GET READY FOR A SUMMER OF LOVE...

LIVERPOOL Pride can also share a message of support from Anton Hysen, the world’s only ‘out’ professional footballer and son of former Liverpool FC star Glenn Hysen.  As The Beatles famously sang ‘All You Need Is Love’ and Liverpool Pride will be showcasing this when the Summer of Love themed festival bursts into life in the city centre on Saturday, 6 August 2011, bringing with it a FREE fun filled day for all the family.

The announcement comes just days after news broke of the beating of 2 of Liverpool’s best loved Drag Queens Lady Sian and
Calvin Fox.   Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Hazel Williams, said:- "IDAHO is an important day in the city’s calendar and I’m delighted to say the Town Hall will be flying the rainbow flag with pride. Following the horrendous attacks on members of the gay community, this day is a chance for us to reinforce the message that homophobia is unacceptable. As a city council, we will do everything we can to promote diversity in this great city. I’m delighted that this year’s theme is ‘Summer of Love’ and I hope it will bring everyone together in the spirit of unity and togetherness. IDAHO will be a fantastic pre-cursor to the much-anticipated return of Liverpool Pride in August - our major celebration of the city’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community."

Following a vote on liverpoolpride.co.uk and around the gay scene, Summer of Love was an overwhelming winner with 46% leaving the other themes All At Sea, Film Noir and Hollywood Glamour far behind. Tommy McIlravey, Chair of Liverpool Pride said:- "We knew last year’s Rainbow Circus would be hard to beat, so many people did us proud to make the day one of the most colourful in the city’s history. The local LGBT community have voted in their droves to give us another cracker for 2011. The Summer of Love will see an ocean of hippies, fluoros and flower children flood into Liverpool ready to paint the town pink on, 6 August 2011."

Commenting on the recent attacks, Tommy continues:- "I can’t believe what has happened to our Lady Sian, she’s a friend and neighbour and was an absolute star at Liverpool Pride 2010. I know she’ll be back on her feet in August with bigger hair and a bigger smile than anyone else! Thousands of people came out to show their support for us last year and it’s good to be reminded that for every bigot who attacks one of us there are a thousand more good people who will stand up and be counted."

Liverpool Pride recently received a message of support from Anton Hysen, the World’s only ‘out’ professional footballer, who came out in interview with Offside Magazine this March. The son of former Liverpool FC player Glenn Hysen, 20 year old Anton was born in Liverpool and still feels a close bond with the city. Anton said:- "Being born in Liverpool, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the city and it’s great to hear how much it does for its gay community. I was shocked to hear of the recent attacks and about what happened to Michael Causer. I think it’s disgraceful that attacks like this still happen across the world. We need to learn from each other and also to teach younger people how to treat each other with mutual respect despite different backgrounds, colour, sexual orientation & religion. I’m very proud to be from Liverpool & I wish everyone a safe & happy Pride."

Before 2010, Liverpool was the largest city in the country that didn’t have its own official pride festival. Liverpool Pride came about following the launch of the LGB&T Network in 2009, at which the public voted for a pride festival to engage, empower and involve the LGB&T communities within the city. This was fully endorsed by Liverpool City Council and the first official Liverpool Pride Festival saw over 21,000 people take to the streets of Liverpool in celebration of all things LGBT. It is hoped that Liverpool Pride 2011 will build on this success and will celebrate the diverse community of one of Europe’s leading cultural cities once more.  Make sure you check out:- liverpoolpride.co.uk to have your say and for all of the latest pride news.

THE RECRUITMENTSHED LAUNCHES TO HELP GET LOCAL PEOPLE WORKING

LOCAL Southport entrepreneurs, Tom and Richard Cropper are the founders of organic fruit and vegetable delivery company called:- 'The Farmshed', and they have just announced a new venture to help improve job prospects for local people.

The Recruitmentshed is aimed at assisting the unemployed back to work, helping train locals and improve their chances at re-employment. At the same time it hopes to provide local businesses with an enhanced pool of talent from which to draw recruits from.

Southport local Tom, who co-founded The Farmshed in December 2007 with his brother Richard, said:- "We have always tried to display an ethical approach towards business. We hope to bring that attitude to the temporary placement and training business, after being disappointed by a variety of temporary recruitment firms we’ve tried. It seemed to us that things could be improved both for the clients and, importantly, the candidates."

Richard explained that:- "Tom and I are extremely excited about this new venture and already have a number of new clients using our dedicated service. We’re now seeking candidates for all types of positions, including HGV drivers, warehouse operatives and admin positions. We have a fantastic pool of talent in Southport, and we want to help these people find employment."

Recruitmentshed aims to provide a client-focussed, people-driven offering to employers looking for experienced candidates to fill positions within their organisations. Hannah Mitchell, with over 10 years of recruitment industry experience, has joined as director and shareholder and will run the day-to-day operations, in addition to looking after client liaison.

If you would like more information on potential opportunities, please visit:- therecruitmentshed.co.uk.

Euro MP Welcomes New Rights for Crime Victims Across Europe

FOLLOWING a long campaign by local Euro MP Arlene McCarthy the European commission on Wednesday, 18 May 2011, launched new proposals to strengthen the rights of victims of crime across the 27 Member States of the European Union.

Arlene has called for action from the EU since the tragic murder of her Liverpool constituent Gary Dunne in Spain in 2006 left his family facing years of struggle to receive justice.

Arlene said:- "Too often victims and their families are denied critical information and support. They are often too distressed to understand the complex procedures of another country's justice system. We urgently need a fast and simple EU system which explains their rights, gives information in their own language and provides essential support to families and victims. Euro MPs will now look closely at the European Commission's proposals to see whether they will make this a reality and to table any necessary improvements."

The Commission's proposals were launched alongside campaigner Maggie Hughes whose son was the subject of a vicious and debilitating attack in Greece in 2008.

Arlene, who with Labour colleagues has hosted Maggie in Brussels, added that:- "This announcement is a tribute to campaigners like Gary Dunne's parents and Maggie Hughes who have turned personal tragedy into a commitment that others won't face the challenges they did. I and my colleagues in the European Parliament will now ensure these new proposals live up to the campaigners' calls."