West Derby LINK - Nov/Dec 2020

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Issue 162 - Nov-Dec 2020

Your No.1 Local Community Magazine & Business Directory

Property Market Following the national lockdown in March 2020 and the halt to virtually all property transactions, the market has recently seen a resurgence. The recent classification of the Liverpool City Region into ‘Tier 3’ did not impose any further restrictions on the property industry, and we hope it remains unhampered.

Since the lockdown was lifted back in June, the local market in Liverpool has been exceptionally busy for both our residential and commercial real estate departments – we have seen, and continue to see, greater activity across our offices in Penny Lane, Garston and the City Centre. The increase in activity we have experienced is also reflected in the recently released statistics for mortgage approvals, which indicated that last month these rose to their highest rate in 13 years - a positive sign for post-lockdown recovery.

Estate agents and conveyancing solicitors are of course waiting to see whether the current increase in activity is a short-lived bubble of supressed demand, but the incentive of the stamp duty holiday, which is in place until March next year, certainly appears to be working well in keeping the market moving at the moment.

Additionally, we recently launched our dedicated property auctions service, providing seamless assistance for anybody who is looking to either acquire or sell at an auction. Whilst property auctions can achieve good ‘deals’ in a fraction of the time, we urge clients to use caution with ‘online’ auctions, which have increased over the lockdown period, as they can present even more potential pitfalls for the unwary than a standard auction. Over the past 6 months we have seen a significant rise in the number of instructions for auction properties, which could be an indication of a shift in the way the market is operating – it will be interesting to monitor over the next few months whether the auction market continues to perform in this way.

In our Commercial Real Estate department, we are also seeing an increase in instructions relating to the acquisition of land for the development of new residential property – both in the social housing and open sales market – across

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the Liverpool city region. For example, we have been instructed on the proposed development of a residential tower, to be constructed on the iconic waterfront. Subject to obtaining approval for planning, the development will include a hotel along with residential apartments, and hopes to be among the first in a series of high profile schemes within the area. We are seeing similar opportunities for our clients in the pipeline, and have a number who are active and looking for new sites constantly. It would appear as though this market is not currently being ‘put off’ from simply getting on with things.

Overall, there has been a significant demand for more housing for a number of years, so it is perhaps not surprising that activity remains strong despite the challenges we are being faced with– it is however vital for the sector to be protected by the Government moving forward, in order to ensure the level of confidence and activity is maintained.

As a firm, we specialise in all aspects of property and can assist you – whether you are a first time buyer, an accomplished property investor or a property developer – our team of experienced professionals will be only too happy to help. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements with no obligation, on 0808 164 5457, email info@gadlegal.co.uk or visit our website to see the full range of services we offer.

Mark Alexander Head of Commercial Property, Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors Email: Malexander@gadlegal.co.uk

Please Save our Stables Beechley Forever

When schools closed in March 2020 due to Covid, Beechley Stables in Calderstones Park were forced to close our gates.

Without your help Beechley Stables is under threat of permanent closure, which would be devastating for all.

Sadly, like many small charities, we have been severely affected by the current situation. We have lost our main income stream due to being unable to welcome both independent riders and school groups.

Every penny you give, no matter how small, will be used to feed our animals, it will not be used in administration costs unlike other charities. Our administration is done by our volunteers, like so many of the roles in our team.

Prior to lockdown, we were delivering around 40 hours of RDA rides per week, that’s 3000 rides a year! We make a huge difference to the lives of those who do not have a choice of hobbies due to their disabilities. We are a wellloved, community stable with a fantastic team of volunteers who look after our amazing horses.

If you can help, please visit: justgiving.com/campaign/Beechley Thank you so much for your support.

A plea from the editor - Moira Dear readers, You may have heard Jean from Beechley’s amazing plea on Radio Merseyside to which they have had a fantastic response.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if LINK advertisers and readers could make a difference to this wonderful cause?

Just think, if every household that receives this LINK magazine donated just £1, that would be £30,000!

And if you can Gift Aid too, then it would be 25% more!

Please dig deep folks and let the LINK, its advertisers and readers make a difference.

Thank you all very much, Moira x 3

west derby & croxteth park

Welcome Hello everyone

West Derby & Croxteth’s favourite community magazine

Contents 3 Save Beechley Stables

I hope you are all keeping well and that the recent local restrictions have not had too much of an impact on you or your loved ones.

5 Happy 100th Birthday to Kathleen 6 Local History 10 Connoisseur: Guide to Wine & Spirits

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You might have noticed that there is something different about this issue of your Liverpool LINK. Like many local businesses, The LINK has been greatly affected by Covid-19 and we too are trying our best to keep our heads above water.

We are a small local business which I run from home and we have had to adapt and move with the times.

11 Brown Gold 14 Strange Tales 15 Save Grade-II Listed Gwalia 16 Recipe 20 Crossword & Sudoku 22 Christmas Food & Drink

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Many of you will know that we have reinvented The LINK several times in the last 15 years. I don’t believe in standing still so I’m pleased to give you our new look Liverpool LINK!

23 Life ‘n’ Style with Jade 24 Poem of the Month 24 Quizzes

We have been working very hard during these months to bring you something new and fresh, that will hopefully help to brighten up your day. I hope you will love it.

26 Kids Corner 28 Pap Your Pets 30 Local News

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32 What’s On 33 Sports News 34 The LINK Business Directory

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Welcome to your November/December issue of the West Derby & Croxteth LINK.

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We want to wish all our loyal advertisers and readers a very very happy Christmas and hope you all keep safe and well.

Let’s hope the new year will be a better one!

To book, call Moira on 07930 654264 Or email liverpoollink@yahoo.co.uk

Readers, please remember to tell our very valued advertisers that you saw it in The LINK!

Read our latest issues at www.liverpoollink.co.uk follow us on www.facebook.com/liverpoollinkmagazines

Moira (Editor) and everyone at The LINK

Tell the people of West Derby & Croxteth about your business.

Don’t miss your chance to advertise in the next issue of The LINK.

Next deadline - Friday 11th December 4

DISCLAIMER - TERMS & CONDITIONS - Liverpool LINK (i.e. South Liverpool LINK, West Derby LINK & Little LINK Directories) is wholly owned by Liverpool LINK Ltd. The content of this publication, in part or as a whole, including advertisements, may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission from the publisher. Liverpool LINK Ltd accepts no liability for products or services offered by third party companies. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, we cannot be held responsible for claims made, or the accuracy of content supplied, by advertisers or contributors. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher.

Like and follow us for your local news and updates

Happy 100th birthday to Kathleen Kathleen Woodside M.B.E. celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday 24th October. Having recovered from polio as a young widow and suffering a few periods of ill health, she was delighted to receive a telegram from the Queen.

Despite COVID-19 she managed to enjoy the day with a few regular carers and her neighbours singing Happy Birthday outside her window.

Kathleen was born in Liverpool and lived on Childwall Road.

She was widowed on the last day of World War 2 when her husband was shot down in Italy. Instead of dwelling on her loss, she dedicated herself to helping others. She regularly visited sick children in Myrtle Street Hospital. After retiring from the Inland Revenue, she became involved with the League of Friends at the Women’s Hospital.

In 1971, the inaugural meeting of The War Widows Association of Great Britain was held in her flat. Their aim was to exempt the war widows pension from income tax.

Eventually, they were successful.

Kathleen was awarded the M.B.E. in the New Year Honours 2007 for services to the War Widows Association. She was also a Regional Organiser, setting up outings and caring for those in need.

Every year for the past 25, she has organised a service at Liverpool Cathedral attended by war widows from all over the country.

December 2014 saw the Merseyside branch awarded The Freedom of the City of Liverpool in a ceremony at the Town Hall.

Following a competition in the Liverpool Echo 2015, Kathleen was nominated for her services to the people of Liverpool and she was voted the worthy winner of the Three Queens Competition. She enjoyed a short cruise on the Queen Mary 2 with Christine who nominated her.

Happy birthday Kathleen from everyone at The LINK! We hope you had a wonderful day.

We are a fully private dental practice offering a full range of cosmetic and preventive dentistry Mr Nick Daley LDS RCS (Eng)

Tel: 0151 259 4104

Neil Fearns BChD MFDS RCPS (Glas) Cert Restorative Prac (Dist) (Eastman) NDEB (Canada) Kunal Sudra BDS(KCL) BSc(HONS) MFDS RCS Ed DipImpDent(Merit) New patients welcome Dental plans and finance available Implants Direct access service for dental hygiene treatment You can now book an appointment with a dental hygienist or therapist without being referred by your dentist!

OPENING HOURS Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm. Tue late night 9.00 to 7.00pm. 1 Saturday morning per month

Car Parking and Disabled Access 409 Eaton Road, West Derby, L12 2AJ

See our new website www.daleysdental.co.uk or call in for information

local history Pleasant Outlooks As Liverpool expanded in the 19th century, wealthy merchants and others chose sites for spacious homes away from densely-populated areas clustered around the port.

Locations on high ground benefited not only from good views but also healthy breezes dispelling fog and polluted air.

by Stephen Guy, West Derby Society

One of the earliest was Holly Bank, built about 1821. It was later the childhood home of leading actor Leslie Banks who starred in Sanders of the River and in classic films such as Laurence Olivier’s Henry V. Next door, also enjoying fine views over the fields to the spire of St John’s Church, was The Grange (pictured).

Over the road was Bankfield House, dating from the 1840s.

At one time it was a home of the Hignett tobacco family.

Some Hignett Brothers & Co cigarette cards, issued between 1898 and 1939, are highly collectable today.

Rare sets such as Music Hall Artistes (1898) and VC Heroes (1901) can fetch four figure sums.

Bankfield House was demolished in the 1950s to make way for Bankfield Secondary Modern School for Boys. The site is now Bankfield Park and the original entrance lodge survives as a private house.

The Nook and Fair Lawn House were two adjoining villas linked by a central drive. Following demolition, Fair Lawn Tennis club occupied the site.

These houses enjoyed extensive grounds. Both Holly Bank and The Grange were demolished about 1961 to make way for Millbank College.

This was the era when homes were almost all heated by coal fires, creating a layer of soot everywhere. Walls, trees or anything exposed to the air for any length of time soon developed a layer of soot.

Settings for prestigious new houses were frequently chosen because of their pleasant outlooks.

Large houses with fine views over the countryside were built in Bankfield Road in late Georgian and early Victorian times.

Improved roads to and from town meant that Liverpool was easily accessible, making the location very attractive.

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Opened in 1963, the new commercial college was designed by Gilling, Dod & Partners in collaboration with the city architect.

There were 800 students in 38 classrooms with communal facilities, assembly hall, dining rooms and kitchens.

In addition, there was a library and reading rooms, staff and student common rooms, gym and admin offices.

The four-storey block was designed so that all classrooms received some hours of direct sunlight.

Visit the West Derby Society website: www.westderbysociety.wixsite.com/westderbysociety

West Derby Tuition Ltd Supporting Your Educational Needs To Reach Your Full Potential West Derby Tuition has been working with schools, councils, students and the community for over seventeen years now.

We pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of education on a one to one basis to students from five years old to 19 years. We also work with adult returners who want to improve their skills.

We started off in the Convent of Mercy in the grounds of Broughton Hall School and we were there for over ten years. We expanded and moved to Zoë’s Place and then to St Vincent’s School for the Blind. We work closely with our colleagues in the school, the Catholic Blind Institute and The Little School. A beautiful calm setting where our students enjoy the surroundings and peace.

Our centre has all of the Covid measures in place, hand sanitisers, screens, masks, temperature checks and rigorous cleaning.

We cover all subject areas: Maths, English, Science, History, Functional Skills, Languages, including Primary, GCSE and A Level. We also work closely with students who have special educational needs. We are open all year round.

All students have a bespoke individual learning plan and all have a full range of assessments to determine their learning needs and what support is identified in order to ensure they succeed. Even in these uncertain times it is important that our students are supported to catch up on the education they have missed. We are unique working on a one to one basis, our team of staff and teachers work hard to meet the needs of the students helping them to achieve.

You can contact us on: 0151 345 0307 / www.westderbytuition.co.uk Email: westderbytuition1@gmail.com

West Derby Tuition Supporting your education needs to reach your full potential

West Derby Tuition is focused on providing high quality education in Literacy, Numeracy, and ICT for children and adults. Support and development with intensive one to one and small group work. Individual learning plans to support and identify learner’s needs.

Children: Age Range 5 to 18 years • Sats and entrance examination preparation for selected secondary schools.

• Specialists with learners with Special Educational Need.

• Maths, English, Science GCSE and A Level Boosters.

• Functional Skill • Working in Partnership with Primary & Secondary Schools.

Adult Classes • Develop skills in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT.

Call: 0151 345 0307 Central West Derby Location; E-mail: mary@westderbytuition.co.uk www.westderbytuition.co.uk 7

Meet Peter, the friendly face behind GutterPRO Hi, I’m Peter, that’s me in the photo. I am the Franchise Owner Operator for GutterPRO here in Liverpool. I have been operating out of West Derby Village since 2017.

I offer a Professional Gutter Clearing and Gutter Cleaning Service. The way it works is really simple.

First, we will check your gutters with a CCTV Camera, if your gutters are clear there is no charge whatsoever. However, if your gutters require clearing, we will clear them safely from the ground using our Vacuum System. And before you ask, there isn’t a job too big for us! Our equipment can reach over conservatories and up-to 3 stories high. Once cleared will rephotograph the gutters to check we haven’t missed anything and give you peace of mind.

Our loyal customers love that we provide confirmed timed appointments with a guaranteed price, no matter how long it takes, a free annual check up and before and after photos.

Myself and the team are all fully insured, staff are uniformed and all our vehicles are fully sign written.

Once the job is completed we accept payment by Cash/ Card/Cheque or BACs, you will receive a receipt.

Trust the Professionals. I’m proud to say that GutterPRO currently has over 6,500 verified customer reviews and a customer service rating of 4.95 out of 5.

“I was very impressed. Very professional. Did a great job and would recommend to anyone.” - David “Peter told me that my gutters were clear & did not require cleaning. I would recommend this firm strongly for honesty and reliability.” - Raymond To book, call me, Peter, on 0151 438 0058 or book online at www.gutterpro.co.uk for a friendly, professional and local service.

Connoisseur

Trevor Langley’s Guide to Wine & Spirits

Sparklers and Spirits Let’s start with the bubbles…

Prosecco is extremely popular and Pizzolato Organic Prosecco (11% vol) certainly does not disappoint. This impressive, sparkling production exudes a fine and persistent perlage, which pleases the nasal senses with fruits, including apples and pears, that follow on to the mouthfeel and palate sensation. I found this prosecco crisp and refreshing, being produced utilising 100% Glera grapes to great advantage.

Irresistible Cava (11.5% vol) is another most popular sparkling wine that adorns many dining tables, constantly. Made by Castillo Perelada, renowned for excellent sparkling wines, this exclusive blend delivers a dry, refreshing experience that continues throughout – to the very last enjoyable drop! Grape: Macabeo.

Taittinger is very much recognised as one of the leading Champagne houses. This family-owned and managed company (founded in 1734) produces outstanding, multi award-winning Champagnes. The use of Chardonnay grapes is of great importance and results in exceptional Champagne productions, which are admired and

appreciated by many. Taittinger Brut Reserve (12.5% vol) is a favourite for Champagne lovers, worldwide. The bouquet and splendid perlage are just perfect and the balanced, superb mouthfeel follows, to complement. The palate’s sensation completes the experience with excellent depth and a most memorable finish.

For the spirits, I found Passion Fruit, Mango & Lime Flavoured Gin Limited Edition (40% vol) to suit my palate perfectly. The description on the bottle states ‘Zesty & Vibrant’ – I agree. Infused with the flavours of passion fruit, mango and lime, this 5-times distilled production has a splendid combination of tropical inclusions, with the lime citrus addition, balancing wonderfully.

Next up is the Irresistible Pineapple Rum Spirit Drink (40% vol), which has a good number of ‘devotees’, too. Produced using Dominican Republic rum and 8-year aged Barbados rum, this certainly ‘comes through’ with its tropical taste, evoking thoughts of paradise, with pineapples and sunshine. Happy days!

I located these drinks at a Co-op store. The Co-op is dedicated and committed to Fair Trade, also.

As always, Enjoy!

Restaurant, Takeaway or Wine Merchant?

Advertise here on our Drinks page TELL our readers ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS IN A LINK ADVERT

Have you any special offers on? What are your opening hours? Do customers need an appointment? Do you do a takeaway service? Do you offer a delivery service?

You could have a special offer/money off voucher in the mag for very little cost.

Call Moira on 07930 654264 for details.

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Brown Gold

by Jennifer Jones

No matter how hard we try during the autumn months, we often seem to have muddy shoes. Imagine if you said that you had gold on your shoes: how would that feel?

Mud, of course, is just wet soil and our desire not to be ‘mucky’ or ‘dirty’ shows the relationship that we have with soil. Scientists invite us to call soil ‘brown gold’ to help us to appreciate this under-rated resource. President F.D. Roosevelt said that the nation that destroys its soils destroys itself yet here in the UK we are said to be ‘soil blind’.

Soil is seen to be so important that many years ago December 5th was designated World Soils Day, a day on which we are called to celebrate soils everywhere.

So, why should we celebrate the soils of Liverpool?

Well, soils provide 95% of our food, that’s a pretty good reason to celebrate. However, soil does much more than that. It provides a habitat for many key organisms including earthworms.

It is said that one spoonful of soil contains as many organisms as there are people on the earth: that’s about 7 billion! It is the largest terrestrial store of carbon – that’s much more than is held in the trees of tropical rainforests

– so has a major role to play in climate change mitigation.

Soil’s ability to regulate water flow helps to ward off flooding. It also filters pollutants so reducing contamination.

Soil supports many of our key structures: roads, bridges etc.

This 5th December take a few moments to think about our brown gold and let’s celebrate Liverpool’s soil. The social activist, Peter Maurin, said, “It is impossible to have a healthy and sound society without a proper respect for the soil.”

Mark Powell BarBer ShoP Established in West Derby since 1985

Open 7 days a week Walk in anytime or to save waiting use our booking service by phone or online from our website Monday - wednesday 9.00am - 5.30pm Thursday 9.00am - 7.30pm Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm saturday 8.20am - 4.30pm sunday 10.00am - 2.00pm 47 Mill Lane, West Derby, Liverpool L12 7HZ

0151 256 0665 LIKE our Facebook page at Mark Powell Barbers

OnLIne BOOkInG seRVICe aVaILaBLe 24 HOURs a day www.markpowellbarbers.co.uk email: markpowell_barbershop@hotmail.com

dOwnLOad OUR FRee app Just go to the app store, search for Mark Powell Barbers and download.

Makes booking and managing your appointments much easier.

New, nearly new or part worn tyres?

Liverpool Tyres is Merseyside’s oldest tyre depot.

Family-run, the business has been supplying ‘grade A’ tyres to its customers for over 40 years. Based on Spekeland Road, the company has been a key part of the South Liverpool community by offering locals employment and helping keep Merseyside drivers safely on the road.

Inside their extensive tyre yard, there are numerous containers filled with thousands of tyres, making it the largest in the city!

Today we spoke to Chris Evans, manager of Liverpool Tyres, to discuss the difference between buying new or used tyres in today’s market.

“Times have really changed in the industry since we first began. Years ago it was a basic option for the customer - a new tyre or a part worn alternative to suit their budget. There were limited sizes and brands back then and the market was a lot simpler.

I often get asked the question on whether to buy new, nearly new or part worn tyres. This usually depends on a number of factors and preferences but in my opinion the value for money lies with the nearly new option.

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The car industry is ever increasing, with new makes and models constantly being produced. This has had a knockon effect with the growing number of tyre sizes. Being a discounted tyre specialist, we test and stock thousands of tyres onsite and because of this, we are able to grade them accordingly between part worn and nearly new.

The part worns are extremely popular among our customers.

They are a cheaper alternative to new tyres and beneficial to those on a budget. We have always had a massive part worn customer base and this is ever increasing, especially in today’s current recessionary-like climate. With the emergence of vehicles on finance, this has also brought about big demand for part worns. Many customers have to return their cars to the finance companies with the same tyres and are charged very high prices for new ones if they don’t meet the company’s requirements. We have supplied hundreds of happy customers with these tyres, usually for about 1/4 of the price of replacements.

The demand for our nearly new tyres has really taken off.

This is where I think customers obtain the best value for money. Lots of vehicles now range from high end SUVs to sports cars to family 4x4s. The prices of new tyres for these vehicles can be extortionate and our customers receive massive savings when buying from our nearly new range. Take runflat tyres for example - you’d be looking at anything up to £350 for a new premium brand tyre, whereas we are selling the same tyres nearly new for £80-90, it’s a no brainer really. Due to the savings and value for money we get customers from all over the country, we have repeat customers from as far as away as Birmingham and Leeds!

Our new tyres are also competitively priced. We offer all brands and sizes from 13-22”. Liverpool Tyres often offer discounted deals, especially with smaller sizes in a budget range. We have noticed recently that the larger sizes of new branded tyres can be very expensive, especially runflats and low profile. This is why I feel that the best value for money is with the nearly new tyres and why the demand for our nearly new range is ever increasing.

John, Leanne and I are here at Liverpool Tyres to answer any questions you may have and because we are an essential service we are open during lockdown. Feel free to give us a call, email or pop in with any queries.”

“It was an absolute pleasure attending the Liverpool Tyres depot today. Many thanks to Chris for giving us an excellent insight on customer variety when choosing car tyres. It was very knowledgeable and informative and we had an excellent discussion on the topic. Liverpool Tyres have now been leading the way in the discounted tyre business for 40 plus years and we wish them another four decades of success in the future.” T. Rowland Liverpool Tyres, Spekeland Road (off Tunnel Road), L7 6HY

Call on: 0151 734 4420 / 07912 105294

Family run business Established 40 years

MERSEYSIDE’S BIGGEST DIScounT TYRE cEnTRE ■■

Run Flat tyre specialist

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New and part worn tyres

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Wheel alignment specialist

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All brands and sizes available

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Including Audi - BMW - Mercedes Ford - Jaguar - Land Rover

Call for a free quote 0151 734 4420 / 07912 105294 Spekeland Road, off Tunnel Road, Liverpool L7 6HY

www.liverpool-tyres.co.uk

Email: liverpooltyres1@gmail.com

Strange Tales

by Anton Valdemart

Mother Knows Best Joey arrived in a little cardboard box with holes punched in the side – Harry had bought him at a city centre pet shop as a surprise for Jane.

“This is a little present I know you’ll like,” said Harry as he carefully handed the box over to his fiancée.

“So that’s why you asked me to bring down the old birdcage from the loft!” said Jane, her face flushed with excitement.

They carefully opened the box and coaxed the budgie into the cage: “He’s Joey the Third,” announced Jane. “We haven’t had a Billy since grandad was alive.”

She stared affectionately at the little green and yellow bird: “He’ll soon grow once he’s had plenty of seed and millet. Who’s a pretty boy then?”

Joey soon took to his new home.

He loved his little wobbly man, bell and mirror. He cheered everyone up doing acrobatics on his swing.

Jane decided to teach Joey to talk.

“I’m your new mummy and you must listen to mummy always,” she beamed.

“Mother Knows Best. Mother Knows Best,” she repeated to Joey again and again every morning.

She was delighted when Joey suddenly screeched out the words clearly and spontaneously.

Several days passed. One afternoon Jane and Harry returned from a bike ride when Joey chirped: “Mother Knows Best” followed by a string of numbers and repeated them several times.

They sat in silence. Joey repeated the numbers.

“Clever Joey!” exclaimed Jane. “He’s giving us winning Lottery numbers.”

For the next few weeks the couple used these numbers but with no luck.

Still Joey shrieked: “Mother Knows Best” followed by the same numbers.

It began to get on Harry’s nerves: “Can’t you say anything else?” he pleaded to the bird which had assumed a dominant place in the house.

Family and friends were consulted – why the numbers? What could they mean?

Jane’s kid brother Jimmy tried to get Joey to say something else. The bird made a raspberry sound in return.

Once Joey was accustomed to his cage and surroundings he was allowed to fly around the room.

He would sit on the window ledge looking at his reflection in the window repeating endlessly: “Mother Knows Best” and the identical numbers over and over again.

Exasperated, Harry went to the pet shop and asked the owner how they could stop Joey talking.

The man looked embarrassed.

“Normally they stop talking when they change their surroundings,” he said. “Teaching him to say Mother Knows Best must have triggered something in his bird brain.

Strangely, the numbers were spoken in a different, deeper tone.

“That’s my mother-in-law’s phone number. I could never remember it so taught the bird to say the number on demand. Sorry.”

“Have you been teaching Joey to talk?” asked Jane with a confused look.

He gave Harry a full refund.

“No – and why would I have taught him a string of numbers?”

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“Well all I taught him was Mother Knows Best.”

Read my next Strange Tale in the Link: Guessing Games.

New bid to save Grade II-Listed Gwalia The West Derby Society, Liverpool Echo and other campaigners have tried in vain for years to get something done about the deplorable condition of privately-owned Grade II-listed Gwalia on the main Liverpool ring road, Queens Drive.

Gwalia, a.k.a. The Tower, stands gaunt overlooking the busy highway. Built in 1851, this fine sandstone house has stood neglected and empty since the Christian Science Church moved out about 1981.

They had occupied the building for about 30 years. Victorian occupants included South American merchant Joseph Edwards and later William Kinsman of the Bank of England.

It was last a private residence in the 1930s.

The West Derby Society has written to Historic England asking it to add Grade II-listed Gwalia to the Heritage at Risk Register. This is revised every year – the latest issue has just been published – and spotlights England’s endangered historic sites.

The letter sent to Historic England North West, read: I wonder if you could help us in our campaign to save one of our historic buildings in West Derby, Liverpool.

I was interested to read the latest additions to the Heritage at Risk Register in Liverpool in today’s media.

We have highlighted this atmospheric building over a number of years to no effect. Successive owners have done nothing to protect the structure and recently part of the roof fell in.

The authorities seem powerless to do anything.

Gwalia deserves to be saved because of its architectural merit and prime position just five miles from the city centre.

The West Derby Society feels that if Gwalia was added to the Heritage at Risk Register it would help save this Victorian gem for future generations.

WEST DERBY LOCKSMITHS

Wishing all our loyal advertisers and readers a Happy Christmas and a healthy new year.

From all at The LINK

TEL: 0151 230 1193 NO CALL OUT CHARGE - DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL 24 hours Emergency Service - Registered Master Locksmith

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Recipe Pumpkin Velouté Autumn and winter, while not many people’s favourite seasons, do give us an abundance of wonderful seasonal produce. The pumpkin being one of them.

Usually famous for providing us with a fun Halloween activity and a nice place to put a candle, pumpkins are actually delicious and add a hint of sweetness to savoury dishes.

A great way to show off the pumpkin’s flavours is to make a comforting soup. An ideal lunch or starter to your main.

There is no messing around with complex ingredients. Despite the fancy name (it’s just a thick soup really), this dish is easy to make.

Serves 4 people

Ingredients ■■ 600-700g fresh pumpkin (peeled and cubed) ■■ 50g butter ■■ 1 onion (chopped) ■■ ¼ litre chicken stock ■■ ¼ litre milk

Directions Cook the chopped onions in the butter for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are tender but not browned.

Add the pumpkin peeled and cut in small cubes with some salt and pepper.

Cover with the stock and milk. Stir over moderate flame for 20 minutes.

Take it off the heat and blend it. Season to taste.

■■ Some salt and pepper to season ■■ Optional - to add a little kick to the dish, add a pinch a chilli flakes

Serving suggestion Serve with some homemade croutons or fresh crusty bread and top with bacon bits.

Restaurant, Takeaway or Cafe owner?

Advertise here on our Recipe page Call Moira on 07930 654264 for details.

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Quiz Time Crossword Across 1. Former MP for West Derby 1983-2010 (3.7) 8. Exists (2) 9. National Union of Teachers (1,1,1) 10. Political party (not Labour or Conservative!) (7) 13. Ornamental globe (as in Crown Jewels) (3) 14. Snakelike fish (3) 16. Warder in the Tower of London (6) 18. Griff …. Jones: TV personality (4) 20. US President involved in Watergate scandal (5) 23. Computer term (“America Online”) (1.1.1) 24. Take action (2) 25. Income (7) 27. European Union (1,1) 28. Master of Ceremonies (1,1) 29. Danny .. …: female impersonator (2,3)

Down 1. Ex-LFC footballer (2005-7), Dutch international (4,6) 2. Colloquial name for a police officer (5) 3. In the air after taking off (8) 4. Insurance company: Royal & Sun Alliance (abbrev.) (1,1,1) 5. Not out! (2) 6. .… and void? (4) 7. Motor vehicle: Gran Turismo (1,1) 11. Inland Revenue (abbrev.) (1,1) 12. Shakespeare play: King …. (4) 15. Improve (7) 17. …. Of Man or …. Of Wight (4) 19. Not me! (3) 21. Written acknowledgment of debt (1,1,1) 22. By word of mouth (4) 26. Rod Hull and … (3)

20

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.

Solutions on page 32

Photo of the Month Here is a fine example of the creative and comic eye of Alan Cargill, a member of South Liverpool Photographic Society, entitled, “Goofy, an Artist at Work”.

It has been composed of three images, using photoshop to cut and paste digitally. Talacre Lighthouse is covered with a photo from an Ice Cream Farm and, finally, Goofy was added from his photo of the Disney Magic Liner.

Visitors most welcome to join their virtual meetings, please see the website for details - www.slps.co.uk

Photographers Advertise here on our Photo of the Month page This size ad from just £50 Call Moira on 07930 654264 for details.

FROM THE USUAL TO THE UNUSUAL

Weddings Funerals Birthdays West Derby Village 0151 226 6744 Also at - 8 Bridge Road, Blundellsands L23 6SG 0151 924 4441 21

10 food & drink tips for a stress-free Christmas It’s just a few weeks until December 1st and the ‘official’ start of the usual Christmas mayhem. Whatever this festive season may present us with, it’s always best to be prepared so you can sit back and enjoy it (and not run around like a headless chicken!).

These 10 tips are perfect for this time of year — when people magically appear at your doorstep, the wine always flows and you have to be prepared for almost anything.

■■ A void trying a new recipe around this time. Practice a new dish well in advance. It gives you a reason to stay in on a rainy day, pop the wine and perfect your dish well ahead of the big day.

■■ A lways keep prosecco chilled in the fridge and a bottle of red on hand for the month of December. Be ready for those unannounced visits.

■■ R educe food waste and save time by pre-cutting your lemon and lime slices and freezing them. It also cuts down on washing too!

■■ A s any chef worth their salt will preach: sharpen your chef knife at least once a week. But that probably never happens, right? So let’s aim for at least the week before Christmas.

■■ W hen roasting a whole chicken, the breast always cooks quicker than the rest of the bird and therefore it tends to dry out. Section the chicken before you start to cook and pull out the breast earlier (or add it 20 minutes into cooking).

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■■ C ooking meat that hasn’t been marinated? A generous dose of salt and pepper, spread evenly and everywhere with a knob of butter is a good alternative.

■■ P rep in advance. Peel and chop your veg a day or two before. Stuffing, soup and gravy can also be made in advance and frozen. Just remember to take them out in time!

■■ L eft with too many sprouts again? A great way to use up your leftovers is to whip up this tasty lunch the day after. Lightly saute brussel sprouts and mushrooms, then cover them with stilton (from the cheeseboard no one managed to finish) and throw them under the grill.

Once the cheese is melted, put the mix on top of salad leaves (works better with rocket) and balsamic glaze if you have any.

■■ F ree up some fridge space. You’re going to need it for all that booze and those delicious desserts, we imagine.

Eggs don’t need to be in there. Veg will survive and probably even prefer to be in a cool pantry, shed or safe spot outside, where it will stay cool until needed.

■■ B atch bake! For a more personal touch to the proceedings, batch bake some biscuits and/or mince pies. Then you have a nice selection of treats for guests or to take with you. Or maybe even offer some to your postman - he’s the real-life Santa Claus after all.

Whatever your plans, Merry Christmas and good luck with your preparations!

n ' e f ' i L Style

with Jade Ainsworth

Hey guys and welcome to my winter issue of Life ‘n‘ Style!

What a mad few months it has been since my last feature.

The world has gone completely mad! If you want to read all about my personal Covid experience, head over to my blog, www.jadeainsworthgossip.co.uk, and you can read about how poorly I was and what I’ve done to get my health back on track.

If you know me, you will know I’m not one for all modern cons and fads but I literally couldn’t live without these now.

It’s like they flick a switch inside me each day and I’m literally ready for anything. For more information check out this link: jadeainsworth.shopketo.com/gb/. Or you can call into Hairfields in Childwall and show this article for £10 off any of the trial packs.

With Christmas fast approaching and everybody spending more time at home, you can’t go wrong with some new loungewear or PJs. Whether it be something for yourself or a present for someone here are a few of my suggestions.

I absolutely love the Candy Towelling Shoulder Pad Lounge Sets from www.glamifyfashion.com . Currently priced at £30 they come in a range of colours pink, cream, camel and black and also comes in a mini version. Not only do these look fab, they are sooooo comfy and perfect if you want to just nip the shop.

If you’re looking for a satin set, this White With Contrast Pipe Detail is nice from www.prettylittlething. com for £18.00 this comes in a choice of colours and patterns. I teamed mine with a little eye mask for £6.00.

Not only have I got my health back on track, I am actually feeling the fittest I have for a long time and I put that purely down to these little NAT KETO/OS sachets. These are a ketone drink which helps your body achieve ketosis within 1 hour (it normally takes a couple of days). The benefits I have experienced are more energy, better focus, motivation, improved sleep, a more positive mindset and it can also help with weight loss.

Lastly, if you are wanting something a little bit cuter, www.prettylittlething.com also have a Rose Gold Satin Tie Front Frill PJ Short Set which is also £18.00.

That’s it for me. I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas and I’ll be back in January. Stay Safe! x

www.jadeainsworthgossip.co.uk 23

Poem of the Month Time is friendship

by Paul Symons, L19 Time is the currency of friendship If you want it to last Then you have to spend it Acquaintances they come and go Just like rain Or melting snow New ones may come along Just as quickly they are gone Old friendships stand the test of time Just like yours and just like mine If you don’t have much to say

Quiz Time General Knowledge 1. In what year was the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall officially opened? (a) 1809 (b) 1849 (c) 1889?

2. In what year was the Liverpool Empire Theatre officially opened? (a) 1875 (b) 1900 (c) 1925?

3. From which Welsh lake does Liverpool derive its water supply? (a) Bala (b) Padarn (c) Vyrnwy 4. In kilometres, what is the approx. distance between Liverpool and Paris? (a) 80 (b) 800 (c) 8000?

5. Who wrote the novel “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”? (a) Ian Fleming (b) Frederick Forsyth (c) John le Carre?

6. Which was the first James Bond film? (a) Dr No (b) From Russia With Love (c) Thunderball?

7. Caracas is the capital of which South American country? (a) Bolivia (b) Chile (c) Venezuela 8. In which city is the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final scheduled to be played? (a) Athens (b) Istanbul (c) Rome

It’s not that important anyway

9. Which island is known as the Emerald Isle? (a) Greenland (b) Iceland (c) Ireland?

It takes decades to make an old friend

10. The parliament of which island is known as the Tynwald? (a) Isle of Man (b) Isle of Wight (c) Jersey?

Not just a couple of years Someone who will Stand By Your Side Through the laughter and the tears Someone you can really talk to Someone who takes the time

Music Quiz Name the singer: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the Bruvvers

Someone who will sit and listen

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the Dreamers

While you explain what’s on your mind

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the Dakotas

A person you can confide in Someone who genuinely cares Someone who would never tell your secrets But puts them away with theirs

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the Tremeloes _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the Vandellas _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the Blockheads _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the Attractions _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the Mothers of Invention

So old friends this poem is for you It’s not great but it’s the best I can do Sometimes it’s hard to put things into rhyme But we’ve been friends a long long long time

24

_ _ _ _ and the Gang _ _ _ _ _ and the Maytals

Solutions on page 32

Locate Lily LINK and win £10 This month Lily Link is hiding on a page in LINK. Locate Lily Link and write to us telling us which page she is hiding on and you could win £10.

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 Tuesday 1st December.

The draw for the lucky winner will take place before the following month’s issue – so locate Lily and you could win £10!

Last month’s winner is Mr Taylor L15

For Sale Items Three, heavy duty steel clothes rails.

2 @ 6 ft long. 1 @ 5ft long ideal car boot, or shop £30.

Long metal black glass top coffee/ TV table, good condition £20.

T: 015 220 1685

New extra-large black George Forman grill cost j£49 accept £10.

M: 07564 833 175

STIHL vacuum leaf blower, model GB71. Used once, in original packing with instruction manual £50 T: 0151 428 2558.

Brand new, Laura Ashley trousers three pair’s size 12. Straight leg ankle grazers. Mint Green, blue and beige.

3 pair £25. Laura Ashley wool classic coat, dark camel, brand new. Size 14.

Cost £135 sell £40. T: 0151 724 6447.

Washing basin £30 o.n.o.

T: 0151 737 1851.

Two attractive gold coloured ceiling lights in very good condition £10 each M: 07527 285 263.

Ladies black leather coat, red trim size 22 £30. Selection of teddy bears and soft toys £7.50. T: 0151 228 6019.

Small set of golf clubs £30.

T: 0151 228 1102.

Four display plates £10. One box board game £10. Pair Italian glass vases £10. One bag of Christmas decorations £10. One box LED lights 320 cherry 150 blue £10. One 16” fibre optic father Christmas in box. £10.

T: 0151 498 4721 Roller blinds fit windows 56 length 40 wide, as new £15. Five interior white doors, with brass fittings as new £5 each o.n.o. M: 07742 496 844.

Sell your unwanted items under £200 free of charge

Space permitting. No pets/livestock. Items over £200 - £2 per item. Items over £500 - £5 per item. Cheques made payable to Liverpool LINK. Deadline 1st December 2020.

Name: ...................................................................................... Telephone: ...........................................................................

Address: ...................................................................................... ............................................... Postcode:..........................

Send this completed coupon with your list of items for sale to: Private Ads, Liverpool LINK, P.O. Box 170, Liverpool L25 7WX.

25

s d i K r e n Cor

26

Answers: on page 32.

Kids Corner New library card for children under 10 Liverpool parents are being encouraged to help their children’s love of reading take flight with a special library card.

Liverpool City Council’s Libraries and Information Services, in partnership with Edge Hill University, have launched the My First Library Card for children aged up to 10, featuring a friendly liver bird design.

The cards will not only let children borrow books from any of Liverpool’s 19 libraries, but young borrowers can also borrow any of the thousands of titles from Read Liverpool, the city’s digital library.

To sign up, parents or carers can either sign up their little ones online (cards will be posted or collected) or visit a library taking along proof of name and address.

National Museums Liverpool launches ‘Virtual Classrooms’ for schools Created for the new academic year, the interactive curriculum-linked workshops, led by museum experts, inspire the imaginations of pupils by engaging them in activities based on real artefacts. Mummification, Greek gods and transatlantic slavery are some of the subject’s school children can learn about in the comfort of their classrooms, thanks to virtual workshops developed by NML.

The workshops have been designed to develop teamworking skills, boost imagination and promote positive wellbeing, for example quizzes, role play, crafting, drawing, discussions and decoding puzzles.

For more information, visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/learn/ virtual-classrooms or call 0151 478 4444.

A Christmas Carol is coming to Storyhouse in Chester Storyhouse were delighted to see that theatres are not in the government’s plans for even Tier 3 local area restrictions, which means that Christmas is now definitely on!

Christmas is coming early this year (you know we need it!). It starts at Storyhouse on 7 November and runs until 17 January. Seats are limited to 180 per show (normally 480) and it’s a lovely, safe, family environment.

They’re holding back seats for every show for those in Flintshire, Liverpool City Region and anyone else currently advised not to travel to Chester. When restrictions are lifted, they’ll offer you those tickets first.

South Liverpool LINK reader’s books are ideal stocking fillers LINK reader, Jennifer Jones, is author of two delightful children’s books, which we thought would make lovely gifts this Christmas.

Rock on Barney: this is a tale about a friendless buzzard with hidden talents.

Once the birds get to know him they really like him. The illustrations will introduce children to common birds.

The Adventures of Markus Moldewarp: Markus is a confident mole who with his worm sidekick, Quigley the Wriggly, has a series of adventures in which he helps a farmer, shows a dragon the way home, finds hidden treasure, and goes to the moon.

Both are available to buy on Amazon.

Nursery or Kid’s Club?

To advertise here on Kid’s Corner Call 07930 654264 for details.

27

Pap your Pets Season greetings animal lovers! More wonderful furry friends this month for you to enjoy. The winner gets a £25 voucher for The Vet, Lorenzo Drive. Think your pet has got what it takes? Pap your pet and send your pet’s pic and name plus your name, address and phone number to: complink@yahoo.com. All entries must be with us by Saturday 28th November and please send one photo of your pet only.

Stella - pink to make the boys wink

Bonnie beats Bunny to the big ears award

Poppy - who could resist those eyes Cracker wins biggest yawn of the year

Angel Bluebelle A.K.A Santa Paws

Teddy at one with nature

28

Greetings from Derek, Beryl & Vera

Dexy strikes a pose

Poppy on the naughty step

Honey knows the importance of 5 a day

Hetty only accepts matching blankets

Winner

of a £25 pet voucher This month’s winners are Ollie & Jake - our judge loved their coordinated head tilt action. 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.

dog of the month cat of the month NAME: Bella BREED: Shar Pei AGE: 7 Bella is a smashing girl who has rather been through the mill recently.

She had terribly sore skin when she first arrived at Dogs Trust, but after a few months of treatment and TLC from her carers, she’s looking fabulous again, and feeling much better. After having an operation on her eyes, she can also see much more and now enjoys meeting people each day and being made a fuss of. Bella doesn’t really enjoy much interaction with other dogs and would like to be the only pet at home. She can live with children aged 14 and over, and is perfectly house trained.

If you think Bella could be the four-legged friend you are looking for, you can find out more by visiting Dogs Trust Merseyside’s page at www.dogstrust.org.uk. You can also follow the doggy ‘tails’ on Twitter @DT_Merseyside and Instagram @dogstrust_merseyside.

Bella & Sox are a 12 & 8 year old friendly, mother and daughter pair who would like a home together. Their owner wasn’t able to look after them anymore and Bella has been really upset about losing their home. If you think you could offer these wonderful ladies the home they deserve, then please do get in touch!

For adoption enquiries please also contact Garston Animal Rescue on 0151 494 0470 or 07913 420 341.

Many thanks to The LINK for their continued support in helping us to find homes for stray and abandoned animals in Merseyside, we couldn’t manage without you.

Dog Walker Pet Minder Dog Groomer Advertise on our Pets page from £30 Call 07930 654264 for details.

29 29

Local News

November - December 2020

Revamp of The Strand enters new phase Work on The Strand’s eco-friendly redesign, in a bid to reduce congestion and improve safety and air quality, has now entered a new phase.

This phase is due to end in November 2020, with further lane restrictions continuing from Chapel Street to James Street through to Spring 2021.

Work began at the end of June and from 12th October the first stretch of the southbound side was filtered down to one lane to allow contractors to excavate the footway to reduce the four lane carriageway down to two.

The redesign of The Strand aims to make the city’s World Heritage listed waterfront more accessible for pedestrians. New trees and public spaces are also being installed as part of a wider strategy to attract and promote walking in the city centre.

Story of Toxteth written into boulevard revamp Contractors for Liverpool City Council have upgraded Princes Avenue and Road as part of a scheme which was officially unveiled by community leaders on 17th September.

The innovative scheme, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, falls between Upper Parliament Street and Princes Park Gate, and aims to stimulate the wider regeneration of an area.

As well as the highway improvements, the L8 community and a range of stakeholders, led by Friends of Princes Avenue and Mandela8, and including children from local primary schools, helped shape the design of public artwork, inscriptions, and interpretational signage.

The completion of Princes Avenue/ Road comes just a month after the council completed a £1.5m upgrade to nearby Upper Parliament Street.

Liverpool City Council currently has £100m of works taking place to improve the city’s highways, including new permanent cycle routes.

Liverpool to begin new era of council homes Liverpool City Council is to embark on its first major housing scheme in 30 years.

The council’s cabinet has approved a report recommending the building of 74 council homes in the Yew Tree ward, in the north of the city.

Subject to a grant from Homes England and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the £9m scheme will be the first since the council revamped its housing team in the summer - and 150 years since

30

Liverpool built the first council homes in Europe.

The Denford Road project forms part of a wider council plan to build and retrofit thousands of new homes by 2030 after the Government agreed to waive the debt for the council’s historical housing revenue account.

The project, which gained planning permission in March 2019, will see 20 council homes built and a further 54 homes constructed for “affordable rent”.

Strawberry Field dedicate a stone to frontline workers The team at Strawberry Field have chosen to show their gratitude to the NHS and keyworkers by dedicating a corner stone on Strawberry Lane, the path that runs from the iconic red gates of Strawberry Field to the front entrance of the new centre.

New station and park boost for Baltic A new masterplan for one of the UK’s creative hot-spots has been endorsed – which could soon lead to Liverpool’s first new train station and public park of the 21st century.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet approved the Baltic Triangle’s draft Spatial Regeneration Framework (SRF) - which has been developed over the past 12 months to guide the historic area’s future development.

The new masterplan, led by consultants LDA Design who also oversaw its public consultation, aims to set out guidelines on the remaining available land to balance the needs of business growth and residential development.

Key recommendations within the Baltic Triangle SRF include support for a new rail station at St James Street (closed in 1917), creating a new public park and more.

Grant for cab drivers approved Liverpool City Council is to give a grant to thousands of hard-pressed cab drivers struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city’s 3,886 licensed drivers rely on the previously booming hospitality, events and tourism sector for a lot of their income, and were hit hard earlier this year when it dried up overnight due to the lockdown.

A report approved by the council’s Cabinet on Friday 23 October will

see Hackney and private hire vehicle drivers given a grant equivalent to the £40 cost of their driver badge, plus a further £170 for their vehicle plate if they own the cab – a total of up to £210.

The cost - £663,400 - will be covered through the £10 million set aside by the council earlier this month to help alleviate the impact of COVID-19 trading restrictions in the visitor economy.

Do you have a nice local news story? email Moira on liverpoollink@yahoo.co.uk to feature 31

What’s ON SEFTON PARK BOWLING CLUB 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.

SOUTH LIVERPOOL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Meet Thursdays 8 – 10 pm at CADWA, Rocky Lane L16 1JD. We welcome all who have an interest in photography from complete beginners to the more experienced.

Just turn up at 7.45 or get in touch to say that you’re coming. Check out our website www.slps.co.uk for what’s on. Guest speakers – competitions – members’ presentations – tutorials – occasional eld trips.

Contact Tim Evans 0151 475 0345 / email membership@slps.co.uk

November - December 2020

FLEXERCISE CLASS FOR THE ACTIVE 50+

ETON BOWLING CLUB

We will be back to class soon. Exercise, movement and dance class, friendly and fun, to help improve posture, balance, muscle strength, core and range of movement. Mondays 1.30pm and Thursdays 10am, at All Hallows Centre, Harthill Road, Allerton, L18 3HU.

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 Geoff on 07922 110624.

Please contact Jane to check when classes restart on 0151 724 5192 or janevduff@gmail.com

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL

SOUTH LIVERPOOL MARKETS Farmers’ Markets are open from 9am to 2pm on the following days: Garston Market – reopens on Friday 24th July 2020. Open from 9am to 2pm on the following days: 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.

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 07814564649 or via website www.sigbi.org/liverpool

Clubs, organisations, groups Due to Covid many groups have changed how they meet and cancelled meetings and some are meeting online. Please email me on liverpoollink@yahoo.co.uk if this applies to your group.

Puzzle & Quiz Answers Crossword

ACROSS: 1. Bob Wareing 8. Is 9. NUT 10. Liberal 13. Orb 14. Eel 16. Yeoman 18. Rhys 20.

Nixon 23. AOL 24. Do 25. Revenue 27. EU 28. MC 29.

La Rue DOWN: 1. Bolo Zenden 2. Bobby 3. Airborne 4. RSA 5. In 6. Null 7. GT 11. IR 12. Lear 15.

Enhance 17. Isle 19. You 21. IOU 22. Oral 26. Emu

32

Sudoko

Quizzes

1. 1849 2. 1925 3. Lake Vyrnwy 4. 800 5. John le Carre 6. Dr. No 7. Venezuela 8. Istanbul 9. Ireland 10. Isle of Man

Kids page answers: decorations, presents, tinsel, snow, elves, reindeer. Extra letter answer: sleigh.

1. Joe Brown 2. Freddie 3. Billy J Kramer 4. Brian Poole 5. Martha Reeves 6. Ian Dury 7. Elvis Costello 8. Frank Zappa 9. Kool 10. Toots

Sports News

November - December 2020

South stay on course Despite the most disruptive start to a season in living memory, South Liverpool FC have made an unbeaten start with four wins and a draw from the five league games that have been played and currently sit in second place.

Although the club have completed the development work at their Jericho Lane complex, the hub was not open for pre-season and has not allowed spectators for the early season.

Consequently, the team have played all their games on their grass pitch at the North Field.

Excellent wins by 4-1 over Ellesmere Port Town, 3-2 over Newton and 4-0 over Aintree Villa and an opening day 5-1 away win over Upton AA saw the team set the season off with a bang.

All South’s forwards have opened their account and although the team dropped points at Chester Nomads

in a 2-2 draw played in diabolical conditions the start to the season has been highly satisfactory.

Covid issues have meant that there have been changes to the fixture list.

However the club is determined to play as many games as it is possible to do in these strange times.

The reserves have also managed to play five league games, winning the first two against Marine Reserves and Maghull Reserves, drawing with Ashville Reserves (their equaliser coming in injury time) and losing away to West Kirby and Heswall.

Our new youth team, under the management of Steve Snow, have had an excellent start with five wins out of five and top spot in the youth division of the West Cheshire League.

The club’s new third team also have a 100% record and top spot in the

first division of the Liverpool Old Boys League with four wins out of four under the management of Shaun Williams. The club’s Saturday veterans teams have also had good starts with the first XI top of the over 40s first division and the second XI ease into mid-table.

Jim Stanway

Stoneycroft mourn the loss of club stalwart Stoneycroft Football Club is mourning the loss of one of its longest serving officials. John Mooney, who had an association with the club stretching over sixty years, has died after battling illness.

John joined the club as a player and later became team manager before fulfilling the role of Treasurer. He never lost his affinity with ‘The Croft’.

Up until he moved from the area, he would be seen at games cheering the team on whenever he could. Despite his advancing years his interest and support for the club never faltered.

Club chair, Kenny Morrison, paid the

following tribute: “John, as well as being a long standing servant to the club, was also a close personal friend.

He will be missed by all who knew him and our deepest sympathies go to Pat, his wife, family and his many friends.

With Stoneycroft, we shared many highs and lows but we were always able to share a laugh and joke. He put in many years of devoted service and was always diligent in his duties. I’ll miss him deeply”.

Club secretary, Mick Titherington, added: “John was a close personal friend for nearly half a century. He devoted a huge amount of time and

effort into ensuring the longevity of the club. His stories and knowledge of the club’s history were always a delight to listen to. It was always good to see John and I’ll miss him greatly.

Sympathies go to Pat and family”.

Given the unprecedented circumstances, games have resumed without spectators and additional precautions have had to be put in place.

The season’s campaign has started well with one setback in the league and with a semi-final, carried over from last season, to play the chance of early silverware remains a possibility.

Mick Titherington

Do you have a local sport story? Email Moira liverpoollink@yahoo.co.uk to feature

33

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