MyClubmoor Newspaper Issue 2

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 02

Spring 2014

RYAN MANVILLE SPORTS ALIVE - PG 8

WHAT’S INSIDE...

MYCLUBMOOR - PG 2

LOOKING AFTER THE LOOP LINE - PG 5

JOHN SPRUCE - PG 10

WHAT AN AUTUMN - PG 3

KIM’S STORY - PG 6-7

CAROL’S BLOG - PG 11

YOUTH & SCHOOLS - PG 4

MY CLUBMOOR CHRISTMAS - PG 9

ABOUT THE BOARD - BACK PG 1

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Issue No. 02

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIR

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watched the news the other day showing footage of the recent floods in Somerset.

One local resident talked movingly about how hard the past few weeks had been, but also how the community had supported one another, how dedicated and brave some people had been, and that some new friendships have been formed as a result. I think this is about resilience; being able to cope with adversity and having the ability to turn it into something good. Reading through this edition of MyClubmoor, I have been inspired by our own stories of resilience.

Despite the shock of being diagnosed with breast cancer and two years of recovery and surgery, Kim is all fired up to cycle through China, supported by her family and friends, to raise funds and awareness of Women’s Cancer. What would Kim’s message be to any woman feeling a bit nervous about their next appointment “Go and do it, it could change your life!”

The official unemployment rate for young people at the moment is 20%, around here I think it might be a bit higher; What do you do if it’s tricky to get a job?

Do something that you love and turn it into a job;

COMING SOON TO CLUBMOOR oh, and see if you can employ your mates at the same time. That’s Ryan’s story, as we’ll be finding out in this issue.

EASTER / EVENT

19th April @ St Andrews Church

One of the stand out moments of Christmas for the MyClubmoor team was receiving a letter and photo from Afghanistan. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be away on tour over Christmas, but I’m made up that together we were able to brighten up a few people’s days.

So what is the thing that builds resilience; that helps us to get through the tough times? Reading these stories it seems that it’s all about our relationships.

This year also marks the 100 year anniversary of World War 1. John’s is a life well lived in Clubmoor, however he was affected by loss in both world wars, and must have had his fair share of fear as a paratrooper on the front line, yet he talks so passionately about his ‘mates for life’.

Doing it on our own sometimes feels too big, too difficult, and too lonely. MyClubmoor is about making our community a better place by bringing people together and getting involved. Over the next few months we have loads of opportunities for you to do just that.

So go on, just do it, it might just change your life!

Kevin Peacock, MyClubmoor Chairperson

SCHOOL MUSEUM VISIT May, West Derby School

PICNIC IN THE PARK

June @ Clubmoor Recreational ground

MYCLUBMOOR ANNUAL DOG SHOW

20th July @ Clubmoor recreational ground

MO’S HANDY TIPS

Don't throw away your egg shells, crush them up and sprinkle on your garden soil to keep the slugs from eating your plants.

Put egg shells in the plug hole of your kitchen sink and grind them down with the handle of a wooden spoon whilst running the cold water tap. This will help clear your drain pipe of any build up.

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Deodorise smelly shoes and trainers by putting cat litter into the end of an old tight and leave overnight this will absorb any moisture and remove the smell.

Use empty milk or beer containers, filled with cold water to condition your garden soil.

Regards, Mo x

MY CLUBMOOR CONFERENCE

16th July @ St Andrew’s church

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Issue No. 02

WHAT AN AUTUMN “THE NIGHT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS WITH AROUND 90 CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES ATTENDING, WE EVEN HAD SOME OF OUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS THERE!

MYCLUBMOOR CARNIVAL

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n October last year MyClubmoor, Liverpool City Council and St Andrews Church joined together to create an alternative Halloween event at Larkhill Gardens, Clubmoor. The Christian churches celebrate Halloween by focusing on the light rather than the darkness of the more modern Halloween events; so working together we came up with a “Bright Night Carnival” event for the whole community to enjoy. On the night people enjoyed entertainment from stilt walkers and glow in the dark bands as well as hot food and prizes. The children were kept busy with lantern making, games and entertainment from magicians, circus performers and fire breathers.

The event was well attended and enjoyed by everyone; a great success!

THE CHILDREN WERE KEPT BUSY WITH LANTERN MAKING, GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT FROM MAGICIANS, CIRCUS PERFORMERS AND FIRE BREATHERS. THE EVENT WAS WELL ATTENDED AND ENJOYED

BY EVERYONE; A GREAT SUCCESS! ARTS AND CRAFT FAIR

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rom October to December last year we held a weekly Saturday market at the Bridge Community Centre. The market was set up to encourage local people who make, create and produce arts and crafts to try out selling their products. At the same time we also wanted to support our local social enterprises whilst engaging with the local community through their hobbies and skills. At the fair the people were able to share their knowledge, expertise and develop management skills, as well as being able to sell their produce and have a go at running a small business.

To get involved with this year’s show get along to the Broadway Showstoppers Dance School and enrol in any of the classes below!

“HAVING A LOCAL MARKET RUN BY LOCAL PEOPLE REALLY ENHANCES THE COMMUNITY FEEL OF AN AREA AND IS A GREAT WAY FOR YOUNGER AND OLDER GENERATIONS TO COME TOGETHER, ENGAGE AND SHARE EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS” The Clubmoor ward has a history of employment issues, low aspirations and is considered a high poverty area. However, many local people are known to adapt their skills and “make do”. It is these types of people that, given the opportunity to deliver their products on a ‘try it out’ basis and develop training and business skills, could use their talents to create employment opportunities, not only for themselves but for the wider local community too. Although a tricky start, the craft fair gained momentum and towards Christmas we had regular stall holders turning up and engaging with the community. We are hoping to have another market type opportunity and to recreate a similar venture later on this year. If you are interested please contact:

TUESDAYS - BALLET & TAP - CHEERLEADING Ballet & tap 4:30pm - 5:30pm Ages 7+ Ballet & tap 5:30pm - 6:30pm Up to ages 11 Ballet & tap 6:30pm - 7:30pm Ages 11+ Cheerleading 7:30pm - 8:30pm Ages 7 - 18

Email: Lianne@standrewslive.org.uk.

THURSDAYS - STREET JAZZ COMMUNITY HALLOWEEN DANCE SHOW 4:30pm - 5:30pm Up to age 7

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roadway Showstoppers Dance School, based at 2 Utting Avenue East (above John Prebble opticians) last year put on a Halloween community performance at the Broadway Function Suite in Norris Green.

Dance teacher Jennifer Gibbons said; “The event was for the local community and their families, and to showcase all the children’s hard work. On the night we had a dance show, party games, disco, buffet, pumpkin carving competitions and a wonderful trick or treat table that was kindly funded by the Clubmoor councillors.”

“The night was a huge success with around 90 children and their families attending, we even had some of our local councillors there! Everyone had a great night and the kids put on a fantastic performance. We will most definitely be holding it again next Halloween”.

5:30pm - 6:30pm Up to age 11 6:30pm - 7:30pm Ages 11+

SATURDAYS - MUSICAL THEATRE 11:10pm - 12:10pm Ages 3+

For more information about any of these activities contact Jennifer Gibbons on: Tel: 07867 319 184

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www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 02

YOUTH AND SCHOOLS

ROSCOE PRIMARY SCHOOL

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n June 2013 Ofsted said about Roscoe Primary School: This is a good school. Pupils enjoy coming to this school and thrive within its caring environment. They develop confidence and a love of learning, which prepares them well for the future.

Since then, the school has gone on to win a number of awards for its commitment to improving learning through the use of Information Technology and Computing. In July 2013 the school was shortlisted for a TES (teach, educate, share) award in ICT and named Best Primary Site on the Makewaves learning platform. Roscoe is now one of the few Champion Schools on Makewaves and, Mr Hunt, the Assistant Headteacher for Curriculum, has been shortlisted for a Naace Impact Award in ICT.

Roscoe pupils attended the Whole Education ‘Journeys to Outstanding’ conference in Bradford, where they delivered a presentation to Headteachers and Ofsted inspectors about what makes the school such a great place to be.

The school’s SATs results at the end of Key Stage two have continued to improve year on year and have been above local and national averages for the last two years. In 2013 100% of Roscoe pupils achieved the expected level in both Reading & Maths.

For all of the above reasons, Roscoe won the Merseyside Educate Communication and WOW! Factor Awards in December 2013. These were presented at a special celebration ceremony at

Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. You can find out more about Roscoe Primary School, and its successes, by following the links below: Web: www.roscoeliverpool.co.uk Web: www.makewav.es/roscoeschools Web: www.rebelmouse.com/Roscoe_Primary Twitter: @Roscoe_Primary

We currently have vacancies in most year groups, including our Nursery. For admission details please contact the school on: Tel: 0151 226 1536 Email: roscoe-ao@roscoe.liverpool.sch.uk.

SWITCH

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WITCH is a group of volunteers from St Andrew’s Church, who have been doing detached youth work for about five years, in and around Clubmoor and Tuebrook. SWITCH is all about helping young people to make that “positive switch” in their life and to engage with those who are involved in or at risk of becoming involved in Anti-Social Behaviour; this is done through positive interaction and mentoring roles.

Tuebrook sits just outside of the Clubmoor boundary but it is still a very important part of the Clubmoor Community, and has high levels of youth disorder. As a group, ‘SWITCH’ has been trying to tackle this alongside Tuebrook’s dedicated police officer PC Pete Atkinson who said; “SWITCH is a great asset and resource to the youth of Tuebrook and Clubmoor, it has helped us engage positively with

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our young people. Their volunteers are just a group of normal passionate people who want to make a difference in their own community and it’s been a real privilege to work with them.”

SWITCH is currently renovating a room in Tuebrook Community Centre in Marlborough Road, and have been working closely with Jimmy Campbell, the Chair, to try and create a safe space for the young people to explore their worth and potential whilst supporting them in developing their skills. All our volunteers have many great talents including music, art, cookery and sports.

Please contact Victoria Ponsonby-Martin on: Tel: 07952 953 367 Email: vicky@standrewslive.org.uk

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 02

LOOKING AFTER THE LOOP LINE T

he Liverpool Loop Line Tuesday Team have completed over 80 workdays since their inception in late 2010, equating to hundreds of hours of volunteer time.

The group meet every other Tuesday at different locations along the Loop Line and have now covered every inch of the path several times over.

They have painted and pruned and edged paths, but the favoured job is litter picking, at which the team are a dab hand. In recent months they’ve even been joined by pupils from a local school who love to get stuck into the hard jobs like path edging.

The workdays run all year round and they find the hardy souls are just as likely to come out in the middle of winter to pick litter that’s frozen to the ground, as they are to come out in the summer months.

Alice Irving, Area Manager said; “We love to see our volunteers every fortnight; they always have some great tales to tell and are eager to know what’s going

on, up on the path. The site team enjoy the company and the support they get, and we really appreciate their ongoing help and enthusiasm.”

Sustrans is a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. Sustrans works with communities, policy-makers and partner organisations so that people can choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys and enjoy better, safer spaces to live in. All over the UK, we make a positive difference to people’s lives. The National Cycle Network is a series of safe, trafficfree lanes and quiet on-road routes that connect to every major city and pass within a mile of 55% of UK homes. It now stretches 14,500 miles across the length and breadth of the UK. If you would like to volunteer on this fantastic team and make a difference in your area contact Alice on: Tel: 07799 037 044 Email: info@sustrans.org.uk

WEST DERBY SCHOOL

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n late December, Year 7 pupils from West Derby School paid a visit to the superb Reducate Initiative at Liverpool’s famous Anfield stadium.

Accompanied by Head of Year, Mr. Parkinson, and cameraman Steve Byrne, the group spent a day under the enthusiastic tuition of Reducate’s, Keith White. The boys were very excited about the visit and before entering the ground, had their picture taken standing next to the statue of the legendary Bill Shankly.

As well as having a tour of the ‘hallowed’ ground, the boys also spent time in the Reducate centre itself, learning about a variety

of cross curricular facts and figures through a competitive, fun filled collection of Liverpool themed presentations. The boys also got the chance to stroll around the club’s museum and after this they even got their hands on the European Cup! This is such a great opportunity for the boys, regardless of their red or blue allegiance. In the interest of fairness, it’s only right to point out that Everton F.C. have their own educational schools programme and this too is worth a visit. Having the chance to visit a Premier League club’s ground is fantastic for a young person and it’s something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.

Mr. Parkinson, a Red himself, was pleased with the visit; “The fact that you can come along to a club like Liverpool, take part in sessions that help you learn and get to see all parts of such a famous ground is just superb. The hosts couldn’t have been friendlier, and it goes without saying that our lads were great throughout the day.”

Tom Durkin, from 7Y, put it simply. “One word. Brilliant!”

His fellow pupil Tom Logue, also of 7Y, was equally taken with the experience. “It was great. Excellent! The tutor was really good too. Dead funny.”

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KIM’S STORY Kim Rockliffe & Lorraine Aldridge

From finding out the results to having to go to surgery took less than two weeks. Whilst in theatre, however, the surgeons found a secondary mass and took another biopsy which also came back positive; this is when Kim found out that she would need a full mastectomy.

Kim says “After coming out of theatre I had to wait for another two weeks for the results of the second biopsy and then finding out that I was going to need a mastectomy totally gobsmacked me. I didn’t take in everything the surgeon was telling me; thankfully you have a Macmillan nurse in there with you who stays with you afterwards. She was great and really helped me to digest it all, whilst making me feel a little more able to deal with what was going to happen to me”

I DIDN’T TAKE IN EVERYTHING THE SURGEON

WOMEN V CANCER CYCLE RIDE

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he challenge is to cycle 450km across the Beijing province of China. Participants will visit the spectacular Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square on this once in a lifetime adventure.

It will be a journey full of fun, friendship and incredible support as women of all ages and from all walks of life challenge themselves for an amazing cause.

Funds raised by Women V Cancer will be divided equally between three important charities: Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action and used to support their valuable work.

WAS TELLING ME; THANKFULLY YOU HAVE A MACMILLAN NURSE IN THERE WITH YOU WHO

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n 2011, Kim Rockliffe, 49, received her first mammogram screening appointment through the post and was asked to go the Linda McCartney Centre in March. She said; “I was a little put out; I mean you’re not supposed to receive it until your 50 and I had just turned 49 I thought they had made a mistake”. However, although, Kim did attend the appointment she wasn’t concerned as she regularly checked herself for any lumps or abnormalities and everything seemed fine.

STAYS WITH YOU AFTERWARDS. Linda McCartney Centre has, from the very beginning, been a fantastic support system for Kim and her family, she says the treatment and staff goes above and beyond anything you could imagine; “I know who I am ringing up to speak to and just as important they know me, even now I can still ring the centre with any concerns, they go out of their way to support and help you.”

After being recalled for a repeat mammogram, the doctor told Kim that they had found a cluster of small white dots on one of the x-rays and that it looked like a build-up of calcium in one breast.

Although not a direct indication, they explained that sometimes this is a sign that something isn’t right and took a biopsy as a precaution.

It’s been two years of recovery and reconstruction surgery but Kim looks and feels great and her advice is clear; “Check yourself regularly and always keep your mammogram appointment, it may be that those few minutes it takes to do the test become the most important minutes of your life.”

Kim says; “I still wasn’t really concerned, again I checked for any lumps or changes when I got home and couldn’t find anything, nothing felt or looked different and I felt fine.”

Kim is now ready to take on the Action for Charity Cycle Challenge with her two sisters Lorraine Aldridge, 54 and Sandra Driscoll, 53.

“CHECK YOURSELF REGULARLY AND ALWAYS KEEP YOUR MAMMOGRAM APPOINTMENT, IT MAY BE THAT THOSE FEW MINUTES IT TAKES TO DO THE TEST COULD BE THE MOST IMPORTANT MINUTES OF YOUR LIFE.” The results came back within a couple of weeks and Kim was asked to come back as the biopsies had produced a positive result, the doctors said that a lumpectomy was needed.

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Kim’s sister Lorraine says “After everything that the Linda McCartney Centre had done for Kim I just felt that we needed to give something back, so we got together and organised our first fundraising event and raised over £800! A sum that was generously match funded by Santander Bank, from then we have gone on to have everything from coffee mornings to race nights to raise as much as we can.”

Even Kim’s daughter Katie, at just 13, organised a zumbathon with her troupe, Dance passion, and raised over £2000. In 2012 the three sisters took on the Liverpool to Chester bike ride, it was doing this that they found out about Action for Charity and the China Cycle Challenge.

Lorraine Kim & Sandra

HOW CAN YOU HELP? The amount needed to be raised is a minimum of £9,600. At present they are 83% of the way there through their many fund raisers and people’s donations.

To donate go to: Web: www.justgiving.com/kim-rockliffe Text Donate: LALD59 plus the AMOUNT you wish to donate to 70070.

Issue No. 02

MOTHER & DAUGHTER DEFYING STATISTICS TOGETHER P

ublic Health Data reveals 67% of people from Liverpool are overweight. Determined to no longer be a statistic, mother and daughter team, Jennifer Shipsides and Karen McCormick are supporting each other on their weight loss journey.

BEFORE & AFTER

Jennifer and Karen joined their local Slimming World Group 23 weeks ago after meeting the group’s leader, Nicky Williams, who was promoting the group at Clubmoor Children’s Centre.

Karen said; “To be honest I did the normal thing, picked up a leaflet which eventually would end up in the bin. However that afternoon I visited my Mum and we got talking about our weight issues and I told her about Slimming World. We agreed to go, as we had tried other joint efforts that never amounted to much.”

KAREN’S STORY

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wanted to lose weight. I have always wanted to be slimmer and healthier, but never could get myself motivated. I had promised myself I would lose weight after my son Devon was born, and I had, but old habits were creeping back in.

After my second child, Connie, was born and with lots of personal events happening during 2013, it made me realise that I have a family to be there for, and I did not want to risk anything that could stop me being there for them. I want to be an active Mum, and be there for my kids – that is what keeps me going. I’m also really proud of Mum and as we have followed Slimming World’s Extra Easy Plan and found food optimising so flexible, with so much choice, it has been easy to stick to it. Our group meets on a Thursday and we both see it as our time for us. Mum is better than she gives herself credit for and I want her to keep aiming for her target and prove to herself that she can do it.

JENNIFER’S STORY

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hen I decided to go to Slimming World after talking with Karen, my main reasons for going were for my health and my grandchildren. I think we were both nervous coming to the group, but by the end of the first session we knew that it was a lovely team and that we had a real chance of changing our diets for the better. We both agreed to keep going, and I now love going, that has been crucial in helping me keeping to the Extra Easy plan. I was worried Slimming World wouldn’t work, but it has; food optimising is so simple and there is so much choice and flexibility; I never feel hungry or

Jennifer & Karen

deprived. I am becoming more active and mobile and I can start letting the kids sit on my knee, because there is room when initially there wasn’t!

I love that clothes are now becoming too big on me and my confidence is growing with what I can wear. My husband and Karen are helping me with meal planning and support; with them and with the group’s support I feel that I have a real chance of achieving my target and staying there. I just want to spend as much time with my grandchildren and to make the most of it.

Consultant Nicky said: “When Karen and Jennifer walked into the group, they looked very nervous. On welcoming them and getting to know more about them, I discovered a mother and daughter with a passion for life and for their family. Their love and support for each other had helped them walk through my door together, absolutely on a mission to get healthy, active and change not only theirs but their family’s future.

Jennifer was using a walking stick due to mobility problems and had other health issues; these are one by one going. They are both an inspiration to our group and were selected as our ‘Couple of the Year’ this month. Together they have lost 4 stone 6lbs but much more than this their confidence and health has changed dramatically. Slimming World is more than a healthy eating plan, it changes lives and these ladies are 100% proof of just that.”

If this story has inspired you or you would like support to lose weight and change your life, Nicky’s group is held on Thursdays at 4.30pm & 6.30pm in Ellergreen Community/Children’s Centre, Norris Green. If you want more information contact Nicky on: Tel: 07903 873 340 Web: www.slimmingworld.com

NHS Health Message: “A lump isn’t the only sign of breast cancer. Anything unusual, like changes to your nipples, a discharge or skin dimpling could also be early signs. If you’re worried about any changes to your breasts, tell your doctor. Finding it early makes it more treatable and could save your life.”

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RYAN MANVILLE SPORTS ALIVE R

yan Manville is a 21 year old local man from the Florence Melly estate, who through hard work and dedication has managed to, not only start a thriving business, but also work part time as a Community Safety Fire Officer, whilst working part time as a Youth Service Worker based at Norris Green Youth Centre. On top of all of that, he also manages to find the time to volunteer for the St John’s Ambulance Service.

Ryan went to Florence Melly Primary School, before going on to Alsop High School where he studied his A-levels in Double Sports. He then went onto The University of Central Lancashire to complete a Fire and Leadership Studies BSc (Hons) degree which included an employment law module.

Throughout his life he has been into sports, Ryan said; “My mum and dad have always encouraged me, my brothers and sister to take part in sports; they said that it helped us to develop social and team building skills.”

It was during his time in education that Ryan began to notice a definite decrease of sports activities being provided for youth right across Liverpool, and with local services continually being cut, he decided he wanted to do something about it.

“By the time I was 18, I noticed there didn’t seem to be much for the younger kids to do sports wise, and the sessions the youth services were running were

Ryan Manville is a 21 year old local man from the Florence Melly estate, who through hard work and dedication has managed to, not only start a thriving business, but also work part time as a Community Safety Fire Officer, whilst working part time as a Youth Service Worker based at Norris Green Youth Centre. On top of all of that, he also manages to find the time to volunteer for the St John’s Ambulance Service.

Ryan went to Florence Melly Primary School, before going on to Alsops High School where he studied his A-levels in Double Sports. He then went onto The University of Central Lancashire to complete a Fire and Leadership Studies BSc (Hons) degree which included an employment law module.

Throughout his life he has been into sports, Ryan said; “My mum and dad have always encouraged me, my brothers and sister to take part in sports; they said that it helped us to develop social and team building skills.”

It was during his time in education that Ryan began to notice a definite decrease of sports activities being provided for youth right across Liverpool, and with local services continually being cut, he decided he wanted to do something about it.

“By the time I was 18, I noticed there didn’t seem to be much for the younger kids to do sports wise,

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being cut. So thought I would run a few sessions over the school holidays to see if the kids would attend. It turned out to be a great success with plenty of kids taking part, that’s when I first thought about setting up Sports Alive to run regular after school and holiday sessions.”

Starting from his bedroom with funding from an Unltd Live Award, Sports Alive was born and in the first year was already employing three young people to deliver sports training in the local area.

Ryan said; “I was amazed at how quickly it grew, even the local social landlords wanted to become involved and I was able to secure funding to run more sessions across the north of the city.”

“WE ALSO USE SPORTS AS AN INTERVENTION TOOL TO HELP COMBAT ISSUES SUCH AS OBESITY, DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE, PHYSICAL INACTIVITY AND VIOLENCE, AS WELL CREATING A SAFE COMMUNITY.” By his second year Ryan was employing six young people who were all trained or training to become sport coaches, this gave Ryan the flexibility to expand the type of sports on offer and it was then that he decided to apply for an Unltd Star Award with which to grow his business.

and the sessions the youth services were running were being cut. So thought I would run a few sessions over the school holidays to see if the kids would attend. It turned out to be a great success with plenty of kids taking part, that’s when I first thought about setting up Sports Alive to run regular after school and holiday sessions.”

Starting from his bedroom with funding from an Unltd Live Award, Sports Alive was born and in the first year was already employing three young people to deliver sports training in the local area.

Ryan said; “I was amazed at how quickly it grew, even the local social landlords wanted to become involved and I was able to secure funding to run more sessions across the north of the city.”

By his second year Ryan was employing six young people who were all trained or training to become sport coaches, this gave Ryan the flexibility to expand the type of sports on offer and it was then that he decided to apply for an Unltd Star Award with which to grow his business. The bid was successful and not only has Ryan been able to grow the sessions, he has also grown in geographical terms. Now in its third year and aged just 21, Ryan now employs 15 young people and continues to provide sports to youth throughout

The bid was successful and not only has Ryan been able to grow the sessions, he has also grown in geographical terms. Now in its third year and aged just 21, Ryan now employs 15 young people and continues to provide sports to youth throughout Liverpool. The coaches employed by Sports Alive are qualified in a vast array of differing sports, ranging from dance to sports with arts and crafts, ultimate Frisbee to football and most things in between.

“I started the company with the aim of using sport to keep kids off the streets and give them something to do; now as a team we also use sports as an intervention tool to help combat issues such as obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, physical inactivity and violence, as well creating a safe community”.

Ryan added; “The business grew really quick and taking on employees was a must, however I also wanted to help local young people who wanted to get into this field to develop their own life skills, experience and coaching and with continuous hands on training.”

Sports Alive sessions are delivered across the city through Liverpool City Council, Lifestyles and Resident Social Landlords. For more information please contact: Tel: 07754 113 557 Web: www.sports-alive.org Email: info@sports-alive.org Twitter: @sportsalive1 Facebook: at Sports Alive

Liverpool. The coaches employed by Sports Alive are qualified in a vast array of differing sports, ranging from dance to sports with arts and crafts, ultimate Frisbee to football and most things in between.

“I started the company with the aim of using sport to keep kids off the streets and give them something to do; now as a team we also use sports as an intervention tool to help combat issues such as obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, physical inactivity and violence, as well creating a safe community”.

Ryan added; “The business grew really quick and taking on employees was a must, however I also wanted to help local young people who wanted to get into the field to develop their own life skills, experience and coaching and with continuous hands on training.”

Sports Alive sessions are delivered across the city through Liverpool City Council, Lifestyles and Resident Social Landlords. For more information you can access the website: www.sports-alive. org, follow Ryan on Twitter @sportsalive1, and on Facebook at Sports Alive. Alternately you can call Sports Alive on 07754113557 or email info@sportsalive.org.

Issue No. 02

CHRISTMAS SHOE BOXES FOR SOLDIERS

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t the beginning of November we asked local people to donate items to send over to our soldiers in Afghanistan. The response was amazing; even the girls from Jacobs Biscuit Factory got involved and in the end we were able to send over 15 shoeboxes. Leamington, St Mathew’s, Florence Melly, Broad Square and Roscoe Primary School’s also got involved and designed their own Christmas Cards to go over in the shoeboxes, the work was brilliant and over a 100 cards were sent out.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

When the elves went back to Santa with the huge bag of cards and wishes, they also told him about all the great work the children of Clubmoor do for their community so as an extra special treat Santa and his elves set up a grotto inside the local B & M store, giving each child that visited a special gift.

The boxes arrived just in time for Christmas and were received by Padre Ian Rogers who kindly distributed them amongst the soldiers.

The soldiers showed their appreciation with a Christmas Day photograph with all of the cards which was sent to Lianne at MyClubmoor with a thank you message to pass on to everyone.

IAN SAID; “PLEASE ACCEPT AND PASS ON MY HUGE THANKS ON BEHALF OF THE SOLDIERS OF THE CSLR SERVING HERE IN AFGHANISTAN. THE GENEROSITY OF THE GIFTS AND THE WONDERFUL CARDS WERE VERY MOVING AND HELPED TO REMIND US ALL THAT WE WERE NOT FORGOTTEN BACK AT HOME ON CHRISTMAS DAY. PLEASE FIND ATTACHED A PHOTO OF SOME OF OUR SOLDIERS HOLDING THE CARDS ON CHRISTMAS DAY SENT BY YOUR PRIMARY SCHOOLS. ONCE AGAIN MANY THANKS,PADRE IAN ROGERS, LOG GP CHAPLAIN, BASTION.” The shoeboxes are sent all year round by a fantastic mother and daughter team Ivy and Janet Wilson and their friend Lisa Pover. They are always looking for donations and at present are collecting for the bomb disposal team and their dogs. If you would like more information on how and what to donate please look at the Facebook Page; shoeboxes for our soldiers appeal – Liverpool

you, they could contact the five local primary schools and arrange for his elves to visit and collect the cards so he could personally take them to the soldiers.

The schools agreed and two of Santa’s special elves visited and collected the beautifully made cards, Santa also asked that the elves say a personal thank you from him to all the children for their hard work throughout the year.

One of the Elves said “Clubmoor has fantastic primary schools and the local children are a credit to their community, you all should be very proud.”

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lubmoor ward saw its first ever Christmas trees erected on the green space, thanks to the partner work and sponsorship funding from MyClubmoor, Liverpool Mutual Homes, Liverpool City Council and St Andrew’s Community Network. Liverpool City Council also put up solar lit Christmas trees and lighting along Utting Avenue, Utting Avenue East and Broadway Shopping Area to help inject a little extra Christmas spirit. Local schools, St Matthew’s and Leamington Primary School also got involved by designing shooting stars with Christmas wishes for the area which were displayed on the trees. The feedback from the local community was great, with everyone enjoying the Christmas decoration whilst hoping they return again this year.

Whilst the elves and Santa were here they also heard about St Andrews Church and their Inbetweenies toddler groups Christmas party. So with a couple of hours to spare before they had to be back at the North pole, Santa and his elves dropped into say hi and gave out some little gifts to the children. It was a great day all round, and hopefully Santa and his elves will visit again soon.

SANTA AND HIS ELVES VISIT CLUBMOOR

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n December, Santa contacted the MyClubmoor team as he had heard what great jobs our young people were doing in making Christmas cards for the soldiers who couldn’t be with their families over the Christmas period. He asked the team if, as a thank

In December, Walton ASDA, MyClubmoor, Liverpool Mutual Homes, St Andrews Community Network and St Andrews Church came together to help raise money for the local Trussell Trust FoodBank.

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www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 02

JOHN SPRUCE J

ohn Spruce is a lifelong local resident who has a passion for and mind full of local knowledge. His family moved onto the Florence Melly estate back in 1926, at the time it was known as Larkhill estate, Clubmoor.

The homes were owned by the Corporation of Liverpool (The former Liverpool City Council) and the local Primary School, Florence Melly, was built the following year in 1927.

John’s parents, George and Rebecca Spruce, were amongst the first residents to move to the estate with their young son, Billy, with John born the following year in 1928.

John said; “My dad came out of the RAF and felt like he had to start again, there was a job going as a tram driver so he decided to have a go at doing that.”

It wasn’t long after that George met and married John’s mum, Rebecca Yates, and moved to Atheledene Road on the new Larkhill estate.

George was a tram driver for over 40 years, by the time he retired he had received Commendation from The Corporation of Liverpool for his services.

John remembers the 18th July, 1934, an exciting day for the then six year old, his family and their neighbours. In Liverpool City Centre, King George V and Queen Mary had come to open the new Queensway Tunnel, known locally as the Birkenhead Tunnel, and the streets were busy to welcome them. However, John and his family were waiting patiently on Walton Hall Avenue, as on the same day the King and Queen were also to visit their little community to open the new Walton Park.

John said; “I remember getting dressed up and waiting for them to arrive, there was a real buzz around and the local people talked about it for years to come.”

You can tell by listening to John that he loves the road he grew up on and the local community where he was raised. He has fond memories of helping neighbours as a boy on the allotments, going to Florence Melly Primary School, his parents, siblings and his late wife Eileen.

Reminiscing, John said; “I first met my wife Eileen when we were just a couple of kids; our mums knew each other and our paths had crossed many a time, on the cinder path mainly going the local baths.”

John said; “My dad, George, was a carter who was originally from Everton, I remember him telling me once about his horse and how at the bottom of Everton Valley they had two big shire horses that would help the carters up the hill with their load if it was too heavy, imagine how great it would have been seeing that!”

George Spruce wasn’t to be a carter for long, in 1914 in his early 20’s; George was conscripted into the Royal Flying Corps as a balloon spotter before being sent overseas to France at the beginning of World War 1.

John said; “It was a dangerous job, like all war time jobs, my dad was winched up in a giant balloon to keep watch over France, he didn’t even have a parachute. If there was an air raid they just got left up there whilst the men on the ground raced to the AntiAircraft Guns. How anyone survived I’ll never know, maybe it was just pure luck.”

Like many other British families, George’s brothers John and Billy, were also conscripted and posted out to France. John joined The Royal Artillery in 1914 and was killed in action the same year at just 19 years old. Billy signed up for the cavalry in 1915 and was also sadly killed in action in 1917. Despite all the odds, Private George Spruce made it to 1918 safe and sound and in February that year transferred to the new RAF and that’s where he stayed until being demobbed in 1924.

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It was years later though before they had their first date. After leaving school John went to work in the tannery on Scotland Road, where he stayed until he signed up as a paratrooper in the army in 1946 at the age of 18. It was while he was on R&R that he again crossed paths with Eileen Ashcroft.

John said; “I had a 24 hour pass and had just got home; I dumped my kit in the hall and shouted through to my mum that I was home. Straight away she told me that one of my mates had been round and said I was to meet him at 7pm at the tram station as he had met this girl and I was to meet her mate. It was 5.30pm; I didn’t feel like going out at all never mind go on a blind date!” Luckily John did go, he adds; “I went and was standing outside the tram station and there’s Eileen Ashcroft walking towards me, I hadn’t seen her for a few years so we started talking and catching up about what we had been up to. When I asked her where she was going to, she said she was meeting her mate, I said I was too and we both still didn’t realise that it was actually each other we were meeting. After about 15 minutes my mate came around the corner with Eileen’s mate hanging on his arm! Eileen looked at me and we both laughed and decided to go dancing, I got home that night and told my mum who it was and she didn’t believe me, she thought I was mistaken! As if, I had known her most of my life, anyway, I took her out the next night too and the rest is history.”

Eileen and John courted for three years before they married in 1956, they had three children John, Ken and James, who were all raised in the same house John was born in and still lives in today. John has many more stories and memories to share about his time in the army and the lifelong friendships he made.

On the sideboard at his Atheledene Road home among the many family photos, there proudly sits a new military picture; John’s Great Nephew, James, 20, who is today serving as a marine out in Afghanistan.

John now spends a lot of his time on his Grandison Road allotment, a plot he’s held since 1962, and beside him is his youngest son, James, who lives with and looks after his dad since his mother passed away.

I would like to thank John for taking the time to share his precious memories with me; I could have listened to him all day. John has many more stories, memories and fascinating photos and documents to share and has allowed me to copy some of them so that I can share them with you. We’ll have more for you in the summer.

Come along to the ‘Picnic in the Park’ in June to see some of the artefacts John has collected over the years.

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 02

CAROLS BLOG BEING MI CHAMPION

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ello again. In the last edition of the paper I gave you a run-down of what I have seen going on in the Clubmoor area and my thoughts about them. Whilst I am very happy to continue to do this (I do like to see myself in print), it would be very nice if I could get some feedback from you, the reader. Did you go to the same things I did?

Did you enjoy/hate them as much as I did? Is there something coming up that you would like us to know about and possibly attend? Is there something about the Clubmoor area that you would like to see changed?

Have you got memories of Clubmoor in times past? Are you trying to reconnect with a group of people or just one person in the Clubmoor area? Send your letters to us and we’ll print a selection of them on this page: MyClubmoor, St Andrew’s Community Network, Roscoe Primary School, Ballantyne Road Entrance, Clubmoor, Liverpool, L13 9AL Now for what I’ve been up to; I completed a health training course last year, this was a day long course that gave me a broad overview on some common conditions and how to signpost people to the correct services. I also learnt what is fact and what is myth about some basic conditions and their treatments. For instance, I knew that giving up smoking would benefit someone’s

health, I just didn’t realise that the doctor doesn’t class you as a non-smoker until you’ve been smoke free for ten years. Now I am classed as a People’s Health Champion and I am challenged to do something good for either myself or someone in my community on a daily basis.

Being a health champion involves different things.

It can be something as simple as complimenting someone’s new hairdo and making them feel good about themselves, or something huge like noticing a friend has had a persistent cough for over three weeks and signposting them to the doctors to get it checked (persistent coughing and breathlessness for over three weeks can be a sign of cancer).

The training was not difficult and I was given a lovely little booklet called Every Contact Counts, which is a reminder of the things I learnt and a guide to health services available in Liverpool. As a volunteer at St Andrew’s Community Network this training has boosted my confidence in dealing with our clients as well as making me more aware of my own health as well as those around me.

I also learnt about something in Liverpool called MI, which stands for More Independent, which is all about trying new ways to improve health and wellbeing in our city. MI uses technology, services and gadgets to help people be more independent and safe in their own homes. These gadgets can make a huge difference to someone’s life, it might be someone having a gadget fitted in their home that lets a monitoring centre know if they fall or need help. Also, as an MI Champion I can

help people find out about where they can go to use the internet for free in their local area. I can also let people know what kind of activities and support is available to them locally; helping them understand health issues, and encourage them to get involved in all kinds of things.

If you’d like to know more about MI, MI Champions, and what it all means to people living in Clubmoor and beyond, you can find out by calling the number on the advert below.

I’ve recently expanded my training to include a reflective listening course, run by St Andrew’s Community Network. This is a new service recently launched which is hoped will be of benefit to everyone in the Clubmoor area. If you would like to know more about this service, either how to access it or how to volunteer as a reflective listener then please phone the St Andrews Community Network Office on: Tel: 0151 226 3406.

TECHNOLOGY TO HELP YOU LIVE INDEPENDENTLY If you would like to try out one of Care Technology’s products, we are looking for volunteers to test them and write a review for us here at MyClubmoor and MI. If you think that Care Technology could support you or somebody you know, visit MI.Smart House at the Museum of Liverpool or visit the website: www.moreindependent.co.uk If you are interested in trying out a product please email: lianne@standrewslive.org.uk

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www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 02

ABOUT THE BOARD Paul Rotheram

Shane Knott

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aul has lived in the Clubmoor area for 54 years; he has also brought up three children with his wife Wendy who now all live in the area with their own children. Paul has worked as a black cab driver for 25 years and can still be seen driving around the city. He has been the Chairman of Grandison Road Allotment Society for the last seven years, and went to college to become a chef. Paul has a good knowledge and a vested interest in Clubmoor, his passion is to help make Clubmoor the best place it can be for his family and the local community. He hopes by being a board member that he can go some way to achieving this. In his spare time Paul still loves to cook for family and friends.

NICKY WILLIAMS

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icky is a Debt Advisor at St Andrew’s Network and runs a money education programme. She is also a Parent Governor at Roscoe Primary School, and more recently has become a Slimming World Consultant. Nicky is a resident of Clubmoor, and has been married to Ian for 13 years, they have three children and she volunteers in as many projects and events that she can. In her spare time Nicky enjoys knitting and cycling.

hane works for Liverpool City Council as a Neighbourhood Manager in the Public Health team. He has worked to prevent ill health within the Clubmoor community for a number of years, and is currently studying to receive a Master’s Degree in Public Health at the University of Liverpool.

He is an independent board member of Cobalt Housing, and has an interest in how communities and housing can impact on health. Shane is a keen runner and enjoys taking part in triathlons; he is also the proud father of his two boys.

Olive Edmondson

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live is 74 years old and has lived in the Clubmoor ward for most of her life; she was a ward sister for over 30 years, working in all of the Liverpool hospitals. Olive is now retired but she still is an active community volunteer and has been for many years. She sits on Liverpool Mutual Homes Community Initiative Fund and Scrutiny Panels, as well as being an active board member for QUTTRA Tenants and Resident Group. She is also the treasurer for Clubmoor Youth Community Group. Olive likes to spend time with her family, bake, knit and is a big fan of gardening.

GET INVOLVED & HAVE YOUR SAY There are is a range of ways you can get involved and have your say on the local area...

MyClubmoor relies on volunteers to help deliver projects and events. Please contact Lianne McGinnes, MyClubmoor facilitator at:

VOLUNTEERING: At events and projects

MyClubmoor, St Andrews Community Network Roscoe Primary School, Ballantyne Road Entrance Clubmoor, Liverpool, L13 9AL

NEWSPAPER: Stories, writing and journalism EVENTS: Running a stall, setting up and stewarding UNLTD AWARDS: Could you be the recipient of our next “TRY IT” or “DO IT” award.

Tel: 0151 270 3803 Email: lianne@standrewslive.org.uK Web: www.myclubmoor.co.uk

COMMENT SLIP We’d love to know what you think about the publication. Is there anything you particularly like or dislike? Is there anything you’d like us to include? Fill in the form below, cut it out and drop it off at MyClubmoor St Andrews Community Network, Roscoe Primary School, Ballantyne Road Entrance, Clubmoor, Liverpool,L13 9AL. Tel: 0151 270 3803 Email: lianne@standrewslive.org.uk Web: www.myclubmoor.co.uk

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