July/August 2013

Issue 3 • July/August 2013

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

West Kirby baths • Local images • Wirral’s Atlantis • One Good Tern • Plus much more

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

Welcome to the third issue of The Lake – the biggest yet!

@lakewirral

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

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

Cover image: Boat on the mud flats View from the mud flats of West Kirby over the Dee estuary to North Wales.

By Steve Deer

As you can see, we have increased the pagination of this issue to make sure that we continue to maintain the right mix of content and features.

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

Perhaps you could answer our call for aspiring writers on page 25.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Pages 32-37

CONTENTS 04 Wirral Sailing Centre

30 West Kirby Sailing Club

06 West Kirby Baths

38 Wirral’s Atlantis

08 Hoylake 10k Coastal Fun Run

40 Spire Murrayfield

14 A Cyclist’s Claim

42 The Auction World

18 Transition Town West Kirby

43 Lucas/Atkins Memorial Trophy

20 West Kirby Light Opera Society

44 One Good Tern

21 100 Years of Hoylake Tennis Club

46 MyHomeTuCasa

23 Wirral Bikeathon 2013

47 Vegetarian Cooking

25 Suggest a Local Slogan

48 The Sea of Monsters

26 Local Images

50 Your Correspondence

28 Hoylake Golfer John Ball

04 The Lake

Wirral Sailing Centre Dee Tour

By Liz Gilliver

“

We thought it was going to be good, but it was fantastic

”

“Sealtastic!”

“Excellent, entertaining, educational” “We thought it was going to be good, but it was fantastic!”

Just a taste of the enthusiastic feedback we’ve received from passengers who took the Dee Tour boat trip last season.

The trip, which is run by Wirral Sailing Centre, offers passengers the opportunity to discover Hilbre Island and the surrounding area from a different perspective. Aboard our manoeuvrable RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) we get up close and personal with the wildlife, enjoy the magnificent scenery and learn a little about the fascinating history and geology of the area – all from the ever-changing environment of the tidal waters that make up the Dee Estuary.

The idea was conceived in 2010 following a conversation with Dave Cavanagh, the popular Coastal Ranger who looked after Hilbre at the time. Initially we wanted to offer our passengers a closer look at the colony of Atlantic grey seals which can be seen hauled out on Hoyle Bank when the tide is out - curious and inquisitive by nature, we knew the seals would reciprocate!

An exploratory trip with Dave, however, opened our eyes to the wealth of riches on the estuary, and the following year Dee Tour opened to the public.

Every trip is different, according to the changing seasons and the weather. Although it’s wonderful to be on the water in glorious sunshine we’ve learned that we’ll see considerably more seals on an overcast day. We usually find them early in the trip, feeding in an area of choppy water just off Tanskey Rocks. The big bull males, with their large Romanesque noses (their Latin name ‘Halichoerus grypus’ translates literally as ‘hook nosed sea pig’!) regard us

The RIB in front of Ladies Cave (Mike Bird)

with big, brown eyes. If we are especially lucky we may also spot harbour porpoise related to the bottle nosed dolphin, these elusive creatures can be spotted when they surface for air, their dorsal fins cutting through the surface of the water in an elegant arc.

Early autumn is a dream come true for bird watchers; Hilbre, and its associated islands, is important as a stopping-off point for the twice yearly migration of birds along the west coast of Britain, as well as being a high tide roost when the vast expanse of mud flats is covered by water. Huge colonies of oyster catchers, egret, dunlin and knot congregate both on the islands and on the shoreline of West Kirby beach.

Binoculars are a must!

We take some time to explore Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre. Passengers can hear tales of lost love by Ladies Cave and of smuggling and wrecking as we pass the Devil’s Hole – without giving too much

Shelduck (Ron Thomas)

away (in case you’re thinking of taking the trip) did you know there used to be a pub on Hilbre called ‘The Seagull’? By all accounts the landlord, who took full advantage of the Wirral’s treacherous waters, was a very wealthy man.

A trip on a RIB is not complete without a short joyride! We are, of course, careful to drive the boat sedately in the vicinity of any wildlife, but once well clear of the islands we throttle up, to the delight of our passengers! It’s not uncommon to hear a few whoops! We usually find the time to visit Thurstaston before concluding the trip with a close look at the colourful boats on the moorings at West Kirby.

Now in its third season, Dee Tour has consistently received excellent feedback.

It’s proved especially popular with our more mature customers (some of whom find the walk out to Hilbre a little too far these days) but definitely has something for everyone. The boat is licensed by the Maritime Coastguard Agency, carries full safety kit and the crew are experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. We look forward to welcoming readers aboard this summer!

Atlantic grey seal (Ron Thomas)

For further details please contact the Wirral Sailing Centre on 0151 625 3292.

The Lake 05

Four times winner of ‘Wirral’s Most Professional Bar Team’, winner of ‘Merseyside’s Bar of the Year’, 2010 and 2011 and ‘Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year’ 2012, the Wro really is a venue worth getting to know! Split over three sites at the gateway to West Kirby, the Wro comprises The Bar, The Lounge and The Loft.

The Wro Lounge (formerly West Kirby Post Office) is beautifully designed, and an ideal place to eat and drink, boasting a stylish orangery capturing the best daytime light, which transforms into a softly lit cosy haven in the evenings. Whether it’s a chilled out weekend breakfast, afternoon tea, a leisurely lunch on the sunny terrace on warm days or a beautifully prepared meal in the evening, the Wro Lounge provides the perfect venue. Our early evening offer for diners offers great value and lots of choices to suit all tastes.

The Bar, opposite on the junction of Bridge Road, is slightly more relaxed, but also oozes style and offers a fabulous selection of freshly prepared, home cooked food. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere inside or al fresco on the deck on summer days, or for the more energetic join us for live music every Tuesday evening from 8.45pm – a fabulous showcase for some amazing local talent.

The Wro Loft, situated above the Bar is a beautiful space perfect for private parties and events. With a stunning outside balcony, the Loft is intimate yet able to accommodate up to 55 guests.

Its chic decor and contemporary ambience makes the loft the ideal location for a wide range of social occasions and our dedicated Events Manager is on hand to ensure that every party is skilfully managed and beautifully executed to help you celebrate in style. The Loft is also perfect for business – for training or meetings with gadgetry and technology included to match your requirements!

In addition to all this, the Wro acts as real social hub within the West Kirby Community – a range of Clubs take place on a monthly basis where the opportunity to get together with likeminded people has proved a huge hit – ‘The Wro Readers’ Book Club, The Wro Film Club, ‘Wro on the Go’ Walking Group plus our French Conversation Group ‘Lets Parler Francais’ all meet on a regular basis throughout the year. We also host regular 70s and 80s discos, fashion shows, wine tasting evenings and lots of other exciting events to support local charities.

Whatever the purpose of your visit, the staff are committed to ensuring that you always experience fabulous food and service in our relaxed and stylish venues. The Wro offers the perfect destination for any occasion, be it a corporate event, intimate dining, private party or simply just a glass of wine or a coffee ...rest assured you will always receive a warm West Kirby welcome from the award-winning Team Wro!

The Wro Lounge

Dining at The Wro? Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with your meal Quote ‘LAKE’ when making your reservation (cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer)

06 The Lake

West Kirby Baths Closed late 1960s

By Heather Chapman In 1899 the West Kirby Promenade and Marine Lake opened. This was very exciting for residents and visitors alike. West Kirby now had an enclosed area of water where sailing and swimming could be enjoyed, regardless of the tidal estuary.

The residents were quick off the mark and by 1900 the West Kirby Swimming Club had been formed. The club held swimming races in the Marine Lake during the summer months swimming to and from boats and barges.

Two trophies they competed for were both donated by local men: The Thacker-King Shield was donated by Dr Thacker King (who lived at Sandfield House on the corner of Dee Lane and Grange Road) and the Sandlea Cup was donated by William Alfred Jones who lived at Sandlea House. William Alfred Jones was a local councillor and was instrumental in the development of West Kirby. He operated the Sandlea Pavilion on the corner of Dee Lane and the promenade, and built the shops between the old public hall, (the public hall burnt down in 1932 and the Tudor cinema was built on the site) and the railway station.

Locals saw the marine lake as a large swimming pool but the Council quickly provided two changing barges, one for ladies, one for men, moored some distance apart. The new council rules forbade swimming in the lake after 9.00am, unless swimming from the changing barges.

Of course there was a fee for the boatman to row the swimmers out to the changing barges from which they could swim.

The Hoylake Baths opened in 1913, when plans were well under way for a swimming baths in part of West Kirby Marine Lake.

West Kirby Baths were built to a clever architectural design gradually adding the stages. In 1913 the first part of the baths to be built was the large glass shelter house on the promenade with the curved concrete wall in front of it. The shelter formed the centre of the main design.

This attractive shelter house was a regular meeting place for people, who could admire the views during the winter months and were protected from the weather. During the 1950s this was the baths cafe, situated to the right of the turnstile and office when you entered from the promenade.

The next stage was the building of the concrete apron which shelved towards the water with steps on either side.

The ladies changing rooms were the next thing to be built to the side of the shelter house, and then the men’s changing rooms were added on the other side of the shelter house. Each wing also had shelters facing the promenade.

The baths continued to be built during World War 1 and the ladies changing rooms

opened in 1915. At this time the swimming bath was not roped off from the Marine Lake, but the swimmers and sailors had a good relationship, having annual galas including sailing and swimming events. The men’s changing rooms were added shortly afterwards and the swimming baths were a popular attraction in the village. West Kirby had developed into a seaside resort welcoming holiday makers and day trippers.

In 1920 a floating diving platform was added.

The swimming pool was refurbished in 1930.

The new addition was a large concrete island on which stood firm diving boards and a water chute (a springboard was added at a later stage). This procedure required the lake to be emptied and deepened in the diving board area. The bath was enclosed with rope attached to wooden posts.

The swimming club continued to thrive.

‘Mad night’ was the last night of the season when the men would dress up, perform comedy acts, rampage through the ladies’ changing rooms and throw any lady they could find into the water.

At a later stage the swimming pool changing rooms were refurbished, the wall alongside the apron extended, and ‘arms’ added on either side. Springboards were added on each arm and the water in that area was six feet deep.

I had a very happy childhood growing up at West Kirby Baths. I took great delight in passing through the turnstile saying “Contract, please”. The pool staff were like extended family and during inclement weather we were allowed to make dens in the cubicles. We also played cards and huddled under blankets when it was cold.

Auntie Trixie was in charge of the cafe and had strict rules. The chief lifeguard was Gordon Norman, and later Joe Evans, and the baths superintendent was Mr Dutton, who was also the superintendent of Hoylake Baths.

The Lake 07 about blindly in the mud to find it. My days at West Kirby Baths were the foundation of some very good friendships which continue to this very day.

It was a sad day when the Baths finally closed in the late 1960s. An era gone, and closely followed by the demolition of the old Hoylake (Hydro) Hotel.

Vision

The high tides brought the jellyfish season and the lifeguards used to scoop them out of the water and ladle them into the wire bins. Swimmers were not allowed into the baths during the very high tides, when the water often crept up the apron to the changing rooms. Some strong swimmers were allowed in after the tide had turned.

It seemed very exciting to run down the flooded apron and suddenly reach the hidden water’s edge The swimming club race night was Monday.

The races took place regardless of the weather. When it was very windy, tarpaulins were added to the side wall for extra protection. Nobody had a warm up – they just dived straight into the cold water. The pool was 64 yards long. The youngest group, the Shrimps, swam half a length.

The pool was divided by tying a rope from the warning “six foot deep board” to the side of the pool. My reward was 7d from my father for a mug of Oxo (3d) and a packet of crisps (4d, with the little blue salt bag). Races of a longer distance were from the baths to the sailing club wall and back.

The longest distance race was in the other direction, from the baths to the promenade shelter near Albert Road and back.

When I was taking my life-saving exams you had to retrieve a brick from the six foot area near the arms. You had to watch carefully just where the brick dropped into the water and then duck dive and grope

My wishful vision is that the baths area be brought back to life. Newcomers to the area wonder just what the remaining baths structure is, as it looks derelict and neglected. I would love to see the story and pictures of the baths displayed with boards on the curved area. Maps and diagrams naming the Welsh mountains and places of interest across the estuary would be appreciated and the telescopes could be moved to this site. I think an additional seating area would be most welcome, the railings could be moved to the water’s edge, and perhaps at some stage a small boating pool could be built.

Many thanks to Heather Chapman for the article and photographs.

8 Fancy Dress at WKSC Gala

The annual gala was an exciting occasion.

My father used to collect and cart the chairs from the Council Depot to sit on the apron. They also built wooden steps and a platform to allow winning competitors to shake hands with the guests, who would be assembled on the curved patio in front of the cafe.

I loved the baths, but never ventured down the steps. They were often slippery with seaweed and barnacles clung to the side walls. It was much easier to just dive straight in, and I always avoided putting my feet on the bottom. You never knew just what you might stand on.

1960s Baths

08 The Lake

Hoylake 10k Coastal Fun Run

and after). Over the years the original set up has been added to and improved, as and when funds became available.

Organised by WSNC

The facilities provided include:

Sunday 15th September The annual Hoylake 10k Coastal Fun Run (this year’s run is our 20th) is organised by the Wednesday Special Needs Club (WSNC).

The WSNC runs a weekly social evening (Wednesday 7 to 9) for special-needs people from the age of ten upwards and also maintains the club’s Soft Play Sensory Resource at Hoylake Community Centre (which is available five days a week).

The Hoylake 10k Fun Run and also a Summer Fair are organised to provide funds for the WSNC and the Resource and to promote awareness of the WSNC activities.

This year’s run takes place on Sunday 15th September, starting at 11am on the promenade opposite the Hoylake Community Centre (visit www.wsnc.co.uk for more details about the run and to download an application form). Entry is £9 and the first 650 runners to register will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

The run proceeds from opposite the Community Centre along the sea front on the North Parade promenade (with magnificent views), dropping onto the Meols embankment for a short distance, joining the ranger’s trail then through the gates, through the car park by Leasowe Lighthouse (first drink station) and back onto Leasowe embankment towards Leasowe Castle Hotel. At the 5k marker, runners return back along the same route. The course is reasonably flat with markers at every km. Stewards with radio contact are stationed along the route and are supported by St Johns Ambulance Brigade (Moreton Branch) first aid. We would like to acknowledge them for their

• Large ball pool, accommodating up to ten users, for motor stimulation and therapeutic play • Electric hoist for easy access to the ball pool by users with severe mobility problems 2012 winners with Esther McVey

continued support and the professional manner in which they carry out their duties.

Last year’s run had a record 814 runners registering for the event, with 722 taking part on the day. The winners of the event were Greg Jones (Wallasey AC) in the time 33:59 and Sophie Hunt (Wirral AC) in the time 38:10. The less serious runners finished with times of up to 60 minutes plus. Last year’s results can be found on our website.

Runners from all over the country enter the event (even a few from abroad), and it is acknowledged by runners as being one of the best organised and most friendly races on the Wirral and being suitable for all abilities. Entrants must be at least 15 years old on the day of the race.

• Extensive soft play area, providing a safe environment for therapeutic play and motor stimulation • Soft and textured surfaces, providing tactile stimulation • Audio equipment playing music for aural stimulation • Various lighting effects, including fibre optic displays and a sound-activated light system to provide visual stimulation • A ‘Quiet Room’ padded with white soft-play cushioning, featuring illuminated bubble columns and fibre-optic displays

The WSNC and the Soft Play Sensory Resource The WSNC and the Resource are supported by a group of volunteers and they have no official funding. They provide a vital community facility that has a huge impact on the many users and their carers by improving their overall quality of life. The WSNC started in 1993.

1995

The Resource was opened in 1995 by enthusiastic volunteers who spent every weekend for four months equipping and commissioning it (see photographs before

2013

We would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported us over the years.

We also would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by our sponsors.

We do need continued help and support to enable this marvellous facility to be available in the future. The Summer Fair offers a few hours of fun for all the family and has free admission. It is on Saturday 20th July 2013 from 11am to 2pm at Hoylake Community Centre.

If you would like to offer your support/ help on club nights or during fundraising events (Hoylake 10k or Summer Fair), please contact Carla by email at hoylakewsnc@btinternet.com or phone 0151 625 9505.

2012 start

The Lake 09

Port Sunlight Museum, Gateway to Port Sunlight Village Visit Port Sunlight Museum and uncover 125 years of history.

Explore the village’s rich heritage and be enthralled by its beautiful craftsmanship and careful planning.

Discover William Hesketh Lever’s vision for his soap factory workers and the enduring legacy of the model housing, architecture, and landscape he created for them.

Find out how life has changed for the residents of this living village in their own words. Understand the important work that goes into caring for Port Sunlight so that the village can be enjoyed and studied now and by future generations.

Port Sunlight Museum is part of Port Sunlight Village Trust, an independent charitable trust responsible for conserving and promoting the village including all the trees, parks and gardens, the monuments and memorials, the majority of public buildings, and a third of the houses.

To find out more about the Trust’s work and Port Sunlight Museum’s plans to celebrate 125 years of village history visit www.portsunlightvillage.com

PORT SUNLIGHT FESTIVAL – 21st & 22nd September 2013 Port Sunlight Village Trust is 125 years young!!

Bake that cake and party!

We reckon we’ll need the biggest birthday cake Wirral has ever seen for our 125th celebrations and you’re invited to join us!

The Port Sunlight Festival takes place over two glorious days in September in conjunction with Founder’s Day and the 125th anniversary of Port Sunlight Village so come and join us and our great line up for you ALL FOR FREE… • Live & Let Dine – sponsored by PG tips with more than 100 food and craft producers. Additional sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available strictly on a first come first served basis.

Enquiries to joel@ubiquitypr.co.uk • Plus, Every Dog Has His Day – visit our loveable Dog Show, admire Vintage and Classic Cars, enjoy Live Music, shop at our Retro Fairs, ride on our Traditional Fairground Attractions, plus we’ve loads more family fun too! www.portsunlightvillage.com

10 The Lake

Award-winning pianist to visit West Kirby

Heating with Wirral Plumb & Bath Wirral Plumb & Bath are Gas Safe registered engineers and can cater for all your domestic installations, service or repairs. They supply, fit and service boilers from all the leading manufacturers including Worcester and Vaillant.

John Nilsen, an award-winning pianist from Oregon, USA will be giving a concert at West Kirby Methodist Church on Saturday, October 5th, 2013, at 7.30pm. He performs regularly throughout the USA, has toured in Europe and Asia and sold over one million CDs worldwide.

His hour long solo concert features his folk, jazz, boogie-woogie and classically woven compositions and stories of his life.

John is visiting West Kirby as part of a nine date concert tour of the UK. His new CD, ‘Wild Rose’ was released in April 2013 and features self-penned compositions.

They will happily advise on what boiler is best for your requirements and, with every new boiler, carry out a power flush on your system adding all necessary chemicals. Two years free servicing is offered as standard.

A selection of the services offered: • New installation • Boiler change • Servicing • Radiator valves • Cylinders • Powerflushing • Pipe repairs • Safety checks • Fixed Price Call Out Wirral Plumb & Bath is offering customers a fixed call out price starting from £40.00. Call 0151 625 1089 for more details.

Church organist Graham Gladden said, “We are delighted that John has chosen to visit Wirral as part of his UK tour. His style of music has something for everyone and it promises to be a very enjoyable evening.”

In contrast to most concerts, there are no tickets. Instead, a collection will be taken at the end of the concert which will be split between the performer and West Kirby Methodist Church.

Refreshments will also be served.

West Kirby Methodist Church is on Westbourne Road in West Kirby.

Further details about the church and its current activities are available on the church website, www.westkirbymethodist.org or by calling Graham on 07802 462 682.

Friends of the Sea to hold Gala Dinner Friends of the Sea is a charity which raises funds to distribute to local maritime charities including Sea Cadets, Sea Scouts, UKN Blind Sailing Association, and many others. They have recently been able to assist 2nd West Kirby Sea Scouts to buy their latest sailing dinghy.

Chairman, Patsy Dixon said: “We are delighted that Senior Thames River Pilot Captain John Freestone MNM has accepted our invitation to be guest speaker at our Gala Dinner. He will be describing his day as Master and Commander of Her Majesty’s Royal Barge ‘Spirit of Chartwell’ for the Queen’s Jubilee River Pageant.”

This dinner to be held at The Grange, Thornton Hough on Saturday 28th September 2013 and tickets are available at £30 per person from Capt Peter Hutchinson on 0151 648 3593 or email: peterhutch@talktalk.net

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.

12 The Lake

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

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The Lake 13

Marco Pierre White to visit his rebranded Hoylake restaurant Marco Pierre White is coming to Hoylake to host a special lunch and dinner event at his Marco’s New York Italian. It is Marco’s first visit to the restaurant since its recent rebrand, and will offer locals the chance to dine with an internationally-applauded chef.

Marco’s visit takes place on July 24, and includes a delicious menu put together by Marco himself especially for the occasion.

Guests will also receive a signed apron, and a glass of Prosecco on arrival.

Guests on the day can enjoy a delicious lunch for £19.95, or dinner for £35, from a menu including such delights as calamari with garlic and lemon mayonnaise, New York ribs smothered with BBQ sauce, organic salmon steak and spaghetti carbonara with poached hen’s eggs. Puddings to die for include New York cheese cake with passion fruit syrup, panna cotta, and Marco’s signature tiramisu. Guests will also receive a £10 voucher to use on their next visit.

Marco recently rebranded the restaurant, formerly Frankie’s Bar & Grill, following a 12-month branding exercise with the celebrity chef working alongside a team of experts to evolve the New York Italian concept. As well as an exciting new menu, Marco’s New York Italian introduces more theatre to the overall dining experience, with Aldo Bove appointed as the new restaurant manager

Aldo Bove, said:

Ahead of the event, Marco Pierre White said:

Marco’s New York Italian is a new venture which sees Marco Pierre White partner with Sanguine Hospitality, a hotel and restaurant development company, who he already works with on his Steakhouse Bar & Grill chain.

The restaurant serves up superb food in a relaxed, affordable and family-friendly setting. It is the perfect place to have a good time and enjoy authentic Italian-American favourites at any time of the day.

“The team and I have worked tirelessly to create the ultimate in authentic Italian American dining, and I am very excited in coming up to Hoylake to see how the new concept is going. It’s also an opportunity to speak to the actual customers to find out what they think of the new restaurant, which is integral in creating the perfect dining experience.”

“In this industry you want to work with the best, and with Marco, we are working with the very best! Marco’s New York Italian is a brilliant new concept for the Wirral, and we look forward to welcoming Marco so he can see for himself how his ideas have been executed. It’s also a great chance for local people to dine with Marco Pierre White. It’s not every day you can do that!”

Situated in the heart of Hoylake, Marco’s is at the hub of the community and offers something for everyone from handmade pizzas and fresh pastas to steaks and seafood, each dish carefully prepared using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

The new menu offers a range of Italian and American classics with ‘primi’ dishes such as goat’s cheese arancini risotto fritters, garlic and lemon prawns, bruschetta and buffalo mozzarella with avocado. Then there are mouthwatering 28-day matured steaks, BBQ ribs and Marco’s special hot dogs.

Or you can indulge in delicious pastas, freshly-caught seafood and home-made pizzas. And of course, no meal is complete without sampling the deserts, and every sweet tooth is rewarded at Marco’s.

Marco’s adjoins the Holiday Inn Express hotel. The hotel offers 56 stylish en-suite bedrooms, all designed for comfort and include multi-channel flat screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities.

Guests are guaranteed a warm welcome, value for money and a great service. There is ample onsite parking and its location, next to Royal Liverpool Golf Club and just a short walk from the train station, makes it the perfect choice for both business and leisure travellers.

14 The Lake

A Cyclist’s Claim February 1901

By Dan Longman At the Birkenhead County Court on 26 February 1901, Judge Bowen Rowlands presided over an action for accidental damages. Lottie Hayward pressed charges against John Rohlederer for injuries caused to her through what she claimed, was the reckless driving of one of his servants.

Frederick Smith (later the Earl of Birkenhead) appeared for the plaintiff whilst Mr Tobin acted on behalf of the defendant.

escape, a wheel of the horse-drawn carriage crunched painfully over her foot. She was very much shaken by the incident and her stay at West Kirby lasted considerably longer than planned.

Lottie was kept from her employment for six weeks due to the injury and was claiming £16 6d in compensation. Miss Williams corroborated this statement.

Frederick Smith

Miss Hayward was a young woman living in Bury who worked as a hotel waitress. The previous August she and her mother had left the town and travelled to West Kirby for a short summer holiday. On the afternoon of 16 February, Lottie decided to go for a bicycle ride with the daughter of her hospitable landlady, Mrs Williams.

The pair rode out to Hoylake and spent the day taking in the sights and charming scenery of the area. It was evening by the time the twosome decided to return home.

They lit their bicycle lamps in preparation for navigating some dark and potentially hazardous routes.

Turning into Banks Road proved to be somewhat perilous as that road was rather sharp and steep. They proceeded slowly and with caution but soon, Mr Smith alleged, the sound of a rapidly approaching vehicle came from nowhere. It was a landau driven by one of Mr Rohlederer’s employees and it rushed upon them with great speed.

The court heard how Edith Williams, the plaintiff’s companion, was thrown from her bicycle onto the pavement and sustained a mildly twisted ankle. Miss Hayward herself had not been so lucky. She was thrown down to the road and before she could

For the defence, Charles Lonnie stated that he had witnessed the incident and recalled that at the time he had been walking with his wife when he saw the landau. Three ladies were crossing the road and the driver of the cab shouted to them. Immediately the driver shouted a second time and upon hearing him, the witness noticed the two cyclists coming along the crescent. One of them, he claimed, was in the middle of the road while the other was close to the footpath. The carriage driver was in the middle of the road, but slightly over to his proper side. He noticed that one of the females had become startled at the sudden sight of the horse and had begun to wobble, cutting across the landau’s path. Charles stated that during this whole frightening affair the driver of the cab was pulling up all the time in an attempt to avoid any collisions. It seemed to him that there was sufficient space for the two riders to pass the vehicle on this proper side without any problems. Mr Lonnie corroborated this statement.

With two opposing versions of events, Edward Talbot, the driver of the landau was called to be questioned. He answered that his horse that evening was not capable of travelling any faster than 6 or 7mph, and at the time of the accident the equipage was certainly not travelling at full pace. Mr Talbot then said that he had first spotted the ladies when they were at about ten yards distance from his horse’s nose. It

was his firm opinion that at the time there was plenty of room for them both to pass safely. On his approach he remembered that Miss Hayward began to wobble and veered into the centre of the road. This was at approximately 4 or 5 yards distance and it was at this point that Edward claimed he began halting his horse as fast as he possibly could. There was nothing more he could have done.

The defence solicitor contended that if his honour found there was negligence, then the wobbling of Miss Hayward’s bicycle into Mr Talbot’s path at the last moment, instead of pursuing the proper passage when there was clearly room, must prove that any negligence was totally on her part.

His Honour Judge Rowlands thought that on the whole, the plaintiff was entitled to succeed in this matter. It seemed to him that there was a definite story to be told by the two ladies which was inconsistent with case put forward for the defence. And besides, if there was sufficient time for the driver to observe the initial wobbling of the bicycle, then there was sufficient time for him to pull up and stop. Judgement was ruled for the amount claimed.

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

16 The Lake

THORNFIELD ELECTRICAL EMBRACES SMARTPHONE TECHNOLOGY AND PLUGS INTO THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING AND SWIMMING POOL MARKET WITH FORWARD-THINKING EXPERTISE. It’s not often you discover an electrical installer who can fit out a complete landscaped garden with a range of state-of-the-art lighting to stunning effect, or who designs lighting for swimming pools – including the innovative Endless Pool for smaller areas. Nor is it every day you find one who can offer both – together with the endorsement of some of the largest commercial contracts in the UK, including a portfolio of prestigious Central London properties. Thornfield Electrical focuses on providing an integrated and comprehensive service for its customers. And, when it comes to expertise, quality and service for bringing life to both garden and swimming pool exactly to your own requirements, Dave Crosthwaite, Managing Director at Thornfield Electrical is happy to assist.

“Our philosophy is simple,” said Dave, “we make it our business to understand the customer, to get to the heart of their brief and ensure we get it right from the very beginning. The quality of our work is supported by our accreditation by NICEIC – constantly monitoring the reliability of Thornfield Electrical’s work and competence – providing all our customers, large or small, with complete peace of mind.” Dave went on: “Of course, over 28 years doing what we love goes a long way to show we take our customers’ requirements very seriously.”

Brian Currie of Currie Business Services Ltd in Bromborough has been in training since October last year for a Lands End to John O’Groats cycle ride to raise much needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. He has received donations via his sponsorship web page from supporters of nearly £4,000 so far and would like to express his sincere thanks to customers, friends and family for their generous support. The ride starts on the 1st September and is over nine days, covering an average of 108 miles per day. It is going to be a tough challenge but certainly worth it considering the good work that Macmillan provide.

During the months of July, August and September Bill Silcock of Irby Motor Company has decided to support this worthy cause by donating a percentage for each car sold/MOT booked/tyre fitted or service carried out to Macmillan in support of Brian’s challenge. Bill says he hopes to be able to assist Brian reach his target of £5,000 for the charity.

Unfortunately, cancer is an illness we are all too familiar with and most people will have a family member or friend affected.

Meanwhile to make a donation in support of this challenge please visit www.justgiving.com/briancurrieend2end

Dave told The Lake that it’s not enough to just install outdoor lighting schemes at customers’ properties – it’s very important that careful research is carried out beforehand. Thornfield Electrical works with customers to understand exactly where it’s safe to lay cabling, find the optimum place for lighting for the greatest effect, as well for safety – especially if the customer has children or pets. Dave is very enthusiastic about technology. “We embrace new technology here at Thornfield, including the very latest cutting-edge smartphone app, which is also, surprisingly, relatively inexpensive.

Its beautifully simple design allows all of your lighting operations to be controlled by a single touch of a button on your smartphone. What’s more,” he continued, “there’s no damage to walls inside your home and no difficult decisions about switches. It’s especially rewarding when everyone on the project sees it working in all its glory. For example, the latest top end LED lighting maximises the evening effects of wood and natural stone on decking and patios, while low energy lighting within shrubberies can be strategically positioned to create incredible evening ‘sculptures’. At the other end of the scale, high-powered HQI lights can be used to project huge amounts of light over large areas, turning woodland gardens into magical and breath-takingly cinematic landscapes.”

As for swimming pool electrics, Dave stresses that it’s a specialist job. We tend to agree that mixing electrics and water probably needs someone who knows what they’re doing. On this subject, he told us: “We’ve a proven track record with ‘high end’ luxury home pools – including the innovative and immensely sought after Endless Pool, a compact swimming pool where you swim or exercise against a broad, deep current that’s adjustable to any speed, stroke or ability. Plus, because the technology is advancing so rapidly, the latest LED lighting for your pool will ensure it shines for longer, not only reducing call-out costs but also reducing the carbon footprint by up to 90%.” Dave concluded: “But probably the most important criteria is that our clients trust us because Thornfield Electrical is fully compliant with the latest IEE regulations – these ensure an installer has passed stringent tests of competency for the installation of electrical systems near water, and making them intrinsically safe.”

Thornfield Electrical has created fine lighting solutions for prestigious homes throughout the UK but also has a large portfolio of other services including arena lighting, commercial installations, CCTV, air-conditioning and domestic rewires and alarm systems.

The message seems to be ‘Trust it to Thornfield’ – our message to you is to give them a call on 07831 528 462 or visit their website: www.thornfieldelectrical.co.uk

@lakewirral

It might just light up your day – or night...

18 The Lake

Transition Town West Kirby What’s it all about?

By Andrew Gibb Chatting over coffee with my friend Ann I posed the question: “What can you tell me about Transition Town West Kirby?” A long pause was followed by “It’s something to do with sustainability in West Kirby, isn’t it?” I suspect that this response would be quite common if a poll was taken. Yet, if I asked the question: “What do you think of the West Kirby Farmer’s market, the allotments at Gilroy or the Lantern Peace Parade in November”, I would expect a better response. These have all been started with the help of Transition Town West Kirby (TTWK).

Craig and Rosemary McIntosh love cheese.

Especially Cheshire in its many guises: blue, smoked, cloth-wrapped. They regularly attend the farmers market in St Andrew’s church hall where the cheeses are “out of this world”. The McIntosh’s regularly buy coffee at the market too, supplied by Neston’s Flaming Bean. They love the West Kirby honey, local seasonal vegetables and the produce from the Anglesey Smokehouse and Little Eye Bakery. Things can be more expensive they said, but “the variety and quality makes it worthwhile.”

The Transition Town movement, started in Britain and now worldwide, is concerned about the challenges we face due to climate change and diminishing fossil fuels. Put simply, the Transition Town movement seeks to build up local people, communities and businesses to withstand these global impacts. A recent Guardian article (15th June) pointed out that this philosophy has successfully rooted itself in Spain, partly as a result of the economic and employment shocks that the country has endured since

the banking crisis. In action, Transition Town ideas may mean buying what you need from local shops and producers. The pounds spent in this way support local jobs and bolster the local economy as well.

Moreover, people are encouraged to become more self reliant, especially in terms of food. That is why TTWK folk helped to campaign for a new allotment site at Gilroy.

This thriving place has allowed many more people to have a go at growing something for their own plates, as well as enjoy the exercise and friendship of being part of an allotment community. Building up a sense of community with skills to feed itself is one of the ways that environmental and economic blows can be softened.

Toast cafe on a Monday night in June. The cafe is packed with more than 40 people who have come to express their ‘artistic sides’ in song, poetry, stories and the occasional dance! ‘Homegrown Bananas’ as it is known, is another Transition Town event that aims to help strengthen our community. As Marko Muller, the compere for the evening, boogies around the room to the raucous last song by The Huers, Mark Hirons and his son Anthony prepare to go home. Anthony, aged five, has just recited a poem -The Stripy Tiger - from memory. Understandably nervous, giggling into the microphone, he was gently encouraged to share his poem with the friendly crowd. Anthony was ‘made up’ getting a huge round of applause, and a few tears too, from those who welcome a performance regardless of age or ability.

Lantern Peace Parade

The Lantern Parade on November 11th also brings people together, 300 to the last one. This event commemorates the Armistice and St Martin’s Day, celebrating our hope for a peaceful and happy future.

Most of these lanterns of willow, paper, glue and paint are handmade in workshops organised by TTWK and look beautiful on a dark winter’s night. Cookies and warm drinks are shared around a big bonfire on the beach to the beat of a Samba band and fire jugglers. It has become another bright spot of the winter.

There is not enough space to mention Incredible Edible West Kirby, The Bicycle Hub or the foraging expeditions to the beach and Wirral Way, or Wirral Earth Fest 2013 on 14th September. Suffice it to say, that the TTWK volunteers are busy every month of the year to help make West Kirby and Hoylake stronger, resilient, skilled, and friendlier places, and more able to handle whatever the future has in store for us.

Please see the TTWK website www.transitiontownwestkirby.org Follow Homegrown Bananas and the Wirral Earthfest 2013 on facebook.

West Kirby farmers market

20 The Lake

West Kirby Light Opera Society West Kirby Light Opera Society was formed in 1950 in a great tide of local enthusiasm and it counted among its 81 founder members the RT. Hon. J. Selwyn Lloyd Esq. KC. MR, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs at the time. The programme for its first production also recognised the support of 32 Patrons and 171 subscribers.

Membership was subject to audition and the subscription cost 10 shillings and six pence per year.

Titanic, the Musical 2012

Over the years the Society has performed a wide range of shows from the Merry Widow to Oklahoma and in more recent times Chess to Titanic, the Musical first performed in 2005 and repeated to great acclaim in 2012.

More recently WKLOS has been performing a series of ‘Themed Concerts’ ranging from the music of Noel Coward and Ivor Novello, and Old Tyme Music Hall to the Concert version of Showboat.

In April 2014 the Society will be performing with The Wirral Community Choir to stage a major concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall to mark the 70th Anniversary of the

D Day Landings. Further production details for the later months of 2014 will be announced shortly.

WKLOS always welcomes new members and further details and an application form are available from our Secretary by phone on 0151 639 2465 or email william.seabury@yahoo.co.uk Our next two performances are at 7.30pm on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th October at Westbourne Hall, West Kirby. Ticket prices will be £10 and available from our Ticket Secretary on either 0151 342 2143 or wklosbob@yahoo.co.uk

The Society’s first show was The Gipsy Princess and was performed at the Winter Gardens in Hoylake, with 53 performers taking part.

Over the years WKLOS has performed at many venues on the Wirral, as well as the Winter Gardens, Hoylake. It has produced several shows at the Tudor Cinema in West Kirby and both the old and new Floral Pavilion Theatre as well as the Empire and Royal Court theatres in Liverpool.

Chess 2009

The Lake 21

OVEN ACE NW Oven and Appliance Cleaning Experts

Let OVEN ACE do the chore you hate As well as cookers we also clean extractor fans, microwaves, Ranges, Agas. BBQs, white goods including fridges, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers.

Before

Call 0151 645 2476 or 07707 075 541

Email: ovenace@googlemail.com www.ovenace.com

After

OVEN ACE NW are one of Wirral’s premier oven cleaning companies, specialising in not just oven cleaning but also the cleaning of a whole range of household goods, helping to put the sparkle back into your appliances.

Let OVEN ACE do the chores you hate. Removing the grease, fat and burnt-on carbon deposits from your appliances, using safe and eco friendly methods to clean your appliances.

OVEN ACE offer a competitive, friendly, professional appliance cleaning service in your home using only non-toxic biodegradeable cleaners.

This ensures that there are no fumes and your oven can be used as soon as the cleaning is completed.

All work is carried out by fully trained and insured staff, with a wealth of experience in oven cleaning, providing high standards of work at competitive prices. OVEN ACE are also full members of the Association of Approved Oven Cleaners.

100 Years of Tennis in Hoylake H L T C

One of Wirral’s most popular sport and leisure clubs has recently celebrated a century of competition and family recreation.

Hoylake Lawn Tennis Club recently held its Grand Centenary Ball in mid-June.

Present members are appealing to past players and their families to hunt out any memorabilia they may have hiding in their attic.

“We’d love to find out as much as we can about the early life of the Club,” says HLTC Secretary Stephanie Singleton. “Sadly, much of our history has been lost as photographs and other records were destroyed in a fire at the grounds in 1985. We have very little in the way of memories, so we’d be absolutely delighted if past members (or their families) could contact us to share theirs.”

Founded on the eve of the First World War, Hoylake raised its first tennis nets in 1913 on a rented plot of land between Meols Drive and Eddisbury Road (purchased by the Club in 1935).

Games on the original lawns (now transformed into eight high-quality all-weather courts) were enjoyed by a number of local sportsloving families. An early trustee at the Club was John Selwyn Lloyd. He went on to become our local MP and, later, Foreign Secretary [1955-60], Chancellor of the Exchequer [1960-62] and Speaker of the Commons [1971-76].

Growing and thriving over 100 years, today, Hoylake enjoys a lively membership, with 186 junior players and 233 senior and

social members. Teams enjoy success in a variety of local leagues such as Wirral, Cheshire and Chester, while most members also take part in social tennis, friendly matches, fun club tournaments and family events.

Tennis is a fantastic leisure activity for all ages. We have players ranging from seven to 70-plus! Joining a club is a great way to combine exercise with pleasure...and of course, the welcome is as warm as it ever was at Hoylake.

22 The Lake

Classic car show Wirral-based law firm Lees Solicitors, with offices in Birkenhead, Heswall and West Kirby have recently nominated their chosen charity of the year. Whilst as a firm they always support big charity events such as Red Nose Day and Comic Relief, they wanted to make sure they considered local charities too.

The Observatory School in Bidston is a local school for secondary school children who have statements of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Pupils who struggle to cope in large mainstream schools thrive at The Observatory School where they are taught in very small classes by specialist staff who understand the needs of each individual pupil.

Due to severe cuts in funding, the school has had to offer voluntary redundancies this year and money that would have been used for extra-curricular activities or enhancing the lives of pupils through providing funding for a variety of projects is no longer available. The school has a fundraising group called Friends of The Observatory School and Lees Solicitors will be raising money throughout the year to help them get what they need for the pupils.

As well as much needed funds, Lees are able to offer them practical solutions such as unused office stationery, recycled folders no longer needed by the firm and donations of food. Most importantly they can donate their time to help the school improve their environment.

There are plans to help paint the exterior of the school during the summer holidays and also take part in setting up a vegetable patch.

Lisa Christie, of Lees Solicitors commented: “We are delighted to be supporting the Friends of The Observatory School in their efforts of raising much needed funds. It’s a very worthwhile cause and my colleagues at Lees are all keen to get involved in making the school a pleasant environment for the pupils.”

The North Cheshire Classic Car Club is holding its annual show at the Vauxhall car park (Junc. 6 of M53 sign posted, Vauxhall Motors) on 11th August from 10am to 4pm. Entry charge is £2 for over16s.

We will be showing over 200 cars, Motor Bikes, Heavy vehicles and even Classic Wedding Cars. We look forward to your company. Come and see what real cars and bikes looked like.

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Wirral Bikeathon 2013 The 15th annual Wirral Bikeathon - organised to raise money for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity - held on Sunday, 9th June 2013 was a fantastic record-breaker.

jim barro w Est. 1970

On a brilliant sunny day, not only did a record number of riders take part, but they pledged the largest amount of sponsorship in the history of this event - a magnificent ÂŁ66,000.

Since the first Wirral LLR Bikeathon took place in 1999, the total raised for this valuable cause is now in excess of ÂŁ680,000.

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research (LLR) is a national charity and it depends entirely on donations and monies raised by volunteers to fund research into improving the treatment and finding a cure for leukaemia, lymphoma and other blood disorders such as Hodgkins disease, the myelomas and aplastic anaemia.

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research was the first, and is still the only national charity solely devoted to research into the causes and treatment of leukaemia, lymphoma and related blood disorders in children and adults.

For over 40 years Jim Barrow Motor Factors have been providing high quality car parts to local garages.

Formed in 1970 by Jim Barrow Snr to provide a high quality service based on strong personal relationships, the company still reflects these values in day-to-day operations.

Our success led us relocate to new 5,000 sq ft premises close to the motorway network, allowing us to stock an even larger range of parts and ensure a fast service.

Our comprehensive knowledge of the motor parts industry coupled with, the widest possible range from the best suppliers mean that we can guarantee a price that is always competitive.

Our success is based on three important factors Product Range We select our products and suppliers very carefully on the basis of quality, range, price and reputation.

Staff Our team of well-trained and motivated employees is dedicated to ensuring that our customers enjoy the best possible service.

Service We strive to achieve the highest standards at all levels of our business. We know that speed and accuracy of delivery are important, that is why we have invested in a delivery fleet that provides a fast same day FREE delivery service.

Contact us today on 0151 609 0609

8 Durley Park Close, North Cheshire Trading Estate, Wirral CH43 3DE

www.jimbarrow.co.uk

24 The Lake

Thinking of selling a car?

At last a name you can trust Established 25 years

It was exactly 25 years ago when Bill Silcock, formerly a Fire Brigade engineer, joined Rob Bartle at the Garage (known as Doctor Bobs garage) in Irby Village.

Back in 1988, they specialised in buying company cars from all around the country and retailing them to the public, alongside running a busy repair and service centre as well.

Things are pretty similar today, although they concentrate on buying cars from the local community on the Wirral and have added an MOT testing station with the latest one-man testing facility.

When it comes to selling your car – and receiving great customer service – it’s tough to find a better place than Irby Motors.

With a top-quality, fully-qualified and dedicated team on hand, Irby Motors has more than 25 years’ experience in buying cars from the public. Whatever the type, make, model or age of your vehicle, the chances are the business has bought the same before, and can give you a great deal.

“From our smartly turned-out staff to our cutting-edge, fully fitted and spotless workshops, we’re out to impress you,” says business owner Bill Silcock.

“We’re a family-run company, steeped in traditional values like honesty, value for money, and going the extra mile for our customers.”

The fully-licensed car dealership guarantees a full secure payment on receipt of your vehicle, and operates on a no-obligation, no hassle arrangement.

Irby Motors is now recognised as

one of the top car buyers in the area There are car dealers, and then there are car dealers.

Now established for 25 years, Irby Motors are car dealers you can trust.

Trust for professional service. Trust for excellent value for money. Equally important, however, you can trust Irby Motors for something that’s hard to find these days. A friendly, do anything to please you approach.

At Irby Motors, we care about you and your vehicle.

It shows.

Contact us today if you are selling or buying a car

Selling your car can be stressful – if you need cash quickly, let Irby Motors make you an offer over the phone. All you need to do is give your registration number, year and mileage, and a description of the general condition.

If you’re looking for a new set of wheels for 2013, let Irby Motors help you drive away a fully-serviced car or van at unbeatable costs.

Comprehensive warranty is provided with every vehicle, fully included in the price tag!

In addition, the team at Irby Motors can offer you servicing, MOTs and repairs at competitive prices. You can be sure that the highly qualified and experienced mechanics will follow your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule to the letter, so you can keep your warranty valid. What’s more, if you live within five miles of the workshop, the team will collect and return your car absolutely free.

And if you need tyres in a hurry, their huge range of stock is sure to have what you’re looking for.

Don’t delay, and contact Irby Motors today. Call 0151 648 5488 for more information, alternatively, visit www.irbymotor.co.uk

Book your MOT at Irby Motors and discover there is such a thing as a FREE lunch FREE £10 food and drink voucher to use at The Cottage Loaf with every MOT at IRBY MOTORS Free Collection and delivery NO re test fee Offer valid for 12 months. One voucher per MOT. Voucher only valid when stamped by Irby Motors.

9 Mill Hill Road, Irby CH61 4UB Telephone: 0151 648 5488

www.irbymotor.co.uk

The Lake 25

The longest established, most experienced auctioneers in Wirral having held regular weekly auctions in Hoylake every Tuesday since 1972 We sell Georgian, Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, inter and post war, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s as well as near new items every weekl

Sales every Tuesday at 10am Details of our weekly sales are posted on our web site every Friday night – www.kingsleyauctions.blogspot.com Viewing every Saturday from 9.30am to 3pm, Monday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Tuesday from 9.00am to 10am Items accepted every Wednesday and Thursday from 9.00am to 5pm

• Kingsleys offer a free without obligation valuation service including house visits • A collection service can quickly be arranged • Highly competitive charges and fees 112-118 Market Street, Hoylake. CH47 3BG Tel: 0151 632 5821 • Email: kingsleyauctions@gmail.com

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

Suggest a Local Slogan

A call for aspiring writers At The Lake we love to hear from our readers.

Le Bizz have a range of fine china mugs and coasters that say something quirky about our local places.

We have been lucky enough to have been sent plenty of photographs, stories and letters, many of which we have been able to use or intend to publish in the future.

We have also received a few poems and pieces of writing about, or inspired by, the local area and we thought that it would be interesting to collect other examples of poetry or creative writing produced by our readers to publish in future editions.

With that in mind, we would be extremely grateful if our readers could put pen to paper and let us have their written works taking inspiration from the local area or the wider Wirral area.

Readers of The Lake are challenged to come up with new aspirational and witty slogans (in seven words or less) for West Kirby, Hoylake, Meols, Caldy, Heswall and Greasby.

The best slogan for each area will receive a Wirral tea towel, courtesy of Le Bizz.

For your chance to win, simply send us your slogan for any of the specified areas by email to: jon@lakemagazine.co.uk or by post to: The Lake People 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 2nd August 2013. The winners will be determined by Le Bizz. 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.

It would be great to bring together work from budding writers of all ages - maybe you are working on a local project at school or maybe you can cast an eye back to earlier times on the Wirral.

Please send your work by email to: jon@lakemagazine.co.uk or by post to: Jon Bion, Editor, The Lake, 42 Price Street Business Centre, Price Street, Birkenhead CH41 4JQ. Please include your name and address and for the younger readers, your age. Thanks in advance and we look forward to reading and publishing your contributions soon.

www.lakemagazine.co.uk

26 The Lake

LOCAL IMAGES The Lake will regularly showcase a selection of local photography.

Email your images to jon@lakemagazine.co.uk

The Lake 27

Many thanks to: Ian Chantler Mary Costello Christine Donald Brian Hardy Charlotte Parkinson Sally Russell Edward Powell Christopher Stores Eric Wells Phillip West

28 The Lake

John Ball Amateur Golfer 1861 to 1940 John Ball, Jr (24th December 1861 – 2nd December 1940) was a prominent English amateur golfer of the late 19th and early 20th century.

Ball was born in Hoylake. His father was the prosperous owner of the Royal Hotel, located near the Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

Ball grew up playing golf as a youth on the Royal Liverpool course, which was established in his early boyhood (founded in 1869 on what was then the racecourse of the Liverpool Hunt Club, and received the ‘Royal’ designation in 1871).

John Ball dominated amateur golf in Great Britain the way Bob Jones did in the United States. He won eight British Amateur championships, a British Open and the hearts and respect of his country. In the words of British golf historian Donald Steele: “No golfer ever came to be more of a legend in his own lifetime.”

In 1878, at the age of 17, Ball finished fifth in the British Open at Prestwick. His run of Amateur titles began in 1888 and stretched until 1912, when he was 51 years old. His best year was 1890, when he won both the British Amateur and Open Championships.

Jones, who won the Grand Slam in 1930, is the only other golfer in history to win those two tournaments in the same year.

Although he gripped the club tightly in the palms of both hands, Ball’s swing was the most graceful and stylish of his era.

Respected golf writer Bernard Darwin wrote: “I have derived greater aesthetic and emotional pleasure from watching John Ball than from any other spectacle in the game.”

Ball learned the game competing against Harold Hilton on the links at Hoylake. In 1876, at the age of 15, he competed in his first British Open and finished sixth at St. Andrews. Nine years later, he competed in his first British Amateur, but it wasn’t until 1887 that Ball reached the final and lost to Horace Hutchinson. He won his first Amateur title the next year, defeating JE Findlay at Prestwick, 5 and 4.

In 1892, Ball defeated Hilton in the final of the British Amateur at Sandwich, but finished runner-up to Hilton in the Open Championship at Muirfield. He would not get as close again in the Open, but continued to play competitive golf at a high standard into his later years. At age 60 he reached the sixth round of the British Amateur. In 1927, at the age of 66, Ball attempted to

win his 100th British Amateur match, but was defeated in the second round and came up one victory shy of the milestone.

It wasn’t long afterward that Ball retired to a farm in North Wales.

Ball was famous for refusing to carry a niblick, which had the loft of a modern day 8 or 9 iron. He scorned the use of that club, describing it as “another bloody spade”, and admonished the Rules of Golf Committee of the Royal and Ancient for permitting such horrid-looking contraptions to be allowed in competition. In a bunker, Ball would simply lay open the blade of a mid-iron and float the ball toward the hole with a smooth swing.

It was this stubbornness and dogged determination that made Ball such a lion in match play. Darwin once noted that Ball had “a strong vein of hostility and if he wanted a particular player’s blood, he would fight his way through a tournament with the sole object of getting at him”.

Darwin added: “That was not a personal hostility, but rather a desire to measure himself against a foe really worthy of him.”

Words from Ball are hard to find. He was a shy man who went about his business without wasted motion. In his book, Sixty Years of Golf, Robert Harris wrote that “John’s soft, whispering voice, his stoicism, his pawky jibs at easy rules and innovations, his relentless criticism of moderns with their fuss, and his total outlook on the game, were the very essence of golf.”

Ball died in Holywell, Wales. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame posthumously in 1977 which is supported by a consortium of 26 golf organisations from all over the world.

The Lake 29

Steve Atkinson Travel & Associates

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• Top Designer Brands including, Sentoo, Trendco, Rene of Paris, Almore, Noriko, Feather Premiere Collection and Natural Image.

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• Over 200 different wig styles, each one is available in around 40 different colours.

Consultations are FREE, to avoid disappointment appointments are necessary.

0151 625 9600 34-38 Banks Road, West Kirby CH46 0RD (inside What’s Cutting Hair & Beauty Salon)

Newton and West Kirby County Secondary School for Girls reunion

There will be a reunion for the first year classes (1A, 1B and 1C) of 1966, the year that Newton and West Kirby County Secondary School for Girls (now Hilbre) opened. The reunion is planned for Saturday 7th September in Greasby. Tickets will cost £10 approx to include a buffet supper.

If you were one of these girls or know the whereabouts of any of them please contact Susan O’Neil – s.oneil16@btinternet.com or Shelagh Ballard – shelaghballard@btinternet.com for more information. Organisers are also hoping to make contact with any teaching staff from that time who would like to join them.

30 The Lake

West Kirby Sailing Club

By Phil Shepherd Vice Commodore Fear not, the fleet of 25 Dreadnoughts spotted on West Kirby’s marine lake between June 28-30th came in a spirit of happiness and friendship to celebrate the centenary of the first ever race recorded for what is officially known as the International 12 foot centreboard dinghy class.

The Lake 31 These boats were common at West Kirby until the 1950s, when more modern designs replaced them. However, elsewhere they are a thriving class, resulting in entries from Canada, Germany, Holland, Ireland and Great Britain.

The oldest entry was Rob Lydiate’s gorgeous Dreadnought, ‘Royal Oak’, GBR1, which has always lived at West Kirby, and competed in its traditional red sail. This stood alongside many new and shiningly perfect ‘grand pianos’ of which their owners were also justifiably proud.

As individuals the 12 footers may have looked like works of art, but it was as a fleet on the lake that they really came into their own; these friendly enthusiasts carried out their racing with an air of period charm and eccentricity. When the wind blew up there was one capsize: two ladies in their eighties, in the aptly named ‘Keep Smiling’, which is what they did as they continued to sail all of the races.

The social events comprised a hog roast and a formal dinner, which was the setting for a presentation by Peter Cockshott, grandson of the lauded designer of both the 12 footers and West Kirby’s fleet of Stars.

He was accompanied by his sister, Jane.

Forthcoming Events: August 5-11 Menai Straits Regattas

32 The Lake

Grindley Brook Thorsway Caldy CH48

£1,399,950

Outstanding Five Bedroom Detached Home • Positioned within Extensive Formal Grounds • Appointed and Presented to the Highest of Standards • Three Reception Rooms and Gymnasium/ Games Room • Impressive ‘Chales Yorke’ Kitchen with Granite Work Surfaces • Five Double Bedrooms Three with En-suite Bathrooms • Gated Access, Long Driveway and Double Garage Part Exchange May be Considered by the Owners

Bertram Drive North Meols CH47

£560,000

Outstanding Five Double Bedroom Traditional Detached Home • Extensive and Immaculately Presented Family Accommodation • Located on a Quiet Road in the Prestigious Area of Meols Impressive Open Plan Lounge, Dining Area and Family Room • Stunning Fitted Kitchen with Appliances and Granite Work Surfaces • Large Conservatory, Office/Study, Sitting Room and Cloakroom Five Double Bedrooms, Master with Luxury En-suite Bathroom • Standing in Beautiful Mature Wrap-around Lawned Gardens • Integral Double Garage and Driveway Providing Ample Parking Internal Inspection Essential to Appreciate this Home

The Lake 33

Cashel Lodge Puddington Lane Puddington CH64

£1,300,000

Individually Designed Bespoke Detached Home • Set Over Three Floors Boasting Seven Bedrooms • Standing in Approximately 1.3 Acres of Landscaped Grounds • Four Spacious Reception Rooms and Luxury High Specification Fitted Kitchen • Wealth of Features Including Under Floor Heating to the Ground Floor • Impressive Ash Split Staircase Linking the Three floors with Galleried Landings • Six En-suite Bathrooms and Family Bathroom all High Quality White Suites • Long Sweeping Driveway Leading to Detached Double Storey Triple Garage

Meols Drive Hoylake Wirral CH47

Offers in Excess of

£699,995

Links View Meols Drive Hoylake Wirral CH47

£750,000

Substantial Eight Bedroom Detached Property Set Over Three Floors • Encompassed within Extensive, Carefully Landscaped Grounds • Situated in a Prime Location on One of Wirral’s Most Prestigious Roads • Retaining Many Original Features Including Fireplaces and Solid Timber Doors • Effortlessly Combining a Range of Formal and Informal Areas with Four Reception Rooms • Sweeping Driveway, Ample Off Road Parking and Detached Double Garage Breathtaking Views across the Royal Liverpool Golf Course and Welsh Hills Outstanding Property of Undeniable Statue, Viewing is Strongly Advised

Pheasant Rise 6 Oaksway Heswall Wirral CH60

Offers in Excess of

£635,000

Substantial Eight Bedroom Detached Family Home • Extensive, Carefully Landscaped Grounds with Orchard and Vegetable Garden • Sympathetically Improved Retaining Many Original Features Providing Exceptional Family Living Space with Four Reception Rooms • Boasting a Separate Annex with Two Rooms and Garage Space • Driveway, Ample Off Road Parking and Detached Garages Situated on One of Wirral’s most Prestigious Roads • Breathtaking Views across the Welsh Hills and West Wirral • Outstanding Property of Undeniable Statue • Viewing is Strongly Advised

Impressive and Attractive Four Bedroom Detached Family Home • Occupying a Large Plot with Wrap Around Mature Lawned Gardens • Exceptional Tastefully Appointed Family Living Accommodation • Two Reception Rooms, Cloakroom and Separate Study • Good Sized Fitted Kitchen Diner and Utility Room • Superb Master Suite with Dressing Room and En-suite Shower Room • Attached Double Garage and Ample Off Road Parking • Closer Inspection Essential to Appreciate the Calibre of this Home

Riverbank Road Heswall Wirral CH60

Gorse Hill Bush Way Heswall CH60

£599,995

Substantial Six Bedroom Traditional Semi Detached Property • Victorian Property Retaining Many Character Features • Exceptional Rear Garden Running Approximately 134 Yards Stunning Views across Farmland towards the River Dee • Spacious Rooms with High Ceilings and Large Bay Windows • Three Reception Rooms, Sun Lounge and Large Fitted Kitchen Car Port, Driveway, Gas Central Heating and Part Double Glazing • Closer Inspection Essential to Appreciate this Impressive Family Home

£575,000

Outstanding Five Bedroom Detached Bungalow • Elevated Location with Picturesque Views Across the Dee Estuary and Welsh Hills • Recently Refurbished to a High Specification Throughout • Sizeable Lounge with Feature Bespoke Fireplace • Stunning Fitted Kitchen with a wealth of Integrated Appliances • Encompassed in Beautiful Mature Gardens Backing onto The Dales • Set at the Head of a Quiet Un-adopted Lane in a Highly Regarded Area • As Appointed Agents Early Viewing is Strongly Recommended

34 The Lake

Windle Cottage Overdale Road Willaston CH64

£565,000

Stunning Four Double Bedroom Detached Home • Situated in the Picturesque area of Willaston Occupying a Large Plot with Beautiful Lawned Gardens • Bay Fronted Lounge with Feature Fireplace, Utility Room and Cloakroom • Impressive Open Plan Living Kitchen Dining Room Planning Permission for Rear Extension • Driveway Providing Ample Off Road Parking and an Garage • Closer Inspection Essential to Appreciate this Beautiful Home

Grange Cross Lane West Kirby CH48

Offers in Excess of

£399,950

Cholmondeley Road West Kirby CH48

£465,000

Substantial Six Bedroom Three Storey Edwardian Property • Occupying an Elevation Position with Stunning Views • Outstanding Range of Features and a Wealth of Character • Grand Entrance Hall with Superb Turned Staircase • Dining Hall, Cloakroom and Three Further Reception Rooms • Impressive Fitted Kitchen Diner with Utility Room • Unique Property that Must be Seen to be Appreciated

Mostyn Avenue West Kirby Wirral CH48

Offers in Excess of

£350,000

A Most Impressive Four Bedroom Detached Home • Tastefully Appointed with a Double Storey Wrap Around Extension • Occupying a Good Sized Plot with Open Aspects Across Open Fields Large Through Lounge Dining Room with Parquet Flooring • Stunning L Shaped Dining Kitchen with Centre Island and Appliances • Four Bedrooms, En-suite to Bedroom Three and Family Bathroom • Mature Extensively Sized Rear Garden with Patio and Lawn • Closer Inspection Essential to Appreciate this Beautiful Family Home

Bay Fronted Victorian Semi Detached House • Retaining Many Original Features • Boasting Three Entertaining Rooms • Four Good Sized Bedrooms with Potential of a Fifth • Well Proportioned Rooms Full of Character • Detached Garage and Rear South Facing Garden Gas Central Heating and Original Sash Windows • Viewing Is Strongly Advised To Fully Appreciate this Property

The Spinney West Kirby CH48

Foxfield Road Meols CH47

£349,995

Large Four Bedroom Detached House • Excellent Family Living Space • Spacious and Well Planned Accommodation • Three Reception Rooms and Large Kitchen Diner • Four Double Bedrooms and En-suite to Master • Good Sized Enclosed Rear Garden • Extensive Block Paved Driveway and Garage • Internal Inspection Strongly Recommended

£337,500

A Most Impressive Detached Three Bedroom Property • Abundance of Charm and Character Enjoying a Wealth of Superb Features • Lounge, Dining Room and Morning Room • Master Bedroom with En-Suite Shower Room • Situated in a Secluded Cul-De-Sac • Beautiful Private Mature Gardens • Internal Inspection Strongly Recommended

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Orovales 135 Caldy Road Caldy CH48

Offers in Excess of

£2,000,000

Captivating and Distinctive Seven Bedroom Detached Home • Located in the Prestigious and Highly Regarded Area of Caldy • Standing within Approx. 2.6 Acres of Mature Manicured Grounds • Built in 1929 and has been within the Same Family for over 45 Years • Many Original and Unique Features Including Two Turrets and Feature Fireplaces • Grand Reception Room, Formal Dining Room and Morning Room Direct Access to Stapledon Wood and Caldy Hill • Seven Bedrooms full of Character, Bathrooms and Shower Room • Sweeping Driveway, Double Garage and Various Outbuildings • Internal Inspection Essential to Appreciate this Exquisite Home

36 The Lake

Beacon Drive West Kirby CH48

£329,950

Gleggside West Kirby CH48

£220,000

Three Bedroom Detached Home • Converted Garage Offering Potential of Fourth Bedroom Generous Room Proportions • Fitted Kitchen and Large Conservatory • Beautiful Good Sized Rear Garden • Ample Off Road Parking, Gas Central Heating and Double Glazing • Situated on a Quiet Road in the Heart of West Kirby • Internal Inspection Strongly Recommended

Extended Three Bedroom Semi Detached Home with Loft Room • Situated in the Popular Residential Area of West Kirby • Original Wood Block Flooring to Most of the Ground Floor Two Reception Rooms, Kitchen Diner & Shower Room • Three Bedrooms, Bathroom and Loft Room • Detached Garage Currently Used as an Office/Summer House • Off Road Parking and Enclosed Rear Garden • Internal Inspection Highly Recommended

Derwent Road Meols CH47

Gilroy Road West Kirby CH48

£219,950

£185,000

Extended Three Bedroom Semi Detached Home • Bay Fronted - Neutral Decor Throughout Front Living Room with Feature Fireplace • Extended Bright Rear Sitting Room • Kitchen Diner and Separate Utility Room • Family Bathroom Suite • Off Road Parking and Garage • Beautifully Presented Rear Garden with Lawn and Patio Area

Five Bedroom Semi Detached Home • Well Appointed Accommodation with Double Storey Extension • Lounge, Dining Room, Kitchen, Downstairs W.C/Utility Room • Ground Floor Bedroom with Separate Private Access • Gas Central Heating, Double Glazing and Off Road Parking • Garden with Elevated Decking Area with Views onto Open Fields • Located in the Popular Residential Area of West Kirby • Closer Inspection Strongly Recommended

Gleggside West Kirby CH48

Broxton Avenue West Kirby CH48

£175,000

Three Bedroom Bay Fronted Semi Detached Property • Situated in the Popular Residential Area of West Kirby • Lounge with Bay Window, Dining Room and Kitchen • Three Bedrooms and Family Bathroom • Parquet Flooring Throughout the Ground Floor • Gas Central Heating and Double Glazed • Driveway, Garage and Enclosed Rear Garden • Closer Inspection Essential to See this Properties Full Potential

£164,950

Traditional Semi Detached Home • Three Spacious Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms Modern Fitted Kitchen • Gas Central Heating and Double Glazing • Secluded Good Sized Rear Garden • Situated in a Popular Residential Area • Viewing Highly Recommended

The Lake 37

Gresford Avenue West Kirby CH48

£159,950

Traditional Three Bedroom Semi Detached House • Occupying a Corner Plot with Generous Room Proportions • Benefitting from Gas Central Heating and Double Glazing • Driveway with Ample Parking for Several Cars • Mature Front, Side and Rear Gardens • Superb Location Close to West Kirby Town Centre • Situated in an Catchment Area for Excellent Local Schools Viewing Strongly Recommended to Appreciate Full Potential

Lambeth Court Queens Road Hoylake CH47

£154,950

Modern Purpose-Built First Floor Apartment • Two Double Bedrooms • En Suite Bathroom and Shower Room • Spacious Lounge/ Dining Area • Modern Fitted Kitchen • Gas Central Heating & Double/Triple Glazing • Garage and Off Road Parking • Conveniently Located in Central Hoylake

ANTED SIMILAR W Oldfield Drive, Heswall CH60 • Semi Detached Bungalow • Lounge with Fully Fitted Kitchen • Double Glazing • ALL BILLS INCLUDED

£800pcm

• Double Bedroom and Bathroom • Gas Central Heating • Off Road Parking

Telegraph Road Heswall CH60 • Individually Designed Luxury Home • Five Bedrooms Three with En-Suites • Drive Leading to Forecourt with Parking • Wealth of Quality Fittings

£2,500 pcm

• Gated Access and Landscaped Gardens • Contemporary Fitted Kitchen • Stunning Views across the Welsh Hills • Viewing is Essential

ANTED SIMILAR W Dawpool Farmhouse Thurstaston CH61 • One bedroom Top Floor Apartment • Stunning Views over Dee Estuary • Two Parking Spaces - 3 Storage Rooms

£650pcm

• Available Part Furnished • Communal Gardens Amazing Location • Call 0151 342 0999 to view!

Gables Noctorum Road CH43 • Four Bedroom Executive Detached Family Home • Large Living Room with • Original Inglenook Fireplace and Garden Room • Two Further Receptions with Feature Fireplaces

£2500pcm

• Conservatory, Ground Floor WC and Utility Room • Contemporary Kitchen/Diner with Views onto Gardens • Picturesque Rear Gardens with Lawns and Private Patio Areas

38 The Lake

Meols Wirral’s Atlantis

By Gavin Chappell Occupation began at a site, now under the sea off Meols, during the Neolithic period or New Stone Age, but increased exponentially during the Iron Age and the Roman periods. The exact location of the site is a mystery, since it sank beneath the waves over a period stretching from the Neolithic to the 19th century. Over the millennia, the North Wirral coast has been receding, and each period in Meols’ long history has ended with flood and erosion.

Field names and medieval accounts refer to a ‘Blake Street,’ apparently another Roman road heading towards Monks Ferry and Birkenhead Pool, where a supposed Roman bridge was found in 1850, when the Pool was converted into docks. Built of solid oak beams supported by stone piers, it was about a hundred feet long and buried thirty feet deep in the silt.

Coriosolite coins

Artefacts collected along the shore suggest the existence from 500 BC onwards of a significant port with far-flung trade links.

Coins have been found that originated among the Coriosolites, an Iron Age tribe of Brittany, while others come from as far away as pre-Roman Carthage, Augustan Rome, and Armenia. The latter is the source of a silver tetradrachm minted between 55 BC and 95 BC, the reign of Tigranes I. It would appear that in Roman times, the port (which probably used the natural harbour then existing in the Hoyle Lake) continued to be significant, and it is believed that a Roman road was built from Chester to Meols. Street Hey in Willaston may be one section of this lost road, and Hargrave Lane is thought to be a continuation. Barker Lane in Greasby may be another section – the lane becomes a hollow way and ends abruptly at a ridge, looking down on Limbo Lane.

The Roman port at Meols is thought to predate the legionary fortress at Chester, having played a part in the conquest of the Celtic tribes of Wales. Although it appears to have been a large settlement, Roman Meols does not appear on Claudius Ptolemy’s second century AD map of Britain: some authorities identify it as the mysterious Portus Setantiorum, more generally believed to have been the Roman settlement at Fleetwood in Lancashire.

Meols has produced more medieval finds than anywhere in England outside London.

Indications of metalworking suggest that by this period the site was now producing its own goods, but almost two hundred medieval coins confirm that it remained a centre of trade. However, just as no Roman maps show Meols, no surviving medieval documents can confirm its status as a market, and there is no evidence that it ever received a charter, unlike Liverpool.

Meols is mentioned in Domesday Book, but only as a small settlement. Yet hundreds upon hundreds of archaeological finds confirm its importance until the sixteenth century, when the port that had thrived in medieval times succumbed to the same fate as its predecessors.

Meols only regained any significance in the Regency period, during the development of Hoylake, a fashionable watering hole

patronised by aristocrats and poets. Meols was divided into two townships consisting mainly of sandhills and marsh; Great Meols, corresponding roughly with modern Meols, and Little Meols, which took up much of what is now Hoylake. Sandwiched in between was the small fishing village of Hoose, which has since been swallowed up

by Hoylake. After the shoreline retreated by 500 metres in under a century, and following the silting up of the Hoyle Lake, the natural harbour that had been the basis for the ancient port, the inhabitants of Hoose and Meols had become povertystricken and inbred, relying chiefly on ship-wrecking to survive.

In 1846, Reverend Abraham Hume was visiting Hoylake Parsonage when he noticed a Roman brooch on the mantelpiece.

Investigation proved that local fishermen found many ancient artefacts on the shore.

Over the next few years he publicised these and other finds, culminating in his 1863 book Ancient Meols, and began an archaeological gold rush. It is mainly due to Hume’s work that we know anything at all of Meols’ incredible history.

In 1891, spring tides removed some of the drift sand and for a while revealed Iron Age huts, a village street, and in the sand hoofmarks, the marks of cartwheels and footprints, all of which appear to have been buried by the sand and abandoned.

Roman copper alloy cosmetic pestle with suspension loop

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The Lake 39

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40 The Lake

World class in Wirral Spire Murrayfield

By Rob Jackson

company Spire’s bold new Vision, Mission and Values. Now, I have to say that I normally give ‘corporate-speak’ a body swerve. However, this was not your usual corporate speak. Following on from the 30th birthday celebrations, it was also an opportunity to reflect on the many changes that Alison, in tandem with Matron Roma Holland and their staff, had initiated. Things were on the move at Spire, and Murrayfield was an integral part. So, without any more ado, here’s how the session went.

Rob: Why has Spire launched this new Vision, Mission and Values?

Hospital Director, Alison da Silva

Did you know that in Spire Murrayfield, Wirral has its very own private hospital?

The state-of-the-art institution, situated in Thingwall, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2012, and there were many events to mark the occasion.

However, that was then and this is now.

What was going on today, I wondered? As it happens, quite a lot! I paid a visit to the Holmwood Drive facility to talk to inspirational Hospital Director Alison da Silva.

On arrival, I found Alison in cracking form, brimming with enthusiasm. One reason for such brio was the unveiling of parent

Alison: The company has been around for five years now. Thus far it’s been about trying to become the UK’s best private healthcare provider. Which means things like setting standards, training clinical staff, building partnerships with consultants and GPs, upgrading technology and re-designing facilities. However, as a group, Spire is now ready to take it to the next level. Hence the new Vision, which is “to be recognised as a world-class healthcare business”. It’s a Vision that encompasses staff, partners and patients alike.

Of course, words remain just words until they’re backed by actions. So the Vision is underpinned by a new Spire Mission, which is “to bring together the best people, dedicated to developing excellent clinical environments and delivering the highest quality patient care”.

Now, I have to say that in my view we already have the best people. However, we do need to be more open about things. We need to share all the great results we’re having, in areas ranging from clinical to health and safety to patient satisfaction.

Rob: How did you communicate Spire’s new Vision to your staff?

Alison: I’m glad you asked me that! If aspirational statements are to have any meaning, they must translate into aspirational actions. That means the people who are to deliver our services on the ground must really buy into them. To achieve this, we’ve supported the new Vision and Mission with a statement of our six core values. And I’m delighted to say these are expressed in plain English rather than the management jargon you so often get. It’s vital that they’re easy to understand and remember.

Our core values are: Caring is our passion Which means we put our patients at the heart of everything we do. We take the time to understand what they need. And we listen to them!

Succeeding together Murrayfield is definitely not a one-person business. It’s not about what I, the Hospital Director, want. It’s about doing everything as a team, and respecting each other, learning from each other.

Driving excellence Part of being world-class is about going the extra mile – and then another one.

It’s about being bold and challenging the status quo, being innovative.

Doing the right thing Hospitals can be involved in difficult decisions, which is the reason why our patients are absolutely central to all we do. This way we can make the right judgements.

Spire Murrayfield

The Lake 41

Caring is our passion • Succeeding together • Driving excellence physiotherapy etc. It’s all very exciting.

Not that for one minute do we forget our original core business: providing world-class care all-round for our private patients, and world-class clinical care for everybody.

Rob: What do you think makes Spire Murrayfield special?

Alison: On reflection, I have to say, above all, the people. I’ve managed three hospitals now, and can say without a doubt that the people here are special. Their commitment is just fantastic. For example, recently we introduced a new computer system. Admin staff could have sat back and picked it up as they went along. But no, they all took on extra training to make sure it was a success from the moment we went live.

This epitomises the Murrayfield spirit.

Staff group shot June 2012

Delivering on our promises We’re very clear about what we say we’ll do. And we show you the results to prove we’ve done it. Good communication is paramount. We want people to trust us.

Keeping it simple Things can be complex. We aim to simplify them. Which includes everything from minimising red tape to using language people understand.

Rob: How will the new Vision benefit patients at Murrayfield?

Alison: In a nutshell, by our staff and consultants putting the core values I’ve mentioned into practice – passion, excellence, simplicity and so on. In even plainer language, it means doing everything we can to put our patients in a more comfortable place. For example, we give them full information about the treatment they’re having, explain how it will benefit them and discuss the results of any tests they’ve had.

On this subject, I’m always pleased that my office is in the heart of the hospital, not some remote place. It means that I meet patients all the time, not just when there’s an issue. It’s great for keeping your finger on the hospital’s pulse, if you pardon the pun.

Rob: It’s a compelling Vision. But how can you be sure you’re keeping to it?

Alison: To misquote a well-known politician: ‘feedback, feedback, feedback!’ As Hospital

Director, it’s down to me to communicate the Vision, and give everyone the opportunity to discuss what it means. This is the reason we’ve taken the time to hold open forums for staff and consultants. I’m also keen they should have the chance to make suggestions if there’s anything they feel we should do differently.

We also survey continually to assess how we’re performing, how satisfied people are, staff, consultants and patients alike.

What’s more, I hold a Hospital Director’s forum every quarter to look at results and get feedback from all key groups. And I’m delighted to say that the results keep improving.’

Rob: Are there any other developments at Murrayfield you’re excited about?

Alison: You bet there are. In the UK, 2013 is a massive milestone for healthcare with big changes in the way things are organised. At Murrayfield we’ve been caring for NHS patients alongside private ones for ten years now. In future, however, this treatment will be commissioned by groups of GPs, with contracts agreed for different individual services. These are contracts we’ve tendered for and won. It means we’ll carry on offering NHS patients services, through Elective Surgical Care.

It’s not just the staff, either. Our consultants are a pleasure to work with. And I’m delighted that our staff and consultants share my feelings, too. At the recent 30th birthday celebrations there were no fewer than 14 staff and consultants who had been with us since the very beginning. They’re voting with their feet – and staying put! As for me, I’ve been here four and a half years now, and I’m looking forward to being here a good while longer yet. The Murrayfield people are a big reason why.

Thanking Alison for her time, I wrapped up the interview at this point and left her to get on with the not always simple task of running a hospital. I also reflected on how, individuals and organisations alike, so many of us go from day to day, week to week, even year to year without thinking about where we’re actually heading. The successful ones do think about it, and act accordingly. Spire is a great example.

Their world-class Vision is taking hold at Murrayfield, which is good news for them – and for Wirral.

To find out more about Spire Murrayfield’s new Vision, call 0151 929 5230.

In the last 12 months, there have been a lot of new services introduced in the Wirral, designed to offer healthcare in the community. Murrayfield is very much part of this process, offering services to GPs such as diagnostic tests, MRI scans,

Doing the right thing • Delivering on our promises • Keeping it simple

42 The Lake

The Auction World

By John Bathurst Crane www.catocrane.co.uk

The Cato Crane Auction Rooms in Liverpool, opposite the Liverpool Marina, continue to be extremely busy with our team of ten people to assist you. We offer about 2,500 items for sale per month. I tend to spend most of my week visiting clients but am still in the auction rooms for part of each day to oversee operations. My work takes me to all parts of the country, especially to conduct charity fundraising auctions and to talk to cultural groups.

Beatles, records plus good original autographs and good memorabilia. The school books are expected to fetch in the region of £2,000 while a good set of autographs can still make £4,000-£5,000.

Beware though, there are many fakes around and specialist knowledge and authentication is required before you sell or sell. I can help you to get this done at a minimal cost.

Auctions are held every Tuesday at one of our two auction rooms in Stanhope Street in Liverpool.

John Crane with dummies Johnny and Polly

It maybe midsummer, but the established auctioneers are already planning and cataloguing their autumn series of antique and fine arts auctions.

The more established auctioneers have no difficulty in forward planning as we have private vendor clients established over decades. Our business is very much trend driven, what was fashionable 30 years ago is not now and vice versa !

In our Cato Crane auction in July we are offering for sale, upon instruction from his relatives, the archive of James Egerton Crossland, who was the White Star Line Captain of the SS Athenic. The archive includes his sword, a gold watch presented to him by the United States Government for rescuing passengers and crew of the SS Munamar in 1920, which should make £3,000-4,000, and a CQD medal. There are about 30 lots of various pieces of rare and important memorabilia from Captain Crossland’s archive: none of this has been on the open market before. Another interesting lot are ventriloquists dummies from the 1950s, formerly the property of Peter King. Peter was a very well known music hall entertainer in his day. I well remember Lenny the Lion and Archie Andrews in the black and white TV days!

This auction is available worldwide online and you can view to the auction live at www.the-saleroom.com

Timing and location for the sale of special pieces is all important. Selling at auction without experience can often produce disappointing results. Care and good planning with the right auctioneer is all important. It is impossible to learn this business in five minutes or even five years!

So, potential eBayers out there, think about it carefully before starting the journey. I will happily have a chat with you about the many pitfalls to be avoided!

A record signed by the Beatles in Warrington in 1963 made £10,400 three years ago; a world record which is yet to be surpassed. If you have anything which is Beatles related please let me know. A Liverpool Institute school tie now makes £70! Cavern cards can make up to £300!

Last year an unused Cavern entrance ticket from 1963 made over £7,000, yes £7,000; not a misprint! A Casbah Club membership card of the same period is worth over £2,000! I suggest this year’s auction will make more record prices.

The 5 Counties Valuation Company has been formed specifically to accommodate high value items people may have in their possession. These items may include silver, gold, jewellery, pictures and very fine furniture. A very low rate of commission is charged for the very high value objects.

Pictures can be sent to my email address on sell@lowerpercent.co.uk for a preliminary appraisal.

Much of my time is taken up visiting clients to advise on the disposal of assets; pictures, furniture, silver, and of course we specialise in the disposal of good unwanted gold and diamond jewellery, which is now an increasing part of our business. Even some scrap items can have a high value if they can be repaired and the quality is good. I also advise on the acquisition of pictures and fine objects, having many experienced suppliers in London.

Whilst I do not suggest that the purchase of fine objects will reap a short term financial gain, it is possible to benefit if the original purchase was done with good advice. It is, however, always subject to the state of the market at any one time.

Signed photograph – estimate £2,000-£3,000

Captain Crossland’s pocket watch

August is also an interesting month as we hold our annual Beatles Auction at LIPA in Mount Street, Liverpool on the Saturday of the Bank Holiday weekend. This is the auction’s 23rd year! LIPA was formerly the Liverpool Institute High School for Boys where Paul McCartney and George Harrison (and I too!) went to school. It is worth attending the auction even just to see the building and the school hall.

Amongst the 350 lots offered to visitors and bidders from all over the world will be two Quarry Bank schoolbooks signed by John Lennon aged about 14, some rare, previously unknown photographs of the

If you have anything which is of very good quality, or a rare object, my suggestion is to always call in the people who know.

The internet is useful for a certain amount of research but it doesn’t compensate for many years of experience and personal contacts around the world.

Call me personally on either 0151 342 2321 or 01244 680055 or on my mobile directly on 07836 209995.

Alternatively, call Cato Crane on 0151 709 5559. or visit either www.5CVC.co.uk or www.catocraneco.uk I hope to see you for home antique appraisals at one of our interesting auctions. And remember, we are only too pleased to reduce our selling commission rates for those high value objects.

The Lake 43 Cut out and keep this advert to receive reduced selling commission rates. Expires 31st August 2013.

The Lucas/Atkins Memorial Golf Trophy

In 1999, two regulars at The Lake pub in Hoylake, John Lucas and Graham Askew, challenged each other to select a team of golfers and a golf match would be played to see who were the better golfers. John Lucas captained the ‘Bar Flies’ and Graham Askew captained the ‘Lounge Lizards’.

19th hole is always to ‘absent friends’.

The match is played on a four ball betterball basis with two players from each team opposing each other in the four ball.

Sixteen golfers from each side were selected and the golf match was played at Hill Valley Golf Club where the ‘Bar Flies’ ran out the winners. Thus was born the annual golf challenge match which in 2013 will enjoy its 14th year.

In 2011, John’s son Les Lucas captained the ‘Bar Flies’ to their 11th victory at Old Padeswood Golf Club, North Wales.

Unfortunately, due to thunder and lightning, last year’s match, due to be held at Llanymynech Golf Club, had to be postponed and the match earned its first ‘half’. The overall score to date is ‘Bar Flies’ 11, ‘Lounge Lizards’ 2.

In 2003, following the sudden and unexpected deaths of the two captains, the trophy was renamed the Lucas/Askew Memorial Trophy and the first toast at the

The evening before the match, the trophy is paraded from The Lake to Graham’s mothers house (Doreen), where it is duly polished and made ready for the next day.

In 2013, the golf match is to be played on The Championship Course at Portal on Saturday 17th August where the ‘Bar Flies’ will be looking to maintain their seven year unbeaten record. Following the golf the 32 golfers will return to The Lake for presentation and festivities. As it is ten years since Graham left us, his brother David is to make the presentation.

This year the Bar Flies will be captained by Les ‘Sniff’ Lucas and the Lounge Lizards by Tony ‘Hampster’ Merrutia. Both will hope to return on the coach where the Queen anthem We Are The Champions constantly rings out by the victorious team. As usual the camaraderie between the two sides will ensure that a great day and night is had by all.

44 The Lake

Wirral Wildlife One Good Tern

By Matt Thomas

July is often considered to be a slow month for wildlife watching on the Dee. The resident birds are busy nesting and the recently arrived visiting warblers have settled down to raising hungry broods too. The thousands of waders and ducks that spend the winter here are long gone, headed north to arctic breeding grounds.

So what does that leave for a wildlife photographer to photograph?

Well, a trip to Hilbre Island is in order to find a cracking subject for some pictures. There is a group of migratory birds that are very easy to spot and appreciate in this so-called slack month.

Terns visit our shores in the summer to breed in loose, noisy colonies and many can be found fishing in the clean, rich waters off Hilbre Island. A walk to this small archipelago is a treat at any time of year, but on a warm summers day it is a fantastic spot to spend some time.

I have headed out early in the morning to stay over high water because when the tide is in and surrounding the island you can enjoy great views of the birds diving for sand eels. They feed these to hungry chicks and this fishing masterclass is what I intend to record.

The most obvious terns here are the Sandwich terns. They are swift yet graceful as they come zooming in from the West Hoyle Bank past the old lifeboat slip at the end of the island. I have set up there in the shade of the twin sandstone walls above the crumbling jetty. As they drift past on the cool summer breeze I can get a few flight shots.

There are other terns here too, Little terns.

There is a colony of these tiny seabirds just across the Dee from us, on the coast at Gronant. Some of the adults have flown over to try their luck off Hilbre.

Their eyesight is stunning and is matched by their agility. They fly in a zigzag pattern over the water until they spot a tiny fish beneath the waves – a twist, a hover then a dive that ends with a tiny splash. The prey is then taken back to shore. I fill the memory cards of my camera with pictures of this lesson in fishing. As the tide starts to drop I start to wander back to shore. The light is getting a little harsh for pictures and I could use a siesta after the early start.

Later that evening (suitably refreshed after my afternoon nap) I return to the shore. I love the light nights of summer and on this particular night-time and tide are coming together to create more great photo opportunities with the terns.

It is 8.30pm when I head out with my wife for a wander around the Marine Lake. There is still plenty of light for photography and we look on for a fantastic West Kirby sunset.

The tide is right up to the lake wall and is due to reach maximum height soon. This has brought the terns really close in, allowing plenty of pictures of them as they fly out to fish and return with the catch of the day.

They are not the only ones enjoying a fish supper, the local fish’n’chip shops are doing a roaring trade. The air has the faint smell of salt and vinegar splashed fish and chips.

The Lake 45 Following on from this morning the terns carry on fishing and I carry on photographing.

The tide is flooding in and the terns swoop over the waves calling all the time.

The evening air filled with their manic “krrrik-kriiik� calls.

I take hundreds of images. Once my memory card is full I start to review them on the camera screen, discarding the bad ones, making space for the sunset that is starting to redden on the western skies.

Looking back across to Hilbre the sky is turning clementine orange. Turning towards the village I see the buildings bathed in a delicious lemon light. The atmosphere grows and feels sort of Mediterranean.

This is shaping up to be a great evening.

The birds seem to recognise this and the screaming gets louder, I just hope that I can do it justice with the camera. The birds are certainly playing their part.

As I stand on the lake wall I am aware of a familiar feeling, although it is not one I have had for a while. The final warm rays of a setting sun, the gentle rush of waves on the shore, the easy conversation of promenading couples and a relaxed, contented vibe. I feel like I’m on holiday.

Right here in my own back yard! In this fantastic moment I realise how lucky I am to be living here and have all this right on my doorstep.

46 The Lake

MyHome TuCasa Exchange Service Barcelona/Wirral

Exchange students Libby and Aina in the River Dee

Sagrada Família, Barcelona

It seems we are big fans of the Catalan capital, with almost 250,000 people flying from Liverpool to Barcelona last year. But now many Catalans are actually vying for the opportunity to send their children to spend some of their summer over here on the Wirral through new exchange service MyHome TuCasa.

Up until about ten years ago, by and far the most common language to study at school was French. This was most likely due to a number of considerations, such as the fact that France is our nearest continental neighbour, the historic importance of French as a global language and basically the fact that many of us took our holidays there. Dover to Calais anyone? Nowadays though, in our world of low-cost airlines, Europe is at our mercy and Spain has been steadily catching up to France as one of the most popular destinations for the English seeking blue skies and much-desired summer sunshine.

Our recent love affair with Spanish holidays – sun, sea, siesta and fiesta - has seen a significant increase in the last decade in the popularity of Spanish in British schools, whilst more classic choices like French and German have witnessed a rapid decline. This could well also be due to the realisation that as the world’s second most spoken language, Spanish can get you a lot further on your travels or in international business.

But Spanish in the classroom is one thing, and genuine ‘real life’ Spanish is another.

Most of us feel proud if we can successfully

order a meal from a Spanish menu without the waiter helping us out in English – which they invariably do, even if you don’t want them to. But to truly get the knack of a language, there is no substitute for full immersion. And for those of us who have experienced a foreign exchange, immersion is certainly the correct word. As well as bringing your language studies to life experiencing a the Spanish culture from the inside, rather than looking in as a tourist - they also open up our eyes to the similarities and differences between us, not to mention providing us with our very own native tour guides and personal tapas and paella chefs.

Most Wirral schools have foreign exchange programmes with Spanish schools during term time, but for those who would like to take advantage of the long summer holidays, a new summer exchange service called MyHome TuCasa offers this opportunity, matching families from the Wirral with families from the Barcelona area. The founders, David and Kirsten Wilson, who are based in Barcelona but originally from West Kirby, started out by simply putting families in touch who were keen for their children to get some genuine language practice. David explained to The Lake: “English is obviously huge in Spain with every child learning it from an early age. Most parents are really keen for their kids to get ahead with their English but complain that lots of agencyrun exchange services are too expensive, or that their kids go away in groups and spend most of their time speaking their own language and wasting their money. So we had friends with kids asking us if we knew any families in England who might be interested in taking part in exchanges simply organised between themselves. And

that’s how it started - just doing people a favour really. After some really positive experiences we decided to take it further and offer a basic matching service based on several criteria such as age, gender, interests and travel date preferences. We personally visit the families too, in order to get to know them a little before we suggest them as potential matches.”

One such example was Libby from West Kirby Grammar School who took part in an exchange with Aina, from Barcelona last summer. Libby says; “There is no better way to learn Spanish than staying with a Spanish family. It was great to be shown Barcelona by someone who lived there because I got a real feel for the city and the Spanish way of life. I really enjoyed my time on the exchange and would definitely do it again! It’s an experience that I will never forget.”

David concludes: “So far it’s worked well, although we have lots of families in Barcelona still hoping for potential exchange families for this summer. It’s been a lot harder to spread the word on the Wirral as obviously we’re based out in Barcelona and not everyone here studies Spanish. But if anyone is interested for this summer they can just create a free profile and we’ll see if we have a match for them. And if not, there’s always next year.”

MyHome TuCasa is an official partner of Wirral Multilingual, featured in our April/ May edition. If you would like to find out more information about its services and hear what previous exchange students have said, you can visit the website at www.myhometucasa.com. You can also sign up to the mailing list for information on future exchanges.

The Lake 47 Method: 1. First, parboil the new potatoes. About 10 mins should do, then drain and chill for later.

2. Preheat the oven to 375F/190C/gas mark 5.

3. For the lentil filling - heat a tablespoon of the oil in a large pan, add the carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Cook on a low heat for about 5 mins until slightly coloured.

Vegetarian Cooking Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

By Aly Challoner-Jones

4. Add the lentils, cinnamon and stock and bring to the boil. Mix in the tomato puree and turn the heat down to simmer for about 25 mins. Add a splash of water if it becomes too dry. This can be reheated later.

5. Wash the beetroot to remove any soil or grit.

Top and tail each one and cut into quarters.

How many of you have moved onto meat free Mondays already? Struggling to come up with scrumptious menus that all the family can enjoy? Fear not, help is to hand!

I’ll be here, pretty regularly by all accounts, to guide and inspire with easy to follow healthy, nutritious vegetarian recipes that even the most determined carnivore will undoubtedly devour.

We’ll start with a vegetarian take on a traditional British dish, Shepherds Pie. Don’t expect the usual here, I like to step outside of the boundaries! This recipe uses a combination of kitchen staples and fresh seasonal produce. Take the Puy lentil; flavoursome, great texture, hearty and soaks up what ever seasonings and ingredients you choose to throw at it.

Let’s go then! Shepherd’s Pie with Puy lentils, sundried tomatoes, thyme and carrots, a potato galette and Balsamic Roasted Beetroot. This recipe will feed 4-6 people, depending on appetite!

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 medium carrots, diced 1 stick of celery, chopped 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 175g dried Puy lentils 1 tsp ground cinnamon 400mls vegetable stock 1 tbsp tomato puree 4 sundried tomatoes, chopped 2 fresh tomatoes, deseeded and chopped A good handful of fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, chives, marjoram), finely chopped Salt and pepper 800g new potatoes Balsamic Roasted Beetroot: 6 tennis ball size raw beetroots 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped Salt and pepper

6. Toss the beetroot pieces in 1 tbsp oil, Balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp of the thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Tip into an ovenproof dish and roast in the oven for about a 50 mins, basting halfway through. The beetroot should be glossy on the outside with crisped edges and tender in the middle.

7. Grate the chilled potatoes, mix with a little olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Brush a baking tray with oil, and using a large round cookie cutter, press the potato mixture into the ring to create rounds on the baking tray. Makes 6 portions.

8. Bake in the oven for about 40 mins until tender in the middle and golden on top.

9. To finish the lentil mixture, add the sundried tomatoes, fresh tomato and 3/4 of the chopped herbs. Then season well with salt and pepper. It only needs to warm at this stage to preserve the fresh flavour of the herbs and tomato.

10. To assemble the finished dish, place a couple of spoonsful of lentil mixture on the plate, and top with a potato galette. Then serve with the beetroot on the side. Scatter the remaining thyme over the beetroot, and the rest of the herbs over the pie. Almost forgot... enjoy!

You’ve devoured dinner, you’ve cleared away and are ready for a sit down with a cuppa and a good read. Let me tell you about some nice people I met at The Sweet Pea Cafe in West Kirby recently. I pop over there now and then for a coffee on their terrace area, soaking up the sunshine (weather permitting!) and breathing in the aroma of fresh herbs... divine. I know The Sweet Pea best for its delectable lunches and Mediterranean flavours. Most of all I go for the mouth-watering menu, packed with great dishes for everyone including vegetarians, vegans and customers with special dietary requests.

On this visit, I found myself having a chat with Tom (who does most of the cooking), about his style and inspirations. The ethos at The Sweet Pea is to cater for all tastes.

Tom explains: “We make most of our dishes vegetarian, and then add meat or fish after.

Sweet Pea Cafe

This way we can be certain there’s something for everyone.” They choose to grill rather than fry, and will soon have a fresh salad bar with new platters each week.

The ideas behind the Mediterranean style menu are inspired by Tom’s travels: destination Greece! “We love to use fresh herbs in cooking, I love the flavours and aromas. We now have our own herb and chilli planters on the terrace!” Tom’s favourite ingredients are herbs and chickpeas, he believes “chickpeas are a good all-rounder, perfect in soups and falafel too”. The signature dish and best seller is the Sweet Pea Beans. This recipe is made with butter beans and chickpeas with a homemade tomato sauce and flatbread. Apparently it is a Greek dish called Gigantes, and it is quite delicious I can assure you!

Sweet Pea serves breakfast daily til noon.

Eggs Benedict is a popular order, which they can make with mushrooms instead of ham, and are planning a Florentine version with spinach and Hollandaise. My personal favourite is the homemade hummus and salad platter. The hummus is creamy but not too much garlic, so flavours are punchy yet not overpowering.

In addition to the varied veggie options, The Sweet Pea Cafe creates goodies for those intolerant to gluten. They regularly have a Lemon Polenta Cake and Pinenut Almond Biscuits available, both gluten free.

The guys here are keen to please, and happy to meet the culinary requirements of their customers. Give them a shout, let them know you’re in town and see what they can rustle up for you!

Aly Challoner-Jones Absolute Cooking www.absolutecooking.co.uk

48 The Lake

The Sea of Monsters Wirral shore

By Gavin Chappell In the spring of 1636, Sir John Bridgeman, Chief Justice of Chester, was riding on his Lent Circuit when he found a strange creature stranded on the Wirral shore.

Fifteen yards high, 20 yards and a foot long, it had a lower jawbone that was five yards high and five long. Its cry could be heard six or seven miles away, and it was “so hideous that none dared come near it for some time”, before the locals killed it.

It is referred to as a Herring-Hog in the ballad that describes it, and this is a name given to the harbour porpoise (Phocaena phocaena), but its description does not correspond with that of any porpoise known to science.

In other centuries, two sea creatures have been reported numerous times. The first is commonly known as the Hoylake Monster.

Shortly after the Second World War it was seen by the crew of a fishing boat eight miles north west of Hilbre. The boat was stationary, and the skipper, Jones, was able to describe it in detail. It was oval

and about 4’6” by 5’6”, with a curved back of which about six inches were visible above the water. Its head was a roundish oval and a fin ran along its back while two more fins were visible on either side. It had a long slender neck rising from the water as much as two feet, while sometimes submerging.

Its skin was brownish-black but a pale whitish colour on the underside of its neck.

Its eyes and nostrils were like those of a horse and its skin was like an elephant’s.

The report of its sighting occasioned a “nine days’ wonder” in the vicinity.

The fishermen of Wales and Cornwall have said that a sea monster called Morgawr roams the Irish Sea, a creature with a long neck and a greyish green body. In the 1880s a similar sea monster was seen at Llandudno, while fishermen saw what they described as a creature like a snake with 11 humps swimming from the Dee towards Liverpool Bay. Another sea serpent, perhaps the same one, was seen chasing a baby whale off Hilbre in 1901.

In the early eighties two vessels sank in the Irish Sea, the trawler Celerity, which vanished completely, and the Sheralga, which was seen dragged by her nets for ten nautical miles before capsizing. The same day, the Crimson Dawn caught something the size of a whale which dragged it

through the sea until the net snapped and the thing escaped. Some months later, the Galvanor vanished in the same area, and a year later the Cite D’Aleth sank, followed by the Zanto and the Exuberant. Rumour says that the navy despatched three Polaris submarines to Liverpool Bay to search for a monster said to resemble Nessie.

A completely different creature has been seen on Hilbre itself.

In 1954, thirteen-year-old Susan Rogers was visiting the island with her older cousin Tina Jones. After an argument, Susan ran away. Tina went looking for, worried that the tide would come in they would be cut off from the mainland. Meanwhile, Susan had hidden in the Lady’s Cave. She was looking out to see if Tina was nearby when she heard a noise from behind her and something touched her ankle. Turning, she saw a huge crab, four feet high and six feet wide, which was staring at her with enormous red eyes.

Susan ran away and Tina found her scrambling across the beach, terrified.

This was not the only time the creature was seen at Hilbre, and it, or another of its unknown species, is said to have been washed up on Parkgate Promenade during a storm in the forties.

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

Could advertising in The Lake help your business?

We distribute 12,500 magazines to homes and businesses in the area.

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

The Lake 49 You may need to wait longer than the advised six weeks and one day, for example you may need to preserve pension rights until a Pension Sharing Order is made and comes into effect. We are here to advise you of the best plan of action.

Do I need a lawyer?

Tom Fisher, partner at Lees Solicitors in West Kirby, provides answers to questions he is asked regularly by clients on family matters.

How do I start a divorce?

You can start a divorce as long as you have been married for at least one year. A divorce petition is prepared, submitted to the court and then the other party receives an acknowledgement form. The next stage is Decree Nisi, which basically means a ‘certificate of nearly there’. This does not mean that the marriage is dissolved. You must wait six weeks and one day before applying for the Decree Absolute, the final certificate within divorce proceedings. Once this is granted by the court the marriage is officially dissolved.

Theoretically, no. But family proceedings can be difficult, stressful and emotional and it can be hard to represent yourself.

Lawyer’s fees are naturally a worry, talk to your solicitor about costs at the outset. You should make sure that your lawyer is a specialist in family cases and preferably a member of Resolution and/or Collaborative Law panels.

How long does a divorce take?

Usually an uncontested divorce takes about 4–6 months to complete. However, any issues you may have to do with children or finances could mean it will take longer, often 6–12 months.

Can I get help to pay the mortgage and the bills?

Paying your mortgage and bills can be an immediate concern.

Your focus should be to agree a level of interim maintenance to ensure that the mortgage and the bills are paid. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, then you have the right to apply to a court, through your divorce,

for interim maintenance and/or to apply to the Child Support Agency for child support maintenance.

My partner will not disclose their finances, what should I do?

You will need to know full details of your former partner’s income, assets and pension provision before you can work out your entitlement. Normally, a request is made for voluntary disclosure, with supporting documents, but if the other party refuses you can make an application for a court order. If you are not happy with the information provided, you can submit formal questions to get clarification.

Where will the children live?

The living arrangements for the children need to be carefully discussed and considered when parents separate. In a lot of cases the parents are able to reach an agreement about how much time the children will spend with each of them. This might not be easy but remember that although you have rights, more importantly the children have a right to see their parents and to spend time with each of you.

At Lees Solicitors, we provide you with expert, professional and sensitive legal advice to help you through what may be one of the most difficult times of your life.

Leave it to Lees to make things a

little easier for you and your family. Lees’ Family Law team offer a free initial half-hour consultation, out of hours appointments at their West Kirby office and their Heswall office is open on a Saturday – so why not get in touch?

If you wish to discuss any of the issues mentioned, please contact Tom Fisher on 0151 625 9364 or email tbf@lees.co.uk.

You can also email the team on family@lees.co.uk or visit their website www.lees.co.uk.

A flexible service Tom Fisher, Partner and a Collaborative Lawyer, based at Lees’ West Kirby office (52 Grange Road), offers daily and out of hours appointments from 5-7pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Jenniffer Skillen, Head of Family Law, Partner and trained Mediator is based at the Heswall office (90/92 Telegraph Road), which is open 6 days a week, whilst, Sarah Fox, Chartered Legal Executive, also provides Family services from the Birkenhead office (44/45 Hamilton Square).

Call Lees at an office convenient for you: West Kirby 0151 625 9364 Heswall 0151 342 6273 Birkenhead 0151 647 9381

50 The Lake

Your Correspondence Get in touch 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.

Following the article in issue 1 on RAF West Kirby, we have received the following correspondence.

Dorothy Lynch has sent us this photograph of ducks walking through West Kirby. Dorothy explains: “I hope these will be of interest, I snapped them with my camera phone. They were crossing the road by Morrisons and held up all the traffic, I hope they reached their destination safely!!”

Your Lake issue1 was sent to me by a friend.

I was a square basher, posted to West Kirby in late 1946 after I was called up and joined the RAF at Padgate near Manchester on the 16th November.

I recall that when I walked through the gate it was snowing heavily with large wet snowflakes. The winter of 46/7 was very severe and I was in one of the wooden huts at West Kirby. They had run out of coke for the iron stoves and we scoured the camp for anything that would burn, someone came in with some tarmac which caused an explosion and the round lid hit the roof with a loud bang. Eventually we were sent home for eight weeks.

Ken Roberts has sent us these photographs taken by his daughter of a rather big terrapin or turtle at the pond at the back of Gilroy Road. Have any other readers seen it?

I was in 23b flight and I cannot remember the name of our corporal drill instructor, but he was a nice guy and was a pro footballer I think for Bolton Wanderers. I saw him play at Grimsby Town about two years on.

George Denison Whilst holidaying in Rhodes I met a charming couple from the Wirral (Gary and Gwen Uren). Recognising his accent I mentioned I had done my square bashing at West Kirby.

To my amazement and delight he presented me with your interesting magazine which he had gone to some trouble to get saying: “Your photo might be in it”. I did think that would be impossible, so imagine to my delight to see our squadron pass out parade photo of 1947 dominating the page. Naturally it brought memories flooding back.

In 1947 England was gripped by one of the worst winters for decades.

The country was paralysed by snow and flooding so no fuel could reach the camp. As a last resort they broke up wooden tables so cooking meals could continue. Eventually we were sent home for three weeks until the weather improved. During this period all the other intake units had closed so when we returned we were forced to do extra square bashing until normality returned, eventually passing out in April 1947.

Most of our NCOs were from the RAF Regiment so discipline was much stricter and supervised by SWO Cranston (always carrying his pace stick). He had an aura that preceded him as you knew he was around before seeing him! We never had hot water to wash or shower in and I remember vividly running all the way back from doing PT on the beach at West Kirby. We were ordered into the showers, steam everywhere. At last hot water. Alas no. The water as ever was icy cold and the steam was from our bodies!

Whilst on a golfing trip to Hoylake in 1986 I took a trip to see if there were any signs of the camp. Absolutely nothing. So I note from your magazine that a memorial plaque has been erected. Thanks again to Gary and your magazine for giving me so much pleasure.

J,W.Mason or in 1947 A/C 2 Mason J.W. 2342515