by James Edgar, Yorkshire Evening Post
A boxing club in Leeds is celebrating the end of a mighty year in the Thai martial art of Muay Thai, after fighters won regional competitions and a British title.
Stuart Kemp, 24, of Pudsey, won the British super-welterweight title on November 18 at the Batley Frontier, and Phil Burke, 36, of Kirkstall, is the Northern area cruiserweight champion, a title he won in Manchester on October 14.
Kemp is also Northern area champion and golden belt Area Champion. They train at the West Yorkshire Muay Thai gym, which was formed last August by Mike Tobin, 41, of Pudsey.
TechniquesMore than 60 adults and 25 children train at the Armley club and nearly 20 take part in competitive fights.
Mr Tobin, who was twice British champion during his 20-year career, refers to Muay Thai as the science of eight limbs because fighters use elbows and knees as well as punching and kicking techniques. He believes thai boxing motivates children and encourages them to stay out of trouble.
He said: “It gets kids off the streets and it really disciplines them. Martial arts is about much more than just punching and kicking, it’s about leadership and courage.
“I’m not trying to turn young kids into street fighters, I’m trying to give them the support and discipline that will keep them off the streets.”
Mr Tobin has noticed there are far fewer boxing clubs in Leeds than when he started the sport. He said: “Where else can these kids go? When I was a young, there were lots of boxing
clubs for us to go to. But there aren’t any more.”
Leeds-based security firm, Network Securities, has donated over £4,000 this year for equipment and maintenance of the gym. And Christmas came early when the firm gave sponsored tracksuits and t-shirts in November for the fighters to wear in competitions, costing over £1,500.
Glen Crosthwaite, managing director of Network Securities, is a keen fighter and coach at the gym and was once a British champion himself.
He said: “To be good at martial arts takes a lot of commitment and dedication not just from the pupil but from the teacher and Mike Tobin gives young people and adults bucket loads of both, which is why Network Securities are helping with the funding and the West Yorkshire Muay Thai gym in Armley.”
The pair are currently planning for a professional coach to come from Thailand to teach for three months in the New Year.
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/City39s-martial-arts-club-39boxing.3607629.jp
Thursday, 20 December 2007
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Monday, 17 December 2007
Witches add Kop heroes to fundraising brew
by James Edgar, Liverpool Echo
WIVES of ex-Liverpool football players are teaming up to raise money for a children’s hospice.
Kop legends Bruce Grobbelaar and David Johnson will give after-dinner speeches at the fundraiser in the Champions Suite at Liverpool’s stadium.
Soccer stars past and present are expected to be among the 300 guests in January.
The event is being organised by WAG charity club the Wirral Witches (Women In Touch with Claire House), which hopes to raise a five-figure sum for the hospice.
Current “witches” include Andrea Barnes, Tracy Rush, Debbie Thomas, Karen Durnin and Lisa McAteer, wives of ex-Liverpool stars John Barnes, Ian Rush, Michael Thomas, John Durnin and Jason McAteer.
Mandy Molby, wife of Jan Molby, who came up with the idea of Wirral Witches, said: “All the witches are really supportive and it’s a great way of fundraising for a good charity.”
There will be a three-course dinner, dancing, music and entertainment from radio presenter and comedian Willie Miller, and all the proceeds from the auction and raffle will go to Claire House.
Top lots include the Ultimate Anfield Experience, involving a tour of the stadium and a training session at the academy.
Shirts signed by Liverpool aces Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher will be auctioned as well as donations from jewellery designer Christopher James and Estee Lauder.
Formed in August, the Witches group has more than 50 members and has already raised nearly £70,000 from a celebrity football match and dinner in November.
Subscription is just £1 per week, and each witch must host one charity event a year.
Mrs Molby said: “It’s going to be a great party. That’s the best thing about it.
“If I can’t do anything else, I can throw a really good party.”
Claire House Children’s Hospice in Wirral relies entirely on charitable donations of £2m per year.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2007/12/17/witches-add-kop-heroes-to-fundraising-brew-100252-20260978/
WIVES of ex-Liverpool football players are teaming up to raise money for a children’s hospice.
Kop legends Bruce Grobbelaar and David Johnson will give after-dinner speeches at the fundraiser in the Champions Suite at Liverpool’s stadium.
Soccer stars past and present are expected to be among the 300 guests in January.
The event is being organised by WAG charity club the Wirral Witches (Women In Touch with Claire House), which hopes to raise a five-figure sum for the hospice.
Current “witches” include Andrea Barnes, Tracy Rush, Debbie Thomas, Karen Durnin and Lisa McAteer, wives of ex-Liverpool stars John Barnes, Ian Rush, Michael Thomas, John Durnin and Jason McAteer.
Mandy Molby, wife of Jan Molby, who came up with the idea of Wirral Witches, said: “All the witches are really supportive and it’s a great way of fundraising for a good charity.”
There will be a three-course dinner, dancing, music and entertainment from radio presenter and comedian Willie Miller, and all the proceeds from the auction and raffle will go to Claire House.
Top lots include the Ultimate Anfield Experience, involving a tour of the stadium and a training session at the academy.
Shirts signed by Liverpool aces Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher will be auctioned as well as donations from jewellery designer Christopher James and Estee Lauder.
Formed in August, the Witches group has more than 50 members and has already raised nearly £70,000 from a celebrity football match and dinner in November.
Subscription is just £1 per week, and each witch must host one charity event a year.
Mrs Molby said: “It’s going to be a great party. That’s the best thing about it.
“If I can’t do anything else, I can throw a really good party.”
Claire House Children’s Hospice in Wirral relies entirely on charitable donations of £2m per year.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2007/12/17/witches-add-kop-heroes-to-fundraising-brew-100252-20260978/
Friday, 14 December 2007
Steadfast scousers and the Sun
For those that aren't familiar with the story, the Sun newspaper reported that Liverpool football fans pickpocketed crushed victims and urinated on police at the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989.
96 people died in the tragedy.
I'm not going to speculate on the validity of the claims made by the Sun, but the people of Liverpool staunchly denied them and were deeply offended.
The newspaper was immediately boycotted and its name is still frowned upon by many.
But I hadn't realised the the Sun was still such an unmentionable and unbuyable paper in the city nearly 20 years on. Offence is still taken by Liverpudlians when the disaster is mentioned.
For example, in November, Eastenders found themselves in hot water after a character linked Hillsborough to hooliganism. The BBC had over 1000 complaints.
So the disaster is still a source for stories, particularly in the local press.
And it's not just Liverpool FC supporters that hate the newspaper. Evertonians stand by their rivals, as well as non-football supporters, in condemnation of the Sun.
You can buy the Sun from newsagents, but there are far fewer copies than the Echo and national tabloids.
I have tried to dig around for regional sales figures for newspapers to provide solid evidence, but my research has proved fruitless.
I have still been buying the Sun while I have been up here on work experience (at full price by the way - is it still 20p in London?) but I have to fold it into another paper or put it into my bag to avoid stares and eyebrow-raising.
I have to admire the scousers for their support and solidarity, but I'm afraid I still need my daily fix.
96 people died in the tragedy.
I'm not going to speculate on the validity of the claims made by the Sun, but the people of Liverpool staunchly denied them and were deeply offended.
The newspaper was immediately boycotted and its name is still frowned upon by many.
But I hadn't realised the the Sun was still such an unmentionable and unbuyable paper in the city nearly 20 years on. Offence is still taken by Liverpudlians when the disaster is mentioned.
For example, in November, Eastenders found themselves in hot water after a character linked Hillsborough to hooliganism. The BBC had over 1000 complaints.
So the disaster is still a source for stories, particularly in the local press.
And it's not just Liverpool FC supporters that hate the newspaper. Evertonians stand by their rivals, as well as non-football supporters, in condemnation of the Sun.
You can buy the Sun from newsagents, but there are far fewer copies than the Echo and national tabloids.
I have tried to dig around for regional sales figures for newspapers to provide solid evidence, but my research has proved fruitless.
I have still been buying the Sun while I have been up here on work experience (at full price by the way - is it still 20p in London?) but I have to fold it into another paper or put it into my bag to avoid stares and eyebrow-raising.
I have to admire the scousers for their support and solidarity, but I'm afraid I still need my daily fix.
The North/South divide
The North/South divide is a subject I’ve come to be familiar with over the last few years. Although Leeds University is more like a north-London transplant, I managed to befriend a good proportion of the northern students during the three years I was there. And living and working in Leeds for a year after I graduated, having a season ticket for the Rhinos and playing water polo for the city, I actually spoke to people from the north – something the vast majority of students never did.
I even lived with a northerner last year, which was great after we established a few house rules – such as using cutlery and the lavatory, and not speaking in grunts. (Before I go any further, that was a JOKE! - I say this mainly because I can only imagine the sadistic plans Fay and Shep are scheming as they read this!)
Joking and northerner-bating aside, I'm actually writing to say I think there is a strong bias towards the south in national newspapers. And I don't think it's right at all. I do understand the pretty obvious reason that all nationals are based in London, and most of the reporters, editors, subs etc etc are from down south, but they should be much more aware of what is going on north of Luton.
From what I gather by talking to northerners, they don't buy nationals because they don't feel any connection with them at all. Why would they buy a paper that may as well be called The London Loop? This is probably why papers such as the Liverpool Echo and Manchester Evening News aren't doing too badly in these slash-and-burn days.
I even lived with a northerner last year, which was great after we established a few house rules – such as using cutlery and the lavatory, and not speaking in grunts. (Before I go any further, that was a JOKE! - I say this mainly because I can only imagine the sadistic plans Fay and Shep are scheming as they read this!)
Joking and northerner-bating aside, I'm actually writing to say I think there is a strong bias towards the south in national newspapers. And I don't think it's right at all. I do understand the pretty obvious reason that all nationals are based in London, and most of the reporters, editors, subs etc etc are from down south, but they should be much more aware of what is going on north of Luton.
From what I gather by talking to northerners, they don't buy nationals because they don't feel any connection with them at all. Why would they buy a paper that may as well be called The London Loop? This is probably why papers such as the Liverpool Echo and Manchester Evening News aren't doing too badly in these slash-and-burn days.
Alder Hey kids dream of a Reds Christmas
by James Edgar, Liverpool Echo
REDS stars laden with presents visited patients at Alder Hey children’s hospital.
Manager Rafa Benitez and his Kop stars signed autographs for youngsters and posed for pictures.
Peter Crouch, Harry Kewell and Sami Hyppia were among the Liverpool first-team players to swop their red shirts for red Santa hats for the visit.
They took gifts such as teddies, scarves and calendars to the youngsters – some of whom will spend Christmas in Alder Hey.
Dirk Kuyt’s son was admitted to the hospital in West Derby shortly after he was born earlier this year.
The 27-year-old Holland striker said: “They do wonderful things for these children.
“It's great that we can walk into the ward and help the kids forget about their problems for a while.
“It was good to have a chat with them and sign autographs.”
Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan said: “I think it's really important that the lads come here and do what we can for these kids at this time of year.
“It's nice that we’ve been able to come and put smiles on their faces.
“It's a difficult time for them being in hospital but if us coming along and giving them a present from the club cheers them up then that makes it all worthwhile for us.”
Holland midfielder Ryan Babel said: “It's a really emotional experience. If we can give these kids the inspiration and faith to help with their healing then that's great.
“These kids have dreams as well and even though they're in hospital, hopefully they'll soon be able to get out and realise their ambitions.”
Even Everton fans were pleased to see the Liverpool stars.
Kuyt said: “We came across a few Evertonians as well which was fun and we did our best to change them.”
Spokeswoman for the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal Chris Done said: “It was a fantastic visit and it leaves the patients with a great feeling.
“This year was really special because it was the first time Rafa Benitez came and his visit went down so well with the children.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re a Red or a Blue. There was loads of banter and it’s all taken with really good heart.”
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-life/liverpool-lifestyle/2007/12/15/alder-hey-kids-dream-of-a-reds-christmas-100252-20252585/
REDS stars laden with presents visited patients at Alder Hey children’s hospital.
Manager Rafa Benitez and his Kop stars signed autographs for youngsters and posed for pictures.
Peter Crouch, Harry Kewell and Sami Hyppia were among the Liverpool first-team players to swop their red shirts for red Santa hats for the visit.
They took gifts such as teddies, scarves and calendars to the youngsters – some of whom will spend Christmas in Alder Hey.
Dirk Kuyt’s son was admitted to the hospital in West Derby shortly after he was born earlier this year.
The 27-year-old Holland striker said: “They do wonderful things for these children.
“It's great that we can walk into the ward and help the kids forget about their problems for a while.
“It was good to have a chat with them and sign autographs.”
Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan said: “I think it's really important that the lads come here and do what we can for these kids at this time of year.
“It's nice that we’ve been able to come and put smiles on their faces.
“It's a difficult time for them being in hospital but if us coming along and giving them a present from the club cheers them up then that makes it all worthwhile for us.”
Holland midfielder Ryan Babel said: “It's a really emotional experience. If we can give these kids the inspiration and faith to help with their healing then that's great.
“These kids have dreams as well and even though they're in hospital, hopefully they'll soon be able to get out and realise their ambitions.”
Even Everton fans were pleased to see the Liverpool stars.
Kuyt said: “We came across a few Evertonians as well which was fun and we did our best to change them.”
Spokeswoman for the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal Chris Done said: “It was a fantastic visit and it leaves the patients with a great feeling.
“This year was really special because it was the first time Rafa Benitez came and his visit went down so well with the children.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re a Red or a Blue. There was loads of banter and it’s all taken with really good heart.”
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-life/liverpool-lifestyle/2007/12/15/alder-hey-kids-dream-of-a-reds-christmas-100252-20252585/
Thursday, 13 December 2007
Santa drops in to Alder Hey by helicopter
by James Edgar, Liverpool Echo
FATHER Christmas swopped his sleigh for a helicopter to deliver presents to children at Liverpool’s Alder Hey hospital.
Helped by Royal Air Force personnel, Santa swooped down in a Sea King helicopter laden with gifts.
Sgt Tony Tyrer, whose four-and-a-half-month-old daughter Emily tragically died at the hospital, teamed up with Costco to donate presents and a £1,000 cheque to the intensive care unit.
Over 50 more gifts for children on other wards were bought with donations from RAF bases across the UK.
Flight Lieutenant Diane Carbutt, a spokeswoman for the RAF in Liverpool, said: “It’s sad to see so many children in hospital over Christmas, but seeing the smiles on the children and staff’s faces when Santa arrives is so worthwhile.
“RAF personnel in the area are so eager to get involved every year and many help behind the scenes purchasing and wrapping over 200 presents.”
Alder Hey spokeswoman Emma White said: “It really brightens up the day of the children.
“For some of them who are really poorly, it’s the first time they’ve smiled in days.”
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-entertainment/christmas/2007/12/13/santa-drops-in-to-alder-hey-by-helicopter-100252-20244027/
FATHER Christmas swopped his sleigh for a helicopter to deliver presents to children at Liverpool’s Alder Hey hospital.
Helped by Royal Air Force personnel, Santa swooped down in a Sea King helicopter laden with gifts.
Sgt Tony Tyrer, whose four-and-a-half-month-old daughter Emily tragically died at the hospital, teamed up with Costco to donate presents and a £1,000 cheque to the intensive care unit.
Over 50 more gifts for children on other wards were bought with donations from RAF bases across the UK.
Flight Lieutenant Diane Carbutt, a spokeswoman for the RAF in Liverpool, said: “It’s sad to see so many children in hospital over Christmas, but seeing the smiles on the children and staff’s faces when Santa arrives is so worthwhile.
“RAF personnel in the area are so eager to get involved every year and many help behind the scenes purchasing and wrapping over 200 presents.”
Alder Hey spokeswoman Emma White said: “It really brightens up the day of the children.
“For some of them who are really poorly, it’s the first time they’ve smiled in days.”
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-entertainment/christmas/2007/12/13/santa-drops-in-to-alder-hey-by-helicopter-100252-20244027/
Saturday, 8 December 2007
Centre to bring estate new hope
by James Edgar, Liverpool Echo
CAMPAIGNERS were celebrating today after winning their long-running battle to rebuild a crime-ridden row of derelict shops.
Empty buildings at the heart of Deysbrook had become a haven for drug users, vandalism and anti-social crime.
But it took residents 10 years to realise their dream of turning the derelict shops into a new community centre.
And it came just two years after it appeared the whole project was on the brink of collapse when a £245,000 government grant seemed to have been lost.
Councillor Ann Hines, who helped lead the campaign, said: “Change doesn’t happen overnight and we’re now starting to see the fruits. I’m delighted for the people living there.”
Campaigners hope the new £500,000 Deysbrook Village Centre, in Deysbrook Way, will become the hub of the once crime-ridden area.
Two days of celebration kicked off yesterday with Cllr Peter Millea cutting the ribbon.
Children from the new on-site nursery performed songs and dances for the crowd and got the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto. And there was bingo for the over-50s.
Cllr Hines said: “The estate within West Derby was in desperate need of regeneration.
“The Deysbrook Village Centre will add to the quality of life for the people living there. It’s part of the regeneration of the area and I hope it will be right at the heart of the community.”
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/12/08/centre-to-bring-estate-new-hope-100252-20220802/
CAMPAIGNERS were celebrating today after winning their long-running battle to rebuild a crime-ridden row of derelict shops.
Empty buildings at the heart of Deysbrook had become a haven for drug users, vandalism and anti-social crime.
But it took residents 10 years to realise their dream of turning the derelict shops into a new community centre.
And it came just two years after it appeared the whole project was on the brink of collapse when a £245,000 government grant seemed to have been lost.
Councillor Ann Hines, who helped lead the campaign, said: “Change doesn’t happen overnight and we’re now starting to see the fruits. I’m delighted for the people living there.”
Campaigners hope the new £500,000 Deysbrook Village Centre, in Deysbrook Way, will become the hub of the once crime-ridden area.
Two days of celebration kicked off yesterday with Cllr Peter Millea cutting the ribbon.
Children from the new on-site nursery performed songs and dances for the crowd and got the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto. And there was bingo for the over-50s.
Cllr Hines said: “The estate within West Derby was in desperate need of regeneration.
“The Deysbrook Village Centre will add to the quality of life for the people living there. It’s part of the regeneration of the area and I hope it will be right at the heart of the community.”
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/12/08/centre-to-bring-estate-new-hope-100252-20220802/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)