May/June 2013

Issue 2 • May /June 2013

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

Hoylake baths • Wilson Cup • Win VIP tickets for Hillbark Players • Plus much more

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

A big thank you to all who returned the questionnaire in our first edition and congratulations to Mrs Hall from Hoylake who won the bottle of Champagne.

Published by: Wirral Advertising Media Ltd, 42 Price Street Business Centre, Price Street, Birkenhead CH41 4JQ.

Contacts:

Cover image: Sunday Sailing by Ian Chantler

Editor Jonathan Bion 07796 945745 jon@lakemagazine.co.uk

We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback to our March issue and hope that you enjoy this issue as much, if not more.

The Lake provides local interest and historical stories on a bi-monthly basis.

Please get in touch if there is anything you want to see in the future issues, or if you have any stories or pictures of your own that you want to share.*

Sales Director Alan Strange 07788 510868 alan@lakemagazine.co.uk

By email: jon@lakemagazine.co.uk or by post to: Jon Bion, Editor, The Lake, 42 Price Street Business Centre, Price Street, Birkenhead CH41 4JQ. Telephone 07796 945745.

Accounts accounts@lakemagazine.co.uk

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 will be available from various outlets.

Delivered free to 12,500 homes and businesses in West Kirby, Hoylake, Meols and Caldy

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 * Photographs and original material are submitted at the sender’s risk and must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope if you wish them to be returned. The publishers will not accept responsibility for loss or damage.

@lakewirral

CONTENTS 04 The Hydropathic Hotel

26 Caldy church

05 Local customs and traditions

32 Wirral Open Studio Tour

08 Tidal sailing

33 Hilbre Island from the air

10 Hoylake baths

34 Local wildlife by Matt Thomas

12 Blood on location

36 First time mum?

14 Wilson Cup

37 West Kirby Library

17 Storm hits West Kirby

38 Wirral Multilingual

20 A Plumber to the Rescue

39 West Kirby Museum

22 Local images

40 Wirral Ranger Service

24 Guide Dogs

42 Your legal

25 Win VIP tickets for Hillbark Players

04 The Lake

Hydropathic Hotel West Kirby Promenade 1890 – 1968 These photographs clearly show a time when West Kirby had a big hotel on the promenade facing the Marine Lake. The hotel has long since been replaced by the apartment block, Hilbre Court, which is now on the site.

According to West Kirby to Hoylake by Jim O’Neil, The West Kirby Hydropathic Hotel, as it was originally known, was opened in 1890 and was extended in 1896. In September 1933 the name was changed to ‘The Hoylake Hotel’ as Hoylake was better known nationally for its Golf Club.

Records show the owner, Mrs Reynolds Jones, sold the hotel to the Tetley Walker Brewery in 1963. It is believed the Hotel was partly demolished late 1967 and fully demolished mid 1968.

Thanks to Andrew O’Neil for sending us the photograph below.

The Lake 05

Local customs and traditions Of old, West Kirby was noted for its ghosts. One haunted the narrowest part of the lane between West Kirby and Caldy, while the ghost of Mrs Glegg, a former lady of the manor, was said to walk abroad at night on the Mount (the part of Caldy Hill near Kirby Mount). The most feared ghost was “he who walked in Highfield Lane…nobody was bold enough to encounter him when darkness set in…”

A popular belief among 19th century schoolboys attending the grammar school, was that it was of vital importance to spit upon a rock known as the Cat’s Face. During Lent, the boys had to attend a service at St Bridget’s, but if they alone were present the service was brief and there was no sermon. If adults attended, however, the service was as long as usual and a sermon was included.

Spitting on the Cat’s Face would ensure that adults stayed away, including “certain Miss Browns” who frequently attended church services. Should they appear, the boys knew that one of them had failed to make the traditional offering.

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Church Customs Various superstitions and customs were linked with local churches.

For instance, it was believed that the spirit of the last person buried in the graveyard remained at the lychgate and ushered new arrivals to their grave. The belief sometimes resulted in fights when more than one burial happened on a day, each side wanting to bury its dead first so it would be conveyed to the grave by the ghost.

It was also seen as a bad omen for a bride and groom to pass through the lychgates.

It was said to be particularly unlucky for a burial to take place on the north side of a church. This came from a belief that the northern part was for the burial of unbaptised children, excommunicated people, and suicides. It was also where the bodies of strangers drowned during shipwrecks were buried, something that was seen as the duty of anyone who found a body on the shore; should they fail in this duty, the ghost of the drowned person would haunt them, which is the theme of Egerton Leigh’s poem The Curst Fisherman. At St Bridget’s, a special bier was kept at the church for the purpose, and the road to the shore was nicknamed ‘Corpse Alley,’ since it was the way taken by the bier. Drowned corpses were a common occurrence on the shore, sometimes due to the nefarious activities of the wreckers.

Another belief relating to funerals was that anywhere a coffin had been carried automatically became a right-of-way, a notion that was exploited unsuccessfully by the customs men on one occasion, who tried to have a coffin taken through Mother Redcap’s so they could gain easy access to the notorious smugglers’ tavern.

Despite these gloomy customs and superstitions, churchyards were also the venue for games, dances and fairs. Cockfighting, single stick and wrestling matches went on after Evensong. Another custom was the Church Ale, where the churchwardens brewed a ‘considerable quantity’ of strong ale, which was sold in order to raise funds for the church building.

Another custom was rush-bearing. Rushes were used widely as a floor-covering before carpets became widely available, and the rushes for the church were carried in decorated harvest-wagons, drawn by the village’s best horses. The wagons were covered with flowers and ribbons, with the rushes stacked in them as high as possible, kept in place by ‘harvest gearing,’ rails made of wood that were hidden by coloured paper cut into decorated patterns, just as the ropes that kept the rushes in place were covered in flowers.

The floor of St Bridget’s was strewn with rushes until 1758, and the ceremony was celebrated every year, but came to an end when the floor was replaced with flagstones.

Article by Gavin Chappell. Gavin is currently writing a book on local folklore.

He is available for talks and is currently filming a documentary based on his book Wirral Smugglers, Wreckers and Pirates. www.gavinchappell.com

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Colourful Bathrooms

06 The Lake

Was your bathroom suite once ‘Avocado’ with matching bath, bath panel, WC, basin and pedestal? Perhaps it was ‘Mushroom’, a pseudonym for a rather sickly shade of beige…Were you brave and chose pink? Or did you spice up your suite with ‘antique gold’ brassware?

If you did, don’t worry, you were not alone – coloured bathroom suites were once the height of fashion and even though it was a comparatively short-lived trend, favoured mostly by housebuilders to give buyers a choice of fittings, Bathrooms & Wetrooms designers still come across them when designing refurbishments for their customers.

These days most baths and items of sanitaryware are white, but colours, even vibrant ones, are widely available in furniture, vanity units, and of course tiling.

Prenton-based Bathrooms & Wetrooms display vanity and basin units by Keuco, Ambience Bain and Bauhaus, who all offer an ever-widening choice of colours from natural woods to primary colours. And the choice of colours for radiators and towel warmers is even wider, offering virtually a bespoke service.

As splashes of colour become more popular, expert designers become even more crucial.

Bathrooms & Wetrooms use computer design software to give their customers a reliable

view of how their room will look when completed. And to ensure each customer’s specific needs and requirements are fully understood, home visits before each design is started ensure a bespoke design.

Bathrooms & Wetrooms full design and product range can be seen on their website www.bathroomsandwetrooms.com or by visiting their showroom in Prenton Road West (opposite Tranmere Rovers).

08 The Lake

Tidal sailing Dee Estuary

By Phil Shepherd The Lake provides flat and constant water for sailors and observers alike. However, the big fun comes on the tidal waters of the River Dee. West Kirby Sailing Club has lots of members with dinghies but also three types of boats designed specifically for sailing in the Dee Estuary.

April arrived and the West Kirby Sailing Club’s launchdown of boats in the three tidal fleets was accomplished in windy weather that allowed for an exciting President’s Race. Boats of any class competed together on a handicap basis.

This accomplished the aim of getting the boats onto their moorings and rallied the whole club to the new season.

Unfortunately, a few days later we had a ferocious gale which damaged some of the old wooden Hilbres just after a winter’s worth of care had been lavished upon them.

They will be repaired quickly in order to participate in the summer’s offerings.

The Long Distance Race two weeks later on April 27th was also incredible fun. It is the stuff of amazing experiences. The Dee’s water is vast and gives a huge sense of liberation when you are out on it. Again, boats from all classes competed, from the solid three person tidal Falcons, Stars and

Stars

Hilbres, to little Lasers, and indeed, juniors sailing Cadets.

What a great day: the sun shone and the waters glistened as boats outmanoeuvred each other, trying to stay to windward of the others, trying to steer through shallow, slower currents when against the tide, and in deeper, faster water when heading with it; trying to keep the boat flat and sails set to make best advantage of the wind. Initially there were long waves to skim down, then as the course turned towards Mostyn, you could ride from wave to wave, before peacefully whooshing past Holywell with our backs to the wind. Then, finally, there was the long beat back home into short choppy waves made by wind against tide.

The crews of 35 boats had plenty to talk about when they were all finally ashore.

Future events 25th May Start of weekly RYA Start Racing Course

23rd June WKSC Regatta

28th-30th June 12 Foot Class Centenary Regatta: Visitors’ boats from all over Europe

1st-2nd July British Schools Dinghy Racing Association Team Racing Championships For further information contact Philip Shepherd, Vice Commodore 0151 625 5579 office@wksc.org.uk

Falcons

10 The Lake

Hoylake baths 1913-1981

By Heather Chapman In 1913, exactly one hundred years ago, Hoylake Baths opened. There was a great need for an open-air swimming baths in the area; swimming had become a fashionable sport and was recognised as important for both safety and health benefits. Building the Hoylake Baths cost £2,650. Entry charges were 6d per person for the plunge bath and 9d per person for the slipper baths, reduced to 6d for workmen three evenings per week. Arrangements were made for ladies bathing between limited hours on certain days.

During the latter part of the 19th century, Hoylake had developed into a popular seaside town. The new swimming baths were an enormous attraction for residents, day-trippers and holidaymakers.

The seawater baths were so successful that an additional swimming bath (100ft x 30ft) was opened in 1914. This additional swimming bath, adjoining the existing bath, was to make provision for schools, boy’s brigades and other similar institutions. An electrical pump for filling the baths during the period of low tides was added.

A Wirral Lido Plans were passed for the reconstruction and extension of Hoylake Baths in 1930 at a cost of £25,000. The Council received a Government grant by providing work for the unemployed. The building work took place during the winter months.

The new Hoylake Baths opened on Whit Monday 1931 and were modelled on Southport Baths. They were fully enclosed (before the seawater washed over the walls at high tides) with a modern filtration plant supplying crystal-clear seawater.

The pool was 50 yards long and 70 yards wide. Mixed bathing was permitted and

Early baths interior

non-bathing spectators could enter the baths and watch their friends enjoying themselves. The baths had all the latest lido features: gleaming white concrete, fountains, water chutes, high diving boards, sunbathing terraces, spacious dressing rooms, a cafe and a balcony.

At the official opening gala there was a mannequin parade arranged by Messrs George Henry Lee and Co to display their latest sun and swim wear. Long after the events had commenced many people were still clamouring for admittance and police were required to control the entrances.

A new Hoylake Swimming Club was formed.

Their galas attracted large numbers of spectators, being a good source of local entertainment. In addition to swimming, diving and water polo competitions, these galas included bathing beauty contests, fancy dress parades, acrobats, professional stunt acts, comedy acts, novelty events like the greasy pole competition (‘health and safety’ had not been discovered then), guest swimmers and divers and spectacular lighting. The galas always finished with a grand firework display.

The Superintendent of the baths was Mr Croft, a dour Scotsman and the champion swimmer of South Africa in 1917, who ruled the pool very strictly. He gave

swimming lessons in long wellington waders. Floodlit bathing took place on warm summer evenings at his discretion.

In 1932, Dare Devil Peggy, the one-legged diver, came to Hoylake Baths. The newspaper article said: “Dare Devil Peggy and his world-famous troupe of divers will give a sensational exhibition of acrobatic and stunt diving. One of the special items is the ‘Death Dive’ from a platform 80 feet high. In this we understand the diver takes the plunge, enveloped in flames, into a blazing lake.”

During the war years there was an air raid siren above the front entrance to the pool.

The Air Raid Precaution wardens operated from a building within the baths and soldiers patrolled the seashore with rifles.

All the glass areas at the swimming pool were covered with sandbags to protect people from flying glass in the event of a bomb attack.

There were queues on the opening day of each summer. A prize of a free season ticket (contract) was awarded to the first person into the water. It was known that a youngster had leapt the turnstile and jumped into the water fully clothed to claim his reward.

Local people will remember having a contract for the baths that allowed unlimited entry. This was the summer’s entertainment for many families. The water was often very cold but this did not deter keen swimmers from meeting up with their friends. The water temperature was displayed on a board outside the baths, but the accuracy of this was often dubious.

Mr Dutton became the new Superintendent.

He was a popular man and was also responsible for West Kirby Baths.

1930 Reconstruction

In 1963 the annual gala was followed by music from the local pop group, The Morockans. The atmosphere was fantastic – music blasted throughout the pool, the terraces were floodlit and youngsters jived on the balcony.

The Lake 11 Looking Back

New pool

Hoylake Baths holds many different memories for local people. Former swimmers may remember the mangle in the changing rooms. This old machine, operated by hand, removed excess water from swimming costumes. I never heard of an accident with the mangle – today such a contraption would never be allowed. For some it was the ‘in’ place to go, even if you didn’t like swimming. People remember sunbathing and smearing themselves with olive oil and vinegar. Regulars were quite territorial about their favourite sunbathing spot which they would rush in and ‘bag’ as soon as the pool opened. Others have memories of school swimming lessons and freezing cold water, often followed by a mug of Oxo or Bovril.

The Trust continued to run the pool until 1981 when the pool closed its doors for the very last time. With poor weather, dwindling attendances and lack of funding, the pool was no longer a viable concern.

In the 1950s there were at least 11 open-air swimming pools in Wirral.

Today there are none. They are now all part of history.

The Hoylake Baths lay derelict for three years before demolition in 1984.

Many thanks to Heather Chapman for the article and photographs.

In 1967 Hoylake Indoor Pool Organisation (HIPO) was formed to contribute towards the building of an indoor pool in the district.

They raised £25,000, which was presented to the council in 1975 when the West Kirby Concourse was being built.

On warm summer’s evenings, temptation was sometimes too much for local people.

An article in the local paper was headlined “Midnight nude bathing at Hoylake Baths”.

A News & Advertiser reporter kept watch for 90 mins between 10.30 and midnight; he saw a total of 36 people climb over the wall and into the baths.

Hoylake Outdoor Pool Trust

1976 Trust Baths

In March 1976, the Council decided that the necessary repairs to Hoylake Baths could not be afforded and it would have to close. Local resident, Peter Cottriall, headed the Hoylake Action Campaign. Dozens of volunteers gave up hours of their free time to renovate the baths, aided by donations of materials from local companies. They formed the ‘Hoylake Outdoor Pool Trust’.

The Government’s Job Creation Scheme awarded a grant for the season of £18,500 to pay the wages of all the people working at the pool, and they also received a Job Creation Grant for the proper renovation of the pool and buildings.

The pool had a carnival opening on the 5th June 1976 and staged a ‘Miss Merseyside’ competition. During the winter months the pool was reduced in size, creating an attractive new sunbathing area.

Awaiting demolition

12 The Lake

Frank Baker has sent us these photographs of the film Blood on location at Red Rocks. According to www.imdb.com the filming took place last year at Hilbre Island, West Kirby and Seacombe.

Blood is director Nick Murphy’s big-screen adaptation of the acclaimed BBC mini series Conviction by Bill Gallagher. It’s a raw psychological thriller centring on two cop brothers, who commit the ultimate crime and soon see their world collapse under the weight of their former Police Chief father’s shadow. The fear of being caught out by their friend and colleague, turns their lives into a downward spiral of guilt, paranoia and self destruction.

The superb cast includes Paul Bettany, Mark Strong, Stephen Graham, Adrian Edmondson and Zoë Tapper. It’s produced by Oscar-winning Skyfall director Sam Mendes and is released in UK cinemas this month.

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

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Contact alan@lakemagazine.co.uk or telephone Alan Strange on 07788 510868. www.lakemagazine.co.uk

14 The Lake

64th Wilson Trophy West Kirby marine lake 3rd – 5th May The 2013 British Open Team Racing Championship for the Wilson Trophy was won by Wessex Exempt on 5th May in a thrilling best of five final sailed on West Kirby’s Marine Lake. The six sailors overcame stiff competition from 34 teams from as far afield as America, Ireland and across the UK, eventually meeting Grafham Gorillas in the tense final round of the three-day event.

Wessex Exempt (Ben Ainsworth, Rachel Williamson, Jonathon Pinner, Kerry Capps, Tom Heywood, Catherine Friend) put in a consistent performance throughout the 323-race Swiss League preliminary rounds to qualify for the quarter-finals in second place, having won 14 of their 19 races.

Home-team favourites and current World Team Racing Champions, West Kirby Hawks, qualified at the top of the Swiss League, subsequently beating Royal Thames Yacht Club 2-0 in the quarters. But a shock 2-1 defeat in the semi-finals saw the home team favourites knocked out of the event

by Grafham Gorillas.

After a solid performance in this morning’s races, Grafham Gorillas found their form when it mattered, storming their way into the final having already beaten RF Hoosiers - overnight leaders who had been hotly tipped for the Trophy final – in the quarter final.

American team, Rhode Island Pistols, also sailed a determined series, making it to the semi-final only to find their boat handling skills coming under pressure in a 2-0 defeat by eventual winners, Wessex Exempt, who had previously dispensed with Spinnaker Auspicious in their 2-1 quarter-final match.

Photography by Tim Piper, Juice Photography

“

The Wilson Trophy is the largest team racing event in the world, and is now in its 64th year.

So it was Grafham Gorillas who faced Wessex Exempt in the best-of-five final.

As the teams took to the boats, sailing a brand new flight of equally matched Fireflies - thanks to support from sponsor DHL – cheers and shouts of support came from the crowds of spectators gathered in the grandstand and lining the shore of the Marine Lake. Sunshine and a good breeze had the recipe for champagne team racing conditions, and the spectators were not disappointed.

Race one saw a win to Grafham following a penalty on the finish line, but Wessex came back with a stronger start to finish in a 1,3 winning combination in race two. The third race was closely contested, with boats from

”

both teams taking penalty turns on the second leg, but Wessex gained the advantage on the run and held it to the finish.

The fourth race saw Grafham start strong; taking an early 1,2 combination, they consolidated their win with some textbook team racing manoeuvres.

And so it came down to the final fifth race decider to determine who would be the new Wilson Trophy Champions. With a Grafham boat over the line, Wessex quickly took control, rounding the first mark in a solid 1,2 position which they never relinquished.

After crossing the finish line, both teams returned to the start area for the traditional sail past of the grandstand in front of the cheering crowds, with runners up, Grafham Gorillas, stopping their boats to applaud the winners in a true show of sportsmanship.

Speaking at the prize-giving, Commodore of West Kirby Sailing Club, David Taylor, who was also an umpire at this weekend’s event, congratulated the competitors and said: “That was certainly one of the most sporting finals at the Wilson Trophy in a long time; it was fantastic to watch.

He added: “A huge thanks goes to all our sponsors - DHL, Carlsberg, GJW Direct, MI Finance, Speed Medical and Musto – and to the organisers and the volunteers of West Kirby Sailing Club for making the event possible.”

Photography by Tim Piper, Juice Photography

Accepting the prestigious Wilson Trophy, Wessex Exempt team-member, Jon Pinner, said: “This is my tenth year at the Wilson

The Lake 15

Photography by Tim Piper, Juice Photography

Trophy, an event with an incredible history.

Thank you not just to everyone at the event this year, but for the last ten years, and all the years before that. This event is a real institution. We have been smiling all weekend; it’s been fantastic and we are delighted to have won. The cheering from the crowds on the last beat was amazing, and thank you to our friends, Grafham Gorillas, for a really fantastic final.”

Winners of the Under 21 Trophy was Bristol University, who finished a credible 11th place overall. The Wilson Plate was awarded to the first team not to make the quarter-final cut, West Kirby Sailing Club.

Of the 34 teams from USA, Ireland and across the UK, perhaps the team facing the steepest learning curve of all was the British Sailing Team, fronted by 2012

Olympic silver medallists, Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell. Although disappointed not to make the quarter-final cut, the duo found themselves inspired by this, their first ever team racing event.

Speaking after racing today, Stuart Bithell said: “The event has been unbelievable; we have had an amazing three days here.

We may not have had such a great time results-wise ourselves, but today it has been an absolute pleasure to watch the world’s best team racers here in action, and to watch our friends in the final. If only we had been able to see them show us how it’s done beforehand, we could have brought a notebook! But there has been a brilliant atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why this event just keeps getting bigger and better.

We hope to be back next year!”

Visiting the event earlier in the weekend was John Derbyshire, RYA Performance Manager, who works closely with the British Sailing Team. He said: “This has been a great opportunity for the British Sailing Team members to gain some exposure to team racing, which uses many of the skills needed for medal racing at the Olympics. It adds a whole new dimension which we hope will help these guys on their way to Rio 2016. We hope to encourage more members of the British Sailing Team to attend this event in future.”

See full results and a complete line up of teams at www.wksc.net/wilsontrophy The 2013 Wilson Trophy is proud to have support from sponsors: DHL, Carlsberg, GJW Direct, MI Finance and Speed Medical.

Photograpy by Alan Jenkins

16 The Lake

• Now opening in the evenings

on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

• New evening menu and wine menu • Live music every fortnight • Available for private hire

Coronation Gardens, South Parade, West Kirby CH48 0QG Telephone: 0151 625 3882 • Website: www.tanskeys.com Why not begin your day with one of Tanskey’s fabulous Italian coffees or choose from a range of cakes or selected breakfasts. At lunchtime they offer an array of sandwiches as well as homemade specials. Into the afternoon and evening, Tanskey’s small plates, picky bits and tapas offer diners a large choice. The extensive drinks menu includes fine wines, beers and cocktails which are served with complimentary olives. Sit back and relax and enjoy listening to soothing background music while simply gazing out to sea.

Tanskey’s can be reserved for private functions with a late licence available until 12.30am, and their chefs can cater for any style of food or buffets you may need. The bistro has already been the location of several birthday, anniversary and retirement parties.

The word Tanskey was named by the Vikings, meaning ‘Tooth Rock’, which the Vikings used as a breakwater when they sailed around Hilderberg Island (Hilbre) to Meols. If you look through the porthole at Tanskey’s at low tide you can still see the Tanskey Rock.

Tanskey’s is a new refurbished continental-style bistro located on the edge of West Kirby’s Marine Lake with the famous Coronation Gardens to the rear. Inside, you can relax with waitress service while soaking up the fabulous views across to North Wales, the River Dee Estuary, Hilbre Island and Liverpool Bay. These views are arguably the best in the North West and it has been said that the summer and autumn sunsets over the West Kirby Beach and Hilbre Island, are some of the finest sunsets in Great Britain. The outside conservatory is dog friendly, again with waitress service, and a favourite for the West Kirby Lake dog walkers.

Tanskey’s is open seven days a week from 9am until 5pm, BUT from 4th May new summer hours mean the bistro will be open from 9am to 11pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Employing 14 staff and two chefs, Tanskey’s is fast gaining a reputation as West Kirby’s most relaxed, sophisticated and finest bistro. So, if it is a coffee and a piece of cake you’re after, or some tapas and a carafe of wine, there is no better place to be than Tanskey’s.

Why not pre-book a table in the window on 625 3882. Hannah and all her staff look forward to seeing you soon.

The Lake 17 Pat Lawton of has sent us these interesting photos of a huge storm in West Kirby, Pat says: “I think it was in 1983. We lived opposite Coronation Park, on Banks Road. Whole chairs, railings and paving were lifted by the wind and water and ended up in the gardens.

“The morning after the storm. paving stones were found up by the sailing club and a second floor flat was hit by a huge wave which took out the front and back windows! Quite frightening.”

Storm hits West Kirby Photographs from 1983 Images by Pat Lawton

18 The Lake

Looking for somewhere for your ‘extra’ family or friends to stay? Then come and see 21 Park House, a comfortable, stylish and welcoming guest accommodation enjoying an enviable location in the heart of West Kirby.

The only golfing themed tea room located on the Wirral

21 Park House is a mix of double & twin rooms with a choice of en-suite and private bathroom facilities. Each room has tea & coffee making facilities, TV with Freeview, wireless internet access and an internal phone system.

Ideal for golfing, sailing, walking, cycling and sightseeing and within 5 minutes of the Marine Lake, shopping district, and ever growing café bar and restaurant scene.

Breakfast is made from locally sourced produce and freshly cooked.

Specialising in home baked cakes, leaf tea, freshly ground coffee, traditional breakfasts, home cooked lunches and classic afternoon tea all set in a golfing themed environment.

172 Banks Road in West Kirby • Tel: 0151 625 1887

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

Could advertising in The Lake help your business?

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For advertising contact alan@lakemagazine.co.uk or telephone Alan Strange on 07788 510868.

The Lake 19

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Thornton Hall scoops a prestigious World Luxury Spa Award Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa is celebrating being named as Best Luxury Beauty Spa in the UK at the prestigious World Luxury Spa Awards 2013.

Thornton Hall was the only North West spa to be shortlisted for the awards, which recognise spas across the globe for their excellent facilities, treatments and customer service. The leading Wirral hotel was commended alongside top London venues as well as spas across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

The World Luxury Spa Awards are judged by a selected global panel of independent spa consultants. Roy Burkey, Health Club General Manager at Thornton Hall Hotel, said: “We are delighted to receive such a high accolade and we’re extremely grateful to our club members for putting us forward.

The World Luxury Spa Award is a fantastic opportunity to gain international recognition and puts our spa in the spotlight alongside world-renowned hotels and resorts.

“This award win fires our belief that our health club and spa is one of the leading clubs both in the North West and the UK. The hotel and health club staff work very hard and thoroughly deserve this recognition.”

Thornton Hall Hotel has invested a massive £300,000 on new luxury treatment rooms and make-up studio which are now open.

Geoff Dale, General Manager of Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa, said: “This award is a fantastic achievement and really supports our decision to further invest in our existing luxurious spa facilities. The new facilities include the luxury Rasul treatment suite – based on a traditional Arabian cleansing ritual using thermal muds – and a stateof-the-art boutique make-up studio which will offer a range of beauty treatments including nails, hair, make-up and jewellery.

These facilities will be open in June and will enhance the luxury spa experience for which we are renowned.”

The Rasul – opening this month Complete relaxation of ancient Middle Eastern origin immerse your senses and prepare mind and body for this indulgent and relaxing experience.

A selection of nourishing mineral muds are presented to smooth onto your face and body before you then sit within the enfolding warmth of rasul. Steam infused with relaxing aromas is then gently introduced to help soothe tense muscles and open the pores, allowing the enriched

muds to condition your entire body.

After approximately 20 mins enjoy the introduction of a warm shower mist as it descends within your rasul to gently soften and help wash away the remaining mud, leaving your skin feeling conditioned and your mind clear.

For total relaxation and maximum benefit complete your rasul experience with a massage. This combined treatment is available as an individual or together in our new dual treatment suite.

Rasul is an experience that can be just for you, as a couple or great fun as a group.

For more information please call the Health Club on 0151 353 0116 or visit www.thorntonhallhotel.com for details.

20 The Lake

A Plumber to the Rescue Parkway, Meols 1908

By Dan Longman It was the Monday of May 11th, 1908 when the young Miss Taylor set to work on some light domestic duties at the home of her employer Mrs Astbury, in Parkway, Meols. That afternoon the maid was in the kitchen busily engaged in some mundane washing work, thoroughly expecting a typical day of domestic monotony.

Unfortunately for her, the afternoon’s events took a horrifyingly fatal turn.

Miss Taylor’s demise was instigated with the disastrous interaction of her dress with the boiler fire. She quickly became a mass of hot, scorching flames which rapidly engulfed her entire bodily form.

The bloodcurdling screams that immediately issued from within the human inferno attracted the attention of Mr Jones, a local tradesman who was working on some plumbing next door. He hurried to the scene where he was aghast to discover the terrified maid running about with her clothing all ablaze.

He threw Miss Taylor to the ground, totally devoid of any thoughts of his own safety, and covered her forcibly with his coat.

Bravely he fought to supress the flames but they proved too fierce for a mere garment to tackle. The plumber shouted for a nearby boy to go and fetch a thick rug from the Astbury household to assist in killing the flames. This was quickly done and the carpet successfully smothered the conflagrations, although Miss Taylor’s dress remained a source of searing pain. With his bare hands Jones tore the clothes away.

Cries for medical help were useless which forced Jones to escort the poor girl in a cab to the Cottage Hospital for emergency aid. En route he caught the attention of a passing physician, Doctor Thorpe, who clambered into the vehicle and treated the stricken servant as best as possible. Sadly it was clear that the woman’s injuries were so severe that she would be lucky to survive the ordeal. It was a view which proved correct.

On arrival at hospital medical staff did all they could but their efforts were of no use.

She died on Wednesday May 13th.

An inquest held the following day resulted in a verdict of accidental death. Mr Jones, the courageous plumber who had tried so heroically to save the poor girl did himself not escape harm. His hands and arms had become so badly blistered that they had incapacitated him from work. Nevertheless he refused any offers of financial recompense

by Miss Taylor’s former employer, wishing for no recognition whatsoever for his gallant and selfless actions.

Article taken from Wirral Tragic Tales by Dan Longman, a self-confessed local history fanatic who has published nearly ten books concentrating on the Wirral and Liverpool regions. He is currently working on a number of history related projects with new and updates on his website www.danielklongman.com He can also be contacted via his professional Facebook and Twitter pages: www.facebook.com/danielklongman www.twitter.com/Danielklongman

Hoylake Cottage Hospital in the early 20th century

The Lake 21

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22 The Lake

Main image: Ian Chantler

Lucy Hodson

Dorinda Boag

Dorothy Lynch

Ian Chantler

Joanna Nicholson

Andrew O’Neil

Andrew O’Neil

Michael Littler

Lucy Hodson

Richard Wilkinson

The Lake 23

LOCAL IMAGES In our first issue we asked you to send in your photographs of the local area.

The response was tremendous and a selection are shown here.

The Lake will regularly showcase a selection of local photography.

Email your images to jon@lakemagazine.co.uk

Eric Wells

Dorothy Lynch

Jacelyn Emery

Nick Spencer

Eric Wells

24 The Lake

Guide Dogs Started in Wallasey in 1931 Helped over 29,000 people

The Guide Dogs story started in 1931 with two amazing British pioneers, Muriel Crooke and Rosamund Bond. These remarkable women organised the training of the first four British guide dogs from a humble lock-up garage in Wallasey.

Guide Dogs has come a very long way since those early days. Today Guide Dogs is the world’s largest breeder and trainer of working dogs. Thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers – and your vital donations – we’ve helped over 29,000 people to achieve life-changing independence.

Guide Dogs may have a long and fascinating history, but the story is always evolving.

Over the coming years the charity is

looking to increase the number of guide dog partnerships and is also developing a broader range of services that will help more people who are blind and partially sighted to get out and about on their own terms. This includes a Buddy Dogs scheme for young people, and ‘My Guide’, which is a sighted guiding service, helping people with sight loss get out of their homes and engage with their community.

Guide Dogs Liverpool Mobility team creates an average of 50 special partnerships every year within Merseyside and Cheshire.

One of these special partnerships is newly qualified Geoff Pennock of Birkenhead with his guide dog, Odina. Geoff has a degenerative eye condition known as macular degeneration, which results in sight loss in the central part of your vision and had taken several years to think about applying for a guide dog. Prior to having Odina, Geoff stuck to areas that he knew well, using his long cane Geoff Pennock and Odina

to help him. With his new best friend, there really is no stopping him now! Geoff has been back exploring areas of the Wirral that he hadn’t been to for many years due to lack of confidence and fear of becoming disorientated.

Geoff and Odina keep very busy as Geoff works in the very busy Eye Department at Arrowe Park hospital. Hospitals can be a challenging environment for a guide dog, but Odina has taken it all in her stride and has settled in to her new job.

If you would like to support more partnerships like Geoff and Odina, or if you would like to volunteer or find out more about the work of Guide Dogs on the Wirral, please visit www.guidedogs.org.uk or contact the Liverpool Team on 0118 9838749.

The Lake 25

Win VIP tickets for ‘Merchant of Venice’

by Hillbark Players We do not automatically think of Hoylake, or Meols, or indeed West Kirby when we hear the name Hillbark mentioned. Our minds jump to that beautiful house nestled snugly in the centre of Royden Park, just visible behind the trees. That house is now the five-star Hillbark Hotel and Spa. Dig a little deeper though, and the Hillbark name has more than one meaning. It has been in use for close on 50 years by a group of dedicated, enthusiastic and proud theatre lovers – Hillbark Players, widely regarded as one of the leading amateur theatre companies in the North West.

Formed in 1964 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth, the group brought together the cream of all the local illustrious amateur theatre companies to perform Much Ado About Nothing.

Directed by Malcolm Ash, the play was staged in the grounds of Hillbark House – hence the name!

Fast forward 50 years (23 productions, 11 directors and several venue changes!) and Hillbark Players are now based in Royden Park itself, just outside the grounds of Hillbark Hotel and Spa. Main productions take place every two years; 2013 is taking us to Italy for the captivating The Merchant of Venice directed by Nick Sample. As romantic and witty as it is tense and controversial, it has something to offer everyone. It is an unforgettable tale of mercy and justice, generosity and greed which confronts both the best and worst of human nature, and features one of his most reviled, complex and compelling characters – Shylock the moneylender. Brought together by the same team responsible for the successful Macbeth in 2009, this promises to be a spectacular production and one not to be missed.

If you’re still wondering about the connection to the Hoylake, Meols and West Kirby area, Hillbark Players have a distinctly local flavour.

Their committee meets monthly in the Parade Community Centre. This year’s impressive entrance mural has been produced in collaboration with West Kirby Grammar School pupils and art department.

The eponymous merchant is himself a local - Charles Riley lives in Hoylake, as does his brother, assistant director, Martin. You might have seen them both in Macbeth in 2009. Hillbark Players’ Chair Mike Ellis is from Meols too!

If you want to know more or even get involved, visit the website www.hillbarkplayers.co.uk, and don’t forget to buy your tickets for Merchant! It runs from Monday 24th June until Saturday 29th June.

Tickets are available at www.floralpavilion.com or 0151 666 0000.

The Lake has two pairs of VIP tickets for Monday night’s performance to give away. All you have to do is answer the following question:

In which town would you find Shakespeare’s birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre?

For your chance to win, simply send your answer by email to: jon@lakemagazine.co.uk or by post to: Merchant of Venice Competition, The Lake, 42 Price Street Business Centre, Price Street, Birkenhead CH41 4JQ. Telephone 07796 945745.

Remember to include your full address and contact number.

Closing date for entries Friday 14th June 2013. The winner will be determined by the editor.

There will be no cash or other alternatives to the prize offered. The Lake reserves the right to publish the entries and name of the winner. No correspondence will be entered into.

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

Live outside our distribution area?

Why not subscribe to The Lake for yourself or a friend/relative?

Six issues including postage costs £15 to any address within the UK. Please send address details and payment to: The Lake, 42 Price Street Business Centre, Price Street, Birkenhead CH41 4JQ.

www.lakemagazine.co.uk

26 The Lake

Caldy church Consecrated 1907

By Mark Hughes It is often a surprise to people coming into the area when they learn that Caldy church, or the Church of the Resurrection and All Saints to give it its proper title, is relatively modern. The church was consecrated and dedicated by the Bishop of Chester 106 years ago, at 11.30am on the 1st day of November 1907. It was the gift of the Rev. Canon Waller of Packington Rectory, Hon. Canon of the diocese of Worcester, who had not long sold the Caldy Estate.

However, it had been Ellen Barton, widow of Alfred Barton, the last Barton male of Caldy Manor who had died in 1894 and specifically left money to pay for a new church to be built in the village. Prior to this the villagers attended church in West Kirby.

The old school house of St Agnes’s, which had been erected in 1868 by Mrs Elizabeth Barton on part of the site where the church now sits, gave way to the church 39 years later. The school was converted into what is now the north aisle of the church, and a chapel and saddleback tower were added on adjoining land between 1906 and 1907

by Messrs Douglas and Minshull. A large gothic chimney piece by Mr G.E.Street is visible in the vestry, the fireplace being that of the original school house. It is carved with an inscription and dated 1868.

Although the Barton family had passed on by this time, the new church at Caldy had the old Caldy family firmly etched in its very fabric. Caldy was at the time of the Barton’s reign, a centre of religious life.

Indeed Mr Congeve, who was at one time the vicar at Frankby once wrote that “although not unmindful of their social duties, the Barton’s home was a place of spiritual refreshment, and inspiration, to a large circle of their friends”. A previous

The newly erected church in 1907

place of worship, The Chapel of the Resurrection had been established by Mrs Barton at Caldy Manor in memory of her late husband Richard Barton, who died on Easter Day, 17th April 1881. Richard is buried at St Bridget’s, West Kirby. This manor chapel had opened in 1882, and around this time the Reading Room, the black and white building to the right of Caldy church was built. In 1889, Philip Sulley described this chapel as “very tastefully decorated” in his book The Hundred of Wirral. Elizabeth Barton gave a

chalice to the Chapel with her engagement ring in the stem. This was first used on All Saints Day, November 1st 1882 when Holy Communion was celebrated for the first time in the new chapel.

Several furnishing items from c1881 by decorative designer C.E.Kempe were later brought from the Chapel of the Resurrection to the new church at Caldy in 1907. For example the stalls, reredos, organ, side-screen, pulpit, the altar with its beautiful hangings, and some of the stained glass windows.

The stone over the tower doorway, with the words ‘Dormus Dei’ and the date 1882, had also formerly been placed over the door of the Barton’s manor house chapel.

And so Caldy had its church, a small sandstone building with chancel, nave, south-west porch, numerous dedicated stained-glass windows and tower with saddleback roof. It was a church that would play host to almost as many artists and photographers over the next century, as it would parishioners.

The old school house that was originally on the site of the church in the distance

Inside Caldy church there are a number of brass memorial tablets including one to Richard Barton of Caldy Manor (died 1881) and his infant son Richard Heywood Barton; his wife Elizabeth Barton ‘the founder of this chapel’, referring to the chapel at Caldy Manor, (died 27th of January 1890);

The Lake 27 The Epiphany windows behind the choir stalls depict pictures of the three kings bearing gifts to the baby Jesus. Other windows in the church show the Annunciation and the shepherds at the crib. These windows were designed and made by Mr C.E. Kemp, who was one of the most renowned Victorian stained glass artists.

The church also has a window showing the Royal arms, made in celebration of Queen Victoria’s golden Jubilee in 1877. These windows were also brought from the old manor chapel, as was the small window in the South wall ‘given by the people of Caldy in memory of Elizabeth Barton’ in 1890. The south west window is by A.J. Davies of the Bromsgrove guild. The stained-glass window above the altar was given to the new church by Canon Waller in 1907, and a memorial tablet was erected in his memory on the wall above the pulpit.

The Chapel at Caldy Manor

Alfred Barton (died 11th May 1893); Ellen Barton (died 14th May 1894); the Rev. Ernest Alured Waller, ‘rector of Little Packington and the Hon. Canon of Worcester Cathedral, owner of the Caldy estate 1893 to 1905, who for the Glory of God gave this church to the people Caldy’, who died 1st October 1910; Sarah Turnbull, daughter of the Rev. R.Turnbull, rector of Wynbunbury, ‘who for fifteen years was teacher in the Village School’ (died 9th July 1893); and James Sherratt, ‘for 32 years the faithful bailiff to Richard Barton Caldy Manor’ (died 4th November 1903).

Electric lighting was first introduced into the church in September 1929 with work carried out by Charles E. Price, Hoylake.

The first wedding to be solemnised at Caldy church took place in the summer of 1933.

The happy couple being Miss Edith Mary Barrington, the youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs John Barrington of Corner Cottage, and Mr John Rathbone of West Kirby. The Rev. S.J.Marston, Rector of West Kirby, was the officiating minister, assisted by the Rev. F.J.Michell, curate in charge.

On All Saints Day 1936, the dedication took place of a memorial tablet to the late Alexander Percy Eccles, and his young grandaughter Sheila Margaret Joynson.

The inscription on the tablet reads: “This tablet and the noticeboard in the churchyard were given, by his wife, in the name of Alexander Percy Eccles, Caldy Manor, acting warden from 1907 till 1931, Who died 14th June, 1932; and of their grandaughter Sheila Margaret, daughter of Edward and Margaret Joynson, Who died 13th January, 1933, aged two years.”

On the village green outside the church there is a cross. This was erected in 1894 by the villagers of Caldy to the memory of Alfred Barton (died 1893).

He was the last surviving male in the Barton line and apparently much loved by the local community.

New outer and inner oak doors were installed in 1963. More recently, the garden of rest was dedicated on 12th October 1996. The garden now includes numerous plaques dedicated to Caldy residents who have passed on in recent years. Finally, the church held its centenary in 2007, celebrating the occasion with numerous events. Perhaps some of the toddlers who attend Sunday school or the mother and toddler groups at the church hall, will celebrate the 200 year anniversary in 2107.

Mark Hughes is married with five children and lives in Caldy. He is a former local Councillor (1993-1998) and now MD of an investment bank.

Mark sits on the committee of The Caldy Society and West Kirby Museum and is the founder of the Facebook group ‘Wirral in old photographs’.

The Lake 29 and open spaces. We also get involved in campaigns and projects. Successful recent projects include: • Funding and erecting a noticeboard at Heswall Dales

WFOSPS Hoylake & Meols in Bloom Flower festival

• A new footpath at the Warrens, Arrowe Park • Wheelchair/pushchair accessible routes in Royden Park.

Do you enjoy getting out and about on the footpaths of Wirral?

Why not join the Wirral Footpaths and Open Spaces Preservation Society (WFOSPS) and enjoy a walk with a purpose? WFOSPS members regularly walk the footpaths of Wirral to keep them open for all to enjoy and make sure they are well-maintained.

Broken fingerboards, hazardous stiles or overgrown vegetation are just some of the problems reported to the Council or to the Society’s own Footpath Inspectors.

There are around 74 miles of footpaths and 28 miles of permissive paths and bridle ways in Wirral - a total of 102 miles. Not bad for an area the size of Wirral. Add to this the lovely open spaces we all enjoy - large areas such as Wirral Country Park, Royden and Thurstaston or smaller spaces such as parks or any patch of green in between built-up areas.

This is what makes Wirral such a pleasant, sought-after area in which to live.

But there’s a lot of hard work that goes into keeping the footpaths and open spaces for us all to enjoy.

The pioneering work began in 1888, when several prominent businessmen formed the Society to ‘preserve, maintain and defend’ Wirral’s footpaths and open spaces with the Duke of Westminster as President.

They started their work by mapping and numbering the footpaths and marking each one with ‘fingerpost’ sign. A year later there were 157 members and the accounts showed a balance of £3 10s 101/2d (£3.54).

In the 1880s, footpaths and open spaces were under threat from increasing industrialisation and building of railways and canals. The work is just as important nowadays as footpaths are threatened by housing and other development.

Currently fielding 500 members, the Society is celebrating 125 years of this important work. Members are planning a celebration for later in the year. In the meantime, if you care, get involved!

You can • Become a member. Your £4 annual subs helps support the work • Clear paths. Weekly sessions from March to November (equipment provided)

WFOSPS aims to walk each footpath at least once a year. As well as inspecting footpaths, society members turn out regularly to clear paths.

• Walk. Come on a walk in the day or evening, weekdays or weekends.

The Society takes an interest in all planning applications which affect rights of way

See our website www.wirralfootpaths.org.uk or phone Arthur Cheetham 0151 625 7361.

We also welcome people who can lead walks or who want to be on the committee.

McVey, MP for Wirral West, on the year’s longest day, Friday June 21, and will continue to Sunday, June 23.

Hoylake’s beautiful St Hildeburgh’s parish church is set to become even lovelier this summer when a flower festival is staged.

The church will be bedecked with gorgeous blossoms in no fewer than 30 displays throughout the church. The town’s World War I memorial, honouring the 168 Hoylake men who died, which stands in the wooded grounds, will also be specially decorated.

The festival, with the theme of The Glory of Creation, is to be opened by Esther

The festival is being widely supported, with the floral art societies of Wirral, Hoylake, New Brighton and Heswall joining the members of St Hildeburgh’s Ladies’ Guild to create the arrangements. Themes of the 30 displays will range from the sublime, entitled Eternity’s Sunrise, to the humorous with Great British Bake-Off. Festival times will be: Friday 2-9.30 pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 11am-4pm, followed by Songs of Praise. Refreshments will be available throughout the event.

For more information and ticket availability, see www.sthildeburgh.org, contact the organiser, Brenda Gande by email on

brendagande@yahoo.co.uk

Many people still do not realise that the council do not pay for the beautiful flowers you see in Market Street and in our Parks around the area. Friends of Hoylake & Meols in Bloom are entirely self-funding and rely on memberships and a few fundraising events to fund their project.

Membership is kept low, £5 for a single person, £7 for a family and £10 for a business to encourage people to join.

You do not have to do any work to be a member, just complete the membership form which can be found in Hoylake Library and some shops in Hoylake or contact: Mrs Dot Rooney, 8 Bertram Drive North, Meols CH47 OLW, telephone 632 4215. Or you can join on line at the website: www.hoylakeinbloom.co.uk If you would like to volunteer please contact Jan Foster, on 07725 540049 or contact her via the website.

Friends of Hoylake & Meols in Bloom would like to invite you to join them at their annual garden party on June 29th from noon until 4pm at Dane Cottage, 11 Ethelbert Lane, Meols CH47 5BF. As well as an award-winning garden to enjoy, there will be plant stalls, bring and buy stalls, a raffle, entertainment and refreshments available.

All proceeds go to the flowers and Parks in Hoylake and Meols.

30 The Lake

Le Bizz Lake people competition Winner Edith Larsen In our first issue we asked readers for their favourite memory of West Kirby Lake.

The winner was 10-year-old Edith Larsen from West Kirby. She is seen here collecting her prize from Caroline Ramsay, co-owner of Le Bizz in Banks Road.

Camping by the lake Amazing, inspirational, and beautiful - my older brother Ben and I sat staring, speechless, at the big, golden amber sun as it dropped closer and closer to the lake we knew so well. It was an overgrown, messy field that we were in camping in but we couldn’t help falling in love with it. We had been watching without making a single sound for an hour. The more I watched, the more I wanted to stay here forever. Finally we crawled into our sleeping bags. After a while we slowly dropped off to sleep with the image of the Marine Lake at sunset dancing in front of our eyes. l will truly never forget those moments.

Runners-up

We had a surprisingly good nights sleep: I say surprisingly because both my parents had tried to persuade us not to go due to the freezing cold weather. We awoke very early, just in time for the sunrise – how fantastic was that... It was a similar feeling to the night before, but in my opinion even better for we had a flask of hot chocolate, freshly baked scones (which, it has to be said, were delicious!). The sun glittered on the water. It was breathtaking. Entranced we stared longer and longer until we saw a big blue sky with not a cloud to be seen.

Now in my seventies I enjoy walking around the lake on the lovely wide, smooth new pathway. I remember when I was about ten, walking around the lake on the narrower and very slippy pathway with my school friend. It was quite difficult to stay upright as the path got covered with green slimy stuff. Coming towards us we saw a gentleman in a dark suit with bowler hat and rolled umbrella. That immediately had us giggling. We passed him and further on looked back only to see him with his jacket off trying to brush the green off it. He had presumably gone flat on his back. I’m afraid as children it amused us although we didn’t see him fall. I’ve ALWAYS wondered why he was there in that rigout!

by Edith Larsen

Margaret Shepherd, West Kirby

I remember a visit to the Marine Lake as child in the 1960s with my Mum, Dad, two sisters and the girl from next door. The girls and I were dangling our bare feet in the water while our parents watched over us. Despite numerous signs around the lake warning you not to jump in the girl from next door promptly did just that and cut her foot badly enough for it to need attention and for her not to be able to walk on it.

Unfortunately, the girl from next door was tall and rather overweight and my Dad was a fairly small man. I remember how we laughed hysterically as my poor Dad had to carry her to the first aid station (which I think was where the kiosk selling chips and hot drinks is now). Laughing like that seems so heartless now but we were only children I suppose and the girl’s foot was not badly injured.

The Lake People – Ken Bidwell

Nick Skinner, Hoylake

The Lake 31 Le Bizz stock a range of local souvenirs such as prints, canvases, postcards, cards, magnets, mugs, coasters, chopping boards, etc.

The latest product is the West Kirby tea towel. It is 100% cotton and designed by a local designer.

It is printed in UK and available for £7.99 in white or natural.

Ken Bidwell’s latest image of sail boats and walkers on the Marine Lake is available in canvas and framed prints now and will soon be available on other merchandise.

4 Banks Road, West Kirby • Tel: 0151 625 4646 www.lebizz.co.uk • Email: info@lebizz.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @LeBizzWestKirby or Facebook – Lebizz westkirby

Local MP guest of honour at West Kirby’s international sailing event, the Wilson Trophy

Wirral MP, Esther McVey, with (left to right) Stuart Bithell, Olympic silver medallist; David Taylor Commodore West Kirby Sailing Club; Peter Johnson, Chief Umpire; Adam Whittle, Chief Race Officer; and Chris Riley, Event Director

32 The Lake

Wirral Open Studio Tour

Origins of the Wirral Open Studio Tour

15th and 16th June

By Dennis Spicer We are really pleased to announce that the Wirral Open Studio Tour is back again after taking a rest last year.

What is an Open Studio Tour?

The idea is that professional and semiprofessional artists and craftspeople come together to throw open their studios, homes and workplaces to the public to view their work and talk to the artists. Some people find going to art galleries intimidating, but the informal setting of the artist’s home or studio can be a relaxing and stimulating place, with the added bonus that the public can meet the artists, find out about the origins of the work and gain an insight into their art practice by discussing techniques and inspiration. Various artists carry on working throughout the weekend, so you may well find a latest artwork partially complete on an easel or worktable. Artists will certainly be pleased to share tips and techniques with enthusiastic visitors.

Some artwork is available to buy at less than gallery prices and often artists produce small pieces of work, prints, postcards and greetings cards for sale so even if you can’t afford the masterpiece you fell in love with, you may still be able to come away with a reminder of your visit as a keepsake.

To enjoy this event you do not have to know anything about art, but can simply enjoy spending a day or two following the trail ticking off each artist on the map. Part of the enjoyment of the tour is seeing all the different places resourceful artists utilise as work spaces, from purpose-built studios to living rooms and garden sheds.

Open studio events have been happening all over the country for years, but Wirral’s first, in 2009, was the inspiration of Micheline Robinson, an artist from Canada who arrived to live on the Wirral. She had taken part in Open Studios trails in Vancouver and found meeting other artists and talking to the public about her work inspiring. She explains: “I had already participated in a studio tour in Vancouver and enjoyed the experience of inviting people into my world and letting them see how and where I worked. I lived in a tiny one bedroom flat and there was a queue to see my studio in the bathroom (best place to work as it had a sink and mirror). It helped build my confidence as an artist and inspired others to have a go.

“When I moved to the Wirral, there were no tours to join, despite art trails and tours being in most other counties around the country. I saw this as an opportunity to bring something to the area. It was incredibly difficult to find funding the first year or to convince anyone that it was a good idea as not many people had heard of an arts trail. I therefore started small by doing it in Hoylake and Meols and invited artists in the area to join for a small fee, which mainly covered brochures, posters and a gala evening.”

The initial network of artists from around Hoylake and Meols, named Artists in our Midst, opened their studios in 2009.

Established artist, Jo Smith of Seagrass Studios in the Quadrant Hoylake, became their first sponsor. The event was such a success that Micheline decided to repeat it the following year, expanding the area to cover the whole of Wirral in 2010. Once again, this was received really well by the public and, with two successful events behind her, she decided it would be a fantastic opportunity if the tour actually

became a community group. Artists in our Midst was renamed Wirral Art which went on to organise the biggest event so far in 2011. With the power of the internet spreading the word on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, the number of artists grew and more local firms and organisations showed interest, increasing much needed support and sponsorship.

The 2011 event was the most successful yet, with a colourful brochure and support from Melrose Hall, Hoylake (which held poetry events, artists workshops and demonstrations, helping the tour tremendously). People came from Liverpool, Cumbria and all over the north-west to support the tour and to talk to the artists and crafts people involved.

So what of 2013?

Micheline has since relocated to make a new life in New Zealand, but happily the remaining organisers have been busy networking to build on the foundations already laid down by her. Most of the artists who took part in previous years have signed up once again together with many new ones so we hope this year’s tour will be better than ever. With 38 artists and craftspeople located on the Wirral, from Wallasey to Bromborough and from the Dee coast to the Mersey happy to show their work you are sure to discover someone living near you making beautiful artworks, ceramics or textiles, perhaps someone you pass every day in the street, or a neighbour you had no idea was an artist.

Some artists, for various reasons, cannot show in their homes/studios so are getting together in two great locations, Melrose Hall in Hoylake and the former Unitarian Church in West Kirby, putting on interesting group shows of their work.

Soon posters will be appearing in shop windows and public places. A brochure (by HeB Designs of West Kirby) with an easy to follow map showing the locations of the venues and with information about the artists, will be available from public libraries and other public places, including shops all over the Wirral and Liverpool.

The studios will have an identifying feature outside to help find the location more easily.

There is a website – www.wirralart.com that has more information including artists’ profiles and a downloadable map.

Also find us on facebook under Wirral Art & Wirral Open Studio Tour.

So let’s hope that the weather takes a turn for the better in June to give us two fine days on Saturday the 15th and Sunday 16th for the 2013 tour, but even if not, we are sure you will find the artwork inspiring, the studio spaces fascinating and maybe even find an original piece of art to treasure.

Table sculpture by Susan Meyerhoff Sharpes (Simon Birtall)

The Lake 33

Hilbre Island Aerial view

By Ron Thomas ARPS Ron Thomas ARPS has kindly sent us this photograph he took on a non-commercial flight over Hilbre Island.

Ron explains; “I joined a party which set out to record, through video and still photography, the Dee Estuary as part of a project to document the wildlife habitats of the area.

Hilbre Island is a unique and internationally important location for a large variety of wildlife at all times of the year. I have recently been running Natural History Photography courses on the island and these have successfully introduced quite a few people to what our area has to offer and how to get the best out of it photographically. As I also give talks about this subject, the picture of the island from the air will help me to illustrate the various ‘mini’ habitats and various places on the island for specific types of photography at specific times.”

To view more of Ron’s work visit www.ronthomasphotography.com

34 The Lake

Orange-tip butterflies Cuckoo flowers

By Matt Thomas

The Lake 35 If you read my article in the first issue of The Lake then you’ll know that I spend a good proportion of my time during spring rummaging around the hedgerows of the Wirral Way looking for chiffchaffs to photograph. While doing this I have come across some of the other wildlife that shares the hawthorns with these summer migrants.

I’ve had close encounters with brown hares, been chased by an angry bumblebee and watched the first swallows of the year swoop across meadows. But, after some careful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that orange-tip butterflies are my favourite. Naturally I grabbed a few pictures of them as I was hunting the chiffchaffs and eventually this developed into a full-blown project in its own right.

The adult butterflies are on the wing from mid to late April (depending on the weather!) and throughout May, and during this time I have charted the life cycle of this charming little insect.

The males look stunning. Pure white wings dipped in brilliant orange at the tips, a slim body of dusted charcoal and an underwing of 70s-style garishly patterned wallpaper.

A majestic insect. The first glimpse of one drifting along a hedgerow reassures me that spring has really sprung. And they have a special relationship with another of my favourite signs of spring, the cuckoo flower.

Found in damp places in meadows and close to ponds, it has flowers in pale shades from white to a pinky lilac and is a subtly beautiful addition to the green shoots of spring. However, the orange-tip has a connection with these flowers that goes deeper than my idle admiration on a warm and sunny afternoon stroll. The female lays its eggs on the stems of this plant and the caterpillars gorge on the succulent leaves before retreating to the base of the stem to pupate.

A good place to look for some is next to the seasonal pond on Dawpool Nature Reserve, just off the Wirral Way. The flowers are tiny drops of beauty and firstly I enjoy looking at them before getting down on hands and knees to begin a search for something special.

I’m doing this so I can examine in minute detail the cuckoo flower leaves for the distinctive eggs laid by the female orange-tips, and I’m in luck – there are plenty. Whatever the weather there always seems to be cuckoo flowers at Dawpool!

This deeper rooting flower is able to tap the water and nutrients from lower in the soil so it can get a head start over the shallower rooted grasses. I discover 12 eggs in a little patch. Quickly the macro-photography kit is deployed.

Tripods, extension tubes, windbreaks and reflectors are all unpacked to aid the recording of the eggs.

Orange-tip eggs are one of the easiest butterfly eggs to spot, being bright orange, but I am still pleased to have located so many. The camera is brought to bear on a handily placed egg and it is photographed.

Through the lens, the grooves and ridges on the eggshell appear in vivid detail – something you can’t detect with the naked eye. The eggs are a tiny ornament on the stem of a wild flower that itself decorates the countryside.

The location of this patch of flowers is easily remembered, so I vow to return in a few days to see if any of the clutch of eggs have hatched and I can capture some images of the hungry caterpillars.

A few days pass and I see a few males patrolling the Wirral Way but no eggs have hatched. No new eggs have been laid either. Perseverance will be required, but it is not as if there is nothing else to see while out hunting caterpillars. The chiffchaffs are chiffing, the swallows are swooping and hares are boxing.

Eventually, one sunny morning I find a hatchling. It is a fresh one, all green and

very young, no distinguishing features have developed yet, but I am lucky to find one.

They are much harder to locate than the eggs so now I have one in my sights I can get up close and personal to record this individual. Like the eggs, the caterpillars are quite easy to photograph. It would be more than a little embarrassing to be outrun and outfoxed by a caterpillar!

I get my pictures and leave them to munch their way through the cuckoo flower. Back on the Wirral Way there are still males on the wing. They are so tricky to keep up with, constantly moving, rarely settling and then drifting back the way they came. They have a territory to patrol and defend. If another butterfly floats on to their patch, even if it is a different species altogether, they will intercept it and see it off. I follow them, waiting for one to alight on the freshly unfurling bramble leaves so I can take its picture. Up and down the Wirral Way I go, chasing orange-tips.

If you were to map my movements, you’d find I’ve walked miles by the time I have got all the pictures to illustrate this article, though I’ve not gone far from my starting place.

It’s worth every step though...

36 The Lake

First time mum?

Local ‘helping hands’

By Joanne Toomey It can be fairly daunting being a first time mum, but West Kirby mum Joanne Toomey tells The Lake readers there are lots of local ‘helping hands’.

During your pregnancy, look on the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) website as this has lots of information on everything you need to know before and after you have your baby, details of antenatal classes (prices vary and discounts may apply), how to meet other mums – and dads – in your area etc.

As well as the usual midwife service, One to One Midwives are very supportive. On the Wirral, some midwives are trained in additional skills such as hypnobirthing and aromatherapy. We were offered a hypnobirthing class that we found very useful and calming. This will be a limited service though, as only so many pregnant women can be supported – if you are interested in their support, contact them via their website: www.onetoonemidwives.org If you are having a difficult pregnancy and need to de-stress, contact the Natural Health Clinic on Grange Road to see if any alternative therapies can be of assistance.

Check out the baby wards in local hospitals to see where you would be happy to give birth. Arrowe Park’s maternity ward offer tours so that you can see the rooms. I was very pleased to be able to deliver my baby in the birthing pool – in the cold nights of October it was lovely to be able to sink down into the warm waters.

In hospital you will be asked if you will be bottle or breastfeeding, so try to think beforehand about which will suit you best.

Breastfeeding is hugely beneficial to your child, but don’t panic if you can’t breastfeed at first. Sure Start Wirral provides brilliant support if you are having difficulties with this and also offers advice on weaning and feeding. There is a fantastic smartphone app for Wirral-based breastfeeding mums – have a look for Breast Start in your app store. It has great tips and information, with a schedule of support group times across Wirral and a list of local cafes that are happy for you to breastfeed. If you are out and about and baby needs feeding, also look for the nearest GP surgery, as all clinics should have a breastfeeding room.

Your health visitor or midwife may put your name down for the New Mums’ class at the local Sure Start Children’s Centres – the local ones are in West Kirby, Hoylake, Greasby. I found these classes very useful indeed, and I’ve kept in contact with the

mums in the same classes – we still meet up regularly. It’s great to speak to other new mums who are going through the same things at the same time – hugely reassuring and very supportive. Sure Start centres also offer other classes, including a get-together for dads, granddads and male carers – you can register online or check out the classes available at: www.wirral.gov. uk/my-services/find-us/childrens-centres Get free stuff! Lots of supermarkets and baby firms will send you some free samples if you sign up with them. Look for offers with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Pampers, Cow & Gate, Boots and Superdrug. Most supermarkets have baby clubs and, when you sign up with them, will let you know when baby events are on. They often offer discounts on nappies, wipes, food and equipment. Sign up with www.bounty.com for emails of flash sales in baby equipment and clothing.

Bounce and Rhyme sessions at local libraries are usually free and very popular.

You may find yourself singing the bounce and rhymes songs as you go around the supermarket though! Remember to fill in an application form for your child’s library tickets the first time you attend, then you can get the first books out straight away. Your child will also be eligible for a first book pack from the library, but if you receive one in the First Time Mums class at the children’s centre don’t take one from the library too as they are the same books (and the programme only receives enough funding for one pack per child).

There are a number of playgroups on West Kirby and Hoylake; I got a list from the health visitor that proved very useful! It is worth checking out a couple to see which group suits you. Some may have a waiting list but everyone is very helpful. This is a good time to try out new toys and equipment that the playgroups use. There are playgroups in the United Reformed Church, St Andrews, St Agnes, St Michael & All Angels and the West Kirby Methodist Church, as well as Caldy Church Hall.

There is also a range of developmental classes available such as Rhythm Time (at the URC), Sensory Baby (St Michael) and yoga classes (at St Bridget’s centre) that you and baby can enjoy together. Check with the organisers to see how much the classes cost or if they are free. There is also a buggy fit class held in Ashton Park to help you get back into shape after the extra baby weight! This is £3 per session, Monday and Wednesday mornings at 10.30am and they meet at the tennis courts in the top park at the Carpenters Lane end.

Aqua Tots classes are held on Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons at the Concourse. While the water is not usually any warmer for the babies, there are lots of toys, floats and rings in the pool and very helpful lifeguards. I was very surprised how much my bath-hating baby enjoyed the session – we tried out a baby ring with seat in, that was among the floats provided, and my daughter was happy to lean forward to swim and have the water splash her face. Remember to have a 20p coin ready for the lockers!

There are excellent children’s clothing shops in West Kirby like Los Ninos and Cowboys & Angels, so have a look around and support local businesses. The NCT website also has details of ‘nearly new’ sales – the next Wirral sale is in the Wallasey Grosvenor ballroom on Saturday 28 September at 10am. These sales are great opportunities to pick up some good quality, pre-loved baby equipment and clothing at reasonable prices. It is also worth having a look around the car boot sale at West Kirby Football Club, and any local attic sales for baby equipment such as Moses baskets and baby chairs, which are often only used for a couple of months and can be found second hand in excellent condition at great prices.

There may well be lots more available in the area for new mums – I’m starting to discover more and more myself. If you find any gems do pass them on to other new mums!

The Lake 37

West Kirby Library The Concourse Activities and events Friends of Hoylake and West Kirby Libraries Friends of Hoylake & West Kirby Libraries organise events (usually monthly) throughout the year. Examples include talks, craft demonstrations, coffee mornings and quizzes. Membership costs £3 per person and £5 per couple and lasts from April until March. Friends also get discounted entrance to events and a regular newsletter.

Friends Summer 2013 Events: Charlie Bartlett presents an illustrated talk on ‘Mountains & culture’ Thursday 27th June, 7.30pm, West Kirby Library Tickets £2.50 (Friends £2.00) Please purchase your tickets by 24th June.

Sound and Vision DVDs & Talking Books (on CD, MP3 CD, Playaway and cassette) are all available for hire (there is a charge for this service although concessions are available please contact the library for details).

Talking Books are available (and are free in some cases).

A collection of foreign language courses on CD and tape is available.

Baby Bounce and Rhyme Bring your babies along for a fun half-hour of rhymes and music and stay for a chat afterwards. Sessions are run on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10.00am-10.30am and refreshments are provided.

Computers and IT courses There are a number of computers available for the public to use and offering internet access. Limited IT support is on hand if required.

Junior Reading Group West Kirby Wordgobblers meet on the second Monday in the month at 4.15pm (except August). Please contact the library for exact dates due to Bank Holidays and school holidays etc.

Get into Reading - Adult Reading Group - Book At Breakfast, Fridays, 10.00am11.30am Places limited.

Exhibitions The exhibition space on the first floor hosts regular exhibitions and displays throughout the year.

Outreach Advocacy Service Wirral Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted Outreach Advocacy Service have a drop-in session every fortnight - please contact the library for date of next session.

Knit and Natter Providing help and advice on knitting given through a very friendly and sociable group. All ages and abilities most welcome.

Refreshments are available for a small donation.

Takes place fortnightly on Friday mornings – Please check with library for exact dates or more information.

Activities Toddler Time for Under-5’s Stories, rhymes & simple crafts for the under 5s.

Held every Monday at 2:30pm during term times.

Adult Reading Group The adult reading group meet on the first Thursday of the month at 6pm. There is also an adult crime reading group on the second Tuesday of each month at 2.30pm -3.30pm.

Please contact the library for exact dates and details of the books to be discussed.

Strawberries, scones & summer serenade Tuesday 9th July 2.30pm-4.00pm, West Kirby Library Join us for afternoon tea & entertainment from Cath & Dave of the local band ‘Ellipses’. Tickets £3.50 (Friends £3) Please purchase your tickets before 5th July.

Look out for Wirral Festival of Firsts events happening in the Hoylake area during July, including a writing workshop day at Hoylake Library on Saturday 13th July. Contact Hoylake Library for further details.

Societies Showcase Thursday 5th September from 10am at West Kirby Library Do you belong to a local club or society?

Would you like to promote their activities?

Find out about what’s on in our local area.

Limited display space available. Book with the library staff asap.

Our Knit & Natter & In stitches creative groups meet fortnightly at West Kirby and Hoylake. All welcome to come along to chat and get crafty. Check with the library for times.

Riverside Writers Riverside Writers (a local creative writing group) meet monthly in the library.

French Language Courses Fun French classes for children take place on Mondays after school – please contact the library for more information.

For details of other events in Wirral libraries see the What’s on section of their website.

38 The Lake

Wirral Multilingual

Below are some Conversation classes/groups located locally, where you can meet - and converse - with others who are either native language speakers or fellow learners.

Hoylake-based Promoting cultural diversity Do you speak one or more foreign languages, either privately or professionally? Evidence suggests that if the answer is no, then you could be missing out...

A recent survey of senior managers found that 61% believe not knowing the local language is the biggest obstacle in the way of successfully conducting business negotiations abroad, yet only 37% of those questioned said their company actually offered language training to their employees.

“There is an image of Brits abroad - and amongst our European neighbours in particular - that we are reluctant language learners, and assume we can easily get by simply speaking English wherever we go”, says Stuart Burke, founder of ‘Wirral Multilingual’, a new venture based in Hoylake that was set up to promote the world of cultural diversity - and opportunity - that exists on our doorstep.

Unfortunately, it seems that this rather negative stereotype is backed up by the facts. Traditional A-level disciplines such as French and German are in ‘freefall’, following a record decline in entry rates over the last decade. According to the most recent official figures, currently about one in ten state primary schools offers no language lessons at all, and a further 20% only offer it to some year groups.

The Government has taken heed of this alarming drop in language teaching particularly noticeable at secondary school level - and has moved to make languages a requirement from age seven, as part of a new primary National Curriculum taking effect in 2014. More than half of pupils taking GCSEs in 2013 will be doing a language, compared to 43% in 2010.

Chinese (Mandarin)

“Learning another language is good for young children and it will give them more options in education and work (in later life)”, said Michael Gove (Education Secretary) in June; a statement with which Stuart whole-heartedly agrees: “I have always enjoyed learning and speaking other languages, and it has certainly opened up my eyes to the rich tapestry of cultures around the world. I would encourage everybody to learn at least one foreign language, from the earliest possible age.

But it is also never too late to start!”

It has been proven that countries with high-performing education systems begin teaching foreign languages at a much younger age than in England. New Zealand and Singapore teach languages from age six, and Finland at age nine. In Hong Kong, English is compulsory from the start of primary school.

The aim of Wirral Multilingual is to enable Wirral residents to learn a new language, improve their current language skills, or meet and chat with other nationalities. It is also expected that the service will provide Wirral-based companies with access to professional translation/interpreting services, a source of multilingual staff, and the tools to expand their business operations across Europe and beyond.

For more information, please email Stuart on wirralmultilingual@gmail.com

Calday Grange Grammar School Tuesdays 6pm-7pm & 7pm-8pm

French

The Parade, Hoyle Road, Hoylake Tuesdays 10am-12pm Calday Grange Grammar School Tuesdays 6pm-7pm/6pm-7pm/8pm-9pm

German

Calday Grange Grammar School Tuesdays 6pm-7pm/7pm-8pm/8pm-9pm

Italian

The Parade, Hoyle Road, Hoylake Mondays 10am-12pm & Tuesdays 7pm-9pm Calday Grange Grammar School Tuesdays 6pm-7pm/7pm-8pm/8pm-9pm

Japanese

The Parade, Hoyle Road, Hoylake Wednesdays 6pm-8pm

Russian

Wirral Multilingual was born out of a passion for learning about other languages and cultures from around the globe, and aims to promote the world of cultural diversity - and opportunity - that exists on the doorstep of those currently living and working in the Wirral Peninsula.

For more information, please contact Stuart Burke at Wirral Multilingual by phone on 07956 120474 or by email on wirralmultilingual@gmail.com www.wirralmultilingual.weebly.com

Calday Grange Grammar School Tuesdays 6pm-7pm/6pm-7pm/8pm-9pm

Spanish The Parade, Hoyle Road, Hoylake Mondays 1pm-3pm & Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am Calday Grange Grammar School Tuesdays 6pm-7pm/7pm-8pm/8pm-9pm

The Lake 39

West Kirby Museum Open weekend July 13th and 14th

You are invited to our open weekend on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July from 11am – 4pm at St Bridget’s Centre, St Bridget’s Lane, West Kirby. The weekend will form part of a national event, the Festival of Archaeology so, as well as seeing the museum’s permanent displays, there will also be attractions for all the family. This will be the first event for the museum in its new form and with its new name West Kirby Museum.

Not many people know that West Kirby has a museum. Formerly known as the Charles Dawson Brown Museum, it was hidden away for over a century, available to view by appointment only. Charles Dawson Brown was the local historian, antiquarian and benefactor who preserved the ancient stones which were being unearthed during the rebuilding of St. Bridget’s Church in 1869. These stones form the core of the museum collection.

The old museum room has been completely transformed into a modern, spot-lit and accessible display area, and the museum space now extends into a second room, allowing sufficient space for the exhibits to be enjoyed by the public. The collection tells the story of a thousand years of St. Bridget’s church, and is supplemented with information about the old village, the old school and other items found in or around West Kirby.

Come along to our open weekend in July to see the new museum displays and join in the special events outlined here.

Finds identification: Relics of the past are frequently found by ordinary people in their gardens. Our archaeologists will be available for identification of anything you may have come across, so do bring along anything of interest for the experts to examine.

opportunity to see the Hogback stone and learn about its significance. There will also be a children’s trail available in the church.

Old West Kirby: We will have a picture display of old West Kirby and you are invited to share your memories with the research team. Please bring along any photographs or memorabilia to show us.

The new Museum will be open to the public every Friday afternoon from 19th July between 12.30 and 3.00pm.

The Vikings: Meet a Viking and see a replica Viking age boat. It is of a type which would have traded in the Irish Sea and probably used by the Viking settlers of West Kirby.

We have a Friends Group and welcome people to regular social events and history talks. Our research group meet weekly and is striving hard to find out everything they can about old West Kirby. If you would like to volunteer to help us in any way please contact Heather Chapman on 0151 625 7013. For more information visit our website www.westkirbymuseum.co.uk and find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WKMuseum.

Guided Walks: There will be guided walks of West Kirby Old Village. Numbers are restricted for the tours so if you would like to join a walk, please sign up early upon arrival.

Hogback Stone: The historic St Bridget’s church will be open and this is your

10th Century Anglo-Saxon Cross

12th century cat-face corbel

Hands-on activities: There will be various archaeology-themed hands-on activities for all the family to try.

Get Involved with our Friends Group

Base of 10th century Anglo-Saxon cross

40 The Lake

Wirral Ranger Service Events and activities May to July Date: Saturday 25th Sunday 26th and

Bank Holiday Monday 27th May Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Title: Peninsular Arts and Crafts Display in

the Coach House, Royden Park Come and see a variety of crafts all on display in the Coach House at Royden Park. Browse, purchase or potter.

The Tea Servery here is open for refreshments.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594 Date: Saturday 25th Sunday 26th and

Bank Holiday Monday 27th May Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Title: Peninsular Arts and Crafts Display in

the Coach House, Royden Park

Heswall Dales

Date: Tuesday 28th May

Date: Sunday 2nd June

Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Time: 10.00am – 12.00noon

Title: Look, Listen and enjoy at Royden Park

Title: Summer Birds at Royden Park

and Thurstaston Common

Come along on this half term children’s event and look, listen and enjoy Royden Park through a variety of activities.

This activity starts at the Coach House/Court Yard then promptly moves out into other parts of Royden Park.

Come and see a variety of crafts all on display in the Coach House at Royden Park. Browse, purchase or potter.

Meet at the Coach House/Court Yard at Royden Park.

The Tea Servery here is open for refreshments.

Outdoor clothing and footwear.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594

The Tea Servery here is open for refreshments.

Listen and see the variety of birds that visit here from Africa as well as our resident species on this bird walk.

Meet at the Coach House/Court Yard at Royden Park.

The Tea Servery here is open for refreshments.

Sorry no dogs. Warm and waterproof clothing.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594 Date: Sunday 2nd June Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm Title: Up Hill and Down Dale

Date: Sunday 26th May

Date: Sunday 2nd June

Time: 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Title: From dinosaurs to Twitter

Title: Static live Birds of Prey Display –

Coach House, Royden Park

Join the Ranger on a trail through Royden Park and discover its past by looking at its geology and bringing us up to its present day management.

Meet at the Coach House/Court Yard at Royden Park.

The Tea Servery here is open for refreshments.

Warm and waterproof clothing and suitable footwear.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594

Visit Royden Park today and see these wonderful Birds of Prey from all over the world within the Coach House. These are all birds of Steve Dewsnap of Rockcliffe Raptors.

Enjoy a Ranger-led walk over Heswall Dales, taking in the River Dee and the Dungeons Meet at Heswall Dales/Dale Farm entrance off Oldfield Road, Heswall (CH60 6SN) Suitable clothing footwear. Sorry no dogs.

Contact: dantravis@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594

The Tea Servery here is open for refreshments.

Sorry no dogs within the Coach House

Date: Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594

Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Title: Peninsular Arts and Crafts Display

in the Coach House, Royden Park Come and see a variety of crafts all on display in the Coach House at Royden Park.

The Tea Servery here is open for refreshments.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594 Date: Sunday 9th June Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm Title: Volunteer task day at Royden Park Come and help with practical tasks at Royden Park. Enjoy the fresh air, meet other volunteers and help the environment.

All tools and gloves provided.

Meet at Rangers Office Royden Park Outdoor clothing and waterproofs and able to carry out hands-on practical work.

Royden Park lake

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594

The Lake 41 Date: Friday 14th June Time: 9.00pm – 11.00pm Title: Bat and Owl night at Royden Park Join the Ranger on this evening stroll and discover where bats and owls live and hunt.

Meet at the Court Yard/Coach House at Royden Park.

Wind/waterproof clothing and stout footwear are essential. Sorry no dogs.

Booking essential.

Contact: Wirral Country Park on 0151 648 4371/3884 wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk Royden Park

Date: Sunday 16th June

Date: Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July

Date: Sunday 28th July

Time: 11.30am – 2.30pm

Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Time: 10.30am – 3.30 pm

Title: Wild flower and Butterfly Walk at

Royden Park

Title: Peninsular Arts and Crafts Display

in the Coach House, Royden Park

Join the Ranger and discover the wealth of summer wildflowers and butterflies that frequent Royden park and Thurstaston Common

Come and see a variety of crafts all on display in the Coach House at Royden Park. Browse, purchase or potter.

Join the Ranger and Cheshire Wildlife Trust on this Bumblebee workshop in the morning then on a walk to identify the different Bumblebees that frequent this area.

Meet at the Court Yard/Coach House, Royden Park.

The Tea Servery here is open for refreshments.

Meet at the Court Yard/Coach House at Royden Park.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594

The Tea Servery here is open for refreshments.

The Tea Servery here is open for refreshments.

Waterproof clothing and stout footwear.

Sorry no dogs.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594 Date: Sunday 7th July Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm Title: Up Hill and Down Dale Enjoy a Ranger-led walk over Heswall Dales, t aking in the River Dee and the Dungeons Meet at Heswall Dales/Dale Farm entrance off Oldfield Road, Heswall (CH60 6SN)

Title: Bumblebee Workshop and walk

Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

Sorry no dogs

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594

Date: Saturday 27th July Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm Title: Heswall Dales volunteer heathland

tasks day

Date: Tuesday 30th July

Enjoy a fun fit and active day, joining other volunteers helping the Ranger restore the valuable heathland habitat at Heswall Dales.

Time: 1.30pm – 3.00pm

All tools and gloves provided.

Come along on this summer’s children’s event and enjoy a fun scavenger hunt Royden Park.

Collect your clues between the above times.

Title: Fun Scavenger Hunt at Royden Park

Meet at Heswall Dales/Dale Farm entrance off Oldfield Road, Heswall (CH60 6SN)

Suitable clothing and stout footwear.

Sorry no dogs.

Outdoor clothing and waterproofs and able to carry out hands on practical work. Packed lunch is recommended. Sorry no dogs.

Contact: dantravis@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594

Contact: dantravis@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594

Meet at the Coach House/Court Yard at Royden Park.

The Tea Servery here is open for refreshments.

Outdoor clothing and footwear.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594

At The Lake we hope to become a part of the local community, supporting local businesses and groups. 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 to: Editor, The Lake, 42 Price Street Business Centre, Price Street, Birkenhead CH41 4JQ. Telephone 07796 945745.

42 The Lake

Your legal Pensions and divorce

By Lauren Taylor Worrying statistics from Phoenix Group have demonstrated what many divorce lawyers are only too aware of – women are far too frequently being short-changed in respect of pension provision upon divorce, believes Carole Atkinson at national law firm Weightmans LLP. “A couple’s pensions often form a sizeable part of the matrimonial ‘pot’ upon divorce,” said Carole, “And yet quite surprisingly we frequently hear clients say that they have no interest in claiming on their spouse’s pension.”

The results of the survey show that, despite the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 enabling the court to make orders dealing with the parties’ pensions, a mere 6% of women received a pension sharing order or a pension earmarking order upon divorce. Even more concerning, almost a fifth of women stopped paying into a pension altogether after getting divorced.

So, why such a low take-up on pension entitlement? Carole explains:

“One reason might be that pension funds are harder to get to grips with than cash in the bank, and it is often essential to take expert advice from an actuary as to how best - if at all - the pension funds should be shared to equalise the parties’ pension income, as opposed to simply dividing up the amount of the pot, upon retirement.

“Another point is that some people are not even aware that they have any claim to future financial support via the pension pot,” Carole adds.

In these financially challenging times, divorcing spouses can be reluctant to incur the cost of obtaining this vital information, and Carole believes that women in particular may focus on ensuring that their immediate concerns are addressed: “When going through a divorce often it’s crucial to take care of issues such as housing and child support, and a ‘deal with it later’ approach to retirement,” she says.

Often, the higher earning spouse will see the pension fund as his or her ‘own’, and will be reluctant to agree any deal allowing their spouse a share of the same. “They will often offer a larger share of the matrimonial property as a way of offsetting their spouse’s interest in the pension,” says Carole, “and where the parties are young and have sufficient time to build up their own pension pots before retirement, this

is often appropriate.” But a good pension fund will provide future financial security, and the importance of securing that should not be underestimated.

There is great concern in the industry that this position will only get worse now that access to legal aid has been restricted in family law to cases involving domestic violence. “Women may feel pushed into accepted a deal which enables them to stay in the former matrimonial home for example,” says Carole, “and this may be at the cost of giving up any right to their spouse’s pension.” The rise of DIY divorces, and the reduced access to quality legal advice may leave the next generation of divorced women without important, long term financial security, with the government required to pick up the pieces.

“We would urge anyone considering a divorce to take immediate legal advice to protect their financial position, and not to forget about those long-term issues, however far away retirement may seem,” concludes Carole.

Carole Atkinson is Partner and Head of Family and wills, tax, trusts and probate departments at national law firm Weightmans LLP Carole.Atkinson@Weightmans.com

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