The Challenge January 2018

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Challenge The

Issue: 367 January 2018

From September 2018 Knowsley will re-introduce the provision of A-levels

INSIDE THIS MONTH

WAR HORSE GRAVE IN KNOWSLEY IS AWARDED GRADE II STATUS Page 3

A-LEVELS SET TO MAKE A RETURN TO KNOWSLEY

MAN ATTEMPTS TO STEAL PUP FROM DOGS TRUST CENTRE Page 6

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From September 2018 the provision of A-levels will make a return to the borough of Knowsley with Knowsley Community College announcing the launch of a dedicated A Level Academy.

This re-introduction is being cited as just one of several benefits expected to be created by the merger between St Helens College and Knowsley Community College.

It forms part of the strategy for the merged college group to be responsive to the needs and demands of the community, enabling residents to have access to a quality, local provider.

St Helens College’s own A Level Academy has gone from strength to strength in recent years, boasting a fantastic set of A-level exam results with the majority of students gaining

places at their first choice university.

It has a growing A-level offer complemented by a specialist Professional Skills Programme.

The A-level provision will be further strengthened by some partnership working with Carmel College.

Knowsley Community College • Continued on Page 2

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2 January 2018

APPEAL FOLLOWING ASSAULT BY SCRAMBLER BIKE RIDER Detectives in Kirkby are investigating after a vulnerable man was assaulted by a scrambler bike rider on Saturday 16 December 2017.

A report was received at around 3.30pm that a 66year-old man had been kicked and knocked to the floor by a man who was riding a scrambler bike on the pavement of Bigdale Drive at about 3.15pm.

The man sustained bruising to the leg and was assessed by paramedics at home.

Detective Inspector John Williams said: “This incident again highlights the fact that people who ride scrambler bikes on our roads and even pavements in a criminal, reckless and anti-social manner show a complete disregard for public safety.

They will never be tolerated

by Merseyside Police and our partners.

“We know how strongly members of our communities feel about these incidents and we will continue to take

positive action to seize those bikes we believe are being used illegally on our roads, and bring those responsible to justice.

“I would encourage people to pass on information which allows us to find those bikes and those who ride them.

“We will continue to act on any information so if you know where these bikes are being stored or who is storing them, contact us.

If you have any information on this incident, please call police on 101 quoting incident reference number 0517322292, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

THE JUNGLE BOOK Following the success of Alice in Wonderland last Easter, Immersion Theatre is thrilled to bring a brand new musical adaptation of family favourite, The Jungle Book!

The show will take place on Saturday 14 April 2018 2.30pm. Call 0151 443 2200 for more information

A-LEVELS SET TO MAKE A RETURN TO KNOWSLEY • Continued from Page 1 recently moved to a new £32million main campus on Stockbridge Lane which will be the home of this new A Level Academy.

The choice of A-levels on offer will feature over 21 subject areas to choose from, including traditional subjects such as English literature, English language and mathematics as well as more specialist subjects including politics, product design and computer science.

Dr Jette Burford, CEO of the new College Group said: “This move to introduce A-levels back into the borough of Knowsley is a strategic one to ensure that we can equip local students with the opportunities that they require to succeed in their future careers.

“Our new College Group will see us placed as the biggest education provider in the

Liverpool City region so it is one of our key priorities that we are well placed to meet the needs of residents, students and employers.

“This new A Level Academy is a place where students will receive focused, individualised support from tutors, smaller class sizes and an aspirational learning environment in which they can really excel in.”

At the heart of the A-level offer is an exclusive Professional Skills Programme.

Three unique routes which are a carefully selected blend of two Alevel subjects plus a practical vocational qualification, created to stretch and maximise students potential.

Gill Banks, principal of Knowsley Community College said: “These additional Professional Skills Programmes are a specialist addition to the A Level Academy offer.

Gill Banks, principal of Knowsley Community College

“It helps to ensure that students can demonstrate to future employers and universities that they have what it takes to succeed in their careers by showcasing their academic ability and self-motivation through the academic A-level study and their knowledge and competency skills provided by the practical nature of the vocational, BTEC qualifications”.

FESTIVE FAVOURITES FOR CHILDREN IN WHISTON HOSPITAL

LINSKILLS SOLICITORS Benefit Fraud Specialists You may be entitled to free advice and assistance from a Legal Advisor if you are required to attend a DWP interview under caution and could be charged with a serious criminal offence.

Do not talk yourself into a criminal charge Contact our team of specialists on

0151 236 2224 For immediate assistance

Pictured: Gareth McBurney (Co-op store manager - Ormskirk Store) dressed as an Elf and Jeff Challis (Co-op store manager, Utting Avenue store) dressed as Rudolph, join hospital staff Sue Thong, director manager; Janet Bentham, matron; Dr Maysara Aziz, clinical director and Jeff Challis (store manager, Utting Avenue store)

Colleagues from the Co-op paid a visit to Whiston Hospital to share some festive favourites with children who spent their time in hospital this Christmas.

A sleigh-load of Christmas treats donated by Coop stores across the area were handed out to doctors and nurses to share with children at the Warrington Road hospital.

Gareth McBurney, a store manager at the Co-op’s

new store in Ormskirk, said: “As a community retailer the Co-op is committed to making a difference locally. Children having to spend time in hospital can be very hard at any time of the year, but in particular over Christmas-time. And we wanted to do something which made a small difference and helped to put an extra smile on young faces from our community who would be in hospital over the festive period”.

January 2018 3

THE GRAVE OF WAR HORSE HERO IS AWARDED GRADE II LISTED STATUS The grave of Blackie the war horse in Halewood has been given Grade II listed monument status by Historic England.

This is the first time a war horse grave has been awarded this heritage protection and recognises the contribution Blackie made as a horse in service with the British Army during the First World War. Buried at the RSPCA Liverpool Animal Centre, Higher Road, Halewood, Blackie served with the 275th Brigade Royal Field Artillery ‘A’ Battery – 55th West Lancashire Division in most of the major battles of the First World War, including Arras, the Somme offensive and Ypres.

Blackie – thought to have been born around 1905 – belonged to Lieutenant Leonard Comer Wall, a war poet from Kirkby, who requested in his will that his faithful horse should be buried with his medals and decorations.

The lieutenant was killed in action at Ypres whilst riding Blackie on 9 June 1917, aged 20, and the horse’s groom, Francis Frank Wilkinson, was killed the previous day at the age of 23.

Despite this Blackie remained in service on the Western front for the rest of the war and was one of the very few

war horses who returned from the front.

After the war Lieutenant Comer Wall’s mother Kate bought Blackie from the Army and lent him to the Territorial Riding School in Liverpool and led parades through the streets of Liverpool, before being retired to the horses’ rest home in Halewood, where he died aged 37 in 1942.

Lieutenant Comer Wall’s wishes were honoured, and Blackie was buried with his medals in the north west corner of the western field next to Higher Road.

Blackie’s grave is one of more than 1,000 historical sites given heritage protection by Heritage England as part of its First World War centenary listing project.

Christmas concert raises £1K for charity A delightfully festive evening of carols and Christmas tunes in Prescot Parish Church has raised £1,000 for local causes.

The Mayor of Prescot’s Charity Christmas Concert, an annual tradition organised by the Prescot Festival, saw St Mary’s filled with 400 people this year.

Monies raised will be split between Willowbrook Hospice, the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the Owen McVeigh

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Foundation for Children with Leukaemia, and 1st Prescot Scout Group.

Scratch Brass Ensemble, Knowsley Ladies’ Choir, Prescot Parish Church Choir, Evelyn Community Primary School Staff and Pupil Choirs and St Mary & St Paul’s School Choir provided the entertainment.

A huge thank-you to the organisers, performers and appreciative audience.

4 January 2018

KNOWSLEY HOSTS DOMESTIC ABUSE CONFERENCE Over 200 delegates attended a Domestic Abuse Conference hosted by the Knowsley Partnership.

The conference, entitled ‘A holistic approach’, was attended by a range of agencies and voluntary services from across Knowsley who support residents suffering from domestic abuse.

The event highlighted national and local good practice in relation to domestic abuse, hearing from both survivors of domestic abuse as well as agencies who work with domestic abuse victim, their children and perpetrators.

Their work includes preventative work to try and stop incidents occurring in the first place, through raising awareness, targeted work in school settings around recognising the signs in children and providing support, working with groups of survivors, children and young people.

The conference explored the responses to domestic abuse from the different agencies with a particular emphasis on coercive control legislation – its impact on victim protection and

practice, services available to victims both at the point of crisis and in recovery, services for children and challenge and support for perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Coercive and controlling behaviour includes a perpetrator preventing their victim from having friendships or hobbies, refusing them access to money and determining aspects of their everyday life, such as when they are allowed to eat or sleep. Unfortunately, many victims may not recognise that they are in a coercive or controlling relationship.

Cllr Eddie Connor, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “I’m delighted to see so many professionals attending this conference to share best practice and ensure we provide the best domestic abuse support services here in Knowsley.

“Meeting survivors of domestic abuse and hearing their stories has really made me all the more determined to ensure victims have the support they need in order to break the cycle.

“Through agencies working together we can send out a clear message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated and that help and support is available to both victims and perpetrators who want to change their behaviour.”

Merseyside’s Deputy Police Commissioner Cllr Emily Spurrell said: “Domestic abuse has serious and farreaching effects, not just on survivors but their families, friends and even the wider community. Children especially are often the forgotten victims of violence and abuse in the home.

“I was delighted to attend this conference to hear about some of the really effective initiatives already underway in the borough to reduce incidents of domestic abuse, protect vulnerable people and support victims in the best possible way to help them cope and recover.

“There is still much more that can be done though and events like this one are vital in sharing ideas and helping us all to work closer together to put a stop to this pervasive and damaging crime.”

Help and support is available to those

Merseyside’s Deputy Police Commissioner Cllr Emily Spurrell

affected by domestic abuse in Knowsley by contacting The First Step on 0151 548 3333 or the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In an emergency, call the police on 999.

Knowsley’s Early Years ranked in the top three nationally

SUEZ SERVED WITH ENFORCEMENT NOTICE The Environment Agency has served an enforcement notice on SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK Ltd, Kirkby.

The company has an environmental permit to take up to 500,000 tonnes of waste on site a year. This waste is then sorted and the non-recycled rubbish is transferred by trains to outside Merseyside and converted into energy.

The Environment Agency considers that the following condition of the environmental permit are being contravened: “Emissions from the activities shall be free from odour at levels likely to cause pollution outside the site, as perceived by an authorised officer of the Environment Agency, unless the operator has used appropriate measures, including but not limited, to those specified in any approved odour management plan, to prevent or where that is not practicable to minimise odour.”

Therefore, under the enforcement notice, the Environment Agency is requiring the company to install a carbon filter scrubber system as an appropriate

measure to prevent or minimise the odour.

Simon Hurst, The Environment Agency’s environment manager for Merseyside, said: “The Environment Agency has been working with SUEZ giving them advice and guidance to help them to comply with their permit.

“Following complaints we have carried out three weeks of odour monitoring in the Kirkby area, and audited the site. The Environment Agency has now taken the decision to serve an enforcement notice because despite being given advice and guidance, the company remains noncompliant with the permit conditions.”

Simon Hurst went on to say: “We are serving this notice because the operator has failed to follow advice and guidance to comply with their permit. We are therefore taking this action in line with our enforcement guidance.

“I would also like to reassure the public that the Environment Agency carry out regular inspections of all permitted sites in the area and take complaints seriously”.

Knowsley’s Early Years Service has been ranked third across the country for the services it provides to children and their families.

The endorsement has been published in the Social Mobility Commission’s report entitled the State of the Nation 2017.

This latest endorsement follows Ofsted rating all of Knowsley’s private and voluntary full daycare nurseries outstanding or good earlier this year – with Knowsley being one of only four areas in the country to achieve this accolade.

Cllr Joan Lilly, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “To receive such national recognition, from both the Social Mobility Commission as well as Ofsted, is a fantastic testament to the service.

“Parents don’t just need to take our word for it that the services we provide to support a child’s development during these important early years are some of the very best in the country.”

Knowsley’s Early Years service works with children and their families to improve outcomes for children, through ensuring there is sufficient, accessible, affordable and high quality early years and childcare provision across the borough, helping children to be ‘school ready’.

The service provides support, advice and guidance as well as targeted training opportunities for people working with children and families to meet the individual needs of the children in their setting.

Working alongside other services, including

children’s centres and health visitors, the Early Years team ensure that children and families are supported at the earliest opportunity.

Social Mobility assesses a range of indicators at every life stage, from early years through to adulthood. It is a term used to describe the ability of individuals, families or groups to move up or down the social ladder in society, such as from low-income to middle-class. It is often used to describe changes in wealth, but it can also be used to describe social standing or education.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE AT SHAKESPEARE THEATRE VISITOR CENTRE? As work towards the new Shakespeare North Theatre in Prescot continues, plans are being drawn up for a new exhibition and education centre which will form part of the attraction.

Now your views are being sought to help decide how to best tell the story of Prescot’s connection with the Bard, and the incredible history of the town’s Jacobean theatre.

So, if you’ve got a great idea you’re being asked to fill in a five minute survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SNorthExhibitionandEducationCentre to share ideas and decide what you think will work best.

The deadline for feedback is Monday, 15 January.

January 2018 5

6 January 2018

FIRST ARK SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER THROUGHOUT KNOWSLEY First Ark Group has delivered some Christmas cheer to Knowsley residents who are facing a tough festive period.

Employees of the company who work with families across the borough have identified some of their customers who are in the most need of help and pulled together to create some food hampers to help the families enjoy Christmas without worry.

The hampers were made up of food donations and Christmas treats and will make a huge difference to families struggling to make ends meet. Today’s financial climate makes it increasingly difficult for people to meet the demands of Christmas and the nominations put forward were evidence of the real struggle that people are unfortunately facing within our communities.

Philip from Whiston said: “One of our customers is very vulnerable, no food or fuel, the house is freezing and he often

sits in darkness. We are helping as much as we can with benefits, but the food hamper would really help him.”

Theresa from Kirkby said: “One of our female customers works but is on a very low wage and isn’t eligible for benefits but is really struggling with paying rent and putting food on the table.”

Employees from across the Group nominated 20 families to receive a hamper and spent time pulling all the donations together, packaging up and delivering them throughout Knowsley. All families were delighted with their unexpected delivery.

Bob Taylor, CEO of the First Ark Group, said: “Some of our customers on low wages or facing difficulties with benefits are finding the financial demands of Christmas really tough.

“As a business, we have dedicated people who help them with their financial situation

and this has brought in an extra £2,648,655 of benefits for our customers in the last 12 months alone.

“This is something that we wanted to do to support them a little more in the festive period – our employees have pulled

together to make sure that we are helping our most vulnerable customers. “

MAN ATTEMPTS TO STEAL SMUGGLED PUP FROM DOGS TRUST REHOMING CENTRE Staff at Dogs Trust Merseyside have been left in shock after a man tried to steal a four-month old French Bulldog puppy from the rehoming centre.

Managers at the Huyton rehoming centre believe the man had hidden in the grounds of the site until the centre was closed to the public and darkness had fallen.

He entered the puppy nursery area around 4.45pm having watched the staff member who was looking after the litter of five enter a neighbouring puppy kennel.

It is thought the puppy was possibly intended for sale in the run up to Christmas, highlighting concerns from the charity that the message behind its famous slogan ‘A dog is for Life, not just for Christmas’ – which turns 40 next year – is still not getting through, as people continue to gift puppies as presents without thinking of the long term responsibility that comes

with dog ownership.

Fortunately, as the man began to make his way to the site entrance he was spotted by a member of staff trying to hide the puppy, Pierre, under his coat.

Having been alerted to the situation, members of staff chased him to the entrance and, realising he had been spotted, the man put the puppy on the ground by the side of the road before running off.

Assistant manager, Catherine Stulberg, said: “We are so shocked that this has happened and thank goodness we got Pierre back, who is absolutely fine.

“French Bulldogs are a very popular breed and cost thousands if purchased from a responsible breeder so we suspect he was either being stolen as a Christmas present or for breeding.

“Whatever the reason, it’s absolutely despicable and unbelievable that someone would go to these lengths to

get a French Bulldog puppy.

We are so grateful to our staff for their quick action.”

Pierre and his four litter mates have been cared for by Dogs Trust since being seized at Dover, when unscrupulous breeders were caught trying to illegally import them into Great Britain.

The charity, as part of its ongoing undercover investigation into puppy smuggling – a sickening trade which sees thousands of underage puppies illegally smuggled into the country, destined to be sold to unsuspecting members of the public – launched the Puppy Pilot scheme to care for smuggled puppies, by funding their quarantine costs and rehoming them responsibly.

So far, over 600 puppies, just like Pierre, have been cared for through the pilot.

Catherine said: “This litter have been through such an ordeal so they have been getting lots of TLC since arriving and we’re delighted to

say they have all found wonderful forever homes, which they’ll be going to very shortly.

“The welfare of our dogs whilst they are with us is of paramount importance and of course we are very security conscious.

“In the 18 years we have been here we have never had a puppy stolen but we are reviewing our security procedures to ensure this can never happen again. ”We encourage every dog owner to be extremely vigilant and ensure the security of your dog whether in your home, in your garden or out in public.”

Whilst Dogs Trust would

Pierre is pictured safely back in the arms of canine carer, Lisa Cole

always champion rehoming a rescue dog, it has released advice to help anyone looking to get a puppy to ensure that they are buying responsibly, and not accidentally fuelling the puppy smuggling trade by purchasing a puppy that could have been illegally imported.

January 2018 7

8 January 2018

Entertainment News MONDAY 8 JANUARY KNOWSLEY VILLAGE ART GROUP (ADULTS) 09:30 – 12:30 Knowsley Village Hall, School Lane, Knowsley Village, L34 9EN. Local art group for adults run by excellent teacher. For further information please contact: John Newton. Contact Number 0151 546 4769 NIFTY 50’S 10:00 – 11:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton L36 9TE. For Adults Aged 50 +. Low impact class. Price: £3. Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ KNIT & NATTER GROUP - HUYTON LIBRARY 10:30 – 12:00 Huyton Library, Civic Way, Huyton, L36 9GD. Bring along any project you are doing, knitting or crochet. Swap patterns and ideas, make new friends and have a cuppa and a chat. All levels of experience welcome.

Please ask branch staff for more details or call 443 3734 KAB'S (KIDS ACTIVITIES AND BOOTCAMPS) - (AGES 5-14) 17:00 – 18:30 Northwood Community Centre, Gilescroft Avenue, Kirkby, L33 9TW. Fully qualified coach, PT Instructor with lots of experience and qualifications with children. For ages 5-14 years. Cost £6 per session, £10 for 2 sessions. Contact Tommy Cashen - 07525 166584, hello@kabs-fitness.co.uk TUESDAY 9 JANUARY SEWING BEE AT HUYTON LIBRARY 10:00 – 12:00 Huyton Library, Civic Way, Huyton, L36 9GD. Come along to Huyton Library for our Sewing Bee adult activity. Work toward your own personalised gift.

Experienced and inexperienced stitches. All welcome. For a chat, a cup of tea and a chance to learn a new skill.

Hand sewing. Contact: 0151 443 3734, huyton.library@knowsley.gov.uk BOSS CLUB (YEARS 4-7) 17:30 – 19:00 St Mary’s, Hillingden Avenue, Halewood L26 9TY. This club focuses on team building and confidence building. We play games, have discussions, explore Christian morals and messages and regular trips away. All our clubs are FREE and inclusive of all faiths.

Contact Natasia Bullock 07867 489463 or email halewoodchurchcw@gmail.com for any more information.

ADULT CLASSES Line Dancing A Class For Adults of Any Age - A fun way to keep fit for all ages. At: Huyton Gateway. Price: £3 Time: Wed 10-11am Yoga A Class For Adults of Any Age - A gentle Hatha Yoga class. At: Huyton Gateway. Price: £4 Time: Mon 11.15-12.15pm Thurs 6-7pm Nifty 50’s For Adults Aged 50 + - Low impact class At: Huyton Gateway. Price: £3 Time: Mon 10 - 11am

CHILDRENS CLASSES Rebound Youth Dance Prescot For Children Aged 8 + - An exciting dance class of various styles. At: Tesco Community space, In store at Tesco Prescot. Price: £3.50 Time: Mon 4.30-5.30 pm Rebound Kidz For Children Aged 8 and over - An exciting dance class of various styles. At: Huyton Gateway. Price: £3.50 or any two for £6/week Time: Thurs 4-5 pm Little Movers For Children Aged 4-7 - A fun dance class At: Huyton Gateway. Price: £3.50 Time: Wed 4 - 5pm Street Dance For Children Aged 8+ - A class that’s fast and funky At: Huyton Gateway. Price: £3.50 or any two for £6/week Time: Thurs 5 - 6pm

Huyton Gateway 115 Rupert Road 0151 489 4616 Email: reboundcic@aol.com Facebook: Rebound Dance Rebound is a social enterprise, not for profit organization

WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY ENVIRONMENTAL TASK DAYS @ HALEWOOD PARK 10:00 – 12:00 Halewood Park, Okell Drive, Halewood L26 7XB. Various practical activities in the great outdoors, including tree and wildflower planting, woodland and pond management and habitat creation. Please call 0151 488 6151 for more information.

CLUBBERCISE - BRINGING A NIGHT OUT TO YOUR WORKOUT 19:00 – 20:00 Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT. Simple & fun dance workout with glow sticks and disco lights to club anthems from 90's to today's hits! All welcome - no need to book, just come along. Class price: £4 per person. For more information please contact me, Jo, on 07511180133 or email joanne4399@hotmail.com

THURSDAY 11 JANUARY 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.

STREET DANCE CLASS (AGES 8+) 17:00 – 18:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton L36 9TE. A class that's fast and funky for ages 8yrs and over. Price: £3 or any two for £5/week. Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ FRIDAY 12 JANUARY HOLLIES HALL INDOOR BOWLING (AGES 21+) 12:00 – 15:30 Hollies Hall, Hollies Road, Halewood, L26 0TH. We run a Winter 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: 0151 487 9779 BASKETBALL COACHING SESSION (AGES 7+) 19:00 – 20:00 Halewood Leisure Centre, Baileys Lane, Halewood L26 0TY. Basketball coaching sessions for all abilities. Ages 7 upwards to adult. Cost £2.50 per session. Contact club coach Reg Allen 487 8994 for further details.

SATURDAY 13 JANUARY KNOWSLEY PARKRUN 09:00 – 10:00 Stadt Moers Park, Pottery Lane, Whiston L35 3RG. Every Saturday morning, Stadt Moers Park in Whiston, plays host to the Knowsley parkrun starting at 9am. It’s a free to enter timed 5k event that encourages people of all ages and abilities to get active outdoors. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a runner, jogger or walker, you‘ll be made to feel welcome by everyone involved. The parkrun is organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, who give up a couple hours each week to help out. To take part in parkrun as a runner or to volunteer, just visit the Knowsley parkrun website http://www.parkrun.org.uk/knowsley/ and register.

MELODIES (SENIORS 11+) - MUSICALITY FOR ALL 11:00 – 12:30 Hollies Hall, Hollies Road, Halewood, L26 0TH. Advanced level session to challenge our senior students dance, drama and singing skills. Performers will have the option to take LAMDA exams, learn a range of dance techniques and take part in regular competitions/performances. Contact us for class fees and to book your place, must book at least 1 week in advance. email: musicality-productions@hotmail.co.uk SUNDAY 14 JANUARY CLUBBERCISE - BRINGING A NIGHT OUT TO YOUR WORKOUT 18:30 – 19:30 Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT. Simple & fun dance workout with glow sticks and disco lights to club anthems from 90's to today's hits! All welcome - no need to book, just come along. Class price: £4 per person. For more information please contact Jo, on 07511180133 or email joanne4399@hotmail.com MONDAY 15 JANUARY KNOWSLEY VILLAGE ART GROUP (ADULTS) 09:30 – 12:30 Knowsley Village Hall, School Lane, Knowsley Village, L34 9EN. Local art group for adults run by excellent teacher. For further information please contact: John Newton 0151 546 4769 FOOTBALL COACHING (AGES 4-11) 17:00 – 18:00 Prescot Soccer Centre, Warrington Road, Prescot L35 5AD. Weekly football coaching sessions for boys and girls between 4 and 11 years old. Cost is £3

per person per session. Fully qualified football coaches trained and the emphasis is on fun and learning. Suitable footwear and clothing required as all football coaching will be outdoors. Contact: Barry Lloyd 07825145105 or 0151 443 2795 TUESDAY 16 JANUARY GET UP AND MOVE (OVER 50S) 12:00 – 13:00 Roby Community Hub, Merton Crescent, Roby, L36 4LD. Come along, get active and have some fun with our "Get up and Move" gentle exercises to music.

Sessions are £2.50 per person. For further details please contact Yvonne Rea 0151 559 3061, yvonnerea@aukmm.org.uk CHIX WITH STIX 18:00 – 20:00 Heritage Hub, 55 Eccleston Street, Prescot, L34 5QH. Come to our FREE knitting and crocheting group every Tuesday. People of any ability are welcome to come and make friends, share their experiences and knowledge, and have some fun! Contact Lynsey 0777 3575856 for further details.

WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY PEDAL AWAY @ STADT MOERS PARK 10:00 – 11:00 Stadt Moers Park, Pottery Lane, Whiston, L35 3RG. Beginners bike ride stays within confines of the park. Bikes and helmets are available to borrow on all rides, please arrive early as limited number. For more information please contact: Lou Henderson 0789 399725 lou.henderson@cycling.org.uk THURSDAY 18 JANUARY A BREAK WITH A BOOK - HUYTON 11:15 – 12:45 Huyton Library, Civic Way, Huyton L36 9GD. The Reader invites you to a free group taking place every Thursday. Meet new people and relax at a free Shared Reading Group for Knowsley residents. We get together every week to share a good story over tea and cake. Everything will be read aloud and there's no pressure to join in - just put your feet up and listen.

Contact Megg Hewlett - megghewlett@thereader.org.uk / 07807106869 – or just turn up!

FRIDAY 19 JANUARY AFTER SCHOOL PLAY CLUB - TERM TIME 15:30 – 17:45 Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT. For ages 4-11 Cost £1 plus 70p for a snack. Contact: Mark Nelson, 0151 486 2865 WESTVALE YOUTH CLUB 18:15 – 20:45 Westvale Community and Youth Centre, Richard Hesketh Drive, Kirkby 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: Joey Fogg: 0151 443 5323, joe.fogg@youthmutual.co.uk SATURDAY 20 JANUARY M.A.T.C.H. (MEN & THEIR CHILDREN) - WHISTON AREA CC 10:00 – 11:30 Tesco Community Room, Tesco Prescot, Cables Retail Park, Prescot, L34 5NQ. TERM TIME ONLY. MatCh - Men and Their Children - is a drop in group for fathers, male carers and their Children aged 0 5 years. We offer play sessions including sensory play, arts & crafts, messy play and more... For further information contact Southmead Children's centre 0151 443 4531 THE SAFARI KIDS CLUB (AGES UP TO 12YRS) 12:00 – 15:00. Stockbridge Village Neighbourhood Centre, The Withens, Stockbridge Village L28 1AB. Priced at £2.10 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 Maria Branch, 07725 418637 SUNDAY 21 JANUARY COURT HEY YOUTH CLUB 18:30 – 20:00 Court Hey Methodist Church, Roby Road, Huyton L14 3NU. We are a youth club catering to our members needs, for example, we have equipment for numerous sports and each week we run activities that our members want to participate in. As well as playing various sports and games, we also do crafts for our less active members. The leader in charge of the youth club is Suzanne Rainford and her contact number is 078028 740119.

MONDAY 22 JANUARY NIFTY 50’S 10:00 – 11:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton L36 9TE. For Adults Aged 50 +. Low impact class. Price: £3. Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ AFTER SCHOOL PLAY CLUB - TERM TIME 15:30 – 17:45 Halewood Youth in Community Centre,

Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT. For ages 4-11 Cost £1 plus 70p for a snack. Contact: Mark Nelson, 0151 486 2865, Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT OUR PLACE YOUTH CLUB 18:15 – 20:45 Our Place, Longview Drive, Huyton L36 6EG. You can get involved at any of our youth clubs in positive activities; you will meet new friends, develop new skills and be able to contribute positively to your community. Contact details - 0151 443 5323 Ste Blackhurst TUESDAY 23 JANUARY SEWING BEE AT HUYTON LIBRARY 10:00 – 12:00 Huyton Library, Civic Way, Huyton, L36 9GD. Come along to Huyton Library for our Sewing Bee adult activity.

Work toward your own personalised gift. Experienced and inexperienced stitches. All welcome. For a chat, a cup of tea and a chance to learn a new skill. Hand sewing.

Contact: 0151 443 3734, huyton.library@knowsley.gov.uk SWANSIDE YOUTH CLUB 18:15 – 20:45 Swanside Community Centre, Willoughby Road, Huyton L14 6XA. 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: Joey Fogg: 0151 443 5323, joe.fogg@youthmutual.co.uk WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY MEMORY LANE - KNOWSLEY DEMENTIA CARE SUPPORT 10:00 – 14:00 Arncliffe Sports and Community Centre, Arncliffe Road, Halewood, L25 9PA. Our aim is to provide emotional & practical support to carers - respite groups, functions, advice. We also endeavour to provide stimulating care for those with dementia. On Thursdays we run a group from 10am-2pm at the Old School House, St John's Road, Huyton, L36 0UX. Contact details: 07858 032 490, kdcsmemorylane@live.co.uk LITTLE MOVERS (AGES 4-7) 16:00 – 17:00 Rebound - Dance, Fitness & Well Being, Huyton Gateway, Huyton L36 9TE. For Children Aged 47. A fun dance class. Price: £3 or any two for £5/week.

Contact Rebound Dance & Health, 0151 489 4616 / http://www.reboundcic.co.uk/classes/ THURSDAY 25 JANUARY A BREAK WITH A BOOK - PRESCOT (DEMENTIA FRIENDLY) 10:00 – 11:30 Prescot Library, Prescot shopping Centre, Aspinall Street, Prescot, L34 5GA. For those living with dementia and those close to them. The Reader invites you to a free group taking place every Thursday. Meet new people and relax at a free Shared Reading Group for Knowsley residents. We get together every week to share a good story over tea and cake. Everything will be read aloud and there's no pressure to join in - just put your feet up and listen. Contact Megg Hewlett megghewlett@thereader.org.uk / 07807106869 – or just turn up!

OLDER PEOPLE'S FUN OLYMPICS (AGES 55+) - HUYTON 13:30 – 15:30 Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park, Longview Drive, Huyton L36 6EG (map). Knowsley Older People's Fun Olympics (KOPFO) is for you to be active and healthy and have fun at the same time. If you're over 55, come and join us each week in Knowsley's fabulous Leisure Centres. KOPFO Weekly sessions involve fun and friendly competition. Cost £1. For more details on these sessions please contact Geoff Lyon on 0151 430 7710 or email GgeoffLyon@aol.com YOUTH CLUB FOR AGE 12+ 18:30 – 21:30 Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT. Youth Club for age 12+ - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 6.30pm 9.30pm - 80p. Contact: Mark Nelson, 0151 486 2865, Halewood Youth in Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood, L26 1TT FRIDAY 26 JANUARY CODING CLUB - HALEWOOD LIBRARY 15:30 – 16:30 Halewood Library, The Halewood Centre, Roseheath Drive, Halewood, L26 9UH. Do you have a favourite computer game? Would you like to learn how to make your own computer games? At Code Club you can learn how to make cool games, animations and websites too! Sessions are suitable for children aged 7+. Please note, under 8's must be accompanied by an adult. For further information please call 0151 443 2086

January 2018 9

SEVEN STEPS TO CHRISTMAS WITH THE FRIENDS OF EATON STREET PARK

The Friends of Eaton Street Park recently held their Christmas Grotto which proved to be a resounding success once again.

Event Organiser Joanne Burke said: “I want to thank every volunteer who gave up their time to help deliver a magical experience to the children of our community.

“I also wanted to acknowledge the fact that all of our volunteers on the Sunday morning ‘shift’, which was ring fenced for children with autism, disability or special needs, who undertook training in autism beforehand and that all of our volunteers completed this as part of their induction.

“During the day the children were greeted by Paw Patrol and Olaf characters and were then allocated an elf guide to take them around the ‘seven stops’.

The elf guides (Rosalie Sephton, Sharon McLoughlin, Helen Wilson, Wendy Nash, Emma Hankinson, Malcolm, Jane Callan, Hannah Gilbertson, Moyra Edwards, Tay Lawrence-Large, Tom Large, Carol and Stephen Henry) escorted the children around the grotto stops, enhancing and embellishing the experience and keeping the magic alive.”

First Stop: Children met elf in training Colette Hampson who put them through their paces dancing with a life size Santa and playing elf games.

Second Stop: Children met with Santa (Mark Burke, Mal Fleet, Graham Wickens and Carl Cashman) and elf helpers who helped the children ‘keep believing.’ They received a stocking and gift and this was recorded by Darcy Telfor-Smith (Bespoke Visuals) who worked all weekend without charge and who emailed the photos to the families afterwards.

Third Stop: Children met Mrs Clause and the helper elf in Santa’s workshop where they could try out lots of interactive toys and check if Santa had left a ‘nice list certificate’ for them.

Fourth Stop: Children were met by Marianne Burke and Fran Lancaster who helped them create two Christmas tree decorations they will treasure for a long time to come along with the memory of making them.

Fifth Stop: Children gasped in amazement at the magic show performed by Pat Cook and her assistant Miss Prescot Elegance and FOESP Ambassador Kirsty Hornby who’s “da da’s” were second to none.

Sixth Stop: Children were given popcorn and drinks by our elf usherette’s and watched a short Christmas cartoon provided by projectionist Les. Seventh Stop: Children were entertained by the bravado of our Naughty Elves Pudding Peppermint and Pudding Sugarsocks and sensory equipment.

Refreshments were provided by Betty Burke and Kai Taylor who were busy all weekend long providing scrumptious hot chocolate, The Friends of Eaton Street Park were very grateful to St Helens Morrisons who donated the mince pies and Huyton Asda champion Richard who donated some of the costumes and Knowsley Mental Health Recovery Team for paying for costumes and lollipops.

Friends of Eaton Street Park Chairman Mark Burke said: “I am delighted we achieved what we believe a Christmas Grotto should be, accessible to all, physically and financially.

“Tickets were £5 each in line with The Friends of Eaton Street philosophy and ethos of making memories for the children of our community, not making money. The profit made will be added to our years profits and presented to the Town Council for them to purchase more seating in this very loved green space for our community to enjoy”.

10 January 2018

Education News

TOP MARKS FOR CRONTON Cronton Primary School has been ranked sixth in the top schools in Merseyside!

The rankings, based on information released by the Department for Education measure how many 11-yearolds are achieving the expected standards in reading, writing and maths at the end of key stage 2 before they go on to secondary school.

SATs tests are taken

by Year 6 pupils in Pictured: Sylvia Thomson, headteacher, with pupils at Cronton Primary School their final year of which is 61%. Performance governors and most importantly primary school and measure recorded for Cronton Primary our pupils. We provide high children’s reading, writing and quality education to help our School pupils was 87%. maths skills.

Sylvia Thomson, headteacher at pupils to achieve their potential.

Cronton Primary School is Cronton Primary School, said: I’m extremely proud that the performing above the national “This is a fantastic testament to school has been recognised in average of pupils meeting the the hard work of our staff, this way. Well done!” expected standard of results,

CARMEL STUDENTS MATHS WINNERS!

A-level maths and further maths students at Carmel College have won the Senior Team Maths Challenge regional finals against 22 other schools and colleges.

The competition involved teams of four students completing a series of challenges over a three-hour period. There were three rounds in total, each testing the group’s ability in different ways.

They had to work quickly and precisely as a team to solve extremely challenging mathematical problems.

Congratulations went to team members Bethany Anderson, Ben Hesford, David Xu and Dominic Francis. The team will now progress to the national finals to represent the Liverpool region in February at Westminster in London.

January 2018 11

12 January 2018

Education News Students help spread the Christmas cheer The students and teachers from Kirkby High school paid a visit to Abbeydale Nursing & Residential Home in Croylands Street, Walton, to perform songs from their Christmas show Beauty and the Beast.

Jean Green, administrator at the nursing home, said: “The residents had a wonderful afternoon listening to the talented youngsters and it was lovely to see the interaction between the residents and the students. We hope this is the first of many such occasions”.

HELPING TO RAISE AWARENESS

Year 3 and 4 children at Whiston Willis Primary School have been learning all about local and global poverty through their lessons.

Whilst discovering that children are in poverty locally, the pupils asked how they could help.

They decided to start selling toast for 10p per slice. They took time out of their own breaktime to sell the toast and cashed up any profits.

Class teacher, Kirsty Caldwell said: “The pupils then asked how the parents could support us. So, we hosted an afternoon tea afternoon and made our own cakes.

“As we progressed with our topic, children across school donated a gift, with some children spending their own pocket money.

“In total, we raised £561.20. The children then walked to the local Home Bargains store and chose toys they thought others would enjoy on Christmas morning. This was all in Some of the gifts the children donated to the appeal aid of Radio City’s Mission Christmas”.

Pupils made toast and held various events to help raise money for the Radio City Mission Christmas appeal

January 2018 13

The wee school celebrate St Andrew’s day

School staff with Mother Yvonne

ST JOHN BOSCO ARTS COLLEGE WELCOMES MOTHER YVONNE FOR SPECIAL VISIT St John Bosco Arts College in Croxteth welcomed Mother Yvonne Reungoat for a special visit.

As the only Salesian Sister school in the UK, St John Bosco was honoured to welcome Yvonne, superior general of the Salesian Sisters during her tour of the GBR Province.

Mother Yvonne started her visit in Glasgow and visited all of the Sisters’ communities during her week-long stay in the UK. On her arrival, Mother Yvonne was greeted by the school’s samba band before meeting headteacher Darren Gidman.

This was followed by a staff welcome, morning prayer and tour of the school with Mr Gidman, Sr Connie Cameron provincial of the GBR Province, deputy head girl Annie Edgar and Salesian ambassador Katie Frear.

Mother Yvonne spoke to students during lesson time and then gave a

St John Bosco students with Mother Yvonne

speech during two assemblies, while talented St John Bosco students took part in readings and hymns.

The school band and choir entertained Mother Yvonne and special guests during the assembly before a special presentation took place in the afternoon.

Headteacher Darren Gidman, said: “It was an honour to welcome Mother Yvonne to St John Bosco and introduce her to our Salesian school community.

“The staff, students and special guests relished the opportunity to meet her and were left feeling inspired after her speech.

It was a fantastic experience that the whole school will remember.”

The Salesian Sisters were founded in 1872 by St John Bosco and St Mary Mazzarello. The Archbishop invited the Sisters to open a secondary school for girls in Liverpool and Mary Help of Christians High School was founded in 1965, which is now known as St John Bosco Arts College.

The sound of bagpipes was phenomenal as was the taste of some well-known Scottish delicacies as Bickerstaffe CE Primary had an amazing time celebrating St Andrew’s Day at the end of November.

The day was about learning more about Scotland and to develop their understanding of other countries and their traditions.

After running the daily mile, with Rob the pipe major from Liverpool Clan Wallace Pipe Band playing in the background, the children enjoyed some porridge to warm themselves up.

Throughout the day children took part in lots of fun activities which included face painting and learning the famous Scottish children’s song called ‘Oh ye cannae shove yer granny aff the bus!’. The day was rounded off with Irn Bru and shortbread and guests from the parish who attended the school’s communion service also enjoyed a wee dram.

14 January 2018

Education News MUSIC STUDENT TO STUDY AT WORLD RENOWNED CONSERVATOIRE Congratulations to Upper Sixth Carmel student, Lydia Hutton, who has been offered a place at the world renowned Royal Birmingham Conservatoire!

Alongside studying for her A-levels in music, psychology and photography, outside of college Lydia, who began learning the cello when she was 7, is also studying for her ATCL performance diploma.

This is a professional qualification recognised by musicians and music professionals around the world.

The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire offered Lydia a place so long as she achieves a minimum of two grade E’s in her A-levels, so they must have been

extremely impressed with her audition!

Lydia said: “I decided to apply to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire as it is a world renowned college for music. With its brand new building that has just opened, it also has the best music facilities in the UK with unparalleled opportunities.”

Chloe’s sweet raffle raises £220 Chloe, a pupil at St Paul’s Catholic Junior School in West Derby, visited Woodlands Hospice to present them with the money that she had raised following a sweet raffle at her school.

The raffle monies were raised in memory of her Grandmother Susan who had been cared for at Woodlands Hospice.

Chloe had been so inspired by her wonderful Grandma Susan that she not only wanted to fund raise for the Hospice that cared for her, but also wanted to continue the wonderful story-telling tradition that Grandma Susan had started with her.

Chloe so loved the stories that she used to listen to that she has now started to write her own stories about a mouse called Simon! She hopes that in the not-too-distant future her lovely stories will

be published for other children to enjoy for many years to come.

Christine Peach, corporate and community fundraising manager at Woodlands, was extremely impressed with Chloe’s efforts and said: “Chloe is an incredible young lady.

She has taken it on herself

to raise a fabulous amount of money and, what’s more, she is also a very talented budding author.

“She is a credit to her parents and her school and we are very grateful for all the effort she put into her fundraising. We also wish her luck in her writing career!”

COMMUNITY FLOCK TO CHRISTMAS TEENAGE MARKET West Lancashire College teamed up with The Birchwood Centre to host a Christmas Teenage Market and Open Day. The college was buzzing with a footfall of over 400. Visitors were able to purchase some fabulous gift items produced by college students and stallholders from The Teenage Market, view some outstanding dance and musical performances, received course advice and guidance and sign up to a range of winter courses.

The college holds a charity Christmas Market each year for students to produce and sell gift items and services to develop their enterprise and corporate social responsibility skills. This year they joined up with The Teenage Market, a national initiative aimed at transforming towns and city centres with the creativity of young people.

Denise Williamson, principal at West Lancashire College, said: “We were truly inspired by the talents of the young people attending the Christmas Market and are very proud of the contribution they make to our local community.

Congratulations to all involved.”

Over £1000 was raised by West Lancashire College Students, who are delighted to donate funds to local worthy charities including The Birchwood Centre.

January 2018 15

Pupils from Plantation Primary School get arty

Picture perfect pupils Staff and pupils from Plantation Primary School in Halewood recently set up an art gallery to showcase their artistic talents.

The art gallery was set up by the schools performing arts leader, Ben Palmer to raise the profile of art in the school and give the children the opportunity to celebrate their high quality work.

Ben said: “Every child from across the school (nearly 550 pictures) created a piece of art based on a specific artist. In class, they learnt about that artist, where he or she was from and where they got there influences from.

“They then looked at a range of art work from that artist and based their work on his/her style.

“The pictures were framed by a company called ‘images’ and then on art gallery day, the children were given the chance to see their pictures in the gallery and the parents were able to buy there child’s work.

“It was a roaring success and both children and parents really enjoyed the experience.

16 January 2018

SCHOOL CELEBRATE A ‘WONDERFUL’ SUCCESS Headteacher Marcella Armstrong welcomes Cllr Frank Walsh the Mayor of Knowsley

Staff and pupils of St Margaret Mary’s Catholic School were celebrating a resounding success of their carol concert.

Headteacher Marcella Armstrong, said: “A huge ‘thank you’ must go to everyone who attended our wonderful carol concert, the hall was full to capacity! – it was absolutely fabulous and the performances by the children were truly amazing!

“We were fortunate to have the Mayor of Knowsley in attendance as well as the chair of governors, governors, representatives from the diocese, local councillors, Knowsley Council as well as

all of our staff, families and friends.

“A massive amount of work goes into putting the concert together and so a big thank you to the staff who contributed so much to ensure the performance was flawless! Well done to everyone involved!

“The school choir were also delighted to be invited to take a leading part in the Cathedral’s Dementia Friendly carol concert.

“This was a wonderful celebration and once again the school children represented their school fantastically. We were so proud of them.

“Well done to the children and to Mrs Heynemand for her support and work”.

SCHOOL INVITE FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO BE THEIR GUESTS Maricourt Catholic High School recently celebrated a fantastic production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Mrs Rimmer and Mrs Melling from the school’s performing arts department thanked everyone who contributed to another successful production. Mrs Rimmer said: “Congratulations to our phenomenal cast and crew on four absolutely outstanding performances - your hard work and dedication massively paid off and we are so proud of you all.

“Thanks also to all of the family and friends who bought tickets to make our three evening performance sell outs! We are so grateful for your support and can’t wait to see you all next year!”

January 2018 17

MERSEYCYCLE WORKS WITH COMMUNITY TO BRING OLD BIKES BACK TO LIFE A Knowsley social enterprise which refurbishes unwanted bikes is enlisting the help of local recycling champions in a bid to stop valuable materials from going to waste.

MerseyCycle, based in Knowsley, has launched the Learn to Bicycle Recycle scheme which will see local people trained up in bike recovery, re-use, repair and day-to-day care to become bicycling recycling champions!

The scheme consists of four comprehensive Bicycle Recycle courses, 14 shorter bite-size courses and 11 community bike sales.

As well as preventing unused bikes from being left to rust or just thrown away the project also promotes cycling as a form of active transport and a healthy lifestyle choice.

Barry Redman, MerseyCycle manager, said: “Our courses will teach people the fundamentals of bicycles and their maintenance, how to deal with common issues such as puncture repairs and frame checks, and working with recovered bikes to get them roadworthy.

“These are skills that will last a lifetime and can be passed on to family and

friends.

“The popularity of the bike is evergreen. Whether it’s for getting to work, going the shops or just leisure, they’re the perfect short distance vehicle and are a cheaper and healthier alternative to cars.

“We’re determined to rescue as many bikes as we can from the scrap heap.”

MerseyCycle is a community interest company with social enterprise status that works towards making cycling accessible to all in Merseyside. Donated and unwanted bikes are refurbished through

HELP TO AVOID CHRISTMAS ‘DEBT HANGOVER’ With many Britons using loans and credit cards to help pay for their Christmas sprees, some households might be nursing a ‘debt hangover’ this January, which could lead to some people being unable to manage their rent payments.

It’s important to know what help is available, if you are struggling to manage your money at the start of the New Year.

If you live in Knowsley and are struggling with rent arrears, debt, ill health or other issues that might affect your

Man arrested on suspicion of murder following death of Stockbridge Village man Merseyside Police can confirm that an investigation has been launched after a man was found dead in Stockbridge Village in the early hours of Tuesday 26 December 2017.

Emergency services were called to flats on Mosscraig at 1.30am to a report of shouting inside the building. Officers attended and a man aged in his 30s was found outside the flats, who is believed to have fallen from an upper storey balcony.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and next of kin have been informed.

A 48-year-old man from Stockbridge Village was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been released on police bail.

Detectives are keeping an open mind as to how the deceased came to suffer his injuries and a full investigation is being carried out.

tenancy, the Tenants Extra Support Scheme may be able to help.

It is a free service, with skilled and experienced staff who can offer valuable help, advice and support for: • Your Housing rights and help to maintain your Tenancy Agreement • Budgeting assistance, to help you get more out of your money, manage debts and get on top of rent arrears • Speaking to your landlord on your behalf to help reach payment agreements • Signposting to relevant agencies for advice and support, including speaking to them on your behalf • Helping to access to educational courses, training, voluntary work and job opportunities The Tenants Extra Support Scheme is available to any tenant of a housing association or private rented property in Knowsley.

Contact us and a designated project officer will work with you, by phone, at home or at a different location, to resolve any difficulties you may be facing.

The scheme can also help with advice about your home, personal safety and security, as well as support to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including information on local social and leisure activities.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the Tenants Extra Support Scheme, please call 0151 949 5050 or visit Villages Housing office, 16 The Croft, Stockbridge Village, Knowsley, L28 1NR, to speak with a member of the team.

from left to right: Glynn Stevenson, Terry Redman (Director, MerseyCycle), Dave Green (MerseyCycle), Barry Redman (Director, MerseyCycle). Front - from left to right: John Merris (MerseyCycle) and David Appleton ( MerseyCycle)

volunteer work before being sold as legally roadworthy.

By the end of the community fund project in March 2018, MerseyCycle expects that they will have: • Delivered four comprehensive Bicycle Recycle courses for up to 24 students, working on donated bikes and making them roadworthy for sale.

• Provided 14 bite size courses for dealing with common everyday issues.

• Held 11 community bike sales using bike recycled through the project.

• Donated 20 bikes to people without funds or resources.

• Prevented three tonnes of materials from going to waste.

The £8000 of funding for the project has come from the Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA) and Veolia Community Fund, which was set up to help

support waste prevention, reuse and recycling projects locally.

Graham Morgan, chairperson of MRWA, said: “I think this is a great scheme because as well as teaching people new skills and getting them moving and healthier, it also prevents materials like metal and rubber from going to waste. After all, you can’t have recycle without cycle!”

18 January 2018

NEW YEAR, NEW THINGS TO DO If you live in or around Halewood and have finished your working or caring life, and want to make new friends and learn new things then why not consider joining the Halewood branch of the U3A. As an organisation that encourages learning throughout life they have monthly meetings and a range of interest groups including a walking group, discussion group, book club, craft group, cinema group and everyone’s favourite - an eating out group.

With an annual membership of only £11 thats great value for money.

Monthly meetings are held at 2:30pm on the last Friday of most months at the Arncliffe Community Centre, Arncliffe

Road, Halewood Liverpool L25 9PA. The next few speakers include Pauline Hurst talking about John Moores (Jan 26), Brian Barnes relating how he moved from a non swimmer to the Olympics (Feb 23), Aimee Best (with dogs) talking about the work of the Dogs Trust (Mar 23) and Jean Finney appearing as Joyce Grenfell (27 April).

These meetings are free to members.

Visitors are welcome but they ask for a £2 donation towards their costs.

You can turn up at any Friday meeting, or give Liz a ring on 0151 486 6547 or visit www.u3asites.org.uk/halewood.

All new members or visitors will be made very welcome.

NEW APPOINTMENT TO TRUST BOARD North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, have recently welcomed a new non-executive director, Dr Jonathan Berry, to the Trust Board.

Jonathan will support with the effective running of the Trust and bring with him a wealth of clinical experience as a GP. Jonathan is a highly experienced non-executive director in the NHS, with a commercial background and an MBA in Health Law, which has further enhanced his skills.

In his role at North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Jonathan will contribute to the effective running of the Trust and the Trust Board through supporting and objectively challenging the chief executive and executive directors, who manage the day-to-day running of the Trust.

Jonathan said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Trust Board to take on this exciting opportunity. I bring more than three decades of valuable clinical experience and a passion for developing multi-agency services and good relationships within communities.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the Trust; using my skills, knowledge and experience to add value and make a real difference.”

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WHAT MADE THE NEWS IN 2017 2017 was an eventful and positive year which saw the announcement of the creation of several new developments for the area, which will also help employment, and the further improvements of education in the borough. We look back at each month and what made the headlines:

plans of the Knowsley Feelgood Festival and Flower Show in August celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love in 1967.

January saw the announcement that over 1,000 new homes are to be built on the Halsnead area of South Whiston with the creation of a national ‘Garden Village’, one of only 14 to be created nationally. Also Knowsley Council was considering its options on having to make over £16.8M in savings.

February saw Merseyside Police and its partners make an appeal to the public to join them and take a stand against gun crime by sharing information about where firearms are being hidden and who is using them. We also saw the announcement from Myerscough College are set to further expand their learning provision in Merseyside as part of a multi-million pound scheme to revamp Bowring Park in Huyton.

March we saw Liverpool Football Club and Knowsley Council announcing joint plans for a proposed £50M redevelopment of the Reds’ Academy site in Kirkby, including improvements for local residents and the community playing fields at Simonswood Lane.

News was announced that Kirkby mum, Denise Fergus, had been given a British Citizen Award for her services to the community.

April saw staff and pupils at St Michael and All Angels’ Catholic Primary School, Kirkby celebrating after receiving the Spirituality in our School Award at the Liverpool Archdiocese School Awards.

We also saw nearly 500 local people came out to celebrate the opening of The Cowies Meadow and Brooks Way, the new community path link that reconnects Croxteth with local woodlands and Croxteth Country Park.

May saw the announcement that Villages Housing Association is to invest £12.4 million in the first new homes to be built in Stockbridge Village for ten years. The landlord, which is part of the ForViva group, is moving forward with proposals for 90 new properties – including 64 extra care homes and 26 bungalows – at The Withens development. Also announced were the

June saw a schoolboy from Whiston raise over £500 for Willowbrook Hospice, in memory his dad who was cared for at the Prescot-based hospice.

Nine-year-old Ben Hargate (pictured above with his dad) took part in the ‘Run for the 96’ to honour his dad, Peter, aged 43, who suffered from a rare form of stomach cancer. It was also announced that the Arts Council England has confirmed the £5 million HM Treasury funding for the Shakespeare North Playhouse to be built in Prescot town centre.

July and Knowsley Council announced that they had adopted the Halsnead Garden Village Masterplan SPD following Cabinet approval, the development would provide high quality housing and employment along with a new primary school and country park.

We also saw the pupils from Year 5 at Millbrook Community Primary School in Kirkby, the newest recruits on the beat, as 10 new Mini Police put on their shiny, new uniforms to become ambassadors for their school and local community.

August saw a team of archaeologists discovering pieces of Prescot’s past in test pits dug in Market Place. The digs took place in Market Place, which was the site of Prescot’s market for nearly 700 years. In one of the test pits the team found part of the wall of Prescot’s Market Hall which was built in 1859 and demolished in 1964. Thousands flocked to the 50 Summers of Love themed Knowsley Flower Show, at Court Hey Park in Huyton were revellers enjoyed a fantastic weekend of family fun, packed with plenty of ‘flower power’ in Knowsley.

January 2018 19

Challenge

HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN KNOWSLEY FEATURE Pages 14-19

PUPILS GET ‘ALL SHOOK UP’ IN KIRKBY Pages 22-23 Keep up to date with THE CHALLENGE on our website

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October and a delegation of VIPs from around the world made a special visit to Knowsley in celebration of their historic connections with the borough and commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Malaya’s independence. A Malayan Teacher Training College (MTTC) was located in Kirkby from 1952 to 1962, and trained more than 1,300 young Malayans to teach in schools in their Malaya homeland (now Malaysia). Schools in Knowsley were also celebrating after being named on the shortlist for the Educate Awards 2017. The awards, now in its sixth year are the biggest celebration of education in the North West.

November and figures released by the Department for Education confirm the strong performance of this year’s GCSE candidates in Knowsley – who saw pass rates rise almost 7% more than the national average. These first release provisional numbers show Knowsley’s class of 2017 scored a 7.4% increase in good passes at English and maths, compared to only 0.5% nationally. We also remembered Frank Lester who was born on 18 February 1896 in Huyton, who enlisted in the army in March 1916 and was posted to the 10th Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment and performed a deed for which he was awarded the VC. December and Knowsley Council announced plans to sell 10% of parks and green spaces for development after they formally accepted the recommendations of an independent review into the future management and funding of its parks and green spaces.

The plans, they said would protect forever 90% of Knowsley’s parks and green spaces, through the surrender of 10% of the borough’s parks and green spaces for new development over the next 15 years.

Following in-depth consideration, the Scrutiny Committee have decided to refer the decision back to cabinet for reconsideration. We also saw three schools from Knowsley being honoured at the prestigious Educate Awards ceremony in November. Plantation Primary School in Halewood won the Outstanding Sport in Primary School Award, Finch Woods Academy in Halewood won the SEND Provision Award and Evelyn Community Primary School in Prescot won the Innovation in Education Award. Halewood Academy also placed runner-up for the Most Inspirational Secondary School Award.

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OVER 1,000 HOMES TO BE BUILT ON NEW ‘GREEN VILLAGE’ SITE Plans for new homes in an ambitious development of the new Halsnead area of Knowsley have been given a boost by confirmation that it is to become one of only 14 national ‘Garden Villages’.

Demand for new homes in Knowsley continues to rise and Knowsley Council say that they are committed to supporting the development of high quality housing in the Borough.

Halsnead, in South Whiston, will be an exciting new opportunity for residential and employment development of a significant scale and is a key part of the Council’s ambitious growth plans for Knowsley.

Confirmation that the development will gain official ‘Garden Village’ status means additional funding, potentially in the region of ÂŁ200k, from Government to support the project.

The project is also awaiting an outcome on up to ÂŁ17m of SIF funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority for a significant financial contribution to the infrastructure needed for the project one of the biggest residential developments in the City Region.

The Halsnead development is hoped to create a vibrant community, attracting new people and families into the area. It will offer a range of high quality housing and provide significant new employment

opportunities.

Alongside this the development will also include a Country Park, a new primary school and improvements to other community and leisure facilities.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development said: “This development is the biggest change that Knowsley will see in the next 15 years. It is part of the Council’s ambitious plans for growth across the Borough. “I am delighted that Halsnead is receiving the national recognition that it deserves. “Over the past few months, the Council has been preparing the exciting new draft masterplan based upon Garden Village principles, which will help to guide development in the area, with a focus on the sites natural and historical assets. “Historically the site formed part of the Halsnead Park Estate and has been a private environment, out of bounds to the local community. The masterplan will change this by opening up the area and enhancing it for the benefit of local people and new residents.�

Knowsley Council’s Cabinet will meet on Wednesday, January 4 to consider plans to hold a public consultation into the proposed development.

Cllr Morgan continued: “We want people to get involved in the consultation and

Cllr Graham Morgan, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development

have their say. This is their chance to guide the development of this exciting and unique Garden Village.�

Housing and Planning Minister Gavin Barwell said: “Locally-led Garden Towns and Villages have enormous potential to deliver the homes that communities need. “New communities not only deliver homes, they also bring new jobs and facilities and a big boost to local economies. These places combined could provide almost 200,000 homes.�

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SUPPORT OFFERED FOR HOUSE HUNTERS

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PUBLIC URGED TO STAND UNITED AGAINST GUN CRIME Merseyside Police and its partners are urging the public to join them in taking a united stand against gun crime by sharing information about where firearms are being hidden and who is using them.

The force is vowing to act on every piece of information shared by the public as it relentlessly pursues and brings to justice the criminals who are bringing fear and violence to communities where decent, law-abiding people live.

The call to action is being made in partnership with independent charity Crimestoppers and is supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy, political leaders, local authorities and social housing providers.

It follows two fatal shootings in Liverpool in less than a week in which 44-year-old Thomas Baker was targeted outside the Phoenix Gym in Old Swan and a 26-yearold man was shot and killed in Wavertree this week.

Another gun crime saw a man shot in the leg in what police said was a ‘targeted’ shooting in Stockbridge Village on January 18. He was treated for his injuries at the time and has been discharged from hospital.

Despite a rise in firearms discharges this year, the force has driven down gun crime in the previous three and senior officers believe information from the public has been crucial in achieving these reductions.

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Holland,

who leads the force’s Matrix Serious Organised Crime unit, said: “This is the second fatal shooting in a week and the fourth this year meaning that four families have lost a loved one and four communities have seen violence on their streets. “This is unacceptable. It must stop and the people of Merseyside have my absolute assurance that the police and every agency we work with are doing

everything possible to tackle the problem of gun and gang crime. “Between April 2013 and April last year we achieved significant reductions in firearms discharges and there is no doubt in our minds that this would not have been possible without the information we received from the public about where firearms are being stored and who is involved in them. “Much of this information was reported to Crimestoppers, which is an independent charity completely separate from the police. Information can be given completely anonymously and no-one who calls will ever be asked for their name or other personal details. “In light of this year’s increase in firearm discharges and the two recent murders we are calling on the decent, law-abiding members of our communities to make a stand with us and keep sharing this vital information with Crimestoppers so that we can take action. “We can only take guns off our streets, put criminals behind bars and make communities safer if we unite to tackle this problem together.�

Recently the force has been working with a number of partner agencies to target those involved in serious organised crime.

Operational activities have been taking

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Page 18

School celebrates Spirituality in our Schools Award

STEVE ROTHERHAM ELECTED AS FIRST METRO MAYOR

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Council and LFC announce plans for Kirkby redevelopment

CANDIDATE VOWS TO PROTECT GREEN SPACES AND NHS Page 2

DENISE FERGUS RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD FOR CHARITY Page 4

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PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR KIRKBY REDEVELOPMENT Liverpool Football Club and Knowsley Council have announced joint plans for a proposed redevelopment of the Reds’ Academy site in Kirkby, including improvements for local residents and the community playing fields at Simonswood Lane.

A public consultation is being held next month for local residents and businesses to discuss the proposed plans in more detail.

LFC’s vision is to bring its first team and academy football training operations and facilities together on one site. The £50m proposal includes the construction of a new combined training centre, the redevelopment of the existing facilities at the academy and designs to convert the main pitch into an indoor pitch.

As part of the proposed masterplan, the council is leading on proposals to provide new and improved football pitches and sports facilities to the area, working closely with local football teams including Kirkby AFC. The much-needed upgrade to the pitches will be able to support the highest level of amateur football matches with new changing facilities and car park. The surrounding area will also see improvements which include new dogwalking and cycling paths, new lighting and improved security with a CCTV system. • Continued on Page 2

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Issue: 360 June 2017

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MEMORIES OF KNOWSLEY Huyton Quarry in the early 1930’s

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Issue: 358 April 2017

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TAKING A STAND AGAINST BULLIES Page 17

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Crimestoppers appeals for help following Merseyside shootings

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NEW PATH CONNECTS CROXTETH COMMUNITY

FURTHER EXPANSION PLANS FOR MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE Page 12

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Thanks for using us in 2016

THIS MONTH A ROARING SUCCESS NEW MEMORIES OF KNOWSLEY: FOR 1920’S A SMALL BOY’S MEMORIES CHARITY BALL OF ROBY

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OLYMPIC CHAMPION NAMES HOMELESS PUPPY RIO Page 4

Happy New Year to all our customers

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Issue: 357 March 2017

KNOWSLEY SCHOOLS HELP TO CELEBRATE PEACE PROMS 2017

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AIDAN MCATEER REMANDED IN CUSTODY OVER VIOLETGRACE CRASH TRAGEDY

The

Issue: 356 February 2017

Halsnead in Whiston named as flagship ‘Garden Village’ development

COUNCIL CONSIDERS OPTIONS OVER ÂŁ16.8M SAVINGS Page 2

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Issue: 355 January 2017

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MEMORIES OF KNOWSLEY

A tale of two houses

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STOCKBRIDGE VILLAGE TO GET ÂŁ12.4 MILLION EXTRA CARE FACILITY

WHISTON SCHOOLBOY TOOK PART IN THE ‘RUN FOR THE 96’ TO HONOUR HIS DAD

A CELEBRATION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT

STOCKBRIDGE

OF SCHOOL LIFE FOR A V schoolboy from Whiston has raised over ÂŁ500 for Willowbrook Hospice, in memory his dad who was cared for at the Prescot-based hospice.

Nine year old Ben Hargate took part in the ‘Run for the 96’ in May to honour his dad, Peter, aged 43, who suffered from a rare form of stomach cancer.

Ben who attends Halsnead Primary School said: “I wanted to do the run in memory of my dad to help raise money for Willowbrook Hospice as they looked after him so well when he was ill. “Every penny I’ve raised will help the staff at the hospice take care of other people like my dad.�

Ben’s mum, Suzanne, who now volunteers in the day therapy unit at Willowbrook, praised the ‘outstanding care’ Peter received during his three month stay at the hospice before he sadly lost his brave battle in September 2013. “Peter wanted to be looked after at Willowbrook, as he believed that he would

illages Housing Association is to invest ÂŁ12.4 million in the first new homes to be built in Stockbridge Village for ten years.

The landlord, which is part of the ForViva group, is moving forward with proposals for 90 new properties – including 64 extra care homes and 26 bungalows – at The Withens development.

The scheme, on land next to the older people’s apartments at Roughsedge House, will see the first new build homes on the Stockbridge estate since 2007, and will bring much needed supported housing for some of the area’s elderly and vulnerable tenants.

Knowsley Council says it expects a significant rise in the numbers of older people living in the area by 2021, with an increase of more than 1,000 residents

Staff and pupils at St Michael and All Angels’ Catholic Primary School, Kirkby are celebrating after receiving the Spirituality in our School Award at the Liverpool Archdiocese School Awards.

Liverpool Archdiocese School Awards event which was held in the Liver Buildings and illustrated the impressive breadth of educational possibilities and achievements found in our places of learning.

The event, hosted by Radio City DJ Leanne Campbell, was opened by the Archbishop, who spoke of the ambition attached to Catholic education, and featured music from pupils of St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Centre for Learning in Whiston.

The awards ceremony itself incorporated eleven different categories, recognising everything from spirituality to sporting achievements via the exceptional contributions made by school governing bodies and support staff.

Ms Bowman, headteacher at St Michael and All Angels, said: “We are stunned and really proud to receive this award. “The award goes to all staff, children, parents and the community who have all been involved in winning this award as it covers every aspect of school life here at St Michael and All Angels�.

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THIS MONTH

September and Knowsley’s Baby Basics scheme marked another milestone this month when they gave their 200th moses basket to a local mum-to-be. The scheme, which is part of the Big Help Project (Knowsley Foodbank), provides vulnerable mums-to-be with essentials for their baby, including clothes, bedding and toiletries. Students in Knowsley were celebrating after pass rates increased in the borough. The number of Knowsley pupils getting a good pass in both English and maths was up by 7%, according to provisional figures.

get the best care possible there ‌.and he was right. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff at the hospice – they were amazing. “I’m ‘super-proud’ of how hard Ben has worked in raising over ÂŁ500 so that Willowbrook will be able to continue caring and supporting other local people and their families.â€?

Sue Brougham, Willowbrook Hospice’s community fundraiser, said: “Ben is such a lovely lad and he’s done an incredible job in raising so much money for us in memory of his dad. Without people like Ben, and those who supported him in raising such a fantastic amount, we wouldn’t be able to fund the care we provide to people with life limiting illnesses across Knowsley and St Helens.

We are hugely grateful for his amazing support and he’s a true credit to both Suzanne and Peter.�

Right: Ben is pictured in his specially designed T-shirt and below: with his dad, Peter

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SUMMER OF LOVE PLANNED FOR KNOWSLEY Page 5

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CABLES CLINCH SENIOR CUP VICTORY Page 32

CAROLINAS MARCH ON TO SUCCESS Pages 14/15

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POLICE LAUNCH APPEAL OVER MISSING BOY

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COUNCIL CLEAR THE WAY FOR PROPOSED HALSNEAD GARDEN VILLAGE PLAN

CO UNCI L ADO PTS HALSNEAD GARDEN V I L L AG E MAS TERPL AN K

The masterplan is a clear statement of the council’s ambitions for Knowsley’s largest development site setting out the vision and objectives for a vibrant, new settlement, including a new residential community, a large employment area, a new country park, a new primary school, and early years provision and other new or improved outdoor community facilities.

The masterplan reflects Halsnead’s Garden Village status and emphasises the council’s commitment to deliver the highest standards of design and development quality.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development said: “The adoption of the Halsnead Garden Village Masterplan is vital to support, encourage and guide investment in and the development of this large site over the next 18 years. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a new place. A place that will help to create hundreds of new jobs, contribute towards the city region economy and also generate additional income for the council to help to us deliver essential services. “The council is already working with a number of developers and we are hopeful that by the autumn we will have received a planning application for part of the site.

This clearly demonstrates that Knowsley’s growth ambition is becoming a reality. “Our ambition is to create a unique Garden Village settlement in Knowsley which provides high quality housing

ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVERED PIECES OF PRESCOT’S PAST

Baby Basics Knowsley gives out 200th moses basket

CHARITY REACHES BABY MILESTONE

HISTORIC FINDS UNEARTHED IN DIG SEE INSIDE FOR OUR EIGHT PAGE EXAM RESULTS SPECIAL

KNOWSLEY FLOWER SHOW A HUGE SUCCESS PAGES 18-21

The Halsnead Masterplan states that the development must deliver: • Approximately 1,600 new homes • Employment land of at least 22.5 hectares • Approximately 33 hectares of green space • Enhancements to Lickers Lane playing fields • A new country park • A new primary school and Early Years provision forming a community hub • Access for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists

Against the backdrop of the parish church, Niall (left), Will and Natalie examine the coin held by Professor Harold Mytum.

The development of this site could create more than 900 new permanent jobs and ÂŁ40.5m of Gross Value Added to the economy of the Liverpool City Region. During the construction period, the site will also deliver 160 temporary construction jobs and ÂŁ7m of Gross Value Added to the economy.

Developers will be required to make appropriate financial contributions to the provision of a Primary School and Early Years facility, healthcare facilities, public open space, the enhancement of Lickers Lane playing fields and highways and transport infrastructure.

A team of archaeologists has discovered pieces of Prescot’s past in test pits dug in Market Place.

The quality of the findings means that more work will take place to dig deeper and discover more artefacts.

The digs took place in Market Place, which was the site of Prescot’s market for nearly 700 years. In one of the test pits the team found part of the wall of Prescot’s Market Hall which was built in 1859 and demolished in 1964.

In another pit, near the Churchyard, the cellar wall of what appears to be an eighteenth century building was found. Another pit revealed the carefully piled stone footings of what appears to have been a seventeenth century building. Unusual artefacts uncovered include a Victorian toy

THE FRIENDS OF EATON PARK CELEBRATE SUMMER FESTIVAL PAGES 26-27

• From Wednesday 5 July, the Halsnead Garden Village Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document will be available on the council’s website and copies will also be available in council libraries and One Stop Shops.

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plate, a button made from bone, and a small castor that was probably attached to the foot of a bedpost!

Other smaller finds include pieces of pottery and clay pipes from the 1700s and 1800s, glazed and unglazed in all manner of patterns and colours.

In all likelihood this pottery was made in Prescot, as the town once had several potteries, and Market Place was of course the location of the town’s annual ‘Mugg Fair’ where locally made cups, mugs, plates, bowls, pipes and pots would have been among the items sold. The bricks of the Market Hall and the other buildings discovered will also have been made from Prescot clay.

The digs are part of the Prescot Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The public open space at Market Place will soon be

completely redeveloped and improved as part of the THI project.

The digs were led by Dr Robert Philpott and Professor Harold Mytum from The University of Liverpool along with interns funded by the THI. A full record and report on the findings will be prepared, which will be offered to Prescot Museum for potential display.

Dr Robert Philpott said: “Before we started the digs, we were unsure whether any archaeological remains would have survived the demolition and landscaping. The results have been very positive, opening a fascinating window into the lives of the people of Prescot over the past three centuries.�

The archaeologists will return to the site this month to dig two larger, deeper trenches in the hope of finding more artefacts and reaching earlier historical eras.

MALAYSIAN TEACHERS CELEBRATE THEIR KIRKBY CONNECTION

Knowsley’s Baby Basics scheme marked another milestone this month when they gave their 200th moses basket to a local mum-to-be.

The scheme, which is part of the Big Help Project (Knowsley Foodbank), provides vulnerable mums-to-be with essentials for their baby, including clothes, bedding and toiletries, which are all presented in a beautiful Moses Basket. There is also a gift for mum, and a greetings card celebrating the new family.

Referrals are made by health professionals such as community midwives, who are working with women who are facing a range of difficulties including fleeing

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domestic abuse, refugee or immigration status or perhaps a concealed pregnancy.

Baby Basics co-ordinator Heidi Ferns, said: “Each and every basket that we have given out represents a child and mother who have a right to the same regard and care as any other, and it is a privilege to be there for those babies and their mothers. “It is sad to see the increase in demand for this service, but thanks to the generosity of all those who donate items to us, we will continue to be there to support these new families at their most vulnerable time�.

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They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

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Issue: 366 December 2017

Issue: 365 November 2017

Memories of Kirkby’s part in Malaysia’s history

Baby Basics co-ordinator Heidi Ferns with health visitor Dawn Lathom

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Issue: 364 October 2017

KNOWSLEY SCHOOLS SHORTLISTED FOR EDUCATION AWARDS

Merseyside Police is appealing for information to help trace a missing 14-yearold boy.

Liam Hawkes left his home address at 3.30pm on Wednesday 26 July but was sighted in Kirkby on Saturday 5 August. Extensive enquiries have been ongoing to locate him since.

Liam is described as white, 5ft 10in tall, of slim build, pale complexion, with short dark brown hair and blue eyes. He speaks with a Liverpool accent.

When he was last seen, Liam was wearing a black jacket with a red logo on it, black tracksuit and black trainers. He is known to frequent the Kirkby and Ormskirk areas.

Police officers are making extensive efforts to find Liam and return him home safely and would urge Liam, anyone who knows his whereabouts, or who has seen a boy resembling Liam, to call police on the 101 number.

Alternatively information can be left with the independent charity Missing People by calling 116 000 or by emailing 116000@missingpeople.org.uk

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and employment along with a new primary school and country park. The Masterplan will help us to achieve this.�

The

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Issue: 363 September 2017

Issue: 362 August 2017

WONDERWOMAN TAKES ON THE WHISTON ABSEIL PAGE 23

nowsley Council has adopted the Halsnead Garden Village Masterplan SPD following Cabinet approval.

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Issue: 361 July 2017

MEET MERSEYSIDE POLICE’S NEWEST RECRUITS PAGE 10

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Knowsley has moved off the bottom of the national performance table

NEW FIGURES CONFIRM KNOWSLEY’S GCSE RISE Halewood Academy increased the number of pupils gaining a Grade 4 or above in both English and Maths by 7% to 51%.

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KNOWSLEY SCHOOLS SCOOP AWARDS AT THE EDUCATE AWARDS 2017 Page 13

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Knowsley agrees plan to protect financial future of parks

KNOWSLEY COUNCIL TO SELL 10% OF PARKS AND GREEN SPACES FOR DEVELOPMENT

FRANK LESTER VC - REMEMBERING A HUYTON HERO Page 3

DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE GETS A RIGHT ROYAL WELCOME Page 7

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Former student of the Malayan Teacher Training College in Kirkby, Dato VL Kandan, who officially unveiled the commemorative panel, with Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Frank Walsh.

A delegation of VIPs from around the world have made a special visit to Knowsley in celebration of their historic connections with the borough and commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Malaya’s independence.

A Malayan Teacher Training College (MTTC) was located in Kirkby from 1952 to 1962, and trained more than 1,300 young Malayans to teach in schools in their Malaya homeland (now Malaysia).

It was on a visit to the college, on 7 February 1956, that the Malayan Government first announced to the world that Malaya would become an independent nation on 31 August 1957.

Sixty years later, on Thursday 31 August 2017, 38 former-students, who are now based in Malaysia and other parts of the world, returned to Knowsley to

commemorate the anniversary of Malaya’s independence.

As part of the special trip the delegation visited the site where the MTTC once stood, in the area now known as Granborne Chase, and unveiled a permanent panel remembering the fascinating history of the site.

The former MTTC students were joined at the event by local people who have been interviewed about their memories of the college as part of the Heritage Lottery Funded Archive Resource for Knowsley (ARK) ‘Malayan Connection’ project.

Some of the former students of the Malayan Teacher

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STOCKBRIDGE PUPILS TAKE PART IN SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL Figures released by the Department for Education confirm the strong performance of this year’s GCSE candidates in Knowsley – who saw pass rates rise almost 7% more than the national average.

These first release provisional numbers show Knowsley’s class of 2017 scored a 7.4% increase in good passes at English and Maths, compared to only 0.5% nationally.

The results come after a period of intense focus on raising educational attainment across the borough, in a partnership between schools, Knowsley Council and the newly established Knowsley Education Commission.

Securing such a strong improvement in good passes across the borough is a real achievement, especially in a year when changes to the marking and grading system have been introduced.

Cllr Joan Lilly said: “We’re incredibly proud of the achievement of the pupils, and of all those who have supported them – teachers, schools, governors, parents, the council and the Education Commission. “It is extremely promising to see this work paying off in such a significant way – and we’re delighted that these results mean more pupils than ever getting the good grades they need to go on to their next steps.�

The figures released are the first provisional national release of statistics since results day in August, and do not take into account any remarks. Final results will be released by the Government in early 2018.

With a new scoring system in place from this year, attention is now focused on pupil’s performance in these two core subjects – specifically the number of

pupils who manage a Grade 4 or above in both English and Maths.

Across the borough this year, 46.6% of students achieved Grade 4 or above in both English and Maths, compared to 39.6% achieving the equivalent (Grade C or above in both English and Maths) last year. It means Knowsley has moved off the bottom of the national performance table for this measure.

All Saints Catholic High School in Kirkby saw the biggest increase in its performance – up an incredible 23% on last year with 52% of its pupils gaining good passes in both English and Maths. It follows a very positive Ofsted inspection for the school in July last year, which saw its ‘special measures’ tag removed and praise heaped up on the effective leadership and management at the school.

That strong leadership and management has been shown once again with the very strong GCSE performance this year.

St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School in Whiston are also celebrating a rise in their results – with 56% of pupils gaining good English and Maths passes – up 6% on their equivalent results last year.

Meanwhile, Lord Derby Academy in Huyton, part of The Dean Trust, saw an incredible 11% increase (up to 51%) in the number of students gaining a Grade 4 or above in both subjects. In fact, the school saw rises across 17 different subject areas this year, including

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A NIGHT OF CELEBRATIONS AT KNOWSLEY BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 Pages 24/25

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Knowsley Council has formally accepted the recommendations of an independent review into the future management and funding of its parks and green spaces.

The recommendation, put forward by the Knowsley Parks and Green Spaces Review Board, was unanimously agreed on Tuesday, 28 November by the Council’s Cabinet. It will protect forever 90% of Knowsley’s parks and green spaces, through the surrender of 10% of the borough’s parks and green spaces for new development over the next 15 years.

The income received will create a £40 million endowment which will be held in and managed by a newly created charitable Trust. The interest generated from this endowment will then be used by the Trust, to fund the future maintenance and care of the remaining 90% of Knowsley’s parks, forever.

As a result of continuing cuts by Government,

Knowsley Council’s funding for parks and green spaces will stop in March 2019. This new model will see the council’s funding replaced by the interest generated from the endowment fund. This will be protected from any future council budget cuts and therefore will safeguard the future of the borough’s parks forever.

At the meeting, the Cabinet also agreed a resolution to ensure all 18 of Knowsley’s Green Flag parks are protected from any new development whilst retaining their national standard status - with the exception of part of Court Hey Park which is currently subject to a separate tender exercise relating to the future of the former National Wildflower Centre. It also published a list of the 17 parkland areas it now plans to surrender over the next 15 years.

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20 January 2018

Lifestyle

SLIMMING WORLD CONSULTANTS CELEBRATE RECORD YEAR WITH SINGER PETER ANDRE A group of Slimming World consultants from Merseyside were congratulated on helping slimmers to lose weight and change their lives by singer and TV presenter Peter Andre.

The team, who run Slimming World groups in Merseyside, was delighted to get a chance to cuddle up to Peter when he presented the annual Slimming World Awards.

The Mysterious Girl singer co-hosted the event with the organisation’s founder and chair Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE. Zara Irvine Payne said Peter’s presence at the awards was extra special because earlier in 2017 he supported Slimming World’s most successful fundraising event ever – The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw, which raised a record-

breaking £3.3 million in just two weeks.

The annual clothes throw encourages Slimming World’s 900,000 group members to donate the clothes, shoes, bags and accessories that are now too big for them to Cancer Research UK, by filling up specially-branded bags and taking them along to their weekly group sessions.

Zara said: “We couldn’t be prouder of our members. Throughout 2017 they have lost fantastic amounts of weight, with many of them hitting their target weights, improving their health and boosting their confidence.

“It’s so rewarding to see people being able to do things that they didn’t think were possible before losing weight, whether that’s having more energy,

There are many ways busy mums and dads, families, young people, office workers and older adults can build physical activity into their lives. Being physically active is easier than you think, especially if you make activity part of your daily routine.

• Let your kids help decide what to do.

Children are more likely to participate in something if they’re involved in picking it.

• When it comes to play, children should do what they enjoy most. Running around, having fun with other kids and burning off energy are great ways of getting some (or all) of their recommended 60 minutes of activity a day.

• Walking is a fun and easy way for children to get active while spending time with you and their friends.

• Have a disco in your lounge with your music. All you need are some great tunes and you and your children can have fun dancing anywhere.

• Have a splash – whether they’re doing lengths of the pool or having a good splash about, children love playing in water.

• Cycling is a great alternative to the car or bus. You don’t even need to have somewhere to get to – just taking the kids out for a bike ride is a fun activity.

• Children don’t need to get their daily target of 60 active minutes all in one go – they can do them in chunks of 10 minutes throughout the day.

• Try something new. If you’re not sure what activities you’d like to try as a family, try the BBC’s “Which sport are you made for?” tool to find out what you’re best suited to. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk28062001 • If parents are physically active, their children are likely to be active too, so lead by example.

• Instead of watching TV, encourage your child to find fun activities to do on their own or with friends, such as playing chase or riding their bikes.

feeling happier, wearing smaller clothes, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or doing more with their family and friends.

“Every week we feel extremely lucky to play even a small part in people’s achievements and we felt very honoured to represent our Slimming World groups at the Slimming World Awards.

“Cuddling up to Peter was a real treat.

He was bowled over by the difference Slimming World makes to people’s lives and it reminded us what important and privileged roles we have as consultants.

“Now we’re heading into 2018 super motivated to support even more people in Merseyside to be inspired to lose weight and lead healthier and happier lives.”

Consultant Julie Latta said: “Lots of people will be making resolutions to lose weight and improve their health this New Year and I truly believe that joining a Slimming World group is the best way for people to lose weight, learn new habits and improve their lifestyle.”

Peter, who set up his own foundation with Cancer Research UK – the Peter

Andre Fund – after losing his brother to cancer, said he was thrilled to meet the Slimming World consultants at the event, which was held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre.

He said: “It was an honour to be invited to present the Slimming World Awards. I met so many incredible people who had lost amazing amounts of weight and transformed themselves – inside and out.

“While each of them were inspirational in their own special way, the one thing they all had in common was how much they felt they owed to their “Slimming World family” in helping them to do things they always dreamed of and become the people they’ve always wanted to be.

“Every one of them spoke passionately about how they couldn’t have made the changes they had to eat more healthily and become more active without the support, advice and encouragement of their Consultant and group every week.

“So there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that Slimming World and people who run the groups are very special”.

Slimming World Consultants meet singer and presenter Peter Andre: Zara Irvine Payne, Julie Latta, Lisa Marsh

January 2018 21

NEW CONSULTANTS MONDAY WOOLTON Linksview Community Centre 102 Vale Road 7.30pm Laura 07453 327853 SATURDAY HALEWOOD VILLAGE The Dales Country Club Okell Drive 9.00am Jenny 07950 342944 NEW GROUPS FRIDAY HALEWOOD New Hutte Neighbourhood Centre Lakenheath Road 9.30am Kate 07966 260632 SATURDAY KNOWSLEY The Suites Hotel Ribblers Lane 8.00am & 10.00am Zara 07854 721185 Monday CROXTETH Porchfield Community Centre Porchfield Close, Off Storrington Avenue 5PM & 7PM Natalie 07928 023090

KIRKBY The Kirkby Leisure Centre Cherryfield Drive 9.30am & 11.00am Eileen 07742 424767 HUYTON Trinity Church, Page Moss 9.30am & 6.30pm Susanne 07468 434617 NETHERLEY Woodlands Community Centre, Wood Lane 9.30am, 4.30pm and 6.30pm Helen 07779 266870 LIVERPOOL The Liverpool public house 14 James Street (Next door to James Street Station) 12pm Linda 0151 256 1681 FAZAKERLEY Our Lady of Sorrows Pirrie Road 4.30 & 6.30pm Jan 07954 714567 WOOLTON Woolton Youth Club High Street 9.30am, 11.30am, 4.30pm & 6.30pm Christina 07932 075226 Wednesday

HUYTON Roby Community Hub Centre Merton Crescent 4.30pm & 6.30pm Vicky 07507 848706 KIRKBY (SOUTHDENE) Southdene Community Centre, Broad Lane 4.30pm & 6.30pm Jenny 07734 224138 HUYTON The Old School House St John’s Road 6.30pm Zara 07854 721185 Tuesday ECCLESTON St James Church Hall St Helens Road 9.00am, 11.00am, 4.30pm & 6.30pm Lynn 07739 167051

DOVECOT (HUYTON) St Margaret Mary’s Social Club, Pilch Lane 9.30am, 4.00pm & 6.00pm Julie 07779 538790 HUYTON St Lukes Church, Princess Drive 9.30am, 11.30 am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Susanne 07468 434617 FAZAKERLEY Our Lady of Sorrows Pirrie Road 5.00pm Jan 07954 714567

FAZAKERLEY Federation Community Centre Opposite library Formosa Drive L10 7LR 5.00pm & 6.30pm Eileen 07742 424767 HALEWOOD Hollies Hall, Hollies Road 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.00pm & 7.00pm Kate 07966 260632 KIRKBY (NORTHWOOD) St Mary’s Parochial Club Kennelwood Avenue 4.30pm & 6.30pm Susan 07546 148204

CROXTETH PARK Rhys Jones Centre Langley Close 5.00pm & 7.00pm Dawn Tel: 07732 845118 NETHERLEY Netherley Youth & Community Initiative St Gregory’s Church Damson Road, Netherley L27 8XR 6.30pm Helen 07779 266870 Friday DOVECOT (HUYTON) St Margaret Marys Social Club Pilch Lane 7.30am & 9.30am Julie 07779 538790 Saturday

PRESCOT St Pauls Parish Church Bryer Road 4.30pm & 6.30pm Lisa 07720 979915 CROXTETH Porchfield Community Centre Off Storrington Avenue 5.30pm Shenley 07803 524716 Thursday STOCKBRIDGE VILLAGE Craig's Community Centre Little Moss Hey 9.30am, 4.00pm & 6.00pm Zara 07854 721185 CHILDWALL VALLEY St Marks Church Hall Childwall Valley 4.30pm & 6.30pm Christina 07932 075226 KIRKBY (WESTVALE) Holy Angels Social Club Sidney Powell Avenue 4.00pm & 6.00pm Susan 07546 148204

PRESCOT Prescot Town Hall Warrington Road 8.00am & 10.00am Lynn 07739 167051 KNOWSLEY St Marys Church Hall Knowsley Village 8.00am, 10.00am Zara 07854 721185 NORRIS GREEN St Christophers Church Hall Lorenzo Drive 8.30am Debbie 07774 699694 FAZAKERLEY Fazakerley Federation Formosa Road 8.30am, 10.30am Jenny 07734 224138 BELLE VALE Gateacre Comprehensive School Hedgefield Road, Belle Vale 9.00am Graeme 07775 918576

22 January 2018

Health and Wellbeing

PLEA TO PARENTS TO HAVE THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN VACCINATED An appeal has gone out to the parents of two and three-year-olds to protect their children against flu.

Knowsley’s Public Health team is encouraging parents of children age two and three to attend their GPs for the free flu nasal spray vaccination this winter.

Recent statistics from Public Health England show that take-up of the flu vaccination among two and three-yearolds in the Knowsley area is currently the lowest in Cheshire and Merseyside.

Up to 31 October, just 14.3% of twoyear-olds and 15.9% of three-year-olds received the flu vaccination compared to the national target of between 40% 65%.

Matt Ashton, director of public health for Knowsley and Sefton said: “Flu can be a very serious illness, so it is very important for children to be vaccinated with the free flu vaccine so they can stay

well.

“Healthy children under the age of five are more likely to be admitted to hospital with flu than any other age group. We know that if we vaccinate children against flu this also protects their grandparents and other people in the community who are more at risk of developing serious complications.

“Our message is to get your two and three-year-old children vaccinated against flu at the GP as soon as possible before flu starts to spread, in order to protect them and their grandparents.”

Without the flu vaccination children are more likely to catch flu at nursery or school and then spread the virus at a rapid rate, posing a particular risk to the elderly and other people at higher risk.

Visit nhs.uk/staywell for more details on how to help you and your family to stay well this

Knowsley CCG encourages patients to use new GP weekend service and avoid A&E Patients registered with a GP in Knowsley are now able to make appointments later in the evening and during the weekend.

Services based at Nutgrove Villa in Huyton Village and Kirkby St Chad’s Health Centre are available for weekend and weekday daytime and evening appointments.

Alongside these locations, Halewood Primary Care Resource Centre and Whiston Primary Care Resource Centre are open during the week with the latest GP appointment at 8pm.

It is hoped that this additional service will support people who work throughout the week and find it difficult getting time off to attend a GP appointment. As well as this benefit, if your practice is fully booked for the day, you can also book same day appointments at the above locations.

To use the service, contact your usual GP practice on the reception number and ask about extended access.

Mark Pilling, assistant director of primary care at Knowsley CCG said: “This is a really positive development for local people. It is a very good example of GP practices and other providers working together to develop solutions to ensure that people can book GP appointments when they prefer them and not just during their practice normal opening times.

“With appointments available until 8pm on weekdays and during the day on Saturdays and Sundays, this will make a real difference to local people, especially those who work Monday to Friday.

“I would encourage local people to contact reception staff at their practice to find out how to book an appointment.”

January 2018 23

WINTER PRESSURE St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is experiencing a high volume of patients, the frail and elderly, attending with serious complications of flu and respiratory illness. It is vital that they keep their services available for those who need them most.

At this time of year, flu and the winter vomiting bug can affect many people. For the majority of patients, although extremely unpleasant, symptoms can usually be treated at home and hospital doctors are urging people to make sure they know what to do if they get the flu or another minor illness.

Sue Redfern, director of nursing, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Keeping A&E free for people who really need it most helps us to help your loved ones. Our staff are working incredibly hard to look after our patients at a time of increased demand. Help support your NHS by taking this advice on board. It is also essential, that family and friends of patients, who may be ill or have symptoms of flu or have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not visit their loved ones in hospital until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.”

Your handy guide to flu and norovirus: Flu: Symptoms • A sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above aching body feeling tired or exhausted • Dry, chesty cough • Sore throat • Headache • Difficulty sleeping • Loss of appetite • Diarrhoea or tummy pain • Nausea and being sick How to feel better • Rest and sleep • Keep warm • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains • Drink plenty of water When to see your GP • If your symptoms don’t improve after 7 days • You’re worried about your child’s symptoms • You’re 65 or over • You’re pregnant

• You have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease • You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV Norovirus: Symptoms • Suddenly feeling sick • Projectile vomiting • Watery diarrhoea How to feel better • Drink plenty of fluids • Take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains • Get plenty of rest • If you feel like eating, eat plain foods such as soup, rice, pasta and bread • Use special rehydration drinks When to get advice (by calling your GP or NHS 111) • Your baby or child has passed 6 or more watery stools in the past 24 hours, or has vomited 3 times or more in the past 24 hours • Your baby or child is less responsive, feverish, or has pale or mottled skin • You or your child is showing signs of dehydration, such as persistent dizziness only passing small amounts of urine or no urine at all, or reduced consciousness – babies and elderly people have a greater risk of becoming dehydrated • You have bloody diarrhoea • Your symptoms haven't started to improve after a few day • You or your child have a serious underlying condition and have diarrhoea and vomiting How to avoid bugs • Wash your hands often with warm soapy water • Sanitise surfaces • Eat a healthy diet, try and get plenty of sleep and look after yourself • Try and avoid those suffering with an illness Got a bug? Protect others: • Stay at home and avoid crowded places • Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough (catch it, bin it, kill it) • Don’t share towels, cups or sheets with others.

NEW ADULT SOCIAL CARE SUPPORT TO HELP RESIDENTS Three new initiatives will be launched in the new year as part of Knowsley Council’s adult social care transformation programme.

The initiatives are aimed at helping residents to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

Primarily, the new initiatives will support residents who have been discharged from hospital, and work with them to ensure they are not re-admitted.

The initiatives include a 24/7 response team, a home first service, as well as an assistive technology 12-week pilot.

The 24/7 response service will respond to calls from people with health and social care needs who may be on the verge or requiring either hospital or care home support. The service is linked to the Homecare Link Assistive

Technology Service and aligned to the council’s own emergency duty team, who will refer into the 24/7 response team where appropriate.

The Home First Service will provide short-term home care (domiciliary) support for up to a period of two weeks following a person’s discharge from hospital in circumstances when a person’s long-term support package cannot be immediately sourced.

This will help to speed-up the hospital discharge process enabling the person to return to their own home.

Also starting in the new year is a 12 week assistive technology pilot for people who have just come out of hospital. Assistive technology aids, such as a lifeline alarm, smoke alarms and home adaptations, will be provided to support the person in their own home and ensure that ‘back up’

support is available when required.

Cllr Chris O’Hare, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “We know that people would rather be in their own home than in hospital or a residential or nursing home and that is why we have aligned our services to meet the needs of our residents.

“Coming out of hospital can be daunting, particularly if you live alone, so through the new initiatives we are introducing in the new year, residents have the security of knowing that they aren’t alone and that help is available when they need it.

“We hope that this will reduce the need for people to be admitted to hospital or the need for them to secure residential or nursing home provision. It’s all about their independence - and helping them to keep it.”

HEALTHY KNOWSLEY with Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Knowsley and Sefton

2018 AND YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS I hope you’ve all had a good festive break and have started 2018 nice and refreshed.

I’m now a few days into my new year’s resolutions – to get out walking more and drinking less and so far so good!

At this time of year, temperatures are continuing to drop as winter well and truly sets in. Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health. That’s why it’s important to look after yourself, as well as your vulnerable neighbours or relatives, especially during the cold winter months.

If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s a cough or a cold, don’t wait until it gets more serious. Your first port of call should be your local pharmacist.

You are eligible for the free flu vaccine if you are pregnant, are aged 65 years or over, have a long term health condition, or are a carer. Children aged two or three years are also eligible. It’s an important, easy way to stay well this winter. Ask your GP, pharmacist or midwife about the free flu vaccine.

Keeping an eye on your older and vulnerable neighbours is also essential at this time of year. Please take the time to check they are safe and well, warm and have stocks of foods and medicines so that they don’t need to go out in the cold weather.

To find out more about keeping warm and well, visit www.nhs.uk/staywell Remember it’s not too late to take part in Dry January – an opportunity to stay alcohol free for a month, particularly if you’ve over-indulged over the festivities! As well as losing the hangover and reducing your waistline, you’ll also get better sleep, have more energy and save money. It will also help you to rethink your drinking habits too! Find out more at www.dryjanuary.org.uk

HEALTHY TIP Don’t skip breakfast Some people skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. In fact, research shows that people who regularly eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight.

Breakfast has also been shown to have positive effects on children’s mental performance and increase their concentration throughout the morning.

A wholegrain, lower-sugar cereal with fruit sliced over the top is a tasty and nutritious breakfast.

24 January 2018

APPEAL FOR KIRKBY MAN MISSING FROM HOME Merseyside Police is appealing for information to help trace a missing 50-year-old man from Kirkby.

Colin Bamber was last seen on 3 January 2018, on Tithebarn Lane, Kirkby.

Extensive enquiries have been ongoing to locate him since.

He is described as white, 5ft 7in tall, of slim build, with a bald head and a tattoo on his right arm. He is also believed to be in a black Renault Megan car registration plate T40 NJW. When he was last seen Colin was wearing blue tracksuit bottoms, and a grey fleece. Colin is known to frequent the Southport Promenade, Crosby Marina and Burbo Bank areas and also the Cumbria area.

Police officers are making extensive efforts to find Colin and return him home safely and would urge Colin, anyone who knows his whereabouts, or who has seen a man resembling him to call police on the 101 number.

Alternatively information can be left with the independent charity Missing People by calling 116 000 or by emailing 116000@missingpeople.org.uk.

A

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fter passing through the eye of years: American style shopping malls have the storm of frantic activity that centralised the shopping experience, with precedes Christmas, the January contemporary department stores offering sales have started and people are their wares alongside smaller chain stores hunting for bargains. and independent traders.

Traditionally, the Boxing Day sales were Online shopping has shifted some of the eagerly awaited, tempting eager shoppers focus away from the high street altogether, off their sofas and out in to the shops and opening multiple shop windows on PCs, department stores in search of a good deal. laptops and smart phones for instant retail The department store was – as it still is – therapy. a major feature on our city’s streets, Away from the major online and city developing in the form that we centre retailers, our local towns have recognise today from the rich histories of supplying our stores inspired by the communities with goods and Our local towns Great Exhibition of services.

1851at the Crystal The Archive can give us a have rich histories Palace in London. flavour of the types of of supplying our Many of these stores businesses that traded communities with had their roots in the throughout the 19th and goods and textile industry, being 20th centuries, and Derby founded by drapers and Road in Huyton is a good services merchants who place to start exploring the understood trade and were changing face of shopping in skilled at predicting the coming Knowsley. season’s fashion trends.

Derby Road is at the heart of Huyton The stock in these stores reflected the Village, linking St Michael’s Church and the eclectic range of goods showcased at the railway station. Now pedestrianised, in Crystal Palace and familiar names like Victorian times and well into the 20th Harrod’s (1905) and Selfridges (1909) century it was a busy thoroughfare, with a opened their doors in London. mixture of commercial properties, private Liverpool’s own department stores are housing and public offices. well remembered by many: Bon Marche, Often, shop keepers would live above the Bunney’s, Blackler’s, George Henry Lee, premises, as a beautifully drafted and Lewis’s to name but a few. architectural plan in the Archive collection Generations of families shopped in these shows. This plan, for an additional house grand emporiums - and who can forget and shop in Derby Road [KA/Z/AP38], Blackie, the famous Blackler’s rocking was drawn by T R Bushell, an architect of horse, now preserved in the People’s Huyton Quarry, in 1895. The client was Mr Republic Gallery in the Museum of Thomas Griffiths, a baker, and the plans Liverpool? show how the shop would form an integral Shopping trends have shifted in recent part of the ground floor of the property,

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Now open at: Unit 1, Cornhill Works, Marl Road, Kirkby Industrial Estate, Kirkby L33 7UH Tel: 0151 547 3570 • 0151 547 3677 Fax: 0151 548 1744

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Amith Bootmakers 1890s

January 2018 25

KNOWSLEY ARK: BRINGING HISTORY ALIVE with access from the street. Living accommodation was provided at the rear of the shop and upstairs, with stables, harness and trap rooms in the yard to the rear.

An application had to be made to the local authority, then the Huyton Local Board, and the plans were passed in January 1896.

The variety of shops and the products sold in the shops reflected the day-to-day needs of the people who lived in the area.

The 1901 Census reveals a wide range of traders, with everything from a draper, a bakery and corn dealer, a grocer and a pharmaceutical chemist to a dairy, a bookkeeper and coach and carriage maker offering goods and services.

One photograph in the ARK collections dates from the 1890s and illustrates how shopkeepers advertised their wares. Amidst the mix of baker, painter and decorator and butcher, Shaw Robert Smith announced his presence as a boot and shoe maker by hanging a long boot from a bracket outside his door.

C Reichardt and Son operated the bakery

and confectionery shop on the corner of Derby Road and Huyton Hey Road, which also dealt in provisions and wholesale and retail corn flour sales. Following the outbreak of the Great War, the family anglicised their name and the business became known as Richardson’s.

By 1977, the shop had been demolished and replaced by a Midland Bank, which in turn gave way to new retail units in the early 1990s.

Another long-serving business was operated by the Brennand family. The Brennands lived and worked in the Huyton area for many years, starting a painting and decorating business in Damhouse Lane (now Rupert Road) in the early 1800s. One William Brennand was, according to the 1861 census, born in 1834 and traded as a painter and plumber. After moving to Derby Road in 1853, the business then passed down the generations.

In 1953, Mr and Mrs Percy Brennand opened the paint and wallpaper shop next door to Richard Brennand’s ironmongers,

hardware and cycle shop. The building was originally a two-storey coach house with stables and after alterations to the premises in 1853, one of the doors was closed as it was no longer in daily use.

The tradesmen would wipe their paintbrushes on it until finally, in 1963, the door fell off its hinges.

At this point, it was realised that there were thousands of layers of paint on the door and samples were sent to paint factories all over the country. ICI carried out the most extensive tests and identified some 5,800 separate layers, giving an insight into the makeup of 19th and early 20th century paints.

A block of the door now sits in the Archive, alongside a collection of business records and stationery used by the firm, giving local historians a glimpse into the working life of a busy family business and its clients.

The 1960s-1970s were a time of great change in the Village.

Photographs in the Archive collections

Griffiths shop plans

Brennands Store 1963

Reichardts Bakery 1910

Sherbourne Square 1977

document the building of Sherbourne Square, the demolition of many of the older Victorian buildings (to be replaced with modern units) and the pedestrianisation of Derby Road itself.

The range of shops was still impressive, with independent stores, supermarkets and more familiar high street names plying their trades. Then, the superstore arrived in the form of Dales - a modern, consumer-driven echo of the traditional department store.

You can visit the ARK and discover more about the changing face of Knowsley’s retail offer at the Kirkby Centre, Norwich Way, Kirkby, L32 8XY. For more information about the ARK or to find out about the services on offer, call 0151 443 4365 or email infoheritage@knowsley.gov.uk.

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26 January 2018

SOCIAL SECTOR IN KNOWSLEY WORKING BETTER TOGETHER Knowsley Better Together launched in July last year and aims to bring people and organisations together to deliver better outcomes for Knowsley.

This will be achieved by improved partnership working between the council, residents, businesses, the voluntary sector and other stakeholders to improve services and the local area.

To demonstrate this way of working, Knowsley Council has committed £1 million £300,000 for environmental improvements across the borough and a further £700,000 allocated to social sector organisations to support four council priorities over the next three years. The priorities are a sustainable borough (more jobs and housing), providing high quality and sustainable adult social care, and maximising the council’s contribution to both education the health and wellbeing of Knowsley residents.

Social sector organisations groups were invited to bid for grants of up to £10,000 from the £700,000 funding allocation, and 30 projects

have been successful in their bids.

Highlights of the successful bids include:• Partnering Progress will deliver the ‘It’s your child’s life’ programme to 40 families in four primary schools in Kirkby, equipping and empowering families to ensure their children get the very best home learning environment which supports their emotional, social, physical and mental development.

• The Listen Up project is a ground-breaking 12 month project which will engage with 70 disadvantaged young people aged 8-18 years in Kirkby in the process of designing, creating and publishing original comic books covering a range of issues, exploring their own health and emotional wellbeing.

• Swanside Community Centre will host three homework and IT project sessions per week aiming to help residents to develop their IT skills, as well as a homework club for children. The sessions will be supported by an educational provider. Through this project,

Council Leader, Councillor Andy Moorhead, right, with the Memory Lane group

young and old will come together, each offering a range of experience and skills that can be shared.

• MALS will work with 15 adults over a year who are due for release from prison or those currently on probation to improve their chances of securing employment and gaining recognised qualifications, as well as reducing offending and increasing their chances of living independent lives.

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• Memory Lane will deliver eight Shared Experience courses per year aimed at giving 80 carers from across the borough a thorough understanding of dementia, helping them to cope with the demands of the disease.

Importantly, carers will also be engaging with other carers, sharing their experiences.

Cllr Andy Moorhead, leader of Knowsley Council, said: “The quality and range of bids received was outstanding and

I’m delighted to be able to support a number of initiatives which will ultimately benefit our residents.

“By working together, pooling resources and skills, more can be achieved, which is what Knowsley Better Together is all about. A further funding round will be open in April and I look forward to once again receiving such innovative and inspiring ideas for the benefit of our borough.”

Leeann and friends remember Norah and raise funds for charity

Leeann Harris, a former care worker at a dementia home in Knowsley made a promise to never forget one of her patients who suffered from dementia.

Leeann said: “I looked after an old lady called Norah Trippier who suffered from dementia, she was my absolute world and I promised her that I would maintain her memory for helping other people, so every year myself and a few friends aim to do something worthwhile.

“This year myself and four of my friends Abbey Russell, Carla Mason, Leanne Wheeler and Sophie Riley, climbed Snowdon to raise money for MHA care home and also the children living in local areas who didn’t have a Christmas present to open on Christmas day, we raised £350 for the care home that I use to work at when looking after Norah and the other £160 went to the children to get gifts for Christmas.

“Norah always said that when she was young she lived to help the children and always went out her way in do this, she was a lovely, lovely lady who gave her life to help others.

“It was the hardest thing that I’ve ever done it was so cold and windy, but in the end it was definitely worth all the effort and hopefully Norah would approve”.

January 2018 27

ACTIVATE CELEBRATE OFSTED AWARD At the end of 2017 Kirkby-based Activate Community Education Services were inspected by OFSTED who noted great improvements across the college and received a Grade 2 (Good) in all areas!

Activate who provide personalised study programmes for 19-24-yearolds with learning difficulties or disabilities are now the only Grade 2 (Good) Post 16 further education provider in the borough of Knowsley.

Becky Emmott, liaison officer and behaviour support at Activate said: “Some key comments from Ofsted included: “Learners develop confidence and ability” “There is an extremely caring and respectful culture and ethos” “Teachers and learning support are committed, enthusiastic and caring” “Students make swift and sustained progress” “The college has exceptionally high expectations of staff and learners”.

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(L-R) Dee Newey (Willowbrook gardener) and volunteer gardeners Sheila Thomas and Rita Teed.

Rita Teed, volunteer gardener at Prescot’s Willowbrook Hospice, has recently been awarded the Hospice UK Volunteer Gardener of the Year Award.

The award recognises the significant contribution an individual has made to hospice care over a number of years.

Over the years, Rita has generously given her time and expertise to keep the hospice’s award winning gardens in tiptop condition, whatever the season.

Whether weeding the flowerbeds, or tending to the Japanese Gardens, Rita is always on hand Neil Wright, chief executive of Willowbrook Hospice, said: “The impact Rita has had is immeasurable; she has

helped to transform the grounds around the hospice into a beautiful area for our patients, staff and other volunteers to enjoy.

As well as receiving RHS Northwest in Bloom Gold Medal Award for five successive years, earlier this year our gardens were open to the public for two days as part of the National Garden Scheme and the comments received were outstanding.

“On behalf of Willowbrook, I’d like to congratulate not only Rita but all the other gardening volunteers who together with our gardener Dee Newey, work tirelessly, come rain or shine to make our garden such a beautiful and tranquil place.”

Lightweight Tri Walker with bag and basket • Ideal for indoor and outdoor use • Adjustable height handles for a comfortable fit • Easy folding for storage and transport • Simple-to-use lock brakes and cable tidy for safety • Supplied with bag, basket and tray

Fleece lined

We also provide stairlift maintenance packages, scooter and wheelchair hire and reconditioned stairlifts

28 January 2018

Haunted Merseyside with Tom Slemen

THE UNINVITED GUEST

he following terrifying story took place in January 1972 in Huyton, and over the years, quite a few witnesses to the incident have spoken to me to add more detail to the account of the weird goings-on.

It was January 1972, and it was the 9th birthday of a boy named Martin who lived at a semidetached house on Dinas Lane.

Martin and his parents hadn’t lived in Huyton long; they’d only moved to the area the year before from Blackburn, but already Martin was a popular boy with the local kids.

Martin’s parents let their son invite as many friends as he wanted to the party, and had it been in the summer months, there would have been a marquee in the back garden for the partygoers.

Martin’s parents had money and the lad’s father was planning to build a big swimming pool in the back garden, just to encourage his son to swim with a view to obtaining medals one day.

A small fortune was spent on the birthday party, and Sayers and Cousins did a roaring trade that week as Martin’s mum bought boxes of cakes, pasties, sausage rolls and a huge jelly.

The birthday cake itself was made by a local woman who specialised in wedding cakes, and she was paid £30 for her elaborate creation in sponge, jam, cream and icing.

The party was held in the afternoon at half-past four, and a fog had descended on Huyton by then. Martin’s father was stranded by the fog and black ice at his workplace in Widnes, and didn’t get home in time for the party, but Martin didn’t even notice his father’s absence because he had so many friends over at his house.

The boy’s mother made all of the little guests welcome, and each was given a slice of the birthday cake on a paper plate, along with as many glasses of “lemmo” as they could drink.

Most of the savouries went untouched during the party, and at one point, a 7year-old girl named Jill – a school friend of Marty – was put on a large dining table that doubled as a stage, and the child started singing “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” – a song by the New Seekers that was currently at Number 1 in the pop charts.

Around half way through Jill’s performance on the table, a rowdy child entered Martin’s house. He was described as about 4ft 5, and he looked around Martin’s age – about 9, possibly a little younger. He had a shaven head with only a few millimetres of blonde bristly hairs showing through his scalp, and a small pair of dark blue eyes.

Although it was a bitterly cold January afternoon, the unknown boy wore only a thin grey tee shirt, black shorts, white

T

socks (that had dropped down to his ankles), and black slip-on ‘pumps’ – or plimsolls to give the footwear its proper name.

This lad started to shout rude names at Jill as she performed her song, and at one point he picked up a custard tart and pelted the girl with it. The cake splattered upon impacting Jill’s face and she fell backwards off the table and landed on two children.

There were screams as the mischievous boy changed before the very eyes of the little party guests. The child’s features seemed to melt at one point, and his body simultaneously stretched upwards, and this spectacle of terrifying transfiguration sent the children running from the living room in a state of utter terror.

“The pink shiny skin was replaced by a grey coat of hair” When Martin’s mother came into the room she thought she was looking at a man covered in pink paint from his bald head to his feet, but the head was oval shaped and elongated, and the feet looked more like claws.

The eyes of the entity were swept back and thin, and its mouth opened wide to reveal rows of pointed teeth.

The thing hissed at Martin’s mum, and tipped over the table the birthday spread had been laid out on. Cakes and plates of abandoned food and bottles of lemonade went crashing to the floor, and then the mother of the birthday boy saw something that would haunt her for the rest of her life.

The pink figure of the demonic being quickly changed into an animal before her eyes. The pink shiny skin was replaced by a grey coat of hair, and the face of the weird gatecrasher now resembled that of a wolf, minus the ears.

Martin’s mother ran out of the house with the screaming children into the fog and told a startled neighbour returning home from work what had happened.

The neighbour, a Mr Thompson, thought that someone in a costume of some sort had just been playing a joke on his neighbour, and he went into the house and saw the overturned table and the cakes, rolls and pies all over the floor.

He had a look around, and saw nobody hiding, and even checked the rooms upstairs. He came out of the house and convinced Martin’s mum she’d just been the victim of a silly prankster, and she went back into the house with Martin and

a few of his braver friends. Minutes after this, Jill, the 7-year-old who had been pelted by the weird boy, came out of the kitchen and said to Martin’s mother: “He’s behind the fridge.”

Mr Thompson smiled and asked Jill to show him, and he swore and recoiled from the fridge, saying, “There’s an animal wedged behind there!”

Martin, his mother, and a handful of guests all withdrew into the hallway, and Mr Thompson grabbed a mop, and then took a carving knife out the cutlery drawer. He poked behind the fridge with the mop handle, and then everyone heard a high-pitched scream.

That boy in the grey tee shirt came running out of the kitchen, and in the few seconds Martin’s mum saw him pass by before he ran out of the house, she noticed he had furry arms. This ‘boy’ ran out the place, into the fog of Dinas Lane, shrieking with laughter, and was never seen by Martin or his mum ever again.

The usual explanations were trotted out: the overactive imagination of children, and mass hysteria, but something happened that wintry day in 1972, and whatever it was, it drove nearly a dozen children away from the tasty delights of a birthday party, so it must have been something very frightening...

GEORGE HOWARTH MEETS THE BIG LOTTERY FUND

George Howarth MP recently met with the Big Lottery Fund to discuss their work in Knowsley and plans for the future.

The Big Lottery Fund distributes 40% of National Lottery good causes funding, awarding over £700 million to communities across the UK last year.

Anyone looking for funding for a community project should consider applying for the following grant programmes: National Lottery Awards for All offers funding of up to £10,000 to support what matters to people and communities. If you are a voluntary or community organisation, a school or a statutory body you can apply for funding.

Reaching Communities provides funding between £10,000 and £500,000 for voluntary or community groups.

The most important thing when applying for funding is focusing on your ideas to make positive changes in your community.

To apply, please contact the Big Advice Line on 0345 4 10 20 30.

January 2018 29

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30 January 2018

Business News

45,000 NOW EMPLOYED BY SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS A new report has found that social organisations in Liverpool City Region now employ 1 in 10 people across the Liverpool City Region, more than 45,000 people in total.

The report, titled The Scale, Scope and Value of the Liverpool City Region Social Economy, also found that social businesses generate over £3 billion a year for the region’s economy.

Social organisations are a diverse mix of charities, social enterprises, cooperatives and other institutions such as health, housing and education providers.

The report was produced by the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy and Practice at Liverpool University which undertook a year of research to map the growing contributions of social organisations across the Liverpool City Region (LCR).

Some of the reports key findings include: • Social organisations hold approximately £4.4 billion in assets • There are around 1,400 social organisations across LCR • The social economy is now the fourth biggest employer in the LCR • Social organisations are filling the gap where markets have failed and the public sector has withdrawn because of austerity The Heseltine Institute worked with social businesses such as First Ark to

compile the report. First Ark are a social business based in Liverpool City Region who work for positive change in communities.

First Ark support a number of social organisations to deliver sustainable social impact.

Tony Cahill, executive director at First Ark, who was on the social economy panel of experts, has said that the report demonstrates the growing importance of social organisations, not just in delivering positive change within our communities but also to the health of the wider economy.

Speaking about the report, Tony Cahill said: “First Ark provides support for social organisations in the form of finance and mentoring and every day we see the positive impact they are having.

“Not only are we seeing a growing number of these organisations, in a variety of forms, we are also seeing them move into new areas.

“Social organisations are able to respond more quickly to changes within their local communities and can provide solutions that make a real difference to people’s lives.

“Steve Rotherham has been really positive and we are already starting to see the benefits of that engagement. I am hopeful that in the near future more public and private sector organisations

Pictured left to right: Aileen Jones, deputy director of the Heseltine Institute; Racheal Jones, chief operating officer, Knowsley CVS; Sally-Anne Watkiss, Homebaked; Matt Thompson, research associate, Heseltine Institute; Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor Liverpool City Region; Alan Southern, Heseltine Institute and University of Liverpool Management School; Helen Heap, CEO Seebohm Hill and Tony Cahill, executive director, First Ark

will be inspired to join us to think about how they can partner with social organisations in their communities.”

You can access the full report by

visiting https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/heseltineinstitute/.

SITE MANAGER RECEIVES INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Liam Navarro, the site manager at Bellway’s Melling View development in Kirkby, is the proud recipient of a National House Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job award. It is Liam’s first Pride in the Job award as a site manager.

In existence for over 35 years, the Pride in the Job scheme is dedicated to recognising the industry’s very best performers. It is a prestigious accolade that site managers strive to achieve.

To win, site managers must score highly in all areas of the build process including quality of workmanship, technical expertise, health and safety, management and leadership. In addition, judges are also looking for meticulous and consistent attention to detail and the special qualities and attributes that set winners apart from the rest.

Having worked in the construction industry for over 17 years, starting off in

grounds work before progressing to site management 10 years ago, Liam is thrilled to receive his first Pride in the Job award.

Liam said: “I am really pleased to win this award. It is something I have strived for and, in today’s busy and often difficult construction climate, it is a great achievement for myself and the team at Melling View.”

Construction director at Bellway Homes, Ian Hopkins, said: “We are delighted for Liam. The Pride in the Job award is one of the most highly regarded accolades for site managers in the housebuilding industry and it takes a lot of hard work, leadership and commitment to be recognised and rewarded by the NHBC. “Liam is a talented and skilled site manager and we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for him at Bellway Homes”.

January 2018 31

Knowsley Disability Concern winners of the Community Project of the Year Keri Romano, project co-ordinator holding the trophy, next to Joyce Greaves, CEO who are both flanked by Neil Fitzmaurice, compere for the event and Jane Trevithick from Anthony Collins Solicitors who sponsored the award.

Awards celebrate record breaking year of social enterprise The eleventh annual First Ark Impact Awards celebrated a record-breaking year of social enterprise in the North West at a ceremony hosted by Liverpool actor Neil Fitzmaurice.

A crowd of over 200 businesses and individuals assembled at The Venue in Huyton to recognise the individuals and organisations who have made a positive difference in local communities around the region over the past 12 months.

Guests were entertained by a mixture of song and dance routines provided by Liverpool-based performers Up All Night and The Soul Wizards, along with MD Productions. The dance troupe is coached

by Miguel Doforo and reached the semifinals of Britain’s Got Talent on three occasions.

This year saw a record number of nominations in the run up to the event and winners include Knowsley Disability Concern (KDC), who were crowned

Community Project of the Year.

KDC launched The BIG Pathway Project in December 2016, a programme of learning and development activities for adults with learning disabilities. The programme outperformed its own targets, having initially planned to support 30 participants but actually saw 47 people complete the course successfully.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award was presented to Carolyn Edwards for her work with Genie in the Gutter, a bridge to recovery service which provides informed choices around drug and alcohol treatment to active substance misusers committed to exploring a new way forward.

Despite having 90% of its funding withdrawn in 2016, Genie in the Gutter has gone from strength to strength as a result of Carolyn’s determination and exceptional leadership skills.

The ADHD Foundation, which provides therapeutic services for those living with

Pictured: Phil Jones, Travis Perkins (awards sponsor), Barrie Wells (award winner) and Neil Fitzmaurice (host of the awards event).

THE FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS KHT Resident of the Year – Christine Doyle Volunteer of the Year – Vernon Davis Community Group of the Year – Hype Social Organisation of the Year – The Big Help Project Community Project of the Year – Knowsley Disability Concern Entrepreneur of the Year – Edwards, Genie in the Gutter Apprentice of the Year – Sue Thompson Social Enterprise Champion – Fusion 21 Business Partnership of the Year – Maloney Associates Investment of the Year – ADHD Foundation Inspirational Person of the Year – Barrie Wells and affected by ADHD, took home the Investment of the Year award.

The Merseyside-based charity was able to open a new clinic and increase the number of people who could access its services which include 1-1 coaching, support for young offenders with ADHD and educational programmes for clinicians.

Another notable winner was Barrie Wells, named Inspirational Person of the Year in recognition of his charity work.

Barrie set up Box 4 Kids to benefit

START YOUR BUSINESS IN 2018 If you have a business idea why not go along to the Knowsley Chamber of Commerce Interactive Start-Up Conference on Tuesday 6 February.

This conference has been run successfully across the city region and now Knowsley is hosting the event so that you can learn more about starting up a new business.

You will hear from our business start specialists, from Start-Up Direct on how to access start-up loans, and from some of Knowsley’s new start business owners who have been running their own companies over the last couple of years and demonstrating the value of preparation, experience, passion, communication and chemistry, setting goals, seizing

opportunities and persistence.

There will be ample opportunities to talk about your business ideas and to network with each other.

What is the Enterprise Hub? Knowsley Chamber of Commerce and Knowsley Council have been working closely with the Enterprise Hub (which is a consortium of providers led by The Women’s Organisation and Liverpool Community College).

The Enterprise Hub delivers the ERDF start up programme across the Liverpool city region (which includes Knowsley). Some key headlines are as follows:215 Knowsley residents have had at least three hours’

children with serious illnesses in 2010.

Since then, the scheme has expanded nationwide and has the support of over 80 venues and 110 companies who donate their executive boxes over 12 sports.

In 2016, with the support of Aintree Racecourse, Box 4 Kids became the official charity partner of The Jockey Club.

The charity also reached a landmark of over 5,000 guests who have benefited from a much needed rest at a top sporting event.

support – 143 women and 72 men; 92 individuals have had over 12 hours’ support; 38 individuals have already started businesses in Knowsley – 27 women and 11 men Who can attend?

Anyone over 18 who is thinking of starting a business or has recently started a business in the last 18 months.

Where is the event being held and what does it cost?

Suites Hotel, Ribblers Lane, Knowsley L34 9HA. Tea/coffee on arrival It’s completely FREE, however, if you wish to attend you must register in advance.

Log on to their website at: www.http://www.knowsleychamber.org.uk/events

32 January 2018

KICK-START 2018 AND SIGN UP TO RACE FOR LIFE

Challenge Sport The

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

GET YOUR NEW YEAR OFF TO A FLYING START AND MAKE EVERY MINUTE COUNT! Workers in the Liverpool City Region are being encouraged to take part in the free ‘Make Every Minute Count’ challenge.

The initiative is designed to leave those taking part feeling more energised, less stressed, refreshed, and able to beat the winter blues this January.

Those looking to get more active this new year aren’t alone. In fact 38% of us in the UK set resolutions at the start of each year to become more active.

The good news is that you don’t need to join a gym or start training for a marathon with the ‘Make Every Minute Count’ challenge.

The initiative, spearheaded in the region

by MSP, which works to enable people to be active every day, is just about fitting small amounts of activity to fit around your working life. Anyone can get involved too, no matter your age, ability or fitness levels and signing up online is easy.

The eight week challenge starts on Monday 8 January, and challenges you to log at least one mile (or 10 minutes) of physical activity per day – this could be walking, jogging, cycling, taking part in an activity class – whatever you enjoy and fits in to your life. It’s about finding simple ways to do more activity, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift, or parking

further away from the office.

Each time you do your daily activity and log it on the Workplace Challenge website you’ll get the chance to win prizes including gift vouchers, theatre tickets, signed Liverpool FC and Everton FC books, a signed LFC and EFC shirt, a sit/stand desk and much more.

It’s all part of the Workplace Challenge, which is a free website/app that helps you to log how much activity you do – it’s provided in 30 counties across England, including Merseyside.

Danny Woodworth, from MSP, said: “The campaign has a particular emphasis on breaking up your working day with physical activity to reduce sedentary behaviour.

“NHS guidelines state that getting plenty of regular exercise, particularly outdoors and in daylight, can help to improve symptoms of seasonal affective

disorder.”

So, in January stepping away from your desk during the lightest and brightest part of the day is a great way to improve your wellbeing and can help tackle the culture of a desk-bound lunch.”

You could also push yourself to try a brand new activity; to help, MSP have put together a calendar of great sessions and events taking place across the whole of the Liverpool City Region for you to get involved with.

Sign up for the free ‘Make Every Minute Count’ challenge at www.merseysidesport.com/memc, where you’ll find details of the events calendar and lots of top-tips to keep active this winter. You’ll also find plenty of videos and ideas to keep active at work by following MSP on Twitter (@MerseysideSport) and on facebook (/MerseysideSports).

Knowsley women are being encouraged to kick-start the New Year by signing up now to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

That’s why the charity is urging women of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities to choose their event - Race for Life 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy - and pledge to take part at Sefton Park and Aintree Race Course.

At Sefton Park, the Pretty Muddy event takes place on Saturday 7 July and the 5k and 10k events are scheduled for Sunday 8 July. There will also be 5k and 10 event at Aintree Race Course on Sunday 17 June.

This January (1-31 January), Knowsley women are being offered 30% off entry fees for Race for Life 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Pretty Muddy Kids, Half Marathon and Hike events.

By signing up to Race for Life right now, women in Knowsley will make a real difference in the fight against cancer.

Sarah hunter, Cancer Research UK’s Liverpool event manager, said: “January is the perfect time for women in Knowsley to commit to getting a little more active in 2018 by signing up for Race for Life and taking on a new fitness challenge.

“For those who need some extra encouragement to get moving, Race for Life offers the ultimate motivation. That’s because by taking part and raising money, participants will be helping to fund vital cancer research.

“It’s time to mark the New Year and make a resolution to remember. By joining like-minded ladies committed to the cause, local women can unite against a disease that affects us all in some way.”

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

KNOWSLEY PARKRUNS Every Saturday morning, Stadt Moers Park in Whiston, plays host to the Knowsley parkrun starting at 9am.

It’s a free to enter timed 5k event that encourages people of all ages and abilities to get active outdoors. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a runner, jogger or walker, you‘ll be made to feel welcome by everyone involved.

The parkrun is organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, who give up a couple hours each week to help out.

To take part in parkrun as a runner or to volunteer, just visit the Knowsley parkrun website - www.parkrun.org.uk/knowsley/ and register.

You’ll be sent a link to print off your own unique barcode which is scanned during your run to log your time. If you’re volunteering the barcode will register that you have helped.

If you would like more information please email organisers at knowsleyhelpers@parkrun.com to register your interest.

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.

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