South Liverpool LINK - Dec 22 / Jan 23

At Gregory Abrams Davidson, the firm is incredibly passionate about delivering an impressive client service, and following a recent review of client feedback, its team of legal experts are proud of the glowing testimonials clients have heaped

As a legal practice, it has stringent procedures to follow to maintain its professional accreditations. However, it is a philosophy that the firm will grow by delivering excellent legal services for its commercial and private clients across the UK. Its philosophy guides its people, and the team at Gregory Abrams Davidson truly put themselves in their client’s shoes. The firm’s experts want their clients to feel safe knowing that the team has their best interests at heart.

The senior management team constantly monitor client service, and following a comprehensive review of over 295 client feedback forms from January this year, 98% of clients said they were happy with the firm’s service. 88% of its clients gave the firm a five-star rating. Client testimonials included

“Paul Abrams delivered a first-class service in a timely and

“This is the first time we have used GAD in property-related matters, and we were very impressed with the service

“I could not have asked more than the service Ian provided. He was knowledgeable, polite and direct, and I highly

“Lucy’s communication has been excellent. It is very reassuring to know that you’re in safe hands. Excellent service on every level and with all properties I have sold

“An excellent firm to deal with.”

Tracey Parry, Chief Operating Officer at the firm, said: “It really is pleasing to receive great feedback from clients. It makes it all worthwhile, and we’re very privileged to be asked to help them, and we never lose sight of this.”

Seasons greetings!

Welcome to your December/January issue of the Liverpool LINK.

I can’t believe we are at the Christmas issue already! Where did 2022 go? That being said, it certainly has been quite an eventful year, hasn’t it?

There have definitely been ups and downs this year and Liverpool has definitely had a lot of ups. Firstly, this month, it is looking like “business as usual” for the organisers of the numerous Christmas markets, grottos, pantos, and much more in the city. I hope you all get to enjoy them with your loved ones.

Then come January, I suppose the countdown is on to Eurovision 2023. I still can’t believe that such a big event is coming to our city! The world will see how amazing our city is and it will be a massive boost to local businesses after a difficult couple of years. And of course, a really important and special way for us to celebrate and discover Ukrainian culture. So however you celebrate the festive season this year, we wish joy and peace to all our readers and advertisers. In the meantime, stay safe and don’t forget to tell our very valued advertisers that you saw it in The LINK!

Merry christmas & Happy New year! Moira (editor) and everyone at The LINK

The History of The FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup has kicked off in Qatar, surrounded by controversy and the first to be held at this time of year. We look back at how the tournament began and how it has changed over the years.

How did the

World Cup begin?

By the end of World War I, football had already become a world sport, but it was two Frenchman, Jules Rimet and Henri Delaunay, who proposed the idea of a World Cup to be held every four years.

Before the FIFA World Cup, the international tournament that everyone wanted to play in was actually part of the Summer Olympics. But during the 1920s the game was transitioning to professionalism which was inconsistent with the Olympic spirit, so in 1928 FIFA started to make plans to organise their own World Cup.

Uruguay, who had won Gold in the 1928 Olympics, were selected as the host nation for the inaugural World Cup finals in 1930 with 12 other teams accepting FIFA’s open invitation to take part (qualification rounds started in 1934).

The tournament has been held every four years since then, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was suspended due to World War II. Brazil have won five times, and they

are the only team to have played in every tournament. The other winners are Germany and Italy with four titles each, Argentina, France, and Uruguay with two titles each, and England and Spain, with one title each.

1966

This is the year that every English soccer fan references at any opportunity and which arguably produced one of the best tournaments to date. Geoff Hurst scored the first and only “hat trick” in a championship game as England defeated West Germany 4-2 in the final. One of Hurst’s goals was also one of the most controversial in World Cup Final history: a powerful drive that hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced on the goal-line according to the Germans – or just over it according to the English and the linesman.

This year’s tournament will be different for several reasons: the first to be held in winter (for Northern Hemisphere teams), a controversial choice of host country, concerns over transport infrastructure and support for travelling fans, and threats of boycotts. The final is scheduled to take place on 18th December.

By Helen Say, a freelance copywriter and blogger www.cblservices.co.uk

Quiz Time

Music Quiz

1. In what year was “I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day” (Roy Wood’s Wizzard) first a Christmas hit? (a) 1969 (b) 1973 (c) 1977?

2. Who had the Xmas No.1 “Lonely This Christmas” in 1974? (a) Mud (b) Cliff Richard (c) Slade?

3. Which single topped the charts from 29.11.75 to 31.01.76? (a) Bohemian Rhapsody (b) Mary’s Boy Child (c) Mull of Kintyre?

4. Which unlikely duo had a 1982 Xmas hit with “Little Drummer Boy”?

5. Who topped the charts at Xmas 1987? (a) Pet Shop Boys (Always On My Mind) (b) Wham (Last Christmas) (c) Madonna (The Look of Love)?

6. Whitney Houston topped the charts at Xmas 1992 with “I Will Always Love You”. Who wrote the song? (a) Bob Dylan (b) Dolly Parton (c) Stevie Wonder?

7. Which Mariah Carey Xmas song reached No.2 in December 1994?

8. Which Spice Girls single was the Xmas No.1 in 1997? (a) Spice Up Your Life (b) Too Much (c) Viva Forever?

9. “Mad World” (Michael Andrews & Gary Jules) was the Xmas No.1 in 2003: to which film was it the soundtrack? (a) Dead Poets Society (b) Dirty Dancing (c) Donnie Darko?

10. Who (in 1952) had the first ever Christmas no. 1 single? (a) Tony Bennett (b) Al Martino (c) Frank Sinatra?

Solutions on page 25

BATHROOMS

I have advertised in The LINK for 14 years and I would be lost without it now!!! Many thanks to you all at The LINK

Paul - P & L

Q, Tell me about the results

A, This is what we are all about. In fact, we guarantee results or your money back. Three 30 minute sessions each week is all it takes to achieve spectacular inch loss. Gymophobics will slim you down in weeks, not months. Challenge us to challenge you!

Q, ‘I’ve tried lots of gyms and don’t like them, how is Gymophobics di erent?

A, First of all we are ladies only! Gyms can be quite intimidating with very little input from instructors. Gymophobics is a friendly place to be with support from Instructors on every session. Never worry how to use the equipment, we will show you everytime! Plus it only takes 30 minutes.

Q, I su er from poor mobility, would it be suitable for me?

A, ABSOLUTELY! - In fact you will notice a very fast improvement in mobility. Our air machines are safe on the joints and we always carry out a full induction to address any health issues along with reviewing your programme every 3 weeks. Bye bye sti ness? Hello more energy!

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, who wouldn’t dream of a snug and cosy winter staycation somewhere beautiful? What could be more glorious than being tucked away in a picturesque cottage by a roaring log fire watching the snowfall, or getting in amongst the action for some scenic walks or outdoor activity?

The UK is a beautiful country with plenty to offer thanks to our woodlands, national parks, and protected greenbelt. There are cities and towns all over that are full of intricate architecture and stunning structures waiting to be discovered over a long weekend.

So if a winter staycation appeals to you, here are the five most popular destinations we’ve found.

The Cotswolds

Rough stone-built houses in a traditional honey shade surrounded by green land, trees and stately homes typify the Cotswolds for most people. The whole area has been classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) protected by Natural England. During the Winter the crowds are smaller, so experiencing everything on offer is significantly quicker, and the frosts and snows make everything glisten.

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is an excellent city getaway over the winter thanks to the many events and seasonal shows. The most well-known is probably Hogmanay, Scotland’s New Year party which makes Edinburgh one of the best winter staycations in the UK. From traditional ceilidh dancing to torch processions, fireworks, and parties, it’s a night to remember!

North Norfolk Coast

If you’re fond of the great outdoors, this area is jam-packed with cute villages, seaside walks and fun things to do. It’s also classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), so it’s a great choice for a winter getaway.

Why not visit one of the dedicated seal beaches from November to February and see some pups being born and venturing into the sea for the first time? Or head to some local heritage sites like the Deep History Coast or the North Norfolk Railway.

York

If it’s culture you’re after, this is a vibrant city full of gothic architecture like the gigantic York Minster Cathedral and classic art galleries and museums. Take a wander through The Shambles, a cobbled street with loads of little shops,

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the spa town of Bath is a must-visit this season. Take a dip in the historic underground Roman Baths or the open-air Thermae Bath Spa, wander along the famous two-sided shopping and dining stretches over at the Pulteney Bridge, or discover the finest of preserved Georgian architecture along the perimeter of the Royal Crescent.

By

Helen Say, a freelance copywriter and blogger www.cblservices.co.uk

Quiz Time General Knowledge

1. The “Three Wise Men” were named Caspar, Melchior and who else? (a) Balthazar (b) Barnabas (c) Beelzebub? 2. What gifts did they bring – gold, frankincense and what else? 3. Which ballet, set to music by Tchaikovsky, is based on a girl’s Christmas present (a doll) coming to life?

(a) The Nutcracker Suite (b) Sleeping Beauty (c) Swan Lake? 4. Which popular Christmas plant is known by the botanical name ilex? (a) holly (b) mistletoe (c) poinsettia? 5. What is the name given to the religious period which commences on the 4th Sunday before Christmas? 6. What is the name given to the religious period which commences 12 days after Christmas Day (6 Jan.)? 7. On what date do the Scots celebrate Hogmanay? (a) 24 December (b) 27 December (c) 31 December? 8. “On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me a ……..” – what? 9. In which country is Father Christmas known as Babbo Natale? (a) France (b) Italy (c) Spain? 10. In what language is Christmas called La Navidad? (a) French (b) Italian (c) Spanish?

Since I started advertising with The Link, I have seen my business inundated with enquiries. I would estimate around 90% of the business I get comes from my advert in The Link and as a result, I no longer need to invest in any other form of advertising. I’m thrilled with the results! T. Delcher

local history

History in Stone

Edward III (1312 - 1377) was just 15 when he came to the throne - his 50-year reign brought many changes throughout his kingdom and abroad.

The boy king was crowned after his father, Edward IIa weak monarch easily led by favourites - was deposed and murdered.

The new king soon married: his Flanders bride Philippa of Hainault was just 14.

Teenager Edward soon exerted his authority by ordering the arrest and execution of powerful baron Roger de Mortimer.

Edward’s mother, Queen IsabellaMortimer’s lover - was banished to a castle where she spent the last 28 years of her life.

England’s kings and queens claimed the French throne for centuries after they lost territories - the claim was only finally abandoned in1802.

The Hundred Years War with France began in 1337, ostensibly to support Edward’s claim. In reality, the war was to retain Gascony and the lucrative Bordeaux wine trade. Edward also wanted to protect the wool trade - England was a huge exporter of the commodity.

England took control of the Channel after her ships won the Battle of Sluys (1340). Edward achieved stunning victories

by Stephen Guy

His eldest son Edward, the Black Prince, gained huge fame during the period when Calais was seized from the Frenchit remained in English control for a century.

Other milestones in Edward III’s eventful reign included: the creation of two houses of parliament, magistrates and English replaced French in the law courts.

Very little survives from this period, swept away long ago as the demands of life changed.

Woolton Cross is believed to date from about 1350. Our main picture shows it unrestored in 1909 while the other view (inset) dates from about 60 years ago.

The Black Death pandemic peaked between 1348 - 50an outbreak of bubonic plague killing about a third of England’s population.

The cross was set up to mark the then northern boundary of the village. Like virtually all crosses, it was probably damaged or dismantled during times of religious upheaval following the Reformation.

The cross was restored by Arthur Mather in 1913 to commemorate Woolton being absorbed into Liverpool.

Edward III left another remarkable legacy - an estimated 99% of English people are thought to be descended from him.

Learn more about the history of Liverpool at the Museum of Liverpool, pier Head, admission free.

Crossword Sudoku

Take a break with the LINK Sudoku

Sudoku is a highly addictive puzzle game with one rule. Place the number from 1 to 9 in each row, in each column and each 3x3 box.

Life 'n' Style

Now I know Christmas is approaching and everyone can always do with a little bit of help when it comes to finding presents so here are a few little ideas to help you out and they are all easy ones to wrap!

Jade’s christmas Gift Guide

1) Givenchy perfume

If you’re looking to buy someone special perfume this Christmas, I absolutely love L’interdit by Givenchy. It’s a mixture of all my favourite smells - orange, jasmine, tuberose and vanilla. It’s so so nice! If you’re lucky, you might still be able to get one of their gift sets. Prices start at £49.00.

2 ) Aromatherapy Associates bath oils

Everyone loves to have a little relax in the bath after a long day at work and there is no better way to chill than with one of the Aromatherapy Associates bath and body oils. They do a range of different scents depending on how you want to feel. As I love to sleep the deep sleep ones are my go-to but if you’re not sure what to get then the little mini oil sets are the perfect present. Gift sets start at around £20.00 and go up to £100 depending on how much you would like to spend.

3) pretty much anything from The White company

My home wouldn’t feel like Christmas if I didn’t have one of the white company Winter Christmas Candles. You can get the diffuser for £30.00, the home spray for £18.00 and candles start at £20.00. You just can’t go wrong with one of these.

4 ) pet Stain eraser (seriously!)

Now, this might be a bit of a boring one but I literally couldn’t live without this little bad boy. Perfect for anyone with kids or dogs who are constantly cleaning stains on the carpet or fabric sofa. It makes life sooooo much easier. I paid £130 for mine but you might be able to get them a little cheaper if you shop around.

5) Shark cordless Hoover

Whilst I’m talking about things that enhance your home life, I have just recently bought this Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Hoover (my model is TDK9J3A as there are so many to choose from). I’ve been a huge Dyson fan for so long and was really worried about the swap over but all I can say is wow! Now I know it’s not exactly a YSL or Valentino handbag but it comes close let me tell you!

That’s it for me but I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Lots of love

Jade x

KidsCorner KidsCorner

Crackers for crackers weird English Christmas traditions

Every country has its own unique Christmas traditions – here are some that are most peculiar to the English…

Christmas pudding

This fruity dessert started out life in the 14th century as a savoury pudding of mutton, beef, spices, dried fruit and wine called frumenty, only morphing into the meat-free dish we enjoy today in the Victorian era. It has traditions of its own, too. It’s probably the only pudding we’d dream of dousing in brandy and setting fire to – a practice which was said to represent the burning Passion of Christ, with the holly garnish on top representing the crown of thorns. And then there’s the addition of the “lucky” sixpence (now usually a five-pence piece) – although it does carry the risk of a lessthan-lucky cracked tooth for the finder!

Boxing clever

The origins of Boxing Day date back several hundred years to a time when wealthy families would give their servants a rare day off on December 26th to spend with their families, sending them home with a Christmas gift box containing gifts, money and food. It was also traditionally the day when money collected throughout the year by churchgoers in an alms box would be distributed to the poor of the parish.

Going crackers for crackers

While they’re now popular the world over, Christmas crackers were invented in the mid-19th century by a London confectioner called Tom Smith. His first attempt was more or less a straight copy of French festive bon bons – sugared almonds wrapped in a twist of coloured paper, inside which would be hidden a motto or riddle – and they were met with indifference. Then one night, sitting in front of a log fire and observing it spit and spark, he was inspired to add a crackle,

Play your cards right

It was in 1843 that Sir Henry Cole, founder of the V&A museum in London, sent the world’s first Christmas card. Too busy to send detailed personal messages at Christmas, he asked his friend, the artist John Calcott Horsley, to

Like Christmas puddings, mince pies used to be filled with meat, typically mutton, and spiced with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg – said to be symbolic of the gifts given by the three wise men to the baby Jesus. They were also originally oval-shaped, to echo the crib, with the pastry top representing the swaddling cloth. And did you know that, according to one tradition, eating a mince pie on each of the 12 days of Christmas will bring you health and happiness for the following year?

and his Bangs of Expectation were born – although they quickly became known as Christmas crackers.

What’s ON

LIV erpoo L e X c HANG e roTA ry c LUB

Liverpool Exchange Rotary Club is a lively and energetic club that meets at lunchtime on Thursdays in the smart surroundings of the Athenaeum in Liverpool’s city centre. The club always welcomes new members and if you enjoy good company, social activities and the opportunity to serve others in the traditions of Rotary International, Google our club name for further details; you can contact us via the “join-us” tab at the top of the home page or phone or text Alan on 07826-611065 or Michele on 07790-769223.

S ef T o N pA r K B o WLING c LUB

Is looking for new members. Various competitions starting from Easter to October. Open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, Wednesday and Friday Evenings, and most weekends. Learners & experts, singles & couples are all welcome. Postcode L17 7DG. Call Gregg on 0151 222 2964.

L IV erpoo L AND D IST r I c T c HA rAMBLING cLUB

Come and join us and enjoy rambling in our beautiful countryside. All new members welcome. Coach pick ups are West Derby and Old Roan. Walks include Cumbria, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Peak District, Wales etc. For more information please contact Pauline on 07800 807043 or paulinehinton@blueyonder.co.uk

A rT for p L e ASU re Mondays 1pm to 3pm Garston Reading Rooms, corner of Wellington Street and Chapel Road. Starting 7th of March. Book your place now! Tuesdays & Wednesdays. 10.00 am - 12.30, pm Mossley Hill Church, Rose Lane. Any medium, any ability, courses or own choice, relaxed and friendly. Call Anthea : 0151 427 5084 Email: anthea26k@gmail.com

e T

o N B o WLING c LUB

Come bowling at the oldest bowling club in Liverpool. You will be made very welcome and we will give coaching to all players new to the game. We are located at the back of The Halfway House in Woolton Road and our season runs from the end of March until October. Contact Keith on 07709 924522.

S orop TIMIST INT er NATI o NAL

We are a group of women who seek to advance the status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enablement. We do this in friendship through service projects, fund-raising and advocacy. We meet every fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Meetings are being held on Zoom at present. For further details contact us at liverpoolsorops@gmail.com, text 07814 564649 or via website www.sigbi.org/liverpool

f L e X erc IS e c LASS for

TH e A c TIV e 50+

Exercise, movement and dance class: low impact to help improve posture, balance, muscle strength, core and range of movement. Mondays 12.30pm and 1.45pm. Thursdays 10am. At All Hallows Centre, Harthill Road, Allerton, L18 3HU. To book your place, please contact Jane on 0151 724 5192 or janevduff@gmail.com

S o UTH LIV erpoo L p H oT o G r A p HI c S oc I e T y

Meetings in CADWA Rocky Lane L161JD on 1st three Thursdays each month 8 - 10pm. All other Thursdays online via ZOOM. Check out the syllabus, see if it’s for you, and come along. Initial meetings FREE. New members encouraged and supported, especially beginners.

Contact Tim - membership@slps.co.uk Tel 0151 721 1359 or 07783 335 353 Website www.slps.co.uk

TAI c HI B e GINN er S c LASS

Liverpool College Sport, Mossley Hill. 8pm-9pm. CADWA Hall, Childwall. 11am-12noon. Parish Hall, Aigburth. 1pm-2pm. Call 07958 286068 www.liverpooltaichi.com

S o UTH LIV erpoo L MA r K e TS

Farmers’ Markets are open from 9am to 2pm on the following days: Garston Market Fridays 9am to 2pm. Woolton Village, L25 7RG –Second Saturday of the month. Garthdale Road, off Allerton Road, L18 (next to Barclays Bank) – Third Saturday of the month. Lark Lane, L17 8UP – Fourth Saturday of the month. Subject to Covid restrictions.

pe NN y LAN e JAZZ W or KSH op Meets Thursdays, 7-9PM, Elm Hall Methodist Church, Elm Hall Drive, L18 2DD. £10 Admission. Led by Liverpool-based saxophonist, Frank Griffith. All instruments and vocalists welcome. Reading music not required as emphasis is on improvisation. See www.facebook/frankgriffithjazz or email frank@frankgriffith.co.uk. 07976 313224.

by anton Valdemart

Food, Glorious Food

Bertrand loved his food and Christmas was the time he relished most of all - in more ways than one.

As the seasons came and went, he drooled over nature’s bounty from woodcocks and partridges to oysters and anchovies.

Bert - as he was universally known - wanted to share his gourmet tastes with others. He was a big man weighing 20 stone. “I need a lot of food to keep going,” he declared. The family restaurant was always packed, with menus designed to suit all pockets.

Bertrand’s Chop House was patronised by royalty, usually incognito: one of Queen Victoria’s sons dined wearing a false beard. He had to retreat hastily behind a screen when his fake facial hair fell into the soup. Bert took everything in his stride, directing his chef and assistants and often adding his own flourishes in the kitchen. He was generous with the leftovers, discreetly passing them to the Salvation Army for distribution: there was not much left after his wife Mabel and their 10 children had first choice.

They lived over the restaurant in cramped rooms forever filled with the smell of cooking. Mabel and the children benefitted from not having to cook themselves - except at Christmas.

“Roxanne is 15 now and I think she should do the turkey this year,” said Mabel. “Yes and Cedric can help her,” Bert replied. Roxanne and Cedric were twins, the oldest of the brood. So it was settled: the children had to do all the organising from

sourcing a huge turkey to cooking and serving it. Younger siblings were drafted to prepare the vegetables. Mother would still do the Christmas pudding - the children could tackle that next time if they were successful this year.

Roxanne and Cedric chose the turkey as it ran around the farmyard. The farmer, a family friend, kindly prepared it for the oven. Bert also enjoyed Christmas because it allowed him some time to relax and be himself.

It was Christmas Eve and preparations were in full swing for the turkey feast. Without telling anyone, Bert decided to sort out the old wine cellars that stretched some distance from the restaurant basement. He moved crates and bottles before his curiosity was sparked by a room hidden away behind a heavy rusty iron door. Bert squeezed inside but then, with a loud clang, the door closed behind him. It would not budge despite his frantic efforts: his calls evaporated in the vast catacombs.

Everything was so busy upstairs no one missed father. They assumed he was visiting cronies, grateful for the free time. Christmas dinner was finished when reality kicked in. “Where’s daddy?” asked Emily, the youngest.

They searched for three days and nights - family, police, friends, customers - until they found Bert, slumped in the hidden room.

“He will be fine,” said Dr Matthewson. “After he’s had a good meal.” “The turkey’s all gone, “ said Emily.

read my next Strange Tale in The LINK: Agatha and the Bear

Liverpool’s new rental e-bike scheme hit the city’s streets on 2nd November.

Branded the Explorer 2, Liverpool is the first UK city to receive Voi’s nextgeneration e-bike as part of a new multi-modal service that complements the existing and hugely successful e-scooter service.

Voi will initially introduce a fleet of 50 e-bikes before eventually rising to 150 as the scheme becomes more successful.

Available to everyone aged 16 years and above, and activated through the same Voi app as its e-scooters, they also use the same operating area. Once registered, riders can use the app to

City’s new e-bike scheme launched Freedom of Liverpool for Jürgen Klopp

Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp has been awarded the Freedom of Liverpool at a special ceremony at Liverpool Town Hall at the start of November.

Jürgen Klopp said: “I have to be honest, when I first heard this news I had to take a minute to take it in. As you can imagine, I get a lot of different types of news in my job but this was definitely a ‘Wow’ moment.

“The main reason for this was what Liverpool, the city and its wonderful

simply pick up and drop off bikes at parking locations close to where they live and work.

people, mean to me and my family. The welcome that we have been given has been unbelievable from the word go, so to get this kind of recognition is incredible.”

Klopp is only the third foreign national – alongside Nelson Mandela (1994) and Giants creator Jean-Luc Courcoult (2018) – to receive this honour.

Liverpool City Council has joined forces with Keep Britain Tidy to launch #BintheButt with the aim to stamp out cigarette litter, which causes significant damage to marine life in the River Mersey.

Smokers are being asked to rethink how they dispose of their cigarettes, as research reveals that only half (53%) of people know that cigarette

butts can get washed into the sea if they are dropped down the drain.

It is estimated that 3.6 million smokers in the UK have dropped a cigarette down the drain in the past month, whilst new research has found that just one cigarette butt per litre of water is highly toxic to fish. Cigarette filters are comprised of thousands of chemical ingredients, all of which can leak into marine environments.

At St George’s Plateau from 17th November to 23rd December,

Liverpool’s Christmas Market will fill the air with festive sights, sounds and smells welcoming visitors out of Lime Street.

The Market will be open daily from 11am to 9pm. Visitors can expect a carefully selected range of crafters and makers alongside the big wheel, snow slide and Santa Land rides. Refreshments are available at a range

of bars including a tipi bar, ski bar, windmill bar and a new Bavarian bar hosting local performers on the weekends.

Meanwhile, Liverpool ONE will transform Chavasse Park into a skiholiday inspired Alpine Village. Expect curling, shuffleboard, prosecco pong, wreath making, food and drink and festive family events.

World Gymnastics Championships hailed a massive success

The Liverpool-hosted World Gymnastics Championships was hailed a massive success as nine days of competition came to a close on the 6th of November.

Over 35,000 tickets were sold for the event, held at the M&S Bank Arena, and saw the final weekend sold out. Great Britain surpassed their best-ever World’s medal haul set in Glasgow in

2015 and have achieved automatic qualification for the 2024 Olympics.

Off the competition floor, in a world first for the sport, Liverpool 2022 introduced the first-ever use of British Sign Language on screen for the duration of the competition.

There were also more than 18,500 visits to the fan zone, including by 1,500

Night-time police patrols around public transport network

Passengers are set to see an increased uniformed police presence around transport hubs and on key bus routes as part of the Safer Streets Liverpool campaign focused on keeping women safe.

Additional high visibility police patrols will run at peak times to proactively prevent sexual violence and provide reassurance to women travelling at night, particularly along the main

student bus routes into and out of Liverpool city centre.

Extensive consultation was carried out, with women and girls particularly requesting safer transport routes and buses, with feedback revealing that an increased uniformed presence would be the biggest factor in making them feel safer.

The surge of activity began Friday 11th November, as the region marks North

young people from 37 schools, which offered a variety of free have-a-go activities.

West Sexual Violence Awareness Week and will run across the festive period and into the new year.

Pap your Pets

Seasons Greetings animal lovers! Here are this month’s festive entries to melt your hearts. The winner gets a £25 voucher for Woolton Veterinary Centre. Think your pet has got what it takes? Pap your pet and send their pic and name plus your name, address and phone number to complink@yahoo.com by Friday 13th January. Please send one photo of your pet only.

cat of the month

This handsome chap is Stefan, he is around 6 months old and an absolute sweetie. Stefan is a polite boy who can be a little shy to start with but will soon come out of his shell once he gets to know you. This little lad has a slight heart murmur so we are seeking an understanding and calm home for him. He would enjoy the company of another sensible, friendly cat.

Winner

of a £25 pet voucher

This month’s winners are Scruffbox and Jellybean. Our judge loved how they wear their Santa hats with such style and grace They get a £25 voucher - well done! This month’s Pap Your Pets is kindly sponsored by Woolton Veterinary Centre, 65 Quarry Street, Woolton Village, L25.

Many thanks to The LINK for their continued support in helping us to find homes for stray and abandoned animals on Merseyside. For adoption enquiries please contact Garston Animal Rescue on 07745 167 170.

Garston Animal Rescue, a small struggling rescue, is doing its best to help needy animals from bad situations. Visit us at www.facebook.com/GarstonAnimalRescue and www.garstonanimalrescue.com Email: adoptiongar@yahoo.com

Cousins Worzel Speed (right) and Pork Chop (left), BFFs for life

Stitch has been practising in case Santa needs a new reindeer this year

Inca the Saint Bernard making the most of their hat before they grow out of it

NAMe: Angel

AGe: 6

BreeD: American Bulldog

that loving side to. Angel can be very giddy and playful but she is mostly about the cuddles, but she does love a gentle plod about, stopping frequently to take it all in. She can live with children over the age of 15, but not other pets.

think Angel could be the four-legged friend

After a sticky start to the season during which only two matches had been won, South have enjoyed a very productive run since early October.

A hard-fought divisional cup win on penalties against Holker after Owen Hough had scored a quick-fire equaliser was followed the following week by an impressive performance at Vauxhall. Playing the premier division leaders, South were close to winning the tie after 90 minutes after a Darryl Mvalo equaliser just on half-time but won the penalty shoot-out comfortably with two excellent saves from South’s keeper, Jacob McCoy.

The following week saw the team return to league action and grabbed three points with an excellent attacking performance at Nelson in a 4-1 win which should have been much greater. Excellent goals by Alex Griffiths, Darryl Mvalo and Owen Hough clinched the

game and Steve Doyle’s last-minute penalty produced a more realistic scoreline. After a last-minute strike by Holker produced another home league defeat by 2-1, South bounced back with two brilliant performances at the start of November.

In the Liverpool Senior Cup first round, South found themselves 3-0 down to Northern Premier league Skelmersdale United (two divisions higher than South) at half-time. However, despite playing into the wind, South produced a dominant second-half display which caught fire with the introduction of South’s leading scorer Mason Nevitt

(back after a month out with a broken hand). In 12 minutes, Nevitt ran riot scoring a hat-trick. He then scored one of the penalties as South ran out winners after another McCoy penalty save gave South clear daylight. South’s keeper had been given the Goalkeeper of the Month award before the game (see photo).

The impetus of three cup wins carried into home league form with an excellent 5-1 win over AFC Blackpool. Despite conceding an early penalty, Nevitt was again on form, firing in four goals without reply to pull South clear. A lovely move by substitute Rio Merrifield saw fellow substitute Mvalo score South’s fifth.

The team’s cup exploits have fed into their league form as they creep up the table and three more cup ties await later in November.

Locate Lily LINK and win

£10

Lily Link is hiding on a page in LINK, tell us which page. Send your name, address and telephone number along with the page number to:

Lily Link Comp Liverpool LINK, P.O. Box 170, Liverpool L25 7WX by Friday 13th January.

Last month’s winner S Donnelly, L25

SUperMArKeTS

Tesco Mather Avenue L18

Tesco Woolton L25

Sainsbury’s Woolton L25

ASDA Smithdown Road L15

Tesco Park Road L8

poST offIceS

Woolton Post Office, 27 Woolton Street, L25 5NH

Hunts Cross Post Office, 269 Speke Rd, L25 0NN

Lark Lane Post Office, Lark Lane, L17

Speke Post Office, 4 South Parade, L24 2SG

Booker Ave. Post Office, L18

Garston Post Office, Speke Rd., L18

SoUTH LIVerpooL LIBrArIeS

Allerton Library, Allerton Road, Liverpool, L18 6HG

Childwall Fiveways Library, Liverpool, L15 6UT

Garston Library, Bowden Road, L19 1QN

Lee Valley Library, Millennium Centre, Childwall Valley RD, L25 2RF

Sefton Park Library, Aigburth Road, L17 4JS Speke Library, Parklands, Conleach Road, Speke, L24 OTY

Wavertree Library, Picton Road, L15 4LP

Halewood Library, Leathers Lane, L26 0TS

R.T.S. Printers, Rose Lane, Liverpool 18 Espresso Plus 173, Rose Lane, L18

Aigburth Cricket Club, L17 Aigburth Hall Nurseries, 5 Aigburth Hall Ave, L19 9EA

South Liverpool NHS Treatment Centre, Garston L19 Speke Treatment Centre NHS L24

Citizens Advice Bureau, 2 Speke Road, L19

NeWSAGeNTS, eTc McNaughton’s, 250 Woolton Road, Childwall, L16 8NE

Keith’s Food & Wine Bar, Lark Lane, L17

Prom News, 137 Aigburth Road, Aigburth Vale, L17

Hale News, Hale Village, L24 Grange Lane Store, Gateacre Village, L25

Super Cigs, Belle Vale Shopping Centre, L25

Woolton Village Newsagents, Allerton Road, L25

Liverpool South Parkway Train Station