12 • Visit us @ www.ChampNews.com CMBA The <strong>Champion</strong> • Wednesday 18 December 2013Still a struggleto find workRegarding <strong>the</strong> article in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Champion</strong>,December 4 edition relating to <strong>the</strong> drop in<strong>the</strong> number of Job Seekers in Sefton.I don’t think this figure is right because Ihad been signing on a long time and <strong>the</strong>reare still a lot of o<strong>the</strong>r people doing <strong>the</strong> same.I decided to sign off even though I didn’tfind a job because <strong>the</strong> entire job centre is ajoke and staff look down <strong>the</strong>ir noses at us.Even if we find work it will be pittance ofpay or zero hours.We are all struggling to find work and Idispute <strong>the</strong> 20% drop in <strong>the</strong> last year.I was at my last job for 25 years before I wasthrown on <strong>the</strong> scrap heap and since <strong>the</strong>n Ihave been on a few job interviews but noneof <strong>the</strong>m was what I wanted to do or it justwasn’t for me.I think <strong>the</strong> level of unemployment in Seftonis a disgrace.Anthony Kenny, aged 55,CrosbyDerelict areas are like post warbomb sites and need developingWhen I drive down Hawthorne Road in <strong>Bootle</strong>/Li<strong>the</strong>rland, I see a lot of old derelict andabandoned factories.Amongst <strong>the</strong>se relics, pockets of new housinghave been developed.I feel for <strong>the</strong> families who have children in this‘obviously dangerous playground.’In many ways this is reminiscent of <strong>the</strong> 1940’spost–war <strong>Bootle</strong> with <strong>the</strong> bombed out areas.The difference is this is 2013.Perhaps some of our officials were not aroundback <strong>the</strong>n and can’t see <strong>the</strong> similarities.What’s even more alarming is that some of<strong>the</strong>se old sites are not planned to be developedfor a despairingly long time.The council owned peoples site is not due tobe developed for at least ano<strong>the</strong>r 10 years ormore. According to <strong>the</strong> council’s own figuresMoney donoted goes to those in needRe: your article on Save <strong>the</strong> Childrenfundraising.I would like to clarify points made in <strong>the</strong>article.All <strong>the</strong> monies donated go to SCF headoffice, which <strong>the</strong>n directs <strong>the</strong> money toareas most in need.The £50,000 which was generouslydonated by a local businesses over twoyears, was sent to SCF head office generalfund which supports ongoing worldwideprojects, not running costs.Save <strong>the</strong> Children continue to fund servicesto children in many countries.This year, Crosby Branch has sent £2,850to Syria, £2,000 to Haiti, £2,925 toPhilippines and £1,300 for o<strong>the</strong>r projects.Finally, we would like to thank all ourregular supporters for <strong>the</strong>ir ongoingsupport.Crosby Branch Save <strong>the</strong> ChildrenCommittee,By email248 new dwellings could be built on this sitealone.But it’s just to be left and fenced off.There are many o<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong>se old worksbetween <strong>the</strong> Leeds and Liverpool Canal andHawthorne Road that will also be just fencedoff for an equally long time.I always understood that developers weresupposed to build on brownfield sites in areasin need of urgent regeneration.When new homes are needed all <strong>the</strong>se oldbrownfield sites need developing now.The health and safety of <strong>the</strong> children requiresno less.Peter Greener,Lydiate.Tell us what you think!editor@champnews.comRe: <strong>the</strong> Chancellor’s announcement that <strong>the</strong>state pension will be increased to 68 in <strong>the</strong>mid–2030s and to 69 in <strong>the</strong> late 2040s.This is common sense and those people whowant to retire sooner will still be able to.Reports in <strong>the</strong> media tar all pension policieswith <strong>the</strong> same brush and this is a real problem.The Chancellor’s announcement about <strong>the</strong>increase in <strong>the</strong> retirement age means it is just asimportant for people to build up a retirementfund despite being bombarded with storiesthat make <strong>the</strong>m wary and distrustful. TheWrong to say‘greed is good’One of my favourite films is ‘Scrooge’, starring<strong>the</strong> brilliant actor Alistair Sim.Recently I read about a politician who said‘greed is good’. How very wrong.So I thought how can I emulate this Dickensoncharacter ‘Scrooge’?I will give all <strong>the</strong> money that my wife and Ihave accumulated on our Nectar card over <strong>the</strong>past 12 months, plus <strong>the</strong> £25 I recently won on<strong>the</strong> lottery to donate food to <strong>the</strong> local foodbanks.The ‘Scrooge’ character I admire <strong>the</strong> most is<strong>the</strong> one that believes in <strong>the</strong> true meaning of <strong>the</strong>festive season.Every day I have to battle with pain andthrough <strong>the</strong> <strong>Champion</strong> I would like to thank all<strong>the</strong> staff at <strong>the</strong> shops I frequent in Crosby andWaterloo and all <strong>the</strong> people that have takentime out <strong>the</strong> last 12 months to laugh and jokewith me.I wish you all a Merry Christmas.Mr DG Seiglow, WaterlooHaving a pension plan makes sensereality is that <strong>the</strong>re is still no better way to buildup a retirement fund than using a properlymanaged, quality pension plan.The tax relief really makes a difference tooand a properly planned pension contributioncan also be a good way for some clients toprotect <strong>the</strong>ir child benefit.Angela Maher, Acumen FinancialPartnership,MaghullCheered by ‘new’ bus servicesFIRST of all I must thank all those kind peoplewho have given me <strong>the</strong>ir condolencesfollowing <strong>the</strong> death of my bro<strong>the</strong>r George.I never suspected that <strong>the</strong>re was so muchgoodwill and even affection for ei<strong>the</strong>r me orGeorge – <strong>the</strong> response both in cards and fromfolk simply stopping me on <strong>the</strong> street has beentruly heart–warming.But back to business...Although not feeling particularly festive at <strong>the</strong>moment, I was cheered by <strong>the</strong> announcementthat Merseytravel has at last been persuaded toprovide buses on Boxing Day and New Year’sDay to my neck of <strong>the</strong> woods (Maghull) for <strong>the</strong>first time in donkey’s years. At last I, and o<strong>the</strong>rswithout access to a motor car, will be able toget out and about to some extent.Mind you, <strong>the</strong>se services are being touted as‘new’. Well, new indeed for Merseytravel whoare providing <strong>the</strong>m, but back in <strong>the</strong> days of mychildhood <strong>the</strong>re were ‘normal’ bus services onboth <strong>the</strong>se days and a skeleton service at leaston Christmas Day as well.Now I know what you will be thinking. Busdrivers too want to spend Christmas withfamily and friends. Of course <strong>the</strong>y do. But <strong>the</strong>n,we all expect <strong>the</strong> TV to function normally,many will be popping down to <strong>the</strong> pub forfestive drinks or indeed <strong>the</strong>ir Christmas dinner.And we would be a little put out if <strong>the</strong> lightsdidn’t work.For all <strong>the</strong>se things men and women have toforego at least part of <strong>the</strong>ir own Christmascelebrations. But more to <strong>the</strong> point, I do notthink <strong>the</strong>re would be any great difficulty infinding enough volunteers to drive a bus onChristmas Day. There must be several who, likeme this year, have precious little reason to bemerry. People who would probably quite liketo have something to fill <strong>the</strong>ir time and earn afew bob on <strong>the</strong> way.In fact, I reckon <strong>the</strong> real reason that so fewmake any fuss about <strong>the</strong> lack of any means ofgetting about, short of horrendously pricedtaxis, is that since <strong>the</strong> majority now have a car,or easy access to one, lone voices crying in <strong>the</strong>wilderness can safely be disregarded.And, for once at least, I’m not thinking aboutmy own situation. The two dogs, Tina andCinders, will need good walks anyway, sothat’ll fill quite a bit of time.I have been very kindly invited round to oneperson’s home for my Christmas dinner – aninvite I feel I can’t really take up because itwould mean abandoning said dogs.Instead I have decided on starting a newtradition for <strong>the</strong> three of us, with Christmasdinner (including Christmas pud) and a goodsit–down to watch <strong>the</strong> repeats on telly. And<strong>the</strong>re’s Dr Who to look forward too as well.Then, on Boxing Day, just to show willing Ican catch <strong>the</strong> ‘new’ 250 bus into town and dosomething or o<strong>the</strong>r quickly before catchingano<strong>the</strong>r back to relax with <strong>the</strong> hounds.Now if only Merseyrail could be persuaded tobring back local Boxing Day trains my cupcould indeed run over and <strong>the</strong> dogs and I couldhave a good long ramble along <strong>the</strong> lanesbetween Ormskirk and Maghull.Sorry if all this seems a tad sorry for myself –as I said at <strong>the</strong> beginning of this column, I’mgenuinely chuffed at <strong>the</strong> number of folk who docare – and would no doubt do so no matterwhat <strong>the</strong> time of year.And so to all readers of this column, aheartfelt Happy Christmas. Make it a time ofgoodwill to everyone.Coconut Oil – What isit and how do I use it?Everybody seems to be talking aboutcoconut oil at <strong>the</strong> moment.So is it just a fad or does it really havehealth giving properties?Coconut oil contains a high concentrationof ‘healthy fat’ known as medium chainfatty acids.Unlike ‘bad fats’ (long chain fatty acids)which are difficult for <strong>the</strong> body to digest andtypically stored as fat, healthy dietary fatsare used as a source of quick energy for <strong>the</strong>body.Regular consumption of coconuts and itsoil (alongside a healthy diet) can in fact helpyou lose weight by increasing your energyexpenditure.Coconut oil also contains <strong>the</strong> highestconcentration of lauric acid which whenconverted by <strong>the</strong> body is known to haveanti–bacterial properties which helpdestroy viruses such as measles, herpes andflu.There are many different ways that you canuse coconut oil, some of which aren’t justlimited to <strong>the</strong> kitchen:• Add a teaspoon to hot water for anutritious, scented drink that will boostyour immune system. Aim to consume twotablespoons per day ei<strong>the</strong>r in water or inyour cooking.• Put it in smoothies, tea and hot cacao toadd sweetness.• When cooking, baking and frying, use itas a substitute for butter – it has a lightnessand sweetness that butter lacks.• Unlike olive and o<strong>the</strong>r vegetable oils,Coconut oil can be heated withoutdamaging or changing its structure. Use itinstead of olive oil to stir fry or roast meatand vegetables.• Rub it into your skin to leave it soft andmoisturised. Use it daily for dry skin andeven spot outbreaks as it has anti bacterialand anti fungal properties. It’s great forsensitive skin as it has no additives orchemicals.• Give yourself soft and silky hair bymassaging oil into your clean hair and scalp<strong>the</strong>n leaving <strong>the</strong> oil to absorb under a warmtowel or shower cap for ½ hour beforeshampooing and rinsing.The verdict!All in all coconuts are definitely somethingthat you should be including in your diet orbeauty regime. If you don’t like <strong>the</strong> taste,try out its moisturising properties instead.Whatever you do with it, enjoy.
The <strong>Champion</strong> • Wednesday 18 December 2013CMBAVisit us @ www.ChampNews.com • 13Festive seasonfire safety tipsGot an interesting story to tell?Champ Newsdesk 01704 392400Public warned of increasedrisks over Christmas periodReport by Ollie CowanDON’T become a festive seasonfire statistic!That’s <strong>the</strong> message from firechiefs to Sefton residents as <strong>the</strong>countdown to Christmas beginsin earnest.Figures show that accidentalhouse fires increase in December.Traditions such as cookingChristmas dinner, putting updecorations and people drinkingalcohol all combine to increase<strong>the</strong> risk of domestic fires at thistime of year.There were a total of 21accidental fires recorded inhomes in Sefton in December lastyear (2012).Of those, 13 started in <strong>the</strong>kitchen, two involved candlesand three were caused bysmoking materials.Across Merseyside as a whole<strong>the</strong>re were 117 accidental fires in<strong>the</strong> home in December 2012 andMerseyside Fire & Rescue Service(MF&RS) is offering <strong>the</strong>following safety advice thisChristmas as part of <strong>the</strong> nationalFire Kills campaign.As most fires start in <strong>the</strong> kitchen,people are urged to take carewhen cooking and not to leavefood cooking on <strong>the</strong> hobunattended.You should never cook whileunder <strong>the</strong> influence of alcohol.Christmas decorations and straywrapping paper can fuel a fire,while decorations burn easily andshould never be attached to lightsor heaters.Candles should be put out whenleaving <strong>the</strong> room and should bekept out of <strong>the</strong> reach of childrenand pets.Christmas tree lights shouldalways be switched off whengoing to bed.People are also reminded tocheck on elderly relatives andvulnerable neighbours overChristmas as <strong>the</strong>y are at greaterrisk from fire.SimpleMF&RS group manager forSefton Dsitrict, Rob Pritchard,said: “Over <strong>the</strong> Christmas periodas celebrations get underway<strong>the</strong>re are greater risks of fire aspeople forget about fire safety in<strong>the</strong> home.“We want people to make sure<strong>the</strong>y stay safe and enjoyChristmas this year by followingour simple fire safety messages.“They are also advised to have aworking smoke alarm fitted oneach level of <strong>the</strong>ir home and totest it every week.”For free fire safety advice call0800 731 5958.EARLY BIRD WINTERSALE OFFERSNOW ONUP TO70 % **ASSORTED CHRISTMASDECORATIONSOVER65 %OFFwas £32 was £22.40 NOW £1030 %OFF50 %OFF50 %OFFwas £16 NOW £11.2060 %OFFwas £11 NOW £5.50was £10 NOW £5RRP £34 Was £17 NOW £14Beat TheCREDIT CRUNCHVan Hire fromWith Our Superb Dealsper dayCar Hire✔✔✔Small CarsMedium CarsLarge Cars50 %OFFwas £150 was £110 ONLY £75SAVE£10was £49.99 NOW £39.99SAVE£10was £29.99 NOW £19.99SAVE£10Morphy Richards Toasterwas £49.99 NOW £39.9950 %OFFwas £45 was £30 NOW £22.50SAVE£5was £24.99 NOW £19.99* PRICES BASED ON A 7 DAY RENTAL PERIOD0151 284 11395% OFF TOKENFIND US AT THE NEW STRAND, BOOTLE, L20 1AA✃1117963SOUTHPORT 01704 535177 |295-307 Lord Street, PR8 1NY@1123767