Only Child releasing 4th LP this Christmas!
Tony Higginson, Beyond Books.

THE Liverpool based folk / country band Only Child are a they are run by singer Alan O'Hare and feature either a solo violinist, like on this occasion, a string quartet and a full live band too. Their 4th LP is due out for Christmas and they will be performing at the Philharmonic dining Rooms with the string section to launch it. They were supporting the country / Americana band My Darling Clementine Jess Holding is a superb violinist who has recently joined Only Child who also usually feature Amy Chalmers, Stuart Todd and Jon Lawton who produces their music at Cross Town Studios in Liverpool. The gig was delayed from April 2020 and was a sell out as My Darling Clementine are touring to promote their new LP, a stunning set of covers of Elvis Costello tracks produced by Steve Nieve. Only Child write and perform folk/country and a hint of rock, the addition of violins and a string quartet always adds such a definitive sound to any song and when the songs are as good as those written by Alan it is a joy to hear. Their Buildings, Scouse and Accidental Englishman are firm favourites and the recent single, Everyone comes from somewhere is fast becoming an anthem. Their website:- OnlyChild1.BandCamp.Com is the place to head for a listen. Jess is still at University in Manchester, but will be playing with Alan at Prohibition studios soon and then the full band with full strings will be at the big gigs.

NP11 urges Government to progress TFN plans for enhanced Northern infrastructure

THE voice for the 11 Northern Local Enterprise Partnerships, NP11, has given its backing to Transport for the North's proposal for Government investment in the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP), particularly in relation to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR). Ahead of party conferences and the Government Spending Review, the business led voice for the North has rallied the Government to rapidly progress the IRP to match the aspirations on levelling up the country.

In the NP11's submission to the Government's 2021 Spending Review, it has made the case that the release of the Integrated Rail Plan will have a drastic effect on the level of investment and regeneration in the North, with strategic rail investment bringing huge benefits. Northern Powerhouse Rail, the Transpennine Route Upgrade, and other national schemes must be planned and delivered together, to ensure the North are prepared for the future, bringing all corners together as a single economic powerhouse, and connecting with the rest of the UK.

NPR will generate ₤14.4bn GVA uplift by 2060, and jobs during design and construction could reach 20,000 directly employed at its peak, with 77,000 positions created in the North and a further 54,000 across the UK once complete. And in the approach to COP26, the NP11 has also got its eye firmly on the journey to Net Zero; the electrification of the NPR network and beyond could be vital for decarbonisation.

Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL, Chair of the NP11 and Leeds City Region LEP, said:- "From a business perspective, improved connectivity gives us longer, faster and more frequent train services which has a vast array of benefits. It will give employers access to a deeper pool of talent across the North; and open up access to new customers for existing businesses, encouraging them expand, innovate and take more risks. Just as importantly, it will also help to attract and boost investment, both from at home and abroad. Northern Powerhouse Rail and related investment will deliver an economic boost to our Towns and Cities, and move the North towards a more integrated economy that will 'level up' the Region and boost UK productivity. Investing in our Region's rail infrastructure will be a necessity if we are to fully deliver the Government's levelling up agenda. The programme will connect the major economic Centres of the North as well as under served communities, generating opportunity, attracting investment, creating jobs, and unleashing our potential."

Debbie Francis OBE, NP11 Board Member and Chair of Lancashire LEP, said:- "This strategic rail investment is essential to realising a North of England that is productive, competitive, and on the path to net zero. On be˝ of the business community across our Region, the NP11 would like to strongly express the need for rapid progress on the Integrated Rail Plan and Northern Powerhouse Rail and, once the Plan is published, for it to match the aspirations of the North, and the Government, for levelling up our country."

For more information on the NP11, visit:- NP11.Org.UK.