Seventeen strollers took the train into Liverpool and walked down Water Street to the Pier Head. As we passed Tower Building, Brian pointed out the plaque commemorating the rescue of Shackleton’s stranded crew from Elephant Island in 1916 and outlined the story. We then made our way to the Beatles Statue for a talk about the statue’s history and detail before catching the “Everybody Razzle Dazzle” Ferry to Seacombe. The weather wasn’t very good for viewing, but we could see the Isle Of Man Ferry “Manannan”, naval vessel HMS Mersey docked at the cruise terminal, the new IOM Ferry Terminal, the six faced clock, the progressing work on Everton’s Bramley Moore Stadium and we were then passed by the departing Manannan IOM ferry making its way out to sea, before arriving at the newly refurbished Seacombe terminal. The Woodside terminal is currently closed for a similar upgrade. We set off along the Seacombe to New Brighton Promenade in light drizzle with the wind behind us. We passed Wallasey Town Hall where its Hillsborough Memorial had the floral tribute, left the day before by the Mayor of Wirral, on display. After passing the Ferry pub at Egremont we reached the Poggi Shelter where Brian gave a short talk on its history. Walking through Vale Park, we had views of the Magazine (old ships ammunition store) and an array of delightful driftwood sculptures and a “Fairy Village” of tree houses and mythical creatures. We had a drinks break here at the Café and Tea Room before rejoining the prom where Brian gave us a history of New Brighton Tower and fairground. We then headed away from the Mersey into New Brighton’s decorated streets. Brian led us around so many murals with a description of each. I’d seen a few of these before but had no idea how many there were. I counted forty – some amusing, some with social comment, some poignant and all beautifully painted. My own favourite was of Mike Jones, the Lifeboatman who still volunteers at New Brighton Lifeboat Station. At the end of the mural trail, we made our way back to the prom and thanked Brian and Brenda for a most informative and enjoyable walk. We then went our separate ways for lunch and then the train back home.
Thanks once again to Brian and Brenda for organising, recce-ing and leading the walk. See you all next time.