to allow each cane as much air and light as possible.

W

Until next time Good Gardening

ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL APPOINTS A NEW PRINCIPAL The Governors of All Saints Catholic High School are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Tony McGuinness as the new Principal. He will take up his post on Monday 20 April 2015.

Mr McGuinness is currently Deputy Headteacher at St John Bosco Art College in North Liverpool. He has been Deputy Headteacher at the College for six years. He has previously held leadership posts at St Francis Xavier’s College in Liverpool and Deyes High School, Maghull.

“This is a fantastic appointment for All Saints,” said Father Nick Wilde, Chair of Governors. “Tony joins us at a pivotal time for our school’s improvement and we look forward to working closely with him over the coming years. At interview Tony impressed us with his ideas, vision, energy and enthusiasm. We believe he will make a strong and positive contribution to the school’s mission.”

Mr McGuinness will bring his strong Catholic dimension to All Saints, as well as his school improvement expertise from working in an Ofsted rated “Outstanding” school.

“I’m excited to be taking up my headship at All Saints,” said Tony. “I’m looking forward to working with all the staff and students to create a strong and

Mr Tony McGuinness - new Principal of All Saints Catholic High School

improving, vibrant school community. My ambition for the school is for every student to fulfil his or her potential in a caring ethos, in ensuring the school continues to be an outstanding provider of education for the community we serve.”

It’s not all rubbish for 20,000th visitors The Recycling Discovery Centres are celebrating this important achievement in waste and recycling education in Merseyside.

The Recycling Discovery Centres (RDCs), based in Liverpool and Wirral, have reached an important milestone since their first visitor in 2009. Veolia and MRWA opened the doors on waste and recycling to Merseyside residents, who can see what happens to their recycling after it has been collected.

The RDCs are an integral part of Gillmoss and Bidston’s material recovery facilities where the materials from recycling bins in Wirral, Liverpool, Knowsley, Halton and parts of Sefton are separated and sorted.

Visitors are treated to a tour of the facility.

Here they can see the techniques used to sort the recycling after it has been collected.

The 20,000th visitor milestone was reached when the eco council from Oakdene Primary School, St Helens visited Gillmoss RDC. Veolia’s Waste Awareness Officer Kirsty Martin awarded the eco council with a certificate and special gift.

Schools, colleges, universities and community groups have been visiting the Wirral RDC since 2009 and Gillmoss since it opened in 2011; both centres also host open days during the year where residents can visit.

Kirsty Martin, waste awareness officer at

Caroline Barlow, teacher at Oakdene Primary and Kirsty Martin, Waste Awareness Officer at Veolia

Veolia, said: “This is a great achievement for us as an education attraction. A visit to the recycling discovery centre offers a unique opportunity for Merseyside schools and residents to understand what really happens to their waste and recycling and to dispel many of the myths that are out there.

February 2015 23

HAUNTED MERSEYSIDE WITH TOM SLEMEN

Two Haunted Valentine Days One untypical sunny February afternoon in 1994, 15-year-old Huytonian Brian Garrock, and his 14year-old girlfriend Joanne Jones, of Westvale, Kirkby, boarded a Number 21 bus at the stop near the Johnny Todd pub and headed to the upper deck.

The 21, bound for Liverpool city centre, had about half a dozen (mostly senior) passengers on the lower deck, but upstairs there wasn’t a soul.

Joanne wanted a window seat, but so did Brian, and so they had a bit of a childish tiff and Brian ended up sitting behind his girlfriend.

It was ironic because today was Monday 14 February – Valentine’s Day, and the two of them had feigned illness today so they could stay off school and then sneak out for a romantic trip to town when their parents had gone to work.

As the bus moved along, the young couple sat in silence – and then, all of a sudden, Joanne called out her boyfriend’s name, and it was almost a whisper.

‘Brian – ‘ she seemed to gasp.

Brian ignored her and looked out the window to his left, but then he heard Joanne cry out.

‘Oh my God!’ she yelled.

Brian turned his attention to her now, and then saw she was looking at someone who was standing at the front right seat on the bus – and this person had no head.

At first, Brian couldn’t take in the surreal sight. There was a man in what seemed to be a tuxedo or a three-piece suit with a dickey bow and a pink carnation in his lapel, and he was holding a lit cigarette – but he had no head – just a red stump encircled by a white starched collar.

Brian found himself getting up, ready to run downstairs, but the elegantly-attired headless figure turned and walked a few feet down the aisle and blocked the escape route. Brian and Joanne therefore ran to the back of the bus, and in doing so, Joanne fell over.

Brian turned and saw that the headless apparition was feeling its way along the chrome bars of the seats, and the boy went back and pulled his girlfriend to her feet.

Joanne screamed and jumped over the seats to get to the stairs, and Brian followed her, and the teens made such a racket, the driver halted the bus and looked through his periscopic viewer, but he saw no weird figure without a head upstairs.

Brian and Joanne tumbled down the last few steps and fell over one another.

They asked the driver to let them off, and when he refused and began to ask them what they’d been doing upstairs, Brian pressed the emergency exit button, which opened the doors, and he and Joanne ran off in a terrible state.

Many years later I interviewed Brian and Joanne – as well as several other people who had witnessed the dapper ghost on that same bus over the years.

A public transport historian told me that the bus in question had been involved in a horrific crash many years before in Manchester; it had gone under a bridge that was too low and had injured a group of passengers and killed one man by decapitating him.

That man had been going to a local Valentine’s Day wedding, and was dressed in a smart suit and waistcoat. The bus was later repaired and sold to a firm in Knowsley, and no one was aware of its tragic history.

Another haunting which took place on Valentine’s Day occurred at a certain wellknown cabaret club in Knowsley in 2009.

Paul and Jackie Vinter, both 22, went along to the club to celebrate their recent engagement on February 14, and when they got there, the club steward said they’d arrived an hour too early. Rather than turn them away, the steward kindly admitted them into the club and served them a drink.

He then went to tend to his business and so Paul and Jackie sat in the club facing a low stage. There wasn’t a soul about, and suddenly the lights went out.

Seconds later, a spotlight appeared on the scarlet satin curtains, and out popped a rather unusual man.

He wore a white suit and white gloves, and what looked like a pair of white shoes with black crepe soles. Jackie also noticed that this man wore yellow socks.

Stranger still, the stranger had black arrows all over his suit, reminiscent of the archetypal outfit a cartoon convict would wear.

He had a short black haircut and wore a little make-up on his face, creating the effect of a pallid face with eyeliner and accentuated arched eyebrows.

He began to walk slowly across the stage in a strange fluidic gate, and at the same time he began to make what sounded like old-fashioned jokes and quips in an accent that lay somewhere between Wigan and the West Coast of the US. Now and then, this unknown comedian would exclaim “Spook!” after a joke and simultaneously jump back with quite impressive agility in a comical stance.

Most of the jokes were interspersed with the word “Slither”, which he would utter as he beckoned his two-person audience with his white-gloved hand gestures.

Paul thought the man was funny, and was obviously rehearsing his act, but Jackie thought there was something eerie about him, and throughout the act, she squeezed Paul’s hand on the table.

Paul clapped at the end of the routine,

which went on for about seven minutes perhaps, and then the unusual comic bowed his head – and went back behind the curtains.

About 15 minutes afterwards, the lights all came on and five members of a group came onto the stage and began to set up their equipment. The club steward then reappeared, and Paul asked him who the unusual comedian was in the ‘escaped convict’ suit, and he received a blank stare.

The steward had no knowledge of any such comedian in the club, nor had he booked anyone remotely like the man Paul had described.

That evening, after the couple left the club at 10pm, they went to their local, and when Paul mentioned the off-beat comedian, the barman said: “There used to be a fellah years ago – and I’m going back to the early 1980s – and I can’t remember his name, but he used to dress exactly as you’ve described, with the arrows on his suit, and the white gloves,

“He wore a white suit and white gloves, and what looked like a pair of white shoes with black crepe soles. Jackie also noticed that this man wore yellow socks”

and he used to say “Spook” and “Slither” and he had a few other catchphrases.

“I cannot remember his name, but he was on evening entertainment programmes like The Bob Monkhouse Show and that type of thing.”

Paul later discovered that other people had seen the same comedian at that club, even though he died from an illness a year before in Spain.

His name was Roy Jay, Paul discovered, and he looked him up on the net, and there he was on YouTube – the very same man. He had once appeared at the club in question and it is said that for some reason, his ghost is seen there even today from time to time.

24 February 2015

Lee Latchford-Evans ‘Steps’ in to lead an all-star cast After breaking box office records with previous productions in 2011 and 2012, Andrea Dunbar’s classic Rita, Sue and Bob Too! is returning to St Helens Theatre Royal this month.

The new stage version of the hilarious 1987 cult movie is once again brought to the stage by Regal Entertainments Ltd and producers are now excited to announce an allstar cast.

Lee Latchford Evans best known as one fifth of the 90’s pop-phenomenon Steps, stars as love lothario Bob. Lee achieved incredible success with the Brit award-winning band, selling in excess of 20 million records worldwide with famous hits such as Stomp, It’s the Way You Make Me Feel and 5,6,7,8.

No stranger to the theatre stage Lee has also appeared in numerous productions including Bill Kenwright’s All Creatures Great and

Small and the stage production of Grease in London’s West End. Lee Latchford Evans said: “I’m really excited to take on the character of Bob and join the cast in this fantastic production. This gives me an opportunity to flex my acting muscles and I hope the audience will enjoy seeing a very different Lee on stage as opposed to the pop star they are used to in Steps.”

Star of stage and screen Emily Fleeshman, known for her role in BBC’s Still Open All Hours and appearances in Doctors and Shameless stars as Rita and Merseyside’s Olivia Sloyan whose credits include Linda in the UK tour of Bill Kenwright’s Blood Brothers, stars as Rita’s partner in crime, Sue. Completing the cast is two Theatre Royal favourites; local legend and star of ITV’s

Benidorm and past productions Escorts: The Musical and Dirty Dusting, Crissy Rock as Mum and comedy great Micky Finn who audiences saw earlier this year as the pub landlord in the hilarious Show Us Your Tips, reprises his role as Dad after the great reception he received in 2011’s production.

Rita and Sue are two working class girls

from a rundown council estate about to finish their final year at school. In their spare time, they earn money babysitting for Bob and Michelle. Without Michelle’s knowledge, Bob embarks on an affair with both Rita and Sue, who take it in turns to have sex with him in his car in the countryside. For more information visit: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Dedicated fundraisers hold tea party in aid of Willowbrook Hospice

Knowsley CAB Advice Column

“Angel in disguise” Here at Knowsley Citizens Advice Bureau we witnessed the sheer elation and joy of one of our clients this week, but it was thanks to the kindheartedness of another client that we were able to observe this.

A young mother of two, who is also expecting a third child, came into the bureau concerned she would not be able to feed her children that night or even afford to keep the house warm due to a complication with receiving benefits. The only thing that we could possibly provide was a food voucher but that would not be valid until the next day. Obviously the client was very worried about the whole situation and she struggled to hold back her emotions.

Another client, who was visiting the bureau over a minor query, was also present in the building at the same time. This client unknowingly dropped their wallet in the waiting room; inside there was a significant amount of cash. The troubled young mother found the wallet and didn’t think twice about handing it into reception.

The owner of the wallet was extremely grateful that it had been handed in, not only did it have a substantial amount of cash inside it also contained multiple credit cards and other important documents too. The owner of the wallet was so delighted with the righteousness of the person who handed it in, that they then proceeded to seek out this person in order to reward them for their honesty and compassion. The young mother who was in a particular tough financial situation chose to be honest and to do the right thing, in doing so she was rewarded with £100 and a bag full of shopping courtesy of the gentlemen who had dropped his wallet.

Later on the mother of two told us that the other client “saved her day,” and that he was “an angel in disguise.” The young mother would also like to say a “big thank you” to the kind hearted person and wishes them “all the best from her and the kids.”

At Citizens Advice we aim to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives. This is our motto, however for this particular client there was very little we could actually do and it was down to friendly nature of a complete stranger that the problem was resolved.

At Knowsley Citizens Advice we thought this was such a heart warming story that we wanted to share it. This goes to show that if you treat others with respect and love, others will treat you the same.

For more assistance either email: Advice@knowsleycab.org.uk Or visit us at: Kirkby Bureau Kirkby Town Centre, 1st Floor, 2 Newtown Gardens, L32 8RR Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Huyton Bureau Nutgrove Villa, 1 Griffiths Road, Huyton, L36 6NA Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Halewood Bureau Halewood Centre, Rose Heath Drive, Halewood, L26 9UH Open Monday & Wednesday 9am - 5pm

Prescot couple, Ray and Barbara Mercer recently served up a variety of tasty treats at an afternoon tea party in aid of Willowbrook Hospice.

The tea party, at St Paul’s Church, Prescot, raised over £200, adding to the thousands of pounds the couple have already donated over the years to Willowbrook.

Ray said: “Willowbrook is an amazing place which does so much for the people who live in St Helens and Knowsley. We enjoy doing what we can to help raise funds for the hospice and we’ve organised a range of events over the years from jazz nights to tea parties – all with the support of friends,

family and our local church.”

Willowbrook Hospice set up the Tea Party Appeal to find a fun way for people to help generate the £4 million needed to continue to offer services to patients.

Emily Naylor, community fundraiser for Willowbrook, said: “Hosting a tea party is a fantastic way to help raise funds for the hospice. This year alone our tea parties have raised just under £8,000.

“We provide all of our services free of charge and we rely on the generosity of people like Ray and Barbara to enable us to continue to provide care to the people of St Helens and Knowsley.

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES AT THE NATIONAL WILDFLOWER CENTRE

Come along to the National Wildflower Centre this half term and enjoy the Great Outdoors for free. They have got some great activities taking place between 16th and 20th February, there’ll be something for everyone …

Monday 16th 11am – 3pm Rescued Birds of Prey with S & R Birds Come along and say hello to S & R Rescue Birds of Prey and find out about these wonderful birds. Don't forget to bring along a camera!

Tuesday 17th 10am – 4pm Explorer Tuesdays (Self led / drop in) Put your walking boots on and explore the Great Outdoors. Please note this is a self-led session.

Thursday 19th 12pm – 3pm Tomato Day Join our Great Outdoors Project as we learn all about tomatoes from seeds, plants to tasty fruit.

Friday 20th 1 – 3pm Bird Feeders with Plantlife It's National Nest Box Week, so join the 'We're in the Wild: Young Volunteers as they show you how to make your own feeder. Watch out, it could get messy!

WARNING: Not suitable for people with a nut allergy Events are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Check out www.nwc.org.uk for further details. Supported by Target: Wellbeing Landlife’s Great Outdoors Project connecting people in Knowsley with nature. Through a variety of creative physical activities, aimed to encourage people to be more active in Knowsley’s parks and greenspaces.

February 2015 25

MEMBERS REMEMBER THEIR ‘FRIEND’ Members of the Pingwood Kirkby Arts Group and the Shevington Park Arts Group have paid tribute on the passing of their chairman and ‘friend’, Jimmy Gallagher.

Jimmy had been a member of both groups for over twenty years and was well respected by all.

Fellow members recall that nothing was too much trouble for Jimmy and that he was always ready and will to lend a helping hand.

Jimmy was born and bred in Kirkby and loved playing football in his

younger days, he even became known as ‘Hatty’ because he scored so may hat-tricks.

Fellow members where said to be shocked at his death and a full church saw Jimmy off at St Peter and Paul’s Church, Kirkby.

Members of the Pingwood Art Group also wrote the following poem in memory of Jimmy.

Joyful to the very end In our hearts you’ll stay our friend Meeting you enhanced our lives Many a time we’ve all laughed and

LIBRARIES BACK NEW SCHEME TO HELP PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA Knowsley Council’s library service is backing the launch of a new national self-help through books scheme for people with dementia.

The initiative - part of the groundbreaking, national ‘Reading Well Books on Prescription’ scheme - supports people with dementia to feel better through self-help reading.

Health professionals will be able to recommend helpful reading to support people with dementia and their carers.

The books will be free to borrow from any of Knowsley’s libraries.

The 25 titles on the Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia list have been recommended by health experts as well as people who live with the condition.

The list includes a range of books offering information and advice about

Woodlands Hospice receive a £1,000 donation from KMI Plus

dementia and normal ageing, support with living well after diagnosis, practical advice for carers, personal accounts, and suggestions for shared therapeutic activities.

The scheme will also help the many people living without a formal diagnosis, who may be worrying about symptoms and wanting to find out more.

The first Books on Prescription initiative which was launched in June 2013 already helps over 275,000 people in England with common mental health conditions feel better through self-help reading. It has played an important role in helping to meet the huge need for mental health support Books on Prescription for dementia aims to build on this success. There are an estimated 850, 000 people in the UK living with the condition.

SCHOOL CHILDREN ‘MORE FAMILIAR WITH BEER BRANDS THAN BISCUITS’ Drink Wise is calling for stricter rules on alcohol marketing to protect children and young people, after research found that nine in ten (91%) 10 and 11-year-olds in the North West are more familiar with the Foster’s lager brand than with popular biscuit, crisp and ice cream brands.

The research also found half of children associate their favourite football teams and tournaments with the beer brands they are sponsored by, including almost half in the North West associating the Chang beer brand with Everton F.C., and Carlsberg beer with the English national football team.

Evidence shows that exposure to alcohol marketing leads young people to drink more, and to start drinking at an earlier age.

cried You’re in our thoughts and prayers Gentle giant of a man Always there for everyone Loved by all who knew you Laughter was a gift you shared All together we will remain, but the art group will never be the same Grief has overtaken our group Heartbroken and bereaved Every day we will think of you Rest in peace our cherished friend

Drink Wise surveyed 10 and 11-yearolds from primary schools across the North West. They were asked about their recognition of alcohol and snack brand names and logos, alcohol sponsorship of football, their TV viewing and social media use, and whether they had tried alcohol.

Drink Wise is calling for: • Alcohol advertising to be restricted to factual information in adult press.

• Alcohol advertising in cinemas only to be allowed for 18 certificate films.

• The phased removal of alcohol sponsorships in sport.

• In the longer-term, a ban on alcohol advertising and sponsorship as the only way to protect children from alcohol marketing.

From left to right: RGN Janette Meredith (Simon’s mum/Glenn’s sister), KMI Site Manager Simon Meredith, KMI Site operative Dan Lowe, Carole Riley (Woodlands Hospice) and KMI Works Manager Richard Brook

Woodlands Hospice have recently received a £1,000 donation from KMI Plus.

The hospice was nominated for the donation by Simon Meredith, site manager at the KMI Huyton Site, because his uncle was cared for at Woodlands.

KMI employees are awarded cash for working man hours accrued without a reportable accident/incident, as part of their Health and Safety standards.

Simon’s site team had worked hard to achieve the 100,000 + hours and they all agreed to donate to the hospice in honour of Simon’s Uncle Glenn.

On presentation of the money to the hospice, Simon shared the story of his uncle.

“My Uncle Glenn passed away in July 2014 following a battle with throat cancer. He was 55 and had three children, (Fiona, Josh and Claudia).

“He was initially diagnosed in December 2012 and subsequently endured an operation and various treatments which we believed, or at least hoped had proved successful.

“Unfortunately his condition worsened in December 2013 and we soon discovered it

was terminal.

“Glenn was really struggling around May/June 2014 which is when he was offered care at Woodlands Hospice.

“The hospice provided care and support to Glenn and the family during a difficult time.

“My mum (Glenn’s sister – Janette) is an experienced nurse so she knows first-hand the level of care required and I can honestly say she had nothing but high praise for Woodlands. In fact Glenn was soon back on his feet and eventually able to return home for a short spell.

“Sadly his condition deteriorated rapidly and on 11 July 2014 Glenn returned to Woodlands where he was afforded the upmost care right to the end.

“My Uncle Glenn worked as a Pipe Fitter/Fabricator for almost 40 years and worked on numerous sites similar to those that we (KMI) currently operate on so I am very appreciative to my colleagues for agreeing to donate the money to the hospice in his honour.

“We hope in some way it helps Woodlands continue to offer the same support for those that need it in the future”.

28 February 2015

Property

KHT TO BUILD 570 NEW HOMES Penman Crescent, Halewood

Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT), part of the First Ark Group, has announced details of an extensive building programme which includes the delivery of 319 much needed affordable new homes in Knowsley.

With a population of 145,900, just 37 per cent of homes in Knowsley are classified as affordable according to statistics from national charity Shelter, meaning this significant building programme will be invaluable for the region.

The new affordable rent properties span seven different sites and include a mix of one and two-bed apartments, two and three-bed houses and several one bed plus apartments, specifically designed to meet the varying needs of people in the community and offer best value for money.

The announcement from KHT also includes 251 homes for shared ownership and outright sale, as part of the total 570 new homes being delivered across the borough by the First Ark Group, over the next three years.

Each KHT project will regenerate and develop the area in which it is situated, providing employment opportunities, quality housing and growth for its occupants, and ensuring the continual success of neighbouring communities.

The plans include the Extra Care housing development at Bluebell Park, Huyton, which comprises 122 apartments for residents aged 55+.

Once building is completed, Bluebell

Park will provide onsite facilities such as a community centre as well as tailor-made care for its individual residents. Built to ‘HAPPI’ design principles, the properties will also incorporate eco-friendly features into each home’s specification to reduce energy bills.

Executive director at KHT, Ian Thomson, said: “New homes in Knowsley are in demand, and it’s important that we act responsibly to plan and recognise the needs of our community.

“Our vision is to develop high quality yet affordable homes which provide future homeowners and residents with a wide variety of options, to ensure they can select the property which works best for them, all while keeping money in their pockets.

“As a responsible landlord and developer, every project we develop is designed to inspire communities and support the region’s residents.

“We’re continually pushing for further development across the North West and are working with some of the UK’s most renowned contractors to deliver quality, affordable homes and our objectives.

“As an organisation, we have an extremely strong infrastructure and reliable team in place to deliver each of our projects to the highest possible standards.”

The new KHT properties will be developed on sites across Huyton, Kirkby, Halewood and Prescot.

New categories announced for 2015 Your Move Property Awards Preparations are already well underway for the 2015 Your Move Property Awards, and this year Merseyside’s property industry will have more cause for celebration than ever.

As well as the return of all 11 existing categories, which recognise aspects of the commercial and residential property sectors including the best law firm and regeneration scheme to successful show homes and agents, a host of new accolades are being introduced.

Entrants from across the region will now also go head to head in categories including Best Commercial Retail Let, Best Commercial Office Let, Best Student Home and Landlord Service, Outstanding Contribution to Property and Construction Apprentice of the Year, and winners will be announced when the prestigious event returns on 15 October.

Taking place once again at Lutyens Crypt within Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, the 12th annual glittering ceremony will follow a glamorous ‘Strictly’ theme.

All 16 categories are now open, and the deadline for entries is 1 June.

For more information about the 2015 Your Move Property Awards and how to enter, log on to www.yourmovepropertyawards.co.uk

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February 2015 29

ZOOLOGISTS OF THE FUTURE TAKE FIRST STEPS AT KNOWSLEY SAFARI Knowsley Safari has announced an elephantastic range of workshops to encourage the next generation of animal enthusiasts.

The season kicks off this February half term with a selection of weekend workshops for 8 to 11 year olds focusing on feeding, conservation and mucking out.

Led by a member of the expert Learning & Discovery team, kids will get stuck in to the responsibilities of working at Knowsley Safari to get a taste of what it takes to be an animal keeper.

For kids aged 12-14, Junior Rangers is a three day zoo school. It will offer an indepth look at life as an animal keeper and the work done at Knowsley Safari.

They will have the opportunity to get involved with training cheeky sea lions, feeding the

giraffes and taking part in enrichment activities with the lions. All while learning about the vital conservation work that takes place at Knowsley Safari.

Nikki Mallott, Knowsley Safari’s senior learning and discovery officer, said: “Our courses are more popular than ever and to support this year’s intake of Intrepid Explorers and Junior Rangers, we have taken on three new full-time staff members.

“The courses have been specifically developed inhouse to offer a wide variety of experiences allowing children to get their hands dirty with practical husbandry.

“Children will have a 360 degree view of life as a keeper, learning about animal behaviour, anatomy and diet.”

For children interested in animals and zoology, they are an opportunity not to be missed.

HEALTHY HOMES Since Healthy Homes in Knowsley launched in September last year, over 3,200 homes have been visited as part of the initiative, which aims to improve both the living conditions and health and wellbeing of residents.

This has resulted in over 1,100 referrals to other agencies including Care and Repair, Knowsley Works and Family and Community Education who can provide solutions and support. Many residents have been referred for energy efficiency advice, smoke alarms and housing issues.

Healthy Homes aims to tackle common issues that residents may be experiencing, such as living in damp conditions, having difficulty managing household bills or disabled residents struggling to get around without adaptations to their home.

These can all have a significant impact on health, wellbeing and general happiness.

The Healthy Homes team (Picture MF&RS)

The scheme available to all residents in the borough. If you would like to take part, a trained advocate will visit your property and talk to you about your health, home and wellbeing. This will help them to identify any health or support services you might need or want, as well as any aspect of your property that could be improved to benefit your health and wellbeing.

Sarah Bell, Merseyside Fire & Rescue service district prevention manager for Knowsley, said: “Since the Healthy

Homes Programme started in September last year we have received over 200 referrals from the Healthy Homes Team, for people who have not had a visit from the Fire Service in the last five years and have inadequate smoke alarms or are vulnerable and are considered to be at a higher risk of having a fire.

“This is 200 homes that the Fire Service would not have been aware needed our assistance had it not been for the partnership between Healthy Homes Team and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.

30 February 2015

Challenge Classified Advertising Telephone: 0151 709 7567 • Email: andy@merseymirror.com • FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES

Take notice that Miss Kellie Owens has applied for a premises and alcohol licence for Kellies General Store, 27a Woolfall Heath Avenue, Liverpool L36 3TH to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises 7 days a week 7am to 7pm. This shop will be a general convenience selling a wide range of goods such as groceries, newspapers, and household products.

A record of the application can be inspected by the public between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday at the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health and Consumer Protection, Corporate Resources, 2nd Floor Yorkon Building, Archway Road, Huyton L36 9FB. Please ring 0151 443 2300 to arrange an appointment. www.knowsley.gov.uk Any responsible authority or any other person wishing to make representations on this application must do so in writing to Knowsley Licensing Authority at the address above by 9th March 2015.

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application punishable with a maximum fine of £5000 on summary conviction for the offence.

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February 2015 31

MERSEY CHILDREN FLOCK TO OUTDOOR CLASSROOM Merseyside children are deserting their classrooms for the great outdoors after a popular city farm landed an £18,600 grant to promote environmental awareness.

The initiative highlights the benefits of recycling and is just one of a string of activities taking place as part of an environmental education project launched at the 108-acre Larkin’s Farm in Croxteth.

The farm launched the project after winning £18,600 from Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority’s (MRWA) Community Fund to create an environmental education site with wetlands walkway, footpaths, signage and bird boxes using recycled

materials.

MRWA chairperson Councillor Graham Morgan said: “The farm has made fantastic use of the funding – not just by using recycled materials to transform part of the site but, in doing so, to create a specific attraction so school children can witness the benefits of recycling and environmental awareness first hand.”

Larkin’s Farm produces staple crops for distribution to the community and also houses an existing domestic wood recycling project, houses NSC’s environmental maintenance team, along with a therapeutic work (care) programme for individuals with learning difficulties, a schools mini-

farms project involving six local primary schools, renewable energy/heat generation and wildlife habitat creation and management.

Phil Knibb of Larkin’s Farm said: “The funding has made a big difference by enabling us to invite even more school pupils down to the farm to be part of the outdoor classroom experience, and create a wetland area within the site as a new attraction.”

MRWA awarded funding from its £180,000 Community Fund to more than a dozen Merseyside and Halton community projects that are working to cut food waste, and recycle or reuse everything from textiles to furniture.

Maximum grants available were up to £20,000.

Children from Barlows Primary School, Fazakerley, pond dipping at the new wetland area funded by MRWA

TAKE A MAGICAL JOURNEY

Prepare to be whisked away to a world of once upon a time in Knowsley’s libraries this half term.

Professional storyteller Susanna Meese will take children on a journey through traditional tales at each spin of her wondrous story wheel. All those listening will be transported to magical lands of dragons, pirates, princesses and monsters!

Younger visitors will have the chance to get creative with special craft activities for the under 5s.

Cllr Eddie Connor, Knowsley’s cabinet member for leisure, community and culture, said: “Susanna Meese is a wonderful storyteller who is sure to capture the children’s imagination with her enthralling tales. Hosting activities like this during the school holidays, will not only help the children have fun, but will hopefully encourage them to visit the libraries all year round.”

32 February 2015

Sport If you have any sports news contact the Sports Desk on 0151 706 7411 or email: thechallenge@merseymirror.com

289 9999

Kickboxing club moves to new school venue Swift Kickboxing Club has recently moved to All Saints Catholic High School in Kirkby, with the new venue providing a dedicated sports room.

Equipped with a mirror room for sparring, the space is said to have much better set up and layout for the club.

Following the move, Sensei Swift said: “I felt like it was time for a change for the club and the schools facilities suited the club much more than our old venue.”

Sessions at Swift Kickboxing Club are designed towards adults and children above five, catering for all ages and abilities. The club also has families who train together and parents can train with their children.

Sensei Swift adds: “Our syllabus covers kickboxing, Ju-Jitsu, Kung Fu and boxing. As individuals we learn in different ways and at different speeds, and we follow a grading system from White Belt through to black and beyond.

“What you can expect during a typical training session is a warm up, some cardio fitness, work on your grading and some bespoke self-defence moves. The class will aim to achieve improved fitness, the ability to defend yourself and improved self-confidence.”

Classes take place every Monday and Wednesday from 6-7pm, although places are limited due to the capacity of the room.

Participants will receive the first session free with no obligation, and should attend the school reception off Roughwood Drive for 5.55pm.

TRIUMPHANT START FOR ST LAURENCES ATHLETICS St Laurence’s Catholic Primary School, Kirkby were celebrating after being named as the Knowsley indoor Athletics Champions.

Headteacher, Phil Cronin said: “Congratulations go out to our indoor athletics team who performed magnificently in the Knowsley Championships to become Knowsley Champions.

“All our children gave an incredible performance and made us extremely proud.

“They achieved an amazing 320 points! It was a fantastic afternoon and a big thank you to all our parents and family for their support as well”.

WOMEN COACHES WANTED FOR GROUND-BREAKING PROJECT The School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University and Sports Coach UK are inviting women coaches to participate in an important UK study examining occupational well-being for women coaches.

The coaching profession should reflect the diverse sporting populations that it serves, but women are presently underrepresented. Just a quarter of all practicing coaches in the UK are women and this statistic is even less when considering the number of women in senior positions of coaching.

Therefore, this study aims to collect more information on how women coaches experience their profession and working within their organisation within the UK. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential, and you will not be identified in any subsequent findings. If you would like to contribute to the project, please complete this online survey which will only take 20 minutes.

If you would like more information Knowsley Challenge is a free community newspaper to serve the Borough of Knowsley. Circulation 30,000. Editorial Office: 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Telephone: 0151 706 7411.

Advertising, Graphic Design and Typesetting by Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Telephone: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678

regarding the study, you can either find this at the start of the survey or you can contact, Dr Leanne Norman, Principal Investigator on behalf of the research team by email: L.J.Norman@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

BMX HOLIDAY CLUB The Liverpool Century Cycling Club are holding a BMX Holiday camp during the February half term.

Riders will have the opportunity to experience BMX racing at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, Longview Drive, Huyton, Knowsley, L36 6EG on 16-17 February. Both sessions will run from 10am-12pm. £6 per session or £10 for both sessions and are aimed at 6-16 years, all ability levels.

All bikes, helmet and pads will be provided. Booking is via online entry, please see link: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/ details/126120/Knowsley-BMX-Half-TermCamp