Eric Martyn

Urban cycling hub aiming to get people on their bikes launches in liverpool

A brand new ‘bike hub’ operated by a Merseyside-based non-profit has opened on Liverpool’s waterfront, offering affordable bicycles for hire and purchase, as well as a host of free and low-cost cycling-based activities and skills workshops.

HYPE Urban Bikes city centre hub, located on Sefton Street, was officially opened by Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram on Tuesday 2nd April. It aims to make cycling accessible to all and get people living in and visiting the region on their bikes to explore the area, improve their health and wellbeing, and promote green, active travel.

HYPE Urban Bikes provides free and low-cost activities, including road and cycle safety sessions, group rides and balance bike sessions, and a host of courses and workshops covering topics such as cycle mechanics, recycling sustainability and leadership. The hub also sells repair services and accessories and new, recycled and refurbished bikes for sale, with a wide variety available at affordable prices. There are daily bike hire options for families seeking fun days out, such as traffic-free rides along the waterfront to Otterspool Promenade, and there are also longer-term three, six and 12-month hire schemes for as little as £1 per day for more regular riders or those who cycle their commute. Bikes on offer include mountain bikes, hybrids and step throughs, as well children’s sizes.

As a not-for-profit organisation, all monies generated by the bike hub will be invested back into the community, funding events, initiatives and the establishment of future hubs in other boroughs in the city region.

The city centre bike hub has been developed by HYPE Urban Bikes in partnership with Vermont Construction, whose offices neighbour the new bike hub.

 

HYPE Urban Bikes was originally launched in 2017 in Birkenhead, where its first hub is still located, with the aim of making cycling cheaper, safer, more accessible, and an easy choice for as many people as possible. The scheme expanded during the pandemic when HYPE recycled, refurbished and distributed more than 5,500 bikes into the local community, including NHS and key workers, asylum seekers, local young people and commuters unable to afford the cost of a new bike.

Recognising the appetite for cycling and exploring the barriers to access, Founder and CEO of Hype Urban Bikes Matthew Houghton and his team have since been focused on bringing a central hub to Liverpool, to enable more people to get on their bikes and enjoy the benefits. As well as supplying thousands of people with refurbished bicycles, HYPE Urban Bikes has also trained 27 young people as bike mechanics, engaged more than 800 children aged 3-7 years in balance bikes programmes in schools and raised £25,000 through bike sales and repairs, funding other programmes and initiatives, including the new Liverpool bike hub.

Mark Connor from Vermont Property Group said: “We are delighted to support Matt and HYPE Urban Bikes and we will be looking to see how we can support and assist the roll out across the city. In doing so, we will also see the initiative provide skills and employment opportunities for local young people, which is fantastic for us as a business based in L8.”

Simon O’Brien, Liverpool City Region Cycling & Walking Commissioner, said: “When I visited HYPE’s Bike Hub on the Wirral I was blown away by the energy and passion that Matt and the team have for encouraging everyone to get out and enjoy time on their bikes, so it’s great news that they are now opening a new hub in the heart of Liverpool. The location with its easy access to the riverfront and the city centre is a most welcome addition to the cycling community of the region. Well done HYPE!”

The Liverpool site will also serve as a drop-off point for donations of old or unused bikes from the public or partnership schemes, and its upstairs meeting room will host training and courses for unemployed young people and ex-offenders, as well as being available to hire by community groups and corporates.

For more information, bike hire prices and details of services and course, please visit: https://hypeurbanbikes.co.uk/

HYPE Urban Bikes Liverpool: 5 Sefton Street, Liverpool L8 5TH
HYPE Urban Bikes Wirral: Located in Environmental Innovation Centre, Campbeltown Road, Birkenhead CH41 9HP
Photographs by James Chapman

Nicholson group reveal unique commercial space in beecham’s building suited to licensed & leisure end user

MICROPUB IDEAL END USER IN FAMOUS FORMER BEECHAM’S HOME…

Following the near completion of Nicholson Group’s meticulous residential conversion of Beecham’s Building in St. Helen’s, CEO Paul Nicholson has revealed a commercial unit has become available to let within what’s been described as “an architecturally stunning space.”

Earmarked for a licensed & leisure operator as end user, Paul Nicholson said: “This is a rare opportunity to be part of an extraordinary new chapter in a building shrouded in history. We believe it’s ideally suited to a micropub or similar but regardless, we’d encourage operators working within the licensed & leisure or broader hospitality space to enquire further.”

The iconic Grade II Listed Beecham’s Building is all set to welcome its first tenants after a spectacular transformation by the pioneering developer.

Located on Westfield Street, St Helens, the building is the former headquarters of the Beecham pharmaceutical giant, once a major St Helens employer. The building dates back to the 1880s and was the first factory in the world built specifically to produce medicine. CEO of Nicholson Group, Paul Nicholson has worked closely with St Helens Council, Heritage and Rotary St Helens with a collaborative focus firmly on heritage.

Paul Nicholson added: “This magnificent  listed building has now been rejuvenated by the Group’s highly skilled and dedicated team after lying dormant enabling the Beecham’s Building to become a place in which to live and work.”

Further details are available from https://www.nicholsonresidences.com/commercial and via the Nicholson Group team on [email protected]

April 19th sees ‘wellness in the city’ return bigger and better

THE LATEST ANNUAL ‘WELLNESS IN THE CITY’ EVENT AIMS TO SPREAD WELLBEING TRENDS IN LIVERPOOL HEALTH DRIVE

Following on from the success of the inaugural Wellness In The City event in January 2023, the critically acclaimed health showcase returns this April and it is bigger and better.

Founder Clare Ellis, and her business and life partner George Eggington, believe the event’s return will influence more people to discover a sustainable wellbeing outlook rather than just a quick fix for summer.

Clare maintains that the event is also an opportunity for the ever-increasing number of companies and organisations that are either looking to showcase their investment in wellbeing or looking to introduce wellness programmes but are looking for advice, to meet up with others and exchange views and ideas.

“So much has happened in the wellness arena in the past 12 months, with a huge surge nationally amongst brands now viewing workplace wellness as a priority. Liverpool is behind the curve on this and so we’re looking to help more firms and organisations understand the value of incorporating wellbeing programmes as standard in their business strategy.”

This year’s Wellness In The City is still very much aiming to educate and raise awareness of all the options available to the general public in the Merseyside wellness arena and Clare continued: “This event will also appeal to the public so they can be better informed about accessible options for creating and maintaining increased wellbeing in future.”

Wellness In The City, which takes place between 10am and 4pm on Friday April 19th at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool, is well placed to make a difference, having spent the last 12 months hosting wellness showcases across the city.

This has included more recently its co-hosting of a new pilot wellbeing networking event with the Ubiquity Collective called RITUAL, which has been focused to date on Digital Health and Emotional Wellbeing at Work, with more events planned throughout 2024.

Clare added: “It’s been important for us to maintain momentum of our brand since 2023’s launch and we’ve done this by working with providers across the industry and those with a high intent to invest in wellness, enabling us to further develop this year’s show.

Wellness In The City has already signed up the likes of Morecrofts Solicitors, Steps Together, Zinzino, Law Med, Gleaming Gloss, Jackie Cain Therapies, Vibe Nutrition, Erin Health Hub, Find Your inner Bloom, Inner Solutions Life Coaching, and The Happiness Club.

For tickets, to book an exhibition space and all masterclasses please visit: https://wellnessinthecity.co.uk/

Morecrofts jumps to increase support for inclusive netball club

Breaking new ground in community sports sponsorship, Morecrofts Solicitors has committed to inclusivity in sports by equipping a netball club with innovative new kits and equipment, introducing a game-changing option for players to choose shorts over the traditional netball dress.

The firm has supported the eponymous Morecrofts Netball Club for the past six years, helping it to evolve its membership to more than 60 players aged between 16 and 60. It now has seven teams taking part in both midweek leagues and Liverpool’s Sunday Netball League. New players are welcome to attend training sessions at Archbishop Blanch School every Wednesday 7.30pm-9pm.

Picture by Gareth Jones

This latest investment has allowed the club to purchase new high-quality kits for all of its players and includes an option to wear branded club shorts and T-shirt as an alternative to the more traditional netball dress.

Morecrofts Netball Club captain Rachael Lomax said: “In the past six years, we’ve seen our team grow and diversify, bringing the joy of netball to players of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. The support from Morecrofts Solicitors has been critical to our sustained success, and we deeply appreciate their latest contribution to our playing kits.

“To our knowledge, we stand alone in the league in offering an alternative to the traditional netball dress, providing shorts and T-shirts for those who prefer to wear them. This important step towards inclusivity ensures everyone can play in comfort, helping to eliminate barriers to participation in the sport we love.”

Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts, said: “We originally began supporting the club due to links between our staff and some of its players and the relationship has since gone from strength to strength. Netball plays a really important part in our communities and we understand the health and social benefits it can offer to players. This latest idea to offer shorts instead of dresses will undoubtedly appeal to some potential players and we are fully supportive of any measures that help to increase participation and make sport more inclusive for all.” 

Morecrofts Netball Club will feature in the May edition of My Planet Liverpool.

Dot-art’s 12th annual schools art competition is now in full swing!

Independent Art Gallery, DOT-ART, is delighted that 96 schools from across Liverpool City Region are participating in this year’s Schools Art Competition. Many schools new to the competition were able to join us thanks to funding from The Medicash Foundation and the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, alongside support from our partners Edge Hill University and our wonderful dot-art Schools Champions local businesses and ward councillors enabling them to take part. 

The entries are in and the shortlisting panel of judges are busy deciding on the top three artworks for each school. You can now browse over 1,500 artworks by Year 5 and year 9 pupils on the dot-art website.

The online public VOTE opens on Monday 25th March until Monday 22nd April, when everyone can vote online for their favourite shortlisted art entry. The artwork with the most votes from each school wins a place in the June’s annual exhibition at The Walker Art Gallery.

CALLING PRIZE DONORS!
Thinking ahead to the prize giving ceremonies in June, can you or someone you know offer to donate any art related prizes? Please get in touch if you can help with prizes such as art materials, vouchers, exhibition tickets, art books.

dot-art Gallery, 14 Queen Avenue, Castle Street, Liverpool L2 4TX

Telephone: 0345 017 6660

Not to be missed! ritual helping firms understand more about workplace wellness programmes

The second in a new series of networking events devoted to wellbeing at work is taking place next  Tuesday 26th March. ‘Ritual’, devised by PR and networking outfit The Ubiquity Collective alongside Wellness In The City, is being held at Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village and runs from 5.30-7.30pm

Ubiquity founder and co-organiser Joel Jelen said: “There’s much talk about workplace wellness as if it’s on trend but that’s not factually the case amongst many Liverpool firms and organisations that we’ve spoken to and who are only just ready to dip their toes in.”

Clare Ellis of Wellness In The City believes 2024 is the year more brands than ever before begin to formally invest in programmes to help their teams to perform better at work and also enable them to manage and sustain greater mental and physical health.

To find out more and book a place at Ritual, please email [email protected]

For details of tickets and how to register your brand as a participant in Wellness In The City 2024, on April 19th please visit https://wellnessinthecity.co.uk/

‘in the sky with diamonds’ – an exhibition by artist lucy temple

At the Royal Liver Building, May 1st – May 7th 2024

“There is a resonance between the world within us and the world we create around us”.

Acclaimed London artist Lucy Temple is bringing her extraordinary hand painted, geometric water colours to the iconic Royal Liver Building in Liverpool. This is Lucy’s first solo show outside of London and she feels honoured and excited to introduce her work to our city’s creative and innovative audience.

 

“Everything starts with a circle” Lucy reminds us.  Renowned psychologist Carl Jung saw Liverpool as being the centre of the metaphorical, circle of creativity, famously saying “Liverpool is the pool of life”. “I’m painting the stars” Lucy references her favourite childhood song “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”.

Lucy’s kaleidoscopic and intricately detailed work is based on ancient Islamic designs nuanced with pop art influences.  The underlying subtext is the heartfelt connection between mind, body and spirit.  “We are all made up of patterns” she says, “There are patterns in flowers; in trees and seeds; cloud formations; sand shapes when the tide goes out; patterns on our skin and in the iris of our eyes; patterns in the stars and the solar system and everything under the sea; in music and rhythm; patterns in our behaviour and in our thinking”.

Lucy was taught by Keith Critchlow at the Kings Foundation School of Traditional Arts, where she completed her MA after working in textile and fabric merchandising. She subsequently experienced a profound spiritual awakening which radically changed her creative process and gave her the impetus to paint full time.

LUCY HAS SHOWN HER WORK AT: The Decorative & Antiques Fair in Battersea ♦ Christies New York and London ♦ Rebecca Hossack London

HER CLIENTS INCLUDE: Ed O’Brien from Radiohead ♦ Boy George ♦ Davina McCall ♦ Bill Nighy

ENTRANCE TO THE SHOW IS FREE

www.lucytemple.com

For further information contact [email protected] 

Goldilocks and the three bears returns to st helens this easter

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – THE FIVE STAR PANTOMIME BY REGAL ENTERTAINMENTS WILL BRING FAMILY FUN TO THE THEATRE ROYAL FROM:

FRIDAY 29 MARCH UNTIL 14 APRIL  2024

Roll Up, Roll Up! St Helens Theatre Royal announce the return of their record-breaking Pantomime Goldilocks And The Three Bears, which opens for the Easter holidays.

The spectacular show from leading panto producers Regal Entertainments has proved to be ‘just right’ and promises audiences an eye-popping production, madcap comedy capers and all the fun of the circus – including circus skills and stunts performed by cast members and Regal’s high production values, plus a smash-hit selection of chart hits to sing and dance along to.

So Come along and join Goldilocks who, with the help of the Three Bears, tries to save her Big Top from a rival circus owner!

The panto premiered at St Helens Theatre Royal during Christmas 2021, breaking Box Office records with five-star reviews and then at its sister venue Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre in 2022, again breaking records.

Tickets are already selling fast and are priced from £18.

The full cast has been revealed as Ben Keith as The Ringmaster, Katy McKenna as Goldilocks, Conor Barrie as Baron Von Vippemall, Richard Aucott as Dame Gertie the hilarious Lewis Devine as Silly Billy. The cast completes with Warren Donnelly as Daddy Bear, Hannah Riley as Mummy Bear and Ionica Adriana as Baby Bear,

Theatregoers are guaranteed “the greatest show on earth” when the circus comes to town. Regal Entertainments’ magical pantomime, Goldilocks And The Three Bears promises to be just right with its mix of unbelievable circus tricks, madcap comedy capers,

The creative team includes producer and director Chantelle Nolan, musical supervisor Callum Clarke, choreography by Nazene Langfield. 

Chantelle Nolan said: “This is a relatively new production for Regal Entertainments, but it has broken Box Office records on both occasions it’s been performed. We always knew there was something special about Goldilocks And The Three Bears. Audiences totally embraced the new storyline, with its exciting and fun circus theme – it’s a perfect title for Easter and I know that family audiences will continue to love the show.” 

 What the Press have said about previous productions of Goldilocks And The Three Bears… 

                             WRITEBASE – 10/10 – THE PERFECT PANTO

“This panto is a must-see. It’s a full-on family experience full of festive fun and laughter”

OPENING NIGHT  –  FIVE STARS

“A magical, hilarious and brilliantly entertaining production from start to

MERSEYNEWS LIVE – FIVE STARS

  “Goldilocks is an eye-popping extravaganza show that will make you laugh until your sides hurt and is a must-see for all, regardless of age!”

SHOW LISTINGS

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

Friday 29 March – Sunday 14 April 2024  ♦ Time: Various times ♦ Tickets: From £18.00

THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS

ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL

Corporation Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1LQ

Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

Telephone ticket booking line 01744 756000, lines open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Book online at www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Follow St Helens Theatre Royal on social media channels:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StHelensTheatreRoyal ♦ Twitter: @TheatreRoyalStH ♦ Instagram: @TheatreRoyalStH ♦ TikTok: @sthelenstheatreroyal

 

Photographs by David Munn Photography

Movers ‘n’ soul shakers: a concious dance experience on the spring equinox

As the Spring Equinox approaches, Liverpool’s famous party venue, 24 Kitchen Street, will launch a unique event that aims to redefine the clubbing experience.

“Movers n Soul Shakers,” scheduled for this Sunday, March 24th, invites revelers to an evening of conscious partying, featuring breathwork, meditation, sound therapy, and a sober dance.

“Movers n Soul Shakers is not just a party,” said Geniene Azalea, “it’s a movement towards a healthier, more mindful clubbing experience.”

Recognizing the positive impact of dance on social, emotional, and identity development, the event promotes alcohol-free conscious clubbing as a credible alternative to traditional drinking-focused nightlife.

“Sober raves have been popping up all over Europe in recent years,” adds Geniene.

Renowned DJ Nell Shakespeare, with 15 years of experience entertaining in Ibiza, will take attendees on a musical journey. After the dance, sound therapist Geniene with a decade of meditation teaching, will provide a blissful sound bath experience alongside Jake Jervo.

He expresses a commitment to prioritize mental and physical wellbeing through events that make people feel better. “Movers ‘n’ Soul Shakers is being created as an open space for all to dance and feel part of something together. The combination of rhythmic movements and soothing sound aims to unleash all the feel-good hormones, offering a unique and rejuvenating experience.”

Geniene maintains the event’s purpose is to “connect like-minded individuals who seek the joy of dancing without the drawbacks of a hangover.”

Jake Jervo, a resident drag artist from local LGBTQ Club Night Sonic Yootha and part of the Movers n Soul team, emphasized the importance of connecting mind, body, and spirit through conscious dancing.

“Dance is a form of therapy for me, and I can’t wait to share our sound baths and just have a dance with some new souls.”

 

Van gogh spectacular announces extension to liverpool dates

HUGE DEMAND IN OUR CITY FOR TICKETS TO UK PREMIERE OF THRILLING IMMERSIVE ART ATTRACTION

Beyond Van Gogh

A spectacular immersive multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh’s life and stunning artworks comes to Liverpool in a UK premiere this summer – and producers have revealed they are extending its run due to overwhelming demand from the public.

 

 

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is set to be staged at:  Exhibition Centre Liverpool 

Opening on 27 June 2024.

The demand for TIMED tickets has proved so high that a few of the show’s weekend sessions are already sold out. As a result, producers Annerin Productions and Paquin Entertainment Group have now made the decision to extend its initial two-and-a-half week run by a further 10 days. It means the unmissable experience will now be open to visitors daily until Wednesday, 24 July.

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience combines more than 300 of the post-Impressionist icon’s paintings, with cutting-edge technology and a specially curated musical soundtrack to tell the story of one of history’s most influential artists. His paintings are liberated from their two-dimensional realms and rendered into three-dimensional, fully immersive scenes that swirl and flow with colour and movement – exhilarating in every sense.

Visitors are taken on a journey through the artist’s world from darkness to light, enhanced by his own dreams, thoughts and words set to a stirring symphonic score in this sensational narrative experience which appeals to a whole new generation of art enthusiasts and Van Gogh fans alike.

Beginning in the Introduction Hall, visitors connect with Vincent van Gogh through personal letters that he wrote to his brother, and greatest supporter, Theo. Visitors then move into the heart of the exhibition – the Immersive Room – where Van Gogh’s paintings are freed from their frames to dominate the space and fully immerse the audience in the incredible detail of his work, awakening their imagination in a playful and dreamlike way as they are enveloped in colourful flowers, cafés and stunning landscapes, shifting and swirling across the projection-swathed walls and floor.

Even if you are not very familiar with Van Gogh’s incredible paintings, this is an excellent access point to his world, and a way to connect to the artist behind the art.

There is also a chance to take part in special Saturday morning yoga sessions inside the exhibition itself. Meanwhile VIP Experience tickets include selected Beyond Van Gogh merchandise along with flexible arrival times and fast track entry.

 Annerin Productions chose Liverpool for the premiere after having had previous experience of the city through its hit Broadway and West End Beatles’ musical revue show Let It Be.

Anna Parry, UK Business Development at Annerin Productions, said today: “We’re excited to announce the extension of Beyond Van Gogh in Liverpool. It’s a testament to the overwhelming demand and unwavering support from the city of Liverpool. The wonderful response and demand for tickets reaffirms Liverpool’s passion for art and culture, and we’re thrilled to provide this extended opportunity for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the transformative world of Van Gogh’s masterpieces.”

 Colm Graham, Head of Partnerships, Hospitality and Exhibition Sales at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, added: “We’re delighted that the public are as enthusiastic about Beyond Van Gogh as we are. The response from our community has been phenomenal, with Ticket Quarter selling thousands of tickets already.  We’re thrilled that the exhibition has been extended by a further ten days, allowing so many more people to experience this exciting and dynamic event, and we’re really looking forward to working with Anna and her team to deliver the UK premiere.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Website – www.beyondvangogh.com ♦ Facebook – Beyond Van Gogh UK ♦ Instagram – @beyondvangoghuk ♦ Official trailer – https://youtu.be/LtJWcr3Czw8   

LISTINGS INFORMATION – BEYOND VAN GOGH

VENUE: Exhibition Centre Liverpool, King’s Dock, Liverpool, L3 4FP

DATE: Thursday, 27 June – Wednesday, 24 July 2024

TIME: 10am-8pm Monday-Friday & Sunday/ 9am-8pm Saturday (special yoga session Saturday mornings)

PRICE: Off-peak (Mon-Thurs): Adult 13+ £26.40/ Senior 65+, NHS, Student £19.80/ Child (4-12) £15.84/ Under three Free/ VIP Experience £39.60

Peak (Fri-Sun): Adult 13+ £29.70/ Senior 65+, NHS, Student £23.76/ Child (4-12) £19.80/ Under three Free/ Yoga £39.60/ VIP Experience £46.20

All prices include booking fees. | Flexible entry add-on available

 Entry is by timed ticket. No change of date or time is permitted unless you have purchased flexible ticket add on. Please arrive 15 minutes before your entrance time.

VIP Experience includes flexibility to arrive two hours before or after your scheduled time, fast track entry and choice of selected merchandise package.

Yoga session begins 1 hour earlier on a Saturday morning and the main purpose of the class is to bring the yoga students into a deeply present experience through the mindful exploration of the art that they are immersed in.  Collaborative studio will be announced soon.

Tickets can be booked via www.ticketquarter.co.uk

Direct booking link – www.exhibitioncentreliverpool.com/whats-on/beyond-van-gogh