Knowsley Online

Learn how to grow your own.

A new project is underway to teach local people how to grow their own and transform derelict land in Knowsley.

Knowsley Adult Learning Partnership (ALP) has been given £150,000 from the Government to teach adults how to grow vegetables, plants and flowers.

The Growing Places students will work on disused land across the borough in a free course that will last around six or seven months.

It is part of the Government’s Learning Revolution, to encourage adults to learn for pleasure rather than just for exams and in a relaxed setting.

“The students will learn how to grow things they can eat, exhibit or sell,” said Cllr Graham Wright, Knowsley’s cabinet member for Children and Family Services.

“Some of the students might simply be interested in turning a local eyesore into something better.

Knowsley Residents Get Energy Smart

Knowsley residents can learn how to stay warm, keep fuel bills low and deal with debt at local ‘Get Energy Smart’ events.

Knowsley Council and its partners are using the ‘Get Energy Smart’ events to raise awareness of the problems facing local people who may struggle to affordably heat their homes and the role that energy efficiency can play in making their homes warmer, more comfortable and easier to heat.

Residents will have access to energy saving hints and tips, fuel switching information and fuel debt advice. There will also be information to help people to stay healthy in the cold weather, keep their home warm and advice on benefit entitlement.

There will also be the chance to sample some soup and learn how to eat healthy on a budget, with help of goody bags from Squash Nutrition.

The events will take place in Halewood, Stockbridge Village and Prescot on:

• Tuesday 17 November 10am – 2pm, New Hutte Community Centre, Lichfield Road, Halewood
• Thursday 19 November, 10am to 3pm, The Space Building, Waterpark Drive, (next to St Brigid’s School), Stockbridge Village.
• Thursday 26 November, 11am to 2pm, Cables Football Club, Eaton Street, Prescot.

For more information about the Get Energy Smart events please contact Sally Carter on 443 2216 or sally.carter@knowsley.gov.uk

A primary school in Halewood has been praised by education inspectors.

The Holy Family Catholic School in Arncliffe Road had two inspections, to look at the way religious education and science are taught.

Inspectors for the Archdiocese of Liverpool gave it top marks for religious education and said “teaching and learning is outstanding overall”

Their report also said leadership and management were “outstanding” and that there was a clear vision for the subject.

It added: “The learning needs of all children, including those who are more able, are addressed through outstanding use of creative learning and teaching strategies”

Their report states that the 245-pupil school, “has policies with clear aims and practical objectives, to support spiritual and moral development..

“These are very obviously lived out in the daily life of the school.”

A report by the Government inspection body OFSTED into the way science was taught, said the school was effective and the pupils achieved good results that were above the national average.

It said that all groups of children - boys, girls and ethnic minorities - made equal progress and their work was good and assessed well.

The report added: “Pupils’ behaviour in class is very good. They listen well to each other, co-operate well and work with enthusiasm.”

Holy Family head teacher Carroll Hamilton said: “I am delighted that two inspections have praised the education we are giving our pupils in these two important areas”.

“A lot of hard work goes on throughout the year, from the teachers, pupils and governors and to have our achievements recognised makes a real difference.”

Are you registered to vote?

Residents in Halewood are encouraged to make sure they are eligible to vote in a forthcoming by-election.

A councillor for the Halewood South ward will be elected on Thursday 26 November 2009.

Electors who are eligible to vote should now have received their polling card. If not, residents can check they are on the electoral register by contacting the helpline number below.

People who wish to vote by post in this by-election need to request a postal vote application form in time to complete and return it by the deadline, Wednesday 11 November 2009.

All residents who wish to apply for a postal vote or have any queries about voting in this by-election should telephone the helpline on 0151 443 2222.

Knowsley Council is reminding residents who wish to vote by post to be aware of the potential delays in the postal service, as a result of the industrial action currently being taken by members of the Communication Workers Union.

Postal votes can be taken in person to Knowsley Council’s One Stop Shop in Halewood and Huyton.

The candidates in the Halewood South By-election are:

Carl Robert Cross (Conservative)
Allan Harvey (Labour)
Eric Arthur McIntosh (TUSP)
Tommy Moretta (Liberal Democrat)
Andy Thompson (Independent)
Tony Ward (British National Party)

Hark the ‘Hail’wood Angels Sing!

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra returns for its annual Christmas concert ‘The Holly and the Ivy’ hosted on Friday 11th December in Halewood.

Knowsley Arts and Heritage service are proud to announce a new venue for the Christmas festivities this year, the new Halewood Centre for

Learning, a fantastic arts college with enhanced opportunities in performing arts subjects.

Students from Halewood Centre for Learning and local primary schools will be joining forces with the orchestra to bring a show stopping performance of traditional Christmas delights such as ‘Walking in the Air’ and ‘Jingle Bells’

This unique performance not only provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to showcase their talents, but also gives local people the chance to experience a unique concert that combines local talent with a fantastic established orchestra and conductor Timothy Henty.

Doors open at 7pm, concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £6.50 for adults and £3.50 for concessions. FREE parking is also available at the venue.

• Tickets are available from:Halewood Town Centre.
• The Halewood Centre, Roseheath Drive, Halewood, Tel: 0151 443 2063
• Prescot Museum, Church Street, Prescot, Tel: 0151 430 7787
• Halewood Centre for Learning, The Avenue, Wood Road, Tel: 0151 477 8830

Order,order,order

Budding young politicians in Knowsley have been given an exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ look at how the Council operates.

Pupils from All Saints in Kirkby and the Halewood Centre for Learning visited Knowsley Council as part of Local Democracy Week.

During their visit, the pupils learnt about the political history of the Borough, were given a tour of the Mayoral Parlour and Council Chamber and found out about the importance of Electoral Registration and voting.

The youngsters, who are members of their School Council, also took the opportunity to quiz the Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Dave Smithson, and Cabinet Member, Cllr Ken Keith, on a wide range of topics including the roles of the Mayor and Elected Members and how Knowsley’s new Learning Centres originated.

Liam Corrigan, 14, is a pupil at All Saints in Kirkby. He said: “It is a really good insight into what happens inside the Council and I found the visit really interesting, particularly being able to see how the Council makes decisions and I also enjoyed seeing the Council Chamber and the Mayor’s Parlour.”

Cllr Ken Keith, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services, said: “This has been a really worthwhile experience, not just for the pupils but also for the Council. It is extremely important and useful for us to engage with the young people of Knowsley and hear their views. These youngsters will be eligible to vote in a few years and it is good that they know more about the Council and the democratic process.

“I was very impressed by the level of interest they showed during their visit and by the questions they asked me.”
 

 Cllr Ken Keith and the Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Dave Smithson, with pupils from All Saints in Kirkby inside the Council Chamber.

Halewood are ‘O’lympic Champs!

Team Halewood are hailed victorious for the second year running as they win the Older People’s Fun ‘O’lympics held on Friday (25 September) at Kirkby Leisure Centre.

The event was a massive success, with over 160 participants turning out to support the four teams Huyton, Halewood, Kirkby and Prescot as they competed for the title of ‘O’lympic champions.

The event kicked off with each team taking centre stage to sing their own ‘local anthem’ in true Olympic style, surrounded by hand made banners and family & friends who turned up to show their support. Once each team had sung it was time to take their places for the games to commence.

Rivalry was in the air as the teams competed against each other in activities such as table tennis, darts, welly throwing and scrabble. All teams competed very well during the competition and much fun was had by all.

Cllr Eddie Connor, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Community and Culture was at the event cheering on the teams said “The Fun Olympics have been fantastic this year; I particularly liked the customised anthems! And all the teams looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

“The aim of the training sessions and the Fun ‘O’lympics is to give older people the chance to represent their local area, meet new friends and stay active whilst having fun at the same time and I hope the participants continue with the training sessions after the Olympics.”

Dr Diana Forrest, Knowsley’s Director of Public Health said “The number of participants and volunteers involved in the Fun Olympics is fantastic to see. The look of pride on the participant’s faces was amazing and contributed to the excellent atmosphere on the day.

“It is great to see people enjoying activity that supports their physical and mental wellbeing, confirming that regular exercise can be part of a fun and sociable lifestyle. We believe that the Older People’s Fun ‘O’lympics is something which could be rolled out nationally.”

The trainings sessions will continue after the FUN ‘O’lympics to encourage people to stay active and improve their health and wellbeing.

Training sessions will take place:

• Kirkby Leisure Centre – Wednesdays, 1pm – 4pm
• Halewood Leisure Centre – Wednesdays, 10.30am – 12p
•  Whiston Willis (Space and Arts Building) – Thursdays, 1pm – 3pm
• Huyton Leisure Centre – Thursdays, 1pm – 3pm

For more information on any Sports Development’s Older People’s sessions, please contact Michelle Gilmurray on 0151 443 5894.

A Level success for Knowsley’s students

A teenager with Down’s Syndrome and a girl who recently suffered a brain tumour are amongst the Knowsley students celebrating A level success.

Sophie Hughes, who has Down’s and is a student at Halewood Centre for Learning, achieved a C grade in Textiles at AS level and an E.in Dance.

Natalie Moor missed months of her education at Halewood when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

She came away today with a B in A level English Literature, a B in Textiles and a C in Media.- she put her success down to the support of staff when times were difficult.

Fellow Halewood student Michael Hayden got an A in English Language and Bs in English Literature and History.

Results show 96.6% of students from across Knowsley gained A level pass grades, an increase of 3% on last year.

Cllr Graham Wright, Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services, said:

“Congratulations to all the students from Knowsley who have worked so hard and done so well in this year’s A levels.

“It is wonderful to see the borough’s young people being motivated to do well in these qualifications. They deserve great praise for their efforts and I hope they will go on to achieve great things.

“These results also demonstrate the commitment and hard work of all our teaching professionals and our highly successful 14-19 collegiate system.”

Damian Allen, Executive Director of Children and Family Services, said:

“Our students and teachers have done the borough proud with these results. On behalf of everyone involved with education in Knowsley,

I wish the students all the very best in their future, whether they go on to higher education or choose to take their first steps on the career ladder.

“Our young people should be commended for their hard work, not just at A level but in other qualifications such as BTEC and other vocational qualifications. They are supported by committed teachers and our highly successful 14-19 collegiate system.”

Halewood Centre for Learning students Sophie Hughes, Natalie Moor and Michael Hayden celebrate their A level results

A summer of fun in Knowsley

Are you aged 12-19?

Do you get bored in the summer holidays?

Sick of the same old same old?

Would you like to do something different?

Knowsley is seeking young people to get involved in drama, music and dance workshops to create a performance masterpiece.

The workshops take place Tuesdays to Thursdays on the11-13th, 18th - 20th and 25th-27th August at Christ the King Centre for Learning in Huyton and Halewood Centre for Learning in Halewood.

For more details or to book your place contact Leanne or Katy at Knowsley Arts and Heritage Service on 0151 443 5619 or email arts.unit@knowsley.gov.uk

Need a hand getting there? Please call and we will do our best to provide transport.

Be a part of a FREE exciting project!

Back to school in the summer!

If you are looking for something fun to do during the school holidays, going back to school might not be the first thing you think of.

But in Knowsley, the centres for learning are just the place to be to find a fantastic variety of summer activities for all the family.

Huyton’s Christ the King Centre for Learning, and Halewood Centre for Learning are offering residents a whole range of free activities for all ages throughout the summer holidays.

Whatever you are into, there’s sure to be something for everyone. From card making and family cookery, to sign language and DJ sessions, you can try your hand at a new skill or enjoy a favourite pastime. By simply attending any of the activities, you will have the chance to enter a prize draw where you and your family could win mountain bikes.

Cllr Wright, Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services said “The new Centres for Learning are there for the benefit of all ages. Each centre boasts excellent facilities for a range of activities and it seems a shame to keep these closed during the holidays.”

“By opening the centres throughout the summer, it not only makes best use out of them, but will hopefully bring families together, learning a new skill or hobby along the way”.

For more information, please ring 443 4561 for adult education or 443 4687 for other enquiries. Also ring this number if you are interested in booking a facility for your group, club, class or meeting. Excellent discounts apply.

You can also find out about events taking place in Knowsley during the summer holidays by following www.twitter.com/plingsknowsley.