EFC v LFC Mini Derby Boccia Match

It was a clash of the titans when the blues took on the reds for the first time this season.

But this Merseyside derby was at neither Goodison Park, nor Anfield.

In fact, it was a whole different ball game!

Everton’s Chief Executive Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale went head to head with Liverpool FC’s Chief Executive Peter Moore for a very special guest match to launch the first finals day at the BISFed 2018 Word Boccia Championships.

Arriving to the walk on music Z-Cars and You’ll Never Walk Alone, Denise and Peter competed in the very first “boccia derby” to help raise awareness of the disability sport and its competitiveness.

In front of a passionate crowd on the show court at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool, the friendly rivals contested a tightly fought match consisting of four ends, with Peter eventually running out a 3-1 winner.

The BISFed 2018 World Boccia Championships, featuring 190 athletes from 33 nations, runs from 12-18 August in Liverpool and will see Britain’s super-human, Paralympic athletes take on the world’s best at this thrilling game.

Battling it out for seven world titles, as well as crucially important ranking points ahead of the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2020, boccia demands muscle control and precision and requires the ultimate concentration and skill.

Hopes are riding high for the British team with gold medal games in the four individual sections to be decided today before the paired matches begin tomorrow.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, whose office invited the Mersey rivals to the tournament, said: “I’m delighted Everton and Liverpool accepted our invitation to compete at the BISFed 2018 Word Boccia Championships as it demonstrates the city’s passion for sport in all its forms.

“I can only applaud the attitude of both clubs in their commitment to the city’s wider sporting community and Denise and Peter in particular were such good sports to support such a prestigious tournament in this way.

“As an Evertonian, I’m obviously disappointed Denise lost but in my eyes everyone won today – not least all those competing who got a real flavour of the sporting pride and passion this city is world famous for.”

Liverpool FC CEO, Peter Moore, said: “Boccia is a great sport, used frequently during the LFC Foundation’s ‘Respect for All’ accessible sport sessions, so I’ve had the opportunity to experience the game a couple of times, but playing today against our friends from across Stanley Park to celebrate the World Boccia Championships was a lot of fun.

“I’m delighted to see major events like this continue to be hosted here and receive a very warm welcome from our city.”

Everton CEO, Prof. Denise Barrett-Baxendale said: “Playing boccia this morning was really enjoyable and it was an honour to try my hand at the game alongside Peter. It is a game of skill, patience and tactics but what stood out for me is that it truly is an inclusive sport.   

“Boccia is enjoyed by Everton in the Community participants and forms a part of the disability awareness sessions we host in schools across Merseyside and was also included in the Everton in the Community Special Olympics which brought SEN schools from across the city together to celebrate inclusive sport. The competitors at these World Championships are role models and show what can be achieved with hard work, practice and dedication.  

“Liverpool is a great host city for the World Boccia Championships. Liverpool City Council have been working hard to make the city as accessible as possible and was recently voted one of the UK’s most accessible cities in the Euan’s Guide. The 190 athletes from 33 countries will certainly enjoy a warm scouse welcome during the championships.”

For a video of the event click on my video link below:-

The Lost Castles of Merseyside Recreated

The 6 districts of the Liverpool City Region took part in an ambitious project called “The Lost Castles”  The project seen each district partially recreate a famous long gone land mark, entirely out of cardboard, sticky tape and a lot of community spirit.

This is the first time all 6 districts have come together on one project.

The man behind the idea and who helped organise the event is renowned French artist Olivier Grossetȇte.

The six districts involved are Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, Halton and Knowsley.

In Liverpool, Liverpool Castle was partially created in Williamson square.  Liverpool Castle once stood nearby on the site of the current Queen Victoria Monument in Derby Sq.  The castle was said to built in the early 13th century.

In Ashton Park, West Kirby, on The Wirral a Viking stave church was built to celebrate Wirral’s unique Viking history and Norse connections. The area is thought to have been almost a Viking state in its own right with its own borders, customs, trading point and language.

Celebrating the Elizabethan and Jacobean heritage of Knowsley, this structure will take inspiration from Elsinore Castle which features in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.  It will be constructed at the entrance of Knowsley Safari.

In Halton at Norton Priory a construction inspired by Halton Castle, was made,  a medieval ruin a mile and a half away in Halton village. The castle is believed to have originated as a motte and bailey during the early Norman campaigns in the north of England but this re-imagining of the castle will reflect the imposing 15th century gatehouse when the fortress was at its zenith. The artwork will feature near to Norton Priory’s own medieval ruins, a fitting parallel as the histories of the two complexes were intertwined throughout the Middle Ages.

In Victoria Square (near the Town Hall), St Helens Council and local arts organisation the Heart of Glass will see Stuttgart Old Castle partially recreated and built to commemorate the 70^th twinning anniversary between St Helens and the German city of Stuttgart – which was the first post-war twinning to take place between a British and German town.

In Sefton, Bootle Castle, also known as Miller’s Castle, was recreated in North Park, along with two nearby Bootle landmarks – the obelisks which in the 1800s acted as a navigation point for ships entering the Mersey.

All 6 “castles” were demolished by members of the public at different times throughout the day, and then the cardboard from each site was quickly recycled with the help of each area’s council.

Feature image at the top is the finished Liverpool Castle.

For videos of each castle see the links below.

I visited each during construction and when fully built.  I only managed to catch two of the castles being demolished.

Liverpool Castle:-

Sefton’s Castle:-

Halton’s Castle:-

Wirral’s Castle:-

St Helens Castle:-

Knowsley’s Castle:-

STEAM TUG KERNE PRESERVATION SOCIETY AWARDED QUEEN’S AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

The Society based in Merseyside has received the highest award to a voluntary service, the equivalent to an M.B.E.

They were awarded the honour in the annual Queen’s Birthday Honours List published on 2nd June 2018.

It is the first time a historic vessel preservation trust has been honoured in this way.

The award was created in 2002 by Her Majesty the Queen to celebrate the anniversary of her Coronation and recognises excellence in voluntary service and activity carried out by groups in the community. The assessment process for the award was conducted on behalf of Her Majesty by Captain Hugh Daglish LVO JP DL Royal Navy ex Commander of HMY Britannia and His Honour Judge John Roberts DL.

In 1971 Kerne was the last coal fired steamship to work commercially on the Mersey when the preservation group stepped in and saved her from the scrapyard. Since then, the steam tug has relied on the voluntary effort of its members, public donations and awards granted from The Transport Trust, National Historic Ships UK, The Pilgrim Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund plus the support of many local businesses such as Cammell Laird, United Utilities and Peel Ports.

The society is dedicated to keeping Kerne in steam and operational as a living reminder to the people of Merseyside and North West Britain of the days of steam at sea.

Paul Kirkbride, a Director of The Steam Tug Kerne Preservation Society said, “We are delighted to receive the Queen’s Award and recognition of the work of our group over the last 47 years.  Our member’s dedication has been an example of what can be achieved for the benefit of the nation’s maritime heritage and is enjoyed by many thousands of people who have seen Kernesteaming to events and come aboard to learn about a living steamship of the Titanic era”.

Built by Montrose Shipbuilding Co. Ltd and competed in 1913, to fulfil an order placed by the Gerdes Hansen and Co, she was originally named Viking. Upon completion in March 1913, she sailed under her own power to London but in April 1913, she was acquired by the Admiralty and re-named Terrier. Based in Chatham she worked in and around the Medway as a harbour/basin tug for 35 years, which included the two World Wars.

She was sold out of naval service in March 1948 to J.P.Knight and re-named Kerne, which is Gaelic for “Vagabond Foot Soldier.” In September 1949 after 18 months service with Knights she was sold on to the Straits Steamship Co. of Liverpool, a subsidiary of Liverpool Lighterage Co. sailing North to work on the Mersey, Manchester Ship Canal and Weaver Navigation as a lighterage tug until her retirement in March 1971.

During 1970 and 1971 several likeminded steam enthusiasts in the Liverpool and Wirral area were becoming increasingly frustrated at the disappearance of suitable outlets for their hobbies. Steam on the railways had recently finished and the few embryonic organisations involved with steam did not fit the bill for a variety of reasons.

Laid up in Wellington Dock in Liverpool until October 1971, the Kerne was about to go for scrap when the fledgling group of enthusiasts outbid the scrapman and rescued her from the cutter’s torch. Six years later the North Western Steamship Company Co Ltd was formed as a non-profit making organisation to operate the Kerne and facilitate her conservation. She is now an extremely rare example of the once common steam estuary/dock tug and a living reminder of early 20th century naval architecture.

As the Kerne has continued in preservation she has performed roles that bring her greater distinction. She has been the guest of honour at several maritime festivals, on the Mersey, at Preston Docks and in North Wales and has also appeared at steam festivals on the Isle of Man. But perhaps her greatest honour was to represent her type in the Royal Review of Ships in the Mersey during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. As this event has receded into the past, the majority of vessels that took part have succumbed to the scrap man. It is realistic to assume that the Kerne may be the sole operating survivor of this prestigious occasion.

Her veteran appeal has made her sought after by film and TV production companies and she has appeared in some period productions.

The structure of Kerne’s owners, the North Western Steamship Co. ensured positive outlooks prevailed, coupled with a determination to ensure that the vessel continued to be maintained in good operating condition for years to come. An essential aspect of this is the tenacity with which the demands of Kerne’s survival are met. This dedication was recognised in 1990 when the North Western Steamship Co. won first prize in the marine category of the Steam Heritage Awards.

She is now the last remaining operational Naval coal-fired steamship to have seen service in two World Wars.

For a video and pictures of the event see links below:-

Photo’s –

Video –

Minton Tiles Revealed In St Georges Hall Liverpool

Liverpool is full of stunning architecture and breathtaking artwork.

But did you know that there is £250,000 worth of stunning artwork that remains covered up for most of the time?

The Minton tiles in St George’s Hall are only unveiled every so often and when they are the public are allowed to take a look at all the beauty for themselves.

There are around 30,000 individual tiles in the stunning mosaic making it the largest of its kind in the world.

They have been preserved in the Grade I listed building since the 1860s, when they were covered with a hard-wearing surface.

The tiles aren’t the only spectacular thing about the great hall either. Alan Smith, St George’s Hall manager, said: “The Hall is the world’s first air conditioned building. It’s absolutely unique, so when people talk about greatness and foresight it really did happen here.”

He added: “Liverpool in 1838 was growing rapidly as a city, so they needed a venue for a triennial music festival but also for crown courts and civil courts, so the concept of a big large venue was conceived.

“So a young architect called Harvey Lonsdale Elmes commissioned to create a building.

“He was only 26 at the time when he came up with St George’s Hall, a unique venue.

“The Liverpool Victorians and the Victorians thought their empire was the best it’s ever been, better than the Roman, better than the Greek but they always references the Roman and the Greek empire – so the building is a Greek/Roman building.

“The tiles show the iconography of the city’s maritime history…”

The original cost of £3,000 (the equivalent of around £250,000 today), although the true cost of recreating it today would be in its millions.

The sunken floors design is inspired by the ancient Roman baths of Caracalla and maritime images of Neptune, dolphins, tritons, Nereids, triton centaurs and tridents, reflecting the importance of the sea to Liverpool’s 19th century prosperity.

The theme of the design of the floor is the unity of the three kingdoms of the UK, with England represented by roses, Scotland by thistles and Ireland by shamrocks. These are linked up by a chain design stressing unity.

At the centre is the city seal: the Liver Bird confirming Liverpool’s centrality to the British Empire.

For photo’s see link below:-

For a video of the tiled floor see link below:-

Floating Football Pitch Launched At The Royal Albert Dock

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool’s action-packed summer continues with the return of free football coaching sessions, led by Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation. This year, Summer Football on the Dock has an exciting new element as the pop-up football pitch is on a floating pontoon on the water at the heart of the iconic Dock.

Fresh off the back of the World Cup and The Art of Football: Common Ground exhibition on The Colonnades, the fun and free Summer Football on the Dock programme runs daily from August 2 to 10, 11am-3pm, and from August 11-22, 11am-4pm. With the pitch’s incredible new setting this year, surrounded by the Dock’s Grade I listed pavilions on the water, this is the beautiful game as you’ve never experienced it before!

The programme was launched today with a mini Merseyside derby where young players from Everton in the Community’s James Greenop Foundation Kicks programme took on their counterparts from LFC Foundation’s Kicks programme under the watchful eye of Everton Ambassador Graeme Sharp. People of all ages and all abilities are invited to drop by and join in the action-packed, inclusive programme – with no pre-booking required.

Clare Rawlinson, marketing manager, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, said:

“Summer is in full swing so bring the whole family along to Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and take part in some great outdoor pursuits on Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront.

“The floating football pitch is certainly a first in the Dock’s 172-year history – who wouldn’t want to play some football in such a unique and stunning location? We know visitors of all ages and ability are going to have a blast and it doesn’t matter if they are a boy or a girl, football fan or not, experienced or a novice, a red or a blue! Summer Football on the Dock is for everyone to take part in. And what’s more – the skills and drills are completely free!

“Participants are also in very good hands with the brilliant coaches from Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation bringing their inspiring work in the community to the centre of the Dock – encouraging health, well-being and sport development!

“Last year’s activity really connected with our local audience and we want to build on this by providing even more inclusive activities to promote health and well-being.”

Coaches from Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation will be sharing their vast knowledge with the young footballers to develop their skills, ball control and teamwork. Budding Mo Salahs, Jordan Pickfords and Jodie Taylors will be able to take part in open sessions and mini tournaments. Alongside this are courses that aim to inspire the next generation of female footballers as well as sessions for all abilities, making the game accessible for all.

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, the North West’s most visited free visitor attraction, is offering an adrenalin-fuelled summer in 2018 as the floating football pitch joins the exhilarating new experience, Adventure Dock, which has been drawing huge crowds since its opening back in May.

Phil Duffy, executive director for Everton in the Community, said:

“We are thrilled to be bringing Everton in the Community down to Royal Albert Dock Liverpool for the second consecutive summer. Our trained coaches will be delivering football sessions throughout August for boys and girls of all abilities and I would encourage as many people as possible to bring their child down to the Dock for a free football taster session with EitC and the chance to hear more about the life-changing work of the charity as we celebrate our 30th year. I’m sure it will be a great day out for all the family!”

Katie Ellis, LFC Foundation project lead, said:

“The LFC Foundation is excited to be providing free sports and activity sessions on this unique floating pitch, at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool. Our activities are open and inclusive to all abilities and skill levels, so we expect to see plenty of people getting involved.

“These fun activities are the perfect opportunity for families, children and young people to keep active during the summer. It’s going to be a brilliant summer at the Dock!”

For some photos see the link below:-

For some footage of the launch see link below:-