Launchpad Magazine Summer Issue 5 (Mobile)

commerce + community + culture

Issue No. 5 Summer July ‘25

Contents.

AN ARTIST'S ORGANIC JOURNEY A Multi-Disciplinary Artist's Journey rough Two Decades of Artistic Evolution

FAMILY FUN DAYS OUT Best family days out this Summer

ROADS? WHERE WE'RE GOING WE DON'T NEED ROADS 51

EDITOR'S LETTER

Jacob Watson takes us o the beaten track

SUMMER STYLE

TALKING KOKEDAMA

THE BEATLES TRAIL IS JUST THE BEGINNING 57 Invest in the Community and the community will grow

e Glowing fashion trends this Summer

BEYOND THE MIC / COSY KREATION New Wave of Creative Community 32

IntoNature founder wows with this ancient practise.

SUMMER BOOK CLUB Summer Reading Roundup

BEYOND THE COURT

COSY KREATION X LAUNCHPAD CREATIVE COMMUNITY Showcasing some of the most inspiring creatives from Cosy Kreations community

How two Toxteth sisters created a place to belong INCLUSIVE SOFT PLAY HAVEN LUMIERE / LIVERPOOL'S

Talking with founders of Toxteth El8te

NEWS FROM NOWHERE Keeping it tangible with this bookshop.

SCAMPROOF YOUR BUSINESS Helping protect local businesses

constellation marketing solutions

Welcome to the Summer Edition of Launchpad! In this issue... EDITOR'S LETTER

Sun’s out, stories are in and if you’re scrolling, this issue congratulations: you’ve just opened the door to one of the most joyfully chaotic, community-powered reads this side of the Mersey. At Launchpad, we try to showcase the best in community. We shine a spotlight on the people, places, and projects that are quietly and sometimes loudly transforming everyday life across the North. is summer, we’ve got artists, crocheters taking on capitalism, lmmakers rewriting the rules, plant whisperers making moss balls cool, and grassroots charities lighting the way for inclusion and

imagination. We’ve spoken to street artists, vintage hustlers, slow-fashion rebels, and midnight basketball players, because real community is a patchwork, and ours is stitched with re. Whether you're a reader, dreamer, doer or just here for the book recommendations, this issue is for you. So turn the page, and let’s go exploring! ank you for reading. Christopher Welford & Carina O’Brien-Welford founders of Launchpad Magazine,

The Growing Fashion Trend This Summer

environmental eects, generating 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually and contributing to 10% of global carbon emissions and ocean microplastics. e fashion industry's crisis highlights its disconnection from natural ecosystems. e "New" Old Materials As climate change drives industry innovation, companies like MycoWorks are using mushroom mycelium to create leather, attracting luxury brands such as Hermès. e mycelium leather market is expected to grow from $12 million in 2024 to $336 million by 2033. VEGEA transforms 40,000 tonnes of grape waste into leather alternatives, partnering with Calvin Klein and H&M, while Singtex Industries incorporates Starbucks' coee grounds into athletic wear. Additionally,

e fashion industry is touting bio-materials as a groundbreaking innovation, but it's really a return to practices predating Big Oil's inuence. At major fashion weeks in 2025, expect to hear praise for “revolutionary” materials made from mushroom roots, wine waste, and coee grounds. While industry leaders celebrate these as the future of sustainable fashion, what they overlook is that this isn’t innovation; it’s simply rehabilitation of ancient knowledge that clothes can and should come from living sources. e Great Synthetic Detour Before the 1950s, clothing was made from natural materials like cotton, wool, silk, and leather. e petrochemical industry introduced synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, shiing perceptions of "organic" to niche. Today, this reliance on synthetics has severe

e Price of Forgetting e tragedy is not only environmental but also cultural, as we've lost generations of knowledge about working with natural materials. Many artisans who understood textures from plant bers and seasonal production have disappeared due to the rise of synthetic, industrial production. Now, we are rebuilding that knowledge using biotechnology, as companies invest millions to create water-resistant and durable plant-based materials, challenges our ancestors addressed with traditional techniques. e Circular Return e circular fashion movement represents more than environmental necessity, it's a return to pre-industrial logic. e eight principles of circular fashion weren't revolutionary concepts to our great-grandparents. ey were common sense. Before planned obsolescence became

pineapple leather, sourced from 480 leaves of 16 plants for one square meter, emphasizes a return to labor-intensive natural processes. e Glow-Up e trend of bioluminescent fabrics adds depth to fashion narratives. ese materials can glow for over 12 hours aer just ve minutes of light exposure, moving beyond mere aesthetics. ey embody a rejection of synthetic sterility, oering garments that respond to their environment and feel alive. is capability highlights fashion's essence of transformation and expression, qualities oen lost in synthetic materials.

a business model, clothes were made to last. Before global supply chains made labour invisible, people understood where materials came from. Fashion operated within natural limits. Innovation e innovation lies not in the materials but in scaling natural processes to meet industry demands. Modern Synthesis pioneers microbial material growth, while AlgiKnit makes yarn from kelp. ese alternatives work with biological systems. Companies like MycoWorks, Bolt reads, and Ecovative have raised signicant funding, indicating a growing recognition of what indigenous cultures have known: the best materials are grown, not manufactured. e Long Road Home As regulatory pressure increases in Europe with circular economy mandates, the fashion industry's return to organic materials is both eco-friendly and economically necessary. e blend of sustainable materials with current trends oers opportunities for innovative and responsible fashion. e real change lies not in new technology, but in recognizing our detour into synthetics. e future of fashion is about rediscovering and rening what we once valued, rather than inventing something completely new.

SUMMER BOOK CLUB

Summer Reading Roundup / Five Books to Enlighten, rill and Cultivate Your Curiosity

To Die For - Is Fashion Wearing Out the World? / By Lucy Siegle Fashion lovers and eco-conscious readers, take note: Lucy Siegle’s To Die For is the definitive wake-up call on the industry’s darker underbelly. With contagious energy and meticulous research, Siegle guides us through the global supply chain—where environmental devastation, exploitive labour

As the days grow longer and the sun lounger beckons, there’s nothing quite like the ritual of selecting a handful of books to carry you through beachy afternoons and lantern-lit evenings. From memoirs of hardship to 21st century Southern Gothic, thoughtful manifestos to globe-spanning analyses, these five titles promise to enrich your summer with adventure, mystery, insight—and perhaps a little self-reflection. My favourte double bill of books - Down and Out in London and Paris and Homage to Catalonia / By George Orwell No summer library is complete without returning to the writings of George Orwell. In Down and Out in London and Paris (1933), Orwell transports readers to the gritty underworld of two great capitals, blending reportage and memoir with the novelist’s trademark compassion. Like the voice of an old friend whispering their great adventures directly into your ear, George will take you from the squalor of Parisian soup kitchens—filled with stale bread and bitter coffee—to the dank lodging houses of east London, where dignity and charity are scant. Then, in Homage to Catalonia (1938), Orwell immerses us in his unsentimentalised version of life in the front lines of the Spanish Civil War. Here, he lays bare the messy politics and fierce idealism that drove him to join the fight, offering an unglamourised account of comradeship, betrayal and the beauty of solidarity. Both works brim with Orwell’s moral urgency and crystalline language, making them perfect choices for those sultry summer afternoons when you crave both literary artistry and adventure.

practices and relentless consumption converge. Yet this is no dour manifesto. Rather, To Die For does offer solutions: from transparency initiatives to the rise of circular design. You’ll close the book eager to curate a more responsible wardrobe—and to carry the conversation forward long after the final page.

Wear No Evil: How to Change the World With Your Wardrobe / By Greta Eagan If Siegle arms you with data and warnings, Greta Eagan hands you the weapons to wage the war. Wear No Evil is equal parts personal narrative, brand auditing guide and ethical fashion handbook. Eagan’s warm, conversational tone transforms what

could be a daunting checklist into a joyful expedition. As you read, you’ll explore small-batch artisans, discover take-back programmes and learn to decode those baffling garment labels. By autumn, you won’t view clothing in quite the same way—and you’ll certainly emerge inspired to make purchases that align with your ideals.

Grow Your Groceries: A Hands-On Guide to Plant-Based Cultivation at Home By Simon Akeroyd Green thumb pros—or green-fingered rookies—will delight in Simon Akeroyd’s Grow Your Groceries . Born of a family-run farm and enriched by Akeroyd’s father-and-son collaboration, this book is as much a love letter to home-grown produce as it is a practical manual. Whether you’re tending parsley pots on a windowsill or coaxing avocado cuttings into fruit-bearing trees,

Sharp Objects By Gillian Flynn Finally, for readers

craving a detour to the dark heart of Missouri, Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects delivers a mesmerising blend of the grotesque mixed with southern threadbare glamour. Old money collides with white trash to reaveal the oppressive and toxic nature of small-town America. Reporter Camille Preaker returns to her hometown to cover a series of grisly murders, only to confront her own

Akeroyd’s clear instructions and

anecdotes make every project feel achievable. It’s the perfect antidote to supermarket overload—a reminder that organic doesn’t have to be extortionate-it can come from your own back yard.

haunting past. Flynn’s taut, unsettling prose and her female-centric perspective, reminiscent of a Tenessee Williams play heroine’s sharp wit will keep you turning pages late into the night. A delicious slice of shade to balance the bright summer light.

The World Is Flat 3.0: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century / By Thomas L. Friedman Don’t be confused by the name! Originally published in 2005 and refreshed for the digital age in this expansive 3.0 edition, Thomas Friedman’s The World Is Flat remains an essential text on globalisation. With trademark wit and breadth of vision, Friedman examines the forces—technological, economic and

cultural—that have levelled barriers and reshaped how we work, communicate and compete. This edition illuminates the rise of mobile computing, social media and gig economy, making it an ideal read for anyone wondering how our interconnected planet rewards innovation and resilience.

IF YOU HAVEN’T, YOU NEED TO VISIT THIS BOOKSHOP ON BOLD STREET

If you're ever walking down Bold Street, there's a place you shold check out if you’ve never been before. It’s called 'News From Nowhere', and honestly, it’s one of Liverpool's true treasures. It’s been around since 1974, and is still standing strong. No mean feat in a world of Amazon Prime and instant downloads! e vibe inside is incredible. It's a co-op, so there's no single owner calling the shots, so it’s a collective who run everything together. ink about that......a business with no bosses, where everyone has an equal say. How boss is that? It’s not your typical bookshop, either. e shelves are lled with books that actually make you think. Stu about social justice, feminism and world politics, alongside brilliant kids' books. It's the kind of bookshop where you walk in looking for one thing, and leave with a stack of books that will change your perspective on life........and restock the bedtime story shelf. So, how is it still here? Simple, the people.

Liverpudlians know a good thing when they see it. Choosing to buy a book here is like casting a vote for community, for local businesses, and for keeping places like this alive. Every book you buy helps the sta earn a fair wage and keeps this amazing space going. e team members just want to "spark that light of curiosity" in everyone, and you can denetly feel that. We remember this shop from our own childhood and now our generation are introducing our kids to this treasured Liverpool institution. Hopefully that light of curiosity will continue to be passed on for generations to come. To us it's more than a bookshop; it’s a hub of hope and activism. In a world that feels increasingly intangible, it’s a reminder that physical places full of powerful ideas still matter. Next time you're in town, pay a visit. You’ll be glad you did.

Summer in the North West / The Ultimate Family Guide to Creative Adventures

You Little You. You’ll also nd free family events at many locations, imaginative play workshops, sensory experiences, and weekend drop-ins to keep little minds and bodies busy—rain or shine. So whether you’re planning full-day adventures or looking for exciting ways to ll a few hours, this guide is your go-to for family-friendly activities across the North West this summer. So ditch the screens and get set for a season of creativity, connection, and lots of laughter! Scroll through our interactive planner to map out your family’s summer of fun.

From sensory hubs to countryside estates, storytelling spaces to open-air theatres, the North West is brimming with fun and feel-good family activities this summer. Whether you’re in Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire or Cumbria, there’s a jam-packed programme of experiences designed to inspire, entertain, and bring families together - with budgets to suit everyone! Some of summer’s highlights include the much-loved Storybarn Holiday Club and magical open-air cinema at Calderstones Park, inclusive sessions for families with additional needs at Lumiere, and cra, music and messy play classes hosted by Big

LOREM IPSUM

Calderstones Park Open Air Cinema 3. New for 2025! Liverpool's biggest open-air cinema comes to Calderstones Park.

Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse 5. WOW! at’s What I Call Musicals and Yep: e Snow Dragons are family friendly productions that will delight older children and parents alike.

The Reader, Calderstones Park 1. Discover a world of stories, play, and cinema in the

beautiful setting of Calderstones Park.

Creative Adventures Family Interactive Guide to:

Sefton Park 4.

The Palm House,

World Museum / Grand Parade of the Bees

2025 2.

National Trust Summer of Play

Busy bees assemble! Join this family workshop to create your own bee costume and then join the Parade!

Play your way and make memories today. Locations span the whole of the North West

Immerse yourself in FREE aernoons of storytelling, cra, culture and community and even a teddy bears picnic.

Jo Jingles @ Big You Little You 8. As an add-on to our typical musical play session, we will be providing all children who are due to start Reception in September ‘25 the opportunity to meet and get to know their new classmates.

The Stick Man trail at Delamere Forest 9. Set o with a hop and twirl as you join Stick Man on his forest adventure. e interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree.

Lumiere Inclusive Play & Sensory Centre For Families with SEN/SEND Children 7. Ms Rachel tribute is

returning to the Lumiere Centre.

Creative Adventures Family Interactive Guide to: The Great Promenade Show 11. e Great Promenade Show consists of ten pieces of artwork along Blackpool Promenade heading south from South Pier.

Big You Little You Pregnancy, Parenting & Play 10. An independent Family Wellbeing Hub in South Liverpool will be hosting summer sessions of Newborn Nurture, Pamper and Play, Mucky Monkeys, Bilingua Sing and Jo Jingles.

Manchester Museum 12. Reopened aer a major transformation, the museum is home to a Vivarium, Egyptian mummies, and Stan the T-Rex.

Talking Kokedama with Founder of IntoNature Andrew AB Photography

Practical Hacks for an Environmentally Friendly Household: An interview with Sarah Scriven

Hi Sarah, can you share the story behind your journey from a career in education to founding IntoNature? What inspired this transition? Aer two decades in education, I sought a better work-life balance and a connection to nature, which led me to gardening, a therapeutic outlet that helps me stay present and forget my stresses. Driven by creativity and a practical mindset, I pursued an RHS course to deepen my knowledge. My experience as a teacher and senior leader has provided me with valuable transferable skills that I apply daily in my business. Taking a leap of faith and being brave was key to making this shi. How did you first discover Kokedama, and what drew you to this particular art form?

I rst discovered the Japanese art form online and through the RHS, but it wasn’t with houseplants it was with herbs. I was fascinated by the process and thought it looked incredibly therapeutic (and it truly is!). e focus on presenting plants in their natural form, with no plastic involved, really resonated with me. Wanting to learn more specically about houseplants, I saw this as the perfect way to dive deeper into that world.

Could you explain the process of creating a Kokedama and what makes each piece unique? I absolutely love the process of creating Kokedama, and I enjoy teaching it even more—sharing the experience with others is so fullling. It’s a calming, mindful activity that really keeps you present, promoting a positive sense

苔玉

根洗い

Sustainability is a big part of your business. How do you ensure an eco-conscious approach in your creations?

of well-being. Each Kokedama is handcraed, so no two are ever the same. e process itself goes like this: rst, you reduce the substrate around the roots. en, you secure the roots with a ball of compost, cover it with a blanket of moss, and wrap it in a natural twine. ere are dierent ways to present the Kokedama—sometimes it's more moss-laden, sometimes not. Personally, I prefer wrapping it with jute or coir to give it the look of a natural pot. When I lead workshops, I always encourage participants to nish their Kokedama in whatever way they prefer, but I always using natural twine.

When creating my products, I focus on using natural materials—no plastics or wires. I choose biodegradable jute and coir to wrap the moss, instead of synthetic threads or horticultural wire. I also only use responsibly sourced moss from a Cheshire supplier. For weddings, I create tablescapes that act as sustainable favors for couples, allowing the plants to live on long aer the event, avoiding the waste that is oen associated with wedding decor. I’m always thoughtful about the suppliers and local

Order Online

日本の夏

What kind of experiences or feedback have you received from customers who incorporate your Kokedama into their homes or events? e feedback from my workshops has been overwhelmingly positive. People really enjoy the process and quickly realize how calming and meaningful it is. ey’re always thrilled with their nished creations, which is so rewarding to see.

businesses I partner with. I have an action plan for how I want to grow my business sustainably, and I know there’s always more I can do. Since IntoNature is still in its early stages, I’m excited to see how it will evolve with the choices I continue to make. In what ways do you believe connecting with nature through houseplants can enhance personal well-being? I believe in the science behind it. Research has shown that green prescribing, spending time with plants, can signicantly support mental health. Tending to plants, nurturing them, and surrounding ourselves with them helps create a deeper connection to nature. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to green spaces or gardens, but if you can't get outside, you can always bring the outdoors in. Aer all, many houseplants in the UK are essentially outdoor plants that originated in warmer climates. Giing a little piece of nature, like a Kokedama houseplant, to family & friends is also a beautiful way to help them connect with nature, too. I recently posted on Instagram about this with a link to an article ‘e Power of Plants’ that shared some research. 27th May How has studying horticulture influenced your work and the products you create at IntoNature? Studying horticulture has really deepened my understanding of the practical aspects of working with plants—things like soil combinations, their structures, and textures. It's also sparked my curiosity, leading me to research topics I hadn’t considered before, like plant biosecurity. On a personal level, it’s taught me to be kinder to myself. Balancing work, studying, being a parent, and running a business isn’t always easy, but I’m learning to embrace a slower pace and nd a more realistic balance between life and work. It’s a process, but it feels like I’m making progress toward a healthier, more sustainable way of living and working.

CREATIVE PARTY KOKEDAMA WORKSHOP Want to get creative Book a class to learn the art form of Kokedama at your chosen venue. Minimum of 8 people from £30 pp All materials & plant included 日本の夏

Book Online

When customers purchase Kokedamas whether from one of my stockists or at local makers market they’re oen intrigued by the lack of plastic and the fact that no pot is needed. ey’re curious to learn about the process behind it, and they denitely appreciate the visual appeal of a unique Kokedama. e wedding events and exhibitions I’ve been part of have been equally positive. ere’s always so much praise for the aesthetic of the Kokedamas, especially when clients see them on display for the rst time. ey really seem to love the idea of repurposing the displays, turning them into lasting, sustainable keep- sakes. It’s amazing to see how much people connect with the concept. Looking ahead, what future projects or expansions do you envision for IntoNature, especially in the realm of promoting well-being through nature?

I aim to continue oering workshops that connect people to nature, promote creativity, and share knowl- edge about plants. I’m also interested in collaborating with organisations across the North West and be- yond that focus on well-be- ing, as well as working with wedding venues that prioritise environmentally friendly practices.

Recent work created for, The Nectary show garden at BBCGWL 2025 (BBC Gardener's World Live). Kokedama Herbs by IntoNature

Jennifer Davy-Day Photography

HOW TOXTETH EL8TE IS LEVELLING PLAYINGFIELD

Interview with Founders of Toxteth El8te- Emile David Coleman // Michael Embaye //

Basketball is booming in England. Approximately 1.55 million people play the sport weekly, making it the second-most-played team sport aer football. Yet despite that popularity, the funding gap between basketball and football is staggering. Over the 2022–2027 cycle, Sport England has allocated £12.6 million to Basketball England, compared to £67.7 million to football bodies. at works out to roughly £1.63 per basketball player per year, versus £1.55 for football, seemingly close on paper. But the real disparity lies beneath the surface. Football benets from a vast nancial ecosystem: Premier League revenues, FA talent programmes, local authority support, and commercial sponsor- ship all feed into youth development nationwide. In contrast, basketball receives none of this trick- le-down funding, leaving grassroots organisations to operate on minimal resources. Nowhere is that imbalance felt more than in Liver- pool’s inner city. Toxteth, a neighbourhood with

a proud sporting legacy, has long lacked full-time programmes, facilities, and pathways for young players despite the demand. Local ballers are oen le sharing a handful of under-maintained courts across the city, with no formal infrastructure to nurture emerging talent. at’s precisely what Toxteth El8te set out to change. Founded by locals who grew up playing the game, the initiative now runs free sessions ve days a week and delivers high-prole events like the LVP 3×3 tournament in Liverpool ONE and late-night “Midnight Basketball” to engage young people when it matters most. In this conversation, Launchpad Magazine sits down with Toxteth El8te’s co-founders to explore the project’s origins, its city-wide impact, and how community-led action is stepping in where traditional sport systems may have fallen short.

Photography: @CorbynJohnMedia LVP 25’

As one of the co-founders, can you share the origins of Toxteth El8te and the motivation behind it? As one of the co-founders, I grew up in Toxteth and was fortunate enough to have played basketball locally during my youth. e area has a rich legacy when it comes to producing talented basketball players, and yet, over two decades later, I was shocked to nd there was no structured or consis- tent programme in place to nurture that potential. is gap was particularly disappointing given how instrumental sport had been for so many of us growing up.

We founded Toxteth El8te with a clear mission: to provide high-level access to basketball without nancial barriers. While basketball has always been seen as one of the more accessible sports, in recent years it had become increasingly commercialised and, in some cases, prohibitively expensive. We wanted to break that cycle. Our aim was to ensure that talent and passion—not the ability to pay—de- termined access to the sport. What started as a single weekly session has now evolved into a robust programme running ve days a week, complete with large-scale events that have garnered national and even international attention.

...continues page 23

Core Funding for Youth Sports (2022-27)

Funding (5y)

Participants (m)

40m 30m 20m 10m

£12m in funding over 5 years for the whole of the UK

5m 2m

1.55m Playing Basketball

0.5

Football

Rugby Union

Cricket

Athletics

Tennis

Cycling

Swimming

Basketball

Netball

Sport

is chart compares how much funding each youth sport receives with how many young people actually take part. Green bars show total funding; the orange line shows participation rates. Football receives the most funding and also has the highest participation, followed closely by swimming. However, basketball ranks third in participation yet receives the least funding of all the major sports. is highlights a major imbalance: basketball has stronger youth engagement than sports like cricket, rugby, netball, and tennis — all of which receive considerably more nancial support. e chart reveals a clear funding gap and suggests that investment should be better aligned with actual demand, particularly for high-participation, low-funded sports like basketball. Research and analysis by Constellation Marketing Solutions.

Photography: @CorbynJohnMedia LVP 25’

Can you share the story behind your latest basketball event at Liverpool ONE? What were its highlights and how did the community respond? e return of LVP 3x3 at Liverpool ONE was an in- credible success, building on the strong foundations of the 2023 and 2024 events. Hosting a large-scale basketball event in the heart of Liverpool city centre is a rare and powerful opportunity. It not only brings the sport to a wider audience, but also shines a spotlight on the talent and community spirit emerging from Toxteth. Some of the key highlights included a record turn- out, an electric atmosphere, and the participation of a wide mix of players from across the Uk. e event demonstrated how sport can bring people together in shared celebration, while also amplifying the positive stories coming out of our communities. How did the idea for your Midnight Basketball sessions in Liverpool city centre come about, and what unique needs do they address? We were inspired by the original Midnight Basket- ball programmes that began in the United States in the early 1990s, which were designed as a tool to reduce youth crime and provide safe, structured late-night activity. e concept had always resonat- ed with us, and we saw a real opportunity to imple- ment something similar here in Liverpool—where no such initiative had existed before. e logic is straightforward: young people are oen most vulnerable during late hours, when there are fewer positive outlets and structured opportunities available. By oering a vibrant, energetic and safe environment during these hours, we’re helping to reduce risk-taking behaviours and give young people something they can belong to. It’s a preventative approach as much as a sporting one, and it’s proven to be incredibly eective. In what ways have these programmes—both the Liverpool ONE event and Midnight Basketball—fos- tered connections across dierent age groups in Toxteth and beyond? What’s unique about these programmes is their ability to transcend traditional age and social barriers. We’ve created platforms where young people, older participants, and families can all engage with basketball in a way that feels inclusive and community-led. Hosting events in non-tradi-

tional, highly visible public spaces is key—it allows us to reach people who might not usually seek out sport, and creates a shared sense of belonging. ese initiatives have helped foster social cohesion, not only within Toxteth but across wider Liverpool communities. Whether it’s teenagers engaging in Midnight Basketball or families turning out to support events at Liverpool ONE, we’re seeing basketball become a catalyst for connection and unity. Could you describe a particularly memorable moment or success story that illustrates the impact Toxteth El8te has had on local participants? One standout moment from last year was watching our newly formed U-16 team thrive. Despite being together for only a short time, several players quickly progressed to represent clubs nationally and even internationally. It was an incredible armation of everything we’ve worked for. It’s not just about producing athletes—it’s about creating viable pathways for young people to grow, develop, and realise their potential, both on and o the court.

Photography: @CorbynJohnMedia LVP 25’

at success story encapsulates what Toxteth El8te is all about: removing barriers, providing opportu- nity, and showing our young people what’s possible when they’re supported and believed in. How do you measure and celebrate the wider social benets of bringing together diverse community members through basketball? We look at success not just in terms of trophies or matches won, but in the holistic development of the young people we work with. We measure impact through participation numbers, personal growth stories, and the sense of community that’s grown around our programmes. We’re building more than basketball players—we’re nurturing responsible, engaged young human beings. e emergence of a vibrant, condent and supportive youth community, which then feeds back into the wider local environment, is something we take great pride in. ese are the kinds of outcomes that can’t be measured purely in data, but they’re vis- ible every week in the energy, passion and progress we see from our participants. What partnerships or local supporters have been crucial to running your events, and how can others get involved? Toxteth El8te would not have reached this point without the unwavering support of key partners. e Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, and particularly Debi McAndrew, have been instru-

mental in enabling us to oer basketball at zero cost from day one. Likewise, the support from Operation Stonehaven at Merseyside Police has been vital in helping us reach and engage the right audiences safely and eectively. Equally important are our volunteers—the lifeblood of Toxteth El8te. eir passion, commitment and consistency are what keep the programme running week aer week. For anyone interested in supporting our work—whether you’re a business, community group or individual—there are many ways to get in- volved. From sponsorship to volunteering to spread- ing the word, we welcome all forms of collaboration. Looking ahead, what new initiatives or expansions does Toxteth El8te have planned to continue strengthening Liverpool’s community spirit? Watch this space! We’ve got some exciting develop- ments on the horizon that we can’t quite reveal yet—but rest assured, they’re all grounded in our core mission: to grow the game, support our community, and ensure that everyone—regardless of background—has the chance to be part of some- thing bigger. e journey’s just getting started.

Visit Toxtheth EL8te

Photography: @CorbynJohnMedia LVP 25’

FROM LA TO NANTWICH AN ARTIST'S ORGANIC JOURNEY

like a modern-day renaissance narrative—spanning continents, cultures, creative mediums, and decades of organic artistic development that perfectly encapsulates the evolving nature of contemporary artistic practice. A Tale of Two Artistic Souls Danielle's creative output exists in two distinct yet harmonious worlds that reect dierent aspects of her artistic DNA. On one side lie her atmospheric watercolour landscapes—loose, dreamy pieces rendered with delicate penwork that pay homage to the masters who shaped her vision. "A lot of it is nature-based. I love to draw nature-based work. I love

A Multi-Disciplinary Artist's Journey rough Two Decades of Artistic Evolution How a half-Iranian artist's 16-year Los Angeles chapter, a dual career in acting, and a deep connection to nature culminated in a unique artistic vision that's transforming the cultural landscape of Cheshire—while oering a passionate defence of handmade art in the age of AI. When you walk into Browsers Emporium, you might nd yourself drawn to a collection of vibrant, hand-drawn prints that seem to pulse with life. Behind these colourful creations is Danielle Woodnutt, whose artistic journey reads

An artistic journey with Danielle Woodnutt

"A LOT OF IT IS NATUREBASED. I LOVE TO DRAW NATUREBASED WORK. I LOVE LANDSCAPES AND SIMILAR THINGS. WATERCOLOUR AND PEN IS WHAT IS MY STYLE," landscapes and similar things. Watercolour and pen is my style," she explains. "I do like a loose watercolour, and then I do all the ne detailing through pen work.” ese watercolour pieces represent the more traditional side of her artistic practice, where loose washes of colour create a mood and evoke memory. At the same time, intricate pen detailing brings focus and narrative to each scene. Her inuences run deep through art history; "A lot of work I like in terms of the nature... I'd say Monet and similar artists are a bit dreamy. I try to keep my work... my watercolour work is a bit more atmospheric...... I love Van Gogh as well. I love his work. I think it's also atmospheric, as is Turner. I love his landscapes. I think they're beautiful, just gorgeous.”

But it's her other artistic identity that tells a more intriguing and unexpected story. "en I do have this other side of my business, which is more pop arty, so they're basically hand-drawn prints, very colourful, and I actually turned those into stationery and sell those as well. So I have a range of notebooks that have my actual sort of pop art." The Los Angeles Genesis e origins of Danielle's distinctive pop art style can be traced back to an unconscious creative practice that began during her extensive time in the United States. "I lived in America for a very long time as well. I lived in Los Angeles for about 16 years, and I just started drawing these owers, nothing else but just these owers. And I started to make these huge, just big sheets of owers.” What makes this origin story particularly compelling is its organic nature. ese weren't owers created in response to artistic trends or market demands they emerged from something much more personal. "en, when I came back to England, I moved straight to London, and my other job is I'm an actor as well. So, I started working for a Persian TV company as I'm half Iranian. And then it was, while I was just sort of working on TV and things like that, I just started to pick up this idea again of these really colourful owers.” e timing reveals how her multicultural background and dual career as an actor intersected with her artistic development. Working for a Persian TV company during her time in London connected her to her Iranian heritage

while providing a professional foundation that supported her creative exploration. The Evolution of a Visual Language Twenty years in the making, these pop art prints represent something rare in contemporary art: the genuine organic development of a personal visual language. "I had no real reference in mind. And then, they just sort of developed from, really, I think my love of drawing nature. I just sort of developed these hand prints... they're all hand drawn.... then they're touched up on the computer. So when you print them, they're quite vibrant, but there's no repeat pattern in terms of what I actually draw.” is commitment to the handmade becomes even more signicant when considering Danielle's artistic process. Every element is carefully craed by hand, resulting in unique variations that resist the uniformity of digital reproduction. "So that's how those came about. Really, it wasn't because I had seen some... I didn't see a piece of artwork from Damien Hirst or anybody like that, and think, oh, you know, I really love that kind of sort of pop culture work. It was just something that kind of happened." e work expanded beyond owers as the artistic language matured. "I started drawing these owers about maybe 20 years ago now, and then I just started to develop them into these prints. And then I thought, Well, what else can I do? So I did the mermaids, and then I did the boats." Each new subject brought its own narrative possibilities. "I do feel like they all have a bit of a story, if I'm honest with you..... the mermaids are sort of like this underwater world of their own. So I do feel like, if you really look at them, you can feel that there's a bit of a story behind them.” Building a Creative Community in Nantwich Now based in the beautiful market town of Nantwich, Danielle has discovered both the rewards and challenges of practising art in a smaller community. "I'm based in Nantwich at the moment, which is a beautiful little town, but coming back and forth to London.” Yet, this transition has brought meaningful opportunities for local engagement. Her commercial work spans a remarkable range, from deeply personal commissions to signicant business partnerships. "I've been able to draw since I was a child, but to be honest with you, it's only in the past six years that I've really gone out as a freelance artist doing commissions and a lot of personal commissions, People will contact me and say, draw my house, or draw my garden, or, you know, something of that

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LANDSCAPER OF THE YEAR WILD CARD

nature." More impressively, she's established herself as a creative partner for local businesses. "But then I've done some work for some pretty big businesses in Nantwich, so St Martha's restaurant, I did all their work. And Edwards of Nantwich has just opened up, and I did all their posters and, logo design." ese partnerships represent more than commercial success; they demonstrate how local artists can become integral to community identity and business culture, creating work that serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. The AI Dilemma / A Personal and Professional Threat

No topic elicits a more passionate response from Danielle than the current conversation around articial intelligence and its impact on creative industries. Her perspective is carefully considered, acknowledging AI's broader benets while expressing genuine alarm about its implications for working artists. "I believe that in terms of things like the medical eld and all that, there's probably a lot of room for AI. But as an artist, I just... I nd it a bit soul-destroying because I always advocate for people to be creative and express themselves". She draws an essential distinction between AI as a tool for personal expression versus commercial competition. "And if somebody can't sit there and draw a picture, but they

can... they can download a programme, or they can create something through AI that expresses themselves. I think that's a beautiful thing. But the problem is, is that when you do it for a living..." at’s where the economic reality becomes stark, when she describes the competitive pressure; "Someone will come to me and say, 'I need a commission done.' And I will say, 'Okay, well, that's going to take ve days, and this is what it costs.' You know, there's going to be someone down the street who's going to say, 'Well, I can do it in an hour, and I'll do it for half the price.' And that's because AI is doing it for them." Her concern extends throughout her creative community: "I've got friends in London who are graphic designers who are terried of AI because there is a real chance that it could take over such a large portion of our business." e fear isn't just personal but collective, representing a fundamental challenge to creative livelihoods. What makes her perspective particularly poignant is her recognition of what might be lost: "e value placed on getting art from someone who can actually draw it, who sits there and actually paints it and uses the colours and uses the imagination is waning... there's an unfortunate chance that that's just going to become less and less appealing because people are creating what sometimes looks like amazing work, but they're doing it in a matter of 20 minutes on AI." e impact aects both sides of her creative practice.

"Unfortunately, in both sides of my business," she notes, referring to both her visual art and acting careers, "AI is quite a terrifying concept, really." Expanding Creative Horizons Despite these challenges, Danielle remains optimistic about expanding her artistic practice into new territories. Her pop art prints have already attracted attention for their potential in broader applications. "I used to go to a lot of markets, and a lot of people would say to me, 'You need to make this into wallpaper or fabric.' " She's begun experimenting with these possibilities: "Actually, last year, I had some fabric made up and some larger sort of, well, I think you can say it was more wrapping paper than wallpaper, but it did look great. And it's denitely something that I would be up for doing, without a doubt, because especially the owers would be brilliant." e transition from individual prints to larger decorative applications represents a natural evolution that could bring her work into homes and commercial spaces in entirely new ways. Shifting Priorities From Commerce to Community Perhaps most tellingly, Danielle's priorities have evolved beyond pure commercial success to something more - artistic visibility and community engagement. "I'm at a point in my career as an artist where I want the priority to shi towards my work being seen, not just paid for. So that is actually the most important thing at the moment.” is evolution represents artistic perspective, one that recognises the value of exposure, connection,

at Browsers Emporium in a family-run business located in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. You can view her full portfolio and commission information at www.daniellewoodnutt.com . Her collaborations with St Martha's restaurant and Edwards of Nantwich demonstrate the growing integration between local artists and Nantwich's business community. You can see her work displayed at the following venues. @atrstsightlifestyleuhuhuh

and cultural contribution alongside nancial sustainability. Her enthusiasm for collaboration extends beyond traditional boundaries and this generous spirit reects her understanding that creative communities thrive on mutual support rather than pure competition. The Future of Handmade Art As our conversation concluded, it became clear that Danielle Woodnutt represents something essential about the current moment in art and culture. Increasing digitisation and AI-generated content, her commitment to the handmade, the organic, and the genuinely personal feels both refreshing and necessary. Her journey from childhood drawing to Los Angeles experimentation to tlife in the Big Smoke and now based in Nantwich, success demonstrates that authentic artistic vision doesn't follow prescribed paths, it grows, evolves, and nds its own way to ourish. e twenty-year development of her ower prints, the integration of her multicultural perspective, her dual career as an actor, and her commitment to community engagement all contribute to a practice that is both deeply personal and broadly relevant. Danielle Woodnutt's work is currently available

@browseremporium_ @stmartharestaurant @edwards.deli.and.wine @dw_art_prints @danielle woodnutt daniellewoodnutt.com Landscape Artist of the Year 2026

In further very exciting news, it has recently been announced that Danielle has been chosen to be Sky One’s Landscape Artist of the Year Wildcard. A much deserved opportunity to showcase her wonderful artistic skill and talent - Congratulations Danielle!

BEYOND THE MIC / COSY KREATIONS NEW WAVE OF CREATIVE COMMUNITY

PAINT & SIP

mic nights. "We had about twelve performers booked, and for the rst twenty minutes, no one was really there. I was standing outside, scanning tickets, thinking, 'Where is everyone?' en the music kicked in, and suddenly, the room lled with people grabbing chairs and standing against the walls. We had to run downstairs to get more seats. at kind of energy… it just builds on itself." at night ended with a packed house and a shortfall of chairs, a good problem, in retrospect. It's the kind of spontaneity that denes Cosy Kreations; equal parts logistics scramble and creative triumph. And it's not just about putting on a show. With help from their videographer friend Obim, every performer walked away with full-length footage, photos, and interview clips, all provided free of charge as part of Cosy's commitment to platforming emerging artists. "It's about PR, yeah, but it's also about giving back," Mai explains. "We wanted to nd ways to support artists without putting the pressure on ticket prices. Obim lmed everyone, did a

It's a ursday night in Liverpool, and the crowd is buzzing. Fold-out chairs press shoulder to shoulder; the clink of drinks and conversations muted by a poet's nal line, and somewhere at the back, someone is wheeling in another speaker. It's not chaos, exactly; it's a community, the kind that's improvised, alive, and deeply intentional. At the heart of this open mic night are Mai and Chelsea, the duo behind Cosy Kreations, an independent creative collective that's rapidly becoming a movement in the North West. What started as a few paint-and-sip sessions for friends has now evolved into a cultural ecosystem. eir events range from poetry nights to scrapbooking socials, art exhibitions, and experimental music gigs. At its core, however, is a clear purpose: bringing people together through creativity without elitism or high entry costs. With every event they throw, they're rewriting the rulebook for what inclusive, grassroots culture can look like post-COVID. "We wanted something bigger than just a venue," says Chelsea, recounting one of their recent open

sit-down interview series, and created a 20-minute video that just… captured the whole thing. And honestly, the feedback was amazing." What they're describing goes beyond typical event planning. Cosy Kreations is becoming a cultural infrastructure, part creative agency, part community centre, and part hopeful experiment in grassroots collaboration. e duo juggle WhatsApp groups, partnerships, late-night set-ups, and last-minute PA system failures with a sort of stubborn optimism. "One of our venues had a broken PA the week before the event," Chelsea recalls. Mai said with a smile, "We were running up and down the street with speakers, asking mates, musicians, even my uncle who used to be in a band.… It was a chaotic scene. But we pulled it o. e crowd had no idea." eir open mic series, held in collaboration with Ditto Coee, has become a cornerstone of the Cosy Kreations brand. Ditto's link to Ditto Music, an independent record label, has opened the door to opportunities for performers to submit demos, receive streaming support, and launch their careers. But Mai and Chelsea aren't just content being connectors. ey're dreaming of much bigger things. "We'd love to have our own label one day," Mai says. "A real community label, where young or underrepresented artists can release music, keep their rights, and get proper support. We've had people travel from Blackpool to perform not because of money but because the opportunity just isn't there elsewhere." at tension between ambition and

accessibility, between platform and prot, is something the pair navigate constantly. While ticket sales cover costs, they're committed to keeping prices low and events open to all. eir rst open mic sent 100% of prots to Zoe's Place, a local children's hospice. eir second gave 50%. And for future shows? ey're exploring hybrid models, including PR packages for artists, DIY recording help and licensing support - anything to create sustainability without compromising accessibility. eir model resonates most with millennials and Gen Z attendees. Post-pandemic, there's been a cultural dri away from alcohol-centred nightlife and towards sober, purpose-driven gatherings. And Cosy Kreations ts that moment perfectly. "People are socialising dierently now," says Chelsea. "It's not about clubbing until 3am anymore. ere's a massive appetite for non-alcoholic creative spaces. It's not just Liverpool; I've seen it across the North. People are looking for meaning. ey want to belong." And belong they do. From spoken word performers who have attended every open mic night to attendees making friends at painting socials, Cosy Kreations is cultivating something rare; a creative network with a heart. One attendee summed it up simply; "I've made more friends at these events than I did in two years of uni." But don't be fooled by the so glow of fairy lights and group

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