The National Conservation Centre has officially closed its doors to the public.
The institute, which is part of National Museums Liverpool, suffered as part of the governments latest round of cuts and opened for the last time on the 17th December 2010.
The centre, which relies on almost 95% Government funding, was ear-marked initially as a potential money-saver in George Osborne’s spending review.
Spokesman for National Museums Liverpool, Dickie Felton highlighted the desire within the company to save jobs.
“Our aim is to keep the jobs of the wonderful people who work for us” he said.
Mr Felton went on to explain how the institution never expected to close its doors just a couple of years ago.
He said: “Unfortunately that’s just the way things go. When you see the economy taking a hit like we have, then you always fear the worst for places like us.
“One of our key mandates is to allow free public entry and that won’t change, but as we rely so much on government funding and grants, it’s hard to keep your head above water.”
One shining light through the murky world of spending cutbacks is that the Whitechapel building will still operate behind closed doors where the crucial work is done.
Although the National Conservation Centre was only created in the 90’s, its life span to the public looks short lived. Whether there is a future for the centre, is up to the board of trustees to find out.
Dr David Fleming, NML Director said: “We bitterly regret having to close one of our venues to visitors but this is the harsh reality of government cuts. If you cut public spending there is pain for the public.”
The NCC has staged exhibitions for the last 14 years, and the closure of the public area released 10% of the space available to the rest of conservation department.
Dr Fleming said that the team of executives had ‘scrutinised’ every aspect of National Museums Liverpool to make savings but decisions like the one being made cannot be avoided.
He said: “We said that a 15% reduction in our funding would have grave implications for us being able to maintain our world class museums and galleries. We are now seeing the impact in terms of a venue closure, following the loss of a number of posts through a voluntary severance scheme”.
Dr Fleming stressed that despite budget cuts, all the remaining venues will remain free, which includes threatened locations such as Sudley House and The Piermasters House.
Staff at Sudley House were relieved to avoid cuts, and Lisa Dalton, who works part-time on the reception at the listed building said: “Me and the rest of the guys are delighted to hear our jobs were safe but we’re very sorry for those who won’t be so lucky at NCC”.
Phil Redmond, Chairman of National Museums Liverpool, said: ““The National Conservation Centre’s conservation department itself is not in danger and neither is the Museum of Liverpool, but to safeguard these projects we have to make harsh choices elsewhere.
“While this action is regrettable, the Board of Trustees endorsed what is a pragmatic solution to a very difficult problem: how do we maintain the best offer we possibly can with reduced resources?”
Many of NML’s alternative ventures have been cancelled because of the cuts, along with development funds by outside agencies.
Affected activities are the Find Your Talent Programme, which was penciled in for the cut in June, as well as plans for a new Titanic Gallery at Merseyside Maritime Museum, which is to be scaled down.
Proposals to redevelop Canning Dock were abandoned after the North West Regional Development Agency was abolished.
‘Reveal – the hidden stories of objects’, which was a permanent display at the National Conservation Centre, will be moved to the World Museum, so it can still be viewed.
The £72m opening of the new Museum of Liverpool will escape the reductions although it’s budget for special exhibitions will be reduced significantly.
According to Organogram and staff pay data for National Museums Liverpool, each member of the board earn between £351,358 and £200,000, which is paid between six executive directors.
Outside of the National Conservation Centre, Jeff McLean, who visits occasionally said: “They have the cheek to ask for cash donations, volunteers, whilst they cream off the cash that’s supposed to be used to showcase the donations of previous benefactors.”
Others, are more sympathetic. Bill Holden, who last visited in July said: “A real shame this - we have visited a few times by ourselves and with the grandkids and found it very interesting - still - someone has to pay for the bankers mistakes and, as usual, it's Joe Public.”
One of the lasting effects will be to the reputation of the city. Only three years ago Liverpool was named Capital of Culture but the newest developments will be seen as a contradiction to the promise that filled the city previously.
Wednesday 19 January 2011
Super League Grand Final
Wigan Warriors were crowned Super League Champions after crushing bitter rivals St Helens 22-10 at Old Trafford on Saturday.
An energetic and aggressive Warriors had the upper-hand early on and never let up. 80 minutes of domination was the order of the day as the lackluster St Helens failed to get to grips with Wigan’s pace and power.
Wigan justly deserved their win, and after topping the Super League table, will feel the victory over their North West rivals is a fitting end to a great season.
The damage was done primarily in the first half as Wigan crossed the line three times. Tries from Gleeson (2), Goulding and a sole reply from Andrew Dixon for the Saints ensured the 1st half ended with Wigan well in the driving seat.
A fantastic half for Wigan was soured slightly by the loss of top points scorer Pat Richardss who limped off with a leg injury.
The Warriors went in at the break in command at 16-6 and with one hand potentially on the trophy.
Wigan were far the more adventurous throughout the second period, and despite Saints becoming more dogged in defence, Young Player of the Year Sam Tomkins found his way through the line. Blistering speed and power ensuring the try. Replacement kicker Mark Riddell didn’t have his kicking boots on, slicing the ball wide.
A penalty on the hour mark was the perfect opportunity for Riddell to finally score his first points with a kick from 13 meters. Wigan were now almost there at 22-6.
St. Helens managed to get another try on the board with six minutes remaining.
The try, which wasn’t converted by Foster, was a consolation.
Francis Meli went over after some good work, powering through a couple of Wigan defenders. At 22-10, and five minutes remaining, things still looked bleak for the Saints.
The referee, along with 30,000 Wigan fans, called time on a dominant and victorious night for Wigan Warriors.
They were well worth their win. St Helens on the other hand will be looking back on some poor possession play and will feel disappointed for long term servant Kieron Cunningham missing out on a glorious finish to his Saints career.
An energetic and aggressive Warriors had the upper-hand early on and never let up. 80 minutes of domination was the order of the day as the lackluster St Helens failed to get to grips with Wigan’s pace and power.
Wigan justly deserved their win, and after topping the Super League table, will feel the victory over their North West rivals is a fitting end to a great season.
The damage was done primarily in the first half as Wigan crossed the line three times. Tries from Gleeson (2), Goulding and a sole reply from Andrew Dixon for the Saints ensured the 1st half ended with Wigan well in the driving seat.
A fantastic half for Wigan was soured slightly by the loss of top points scorer Pat Richardss who limped off with a leg injury.
The Warriors went in at the break in command at 16-6 and with one hand potentially on the trophy.
Wigan were far the more adventurous throughout the second period, and despite Saints becoming more dogged in defence, Young Player of the Year Sam Tomkins found his way through the line. Blistering speed and power ensuring the try. Replacement kicker Mark Riddell didn’t have his kicking boots on, slicing the ball wide.
A penalty on the hour mark was the perfect opportunity for Riddell to finally score his first points with a kick from 13 meters. Wigan were now almost there at 22-6.
St. Helens managed to get another try on the board with six minutes remaining.
The try, which wasn’t converted by Foster, was a consolation.
Francis Meli went over after some good work, powering through a couple of Wigan defenders. At 22-10, and five minutes remaining, things still looked bleak for the Saints.
The referee, along with 30,000 Wigan fans, called time on a dominant and victorious night for Wigan Warriors.
They were well worth their win. St Helens on the other hand will be looking back on some poor possession play and will feel disappointed for long term servant Kieron Cunningham missing out on a glorious finish to his Saints career.
Wigan v Leeds Match Report
Wigan Warriors today broke Leeds Rhinos hearts as they swept to a 26-6 victory against the reigning champions.
A powerful defensive display and some lucky breaks allowed the away team to go over 4 times, clinching a place in the Grand Final against bitter rivals St Helens.
Sinfield in the heart of the Leeds attack couldn’t create as Wigan closed down quickly and aggressively. Some opportunistic tries and flawless kicking from Pat Richards ensured a North-West derby was to take place at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Headingley-Carnegie was rocking to the tune of 13,000 fans as the Warriors and the Rhinos were just 80 minutes from the Grand Final.
Both teams started off brightly, with the Rhinos looking the most dangerous early on as some good Leeds kicking forced a mistake by Sam Tomkins close to his own try-line.
The first two penalties went Wigan’s way on 13 minutes after Danny Budearas gave away two quick fouls on Martin Gleeson. The second, gave Pat Jackson a chance to put one between the sticks from 31 meters, which he duly took. The Warriors now had the advantage at 2-0.
Leeds didn’t take long to strike back as Martin Gleeson was robbed in possession by Budearas. Skipper Kevin Sinfield picked up the ball and charged 30 meters to cross for the opening try of the game. Wigan will feel aggrieved at Buderas’ challenge on Gleeson as many would feel he was stripped of the ball illegally.
The game went on to become a scrappy affair, Leeds were pressing well while Wigan were looking to spring a counter-attack.
The Warriors were slowly making their way back into the game though as their industry in the central areas was beginning to pay dividends.
After mounting pressure, it took a bit of luck for Wigan to finally get their first try. Darrell Goulding went over for his 28th try of the campaign but only after an awkward flick wrong-footed Scott Donald. Goulding, who had been denied minutes earlier, was the 1st to pounce and squirmed over the line. Richards, as cool as ever, pushed Wigan ahead again 8-6 at half-time.
On the restart, Wigan were fasted out of the blocks. A high kick caught in the wind bamboozled Donald. Joel Tomkins pounced on the bounce and crossed unchallenged after a spot of ball juggling to gain control. Richards made no mistake from the kick, putting Wigan up to 14-8.
Leeds were now struggling to deal with Sam Tomkins who looked too quick and too agile for the Rhinos defence.
On the hour mark, the Warriors went over with a scruffy try from George Carmont. Leeds looked slack and switched off momentarily, in an instant, McIlurom was onto it and after dropping the ball, Carmont squeezed through the defence and touched down before Leeds knew what had happened them. Richards converted to make it 20-6, making Wigan the clear favourites against the reigning champions.
Leeds, showing why they’re reigning champions, started to turn the screw on Wigan who held out resolutely. A spate of last gasp challenges kept the Rhinos out, Leeds would not be deterred though and kept coming back again and again. Pat Richards in particular made a spectacular challenge on Danny Buderus just after the hour mark.
The rest of the game saw Wigan become ever more composed in their defending as Leeds efforts gradually began to fade away. The match was put to bed just before 80 minutes as Martin Gleeson crossed the line after some nice possession allowed Gleeson to run in from the wing. Richards would convert to finish the game 26-6.
As the referee blew up, Wigan players and fans celebrated as they reached their first Grand Final in 7 years. Leeds miss out on a 4th consecutive final. The key in this game was a determined defense and plenty of grit and steel going forward. The theatre of dreams awaits the Warriors, as well as the Saints.
A powerful defensive display and some lucky breaks allowed the away team to go over 4 times, clinching a place in the Grand Final against bitter rivals St Helens.
Sinfield in the heart of the Leeds attack couldn’t create as Wigan closed down quickly and aggressively. Some opportunistic tries and flawless kicking from Pat Richards ensured a North-West derby was to take place at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Headingley-Carnegie was rocking to the tune of 13,000 fans as the Warriors and the Rhinos were just 80 minutes from the Grand Final.
Both teams started off brightly, with the Rhinos looking the most dangerous early on as some good Leeds kicking forced a mistake by Sam Tomkins close to his own try-line.
The first two penalties went Wigan’s way on 13 minutes after Danny Budearas gave away two quick fouls on Martin Gleeson. The second, gave Pat Jackson a chance to put one between the sticks from 31 meters, which he duly took. The Warriors now had the advantage at 2-0.
Leeds didn’t take long to strike back as Martin Gleeson was robbed in possession by Budearas. Skipper Kevin Sinfield picked up the ball and charged 30 meters to cross for the opening try of the game. Wigan will feel aggrieved at Buderas’ challenge on Gleeson as many would feel he was stripped of the ball illegally.
The game went on to become a scrappy affair, Leeds were pressing well while Wigan were looking to spring a counter-attack.
The Warriors were slowly making their way back into the game though as their industry in the central areas was beginning to pay dividends.
After mounting pressure, it took a bit of luck for Wigan to finally get their first try. Darrell Goulding went over for his 28th try of the campaign but only after an awkward flick wrong-footed Scott Donald. Goulding, who had been denied minutes earlier, was the 1st to pounce and squirmed over the line. Richards, as cool as ever, pushed Wigan ahead again 8-6 at half-time.
On the restart, Wigan were fasted out of the blocks. A high kick caught in the wind bamboozled Donald. Joel Tomkins pounced on the bounce and crossed unchallenged after a spot of ball juggling to gain control. Richards made no mistake from the kick, putting Wigan up to 14-8.
Leeds were now struggling to deal with Sam Tomkins who looked too quick and too agile for the Rhinos defence.
On the hour mark, the Warriors went over with a scruffy try from George Carmont. Leeds looked slack and switched off momentarily, in an instant, McIlurom was onto it and after dropping the ball, Carmont squeezed through the defence and touched down before Leeds knew what had happened them. Richards converted to make it 20-6, making Wigan the clear favourites against the reigning champions.
Leeds, showing why they’re reigning champions, started to turn the screw on Wigan who held out resolutely. A spate of last gasp challenges kept the Rhinos out, Leeds would not be deterred though and kept coming back again and again. Pat Richards in particular made a spectacular challenge on Danny Buderus just after the hour mark.
The rest of the game saw Wigan become ever more composed in their defending as Leeds efforts gradually began to fade away. The match was put to bed just before 80 minutes as Martin Gleeson crossed the line after some nice possession allowed Gleeson to run in from the wing. Richards would convert to finish the game 26-6.
As the referee blew up, Wigan players and fans celebrated as they reached their first Grand Final in 7 years. Leeds miss out on a 4th consecutive final. The key in this game was a determined defense and plenty of grit and steel going forward. The theatre of dreams awaits the Warriors, as well as the Saints.
Monday 8 November 2010
Jack's the lad in the North West.
Jack remains the most popular name for boys in the North West despite a national swing to Oliver.
Almost 27,000 different boys names were registered in 2009, among the national top five is Oliver, Jack, Harry, Alfie and Joshua.
The girls saw less of a regional variation, with Olivia and Ruby dominating new names as they were both non-movers from the previous year.
There were 706,248 live births in England and Wales in 2009, with 34,100 different girls' names registered
An ONS spokesman said changes in the top 100 since 1999 showed there had been a resurgence in names which "were perhaps once associated with people of the inter-war generation or earlier".
The ONS highlighted Evie which has risen 157 places to number 10 since 1999, Ruby (up 91 to number two) and Lily (up 45 to eight), and boys' names such as Alfie (up 60 to four) and Charlie (up 25 to seven).
The biggest mover in the top 100 was Lucas for the boys, who jumped 19 places to number 17.
BY CHRIS SEVERS
LIVERPOOL GETS A TASTE OF YOUNG RIVAL
LIVERPOOL TO GETS A TASTE OF YOUNG RIVAL
The Liverpool music scene is to get a Young Rival this November, with the band set to play at the 02 Academy.
The Canadian Indie outfit will rock the academy on November 20th and is supported by Born Ruffians.
The highly rated band, who are well known for their unique style of rock and roll, are touring the country after working with 2009 Polaris Prize winning producer John Drew to create their self titled 2010 album.
Drummer Nick Fralick said on working with Drew: "Jon has a total hands-off approach to recording a band like us
"We recorded in a high-ceiling room with mics scattered throughout. The result is an album that's bigger sounding than anything we've done before, because it captures the intensity of our live playing, while still highlighting the more subtle aspects of our band's dynamic."
What gives Young Rival their snowballing reputation is how they hearken back to a time where musicianship was primary; where a band's ability to collaborate and play well together was more important than any other.
And yet Young Rival offers a sound that is both refreshing and current; delivering it with an uncompromising edge and swagger.
Happy Mondays drummer 'Gaz' Whelan was blown away by the band earlier this year. He said:"Thereís a band in Hamilton that completely knocked us back called Young Rival. Completely blew me away. Itís like the Beach Boys meet the Sex Pistols. It was brilliant. It could have been 1968 or 2010."
With shows and tours alongside The Sadies, Born Ruffians and Tokyo Police Club well as forthcoming remixes by Junior Boys, this young band occupies a unique - and important - position in today's indie landscape.
BY CHRIS SEVERS
Monday 18 October 2010
D-Day looms for Museums.
A petition containing over 18,000 signatures has been handed to the culture minister Ed Vaizey in a bid to save some of Liverpool’s museums.
Cuts in public spending will leave institutions like Sudley House and the National Conservation Centre on the chopping block.
The government will announce its decision on Liverpool’s fate on the 20th October.
The petition, which had 18,250 names on it including Brookside creator Phil Redmond, was supported by people not only from the North West, but as far a field as Australia, Canada and the USA.
National Museums Director Dr David Fleming thanked those who supported the cause and said it sends a clear message to the government on the value of the museums to people.
He said: “The government said it was happy to see public consultation on cuts and we feel our petition indicated the strong feelings of the public”.
Dickie Felton, communications manager and instigator of the petition said in terms of raising awareness, the petition went well.
He said: “We got lots of media coverage for our campaign plus Radio Merseyside broadcast a debate with Ed Vaizey culture secretary”.
The government could hit the city with cuts as much as 40% and National Museums Liverpool receives 95% of it’s funding from the government.
The cuts mean new schemes like a Titanic gallery at Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Find Your Talent programme, which involved thousands of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have been axed.
Dr Fleming said: “Major budget cuts will impact on our world class museums and on our ability to show off wonderful objects.”
Monday 4 October 2010
A Life In Chocolate
A life in chocolate.
For some, chocolate is something to indulge in. For others, chocolate is a way of life.
The staff at The Chocolate Cellar on Hanover Street, Liverpool One will testify to the latter.
After a string of awards for business and taste, owner and creator Bala Cromen is making inroads into the heart of Liverpool culture.
During one of the ‘Dabble’ classes offered by The Chocolate Cellar, I witnessed first hand the technique and mastery taught by Bala to a group of eager students.
The class, made up of 4 enthusiastic ladies, was brought through the basics of prepping chocolate. The aim; to create a batch of rich, dark chocolate lollipops and milk chocolate moulds.
While spreading the now melted chocolate over the work-surface, I caught up with Gill and Joyce Ward who were there as a birthday present for Joyce.
Gill, who was delicately spreading and manipulating the chocolate before it set, commentated: “It’s really quite therapeutic”.
Back in the workshop things were taking shape, melted chocolate was bagged and squeezed onto a baking tray into discs of deliciousness.
While the trays were being placed in the fridge to set, Gill confided to me: “I’m a chocoholic really, my husband decided to treat Joyce for her birthday, and I wasn’t going to miss out”.
This was all a nice surprise for Joyce who said: “The classes are a great
While the dark chocolate was setting, Bala was back in full swing.
Milk chocolate was now the focus, as the group was briefed on how to create chocolate moulds. After selecting a couple of moulds, mostly consisting of flowers and moons, we were shown to the hypnotic machinery that keeps the milk chocolate fresh and ready for use.
In what resembled an endless chocolate fountain, the students were shown how to fill their moulds by running their shapes under the flowing chocolate. Needless to say, chocolate was dripping all over the place.
As the moulds were placed with the lollipops to set, the students retired to the café area for a drink (hot chocolate, of course) and to take part in a chocolatey quiz.
As the class comes to an end, I find out from Bala that she’s been teaching people the beauty of chocolate for over 5 years. Inspired by the film ‘Chocolat’, and initially starting out teaching from home, Bala went on to set up her first classes officially 3 years ago. After winning awards including Women in Business, Gold Award Winner for Great Taste in 2006 and 2007 and two Wirral Tourism Awards, it’s clear to see that Bala hasn’t looked back.
While Bala was back at work, I got a chance to talk to master chocolatier Sara Byrne on all matters chocolate and business.
Sara, who had worked for The Chocolate Cellar for three years, was quick to comment how well the shop had done at the months festivities. Wirral and Liverpool Food and Drink and Hope Street Feast were all a success.
“We’re getting the recognition we need, we’re pretty unique and were actually chosen to go on North West Tonight, they wanted a feature on the regions up and coming new business”.
Sara tells me that they have a good mix of people coming in, and it seems many like to experiment.
“People do love their standard milk chocolate. We do some recipes and get requests though that you wouldn’t believe, we had a great tapas selection”.
What was the best, I ask?
“A chocolate chicken dish with a great sauce that consisted of chocolate, balsamic vinegar and sugar. It was actually very similar to a hoisin or plumb sauce. Excellent stuff.” Sara replies confidently.
I find out that the shop will gladly tackle any recipe idea given to them, which is a testament to their creativity.
Moving on to business matters, how has the The Chocolate Cellar faired in the touch financial climate?
“Bala works so hard, what she puts in, she gets out again, she deserves her awards.
Christmas and Easter are big periods for us. In the winter we have people waiting for tables, especially on the weekends. It’s really a great time for us.”
Those who don’t know the business will warm to it in the knowledge that the shop proudly represents multiple charities.
“We’d love to support everyone who asks. But we get so many requests that we couldn’t possibly fulfill them all. We already sponsor SANDS - The Still-birth and Neo-natal Death Society, Claire House Childrens Hospice, The Jellybean Appeal and North West Cancer Research Fund. Anybody who has a cause, we’ll do our best to promote, but we can’t always give money”.
Wrapping up my interview, and with a tinge of sadness in leaving the aroma of chocolate, I ask whether the future is bright for the guys at The Chocolate Cellar:
“We hope so, it’s the best job I’ve ever had. People often ask “don’t you get sick of the chocolate?” Well...not yet.”
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