EXXXX Knowsley EDITION 3 V3 31/8/05 1:52 pm Page 1

A COUNCIL MAGAZINE FOR RESIDENTS OF HALEWOOD, , KIRKBY, PRESCOT, WHISTON AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Issue 3 Autumn 2005

www.knowsley.gov.uk All the fun of the fayres Summer events photo special

PLUS PHIL THOMPSON INTERVIEW WIN HIGH STREET VOUCHERS FUTURE OF BOROUGH SCHOOLS EXXXX Knowsley EDITION 3 V3 31/8/05 1:53 pm Page 2 EXXXX Knowsley EDITION 3 V3 31/8/05 1:53 pm Page 3

in this issue Welcome

Regulars News 4, 8 6 Round your way 6 Hail the new Halewood My Knowsley 9 Footballer, Phil Thompson Your health 10 We’ve got just the jab WELCOME to issue three of Knowsley News. for the flu I have been in the chief executive post for five months What’s On 15 now and one thing that has struck me is that we have lots Memory Lane 18 of committed staff that are desperate to get things right Huyton 57 years ago, for Knowsley. up for auction 12 11 But for that to happen it is vitally important the community Ask the expert 19 is involved in the process. Beat the bikers It is one of the council’s top priorities to make sure our policies and decisions reflect Sport special 22 your wants and needs, as the residents of Knowsley. Competition 24 There are a number of ways Win a ball signed by 9 you can have your say, including coming to area forums and Everton FC giving us your opinions about this magazine. Features At area forums residents can meet council officers, National Wildflower 11 councillors and people from our Centre partner organisations, such as the police. For details of the next area Education 12 forum in your neighbourhood A plus for good grades see page 20. Children of the revolution I’d also like to encourage community involvement in Summer events 21 Knowsley News. On the back page you will see a feedback form that gives you the chance to tell us exactly what you want from the magazine. We’d also like to see more of your letters, your suggestions for stories, who you would like to see 18 in the My Knowsley section and 21 what we should cover in the history section. You can email suggestions to Knowsley News is produced by Knowsley Council Knowsley News is also available in other formats including [email protected] four times a year and distributed to all households or write to the address on the left. in the borough. The next edition will be published in Braille, large print and audiotape. If you are registered blind or December. If you have any comments or feedback – or would like to write a letter for publication – visually impaired you should receive an audiotape version of the please contact the editor, Gareth Roberts, at: magazine. Telephone customer services on 0151 443 3197 Knowsley News, Municipal Buildings, PO Box 21, @ Huyton, Knowsley, L36 9YU. Tel: 0151 443 3397. or email: customerservices knowsley.gov.uk Fax: 0151 443 3507. Email: [email protected]. Edited, designed and printed by Limehouse Sheena Ramsey, www.limehouse.co.uk Chief Executive of Knowsley Council EXXXX Knowsley EDITION 3 V3 1/9/05 5:51 pm Page 4

News Cracking crime By Gemma Melling Borough in brief A THREE-YEAR drive to slash crime in Knowsley has been announced. Keep out of the cold Preventing burglary, anti-social behaviour, violent KNOWSLEY Council and crime and domestic abuse are top priorities for Powergen’s Heatstreets Knowsley’s Crime and Disorder Reduction scheme can help residents Partnership (CDRP). over 60 beat the big chill this winter. The partnership – which includes Knowsley Council Certain households can and Merseyside Police – aims to reduce theft from motor claim 100% grant-aid vehicles by 28%, domestic burglary by 30% and burglary of towards the cost of other properties, such as schools, by 31%. installing energy-saving The target for violent crime is a reduction of 15% by 2007/08. insulation which could There are also plans to tackle domestic abuse through a series slash fuel bills by up of projects. to £120. Work is underway to construct a dedicated Domestic Violence Even those under 60 and Refuge in Kirkby that will include a walk-in centre for victims of not on benefits can claim abuse in the home. discounted prices on Other successful initiatives such as the ‘Hustle’ insulation measures. project in Huyton, which encourages young Find out if you’re eligible people to meet in the safe environment of the by calling free phone leisure centre rather than in the streets, will be 0800 512 012 quoting ‘Heatstreets’. developed to keep young people away from ‘hot spots’ of disorder. Greenery peace Chief Superintendent Mark Barrow, Chair of Knowsley KNOWSLEY Council has CDRP, said: “We hope that the strategy will not only reduce new powers to cut back actual incidences of crimes but will also decrease people’s on hedge height disputes. fear of crime and create a safer Garden spats are a major place to live.” cause of neighbour conflict and have led to stricter laws. The council will act on Police get complaints when the Tackling violence hedge is evergreen, over two metres high, blocking tough on KNOWSLEY out light and access or Council is to when ‘reasonable trouble enjoyment’ of neighbours' consult with property is affected. MERSEYSIDE police have residents as part Common law only entitles secured their first ever of its neighbours to cut back closure order in the borough commitment to overhanging branches to on a house in Huyton, tackle violent the boundary line. following a three-month crime in the For more information operation. borough. call Carl Salisbury on This came after a string of The problem 443 2281. complaints from residents has been about drug dealing and anti- highlighted in Safer schools social behaviour at the the wake of the HOLIDAY-TIME security at address. murder of the borough’s schools has The move is part of their Anthony Walker, been tightened. Council key priority to tackle anti- an 18-year-old officials have been working with the police and the fire social behaviour, outlined in student who died service to tackle the issue the force’s annual report. after he was and have introduced a If you have any policing attacked in string of new initiatives. issues or concerns you can McGoldrick Park, Huyton, in July. This includes the use of write to the Knowsley area The council will speak to people in the borough to identify any gaps high-tech security devices commander, Chief in its current approach and to find out what additional support can be such as SmartWater and Superintendent Mark Barrow, given to those affected. Smokecloak. High value at Huyton Police Station, Cllr Ron Round, leader of Knowsley Council, said: “It is horrendous items coded with Lathom Road, Huyton, to think that something like this could happen to such an innocent and SmartWater can directly Merseyside, L36 9XU. You can valued member of society. link a criminal to a crime also call 709 6010 and ask for “We are doing all we can to address people’s immediate concerns and while Smokecloak fills a the Neighbourhood Inspector we will be doing everything in our power as a local authority to ensure room with smoke to deter for your area. something of this nature never happens again. We have to encourage a would-be thieves. culture where all members of our community feel welcome and safe and this is a top priority for the council and the police.”

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NEW LAWS ON DRINK News NEW licensing laws mean it could be last orders for 11pm closing times in Knowsley pubs. By David Ritchie Borough in brief

From 24 November The council’s licensing management expected. Pub goes smoke free Knowsley Council will policy explains how During the summer, THE Deanes House Pub in Prescot told customers control licensing functions applications are dealt existing licensees have been and staff to stub out that were previously the with and sets out the applying for new licences cigarettes during the first responsibility of the standard of that will come into effect week of August, with Magistrates Court . from the end of November. backing from the council’s The new Licensing Act Premises hoping to extend smoke-free drive. affects premises selling or hours must place a notice Cllr Brian O’Hare, supplying alcohol, as well in a local newspaper and Knowsley’s corporate and as venues providing display a blue A4 size customer services cabinet entertainment such as live poster in their window. member, said: “We are music, dancing, and films. See further happy to show our Establishments that serve information at commitment to any late night refreshments www.knowsley.gov.uk business wanting to after 11pm also require a or, if you have any become smoke-free. It licence. queries, contact the also enabled us to research the effects of Pubs can now apply to licensing service on second-hand smoke on the extend their opening hours 443 3607 pub staff before, during but this doesn’t mean they or email licensing@ and after the smoke-free can automatically open knowsley.gov.uk week.” For more around the clock. information call Tracy Dickinson on 443 4732.

Con-men warning RESIDENTS are being Big step for Huyton plan A SMASHING WALK warned about bogus telephone callers posing TO SCHOOL as Knowsley Council THE MULTI-MILLION pound transformation of North MORE than officials. Huyton has taken another step forward. The con-men offer to visit 300 Knowsley An investor has been selected to help finance and homes and mark schoolchildren carry out the work, which will completely change the expensive items with face of the area. braved the security marks. Police New housing, schools, an employment centre and weather to have been informed of the health, leisure and community facilities are planned take part in incidents. as part of the initiative. the World’s All council employees Widespread consultation with residents is expected by Biggest visiting residents’ homes the end of the year, to approve the ‘final plan’. Walking Bus will carry identification. To Meanwhile work has started on 73 bungalows, houses record check the details of any and flats on two sites in Hillside and Calgarth. The attempt. The council worker, ask which construction work will take about 18 months. children, from department they are from Ravenscroft and call the council to RECORD ATTEMPT: Knowsley verify on 489 6000. and Park Brow schoolchildren were among 11,000 primaries in nationwide who tried to smash the walking bus record. Partnership progress Kirkby, Prescot KNOWSLEY Partnership’s Primary and Evelyn Community Primary in Annual Report reveals Prescot, were aiming to help smash last improvements in year’s achievement of 11,000 children taking education, changes in part nationwide. housing in the borough and The pupils were also raising money for latest developments in road safety charity BRAKE. tackling crime and Twelve ‘walking buses’ operate in disorder. Knowsley, allowing children to walk to school Due out shortly, summary in supervised groups while also helping to cut leaflets will be available in congestion and parking problems around one stop shops and school grounds. libraries across the Cllr Graham Morgan, Cabinet Member for borough and the full Regeneration and Neighbourhoods, said: document will be on “Walking to school is healthy and Knowsley Council’s website – www.knowsley.gov.uk environmentally friendly and walking buses If you require a copy please have been a huge success in Knowsley, contact Heather Vaughan HOUSE PROUD: Knowsley Council’s Mel Godfrey and Knowsley Housing proving popular with pupils and parents”. Trust’s Steve Coffey inspect the site for new housing on 443 3054.

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ROUND YOUR WAY Hail the new Ha TWO major projects are set to change the face of Halewood By Nina Robb

verton FC has been given the green light to start work on a new E£10million academy and training complex in Finch Lane. And plans are moving forward to transform the run-down Raven Court shopping centre, built in the 1960s, into a new neighbourhood centre. The Blues have been given the go- ahead for their project after three years of planning and diggers have moved in as preparation work begins. The new academy will boast 10 full- size grass pitches on a 22-acre site on Finch Lane. It will be used by the club’s youth set up as well as replacing the current first-team facilities at Bellefield in West Derby. Transformation Knowsley Council secured ownership of Raven Court last year and is working towards buying other properties in the regeneration area to create a site of

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Everton manager, David Moyes, said: “I think that Bellefield has run its alewood course. I want to have more of the younger players around me and we can’t do that at Bellefield because of the size. I know that we will certainly miss the surfaces that we train on every day, but hopefully we’ll have as good at the new training ground – and more of them. “It’s good news and something that I’ve been keen to get off the 3 ground since I arrived at the club. I think we’ve been talking about it for a few years and it’s good that planning permission has been granted. We can now drive forward and it’s important that we lift all the standards at Everton. “A new training facility is something that we can all work towards and hopefully get 4 things underway in the near future.”

ALL CHANGE: 1 & 2 Run-down Raven Court, 3 Aerial view of the Raven Court development area, 4 Site for new Everton complex, 5 Everton training at the 2 Bellefield ground Cllr Graham Morgan, around seven acres. Knowsley Raven Court has become rundown in Council’s recent years due to a lack of investment This multi-million pound Deputy by the former owner. investment will ensure the Leader, As a temporary measure work is thinks already underway to improve the area receives the first-class these two projects will be a overall appearance of the centre before facilities it deserves. boost for local people “To finally its redevelopment. get these two projects Cllr Norman Hogg, Chair of the decided but it is set to include a new underway is a big bonus. Raven Halewood Area Forum, said Raven health centre, a council one stop shop Court desperately needs Court no longer provided adequate and new retail facilities, hopefully updating and it’s good news that shopping facilities with seven of its 20 including a national supermarket. the first steps towards stores now empty. Residents will have the chance to give regenerating this area have He promised the new their views on the project in a series of been taken . The new project would create 21st consultation events. development will provide much century facilities for the needed facilities for the people area, adding: “The RAVEN COURT - THE FACTS of Halewood. development of the Raven “The academy in Halewood Court complex is Raven Court was built in the late 1960s to serve follows Football absolutely crucial to the new housing estates in Halewood Club’s decision to locate their regeneration of Halewood. multi-million pound youth This multi-million pound Council facilities such as the one stop shop and academy in the borough. It will investment will ensure the library are likely to be replaced by modern be a top-class facility and rank area receives the first-class facilities on the development site. alongside the best in British facilities it deserves.” A new primary care centre will be built replacing football.” the existing health facilities on Roseheath Drive. Your views The project will be jointly funded by the council 5 Final plans for the Raven and the private sector. Court area have yet to be

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News Winners Adult Poetry Malcolm Carter - Winner Borough in brief Les Thomas - Commended

Housing survey Adult Short Story A SURVEY of black and ALL WRITE: Cllr Ron Round, Leader of Knowsley Council, and Sheena Ramsey, Phil Campbell - Winner ethnic minority households Knowsley’s Chief Executive, hand out book tokens to the winners of the Knowsley Mr F.E. Connolly Libraries Creative Writing Competition at the celebration event in Huyton. is the latest in a series of - Commended research programmes to Edmund Sparks - explore experiences of Commended housing and access to services in Knowsley. STORY GLORY Aged 13-17 Poetry The survey aims to David Murphy - Winner establish the housing needs Kirsty Easton - Commended of Knowsley’s small black FOR KNOWSLEY and ethnic minority Under 12s Poetry community, which forms Kate Murrall, Faye less than 2% of the WRITERS McLoughlin borough’s population. Interviews with residents covered subjects such as BUDDING scribes proved they’re made of the Under 12s Short Story housing, language skills write stuff in the fourth annual Knowsley L.T. Kelly, Elliott Platt and discrimination. All those who took part Libraries creative writing competition. were entered into a draw to win a £100 cash prize. Entrants could submit poetry, short Book tokens were awarded to quality of the entrants highlights stories or even a mini-biography, winners in the different age the depth of talent that Knowsley Wilson appeal with the chance to see their work categories at a celebration event. has to offer. The winners, and all A CAMPAIGN to published in a prize booklet Councillor Ron Round, Leader those who entered, can be really commemorate former available at the borough’s libraries. of Knowsley Council, said: “The proud of themselves.” Prime Minister Harold Wilson is gathering pace. A statue is to be erected in EXOTIC SUMMER FOR KIDS the centre of Huyton, where he was elected 60 years KNOWSLEY pupils explored the wilds of Bolivia including archived video conferences, text ago as MP. and the wetlands of Brazil at a summer school messages, emails, photographs and a website The fund to finance the with a difference. created by the children – will be available as a statue is growing steadily but is yet to reach its target. The Spirit of The Jaguar School was held in the resource for teachers across the borough to use for Donations can be sent to: borough’s three City Learning Centres. years to come. The Harold Wilson More than 240 children aged 10-13 contacted Memorial Statue Appeal explorers in the South American countries via Fund, c/o Mike Harden, satellite video conferencing to learn first-hand Knowsley Borough Council, about every aspect of their cultures. PO Box 24, Archway Road, They also devised plans to help the areas Huyton, Knowsley, L36 9YZ. develop tourism and encourage conservation. Green directory Everything from the schools - KNOWSLEY has produced a Green A-Z, a directory of services and ideas to help residents become more environmentally-friendly. LIFT FOR LICKERS LANE With information on RESIDENTS have forged a successful everything from recycling to partnership with Knowsley Council in energy efficiency, it is Whiston. People living in the Lickers Lane available at libraries, area built a memorial garden on disused land one stop shops and for a member of the community who had died. community centres. And now they have joined forces with the The council also runs ‘How council’s environmental team to help clean up Green Is Your Life?’ and make improvements to the estate and the workshops for community surrounding area. groups, aimed at raising Council workers have helped to landscape awareness of areas and provided chipped bark and plants environmental issues. and residents are maintaining flower beds and For further details contact tree pits. the sustainability team on Future plans include a children’s playground 443 2280/2208 or email and getting young people to spruce up tired- sustainability.dlcs@ looking litter bins. knowsley.gov.uk

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MY KNOWSLEY Phil Thompson STEVEN GERRARD wasn’t the first Knowsley man to captain Liverpool to a sensational European Cup triumph – that honour is Phil Thompson’s By Gareth Roberts

hil achieved that honour as skipper of the side that conquered Real Madrid in THOMMO’S TROPHY HAUL P Paris in 1981. The Reds’ legend won every honour in the First Division Championship 1972/73, domestic game as a commanding centre-half at 1975/76, 1976/77, 1978/79, 1979/80, Anfield, before returning as reserve team coach 1981/82 & 1982/83 and rejoining for a third spell as assistant FA Cup 1974, manager. He even managed the club for a spell League/Milk Cup 1981 & 1982 during Gerard Houllier’s illness in October European Cup 1978 & 1981 2001. UEFA Cup 1973 & 1976 But it all started in Kirkby for the 51-year- Charity Shield 1974, 1976, 1977 old who is now a successful businessman and brought home the European Cup to his local (shared), 1979, 1980 & 1982 TV pundit. Born in 1954, Thompson moved to pub in Kirkby - The Falcon. European Super Cup 1977 Stonehey Road, Kirkby in 1957, attending Phil, who also captained England, said: “It’s Rushey Hey and Brookfield Schools. something I planned on the tour of the city. I A promising cross-country runner, winning was calling out to my friends to get back to The the North of England title at 12, Phil played for Falcon – I didn’t say why. I bundled the Cup a string of football teams including school into the back of my Ford Capri and took it sides, Digmoor, Kirkby Boys and Sunday there. League side St Joseph’s. “There was a queue for the phone. People were ringing everyone in Kirkby The break saying ‘We’ve got the European Cup Phil explained his big break: “The guy who was here’ and they were saying ‘How many my manager at St Joseph’s, Billy Gamble, was a bevvies have you had?’. I took it back steward at Liverpool’s ground. Billy got a scout the following morning and there were to come down and I started at Liverpool at the little babies having their pictures taken age of 15 on a six-week trial.” actually sitting in it. Those little babies are From there Phil went on to play 477 first- now grown up and have kids of their team games for the Reds, including that own – it’s quite incredible to meet those famous night in France, which meant he people now.”

SKIPPER TO SKIPPER STEVEN GERRARD and his life in football, revealed: Phil Thompson spoke the “I said to him, ‘Feels good day after Liverpool sealed a doesn’t it?’. fifth European Cup win in “He said he had heard Istanbul. me telling my story so Thompson, who is often and had wondered writing a book about what it was like. He said it was even better than he had imagined.” Thompson celebrated wildly live on Sky TV after another job at Jerzy Dudek’s crucial save Anfield. He in Istanbul. He laughed: “It added: “Never was just the passion. I say never – I think what happened in may get the Istanbul will live forever in chance everyone’s minds.” again.” Phil is still dreaming of

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YOUR HEALTH

COMPETITION We’ve got just the WINNERS JOHN McELROY of Torrington Drive, Halewood and Maureen Sedman of Cross Lane, Whiston scooped the main prizes in the Knowsley News/ Irish Sea jab for the flu Express competition in the summer edition of the magazine. They win a return ferry crossing from Liverpool to FLU can still be a killer for some. Knowsley health chiefs are Dublin for a car and four passengers. offering a free jab for at risk groups The five runners-up, who will receive a pair of return tickets for foot viral disease that usually passengers, are: Karen Holloway, strikes between October Close, Halewood, William Ferries, and May, it is no more A Mount Crescent, Kirkby, Kathie than an unpleasant experience for most people, but is Bennett, Thingwall Lane, Swanside, potentially fatal for the over Hazel Mutch, Maryville Road, Prescot 65s. Others who need to watch and L Fisher, Whiston Lane, Huyton. out are sufferers of asthma, The winner of the Royal Liverpool diabetes, a chronic heart, chest Philharmonic Competition was Norma or kidney condition or any Ingham of Turnberry Close, Roby. She other serious illness. wins a pair of tickets to a RLPO Not only are these groups at performance in Knowsley. greater risk of catching the flu in the first place, but the virus is more likely to lead to serious illness such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Around 4,000 people die each year in the UK as a result of the flu and as many as 20,000 when there is an Having the jab also means vaccinated every year. epidemic. you can’t pass on the flu to The best time to get The virus spreads quickly friends and family – protecting vaccinated is between from person to person and the them as well as you. September and November only way to protect yourself is The jab doesn’t give patients each year – the earlier the by getting a flu jab from your a dose of the flu but can make better. GP. These are available free of some people feel under the To find out more, speak to charge if you are in the ‘at weather for a day or two. your GP’s surgery, call NHS risk’ group. The influenza virus is always Direct on 0845 46 47, or visit The vaccine is safe, painless, changing so last year’s vaccine www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk CATCH SIGHT OF effective and available from won’t protect you against this THE NEW SITE your local surgery. year’s strain of flu. You must be KNOWSLEY COUNCIL’S new and improved website is now online. FLU, WHAT A TORTURE The site, which is still at the same address www.knowsley.gov.uk, now meets national Flu can last from seven to ten days and standards set for local authorities in the UK. can be followed by fatigue for two or All the information listed on the old site has been brightened up and updated, along with three weeks new features to ensure the site is appealing, It usually causes aching muscles informative and accessible to the public. and joints, headaches, cough, Every aspect of the council’s work is covered runny nose, sort throat and fever on the site, from business to social issues. with a high temperature The site will be developed further over It can become a much more severe the next few months with extra features illness, leading to pneumonia, including a consultation section with nerve and brain damage and feedback forms and a chance for residents even death to rate council services. Because it is a viral infection it Events pages will also be expanded to include cannot be treated with antibiotics details of what’s on in months to come.

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FEATURE TouristsTourists trytry walkwalk onon thethe WILDWILD sideside KnowsleyKnowsley cancan nownow boastboast itsits ownown gold-winninggold-winning touristtourist attractionattraction By Vicki Gianelli

he National Wildflower Centre is celebrating Flower facts after receiving Britain’s first-ever Gold Award A new, three-metre high entrance Two wildflower T from the Green Tourism Business Scheme sign and sculpture now welcomes photography (GTBS). visitors to the park. workshops were The GTBS praised The centre had a stand in the held at the centre the centre, based at flower marquee at this year's this June, led by Huyton’s Court Hey Cheshire County Show for the internationally- Park, for showing first time. renowned wildlife photographers good environmental The centre attended the RHS Steve and Ann Toon. practice. Tatton Flower Show this year, for The World Cancer Research Fund One of only two the third year running. had an exhibition this year in the such centres in the Funding has allowed the centre to centre's conservatory, which was world (the other is the develop a tactile map for visitors dedicated to lost loved ones. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centre in Texas), the with visual disabilities and to Solar panels are to be installed at Wildflower Centre was founded by environmental develop its website to make it as the centre to power Landlife’s charity Landlife and opened to the public in 2001. accessible as possible. seed cleaning machinery. The leisure attraction is also dedicated to promoting conservation and wildflower development Web address www.nwc.org.uk and to providing a habitat where insects, birds and EVENTS other wildlife can flourish. The prestigious award September September 25 December 4 reflects a successful season 24 & 25 Winter Wildflower Annual Winter for the centre, which has The shop’s winter sale – Preparation and Winter Celebration. 12-4pm. seen visitors flocking to 10% discount Bird Feeding Day. All Free the £4million venue. on all items, plus ages welcome. 1-3pm. This year’s Green Fayre wildflower plant sale. £5 entry. alone attracted over 1-5pm both days. 4,500 people. Around 60 species of plant are grown on site in a working nursery that is the former walled garden of the Gladstone estate. Seeds and plants are sold to the public on site and around the country through Landlife’s mail-order operation. One of the major pulls of the centre is its 160- metre rooftop walkway that houses a wildflower meadow. For more information contact the centre on 738 1913 or email [email protected]

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EDUCATION A plus for good grades

REWARDS were up for grabs for GCSE students nowsley’s Plus One Challenge offered prizes worth £50 for pupils who used who performed well in their exams this year K an online course to improve grades for more than 10 hours and scored five As in their results. And if students used the web-based Self Assessment Method (SAM) for 10 hours or more and gained five GCSEs grade A-C they could qualify for a £25 prize. The SAM system is used by more than half of English state secondary schools and helps pupils improve results by understanding what examiners are looking for. SAM learning is just part of the Plus One Challenge – a drive to push up pupils’ grades by at least one level between the mock and the real exams. Study aids Every pupil in Knowsley received a personal revision kit in the run-up to exams that included a self-study guide, a revision planner and a chill-out CD. ‘Revisathons’ were organised at schools, libraries and City Learning Centres and swimming passes were given out to those who attended. And ‘Master Blaster’ workshops to help pupils work out strategies for their final exam were held just before the big day. An additional programme, the Plus One Challenge Xtra, targeted 130 pupils, offering weekend ‘Master Classes’ in English, Maths and Science. Students who notched up 10 hours in Master Classes or Master Blaster sessions gained marks towards their final grades. They could also sit an online adult literacy and numeracy test and received results for this certificate, equivalent to a grade B GCSE, before the main batch of results in August. For information about the Plus One Challenge, see www.plusonechallenge.org.uk To find out more about city learning centres and how to give your opinion, see www.knowsleyclcs.org.uk

PARENTS WISE UP PARENTWISE workshops helped mums and dads motivate their children and reduce stress in the run-up to exams this year. Knowsley’s director of children’s services, Damian Allen, said: “All parents naturally want to help their children at this important time in their lives but it is not always easy to know what to do or say. “We provide parents with the confidence to have an informed conversation with their child so they can help rather than hinder their progress.”

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The children of the revolution By Gareth Roberts

CHILDREN of Knowsley are helping to WHAT PUPILS WANT shape the future of secondary schooling Pupils want to feel respected and treated like VIPs in the borough. They want schools to be exciting, welcoming, open, light and safe nowsley has been selected for the first Schools should include state-of-the-art sports and arts phase of the Government’s Building Schools facilities K for the Future programme and will spend They should feature the latest IT equipment, such as interactive £140million replacing the borough’s 11 secondary whiteboards, laptops and broadband schools with eight new learning centres. They should be multi-functional, including art galleries, Young people and communities in Knowsley balconies, cyber cafes, health facilities and information points will be given every chance to have their say on Pupils want a school ‘wardrobe’ not just a uniform. what they want from the centres - from how they will look to the facilities inside. Pupils and staff from the borough’s secondary schools have already been at the heart of FACTFILE discussions about the new facilities, scheduled to Building Schools for the Future is a Government plan to rebuild or open in 2008 and 2009. improve educational facilities for every secondary pupil in the Schoolchildren toured landmark Liverpool HAVING THEIR SAY: country over the next 15 years buildings to pick up ideas for the look of the Schoolchildren have 180 schools across England are set to benefit from over £2billion of been at the centre of schools. And they were invited to a two-day the early stages of investment into school buildings design festival where they voiced their opinion on the Building Schools 14 local education authorities have been asked to take part in the for the Future plan, everything from the design of school badges to first wave of the Building Schools for the Future programme – taking part in a preferences about school uniform. design festival and including Knowsley. visiting buildings in Liverpool (left). Your views Residents who attended Knowsley Council’s area forums also had their say, after viewing a slide show of building styles and materials. A web-based questionnaire has also been put together for the borough’s primary and secondary school pupils to complete. More events with pupils, teachers and the community are planned over the coming months.

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14 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE EXXXX Knowsley EDITION 3 V3 31/8/05 1:56 pm Page 15

Each issue we keep you What’s On up to date with what’s IN AND AROUND KNOWSLEY happening in your area

MUSIC 6 October 22 October The Undertones Nine Black Alps 23 September Liverpool Academy 2. Liverpool Carling Super Furry Northern Ireland’s Academy. Manc four- Animals much-loved pop punk piece whose frenzied Liverpool Academy. The quintet return to bash guitar sound is turning Welsh wizards of weird out classics including a few heads at the tour their new album Teenage Kicks, Jimmy moment. Love Kraft. Tickets £16. Jimmy and My Perfect Tel: 0870 771 2000 Tel: 256 5555 Cousin. Tickets £15. 28 Oct & 29 Oct Tel: 256 5555 28 September The Coral Shack 16 October Liverpool Academy. With Liverpool Carling Supergrass an original mixture of Academy. Brothers Mick Liverpool Carling ska, pop, punk and and John Head (pictured Academy. Supergrass blues, all tied up with below) from the are back with a brand insanely catchy Kensington area of new sound for their fifth melodies, The Coral are Liverpool have been at album, Road to Rouen, one of the most exciting the heart of this band for a record totally different bands to come out of almost two decades and to all their previous Merseyside in years. are among the finest big hitters. Tel: 256 5555 songwriters of their Tel: 0870 771 2000 generation. 6 November Tel: 0870 771 2000 17 October Let There Be Love Bloc Party Philharmonic Hall. A Liverpool Academy. celebration of Nat King South London art- Cole. Tel: 709 3789 punkers inspired by Sonic Youth, Joy 21 November SHAKEY, RATTLE‘N’ROLL: 29 November Division, Gang of Four Tony Christie and the Cure come to Liverpool Empire. legends who have been the last decade. town. Tickets £13.50. Rejuvenated crooner is rocking all over the Tel: 0870 606 3400 Tel: 256 5555 in town to perform his world for 35 years. 26 Sept–1 Oct greatest hits including Tel: 709 3789 1 October 20 October Amarillo, Avenues And The School for Joan Armatrading Frankie Goes to Alleyways and many THEATRE Scandal Hollywood Philharmonic Hall. more. Tel: 0870 606 3404 19-24 September Liverpool Everyman. Hugely influential and Liverpool Carling Lady Salsa This tale’s devilish wit, Academy. Homecoming 29 November pioneering British Liverpool Empire. The razor sharp dialogue gig for the reunited Shakin’ Stevens singer/songwriter with Cuban sensation arrives and outrageous original musicians of the Philharmonic Hall. The great songs to her name in Liverpool hot on the situations continue to 1980s pop sensation legendary pop ‘n’ roller such as Love heels of an extensive delight audiences. (see competition on idol of the eighties is and Affection and Me, world tour for eight Tel: 709 4776 page 17). Tel: 256 5555 still wowing the women. Myself, I. Tel: 709 3789 performances only. The Tel: 210 2909 27 Sept-1 Oct Engineers West End smash hit is 4 October The Jungle Book Ray Davies Liverpool Barfly. Big- 1 December the original salsational Liverpool Empire. The Philharmonic Hall. sounding indie rock Blondie song and dance worlds first major stage Performing with a full band that could bring Philharmonic Hall. spectacular. production of The Jungle live band, the former psychedelia back into 1970s favourites led by Tel: 0870 606 3400 fashion. Tel: 707 6171 Debbie Harry are still Book. Tel: 0870 606 3400 Kinks frontman will play 25 September going strong 30 years a selection from his 21 Oct & 22 Oct Ross Noble – 30 Sept–22 Oct on. Tel: 709 3789 greatest hits including Christy Moore Randomist The Tempest Waterloo Sunset, You Philharmonic Hall. 6 December Liverpool Empire. Liverpool Playhouse. Really Got Me, Lola, Legendary Irish folk Status Quo Geordie Ross has a Shakespeare’s great last Dedicated Follower of singer songwriter and Philharmonic Hall. well-earned reputation play is set in a magical, Fashion and many other bodram player. ‘Truly the Expect three chords, as one of the finest beautiful and terrifying pearls. Bob Dylan of Irish jeans and white stand-up comedians to world of shipwrecks and Tel: 709 3789 music.’ Tel: 210 2909 trainers from the have emerged during storms. Tel: 709 4776

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Each issue we keep you What’s On up to date with what’s IN AND AROUND KNOWSLEY happening in your area

3-8 October 13 October 25-29 October 1996, Lord Of The Dance the disposables Grease Ellen Kent and Bronte has become the most provided. Tel: 489 1239 Liverpool Empire. The Liverpool Playhouse. talked about, the most Opera International 8 October most popular, fun-filled Extraordinary new play present Nabucco written about, and the Cracking Conker musical in the history of evokes the real and most acclaimed show in Liverpool Empire. Competitions Rock’n’Roll comes to imagined worlds of the musical history. Including the haunting Henley Park, Whiston. the Liverpool Empire for Brontes, as the fictional Tel: 0870 606 3400 1–3pm. Test your skill at one week only. and melodic chorus of characters come to 29 Nov–3 Dec this age-old game. Tel: 0870 606 3400 the Hebrew slaves with haunt their creators. Tel: English National Conkers supplied. amazing lighting and 709 4776 4-8 October Ballet present Tel: 489 1239 The Little Mermaid stage effects. 8-12 November Sleeping Beauty 14 October Liverpool Everyman. Tel: 0870 606 3400 Jacqueline Liverpool Empire. The Stars in Your Skies Sphinx Theatre presents Wilson’s Midnight sleeping beauty is an 17-22 October Stadt Moers Park Visitor an exhilarating aerial Liverpool Playhouse. enchanted world of Saturday Night Centre, Huyton. 7.30pm. version of this magical A mysterious and castles, forests and The Liverpool story to lovers of Fever intriguing story from the fairies. Astronomical Society fairytales with a twist. Liverpool Empire. The best-selling writer, Tel: 0870 606 3400 offer the chance to gaze Tel: 709 4776 hit Broadway and West Midnight is 2 Dec–28 Jan into space and talk End musical inspired by recommended mainly for 11-15 October about all things nine to 14 year olds but Cinderella Translations the 1977 film Liverpool Everyman. It’s planetary. Tel: 489 1239 Jacqueline Wilson fans Liverpool Everyman. phenomenon featuring gonna be cool it couldn’t young and old will be 17 October Brian Friel’s compelling hits from the legendary enthralled. Tel: 709 4776 be hipper will Prince 60th Anniversary observation of a soundtrack by the Bee Charming find the of VE and VJ Day vanishing rural 14-19 November Gees. Tel: 0870 606 3400 slipper? Tel: 709 4776 Prescot Museum. community weaves an Cooking with Elvis Exhibition and events to intricate tale of 24 Oct–5 Nov Liverpool Playhouse. 8 Dec–21 Jan Season’s Greetings commemorate the language, love and Twopence to cross Part knockabout farce, signing of peace in 1945. politics. Tel: 709 4776 part cookery course, Liverpool Playhouse. Set the Mersey Tel: 430 7787 part philosophical over the festive period in 11-15 October Liverpool Empire. Based investigation, cooking the eccentric Bunker 21 October Ellen Kent and on the national best with Elvis celebrates household this play Royal Philharmonic Opera International selling book by author takes the traditional present Carmen sex, food and the King. Gospel Choir Helen Forrester, it is the Tel: 0151 709 4776 family Christmas and Liverpool Empire. Prescot Parish Church. true story of a young girl spins it into a farce of 7.30pm. The Gospel Includes a replica of 15-20 November huge comic proportions. and her formerly choir will be joined by Seville’s main square Michael Flatley’s Tel: 709 4776 with fountains, flowers wealthy family suddenly Lord of the Dance local schoolchildren and and orange trees. thrown into poverty. Tel: Liverpool Empire. Since EVENTS community groups for an evening of soul and Tel: 0870 606 3400 0870 606 3400 its premiere in Dublin in 20 September gospel music. Song and Tel: 443 5619 Dance Show REVIEW Huyton Suite. 7.30pm. Visit of Grand Turk The La’s, Ritz Come and see young for Trafalgar Day AFTER 15 years of waiting, another 90 minutes felt like a lifetime. Whisper after rumour people performing live Albert Dock. Grand Turk, had promised the return of the La’s, fronted by Huyton singer songwriter Lee Mavers. songs and contemporary the magnificent wooden But this was it, they were back and they’d be on stage at 8.30pm. Er… dance. Tel: 443 3989 frigate famous for her By 9.30 hundreds of Scousers who had made the pilgrimage down the M62 were getting television roles, drops seriously worried. News had filtered around the packed venue that drummer Nick 25 September Miniski had been sacked and Lee’s mate Jasper would stand in. But as Captain Snap Happy anchor at the Albert Beefheart faded out on the club PA and the clock struck 10, on swaggered Mavers, John Seasonal Walks Dock to mark the 200th Power, new lead guitarist and the aforementioned Jasper. anniversary of the battle Stadt Moers Park, It was like they’d never been away. Just like Liverpool FC in Istanbul, The La’s rolled of Trafalgar. back the years, powering their way through their back catalogue before offering a taster Huyton. Join us for one Tel: 233 2008 of things to come with impressive new number, Give Me The Blues. or a series of walks this Last time round, Lee and John fell out and the chirpy bass player went on to form Cast. year aimed at the 31 October But there were no signs of problems here, the usually glum Mavers even offering a smile and a triumphant salute at the end with Power promising “another time”. budding photographers Halloween Horrors Hope so, as long as it’s not another 15 years! out there. Try to capture Stadt Moers Park, BY GARETH ROBERTS scenes in the park with Huyton. 6-9.30pm.A your camera or one of night of screams and

16 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE EXXXX Knowsley EDITION 3 V3 31/8/05 1:57 pm Page 17

howls including a 18 November 24 Sep–4 Jun terrifying Theatre in the ET Christmas Lights 100% Cotton FRANKIE GOES P IT

I

Woods. Fancy dress Switch On Maritime Museum. M ★ O N O

TO HOLLYWOOD C encouraged. Charges Kirkby Town Centre. See Exhibition featuring all • HAVEN’T got tickets yet for the return of apply. Bookings only. details for Prescot aspects of the cotton Tel: 489 1239 1980s pop sensation Frankie Goes To switch on above. trade and examining the Hollywood to the stage in Liverpool? Tel: 443 2295 changing role of Well Relax…we’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away Liverpool in this for their gig at Carling Academy Liverpool on Thursday, 24 Nov–3 Dec October 20. DaDaFest worldwide industry. Frankie have reformed with the original line-up of Liverpool’s Disability and Tel: 478 4499 musicians from the band who topped the charts with Deaf Arts Festival is held , The Power of Love and Welcome To The 6 Aug–24 Sep Pleasuredrome. every year to celebrate Stephen Hughes And, along with newcomer Ryan Molloy on vocals and firm and promote the work of Open Eye Gallery. favourite Paul Rutherford, they’re ready to rock again. disabled and deaf Frankie Goes To Hollywood started life in Liverpool in 1982, Hughes has worked artists. Tel: 707 1733 led by former frontman . across Europe and Relax sold more than 13 million copies and sparked the 4 November 24 November America photographing famous Frankie Says Relax, Don’t Do It! T-shirt. Firework Christmas Lights places and people. Extravaganza To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, Switch On Tel: 709 9460 Mill Farm Children’s answer this simple question: Who was Frankie Goes To Huyton Town Centre. Centre, Kirkby. 5pm. 28 Oct-15 Jan Hollywood’s original frontman? See details for Prescot Send your answers on a postcard to Frankie Competition, This community-based Sarah Lucas switch on above. Communications, Knowsley Council, Municipal Buildings, extravaganza is free of Tate Liverpool. Lucas is Tel: 443 2295 Archway Road, Huyton, L36 9YU by the closing date of 10 charge and includes an a leading figures in an October, including your name, address and daytime outdoor disco, fire- 24 Nov–3 Dec outstanding generation telephone number. Alternatively you can email your eaters and arts answers to [email protected] DaDaFest of British artists. workshops. The first two correct entries drawn after the closing date Liverpool’s Disability and Tel: 708 7334 Tel: 443 4383. will win the tickets. Usual Knowsley News rules apply. Deaf Arts Festival is held Knowsley Council employees and their immediate family 5 November every year to celebrate REGULARS are not eligible to apply. The City of and promote the work of Monday-Saturday Liverpool River disabled and deaf Junior Shapers Mersey Fireworks artists. Tel: 707 1733 Huyton Leisure Centre. Display 3.30-5.30pm weekdays, Kings Dock. Liverpool’s 11 December 9-12pm on Saturdays. sky will be ablaze with a Kirkby Mossland dazzling fireworks Seasonal Trail Open to all youngsters display over the River Acornfield Local Nature offering the chance to Mersey against the city’s Reserve. Join the keep fit. Tel: 443 3761 stunning waterfront. Ranger for a seasonal Mondays Tel: 233 2008 exploration of Kirkby’s Ladies Only Swim countryside. 11 November Huyton Leisure Centre. Stars in Your Skies Tel: 443 3682 Wednesdays Last Friday evening of 8 - 9pm. 7.30 - 8pm on Halewood Park. 7–9pm. Tea Dance the month EXHIBITIONS Sundays. Tel: 443 3761 See October 14. Huyton Suite. 1-4pm. A Big Band Night Tel: 488 6151 27 May–25 Sep chance for people to put (Norman Roy 50+ Club Summer of Love on their glad rags and Orchestra) 17 November Tate Liverpool. The art of Huyton Leisure Centre. Huyton Suite. This Christmas Lights dancing shoes and have the psychedelic era is a 1- 3pm Mondays and popular monthly event Switch On some fun. Tel: 443 3761 must-see exhibition. Wednesdays. sees live bands Prescot Town Centre. Tel: 708 7334 Tel: 443 3761 performing some of the Fun from 3.30pm with Line Dancing top ballroom hits of the children’s favourite 25 Aug–30 Oct Tuesdays & Wednesdays Huyton Suite. 7-11pm. 1940s. Tel: 443 3761 characters, music and Rock the Future Tai Chi Come along and join in entertainment. The FACT. Showcase of new Huyton Leisure Centre. this fun and exciting Saturdays lights switch on will take work by five exciting 9-10am Tuesday, 2-3pm activity, which can help Youth Night place at 5pm. Japansese artists. Wednesday. you keep fit. Huyton Leisure Centre. Tel: 443 2295 Tel: 707 4444 Tel: 443 3761 Tel: 443 3761 5-8pm. Tel: 443 3761

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HISTORY Huyton 57 years ago, up for auction

ONLY with modern-day technology could Knowsley News have come up with such a surprise for this issue’s stroll down Memory Lane By Gareth Roberts

taff at Knowsley News have seen searching high and Slow for historic items to Local history feature in the magazine. And a trawl among the weird books offer and wonderful objects on internet auction site ebay WOMAN from Knowsley uncovered this gem: the official has penned two books handbook for Huyton-with- A about growing up in Roby Urban District from 1948. Liverpool. The guide provides a Mary Routledge of Spruce Grove, fascinating insight into the Stockbridge Village, has written: business world of a day gone by. • Memories, which offers some of Before big supermarkets her recollections of life in Toxteth became the norm, small between the 1920s and 1940s. retailers were king and that’s It also features memories of evident in the adverts throughout the booklet. official handbook. friends who grew up in the area Davies of Swanside Parade, Pilch Lane, described The estimated population in the spring of 1948 and details the history of ancient its business as “general drapers and babylinen” and was 53,566 – now approximately 60,400 for a Toxteth. boasted “latest models of ladies’ gowns always in similar area. In 1931, the population was just 5,198. • Memories 2, which provides stock”. In 1948 the area was lit by 1,769 gas and electric further insight into the history of Maxwell’s Cash Stores of Liverpool Road, street lamps – now 6,200 light the same area. Liverpool, including chapters about Huyton, was a “high-class grocers and provision the martyr priests, the education of merchants” with “orders called for and delivered”. the poor and more wartime Thomas’s Pet Stores, then based at 11 Kingsway, Did this bring back some memories for recollections. Huyton, listed its wares including “pigeon food, you? Do have any interesting old We have a copy of each of Mary’s canary mixture, photographs of the borough? If so write books to give away. Write to Gareth hound meal to Knowsley News, Communications, Roberts, Communications, biscuits, pullets, Municipal Buildings, Archway Road, Knowsley Council, Archway Road, rabbits, day old Huyton, L36 9YU or email Huyton, Merseyside, L36 9YU. chicks” and “tame [email protected] Closing date is October 24. The mice” first person drawn out of the hat And if you will win the books. needed your “valves tested” or 1948 - THE FACTS your “accumulators London hosts the Olympic Games charged” then The National Health Service is launched Mayfair Radio Car firm Porsche is founded Service, Derby Prince Charles is born Road, Huyton, was the place Mahatma Ghandi is assassinated to go, Arsenal win the league according to Everton record their highest attendance the guide. - 78,299 – against Liverpool The book also claims the area contained a Liverpool’s top scorer was Albert branch works of British Insulated Callender’s Stubbins with 24 goals Cables, a chair-making works (W.H. Todd Ltd), Vernons and the Tushingham Metallic Brick (Top) PICTURE OF THE PAST: Council offices on Derby Road, Company. Huyton, circa 1950. (right) DAYS GONE BY: Derby Road and St A wealth of facts and figures feature in this Michael’s Church.

18 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE EXXXX Knowsley EDITION 3 V3 31/8/05 1:57 pm Page 19

ASK THE EXPERT Beat the bikers

“PLEASE could you clarify the legality of youngsters riding scrambler motorcycles on a publicD greenSteeples area? They appear to have no exhaust silencer and create a lot of noise and smelly exhaust.”

he use of scramblers and roads. A good indicator is whether it they are ridden illegally or in an quad bikes in is licensed, taxed and insured. anti-social, careless manner. “T neighbourhoods across “Mini-motos, quad bikes and “The owner must pay £120 Knowsley often causes a disturbance similar cannot lawfully be ridden on to have a seized bike returned, to people’s peaceful enjoyment of their roads or any public open space. They with possibilities of extra area,” says Chris Marsh, Knowsley can only be ridden on private land. charges for the bike’s storage – Council’s Assistant Director for around £240. Failure to pay Neighbourhood Regeneration. Penalties will mean the bike is crushed. “This is a concern in itself, but “Riders must be licensed, aged 16 or “If a bike is confiscated there can also be serious public safety over and wearing an approved crash from a young person, a issues. helmet. Penalties vary from an £80 parent has to agree CHRIS MARSH “Before purchasing a bike, check fixed penalty notice to a criminal to monitor use of the bike, whether it can lawfully be ridden on prosecution, with fines of up to £1,000 ensuring it is never used on plus penalty points on your driving common land again. Illegal use licence. of the bike will lead to arrest POLICE ACTION “Bikes also need MOT and and confiscation of the OVER insurance. Without insurance they can bike.” TO YOU KNOWSLEY Council and be confiscated and the bike crushed if If you would like a Merseyside Police are question answered and think a documents are not produced within 14 council expert might be able to determined to beat the bikes. days. Police can also seize bikes when help, write to Fences have been secured and Knowsley News,Ask Municipalthe Expert, signs, chicanes and trip rails Buildings, Archway Road, Huyton, Knowsley, L39 9YU put up to defend open spaces. “The use of scramblers email to Police are patrolling hotspot knowsleynews or and quad bikes in @knowsley.gov.uk areas and officers in Kirkby have been trained to use 4x4 neighbourhoods across off-road vehicles to help Knowsley often causes combat the problem. Six bikes have been crushed in a disturbance to Kirkby and, since 14 April, 50 people’s peaceful warnings have been issued in the borough. enjoyment of If bikes are a problem in your their area...” area - contact your neighbourhood wardens, the local police inspector or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. If you have been sold a bike but not told insurance is needed or that they can only be used on private land, contact Trading Standards on 443 4711.

Kirkby Police Inspector Firth 777 6540 Huyton Police Inspector Webster 777 6240 Prescot, Whiston & Halewood Police Inspector Prosser 777 6440

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News Useful numbers Benefits (Housing and Education General Stockbridge Village Council Tax) Enquiries 230 0407 We want to hear 443 4042 443 3232 Tower Hill KNOWSLEY Council is finalising Births, Marriages General Enquiries 547 5183 its Statement of Accounts for and Deaths 489 6000 Prescot & Whiston 2004-05 and welcomes your comments 443 5210 Highways (including 443 4692 and suggestions. Business Rates footways and street Pest Control What information would you 443 4089 lighting) 443 2455 like to see and how would you like it presented? Tell us your Business Services (Advice, 443 2400 Planning Enquiries views on Funding, Recruitment and Homelessness 443 2380 www.knowsley.gov.uk/ Training) 290 7190 Refuse Collection your_council/councils/ consultation_one.html or write 477 4000 Housing General Enquiries 443 2400 to Financial Services Division, Children’s Information 443 5834 School Admissions Knowsley MBC, 2nd Floor, Service Housing Repairs & Exclusions Municipal Buildings, Archway 443 3212 Road, Huyton, Merseyside 443 5633 (Knowsley Housing Trust L36 9YZ. Complaints and East) School Attendance Compliments 0800 731 2023 Service Area Forums 443 4031 (Knowsley Housing Trust 443 3279 Consumer Advice/Trading West) School Bus Passes KNOWSLEY residents are invited 0500 969694 443 5609 to have their say and learn about Standards what the council and its partners 443 4711 Job Vacancies Traffic Signal Faults are doing in the borough at the Council Tax 443 5000 443 2349 latest round of community area Truancy Hotline forums. 443 4476 Neighbourhood Wardens Venues sometimes change Council Tax and Benefits Huyton South 0800 073 6161 so please check Knowsley’s Fraud Hotline 443 3395 website www.knowsley.gov.uk customerservices for the latest information or call 0800 073 0532 Halewood @knowsley.gov.uk 443 3365. Dangerous Buildings/ 443 2171 NHS Direct 11 Oct Structures/Trees Kirkby South 0845 4647 24 hours North Kirkby Area Forum 443 2380 548 2725 6pm, Tues Kirkby Suite Cherryfield Drive 12 Oct Emergencies (Out of hours) North Huyton Area Forum 6pm, Wed (Monday - Friday 5.00pm - 9.00am River Alt Resource Centre and all day Saturday and Sunday) Woolfall Heath Avenue, Highways, footways and street lighting 443 2800 Huyton (Mon-Fri 8pm-8am, Saturday before 9.30am 18 Oct & after 1pm, all day Sunday and Bank Holidays) South Kirkby Area Forum 6pm, Tues Homelessness and Social Services 07659 590081 Kirkby Suite (Mon-Fri 5pm-9am and all day Saturday, Sunday Cherryfield Drive and Bank Holidays) 19 Oct Housing Repairs 290 7375/449 3958 South Huyton Area Forum 6pm, Wed Malvern Primary School Additional useful numbers Willoughby Road, Huyton Fire Huyton Police Station, Lathom Road, 25 Oct Huyton Fire Station, Huyton Lane, Huyton. Open 24 hours. Halewood Area Forum Huyton. 01744 697712 Kirkby Police Station, St Chads Drive, 6pm, Tues Kirkby. Open 24 hours. Halewood Kirkby Fire Station, Webster Drive, Comprehensive School Kirkby. 0151 546 5151 Prescot Police Station, Derby Street, The Avenue, Whiston Fire Station, Fire Station Prescot. Mon-Fri 7am-11pm, Saturday off Wood Road Road, Whiston. 0151 426 6424. 10am-6pm. 26 Oct Police To contact your police station call Prescot/Whiston Area Forum Merseyside Police switchboard on 6pm, Wed Halewood Police Station, Prescot Leisure Centre Leathers Lane, Halewood. 0151 709 6010. Warrington Road Open Mon-Sat 7am-10pm, Citizens Advice Sunday 10am-6pm. 0845 1221300

20 EXCELLENT ACCESSIBLE SERVICES EXXXX Knowsley EDITION 3 V3 31/8/05 1:57 pm Page 21

SUMMER EVENTS

NOWSLEY residents enjoyed a fun-packed summer at a string of K exciting events across the borough. Highlights included a Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Sawpit Park, Huyton, where our snapper captured Samantha Gregory, Hannah Gregory, James McEnamey, Lauren Lynch and Ciera Wilson (pictured top) with their furry friends. Our photographer was also on hand to record action at the Knowsley Corporate Challenge – a five-kilometre run in the beautiful surroundings of Knowsley Hall. Stilt-walkers, plate-spinners and balloon-benders were also snapped enjoying themselves at the Green Fayre at Court Hey Park.

,

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SPORT SPECIAL Training treat

for Kirkby kids AUF WIEDERSEHEN: The group from Knowsley leave for Stadt Moers lead by Sharon Doyle, KARATE kids enjoyed a week away at a training camp Senior Events Officer. thanks to a £7,000 cash boost By Gemma Melling

irkby Karate Club was awarded the cash Development Team to work towards the Friendly rivalry from the Local Network Fund to take 20 authority’s Clubmark Accreditation Scheme. K junior members to a camp at Lancaster The council team not only guided them with German twin University. through the Clubmark criteria but also offered There they were coached by some of the best help applying for funding such as this grant SPORTING swap saw a group of and most qualified trainers in the sport, from the Local Network Fund. walkers, badminton players and including Andy Sherry, an eighth dan black belt. John Cullen, Club Development Officer, said: A footballers from Knowsley take on The club has been based at Kirkby Sports “This really is great news for a club who have a teams from the borough’s twin town in Centre for more than two decades and meets long and successful history in Kirkby. Over the Germany. twice a week. years many members have achieved black belts The Stadt Moers Sports Exchange is an Run by George Morrison, it has members and they have had several club members annual event when sportsmen and women of all ages – from six-years-old to adult – represent the country at international level. from Knowsley and German town Stadt and boasts three members who have competed “The summer camp was a wonderful Moers take it in turns to visit each other to for England. opportunity for the younger members to enjoy enjoy some healthy competition. Until recently, the club had received no some intensive training to improve their skills This year, it was the turn of Whiston financial support from outside agencies. But it and learn under some of the most respected Park-based Stadt Moers Walking Club – teamed up with Knowsley Council’s Sport coaches in the sport.” which takes its name from our German twin – Prescot Badminton Club and SEVEN GRAND DAY OUT: Twenty junior members of Kirkby Karate Club enjoyed a summer training camp, thanks to funding secured with help from Knowsley South Football Club to play away. Knowsley Council. The group was given an extra treat when they stopped off en route to Germany for a tour of the Amsterdam Arena, home to Dutch football giants Ajax.

Perfect pitch

KNOWSLEY Council is to invest more than £400,000 in a new synthetic pitch for hockey and football in Prescot. The existing pitch behind Prescot Leisure Centre is over 20-years-old and drainage problems led to its closure last December on health and safety grounds. Repairs to fencing and floodlighting will also be carried out. Cllr Eddie Connor, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Community Services, said: “The decision to close the pitches was unavoidable because, despite the best efforts of the council to maintain and repair them, they had passed the end of their useful life. “We now have an opportunity to invest in creating a state-of-the-art hockey and football pitch which will contribute to greatly enhanced sporting facilities for the community of Prescot. We remain committed to providing the best possible leisure facilities for all our residents.”

22 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL EXXXX Knowsley EDITION 3 V3 31/8/05 1:57 pm Page 23

Black belts are SPORT SPECIAL Knowsley Action Guide

Halewood = Halewood Leisure Centre Huyton = Huyton Leisure Centre just gr-eight Kirkby = Kirkby Sports Centre Scotchbarn = Scotchbarn Leisure Centre, Prescot EIGHT Knowsley kick boxers are celebrating after achieving MONDAY black belt status By David Ritchie Boxing: Kirkby 5pm Ju Jitsu: Halewood 6pm, Huyton 7pm ichie Heeson, Mike Ledwidge, Jo Dunn, Amongst the group is gym and swimming Karate: Kirkby 6pm Stanley Reece, Tony Weston, Dominic instructor Jo Dunn, who has founded a female- Kick boxing: Kirkby 8pm R Murphy, Neil Griffiths and Lee Brack are only self-defence class. all members of the Terry McElhinney Kickboxing The classes have been running since May at TUESDAY Club at Huyton Leisure Centre. Huyton’s King George V Sports Complex. Terry Athletics: Kirkby 6.30pm Founder Terry said: “The process of progressing added: “These classes are unique for taking the Boxing: Kirkby 5pm from white to black belt usually takes between three ladies progressively from white to black belt, Junior Football Coaching: to four years, which highlights the commitment and something which other courses don’t offer”. Huyton 6pm dedication of all eight of the kick boxers. The class boasts a safe but focused environment Karate: Halewood 8pm “Some of the group have had problems with work for the ladies to socialise and keep fit whilst Kick boxing: Halewood 7pm, commitments and injury worries and it’s to their learning the ‘Budo’ art of self-defence. Huyton 8pm Taekwondo: Kirkby 7pm credit that they have overcome these hurdles.” The club, established for 22 years, boasts a string The kickboxing club runs on Tuesdays and WEDNESDAY of local and national champions and Terry is Thursdays from 8-9.30pm. For more Boxing: Kirkby 5.30pm, confident his latest group of black belts can match information contact Terry McElhinney on Halewood 6pm their feats. 01925 493 925. For details on the ladies-only self Cycling: Kirkby 5.30pm defence class, which takes place on Mondays Ju Jitsu: Halewood 7.30pm from 8-9.30pm, call Jo Dunn on 07749 531 268. Kick boxing: Kirkby 8pm Kuk Sool: Huyton 8pm

THURSDAY Athletics: Kirkby 6.30pm Boxing: Kirkby 5pm Ju Jitsu: Halewood 7.30pm Karate: Huyton 7pm, Kirkby 7pm. Kick boxing: Halewood 6.30pm, Huyton 8pm Taekwondo: Kirkby 7pm

FRIDAY Boxing: Kirkby 5pm, Halewood 6pm Ju Jitsu: Huyton 7pm, Halewood 8pm Junior Basketball: Halewood 7pm BOX CLEVER: The eight Kuk Sool: Huyton 7pm successful black belts SATURDAY with Terry Archery: McElhinney (centre). Halewood 1.15pm Junior Dallas Cup stars signed up Badminton: Huyton 12noon THREE of the squad that and has signed up Paul Wheeler, Karate: represented Knowsley in the Paul Williams and Steven O’Hara Huyton 11am Dallas Cup this year have signed for the Valerie Park side’s push for for Prescot Cables. promotion. Contact The Unibond Premier Division He said: “With the experience numbers: side is headed by Andy Gray, we already have in the squad, a Halewood: following the departure of former little bit of youth can help us out 443 2124 Clockwise from boss Tommy Lawson to Clitheroe as well. Hopefully these young top left: Paul Huyton: 443 3786 in July. lads can provide that little bit Wheeler, Paul Kirkby: 443 4404 Gray coached the Dallas squad extra for us.” Williams and Scotchbarn: 443 4643 Steve O'Hara

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ET P IT

I FEEDBACK OFFER

M ★ O N O

WIN WIN WIN WIN C • TELL us what you think of Knowsley News and you could win £25 of High Street Vouchers. Based upon feedback from the first issue, we have included more information about events, services and what’s on in the borough. And now we want to make sure we are still getting things right. You can spend the vouchers at a string of high street giants including Boots, HMV, Comet, BHS and many more. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning the vouchers is fill in the feedback form below. Your details will be entered into a draw and the first person out of the hat after the closing date of 24 October will win the vouchers.

1. Have all three copies of Knowsley News been delivered to your door? Yes No If 'No' which issues did you miss? 1 - Spring 2 - Summer 3 - Autumn

2. Overall, what do you think of Knowsley News? Bag a ball Excellent Good OK Poor 3. Do you think Knowsley News is easy to read? Yes No signed by If no, please tell us why?

4. Where else would like to see Knowsley News available? Supermarkets GP/Health Centre The Blues Petrol station forecourts Housing/KHT Office Other (please specify where)

5. Do you think the content of Knowsley News has become better with EVERTON qualified each edition, stayed the same or got worse? Better Same Worse for European If you replied 'Worse', please tell us why. competition for the first time in 10 years last 6. Do you find the overall content of Knowsley News interesting? season. And Yes No 7. Please tick your three FAVOURITE items in Knowsley News: we’ve teamed up Useful numbers Round your way News with the Toffees to My Knowsley Your Health What’s on offer Knowsley News Memory Lane Ask the expert Sport 8. Please tick your three LEAST favourite Items in Knowsley News: readers the chance to win a ball Useful numbers Round your way News signed by the squad that secured My Knowsley Your Health What’s on fourth in the Premiership. Memory Lane Ask the expert Sport 9. Are there any other items you would like to see in Knowsley News? David Moyes’ men were tipped for the drop at the start of last season. Quiz Cartoon Young people’s page But the Goodison side defied the critics to land the final Champions Letters page Trading standards advice League spot and finish above Liverpool for the first time since they Music column were last crowned top-flight champions in 1986/7. To be in with a chance of winning this superb prize, answer this Name simple question: Who is the manager of Everton Football Club? Send your answers to EFC competition, Communications, Address Municipal Buildings, Archway Road, Huyton, L36 9YU. The closing date for entries is 24 October. Usual Knowsley News competition rules apply. Knowsley Council employees or members of Daytime telephone number their family are not eligible to enter the competition. All the information you provide will be treated confidentially and will only be used for the purpose of this survey.