Eighteen Strollers took the train to Kirkdale and walked through the streets to Goodison Road. Brian told us of the history of the church of St Luke the Evangelist and its back garden – now occupied by Goodison Park Stadium. He said it was rumoured that the vicar had to be an Evertonian. As we stood, a vicar entered the church, but too quickly for us to ask her if it was true. We also heard the history of the stadium and saw the “Ball, Harvey, Kendall” statue and the murals of past stars. We had our group photo by the Dixie Dean statue before moving briefly into Stanley Park. We passed the lake and were given some facts and history of the park. Leaving the park, we entered Anfield Cemetery and walked along the main avenue. Away from the traffic noise it was very peaceful and we could hear birdsong and take in the greenery and blossom on the trees. Brian gave us plenty of information about the cemetery and its layout and took us past the catacombs, the disused Nonconformists Chapel and out past the Crematorium to Priory Road. Crossing the road, we re-entered Stanley Park. In the main field we saw a magnificent display of daffodils and walked up to the row of formal flower beds (empty of colour at this time of year). We then moved along to Anfield Stadium with its new extension still having finishing touches applied. A new plaque in memory of the “Boot Room Boys” had recently been unveiled near to the Hillsborough Memorial. Leaving the stadium we walked along Anfield Road seeing murals of past and present Liverpool FC stars. I have been along Anfield Road innumerable times but had never realised Brian Epstein had lived there. “Our Brian” pointed out the house, with its “The Man Who Made The Beatles” wrought iron arch across the entrance. After passing a few more LFC murals, we turned into the Isla Gladstone Conservatory where we had lunch served by its cheery staff!
Thanks to Brian and Brenda for a most enjoyable and informative tour, full of history and facts.