Liverpool Life issue 4 by Steve Harrison

Liverpool

Life

www.jmu-journalism.org.uk

30th - October - 2012

Fright night arrives in city

The news this week

Liverpool City Council has decided that £143m needs to be saved in Liverpool in the next four years, this is to include a huge £11m reduction in public spending. See more page 5

Crowds of people swarmed the streets of Liverpool today in search of Halloween costumes. Smiffy’s fancy dress shop on Bold Street has had customers queuing out of the door since last weekend. Meanwhile down at Curious Orange, Quiggins in Grand Central, this guy (pictured) was doing his job of terrifying visitors.

ROAD RAGE! By Josh Parry

Roadworks that have crippled Smithdown Road in Liverpool are now expected to take an extra four weeks, causing more delays for commuters in what one local business has described as a ‘disaster’. The work, which is a combined effort by Liverpool City Council and Scottish Power, started in late September and although it was originally planned to last just six weeks signs around the area are now saying warning people to expect delays for ten weeks. Businesses in the area are feeling the effects of the trafﬁc problems, with some claiming the roadworks are causing decreased footfall. Sally Ayres, manager of Oxfam furniture on Smithdown Road, has hit out, saying that she was not notiﬁed and that it has had an adverse effect on her charity shop. Mrs Ayres said: “Everyone is

so frustrated with the roadworks, they’re just rushing past our shop and not coming in to browse as usual.” The amount of donations in the store means that Oxfam has to pay for a waste company to take away excess donations once a fortnight, costing the charity shop hundreds of pounds each time. Mrs Ayres explained: “Usually we’d have to pay for waste to be removed no more often than every three or four months. We ﬁll up quite quickly, but because no one is buying we simply have no more room. We have three ﬂoors chock-a-block with furniture, meaning we’re paying out every one or two weeks to have excess donations removed.” Mrs Ayres also believes that, had she been informed in due course, the charity shop could have planned ahead to avoid the problems and saved hundreds of pounds.

Misery for shops as no end in sight for Smithdown disruption

Scottish Power roadworks have been blamed She said: “It has been a massive disaster that could have been avoided if we had some warning, we could have planned ahead and reduced the number of donations we were taking.” When the roadworks ﬁrst began a representative from the council, Damien Richards-Clarke, speaking to JMU Journalism, said: “When they carry out work, the responsibility falls with the util-

ity company that is carrying out the work, in this case, Scottish Power. On the stretch of road, we have contacted every single business in the direct vicinity of where the works are taking place.” However, the recent extension to the original six-week deadline appears to be the subject of perhaps some miscommunication between Scottish Power and The Liverpool City Council, with a coun-

cil spokesperson admitting they knew little of the new timescale. The spokeswoman said: “We’re laising with Scottish power to see if they need an extension to their original deadline and we’ll be providing information as soon as possible. We had one meeting with them yesterday but we’ve come back from it and asked them to be more speciﬁc about what they’re trying to do and what timescale they want to do it in.” The roadworks are causing continious headaches and delays for commuters using public transport. trying to get through Smithdown Road, a main route to the City Centre. Aaron Gregg, a 25-year-old JMU Multimedia Computing student, said: “I was late to my lecture this morning as I had to wait for almost half an hour before a bus ﬁnally stopped with some room for passengers!”

New York City at risk as a deadly hurricane known as ‘Frankenstorm’ hits the east coast of America with devastating consequences. See more page 5

Gay arts festival comes to Liverpool from the 30th of October until the 30th of November. See more page 7

Steven Gerrard has critised Everton’s performance following this weekends Liverpool Derby Clash. See more page 11

Life/News/2

Teenagers set sail for the high seas by Eivind H. Kleiven

A sailboat in bay at the Albert Dock is offering troubled youths the chance to break free from their old ways and set out on the open sea for a fresh start. Prolific has used Liverpool as a port since its team finished the Dublin Tall Ships Race. It is currently preparing for a bigger journey, as it will be setting out towards La Gomera on the coast of Africa on the 4th of November with a crew of young people who are struggling to find their way in the world. Prolific manager, Alf Sevild, said: “This is an alternative for youths that are too restless to sit in

a classroom all day. We want them to gain confidence through hard work, as some of these are doing next to nothing on a daily basis.” Sevild explains that the goal is that the trainees will experience the joy and a sense of community by mastering challenges together, as many of the youths are missing out on this due to a large amount of them having dropped out from school. The ship is originally from Stavanger in Norway and is mainly financed through sponsors from its hometown. Sevild added: “We are lucky to come from such a strong financial city. As project manager I spend most of my time

gathering economical support for the project, as the youths we want to reach out to normally don’t have the financial capacity to finance this themselves.” Captain of the 26-metre long vessel Chris Rose, along with Jim Grave, who is responsible for the financial aspect for British youths, are the British representatives in the project. “Unfortunately we are obliged to spend the funds we gather in Norway on local youths, so we are urging businesses in Liverpool to participate and give some of Merseyside’s troubled youth a chance be a part of this,” added Alf. “The ship functions as a small community where the

learning environment is based on conﬁdence, warmth and care from the regular crew and other trainees. We have managed to sneak in bits of school in the daily life of the ship, such as geography,

math and science which are all important factors when you are travelling out on the sea.” No previous sailing experience is required and there are instructors for trainees to learn new skills.

An aspiring fashion designer from Merseyside is taking place in this year’s young apprentice with Alan Sugar. Patrick McDowell from Greasby is one of 12 candidates for the show, which returns to screens this Thursday. Candidates will be competing for the £25,000 prize over an eight week period. The 16-year-old fashion entrepreneur said: “It’s incredible to have this chance to do what I love most. I love working with textiles to create unusual and stunning effects. It would be fantastic to use my skills one day to have a career in the fashion industry.” Patrick is currently studying his AS levels at St Mary’s Catholic College in Wallasey. He has already made signiﬁcant

achievements in the fashion world, earning the title of the youngest ever Textile designer of the year award at the age of 13 His portrait of the Vogue editor was showcased at the Royal Society of British Artists’ National Students’ Exhibition in the Mall Galleries in London. The fashion and textiles student creates his own designs using existing clothing and transforming it. However, Patrick is not the ﬁrst candidate on the young apprentice to specialise in the fashion sector. Clementine Kirby, part of the Taylor-Herring press team associated with the show, said: “There was a girl called Demi from last year whose main focus was fashion but she wasn’t wearing her own clothes on the show. Patrick is wearing his own creations.”

Liverpool

Life Team

Editor David Williamson News Editor Alice Kirkland News Joe Lanigan Smith Michaela Shaw Sara Ainsworth Lauren Kelly Vanessa Gainford Features editor Hayley Minn

Features Tara Lamb Hannah Ashraf Sport editor Ian Bolland Sports Arild Skjæveland Rory O’Reilly Picture editor Eoghain Mc Kane Ryan McCann

by Sam McDonnell

Bereaved families are waiting to ﬁnd out whether the graves of their loved ones will be built over for a church extension despite a furious protest campaign. All Saints Church in Childwall proposes to build an £800,000 rotunda extension into the churchyard, meaning that as many as 87 graves, some only a few years old, will make the foundations of the new building. It is believed that it is only when construction work begins that it will be known whether bodies need to be exhumed and moved, along with the headstones. Objectors cite that the proposed extension is unsuitable for the Grade I listed church, which is in a Conservation Area and is also the only medieval church in the Liverpool region, having been founded in the 14th Century. Although the plans were initially rejected by Liverpool City Council in 2011, the church successfully appealed the decision to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol in May. The outcome now lies in the hands of the Consistory Court of the Diocese of Liverpool, who may or may not grant a faculty [consent] to the church in Childwall Abbey Road to allow construction. Protests about the plans were featured in Private Eye magazine, while dozens of letters of objection have been sent to local newspapers. A ‘Save Childwall Church’ campaign website and Facebook group have been set up to garner support to block the rotunda from being built.

Proliﬁc in Dublin ©William Murphy/Creative Commons/Flickr

Christine Walpole’s motherin-law was buried in All Saints Church (pictured below) grounds as recently as four years ago and hers is one of the graves affected by the plans. Mrs Walpole said, “When my husband arranged his mother’s funeral in 2008 and the plans were in place, the church withheld the information that the headstone would be removed and the grave built over – to house toilets amongst other things.” She added: “They maintain that they tried to contact affected families, but could hardly have had a better opportunity than when they were approached about a forthcoming funeral.

“We found out about the proposals when a cousin sent us an article from a local newspaper.” Mrs Walpole claims that when they approached Reverend Gary Renison of All Saints Church about the matter he told them: “This is my land.” Mrs Walpole, now of Llandudno, North Wales, also described how church ofﬁcials have said to her family that to be buried under a church building “has always been an honour”. She said: “They are actually equating a grave inside the church with graves outside having their headstones removed and toilets built on top of it.

“They’re telling us that we should regard that as an honour.” The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings also opposes the plans and released a file against the church’s appeal of the council’s planning refusal. SPAB Churches Officer, Catherine Cullis, concludes in the document: “The Society supports the decision by Council members not to grant planning permission for the proposed extension on the grounds that its scale and massing would impact detrimentally on the character of the historic church and its churchyard setting.” Both the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the ‘Save Childwall Church’ website believe there may be other ways for the church to achieve their aims. The SPAB said: “The Society would willingly contribute to further discussions in the belief that a solution which would not damage the character and quality of the church and its setting can be achieved and which would meet the needs of the church.” All Saints’ Reverend Gary Renison is currently on sabbatical. Church administrator Ruth Scott told JMU Journalism: “We are well aware of the objectors and their points of view but as we have now made our faculty request/petition the entire business of approval or otherwise is now the subject of due process. “As this process must now run its course, any formal comments need to be addressed to the Diocesan Registrar.” The date of the decision is yet to be confirmed

Designs on City benches by Jamie Allen Two former LJMU graduates have had their designs for a social space commissioned by the City of London. Chris Dove and Craig Mitchell, both graduates of the School of Architecture, beat off tough competition to have their designs

Liverpool launch 4G mobile service Liverpool is one of 11 UK cities to launch the fourth generation (4G) service. The city will have access to Everything Everywhere’s (EE) 4G network as of this morning. The EE network owns Orange and T-Mobile and has promised speeds of between 8 to 12Mbps, ﬁve times faster speed than third generation mobile technology, 3G. Other networks won’t have access to the 4G service until next year.

McCartney sets record straight

Teen fashion Families’ distress as student faces church plans extension Lord Sugar over grave stones by Sophie Marsden

News in Brief

come to life in Cheapside near St Paul’s Cathedral. Both students had to come up with designs for a public bench which had to be made from a single block of quarried Portland stone. The idea behind their design, a series of blocks getting progressively taller, was to represent the ways London

continues to grow after overcoming disasters such as the Great Fire and World War blitz. Chris and Craig both hope this success continues in their careers as they ﬁnish off their ﬁnal three years of study at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, Glasgow and Kingston University London. respectively.

Sir Paul McCartney has declared that Yoko Ono was not responsible for splitting up the Beatles. In an interview with veteran broadcaster Sir David Frost, due to be aired next month on Al-Jazeera, Sir Paul set the record straight and said: “She certainly didn’t break the group up. I don’t think you can blame her for anything.” Sir Paul McCartney’s statements contradict some long-held views from Beatles fans who have blamed John Lennon’s widow for the band’s troubles.

James Bond gets Skyfall makeover Actor, Daniel Craig’s waxwork has had a revamp at Madame Tussauds in London following the release of the latest James Bond film, Skyfall. The wax figure of the Wirral actor (pictured) appears alongside fellow actress Dame Judi Dench in the 007 themed set. The film took in over £20 million on the opening weekend at the box office, making it one of the biggest UK openings of all time.

©suanie/CreativeCommons/Flickr

City to welcome overseas students Liverpool has been chosen by more than 800 hopeful international university students who wish to study in the city. Economic regeneration agency, Liverpool Vision, are welcoming the overseas students who are choosing to enrol at all four universities in the city. The event will be held at St. Georges Hall today at 4:30pm where students will be treated to a community reception and encouraged to take part in an It’s Liverpool Instagram Competition.

Mines discovered in man’s garage Phillip Yates, 29, will appear at Birkenhead Magistrates’ Court charged with theft after anti-tank mines were found in his garage on Church Street. Two other men, who were also arrested in connection with the incident, have been bailed pending further police inquiries. The three Ministry of Defence owned mines were stolen from a train last week and found in the Birkenhead garage.

Life/News/3

On the ball advice for young players

By Jamie Allen

Former LJMU student, Clare Embleton, has launched a new scheme to give young footballers career advice after being released by their clubs. Claire set up her business in August and believes it is providing important information. She said: “For most young footballers they have never ever considered a life after football, therefore when they are faced with rejection or injury their world starts to crumble.” Claire believes that she can give much more than career advice in order to stop them choosing the wrong path. She said: “Statistics show that many young footballers turn to crime in order to try and deal with their new situation, this is why it so important to prepare them progressively with a backup plan.” The new organisation has many links with football clubs, such as Liverpool FC, Everton FC and Burnley FC, but Claire stresses that more work is still needed.

“There are still many clubs throughout the country that are not willing to address the importance of this issue and continue to spit young players out without trying to help them prepare for a future after football.” So far the scheme has helped around 50 footballers and is aiming to branch out from the North West of England. “The business is still very much in its infancy but I would be willing to work with football clubs in other parts of the UK.” Synchronise Careers does not just focus on football, it is open to anyone that feels they need some career advice. She said: “I am a fully qualified careers advisor therefore I work with a variety of people including schools, colleges and other organisations.” Recently Claire has joined forces with ON S.I.D.E, a training company set up by Ex-Footballers to help young people stay away from crime and focus on preparing for a new career.

Spooktacular fun

Urban expert investment call

The director of the LJMU European Institute for Urban Affairs has called on the Government to invest more in the UK’s second tier cities in order to boost the UK’s economic performance. In a report published this week, Professor Michael Parkinson suggests directing investment to larger cities outside London the UK would be able to develop more successful cities and a stronger national economy. The report identifies 13 second-tier cities in the UK, on the basis of their significance in terms of national economic performance. The list includes the northern cities Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds-Bradford. Professor Parkinson argues that increasing competition for resources could endanger further

the limiting growth of second tier cities, widening the economic and social gaps between them and their capital cities. He said “Increasing investment in second tier cities will help that rebalancing without undermining the special position of London. But we should increase the national economic pie and encourage second tier cities rather than kill the golden goose of the capital.” The report suggests that with a less concentrated area of investment and more widespread investment into second tier cities are more helpful for their national economies. The report was launched in London on 24th October at the Department of Communities and Local Government.

LJMU academics voice concern Nine leading academics in the North West have protested that the Coalition’s regional pay proposals for public sector workers could cause huge economic damage and widen the North South divide. Two of the nine academics, who

have written to The Time newspaper to protest, are from LJMU. They are, Michael Parkinson, Professor and Director of the European Institute for Urban Affairs and Hillary Russell, Emeritus Professor, European Institute for Urban Affairs.

Children’s charity Team Oasis hosted a spooktacular Halloween party at Sefton Park Cricket Club to raise money to build a new centre.

Dances were performed by the little vampires, cats and ghostly horrors and games such as apple bobbing and a rafﬂe were carried out. The party comes at a busy

time for Team Oasis, led by Paul Nilson, who are currently looking for a site in South Liverpool to build a new centre of excellence for its children.

History-making Abbott speaks to students at LJMU The first black woman ever elected to parliament Diane Abbott joined LJMU’s celebration of Black History Month. Diane came to mark Black History Month and to discuss the question: ‘Using the past as a platform for the future: Do British universities cater for black and other minority communities?’ Ms Diane Abbott said: “I hope it will mark Black History Month, I think Black History Month is very important to remind us we live in a diverse society and that we should honour it, and I hope it will make people think a little bit.” The lecture was on the university system as a whole, there were things to say about the Russell Group universities, but the lecture was to take the system as a whole and put it into some sort of historical context and see where progress could be made. Ms Abbot said: “I think it’s a question of building a university system which allows all young people whatever their colour, class or their background, to actually move through the higher education system and achieve their full potential. That’s what individuals want and need.” Ms Abbott is an advocate of

raising the standards of education among Black communities; she was behind the initiative London Schools and the Black Child initiative aimed at dealing with the problem of educational underachievement in Black communities. Diane also stood for Labour party leader, and currently holds the position Shadow Public Health Minister. A report titled ‘Race into Higher Education’ based on analysis of figures from both the Office of National Statistics’ Labour Force Survey and the Higher Education Statistics Agency’s, suggests that the

males has increased fractionally since 1995. This could be because of the introduction of, and rise of, tuition fees. Diane Abbott said: “I have always been opposed to tuition fees. I voted against them under the Labour government, and obviously I voted against pushing them up under this coalition government. I think if you’re in a family where no one has been to university before, getting into debt to go to university is quite off putting.” Also in the report ‘Race into Higher Education’, it states that 56.3% of students with a BAME background were able to gain employment after graduating compared to the 66% of white students. What you see now is a generation with the qualifications but are still not getting jobs. There’s no question there’s an element of discrimination. “ Days that celebrate Black History Month like the event at LJMU are a step in the right direction. Diane said: “I think Black History Month plays a really important role, not just to black students but for entire communities, what black history reminds us of is the contribution black people have made to society in a range of different areas ”

Soldier rows for 24-hour charity event

By Jamie Allen A local soldier has organised a very unique fundraising event this weekend where he will row an exercise machine non-stop for 24 hours. Drew Knowles, 26, from Formby and two friends will be attempting the extremely intense 24-hour rowing challenge in the city centre on Saturday to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Dogs for the Disabled. He said: “These charities are personal to us. My sister Natalie is severely disabled and is desperate for a helping dog. “We hope we can raise over £3,500 for these two charities.” He said: “I have spoken with the Guinness World Records with a view of setting a world record. This currently stands at 16.8 km per hour for 24 hours, set by a German team of 12 rowers. We aim to smash this!” Knowles, along with fellow serving soldier, Isaac Longdon, have been affected by cancer and are hoping to raise as much money as they can. Initially, they were fundraising separately but then decided to do something together. The three men have been training for weeks to make sure they are capable of completing this challenge which will begin at 9am on Saturday 3rd November. They will start their row in the main high street moving to Concert Square where they will finish at 9am on Sunday.

Judge to oversee inquests By Joel Richards

A High Court judge is set to preside over new inquests for the 96 who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster. Attorney General Dominic Grieve said he expected a Yorkshire coroner to ask a high court judge to oversee the re-run of the inquests that originally returned an ‘accidental death’ verdict. In a letter to Birkenhead MP Frank Field he also all but confirmed that the families would not have to pay their own legal costs. He stated that while he cannot ensure that the fresh inquests are held in Liverpool, he is very aware of the feelings of families affected by Hillsborough. Once the matter is back at Sheffield it could then be transferred to another venue. Mr Field wrote to the Attorney General last week pressing the case for families. He said: “The Attorney General, while maintaining the independence of his position, is clearly going to do his best to put centre stage the needs and wishes of the families who lost loved ones at Hillsborough”. Margaret Aspinall, chair of Hillsborough Family Support Group, said it was vital families did not have to pay their costs. “The costs should be covered by the government, the families have already paid. Let’s hope the high court judge that oversees the inquests, takes into consideration the feelings of the families.

Life/News/4

Grants awarded to health foundation by Sam McDonnell

A Liverpool-based mental health organisation has praised the City Council after almost 30 arts grants were handed out to grassroots charities. The ADHD Foundation was among the 27 recipients of council funds, costing the local authority over £120,000. With the council’s budget having been reduced by around a third by the Government’s authority measures, the ADHD Foundation congratulated councillors for finding room in the remaining finance for organisations such as theirs. ADHD Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tony Lloyd, said: “Liverpool City Council values the necessity for child mental health awareness. Not many councils do because it’s not a statutory requirement. “I have to say hats-off to them really, and not just because we were one of the ones that were successful in getting this grant. They give support to grassroots charities and they’ve responded to the needs of local communities, and particularly to groups who don’t often get a voice.” Dr Lloyd continued: “Combining that opportunity with an arts-based agenda gives us the opportunity to reach an audience that we might never have reached. Truthfully, all credit to them.”

Begging child scam by Sophie Marsden

Members of the public have reacted after children as young as three were sent out begging on Mathew Street late at night. The young children have been wearing Halloween masks and disguising the begging as ‘trick or treating’. The children have been alone with no adults in sight. Parents have allegedly been dropping their children off in their cars and waiting for them to return with cash from drinkers. CCTV will be used to help police identify any of the children or adults involved, and to help with the enquiry in general. Pubs can risk losing their license for allowing the children into their premises. Children entering pubs for money is classed as anti-social behaviour. Social services have also been put on alert. Jasmine Mallon, a 22 year old student from Liverpool who witnessed an incident herself, said: “Basically we went to the pub, we had a couple of drinks, and there were these people outside. They kept sending these kids in with masks on and stuff and they were only young. The people that work there were shooing them out because they were coming round asking for money.” She added: “They sent this one boy in, he was the last one to come in, and he was about four. He looked so sad. They push them through the door and then walk off round the corner and leave them. Then the staff are coming over and pushing them out and then they’re standing outside on their own.” Steve Roland, 54 occasionally drinks around Mathew Street and told JMU Journalism: “I see it every year.”

The monies are issued from Liverpool City Council’s “Culture and Wellbeing Grassroots Grants Programme,” and each recipient applied with a creative idea at its source to help spread the work that they do into local consciousness. The ADHD Foundation plans to visit schools and youth clubs across the city, firstly to make T-Shirts with young people affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This will then be followed up with a “flash mob” in the city centre, with an expected 200 children appearing at a designated site to perform a choreographed dance routine. Dr Lloyds said: “Effectively it’s a large public arts performance. It’ll be dancing, which is a great form of exercise and it’s good for psychological health. It’s a really positive way to get everybody to take notice. “As a young people’s mental health charity we’re able to create a powerful message using the arts as a way of engaging young people to understand the importance of child mental health. As a concept it really works.” Dr Lloyd was keen to impress that the stigma attached to ADHD sufferers is entirely inaccurate. The Foundation CEO said: “A lot of people think it’s “naughty child syndrome,” but it’s a neuro-biological condition that has significant risk factors as far as

A child with ADHD recieves therapy from a support worker long term mental health. “There are lots of children and young people who are incredibly talented who have ADHD, and like many people with the condition they can go on to achieve their potential and enjoy good health with the right support.” Dr Lloyd added: “Without that support there are a lot of children who fall through the net and end up getting into trouble at school. Any child suffering from this anx-

iety is going to act out what they can’t articulate. A great deal of children suffering from ADHD experience this anxiety because they have difﬁculty concentrating, difﬁculty sitting still.” He concluded: “All children have the right to emotional wellbeing.” Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Cllr Wendy Sim: “It’s so important we continue to fund

grassroots organisations which have such a diverse and creative approach to bringing culture to the heart of local communities across the city. “We had a fantastic when we announced the grants back in August, with more than 100 organisations expressing an interest in securing funding for their project. It goes to show there’s a real appetite to use art to explore difﬁcult and challenging topics.”

‘Street doctor’ scheme to go nationwide following pilot

by Emma Callum

A project created in Merseyside which can save the lives of young people if they are stabbed is being rolled out nationwide. The scheme aims to teach young people involved in knife crime the necessary ﬁrst aid and pre-hospital trauma management needed so that can they help their friends at the scene of knife crimes while waiting for paramedics. Dr Nick Rhead and Dr Simon Jackson set up the Street Doctors scheme in 2008 after working with young offenders whilst volunteering and went to Liverpool Young Offenders Service to teach CPR. All of the 11 youths they were teaching admitted to seeing someone get stabbed, with three also saying they had witnessed someone being shot. Dr Rhead and Dr Jackson now teach 11-17 year olds life-saving knowledge in workshops across the city during their spare time. Last weekend more than 80 medical students from across the country descended upon Aintree University Hospital for the second Street Doctors conference, to learn more about the pioneering project aimed at young people. The course aims to use medical students and student doctors to make sure that those teaching the courses are close in age to those learning. Speaking to JMU Journalism, Dr Nick Rhead said: “We are the only people doing something like this as far as we can tell. No matter how much training medical professionals get they’ll never be the ones at the scene of a crime unlike these young kids. These are the ones that can provide life saving treatments.” Since its creation, Street Doctors has helped more than 1,500

Graduate sucess for shoe duo by Sophie Marsden

Two former LJMU graduates have set up an online fashion marketplace, working with local businesses to provide a new kind of online shopping experience. Julie Jones and Kate Morris set up the ‘Fashion finds’ website, which originally started as a street style page, and recently developed into a marketplace in June this year. The website is Liverpool based, but also works with shops from all over the Northwest. The website attracts ten to fifteen thousand visitors a month, and showcases clothing from forty boutiques and shops, with over six-hundred products. Fashion Finds were also winners of the Juice FM style awards in 2010. The two Liverpool born women met at the university and both graduated with a Psychology degree at Liverpool John Moore’s. They are keen to use their LJMU connection to work with fashion students at the university. Julie Jones told Liverpool Life: “There seemed to be a lot of girls wearing a lot of items of clothing that weren’t available on the high street. Some of the designers we had never heard of, so we decided to just bring all of the smaller labels to one place and make them more accessible. “We have worked with students from John Moores in the past. We can offer fashion students from John Moores who are looking to get into the market a fifty percent subsidiary. It would only cost them fifty pounds a year and we can set the boutique up for them. It’s a good opportunity for students looking to get into dressmaking.” “I did the enterprise business start-up course that John Moores put in place. I completed that after my degree. It gave me some really useful advice; it was a good starting point.” The two entrepreneurs hope to bring together all the local designers in Liverpool, and expand the business in the near future.”

Scooter return by Sam McDonnell

Street doctors: are now sharing knowledge that could save lives further beyond Liverpool help change the next.” praised Nick and Simon for young people and contribute Projects like the Street Doctors their achievements so far. Much towards saving the lives of at initiative and Rob Jackson’s presof the scheme so far has been least three people. entations appear to be having a praised by central government The project now also has positive effect on what is coming and many people belive it could branches in Manchester, Nottingthrough the doors of A&E in pave the future in youth rehabilham, East and West London and Liverpool, with figures showing itation. Sheffield to allow others involved a 28% reduction of penetrating He said: “Many of the youngin crime learn the life-saving trauma. sters we see come from very techniques. Dr Rhead is hoping that in the difficult backgrounds, so it is Rob Jackson, an A&E clinician future the Street Doctors initiative great for them to see what can be at Liverpool Royal University can be taken worldwide to help achieved if you focus your energy Hospital, is involved in a similar other areas affected by violent on making a positive difference scheme, which aims to teach crime. to your local community, it could youths become more aware of the He said: “Ideally we want to be the difference between life and serious medial implications of teach it in every major city in the death and anything we can do to knife crime. UK, or in places like Brighton help can only benefit the people Giving presentations across the where they don’t have as much of this city.” UK, including school children of a problem we’d like to start So far the project has only been as well as those who have been modules like sexual health and given funding from the Big Lotexcluded, Mr Jackson shows drugs. We don’t see why we can’t tery Fund and NHS North West gruesome pictures of injuries go as far as the United States or Innovation Fund but there are he has seen come into A&E all South Africa.” plans to register it as a charity to through knife crime. The scheme has managed to allow fundraising and donations Speaking to JMU Journalism, help save the lives of three people to support it. Mr Jackson said: “There can’t be so far, with one young person Liverpool Wavertree MP Lucienough of these sorts of projects. who had participated in only one ana Berger said on her website: If Liverpool is driving it then it session saving the life of someone “It is great to see a voluntary is brilliant that other people are stabbed in the park. organisation like this making getting involved. Steve Boote, restorative justice such a positive impact on the “The reality is that we probably coordinator for the Liverpool local community as well as the can‘t change this generation, but Young Offenders service, has fact that the project has now gone speaking to younger people can

A Second World War veteran has thanked a generous couple who replaced his stolen mobility scooter for free. Joe Baxter, from Wallasey, had his £1,600 scooter stolen which was parked just outside his home. Mr Baxter, who struggles to walk without assistance, relied solely on the scooter to get himself around. Michelle Evans and John Bird who own the “Bell Mobility” shop in Wallasey were so outraged when they heard of the theft that they decided to donate a scooter from their own stock to help Mr Baxter. The great-grandfather, who has undergone five heart bypasses and is recovering from cancer of the larynx, told the Wirral Globe: “I didn’t know these types of people existed – so kind-hearted. “I can’t thank Michelle and John enough for their generosity

New York prepares for storm

Life/News/5

By Sam McDonnell Liverpool’s namesake city in the USA is bracing itself for the impact of Hurricane Sandy. Located in central New York State, Liverpool, NY, is preparing for the worst after the devastating repercussions of the hurricane’s power have already claimed 16 lives on the east coast of the US. Power is out in much of New York City, with crippling transport conditions meaning that many people are effectively house-bound. The storm is estimated to have caused somewhere between $10bn and $20bn worth of damage, along with the US stock market having been closed for two consecutive days due to weather conditions for the first time since 1888. Reports from Liverpool, NY, suggest that local emergency services are short-handed in the city after many fire fighters, police and emergency medical teams have been called into harder hit areas of the state. Georgia Weisz, 21 said: “The hurricane has been awful, the subways have shut down so I can’t work. I am in brooklyn, not manhattan. It is so surreal that this is happening. But ny has dealt with it so well, and hopefully things will be up and running soon, it is going to cost millions of dollars.”

By Jessica Etherington

New Yorkers stock up, top right, and buildings are prepared for the storm, below, © Dave Candler

Budget cuts plan reaches ﬁrst stage By Sam McDonnell

The Liverpool City Council Cabinet has approved proposals on where to cut public spending in the first of three tranches of budget options. The Council estimates that around £143m needs to be saved over the next four years, and Mayor Joe Anderson has split the discussions into three sections to allow enough time for substantial discussion between councillors, council officers and the general public. The £143m savings have come out of a budget of £480m over the four year period. This is added to the £141m that the Council has already had to cut over the last two years. The proposals, focussing on “regeneration services savings”, amount to around £11m worth of cuts in public spending. Major cuts are suggested in Highways Public Liability Claims, where it is thought that about half a million pounds per annum could be saved by better inspection of roads. A similar saving could be made by reducing the use of technical advisors in the Schools Recovery Programme according to the white paper. The news of the cabinet approval comes as the Government’s spending watchdog has praised Liverpool City Council’s use of public money in its annual audit. The report confirms that the authority has made proper arrangements to secure “economy, efficiency and effectiveness”. Deputy Mayor and Cabinet

Betting on a bike ride

Staff from betting shop Ladbrokes have completed a 30 mile bike ride across Merseyside, helping to raise money for breast cancer UK. The contributors began the bike ride in Neston and ﬁnished in New Ferry, stopping off at stores along the way. The 21 Merseyside shops who took part raised just over £1600, adding to the total of £4000 from other Ladbrokes stores across the country. Rachael Fay, from New Brighton, who works in the New Ferry store, said: “I think it’s important to raise money as it will save more lives. It was a lady in one of our shops who had breast cancer and told me her story that really inspired me to raise so much money. I was in tears when she told me.” Rachael also had custard thrown at her in her work place in order to raise even more money for the cause. The shop also sold cakes and biscuits, staff wore pink to work, they had a kissing booth and a chocolate fountain to encourage further donations. Jon Gresty, from Wallasey, is a Customer Service Manager at Ladbrokes in Liverpool. He said about the gruelling bike ride: “I like to think of myself as athletic and sporty but 30 miles on a bike I’d only ridden twice before it was deﬁnitely worth it though.”

Hot coals feat for mayor By Daniel Farrel

BUDGET TALKS: Inside Liverpool City Council Member for Finance, Cllr Paul Brant, said: “It is reassuring to be told by the Audit Commission that we are making spending decisions in a way which delivers value for money and is aligned to our priorities.” Cllr Brant continued: “However no community or household is likely to remain unaffected in the following years. There are further tough decisions ahead,

but we have pledged to make the cuts as fairly as we possibly can and shield services for the most vulnerable from the worst of the spending reductions.” Mayor Joe Anderson called the cuts an immense challenge and said: “We will consider very carefully all the options ofﬁcers propose. Our guiding principle will be to try and protect services we provide to vulnerable people, as

much as we can, a Mayor Anderson said: “We need to plan properly for the future with the limited resource we know we will have available. That means ﬁnding new ways of delivering and managing the services we provide. “I have tasked the Chief Executive, Directors and leaders of the opposition parties, to work together with me, to develop bold and fresh ideas about how we reshape

the council to deliver quality we can afford, as well as my Mayoral priorities over the next four years.” Mayor Anderson continued: “We cannot continue to simply cut services. We need to ﬁnd a way to continue providing services in a radically different way.” The cabinet-approved saving options will now be presented to a Full Council on 7th November.

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor will prove how quick footed she is this week , as she takes on the daredevil stunt of fire walking. Councillor Sharon Sullivan will be one of a number of daredevils that will take part in maybe one of the shortest charity walks, but probably one of the most dangerous. Participants will walk barefooted on coals with temperatures over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday evening, 31st October, at Liverpool Cricket Club, Aigburth. Everyone taking part will have a professional training session beforehand, as well as an expert on hand whilst they take the walk. Councillor Sullivan said: “I am not sure if I am more excited or nervous about taking on this challenge but I do know that I will definitely be putting my feet up for a while after this event!” All proceeds will be split between Little Heroes Cancer Trust and the Lord Mayors Charities, Dockworkers, Merchant Navy, Sea Cadets and Carers. He said: “I would urge as many people as possible to take five minutes to log on and make a donation, no matter how small to these worthy causes.” Participants will have to pay £10 and are expected to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. To make a donation visit; uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LordMayorSharonSullivan or to take part visit www.liverpoolfirewalk.eventbrite.com.

Life/Focus/6

Simon lives a dog’s life

Wirral man spends week in a kennel to raise RSPCA funds

by Jess Etherington

A Wirral man will be spending a week in dog kennels in order to raise money for the RSPCA Animal Centre in Wallasey. Simon Weston works as an Animal Care Assistant at the centre on Cross Lane and came up with the idea to sleep in a kennel alongside the dogs, with no luxuries. With the centre costing around £30,000 a month to run, and with less than half a year’s funding left, Simon knew he had to do something drastic to raise as much money as possible. This branch of the RSPCA is independent, so receives no funding from the government, relying purely on donations. A lot of the money is needed for heating, electricity, vets fees, medications, operations, neutering, and micro chipping. He said: “Roughly every dog we have costs £8 a day, it’s quite a lot of money. Obviously with the money that it costs for us to re-home an animal, we never make any proﬁt. We are always at a massive loss.” Simon, from Bromborough, admits he loves absolutely everything

about the dogs and their fantastic personalities. He is hoping that animal lovers will come along to see him in kennels with the dogs and show support. He said: “People keep saying; what am I going to have in the kennel? Well, I’m having nothing in the kennel, it’s stripped down. I did this about eight years ago for 24 hours but I had a quilt and portable telly and stuff but this time it’s just getting what the dogs get, a couple of blankets on the ﬂoor.” Mr. Weston doesn’t know who he

“A whole week in there I’m going to be absolutely minging!” will be sharing with as it depends which dogs are living at the centre on the 25th November, when he starts his week- long fundraising mission. However he knows it will be a Staffordshire bull terrier, as the kennels often see a lot of the breed needing re-homing. He said: “It’s like that witth Stafﬁes everywhere at the moment.

They are fantastic dogs they really are unfortunately the publicity they get isn’t great. “I want to raise money but I will be sharing the kennel with Staffies, just to show; look these dogs are fine to live with, we have never had any problems with the Staffies. Public perception goes through stages, you go back in the 80s early 90s it was Rottweilers, now it’s the Staffies turn, hopefully people will realise they are really nice dogs and give them a chance.” Simon, who has been working at the Wallasey RSPCA for 11 years, will be spending 24 hours a day, for seven days in the kennel, only being let out in the morning for ten minutes to have a quick wash, brush his teeth and go to the toilet. He will also be let out later in the day for about half an hour to walk the dogs he is in the kennel with. He said: “ A whole week in there. I’m going to be absolutely minging!”. Despite his family thinking that he is “mental” for doing this, they understand why, but have concerns for his health believing he may go

Simon Weston will be spending a week in a dog kennel to raise money for his Animal Centre stir-crazy in the kennel because he is going to be so bored with conditions in the kennels being worse than in prison. “The dogs bark continuously so I’m not really going to get any sleep, it’s really cold as well. The more money people donate, I’ll be kept up-

dated and that will keep me going.” Despite this, Simon is looking forward to sharing a kennel with his beloved dogs and can’t wait to see what they get up to at nighttime. He will be coming out of his kennel at the Christmas fair on Sunday 2nd December and wants as many

people there as possible to show support, even if they are just pointing and laughing! You can donate to the Animal Centre through their website http://rspcawirral.piczo. com

Facebook campaign on pet jabs by Josh Parry

Ann Ridyard’s ﬂyer on dog vaccination has been viewed almost 2,000 times on Facebook

A Facebook campaign started by a Wirral dog groomer warning pet owners against the dangers of annually vaccinating their pets has shocked thousands of animal lovers online, leaving many questioning their vet’s advice. The campaign, which was started by Ann Ridyard, dog grooming studio owner of over 20 years, was originally a simple flyer distributed from her small grooming studio in Wallasey, Merseyside. The flyer encourages pet owners to move away from annually vaccinating their pet, without first researching the topic. When the flyer was uploaded to Ann’s Facebook page, she was shocked to find that it went viral after being forwarded by nearly 2,000 pet owners in less than a week. “At first I was freaked out about how many people shared it, I didn’t expect it to go round so quickly, especially when it reached Spain and Holland,” she said. Ann believes that annual vaccines could be responsible for a number of common ailments in our four-legged friends. “We started distributing the flyer because so many of our customers ask us about the topic. We see what could be reactions all the time; for example dogs with persistent ear infections, or dogs with immune disorders. I saw too much of it for it to just be purely coincidence,” she said. The campaign has been backed

by Canine Health Concern, a non-proﬁt organisation set up in 1994 in order to promote natural methods of caring for pets. Founder of CHC, Catherine O’Driscoll, was inspired to set up the organisation after losing three of her Golden Retrievers because of what she believes to be vaccine damage. “I started CHC almost 20 years ago after three of my dogs died from vaccine-associated conditions. At the time I thought I must be the worst dog owner in the world, but I started to research why they had died and it kept coming back to the fact that we are over vaccinating our dogs,” she said. Despite the organisation’s hard work, some owners have struggled to go against their vet’s advice. Catherine was pleased that the message is now reaching thousands: “Ann seems to have found a way to say it that had meaning for people. I think it’s because it was simple, straightforward and to the point. It was also very hard-hitting,”. Ann is concerned that some vets are giving outdated advice and instead are annually vaccinating our pets, and has urged pet owners to research the dangers beforehand. “[The ﬂyer] is not putting down vets, it’s asking owners to question why one vet is saying you should vaccinate tri-annually, and the one down the road from him is telling you to vaccinate annually. I just wanted people to question what

is happening rather than just accepting blindly what they've been told,” she warned. Head vet at Liverpool University Small Animal Practice, Katherine Linney agreed that a growing number of people are expressing concerns about vaccinations: “I can completely understand clients’ concerns with over-vaccination which is why we at our practice do not give the core vaccines every year and only give every three years. However, I cannot describe how distressing it is to see puppies and previously healthy young dogs die or have to be put to sleep due to conditions such as parvo virus. “I have to be true to myself and animal welfare, I could not perform something day in day out that I did not truly believe was in the absolute benefit of the animal,” she added. The campaign has sparked controversy amongst Facebook users, with some commenting that the information is “scaremongering”. However for many, the campaign has allowed them to speak out. Ann Ridyard feels the campaign has had a positive outcome: “The reaction has been overwhelming, people are speaking out about their pets which have suffered what they believe to be vaccine damage, some of the stories people are sharing about their pets are heart breaking. It has really made people question what they’re doing- which is why I first gave the flyer out in the shop.”

Life/Focus/7

Liverpool

Life

We’re just one big gay family by Dani Baldwin and Jessica Etherington Liverpool is hosting the world’s largest gay and lesbian festival for the 9th year running. From tonight, people from all over the city will come together to celebrate cultural diversity in the forms of visual art, theatre, ﬁlm, debate, dance, literature and live art, all of which will be taking place in established venues across Liverpool. The month long ‘Homotopia’ festival kicks off tonight with the theme ‘Traditional Family Values’, encompassing more than 40 events including new commissions and world premieres which explore the family in all its diversity. Audiences can expect to see everything from gay pride exhibitions to celebrations of the drag queen this month as the festival and those involved express their joy for this unique aspect of today’s society. The highly anticipated Epstein play will also be unveiled as part of the city’s cultural celebrations. The world premiere of the performance will take place at the newly refurbished Epstein theatre on the 15th November running until the 1st December. The play celebrates 50 years since The Beatles formed under music manager Brian Epstein, who will be played by Coronation Street’s Andrew Lancell. The play will follow the life of the music mogul looking at everything from his huge success to his tragic downfall. Singer Patrick Wolf will also be making an appearance performing songs from his ﬁve acclaimed albums at The Gallery on the 21st November as part of his latest world tour.

Scottie Road The Musical will also debut at the Unity Theatre on Hope Street tonight, as part of Liverpool’s Homotopia Festival. The spoof musical depicts the life of two women Caz ‘N’ Britney, two struggling Liverpool birds trying to get on in life. Caz finds herself in prison after getting into a fight in Primark- hence the plays tagline, ‘From Primark to Prison ... A Musical Misadventure.’ Actresses Keddy Sutton (Spike Theatre’s The Games and Liverpool Royal Court) and Gillian Hardie (Blood Brothers, Bad Girls: The Musical) play the two girls, and they themselves came up with the idea for the characters when rehearsing for Stags and Hens. The idea came about when they started spoofing the huge Broadway hit musical ‘Chicago’ and replacing famous lines and words with ‘Scouse’ ones. They then joked about Scottie Road being the epitome of Chicago. Keddy said: “It’s a bit of everything, a show, a cabaret act, two mates having a laugh. We know these characters inside out, and they give us freedom to say anything and get away with murder.” Mark Wardel a former Wallasey college art student has designed the logo for this year’s events. Mark has been designing since the 70’s and his festival inspired logo can be seen on posters and billboards across the city. He is currently working exclusively with singer Boy George to create an exclusive exhibition which he hopes will be showcased at the 10th annual Homotopia which is set to be held next year. Homotopia will run October 30th to November 25th in venues across Liverpool.

MOBOs return by Joshua Nevett The 17th annual MOBO Awards are set to take place in Liverpool for the second time this weekend to celebrate the brightest and best artists of black origin. The awards ceremony will take place at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Saturday, November 3rd with a whole host of special performances taking place to mark the occasion. Radio 1 DJ Reggie Yates and chart-topping sensation, Alesha Dixon hosted the Award’s 15th Birthday in 2010 after Toxteth teenager, Ben Osu, campaigned on Facebook to bring

the ceremony to Merseyside. Azealia Banks, Beyoncé, Drake, Ne-Yo, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Nas, Frank Ocean and Kanye West have all been nominated for the Best International act category.

Music 3rd October: MOBO Awards 2012 - Liverpool Echo Arena 7pm Hottest urban music awards on the British calendar, now in its 17th year showcases up and coming national and international acts. Tickets £29- £100 online from http:// www.echoarena.com

14th November: BBC Radio 1Xtra Live - Liverpool Echo Arena 7pm Plan B, Labrinth, Rudimental and Devlin have all been conﬁrmed to play in the biggest free urban music event created by BBC 1Xtra. Tickets are free and available from 31st October online from http:// www.bbc.co.uk/programmes

PICTURE

31st October: Frankenstein- The Epstein Theatre 7:30pm Clark Rundell conducts Edgard Varese’s Octandre and HK Gruber’s Frankenstein. Tickets £10 online from http:// www.liverpoolphil.com

Theatre

Homotopia’s Ofﬁcial poster © Homotopia Website

Designer fashion show on the road by Katie Croft

Rizzle Kicks and Kanya King

What’s On...

After nearly two decades, Designer Sales UK Road show returns to Liverpool this Wednesday and Thursday Headed by Elaine Foster-Gandey, the team will touch down at LJMU’s Art and Design Academy at noon tomorrow, personal stylist Penny Preston will be on hand for the day offering wardrobe makeovers. Some of the brands expected over the two days will be D&G, Viktor and Rolf, Ralph Lauren, Moschino, Aquascutum, Armani,

See by Chloe, as well as accessories and footwear from Hugo Boss, Ferragamo, Burberry, Fendi, Valentino and Miu Miu.. Elaine said: “The ﬁrst sale in London was mega; queues going round the block. We sold out in two days, so why not take it round the country?” The fashion shows also provide keen bargain hunters with an opportunity to shop in luxury during their VIP hour. VIP tickets are priced at £30. For your chance to bag a bargain, tickets are available on the day for £2/£1 concessions on the door.

7th-10th November: The Sound of Music – Liverpool Empire 2:30pm and 7:30pm This Broadway original, multi-award winning and timeless family musical is returning to Liverpool in November. It tells the story of Maria, who is sent to be the governess for the von Trapp family’s seven children. Tickets £10-£24 online from http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/ the-sound-of-music/liverpool-empire 6th-10th November: Steptoe and Son - Liverpool Playhouse 7:30pm Adapted from the legendary scripts of Galton and Simpson, this new production charts the tender, cruel and surprising dance of father and son. Tickets £12-£20 online from http://www.every-manplayhouse. com

Comedy 2nd-3rd November: Andy Askins - The Slaughter House 8pm Three stand-up comedy acts are coming together for this two night show.

Tickets start from £10 on 0151 227 5946 or www.laughterhousecomedy.com

Fashion 31st October-1st November: Designer Sales UK Roadshow – LJMU Arts and Design Academy 9am-5pm The Queen of London Designer Sample Sales is going on the road after nearly two decades. New stock delivered to each of the four venues. Tickets £1-£2 on the day or £30 for VIP online from http:// www. designersales.co.uk

Family 31st October: Scarewood Forest – Formby 7pm This dark fairy-tale theme forest comes to life after dark with various fun and frightening installations. Tickets £14.50-£18.50 from http:// www.scarewoodforest.co.uk/ booking/ 5th November: Bonfire night fireworks displays - Sefton Park and Newsham Park 7:30pm Spectacular display of fireworks synchronized to music, each display will last around 20 minutes. This event is free; visitors are advised to travel by foot or public transport. 3rd November: UK Shadow Seekers Paranormal Investigation - Rotunda Community College Liverpool 9pm With reports of children’s voices and footsteps on the stairs, go ghost hunting here which is a rabbit warren of corridors, rooms and attics with plenty of space to investigate. Tickets £20 online from http:// shadowseekers.co.uk/events

Arts 1st – 30th November: Homotopia – various venues across the city centre Returning for its ninth year Homotopia rampages across Liverpool this autumn presenting visual arts, performance, ﬁlm and debate that reﬂects the non-heterosexual experience. For more details see http://www. homotopia.net/ 10th November Symposium: Reconstruction Work - The Bluecoat 2pm-5pm This debate about a differentiated notion of solidarity is informed by the educator, thinker and writer Stuart Hall. Organised by Liverpool Biennial.

Life/Style/8

LJMU Students help in English National pop-up Ballet designs By Madeline Cornforth John Moores students have been chosen to take part in the English National Ballet’s ‘pop-up’ ballet. Fashion students are responsible for the dancers’ outfits and fine art students have been chosen to design and create the ‘pop-up’ set. A JMU music student has also composed the music for the production. Jasmin Williams, third year fashion design student at JMU, said: “It’s really exciting. I’m a women’s wear designer not a costume designer so it was a bit if a challenge as there’s a lot of technical issues that you come across.” A ‘pop-up’ ballet is a collaborative series of site-specific performances and exhibitions taking over spaces for one day. The storyline was chosen by JMU students and is based on the myth of William McKenzie. The story goes that Mr McKenzie became an atheist after the premature death of

his sweetheart and becomes a heavy drinker and gambler. McKenzie begins to gamble with the devil and lost all of his money. The devil then invites him to play one last hand, but having bet all his money, he bet his soul, which the devil says he will take once Mr McKenzie has lain to rest in his grave. McKenzie loses the game to the devil and afterwards built a tomb for when he dies, which he is said to be laid upright in, in a bid to ‘cheat’ the devil because he is not ‘laid’ to rest as he has not been buried. The tomb is in a graveyard on Rodney Street, in Liverpool City Centre. The ballet has been confined to just seven minutes long and contains only four dancers, two males and two females. There will be three separate performances on Friday 2nd November at John Moores art and design academy on Duckenfield Street off Brownlow Hill in the city centre.

Liverpool’s writing festical will take place in Sefton Park

November Writing gig kicks off

The storyline was chosen by JMU students

By Sanna Zahid

Wirral band to support Spice Girls star Mel C Liverpool Town Hall in High Street city centre

Young people to be ‘mayors’ for the day By Madeline Cornforth A group of young people in Liverpool will get a taste of the lifestyle of a Mayor as they become Junior and Merseyside brothers and band members, 54321 Young Lord Mayors this week. By Katie Croft of four brothers; Rory, Olly, The chosen primary, secBarney, Callum and their ondary and special schools Jesus Christ Superstar runner cousin Liam Capleton. They children will shadow the up, Rory Taylor, has turned will join Melanie C in London Lord Mayor, Councilor Shadown West End stardom in at the 02 Shepard’s Bush ron Sullivan, as she attends favour of his Mersey Band, Empire later this month on different mayoral events. November 6th. 54321. Andrew Thomas, 23, The band from the Wirral Drummer Olly said: “She became the Mayor of Leeds have released a new single, [Mel C] said it would be lovely for a day back in 2003 and named Skyscraper, and are set to have us supporting her. It said the scheme is a really to support Spice Girl, Melanie was an honour. It only takes good idea and that his confione person to be there to help C, on tour later this month. dence grew a lot from being The unsigned band is a group us get to the next stage.” involved.

He said: “It gave me a real insight into the daily duties and functions of the lord mayor and it showed me the hectic schedule that the lord mayor has. “I enjoyed every minute of it, it was a fantastic experience and more cities should get involved with projects such as this one.” Lord Mayor, Councilor Sharon Sullivan told the Echo: “This is a great opportunity for our young people to become involved in civic events, find out what is happening in their city and see how democracy works.” All 26 children abe attend a ceremony at the Town Hall on Wednesday at 1pm.

Sefton will be celebrating all things special about the written word this November. The event, in association with Writing on the wall, promises to bring a packed programme of lyrical events to Sefton. The festival will see a variety of performances so there is something for everyone at Sefton Celebrates with seven days of readings, poetry, debates and family events. Highlights will include award winning poet Pulitizer Prize and many other talented scribes. This year’s event will open next Monday 5th November with a family friendly evening at Bootle’s Derby Park. Once every hundred years there is a gate that opens to both the past and the future, on the 5th at 6pm there will be a girl appearing as ‘Nancy’ from 1912 alongside a host of monster and troll dances in a Nancy and the Bonfire event.

There will be an array of local talents including rhymes on ramps, stories in a suitcase and tales on tracks as well as some very special musical performances. ‘Rhymin’ on the ramps’ hits Rampworx Skate park and will bring local hip-hop artist KOF to the scene with his talent of rapping with rhythm. Poet and performer Rosie Lugosi will talk all things Fifty Shades of Grey at Southport’s Wayfarers Arcade. The worldwide publishing story of the century with 5.4 million sales will be on high topic of debate. Members of the public can join the panel of strong, sensual scribes for an evening dedicated to the 50 shades phenomena. The festival will finish on the 11th with a writing competition awards ceremony being held in the Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport. Hosted by TV personality and columnist David Lonsdale who will be honouring the talents of Merseyside writers.

Life/focus/9

Would you to try the scary film diet? by Danielle Baldwin and Jess Etherington It’s that time of year again when you dig out your old favourite horror film to get you in the spirit for Halloween. Well, did you know that you could be scaring the calories away? Research has shown that that watching a scary film could burn up to 184 calories, that’s equivalent to a small chocolate bar. The Shining came out on top as the biggest calorie burner with classic horror Jaws not far behind burning up to 161 calories. The survey carried out by researchers at Westminster University has proven that watching a 90 minute horror is an equivalent work out to doing a half an hour walk. Senior lecturer for film studies at Liverpool John Moores University, Dr Corin Willis was pleased that The Shining made

“Watching a scary ﬁlm could burn up to 184 calories, thats the equivalent to a small chocolate bar.”

Jack Nicholson starring in horror The Shinning

the top spot. He said “As a person who is passionate about ﬁlm it’s great to see that good ﬁlm making

prevails over just over the top gore that you see in films like The Human Centipede and Saw.” We asked the public what they thought was the scariest film of all time and whether they believed that sitting in front of your TV can actually shift those calories. Tony Wall, 55 from Warrington said: “The Shining scared me so I’m not surprised it burns calories. It scared me out of my wits.” James Collins, 21 from Wigan said: “I’ve not watched many horror films but I’d have to say Wrong Turn. I’m not surprised they burn calories.” Emile de Barr, 25 from South Africa said: “I hate Freddy Krueger so I’d say Nightmare on Elm Street. I didn’t know it could burn calories” Roy Vickers, 44 from Liverpool said: “I’d have to say The Exorcist, if it burns calories I’ll have to watch more of it then”. Dr Wilis chose the 1942 classic Cat People as his favourite horror film of all time. The suspense horror cost only $150,000 dollars to make and grossed $4 million at the box office. The film was directed by Jacques Tourneour and was the first film produced by Val Lewton. So next time you’re thinking of heading down to the gym for a workout, why not reach for popcorn and give yourself a scare instead!

Count calories with the shock factor 1. The Shining: 184 calories 2. Jaws: 161 calories 3. The Exorcist: 158 calories 4. Alien: 152 calories 5. Saw: 133 calories 6. A Nightmare on Elm Street: 118 calories 7. Paranormal Activity: 111 calories 8. The Blair Witch Project: 105 calories 9. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 107 calories 10. [Rec]: 101 calories

What horrors gives you the creeps? “Bugs Life, I hate it, it’s horrible. But I don’t believe that horror films can burn calories.” - Lee and Keiron, Ellesmere Port, 21, 22. “I watched The Ring and that was horrible, so I can believe that it could burn calories.” - Alice Gregory, 18, North Wales “I think the original Japanese ring, Ringu, is the scariest horror film. I’m made up that they burn calories. I’m going to Farmageddon tonight so that’s even better! ” - Emma Woolvine, 21, Garston “I don’t like horror films but I’d say maybe Saw is the scariest.” - Cristo Guerra, 26, Spain “It’s got to be Halloween, or maybe Chucky. I think it’s a load of rubbish that they burn calories, but maybe it’s just from the adrenaline and your heart racing.” - Nina Baldwin, 44, Manchester

DJ tries to keep ‘It’s about pushing boundaries’ Liverpool fit The popularity of horror films relies on the suspension of disbelief according to Dr. Corin Willis who is senior lecturer in Film Studies at Liverpool John Moores University. “Horror films rely on the suspension of disbelief, the narratives developed by Hollywood work on this. Horror pushes what people enjoy most into the realms of that you don’t ever expect to find yourself in. “You don’t encounter violence that previous generations did. An old guy once told me when I was young that he had shot someone during the Second World War and that if kids like me had seen what he had, they wouldn’t watch the stuff that we do. War and death is not part of modern western society this culture didn’t explore violence. “In terms of gory films, it’s all about pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable.”

by Elisha Storrow Radio City presenter, Pete Price launches a new scheme as part of this year’s Liverpool Winter Survival campaign. The scheme was launched last week at Breck Road Library in Everton. It is run by Healthy Homes Programme team, a joint initiative by the City Council and Liverpool PCT. It is aimed at older people, to try and encourage them to keep ﬁt without even having to leave the comfort of their own homes. Around 100 residents attended the launch of the Healthy Homes Chair bases exercise DVD that demonstrates how to do a fun chairbased routine that helps them stay active and warm at the same time. At the launch, copies of the DVD were given out as well as information leaﬂets about how to keep warm during the winter months when their mobility is reduced. Winter essentials such as

blankets, hats, thermal cups and socks were also handed to the residents The DVD that encourages people to keep ﬁt, but stay seated was originally released last year but is back for the campaign by popular demand. Many more of these Winter Survival road shows are being held throughout the city up until the end of November.

Dr Corin Willis

Horror ﬁlm The Exorcist

Life/Sport/10

Tigers’poor season start continues by Rory Kelly

Stuck at the bottom of the British Basketball League table and going nowhere fast, Mersey Tigers suffered two defeats at the weekend, extending their run to six games without a win. The Tigers played host to Worcester Wolves on Friday night, going down 54-86. Two days later, they travelled to Durham to face the Durham Wildcats, where they also were on the wrong side of a 91-71 defeat. The result however shows signs of improvement for the Tigers, with the side amassing their highest score of the season.

After a disappointing opening half at the end of which the Wildcats led 45-27, the Tigers performance improved in the third quarter, narrowing the gap before Chris Begley fouled out, allowing the Wildcats to increase their lead. With the ﬁnal two quarters ﬁnishing 22-21, and 24-23, the Tigers’ second half performance showed improvement by the young side, with Rudy Etilopy notching up a total of 27 points. Etilopy was also the Tigers’ top scorer against Worcester Wolves, posting 15 points. Having lost several key players from last year’s squad, the Tigers are a side in transition and coach Tony Walsh believes that results

will improve with hard work. Speaking after the Worcester defeat, Walsh praised his side for their efforts in what has been a difficult start to the season. He said: “The guys are in the gym everyday working hard, so it’s beginning to show. We did this against Manchester in the first two quarters, keeping it tight, but lost it with fitness. But there are plenty of positives to take from this. “Other coaches have spoken to me and said my guys just do not give up until the final buzzer goes. They may be exhausted, but they go for every ball they can.” The Tigers next game is on Sunday 4 November, away to the Cheshire Jets.

Rodgers faces his old club

Rodgers will meet his exclub © Trinity Mirror by Eivind H. Kleiven Mersey Tigers struggling in BBL © Mersey Tigers/Facebook

Rovers held by LJMU hurlers aim The Lillywhites for championship by Jamie Allen

Tranmere maintained top spot in League One despite drawing 1-1 against Preston North End, keeping them above Shefﬁeld United on goal difference. After losing Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro until the new year with a broken foot, and loan singing Jake Jervis to an ankle injury Rovers eased their injury crisis by signing Blackpool striker

Nathan Eccleston on loan for a month. Tranmere will begin their FA Cup campaign on Saturday as they travel to Conference Premier side Braintree Town as they look to avoid a ﬁrst round upset. Manager Ronnie Moore has expressed a desire to keep top scorer Jake Cassidy at the club until the end of the season. His current loan deal runs out at the end of January.

by Cillian McGinn

LJMU’s Hurling team are looking forward to a hopefully successful championship match in Birmingham this weekend. Adam O’Hare, a Business Management student at the university and team captain of the team, spoke to Liverpool Life today about team preparations for the British Championships.

“I think we’re all nervous but excited at the same time. I’m really looking forward to getting down to Birmingham and getting playing with all the lads. “It’s an exciting opportunity for competition for us. With limited numbers of teams in the area and limited funding for the team we haven’t been able to get playing properly together.” Despite a lack of awareness of the sport in the city, LJMU hurling team are aiming to build on last

year’s performance that seen the boys reach the semi-ﬁnal of the division 2 competition. However Adam believes that this year the team could go one step further and push on to division 1. “We didn’t lose too many players from last year with graduations and we’ve gained a few too, a few good performances and we could push right on. Last year was good, but not good enough having got to the division 2 ﬁnal the year before.”

All the news from the heart of the city

Liverpool will hope to get back to winning ways against Swansea in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday after being denied a late winner against Everton in the derby on Sunday. It will be Brendan Rodgers’ first meeting with his former club after departing the Liberty Stadium after successful two-year tenure with the Welsh club. The new Swansea-boss Michael Laudrup said Rodgers should expect some stick from the away end. It is expected that Rodgers will give his Uruguayan star-striker Luis Suarez a rest, despite him being the only ‘senior’ striker available. This may give way for Samed Yesil, who started last round against West Bromwich. As with Rodgers this is also Joe Allen’s first clash with his former club. The Welshman completed a £15 million move to Liverpool not long after Rodgers was appointed as the new manager for the Reds. Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard are two other players that might very well be rested in the game against The Swans. It’s unlikely to be a return for Pepe Reina, as he is still struggling with his hamstring injury he picked up when he was away with the Spanish national team. Brad Jones replaced the Spaniard in the games against Reading, Anzhi and Everton, and is likely to play again, even though Alexander Doni will be returning to fight for his place after being absent since the summer due to personal problems. Stewart Downing is another player who might get a seldom opportunity, and could start on the left wing. After being left out against Everton after his match-winning strike in last week’s Europa League tie with Anzhi, the former Middlesbrough-player is eager to prove Rodgers that he deserve a place in the starting line-up. Glen Johnson (muscle spasm), Lucas Leiva (thigh), Fabio Borini (foot) and Martin Kelly (knee) are all still out. The Reds are unbeaten in their last four games, and will hope to continue their unbeaten run. For Swansea, the major concern is that their goalkeeper Michel Vorn has been ruled out for eight weeks with the groin injury. In his place the German keeper Gerhard Tremmel will take place. Garry Monk - club captain and goal scoring hero in the last round against Crawley Town may get another chance in this competition alongside Ashley Williams, while Michu could drop back into midfield to accommodate striker Danny Graham. Kyle Bartley (thigh) and Neil Taylor (ankle) are long-term absentees, but the rest of the lineup should be strong as the Swans look to knock out last season’s cup winners.

Life/Sport/11

Mike Jones was only 25-years old when he died

Tributes paid to

murdered

Merseyside blind football club gets ﬁrst game under way

football coach by Arild Skjaeveland

Tributes have been paid to the murdered New York Red Bulls coach Mike Jones. The 25-year-old worked for the Major League Soccer club as a junior coach, where he had been a youth coach for five years after studying sports science at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk. Jones who was from Lancashire was stabbed to death near Union Square in Manhattan, New York on October 7th. His funeral was held in Templeton on Friday, at his local church Holy Trinity in Tarleton, Preston. Hundreds joined the walk from the clubhouse of Tarleton Corinthians FC to the funeral service. Back in New York, five hundred attended a memorial service on the 10th of October. The MLS club, which has profiles like Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill and Rafael Marquez in their squad, arranged a minute’s applause before their league game against Sporting Kansas City. The players wore black armbands and shirts with Jonesy and number 6 at the back. Morten Evensen worked as training programs representative for the New York Red Bulls at the same time as Jones, and paid his respect to his former colleague: “He was a very good mate of mine. He was coaching in my clubs in New York. It’s just tragic, and his family is heartbroken. He was a fantastic coach.” Armonk United SC, one of the clubs where Jones was coaching, has set up a special memorial fund in his honour.

Johnson out of cup tie

Glen Johnson will sit out Liverpool’s Capital One Cup, fourthround tie with Swansea City on Wednesday night as they recover from injury coach Mike Marsh has conﬁrmed. Johnson was ruled out after picking up a knock against Anzhi Makhachkala.

by Arild Skjaeveland A free kick being taken for Merseyside Blind Football Club against Royal National College Academy at the National Blind Futsal League in Hereford. by Arild Skjaeveland Merseyside Blind Football Club got their season under way on Saturday, when they played their ﬁrst league matches in the National Blind Futsal League in Hereford. Their ﬁrst match was against the hosts RNC Academy Bulls, where the league debutants from Merseyside lost by a goal scored in the last second. Later the same day they met reigning champions West Bromwich, and got beaten 4-0. “Our aim for the season is primarily to play and introduce some of our new players to competitive blind football, but if you

speak to our players they want to win the league!” said Disability Football Development Officer Anna Farrell. The club was first set up by several partners across the region with Everton in the Community spearheading the programme. It started with 4-5 players being involved, and have since then gone from strength to strength with more players, coaches and partners getting involved. It is set up for blind males who want to play football, and is completely free for any player who wants to get involved. All coaches are FA qualified, as well as having FA’s new Coaching Blind Footballers badge.

A match of blind football is played as ﬁve-a-side futsal, with specially designed acoustic pitch boardings which prevent the ball from going out of play. They hold weekly training sessions at Greenbank Sports Academy in Aighburth, which is a purpose-built sports facility for people with disabilities. In the future, they hope to be able to host friendly matches on their own pitch. Farrell said: “Some of our players have been blind from birth, some have progressively lost their sight due to medical condition and are now completely blind or in the process of becoming blind, while two have lost

their sight due to injuries sustained whilst serving in the British Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.” This summer they travelled to London to show support for their team mate Roy Turnham who represented Team GB in the London Paralympics. Merseyside Blind FC lost their two games, but took positives from their debut and tweeted: “Plenty to review, and progress to be made. All in all a good effort against two strong teams. We intend to make an impact on the league.” They face Worcester and East Midlands and will hope to get their ﬁrst league points.

Merseyside Blind FC crest

Gerrard criticises Everton performance by Rory O’Reilly Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has controversially brandished Everton a ‘long ball team’ and compared them to Stoke after their performance during the Merseyside derby at the weekend. “There was only one team who came into the derby trying to play football,” said Gerrard. In recent times Luis Suarez may have been public enemy number one amongst the blue half of Merseyside but Gerrard’s comment have made sure he has reclaimed his title. “Everton are effective because they have some big physical lads in the team and are very direct. They are effective. But the only team who tried to play football was us. I thought we stood up to a team that are very similar to Stoke. Every single time they got the ball

to their goalkeeper it comes in long,” he said. “We had a young small team and they were all men and stood together.” The Liverpool captain did take the time to praise winger Raheem Sterling who stood out in his ﬁrst derby game at 17 years of age: “I thought Sterling was fantastic. He has been a revelation for us. To be 17 years of age away in a derby in a cauldron in an atmosphere like this against a big, physical long-ball team, I thought he was outstanding.” Liverpool took an early twogoal lead early on in the game after Luis Suarez set up the ﬁrst and scored the second, but Everton managed to get themselves back into the game before the break. Suarez was eventually denied the winner after his last minute goal was wrongly called offside. Liv-

erpool manager Brendan Rodgers echoed his captain’s views when he explained that Everton’s ‘long, direct pressure’ had prompted him to make the change and introduce a third centre-back, Sebastian

Coates, at half time. Despite the fury from Rodgers and Gerrard, the statistical breakdown of the game shows that Everton dominated. The home side managed 359 accurate passes

to Liverpool’s 257 and produced twice as many crosses, 34 to 17, most of them low, driven balls from the left by Kevin Mirallas or Leighton Baines. They also had more possession, more chances and committed fewer fouls. The result means Everton stay six points ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League. However Gerrard believes this is a position the team do not deserve: “Everton are not better than us. I feel sorry for our lads because I thought we were fantastic and deserved to win.” Fans reacted to the comments. Liverpool fan David Walton, 20, Crosby: If you dish it out to Steven Gerrard he’s perfectly in his right to say whatever he wants back. Everton fan Michael Redfern, 20, Huyton: “Stevie G is getting on now. Come on Steven, time to call it a day, hey pal?”

Liverpool

LifeSPORT Tuesday 30th October

Girls rugby at the park by Sam McDonnell Birkenhead Park has become the only club in the Wirral to run youth rugby for girls. The club has had a huge subscription to senior women’s rugby in the form of their ‘Panthers’ team, which only started three years ago but has since seen back to back league promotions. They now hope that similar numbers in under 18s, 15s and 13s girls can lead to competitive matches being played at each age group. Birkenhead Park Panthers player and PE teacher, Emma Westwater, now coaches the younger girls on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Emma said: “Each club might have one or two girls but it just takes one club to say that they’ll put the commitment into it, get notification in all the other clubs around the Wirral and say ‘come down to us so we can be the satellite club for all the rest’. That’s what we’re aiming to do.” Although coaching sessions were organised in summer and Easter holidays at Birkenhead Park, Emma, who plays as a flanker for the Panthers, explained that there has always been a struggle for attending numbers for a game which is ‘not a girly sport’. A potential link-up with Prenton High School for Girls could see an increase in players and Emma, 35, described how she would have embraced the opportunity to begin playing at a younger age. She said: “I would love to have played at 10 or 12. I went to Birkenhead Sixth Form College and they put a notice up to see if anyone would want to play girls’ rugby. I put my name on and I think there was one other girl in the whole of the college. I would have started then but I didn’t start until I was 22 in the end.” Coach Emma said that more girls should get involved in playing rugby because of its inclusive nature. She said: “It’s a great social game, but no matter how fit you are or what shape you’re in there’s a position for you. It’s the only inclusive sport you can play.”

FANS SEE RED OVER FLARES by Joel Richards

Local football fans have been warned about their use of dangerous explosives which could potentially harm those around them. The warning comes after fans set off smoke bombs and mini ﬁreworks before and during Sunday’s Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool, which ended 2-2. Merseyside Fire Service is currently investigating events which transpired but are yet to make any formal statement. Although no-one was injured a minority have voiced their concerns on forums, describing their experience in the Bullens Road Stand at Goodison Park. Speaking on Liverpool fans’ forum Red All over the Land, user Boomer recalled “a grim ﬁve minutes.” He said: “I had to cover my eyes with my hood because of the smoke, then a banger s**t me up and immediately after that some steward was threatening to lash me out unless I told him who set it off. How was I supposed to know that with my hood over my eyes?! Unhappy, they are not true fans.” Fellow user L12 agreed with these comments, adding: “Whoever did it needs to take a long hard look at themselves and ask ‘Why?” Police and stewards attempted to arrest the individual responsible but to no avail. However one person, posting under the name of BHB, accused them of being heavy handed when asking if they had seen anything. He added: “None of us had a clue but they didn’t appear to understand that. We wouldn’t drop it at our own feet and then just stand there to be nicked would we?” Although such weapons are banned from all football stadia in the UK,

there are websites which sell a variety of flares and smoke bombs and are readily available for delivery. One website based in Poland even offered free delivery and promised to keep customer’s details confidential when placing an order. Despite football clubs promising to ban any offenders caught, it seems a minority are unfazed at the consequences of their actions. Another forum user, Jockies’ Scar, said: “I was smack in the middle of that smoke. I emerged like I was on Stars in their Eyes” where as Ste thought it sounded like “someone was firing a gun or something.” This isn’t the first time there have been reports of flares/smoke bomb type weapons being used at football matches. A Plymouth Argyle supporter was recently jailed for two months and handed a six-year banning order after possessing a smoke bomb during a match at Home Park earlier this year. In addition to these smoke grenades were spotted in the away section at Anfield on two separate occasions when Oldham Athletic and Everton played Liverpool, with both sets of visiting supporters setting off blue smoke bombs. It is a culture which seems to have been imported from the Ultras groups across mainland Europe and South America, where their colourful yet dangerous displays are often present on their terraces before every game. One user on a Liverpool fans’ forum believed the Everton fans felt antagonised by the smoke bomb being set off. He said: “We had them on the go at Wembley. They had blue ones in their end at Wembley. Plenty of them in the Park End nearest to our section sang ““Scum! Scum! Scum! Scum! Scum!” to us also.””

Flares are popular amongst ‘ultra’ fans groups in Europe

Beard player search Reds youngsters

by Eivind H. Kleiven

Liverpool Ladies manager Matt Beard has directed his scouting search towards Norway and in particular Isabell Herlovsen. Liverpool Ladies, who struggled with only one win and finished bottom in the Women’s Super League, feel that fresh blood is required at the West Lancashire College Stadium. The former Olympique Lyonnais striker, who is currently plying her trade for Lillestrøm in the Norwegian top-flight division, has been

seen by many as a potential saviour for the Merseyside club. The Norwegian national coach, Eli Landsem, admits Herlovsen would be a great signing. She told said: “Herlovsen has taken enormous steps and become much more professional with regards of her training. She has developed into a 24-hours athlete. If Liverpool gets her, they will get a hardworking striker with clinical finishes, who is willing to run through a brick wall for you!” Matt Beard’s team have only managed to scrape up five points in their fourteen matches over the course of the season. Their last game was a

up for award

crucial six point game against Don- by Jamie Allen caster Rovers Belles, who finished a place above Liverpool, which they lost 2-0. Herlovsen isn’t the only Norwe- Liverpool midfielders Jonjo gian that Beard has on his radar.Shelvey and Raheem Sterling have Janne Stange, a 26-year-old left backbeen shortlisted for the prestigious admits Liverpool have made an in-European Golden Boy award. Shelvey and Sterling have esquiry about her. Stange reveals: “If I receive a con-tablished themselves as regular crete offer I will certainly consider it.first team starters this season unBut I enjoy playing for Haugesund,der Brendan Rodgers new Anfield so it will definitely require some-regime. Their performances have thing big for me to make a move.also been recognised by England But it would certainly be temptingmanager Roy Hodgson as both to get the opportunity to experiencewere involved in the senior Enganother culture and play for such aland squads for the first time this season. club of Liverpool’s calibre.”

They will have to face up to some stiff competition if they are to claim the top prize. Some of Europe’s most in demand young talent is showcased in the shortlist with the likes of Ajax’s Christian Eriksen and Atletico Bilbao’s skilful winger Iker Muniain Both players are nominated with fellow Premier League players Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain of Arsenal and Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois who is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid. Previous winners of the award include Cesc Fabregas, Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero, last year’s winner Mario Gotze.

Dunning dreams of Sochi

Former marine looks to Sochi

by Jessica Etherington

A former Royal Marine from Merseyside who lost both of his legs in Afghanistan has talked about his future plans to participate in the 2014 Winter Paralympics Games. Lance Corporal, Peter Dunning from Wallasey was injured in May 2008 whilst on tour with the Royal Marines when an explosion caused him to lose one leg and later had to have the other amputated. He then underwent months of painful rehabilitation and has since learnt to walk with prosthetic legs. Four years on, Pete has discovered a passion for skiing, becoming a member of the British Disabled Ski Team and is currently away from home training hard for the Paralympics Games. Peter said: “I haven’t got to the Paralympics just yet. It’s going to be a long and hard season for me with having been out of all of last season through injury. It just means that this season is going to be a lot of hard work and determination, but with coming from a military background then I’m obviously not a stranger to that at all.” The 27-year-old recently married his girlfriend, Laura. The couple, who have a baby girl Ava together, recently helped to launch the Wirral Poppy Appeal. “I think that when I’m home Laura, Ava and I will be doing a days poppy collecting on the Wirral somewhere. The legion have been really good to me and so I think it’s only right if I can give something back to them and help them with the poppy collecting.” Pete is away from home a lot of the time for his intense, daily training for the Paralympics and will return home for just six days at a time before going away again until 21st December. He said: “In the new year with the way the race calendar is I’m unsure when I will be next home. It’s a full time programme I have to stick to and were training most days as well.” Liz Leal from the Royal British Legion in Birkenhead talked about the importance of wearing a poppy. She said: “It’s all about remembering what people have done for their country. It’s about remembering the fallen and the injured and providing help and support for those who need and for their families. That’s why we should all wear a poppy” Today Liverpool’s Lord Mayor and Councillor Sharon Sullivan launched the Liverpool Poppy Appeal at Liverpool town hall, in the build up to rememberance Sunday.