Liverpool Life 5:1 12/10/2016

12 - October -2016

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE...

NEWS

PAGE 2

Coding campaign puts girls first

LIFEextra

PAGE 13

Liverpool students raise £56k for children’s charity

SPORT

PAGE 16

FA plans funding for Liverpool grassroots football

WELL DONE! Praise for Merseyside Police as youth crime arrests fall by 68% Words and picture by LAURA HUGHES Hundreds turned out at Stanley Park this weekend to be splashed with colour and raise money for charity.

The In Living Colour run saw dozens of participants of all ages take part in the 5k run in aid of the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Charity (LHCH).

The hospital cares for people with heart and lung disease and is one of the largest specialist heart and lung centres in the UK, treating over 115,000 people each year.

Runners sported bright accessories, such as neon sunglasses, tutus and wigs. At each 1k of the course, runners had powder paint thrown on them. They were awarded with a medal and a certificate for completing the race.

Stanley Park played host to a family fun day with music, stalls, entertainment, rides and food to keep the morale high.

Curtis Davies, 21, told

Liverpool Life: “I did a 10mile race four years ago but it wasn’t a colour run. Now I’ve just finished university and I’m a fulltime smoker, I drink and I’m asthmatic so I just wanted to prove that I could still do something like a 5k run.”

Head of fundraising for the LHCH charity, Mary Liley, said: “The money raised will help a lot of things, one of the things we do to help support is patient immunities so we tidy and clean up our patient and family rooms and make them as friendly as possible.”

The LHCH charity are working on another project incorporating 3D model printer hearts to use for patient education, in hopes to initiate the start of transplantation using personally designed implants in the future.

For more information or to make a donation visit www. lhchcharity.org.uk or call 0151 600 1409.

By JOSH HODGE

Merseyside arrest figures for boys and girls aged 17 and under, have dropped by 68% in the past five years.

New statistics published by the Howard League for Penal Reform show that the child crime rate has dropped by 58% across England and Wales, whereas Merseyside’s figures have dropped a significant number from 10,197 to 3,273.

Although it is not the largest drop in the country as the most successful force, Humberside

Police, reduced arrests by 77%, Merseyside’s force has managed to reduce child arrest gradually each year since 2010 (other than a small rise in 2014).

By contrast, in the last year British Transport Police, Greater Manchester and Lancashire police, among others, have had a small increase in child arrest and crime rates The Howard League puts Merseyside’s great reduction down to significant changes in the police force since 2010.

Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal

Reform, said: “I applaud Merseyside Police for their success in reducing child arrests.

“The Howard League is proud to have played its part in a significant change to the policing and life chances of children.

“It is particularly gratifying that, across England and Wales, the reduction in child arrests matches exactly the reduction in custody for children, and it is no coincidence. We have stemmed the flow of children into the justice system and the consequential downward spiral into crime and custody.”

Rainbow of fun in the park

Life|News|2

Coding campaign putting girls first

By ANDREW COOK Would-be women computer programmers are being encouraged to learn more about the craft thanks to a free course being run in the city for students.

CodeFirst: Girls are offering a completely free eight-week course for female students in Liverpool, who wish to learn the basics of coding.

The course is being offered in an attempt to urge more women into technology and science based jobs, which is largely a male dominated field.

The course will teach girls how to build their own website from scratch, and the launch of the application coincides with Ada Lovelace Day. Ada Lovelace is arguably the most famous woman in computer science, her notes on the Analytical Engine include the first algorithm and she is widely regarded as the world’s first computer programmer.

The group aims to encourage girls into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers with the eight week beginners course, and hopefully after success will be running some intermediate ones as well.

The course will be open to students from the city’s colleges and universities including University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope and Edge Hill.

Sarah Leslie, 20, a CodeFirst: Girls Ambassador for the University of Liverpool said: “I personally would recommend this course to any girl who wants to gain a valuable skill and to enhance their career prospects.

We’re living/moving into a digital world and skills such as coding are going to be so useful for anyone.”

The company is aimed specifically at girls instead of both sexes, because there is a shortage of ladies in STEM careers, especially in technology. Sarah said: “At Google, women make up 17%

of the company, at Facebook its 15% and a study taken in 2015 showed that men make up 92% of the workforce of software developers.”

CodeFirst: Girls is a social enterprise aiming to teach women all over the country to code, for free, in an attempt to develop personal and professional skills in a tech based workplace.

They are active in connecting like-minded tech savvy women and finding them professional support to find work in the maledominated field. As their tagline suggests, ‘Tech isn’t just a boy’s club.’

The company have been shortlisted for the National Diversity Awards 2016 and the 2016 Wise Awards and are working hard to reduce the gender gap in STEM fields. if you’re interested and fit the criteria to apply you can do so at https://codefirstgirls.typeform. com/to/h6swQk, and who knows maybe you could be the next Ada Lovelace.

ADA LOVELACE: Queen of Science. © Alfred Edward Chalon Science & Society Picture Library

No parole for killers without justice for victims

By AALIYAH RUGG A north west MP told the

House of Commons yesterday that killers who refuse to say where their victims remains are should never get parole.

Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens, represented Marie McCourt who is campaigning for ‘Helens Law’ to be applied.

‘Helens Law’ is named after Marie’s daughter, Helen McCourt, who was murdered and killed 28 years ago by pub landlord Ian Simms, near Wigan. Simms was found guilty of murder but has never admitted his crime or where

Life

Helen’s remains are.

In the House of Commons debate, which led to the bill passing its first reading, Mr McGinn said that the bill is needed to stop victims’ families being “dropped into hell” by not knowing where their loved ones remains are.

Marie has campaigned for the ‘no body no parole’ policy to be applied and her petition has received almost 350,000 signatures.

In the House of Commons debate, Mr McGinn said: “Denying a final resting place is perhaps the last heinous act by killers who have no place in a

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civilised society. The agony and torment caused to those who cannot lay a murdered loved one to rest is uncharitable.

“The families of victims expect, quite rightly, the law to act in their favour instead of the justice system rewarding killers who decide to remain silent with parole.

“If there is a way to help them receive the justice they deserve then we must take it.”

Helen’s murder made history as only the third UK murder trail conducted without a body.

Throughout her campaign, Marie has consistently said that she wants to ensure others

Sports Andrew Nuttall Lauren Reece Gareth McCullogh

Helen McCourt bill presented. Hopefully by working together we can end this injustice and prevent any other families from experiencing this ordeal.”

Mr McGinn said: “For a parent to suffer the anguish of losing a child is beyond words but the horror of having a loved one murdered is surely too awful to even contemplate.”

Toxteth food centre is set to be back on its feet

By KERRI FITZPATRICK

Features Cheyenne Hansen Matthew Maguire Cai Griffiths-Sturge James Harrison

who find themselves in such horrific circumstances do not have this added pain.

Marie said yesterday: “I’m 73 now and I just think it could be my turn next. I don’t want to die until I know where Helen’s remains are. I need to know that my body can go with hers.

“I am delighted that the bill has passed its first reading and can’t thank MP Conor McGinn for getting us this far.

“We have had a very emotional day meeting other families in this situation who were all present to hear the

A building that was burnt down in Toxteth almost a year ago could win a region-wide competition to secure funding for its rebuild.

Squash Nutrition, a social enterprise group, was weeks away from opening its new Toxteth Food Centre when the mainly wood structure was deliberately set on fire in October last year.

The organisation, which is free to join, has campaigned over the past year to raise money to rebuild the centre in the same spot on Windsor Street.

Becky Vipond, co-director

of Squash Nutrition, said: “In response to the fire we got a huge amount of support in terms of donations. People were coming up to us saying how disappointed they were. We felt the more we talked about how important it was to people in the area, the safer the future building would be.

“We also talked about what the building is - it’s a community building, funded by the community, for the people of this area.”

In a quest to keep the new building eco-friendly, members entered a Marks and Spencer Energy competition to receive funding for solar panels.

Becky said: “We heard about the competition last year but at the time we didn’t go for it. Then we had the fire.

“But this year we’re really determined. It’s a great opportunity to get something for the building that’s in line with all its eco-credentials.”

The large-scale solar panels will cost about £20,000. Squash Nutrition hope that even if they don’t win, they may still receive some funding for the community-driven project.

The new building, which is set to be complete by Christmas will have a community café and a food-growing garden.

Shrek gets ready to party

By LAURA HUGHES DreamWorks are bringing some sparkle to the city this Christmas.

For the first time ever, Hollywood movie giants are bringing an illuminating lantern experience to the UK which opens at the iconic Liverpool landmark, St George’s Hall, on Saturday November 26th, running through until Sunday January 15th.

The experience will be based around the three animated blockbusters, Shrek, KungFu Panda and the Penguins of Madagascar. A huge Shrek figure will be placed on top of St George’s Hall making it visible for visitors stepping out of Lime Street Station.

DreamWorks Lights, as the event will be known, is part of One Magical City, an enchanting programme of festive events taking place across Liverpool, from its historic waterfront to the modern retail centre.

Tickets can be booked online at www.dreamworkslights.com.

Liverpool celebrates Lennon

By POPPY BACKSHALL John Lennon’s 76th birthdaywas celebrated in Liverpool over the weekend.

The Beatles star who was born in Liverpool on October the 9th 1940, had his life tragically cut short when he was fatally shot in Manhattan, aged 40.

His birthday was celebrated on Sunday at The Cavern Club with a performance by The Caverns resident tribute band, starring Jimmy Coburn. He is widely and justifiably acknowledged as one of the finest tributes to John Lennon in the world.

Guitar festival

By EMMA WHITE The Floral Pavilion Theatre in the Wirral will be hosting the International Guitar festival of Great Britain next month.

It will be a three-week music festival with guitar at its heart from the 3rd November to the 20th. Legends such as Andy Fairweather Low & the Low Riders, and others will be appearing in the Floral Pavilion Main Theatre.

Their Blue Lounge will be featuring classic guitarists, local acts and much more. Get your tickets online for just £5.

Life|News|3

Hunter’s Moon shines over Liverpool

By ANDREW COOK

Royal launch

By AALIYAH RUGG

Princess Anne will be in Liverpool on October 20 to christen a ship on the Mersey for the first time in over 50 years.

The Royal will baptise the new Atlantic Container Line (ACL) vessel, Atlantic Sea at the cruise liner terminal in the city.

Viewing will take place across Princes Parade and the Pier Head and later in the day the ship will move into the Mersey for a firework display. She will then sail out to sea.

SUPERMOON: The moon will look even bigger than usual. Credit: SK Ding from KL, Malaysia ©Creative Commons

Safer transport for Merseyside

TRAVELSAFE: The campaign has received full backing from police. © David Purcell

By ALISTAIR BAKER Merseytravel has teamed up with Merseyside Police and the British Transport Police once again for a week of activities in the Liverpool area to promote personal safety on public transport.

The TravelSafe Partnership’s main aim is to increase personal safety for passengers when travelling on public transport.

Last week, officers from each service represented the partnership at a series of roadshow events at some of the city’s top transport hotspots, arming the public with a wealth of public safety advice.

Officers distributed informative leaflets as well as personal

safety equipment, including a bell for hand luggage in case of attempted theft and a small key ring torch. The roadshows were not just restricted to safety on public transport, as officers were also able to offer advice about safety when walking, especially at night, as well as information on preventing bike theft.

Police Community Support Officers are crucial to the success of the TravelSafe Partnership. The officers are an integral part of ensuring effective communication between the Police service and transport officers and members of the public. Combined with a presence within the community and at transport links in the city, PC-

SO’s are helping to keep us safe when traveling.

PCSO Andrew Riley, who was on hand at James Street railway station as part of the week of community road show events, told Liverpool Life: “The partnership aims to make people aware of Merseyrail’s travel safe policy and to ensure people are safe on the railway”.

PCSO Riley further elaborated on the new text service passengers can use to inform police of disruption on public transport.

“We have a new text number to report any anti-social behaviour. If you’re sitting in the carriage and someone next to you is causing trouble you can text us if you’re feeling vulnerable

and don’t want to ring up”.

The scheme seems to have made an impact on public transport crime figures. Criminal damage on the Liverpool bus network has fallen 79% in the last 8 years, while offences on our railways have fallen 9% since 2014, falling for the 8th consecutive year.

A key part of the scheme is also to ensure the safety of transport staff, and recorded staff assaults on bus and rail networks have decreased from 264 in 2011 to 149 in 2013.

The advice given by the partnership scheme can be more important than just ensuring people look after their ownpersonal property, highlighted with its support of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s Personal Safety Day on October 5th.

Paul and Diana Lamplugh created the trust following the disappearance of their daughter Suzy 36 years ago. Suzy was never found, and since then the trust has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of personal safety. Diana passed away in 2011 after years of dedicated community work, while Paul is still an ambassador for the trust to this day.

The pair were awarded an OBE in 2006 for their outstanding community work.

The motto of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust is simple; “Reduce the risk of violence and aggression through campaigning, education and support.”

A Hunter’s Moon will be visible over Merseyside this weekend.

The vibrant orange moon, caused by its close proximity to the horizon will offer a beautiful spectacle over Liverpool and the rest of the world. The supermoon is only visible when it is closest to the Earth during its orbit.

The consequence of this is that the moon seems a larger size than usual.

A Hunter’s Moon is named after how early it rises, within a typical night-time cycle the moon rises 50 minutes after the sunset yet with a Hunter’s Moon this is reduced to 30 minutes. This reduced time of the moonrise will make the moon seem bigger and brighter. The clashing of two events such as the Hunter’s Moon and a supermoon will make for some incredible viewing.

Keep an eye out for the large orange moon on October 15th and 16th.

New bus routes will cost £45m

By DAVID PURCELL Some city bus routes are set to change as part of Liverpool City Council’s latest revamp of public transport.

Consultation has already begun on Liverpool City Council’s plans to improve transport infrastructure, with some services to be effected if it gets the go-ahead.

The council has announced that the scheme, which will be made up of eight different projects across the city centre, will cost £45million.

With all of these mini projects in the pipeline, people may be wondering how the public services that they use - most notably buses - will be affected by the scheme.

Mike Doran, Communications Manager at Liverpool City Central Business Improvement District (BID), told Liverpool Life: “Obviously it has to go through consultation, but the plan is to basically make the Paradise Street bus stop the main bus stop for buses from the South of the city, to make Queen Square the main bus stop for buses used in the North of the city, and The Pier Head will cease to be a place where buses would go.”

The proposals that have been put forward include; road changes between Liverpool’s retail area and the wa-

terfront, a larger event space for St. George’s Plateau, a new bus hub near Queen Square is to be built, the entrance of Moorfields station will be upgraded, four new bridges will link Mann Island to Salthouse Quay, Brownlow Hill’s cycle links will be improved to connect both Lime Street and the Knowledge quarter, and a new city coach park could also be constructed, with the location yet to be confirmed.

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This scheme will make a huge difference to how everyone will move around the city centre which is why we want to hear as many views as possible, be they pedestrians, cyclists or motorists.”

Members of the public will be able to leave their comments on the programme during a series of consultation events.

There is one scheduled to take place on Thursday at Mann Island between the hours of 10.30am and 6.30pm, and another on the following day at Lime Street station between 7.30am and 6pm.

If you can’t make it to any of the events and would still like to get involved, there is a survey that you can complete online instead, which you can find on the Liverpool City Council website.

Life|News|4

Bonfire ferry across the Mersey

By SAM HEYHIRST

A Liverpool ferry is hosting a firework display along the River Mersey on November 5th in celebration of bonfire night.

Star Fireworks, the leading British fireworks company, are providing all of the materials for the firework spectacle. Attendees will get the chance to sail across the Mersey in the late afternoon and watch the show from the deck of the ferry.

The event will also provide the famous Scouse dish throughout the day, along with nibbles and drinks. For people in the Wirral, you will be able to board the ferry at 4pm from Woodside and 15 minutes later at Pier head at the Liverpool docks.

Tickets are on sale now from www.merseyferries.co.uk for adults and £20 for children.

North West shines with pride

By POPPY BACKSHALL People in the North West are more likely to identify themselves as gay or bisexual than in any part of the country outside London, official figures show. London has the highest number at 2.7% with the North West a close second at 2.0%.

Overall the proportion of people with same-sex experience is far higher than the amount who identify themselves as gay and bisexual. This must mean that many same-sex contacts are by people who do not consider themselves gay or bisexual. In the last big survey, 10% of women and 3% of men who identified themselves as “heterosexual” also reported same sex contact.

The LGBT organisation offer support and guidance to any individual who may need it, this can be through their helpline 01 685 9280, which provides access to a network of trained volunteers who provide a non-judgmental, confidential, listening support and information service.

Stephen steps into the ring for charity

By DAMIEN HORWOOD A Liverpool John Moores University student has raised almost £600 for charity by taking part in a white-collar boxing event.

Stephen Cliff, a second year English and History student, is one of over 30 people competing in a fight night this Friday.

The event is being hosted in the popular nightclub Fusion on Fleet Street and is run by the International White-Collar Boxing Association.

Stephen, from Fazakerley, decided to raise the money for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust after a loved one was affected by the disease.

The 34-year-old said: “My exgirlfriend was diagnosed with cervical cancer and there’s parts not everyone sees. I just wanted to give a bit back, it’s about getting a positive out of a bad situation.”

White-collar boxing takes men and women who have no prior experience in the sport, trains them up and then gives them the opportunity to climb into the

ring and compete for three short rounds. Participants receive six weeks of intensive training with ex-professional boxers and trainers in their area, all for free.

Former National Muay Thai Champion, Alex Forman of Wavertree, coaches Liverpool’s hopeful boxers in his gym, Masda Liverpool, in Bootle.

With over ten years’ experience in mixed martial arts and boxing and a history of charity work since he was 16, you’d be hard pressed to find someone more suited for the role.

Alex, 33, first got involved in white-collar boxing in 2014 and believes it’s a great way to get into the sport if people don’t have the finance to pay for training sessions.

Any person competing in one of the IWA fight nights is required to set up a JustGiving page and raise a minimum of £50 for charity. The charity can be any of the person’s choosing or the partner charity, which is the James Bulger Memorial Trust.

As well as fundraising, each participant is responsible for selling a minimum of 10 tickets to the event, which covers the

Boxing: Stephen, Centre right, blue top © Damien Horwood running cost of the night.

Alex has a lot of great memories of the scheme but when asked about his best he said: “One of my best memories of this was receiving two certificates from the charities saying how thankful they were for the money we raised and so the fact that I now have a business that can give back is amazing to me.”

Another great aspect of whitecollar boxing for him is being able to make people who don’t fit into the stereotypical boxing gym feel comfortable and welcomed.

That feeling of inclusivity is felt by everyone who takes part in the programme. Alex Cagliarina, 39, another participant in Friday’s fight said: “To anyone thinking about signing up, do it. It doesn’t

matter what age or weight you are; you’re made to feel part of the team.”

Tickets for Friday’s fight start at £25 and are available by emailing: Office@masdaliverpool.com.

The doors open at 5:30pm with the first fight starting at 6pm.

To donate, go to: https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ Cliffysbigfight.

Divers require rescue mission on the Mersey

By JOSH HODGE Four divers were in need of rescuing Sunday morning after their boats engine failed.

The divers were stranded in the River Mersey, after the engine on their boat named Argo failed to start.

The divers contacted the coastguard, whom quickly deployed RNLI rescue teams at 9.55 am to aid the vessel, and arrived at the scene at 10.50 am.

The Argo was then towed back to its launching post at New Brighton beach around midday where the divers went back to the safety of dry land.

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RNLI professional seaman and experienced lifeboat crew member Alistair Knowles said: “The crew of the Argo were experienced and their craft wellequipped.

“They did exactly the right thing in calling for assistance from the Coastguard using their radio as soon as they realised that they had a problem.

“We were able to render assistance and bring them back safely to shore without problems.

“My advice to anyone who enjoys leisure time on the sea is to go prepared for an emergency.”

RESCUE: RHIB Argo near the Mersey Bar, under tow by Hoylake lifeboat © RNLI

Lending a healthy helping hand

By PAIGE FRESHWATER An Aigburth business owner is handing out fresh fruit and vegetables to homeless people across Liverpool.

Michael Lamb, owner of Maggie’s Farm Organics, hands out his organic fruit and vegetables to people living on the streets.

Maggie’s Farm Organics is an independent market shop and delivery service, based at Aigburth Road.

The father-of-three bought the store this year and he believes his 16 years’ experience as a youth worker influences how he runs his business.

Mr Lamb said: “It’s about me and my family eating healthily and other people eating healthily. It’s about being nice to the environment and helping people who are less fortunate.”

Government statistics show 15

million tonnes of food and drink was wasted in the UK’s food chain in 2013.

“I don’t see why anyone should be sitting there and starving on the streets, there is no need for it. I just started handing stuff out when I was doing the deliveries and then when I got the shop I carried on.

“As and when I can, with whatever is left, I will do fruit boxes or get a pan of soup on the go and hand it out.

“I don’t like stuff going to waste or going in the bin when there are people sitting there who probably haven’t had a meal all day.”

Mr Lamb is keen to educate people about the benefits of organic food and is planning to set up a vegan café in his store.

“Some people have a perception of organic food being too expensive. It is good for the earth and it is not full of toxins.”

SHOP: Maggie’s Farm Organics © Paige Freshwater

Life|News|5

Bold Street bollard bother

By ANDREW COOK A taxi driver suffered a crash on Bold Street last Sunday night when a black Ford Fiesta drove over a bollard that was lowered, only for it to rise up into the car as the driver attempted a manoeuvre.

It is thought that the bollard was faulty, and came up early whilst he was passing over it with his vehicle, impaling the chassis underneath the car.

Kieran Tinsley, 21, a worker in a sandwich shop nearby the crash site claimed: “He came up the road and as he was getting across the bollard, it went up under his car and the airbags went off inside.”

The bollards, located near the corner where Bold Street meets Newington, are raised at night to stop traffic heading into the highly populated area of Concert Square. They are only raised to emergency services vehicles and taxi drivers.

The collision occurred at around 10pm, with the car being towed away at 11pm. .

Klopp cakes for Red fans

By ANDREW COOK A patisserie in Waterloo have thought-up a new Jürgen Klopp themed éclair, to celebrate the Liverpool boss’ one-year anniversary with the reds.

The Little Macaron Shop on St John’s Road, Waterloo will be selling the cake this Saturday in a limited run.

The limited edition treat comes just in time for the German’s match with Manchester United, but you will have to rush to the shop this weekend if you want one.

Only 30 of the ‘Normal One Eclairs’ are being crafted, so demand is bound to be high.

Owner Stephen Maddock has tasted fame with his cakes once before, appearing on Channel 4’s The Sunday Brunch with his “maclairs”, a hybrid between an éclair and a macaron.

Blaze drama

Student homes reach for the sky

By DAVID PURCELL Liverpool City Council approved new plans yesterday for a £70m student skyscraper to be built next to Lime Street station.

The project was given the green light despite concerns from UNESCO, who had previously claimed that Liverpool is at risk of losing its World Heritage Site status as a result of potential developments within this area.

Developer Unite Students has announced that the build is expected to be up and ready before the academic year of 2019/2020.

When complete, the tower is due to be made up of 22 storeys, will stand approximately 240ft tall and will reportedly provide accommodation for 1,000 students.

The tower will feature 713 bedrooms across 74 studio apartments and 138 clusters.

The clusters will include en-suite

Islington, was also approved.

This build will be separated into two different sections, one 16-storey building and the other being a 10-storey structure. It is expected to house 566 students and the accommodation will be divided into 88 clusters and 94 studios.

Lime Street is also being renovated at the moment. Just a year ago city planners agreed upon a £35m revamp that would introduce new shops, restaurants and a hotel to the zone, which also included student accommodation.

In the development’s wake, there have been a number of old buildings that have been demolished in the area to make way for a new-look Lime Street.

One demolished plot is the former Futurist Cinema, which was removed due to its poor condition. However, not all old buildings are being completely

DEVELOPMENT: Lime Street Station is currently going through a £35m revamp. ©David Purcell taken away from the scene.

The council maintains that Lime Street and its surrounding grounds will continue to be revamped, with planning applications expected to be submitted for the restoration of both the ABC Cinema and the Art Deco.

Soon, Lime Street will be the new home for a wide selection of bars, eateries and entertainment venues, all of which might well fall hand-in-hand with the influx of students that Unite will soon provide the area with.

Chief Constable aims to kick out hate crime

By SAM HEYHIRST Hate crime will not be tolerated on Merseyside in the wake of the Brexit vote, the region’s chief constable said at the weekend.

Chief Constable Andy Cooke was speaking at the launch of the Hate Crime Awareness campaign held in the city’s St Nicholas Parish Church.

Among those who attended the event was Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy and the Rev. Dr Crispin Pailing, rector of the church.

The talk aimed to bring everyone together from the city to delve into difficult subjects that affect Liverpool on a daily basis.

The Chief Constable said: “It’s all about bringing our communities together, bringing the leaders of the communities together, bringing members of the community together, just to make a stand, just to show

everyone knows that hate crime in Merseyside won’t be tolerated, that we will do all we can to eradicate it, particularly a heinous crime and we certainly won’t stand for it.

“Merseyside Police take a very strong approach to those who perpetuate hate crimes and we are very, very good at looking after witnesses, looking after victims and ensuring that we have a cohesive society that’s for the benefit of everyone across Merseyside.”

He added: “There’s a small rise in hate crimes following the Brexit vote. I think some politicians did themselves no favours in the way they approached the whole thing, it wasn’t good for the country, it wasn’t good for society and it wasn’t good for cohesive communities.

“What we need to do now is show that despite the Brexit vote, Merseyside as a whole is still a place that embraces

Above: Chief Constable Andy Cooke QPM, Holocaust Survivor Harry Bibring, Dr Gee Walker and Rt Hon Jane Kennedy. © Danyaal Yasin JMU Journalism diversity, still welcomes everyone in, no matter what their differences, because that’s what makes it great.

“Diversity is what makes things great, it’s where innovation comes from, that’s where you can have a really fantastic

community living together, showing that it doesn’t matter if you’re different, it makes absolutely no difference at all.”

Jim Davies, the High Sheriff of Liverpool, was also in attendance on Sunday, offering support and guidance for the

people gathered at the talk.

He said: “As you know, being a High Sheriff is a one-year term and one of the roles of a High Sherriff is to support all the Blue Light services, particularly the police, prisons and as a lawyer myself I despise hate crime as I’m sure people should be and therefore I wanted to put publicly, my full backing to what I think is a fantastic campaign.

“I thought it was incredibly strong stuff, I thought the speakers were inspiring, the singing was inspiring and I just think we’ve got to make this an annual event, we’ve got to build on it.

“Every hate crime is a hate crime too many. It doesn’t matter what your background is, so if there was anything I can do to help and being here was important for me to be seen at such a thing.”

The campaign runs until October 25th.

Festival turns focus onto mental health

By POPPY BACKSHALL

By ANDREW LIVINGSTON Fire services were called to a bin fire on Bold Street at the weekend.

Residents of the flats above the shop Size on Bold Street were woken to the blaze at around 2am on Monday.

One resident, LJMU student Sam Ashworth, first noticed the fire. He said: “I was in my room and noticed a smell of burning.

Thankfully I was awake at the time and was able to go around the flats waking everyone up.”

bedrooms with communal dining and living areas.

This new development follows an announcement made last year, which detailed plans of Unite building a new 12-storey student accommodation block near Oldham Street. This scheme is set to cost £35m and will replace a multi-storey car park that is no longer in use.

With these two projects combined, Liverpool will soon become Unite’s largest programme outside of London. There are approximately 40,000 students studying in Liverpool each year and Unite Students will soon have the capacity to house 5,000 of them.

The tower wasn’t the only design to be approved during the council meeting. A development that will be situated on the site that was previously the National Express Coach station, on the junction of Norton Street and

STILT HULA: A street act in Williamson Square. ©Poppy Backshall

A special festival focusing on mental well-being is being held in Liverpool for its seventh consecutive year.

Liverpool Mental Health Festival is taking place from October 1-16 to raise awareness for mental health issues.

The celebrations, taking place in Williamson Square, held performances by a wide variety of acts, from a group of rollerskaters to live music.

It is estimated that 1 in 6 people has been affected by a common mental health problem,

which is why events such as this are helping to beat the stigma attached to the issue.

The event occurs during Mental Health Awareness Week, where thousands of people have attended events and posted messages on social media, sharing experiences and thoughts.

Liverpool mental health involvement worker, Sarah Butler-Boycott, said: “The event is a great success. Everyone is in great spirits and it was amazing to see so many people wanting to chat and find out more about the support that’s out there.”

Organisations from across

MUSIC: Bongo players at the festival. ©Poppy Backshall Merseyside, such as The Whitechapel Centre, gathered to share advice and openly discuss mental health. The organisations have stalls to raise awareness.

The main message of the festival is that emotional well-being is equally as important as physical health.

Jo Howarth, founder of the Happiness Club, told Liverpool Life: “I loved taking part in the festival, having the opportunity to run a workshop gave me the chance to reach people from all walks of life, people who normally have access to this kind of intervention and people that don’t normally access it.

“I love the idea that something I present could help someone else with life, so I believe these events are crucial.”

Life|Society|6

The college prank that became a

Bad Clown by Graeme Maclean (originally posted to Flickr as bad clown) via Wikimedia Commons ©

nightmare

The craze of the creepy clown costumes is sweeping through the streets of Britain, Hollie Hayes reports

T

he killer clown craze has swept its way across America and crash landed in the UK in recent weeks – just in time for Halloween.

Everybody has heard of these pranksters clowning around the UK scaring unsuspecting victims but now the situation has heightened to a state of reported attacks. Multiple sightings have been reported in the North West including areas such as Liverpool, Manchester and Stretford.

More than 20 instances have been reported since the craze surfaced a couple of weeks ago.

Since the sudden eruption of

sightings people have taken to social media to tell of their fears or experiences of said clown sightings.

In amongst the craze are multiple social media has been stirring up a storm, with many accounts accumulating thousands of followers/likers.

A Twitter called @ClownSightings managed to gather over 112,000 follows in just a couple of days of activation.

The accounts since have been deactivated. An Instagram account called @clowns_schools_liverpool posted photographs of its next “victims” along with a list of ten schools it intended to target.

Whether these accounts are intended as a light hearted jester or sinister seriousness is uncertain, however authorities have not taken to these accounts lightly.

Police were seen outside Gateacre School in Bella Vale on Sunday and St Francis Xavier’s College in Woolton. Authorities were also called after reports of four men at Whiston Station dressed as clowns and carrying fake knives.

Elsewhere police have begun arresting pranksters in an attempt to end the insidious craze.

A teenage boy has been arrested in Nothumbria for

allegedly carrying a ‘bladed article’.

According to multiple reports the clowns have been known to jump out of bushes, chase children to school and even approach pedestrians in vehicles.

The creepy clown craze is sweeping the nation but where did it come from? and most importantly why?

TIME Magazine reported the craze started in the summer month of August 2016. The first sightings of clowns were seen in America which has led to “copycat” behaviour in a number of countries across the globe.

A curious case of coulrophobia In a matter of weeks, the nation has come to terms with its apparent phobia of clowns, formally known as coulrophobia.

The phobia is one of many strange phobias rarely heard of.

This isn’t the only strange phobia that we suffer from as a nation. Another strange example is deipnophobia, which is a fear of dinner parties. It is known to be a serious problem around

the holidays, its a real Christmas ruiner!

A lot of us also suffer from Selenophobia, often suffered by werewolves, this is a phobia of the moon!

You may have friends that seem like they struggle with sensquipedalophobia, which is an affliction that ironically leaves the sufferer with an uncontrollable fear of long words.

Zombie clown by Infrogmation of New Orleans © Wikimedia Commons

And in case we forget... clowns aren’t all scary

With all of the current hysteria surrounding the scary clowns on our streets, we wanted to remind everyone that not all clowns are scary! Lots of people dress up as a hobby, make a living from being a clown, or spend their time helping less fortunate children. Here are a selection of clowns to help cheer you up...

Baloon clown By Elmar Ersch © Wikimedia Commons

Happy ClownFrank Kovalchek © Wikimedia Commons

Clown terapia By Elmar Ersch © Wikimedia Commons

Clown kid by Elmar Ersch © Wikimedia Commons

Clown paint by Pdpics © Wikimedia Commons

Photo taken by flickr user *Micky* (flickr) © Wikimedia Commons

Life|Arts|7

LIFE EXTRA Just say yes to everything Amelia Eccleson-Davies spoke to graduate Jonathan Birchall about his career and life after LJMU

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t was a chance remark that launched Jonathan Birchall into a career he hadn’t planned.

Originally headed towards politics, he’s now Head of Digital Sport at Trinity Mirror.

Jonathan chose to study International Journalism at LJMU as a way to gain skills needed for a career in public policy and PR. Alongside his studies and being editor of the JMU Journalism website, he interned for Goal, a digital startup, one day a week which led him to a full-time position in London after he graduated in 2011 with a first class degree.

“When I first joined goal, my first editor said: ‘While you’re young, and while you’ve got the energy just say yes to everything’, I think that stands people in good stead if it means staying an hour later after your committed hours, you will get more out of it.”

The advice certainly paid off for Jonathan. He left his position as Deputy Editor of Goal for a role on the media team at Manchester

United before heading back to Liverpool to Trinity Mirror where he’s been for the past year.

He described being Head of Digital Sport as close to a dream job as he could. He said “It’s far beyond what I thought I’d be doing. I get

to work on what the future of sports journalism and the media industry is going to be.”

A day after a meeting in Canary Wharf with Trinity Mirror’s nationals team discussing how The Mirror and regional sites are going to grow their audience in the next six months, he told Liverpool Life: “Being involved in those conversations and driving them is exciting to me because journalism is changing everyday so being at the forefront of those conversations is pretty much the dream job.”

When asked about the highlight of his career, Jonathan told Liverpool Life: “I’ve not been to Oxford and you hear the stories that national newspapers are full of people who’ve got jobs through their parents or went to private schools. So I think being around people who are just normal and worked hard and wanted to be good journalists, being able to do that every day is a highlight.”

As Jonathan discussed, the perception of journalism has certainly changed from what it used to be, he claimed, “it is no longer a lot of middle aged, fairly posh, white men. It’s all diverse.”

Jonathan credits the basic skills he learnt through his International Journalism course with his success. He said: “The

What’s On MUSIC Killer Queen

Patrick Myers plays Freddie Mercury in the ultimate tribute to Queen. Myers has been performing since 1993 and the show is not one to be missed. Killer Queen is sure to give a performance as close to the real thing as possible! Tickets are available on the Echo Arena website. Not one to be missed.

October 22nd 2016@ Echo Arena

Jonathan never looked back after a wonderful ascent to success most important thing I left uni with, more than the degree, stems from writing modules.

My lecturers told me that everything is built around the story. So if you’ve got a great story, it’s then how you sell it, and how you give it to the audience. But fundamentally it’s the journalism that people care about. Because anyone can blog, anyone can set up a Tumblr, but it’s the skills that journalists have that drive people to read what we do. If your writing doesn’t have substance, people aren’t going to read it.”

Jonathan isn’t sure where the future will take him, but has high ambitions to take regional journalism to a place where they’re the industry leaders in terms of digital journalism, after what Jonathan said

is a slower start to digital journalism behind national press: “We’re the people on the ground getting the stories so we should be the best.”

SPORT

Deaf & Hearing Impaired Sports Club

‘Anyone can blog, anyone can set up a Tumblr, but it’s the skills that journalists have that drive people to read what we do. If your writing doesn’t have substance, people aren’t going to read it.’

COMEDY

Hot Water Comedy Club ‘New Material’

This sports club is open to deaf people of all ages with a particular focus on children aged between 14-25. A range of different sports and activities will be on offer each week. The club will be led by James Dixon of England Deaf Cricket.

October 19th & 26th 2016 @ Greenbank Sports Academy, Greenbank Lane Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom

Every Wednesday is the latest weekly addition to Liverpool comedy “New Material” which is held in the Jacaranda basement. It’s a small intimate room and will be a mixture of seated and standing.

This venue oozes character and comedians will be performing on the sstage where The Beatles performed first.

Now – November 30th 2016 @ 21-23 Slater Street, Liverpool

THEATRE

ARTS

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

One of Shakespeare’s famous comedies gets hurtled into the 21st century in a new production led by an ensemble who will delight with romance, songs and chaos. Directed by Everyman & Playhouse Associate Director Nick Bagnall. The Two Gentleman of Verona is a production created with Shakespeare’s Globe.

Now - October 29th 2016 @ Everyman Theatre

Benedict Drew

Using a combination of video, audio and sculptural elements, artist Benedict Drew reflects on society’s uncertain relationship with technology. For the visitor, psychedelic colours and music combine to create an environment that appears to be straight from the artist’s imagination.

October 27th 2016 @ Kaput

Life|Arts|8

L

taking a step back in time

iverpool is thought to be home to the oldest Black community in Europe.

The strong black and ethnic minority (BME) presence within the city has contributed to all areas of Liverpool life.

Taking place in October, Black History Month aims to celebrate the rich history of BME cultures throughout the UK. The city of Liverpool has had a long history with the BME community, with places such as the Museum of Liverpool and Merseyside Maritime Museum dedicated to showcasing black history.

Although Liverpool is now known as having a diverse population, the need for minority voices to be heard is strong as ever. In 2015, the Liverpool John Moores Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS) was created.

Created as a safe space where LJMU BME students could be themselves, the ACS aims to educate and celebrate.

Former President and current member Noria Quist said: “We hear about John Moores being diverse but we don’t see it.

The ACS is here to change that.

“All those who are willing to be respectful and learn about other cultures, as well as share them, are welcome.’’

Within the vein of Black History Month itself, the society wishes to show there is more to black history than slavery.

“The society believes and has faith in this generation of black students and will try its best to help in any way possible to make them great in LJMU.’’ As well as creating a safe space within the university, the society regularly hosts events throughout the year, such as open mic nights, aiming to promote their message of fighting stereotypes for black people.

T

hese events take place all year round celebrating topics such as race, religion and women’s rights.

For Black History Month, current President Samira Farouk said planning for events is still on going, with scheduling looking to be completed next week.

Danyaal Yasin touches upon the BME presence within Liverpool and investigates our city’s history in preparation for this year’s Black History month

The Museum of Liverpool is hosting a ‘Liverpool Black Community Trail’ throughout the month to educate and inform visitors of the impact black people had had over time.

There are also several other outlets for people to get information about black culture and safe spaces for black people in the city, such as the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre, charities such as the Anthony Walker Foundation, as well as ACS’ in other Liverpool universities.

Liverpool’s links with the black community lay in the slave trade. It is estimated Liverpool ships transported 1.5m Africans across the Atlantic.

The shameful trade led to a major minority presence within Merseyside, with areas such as Toxteth being synonymous with ethnic culture.

The L8 area today is home to a large variety of cultures which are fully integrated within the city.

However this was not always the case. In the 1980s, many black people especially found it very hard to secure employment.

on Tuesday October 11 in Redmonds Building, Brownlow Hill 326 at 6.00pm.

The Anthony Walker Foundation can be found in the LCVS Building, 4th floor, 151 Dale Street. Email: info@anthonywalkerfoundation.com - 0151 237 3974.

The Kuumba Imani is Millennium Centre on 4 Princes Road Email: info@kuumbaimani. org.uk - 0151 708 5278.

The centre is open Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm.

Full list of Black History Month events in Liverpool: http://www.black histor ymonth.org.uk/listings/region/north-west/liverpool/

The Maritime Museum (left) and Museum of Liverpool (right) where events will be held this month Photo credit: calflier001 (WikiCommons)

What to see and where to see it

W

ith racial tensions rising, those of all walks of life fought back against unemployment, police harassment and racism.

This led to the now infamous Toxteth Riots.

The area was deemed a ‘no-go’ area at the time due to the strong black presence.

Along with the unemployment issues and police harassment the people fought for, home buildings and education was heavily affected.

Due to the riots, many groups were formed in an effort to make local voices heard.

You can find the LJMU ACS on Twitter @ljmuacs and they hold meetings every two weeks which began yesterday

‘All those who are willing to be respectful and learn about other cultures, as well as share them, are welcome’

Black History Month factfile 1. In the UK, there are around 5,000 events taking place for Black History Month every year.

2. Black History Month is celebrated in October in the UK and February in the US 3. There are around 2 million people living in the UK who identify as “Black British”.

4. Black people have been in Britain since the 12th century.

5. Black communities increased dramatically in the 17th century, when people were seen as a unit of currency for slavery.

6. Slavery was made illegal in the UK in 1772 and wasn’t officially abolished until 1833.

7. During WWI, a black unit was formed within the British Army called the British West Indies Regiment.

8. Throughout the war, over 15,000 black men served in the British West Indies Regiment and 185 were killed in combat.

9. Garrett Morgan (1877-1963) invented the gas mask as well as the red traffic light.

10. Peanut Butter was invented in America by George Washington Carver (1864-1943), who discovered over 400 uses for peanuts.

A series of exciting events and exhibitions are lined up to take place across the city during Black History month.

The Museum of Liverpool is set to kick off proceedings with a trail running throughout the month.

In the meantime, the International Museum of Slavery will host free events too.

Until December 11th an exhibition entitled ‘Afro Supa Hero’ will be held at the International Slavery Museum.

The ‘Hands on activity Faces of Change’ allows participants to make and take home their very own personalised badge to pay tribute to freedom fighters of the past.

October 14th will show screenings of two documentary

films about the ‘First World Festival of Negro Arts’, one American, one Russian, which capture the diversity and vitality of the festival. These will be followed up by a panel discussion, led by Professor David Murphy (Univeristy of Sterling).

On October 21st, Empressjai will be holding an audience to take people on a journey of words, poetry and imagery in celebration of the late “Phenomenal Woman”, Dr Maya Angelou.

For further information on events and exhibitions make sure to check out the Black History Month’s official website.

Tickets are “pay what you can”, which means the audience will make a contribution into a bucket on the night.

Life|Style|9

Fall for fashion

Women’s Autumn picks

Men’s Autumn picks

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utumn has arrived, which means a noticeable drop in the temperature and a sudden end to those long summer nights. However, it’s not all doom and gloom: with Halloween and Bonfire night just around the corner, this season has plenty to offer. Keeping warm for these events does not mean your fashion has to suffer: stay cosy and on trend by layering autumnal shades such as burgundy and khaki with items you already own. Check out Liverpool Life’s top picks to wrap up in style throughout the season.

NEXT Turtle neck sweater: £45.00 Next.co.uk

TK MAXX Pale blue jumper: £24.99

MISS SELFRIDGE Jeans: £34.00 http://www.missselfridge.com/

TOPMAN Jeans: £45.00 www.topman.com BLUE INC Navy bomber: £34.99 blueinc.co.uk

VERY Check coat: £100

DUNE boots: £90.00 www.dunelondon.com

GEORGE ASDA Gloves: £6.00

PRIMARK Hat: £3.00

MATALAN Navy boots: £18.00

Biggest event in the North set to close on a high note

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he most talkedabout UK fashion event outside London has returned to the city for its eighth consecutive year.

Liverpool Fashion Week has brought designers, models and fashion fans from Liverpool and around the world together at The Liner Hotel this week.

The closing night takes place this evening and will feature clothing by international designers and independent boutiques. Each of the nights has showcased a different side to fashion with Monday displaying couture, plus size fashion and accessories.

Tuesday saw emerging designers launch their collections on the catwalk, showcasing an energetic and diverse mix of cutting edge fashion.

Liverpool Fashion Week founder Amanda Moss told Liverpool Life: “I’m so pleased with all the collections so far and how the show has come together with models of all ages and sizes. We’re such a fashion forward city and I think that’s been reflected.’’

Katie Newsham, L’AVITTA and Coco & Veve who are all based on Bold Street, are just some of the talented designers displaying their pieces. Tickets for the closing night are £10.

By Cheyenne Hansen

STYLE: Couture on the catwalk at Liverpool Fashion Week.

Picture: © Liverpool Life

Life|Arts|10

Fabulous Frost Fair set to return

By GABBY WALSH

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©ELSPhotography.co.uk

he North West premier Christmas event is set to return to Merseyside for its third year running. The heart-warming family-friendly extravaganza will treat visitors to a range of programs including a visit from Santa, his real reindeers and elves, as well as a Frozen sing-a-long show.

Fabulous Frost Fair will see a magical marketplace with workshops including baking, flower arranging, gin tasting and many more exquisite activities which will help shoppers get ready for Christmas. A variety of local businesses will showcase handmade jewellery, handcrafted gifts, clothing and children’s toys. The fair also features a beautiful

Victorian street scene that will be bustling with festive foods and beverages for all tastes.

The event was created

by Wirral mums Tanya Leary, Soraya Corbett and Ali Marshall who met as schoolgirls at West Kirby Grammar School.

The three friends had visited Christmas fairs in London and so looked for similar events across the North West to visit themselves and take their young families.

With no North West alternative, the three women decided to join forces with independent businesses across Wirral to make Fabulous Frost Fair come to life. With their passion for helping the community and tourism in mind, it won them the ‘Event of the Year’

award at the 2016 Wirral Tourism Awards.

Festival founder, Tanya said: “It’s a truly magical event where visitors of all ages can spend quality time together ahead of the Christmas rush. The entertainment will be bigger and better than ever before in 2016. We love how the fair makes people unwind, connect and be immersed into the Christmas spirit.”

This year’s fair will be making its home at the Pacific Road Business Hub in Birkenhead and will run from November 18th to 20th.

Tickets are available at £5 with children under 5 free of charge. Accessible transport links including buses, trains and ferry services will run alongside the free park and ride over the weekend.

Time to celebrate the Emerald Isle

By ROSIE

Popular Irish Folk Songs

STEEDMAN

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iverpool Irish Festival returns for 2016 with a variety of performance, culture, film, music, art and talks. As with each year’s festival following a theme, this year is focussing on ‘conviviality’, the relationship between Liverpool and Ireland. For those new to Irish culture and for the Irish making Liverpool their home, it’s an opportunity to have a taste of the Emerald Isle without crossing the Irish sea.

In its 14th year, the festival will be celebrating the Irish contribution to Liverpool’s vivid and colourful history. The 10-day festival, which SOUND TIMES: Irish musicians playing at the Samhain runs from October 13th-23rd will hopefully Treasure House Theatre at the Ireland, including: Damien be exploring the tensions in Dempsey, from Dublin’s North the relationship between Liver- World Museum: Riders to the Sea, The Shadow of the Glen Side, offers a one off chance pool and Ireland after Britain’s and Purgatory.

The trinity of to see him perform his unique fallout from the EU in the refplays by John Millington Synge album, No Force on Earth, erendum, alongside highlightand William Butler Yeats porwhich commemorates the ing the 50th anniversary since trays rural life in Ireland in the Easter Rising of 1916 a popular the Easter Rising of 1916.

20th century. (22-23 October, theme of the 2016 Festival.

With more than 50 events 11am-4pm, Free) (23rd October, 8pm, Liverpool featuring 80 performers, the Music: Live performances inPhilharmonic, £17.50) highlights in 2016's festival clude a variety of singer songArt: Homo Gestalt forms include: writers and live bands from part of the 9th Liverpool Theatre: Plays held at the

1 2

Whiskey In The Jar

by The Dubliners

The Green Fields Of France Scotsman Eric Bogle

3

The Night Visiting Song by The Dubliners featuring Luke Kelly

4 5

Grace by Jim McCann

The Fields Of Athenry by Paddy Reily

Top Irish Pubs in Liverpool © Liverpool Irish Festival Biennial. Irish artist Dennis McNulty’s work showcases his interest in regulatory systems, particularly the focus on how mechanical and biological regulatory systems affects our behaviour and the environment. (9th July -16th October, 10am-6pm, Free) Talks and Tours: The Irish Heritage Walk features a journey through Liverpool’s

past featuring the history of Irish journalists to Liverpool Pirates. The walk takes place on 16th October at 10am at Bluecoat, School Lane.

All events organised aim to provide a platform for local talent and showcase the best of Irish culture. The contemporary and traditional 10 days of fun should be a right craic’.

1 2 3 4 5

McCooley’s, Concert Square O’Neill’s, Hanover Street

Flanagan’s Apple, Matthew Street Pogue Mahone, Seel Street

Shenanigans, Tithebarn Street

Life|Focus|11

Let girls be girls across the world As men, women and children mark International Day of the Girl Child around the globe, DAMIEN HORWOOD sheds light on the many challenges girls face growing up in today’s world

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ast year over 16,000 babies were born in Merseyside. They were born into a world with more opportunities than ever, a world where anything is capable as long as they work hard enough.

Or at least that is what we tell them. The truth is a little more complex than that. Because roughly half of those babies will have been born female and that means they may have to work twice as hard as those born male just to receive the same opportunity.

Across the globe yesterday marked the International Day of the Girl Child, a UN initiative set up to highlight the injustices faced on a daily basis by young girls around the world. Taking place every year on October 11th, the day aims to promote the rights of young girls while also addressing the challenges they face in regards to education, sexual violence, child marriage and access to healthcare, as well as a higher abortion rate for female foetuses.

While not every girl will face all these problems, the chances

are they will face at least one in their lifetimes even in developed countries such as the UK, which is why this event is so important. This year’s theme of “Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress” was chosen to highlight the fact that the aims and initiatives of a day like International Day of the Girl Child for the estimated 1.1 billion girls around the world, embodies the aims for rapid change in society as a whole.

Every child has the right to an education; a chance to succeed, but the sad reality is that this is not an option for 33 million children around the world.

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hy? Because they were born a girl.

Most people have heard of Malala Yousafzai and the incredible adversities she has faced in the name of promoting female education - she was even the victim of an assassination attempt - but despite the worldwide coverage her activism has received, very little has actually changed. Everyday more and more girls are denied an education because of their sex.

In an attempt to help change

the difficulties girls face while trying to get an education, Marie Claire magazine have launched their #ShareTheLight campaign alongside Plan International UK. Part of the campaign involves a unique scented candle, created in partnership with L’Occitane, where 100% of the profits go to the funding of education for young females across the globe.

Previous years’ themes have included ending child marriage and empowering the adolescent girl: ending the cycle of violence.

It is estimated that one in three young girls in developing countries are married before turning 18, most of which will experience sexual violence.

But this is not a problem unique to the developing world.

In the UK 31% of young women aged 18-24 report having experienced sexual assault in their childhood.

International Day of the Girl Child is a day for highlighting these harrowing issues.

But the reality is every day, women and young girls face inequality in a number of ways.

More needs to be done, not just now but always.

Remember the date: Official logo for International Day of of the Girl Child

Ways that you can get involved: - Share the light: buy one of the candles and share it on social media using the hashtag - Participate in a number of directives passionate about women’s future in society, such as Women’s Way, SheWillBe and the Young Womens’ Initiative.

- Raise Awareness: Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #DayOfTheGirl - Watch out for #GirlsTakeover: Plan International’s hashtag for events around the world where CEOs and Politicians have their positions taken over by girls for the day

Woman of change: Malala Yousafzai, who has overcome a number of adversities in life in order to advocate change for young women across the world.

‘More needs to be done, not just now but always’

Flame of solidarity: The unique candle sold as part of the #ShareTheLight campaign, proceeds of which go to funding for education of young females worldwide.

Life|Health|12

©Geierunited creative commons

STUB IT OUT

Looking to quit smoking?

Stoptober is the perfect opportunity to give up, Amelia Eccleson-Davies reports

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mokers across Merseyside are being urged to ditch the cigarettes this month through various campaigns to quit smoking in October. Stoptober returns for the fifth year running as one of the campaigns to help those ditch their bad habit. Stoptober is an annual campaign launched

by Public Health England to quit smoking for 28 days.

If a smoker quits for 28 days, they’re five times more likely to quit for good. Last year over a fifth of all smokers who attempted to kick the habit were successful, taking the highest recorded success rate to 20%, an increase on just 13.6%, six years ago.

Student Emma White, 22, has quit smoking for Stoptober, she said: “I wanted to quit smoking anyway but because you know so many people are doing it, you feel like you’re a part of something bigger than yourself which has given me more motivation to stop and make it to the end of the month.

“It’s going better than expected but the only time I’m craving one is when I’m in work or after a big meal.”

Support for this year’s campaign is led by local Atomic Kitten singer Natasha Hamilton who is quitting for the sake of her children alongside Chris Kamara and Craig Revel Horwood.

The success of last year’s campaign is down to the high number of people using quitting aids, with over a million people switching to e-cigarettes. In the past year in the North-West,

cigarette sales have dropped by 14%, the third biggest decrease in the country.

However, Merseyside residents still have a long way to go. According to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, fires caused by smoking make up 12% of accidental dwelling fires which led to two thirds of all fatalities in Merseyside.

S

UPPORT, a stop-smoking service in Sefton has already helped thousands of residents quit for good but make it clear that they are not associated with the Stoptober campaign.

Their service is offering free advice and support throughout the month to try to get thousands more to ditch the cigarettes. Residents are invited to drop in to speak to specialist NHS Stop Smoking Nurses and Advisors today between 10:30am and 2:30pm.

Liz Hughes, a nurse lead at the stop smoking service, said: “People are four times more likely to quit for good if they use an NHS backed service than if they go it alone. When we put on these events year round, we see an increase in attendance of people wanting to quit. Once people know how friendly we are, they’re more likely to come along.

Carbon monoxide readings will also be provided to test how much lung damage their smoking habits may be causing, with fast-track services available for people ready to commit to quitting this month.

©Acer japonicum creative commons

Six autumn activities to help distract you from smoking

1

Counting leaves

Take a short stroll outside and count the autumn leaves on the ground to help shake off the craving. Exercise is a great way to stay healthy and active as well as distracting yourself from smoking.

2

Halloween treats

The 31st of October is looming so why not brush up on your pumpkin carving skills and toffee apple making as a way to keep yourself busy.

3

Colour it in

Colouring is proven to help release stress hormones, it is a great time filler and keeps your hands busy and mind focused on the task, get colouring!

4

Knitting for quitting

Knitting or crochet stitch work are great hobbies to keep your hands distracted while you’re trying to quit the cigs.

5

All about conkers

Conker collecting is a fun activity to distract your mind from smoking, why not go with a group of friends and turn it in to a competition!

6

Christmas countdown

Christmas is just less than two months away, so while you’re trying to put an end to your smoking addiction try and keep yourself occupied and begin your Christmas shopping.

Life|Charity|13

Ain’t no mountain high enough...

University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University students team up to embark on their trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, all in the name of charity. ANDREW LIVINGSTON reports

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iverpool John Moores University students will once again look to tackle the great heights of Mount Kilimanjaro as planning has commenced for next year’s 14-day trip to the top of the 5895m summit.

This August was the first time that a group from LJMU travelled to Tanzania to attempt the climb to the summit, Uhuru Peak, meaning ‘freedom’ in Swahili.

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and it is estimated that 25,000 people climb the different routes to the summit each year.

The 19 LJMU and University of Liverpool students raised over £56,000 for Childreach International, who work in seven countries across the world helping children reach their potential.

Childreach International believe that every child has ‘the right to live, learn and play.’

A Childreach International spokesperson said: “Not only will you improve your CV and get lots of transferable skills which help with future employment, but you’ll be supporting the work of Childreach International and making our projects possible.

“We’re here to help support you and our award winning fundraising team will make sure you have lots of ideas and all the guidance you need.”

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lanning has already begun for next year’s trip. Team leader, Josh McKenzie, believes that LJMU will be able to fill all the 20 places on the trip. He said: “The interest has been huge. We have over 50 attending the information

meeting on Monday.”

Josh went this year and is encouraging as many students as possible to use the experience.

He said: “There were so many amazing moments; from visiting the school to exploring Zanzibar.

“But the highlight has got to be reaching the summit, it was an unforgettable experience and made all the hard work fundraising worth it.

“I’m going again this year because it was a life changing experience and the opportunity to lead a team was too good to turn down. What could be better than taking on the challenge of a lifetime whilst raising money for charity?”

If you want to find out more visit: LJMU climbs Kilimanjaro 2017 on Facebook Or email: J.McKenzie@2015.LJMU.ac.uk.

ABOVE:

VICTORY: Students from last year’s trek reach Mount Kilimanjaro peak. Pic @ Giching Kwok

Students

set up ca

mp and

enjoy the

fascinati

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“We’re here to help support you and our award winning fundraising team will make sure you have lots of ideas and all the guidance you need”

Life|Sport|14

‘Rugby is literally my life’ Former LJMU sports hero blazes trail of inspiration

By Hollie Hayes A former John Moores University student is blazing a trail of inspiration in celebration of Women in Sport week.

Alessandra Lewis, previous captain of JMU’s Women’s Rugby Union team, is inspiring the young minds of Rhyl High School in North Wales through an empowerment programme for teenage girls who are interested in sport. This comes as the nation celebrated Women in Sport week last week (October 3rd-10th).

Since her graduation in 2012 Alessandra, pictured (posing, right), has been using rugby as a method of motivation for both male and female students. The ‘Re-Engagement Programme’ deals with three different types of children: those who are inactive; girls with low self-confidence and need empowerment; and children with behavioural issues.

Her inspiration for the course came from working with different groups of children from different backgrounds and “seeing them develop into wonderful human beings”.

Touching upon the course, Alessandra told Liverpool Life: “I’m hoping to increase the general mood around school

to make sure there are more attendance and less referral to the quiet room. To have the kids visibly more happy and making sure that the culture within the school has changed. “Women’s Sport Week is an entire week dedicated to both celebrate and raise awareness of female profile in sports primarily thought of as male-dominated. Leading charity Women in Sport aims to acknowledge the presence of women involved with playing, delivering, leading or working in sport.

The main goal of WSW is to showcase female athletes at every level, from the grassroots to the elite, alongside those who contribute to female sport.

Through these means the charity then aims to influence more women and girls to get active and participate in sports.

However despite improvements in appreciation for female athletes foul play still exists.

For example, only 0.4% of all commercial investment is into women’s sport and 7% of all sports coverage is women’s sport.

Alessandra herself has and still does encounter forms of sexism, especially in rugby.

She said: “The first girls’ team that I played for disbanded because it went bankrupt because

©Hollie Hayes LJMU GIRLS IN ACTION: Alessandra on the pitch nobody invested any money into it. However the boys’ side had more money than they needed.

Yet it wasn’t distributed out to the people who needed it most.

When I was younger and I was playing for a boys’ team I didn’t have a changing room, so my mum used to have to wash me in the ladies’ toilets with a pan.

So I was standing in a pan of hot water whilst my mum would was me down because there was nowhere for me to get changed or to get washed. Also when I was playing at Waterloo a few years back, which is a championship side, the men’s team would get priority over the women’s team even though we were playing at

a higher level than they were.”

Ever since she was 11 rugby has meant everything to Alessandra.

The scrum half said: “Rugby has shaped me into the person I am today. It gave me bags of confidence, leadership opportunities, social skills which set me up for life and generally gave me my best friends.”

The rugby development officer will be spending three years at Rhyl High School coaching rugby and applying The Re-Engagement Programme. During her time there she hopes to increase the school’s rugby programme and make sure the children are then making connections within wider community.

LJMU Womens sports teams

COACHING: Alessandra motivating young players on the pitch © Hollie Hayes

Rheanna Brown, LJMU lacrosse player talks to Liverpool Life:

“Women are so underrepresented in sport.

There are great talents out there and women have such great ability in sports yet are just not recognised, appreciated or supported as much as men. That is why team sports such as lacrosse are so crucial in promoting women in sport. As a team you can get that support from each other that you might not receive elsewhere. The girls are there to pick you up and tell you that you can do it rather than

constantly compare your abilities to a male.

It’s great to see that women’s Lacrosse has been getting so much attention, even last week English women’s lacrosse were promoting women’s sports week and encouraging young girls to pick up a stick and celebrate their team. More recognition of women’s lacrosse and women in sport would be great but we are getting there and are getting more sign ups and notice in the process.”

Basketball Football Gaelic Hockey Lacrosse Rugby union If you’re in interested in joining a womens sports society head over to the Liverpool SU website to find out more infomation.

Life|Sport|15

Ping pong super Panthers league’s new home

THE PANTHERS: Victorious team battle it out © Liverpool Life

bounce back

By HOLLIE HAYES

Birkenhead women’s rugby union snatched a triumphant 17-10 victory on Sunday against Manchester.

This comes after an unfortunate defeat against Kendal ladies the previous Sunday.The Panthers were two tries down in the first half. However, after a quick change in positions at half time the ladies fought back with a controlled attack. Three tries were scored by Jemma Stubbs, Gabi Corby and Justine Milnes, one of which was converted by the Panthers’ kicker Justine Milnes.

Giants clash

By EMMA WHITE The first Inter- company ping pong super league championship has been staged in Liverpool.

Roxy Ball Room was the first of its kind to invite people and their work colleagues to bring out their competitive side in a battle of who’s the boss, in a ping pong rallying event.

The night was first established in Leeds and due to popularity, it has been brought to the North West.

With several establishments open around the country, the majority being in Leeds city centre, Roxy Ball Room is the tenth venue opened by Jones Bar group in February earlier this year.

The restaurant and bar has a happy and relaxed atmosphere with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Filled with groups of friends and couples,

By ANDREW LIVINGSTON

Liverpool will host Manchester United on Monday night in the Premier League in arguably the hottest clash in England. Coming into this highly anticipated match, Liverpool sit fourth in the league table and should be optimistic with their form this season.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have lost only once and are riding the momentum of five consecutive victories in league and cup.

The Reds could however be without the Flying Dutchman Georginio Wijnaldum who was injured on international duty this week and awaits a scan on his hamstring.

On the other side, Manchester United have endured a less than dazzling start to the season, sitting three points behind the Merseysiders, and five points behind top of the table Manchester City.

Since becoming an affiliated club last year, LJMU Rowing Club have been able to race in their own name at competitions and events.

This year is LJMURC’s first full season as an affiliated rowing club and they hope to make a splash at national regattas.

Club President Grace Skirrow believes that the club has found an identity since becoming affiliated.

She said: “We are now recognised as an independent club and can race in our own name.

There’s a big sense of pride sit-

By ANDREW LIVINGSTON Chester Jockey Henry Brooke is said to be ‘on the mend’ after coming out of his induced coma on Sunday.

The jockey suffered from a suspected punctured lung and broken collarbone at Hexham Racecourse on Saturday whilst riding Old Storm.

The Injured Jockey Fund released a statement on Saturday saying that Doctors were pleased with his progress.

it features ping pong tables, pool tables and fresh dough pizzas with tasty draft beers.

Ben Warren, the Operational Director, said: “This is a great way of uniting businesses together and

networking.

“Nobody talks when the doors are shut but if we come together; it’s a great opportunity to talk.”

The super league championship will run every month with the next

event taking place on November 3rd.

Taking the first winning points of the night onto next month is a local design team.

Georgia Smith, 22, a design

LJMU rowing ready to make a splash

By ALISTAIR BAKER

Jockey on the mend

ROXY BALL ROOM: The new stage for the Ping Pong Super League championship

worker from Liverpool, said: “It’s a great way to chat to other companies in the same area and get to know some knew people.

“I also thought it would be a good way of branding our design agency. “ At the end of the championship the winning team left with the most points accumulated will win a VIP party with free drinks and waitress service all night for them and their friends.

Ping pong can be a strange concept in a bar, but for Roxy Ball Room it works.

Liverpool is seen as a difficult market to crack with new bars opening all the time around the city centre.

Ben Warren said: “It’s a new spin on nights out and a cracking concept that Liverpool needs to know about.”

ting on the start line in LJMU colours.”

Last year also saw the club use five years of funding to buy its first boat. The eight-man boat named Heather cost the club £2,000 to buy and refurb.

Affiliation allowed the club to enter one of the biggest events in the country, the Head of the River and Women’s Eights Head of the River, where men’s and women’s boats performed well.

Whilst at the North of England Head held in Chester, the Women’s team won varsity for the second year running against rivals University of Liverpool Boat Club.

LJMURC: Heather, the affiliated society’s boat

As Club President, Grace hopes to ensure the growth of the club by encouraging new members.

She said: “We are patient and have a great team to teach and support beginners in the early stages who also understand what it is like to be a beginner at LJMURC as we teach most of the rowers ourselves.

“Our club are also sociable in and outside of training, where some of the strongest friendships are formed.”

This year the club aims for the men to take the varsity title whilst they hope the women can defend their title.

LJMURC: Officially affiliated

© LJMURC/Twitter

© LJMURC/Twitter

Liverpool

LifeSPORT

A BOOST FOR GRASSROOTS 12 October 2016

By ALISTAIR BAKER

Grassroots football in Liverpool is set to receive a boost of four new football “hubs” in the city, thanks to a £17m deal from the Football Association, subject to approval of planning permission by council officers.

Councillors will vote on plans which could see two sites approved, at Jericho Lane Playing Field in Otterspool and Simpson Ground in Woolton.

Pitches are expected to be in in place by the start of the 2017/18 season should the development be approved.

This decision follows the approval of development at the Jeffrey Humble Playing Field in Fazakerley, which received the thumbs up from council planners in August, while a fourth site, Heron Eccles Playing Field in Allerton, is also expected to have its application considered in November.

The football “hubs” will include brand new 3G artificial grass, as well renovation to changing facilities, car parking space and floodlighting at the sights.

The investment is all thanks to funding by Liverpool City council, the FA, Sport England and the Premier League.

Liverpool Life spoke to Anthony Smith, Senior football development officer from Liverpool County FA to get his reaction to the proposals should they be approved. “If the plans are approved for all four hub sites, Liverpool County FA will be delighted as we have put in

a lot of time and effort over the last two to three years to get to this point.”

The hubs will seek to address the decline of involvement in grassroots football in recent years by attracting coaches and players with state of the art facilities. This is something that is high on the FA’s agenda to ultimately improve the fortune of the England national team, by neutering the future generation of young talent.

Due to budget cuts from central government, Liverpool City Council’s own funding in grassroots sport has significantly declined, meaning the County FA could no longer rely on subsidies from the council body.

The investment from the FA, subject to approval is a welcome relief for the local football association.

Anthony Smith added: “The investment is vital for football in the Liverpool City Boundaries as it should give us a sustainable model for football that does not rely on subsidies from the council.

“Liverpool was in a unique position in that it has very few 3G pitches available within the city, so when the opportunity came about for a huge investment to develop multiple sites across the city, it was something we could not really afford to miss out on.”

However, some concerns have been raised about the proposed developments from local residents, including the loss of green space in the chosen areas for development, as well as

Inside Sport

© Emma White

Liverpool Ping pong Super League: p15

© Hollie Hayes

PLANS: Proposed layout for Jericho Lane development © Liverpool City Council “Unacceptable light pollution” and concerns over the size of the car park at the sites. Mr Smith said in regards to public complaints: “We understand the concerns from local residents and both the FA and Liverpool City Council have held several public consultation meetings

with residents to listen to their concerns and work through solutions.”

Concerns from some members of the public aside, the community outside of football is also set to benefit from the new development. The Senior football officer said: “Although football

will obviously be the priority, we believe the enhanced facilities will be beneficial to other sports.

We are hoping two of the sites will include a gym accessible to the local community. Jericho Lane will also see a dual football and Rugby pitch than will be partly funded by the RFU.”

Students embrace Women in Sport Week: p14

Reds’ skipper leads England to underwhelming point

By ALISTAIR BAKER Liverpool FC’s Jordan Henderson last night captained England to a less than inspiring 0-0 draw in Slovenia, in a testing World Cup Qualifier for the Three Lions.

Henderson was honoured with the captaincy after Gareth Southgate revealed Wayne Rooney would be dropped from the starting XI, after a torrid run of form for club and country this season.

Henderson, who captains his domestic side under Jurgen Klopp, replaced Liverpool-born Rooney, who is also England’s all time top goal scorer, and who is involved in a media frenzy regarding his own credentials for club and country.

In truth, it was not really a night

to remember for Henderson and his England teammates, who were lucky to leave the Slovenian capital Ljubljana with a point.

Joe Hart was the hero of the night for the Three Lions, denying the Slovenian strikers after almost catastrophic back passes from Eric Dier in the first half, and newbie captain Jordan Henderson in the second.

Hart was on hand twice more to make some sharp saves at his near post, saving England’s interim manager Southgate from blushes, and keeping the side ranked 67th in the world at bay.

Rooney came on for the last 20 minutes of the match and was returned the captain’s arm band by Henderson, who seemed happy to hand over the responsibilities to the Manchester United player.

© LJMU Rowing

BORE DRAW: How this morning’s papers viewed the match

LJMU’s Rowing Society comes on in strides: p15