Mersey News Live 1:14 March 9 2022

MNL

Mersey News Live FROM THE HEART OF THE CITY FAREW E ISSUE F LL ROM CLASS OF ‘22

Powered by LJMU journalists

March 9-15 2022

Looking back at MNL stories from the last year

What you can do to help Ukraine

Exhibition for International Women’s Day

UNITED WITH UKRAINE THIS WEEK

ARTS

LIFESTYLE

Illuminations projected onto St Luke’s Bombed Out Church By Focal Studios © Focal Studios

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CONTENTS

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12&13.

6&7.

4&5 Class of 2022 Year in Review 6&7 Vigil for Ukraine 8 How to help Ukraine 9 How will Everton FC’s ground be funded?

10 International Women’s Day: Period Poverty 11 International Women’s Day: Female Activists Striving for change.

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LIFE & ARTS 12&13 Best brunch spots this Mother’s Day

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14 James Bulger Remembered 15 Ovarian Cancer Awareness 16&17 Visible Virals comes to Liverpool 18 LJMU Short Film Festival 19 Martin Bright Interview

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16&17.

4&5.

Saying goodbye ... for now

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elcome to the final edition of MerseyNewsLive’s magazine produced by the class of

2022!

From all of the student reporters, thank you for reading, clicking and watching us grow into the reporters we have become and coming on this journey with us. Beth Lindop reports on the prospects of our student reporters and their highlights from this year.

In this week’s edition, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day, Maia Noden reports on Period Poverty and Saskia Fryer talks to ten female activists looking to bring change to society. We are also looking forward to Mother’s Day, so Emma Dukes reports on the best brunch spots to treat your mum.

Radvile Sakenaite reports on the recent vigil held for Ukraine and I report on ways to help Ukraine from Liverpool.

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Maia Noden reports on Ovarian Cancer awareness and its importance. Zoe Wheeler reports on the crime that still haunts Liverpool: the case of James Bulger. Joe Waddell delves into how Everton FC’s new ground will be funded.

In Arts news, Oli Johnson reports on the return of the LJMU MA short film festival and Dannielle Jones previews an art project coming to Liverpool. Finally, Harley Mullen interviews veteran journalist Martin Bright.

LOUISE LEMOINE, Lifestyle Reporter

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MNL Yearbook: The team looks back at stories from the past year

With graduation in sight, BETH LINDOP and the rest of the MNL team reflect on their favourite moments as part of Liverpool’s largest news team, and look foward to life after university

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midst looming deadlines and frantic job hunting, it can be easy to forget just how far we’ve come during our time at LJMU. From Britain’s long-awaited exit from the European Union to an unprecedented global pandemic that saw bustling newsrooms make way for Zoom lectures and online exams, the last three years haven’t always been easy.

Despite the challenges, the MNL team have had the incredible opportunity to continue to tell the stories that matter from across the region.

Merseyside is one of the richest, most diverse news patches in the country, and we’d like to take a moment to reflect on some of the work we’ve done over the past year.

With the finish line almost in sight, we’d also like to look forward to the future, discussing our hopes, ambitions and plans for what lies ahead. We’d also like to thank you, our MNL readers, for sticking with us and sharing your stories and opinions.

BETH LINDOP: “My favourite feature that I’ve worked on looked at 17-year-old Olivia Rushton, who took part in the Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge to raise money for Claire House Children’s Hospice in Bebington. To see how much Olivia wanted to give back to Claire House, as well as hearing about her heartwarming bond with younger sister Jessica, was massively inspirational.

“I am particularly interested in going into sports journalism. My dissertation is focusing on female visibility in sports media and hopefully, in the near future, I can be one of the female journalists helping to champion women in sports media.”

CATRIN JONES: “The story I’m most proud of is the Connor Dunn piece for MNL magazine. It was the first interview that I’ve ever done face-to-face which I was really nervous about beforehand, but it was actually such a good experience. It was also great to chat to a journalist who was a former LJMU student.

“My plan for the future is to start

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off in print journalism in the Merseyside region but eventually I’d like to venture back to Wales and have a go at a bit of broadcast.”

SOPHIE MOORE: “My favourite story that I’ve done this year was about a football club for bereaved families. They’d got together to create a football club for dads who had lost children. It’s probably not my best written article but I really liked the message, and it was very heartwarming.

“After uni, I don’t really have a plan yet. I’m just going to see where it goes and keep applying for places and with the skills that I’ve learnt over this year, I’ll hopefully get somewhere soon.”

SASKIA FRYER: “My favourite memory of this year is when I spoke to councillor Kris Brown about misogyny being made into a specific crime.

“My hopes for the future are to go into digital marketing or PR but I’m always open to going in to magazine journalism.”

DANNIELLE JONES; “Over the last year I have thoroughly enjoyed testing my limits and getting to produce and create a wide range of stories for both the website and magazine. I have loved producing all of my stories but my favourite piece is probably my thyroid feature as it is a subject that affects me personally and I got to speak to two amazing women and understand their experiences and charities.

“Looking ahead to the future, I am hopefully looking to go into something related to magazines or public relations as these are two of the most interesting areas for me - but I’m still figuring this out!”

ZOE WHEELER: “My favourite story that I worked on this year was the Santa Dash. It was really great being given a press pass and working behind the scenes and I enjoyed having the opportunity to interview Jamie Carragher with Tess.

“After I leave university I’m hoping to freelance in music journalism and to continue applying for journalism graduate schemes.”

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ELLA WILLIAMS: “My favourite story this year was about a Liverpool personal trainer who was on a mission to make women healthier, because the article got 261 views and I felt very confident.

“My plan for the future is hopefully to do a Masters degree, depending on my grades for this year.”

EVAN BARTON: “My plan for the future is to be a foreign affairs reporter.”

MNL has featured stories on the Children in Need Rickshaw challenge and Jamie Carragher’s role in the Santa Dash MAIA NODEN: “My favourite story was definitely, ‘Police face challenge to rebuild Women’s trust’, as although it is an awful subject I was able to attend a sexual violence awareness event. I felt I could help and take advantage of the platform I have by writing this story for it to be published on Mersey News Live.

I also managed to interview Emily Spurrell, Merseyside’s police and crime commissioner, which was fun and interesting.

“I am unsure of what I want to do yet, however I am sure that it will be in the journalism sector. I am planning on having a year out, but actively volunteering and seeking lots of work experience.”

EMMA DUKES: “My favourite story was the interview with the police commissioner because I got to work with the broadcast group as the photographer and then create a double page spread with Harley.

“It was really interesting and like working in a real journalism job.”

OLI JOHNSON: “My favourite story was when I interviewed a local comedian about a new open mic night that he started in Liverpool. It’s probably the best interview I managed to get and I produced a really good story out of it. My plans for the future involve going into PR. I already have a part-time job at a PR company and hopefully it will lead into a successful career in that industry.”

HARRY HUGHES: “My favoruite story was interviewing a local author about an audio book read by David Morrissey. I thought it was really interesting, and I really enjoyed talking to him.

“In the future, I hope to keep writing for various websites and just see where things go from there.”

JOE WADDELL: “My favourite story to work on was my piece about Liverpool’s response to the bombing at the Women’s Hospital. It was a really challenging time for the city but it was great to see how everyone rallied round to help each other.

“After graduation, I’m hoping to go in to a career in the industry.”

AILIS FINN LOOBY: “My favourite story of the year was about spiking. That was a really key issue that everyone was aware of, and girls were it experiencing a lot.

“My plans for the future are to do a ski season next year and then hopefully go into marketing.”

AMNA AKRAM: “The story that I liked doing most was the mental health story that I did and I focused on mental health in an unequal world so it was looking at inequality between rich and poor people.

After I graduate, I want to apply for internships.”

EMMA CARTER: “My favourite thing about university this year has been working down in the TV studio and the radio studio because I really missed out on that technical training last year.

“I’m thinking about doing a Masters, just because I feel like I need that I need that extra year of education for confidence levels. I’m not entirely sure yet whether it will be in journalism or documentary journalism or some kind of production.”

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I have thoroughly enjoyed testing my limits and getting to produce and create a wide range of stories

LUKE POLLITT: “Hopefully I’m getting an internship next year with a political magazine in Europe. So, I’m looking forward to just getting on with that and getting all the uni work out of the way!”

RODHA ALHAIDAR: “My favourite thing has been getting to know so many people on the course. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about the industry and also done my fair bit of interviewing.”

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SOPHIA SMITH: “My favourite story this year was about Britain’s kindest plumber. He is a man from Liverpool called James Anderson who helps thousands of families across the nation as he installs – no pun intended - goodwill.

“My plan for the future is hopefully to graduate and then travel the world and then find a job!”

ELLIE ROCHELL: “My favourite article that I wrote during the year was about feeding tube awareness week. I thought it was really good to spread awareness because that was something that I never really knew about.

“After I graduate, I plan to take a few months off and then I would like to get a graduate job in marketing in September or work freelance. “

MNL has covered stories ranging from Storm Eunice to the Ukraine crisis

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“ Slava Ukraini! Heroyam slava. ”

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City stands firm with Ukraine

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ollowing Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, the people of Liverpool came together on March 1 outside St. Luke’s Bombed out church to show the world that they stand with the country.

Speakers from all around the world were at the vigil showing support and speaking out about the military aggression ordered by Russia president Vladimir Putin.

In a touching speech Liverpool city councillor Barry Kushner said: “People need to know and please tell anyone that you’re speaking to, that in Liverpool the support is from here, and from my heart!”

Cars driving past the vigil were honking to show support as hundreds of Liverpulidians waved signs with powerful messages and Ukranian flags in the air chanting “refugees welcome here!” to demonstrate that the city is willing to welcome Ukranian refugees with open arms.

Joseph Doyle, 53, a former camera man from Prescot said: “The experience was incredibly emotional here tonight. We’re surrounded by people from Ukraine, people who have loved ones in Ukraine and some whom have little or no ties to Ukraine yet still see the wrong that is happening over there as we speak and are calling out for immediate action to happen to protect the many innocent lives currently affected by the atrocities of Putin’s megalomaniacal behaviour”.

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Iryna Rogalska, 56, who is originally from Ukraine but lives in Liverpool said: “The vigil against Russia on 1st march in Liverpool made me feel that we are not in this war alone…

It made me happy that so many countries from all over the world are helping and aiding us. I may live in the UK, but I am still Ukrainian and proud of my homeland”.

here are multiple spots around the area where donations are welcomed, one of them is at 254 County Road in Walton where donations are accepted from 8am to 9am. They are currently asking for essentials such as foil survival blankets, first aid kits and other useful medication, nappies for babies, sanitary towels.

“The attack on my country makes me feel very angry. I feel sick to my stomach that Russia accuses us of being Nazis when our elected president is Jewish”.

Russia’s violent large-scale attack on Ukraine has touched the entire world and has been vilified globally. As of today, Poland has taken in close to 1 million refugees from Ukraine and there will be many more. Helping the Ukrainian refugees has become sort of a habit throughout the world, especially Europe.

“All Ukraine wants is to live in peace democratically with its neighbours and the worlds made me happy that so many people from so many countries are with us and are praying for peace”.

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he vigil of peace and solidarity was organised by the United We Stand – solidarity network and Polish Migrants Organise for Change. It was also supported by the Polish Student Society Liverpool, Reclaim Pride Liverpool, LGBT+ Socialists, Merseyside BLM Alliance, Socialist Alternative and more.

Liverpool is also offering ways on how to help Ukraine whether it’s financial help or donating to charitable organisations operating in Ukraine.

People also have the option to donate food, warm clothing, blankets and other items that are vital for survival.

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Words and photos: RADVILE SAKENAITE

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Helping Ukraine from home LOUISE LEMOINE reports on how Liverpudlians can support the Ukrainian crisis.

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Photo by Daniele Franchini via Unsplash

he Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked widespread condemnation across the globe.

Liverpool is just one of the North West cities sharing its solidarity with Ukraine, by illuminating St George’s Hall in Ukrainian colours, Liverpool fans sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as a tribute to Ukraine at their West Ham game and Liverpudlians have voiced their opinions and fears, wide and far.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, spoke about the Ukrainian crisis saying: “For all the Ukrainians who have made Liverpool their home, this is a deeply troubling time, we will do what we can to support you. There are no winners in war. We must now strain every sinew to convince President Putin of that fact.”

The people of Liverpool are known for their urge to offer help and support where needed.

Although the crisis is occurring many miles away, here are some of the ways you can help from home.

Essential Donations In Liverpool, charities and non-profit organisations have been accepting donations of essential supplies to send over to Ukraine and neighbouring countries where refugees have been fleeing to.

Since February 24th, more than 1 million people have crossed from Ukraine into Poland, according to the Polish border guard. Furthermore, more than 2 million refugees have fled the war in Ukraine.

It is expected that those fleeing the war will have left most of their belongings behind and will need essential help upon arrival.

Six Polish community groups across the North West have joined together to help gather donations to help the Ukrainian people who have found refuge in Poland.

Donations will be packed into lorries in Kirkby by volunteers, taken to Wrexham for sorting and will then make the journey to Poland.

There are also two sorting warehouses being ran in Liverpool.

Polskie Merseyside, located on County Road,

has received huge essential donations from across Merseyside. They have decided to pause donations whilst they transport the items they have over to Poland, to ensure humanitarian aid is received when it is needed. But as the crisis continues, the charity may accept donations again soon.

However, they are now looking for volunteers to help load the lorries to transport donations over to Poland.

Volunteering Polskie Merseyside are looking for volunteers to help sort and pack Merseyside donations to be taken to Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

Michael Frackowiak, co-founder of Polskie Merseyside, spoke about the need for volunteers to get donations to Poland: “We need as many people to volunteer in Wrexham as we can get so we can keep this going. Friday was the last day for donations in Liverpool, but we now think across the North West we have collected enough for eighty lorries to be sent to Ukraine and we need to finance that so financial donations are also welcome.”

He said: “It’s hard to believe what is happening in 2022. So many people could be displaced in this conflict, how do you get the infrastructure to help all these millions of people?”

“What we’re doing in Merseyside is the very least we can do. I know tomorrow I will wake up next to my wife in a comfortable bed and

“People are leaving Ukraine carrying one suitcase. What would you put in one suitcase if you had to?” see my three-year-old daughter. People are leaving their homes in Ukraine carrying one suitcase. What would you put in one suitcase if you had to? This is the reality.”

You can get into contact with Polskie Merseyside via their Facebook.

Financial Donations Financial donations are another way to help, donations of all sizes can make a considerable difference.

Polskie Merseyside, is also running a JustGiving fundraiser in order to raise funds to cover the costs of transporting donations of humanitarian supplies over to Poland for Ukrainian refugees.

The funds raised will cover the costs of petrol, vehicle hire, food for volunteers, extra warehouse space for donations and staff to help to sort donations ready for transportation. As of writing, they have raised just over £8,000.

To donate, you can find Polskie Merseyside’s fundraiser via JustGiving.

Moreover, the British Red Cross is accepting donations for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). The DEC unites 15 charities who are experts in humanitarian aid.

Donations will allow the DEC to provide

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food, first aid, clean water, shelter support, warm clothing, hygiene parcels and medicine to Ukraine. They will also support hospitals and healthcare facilities, fire fighters and civil protection units.

They also provide help to educate civilians on the risks of explosives, they repair vital infrastructure and help to repair homes, healthcare centres, schools and community centres.

On the Red Cross website, they say that: “£10 could provide a hygiene kit to a family of five giving them supplies to stay healthy for a month. £20 could provide five blankets to families taking shelter.”

To donate to the Red Cross, you can find their fundraiser on their website.

Demonstrations Last week, demonstrations took place at the Bombed out Church, symbolically one of the cities iconic reminders of the effects war can have. Protests and rallies demonstrate the importance of causes to society.

On March 10th, Merseyside Stop the War is holding a rally at The Casa on Hope Street.

They will be discussing how the anti-war movement should respond to the Ukraine crisis, there will also be speakers from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and Stop the War. The rally will begin at 7pm and end at 9pm.

Helping Asylum Seekers Liverpool City Council has issued advice for those looking to support refugees and those seeking asylum.

Resettled Ukrainian refugees will be allocated their own homes but offers of temporary accommodation for those waiting to receive their permanent accommodation or those refused asylum, are very much appreciated and needed.

If you have a spare room in Liverpool, you can host a refugee via a charity called Refugees at Home.

Refugees at Home is a UK charity which allows people to volunteer their spare rooms to refugees and asylum seekers in need of somewhere to stay. So far, they have placed 2,599 guests into spare rooms.

You can apply to host your spare room via an application on Refugees at Home’s website.

Photo by Noah Eleazar via Unsplash

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Is Everton’s stadium move right for the club and city?

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As work on Everton’s new state-of-the-art stadium rumbles on, JOE WADDELL wonders whether the move is really as beneficial as it first seems

he news that Everton have rejected a £30m offer from Liverpool City Council in order to help fund their stadium has been well-received by Evertonians.

The city’s metro mayor Steve Rotheram confirmed on Monday that the club turned down the offer because they had arranged alternative funding and the club no longer felt the need to loan money from the city.

However, while many are rejoicing at the fact that the stadium being built is merely a formality now, is it worth considering that it might not be the best move, not only for the club but for the city?

Historically, clubs have faltered in the wake of a fresh stadium move.

West Ham famously struggled to make the same impact at the London Stadium that they did at Upton Park; Arsenal haven’t won a league title at the Emirates after experiencing a serious period of dominance at their beloved Highbury.

Though a new, shiny stadium will undoubtedly benefit Everton from a financial point of view- the money received by gate receipts will almost double and the club will receive income from renting to businesses - there is no guarantee that the club

will go in the same direction on the pitch.

For a club that is so engrained in the identity of the city, Goodison Park serves as a reminder of what the football club is meant to represent.

Standing tall above Walton’s County Road where it has stood for 129 years and overseen 24 trophy wins, it seems almost cruel to consign that identity and legacy to the history books.

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onsidering Everton’s current standing in the game, to force the team and fans to leave their hallowed ground with such a whimper would be a crying shame.

It isn’t just sentiment and anecdotal evidence from other clubs that gives reason for worry, though. The Bramley Moore Stadium project promises to breathe life into Bramley Moore and the derelict L5 area that surrounds it.

Many jobs will be created, and a commercial centre will be created filled with shops and restaurants that will rejuvenate an otherwise forgotten part of the city.

These promises are something that any supporter of the city can get behind, but there are worrying implications for other parts of the area.

Everton are due to move to Bramley-Moore Dock by 2024.

Goodison Park has stood proudly at the top of County Road in Walton for over a century and has helped the surrounding businesses thrive for that long too.

The Winslow, The Chepstow and many other businesses have been able to continue to open their doors thanks to the money they have made from match days. An already neglected part of the city, Walton and County Road are a brief look into the past.

What was once a bustling road filled with thriving businesses is already a ghost of what it once was.

Many shops and cafes have already been closed for business for many years - and it’s highly unlikely that any budding entrepreneur is likely to set up shop along the road any time soon.

For an already struggling community, it is undeniable that the closure and demolition of Goodison Park will only further exacerbate the problems.

Is it morally right to knowingly worsen the condition of one community just to improve the conditions of another?

Everton’s current home, Goodison Park, Walton.

The closure and demolition of Goodison Park poses a threat to businesses on County Road in Walton that rely on Everton match days to keep their doors open.

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Period Project celebrate International Women’s Day

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nternational Women’s Day is being celebrated in Liverpool this week, as MAIA NODEN reports.

The Period Project Merseyside joined with other universities and groups to advocate an end to period poverty.

In partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, the group held an event in the Student Life building, Copperas Hill, on Monday night.

They showcased period packs, had some menstrual education around social justice issues and talked about the origins of their organisation.

Natalie Denny from Period Project Merseyside said: “The group started off with four people and now has spread out into meetings where we have over 100 people attending and campaigning to end period poverty.”

The organisation is run by volunteers who provide people who have periods with menstrual products and campaign to end period poverty.

They made 120 menstrual packs made to go out to those that need them yesterday evening.

Period Project Merseyside believes it is important to joined with other feminist societies and other groups as Natalie said: “We think collaboration is key in order to end and advocate period poverty, we need to do so in partnership of the organisations.”

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he outcome was better than expected as they captioned on Instagram, “Wow what a night! Brilliant,” and, “A fabulous night for our @ljmu Moores and Period Project Merseyside Wonder Women International Women’s Day

event!”

The group has been running since 2016 and has decided to collaborate with other groups to end period poverty.

The Period Project worked with Help the Homeless, University of Liverpool Feminist society and Liverpool John Moores’ Feminist society for ‘Wonderful Women’s International Women’s Day event’.

When the group first begun four people were involved and now it has spread out into meetings where there are over 100 people attending and campaigning to end period poverty.

The projects are for women and people who have periods and their want to bring more mindfulness to period poverty as Natalie said: “We thought it would be good to link up with a variety of different feminist societies… and bring more awareness to the issue.”

An up-and-coming business has started up celebrating International Women’s Day with a big giveaway!

We Are Woman is a small independent business that sells all organic and vegan handmade products to support the changes in a female body.

Lauren Edwards, psychology student at Liverpool John Moores University has joined with her mother to create a place in the market for menstrual, pregnancy, menopause products that are handmade with no added harsh chemicals.

We Are Woman are celebrating International Women’s Day with a chance to win a hamper of goodies.

20-year-old student has worked alongside her mum to create a giveaway as a she says: “The competition was posted on our Instagram yester-

Photo by: Period Project Merseyside

Photo © We Are Woman day morning and a winner will be announced next Friday (March 18).

“It will start the business and I want to introduce so many people to organic period products, especially being a student, I feel I have the ability to let other students know that would not necessarily buy these products.”

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auren believes this is a perfect opportunity to start promoting women’s health and well-being as she said: “It is a small business that my mum has set up, it is for people to buy these products that are designed to target areas if our body that suffer during these times.”

The Northern Power Women are the largest event celebrating gender equality in Europe and are another business celebrating International Wome’s Day. The organisation’s CEO, Simone

Photo by: The Northern Power Women

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Photo © The Northern Power Women Roche, is helping #breakthebias this International Women’s Day. They are based in Liverpool but have a community of 85,000 people from around the world.

The Northern Power Women are inviting everyone to join the community.

International Women’s Day has been honoured by many organisations and businesses - not only yesterday but for the rest of the week and beyond.

To enter We Are Woman’s giveaway check out there Instagram post on their page, @wearewoman7.

Photo by: Period Project Merseyside

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Unspoken history of women’s resistance is centre stage

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SASKIA FRYER kickstarts International Women’s Day with an exhibition looking at women in activism in Liverpool

s part of International Women’s Day, Liverpool turns its attention towards ten powerful activists that are helping to bring change to society.

Rachael O’Byrne, Director of Creative Spaces Co. and Natalie Denny, Director of Skywriters both joined forces to feature female activists in a screen display at the Museum of Liverpool.

The idea came to fruition from a conversation about all the incredible things women were doing in Liverpool, with the pair agreeing they wanted to shine a spotlight on the city’s unspoken history.

This gave them the idea to make a statement and celebrate the activists

and tell their stories.

Rachael told MNL: “I’ve known Natalie for a while, and we’ve worked together a few times.

We both really wanted to work together and celebrate the women of Liverpool and tell their stories, I wanted to work with Natalie especially because she’s such a brilliant writer.”

They asked for people across the city to nominate women they want to see celebrated for their work in activism, including trans and non-binary women.

Natalie said: “It wasn’t just about showcasing the activists; it’s about highlighting the unsung heroes in our society.

Without them, everything would fall apart because they bring the community together.

“With it being at the museum,

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Women’s march.

Photo Credit: Michelle Ding/ Unsplash

we’re hoping there can be some information specifically about the activism. I’m not aware of any projects that have focused on women and activism together.”

After announcing their project in late February, Rachael and Natalie had already received 40 nominations of activists in the city.

Rachael said: “Quite often we’re aware of these important people that exist in our city, and we want to present it all as a piece of art that you can look at and take it all in at once.

“It’s a brilliant way for us to showcase women who may only be known locally.

We would really like to see as many people nominate women from Liverpool, there’s a lot of women out there who have been activists.”

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he campaign emphasises the fact that their needs to be recognition for those women who stand up and work to change society yet haven’t had the publicity they deserve.

Many people choose to shy away from activism due to the negative portrayal of activists.

However, this project aims to alter attitudes toward changemakers.

Natalie said: “We want to celebrate people that maybe aren’t that well known in the area or connected to projects that can really help people and make that change.

I’d like to steer away from any usual suspects because people know them already and we’re giving the

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public the place to learn about other people’s projects.”

During this project, they hope this will open the eyes to many issues that are happening in different areas of Liverpool.

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ith topics such as the Black Lives Matter Movement, rising energy price bills and climate change, there has never been a more important time to be vocal on the issues that matter.

Natalie said: “I really want it to be a diverse representation of women, as a black woman myself I often see how black women are erased from this, we’re not just talking about race, we’re talking about disability, ability, and sexuality.

“It’s important to think about a different way we can tell these stories that can capture our history.”

Natalie and Rachael emphasised how the project wants to be inclusive and to help represent different communities and experiences.

The pair hope to showcase the resistance of Liverpool women and inspire a new generation of activists.

Rachael said: “We wanted to tell a story about Liverpool, we know it’s rich in history and we’re really proud of that. It’s going to be really difficult to get it down to just ten women.”

. The image display is being shown from Tuesday March 8, to Sunday March 13 2022 at The Musuem of Liverpool’s atrium from International Women’s Day.

It wasn’t just about showcasing the activists; it’s about highlighting the unsung heroes in our society

Resistance screen display poster. Photo Credit: Creative Spaces Co.

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Treat your mum to an indulgent brunch What better way to express your love than through delicious food?

EMMA DUKES reccomends the best places in Merseyside for a fancy brunch, this Mother’s Day on 27 March.

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LEAF BOLD STREET

The perfect place for a relaxed breakfast or brunch, LEAF bosts an extensive tea menu, poached egg on toast and a range off full English breakfasts.

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THE VIBE

Located in the heart of the city centre, The Vibe is one of Liverpool’s favourite plant-based eateries.

With a range of alternative lattes, delicious pancakes and vegan ‘egg’. it’s a lovely spot for quality time.

NEIGHBOURHOOD

If your mum needs an excuse to get glammed up, this is the place for you. With Instagram worthy interior, a selection of cocktails and an American breakfast, brumch is available 1-3pm Saturday and Sunday.

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CAFE TABAC

Situated on bustling Bold Street, Cafe Tabac is a small but mighty cafe, that has been thriving for nearly 40 years. Rumour has it they have one of the best full English breakfasts in the city.

THE BRUNCH AND COCKTAIL CLUB Located on Duke Street, The Brunch and Cocktail Club is known for its beautiful interior, extensive brunch menu and friendly staff. Offering incredible french toast and pancakes, treat your mum to something sweet.

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HOST OXTON

Based on the Wirral, Host is an independent cafe, that also offers crafts, crystals and dried flowers from local sellers. Their cakes and smoothie bowls change depending on the season but, they’re always a winner.

CAMP AND FURNACE

This one is for the ABBA fans out there, as Camp and Furnace are hosting an ABBA themed brunch on Mother’s Day. Tickets aee £36 each and include brunch, music and bottomless drinks.

COSY CLUB

Based on Paradise Street, Cosy Club is known for its amazing atmosphere and alternative brunch options, such as huevos rancheros and American breakfast.

BRUNCHIN’

Boasting a range of smoothies, pancakes and breakfast burgers, Brunchin’ is a breakfast and brunch bar perfect for a date with mum.

ALL BAR ONE

If a boozey bottomless brunch is more your speed, All Bar One is the place to go, offering bottomless mimosas and prosecco, alongside a range of breakfast and lunch choices.

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Vegan smoothie bowl and oat milk mocha at Host Oxton.

Image by EMMA DUKES.

Avocado and poached egg toast at LEAF. Image by LEAF via Instagram.

‘Notella’ pancakes at The Vibe.

Image by EMMA DUKES. 13

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Photo of James Bulger. Family Handout.

Photo: Ray Simpson

The uniquely tragic story of two-year-old James Bulger still haunts the city of Liverpool. ZOE WHEELER attended the insightful account.

doubt it will all come out again.”

As the details of the brutal killings came to light, the whole world was watching Liverpool. Press from around the world travelled to gather more information.

The police interviews with the two young killers, reveals a story the people of Liverpool know all too well.

Anger grew around the city as it was revealed the children’s identities would not be made public.

Despite calls for their lifetime anonymity to be lifted, this is something Ray strongly disagrees with. He said: “One has kept his nose clean, kept out of trouble. I think if you released who he was you would have to fear for his safety you really would because somebody out there would try and get him, and they would and I think they would kill him even now.”

He added: “It will never go away you can’t upset people from Liverpool they don’t forget easily.”

Ray has a unique look into the case

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Insight into crime that continues to haunt city

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erseyside Police Press Officer Ray Simpson reflects back to his time working the case, 29 years on since James was killed.

February 12, 1993 James Bulger was out shopping with his mother in Bootle Strand Shopping Centre when he was led away by two ten-year-old boys.

This week, Ray Simpson visited Liverpool John Moores University to re-tell his experiences.

Ray recalled travelling into work that morning listening to Pete Price “sobbing into the microphone” on the radio saying, “that baby, that poor little baby.” He said: “I hadn’t got a clue what he was talking about.”

He added: “I then went into the press office, and it was absolute mayhem. The phones were just ringing constantly. You put one down and another call came.”

As far as Ray was concerned it was just another missing child story, until it wasn’t. He said: “All it was a report of a missing child that was it. An officer was sent out to take the report and during that time there were

dozens of such reports received daily for missing children.”

He added: “So it was no big deal as far as we were concerned it was just a normal general missing from home case normally found within a couple of hours.”

An officer was sent out to review the 16 CCTV cameras in the shopping centre. It was then it was revealed James had been taken.

He said: “Then shows him walking away holding the hand of one boy.”

“I think that’s the picture everyone remembers” He added: “I think the thing that made this case unique, was the video.

And the fact of the age of the two boys being ten. That video, every parent could relate to it. And that’s what made it stick that’s what made it the case it is, and I don’t think, well it’s 30 years next year, and I have no

“You can’t upset people from Liverpool - they don’t forget easily”

and often had to deal with troubling and upsetting aspects of the job.

In order to fulfil the family’s wish of a private funeral, Ray had to organise the press and went to great lengths to keep it under control.

He issued passes to the press and recalled media organisations had hired houses opposite the Church where the funeral was held to get the best shots.

He said: “We’d heard as well that they were going to try and fly aircrafts over the funeral, so we had to apply for a no-fly zone over the area itself. Despite that two organisations breached it.”

Around 500 people gathered outside the Church to witness James’ funeral which Ray found especially touching.

He said: ““I think the funeral upset me the most. I never I never actually went to the scene to see the body I saw the photographs, but I didn’t see the body, so I think the funeral was the most upsetting and disturbing for me. It was all the people that got to me.”

Although Ray found the case upsetting, he said it hasn’t altered the way he did his job. He said: “We did make mistakes. We were bound to.

You can’t not make mistakes in a job like this.”

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Student nurse finds working with cancer patients to be rewarding MAIA NODEN interviews a nursing student about her experience of working on oncology wards and finds there is warmth among the heartache

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arch is Ovarian cancer awareness month, where there is plenty of opportunity to fundraise and spread awareness about the disease.

Georgia Musgrave, a student nurse from Chester, said: “If it’s terminal and they have got a prognosis of only a short period of time and they have got children, or they are only quite young or even if people ae a bit older or have got family, it is never a nice thing to be diagnosed with, especially when they don’t know what the future will hold.”

The trainee nurse has been working in various hospitals in Manchester as she completes her final year at the University of Manchester.

Georgia, 21, has found whilst working on her placements that often the disease is caught late.

She explained: “I think because symptoms of ovarian cancer are put down to other things, for example if

you have swelling, you’re bloated, you could put it down to your period, your menstrual cycle, stuff like that.

“It can be put it down to different foods, some people bloat when they have eaten different foods, so I think symptoms can be put off as other things which is why people might not catch it that early as people might just think it is something else so they might just not get it checked out.”

21-year-old student believes there is not enough awareness on the symptoms of Ovarian cancer as there is for other cancers as she says: “If you are having irregular periods, if you are on contraception, you might put it down to that, so I think people from my experience who have had ovarian cancer have caught it late that’s why.

They weren’t aware of the symptoms, they isn’t enough awareness around the symptoms as there is for like breast cancer and stuff like that.

Ovarian cancer is more common with people over the age of 45. The symptoms can be very mild in the

Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Photo by: Maia Noden

The Rutherford, Cancer Centre North West, Photo by: Maia Noden early stages especially, as Georgia said: “For people are age it is quite hard because a lot of the symptoms are vaginal bleeding, abnormal menstrual cycles, but there are so many other things you could put that down to like contraception or if you get pregnant.

Most cancer symptoms in the early stages are symptomless. Some symptoms that have been noted from a more advanced stage are: • Bloating • Tiredness • Abnormal bleeding • Shortness of breath • Weight loss The student nurse added: “A lot of things can change menstrual cycles like stress and cause abnormal bleeding. Swelling and bloating is another one, but obviously that can be said it can be put down to other things.

Weight loss is the main one, but that is a symptom of any cancer, it could be a symptom of breast cancer, it could be a symptom of Leukaemia. I think it is always important to keep an eye on it as a woman, it is so hard.”

Georgia urges people to get checked out, even if it is just a mild symptom to catch it early. She has worked on many placements now and has found that as a nurse she ‘always wants to make people feel better.’

She has found that a lot of the time it is very rewarding. She said: “When patients are having treatment, and

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Georgia Musgrave, student nurse, Photo by: Georgia Musgrave obviously if they react well to it or get the all-clear, it is very rewarding in that sense. A lot of the time it is a positive environment for a lot of patients because they are so grateful, they are getting treatment, some people don’t even have the chance of getting treatment because they don’t catch it early, or the treatment might not even benefit them.”

Georgia will be one of the many NHS staff members as she has got a job as a critical care nurse in a cancer department starting after her graduation.

If you want to make a difference and donate to any Ovarian cancer, visit the links below: https://donate.thebiggive.org.uk/ campaign/a0569000029luyDAAQ https://www.ovacome.org.uk/donate/support-ovacomes-work https://donate.ovarian.org.uk/

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Focal Studios use projection mapping to create their work

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© Focal Studios

Lighting up the city in lockdown remembrance Culture Liverpool have launched a new project called ‘Visible Virals’ to showcase the city’s community togetherness during COVID-19. DANNIELLE JONES reports

Focal Studios have previously illuminated buildings across the city for events such as Chinese New Year © Focal Studios

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DefProc have previously desigend games for other events similar to Visible Virals © DefProc Engineering

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ith the second anniversary of the UK’s first lockdown approaching, Culture Liverpool have launched a new project called ‘Visible Virals’ to showcase the efforts of the city’s local communities and their resilience during the pandemic.

The project puts people in the shoes of Liverpool residents and their experiences during 2020 using a combination of colour, light, and art, all of which were designed and created by three local businesses: Focal Studios, DefProc Engineering and Apt Creative.

From 7pm every day this week, various projections will illuminate some of Liverpool’s most iconic buildings with messages of local people to kick off the project.

Jessica Leigh Windell, co-founder of Focal Studios, spoke to MNL about the project and the importance of telling local stories.

She said: “We are the projection mapping partners on the project and as a team, we collectively discussed the idea and the concept and worked with Culture Liverpool and Public Health England to define the best way to interact with the community and then we were kind of given the role of doing the projection mapping events to showcase Apt Creative’s graphic designs.”

© Culture

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We thought this project was lovely because it was one celebrating the community coming together

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Liverpool

“We also did south and north Liverpool events which included lots of community engagement events where we did projections purely for the south and north because often a lot of culture is quite central in Liverpool, and we wanted to make sure that we got out into the other communities and gave back to the people who have been contributing.”

Focal Studios, which opened in November 2019 and is located in the Baltic Triangle, has previously worked on large events across the city including the Chinese New Year city celebrations for the council in January.

Jessica explained more about the studio’s work and why they got involved in the project adding: “As a company we’re quite passionate about democratising technology and allowing everyone to have access to technology and to experience culture, no matter what format it is in, and we thought this project was lovely because it was one celebrating the community coming together.

“When we went out to do the focus groups and we were chatting to people, it was a really nice celebration of Liverpool as a community and how we all came together in a time of real need and to be able to use our skillset and technology to give back and celebrate these people who are just everyday people we thought was really lovely.”

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© Focal Studios The project will accumulate on the second anniversary of lockdown one with the launch of an interactive game from DefProc Engineering.

The company are based in Liverpool Science Park and were tasked with designing the game and its features, due to be projected on the side of the Museum of Liverpool.

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atrick Fenner, head engineer and co-founder of DefProc, told MNL about the production of the game and their role in the project, saying: “We are responsible for the game as part of the last event on the 23rd of March, which means that we have built the software side of the game itself, the hardware of the controller, so we have a specific non-contact control for people to play with, and also the enclosure that people stand inside to play the game.”

DefProc have worked on similar projects and previously collaborated with Focal Studios for a project called ‘LUX’, held at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church during Liverpool LightNight 2021.

The interactive game is available to play for free from March 23 and anyone in the city can get involved and have a go. but people are encouraged

to go down and queue up as it will only be there for one day.

Patrick explained more about what the game involves and how it works adding: “The game follows the main themes of Visible Virals, where it’s about the community and the coming together that happened as part of the city’s community responses to COVID-19, so as part of the game, you control one of two characters and you move around the game to collect and distribute resources similar to what people were doing during COVID like a kind of ‘pickup and deliver’.

“Also, you’ve got different messages around the game that you can collect and can read about to see how different people in the community responded as part of the wider project to gain an understanding of how other people in lots of different positions were able to respond and help each other over the last two years.”

The game can be played by all age groups and two people play together, with minimum interaction and difficulty required to make it easy for everyone.

For more information about the overall project, visit Culture Liverpool’s website, searching ‘Visible Virals’.

The Illuminations can be seen across the city throughut this week. © Dannielle Jones

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Filmmakers of tomorrow proud to show their stuff LJMU’s MA Short Film Festival returns for its second year. OLI JOHNSON reports

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he Liverpool John Moores University MA Short Film Festival will take place from April 1-8. The festival took place for the first time last year, when there was still strict COVID guidelines.

The festival is entirely run by the MA students at Liverpool John Moores University as part of the Exploring Film Festivals, Distribution and Exhibition module on their course.

They are guided by module leader Dr. Lydia Papadimitriou and festival coordinator Jacqui Griffin, but have control of most of the festival themselves.

Luke Beck, a spokesperson for the festival, spoke to MNL about the event: Why did you set up up the festival last year?

The MA Film course offers a hybrid style of teaching, using learnt theory to inform filmmaking practice. The LJMU MA Short Film Festival offers students the opportunity to use their theoretical knowledge in order to put together a film festival from inception to the event itself.

Students were given the opportunity to participate in various key roles within the festival, including publicity, trailer-making, management of social media, and the organisation of advertisement.

extremely important to organisers, and we are delighted that we received submissions from 22 countries for this year.

In terms of the aim of this year’s festival we intend to continue to offer a selection of high-quality films from film students internationally, in order to give the spotlight to those who may otherwise remain undiscovered.

We are also committed to creating a fulfilling experience for the viewer from start to finish, not only through the high quality of the films but by also giving an opportunity for the audience to vote for their favourite film.

Future plans beyond 2022?

How did it go last year given Covid restrictions?

The global pandemic prevented any kind of in-person event from taking place. However, the festival still took place in an on-demand format that gave the viewer the freedom to choose when and where they watched the content. Last year’s festival also included Q&As with filmmakers and an awards ceremony that ran smoothly despite being online. The same rings true with this year’s festival.

In terms of our future plans, we look forward to being able to host the festival in-person within the city of Liverpool, as it has a deep-rooted history within the film industry. The LJMU

MA Short Film Festival aims to provide a platform for a diverse range of filmmakers to be able to showcase their stories and experiences, and we are committed to expanding on this year upon year.

Did holding last year’s event online actually help?

Last year’s festival being held online presented both positives and negatives. On the one hand, it was easier to organise as there was no need to book venues to be used at a fixed time. However, there is something to be said for the social aspect of an in-person film festival the effect it can have on the enjoyment from a viewer-perspective.

Still from Marcelo

What is the aim and scope of this year’s festival?

This year we have increased our final selection of films for the programme to 40, as opposed to the 30 included last year. This was in part due to the large number of submissions we received this year, over 1,400 from around the world.

Diversity within the festival is

Still from The Pattern

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s the world-renowned Index on Censorship reaches its 50th anniversary, Martin Bright, Editor at Large for the organisation, headed to Liverpool John Moores to talk about strengthening ties with the university’s journalism department.

Index on Censorship aims to promote free expression and give a voice to the persecuted.

LJMU and Index on Censorship have a rich history of collaboration, including the Tim Hetherington Fellowship – an award which allows one student every year to partner with the organisation and spend a year in London gaining paid experience and sharpening their skills.

Lewis Jennings, a graduate from LJMU, was awarded the Fellowship in 2018.

He said: “It’s a brilliant opportunity that really prepares you for the world of journalism. You learn so much during that one year and it really gave me the confidence to go out and pursue a career in Journalism. “ Martin Bright, celebrated journalist and documentary-maker, has recently taken on the role of Editor at Large for Index and spoke to us about the importance of the organisation.

Martin said: “I feel my career has come full circle. I was inspired to become a journalist by the events of 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell.

I came across the work of Index on Censorship at the time and have always been impressed by their work for dissident writers across the world.

I am proud to help continue the tradition.”

Martin, who describes himself as a journalist by inclination, has worked for a number of publications including BBC World Service, Channel 4 and The Guardian before becoming Education Correspondent and Home Affairs Editor for The Observer and finally landing his role at Index as Editor and now Editor at Large.

Martin’s latest role includes writing for the website and magazine, assisting with the editing and working on organisational connections and relationships.

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he writer’s earlier work, which has been recognised by many, led to the production of the film ‘Official Secrets’ which told the story of whistleblower Katharine Gun who tried to prevent the Iraq war.

Played by Matt Smith in the production, Martin said: “It took about eight years from the original call to the production of the film. It was an extraordinary experience I can’t pretend it was anything other than amazing.

“It was risky because when you sign away your life rights on a project like that you don’t have any control over what they’re going to do with it.”

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Veteran journalist’s new role as title celebrates 50 years

HARLEY MULLEN chats with Martin Bright about the 50th anniversary of Index on Censorship and reflect on his career and proudest moments Martin was allowed on set through the production and actually had a cameo in the film.

He continued: “I have to say the director, who was also the writer, and the production company just did a fabulous job. I am very proud of the film; I can’t take any credit for that but it’s just a really good film.

“In terms of my personal legacy I couldn’t ask for any more. It’s just fantastic.

“Matt Smith captured something of the intensity of working in a national newspaper office and the stresses involved and the difficulty of getting a story like that out.”

With such a long-standing career, Martin looked back not only on the film production but other important work he has created: “The story that possibly makes me even more proud is the one I wrote about the mistreatment of my grandmother in hospital.

“This led to a national campaign, Dignity on the Ward, which helped raise awareness of the issue of ageism in the health service.”

Martin also runs his own charity called Creative Society which helps young people from non-traditional backgrounds break into the creative industries.

With the magazine’s 50th anni-

versary issue nearing publication, Martin talked about how the event gave the organisation time to reflect on whether the magazine was doing what it was initially set up to do and how it could move forward.

Speaking about the set up and history of Index, Martin explained that the initial idea was that Index would highlight the plight of dissident writers and also publish their work.

He said: “There was a lot of concentration on eastern Europe and the Soviet Union but pretty quickly this then opened up to writing about people who were being oppressed in South America and the Middle East.

It became a lot more international.

“I came across the magazine as a recent graduate, I travelled across Eastern Europe in 1989 when the Berlin wall came down and that was the beginning of my career as a journalist just reporting as a freelancer from Eastern Europe.”

TOP: Martin and whistleblower Katharine Gun at the Official Secrets premiere.

ABOVE: Martin, Editor-at-Large

“ In terms of my personal legacy I couldn’t ask for any more 19

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Contact us: @: info@merseynewslive.co.uk Follow us: Mersey News Live magazine @MerseyNewsLive

Photo Credit: Beth Lindop