It's a Mini Adventure

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

Issue 4 Winter 2005

www.knowsley.gov.uk

It’s a mini adventure Children sign up to warden scheme

PPLUSLUS AANTI-RACISMNTI-RACISM CCAMPAIGNAMPAIGN CCHRISTMASHRISTMAS ADVICEADVICE SSPECIALPECIAL FFOUROUR EEXCLUSIVEXCLUSIVE CCOMPETITIONSOMPETITIONS

E2715E2715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 1 11/23/0511/23/05 4:43:214:43:21 PMPM EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 2 111/23/051/23/05 10:19:1510:19:15 AMAM In this issue Welcome

Regulars News 4,8,14 Round Your Way 6 Keeping trouble out My Knowsley 9 Sylvia Gore Ask the Expert 12 Christmas Special HELLO and welcome to the winter edition of Knowsley News. Your Health 15 I’d like to start by thanking Smiles better everyone who turned out to the launch of the Knowsley Against Racism campaign at the Memory Lane 17 King George V Sports Centre, How Kirkby got to where it is 6 Huyton. The launch event was a huge Shelf Life 18 success and just underlined Book and DVD highlights that the people of the borough 13 are really getting behind the campaign and are determined What’s On 19 to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour. There’s a double Sport 22 page feature on the campaign 10 on pages10-11. This issue also focuses on the Competitions 24 council’s drive to improve the Win leisure club membership borough’s neighbourhoods. or a hamper Some residents have already 17 beneﬁ ted from this including those in Youatt Avenue, Prescot, as featured in this Features issue’s Round Your Way section. Zero tolerance on 10 I want to ensure that every racism resident beneﬁ ts from this 8 campaign and if there’s a problem in your area, I want to hear about it. You can contact me through 14 the magazine at the address on the bottom left of this page. I’d also like to hear from you on any council-related issue, including your opinions and suggestions for Knowsley News. Finally, I’d like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year – enjoy 10 yourself!

Knowsley News is produced by Knowsley Council four Knowsley News is also available in other formats including times a year and distributed to all households in the borough. The next edition will be published in March. Braille, large print and audiotape. If you are registered blind or Cllr Ron Round If you have any comments or feedback – visually impaired you should receive an audiotape version of the or would like to write a letter for publication – Leader of Knowsley Council 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: [email protected] Fax: 0151 443 3507. Email: [email protected]. Edited, designed and printed by Limehouse www.limehouse.co.uk

EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 3 111/23/051/23/05 10:19:1910:19:19 AMAM News

Borough in brief

Smoking ban vote KNOWSLEY’S Councillors have voted overwhelmingly in favour of supporting a Merseyside Bill that would ban smoking in all enclosed workplaces. Cllr Ron Round, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “We have already been working hard to encourage businesses in Knowsley to sign up to a smoke-free environment, and many have already EARLY START been rewarded with a Roy Castle Lung Cancer IF THE CAP FITS: Jessica Jones took part Foundations National FOR BOROUGH in Knowsley’s mini-warden scheme. She Clean Air Award.” is pictured here with Ian Gibb, Assistant Manager of the Neighbourhood Warden Anthony WARDENS Scheme in Prescot. Walker fund A FUND has been CHILDREN in Knowsley took part in a ground- established in memory of Anthony Walker, who was breaking Mini Wardens’ Scheme this year By Vicki Gianelli murdered in Huyton in July. Donations, payable Th e Mini Wardens’ Scheme is By completing the Mini Ian Gibb, Assistant Manager to ‘LCVS Anthony Walker one of the fi rst of its kind in the Wardens’ Scheme, the children of the Neighbourhood Warden Memorial Fund’ should country. Children are involved in are half way to achieving the full Scheme in Prescot said: “Th e be sent to: Liverpool clean-up projects and the scheme Mayor of Knowsley Award which scheme has proven to be very Charity and Voluntary encourages them to take pride in is a programme of practical, successful. Services, 14 Castle the borough at an early age. cultural and adventurous activities “Th e new link with the awards Street, Liverpool, L2 0NJ. Neighbourhood Wardens to help young people develop. team means that we can keep in For more information run the scheme which gets local Th e Mini Warden Scheme was touch with the children aft erwards about the memorial children involved in a summer set up four years ago by Tower Hill and do something worthwhile fund please contact Ken programme of activity to highlight wardens and has now been rolled with them which will keep them Martin, LCVS Charity the important work the wardens do. out borough wide. off the streets.” Services Co-ordinator, on 236 7728.

Cleaner Knowsley Business park boost A CRACKDOWN on fl y- KICKING THE DRUG HABIT tippers and litter louts in DERELICT land at the heart of Knowsley Knowsley is paying off. DRUG users who have turned to crime to fund their Industrial Estate is to be transformed into A zero-tolerance policy habit can receive help to change their lives for the better a prestigious business park – creating introduced by the council thanks to a new scheme in Knowsley. more than 300 jobs – after millions of and supported by the Th e Drugs Intervention Programme - run by Knowsley pounds of public sector funding was police has resulted in Council in partnership with Lighthouse Project - aims approved. two arrests for illegal to help adult addicts kick the habit while benefi ting the The 28-acre Alchemy site is considered dumping. community by reducing drug-related crime. one of the most important business parks And two people have Th e programme fi rst provides medical support to in Merseyside. been issued with fi xed help users get over the physical symptoms of addiction. There will be 10 new workspace units penalty notices after Support and advice is then off ered to enable them to directed towards small and medium sized being caught on camera return to training or work and help with housing businesses as well as a new access road from the A580 East Lancashire Road, dropping litter from a car. and benefi ts. comprehensive landscaping and extensive The tough approach Clients can be referred to the programme by includes covert security measures. the police, their parole offi cer, health workers, surveillance and council The site is in the Approach 580 Strategic family or can choose to self-refer. offi cers sifting through Investment Area, one of eight such areas rubbish looking for To contact Knowsley’s Intervention across Merseyside, where investment evidence to point to Programme direct, telephone is being concentrated to help economic criminals who illegally 0151 480 5398 during offi ce hours. development. dump.

4 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 4 111/23/051/23/05 10:19:3310:19:33 AMAM FAMOUS FACE: Jon Culshaw with Brian Forrester, Danielle McCaffery, Danielle Byrne, Hayley Kiernan and Rachael Duffy at the ofﬁ cial opening of All Saints’ News new Sixth Form Centre. Borough in brief

Grants for business If you’re interested in becoming self-employed or starting your own business, take advice from a road show that will soon be touring the borough. What’s more, you may qualify for a grant of up to £500. The grant scheme is part of a major drive to attract budding entrepreneurs TV STAR GOES BACK TO SCHOOL By Gemma Melling to the area and help create as many as 270 new businesses. TV COMIC Jon Culshaw made a big impression For more information call Mercy Chaita on at the opening of a new Kirkby sixth-form centre 477 4000 or call in to Th e Ormskirk-born star of further education courses and for the current sixth-form students Knowsley Business small screen hit shows including boasts modern classrooms, who achieved the best-ever GCSE Resource Centre, Admin Road, Knowsley Dead Ringers, 2DTV and Th e an offi ce and a social area for results in the school’s history. Industrial Park, Kirkby. Impressionable Jon Culshaw cut students, as well as wireless All Saints head, Brendan the ribbon on the new learning technology allowing the use McLoughlin, said: “We’ve always Kirkby kids have say facility at All Saints RC High Sixth of laptop computers and video believed this new facility would YOUNG people in Kirkby Form Centre. conferencing. make an enormous diff erence to have had their say on a Th e centre caters for students It has already proved to be an the attitude and motivation of our project to improve lives in studying A-levels and other inspirational learning environment students”. their community. The Communities That Care (CTC) programme links local people, agencies APPEAL FOR HELP and organisations to WINTER WARMTH promote healthy personal TO BEAT THE CHEATS and social development KNOWSLEY’S Counter-Fraud Unit is encouraging TWO schemes are available to help Knowsley among young people, while residents to blow the whistle on benefi t cheats. residents heat their homes this winter. reducing the risks of youth Th e unit is working hard to meet the Government Warm Front provides grants to make homes crime, drug abuse, school target of reducing fraud and error, by 25%, by 2006. warmer, healthier and more energy effi cient. age pregnancy and Last year, benefi t fraud cost the UK around £1.5 Up to £2,700 is available for people on certain school failure. billion the equivalent of £80 extra on every household’s benefi ts and who own their own home or rent Cash from Northwood’s Single Regeneration council tax bill. from a private landlord. Budget – money from the Most cases referred to Knowsley’s Counter-Fraud Unit Th e grant provides energy effi ciency advice, Government to improve the come as a result of data-matching , or from targeting two energy-effi cient light bulbs and a package area – funded the project. groups who are more likely to fail to report a change in of insulation and heating improvements which circumstances. are tailored to each property, including options Help for pensioners But the unit is also reliant on hotline referrals made to of loft insulation, draught proofi ng and gas, KNOWSLEY residents its confi dential freephone number. electric or central heating, among others. It aged 65 or over before On average three could also fund repairs to existing systems or September 25, 2005 calls a week are conversion to a solid fuel open fi re to a glass and not in receipt of the received identifying fronted fi re. guarantee credit element suspected fraudsters. And, as reported in our last issue, the of Pension Credit could Th e most useful Knowsley Heatstreets scheme is targeted at receive £200 per hotline referrals include owner occupiers and those who rent from a household to help with descriptions of the private landlord but who are not on benefi ts. council tax bills. individual, the cars they Th is scheme can fund loft and cavity wall A claim form can be drive, where they park, insulation but not heating systems. Over the obtained from council when they go to work, and fi rst two years of the Heatstreets scheme, a total one stop shops or by where they work. of 5,347 Knowsley homes have been surveyed telephoning the Customer Contact If you would like and 7,496 measures carried out. Centre on 443 4042. to report benefi t fraud ring For more information about both schemes freephone - 0800 073 0532. ring Freephone: 0800 512 012.

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E2715 Knowsley News.indd 5 25/11/05 17:49:01 ROUND YOUR WAY Keeping trouble out

A NEW programme to clean up the environment and improve By Vicki Gianelli community safety across Knowsley is underway

IMPROVEMENTS: Fencing and railings in Youatt Avenue, Prescot, have helped to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

nowsley Council carried out clean ups and increasing safety in alleys Wardens in the area have also a major survey of problem and pathways. noticed a big diff erence with no Kareas in the borough as part complaints from the area since the of its commitment to work at Youatt Avenue work was carried out. neighbourhood level and respond to Th e survey of problem areas local concerns. highlighted issues in Youatt Avenue, Alleygating In a crackdown on grot spots and Prescot. Part of the work in Knowsley involves a areas attracting anti-social behaviour Residents reported gangs of youths pilot alleygating scheme. the council’s Neighbourhood regularly meeting at the end of a Th e gates control access to the rear of Management Team have worked pathway in the road. terrace-style housing and help to lock with the Neighbourhood Wardens to Problems included drinking, drugs out thieves, deter anti-social behaviour, produce action programmes for every and graffi ti, which were causing stop litter and fl y-tipping and reduce ward in the borough. disruption to residents. Th e end of this fear of crime. New dedicated teams from path also had a barrier and a low fence Only residents have keys to the gates the council’s Environmental and which provided a quick getaway to and other schemes across the country Operational Services Department have Silcock’s fi eld. – including in neighbouring authorities started to carry out the work which Th e council, residents, police and Liverpool, Seft on and St Helens – have includes removing graffi ti, general Knowsley Housing Trust worked proved a huge success. together to plan the best way to combat Knowsley’s Neighbourhood FACTFILE the problem. Management Team has completed Barriers at the end of the pathway initial assessments of the pilot schemes A SURVEY of Knowsley identiﬁ ed 800 jobs across the were removed, hedges cut and a across the borough, including a borough which will improve residents’ quality of life. six-foot metal fence was put in at the number in Prescot, which has more of bottom of the path. the traditional ‘back to back’ properties Work will include: A concrete post and panel fencing than other parts of Knowsley. 3 Environmental clean ups was also put up alongside the property Aft er the pilot is complete and 3 Putting up fencing and ﬁ tting trip rails to protect open space adjoining the fi eld. assessed for 3 Putting up ‘A’ Frames to keep scrambler bikes off land Since the eff ectiveness, 3 Alleygating schemes improvements, the council residents will consider Work has already started across Knowsley and the council say problems rolling the will continue to listen to residents’ groups to improve the have scheme out borough. reduced across the considerably. borough.

6 PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Councillor Graham Morgan, Deputy Leader of Knowsley Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Neighbourhoods, made clear the commitment to this work. He said: “We know from listening to residents across Knowsley that they want us to focus on local issues that can really affect their quality of life. “This programme is just one part of a big effort to manage neighbourhoods, regenerate our communities and respond to local needs. “When this work is done we really need residents across the borough to work with us to make the improvements stick – it’s about us all taking pride in neighbourhoods together”.

Councillor Margaret Flaherty, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Social Inclusion also has high hopes for the scheme. She said: “By tackling environmental problems in the borough we can not only improve areas but deter crime and anti- social behaviour. Youatt Avenue GOLDEN GATES: is just one example of how we Alleygates in Crossvale Road, have combated problems relating Huyton, have to anti-social behaviour in the proved popular borough. with residents “Together, with vital help from the who have spruced up the area with wardens and in partnership with ﬂ owers Knowsley Housing Trust and the police, we aim to reduce crime across the borough, protecting residents and working with communities to make Knowsley a safer, cleaner place to live.”

Councillor Ian Smith is leader of the Liberal Democrats in Knowsley and represents Prescot West. He is also the leader of Prescot Town Council. He said: “I welcome and fully support the council’s commitment to neighbourhood and community regeneration. Personal security is a top priority within the local community and a programme of alleygating and highway closure has already started and has been effective in some areas of Prescot, including Youatt Avenue. “Dealing with these important issues will help make the neighbourhood much safer - in Prescot and the rest of Knowsley.”

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EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 7 111/23/051/23/05 10:19:5910:19:59 AMAM News Kop job OK for Jay Borough in brief A FOOTBALL fan has landed a dream job – apprentice groundsman at a Premiership club. The only trouble is it’s at Liverpool – and Over-50s not out he’s an Everton fan! SILVER Entrepreneurs, a drive to encourage over- But that doesn’t worry 17-year-old Someone helping run that 50s to start or expand Jay Barrow, who will be working course was so impressed by Jay businesses and become as an apprentice groundsman at they invited him to do some casual self-employed, has kicked off in Knowsley. Anfi eld. work on the pitches at Liverpool’s Tim Dugdill, Chairman of He joked: “I’ll have to keep my training academy in Kirkby and Knowsley Chamber, who mouth shut and I’ll probably get that’s led to a three- conceived the idea and is my leg pulled quite a bit but I don’t year apprenticeship leading on the project for mind. It’s a great job. Most of my with the club.” The Knowsley Partnership, mates are Everton supporters too said: “Over-50s are but they’re sound about it because becoming increasingly it’s such a good job.” important, not only in Jay is the 100th client of the spraying course and he was the number, but in their ability Road2Work scheme which aims to youngest to pass that. to shape the development of help anyone over the age of 16 in He also did a ride- the economy.” the North Huyton New Deal For on mower course For more information, Communities area look for work and he passed that contact Aimee Best whether they’re already in a job or too. on 708 0875 or email [email protected] unemployed. Road2Work client advisor Road safety class Claire Embleton said: “Jay’s been with us for about a year. He’d done PRIMARY schoolchildren from Knowsley stepped into an NVQ Level 2 in horticulture the shoes of the traffi c police and we were able to to learn about road safety. sort out some more Pupils, aged 10 and 11, training for him. used police speed guns to “We arranged clock the speed of traffi c for him to go on a BARROW ON A ROLL: Jay Barrow near their school. They also conducted a roadside survey to count Restoring war memories how many drivers and ALL ABOARD FOR HEALTH A WORLD WAR TWO air raid shelter passengers fail to use their in the grounds of a Huyton school is seatbelts. KNOWSLEY residents jumped on board the food bus to take a set to be restored to its former glory The exercise was part of new route to healthier eating and healthy lifestyles. thanks to a lottery grant of £10,000. ‘Fast Lane’ – a road-safety Th e bus, as featured on the BBC’s Breakfast Television, drove Sue Price, parent governor at the initiative designed by school, Sylvester Primary on St Knowsley Council’s Road into the borough for three days for a Focus on Food Tour which John’s Road, said: “Most of our Safety Team for year six encourages healthy eating. children have never seen an air pupils. Justin Baddeley, Knowsley Council’s Food and Health Advisor said: “We had an exciting, creative and informative time. raid shelter and it seemed a shame Governors needed Children were able to make healthy food and are now able to there was one in the school grounds share their experience with the rest of their family and recreate that couldn’t be used because of PARENTS and carers of the condition it was in – particularly the meals they were taught at home.” pupils in Knowsley are being because the children all learn urged to stand for election as about World War Two as part of the parent governors. national curriculum in Year 6.” Twenty eight schools in the The group now have until 31 borough have places for December to complete the project parent governors, who are – excavating and replacing the elected by other parents onto shelter’s fl oor, adding electricity and the school’s governing body. collecting artefacts to exhibit inside. If you have an interest in The school is interested to hear children’s future, a desire to from anybody who could help them make a difference, time and with the renovation, by offering help energy and an ability to work with the work or simply by sharing in a team, the role could their memories of World War Two suit you. – particularly if they were pupils at For more information Sylvester at the time. contact Carole King, If you can spare a few hours to help, Governor Support Offi cer, FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Justin Baddeley, Knowsley Council’s Food and Health Advisor celebrating with Cllr Brian O’Hare, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Corporate and please contact Sue on 07812925241. on 443 5620 Customer Services, and others at the food bus event.

8 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 8 111/23/051/23/05 10:20:0810:20:08 AMAM MY KNOWSLEY Sylvia Gore WHEN it comes to achievements in football, Sylvia Gore’s CV takes some beating. The ﬁ rst woman to score for England, she has devoted 55 years to the game and is still going strong, juggling a variety of roles in the sport including women’s football development ofﬁ cer for Knowsley Council By Gareth Roberts

ylvia, 60, grew up in South Avenue, over but I stayed on my feet and side-footed the Sylvia has also helped to set up a string of Prescot, and fi rst started kicking a ball ball past the keeper.” leagues and competitions, worked at centres Sat the age of four. Sylvia packed in playing at 35 to concentrate of excellence for women’s football and is now Although she was well-supported in her on coaching, managing the Welsh women’s side, involved with the Liverpool County FA, the hometown, she admits it was diffi cult to fi nd working as secretary of Liverpool FC Ladies Women’s Premier League and the Football opportunities in the sport. and clocking up 21 years in her voluntary role Association. She said: “I wasn’t allowed to play for the at Knowsley. Her amazing dedication has not gone boy’s team at school and unnoticed. really, when I fi rst started playing, women’s football was Recognition not well thought of. I always She has been honoured by the borough, got the ‘women can’t play the FA, AXA, UEFA and even the football’. You still get that now, Queen, picking up an MBE for services although not so much.” to football in 2000. Th e former Our Ladies But with the Women’s European Junior School and St Edmund Championships attracting crowds in Arrowsmith pupil ended up excess of 29,000, Sylvia has no thoughts looking to the other end of the of retirement as the game blossoms. M62 for her big chance. She added: “I’ve given a lot to Sylvia successfully tried out Knowsley and the borough has for women’s side Manchester supported me very well in return over Corinthians at the age of 12 and the years. Now I just want to keep on hasn’t looked back. going and try to inspire kids to keep on learning – I still am.” Making history She was selected for the fi rst women’s England football squad and was in the starting eleven in their debut match in Greenock on November 19, 1972. In atrocious conditions, Sylvia secured her place in the history books. She said: “I still remember the game. Th ere was only one other game played in Scotland that day – a men’s game – because the conditions were so bad. “I picked up the ball in my own area and ran 40 yards. I thought I would slip

GO GIRLS

Sylvia has set up a girl’s football development centre at the King George V Complex in Huyton. Sessions run every Thursday, 4-5pm with players ranging from year four upwards. Contact Sylvia on 0151 443 5713 or 07801 388315.

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E2715 Knowsley News.indd 9 25/11/05 17:49:07 FEATURE Zero tolerance on racism KNOWSLEY residents are being encouraged to speak out as a new campaign is launched to tackle racism in the borough By Vicki Gianelli

BAND AID: Abdul Fataahu and Declan Glover show off their he Knowsley Against Racism is not acceptable in Knowsley and Knowsley Against Racism wristbands at the campaign’s launch campaign aims to challenge will not be tolerated. event. Tall forms of racial hatred and contribute to making Knowsley a place Report it where people can live together safely, “An anti-racism hotline will be set up with respect and friendship. to deal with any reports and we will Th e council and its partners have protect local people, support witnesses launched the campaign as part of a and work together with the community long-term strategy to stamp out racism to create a borough free of racism in Knowsley. discrimination and prejudice.” Racism can show itself in obvious A Multi Agency Racial Harassment ways such as graffi ti, intimidation, or Forum has also been established in physical violence or through other Knowsley to address the problem in actions. Th e council is asking residents the borough. Th is will give residents, to be vigilant, report any incidents of council staff , local businesses and abuse and help police when they have police the opportunity to get together information on race-related crimes. and discuss how best to tackle racism Th e council will act upon any reports in Knowsley. Find out how you can get immediately in order to challenge involved by calling 0151 443 3073. racist behaviour across the borough. Residents should inform Crime Knowsley Council leader Cllr Stoppers of anybody who may Ron Round said: “Th e be targeting individuals or campaign will raise families in a racist manner awareness of the on 0800 555 111. Or call cultural, religious and the Mersey Racial racial diversity of the Harassment community of Prevention Knowsley. We Unit 0800 are sending 138 1688. out clear messages BALL BUDDIES: that racism Georgina Williams and Hassan Hassan

SUPPORT: Knowsley Council Leader Cllr Ron Round shows IT’S CAMPAIGN KICK OFF his support for the campaign by adding his name to a banner. LIVERPOOL FC legend Alan Kennedy and Swansea City hotshot Lee Trundle helped to kick off the Knowsley Against Racism campaign. The European Cup winner and the Huyton- born striker were at the King George V Sports Centre for the launch event. The main attractions included a 28-team football tournament, sumo wrestling and live music and dance performances from a variety of acts including the North Huyton Community Choir, students from Halewood Arts College and the Chinese Unicorn Dance Group. There was also an opportunity to sample POSTER POWER: The message is different foods from around the world. made clear by this poster at the event.

10 PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST

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FEATURE rracismacism Responsible for equality KNOWSLEY Council has a dedicated Corporate Equality and Diversity Ofﬁ cer who ensures the authority’s services are accessible to all residents

aul Peng, who has been in the post Paul Peng Psince November 2004, is responsible for a cross-departmental approach to meet equality standards for local government and has established four workers’ groups - a Black and Minority Workers’ Group, a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Workers’ Group, a Disability Workers’ Group and a Women’s Worker Group. Before joining Knowsley, Paul was Deputy Director of Oldham Race Equality Partnership where he managed a project to bring together diff erent communities and improve neighbourhoods. He has also worked as a consultant on Liverpool City Council Vision and as a facilitator for St Helens Council’s Race Equality Action plan. A Master of Arts, Paul’s specialist fi eld of work is ‘positive action’ practice, which helps to redress under-representation in the workplace or in service delivery. You can contact Paul on 443 3073 or email [email protected]

CELEBRITY BACKING: Alan Kennedy (second from right) and Lee Trundle (far right) show their support. Kirkby plays host to Hindus IRKBY Sports Centre welcomed several hundred Hindus to celebrate the fi ve-day Bengali Hindu KFestival, Durga Puja. Th e annual event has been taking place since 1980, with the centre playing host each year. Th e festival is a celebration of the Hindu Goddesses and is the equivalent of the Christian Christmas Festival with presents and cards being exchanged, particularly on the fi ft h day. Th e last day of the celebration is called Dashera which, in some parts of India, means the killing of the demon Ravana or the celebration of the Lord Ramas’s victory over Ravana. In Southern India and Sri Lanka they celebrate the event for nine days and call it the Festival of Navratri.

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EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 1111 111/23/051/23/05 10:20:2810:20:28 AMAM ASK THE EXPERT CHRISTMAS SPECIAL CHRIST How to avoid starting the New Year skint CHRISTMAS credit could mean a nightmare for some come January. Alan Shone, Knowsley Council’s Consumer ALAN SHONE Advice Team Leader, offers some tips on avoiding the debt trap

t’s estimated each of us spends SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP: £870 every Christmas on But overspending at presents, cards, decorations Christmas can “I come back to haunt and food. Buying presents and you in the New Year. preparing for parties is exciting but you need to keep the long-term eff ects You have NO rights if you simply on your bank balance in mind. change your mind about something You can get free help and advice “During the festive season creditors you have bought, made a mistake, from Trading Standards, Kirkby are falling over themselves to off er you or were told about the fault before Municipal Buildings, Cherryfi eld the chance to borrow money. But bear you bought it. But the shop may Drive, Kirkby L32 1TX. in mind that everything bought on exchange or give you a refund, as a Tel: 0151 443 4711 or email: credit in December must be paid back gesture of goodwill. [email protected] from at least February onwards. “Advice on obtaining credit is Buying presents available at Knowsley’s Consumer “When paying for gift s I recommend TOP LOAN TIPS FOR A DEBT-FREE CHRISTMAS Advice Centre in the Municipal you tell the salesperson you are buying £ Shop around for credit to ﬁ nd the best deals and read Buildings on Cherryfi eld Drive, a present for someone and check if it forms thoroughly before you sign. Kirkby. Th ey can provide a Budget can be returned if unsuitable. Also, note £ Check exactly how much you’ll pay back. Study the Planner leafl et so you can see exactly the name of the sales assistant and keep interest rates and charges very closely. Is it good value? how much you have to spend at the receipt to prove when you bought Christmas. For more information the present and the price you paid. £ Compare the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Usually ring 443 4711.” the lower the APR the less you pay in interest but No refunds? beware sometimes that a low APR will only apply for a short period. Shoppers’ rights “A shop cannot legally refuse a “You are covered by law when out consumer’s right to a refund, so if £ Look at the length of the loan, not just the monthly shopping. All goods you buy must: it shows a ‘no refunds’ sign – don’t payment. The longer the loan period, the more interest • Meet the standard that ‘a reasonable be fooled! Th is does not aff ect your you’ll pay back. person would regard as satisfactory’ rights as a consumer to take back £ Beware – if you use your home as security for a loan • Be fi t for purpose and do what they faulty or mis-described goods and and you don’t keep up repayments, your home could say they will claim a refund. In fact, the shop be repossessed. • Be as described. So if you buy a may well have committed a criminal £ And watch out - if you act as a guarantor for someone shirt that is described as having long off ence and should be reported to else’s loan, you will have to repay the debt if they don’t. sleeves it shouldn’t have short sleeves. Trading Standards.”

12 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 1212 111/23/051/23/05 10:20:3510:20:35 AMAM STMAS SPECIAL CHRISTMAS S Watch your waste Everyone produces large volumes of rubbish around Christmas. But don’t forget to be green this year and follow these simple tips from recycling ofﬁ cer Tina Moorhouse • Use your green and blue leaving a room, don’t recycling bin to recycle. Blue for leave TVs and stereos on green waste and cardboard, and standby, and try to avoid green for paper, glass bottles and leaving Christmas lights on jars, and food/drink cans. You can unnecessarily. also recycle your Christmas tree • Give green gift s e.g. in the blue bin. composters, bird feeders, • Try to minimise the amount of energy or water saving devices, DON’T BE TIN packaging around food that you A MOORHOUSE theatre and sports tickets, buy and look for presents with environmental books, bicycles minimal packaging. or other durable gift s. WITHOUT • Reuse carrier bags, wrapping paper, gift • Pass unwanted gift s like toys, bags and cut up old greeting cards to use as shoes, clothes to charity organisations or A CAR FOR gift tags. send them to recycling banks (Look in Yellow • Remember to switch off lights when Pages or Th ompson Local, under charities). CHRISTMAS Public transport can be CHRISTMAS CARD RECYCLING Christmas cards can be recycled at the slow during the festive following sites between 6 January and season. So protect your 3 February 2006. car by following some HUYTON One Stop Shop, Huyton Town Centre simple rules from Mark KIRKBY Harrison, Head of Crime One Stop Shop, Cherryﬁ eld Drive HALEWOOD and Disorder Reduction One Stop Shop, Leathers Lane STOCKBRIDGE VILLAGE for Knowsley Council. Village Housing Association, The Croft Shopping Centre • Lock all doors and PRESCOT windows when you One Stop Shop, (Old Prescot Civic Centre Site) leave your car • Never leaving ANYTHING on display ON • Consider fi tting MARK HARRIS Bin Collections: Recycling Collections: alarms, immobilisers Christmas and New Year 2005-2006 Christmas and New Year 2005-2006 or a steering wheel lock if you haven’t already Norm Collection Day Revised Collection Day Norm Collection Day Revised Collection Day • Remove your car stereo, if you can Mon 26 December Wed 28 December Mon 26 December Wed 28 December • Keep your keys safe - NEVER leave Tues 27 December Tues 3 January * Tues 27 December Thurs 29 December Wed 28 December Wed 4 January * Wed 28 December Fri 30 December your vehicle unattended when the keys Mon 2 January Mon 9 January * Mon 2 January Sat 31 December are in the ignition. Th is is especially a Sat 7 January problem in the winter months when * DOUBLE COLLECTIONS people are trying to defrost windows. All other collection days are as normal. All other collection days are as normal. • Take your keys to bed with you to avoid hook and cane burglaries.

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EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 1313 111/23/051/23/05 10:20:4610:20:46 AMAM THUMBS UP FOR KNOWSLEY NEWS – News NOW HELP US MAKE IT BETTER Borough in brief In the latest reader feedback on Knowsley News 97% rated the magazine ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. But we want to make it even better Job café Many residents raised concerns We also welcome your letters HALEWOOD residents about not receiving the magazine, and will include a selection if can drop in for advice on so we have acted on this. we receive a suffi cient number. ﬁ nding employment at a Knowsley Council is now using Letters can be your comments job café at The Arncliffe its neighbourhood warden team and suggestions for the magazine Centre, Arncliffe Road. No appointment is to deliver almost 70,000 copies of or any council-related issue. We necessary and tea and the magazine door-to-door across also encourage you to send in coffee is available at the the borough. news or sport items, information café, which is open every Th e magazine is also available for What’s On or your old Tuesday, 10am-12noon. at the council’s one stop shops, pictures of the borough for Representatives from libraries and leisure centres. Memory Lane. Knowsley’s Construction Readers also said they would like You can write to Knowsley Partnership attend and to see Knowsley News available in News at: Communications, can advise on training supermarkets, health centres and Knowsley Metropolitan Borough and job opportunities doctors’ surgeries. Th ese options Council, Archway Road, Huyton, in the construction will be investigated in the coming L36 9YU. industry. months. Alternatively, you Other organisations Many of you also said you’d can email your letter to: including Jobcentre like to see a letters page, a quiz [email protected]. Plus, Halewood JET, Shaw Trust and and trading standards advice. uk, fax to 0151 443 3507 or Road, Huyton wins £25 of High Connexions are also We have responded by including drop your letter off at any of the Street Vouchers. Her feedback present. trading standards advice in this council’s one stop shops. form was the fi rst to be drawn out For more information edition’s Ask the Expert section. Mrs Lynda Bell of Skipton of the hat. on the Construction Partnership ring 0151 477 4040. CRACKDOWN DON’T RISK BLINDNESS Top for planning ON DOG OWNERS KNOWSLEY has been DOG owners are being told to DIABETES sufferers should have their eyes checked at least rated the best authority bag it and bin it or face a fi ne. once a year and Knowsley residents with the condition can get in Merseyside for Knowsley Council’s cabinet their eyes screened for free. dealing with planning members have backed a move Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people of applications. Knowsley to crack down on this threat to working age in the UK. processed 90% of all its public health through education Without eye screening the condition cannot be identified planning applications and initiatives including and you could risk blindness. within eight weeks, increasing the number of bins Dr. Diana Forrest, Knowsley’s Director of Public Health said: beating the 80% to deal with the problem. “When you consider the risk is potential blindness, a simple, Government target and some other authorities Councillors also agreed to painless screening is well worth it.” Simply call one of the by nearly 20%. increase the fi xed penalty notice following optometrists and book your free appointment today: for owners caught allowing their Kids’ space dog to foul and not clearing up J Andrews Optician Savaspex Opticians A Huyton demolition from £50 to £75. Th ere are approximately 15,000 42 St Chad’s Parade 5 Sherbourne Square site has been turned into Kirkby L32 8RH Huyton L36 9UR dogs in the borough and that a children’s playground Tel: 0151 546 5104 Tel: 0151 480 2599 - thanks to people power. potentially could produce nearly Six mums and 30 kids 2,500 tons of dog mess a year. Millican Opticians Price & Ankers rolled their sleeves up 44 Derby Road 2 Leyland Street and transformed the Huyton L36 9UU Prescot L34 5PQ waste land at Lordens Tel: 0151 489 1845 Tel: 0151 430 9187 Close. Store Optical Ltd Specsavers Opticians One of the mums, 52 St Chad’s Parade 16 Huyton Hey Road Julie Daley, said: “The Kirkby L32 8UG Huyton L36 5RT kids around here had Tel: 0151 548 5553 Tel: 0151 481 0241 nowhere to go so we thought we’d do S Nissim R Millican & K McKenna something about it. 58 Dinas Lane 31 Eccleston Street We organised toys and Huyton L36 2NR Prescot L34 5QA activities like football Tel: 0151 489 5102 Tel: 0151 426 6286 and quick cricket. The kids loved it and it was full all summer.”

14 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 1414 111/23/051/23/05 10:21:0110:21:01 AMAM YOUR HEALTH Smiles better SCHOOLCHILDREN in Knowsley are setting a bright, white example by keeping their teeth clean and their gums healthy

nowsley’s Health and Wellbeing Starting young Primary Care Trust Senior Partnership recently learnt that Th e ongoing ‘Tempting Tots’ Dental Health Promotion KKnowsley children’s dental health programme, off ered to all nursery and Co-ordinator Annette is amongst the worst in the country. primary schools in the borough, off ers Mercer is confi dent for the As a result, Knowsley Primary Care taster sessions to encourage young future: “Whilst dental health Trust (PCT) and Knowsley Council people to try fruit and vegetables. Th e in Knowsley is below the made dental health a top priority programme, which aims to improve national average, there is and a number of measures have been the eating habits and dental health cause for great optimism introduced in schools to combat tooth of young children, involves short that dental health will decay, protect gums and educate interactive activities. Th e sessions are improve.” children on dental care. helping to educate parents as well as children on healthy eating. “Community pharmacists have Big changes also offered information and Th ere is a lot more to smile about in Freebies Knowsley schools as new, improved And Colgate has donated 6,400 advice on a range of topics including and healthier menus have been oral care kits of toothbrushes and introduced. Healthy tuck shops have toothpaste packs to Knowsley children teething, sugar-free medicine and replaced chocolate and fi zzy drink aged between fi ve and seven. Knowsley healthy eating.” machines, and healthy eating projects are helping to educate pupils on diet, visiting the dentist, and correct ways to brush teeth. Community pharmacists have also off ered information and advice to parents on a range of topics including teething, sugar-free medicine and healthy eating. Workers from local Sure Start programmes, which aim to give children the best start in life, have given out drinking cups, toothpaste and brushes to parents for their children.

FOUR TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH 3 Limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes. This includes diet and sports drinks containing sugars which are harmful to the teeth and can cause dental decay. 3 Brush teeth at least twice a day with family ﬂ uoride toothpaste - children’s teeth should be brushed as soon as they appear in the mouth. 3 Visit your dentist at least once a year. Remember a check-up is easier than treatment. 3 Don’t smoke - this can lead to an increased risk of gum disease and oral cancers.

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EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 1515 111/23/051/23/05 10:21:0610:21:06 AMAM News

New-look Useful numbers Area Forums Benefi ts (Housing and Education General Stockbridge Village KNOWSLEY Council and its partners are reviewing Council Tax) Enquiries 230 0407 community area forums. 443 4042 443 3232 Tower Hill The proposed new Births, Marriages General Enquiries 547 5183 arrangements will see a focus on issues in each and Deaths 489 6000 Prescot & Whiston local area, leading to action 443 5210 Highways (including 443 4692 plans to deal with priorities. Business Rates footways and street Pest Control They will also allow 443 4089 lighting) communities an opportunity 443 2455 443 2400 to consider important Business Services (Advice, Planning Enquiries issues in greater depth. Funding, Recruitment and Homelessness 443 2380 There will be three linked Training) 290 7190 components: 477 4000 Refuse Collection Area Public Forums, Housing General Enquiries 443 2400 Area Partnership Forums Children’s Information 443 5834 and Neighbourhood Pride Service School Admissions Teams. Housing Repairs 443 5633 & Exclusions (Knowsley Housing 443 3212 Area Public Forums Complaints and Trust East) will be held in each area Compliments 0800 731 2023 School Attendance of the borough and will 443 4031 Service discuss important issues (Knowsley Housing 443 3279 for people living in that Consumer Advice/Trading Trust West) neighbourhood and allow Standards 0500 969694 School Bus Passes them to have an infl uence 443 4711 443 5609 on decision-making. Job Vacancies Council Tax 443 5000 Traffi c Signal Faults Area Partnership Forums 443 2349 443 4476 Neighbourhood Wardens will consist of many key Truancy Hotline organisations active in Council Tax and Benefi ts Huyton South Knowsley. They will look at Fraud Hotline 443 3395 0800 073 6161 the priorities in each area, 0800 073 0532 Halewood customerservices@ develop local action plans, knowsley.gov.uk improve the standard of Dangerous Buildings/ 443 2171 local services and monitor Structures/Trees Kirkby South NHS Direct 0845 4647 24 hours progress. 443 2380 548 2725 Neighbourhood Pride Teams will be made up of offi cers dealing with Emergencies (out of hours) day-to-day neighbourhood (Monday - Friday 5pm - 9am management issues, and all day Saturday and Sunday) initially mainly anti- social behaviour and Highways, footways and street lighting 443 2800 environmental concerns. (Mon-Fri 8pm-8am, Saturday before 9.30am They will work on the & after 1pm, all day Sunday and Bank Holidays) ground, liaising with Homelessness and Social Services 07659 590081 councillors, residents (Mon-Fri 5pm-9am and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays) and residents’ groups Housing Repairs 290 7375/449 3958 and ensure that issues important to residents Additional useful numbers are dealt with. They will Fire Huyton Police Station, Lathom Road, also be accountable for Huyton Fire Station, Huyton Lane, Huyton. Open 24 hours. the standard of services Huyton. 01744 697712 Kirkby Police Station, St Chads Drive, delivered. Kirkby Fire Station, Webster Drive, Kirkby. Open 24 hours. Kirkby. 0151 546 5151 Prescot Police Station, Derby Street, Prescot. These new arrangements Whiston Fire Station, Fire Station Road, Mon-Fri 7am-11pm, Saturday 10am-6pm. will operate in North Whiston. 0151 426 6424. Huyton, South Huyton, To contact your police station call Police North Kirkby, South Kirkby, Merseyside Police switchboard on Halewood Police Station, Halewood and Prescot/ 0151 709 6010. Leathers Lane, Halewood. Whiston/Knowsley Village/ Citizens Advice Open Mon-Sat 7am-10pm, Cronton. 0845 1221300 Sunday 10am-6pm.

16 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 1616 111/23/051/23/05 10:21:4110:21:41 AMAM HISTORY Kirkby – in the beginning THIS MONTH Knowsley News delves into the library archives to uncover the history of Kirkby

STARTER’S ORDERS: HE origins of Kirkby can be accessible and the threat of war led Kirkby Athletics Stadium traced to 870 AD, when a simple to a Government decision to build opened in 1964 chapel is believed to have existed a munitions factory in the area.

T E

in the area. Kirkby is also mentioned Th e Royal Ordnance Factory was C

in the Domesday Survey of 1086, as completed in 1941 and became a RVI ‘Cherchebi’. major employer, with a workforce

Over the centuries, the ownership increasing to 20,000 by 1942. HIVE SE

of land around the Kirkby settlement A

passed through the hands of many IE THE THE CORN CORN MILL MILL R families. Th e Molyneux family A War

BR For hundreds of years there was a I

purchased the manor lands in the 16th L memories

corn mill in Kirkby and it was in use E century. Th ey were staunch Catholics L until the early 20th century when S To commemorate

W who retained their religious beliefs it was destroyed by ﬁ re. During O the anniversary of despite the pressures of the English the summer, the large Mill Dam KN the end of World Reformation. Lake was used for boating and New town War Two, pupils But conversion to the Church of recreational purposes. Hand-in-hand came huge housing from year ﬁ ve at St England came with the marriage of developments to relieve overcrowding Albert’s Primary, Charles William Molyneux in 1768 and, problems in Liverpool and Kirkby, Stockbridge three years later, he was made Earl of with new developments in Southdene, Village, and Seft on. Th e Manor of Kirkby continued Westvale and Northwood, fi nally lost St Margaret Mary’s Primary, to be held by successive Earls of Seft on its rural farming community image and Huyton, asked the until 1947, when the land was sold to gained the status of new town. borough’s oldest the Liverpool Corporation. By the late 1950s, further housing residents about was needed to avoid overcrowding life in Knowsley Transport within the new areas and the fi rst phase during the 1940s. Until the mid-19th Century of the Tower Hill Estate was completed As part of the communication to and from the rural LIBRARIES ARCHIVE SERVICE KNOWSLEY in 1967. project, organised townships of Kirkby and Simonswood Post-war New buildings and recreational areas by Prescot was poor. But the arrival of the Th e war over, Liverpool City Council appeared rapidly: Kirkby Market in Museum Liverpool, Bolton and Bury Railway in eventually bought the site for industrial 1960, Westvale Community Centre, and Heritage 1848 brought new travel opportunities development and so Kirkby Industrial Webster’s Park, a College of Further Service, the to the people of the area. Estate was born. It expanded through the Education and a Police Headquarters children produced Th e building of the East Lancashire 1950s and 1960s to become one of the in 1961. In 1964, the library opened information that Road in 1935 made Kirkby more largest in the country. At its peak in 1971, its doors as did Kirkby Athletics and was included in the Knowsley the estate employed over 26,000 people. Sports Stadium. Memories of KIRKBY – THE FACTS World War Two: A Hundred 3 THE name Kirk-by means Church HOW IT WAS: Kirkby Village Things You and Settlement. Never Dreamed 3 Local government re-organisation Of exhibition at in 1974 brought Kirkby into the Prescot. newly created Metropolitan Borough of Knowsley. CE

3 Queen Elizabeth II visited Kirkby ERVI in 1978.

3 Famous people from Kirkby S CHIVE include Phil Thompson, John AR S Conteh, Alan Stubbs, Kevin Nolan,

Terry McDermott and Margi BRARIE

Clarke.

LEY LI LEY KNOWS WWW.KNOWSLEY.GOV.UK 17

EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 1717 111/23/051/23/05 10:21:4510:21:45 AMAM Highlights from the latest best-selling Shelf Life books and new release DVDs available BY KNOWSLEY LIBRARY STAFF AND USERS from the borough’s libraries

BOOKS reader can immediately picture them. MagazinesMagazines Gina Speakman, Huyton ttoo bbrowserowse Reading Group A survey of library users showed that you wanted to see more magazines. Now visitors to the borough’s libraries can now lose Clean Break. The themselves in the story is about Em and pages of glossy her little brother and publications such sister. Their parents as Hello and OK!, have split up. Em does or read about her best to cheer them more specialist up but she is feeling interests such as fi shing, gardening, miserable herself. Various Haunts of computers, music, This is a very good Men by Susan Hill book that I thoroughly fi lm and DVDs. Chief Inspector Simon recommend. Also available now Serrailler’s workload Fay Johnston, in Huyton library is suddenly becomes Stockbridge Library a new collection of heavier when a woman Chatterbooks Club literary magazines disappears whilst out featuring poetry, jogging. More people short fi ction, are reported missing, criticism, essays, leading Simon to interviews and suspect a serial killer artwork. The Lion, the Witch is at work. I enjoyed and the Wardrobe it because the clues by C. S. Lewis were never too obvious Imagine if it was and the climax to the always winter but story was a complete never Christmas. The and utter surprise. White Witch has cast Pauline Taylor, Huyton a spell over Narnia, a Library land frozen in eternal winter. DVDs TO LOOK OUT Four adventurers step FOR AT THE LIBRARY through the wardrobe The Harmony Silk • Barbie of Swan Lake into the magical land. boys growing up Factory by Tash Aw • Basic yoga workout Are they prepared for together in 1970s A remarkable novel set for dummies the struggle and Afghanistan. I couldn’t in Malaysia between • The educators sacrifi ce ahead? put it down. It jumped 1920 and 1997. The • Hitch Hiker’s guide Generations of children from being tense and central character, to the galaxy have enjoyed this story moving to very exciting. Johnny Lim, is a textile • Kingdom of heaven which is now the latest It really made you merchant, petty crook • Magic Roundabout: Disney blockbuster. think about different and ruthless entrepreneur. the movie Sue Stone, library staff cultures and what they The story is told through • Melinda and Melinda have to endure. the eyes of his son, • Rock profi le: featuring The Kite Runner by Pat Dunwoody, his wife and the Matt Lucas and David Khaled Hosseini Stockbridge Library recollections of his Walliams The Kite Runner is an friend. Tash Aw has a • Roots: the original excellent fi rst novel Clean Break by gift for storytelling and TV series about the relationship Jacqueline Wilson sets the intense scenes • Sahara between two young I enjoyed reading with such detail that the

18 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 1818 111/23/051/23/05 10:21:5310:21:53 AMAM Each issue we keep you What’s On up to date with what’s IN AND AROUND KNOWSLEY happening in your area

ETI

MUSIC 31 December 1 February P T

M O

★ N

Dave Clarke @ Voodoo The Waterboys O Competition C 14 December • Nigel Clark (Dodgy) NYE Philharmonic Hall, Curiosities of Merseyside Carling Academy, Carling Academy, Liverpool. The Scottish Liverpool. Having Liverpool (Over 18s). It’s rockers who resurrected DID you know Prescot has the narrowest already achieved the last of the infamous their intense lyrics and named street in the country? And have you ever platinum-selling Voodoo club nights of distinctive sounds are wondered what the stone building opposite the success as founder, 2005. Early bird ticket back to entertain us with Fantail pub in Kirkby is? singer and songwriter prices for the fi rst 100 some folk-rock vibes. with one of Britpop’s sold - so be quick! Tel: 210 2895. These facts and fi nest, Dodgy, Nigel Tel: 0870 771 2000 more are revealed Clark returns to the live 15 February in an excellent new scene in support of his 14 January The Go! Team book, Curiosities debut solo album, due Whole Lotta Led Carling Academy, of Merseyside. for release in early 2006. Carling Academy 2, Liverpool. After churning Packed with over 200 Tel: 0870 771 2000 Liverpool. A tribute to out catchy long-player illustrations, the book Led Zeppelin, peforming Thunder Lightning details 140 curiosities 16-17 December the 1979 Knebworth Strike, this Brighton- and includes a section Echo & The Bunnymen set. More information at based band hits the road dedicated to Knowsley. Carling Academy, www.wholelottaled.co.uk with their unique sound We’ve teamed up with Liverpool. The Scousers Tel: 0870 771 2000 made up of funk, big Sutton Publishers to wrap up their world tour, beats, peculiar samples, offer you the chance coming home to perform 14 January adrenaline-pumping to win the book, tracks from their new K.T Tunstall rock, TV theme songs penned by Robert Nicholls. long-player, Siberia. Liverpool Academy, and the occasional Tel: 0870 771 2000 Liverpool University. cheerleader! How to enter She’s a sparkling new Tel: 0870 771 2000. We’ve got four copies to give away and all songwriter with Chinese you have to do to enter is answer this simple blood, a Scottish heart, question: Which part of Knowsley has the great legwarmers and a narrowest named street in the country? cool name – what more Send your answers on a postcard to Curiosities do you want? of Merseyside competition, Communications, Tel: 256 5555 Knowsley Council, Archway Road, Huyton, L36 9YU. Make sure you include your name, 27 January address and daytime telephone number. Entries Belle and Sebastian must reach us by the closing date of 6 January, Carling Academy, 2006. The fi rst four correct entries drawn will Liverpool. The low 21 February win a book. Usual Knowsley News competition -profi le Scottish group Goldfrapp rules apply. 21 December combines acoustic pop Liverpool Academy, Overload inspired by Nick Drake Liverpool University. Some answers Citadel Arts Centre, St with subtle sounds Alison Goldfrapp – who Oh, and in case you were wondering, the stone Helens. Check out this underpinned by a sharp has sang in the past building in Kirkby opposite the Fantail pub was showcase of some of lyrical and musical with Orbital and Tricky a pigeon house built in 1703 at the same time the best up and coming backbone. Come along – brings her electro-pop as the adjoining Whitefi eld House. At the time teenage bands. Tickets £4. for an evening of to town. only the lord of the manor would have been Tel: 01744 735436 tuneful pop. Tel: 256 5555 allowed to keep pigeons and they formed an Tel: 0870 771 2000. easy source of fresh and tasty meat during the 26 December 1 March winter. The building also features a small pigsty The Zutons Fun Lovin’ Criminals at its lowest level. Carling Academy Liverpool Academy, Liverpool. Don’t miss Liverpool. The Criminals * To order a copy of Curiosities of Merseyside your last chance to see are sure to entertain at a special price of £10.00 inc p & p please The Zutons in 2005. See with their energy-packed telephone Haynes Customer Services on 01963 competition on page 20 mish-mash of hip-hop, 442030 and quote the code: CR. for more details. rock and blues. Tel: 0870 771 2000 Tel: 256 5555

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EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 1919 111/23/051/23/05 10:22:0110:22:01 AMAM Each issue we keep you What’s On up to date with what’s IN AND AROUND KNOWSLEY happening in your area

ET P IT masterpiece of violence,

I THEATRE

M O

★ N guilt and the quest for

The Zutons – Boxing Day O

C • 2 Dec-28 Jan power. Cinderella SCOUSE indie stars The Zutons will Tel: 0870 6063536 Everyman Theatre, perform a Boxing Day double header Liverpool. This at the Carling Academy Liverpool. 21 January production of the The fi ve-piece, led by singer/guitarist Dave Sing-A-Long A traditional tale by Sarah McCabe from Knowsley Village, announced Sound of Music Ann Nixon and Mark an evening performance at the Hotham Street Liverpool Empire. Your Chatterton has all the venue which quickly sold out. The band has now chance to sing along features families know arranged an matinee performance on Boxing with Maria, hiss the and love, but with the Day afternoon and tickets are sure to be in 29-30 December Countess and boo the addition of a top pop short supply. Ken Dodd Nazis in this subtitled score. Tel: 709 4776 But you could be there thanks to Knowsley Philharmonic Hall, version of the classic News. We’ve teamed up with the Carling Liverpool. The comic Julie Andrews musical. 5-17 December Academy Liverpool to offer a pair of tickets for genius returns to Tel: 0870 6063536 The Princess with the gig. Liverpool with his Purple Hair Doors open at 1pm with the band on stage at famous tickling stick EVENTS Citadel Arts Centre, St 3pm. It is an all ages show but under 14s must to treat you to a 3 December Helens. Imagine the be accompanied by someone over 18 at all special celebration Creative Christmas attention you would get times. night of laughter and Copthorne Community if your mum and dad entertainment. Don’t Centre, Melverley Road, were King and Queen. About the Zutons miss this chance to join Kirkby. Join the Ranger Imagine being born The Zutons shot to fame last year with their one of the country’s and make your own with purple hair. Now superb debut album Who Killed The Zutons best-loved comedians. Christmas decorations imagine both! Princess which featured a string of hits including Tel: 210 2895. from natural materials. Violet is just that! Pressure Point, You Will You Won’t and 1-3pm. Tel: 01744 735436 Remember Me. 14-15 January Tel: 443 3682 And if you haven’t heard them yet, who better Derek Acorah 8 Dec-21 Jan than McCabe to explain their sound? He said: Liverpool Empire. 3 December Season’s Greetings “We always wanted to be like Sly And The Liverpudlian medium Christmas Grotto Playhouse Theatre, Family Stone or Talking Heads or Devo. We famous for ‘Most The Gate, Princess Liverpool. Set over wanted to cross jazz with funk, and soul with Haunted’ seeks Drive. Get in the festive the festive period in country. We just wanted to mix everything out spirits at this spirit at this Christmas the eccentric Bunker together and get every angle on it and fi nally unmissable show. grotto. 12-3pm. household this play we’ve got there.” Tickets from £17.50. Tel: 443 2846 takes the traditional Tel: 0870 6063536 family Christmas How to enter 4 December mania and spins it into Winter Celebration To be in with a chance of winning the tickets, 16 January a farce of huge comic Court Hey Park, answer this simple question: Macbeth – proportions. Starring National Wildfl ower What was the title of The Zutons’ debut album? Shakespeare 4 Kidz famous faces including Centre, Huyton. Take Send your answer on a postcard, remembering Liverpool Empire – ex-Emmerdale star part in winter crafts, to include your name, address and daytime An easy-to-understand, Samantha Giles. visit the craft fair and telephone number, to Zutons Competition, musical version Tel: 708 0338 enjoy seasonal food and Knowsley Council, Communications, Archway of Shakespeare’s entertainment. 12-4pm Road, Huyton, L36 9YU. Closing date for entries 16-24 December Tel: 443 5820 is Friday, 16 December. Usual Knowsley News Cinderella competition rules apply. Liverpool Empire 11 December Theatre. Family panto Christmas Cracker starring Julian Clary as Halewood Park. Festive Dandini, Sam Hudson fun for all the family. from TV’s Born and Santa’s Grotto, sleigh Bred as the Prince and rides, tinsel trail and Laura Evans from The creative Christmas Basil Brush Show as workshops. 12-4pm Cinderella. Tel: 488 6151 Tel: 0870 606 3400

20 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

EE27152715 KnowsleyKnowsley News.inddNews.indd 2020 111/23/051/23/05 10:22:0910:22:09 AMAM Sing-A-Long A Sound of Music Haydock Park built their own mini- keep fit. Racecourse. Go for Gold exhibition of modern art Tel: 443 3761 at this exciting race. using Lego. Tel: 01942 402624 Tel: 478 4199 Mondays Ladies Only Swim EXHIBITIONS 20–24 February Huyton Leisure Centre. Until 31 December The Light Show 8-9pm. 7.30-8pm on Living with the Romans Catalyst Science Sundays. Tel: 443 3761 Museum of Liverpool Discovery centre, Life, Pier Head, Widnes. An exciting, Mondays and Liverpool.The fi rst ever interactive light show Wednesdays exhibition to explore using UV light, lasers, 50+ Club 11 December Racecourse, Newton- how people in the North fibre optics, neon Huyton Leisure Centre. Holly and the Ivy le-Willows. The perfect West lived during the lights, and much more. 1-3pm. Stadt Moers Park, opportunity to get in the Roman period. Tel: 420 1121 Tel: 443 3761 Whiston. Join us as we New Year party spirit as Tel: 487 4080 make Christmas table the boldest and fastest Until 4 June Tuesdays and decorations and wreaths horses go head to head. 17 Jan–23 April 100% Cotton Wednesdays using natural materials Tel: 01942 402624 Egyptian Exhibition Merseyside Maritime Tai Chi harvested from the park. Prescot Museum. Museum, Albert Dock. Huyton Leisure Centre. 1-3pm Tel: 489 1239 31 December Discover and explore Find out where cotton 9-10am Tuesday, 2- New Year’s Eve ancient Egypt’s myths comes from and enter 3pm Wednesday. 12 December Firework Display and mysteries at this the design a t-shirt Tel: 443 3761 Royal Liverpool St George’s Hall, fascinating exhibition. competition. Philharmonic Orchestra Livepool City Centre. A Tel: 430 7787 Tel: 478 4499 Wednesdays Christmas Concert spectacular display of Tea Dance Halewood Leisure fi reworks starts at 5pm Until 22 January REGULARS Huyton Suite. 1-4pm. Centre. A traditional for this New Year’s Eve A Fusion of Land, Sea & Words and Pictures A chance for people to Christmas Concert with celebration. Air (glass exhibition) Knowsley Libraries. put on their glad rags the Royal Liverpool Tel: 223 2008 The World of Glass, Stories and crafts and dancing shoes and Philharmonic helping to St.Helens. Featuring for the under fives. have some fun. get you in a festive mood 21 January work from the resident Come along and have Tel: 443 3761 Tel: 443 5619 The Peter Marsh Chase glass blowers, this fun in the library. For Haydock Park exhibition explores the information on dates Line Dancing 18 December Racecourse, Newton- elements that are at the and times call 448 Huyton Suite. 7-11pm. Holly and the Ivy le-Willows. Get lucky core of our planet. Free 0944. Come along and join Henley Park, Whiston.1- in 2006 at one of the admission. in this fun and exciting 3pm See details above. North West’s leading Tel: 08700 114466. Park and Green Space activity, which can help Tel: 489 1239 racecourses. Events you keep fit. Tel: 01942 402624 28 January For details of Ranger- Tel: 443 3761 26 December Where the Heart Is led events in Knowsley Powerboat Racing 27 January Bluecoat Display Centre, parks, look out for Last Friday evening of Carr Mill Dam, St Knowsley Hall School Lane, Liverpool. our new Parks and the month Helens. Enjoy the Gourmet Evening Get romantic at this Green Spaces Events Big Band Night exhilarating intensity Knowsley Hall, Prescot. valentine themed event. brochure in one (Norman Roy Orchestra) of the Boxing Day This superb night Featuring jewellery by stop shops, libraries Huyton Suite. This Trophy. Membership includes: reception drink Emma Jay, innovative and leisure centres, popular monthly is required of the and canapés on arrival, textiles by Jennifer available from late event sees live bands Lancashire Powerboat exquisite fi ve-course Collier and much more. December. performing some of Racing Club to race or gourmet dinner served Tel: 709 4014 Tel: 443 3682 the top ballroom hits of ski but spectators are in the spectacular State the 1940s. always welcome. For Dining Room and wines Until 29 January Monday–Saturday Tel: 443 3761 more information email: from Valserrano. Art Craziest Nation Junior Shapers [email protected] Tel: 489 4827 The Walker, William Huyton Leisure Centre. Saturdays Brown Street, Liverpool. 3.30–5.30pm weekdays, Youth Night 30 December 18 February The Little Artists, 9-12pm on Saturdays. Huyton Leisure Centre. The Last Fling Chase The Red Square Vodka John Cake and Darren Open to all youngsters 5-8pm. Haydock Park Gold Cup Neave, have curated and offering the chance to Tel: 443 3761

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r Scholarship is drew Taylo An Taylor-made for EXCLUSI by GarethVE Dallas Cup star Roberts A TEENAGE footballer who beat a bone marrow disease has secured a scholarship in America after showcasing his talent with GOLDEN DELIGHT: Malvern Karate Club’s Chris Cray and Damien O’Donnell show off their trophies with Great Britain team-mate Knowsley’s Dallas Cup side Anthony Duffy (right) from Liverpool’s Red Triangle Club. KARATE GGOLDOLD FOR LOCAL LADS ndrew Taylor, 19, was one of American dream the 18-strong squad which Andrew has quickly settled in the US, THE WORLD Shotokan Atravelled to Texas for the youth helped by English coach Brian Harvey, Karate Championships competition – one of the toughest in brother of former Everton boss Colin. the world. He compares the standard of the brought double delight to Th e former St Anne’s School and St University football to the Nationwide Edward’s College pupil was spotted Conference in England. a Huyton club. by Oklahoma University scouts and “I’ve marked Brazilians, Danes, off ered a four-year scholarship, worth Americans, Argentineans and Malvern Karate Club members Chris Cray, 19, and around £15,000 a year. Mexicans. I also marked the captain of Damien O’Donnell, 18, struck gold at the event in As well as playing for the University the Kenyan national team - a 31-year- Chicago. football team - Olkahoma City Stars old striker! Th ey were part of the British Men’s Junior Squad (OCS) - Andrew, from Cherry Tree “Th e biggest diff erences are the that outfought Austria in the team kumite (fi ghting) Road, Huyton, is studying for a sports weather and the speed of football. Also category. science degree. my Scouse accent can be very diffi cult Club founder Tommy Till said: “It’s an amazing for the Americans to understand! achievement - there are 584 clubs in Britain so to have No football “My dreams are to make it pro over two members of the British squad, and for them to do so But he once thought he’d have to give here in Major League Soccer but my well, is brilliant.” up the game aft er he contracted the realistic ambition is to complete my Next up for the teenage pair is the European bone marrow disorder osteomyelitis. degree before taking a Masters here Championships in Poland. Following trials with Liverpool and or back home in physiotherapy and Malvern Karate Club train at Swanside Community Crewe, the disease fl ared up while he working at a Premier League club. Centre, Willoughby Road, Huyton on Mondays, was with Everton. “I plan to enjoy every minute of it. Wednesdays and Fridays from 7-9pm. Beginners are Andrew explained: “I just woke up It’s a truly amazing opportunity and welcome. with a pain in my right knee. I was something good players in Knowsley Tommy, who set up the club more than 30 years ago, injured for 18 months and had to do should be aware of.” added: “It’s a family club and people have fun – it’s not without football.” all deadly serious.”

22 BETTER WORK AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

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Knowsley Action Guide

Halewood = Halewood Leisure CHANNEL HOPPERS: Charlotte Henners, Centre Casey-Lee Cornett, Michael Searle, Danielle Huyton = Huyton Leisure Centre Usher and Katie Hyland Kirkby = Kirkby Sports Centre Scotchbarn = Scotchbarn Leisure Michael Searle, 19, Katie Hyland, 17, Centre, Prescot Charlotte Henners, 16, Danielle Usher, 16, and Casey-Lee Cornett, 14, all MONDAYMONDAY completed the gruelling swim from Boxing:Boxing: Kirkby 5p5pmm England to France in just over 14 hours. JuJu JiJitsu:tsu: HHalewoodalewood 66pm,pm, Th e determined group, all members HuytonHuyton 7pm of the Everton Swimming Association, Karate:Karate: KiKirkbyrkby 6pm overcame rip tides, stinging jelly fi sh, sea KickKick boxing: Kirkby 88pmpm sickness, cramp and fatigue to complete TUESDAY the 23-mile swim from Dover to Cap Athletics: Kirkby 6.30pm Gris Nez on the French coast. Boxing: Kirkby 5pm In doing so, they hope to have raised Junior Football Coaching: plenty of money for their three chosen Huyton 6pm charities – the British Lung Foundation, Karate: Halewood 8pm Inspired by the stars Th e Epilepsy Trust and the Lymphoma Kick boxing: Halewood 7pm, Association. Huyton 8pm MEETING their Super League idols was the perfect Coach Angela Hyland said: Taekwondo: Kirkby 7pm inspiration for a group of Knowsley youngsters taking “Swimming the channel is really tough part in a Rugby Camp in the summer. and the vast majority of attempts WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY Th e young hopefuls were joined during their week at doing it are unsuccessful. Kirkby Boxing:Boxing: Kirkby 5.5.30pm,30pm, HalewoodHalewood 6pm of training at KGV Sports Complex, Huyton, by St swimming pool was ideal for training Helens RLFC stars Sean Long and Maurie Fasavalu, Cycling:Cycling: Kirkby 5.30pm because of its size and the distance the Ju Jitsu: Halewood 7.30pm7.30pm who signed autographs and off ered words of advice and swimmers can cover in one session.” encouragement. KickKick boxing: Kirkby 8pm8pm Everton Swimming Association KukKuk Sool:Sool: Huyton 8p8pmm Th e Rugby Camp was organised by Knowsley Council’s train at Kirkby Pool every Tuesday and Leisure and Community Services Department, and Th ursday at 7.30pm. Anyone interested THURSDAY was designed for young people aged 12 and under who should contact Angela or Bill Rawlin on Athletics: Kirkby 6.30pm wanted to hone their skills and develop their interest in 0151 285 0443. For more information Boxing: Kirkby 5pm the sport. on Kirkby Pool, call 0151 443 4303. Ju Jitsu: Halewood 7.30pm Karate: Huyton 7pm, Kirkby 7pm. Kick boxing: Halewood 6.30pm, Huyton 8pm GYM’LL FIX IT Taekwondo: Kirkby 7pm FRIDAY YOUNG people can put themselves through back page to win free membership. Boxing:Boxing: Kirkby 5pm, their paces in a unique junior gym at one of Halewood Leisure Centre has just become HalewoodHalewood 6pm Knowsley’s leisure centres offi cially accredited as an Inclusive Fitness Site aft er Ju Jitsu: Huyton 7pm,7pm, Th e Junior Shokk Gym at Kirkby Sports Centre is installing fully-accessible gym equipment which can HalewoodHalewood 8pm specifi cally designed for those aged eight to be used by people with a variety of disabilities. JuniorJunior BBasketball:asketball: HHalewoodalewood 7p7pmm 15, and features equipment made by Shokk, a For more information about the Junior Shokk KukKuk Sool:Sool: Huyton 77pmpm company that manufactures special gym apparatus or Shapers Plus Gyms ring Kirkby Sports Centre for youngsters. on 0151 443 4404. For details of the accessible gym SATURDAY Archery: Halewood 1.15pm Th e £30,000 investment aims to encourage equipment at Halewood contact 0151 443 2124. Junior Badminton: Huyton 12noon youngsters to lead a healthy lifestyle from a young age. Karate: Huyton 11am Th e Junior Shokk Gym follows a £50,000 investment in gym equipment at Kirkby for the ContactContact numbers: Shapers Plus Gym, aimed at adults who have not Halewood:Halewood: exercised for some time. See our competition on the 443443 21242124 Huyton:Huyton: 443443 33786786 Kirkby:Kirkby: 443443 44044404 Scotchbarn:Scotchbarn: 443443 46434643

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C ROUND? • SHED THOSE POUNDS WITH OUR GREAT PRIZE! OR … CHRISTMAS is coming - but is it just the goose that’s getting fat? JUST INDULGE Most of us indulge over the festive period and, by the New Year, thoughts turn to diets and exercise regimes. Knowsley News is off ering you the chance to win a year’s Gold WITH A membership to the borough’s leisure services – worth £300 – which allows you to use the swimming pool, sauna and Shapers fi tness suites both on and off peak. CHRISTMAS HAMPER! Knowsley’s Shapers fi tness suites off er a range of activities to beat the bulge, from karate to keep fi t. And they cater for all ages and WITH Christmas just around the corner, levels of fi tness. we’ve teamed up with Park, the UK’s No 1 You can enjoy their state-of-the-art fi tness equipment with computerised joggers, bikes, cross trainers, rowers, step machines Christmas Savings Club, to offer one lucky and a full range of weight resistance equipment. Members can also use reader a fantastic prize! swimming and sauna facilities. And the Shapers Plus suites in Huyton Park is off ering a Grosvenor Hamper – a and Halewood also cater for people who huge family hamper designed to keep have not exercised for many years or everyone happy over Christmas and the have had injury problems. New Year – worth £270. Th e Wirral-based company has 38 How to enter years’ experience of helping people plan, To try for this fantastic prize answer the budget and pay for Christmas before it simple question: happens. Customers can save for What name does Knowsley Borough Council give to its fi tness themselves or help others whilst facilities? earning great commission and Put your answer on a postcard along with your name, address and bonuses. daytime telephone number and send it to: Shapers Competition, Park’s new 138-page Communications, Knowsley Council, Archway Road, Huyton, Christmas 2006 Catalogue L36 9YU. off ers a great choice of food, gift s, Closing date: 6 January, 2006. Th e toys, electrical items and vouchers. fi rst correct entry drawn will win Request your copy today by calling the prize. Usual Knowsley News 08000 721 496 or go online to competition rules apply. www.parkcatalogue.co.uk For those of you not lucky enough to win this prize, Knowsley Leisure How to enter Centres will be running a special To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic promotion for new customers joining Christmas hamper, simply answer the following Shapers in January. Watch out for question: information at centres from the end How long has Park Christmas Savings Club been of December. established? Put your answer on a postcard, along with your name, address and daytime telephone number, and send it to: Hamper Comp, Knowsley Council, Communications, Archway Road, Huyton, L36 9YU. Usual competiton rules apply. Closing date: 16 December, 2005.

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