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Issue 167 - Dec 21-Jan 22
Your No.1 Local Community Magazine & Business Directory
How to shop local and support local businesses this Christmas Christmas shopping is one of the festive season’s most timehonoured traditions. And, this year in particular, we’re being urged to think a little harder about the gifts we buy and where we buy them. Because while it’s considerably easier to shop with big companies, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic means that we’re all being encouraged to shop locally. Remember that if everyone in their local community spent just £5 extra per week with small businesses, it would help them to stay open in the long term.
Always leave a review
So we’ve pulled together some ideas for creative and meaningful ways you can support local businesses in the run-up to Christmas.
Shopping locally is much nicer than battling the Christmas crowds at a large shopping centre. So why not commit to using some of your Christmas spending power locally this year? There’s a small business owner near you that will (a) notice and (b) celebrate your support.
Spread it around When you’re out and about, try and prioritise local businesses over large brands where possible. For example, picking up your fruit and veg from a greengrocer instead of the supermarket will make a big difference to local sellers and suppliers.
Give vouchers and gift cards To help support some of your favourite local restaurants and watering holes, see if they’re offering gift vouchers and give friends and family a date night on you this Christmas. Rather than giving Christmas hampers or fancy wines and cheese, give a gift card that gives people the opportunity to go and choose a selection of goodies for themselves from a local supplier. You could also be creating a new customer for life.
Before purchasing from a small business or visiting a restaurant, many of us turn to online reviews to see what others had to say about their experience. Leaving a positive review - even if it’s been a while since you visited or purchased - can help persuade others to become customers and could also help give staff and business owners a little morale boost at the same time.
west derby & croxteth park
Welcome Season’s Greetings!
West Derby & Croxteth’s favourite community magazine
Just like 2020, the pandemic has been a dark cloud hanging over us all year, giving us some real low points. Personally speaking, this year has been extremely difficult, and I have no doubt that I am not alone in thinking that.
Contents 3 How to Shop Local 6 Making Your Heating More Efficient 8 Dementia Care at Christmas 10 Local History
However, as the end of 2021 approaches, I believe it is important to focus on the good things. Our advertisers have, in the main, kept their businesses going in challenging circumstances, with many quickly learning to adapt and some even going on to thrive, which is encouraging to say the least.
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11 Life ‘n’ Style with Jade 12 Crossword & Sudoku 14 Local News 16 Kids Corner 17 Five Ways to Keep Kids Entertained 18 What’s On
And the festive season upon us, I hope that you can all spend quality time with your nearest and dearest as you would like, which was unavailable to us a year ago. At the time of writing, it looks like many exciting events will return to Liverpool and local neighbourhoods - including the Christmas Market in the city centre (see our Local News page for details).
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19 Recipe 20 Strange Tales 21 Puzzle and Quiz Answers 21 Sports News 22 Pap Your Pets 24 Music Quiz
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So however you celebrate, it just remains for me to wish joy and peace to all our readers from everyone here at the Liverpool LINK. Merry Christmas to you all and a very Happy New Year!
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Stay safe and don’t forget to tell our very valued advertisers that you saw it in The LINK.
24 General Knowledge Quiz 24 For Sale Items 25 The LINK Business Directory
Welcome to your festive December/January issue of the Liverpool LINK.
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To book, call Moira on 07930 654264 Or email liverpoollink@yahoo.co.uk Read our latest issues at www.liverpoollink.co.uk follow us on www.facebook.com/liverpoollinkmagazines
Best wishes, Moira (Editor) and everyone at The LINK Front cover photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash.com
Tell the people of West Derby & Croxteth about your business. Don’t miss your chance to advertise in the next issue of The LINK.
Next deadline - Thursday 13th January 4
DISCLAIMER - TERMS & CONDITIONS - Liverpool LINK (i.e. South Liverpool LINK, West Derby LINK & Little LINK Directories) is wholly owned by Liverpool LINK Ltd. The content of this publication, in part or as a whole, including advertisements, may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission from the publisher. Liverpool LINK Ltd accepts no liability for products or services offered by third party companies. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, we cannot be held responsible for claims made, or the accuracy of content supplied, by advertisers or contributors. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher.
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Making your heating system more efficient Rising energy prices, providers going bust, climate agreements at COP26 - the world’s energy consumption has been making headlines in a big way this year. There’s no doubt that it has got many of us thinking about how we can make our own individual changes that will not only make an impact on our environmental footprint but also our purse strings. Our homes may be heated by a variety of different heating systems, powered by a range of fuel sources, but there are a number of common steps we can take to improve their efficiency.
Have the boiler serviced annually
Upgrade the controls Controls allow you to heat your home when it is occupied and only the parts of your house that are in use. New ‘smart’ controls enable you to adjust it via a mobile app. These systems can also actively monitor your home for movement, going into a lower temperature ‘sleep’ mode if it considers the property to be empty, or that the occupants are asleep in bed. Many also gain information from outside temperatures and weather forecasts, adjusting the heating accordingly.
Insulate your home
Regular maintenance ensures boilers work at their peak efficiency and should ensure they run effectively and safely for the year to come. It also helps extend the boiler’s life, reducing the risk of an expensive breakdown.
Adequately insulating your attic is essential, otherwise, your home will lose around a quarter of its heat through the roof space. Blocking up gaps around windows, doors and chimneys will also help save on energy bills and keep your home warm.
Replace an old boiler
Heat wisely
Although initially costly, if your boiler is reaching the end of its working life, replacing it with a more efficient model can save money on your heating bills in the long term. Modern boilers are highly efficient, and with the introduction of Boiler Plus building regulation, are becoming even more so.
It makes sense to turn the radiators down in rooms you are not using to save energy. If you want to heat only a couple of rooms in your home, it is far cheaper and safer to invest in thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and use your central heating system.
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Tips for dementia care at Christmas Dementia UK have offered these really helpful tips that will hopefully make the festive season enjoyable for everyone. Here are four key suggestions to consider when organising your holiday activities with family and loved ones.
Get everyone on board It might be that some family and friends who are joining you haven’t seen the person with dementia for quite a while – maybe since last Christmas – and aren’t fully aware of their situation. Talk to guests in advance. When speaking to people, be honest – explain what is happening; you could simply say that they are experiencing difficulties with memory and conversation with them might not be as it was.
Have a practice run If you are inviting a person with dementia to come to you, or want to bring a loved one out of a care home, have a few practice runs along the way. This way you will be able to gauge if it’s achievable. Include the care home staff and ask how they might be able to support you. When its time to go home, say ‘we have to go home now’ rather than ‘you have to go home’; if you are doing things together it can make it less confusing or frightening.
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Involve the person with activities on the day Make sure your loved one feels included in the day. Think of ways they may be able to take part, such as laying the table or helping to prepare the meal. Watching one of their favourite films or listening to a piece of music that they love may be calming and bring back special memories.
Consider their needs Christmas days can be noisy – try to reduce unnecessary noise such as party poppers, loud music or blaring television when people are also chatting. Too much noise competition can be difficult to process. A busy day can be tiring and confusing for a person with dementia, so keep it manageable. If they are going back to their home, don’t leave it too late; try to take them home in daylight so that they can see where they are. Above all focus on the abilities of the individual, not the dementia. If they don’t remember it’s Christmas don’t keep reminding them all the time, as it can cause anxiety. And finally, don’t worry if things aren’t perfect – just try and enjoy the day! If you need to speak to someone, then try the Dementia UK Helpline on 0800 888 6678.
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local history
by Stephen Guy, West Derby Society
Old Tuebrook The Tue Brook meanders its way - mostly underground through Liverpool suburbs before eventually joining the River Alt. Tuebrook House on West Derby Road dates from 1615, one of the first brick-built houses in the Liverpool area. In Edwardian times, Tuebrook was a growing suburb named after the stream which was culverted as the district grew. Much of the area was still open countryside. A stone gateway stood next to a lodge at the end of Lisburn Lane.
Derby Road is a house later demolished for road improvements.
These gave access to a tree-lined drive leading to Lark Hill house, built in 1768. The drive later became Muirhead Avenue and trees were retained on the central reservation.
Lizzie, who posted the card to Matlock in Derbyshire, presumably lived in Gardner Road as she wrote: “What do you think of this? Does it bring back sweet memories?”
Lark Hill was a home of the Heywood banking family for generations. It became a popular library before being demolished in 1962.
Eighty years ago, Gardner Road made national headlines when a resident budgerigar breeder made outlandish claims about his birds.
One of Tuebrook’s most famous sons was philanthropist Charles Melly, member of another well-known family. Son of Andre Melly of Geneva who settled in Liverpool, Charles was born in relatively humble circumstances in 1829. His birthplace was a cottage on a site where Ivy Leigh joins West Derby Road. Charles is remembered today for the many drinking fountains he paid for around Liverpool, inspired by those in Geneva. This was a time when there was a strong temperance movement focussing on the dangers of drink. Similar fountains soon sprang up around Britain. Gardner Road is pictured on a 1905 postcard in a view still recognisable today. Just visible on the other side of West west derby & croxteth park
In 1941 Harold Edward Kershaw put a series of newspaper notices throughout Britain advertising for sale a budgie called Joey who could “talk, dance, mimic, whistle and sing like a canary”. In reality, there were many Joeys and numerous people bought them, only to find they had been duped. None of the birds had these talents. Kershaw was found guilty of obtaining money under false pretences and was sentenced to six months’ hard labour. The court heard that in 1935 he was bound over for similar offences in relation to parrots. Visit the West Derby Society website: westderbysociety.wixsite.com/westderbysociety
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n ' e f ' i L Style
with Jade Ainsworth
Hey guys and welcome to my Christmas edition of Life ‘N’ Style! I hope everyone is in the festive spirit and all getting ready for the big day?? I’ve had my Christmas decorations up since November. Everyone thinks I’m a little crazy putting them up so early but it’s my daughter dad’s anniversary on 19th November so it became a family tradition to always put them up. As many of you will be able to relate when you lose someone so close, celebrations are never the same but I’ve always made sure everything has been that extra bit special for my Jaz so I like to start the celebrations early. If you are still looking for some little gift ideas, I have come across the Beauty Works x Molly-Mae Styling Bundle. This limited edition set is £149.99 and comes with a curl kit, hair straightener, 2 brushes, heat mat, curl clips, travel bag and protective glove at www.beautyworksonline.com. Another fab site to buy from is www.tattilashes.com So, Tatti Lashes are a well-known brand that I imagine the majority of us have heard of but this year, apart from their amazing eyelash collection, they have brought out a 25 Days Of Lashes 2021. This magical gift box comes with 25 of their amazing products - everything you could wish for the festive period! Priced at £80 you defo cannot go wrong with this present. Easy to wrap up too (thank me later). If you are looking for a couple of little outfits for going out over Christmas or New Years Eve, Glamify Fashion (www. glamifyfashion.com) is my go-to online retailer at the moment. They have the most amazing faux furs, co-ords and a fab new range of footwear. This brand has grown so much over the past 12 months, making fashion affordable but still excellent quality. I’m pictured in the Charlotte Jumpsuit for £40.00 and also the Juniper co-ord for £45. If you check out my Instagram or blog, you can also see some of their knitwear that you can dress up or down. Perfect for Christmas Day. That’s it from me. I would like to wish all my lovely readers a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Love Jade x
www.jadeainsworthgossip.co.uk 11
Quiz Time Crossword Across 1 Second in command (6) 4 Person who maltreats or harms (6) 9 Flammable gas (7) 10 Small herring (5) 11 British Actress _____ Mirren (5) 12 American term for poorly educated person from the south (7) 13 Weaken, fall apart (11) 18 Delinquent, thug (7) 20 Man-made fibre (5) 22 Home of Glasgow Rangers (5) 23 _______ Man - Beatles song (7) 24 There are eleven in the song ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ (6) 25 Large snake (6)
Down 1 Hidden ______ - quiet wisdom or insight (6) 2 Move stealthily (5) 3 Learner, cadet (7) 5 Located, stationed (5) 6 Glut, plethora (7) 7 Second try at an exam (6) 8 The action of enlisting new people (11) 14 Activity done purely to increase someone’s sense of self-importance (3,4) 15 Escapee, fugitive (7) 16 Shellfish (6) 17 Hidden, not noticed (6)
Sudoku
Take a break with the LINK Sudoku Sudoku is a highly addictive puzzle game with one rule. Place the number from 1 to 9 in each row, in each column and each 3x3 box.
19 Famous Egyptian city (5) 21 Blood-sucking worm (5)
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Solutions on page 21
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Local News
December 2021 - January 2022
Festive markets return to Liverpool From Friday 12 November to Thursday 23 December, around 40 stalls, festive rides and twinkly lights will transform St John’s Gardens, William Brown Street and the area around the North Entrance of St George’s Hall – in a slight change of location this year. The market will be packed with a delicious range of food and drink, gift stalls and kids (big and small) can
enjoy Santa’s Village with its variety of festive rides including a big wheel and a giant Bavarian snow slide. Opening times are Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 9pm and Thursday to Saturday 11am to 10pm. The markets will be accessible from lower and upper William Brown Street and via St Johns Lane.
Huge cultural cash injection for Liverpool’s waterfront Investments include £2 million to fund the initial development stage for The Pool, a transformative waterfront project, and £20 million Levelling Up funding for Tate Liverpool and National Museums Liverpool.
Plans for a new global visitor attraction, the redevelopment of two of Liverpool’s leading cultural institutions and a new public realm have been given a £22 million budget boost. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced two separate financial investments for the city which will inject a new lease of life in and around the city’s docks, and cement Liverpool’s ambition
to put culture at the heart of major regeneration projects.
As a result of the funding, improvements will be made to the public realm which will have a positive impact on health and wellbeing.
River of Light success shines bright Were you one of the thousands of people who visited River of Light? Post-event figures show around a
whopping 150,000 people enjoyed the free, outdoor trail over 17 nights which boosted the local economy.
Each evening saw thousands of people take in the 12 large-scale, stunning illuminated artworks which spanned a 2km route. The popularity saw a boost in footfall in the city centre, with many restaurants and shops reporting high demand. Following this year’s success, the Culture Liverpool Team has announced River of Light will return in 2022 for another 17 nights of beautiful, illuminated art from Friday 21 October until Sunday 6 November. The theme is being kept under wraps until next year but it will be a nod to the World Gymnastics Championships Liverpool 2022 which will be taking place in the city at the same time
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Sign up for a flipping fabulous fundraiser The Penguin Parade is aimed at children aged 1-6 and the charity recommends taking part in small groups, such as nurseries or primary schools. Once signed up, participating groups will get everything they need for the perfect Penguin Parade, including Penelope the Penguin a soft cuddly toy.
Marie Curie is calling on flipping fabulous young fundraisers in Liverpool to step out this festive season and take part in a penguin parade for families affected by terminal illness. The newly launched Penguin Parade will see young children go for a waddle of any distance at their nursery or primary school, to raise money and light up the festive season for local families affected by terminal illness. The cute fundraiser is fronted by Penelope the
Penguin, who will make an appearance in plush toy form at nurseries and schools taking part.
For more information on Penguin Parade and to sign up visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/ charity-events/penguin-parade-2021
Liverpool sees the return of the world-famous Santa Dash Thought to be the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run, The Appreciate Group Liverpool Santa Dash takes place on Sunday 5 December. It starts at 9.30am from Pier Head Liverpool on the city’s iconic waterfront and takes Santas through the Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and city centre, before a grandstand finish outside Liverpool Town Hall featuring stilt walking festive characters and ‘real’ snow.
Anticipation and excitement are steadily mounting for the event return after it was staged virtually last year due to Covid-19 guidelines. More than 3,000 people have already registered to take part in 2021. Dashing Santas are being encouraged to walk, jog or run to raise funds for Alder Hey Children’s Charity – the event’s official charity partner for 2021.
For full details and online entry visit www.btrliverpool.com/santa-dash
Support for adults in Merseyside who struggle to read group are offering free, one to one and confidential to support these adults.
Read Easy Merseyside is a new voluntary group set up to offer support to the 10% of the adult population in the area who struggle to read. This
We are seeking a key individual with time to become a Volunteer Coordinator. This person will meet those wishing to learn to read and once they are paired with a trained volunteer reading coach, the coordinator is their point of contact offering support and guidance. The key skills are communication skills, empathy, organisational skills and being a self-
starter. Full induction, training and support are offered. You will belong to a group of motivated and enthusiastic volunteers. This is a very rewarding role and the difference learning to read makes a huge impact on an adults life. For more information contact either karen@readeasy.org.uk or merseysiderecruiter@readeasy.org.uk You can also call Karen on 07763442924.
Do you have a local news story? Email Moira liverpoollink@yahoo.co.uk to feature 15
s d i K r e n Cor
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Answers: on page 21.
Five ways to keep your kids entertained at Christmas… that don’t involve a screen! If you’re like most parents, you probably already worry that your kids have more ‘screen time’ than outdoor play, especially during the winter months. So as the festive season approaches and school holiday boredom looms, here are five festive-themed ideas for getting your kids outside, with activities that are a little bit educational but that also tap into the excitement and enjoyment of Christmas.
Go for a Christmas lights walk As nighttime draws near, get your little ones bundled up in warm clothing and take a walk around your neighbourhood looking out for all the neighbourhood Christmas lights and decorations. Point out the variety of lights, indoors and out. You can even make it a game of I-Spy by getting them to look out for specific colours or decorations (red lights, snowmen, reindeer, etc).
Decorate a tree or bush outside as a bird feeding station Survival for birds can be challenging during the cold winter months, so now is the time to help them while getting your kids interested in garden wildlife at the same time. If you have any trees or tall shrubs in your garden, make them into a bird feeding station. Smear some pine cones with salt-free peanut butter or lard and dip them in birdseed. Or you could use popcorn strings or birdseed fatballs (the RSPB has some recipes). Then enjoy watching quietly from a window to see which birds come and visit.
Visit local festive events There’s no better way to kick off the festive season than by attending local Christmas events. This can be a simple treelighting in the area or craft and food fairs. Make it a great family occasion as well as an opportunity for a community to come together. Search online to find your nearest event (Covid restrictions permitting).
Have a special Christmas outdoor snack Food always seems to taste better outdoors, so wrap up warm, head outside and have a Winter-themed picnic with warming drinks such as warm spicy apple juice, hot chocolate, hot soup, hot dogs, warm sausage rolls and mince pies.
Go on a Winter scavenger hunt Scavenger hunts are an exciting way to get children exploring the natural world. They are also a great way to add fun to family walks. Choose your own garden or head to the nearest park or woodland for a Winter-themed scavenger hunt. Have the kids find specific items such as animal tracks, glossy evergreen leaves, red berries, pine cones etc. You can also collect items to bring home for a creative artwork session.
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What’s ON ROYAL SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE SOCIETY Liverpool Branch - Our 70th Anniversary. Enjoy all the benefits of social dancing in our friendly class, beginners welcome, tea break included. Wednesday’s 7.30-9.30 pm. Oakvale United Reform Church Hall, Edge Lane/Broad Green Rd. L13 4AD. Details: www.rscds-liverpool.org.uk Hon Sec: - secretary@rscds-liverpool.org.uk 0151 281 0317.
LONG LANE CHURCH WAVERTREE Come join with us at this most special time of year. Our Carol Services Sunday 19th December 11am followed by Carols by Candlelight at 4.30 pm refreshments at both. Christmas Day service 11.15am. It will be lovely to see you at Long Lane Church Wavertree, off Mill Lane. See our website longlanemethodistchurch.co.uk Have a peaceful Christmas.
TRAMWAY & LIGHT RAILWAY SOCIETY On January 17th we welcome Charles Roberts from On Line Transport Archive for local coverage of Trains Boats Buses and Trams. For 21st February our friend Steve Kelly from Merseyside Transport Trust will cover City of Liverpool Buses (that is up to 1969).
SEFTON PARK BOWLING CLUB Is looking for new members. Various competitions starting from Easter to October. Open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, Wednesday and Friday Evenings, and most weekends. Learners & experts, singles & couples are all welcome. Postcode L17 7DG. Call Gregg on 0151 222 2964.
ART FOR PLEASURE Tuesdays & Wednesdays. 10.00 am - 12.30, pm Mossley Hill Church, Rose Lane. Any medium, any ability, courses or own choice, relaxed and friendly. Call Anthea : 0151 427 5084 Email: anthea26k@gmail.com
December 2021 - January 2022
ETON BOWLING CLUB
SOUTH LIVERPOOL MARKETS
Come bowling at the oldest bowling club in Liverpool. You will be made very welcome and we will give coaching to all players new to the game. We are located at the back of The Halfway House in Woolton Road and our season runs from the end of March until October. Contact Keith on 07709 924522.
Farmers’ Markets are open from 9am to 2pm on the following days: Garston Market Fridays 9am to 2pm. Woolton Village, L25 7RG – Second Saturday of the month. Garthdale Road, off Allerton Road, L18 (next to Barclays Bank) – Third Saturday of the month. Lark Lane, L17 8UP – Fourth Saturday of the month. Subject to Covid restrictions.
SOUTH LIVERPOOL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Meetings in CADWA Rocky Lane L161JD on 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings each month. All other weeks via ZOOM. Check out the syllabus on our website, come along, see if it’s for you! New members encouraged and supported, especially beginners! Initial meetings FREE. Contact Tim membership@slps.co.uk Tel 0151 7211359 or 07783 335 353. Website www.slps.co.uk
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL We are a group of women who seek to advance the status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enablement. We do this in friendship through service projects, fund-raising and advocacy. We meet every fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Meetings are being held on Zoom at present. For further details contact us at liverpoolsorops@gmail.com, text 07814 564649 or via website www.sigbi.org/liverpool
FLEXERCISE CLASS FOR THE ACTIVE 50+ We will be back to ‘live’ classes when possible. You can also join our classes on Zoom! Exercise, movement and dance class, friendly and fun, help improve posture, balance, strength, core and range of movement. Please contact Jane to join a zoom class or to check when classes restart at All Hallows Church, Allerton - on 0151 724 5192 or janevduff@gmail.com
PENNY LANE JAZZ WORKSHOP Meets Thursdays, 7-9PM, Elm Hall Methodist Church, Elm Hall Drive, L18 2DD. £10 Admission. Led by Liverpool-based saxophonist, Frank Griffith. All instruments and vocalists welcome. Reading music not required as emphasis is on improvisation. See www.facebook/frankgriffithjazz or email frank@frankgriffith.co.uk. 07976 313224.
Liverpool and District CHA Rambling Club Come and join us and enjoy rambling in our beautiful countryside. All new members welcome. Coach pick ups are West Derby and Old Roan. Walks include Cumbria, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Peak District, Wales etc. For more information please contact Pauline on 07800 807043 or paulinehinton@blueyonder.co.uk
Clubs, organisations, groups Please email me on liverpoollink@yahoo.co.uk (Subject: What’s On section) to feature here.
Wishing all our valued advertisers and readers a merry Christmas and a healthy and happy new year 18
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Recipe Poached Pears
Pears are in season right now and this is such a great way to serve them. It’s also a nice alternative festive dessert! Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour + 5-10 minutes for the sauce Serves: 4
Ingredients ■■ 1 750ml bottle of soft, fruity red wine ■■ 125g granulated sugar ■■ 2 cloves ■■ 1 stick of cinnamon ■■ Zest of half a lemon ■■ 1 vanilla pod, split (optional) ■■ 4 hard pears ■■ Creme de cassis
Method Preheat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4. Pour the wine into a saucepan with the sugar, spices and lemon zest and bring to the boil, stirring dissolve the sugar. Meanwhile, peel the pears. Leave the stalk intact but cut out the core at the base. Use a non-metallic ovenproof dish just wide enough to hold the pears in a single layer and lay them in there. Don’t use a large dish because when you pour the spiced wine over the top - the fruit should just be submerged. Cover the dish and bake for about an hour, checking after 45 minutes. When the fruit is tender, but still holds its shape, lift it out of the liquid and set aside. Then pour the liquid back into the saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce by about half until it becomes thick and syrupy, then taste and pour in the creme de cassis to taste. Pour the sauce back on to the pears and serve warm or cool, with ice cream, cream, or custard.
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Strange Tales
by Anton Valdemart
The Disappointment “I tell you they’re monsters ... real horrors,” said Joe, lifting his tankard for another swig of the local brew. Jack looked in disbelief at the others in the tavern and shook his head: “That’s a fine way to talk about our mates. We’ve known them for years. “Take my word for it - a crowd can turn into a mob at the drop of a hat,” replied Joe. The two friends were well known in the village for their roguish reputations. If you wanted a pheasant or a salmon, they could provide them, no questions asked. Both sat in silence for a while. “One minute they’re as nice as pie, the next ... well I’ve said it.”
It was a fine summer’s night a few days later. The pair had an order for a couple of rabbits and a pheasant so poaching was the name of the game. They scanned the wood to see if no one was about. “Careful as you go - there are man-traps hereabouts,” said Jack. They broke off a couple of small branches then trod carefully through the undergrowth, prodding the ground in front of them. Joe used a catapult to bring down a pheasant and they set traps to catch the rabbits. Then they were surprised by two burly gamekeepers who bundled them off to the village lockup. The following morning, they were taken bleary-eyed to the manor court where the squire’s steward sentenced them to six hours in the stocks.
“I still think you’re wrong,” said his companion. “Take old Sammy Wells,” Jack added nodding at a fat man in the corner. “I saw him the other day offering to help at the big house. “Helped to clear out the stables when old Joss put his back out. Wanted nothing in return.” Joe chuckled: “Only because he was hoping for a fine turkey at Christmas for his pains. They all have their motives.” Joe warmed to his subject. “If it suits them, folk will turn nasty mark my words. Anyone in here would show their true colours if it came to the crunch.” “Not us, of course,” said Jack. “You said it,” came the reply, with more than a hint of irony. Joe took another sip of beer then looked out through the window. “See the stocks over there? Even if the parson was sat in them, people would pelt him with rotten fruit ... or worse. I rest my case.”
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Joe was full of foreboding. “There’ll be a mob from the Rose and Crown waiting for us - we’ll be lucky to escape alive,” he muttered, grim-faced. Jack said nothing. They were soon in the stocks, sitting uncomfortably on the wooden plank. They sat and sat and sat. Some passers-by stopped and stared before going on their way. “I’ll have a salmon next time you’re by the river,” said one, chuckling. Jack smiled but not Joe. What a disappointment: no one threw anything at them. Read my next Strange Tale in the Link: Speaking Volumes.
Sports News South Liverpool FC, in their first season after promotion to the North West Counties, have settled into a very satisfactory mid-table position. The team reached the first round proper of the FA Vase at their first attempt before bowing out at higher-level Thornaby, having defeated Northern Counties East League’s Dronfield Town by 4-1 with a hattrick for Brad Williams,
South attack in the recent home game v Holker
December 2021 - January 2022
who has subsequently transferred to Ashton Town. Recent highlights have been a superb 5-1 defeat of Pilkington, who were second in the league at the time. Two goals from Owen Hough plus one each for Cameron Glennon, Louis Gorman and Matty Kewn were the highlights for a bumper crowd on a Friday night. A 1-1 draw at fifth-placed Bacup Borough saw a superb rearguard action after the team’s goalkeeper was sent off in the first half. The team restricted free-scoring Bacup to very few shots on goal and had the best efforts on goal themselves.
Cam Dalton scores his first in our most recent home game a 2 - 1 win over Garstang
This time of year is generally cup time and most of the club’s teams have been successful in the Liverpool County FA competitions. The Under 16s have won through two rounds with two massive wins by 14-0 and 7-0. The open-age third team have won two games by 3-1 and 4-1, the latter win being the highlight with a hattrick for 17-year-old Alfie Cunningham.
Fixture interruptions lead to fluctuating fortunes for the ‘Croft Weather, referee shortages and COVID have all contributed to fixture postponements which in turn has led to a staccato type start for the Croft. Defeats to Waterloo and Frames and a draw with Alumni have been interspersed with a double over St Helens Town and a 6-2 rout of Roby College OB. That was followed by 10-2
annihilation of Roma. The sensational J Kennedy was in explosive form, helping himself to a double hattrick - netting six times with Luke Daley wading in with a brace. Eight of the goals came in the second half. What made the victory even sweeter was the return of boss Paddy McBride after a long illness. Paddy was back to
Puzzle & Quiz Answers Crossword
Sudoko
By Mick Titherington
his best and this victory could have only added to his delight at being back in harness. Great to have you back, Paddy! Stoneycroft will be hoping this is a good omen and that they can now turn out a solid run of games and good results to put them firmly in touch with the leaders.
Quizzes general knowledge 1. Charles Dickens 2. Three 3. Norway 4. Balthazar 5. Myrrh 6. Nutcracker 7. Advent 8. Epiphany 9. Oliver Cromwell 10. Germany
music quiz 1. St Winifred’s School Choir 2. Rage Against The Machine 3. East17 4. Eight 5. Merry Xmas Everybody 6. Wonderful Christmas Time by Paul McCartney 7. Kylie 8. Mistletoe and Wine 9. Cream 10. Bob the Builder
Kids page answers: presents, baubles, turkey, cards, snow, holly and ivy . Extra letter answer: ribbon.
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Pap your Pets Seasons Greetings pet fans! Here are this month’s furry friends for you all to enjoy. The winner gets a £25 voucher for The Vet Liverpool. Think your pet has got what it takes? Pap your pet and send their pic and name plus your name, address and phone number to: complink@yahoo.com. All entries must be with us by Tuesday 11th January and please send one photo of your pet only.
Albie exhausted after a hard day chasing flies
Luka wins the prize for proudest owner of a blue ball
Angus rocks the Spooky Halloween Black Cat look
Suki is very busy - please call back later
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Smudge showing us orange in clearly in this season
Cross is beach body ready all year round
6-month-old Taybalt and their magnificent ears
George & Jessy in the only derby that matters
Winnie enjoying her first time pumpkin picking
Winner
of a £25 pet voucher This month’s winner is Peggy - our judge loved that she is just as cute upside down as well as right side up. Peggy gets a £25 voucher - well done! This month’s Pap Your Pets is kindly sponsored by The Vet Liverpool, Lorenzo Drive, Liverpool, L11 1BQ.
dog of the month NAME: Conker BREED: Staffy Cross AGE: Almost 10 Conker is a smashing lad, who gets along well with people and loves to have you throw toys for him so that he can tease you and make you think he’s bringing them back when he has absolutely no intention! He is very easygoing and walks beautifully, but doesn’t like to be around other animals. Ideally, his new home would be free of dogs either side, but definitely one without visiting wildlife, else he will let his objections be heard. He’s an older lad at 10 years, and he’s better suited to living with children who are of high school age, rather than younger ones. Conker is house trained and fine to be left alone for a couple of hours once he has settled in. If you think Conker could be the four-legged friend you are looking for, you can find out more by visiting Dogs Trust Merseyside’s page at www.dogstrust.org.uk. You can also follow the doggy ‘tails’ on Twitter @DT_Merseyside and Instagram, @dogstrust_merseyside.
cat of the month This is Handsome Ted, he’s 4 years old and looking for a home. He can be nervous and so he’ll need an adult onIy home with a family who are used to cats. If you think you could offer Ted, or any of our other cats, the home they deserve, then please do get in touch! For adoption enquiries please also contact Garston Animal Rescue on 07745 167170. Many thanks to The LINK for their continued support in helping us to find homes for stray and abandoned animals in Merseyside, we couldn’t manage without you.
Dog Walker Pet Minder Dog Groomer Advertise on our Pets page from £30 Call 07930 654264 for details. 23 23
Christmas
General Knowledge & Music Quiz 1. Who wrote the book ‘A Christmas Carol’? (a) Jane Austen (b) Charlotte Bronte (c) Charles Dickens 2. In the Xmas carol ‘The 12 Days of Xmas’, how many French hens did my true love send to me? 3. The Xmas tree in Trafalgar Square is an annual gift from which country? (a) Denmark (b) Norway (c) Sweden 4. The ‘Three Wise Men’ were named Caspar, Melchior and who else? 5. What gifts did they bring – gold, frankincense and what else? 6. Which ballet, set to music by Tchaikovsky, is based on a girl’s Christmas present (a doll) coming to life? (a) The Nutcracker (b) Sleeping Beauty (c) Swan Lake
1. Who had the ‘Xmas No. 1’ in 1980? (a) Flying Pickets (‘Only You’) (b) Johnny Mathis (‘When a Child is Born’) (c) St Winifred’s School Choir (‘There’s No One Quite Like Grandma’) 2. Which band scored an unlikely Christmas No. 1 in 2009 thanks to a public revolt against winners of ‘The X Factor’? 3. Which boy band had the UK Christmas Number one spot in 1994 with ‘Stay Another Day’? 4. How many ‘las’ are after the ‘fa’ in ‘Deck the Halls’? 5. What was the name of Slade’s no. 1 Xmas hit in 1973? (since re-released on several occasions?
7. What is the name given to the religious period which commences on the 4th Sunday before Christmas?
6. Which famous Christmas song begins with the lyrics: ‘the mood is right, the spirit’s up, we’re here tonight and that’s enough’?
8. What is the name given to the religious period which commences 12 days after Christmas Day (6 Jan.)?
7. Eartha Kitt had a hit with Santa Baby in the 1950s. Who re-recorded it in 2003?
9. Who was responsible for banning Christmas between 1647 and 1660? (a) Oliver Cromwell (b) Queen Elizabeth I (c) Henry VIII?
8. What was the name of Cliff Richard’s ‘Xmas No. 1’ in 1988?
10. In which European country is the tradition of erecting Christmas trees said to have originated? (a) France (b) Germany (c) Spain?
Solutions on page 21
9. Which late 60’s rock group had a minor hit with ‘Wrapping Paper’? 10. What had the ‘Xmas No. 1’ in 2000? (a) Bob the Builder (‘Can We Fix It’) (b) Girls Aloud (‘Sound of the Underground’) (c) Cliff Richard (‘The Millennium Prayer’)
For Sale Items Swift Stroller/pushchair from ‘Babies R us. Hardly used. £40. Slow Cooker in excellent condition (with instructions) Cordon Bleu 3 litre. £20. Bundle of used false nail supplies including new gel lamp. Ideal student/starter kit £85. Brand new in box 20 piece. French Trianon white dinner service by Arcopal £23. T: 0151 722 4122
Induction Hob - NEW. Unused. £40. M: 07949 317661
2 Adult Bikes. £5 each. 2 Coffee Tables, 2 mirrors + floor lamp £20. No texts please. M: 07554 215987
M & S ladies navy wool mix duffle coat. Size 14. Nearly new £15. M & S ladies pastel pink gillet. Size 12. As new. £10. M: 07941 348003
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Morphy Richards Trouser Press £15. M: 07964 465236 Flymo E280 Hovermower. Used twice. £40. T: 0151 722 4091
Collectors Spanish doll. 19”, beautifully dressed in red. £20. Mobility three wheeler £20 as new. Ladies genuine leather handbags, never used. £15 each. One black, one white. T: 0151 254 1930 Large family solid wood black dining table with glass shelf and chrome legs. Very heavy! 6 black leather chairs with chrome legs. Immaculate condition. £250. M: 07526 677517. Modern Sofa Bed. Never used. Colour Taupe. £100 No offers. Buyer collects. M: 07948 562135
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Locate Lily LINK and win £10 Lily Link is hiding on a page in LINK, tell us which page. Send your name, address and telephone number along with the page number to: Lily Link Comp Liverpool LINK, P.O. Box 170, Liverpool L25 7WX by Thursday 13th January.
Last month’s winner is J Roberts, L16.
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Croxteth Hall Lane, L11 Ellerslie Road, L13
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Coronation Drive, L14
£160,000
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