Monthly Archives: May 2025

Tech Group visits Grenfell

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Wednesday’s talk was given by John Joyce (BA) who talked about all aspects of the Grenfell Towers incident. A very comprehensive presentation covered the incident itself, previous issues with similar buildings, building materials, council  issues and the inquiry.

He also gave detailed information on the outcomes of findings within all the industries and services involved including significant changes to legislation, likely to affect all construction in the future.

The presentation was broken down into 5 key areas:

  • Grenfell summary
  • Construction sector
  • BSA summary
  • Grenfell today
  • What next for the fire industry ?

Our thanks to John and to Steve for inviting him to the group.

Further reading can be found in these links:

The Grenfell tower inquiry
The Hackitt Report
Grenfell – BBC podcast
Show me the bodies

Next month we will be looking at Luca Turin (11th) and plague (25th)

Quarry Bank Mill – Thursday 26/6/25

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Arrangements are in hand to visit the above Mill, built by Samuel Greg in 1784. In 1820 a new Mill was added which created space for more spinning and carding machines.  300 workers were operating 1000 spindles. New scutching room , steam engines and boiler room were added in the 19th century. There is Quarry Bank House , the Apprentice House, which housed as many as 90 children as young as eight years old packed in together, all available to visit. There are extensive gardens which incorporate natural and industrial features side by side to create drama and interest There is a cafe on site where members can purchase refreshments for lunch. Return coach travel from Maghull Square , Cost is £21 for National Trust and £41 for non members (join prior to trip and it is only £21) See George or Jeff at AFF desk or text George on 07826 048379

Leasowe Circular 22/05/25

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For today’s walk, we took the train to Leasowe Station for a circular along the River Birkett and the sea front. A short stretch along Reeds Lane took us to the Wirral Circular Trail along the bank of the River Birkett. We passed the former Typhoo Tea Factory (which closed in 2023) and the Moreton Bakery – Home Of The Mini Roll. With the recent sunny dry spell, there wasn’t much water in the Birkett and Continue reading →

New Day Trip

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We will start our day in the lovely West Yorkshire town of Settle. The Flower Pot Festival is on and we can spend a fun morning spotting the exhibits (who would think so much could be done with plastic flower pots). It’s an Interesting town to explore, lots of side streets/alleys to investigate. Good choice of coffee/cake shops. Just a short walk is Watershed Mill, an interesting outlet to visit with a wide variety of goods. Settle Station is on the famous Settle/Carlisle line and also has a nice cafe. THEN we are off to Skipton, Gateway to the Dales. We will enjoy a fish/chip lunch (option available) followed by ice cream, tea/coffee in the award winning famous Bizzie Lizzies. Set by the Canal Basin, where all the canal boats depart from. Lots to see/do here and the famous market with plenty of bargains is on. For the energetic try Skipton Woods  by the Castle, which overlooks the main street,  for a walk.

WHEN?  Friday 18th July 2025. Depart 9.15am  Return 6pm. Seats are on sale.                  Price: £29pp. (includes lunch). Big favour to ask. If paying cash please have the right money. We are always short of change.

Victory in Europe Celebration Event

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On the 6th May as many of us that could be fitted in, got together at the Maghull Baptist Church to celebration the end of the war in Europe some 80 years ago.

We had a brilliant morning with the NAAFI handing out cups of tea or coffee and an abundance of cakes to choose from.  The hall was decorated in red, blue and white with a smattering of Welsh flags intermingled amid the Union flags.

Our hall was decorated with posters from the war era and we all learnt how to be like dad and keep mum, how to dig for victory and how to do our bit in the Land Army.

Many members looked resplendent in their costumes and a few tried the jitterbug to the sound of Chattanuga Choo Choo.  Mementos of fathers and uncles who did their bit were displayed with pride and medals were worn to honour the departed who had done so much.

We played Housey Housey and tested our knowledge of the war era with two quizzes.  They were won by a very astute couple who scored 50 points out of 55.  That’s what I call impressive!!

We rounded off the morning with a good old British sing song of the favourites of the period before standing in silence as a mark of respect for those who fell and in thanks for those who came home.

 

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Town Green Circular 18/05/25

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The weather couldn’t have been better for today’s walk and we went two stops on the train to Town Green. A short walk took us to Aughton Village Hall and its grandly named, William Arnold Silcock Memorial Playing Field. We cut across the field and took a path through woods to a wooden footbridge. Over the bridge, the path narrowed Continue reading →