The Knowsley Challenge

Issue 285 January 2011

www.thechallenge.co.uk

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POLICE APPEAL OVERMISSING MEGAN GARGAN

Page 5

STOCKBRIDGE PUBLOSES LICENCE

Page 2

CINEMA PROJECTCOMES TO LIFE

Page 4

CANCER iVAN SAVESLIVES IN KNOWSLEY

Page 6

WOMEN HELP RAISEAWARENESS

Page 8

CHRISTMAS BIKES FORLOCAL CHILDREN

2

PRESCOT SWIMMINGCLUB PROMOTED

Page 24

WELCOME DAME KELLY

Contact Knowsley Arts & Heritage Service at 0151 443 5619, [email protected] or Altru Drama on 0151 443 0333.

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Staff and pupils fromSt Laurence’sCatholic Primary

School, Kirkby had asurprise visitor to theirschool in the shape ofDame Kelly Holmes thisweek.

Headteacher, Paul Cronin,said: “We met Dame Kelly lastyear after receiving an award

from TES School Award forOutstanding Sporting Initiative,she was very interested in ourGlobetrotters scheme topromote health throughphysical activities and weinvited her the to visit us at StLaurence’s any time she was inthe area.

“It turned out that she wasfilming in Liverpool and decidedto take up our invitation and

visit the school.“We had a fantastic morning

as she toured classrooms andthe children though highlyexcited where a credit to theschool.

“It also transpired that DameKelly has a motto – Be the bestyou can be – which is also amotto we use at our school.

“We where honoured to haveher at the school especially as

she had a knee injury and wasvery tired, but she would not beput off from touring theclassrooms and taking aquestion and answer sessionwith the pupils.

“On behalf of the school andthe pupils I would like to say abig thank you to Dame Kelly fortaking time to visit our school,she is a great role model andambassador for school sports”.

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After a hearing before Liverpool City Council’sLicensing Sub-Committee following an applicationby Merseyside Police to review its premiseslicence, the Black Angus Pub, Barons Hey,Stockbridge Village has had its Premises Licencerevoked.

This means that the pub, which is situated onthe Knowsley/Liverpool border, is no longer able tosell alcohol or conduct other licensable activitiesfrom its premises.

In response to the decision the Safer KnowsleyPartnership is urging local residents to continue tosupport them in tackling crime and disorder in thearea.

A spokesperson for Knowsley Council said: “Thisis a positive result for Stockbridge Villageresidents. A number of residents had expressedconcern over some of the activity taking place onthe premises but many of them also fearedreprisals if they were to speak out. We have takentheir concerns on board and included them in ourrepresentations to the Licensing Committee.

“We want to send a clear message to thecommunity that their voice counts, that we tooktheir comments forward and together we weresuccessful. We believe the committee made theright decision and that residents should not feelthat they have lost an amenity but gained a saferneighbourhood.”

The Safer Knowsley Partnership has beenworking closely with the community in StockbridgeVillage since January 2010 to tackle their priorityissues and to improve resident’s quality of life inpreparation for the physical regeneration that willsee the area benefit from a new £25 million villagecentre.

The Black Angus Public House had attracted theattention of both the Stockbridge NeighbourhoodPolicing Team and the Serious Organised Crime

Agency (SOCA). Indeed, police officers visited thepremises on a number of occasions prior to itslicense suspension; those visits resulted innumerous arrests being made for Class A drugoffences.

North Liverpool Licensing Officer Stuart Moore,Merseyside Police added: “Merseyside Policebelieves that the Black Angus played a significantrole in relation to the supply of class ‘a’ drugs inthe Stockbridge Village area. This action is anindication of just how seriously we view the supplyof drugs as part of our ongoing total war on crime.It should be clearly understood that we will leaveno stone unturned in order to identify, locate andarrest those who seek to pedal drugs in ourcommunities”.

A SOCA spokesman commented: “SOCA is proudto be part of the Safer Knowsley Partnership,working with the community to unsettle and disruptthose involved in all levels of criminality. Thedecision will impact on a known hub for criminalsand should be seen as another victory for the localcommunity”.

PUB AT CENTRE OF ‘DRUGDEALING’ LOSES LICENCE

A 19 year-old man was sentenced to 2 yearsimprisonment for guncrime offences at LiverpoolCrown Court.

Michael O'Rourke, of Lincombe Road, Huyton,pleaded Guilty to charges relating to thepossession of an imitation firearm.

Anyone with information about guncrime or thoseinvolved in anyway with firearms can contact thededicated Guncrime Hotline on 0800 458 1211,or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

HUYTON MAN SENTENCEDOVER GUN CRIMES

WORK STARTS ON NEWPIPES FOR KIRKBY

United Utilities has startedwork to reinforce its waterpipelines in Kirkby.

The scheme, which startedduring winter last year, willsee engineers working onbehalf of the water companyuntil this spring to reinforceapproximately 7km of oldcast-iron water mains byessentially threading newplastic pipes through them –as well as cleaningapproximately 880m ofexisting mains.

Dan Smith, ProjectManager, said: "This workwill ensure that the Kirkbyarea will have a modern androbust water supply for manyyears to come.

"Around 10,000 propertiesin Kirkby will benefit directlyfrom the work."

Engineers have startedwork on an existing watermain between Coopers Laneand South Boundary Road.

This section of work isexpected to takeapproximately six weeks tocomplete.

"As the water main we areworking on is positionedunderneath the road we haveto put measures in place tocontrol traffic so we can worksafely,” said Dan.

"There may be occasionswhen lane restrictionsbecome necessary but theroad will remain open at alltimes.

"We would like to apologisein advance for any short-terminconvenience this work maycause.

"We will do everythingpossible to keep disruptionlevels to a minimum and wewill write to customers acrossthe area to update them onour progress.”

For further details aboutthis project please telephoneUnited Utilities’ ServiceEnquiries line on 0845 74622 00 – quoting projectnumber 80003705 –between 8am and 8pmMonday to Fridays; 8am to6pm on Saturdays and 8amto 12noon on Sundays.

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ARE YOU ACTING UP?!Knowsley Arts and Heritage Service is teaming up with AimingHigh for Disabled Children to launch an exciting new dramagroup!

Acting Up! Is a drama group for disabled and young peoplewho are interested in drama and performing. This is a chance tohave fun, meet new friends and make a show together!

The project starts on Tuesday 11th January and sessions willtake place every Tuesday, 5.30pm – 7.30pm at The Youthy (thebuilding next to the River Alt Resource Centre) Woolfall HeathAvenue, Huyton, L36 3YE

This project will last three months and will end in a fantasticshow at the end of March.

Sessions are FREEIf you, or someone you know is interested in getting involved

please give us a call.For more information or if you have any special requirements

contact Leanne or Katy on 0151 443 5619 or [email protected]

MERSEYSIDE DETECTIVE RECEIVESQUEEN'S POLICE MEDALA MERSEYSIDE detective who ledthe hunt for the killer of Rhys Joneshas received the Queen’s PoliceMedal.

Detective Chief SuperintendentBrian McNeill is honoured inrecognition of a 30-year career.

Mr McNeill, head of the Force CrimeOperations Unit was acting head ofthe Matrix unit which tackles gang andgun crime, when Rhys was shot.

Merseyside Chief Constable JonMurphy praised Detective ChiefSuperintendent Brian McNeill.

Deputy Chief Constable Bernard Lawson said: “The QueensPolice Medal is not given lightly and is usually awarded to thosewho are exceptional leaders.

“Brian is an outstanding professional senior police officer whohas provided the very highest standards of service to the public ofMerseyside throughout his 30 year career.

“Brian is passionate about the work he does, leading many ofthe force’s investigations into major incidents and he is anexcellent role model for Merseyside detectives to follow”.

The Challenge January 2011 3

MAJOR NEW PROJECT HELPSVULNERABLE TEENAGERS

Knowsley Development Trust Chief Executive Steve Dumbell pictured with the successfulstudents on the first Creative Routes to Employment course.

A major new project is helping some ofKnowsley’s most vulnerable teenagers tofind and take up employment and trainingopportunities.

Creative Routes to Employment isworking with young people aged 16-20 whoare not in education, employment ortraining (NEET) and face a barrier to findinga job such as a learning difficulty.

The project - launched by KnowsleyCouncil Leader Cllr Ron Round - is financedby the Working Neighbourhoods Fund andrun by the Kirkby-based KnowsleyEnterprise Academy, part of KnowsleyDevelopment Trust.

Creative Routes has already helped allof its first group of teenagers into work ortraining, thanks to what EnterpriseAcademy Manager Sue Temple-Fieldinghas described as its ‘unique approach’.

“The project has been a successbecause it’s not a one-size-fits-allinitiative,” she explained. “We customisethe programme to the learners’ individualskills and preferences, charting a differentway forward for each young person.”

The Creative Routes project includes arange of confidence building, problemsolving and communication skillsactivities.

Students also visit local businesses tofind out what they do, and to learn aboutthe skills and qualities companies arelooking for when recruiting new employees.

Learners are then found work experienceopportunities in the sectors thatparticularly interest them. Alternatively,they can do taster courses with colleges ortraining providers to help them decidewhich further education route they want tofollow.

Meanwhile, throughout the programmestudents are encouraged to use their newskills in a practical way, for example byraising funds for charity. Help with literacyand numeracy and other support is alsoavailable on an ongoing basis.

When they are ready, learners can thenwork towards accreditation that suits theirparticular needs. Examples to dateinclude passing a driving test andobtaining a CLAIT computer certificate orforklift truck licence.

As a result of these measures, a newfuture is on the cards for all eight learnerson the first Creative Routes course.

Two have moved on to apprenticeships,two are employed as warehouse

assistants, one has taken up an adminrole, one is working in a garage and theremaining two have enrolled on sport-related college courses.

“I’m absolutely delighted at what thisgroup has achieved,” said Sue Temple-Fielding. “They all faced significantbarriers to employment and training butnow, thanks to their effort andcommitment, they can look forward to theworld of work with much moreconfidence.”

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VOLUNTEERSRECOGNISED

Home-Start volunteers held at Christmascelebration in recognition of theirvolunteer work at the Derby Lodge Hotel,Huyton.

The volunteers where awardedcertificates for the number of hours theygive to the scheme. Once trained, eachvolunteer is asked to support a familyonce a week for up to 3 hours, thevolunteers, pictured have completed 100,200, 300 and one has done 400 hoursfamily support.

Kath Hughes received a certificate thisyear for outstanding achievement in hervolunteer role; Cllr Chris O’Hare who isalso chair of our trustees presented heraward.

Across the uk more than 15,000 Home-Start volunteers visit families at homeeach week, supporting parents insituations as diverse as isolation,bereavement, multiple births, illness,disability or who are just finding parentinga struggle. They provide non-judgmentalpractical and emotional support and helpbuild the family’s confidence and ability tocope. Home-Start runs more services andhas more volunteers than any other familysupport service in the UK.


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GO THE DISTANCE WITH THE ACTIVEKNOWSLEY CHALLENGE 2011

It’s that time of year to get activeand have fun with the Active KnowsleyChallenge 2011 held on Sunday 15thMay at Knowsley Hall.

The Active Knowsley Challenge is ateam running event with a difference,you can run (or walk) safe in theknowledge there is no traffic whilsttaking in the beautiful surroundings.

There really is something for everyage and ability so why not get involvedin the following:

3k or 8k walks – Ideal for all agesand abilities, the 3k walk is pushchairand wheelchair friendly whilst the 8kwalk is suitable for keen walkers

Junior Active Challenge – For thosebudding athletes, this 2k run is open for

young people aged 3 to 16 years oldand has four categories based onschool years 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 and 9/11.

Adult 5k Challenge – For thosewanting a real challenge, get involved inthis 5k team event. £28 per team.

So whatever your age or ability getinvolved and enjoy a family fun day out,browse the stalls and enjoy the freeentertainment and activities on offerthroughout the day.For more information or to pre-bookyour entry for any of the ActiveKnowsley Challenge events call SteveGuy on 0151 443 3870 or [email protected] or visitwww.knowsley.gov.uk/activeknowsleyto download an entry form.

CINEMA PROJECTCOMES TO LIFEKnowsley Arts and Heritage Servicehave teamed up with artist collectiveRe-Dock to transform an empty shopunit in Kirkby town centre into abespoke cinematic experience.

The project titled ‘A small cinema inKirkby’ will transform the former MazeShop into a custom built cinema usinglocal residents’ favourite memories oftheir trips to the cinema.

From Saturday morning kid’s films tothe first screening of Grease plusushers selling ice cream, red velvetcurtains and popcorn, many localresidents have been contributing theirmemories to the project.

The project culminates in a short filmscreening extravaganza taking place on29th and 30th January. There will beone hour screenings especially forfamilies and children as well as shortfilms based on Kirkby and its peopleplus some never before seen localarchive footage.

Cllr Connor, Cabinet Member forLeisure, Community and Culture said:“This project is part of a wider initiativeto regenerate and support town centresacross the borough. By making use ofempty shops we aim to bring towncentres to life with exciting projectssuch as this.”

This project is brought to you by artspractitioners, landlords, localbusinesses and residents and inpartnership with Knowsley Council,Space to Create looks to celebrate andinvigorate the heart of our town

centres.Watch as over the coming months

empty shop windows are transformedinto vibrant community displays andshop spaces become galleries for localgroups and used to showcaseinnovative creative work.

For more information on the cinemaproject call Knowsley Arts andHeritage Service on 0151 443 5619 oremail [email protected]

YOUNG PEOPLE TURN THEIR TALENT TO ART A group of young people from Knowsley have got together to create their very ownexhibition of work titled ‘Treasure’ which will be showcased in an exhibition atKirkby Gallery until 6th February 2011.

The young people, aged 16-19 took part in weekly workshops over the summer,where they were mentored by known artists such as Sharon Mutch, Susan Cornerand Bernadette O’Toole in a bid to develop their creativity skills and discover ahidden talent. The workshops involved photography sessions, fashion design,drawing, printmaking and jewellery making.

This project is a partnership between Knowsley Arts and Heritage Service andBluecoat and is part of a double exhibition showcased at Kirkby Gallery. The otherexhibition titled ‘Crafted’ celebrates and showcases the work of 26 contemporarydesigners and artist makers who live or work in the North West. There are manygreat disciplines on show, from glassmaking to textile design and recycled plastic.

For more information contact Tina Ball / Lucy Knight at Knowsley Arts and HeritageService on 0151 443 5619 or e-mail [email protected]

Planning officers in Knowsley havetaken action against a resident toremove an illegal extension afterneighbours complained.

The extension had been built, withoutplanning permission, on the side of ahouse in Richmond Way in Huyton.

The single storey extension had ahigh roller shutter door at the front,which planning officers said gave it “theappearance of an industrial unit”.

Several local people complained toKnowsley Council, saying the extensionwas unsightly.

The owner of the house, Leslie Nolan,was contacted and told that it wouldhave to be removed as it did notcomply with planning policies.

ENFORCEMENT ACTIONAGAINST ILLEGALEXTENSION

LEAGUECONTINUESThe Liverpool andDistrict Short MatIndoor BowlsLeague will re-commence theirindoor bowls onWednesday 12thJanuary from 7-9.30pm at theHuyton LeisureCentre, RobyRoad, Huyton.

The league arestill looking forplayers and teams,beginners are verywelcome.

The league so farstandsWoolton 52ptsGuildhall 36ptsSheila’s Wheels21ptsOdds & Sods15pts

For furtherinformation aboutjoining the leagueeither go along tothe Huyton LeisureCentre on theevening or contactEric Robertson on0151 480 7529


Pupils in Knowsley were treated to ascience lesson with a difference whena famous circus performer brought thesubject to life.

Guinness World Record holder JamesSoper performed his ‘Science of theCircus’ show, a unique combination ofthe traditional academic subject mixedwith circus skills.

Year three and four pupils wereengrossed in the hour-long session,which involved everything from jugglingto unicycle riding, and was held atKnowsley Park Centre for Learning.

A qualified teacher and professionalcircus performer, James Soper has

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also appeared on BBC’s ‘Bang goes thetheory’ programme, and performs his‘Science of the Circus’ show in schools upand down the country.

‘We wanted something that wouldinspire the pupils to develop a love forscience in a fun and stimulating way,”commented Mark McClure, Head ofScience at Knowsley Park Centre forLearning, who organised the day.

“The Science of the Circus seemedideal and showed how science, particularlyforces, can be demonstrated throughcircus acts and in our every day lives.”

He added, “The children had a lot of funand James did a great job keeping thementertained and educated at the sametime. The pupils went away with anincreased knowledge of the subject whichI’m sure will stay with them for a longtime.”

SCIENCE WITH A DIFFERENCE

Merseyside Policeis becomingincreasinglyconcerned aboutthe whereabouts ofa 16-year-old girlwho has beenmissing from herhome in Huytonsince New Year'sday.

Megan Garganwas last seen by a friend, at HuytonVillage Train Station at 7pm on 1 January.

She is described as white, 5ft 4in tallwith a medium build, blue eyes, freckledcomplexion and shoulder length lightbrown hair. When she was last seen shewas wearing a grey vest top, a brownJacket and black leggings.

She is known to frequent the areas ofHuyton, Prescot, Liverpool City Centre andthe Smithdown Road area.

Police are keen to talk to Megan, oranyone who has seen her as soon aspossible to check that she is OK.

Anyone with information is asked to callMerseyside Police on 0151 709 6010 andask for the Knowsley Control Room, or call0151 777 6504.

APPEAL FOR MISSING GIRL


Challengehealth In conjunction with

FREE WEIGHT LOSS CLASSES INPRESCOT, HUYTONAND HALEWOODJanuary is a time when many of usmake New Years resolutions toshape up and lose weight and localpeople looking for a bit of help onthis front have been invited to‘Measure Up.’

Run by the Knowsley Health &Wellbeing Community HealthDevelopment Team, ‘Measure Up’ is aFREE 12 week weight managementprogramme which includes informationon nutrition and healthy lifestyles aswell as gentle physical activitysessions.

The programme is open to Knowsleyadults of any age who are keen tolose weight and it is completely FREE.Weekly sessions will run on:• Wednesdays, 10am-12pm, starting

from 19th January at GreenwoodClose Community Hall, GreenwoodClose, Prescot, L34 2SL

• Tuesdays, 6pm-8pm, starting fromJanuary 25th at Arts & HealthCentre for Learning, Seel Road,Huyton, L36 6DG

• Tuesdays, 5.30pm-7.30pm, startingfrom 1st February at New HutteNeighbourhood Centre, LichfieldRoad Halewood, L26 1TT For more information, or to book

your place on the programme, pleasecontact Paula Thomas on 0151 2856016.

CANCER iVAN SAVESLIVES IN KNOWSLEY

A visit to the Cancer iVAN really couldsave your life! iVAN staff picked uppossible cancer symptoms in more than60 Knowsley people who visited the vanduring 2010, and were able to refer thesepeople to their GP for investigation.

This is on top of the more than 3100Knowsley people who benefited frominformation and advice from the CanceriVAN over the past 12 months.

Knowsley Health & Wellbeingcommissions the van to visit differentareas of Knowsley twice a month providingadvice and support to local people aboutany aspect of cancer and cancerprevention.

No appointment is necessary and peoplecan talk to one of the Cancer InformationSpecialists or a Cancer Specialist Nurseface-to-face. It’s free and completelyconfidential.

Ann Turtle, Knowsley MacmillanInformation and Support Coordinator said:“Sometimes people can be reluctant to goto their GP about symptoms they mayhave, or they may not realise that thesesymptoms really do need to be checkedout. iVAN is able to take information andadvice about cancer out into the heart ofour local communities and it gives peoplea chance to talk to the nurses on boardabout anything which may be worryingthem. The staff can explain the signs andsymptoms of different cancers, so localpeople have the information they need firsthand.”

The Cancer iVAN will next be in Knowsleyin February 2011, dates and locations willbe advertised closer to the time.

People who need help or advice aboutcancer, can also attend the KnowsleyCancer Information and Support Service(KCISS) drop in sessions held across theborough:• The One Stop Shop, Halewood, every

Monday 10am – 3pm• Lyndale, Cancer Support Group, Huyton,

every Tuesday 10am – 3pm• The One Stop, Kirkby, every Wednesday

10am – 3pmKCISS is a free, friendly, confidential

service and provides information andsupport to anyone affected by, or livingwith, cancer. The service can be used atany time from diagnosis, during treatment,or even after treatment has finished.

Under the NHS Knowsley and KnowsleyCouncil ‘Know Cancer in Knowsley’scheme, all Knowsley libraries havespecial areas dedicated to cancerinformation materials which are free toborrow for all Knowsley residents.

ARE YOU LIVINGWITH A LONG TERMHEALTH CONDITION?Do you have a long-term healthcondition? If so you could improveyour quality of life by attending aFREE programme designed forpeople, including carers, living witha long-term illness.

The Expert Patient Programme(EPP) aims to help people with long-term conditions find ways to managetheir illness more positively andimprove their quality of life.

Organised by Knowsley Health &Wellbeing, the programme is split intotwo courses: one of those living withlong-term health conditions; and onespecifically for carers who will benefitfrom a course specifically designed tosupport them to manage their dailyresponsibilities.

The courses run once a week forsix weeks. Each two and a half hoursession gives practical skills onmanaging illnesses on a day to daybasis and the chance to meet andshare experiences with like mindedpeople.

For more information, or toregister for a course in your localarea, call the Engagement andInvolvement Team on 0151 2443457.

If you have experienced mental health problems, or care for someone who has, you areinvited to attend the Knowsley Mental Health Service User and Carer Forum.

The forum meets six times a year at the River Alt Resource Centre in Huyton. The nextmeetings will be held: • Tuesday February 1st, 12.30pm to 3.30pm• Monday March 14th, 12pm to 3pm.

The Forum is a chance for people to talk about mental health issues and to askquestions of mental health service managers or partner organisations. It is also a chanceto hear the latest news about mental health related services, and to make services awareof the issues being faced by people with mental health problems and their carers.

The meetings are relaxed and informal and are run by Knowsley Health & Wellbeing’sEngagement & Involvement Team. Everyone who has experienced mental healthproblems, or who cares for someone who has, is welcome to attend.

The forum includes guest speakers, discussion around the speaker’s topic, an openforum question time and updates on mental health issues. Lunch is provided. For more information contact the Engagement and Involvement Team on 0151 2443456 or email [email protected]

FORUM FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTALHEALTH PROBLEMS AND THEIR CARERS


GET ‘ENGAGED’ THIS VALENTINESDAY!People in Halewood can win great prizes thisValentines Day just by going to see the KnowsleyHealth & Wellbeing Engagement and InvolvementTeam.

The Engagement Team hold events across theborough to share plans for new services, understandlocal people’s experiences of using Knowsley’sservices, and to hear firsthand from the public aboutwhat needs improving.

The team will be at the Halewood Centre, RoseheathDrive on Monday February 14th from 10am till 4pm.

The event will give people the chance to have theirsay about Knowsley’s Health & Wellbeing services andaccess information about health and wellbeing. Peoplewill also be able to get advice and support about localservices and get involved with volunteeringopportunities by becoming a Community Champion.

There will be a free prize draw as well as the chanceto play the ‘Wheel of Good Fortune’ to win on the spotprizes.

This is the first of a series of public events theEngagement Team will be holding during 2011.

The Team will also be visiting local communitygroups to discuss health issues and hear localpeople’s views on the Government’s plans to reformthe NHS, including proposals to transfer responsibilityfor Public Health from the NHS to local councils.

Feedback from these meetings will be used to informdecisions about local services, so please take theopportunity to have YOUR say about YOUR services.

For more information about upcoming events, datesand venues, or to find out how you can have your sayand get involved, contact the Knowsley Health &Wellbeing Engagement and Involvement Team on0151 244 34 57.

YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE ASAY ON HEALTH SERVICES!

What do you think about health services in your area?What’s good, what’s bad, what needs improving?

If you live in Knowsley and would like a say in howlocal health services operate you can attend one of themonthly Health Forums which are held across theborough.

The forums aim to give local people an opportunity toexpress their views, concerns, experiences andsuggestions about health services in order to improvethe services offered by Knowsley Health & Wellbeing.

The forums also help to increase local people’sknowledge about health issues.

Forum dates for 2011 are:HalewoodSt Mary’s Care Centre, Hillingden Avenue, HalewoodL26 9TY1.30pm – 3.30pmJanuary – No Health ForumFriday 4th FebruaryFriday 4th MarchFriday 1st AprilFriday 6th MayFriday 3rd June

HuytonMain Hall, Knowsley Council for Voluntary Service,Nutgrove Villa, 1 Griffiths Road, HuytonL36 6NA1pm – 2.30pmJanuary – No Health ForumFriday 11th FebruaryFriday 11th March

Friday 8th AprilFriday 13th MayFriday 10th June

KirkbyMeeting Room 1, Kirkby One Stop Shop, CherryfieldDrive, Kirkby,L32 1TX10am – 12pmFriday 21st JanuaryFriday 18th February –Venue: Centre 63 Old Hall Lane, Kirkby L32 5THFriday 18th MarchApril – No Health ForumFriday 20th MayFriday 17th June

Prescot, Whiston and CrontonBryer Road Community Centre, Bryer Road, Prescot, L355DW1pm – 3pmFriday 28th JanuaryFriday 25th FebruaryFriday 25th MarchApril – No Health ForumFriday 27th MayFriday 24th June

The Community Health Forums are relaxed andinformal and everyone is welcome to attend. Lightrefreshments are available.For more information contact Joanne Cotter on 0151244 4520.

DOCTOR CHRISWith Dr Chris Mimnagh Knowsley Health & Wellbeing Medical Director

Blood Pressure: Know Your Numbers!Do you know your numbers? No, not your lotterynumbers (although they’re important too!) I’m talkingabout blood pressure.

A healthy blood pressure is anything under 140/90. Ittends to rise as we get older – not because it should –but because we don’t always maintain a healthylifestyle. If your numbers are rising, New Year is anideal time to take stock and get them back on track.

High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokesand heart attacks and can also leave you at risk ofdementia and kidney and eye problems.

And if you have other health conditions, like diabetesor high cholesterol, high blood pressure can raise yourrisk of health problems even more.

Finding out you’ve got high blood pressure can comeas a bit of a shock, it usually has no symptoms, which iswhy so many people don’t know they have it!

The only way to know whether you have high bloodpressure is to have a blood pressure check, which isquick, free and painless, and really could save your life.

You can get your blood pressure tested for free atyour GP, local pharmacy or at a Knowsley at Hearthealth check, which are available for all Knowsleypeople aged over 40 years.

The good news is that if you do find out you have high

blood pressure, a few easy steps can help to bring itdown. And you don't have to wait until you have highblood pressure to make these healthy lifestyle changes!

1. Eat less saltSome people with high blood pressure may be able toavoid blood pressure medicines simply by cutting downon salt. Try not to add salt to food when cooking or atthe table. When food shopping, check the labels andchoose low-salt options when you can.

2. Eat more fruit and vegetablesFruit and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals andfibre to keep your body healthy. They also help to lowerblood pressure, so aim for at least five portions of fruitand vegetables every day.

3. Keep to a healthy weightLosing weight, if you need to, will help lower your bloodpressure and reduce your risk of health problems. Thebest way to lose weight is to choose more low-fat andlow-calorie foods, and increase your physical activity.Set yourself realistic goals, make small changes to youreating habits and activity levels that you can stick to forlife.

4. Drink less alcoholDrinking too much alcohol will raise your bloodpressure over time. For good health we suggest womendrink no more than 3 units of alcohol a day and men nomore than 4. A unit is about half a pint of beer or cider,a small glass of wine, or a single pub measure ofspirits.

5. Be more activeBeing active for 30 minutes five times a week can keepyour heart healthy, and lower your blood pressure, buteven a small amount of extra activity can help. Anyactivity that leaves you feeling slightly out of breath(except for smoking that is!) is ideal.

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may alsogive you medication to help lower it. This treatmentusually works very well and taking your tablets asprescribed, especially if you also make some healthylifestyle changes, can help you to live a longer andhealthier life.

So do yourself a favour, get your blood pressuretested regularly and encourage your family and friendsto do the same!

To find your nearest Knowsley@Heart health checkvenue call 0800 073 0578.


SOME FRESH BASIL WITH YOUR DINNER? Faulty Towers, the Dining Experience Ever wondered what it would be liketo dine at the Fawlty Towers Hotel?

Fans of the cult TV show will have achance to find out this month as theinternational hit dinner theatre showFaulty Towers, the Dining Experiencecomes to Knowsley for the first time.

On Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27January at the Huyton Suite diners canenter the world of snobbish, manicBasil, his domineering wife Sybil andthe hopeless, language-challengedwaiter Manuel.

It takes a lot of courage forperformers to take on the rolescreated and made famous by JohnCleese, Prunella Scales and AndrewSachs in the wildly popular televisionseries Fawlty Towers, but InteractiveTheatre Australia is now in its 12thyear of performing the well-lovedcharacters.

The team have sold out venues allround the UK, including the last threeyears at the Edinburgh Festival, andhave won rave reviews for heaping fun and abuse (and occasionally service) onthousands of diners.

The show includes a three-course meal, served in inimitable Faulty style asbemused guests asking Manuel for an ‘ice bucket’ end up with a ‘nice bucket’ anda simple procedure like opening a bottle of wine can become a huge drama.

Faulty Towers, the Dining Experience is on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27January. Basil will be welcoming people for pre-dinner drinks at 7pm and the mealand two-hour show starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £35 per person and are available from the Huyton Suite, PoplarBank, Civic Way, Huyton, L36 9GD, telephone 0151 443 3761 or online atwww.WeGotTickets.com

David Sweetman as Basil and BlairMartin as Manuel

Staff from North Kirkby Childrenand Family Centres braved thechilly conditions recently to takepart in an 11 mile sponsoredwalk to raise awareness ofdomestic abuse.

They raised funds to supportthe White Ribbon Campaign2010 and the pledge never tocommit, condone or remain silentabout violence against women.

Jo Lynott, Senior FamilySupport Officer and DomesticAbuse Champion for North KirkbyChildren’s Centres said: “Wewanted to highlight the campaign

across our area and what betterway to do it than to take it on an11 mile tour. When we spoke toothers about it they were morethan happy to get involved.”

Starting at the Star Children’sCentre in Towerhill, Kirkby, theycompleted their 11 mile walk infour hours finishing in LiverpoolCity Centre and raising over £350for the campaign.

Knowsley Council CabinetMember for Community Safetyand Social Inclusion Cllr JackieHarris said: “It was great to seestaff and parents supporting the

White Ribbon Campaign onMerseyside. If we can raise justone persons awareness of theviolence against women and girlsissue then this is a positivething; but this group haveachieved much more than this byliterally taking the messageacross the city.”

Staff, carers, parents, childrenand babies from Little GemsNursery and Children’s Centrealso made a ‘Hands are not forhurting’ banner using theirhandprints to further highlight thecampaign.

WOMEN HELP RAISE AWARENESS

SECONDARY SUPPORT CENTRERECEIVES OUTSTANDING GRADES Alt Bridge Secondary Support Centre in Huyton, which catersfor secondary age pupils with complex needs in Knowsley, hasbeen judged as outstanding in a recent Ofsted inspection.

In addition to the overall effectiveness being judged onoutstanding, below are some of the other areas that were alsooutstanding:• The capacity for sustained improvement• The extent to which pupils feel safe• The extent to which pupils contribute to the school and widercommunity• The extent of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and culturaldevelopment• The extent to which the curriculum meets pupils’ needs• The effectiveness of care, guidance and support• The effectiveness of leadership and management.

Headteacher Mr Barry Kerwin said: “The outcome is testamentto the significant effort and hard work from everybody associatedwith Alt Bridge. I would like once again to thank staff, governors,parents and pupils for their contribution. The whole schoolcommunity should be justifiably proud of our collectiveachievement, which officially recognises that provision foryoungsters at Alt Bridge is outstanding.”

The inspection report for Alt Bridge Secondary Support Centrecan be viewed at www.ofsted.gov.uk

Tickets: 0151 443 3761www.WeGotTickets.com

The Huyton Suite, Civic Way,Huyton, L36 9GD

Mitch Benn, MC Trevor Lock, Brendan Riley & Kev Hampson“Irreverent, inventive and most importantly hilarious” Liverpool Daily PostFri 28 January, £15 inc hot supper

The Huyton Suite

Three course meal with bottle of wine, plus live music and discoSat 19 February, £39 for two

Irish stew, live Irish music and discoSat 19 March, £10

Faulty Towers, the Dining Experience

Includes a three course meal & two hour showWed 26 & Thur 27 January, £35

Big Baboon Comedy Club

Valentine’s Cabaret Night St Patrick’s Cabaret Night


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At Canter Levin & Berg we like to let our results do the

talking; after all, with over 40 years’ success handling

accident at work claims, we must be doing something

right. Highly professional but friendly and straightforward,

our approach is built on a belief in providing each client

with one dedicated point of contact, allowing us to really

understand your situation, and you to stay fully informed

at every stage of the case’s progress.

For further information, call Mark Flynn on

0151 292 8181or visit:

www.canter-law.co.uk

Notmakingclaims. Justwinningthem.

1 What is the slowest known mammal? 2 Which is the world's oldest occupied castle?3 Which country just released previously secret UFO reports?4 Who was the first woman to swim the English

Channel, on 26 August 1926?5 The shortest verse in The King James Version

of the Bible has two words, what are they?6 One of the literary epics of which Asian country has been

translated into English for the first time?7 Which is the rarest type of shrew in Britain?8 On a typewriter, what does %$+*& multiplied by £ equal?9 What will Spain ban from 2 January 2011?10 What is a quantum?11 The Sri Lankan government just stepped in to tackle a shortage or what?12 Why is the statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square electrified?13 Stray Bullet has won first prize at the Dubai International Film Festival. Where is

the film set?14 Who wears the most famous Fisherman's Ring?15 Glamorous Russian spy Anna Chapman just got a top role in what?16 In 1957 Russia launched a satellite carrying a dog. What was the dog called?17 Which European country just enacted a National Wild Boar Control Plan, to

stop a rising boar population?18 Who was the first black player invited to Wimbledon?19 Who played Hawkeye in M.A.S.H.?20 The Indian government just banned the export of what?21 The CIA has photos of the 'Ararat Anomaly'. What is it supposed to be?22 Traditionally, how many beans make five?23 Present day taxicabs trace their origin to an English royal charter in which century? 24 Which is London's oldest restaurant?25 Who owned the chemical plant that killed thousands in Bhophal, India, in 1984?26 For what did Austrian cleric Gregor Mendel lay the scientific foundations in his

garden?27 Who played Mr. Bridger in the first Italian Job?28 Which team sport has the biggest pitch?29 All Viking ships had their steering boards on the same side - which?30 Mother of five Lisa Geraldini's picture hangs in the Louvre. By what name is she

better known?31 What is the highest capital in the world?32 Which European country regards itself as hexagonal?33 Which is the oldest air force?34 What is the name of the stretch of water between

Denmark and Sweden?35 Where are the Doldrums?36 What is the difference between a pure malt and a

single malt whiskey?37 Why was the 'Mad Hatter' in Alice in Wonderland

mad?38 Who is generally credited with writing the tune

Greensleeves?39 What is the most remote heavenly body visible to the naked eye?40 Californian Samuel Sevian was just made a chess master by the US Chess

Federation. What's special?41 What does the name ‘Pakistan’ mean?42 How many flights did the Wright brother's Flyer make on 17 December 1903?43 Which metal melts at -38ºC?44 Psycho was the first Hollywood film to show what?45 Who is generally and wrongly credited with the invention of the flushing lavatory?46 What is dihydrogen oxide more commonly called?47 Who is the World's longest reigning and living queen?48 Which was the first African country to gain independence?49 What is the traditional main constituent of the artist's watercolour Indian Yellow?50 Which composer wrote the Rite of Spring?51 On which London street does traffic drive on the right?52 Which board game originated in ancient India?53 In English, rather than American, what is the difference between licence and

license?54 What is vexilography?55 How many verses are there in the UK

National Anthem? 56 In cooking what temperature is Gas Mark 6

equal to?57 How many counties are there in the UK?58 What is the world's most dangerous animal?59 Who won the first Oxford v Cambridge boat

race in 1829?60 What have polar bears just lost?

NEW YEAR QUIZ


When it comes to road traffic accident claims, no law

firm makes a bigger impact than Canter Levin & Berg.

With over 40 years’ experience in the field, our friendly

but highly professional approach is built on a belief in

providing each client with one dedicated point of

contact throughout the claim process, allowing us to

really get to know your situation, and you to stay fully

informed at every stage of the case’s progress.

For further information, call Mark Flynn on

0151 292 8181or visit:

www.canter-law.co.uk

Makinganimpactafter a collision.

Quiz Answers: 1. The three-toed sloth; 2. Windsor; 3. New Zealand, the reports cover the period from1954 to 2009; 4. Gertrude Ederle, who was 19 at the time; 5. Jesus wept. It is John,chapter 11, verse 35; 6. The Thai Tale of Khun Chang Khun Phaen. It is one of thecountry's most famous stories of love and war; 7. The Common Shrew; 8. 54 + 87 =141 x 3 = 423; 9. Smoking in any enclosed public place ie bars and on tv broadcasts,near hospitals or in school playgrounds; 10. The smallest measurable unit of energy, oranything. So a quantum leap is strictly the smallest possible step; 11. Coconuts; 12.To keep pigeons off; 13. Lebanon. It is about a young woman forced to choosebetween her family and her fiancé; 14. The Pope; 15. Russia's ruling party's youth wing,Molodaya Gvardiya; 16. Laika; 17. France. Hunters there shot 560,000 boar last year,10 times more than 30 years ago; 18. Althea Gibson; she won the women's singleschampionship in 1957; 19. Alan Alder; 20. Onions, a rain based-crop failure has causeda national shortage; 21. Noah's Ark; 22. Two beans, a bean and a half, half a bean anda bean; 23. The twelfth; 24. Rules, in Maiden Lane, Soho, founded in 1798; 25. UnionCarbide. Legal disputes over compensation are still going on; 26. Genetics; 27. NoelCoward; 28. Polo; 29. The right or starboard side. They docked on the other or portside; 30. The Mona Lisa; 31. La Paz, Bolivia; 32. France; 33. The Royal Air Force; 34.The Kattergat; 35. In the Indian Ocean; 36. Single malt is whiskey from one batch.Pure malt comes from more than one batch; 37. Because hat-makers used to use mer-cury, which causes brain damage and a form of dementia; 38. King Henry VIII; 39. TheAndromeda Galaxy; 40. Sevian is nine years old; 41. Land of the fair people; 42. Three;43. Mercury; 44. A lavatory flushing; 45. Thomas Crapper. A London plumber, he didinvent the ballcock and popularised the flushing lavatory; 46. Water; its formula is H20;47. Queen Elisabeth II, who succeeded to the throne on 6 February 1952; 48. Ghana,on 6 March 1957; 49. Indian cow's urine; 50. Igor Stravinsky, 51. Savoy Place; 52.Chess; 53. Licence is a noun and license is a verb; 54. The study of flags; 55. Five; 56.200oC; 57. 63; 58. Malarial parasites of the genus Plasmodium, carried by mosquitoeskill some two million people a year; 59. Oxford; 60. ‘Endangered’ species listing by theUS, they are now simply ‘threatened’ and have less legal protection.

WHAT’S ON AT THE KNOWSLEY SUITESLIVE AND LOCALTickets available from Huyton Civic Suite,Poplar Bank, Civic Way, Huyton, L36 9GD,tel 0151 443 3761 or the Kirkby CivicSuite, Norwich Way, Cherryfield Drive,Kirkby, L32 8XY, tel 0151 443 4063 oronline where advertised fromwww.WeGotTickets.com

Wed 12 January Weekly Tea Dance 1pm to 4pm, £1.70 including tea/coffeeand biscuits. Huyton Suite. Ballroom andsequence dancing to live music.Friday 14 January Monthly SequenceDance 8pm £5 Kirkby SuiteHosted by Dave Bullen. All are welcome.Tickets available on the door on the night. Wed 19 January Weekly Tea Dance 1pm to 4pm, £1.70 including tea/coffeeand biscuits. Huyton Suite. Ballroom andsequence dancing to live music.Wed 26 January Weekly Tea Dance1pm to 4pm, £1.70 including tea/coffeeand biscuits. Huyton Suite. Ballroom andsequence dancing to live music.Wed 26 & Thur 27 January FaultyTowers, the Dining Experience7pm. £35 Huyton SuiteEver wondered what it would be like todine at the Fawlty Towers Hotel? Fans of the cult TV show will have theirchance this month as the international hitdinner theatre show Faulty Towers, theDining Experience comes to Knowsley forthe first time. Diners can enter the worldof snobbish, manic Basil, his domineeringwife Sybil and the hopeless, language-challenged waiter Manuel. InteractiveTheatre Australia are now in their 12thyear of performing the well-lovedcharacters and have sold out venues allround the UK. The show includes a three-course meal, served in inimitable Faultystyle. Basil will be welcoming people forpre-dinner drinks at 7pm and the meal andtwo-hour show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £35 per person and areavailable from the Huyton Suite, PoplarBank, Civic Way, Huyton, L36 9GD,telephone 0151 443 3761 or online atwww.WeGotTickets.com. Fri 28 January Big Baboon Comedy ClubHuyton Suite, £15 including hot supperDoors 7pm. Hotpot served 7.30pm, showstarts 8.30pm. The post Christmas slumphas never been so much fun thanks to the

launch of Knowsley’s Big Baboon ComedyClub. Headliner is fabulous Scouserati MitchBenn - a regular writer and performer onRadio 4’s The Now Show and Radio 2’sIt's Been a Bad Week. Mitch also has hisown Radio 4 series Mitch Benn's CrimesAgainst Music and is a familiar face fromBBC1's The One Show as the writer andarranger of The Complaints Choir. MC is Trevor Lock (“Strangely charmingand absolutely entertaining” TheIndependent), while Brendan Riley(“Irreverent, inventive and mostimportantly hilarious”’ Liverpool DailyPost) and the up and coming KevinHampson (winner Rawhide Raw 2009)keep the laughs flowing. Tickets are available from the HuytonSuite, Poplar Bank, Civic Way, Huyton, L369GD, telephone 0151 443 3761 or onlineat www.WeGotTickets.com. Thurs 3 February Chinese New YearLunch12.30pm to 2pm £5.95 Huyton Suite Celebrate the start of the Year of theRabbit with a two course Chinese lunch inthe Huyton Suite Gallery. Advance bookingnecessary. Tel 0151 443 3761.Tuesday 8 February Blood DonorsSession12pm to 9pm Huyton SuiteAlthough this session is walk in or byappointment, if your time is limited werecommend you book an appointment atwww.blood.co.uk or on 0300 123 23 23.Wed 9 February Weekly Tea Dance1pm to 4pm, £1.70 including tea/coffeeand biscuits. Huyton SuiteBallroom and sequence dancing to livemusic.Saturday 12 February Saraswati Puja11am to 6pm Kirkby SuiteMerseyside and North West BengaliAssociation’s day of worship in honour ofSaraswati, the goddess of learning, musicand the arts. Entry is free and all arewelcome. Sat 12 February Valentine’s DinnerDance7.30pm. £39 per couple. Huyton SuiteWine and dine a loved one then dance thenight away to live music and a disco.Tickets include a three course meal and abottle of house wine. Book at the HuytonSuite on 0151 443 3761 or online atwww.WeGotTickets.com


Christmas came early to EastcroftPark Primary school in Kirkby and forlocal police officer Robby ‘the Bobbie’Pritchard, thanks to the generosity ofGoodrich Actuation Systems of Huyton.

Employees at the site were asked tonominate local children’s charities orschools where children would benefitfrom a donation of bikes this Christmas.

Following the schools recent award ofthe ‘Bike It’ status and installation of a

bike shed, Goodrich was keen tosupport the efforts to encourage pupilsto cycle to school instead of beingdriven there.

Joe Kendrick, Goodrich’s OperationsManager, was at the school to handover 10 bicycles to Eastcroft’s Chair ofgovernors John Barry; with Santa alsothere to oversee the operation.

John commented: “On behalf of allthe staff, governors, helpers and pupils

at Eastcroft Park I would like to say amassive thank you to Joe and all hiscolleagues in Goodrich”.

“By giving the gift of a bicycle we arenot only supporting healthy play, butalso increasing punctuality andattendance at school as the pupils loveto cycle in; not to mention putting hugesmiles on 10 faces”.

Joe added: “Eastcroft’s ‘Bike It’project is just one of several good

causes Goodrich Actuation Systems aresupporting this festive season includinga local community project in Croxtethand Norris Green, we presented bikesto PC Pritchard in view of thetremendous work he does withyoungsters in the Croxteth and NorrisGreen communities and Robby and hispartners will be identifying thosechildren most deserving of thesefantastic gifts.”

CHRISTMAS BIKES FOR LOCAL CHILDREN

Pupils at Eastcroft Park Primary jump for joy as they receive their bikes. Pictured withJohn Barry, Chair of Governors, Joe Kendrick, Goodrich’s Operations Manager and stafffrom Hobson’s Cycles

Pictured are Gerry Slinger, Goodrich’s Plant Manager, Daniel Jardine, Hobson Cycles,Robby Pritchard, Jay Hobson, Director Hobson Cycles and Paul Lennon, Goodrich’s VicePresident

Othello’sExperience the taste of Greece

Fantastic Authentic Greek Cuisine in a warmand friendly family restaurant

Extensive menu offering an excellentselection of fish, meat and vegetarian meals

Fully licensed

Opening hours:Monday to Saturday 4pm-11.30pmSundays 2pm-10.00pm

105 Gateacre Park Drive, Liverpool L25 1PD0151 280 7700www.othellos.co.uk


AMAZING TOYDONATION FORYOUNG PATIENTS

Paul Rigby climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa inOctober 2010 and with the some of the moneyraised, he bought a mountain of toys for thechildren at Whiston Hospital.

Paul was inspired to raise funds for the Trust afterhis 11-year-old daughter Jessica was diagnosed byDr Ijaz Ahmad with a blood platelet disorder, eightyears ago. Jessica is a regular patient under thecare of Dr Ahmad and the Children’s and YoungPeople’s team at Whiston Hospital.

Paul raised over £3,500 for a number of goodcauses and is still collecting money. From thesefunds he spent over £2,000 on new toys for childrenof all ages to play with whilst in hospital, including

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two X Box consoles.Paul said: “I hadn’t even walked up a

hill before taking on Kilimanjaro, but Ireally wanted to give something back tothe hospital for the way the staff lookedafter Jessica. They have been fantasticand we have every faith in them. I amplanning another fundraising event nextyear and would like to thank all the localbusinesses and friends for their supportand generous donations.”

Dr Abubaker Elbadri, ConsultantPaediatrician said: “Play therapy is veryimportant to assessing how a child’streatment is progressing and these newtoys will help children to feel more athome. We are very thankful to Paul forgoing to such great lengths to make thisamazing donation and would also like tothank all those people who sponsoredhim.”

Left: Dr Abubaker Elbadri with Paul and Jessica Rigby,together with members of staff on Ward 4F and justsome of the toys Paul bought


KCC LIVE SCOOP NORTH WEST RADIO ACADEMY AWARDThe staff and volunteers of Huyton-based radiostation, 99.8FM KCC Live, are celebrating afterbeing announced winners of the Radio Academy’sNations & Regions award for the North West.

This prestigious award gives recognition to radiostations with a Total Survey Area of under 300,000and qualifies the winning station for entry into theSony Radio Academy Awards 2011 ‘Station of theYear’.

BBC Radio Manchester presenter, Simon Nicks,hosted the awards, which was held at the BBCStudios in December. The evening was a fun-fillednight and alongside the award giving, all entrantstook part in The Radio Academy’s Annual ChristmasQuiz.

The announcement was made that KCC Live hadwon, beating every other small station in the NorthWest of England and the Isle of Man, following aunanimous decision from the judging panel. This is afantastic achievement for the station, which is runalmost entirely by volunteers. It means they can nowgo on to prepare for the National Sony AcademyAwards, which will be held in May 2011.

Chair of the Radio Academy North West branchJohn Ryan said: “KCC Live displays absolute passionin everything they do. Rough and ready at times - buteverything is spot on their target audience anddelivered with genuine verve. A real joy to hear somany people having so much fun. KCC Live’sbreakfast show in particular felt just right for theirstudent audience. This was the station with realpromise”.

Delighted Station Manager, Phil Smith said: “Thisis a fantastic achievement for KCC Live after just oneyear as a community radio station, and is a perfectway of recognising all the hard work the youngvolunteers have done since our launch. A massivethank you must also go to those who have supportedus, especially all our listeners. This is a very proudmoment for KCC Live”.

GOING FOR GOLD IN NATIONAL COMPETITIONKnowsley Housing Trust (KHT) hasstruck gold in a nationwide search tofind the best ‘grass roots’ housingand neighbourhood projects.

KHT is one of 12 winners who haveeach scooped up to £5,000 in HACT’sGolden Projects competition.

HACT – the housing action charity –launched the awards in June, invitinghousing providers and communitygroups to submit bids for the cash to

help turn their ideas into reality.KHT will use its prize to set up Eco

Teams. This new initiative will supportand advise tenants on how to reducetheir carbon footprint and the amountthey spend on energy, transport andfood.

Louise Harris, Head of SocialResponsibility at KHT, said: “We areso proud to have been chosen as oneof the Golden Projects.

“Our idea to develop Eco Teams hasobviously stood out for HACT, and thegreen agenda is something we are verycommitted to.

“We want to save our customersmoney on their bills as well aspromote awareness of saving energyand the benefits to the environment ofdoing so.

“We can’t wait to get this GoldenProject off the ground.”

Call 0800 195 2131to find your nearest drop-in centre

Kayleigh quit,because we didn’t.

www.stopsmoking.org.uk

Quit smoking for yourself, not by yourself.


• Want to start your own business in Knowsley and looking for free support and grant funding?

• Starting a new social enterprise or community interest company in Knowsley?

• Looking for affordable studio space in Knowsley for a creative business?

• Have you been trading for more than 2 years and are now ready to grow or diversity your business?

To start your new small business contact Knowsley’sFresh Start and Business Liaison Team on

Tel: 477 4000www.myfreshstart.co.uk

Fresh Start Stop PressInterested in Business workshops? If you are a Knowsleybusiness woman and started trading after January 2008The Women’s Organisation is offering a master class onhow to use Facebook.To maximise your business success and take part in a freenetworking lunch on 24 January at Derby Lodge, Huytonbetween 12 – 2pm you must reserve your place. Call themdirect on 0151 236 6601.


MARATHON RUN

Tom Fitzpatrick an IT Taskforce Engineerrecently raised over £2,000 for the SpecialCare Baby Unit (SCBU) at WhistonHospital after he ran the Dublin Marathon.

Dubliner, Tom took to the streets of the‘Fair City’ (Dublin) to run his first evermarathon in his home town, which hecompleted in just 4 hours 38 minutes.

Tom said: “My daughter, Aoife was bornpremature at 36 weeks and spent threeweeks being cared for by the staff atWhiston Hospital and I wanted to dosomething to help other families and theirbabies born prematurely. I would like tosincerely thank all those people whosponsored me.”

Sally Duce, Directorate Manager for theChildren’s and Young People’s Departmentsaid: “On behalf of the Special Care BabyUnit, I would like to thank Tom and hissponsors for this fantastic donation. Thismoney will be put towards buying a newpiece of equipment, which will help babieswho have breathing problems.”

PUPILS “SEND A COW” TO AFRICAPrimary school children have helpedfarmers in Africa to buy a cow and otherlivestock through generous fundraising.

Pupils at Longview CP School, Huyton,have been working hard over the last fewweeks and have managed to raise animpressive £500 for the “Send a Cow”charity.

A representative from “Send a Cow”visited the school earlier in the year totell the children all about the charity andwhat it does. After the visit, both thepupils and teachers were keen to raisefunds for the good cause, and abrainstorm of ideas immediately followed.

“We wanted to get the pupils involvedas much as possible, and one childsuggested holding an activity day,”explains head teacher Keith Skinner.

“The children enjoyed learning aboutthe charity and how important the work isthey do to help those who are lessfortunate,” he said.

A cooking class, mask and modelmaking, and array of dance and sportactivities were just some of the thingsthe pupils and teachers got up to duringthe special ‘activity day’ to raise cash forthe charity.

The pupils also raised funds bybringing in and covering outline drawingsof cows with 10p coins.

In addition, local reverend and schoolgovernor, Rev Clive Doran, visited theschool and led a special harvestassembly based on the Send a Cowcharity, to further educate the childrenabout the work they do.

Send a Cow is just the latest in a list ofcharities the school has been involved infundraising for. Jeans for Genes, Childrenin Need and Water Aid are just a few ofthe national and international charitieswho have benefited from the generosityof the school.

“We make it a priority to teach ourpupils the importance of charity and topromote caring and consideration forothers. We demonstrate this through ourcharity fundraising activities andincorporate it into our PSHCE lessons,”added Mr Skinner.

Back left: Rev Clive Doran and head teacher Keith Skinner; Front (L – R): Sophie Barry,Jak Bunting, Faye Kerwin, Amiee Bryan and Rhys Bushall


THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTACTINGLOCAL NHS WITH COLDS AND FLUA senior doctor has urged people to thinkcarefully before going to hospital or totheir GP with coughs and colds.

Seasonal flu and colds are on theincrease throughout the UK, andMerseyside has seen a big rise in thenumbers attending its emergencydepartment and urgent care centres andcalling GP out of hours with symptoms.

The number of calls to GP out of hoursservices from people who mainly havecold symptoms mean that people who areseriously ill and need treatment maystruggle to get through on the phone.

North West paramedics Ruth Thomasand Mandy McFarlane and hospitalConsultants Simon Tucker and NigelKidner have taken part in a series of shortfilms, to give local people advice on howto self-care for minor illnesses includingflu, coughs and colds. These can beviewed on the Facebook pagehttp://www.facebook.com/nhsnwchoosewell and on YouTube atwww.youtube.com/nwnhs

Dr John Hussey, Chair of LiverpoolPrimary Care Trust’s ProfessionalExecutive Committee (PEC) and himself aGP, said: “Normally healthy adults shouldstay at home and combat their flu andcold symptoms with over-the-counterremedies from the pharmacist, rather thangoing to hospital or calling their GP.

“By attending GP surgeries and A&Edepartments patients risk passing illnessto vulnerable people.

He said: “We always see a rise in fluand colds at this time of year. Flu and thecommon cold are viral illnesses and thefirst line of treatment is rest, paracetamoland fluids. This advice is also available onthe NHS Choices website and by callingNHS Direct on 0845 46 47.” Symptoms of flu include:• sudden fever (a temperature of

38°C/100.4°F or above)• dry, chesty cough

• headache• tiredness• chills• aching muscles• limb or joint pain• diarrhoea or stomach upset• sore throat• runny or blocked nose• sneezing• loss of appetite, and • difficulty sleeping

Dr Hussey repeated the message thatanyone who is in an ‘at risk’ group shouldtake up the offer of a seasonal flu vaccine

this year. Dr Hussey said: “For the majority of

normally health adults who catch the flu, itwill be unpleasant and inconvenient, butthey will begin to feel better within four tofive days. If symptoms are not gettingbetter, patients should call their GP forfurther advice, but again they should notvisit the surgery, as they risk passing ontheir infection to vulnerable people. If youneed to pick up medication, including anti-virals, ask a friend, family member orneighbour to pick them up for you.

“People with chronic lung, heart, liver,kidney or neurological problems, as wellas those with weakened immunesystems, can become seriously ill, as wellas over-65s and pregnant women. Theyshould telephone their GP if they thinkthey have flu-symptoms.

“These people should make sure theyhave the flu vaccine to protectthemselves. If they have not yet had thejab, they should contact their GP to makean appointment as soon as possible.”

“Children under 5, with flu likesymptoms should be assessed by ahealth care professional.”

The NHS is also urging those with coldand flu symptoms not to visit relatives inhospitals or care homes, due to the riskthat they will spread germs to vulnerablepeople.

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Lifestyle Fashion • Health • Food • Interests - we have it all

Spring It’s time for a clean fresh new lookColoursAs we move in to the second quarter of the year, it's time tofreshen up your home with a good old spring clean. The keyhome colour trends this season are light, bright strawberryshades which accent muted creams and beige sofas beautifully.Add a touch of sorbet and ice limes, glacier blues and you'll bebang on trend with this seasons timeless and spiritual romanticlook.

FabricsChoose fabrics which have a high shine and transparency andnot only will these be the perfect replication of the latest springtrend, but they will also reflect the spring sun as it streamsthrough your windows.

Cost effective integration in to your homeUse cushions and throws to cost effectively update your existingsofa ranges and buy new table linen and mats to do the samewith your dining tables.

Finishing touchesFinishing touches such as washing your windows, changing yourcurtains to light, floaty linens and cutting freshly bloomingflowers from your garden for beautiful bright colours and asweet, fresh fragrance flawlessly complete your fresh new look.


ChallengeFood

GOODBYE TO THE FOODOF THE NOUGHTIES!As 2010 goes out in a blaze of turkey-stuffed glory it seems only fitting to takea moment to chart the ups and downs, foibles and frenzies, trends andtravesties that marked the Noughties.

Frozen mash – Sales went through the roof when Delia wrote her 2008 book ‘Howto cheat at Cooking’, which featured Aunt Bessie’s mash. Theword ‘Delia’ entered the English Dictionary in 2001.

Cupcakes – Helped by Sex and the City, sales becameunstoppable until being eclipsed by the sweet, petitemacaroon.

Enchilada – Mexican restaurants are popping upfaster than jumping beans, from Chilango andChipotle to Wahaca.

Food bloggers – Love them or loathe them it seemsthey’re here to stay - and even cracking Hollywood. Thefilm Julie & Julia was based on a blogger’s experience ofcooking all the recipes in Julia Child’s book, ‘Mastering the Artof French Cooking’.

Grazing – AA Restaurant Guide’s head honcho, Simon Numphud, says: “Astasting menus and sharing plates rise in popularity, it’s the death of the three-course meal”.

Happy chickens – Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall turned the country against batteryfarming in ‘Hugh’s Chicken Run’.

Jamie Oliver – Is there any stopping him? From Jamie’s Food Revolution USA toJamie’s 30-Minute Meals here at home, the boy’s (still) on a roll.

Locally sourced food – Farmers’ markets are the foodie phenomenon of the pastdecade, as consumers want to limit their food miles and to know more about theprovenance of their food.

Organic – this caught on in a big way in the early part of the decade but when therecession hit, sales suffered with only organic milk bucking the trend.

Sustainability – We’re into the S word now and restaurants have made it part oftheir ethos. Barny Haughton, founder of Bordeaux Quay restaurant in Bristol,says: ‘Caring about sustainability is the restaurant world’s way of saying it can dobetter in taking responsibility for energy consumption, food miles, water andwaste.”

Trotters – And other cheap cuts of meat such as the now in-vogue pork belly. Therecession has seen a return to the bits our grandparents used to eat, as werediscover slower cooking methods that transform tougher cuts.

Underground restaurants – The rise of the private supper club and pop-upphenomenon, has seen home cooks opening up their living rooms to strangers.Big-name chefs, too, set up shop, pop-up style, for limited engagements inunlikely places.

Venison – It’s healthy, sustainable and delicious and sales have soared.

Whoopie Pies – a cross between a pair of chocolate cookies and a cakesandwich, originally a treat baked by an Amish farmer’s wife for her husband’slunchbox. He allegedly shouted – Whoopie!

And the future?

Food on the move – The USA may be the home of the gourmet food truck, but thetrend is well and truly on the move here, with tech-savvy vendors alertingcustomers to their location using Twitter and Facebook.

Vegetarian innovation - We know we need to eatless meat and more vegetables so here’sroom for more chefs to get creative withtheir carrots.

Korean cuisine – The next culinary trend.It’s time to know your bibimbap fromyour bulgogi, as this spicy trend isred-hot.

NEW VENUEFrom Tuesday 11th JanuaryThe Old School HouseSt John’s Road, Huyton6.30pmJo 546 5213

MondayHuytonThe Huycap Centre Rupert Road6.00pmJoanne 254 1298

TuesdayHuytonSt John’s CommunityCentreManor Farm Road6.30pmJo 546 5213

KirkbyCentre 63Old Hall LaneNext To St Chads9.30am & 11.00amEileen 548 0658

SpekeThe Metal BoxonionsSports And Social ClubSpeke Boulevard5.00pm & 6.30pmClare 07950 631858

WednesdayPrescotPrescot Leisure CentreWarrington Road9.30am & 11.00am 4.30pm & 6.00pmLynn 480 1665

DovecotSt Margaret Mary’s Social Club(Behind Church) Pilch Lane9.30am & 4.30pm6.00pmJulie 449 1074

HalewoodThe Arncliffe CentreArncliffe RoadWednesday 6.30pmLorraine 07889 161137

HuytonThe British LegionArchway RoadOpposite Old Asda Car Park5.30pm & 7.00pmLisa 01704 222988

CrontonCronton VillageCronton MethodistChurch Chapel Lane5.00pm & 7.00pmKate 495 3594

ThursdayHuytonYew Tree Health Centre21 Berryford Road, offFinch Lane6.00pmJean 290 0034

HuytonThe British Legion, Archway RoadOpposite Old Asda Car Park1.30pm & 6.00pmLisa 01704 222988

FridayDovecotSt Margaret Mary’s Social Club(Behind Church), Pilch Lane9.30amJulie 449 1074

SaturdayHuytonThe Huycap Centre, Rupert Road10.00amJoanne 254 1298


ChallengeBusiness

Welcome to the second edition of business matters withButterworth Barlow. This column provides general businessadvice and answers to your questions on a wide range ofissues facing small businesses in Knowsley.

At Butterworth Barlow, our experienced Partners are happyto offer a free one hour consultation to all new and existingbusinesses in the area to discuss all of your business, tax oraccounting needs.

Contact UsIf you have a question for us or would like to arrange ameeting, then please email us [email protected] or call Barry or Gavin on 0151493 9700.

QuestionI am thinking of starting a new business – should I set this upas a company?Setting up as a new company is one structure for your newbusiness, however operation as a sole trader or partnership shouldalso be considered.

Companies have the advantage of limited liability for the directorsand shareholders which means that debts of the company remainseparate from the director/shareholder. This, in most cases,provides an element of protection if the company fails.

If structured correctly, companies can also offer many taxadvantages dependant on expected profit levels, the number ofowners involved and the amount you would like to take out of thebusiness.

However there is more ‘red tape’ in operating as a companyincluding complying with directors duties, maintaining statutoryrecords (such as board minutes) and filing annual accounts withCompanies House.

Operating as a sole trader or partnership reduces the ‘red tape’and provides greater flexibility for drawing money out of thebusiness.

Other factors such as pension arrangements, expected tradinglosses in early years and future plans for exiting the business needto be considered. Always seek professional advice at an earlystage to assist you in making the right choice for the structure ofyour business.

DisclaimerAll advice given above is generic in nature. Professional advice should be soughtin relation to your own individual circumstances.

Business Matters with

Prescot House, 3 High Street, Prescot, L34 3LDTelephone: 0151 493 9700 Email: [email protected]

For all your business needs contact the specialists

WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANYBUCKING THE TREND OF RECESSIONNorth West based EnvironmentalControls are to double the size of theircentral operations opening a new siteadjacent to their existing headquarterson the Knowsley Business Parkcreating additional jobs.

The waste management company willrelocate their engineering division to anew site in Kitling Road and will doublethe size of their materials recyclingfacility.

The company also plans to establishan auction centre allowing members ofthe public to visit the site to purchaserecycled and reusable goods.

The new site is expected to openearly in 2011.

The investment is part of anambitious plan for growth and morethan doubles the company estate inKnowsley.

The expansion will provide valuableemployment opportunities and is awelcome boost for the local economy.

Bill Shaw, Managing Director, who isoverseeing the expansion of thecompany said: “against the backgroundof the recession and economicchallenges, it is great news to be able

to announce plans to double ourpresence in Knowsley and to announcethe creation of new jobs.

“At Environmental Waste Controls weare passionate about recycling andunlike our competitors we do not sendwaste to landfill sites.

We believe waste is a valuableresource and our new facilities will helpus increase recycling and reuse;benefitting the natural environment.”

Environmental Waste Controls Ltdbucking the trend of the recession.

The company returns some of thebest waste recycling performance in thecountry often recycling in excess of 90%of waste at its municipal sites.

The company is also the marketleader in compacting waste at sourcesignificantly reducing transportationcosts and reducing the carbon footprintof waste disposal.

Unlike some of its competitors,Environmental Waste Controls does notown landfill sites that means the entirephilosophy is to reuse or recycle waste.

The new site at Knowsley will be usedto increase waste recycling and reuse.

6TH ANNUAL EMPLOYERS’ LUNCH ATKNOWSLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The annual Knowsley College Employer Lunch celebration was recently in theExpressions Restaurant at the Roby centre. Employers and partners, who allunderstood the value of learning, gathered together to celebrate anotheroutstanding year of successful collaborative working.

The guest speaker, Lesley Martin-Wright, Chief Executive of Knowsley Chamber ofCommerce, congratulated the College on the high levels of support given toemployers during a particularly challenging economic period. The College committedto continue its role to provide high quality training and skills for the benefit ofemployers and residents of Knowsley and the surrounding area, for only byinvesting in training and skills development will the local, regional and nationaleconomies be returned to sustainable growth.

The College offers a wide range of business solutions and welcomes enquiriesfrom employers for training for their staff that can be fully funded or with theemployers contributing for more bespoke work.


BIG BABOONCOMEDY CLUB Merseyside’s newest comedy club isbeing launched at the Huyton Suiteon Friday 28th January.

Named after some of Knowsley’smost famous entertainers – the safaripark baboons - The Big BaboonComedy Club’s opening night boastsone of the best line ups of comics onthe circuit.

Headliner is fabulous ScouseratiMitch Benn, a regular writer andperformer on Radio 4’s The Now Showand Radio 2’s It's Been a Bad Week.Mitch also has his own Radio 4 seriesMitch Benn's Crimes Against Musicand is a familiar face from BBC1'sThe One Show as the writer andarranger of The Complaints Choir.

Compere is Trevor Lock (“Strangelycharming and absolutely entertaining”The Independent), while Brendan Riley(“Irreverent, inventive and mostimportantly hilarious”’ Liverpool DailyPost) and the up and coming KevinHampson (Rawhide Raw winner 2010)will be keeping the laughs flowing.

Tickets cost £15 and include ahotpot served from 7.15pm (doors7pm) to 8pm, and the show starts at8.30pm.

Tickets are available from theHuyton Suite, Civic Way, Poplar Bank,Huyton L36 9GD, telephone 0151 4433762 and online atwww.wegottickets.com

The club will run every month, withthe second show already lined up forFriday 4th March and featuring comedyfrom Australian Colin Cole plus threeother top standups.

EYESORE LAND TRANSFORMEDINTO FAMILY SUPPORT UNIT

Derelict land in Knowsley has beentransformed into an eco-friendly facilityto help homeless families.

Knowsley Housing Trust’s (KHT) familysupport unit was officially opened inDecember by Peter Roberts OBE, KHTGroup Chair.

The once blighted area has been usedto build a green, safe and modernbuilding that will be used to helpfamilies become more independent andfind permanent homes.

KHT worked closely with its partners

at Knowsley Council and the Homes andCommunities Agency, with the firstresidents moving in during February2010.

The 13 self contained apartmentsboast many eco features includingenergy efficient insulation and lightingas well as a communal garden andexternal parking facilities.

Terry Bonner, Operational Director ofLandlord Services for KHT, said: “Weare delighted and proud to be able toofficially open this facility.

“Our partnership working has beencentral to the success of this project.

“Since 2004 KHT and KnowsleyCouncil have had a vision to provide thisessential service to the people ofKnowsley. Putting that vision into whatwe have today has been a long journey.

“But with a lot of hard work,perseverance and commitment we havea facility that will provide support forKnowsley families for many years tocome.”

Jan Lee, Supported Living Service Manager at KHT, and Professor Peter Roberts unveil the plaque at Yates Court

MERSEYSIDE GETS PHYSICAL One of the biggest challenges facing thepublic in Merseyside is for us to getmore physically active, to reduce obesityand other associated health problemswith a sedentary lifestyle and to improveour physical and mental wellbeing.

Merseyside Sports Partnership hasbeen championing sport and physicalactivity and it seems that Merseysidepeople are beginning to get morephysically active as a recent surveyshows. The Active People Survey showsthat more people are taking part in sportand physical activity 3 x 30 minutes aweek than 5 years ago when the surveybegan.

During 2009/10, 6.938 million adultsnationally (aged 16 and over) participatedin sport three times a week for 30minutes at moderate intensity (16.5% ofthe adult population in England). InMerseyside this figure is 21.5%, which isrising annually. Back in 2005-2006 thefirst survey shows Merseyside’sparticipation in 3 x 30 as 19.5%.

Marketing Officer for Merseyside SportsPartnership Katie Crozier commented:“Sport in part of the culture is Merseysideand always will be. What is fascinatingabout this survey, is that it shows notonly that we are more active than the restof the country, but that we are also

getting more physical year by year, whichcan only be a positive sign.

“I would encourage everyone to look atways to get more physically active in thenew year as sport and physical activityare a great way to look after your health,control your weight and surprisinglykeeping active gives you more energy andhelps you to handle stress.

“Joining a local gym is great, but it’s

not for everyone, keep looking until youfind a form of exercise that fits into yourlife, it could be anything from football toyoga, and get support. By joining acommunity sports club you become partof a new social network and can supporteach other, which I have found to be agreat way to keep you focussed.”

To find a local sports club visitwww.merseysidesport.com

For students who work below the stressful benchmark of 5 A*–Cs, FoundationLearning (FL) is an exciting new pathway that can lead to further education andemployment.

Trialled over the last two years in Knowsley under its Work-Based LearningProgramme, the framework for FL allows learners of varying ability to progress in theirstudies and work to their strengths. Government statistics suggest that at least 25% ofyoung people would benefit from FL with many areas across the country reaching up to40%.

Students identified are often said to have a ‘spiky’ profile if their practical skills faroutweigh their levels of literacy and numeracy. The old system meant that many ofthese learners could not access FE until this was addressed. Under FL, however, alearner can progress in their vocational areas such as hairdressing, construction andmotor mechanics up to Level One (equivalent to GCSE, D-G) whilst working to improveother areas at Entry Level (pre-GCSE).

All seven learning centres in Knowsley, two specialist schools, and KnowsleyCommunity College have embraced FL and now there is a significant post-16 pathwayfor every learner. The four pathways available for young people are: GCSEs; Diplomas;Apprenticeships and Foundation Learning

ANOTHERSUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR ROBYSIXTH FORM Roby Sixth Form (Knowsley CommunityCollege) held their annual AdvancedLevel Awards Evening recently.

Current and former students gatheredat the Roby Centre to receive well-deserved recognition for theirachievements at the College.

The evening consisted of thepresentation of certificates to studentswho completed courses in 2010 andalso the giving of special awards tothose students, chosen by the College,for individual recognition.

A fantastic evening was had by all andincluded a guest speech from formerstudent and now successful Chef, AidenByrne. A selection of festive songs werealso performed by the College choir.

Bill Doran, Assistant Principal for RobySixth Form said: ‘2010 was a verysuccessful year, with excellent examresults and the majority of our studentsgoing on to Higher Education oremployment. The awards evening is agreat opportunity to meet up with oldfriends and to receive recognition for allthe hard work that goes into gainingadvanced level qualifications. Well doneagain to all the achievers; the College isproud and wishes them all the best forthe future.”

FOUNDATION LEARNING SET TO BLOOM


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Pilates is well renowned for helpingdestress and those with back injuries, as itinvolves a lot of stretching but also tonesthe stomach and pelvic floor muscles. TheNifty 50's class is a low impact class which

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Knowsley Challenge is a free community newspaper to serve the Borough of Knowsley. Circulation 30,000. Editorial Office: 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Telephone: 0151 706 7411.Advertising, Graphic Design and Typesetting by Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Telephone: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678 Printed by News International Newspapers Limited at Kitling Road, Prescot, Merseyside L34 9HN.

Challenge SPORTIf you have got any sports news contact us on 0151 706 7411

or email: [email protected]

PRESCOT SWIMMING CLUB PROMOTED

Prescot Swimming Club recently camethird in the Division 2 Arena NationalLeague North West final in the 50mPool at the Wavertree Aquatics Centrein Wavertree, Liverpool to gainpromotion to the First Division.

Prescot beat teams from Halton,Preston, Garston, Wigan and Stretfordto take coveted third spot and gainpromotion.

This final performance follows two

great rounds of competition in Octoberand November which saw Prescot finishthird in the 18 team division.

The final was a closely fought affairwith Prescot vying for third place withGarston and Wigan, behind the strongteams of Winsford and OldhamAquatics.

The lead places changed hands manytimes during the 50 event final beforePrescot finally clinched the coveted 3rd

place after a thrilling final relay with theOpen Age Boys Team taking secondplace and promotion.

This caps off a great year for Prescotwith success at local, County, Regionaland National competitions.

Next year will see Prescot move intoa new 25m pool in Huyton, after theclosure of Scotchbarn Pool, and lookforward to the Club capitalising on thissuccess.

FURTHER SUCCESSFOR HALEWOODHalewood Tae Kwon-Do’s amazingsuccess continued at the 2010 BritishChampionships, held in Telford on 28thNovember 2010.

This was the final tournament of the yearand their students did a fantastic job ofrepresenting the club, earning a huge haulof 20 medals – 10 gold, 7 silver and 3bronze. Seven of their students are nowBritish Champions.

With 178 medals won in only ninetournaments, and recognition as ‘Club ofthe Year’ at Knowsley and Merseysidesports awards evenings, it has been theirmost successful year yet. They areconfident that their students will continueto go from strength to strength in 2011.

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