The Lake – May 2015

Issue 14 • May/June 2015

The local interest magazine for West Kirby, Hoylake, Meols and Caldy

The Five Senses of Hilbre Island • William Hesketh Lever • Peregrinations from Afar

Welcome to the fourteenth issue of The Lake, the local interest magazine for West Kirby, Hoylake, Meols and Caldy.

We would like to thank our readers for your kind comments and to encourage you to keep writing to us with your thoughts and stories.

@lakewirral

We’d also like to thank our advertisers without whom this magazine wouldn’t be possible – we are extremely grateful to them for their continuing support.

The Lake provides local interest and historical stories on a bi-monthly basis and we hope you enjoy it. Please get in touch if there is anything you want to see in future issues, or if you have any stories or pictures of your own that you want to share.

Contact the Editor by email: jon@lakemagazine.co.uk Or by post to: Jon Bion, Editor, The Lake, Royal Standard House, 334 New Chester Road, Rock Ferry, Wirral CH42 1LE. Telephone 07796 945745.

Published by: Wirral Advertising Media Ltd, Royal Standard House, 334 New Chester Road, Rock Ferry, Wirral CH42 1LE.

Our team has years of experience in design, production and distribution.

The magazine is delivered door-to-door to 12,500 homes and businesses in the area and copies are available from various outlets.

If you feel that advertising in The Lake would benefit your business, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you. Please contact Alan Strange on 07788 510868 or email: alan@lakemagazine.co.uk www.lakemagazine.co.uk Cover image: Opening of the Port Sunlight Swimming Pool - Saturday 5th July 1902 from Port Sunlight Museum Collection.

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CONTENTS

Contacts: Editor Jonathan Bion 07796 945745 jon@lakemagazine.co.uk Sales Director Alan Strange 07788 510868 alan@lakemagazine.co.uk Accounts accounts@lakemagazine.co.uk Delivered free to 12,500 homes and businesses in West Kirby, Hoylake, Meols and Caldy For distribution queries please call 0151 644 9475

04 Appeal Uncovers WW1 Letters

28 The Five Senses of Hilbre Island

06 Here Comes the Summer

30 West Kirby Sailing Club

10 Peregrinations from Afar

32 Supper Club at The Nook

12 Wirral Festival of Firsts

33 Bikini or Mankini: It’s that time again

14 RMS Lusitania

34 Finances at University

20 Wirral Open Studio Tour

35 Shorelines

22 Wirral Sailing Centre

36 Under the Gavel

24 William Hesketh Lever

38 Fitness Queen

04 The Lake

Appeal Uncovers WW1 Letters

By Heather Chapman Last year the West Kirby Museum Research Group appealed to the public for stories, photographs and memorabilia for the ‘West Kirby Remembers WW1 project’. We thank readers who contacted us with stories, photographs and ephemera.

One kind reader from Greasby donated a collection of WW1 letters and memorabilia to the Museum. The letters were to the Blackburn family of Devonshire Road, West Kirby, and were found in a skip in Heswall during the 1980s.

Gresham’s school in Norfolk was the senior school of brothers, Eric and Gray Blackburn. The school also held a memorial service for Eric on 22 March 2015.

The aim of the West Kirby Museum Research Group is to research the names of all the West Kirby WW1 casualties listed on the Grange Hill War Memorial, and remember them as real people once again. Eric Blackburn is truly remembered thanks to his descendants and our researchers.

Two of our researchers have transcribed the letters. They researched the Blackburn family history and made contact with descendants. This has uncovered a fascinating story of three brothers, Eric, Gray and Jim, serving their country, and life on the West Kirby Home Front. The story will continue in the next issue of The Lake.

Eric Blackburn of 7 Devonshire Road, West Kirby, died on active service in France. He contracted cerebro-spinal meningitis and died in hospital at St Omer on 24 March 1915. He is remembered on the family gravestone in St Bridget’s churchyard.

Rev. John Bleazard conducted a short service at St Bridget’s churchyard, exactly one hundred years later on 24 March 2015 to remember Eric. The family are spread across the UK and overseas and were unable to attend. The Research Group tidied up the grave and the family paid for flowers to be put on the grave.

Prayers for Eric

06 The Lake

HERE COMES THE

SUMMER

BY R O B E R T F O S T E R

As the mornings become warmer and the evenings get lighter, thoughts are returning to summer. The bleak greys of winter are passing; there’s a buzz in the air and everything seems that little bit cheerier. The trees are green again and the weekends become more exciting as people reawaken and dust off their barbecues in anticipation of warmth.

It must be said that last year will take some beating. July saw blazing sunshine combine with world-class sport as The Open returned to Hoylake and the global spotlight was firmly fixed on Rory McIlroy as he powered his way around the perfectly manicured Royal Liverpool links. After the thrill of Tiger Woods’ 2006 masterclass, some were apprehensive that 2014 might not match up, but it certainly didn’t disappoint!

While some will relish a return to normality, the boost provided to our local community is plain to see. Hoylake and West Kirby are thriving as a result and people are already preparing to take full advantage of the abundant watering holes and eateries on our doorstep.

To some it’s the arrival of the first swallow that marks the dawn of summer, but I know winter has truly passed when the local cafés and bars begin to bustle. Food and drink flow freely when the sun re-emerges, as a stroll past The Wro on any bright Saturday afternoon will prove. There is a Parisian air to the café culture in West Kirby and Hoylake, with vibrant venues providing all manner of treats and entertainment. As we all know, socialising and sunshine go hand in hand, and we are genuinely spoilt for choice when it comes to top quality venues to eat, drink and be merry with friends.

Entertainment is always high on the agenda in the local bars and cafés, with fantastic local acts such as Sam Wise, The Return and Mustard regularly showcasing their talents and providing a foot-tapping soundtrack to the summer. However,

for those looking for something different, take the time to explore Hoylake’s upcoming Festival of Firsts. For the uninitiated, it’s a three-day festival celebrating music, art, poetry and theatre highlighting the best of our local creative talents.

Those who want to enjoy the traditional side of summer need look no further than the expansive beaches that hug the West Wirral coastline. The colder months see only the most hardened of dog walkers brave the open sand, but as the mercury rises they are joined by those seeking relaxation and adventure. Sandcastles and ice creams are a must as families head to the beach clutching buckets, spades and picnic hampers. Footballs and frisbees fly through the air as competitive parents reluctantly let their children win at rounders, trying their best not to get carried away.

When the excitement of the beach becomes all too much, solace can be sought with a stroll around the Marine Lake.

Hours can be spent watching sailing boats tack left and right, weaving in and out of buoys as they battle to beat each other.

I must admit I have no understanding of the rules, but why should that matter! Judging by the fascinated crowds that gather to watch, I’m not the only one absorbed by the skill and agility of these sailors.

As the laughter subsides and families disperse, the mood changes as dusk falls. The perfect end to the perfect summer day can only be the sight of the sun disappearing into the night.

As it sinks behind Hilbre Island, it floods the sky with deep reds and glowing purples that create a truly breathtaking view.

Whether you live for excitement, adventure or relaxation, summer has a gift for creating fond memories that will last a lifetime. Such gifts cannot be ignored and I for one will do my best to enjoy every single day this long summer has to offer.

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The Changing Face of Solar As over 99% of the solar installations in the UK are of the traditional panels, it’s not surprising that most people think this is the only form available for the technology that converts daylight into electricity. Tony Edwards, from local Solar specialists Natural Energy Sources explains: “Whilst there have been improvements in the aesthetics of these panels over the past couple of years (all black panels for example), some people still do not like the look of large panels erected on rails above their existing tile/slate roof covering – particularly if the installation is for the front of their property. Whilst the counter argument may be that traditional roof coverings may not look that good themselves, the solar industry has taken on board this view, and is starting to produce systems like the one shown above, which we installed earlier this summer and has received many positive comments. Whilst these systems are more expensive they add to the appearance of the property, and the added value more than outweighs the additional cost.”

As outlined in previous editions of The Lake, it is to the benefit of solar system owners to use as much of the generated energy as possible, and there are a number of ways of achieving this – from basic behavioural changes (such as switching on appliances when it is sunny), through to more sophisticated automated solutions. Tony explains: “We installed one of these more comprehensive systems earlier this year, whereby the energy produced by the system is used in the first instance to power the appliances that are already on in the house. The excess energy then charges a set of batteries and

then as much of the further excess as possible is redirected to an immersion heater before the final balance is sent to the National Grid.

The system was connected through to the internet, from where the homeowner can monitor what the system is doing in overview using a simple ‘app’ (as shown below), or in much more detail using an online portal.

“This has the further advantage of being able to provide a backup supply in case of any outages of the main electricity grid (automatically switching over to battery power if the grid goes down) – this system would even power your front door bell for when the neighbours call around to ask you to store their frozen food!”

08 The Lake

Port Sunlight Museum & Garden Village Nestled between Bromborough, New Ferry and Bebington, Port Sunlight Village is a beautiful 19th century garden village built in 1888 by soap magnate William Hesketh Lever.

Still contained within its original boundaries, Port Sunlight comprises over 900 Grade II Listed houses and eight public buildings all set within 130 acres of well-maintained parkland and gardens. Over 30 different architects were involved in its creation and nearly every period of British architectural history is represented within the village.

Port Sunlight Village Trust is responsible for conserving the heritage of Port Sunlight and promoting the ideals underlying its foundation.

An independent charity, it spends over £2 million each year on the conservation and maintenance of the village.

Port Sunlight Museum delivers lifelong learning for the Trust, and tells the story of the village’s social history spanning 125 years. This year’s special exhibition, ‘Soap and Water’, looks at how water impacted on the village from its foundation to its essential role in the creation of the Lever Brothers global empire. The exhibition is also linked to the 175th Anniversary of Cunard and Transatlantic passage 2015.

To fulfil its mission, the Trust relies on income from property and holiday cottage rentals, museum admissions and events, tea room and gift shop sales, wedding/conference room hire and grants and donations.

To find out more about Port Sunlight and how you can support the village and the work of the Trust, visit www.portsunlightvillage.com

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Wirral Coastal Walk The Rotary Club of North Wirral are proud to be organising the 30th annual Wirral Coastal Walk.

Back in 1986, the club came up with the idea for a walk which would give the local community the opportunity to raise money for their favourite charities or good causes and at the same time enjoy our beautiful Wirral coastline. From the humble beginnings of a few hundred walkers, the walk has grown to become a well-known annual event in the Wirral calendar. It is now one of the biggest of its kind in the North West with numbers peaking in 2012 at 5,000 walkers. It is a fun event for walkers of all ages and abilities who can complete the 15 miles or drop out at the 4 or 10 mile checkpoints.

So dust off those walking shoes and invite, persuade, cajole or threaten family and friends into joining you for a great day out!

On Sunday the 28th June just turn up at the Seacombe Ferry terminal between 8.30am and 10.30am, pay a registration fee of ÂŁ4 per walker, ÂŁ1 for children 10 and under, get your completed sponsorship forms stamped, and start walking.

Get your sponsorship forms now and start signing up sponsors. Forms are available for downloading from www.wirralcoastalwalk.org email: coastalwalk@vcawirral.org.uk, or phone VCA Wirral on 0151 353 9700. You can also keep up to date via the Wirral Coastal Walk Facebook page.

We would also remind all you art lovers of our annual Rotary Art Exhibition which will take place from the 11th to 16th of August at Carr Farm Garden Centre, Meols.

The local interest magazine for West Kirby, Hoylake, Meols and Caldy

Please let us know how we can help promote you or your events/causes Contact our Editor By email: jon@lakemagazine.co.uk By post: The Editor, The Lake, Royal Standard House, 334 New Chester Road, Rock Ferry, Wirral CH42 1LE Telephone 07796 945745.

10 The Lake

Peregrinations from Afar But – all’s well that ends well:

The second in a series of short articles

by Rastus on West Kirby, looks at Newspaper Jottings from the past.

West Kirby Marine Lake – Patriotic Displays at Opening It wasn’t exactly plain sailing for the opening of the new Marine Lake: “The inhabitants and visitors are looking forward with great interest to the aquatic events of Saturday next, when the new marine lake will be declared open for ever.

It was open enough on Sunday when the commodore’s steam yacht was brought round from Hoylake, but while passing the sluice the steamer managed to catch the timbers, with the result that it might be foundered in mid lake, owing to the gaping wound in its sides. Perhaps there was too much bunting about, or, was there too much power on board? The craft covering the bosom of the lake are daily growing from sailing yachts to North American Indian canoes, and it looks as if by Saturday next the space on the lake will be limited to reserved places. To a landsman’s eye it would appear that there was much yet to be done to the cop before it is adaptable for the feet of men or women. And it might also be of some advantage to have some public warning conspicuously placed to deter young children running too great risks on the brink of water five feet deep! ”

“At a meeting of the general purpose committee of the Hoylake and West Kirby District Council held on Wednesday evening (29 September 1899), it was decided that Alderman A. T. Salvidge, J.P. (Chairman of the Council) should perform the opening of the West Kirby Marine Lake on Saturday afternoon, October 14 th, at two o’clock on which occasion the engineer will be presented with an illuminated address, subscribed for by the members and officers of the council. A series of sailing, rowing and swimming races will take place on the new lake, under the direction of Mr Tom Davis, Commodore of the Hoylake Sailing Club. In the evening Alderman Salvidge will give a banquet in the council chamber, to which are invited the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, the Mayor of Birkenhead, the members and officers of the council, the officers of the Hoylake Sailing Club, the justices leading the clergy, medical faculty, and principal residents of the district.”

But even the best made plans of mice and men can be affected by the unsuspected or forces beyond man’s power or control – thwarted by the elements: “Alas! The lake. This was to have been publicly opened last week, but the wind came, and the opening was postponed.

Never mind why! ”

“It was however, opened on Saturday being Trafalgar Day no doubt lent additional spirit to the event. This time the weather was most favourable, there being a crisp air with bright sunshine, which was taken advantage of by the great crowds of people assembled here from many places, the town and promenade wearing a holiday aspect, being profusely decorated with flags and bunting. Perhaps never was so large a concourse of people in West Kirby before...

There were two bands on the promenade, which performed many well-known national and patriotic airs. The Tranmere Gleam Band at the south end, and the West Kirby Brass Band at the north end. The opening ceremony took place at two o’clock, when Alderman A. T. Salvidge declared the lake open, and in doing so he referred to the rapid growth of this district as a residential and health resort, and hoped that the new lake would be an additional attraction.”

This was a momentous occasion for the small town of West Kirby and really placed it on the national stage. Indeed, if it was not because of the wonderful, dedicated forward-thinking local council members of the time – taking a calculated risk – we would not have the privilege of this marvellous free facility today.

So next time you get wet shoes and perhaps wet feet walking round the lake wall – or perhaps just sitting and relaxing on one of the memorial benches on the promenade watching the sun dip and go to sleep behind Hilbre Island – or simply watching the evening light up in a far, but so near foreign land – don’t forget to thank the 1899 Council for its wonderful legacy to West Kirby.

The Opening Ceremony was a spectacle to behold and not to be missed!

Next Issue: - Peregrinations from afar #3: West Kirby Marine Lake – the Opening Ceremony

The talk of the town and environs was all about the opening day – the atmosphere and excitement were electric: “Now to the new lake, about which so much has been said, and which has been looked forward to so longingly by West Kirbyites during the past summer. It is to be complete, we hear, by the 14th October [1899], when a grand regatta, on a West Kirbycum-Hoylake style, is to be held. Prizes to the value of 50 pounds will be given, and there are to be races of all possible kinds.”

West Kirby Promenade from the lake

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Email: info@hoscotepark.com

12 The Lake

Wirral Festival of Firsts

27th June – 12th July

Festivals are a big part of the summer scene nowadays. Latitude, Edinburgh, Hay and Glastonbury – they’re all on the map.

But did you know that there’s a summer festival on your own doorstep? The Wirral Festival of Firsts is based in and around Hoylake and West Kirby. And it’s packed full of events to appeal to all ages and tastes, with plenty you can take part in as well. Come and sing, attend a workshop or read your poems!

This year the Festival of Firsts is bringing Roger McGough and Chris Tarrant to Wirral.

It’s not all about big names though. The festival also showcases local talent and gives newcomers a chance to perform. And there’s competitions too – poetry, art music, photography, and radio scripts.

Here’s a selection of what you can look forward to. Have a look at the website for the full programme and ticket details. www.festivaloffirsts.com Music Listen to • Craig Ogden and Milo Milivojevi on guitar and accordion • Mercury Prize short-listed Polar Bear • Wirral Symphonic Wind Band Take part in • Big Sea-Side Sing-Song • Young Talent Open Mic Night Literature and writing Come and see • Roger McGough • Joyce’s War Take part in • Children’s Literary Trail • Writing for Stage and Screen Workshops Art Look at • The art of Anne Desmet RA • Two Rivers Art Group Take part in • Art on the Prom Tickets are on sale through TicketsWirral, at local shops (including Hoylake’s Help Shop) and online.

Volunteers Everyone who works for Festival of Firsts is a volunteer. Our volunteers organise events, book artistes, sell tickets, distribute leaflets, tweet, design posters, and a lot more besides. In fact, they do all the tasks (large and small) needed to plan and produce a great festival.

We are always looking for people who’d like to be part of the festival – for the whole festival period, for one day – or just for one event. You’ll be made very welcome. So get in touch if you’d like to be part of Wirral’s very own Arts Festival – Judy, Festival Manager 0151 632 2750.

14 The Lake

RMS Lusitania Local Survivors

By Heather Chapman

18 minutes. There were 1,959 passengers and crew on board, of which 1,195 lives were lost.

Like other places in the Liverpool area, the West Kirby and Hoylake District was represented with crew and passengers on board the Lusitania. In total I have researched seven survivors and 14 casualties with connections to the local district. The names were reported in the West Kirby News and Advertiser.

SURVIVORS Of the seven survivors I found, four of them were crew members.

RMS Lusitania was a Cunard liner built by John Brown & Company at Clydebank, Scotland. ‘Old Lusi’, as she was affectionately called, was launched on 7 June 1906.

Her maiden voyage was on 7 September 1907. She was a holder of the Blue Riband (awarded to the fastest ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean) and briefly the world’s largest passenger ship. Her sister ship was the RMS Mauretania.

Her last and ill-fated voyage left New York on 1 May 1915. She was torpedoed by German U-boat U20 on 7 May 1915 off the southern coast of Ireland and sank in just

1. Miss Marion May Bird (known as May) was born in Hoylake in 1875. She was the daughter of John and Jane Bird (nee Powell). May was a stewardess aboard the Lusitania from the ship’s maiden voyage.

She and her friend, fellow stewardess Fanny Morecroft, lodged with Bird relatives at 40 Church Road (renamed Trinity Road), Hoylake. When the Lusitania went down she was hailed as the hero of Lifeboat 13. Her rowing skills (probably acquired from her Hoylake fishing family days) were put to the test as she struggled to row the lifeboat out of the danger zone before the liner finally went down. May married Charles Ernest Walker in 1919 and the couple moved to Surrey, later returning to Hoylake, living at 30 Queens Road. May’s friend, Fanny Morecroft, lived with them. May died 31 January 1975, just three months before her 100th birthday.

2. Fanny Jane Morecroft (nee Chamberlain) was born in London in 1871. Fanny married Herbert Johnston Morecroft, who was 19 years older than Fanny and they had two children. Herbert was a solicitor from a wealthy Tranmere family. Herbert turned his back on his profession and became a travelling actor. Fanny’s family disapproved of her liaison with Herbert and the couple eloped to marry in Manchester in 1890.

Fanny became an actress and Herbert and his family assumed the stage surname of Montague. Herbert died in 1907 and Fanny joined the Cunard Line as a stewardess to support her family. It was here that Fanny met her lifelong friend, May Bird.

After the war Fanny resumed work with Cunard Line and eventually became the Chief Stewardess on the liner, RMS Lancastria.

Fanny lived with May and Charles Walker in Surrey and later at 30 Queens Rd, Hoylake.

Fanny died on 9 July 1958.

3. William Ewart Gladstone Jones (aka Billy) was born in 1886 in Liverpool. He was the son of William Alfred Jones (aka ‘Sandlea’ Jones) and Annie Jones (nee Pugh). The Jones family moved to West Kirby in the early 1890s and William Alfred Jones was very involved with the development of West Kirby. The family lived at Sandlea House.

Sandlea Jones was manager of the West Kirby Public Hall Company Limited and involved with the building of the shops between the Public Hall and West Kirby railway station. He became a District councillor and was the secretary of the local branch of the Liberal Party.

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Billy married Olwen Danvers Jones (they both had the surname of Jones) in 1913 and the family’s first home was at Brookfield Cottage, Carpenters Lane, West Kirby. Billy and Olwen had twin sons, born in 1914. Billy’s occupation was a marine electrician and he was employed as Third Electrician on board the Lusitania in April 1915. There are a number of differing accounts of his rescue. He was not a swimmer and apparently went down with the ship. It is said that he was washed down a funnel and then blown out of it.

When he rose to the surface he managed to climb into an empty lifebelt box floating on the surface. He was later picked up by a rescue boat and taken ashore. He returned with the lifeboat to search for survivors.

Billy died on 24 September 1956 at Caldy Hospital, West Kirby.

4. Frederick Arthur Russell was born in 1883 in Liverpool. He was the eldest son of Frederick and Nelly Russell. Frederick Senior died in 1913 and the family moved from Liverpool to West Kirby. Their first home in West Kirby was at Laurel Cottage which stood at the top of Redhouse Lane.

Frederick had five brothers (two died in infancy) and two sisters. Frederick was at one time listed on the census as an architect. He was employed as a first class waiter on the Lusitania on her last fateful voyage. When the liner was torpedoed he managed to jump into one of the collapsible

lifeboats and was rescued by one of the assisting boats. His three brothers all served in the armed forces during World War 1. His brother John was killed in action on the Somme in 1916. Another brother, Henry Alfred, survived the war and was awarded an MBE in 1945 as Chief Chef on SS Queen Elizabeth of the Cunard White Star Limited. Frederick never married and lived with another surviving brother, Raymond, at 85 South Parade, West Kirby.

Frederick died at Hoylake Cottage Hospital in 1953.

5. William John Pierpoint was born in 1864 in Liverpool. He was the son of Henry Pierpoint and Sarah Pierpoint (nee Williams).

He joined the Liverpool City Police in 1888.

His younger brother, John William, also became a policeman. In 1911 William was a Detective Police Inspector living with his wife, Edith, and family in Chetwynd Street, Liverpool. He was an undercover detective in charge of apprehending German agents aboard the Lusitania when it left Liverpool on 24 April 1915. He travelled alone in first class. Old Lusi left New York for the return trip on 1 May 1915. Pierpoint arrested three German stowaways found on board and they were locked up below decks.

When the torpedo struck Pierpoint was eating lunch. He managed to get into a lifeboat, but was tipped out into the water.

He was swimming when the funnels

plunged under the water and he was sucked in by the whirlpool. He was shot out of the funnel by the rush of escaping air from the ship, covered in soot and grease.

He managed to get to an upturned boat and was rescued.

William John Pierpoint was promoted to Governor of the Main Bridewell, Cheapside, Liverpool in 1919. During retirement Pierpoint moved to 23 Guffit’s Rake, Meols.

It is likely that he was the first occupant of that house (built in the 1930s). He called the house ‘Chetwynd’, probably after his former address in Liverpool. He died on 8 May 1950 at Hoylake Cottage Hospital and is buried in Holy Trinity churchyard.

6 & 7. John Edward Williams, aged ten years, and Edith Williams aged nine years, were survivors of the Lusitania. Their parents, John and Annie Williams had emigrated to America in 1904. John Edward, Edith and four younger children were all born in America. The family decided to move back to England and their father had gone ahead to look for work, securing employment at Smith’s garage opposite Hoylake railway station. John was staying with his sister, Sarah Forster, at Deva Villa, Marmion Road, Hoylake. Annie and the younger four children all lost their lives when the Lusitania sank.

The next issue will include the local casualties of the Lusitania.

16 The Lake

MONTROSE COURT OPEN DAY

1a Market Street, Hoylake, Wirral, CH47 2AP Montrose Court is a prestigious retirement development for the over 65s, situated in a central location with excellent transport links and local amenities.

Wednesday 17th June – 11am to 3pm APARTMENTS AVAILABLE FROM £125,000 Built by Bovis Homes to a high standard, owners at Montrose Court benefit from a variety of services including: • • • •

24 Hour Staffing 2 Lifts Weekly Cleaning Service Guest Room

• • • •

Emergency Call System Communal Lounge Restaurant Secure Car Parking

For further information please contact the Court Manager, Kate Carpenter, 0151 632 0543

Hoylake Cottage Day Services Open Day – 20th June 1.30-4pm We are inviting the local community to come and see what we have been doing in recent months. The old Hoylake Cottage building has been refurbished; we have installed new windows, repaired the roof and painted the exterior of the building. More car parking spaces have been added on site to reduce the number of cars parked in Deneshey and on Birkenhead Road. We have rebuilt the small garden in the centre of the main drive and are currently working on a secure sensory garden at the front of the building for people with dementia to enjoy. In a few weeks we will complete the external works by extending the main garden in order that those who use our services can enjoy quality time in a secure outdoor space.

Much more has changed inside. The interior is bright, airy and spacious with both communal and quiet spaces and a beautiful garden lounge. Our visitors can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of our sensory garden, and take advantage of bathing, chiropody and hairdressing services.

Hoylake Summer Playscheme Monday 3rd – Friday 14th August 2015 8.30am-6pm Hoylake Community Centre We are an Ofsted registered Playscheme offering 24 childcare places to children aged 5-11 for two weeks in August 2015, with flexible hours where parents can leave their children with a set of DBS checked, fully insured staff and volunteers.

Whether it is for a full day at work or an hour looking around the shops, parents are welcome to bring their children into our fun and safe environment. We offer opportunities for free play allowing the chance for freedom of choice, letting those imaginations grow.

For more information or to book a place, please go to our website www.hoylakeplayscheme.com or email hoylakeplayscheme@hotmail.co.uk The only things the children need to bring are a packed lunch and a drink (if they are with us for a FULL day), suntan lotion and a sunhat for play in our outdoor area, and we will do the rest.

The aim of the centre is to encourage visitors to take part in a wide range of stimulating, fun activities. We offer daily respite to carers at much less than the cost of three hours of domiciliary care in a comfortable, safe and stimulating environment. Visitors can sit, relax and read the paper, play chess, or join in the many activities we offer, such as gardening club, matinee afternoon, handicrafts, lunch and good company. Hoylake Cottage also offers a pick up and drop off door-to-door transport service for those who attend for a full day.

So do come and join us. The afternoon starts with a few words of welcome from the Mayor to open the proceedings at 2pm, followed by guided tours around the building if you wish or simply view what we have on offer at your own pace. Talk to our experienced staff who work with the people who use the current service and who will be engaging with future visitors to the service, enjoy the barbeque, light refreshments and entertainment, face painting and much more.

We hope to see you there to thank you and to show you what we have been able to achieve with your generosity.

More information about our day services can be found on our website, or you can give us a call and we will be more than happy to talk to you and help in any way we can.

Telephone – 0151 632 3381 Email – INFO@HOYLAKECOTTAGE.ORG.UK Website – HOYLAKE COTTAGE.ORG.UK

18 The Lake

‘Heavenly Choir’ to sing In Hoylake A ‘heavenly choir’ is coming to sing in a Hoylake church. The Chester St Cecilia Singers, who have enthralled congregations across Europe, from the Duomo in Florence to St Paul’s Cathedral in London, are to stage a concert at St Hildeburgh’s Church, Stanley Road, Hoylake CH47 1HL, on Saturday, June 6, at 7.30pm.

The Singers are a mixed choir of 22 voices – seven sopranos, four altos, six tenors and five basses – who perform a mixture of sacred and secular music.

They come from many walks of life and include teachers, a radiographer, engineers and a forensic scientist. What they share is a passion for the music they sing. Every year they stage a series of spring/summer concerts, a cathedral visit (Coventry last year), and a Christmas concert for the National Trust at Powis Castle. They have appeared in a television Christmas concert with Kathryn Jenkins and Alfie Bow and also sing at weddings, funerals and memorial services.

The choir has a new musical director, Marcus Williams, and the organist is Peter Cooke, who has played at many cathedrals and major churches.

For this, the Singers’ first visit to Hoylake, the programme will include pieces by Vaughan Williams (Let All the World in Every Corner Sing), Mendelssohn (He, Watching over Israel [Elijah]), Fauré (Agnus Dei), Mozart and Rutter, Tickets, price £8 (children £4), are available from Hoylake News shop, Market Street; St Hildeburgh’s Church Office on Wednesdays and Thursdays,10am-12.30pm; or at the door.

IN CONCERT St Hildeburgh’s Church, Hoylake Saturday 6th June, 7.30pm

Music by Mozart, Vaughan Williams,Rutter, Fauré and others.

Musical Director : Marcus Williams Organist : Peter Cooke

Tickets £8 (Children £4) Available from Hoylake News, Market Street; St Hildeburgh’s Church Office (open Wed and Thu 10am-12.30pm, Fri 2-4pm) or at the door.

St Hildeburgh’s Church is at the junction of The King’s Gap and Stanley Road opposite the Green Lodge Hotel.

Dr Sally-Ann Dolan MB ChB

Dr Ian R Jones MB BCh MD FRCP

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All injectable treatments only performed by our doctors Body contouring treatment using the award winning 3D-LipoMED technology - this offers cryolipolysis and ultrasound cavitation to reduce fat cells (non surgical liposuction), radio frequency for skin tightening and 3D-Dermology to combat stubborn cellulite. A bespoke programme will be prescribed and supervised by one of our doctors after a free consultation.

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My treatment started to work after only 2 days. I am so happy and will be back!!”

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Contact us today for a FREE consultation 158 Banks Road, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0RH Tel: 0151 625 8080 24 Rodney Street, Liverpool L1 2TQ Tel: 0151 707 3577

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20 The Lake

Wirral Open Studio Tour 13th and 14th June 2015

By David Jones

The Wirral Open Studio Tour is returning once again for 2015, this time over the weekend of Saturday 13th June and Sunday 14th June.

The concept of the tour is that the public are invited into the world of professional artists on the Wirral, visiting their studios and workplaces. This is a distinctly different experience to that of visiting a gallery or museum. Seeing the artist or craftsperson in their ‘native’ environment gives a rare insight into the inspirations and techniques that were perhaps a mystery. You might even find an artist is a neighbour you didn’t know was a painter or potter!

The venues welcoming you range from log cabins in artist’s gardens to their homes and to large venues with a few artists. An easy to follow fold-out brochure, banners, flags and a website will guide you between the venues. However, whatever type of venue you visit, don’t be shy about walking through the door – the artists will be looking forward to seeing you and happy to answer questions about their creative processes.

Please note that larger venues such as the Williamson Museum and Art Gallery, West Kirby Arts Centre, Melrose Hall and others are just as much part of the studio tour as the small venues. The artists in these larger venues will be working, showing their range of techniques, presenting work in progress and giving as much insight into their work as other venues. Artists are grouped here for a variety of reasons. In some cases the artists will be resident there for a few days before the tour and will have essentially transferred their studios to the venue – paints, canvas, easels, bookcases and rugs!

Open Studio events have been happening all over the country for many years; the Wirral Open Studio Tour is in its sixth year.

It is run by a group of volunteer artists.

With the power of the Internet spreading the word on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, the number of artists participating has grown, with more local firms and organisations showing an interest and providing much needed support and sponsorship.

Artist and Wirral Open Studio Tour member, Amanda Oliphant says: “Artists often work in isolation and it is so refreshing to know that last year visitors ventured from all over the North West, eagerly hoping to see as many studios as possible. Visitors are warmly welcomed in, with artists sharing their personal spaces – places that are not usually open to the public. Chatting freely about the motivation behind their work, as well as discussing techniques and approaches is such a great way for people to gain an insight into an artist’s world and we hope this year’s Open Studio Tour will be as exciting and successful as ever.”

Each location will have an identifying marker such as a windsock, a banner or bunting to help you locate the venues more easily.

2015

Want to know more?

For 2015, we have 46 artists in 30 venues, many from previous years, with some new artists to bring you a bigger and better tour. The artists are spread from West Kirby to Little Sutton, from Mersey to Dee and the work ranges from oil painting to ceramics, glass-art to textiles and bespoke jewellery to sculpture.

Very soon you will be seeing posters and leaflets appearing in public places marking this year’s event, which is only one of the many exciting events the Wirral has to offer in 2015. This colourful brochure has once again been designed by HeB Designs of West Kirby. It has an easy to follow layout and trail maps clearly marking each venue with information about the artists and will be available from public places, including libraries, shops, cafés and bars. You can find out more detailed information on our Facebook page – Wirral Art & Wirral Open Studio Tour – and on our website at www.wirralart.com For the 2015 the tour venues will be opening at the following times: Saturday 13th June 10am – 5pm Sunday 14th June 11am – 5pm Whether we have rain or fabulous sunshine, be sure not to miss this opportunity that is but once a year!

Artist images by Anthony Clarke.

Book your airport transfer with us today Wirral Manchester Airport from ÂŁ45 e/w Wirral Liverpool Airport from ÂŁ20 e/w

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22 The Lake

Wirral Sailing Centre

Cheshire hotel donates giant Easter egg to Arrowe Park hospital Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire celebrated Easter with the creation of a 3 foot Easter egg donated to Arrowe Park Hospital.

The award winning kitchen team at Carden Park were tasked by general manager Hamish Ferguson to create a show-stopping egg to treat patients at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Graham Tinsley MBE, Executive Head Chef explains: “Each year the hotel celebrates Easter with an Easter egg hunt that all the children staying at the hotel can take part in. This year we wanted to make a difference to children who would not be able to join in any Easter activities and a surprise giant Easter egg was the perfect way.

“The egg weighed 12 kg and was formed using a giant mould and took several days to be constructed due to the controlled temperatures required and delicate nature of working with chocolate. We were really pleased with the result and we are sure the children will have plenty of fun cracking it open.”

In addition to the giant Easter egg, the whole team at Carden Park bought and donated 92 chocolate eggs to Claire House Hospice in Bebington. The hotel has been donating Easter eggs to the hospice, which provides respite and end-of-life care for children and young adults, for the past 3 years.

Hamish Ferguson, general manager of Carden Park said: “As a team we are passionate about supporting and helping those in need in the local and surrounding areas. Easter is such a family orientated time of year and when children become ill it isn’t easy, so we wanted to make donations that we hope have helped to bring a bit of happiness to families at such a difficult time.”

In recent months both staff and customers of Wirral Sailing Centre, based at West Kirby Marine Lake, have encountered turbulent waters.

As last summer and the centre’s busiest time of year came to an end, Wirral Borough Council were looking to make substantial savings across the board. The sailing school became the focus for local residents when they heard that the centre had to increase its revenue by £25,000 per year, overshadowed by the distinct possibility that it could be privatised as a commercial concern. This rumour galvanised local people, who valued what the sailing school had offered over the years and what it meant to them as a friendly public place. Word spread quickly and within days a petition was started for the centre to remain in council hands.

The support group, ‘The Friends of Wirral Sailing Centre,’ were instrumental in ensuring that this was to become the single largest petition presented to the council concerning all the austerity options.

The petition was signed by over 4,700 people and centre staff would like to thank all those who supported the sailing school, especially the small group of parents who organised the petition. We feel that community links have been greatly strengthened through this process.

Refusing to be downcast during this period of uncertainty the centre’s small team of staff put our heads together to tackle how we might address the shortfall of £25,000. As well as implementing staff savings throughout the winter period we compiled a portfolio of ideas for increasing participation which was presented to, and well received, by both the cabinet lead for Sport and Leisure and the Director of Families and Wellbeing.

In early December the local authority cabinet voted for the centre to remain in council ownership and shortly afterwards came the exciting news that there was to be a capital investment to refurbish the ailing building, which at present can only offer cramped, unwelcoming changing rooms and is far from accessible for people with special needs or disabilities.

On top of this, centre staff are applying for funding from Sport England’s ‘Inspired Facilities’ fund to ‘top-up’ the capital spend. We look forward to an improved, modernised facility that can comfortably accommodate our entire customer base, both present and future, and understand that work is likely to begin in the autumn of this year.

We look forward to welcoming readers this season. In addition to our usual range of courses and taster sessions we have some different activities to tempt you onto the water this summer. Come and try our new fleet of Stand Up Paddle Boards or enjoy a cruise around picturesque Hilbre Island on our licensed RIB ‘Deetour.’

To coincide with Sport England’s ‘This Girl Can’ campaign we are pleased to announce ‘Ladies who Launch!’ – a sociable sail or windsurf, complete with coffee and a good gossip! For children there is a new after school kayak club and even more ‘Splash’ sessions to keep up with demand. Hope to see you on the water!

Carden Park kitchen team - Graham Tinsley MBE, Stacey Hughes and Etienne Lassalle

For further details of all our courses and activities please contact Liz Gilliver (Senior Sailing Instructor) or Mike Withy (Sports Development Manager) at Wirral Sailing Centre on 0151 625 3292.

24 The Lake

William Hesketh Lever Creator of Port Sunlight

By Ryan Ferguson

On 7th May 1925, one of the greatest contributors to Wirral history died of pneumonia at the age of 74. William Hesketh Lever, a famed industrialist, philanthropist and politician, was buried before 30,000 mourners at the Christ Church in Port Sunlight, the village of his creation, as people throughout the borough paid homage to his unique legacy.

With one inspired vision, one daring dream, Lever, a working-class kid from Bolton, spawned a global empire from the boggy marshes of Victorian Wirral. Alongside his brother James, William created the world’s first packaged, branded household soap, which sold like hot cakes, aiding the expansion of a family business into a multinational juggernaut.

Yet Lever’s legacy was about much more than suds and sterling. At home, he was a pioneer in the fight for worker rights, a firm believer in shorter workdays and additional health benefits for employees, and, in many respects, a leader in the feminist quest for gender equality. In physical terms, Lever gifted Wirral a picturesque village of worldwide acclaim.

But, in spiritual terms, he helped define the borough’s morals and shape its identity as a tolerant, liberal and pleasant place to live.

The man who would become Britain’s foremost entrepreneur was born on 19th September 1851, in Lancashire. The eldest of seven children born to James Lever and Eliza Hesketh, William naturally entered the family grocery business at an early age, running the local store owned by his father. Lever rose through the ranks and eventually became a partner in the business in the early 1870s.

However, his life was forever transformed by one eureka moment. One day in the mid-1880s, William gazed around the humble shop and began daydreaming about the soap which his father sold in bulk.

Out of either blind happenstance or sheer genius, Lever wondered whether he could invent a more versatile household soap which was less harsh and didn’t create such a burden on the user. Following this hunch, he set up a small soap works in Warrington and, along with his brother James, enlisted the help of renowned chemist William Hough, who, after much tinkering, eventually spawned Sunlight Soap, “a soap so purifying and cleansing that the even dirtiest clothing can be washed in lukewarm water with very little rubbing”.

In selling this new formula, made with vegetable oils rather than animal fats, Lever sought to “make cleanliness commonplace; to lessen work for women;

to foster health and contribute to personal attractiveness; and to make life more enjoyable and rewarding for the people who use our products”.

Initially Lever sold his soap at the family shop but demand soon rose, prompting him to explore options for expansion. With the price of raw materials low, he seized the opportunity to transform Sunlight Soap into a product of universal eminence. By the late 1880s, Lever was selling 440 tons of soap per week, increasing the need for a larger manufacturing plant with better transportation links to the major cities.

In 1887, following a lengthy scouting mission, Lever found the ideal location from which to expand his empire. At that time, the undulating marshes at Bromborough Pool on Wirral resembled a barren wasteland.

To most mortal folk, it was a useless bog, but to Lever it was the perfect hub for his grand idea.

He loved the location’s close proximity to road, rail and water, allowing raw materials to be shipped in and finished goods to be transported out more easily by van and train. From what would become Port Sunlight, named after his flagship product, Lever foresaw a vast, national network, with his goods flowing through arteries into every corner of the country. Thus he bought 56 acres of the land (later increased to 130), at £200 per acre, and set to work building his masterpiece.

Lever didn’t just build a soap factory and be done with it. Rather, as a pioneer of domestic social reform and something of a liberal visionary, he wanted to create a rural idyll surrounding his urban epicentre. Lever took a holistic approach to management, believing it his duty to look after the welfare of his employees. To that end, he instituted short workdays, pension saving plans, free health care and education for his workers.

Now he wanted to delve even deeper: to create an entire village in that guise.

The Lake 25

Lever felt that by housing his employees and providing them with a slew of additional benefits, he could foster a greater work ethic and more loyalty from them. “It is my hope,” he once famously declared, “to build houses in which our workers will be able to live and see comfortably. Semi-detached houses, with gardens back and front, in which they will be able to know more about the science of life than they can in a back slum, and in which they will learn that there is more enjoyment in life than a mere going to, and returning from, work.”

The result of this vision was a tree-lined model village with manicured lawns and space for 3,500 contented inhabitants.

Port Sunlight became a monument to Lever’s ideology, with art galleries, allotments, open-air swimming pools and theatres providing light entertainment; churches, hospitals and schools providing crucial guidance; and breathtaking vistas providing pride and inspiration.

A functional centre of activity, Port Sunlight enabled Lever Brothers to soar in size and productivity. By 1900, the famous Lifebuoy, Lux and Vim brands were added to the company’s portfolio, while subsidiaries were established in Canada, Switzerland, Australia and the USA. In time, Lever began acquiring smaller soap firms, such as A&F Pears and Watson’s, helping

his once-humble venture mushroom into Britain’s largest company. Riding the late-Victorian consumer revolution, Lever built a truly global dynasty, and Port Sunlight, a once-obscure slice of Wirral, was at the heart of it all.

Life in Lever’s Wirral was undoubtedly pleasant. He ensured his company gave opportunities to local people, especially young apprentices and willing members of the working class. He encouraged his workforce to socialise and enjoy life more, with dances and art exhibitions held regularly at Port Sunlight for their entertainment. And he even played a major role in safeguarding Wirral’s future, by bankrolling initiatives which educated residents and gave them an enriched understanding of music and literature.

Yet, regretfully, this social oasis wasn’t replicated on Lever’s material plantations in Africa, where allegations of enslavement and brutality besmirch his global legacy.

For instance, in his book Lord Leverhulme’s Ghosts: Colonial Exploitation in the Congo, Jules Marchal reaches the daunting conclusion that: “Leverhulme set up a private empire reliant on the horrific Belgian system of forced labour, a programme that reduced the population of Congo by half and accounted for more deaths than the Nazi holocaust.”

Thus, depending on what you read and who you believe, Lever’s legacy can be viewed as more than a little two-faced. On the one hand, he built an enormously successful empire, spawned a beautiful village and, in later life, represented Wirral with remarkable rectitude in Parliament. Yet, on the other hand, he can be seen as, at best, a hypocrite and, at worst, an evil tyrant whose entire wealth, fame and fortune was propped up by deceit and savagery.

I’m ultimately in no position to judge the overarching morals of William Lever, 90 years removed from his death, and more than a century since his finest work. But, as a contemporary resident of Wirral with a keen interest in the borough’s history, I am in a position to admire what he did for our home peninsula, regardless of external factors. Quite frankly, Lever was the greatest dreamer and most determined doer ever to set foot on Merseyside.

For those reasons, at least, we should be grateful for his presence, and continue to honour his splendid contributions to Wirral life.

26 The Lake

A golfer’s preparation for the summer

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The Lake 27

The Bowen Technique coming from other areas, an example of why Bowen will often set off reactions in areas that haven’t been treated.

How many treatments will I need to have?

What is txhe Bowen Technique?

The Bowen Technique is a remedial therapy tool. That is, it is used by therapists mainly to help people who are in pain or discomfort for one reason or another. It is a gentle therapy that works over the soft tissue of the client and features lots of rests in between moves to allow the body to start working with the information.

Developed by Tom Bowen, many valid forms of his work exist in the world today.

There are no guarantees here because everyone responds differently but, on average, the number of treatments required for, say, a stiff neck or back is around three.

Some problems need more treatments and some even fewer, but what won’t happen is that you will be required to have a long course of treatment, only to find that it hasn’t helped. Although there are never any promises, you should in most cases start to see change fairly quickly.

To learn more about Bowen Therapy or for further details contact Nicholas Tobin Cert. ECBS on 0151 342 8087 or visit: www.wirralbowentherapy.co.uk

ARE YOU IN PAIN OR SUFFERING WITH HAYFEVER?

How does it work?

There have been many theories put forward in the past relating to why Bowen works and there are many people who, conversely, believe that we don’t need to know. They may have a point, but these days there is much more that we can understand and acceptance from the medical community and wider use of the technique by health professionals will come from a better understanding of what happens during a Bowen treatment.

Recently the concept of the way in which the brain reacts to neural stimulus has been looked at in more detail and is the subject of ongoing research by ECBS. The brain emits in the region of 600,000 signals per second, all of which both send out signals and in turn receive information from the body. A muscular movement for example begins from the primary motor cortex at the front of the brain and is sent, via the spinal cord, to the arm or leg where it is translated into movement. In order to gauge this, however, the brain needs to receive a signal telling it what is happening and what to do next and this it does via the parietal lobe of the brain.

The effect is a kind of looping circuit travelling at massive speeds, sending and receiving information. A Bowen move which is a series of gentle rolling moves, followed by breaks at certain intervals, interferes with this signal and creates another set of parameters for the brain to examine. Once the brain starts to reorder the signals it is also able to reinterpret the information

93%

Problems Potentially Addressed Include Back • Neck Pain • Sciatica Whiplash • Knee • Ankle Foot Problems Sports Injuries Sports Maintenance Hayfever • Asthma Bronchial Complaints Indigestion • Crohn’s • IBS Bladder Control Pregnancy Mother and Baby Fertility Infant Colic • PMT • Tilted Pelvis Sleep • Stress Health Maintenance Stroke • Cancer Blood Pressure • Arthritis

OF PEOPLE SURVEYED BENEFITED FROM BOWEN THERAPY

The Bowen Technique is a gentle, subtle and relaxing hands on treatment.

Safe for people of all ages; promotes healing, pain relief and recovery of energy.

3 or 4 treatments at weekly intervals usually achieve lasting relief Treatment costs £35 for an individual session or £90 in advance for a series of three.

Contact Nicholas Tobin Cert. ECBS www.wirralbowentherapy.co.uk

0151 342 8087

28 The Lake

Local Wildlife The Five Senses of Hilbre Island

By Matt Thomas Sight What a sight Hilbre is early in the morning.

The sun is just clearing the top of Caldy Hill above the still sleeping village of West Kirby. The shadows it casts are long, but shortening as the sun slowly rises. The sandstone of Little Eye turns a deep terracotta orange in the low sunlight. The sands I am trudging across are deeply rippled by the last tide – the sun isn’t high enough to illuminate the valleys of these ripples so they appear black. The expanse of sand between Little and Middle Eye has a tiger-stripe appearance, and looks quite startling. Over in the twisted sandstone reefs immediately south of Middle Eye are gleaming rock pools recently refreshed by the aforementioned high tide. The water is crystal clear. You can see the residents of each pool with stunning clarity. Shrimps drift serenely between deep reddish anemones. I stop and stare for a while.

Taking my time I can just about perceive the movement of some periwinkles as they find safe refuge to see out the hours between the tides.

Moving on to Middle Eye, I look across towards the West Hoyle Bank and the Welsh hills. The air is clear and the Point of Air lighthouse stands out prominently against the sand dunes of Talacre. Out to sea a huge cargo ship is slowly slipping into the distance behind row after row of wind turbines. The sea is calm enough to see large flocks of Common Scoter drifting offshore. On the sandbanks between the island and Wales, I can see a large haul-out of Grey Seals – through the telescope I count 236.

Wheatear

On to Hilbre itself and the feast for the eyes continues. A Wheatear is hopping around the thrift covered slopes of the west side of the island. It is a fine male with a slatey grey back and a peach washed breast. The thrift stirs in the first whispers of a freshening breeze; the delicate pastel pinks quiver as if nervous at a coming change in the weather. The Wheatear spots a grub in the grass and pounces on its breakfast before flying off.

speed over the swaying grass. They sound… happy – and so they should. Their recent arrival on the islands signals summer is on the way. The breeze is making a soft rustling noise in the long grasses and shrubs on the east side of Hilbre. All these noises are gentle, soft and relaxing. I sit a while and just listen. Eventually, noisy boisterous gull calls break the spell.

Sound

I take in lungfuls of fresh air and smell the sea. That fresh, slightly salty, almost fishy aroma that I never tire of, even though I’m lucky enough to live by the sea and get to smell it often.

From across the bay a strange sound drifts to my ears on the breeze. The Grey Seals are hooting and howling to each other.

Listening to these mournful, haunting tones it isn’t hard to imagine seamen in days gone by mistaking these social animals for spirits of the sea. On the horizon the breeze is ruffling the leading edge of the tide – not strong enough to produce a roaring sea, but there is a constant hiss of breaking waves in the background. Over the paddocks by the old buildings, Swallows are chasing flies. They cheep and chatter to each other as they swoop at breakneck

Smell

I wander over the rocks towards Niffy Bay. The sun is higher now and there is some warmth to it. This is heating up the seaweed that swamps the rocks on the shore. The resulting malodorous, sulphurous pong is what gives this secluded cove its name.

The Turnstones and Dunlin don’t seem to mind the smell – they feed busily in the weed, but I move swiftly on.

The Lake 29

Turnstone

Taste

Touch

I am down by the old lifeboat station now and the breeze is stiffening, sending waves crashing against the redundant slipway.

Spray flies up. I can taste the salt on my lips. Across the Hilbre Swash, looking towards Hoylake, I can see a shrimper heading back towards the mainland. The strengthening wind has curtailed his fishing.

He looks to have a fine catch, ready to be cooked up when he gets home. My mouth is watering, I can almost taste the buttery goodness of locally caught, sustainable potted shrimp. Delicious.

I spend much of my time on the island creeping around on my belly. This may sound weird, even suspicious, but it is essential to get close enough to some of the local wildlife to get pictures. This brings me into close contact with the island itself.

Crawling over the rocks I feel the roughness of the sandstone and its fragility too.

Grains of it come away on my fingers. The limpets near the tide edge are really hard, like calluses on the rocks. Pebbles in the rock pools are worn smooth by the tides.

The seaweed that covers much of the sandstone is slimy, but not in an unpleasant way. Away from the shore, the grass covering the west side is soft and springy,

as springy as a mattress and as comfortable as the sandstone is uncomfortable.

The islands that make up the Hilbre Islands Nature Reserve stimulate all the senses and are an inspiration for many. I’m not the only one who has made great efforts to record this special place. Over the summer of 2014 I had the pleasure of helping two filmmakers try to capture the magic of the islands, the feelings it inspires, the way it looks, sounds and feels. You can see how they got on here: https://vimeo.com/lightandtime/hilbre As the tide starts to flow in I turn my back on the islands and head back to West Kirby after another incredible few hours on these special isles. www.fromthemuddybanksofthedee.com

30 The Lake

West Kirby Sailing Club Latest News

By Phil Shepherd Wow! I came home tonight so excited by all that is happening at the Club.

Easter started the season’s events, with the President’s Race. This involved all classes, and was a large course, on the tide with warm sun shining, a good breeze and all the thrill of the chop of the waves being created by the tidal current.

As I step into my dinghy from the slipway I get an immense feeling of release from the worries of the world, and then this gets overtaken by the anticipation of the start.

A five-minute warning has all the boats jostling for a decent position, following the rules about keeping out of the way of others, and then we are off. Going upwind after a large start like this is about manoeuvring into clean air, out of the wind shadow of a larger boat in front of you. A bit of effort hiking out, and we were soon up to the first mark, easing out the sails to be carried across the wind and along the waves while having a little battle with those around.

Long Distance Race

Then came the leeward mark, where the sail has to be flipped across to the other side to catch the wind behind us while heading downwind and down the waves.

Positioning relative to the surrounding boats can make or break a few places during the next few moments. This leg is more relaxing and gives a chance to enjoy the glistening panorama, before tightening everything up again to head upwind.

Decisions now... whether to go left or right, offshore or inshore? The boats around me went inshore, but I went out and when we met up again ten minutes later, near the starting mark, I had made a lot of ground. (If only this happened every time.) Then two more circuits of the course, adapting to changing wind and tide, and a lovely morning’s work was done.

The next two days had light, shifty winds in a thick mist. This made for completely different tactics and boat handling skills but while not ideal, fun was still to be had.

Naming of Harry and Jill

After Easter, evening fleet racing started.

This year, on the Friday Junior night, we have 12 young Optimist sailors, called the ‘Dolphins’, who are being coached by Jemima Riley and Joanna Crabtree before starting to race. An award is made for helm of the week. In addition, we had a professional coach join them for the day, today, which, together with the onboard junior coaching, some training for the coaches of adult beginners and improvers, and spinnaker training for the GP14 sailors, meant that the shore was absolutely buzzing.

A lunch break heralded the Naming Ceremony for two new training dinghies, awarded to the Club by Sports England.

They were called Harry, after Harry Jones, our long-serving boatman, and Jill, after Jill Hutton, our bar manager. Both these people were highly liked characters, and were very special to the members.

Contact: Phil Shepherd, Commodore office@wksc.org.uk 0151 6255579 Forthcoming events: 100th Regatta 3rd, 4th, 5th July

Solo Open

The Lake 31

Lifeboat Museum Hoylake Lifeboat Museum has closed its doors after funding problems left it unable to meet outgoings The following was posted on their Facebook page: Dear Friends and Supporters, We regret that we are having to write to you to inform you of the immediate closure of Hoylake Lifeboat Museum.

Unfortunately, due to continued problems in securing promised funding to develop part of the museum as a cafe, and thus generate a viable income stream to meet our outgoings, the museum is no longer able to continue to operate and meet those outgoing commitments.

Hoylake Lifeboat Naming Ceremony In March, the Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Station held a Naming Ceremony for their new ÂŁ2 million Shannon Class lifeboat, the Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood, and a launch and recovery system which can be operated from the beach, named for Roland Hough.

The boat is powered by water jets, which make it fast, very manoeuvrable, and able to operate in shallow waters as well as heavy seas.

We would like to thank you for all your support and interest over the past years and assure you that the decision has neither been taken lightly, nor without a great deal of emotion on the part of the Trustees and Committee.

Yours sincerely The Trustees and Committee of Hoylake Lifeboat Museum.

32 The Lake Kathryn Whitehill was a recent contestant on MasterChef. You may have seen her cooking for last year’s finalists, Ping, Luke and Jack, and presenting Jay Rayner with Hake and Smoked Paprika Lentils.

You might also have seen her cooking a seafood paella for John and Gregg, which is when she left the competition.

Hello everyone, Welcome to my May column for foodies.

This month I wanted to let you all in on a secret that I’ve known for some time, but I think that the right time has come to share it with others of a foodie persuasion.

The Supper Club at The Nook, which is based in Hoylake.

Whenever I tell anyone about supper clubs, they look a bit puzzled.

What exactly is a supper club?

A supper club is when people open their house to paying guests for dinner. Supper clubs as a concept have really taken off in London, but have been slow to start in Merseyside and The Supper Club at The Nook is the first of its kind in Wirral. Having been here twice, I can say, hand on heart, that the people of Wirral are extremely fortunate to have this supper club.

The Supper Club at The Nook is run by Jorge, Nancy, Suzanna and Sam and specialises in food from Galicia, which is a region of north-west Spain. Jorge and Suzanna are natives of Galicia and, quite rightly, are very proud of the specialities of the region. Nancy and Sam are sisters who were introduced to the Galician cuisine by Jorge when he came to live with them as their lodger.

To Start Sopa

Tortilla Espano la tte

omele An onion and potato

e Mackerel Escabech t vinegar & spices

marinated in a ligh Mackerel fried and

Carrillada

in red wine Pork cheeks cooked

Main Course Fi duea

seafoo d with thin noo dles & A paella-style dish

Dessert almendras Tarta de Naranja e Coffee/Tea

For dinner in April we were served a six course feast of absolutely delicious dishes. We started with a cold soup made from broadbeans and peas, topped with pea shoots. This soup has to be eaten to be believed. It tasted beautiful and was really refreshing as a first course. The soup was followed by a stuffed tortilla, which is a Spanish omelette made from potatoes and onion, stuffed with roasted peppers. The star of the evening was most definitely the Fiduea, which is a regional Spanish dish made from noodles very similar to pasta, cooked in stock, with the most delicious seafood that I have eaten outside of Spain. And the orange and almond dessert cake was simply amazing!

Fiduea

I went on my own, as did another diner; the remaining diners were couples, but didn’t know anyone else. Conversation flowed easily with my fellow diners and by the end of the evening I had made new friends. I simply cannot recommend this experience highly enough.

The Nook have set a minimum contribution of £20 per person, which, considering the quality and quantity of the food you are served, represents superb value.

Carrillada (Pork Cheeks with Straw Potatoes)

You can book for The Supper Club at The Nook either through their Facebook page or by Twitter: SupperClub@The Nook, but be warned that there is only space for 10 so you do need to book early.

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Bikini or Mankini: It’s that time again The summer is something we all look forward to, but for many of us – both men and women – it’s accompanied by a sense of dread at ‘baring all’. Tracey Locke, lead clinician at Serenity Clinic Ltd, has put together a simple A-Z on how to achieve ‘your’ ideal beach body in time for the 2015 season, so you can don your bikini or (if you wish) mankini with confidence.

I = Instant inch loss: Although far from permanent, inch loss wraps give you a boost. Great for a special occasion such as a wedding.

J = Join forces: …with professionals. With the support of a qualified body aesthetician you’re far more likely to succeed and they are trained to help achieve your goals and advise you.

K= Keep a diary: With the help of a professional your results should be visible, but it’s a great way to track your progress.

L = Lipolite: This clinically proven programme combines fat reduction, skin tightening, diet and nutrition to achieve healthy weight loss, a slimmer figure and a smooth silhouette. It’s geared to your specific needs and problem areas to produce the optimum results. In addition to weight loss and slimming, it’s also a great way to monitor your health in terms of bone density, muscle mass, BMR and fat percentage.

M = Moisturize: Hydrated skin looks and feels so much nicer.

N = Nutrition: The skin is the largest organ in the body so look after it as you would with your heart or lungs by ensuring your diet is nutritious. Unlike your other organs, the results will be visible!

O = Overhaul: Why always leave it until the last minute? Overhaul your body shape for the long term.

P = Pedicure: A pedicure and callus peel can make a world of difference to forlorn feet.

Q = Quantifiable (results): With advanced non-surgical sculpting and slimming treatments you should see quantifiable results. The tape measure never lies and this should spur you on.

A = Achievable: Everyone can achieve ‘their’ beach body. I’m an advocate of looking super, not super skinny, so first and foremost adopt the attitude that it’s possible to achieve a fantastic figure, which is true.

R = Radio frequency: Weight loss alone will never result in the perfect figure. Radio Frequency skin tightening lifts the skin for a toned, tighter appearance. Perfect for those sag-prone areas such as bingo wings, thighs, buttocks and bust area.

B = Body contouring: Non-surgical technologies such as cavitation and cryolipolysis produce incredible results. In combination with skin tightening they also smooth and lift and even boost your own collagen production.

S = Stubborn fat: Whatever your size, we all have ‘problem areas’.

This is where cryolipolisis comes to the fore. It literally freezes the fat cells to destroy them and can actually eradicate the problem in as little as one treatment.

C = Cellulite: A problem regardless of size and shape.

From cellulite-specific massage to cryolipolysis and radio frequency lifting, the dreaded orange peel can be banished.

T = Tan: A natural-looking spray tan is always a boost.

D = Diet: While crash diets might make you lose pounds they cause adverse effects, such as muscle loss rather than fat loss. Follow a proven diet to ensure that you lose weight in a healthy way.

E = Exfoliation: Smooth skin is attractive skin and exfoliating stimulates the lymphatic system and circulation.

F = Fat cavitation: Ideal for larger areas such as the abdomen, thighs, love handles and buttocks, this non-surgical fat reduction is painless and effective.

G = ‘Gym-free’: Recent research shows going to the gym doesn’t result in weight loss or increased fitness for many. If you enjoy it then carry on, but if not, then opt for treatments to get results without breaking a sweat.

H = Hair: Make life easier with more permanent solutions such as waxing, threading, electrolysis and IPL/laser.

U = Ultrasound: The benefits of ultrasound have now been harnessed to contour the body and boost collagen for a slimmer, more toned figure.

V = Varnish: Forget chipped nail polish. Opt for longer lasting gel nails or Shellac.

W = Water: I say it every time, but hydrate from the inside out!

X = (E)xpectations: Having a structured plan and clear expectations will make you far more likely to achieve the body you want.

Y = Youthful: Address problems such as ageing skin, sun damage, scarring, pigmentation and skin tags that can affect body confidence.

Z = Zap fat: Why struggle on your own when the right professionals can literally zap the fat away painlessly and safely?

Serenity Clinic Ltd, 162 Banks Road, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0RH T: 0151 625 6256 • www.serenity-clinic.co.uk

34 The Lake

Career Guidance Finances at University

clothes and go out, too! National Union of Students (NUS) surveys show that students spend at least £7,500 a year on living expenses.

• grants, bursaries and scholarships from the university – some are subject-specific, others are for particular items (books, laptops, travel, etc.). Contact the university

By Susanne Christian

Remember that student finance only covers term-time – not the long summer vacation.

• educational grants from charitable trusts – the charity Family Action has a search on its website www.family-action.org.uk

What finance is available?

Students can apply for • maintenance grants • maintenance loans • tuition fee loans.

(Loans have to be paid back, grants don’t.)

If your child or grandchild is in the middle of applying to uni, thoughts of student finance will be in your mind. It’s a big issue these days, with fees alone up to £9,000 a year and living costs, books, etc., on top.

I’ll try to help you through the maze of student finance.

What does it cost?

The main expenses are

Maintenance grants for living costs are paid into the student’s bank account at the start of each term. They are based on household income (parents or partner, depending on who the student lives with).

Maintenance loans for living costs are also paid into the student’s bank account at the start of each term. The rates vary depending on where they study (London or elsewhere) and whether they go away to uni or stay at home.

There is also help for specific groups, such as students who are • care leavers • parents of young children • disabled.

Working Of course, many students work while at uni – there is nothing to stop them having a part-time job while studying. The NUS says that ‘the majority of students work part-time during term time’. Most universities recommend no more than 15 hours paid work a week.

Loans have to be paid back. However, graduates only start paying back when they

Remember, as well, working while studying gives a student valuable employability skills – customer service, handling money, working in a team, reliability, time management, etc. That can really help them stand out when looking for graduate jobs.

The fees cover teaching (lectures, seminars, tutorials, exams, graduation, etc.) as well as the use of university facilities and services such as labs, libraries, Students Union and welfare.

• have finished studying

Further information

and

Student Finance England www.gov.uk/student-finance

Accommodation costs

As it’s a loan, interest is added to the account while the loan is still outstanding.

But the rate is low and pegged by the Government. Repayments are linked to the amount the student earns (rather than the amount they borrowed).

• tuition fees • accommodation costs • living expenses.

Tuition fees

Students can choose where to live while they study. Costs (and standards) vary a lot.

University accommodation is often in great demand, so some universities give priority to first year students. Arrangements vary from self-catering to full board, but usually include heating and lighting – so check what you are paying for!

Private student accommodation from the big student accommodation suppliers such as Unite (UK-wide) or UrbanEst (London).

Often good quality, but can be expensive.

Privately rented shared house usually rented through a local letting agent. Either rent the whole house as a group or just lease your room if you don’t mind who you share with.

Living at home could be the cheapest option – it’s up to students and families to negotiate over this one! Bear in mind, though, that students living at home get a lower rate of student finance.

Living expenses Students need to pay for food (if it’s not included in the accommodation), stationery, toiletries, books, travel (including getting home) and so on. They may want to buy

Tuition fee loans are paid direct to the college or university, to cover the fees.

• scholarships – look on www.thescholarshiphub.org or www.scholarship-search.org.uk

Paying it back

• earn over £21,000.

How and when to apply • Apply on line at www.gov.uk/student-finance • No need to wait for an offer from a university • Apply by 31st May to ensure the finance reaches the student’s bank account at the start of term • Don’t worry about late applications.

Students can still apply after 31st May – but the money may not reach their account for the start of term By the way, it’s the student who applies for the loan – not parents on the student’s behalf.

Office for Fair Access www.offa.org.uk About Susanne I’m a fully qualified careers advisor, with a degree and a postgrad qualification in career guidance. Just as importantly, I’ve got lots of experience working with adults and young people, of all ages and in different situations: schools, colleges, Jobcentres, even in prisons!

I’ve worked one-to-one and with groups – and worked face-to-face, over the phone and given e-guidance. I’ve written some careers books and lots of content for careers websites.

If you need personalised career guidance for yourself, your child or your grandchild – ask the expert!

I found Susanne to be very helpful and friendly in offering me guidance.

I was pleased with the help and advice.

Additional help

I would recommend the service to anyone in the same situation.

If you’re wondering how the family and the student are going to manage, there are other sources of financial help. You may have to search to find them, but they are out there. Try:

See more about me at www.susannechristian.co.uk or contact me on susannechristian24@gmail.com or phone 07837 345082

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Shorelines

By Stephen G Baker The great celebration on the River Mersey of the Three Queens of the Cunard Line is fast approaching. The three Cunard’s Queens visit Liverpool between the 24-26 May 2015 for a very special ‘Royal Rendezvous’ to celebrate the landmark 175th Anniversary of the Cunard Line. The event is being described as a water ballet as the trio, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, sail up and down the Mersey in salute to the city of the Cunard’s birth. This should be a great reunion!

Getting back together for most of us usually marks an occasion that is really worth celebrating. It might be for a birthday, an anniversary or something similar.

It’s good to catch up; it’s interesting to see where life has taken people and it’s sometimes scary when we see the changes that have taken place!

There are, however, some reunions we might prefer not to attend! Getting together with people who have caused us heartache can be tough. Facing up to regrets and mistakes can be heart-wrenching. Not something we would choose to get involved in unless it was unavoidable! Unfortunately there are some meetings that we cannot avoid, unpleasant as they are. The most sobering one I can think of is death. This leads to our inevitable meeting with God. The Bible states the certainty of this rendezvous when it says “it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment”, Hebrews 9:27. Thankfully, the good news is that we can make preparation for this event – just as careful preparations have been made for a long time now for the Cunard celebrations. Jesus is recorded as saying “the person who hears my word and believes on Him that sent me shall not come into judgment but is passed from death to life”, John 5:24.

Individuals who trust Jesus in this life will find the rendezvous in the next life is one that they are not nervous about. The fear of death and the fear of facing up to how we have lived has been sorted out. The truth is that He, Jesus, died for our sins. He took full responsibility for them through his sacrificial death on the Cross. He offers forgiveness and a clear conscience to those who are willing to trust Him as Saviour and Lord.

I, personally, am looking forward to that rendezvous. I want to see Jesus face to face.

I am not frightened to meet God. My past and my guilt has been dealt with. I am saved, forgiven and happy as a result of what God has done for me through His Son, Jesus.

What about you? Are you afraid of that rendezvous? Are there things you would rather not face up to? There is a way to make things right! Call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. Pray and ask God to forgive your sins! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

I would love to meet you at the great reunion in Heaven!

Suzan Thompson, the Outstanding Business Woman of the Year, with ITV News Presenter Charlene White, Sponsor HSBC’s Debra White and Forward Ladies MD Griselda Togobo.

Outstanding Business Woman of the Year The Forward Ladies North West and Isle of Man Women in Business Awards event is in its sixth year. Now one of the UK’s largest celebrations of female business leaders, this year the event took place at the Midland Hotel in Manchester with HSBC as the headline sponsor.

It was with great excitement that Suzan Thompson, founder and MD at Elegant Address walked away with not one, but two prestigious awards. Suzan won Property Business Woman of the Year, sponsored

by Elland Road Financial Solutions, and then went on to win Outstanding Business Woman of the Year.

Suzan, who is from Wallasey and has worked in Liverpool and Merseyside since the tender age of 16, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been presented with these two awards as recognition of my hard work and dedication as a businesswoman.

To have won Property Business Woman of the Year is a great achievement not only for me, but also for the fabulous team of dedicated ladies we have working in our company; to then go on to win the award for Outstanding Business Woman of the Year was completely unexpected, and I was blown away and feel honoured to have won this.”

The Elegant Address Luxury Property Group has been providing the most luxurious properties for sale and rental for discerning clients since 2004, offering unrivalled knowledge and a bespoke service.

With over a decade of experience in this sector, and a year-on-year increase in turnover with last year showing a rise of 43 per cent, the business has grown to become a highly successful multi-company enterprise and has a number of clients from the Wirral.

Suzan is now in the running for the National Finals taking place in November. Suzan and the team at the Elegant Address Luxury Property Group are proud to be presenting women in business and the North West at the National Awards.

www.findingthemissingpeace.blogspot.co.uk www.seekthetruth.org.uk

@lakewirral

36 The Lake

Under the Gavel – The Auctioneer’s View

by John Bathurst Crane

Summer is fast approaching – we hope – and after a hard day’s work, one of the joys in my life is to sit down with a nice cup of tea in the office before setting off home back to the paradise of our pleasant and leafy Wirral.

Tea was, of course, still a luxury in the 1800s; for farmhands a mug of beer or cider was readily available if you had a generous master for an employer. The Staffordshire manufacturers of pottery mugs seem to adhere to more or less the same pattern and verse throughout the century. The mugs had one, two, or three handles, which enabled them to be passed around for quaffing. I suppose you then strolled home happily or sometimes fortunately astride your horse who knew the way as the cider mugs could hold up to two pints of beverage… Farmers have always been an independent breed and the verses on cider mugs show this very clearly.

Old cider mugs are now not commonplace.

The Wade factory produced a limited number in 1977 for the Taunton Cider Company, but they are somewhat basic in design and not a patch on the early examples.

Farmers Mug: front

of over 10,000 people, which was remarkable as it was the era before electronic amplification.

Other religious figures, such as Charles Wesley, along with the great evangelist duo of Ira David Sankey and Dwight Lyman Moody, are still popular. Staffordshire figures depicting the 1st Duke of Wellington and other Waterloo-related notables should rise in value this year.

‘Black Horse’ tankard

& Hall was probably removed many years ago for safekeeping! A few of these full of ale and you would indeed need a black horse to carry you home.

Indian silver was ‘out of fashion’ some 30 years ago, but we have recently had great success selling it in our auctions in Liverpool.

People in India can now follow our auctions live on the internet and bid on their own works of art. Some surprising prices are being achieved.

A well-illustrated book by Wynyard R. T. Wilkinson, published in 1999, describes in full detail silver from the subcontinent from 1858–1947. Many designs were copied by well-known manufacturers in Britain, such was the popularity of the designs produced.

I have illustrated a piece of Indian silver which is thought to be a caddy for tea as the cover may be able to be secured with a fine silver lock, now missing. It is probably worth in the region of £150.

Indian Silver Tea Caddy

Farmers Mug: reverse

I have also illustrated a silver-plated tankard I discovered a while ago, which is inscribed ‘The Heswall Hotel’. This hostelry in lower Heswall is now known as the Black Horse. The nice quality silver-plated tankard c1900 by Walker

Staffordshire made figures were enjoying great popularity until about 30 years ago when they started to drop rapidly in price.

Some, I think are still interesting and might enhance your hobby – or bore your friends for hours… The illustrated figure depicts the great nonconformist preacher Charles H Spurgeon, 1834–92, who often addressed congregations

By Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s good works and a lifetime spent in the service of the Lord were highly thought of by many; the newspapers announcing his death were ‘sold out’ within minutes of appearing on the news stands.

The only other time that occurred was the announcing of the death of Lord Kitchener who followed a somewhat different calling.

Small bits of homely pottery can tell a great story!

I always say that it is quality, not age, that is important – as well as desirability, which influences the price. Who wants to fill a house with items just because they are old? Some people do and it is a pointless exercise. I recently saw a collection of hundreds of old Bovril bottles, and a collection of radio programmes, carefully cut out of the newspaper every day and pasted into a scrapbook every day since 1963! Well, it does demonstrate a certain discipline I suppose.

The Lake 37

The Japanese Satsuma vase illustrated is only about 70 years old, but should do well in auction as it is in good order, well decorated, and desirable. It is also one of a pair which helps a lot.

bar’. The traffic was, of course, very light on the roads in those days, and you could park freely without charge anywhere in Heswall – even on Telegraph Road. Meccano in Liverpool produced small die-cast models of these AA and RAC combinations, but discontinued them about 1952. They are now highly collectable, as is a great deal of motoring memorabilia.

The RAC discontinued saluting members in the early 1960s for safety reasons.

AA & RAC Patrols

Ian was born in Bebington in 1963 and now lives in North Wales. He started painting at the age of 13 and his works are now held by such luminaries as His Royal Highness Prince Charles and Richard Branson. Ian has exhibited in many reputable galleries, and it is certainly worth taking a look at his work in Chester now or Liverpool later in the month.

Every week I make many home visits to clients’ houses to appraise pictures, silver and all manner of items. I like to discover rare items. My final picture this month is of a rare tree in the front garden of a house not a million miles from Irby. Normally found in warmer climes, it does seem to be surviving well in ‘tropical’ Wirral. Alas, it has not yet borne rare fruit. I don’t know what you would call the fruit – a gromello maybe? So what am I bid for the first bag of grapefruits crossed with pomellos…? Could be priceless, but then again, maybe you should stick to buying pictures – a much more ‘frost-hardy’ proposition…

I always like to recommend an artist to follow, or at least keep to keep an eye on.

Ian Walton is one such artist and is currently exhibiting in Chester at Booth Mansions. The exhibition is soon being transported to our great Anglican Liverpool Cathedral.

Japanese Satsuma Vase

Once upon a time there were the days of genteel motoring (just after the war). It was so genteel that if you were a member of the Royal Automobile Club breakdown service, the mechanics who were supplied with a motorcycle and sidecar to carry around their repair equipment would salute every car displaying the appropriate RAC badge on the grille, or if you were a real badge enthusiast a ‘badge

The Gromello Tree

Towards Snowdonia by Ian Walton

Call me anytime at our city centre auction rooms in Liverpool on 0151 709 5559 or 0151 342 2321, on mobile 0783 620 9995 or look at www.catocrane.co.uk

38 The Lake 4. YOUR MOOD When you are feeling a bit low you tend to find that it’s harder to get out of bed in the morning. It has been proven that regular exercise releases the ‘happy hormone’ endorphins.

These happy hormones boost your mood and help give you a lift to face the day.

5. MINERAL DEFICIENCY

Zara Wylie, Head Trainer at Fitness Queen Arrowe Park and West Kirby has transformed her own body shape using the Fitness Queen programme and is now helping others do the same. She launched Fitness Queen Arrowe Park in September and members have seen some amazing results.

Magnesium plays a vital role in keeping your body working as it should, so a lack of it can leave you feeling lethargic. Magnesium is found in leafy vegetables and nuts, but a good quality supplement can help too. For the products I use and swear by, why not check out www.zarasnutritionshop.co.uk (£10.16 for 90 magnesium tablets).

If you would like help with your shape-up goals, why not join our results-driven shape-up programme? Sessions currently run in Arrowe Park, Heswall and West Kirby. Our years of success as trainers means we know exactly what it takes to get great results. We always manage to have a giggle, but are serious about transforming our member’s bodies.

We 100% guarantee results in just 21 days! Places are limited so why not contact us to book your place?

Do you often feel tired all the time?

Ever wondered why?

Getting a good night’s sleep not only helps you look good on the outside (bye-bye dark circles), but it also does your insides good too. While you are sleeping your body breaks down toxins and repairs as much damage as it can from the day before. So if you’re waking up feeling unrefreshed and not well rested, what could be causing you to not get your full quota of sleep?

Head Coach at Fitness Queen Arrowe Park and West Kirby Zara Wylie talks you through the most common reasons you might be losing out on valuable shut-eye and how to improve your quality of sleep.

Caroline Gardner

1. DEHYDRATION If you don’t get enough fluids your blood pressure drops, slowing delivery of oxygen to the brain which can leave you feeling flat out. How much you need to drink depends on the individual, but you should aim for between six and eight glasses of water-based drinks a day.

2. ALCOHOL Over half of us reach for a sneaky glass of wine more than four times a week to relax after a hectic day. While alcohol relaxes you initially, it can compromise your sleep quality. The chemicals in alcohol disrupt your sleep cycle, preventing you from entering deep sleep and waking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

3. NAPPING Catching a quick siesta can take the edge off an afternoon slump, but the duration of your downtime is crucial. It has been clinically proven that taking a nap for up to 30 minutes is revitalising, but any longer than that and you’ll end up in a deep sleep cycle for an hour.

FITNESS QUEEN OF THE MONTH Well done Caroline Gardner who is our Queen of the Month. She is transforming her body shape and improving her fitness levels. She is starting to notice big changes so keep going to see more!

Did you know we are now offering free nutritional workshops that you can attend, plus free nutritional training for fitness professionals? Please contact for more info.

Call: 07702844984 Email: zara.wylie@gmail.com Web: www.wirralfitness.info