L/Sgt Arthur Evans VC Memorial Stone Unveiled

A Memorial stone to Seaforth born Arthur Evans was unveiled earlier in a small ceremony in Bowersdale Park, Seaforth.

Arthur Walter Evans (1891-1936) was born on 8th April 1891 in Sefton, Liverpool. On leaving school, Evans went to work in an office. He left the office to join the Royal Navy as a stoker, but was discharged (as an invalid) due to an accident. He joined the Merchant Navy, shipped out to America, jumped ship, and supposedly was a supervisor of a crew working on the Panama Canal. He explored South America with a couple of friends, but caught malaria and then made his way to Cuba and the United States. Evans earned passage back to England on a four-mast sailing ship that took a year for the journey, going by way of Australia.

For some unknown reason, about this time he changed his name to Walter Simpson and using this name, in May 1914, he joined the 1st King’s Liverpool Regiment. His Medal Record card shows that Arthur Evans served overseas first as a Lance Corporal with the King’s Liverpool Regiment (L/Cpl 11930), then as a Sergeant with the Lincolnshire Regiment (Sjt 41788). Finally, he was a Sergeant with 243rd Training Reserve Battalion (20353). He first arrived in France on 12th August 1914.

Simpson (Evans) saw service in the Retreat from Mons and in the First Battle of Ypres, then either transferred to or possibly deserted from the 1st Kings right before they left for the Middle East, as his next unit was the 6th Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment.

On 2nd September 1918 south west of Etaing, France, a patrol reconnoitring on the west bank of a river sighted an enemy machine-gun on the east bank. The river being very deep at that point, Lance-Sergeant Evans volunteered to swim across and having done so crawled up behind the machine-gun post, where he shot the sentry and another man and made four more surrender. After a crossing had been found and one officer and one man joined him, machine-gun and rifle fire was opened on them. The officer was wounded and Sergeant Evans covered his withdrawal under very heavy fire.

Following his citation being published with the name Walter Simpson (later corrected), he was presented with his VC on December 3rd 1918 at Valenciennes, France by King George V. There are conflicting accounts of his life post-war, one version having him emigrating to Australia to escape the long arm of the law. He did enlist in the Australian Army and served with the Tank Corps for two and a half years, but was invalided out due to the after-effects of being gassed in WWI.

Arthur passed away in the Repatriation Hospital, Sydney on 1st November 1936 at the age of just 45, and he was cremated. In November 1936 the Australian Government, as a tribute of respect to Evans’ fighting record, arranged for his ashes to be borne back to his native land. They were placed in the personal charge of Corporal Arthur Sullivan VC because of his close friendship with the dead man. Sullivan’s duty was to hand the ashes to his friend’s relatives for burial in the grave of a soldier brother in England. On disembarkment at Tilbury, Corporal Sullivan went to St. Annes-on-Sea and placed the urn in the headquarters of the St. Annes-on-Sea branch of the British Legion, where it lay until handed over to Evans’ surviving brother. The ashes of Arthur Evans, carried by two members of the British Legion and followed by his four relatives, were interred at Lytham St. Annes Park Cemetery with the remains of his stepbrother. His sad duty fulfilled, Sullivan returned to London, whilst waiting for passage back to Australia, tragically; on 9th April 1937, Sullivan was involved in an accident in which he fell while walking to his quarters. He was taken to hospital but died soon after from head injuries sustained in the accident. Sullivan was accorded a full military funeral in London. His ashes were returned to Sydney.

For photo’s and video see my links below:-

Photo’s – https://www.flickr.com/photos/napoleon666uk/albums/72157695243950630

Video – https://youtu.be/K-PHdFdqZio

Merseyrail Unveils New Class 777 Fleet

Merseyrail has unveiled a replica of the new Class 777 fleet of train cars to be rolled out in 2020.  Complete replacement off the current fleet will be done in 2021.

Built by Swiss Company Stadler the 52 4 car units feature a wide range of customer focused requirements.

The trains will be the most accessible trains in the U.K.  A ramp will slide out when the doors open at the stations.  Work will soon commence on altering all the Merseyrail Network station to make them all compatible with the new trains.  Some platforms will need to be raised, some will be lowered.

The train saloon will be unrecognisable, in a good way! Light, bright, open
carriages, no dividing doors and wider aisles will enable passengers to see
along the whole length of the trains. There will be more information screens,
including live CCTV screens.

The new trains will be amongst the greenest in the UK. The combination of a
new lighter train, improvements to the electric drive system and ability to carry
more passengers, more quickly, means up to 20 per cent energy is saved
each journey.

The new trains will boost the local economy by £70m each year and will
create around 1,000 new jobs.

There will be more space for wheelchairs, bikes, prams, and luggage. There will be a mixture of airline-style seating and pod-style seating which means family and friends can continue to sit together as a group, this aspect came out strongly in passenger research.  There will also be wider seats, more legroom and a wider aisle. Intelligent air conditioning will make sure the trains are better heated and cooled.

Some of the figures given are that journey times will be approx 10% quicker, 20% greener.  On an 8 car carriage, 900 people can be accommodated instead of the current 606.

 

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 –

Commonwealth Day Celebrated in Liverpool

Liverpool officialy recognised Commonwealth today with a special ceremony in the Town Hall.  Headed by the Lord Mayor Cllr Roz Gladden.  Dignitaries from member countries of the Commonwealth, and the Liverpool Commonwealth Association attended the special service.

Commonwealth Day, held on the second Monday in March each year, is an opportunity for individuals, communities and organisations to promote the Commonwealth’s shared values of peace, democracy and equality, and to celebrate the association’s rich diversity.

After the Town Hall Service and flag raising, the Lord Mayor and Consort joined Colonel Alan O’Flanagan, Cadet Stephen Douglas RSM and other dignitaries again for a similar service in the Royal Liver Building to raise the Commonwealth Flag on their balcony overlooking the River Mersey.

Liverpool Commonwealth Association – formed in 2015 to encourage trade, educational and cultural links with the city.

The Commonwealth Flag was raised by The Lord Mayor, Chief Angus and Gary Miller, Chair of the LCA on the roof of the Town Hall.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Roz Gladden, said: “As the place which was once the second city of the British Empire, Liverpool has a proud history at the heart of the Commonwealth. It helped shape the place we are today – a City Region where 60 languages are spoken by residents whose ethnic heritage comes from 100 countries.

“It is important we must not forget the vital role our diverse communities play and have played in the city, not least the sacrifices made during two world wars and conflict since. Commonwealth Day gives us an opportunity to do that.”

Chair of the Liverpool Commonwealth Association and Assistant Mayor, Councillor Gary Millar said “On Monday March 13th we salute our Commonwealth friends and family and remind the world that Liverpool is back! It’s back as a global trading, cultural and academic partner.

“We are not just an association – we are a group of passionate individuals from the heritage of 52 nations, using our influence and our links to ensure this region is seen as the place to do business, to learn from, to visit and to play.

“Today’s ceremony is part of a global initiative to fly the flag to herald this amazing and influential family of nations.”

 “I would love this amazing family to host not just the Commonwealth Games but also hold the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in this region in 2018 – that would be two gold medals worth flying the flag for!”

The Commonwealth is made up of 52 countries with 2.2 billion people, 60 percent under the age of 30, and spans nations in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific.

For pics of the service and flag raising, please see link below:-

Stationenweg 2017. Reformation 500 Year Anniversary.

In Williamson Sq, Liverpool today a truck arrived which is journeying around Europe as part of the Reformation 500 year jubilee.  The Storymobile travelling exhibition was officially opened by the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead.

The Deutsche Kirche Liverpool and Gustaf Adolf Nordic Congregation helped out with this event which helps celebrate 500 years since Martin Luther made public 95 Theses on true repentance and against trading in indulgences on the 31st Oct 1517 in Wittenberg.

Representatives from the Nordic and German churches attended the event which seen members of the public invited onboard to share and listen to stories.  Interactive media was used aswell as leaflets and booklets available.  Guests were invited to listen to other Reformation stories and share their own.

The truck is travelling to 19 European countries with 67 destinations planned between Nov 2016 to May 2017.

For video of the opening and pictures see below:-

video:-

photo’s:-

Shun The S*n Protest Held In Liverpool

Protesters took to the steps of St Georges Hall in Liverpool today to campaign for the total ban of the Sun Newspaper in Liverpool.

Organised by a group called Shun The Sun, the group and members of the public gathered on the steps of St Georges Hall.  People brought placards, held posters and wore stickers.

The group which  on Facebook has more than 73,000 members.  The group has had success in the city and many retail outlets have stopped selling the paper.  The paper has seen a huge decline in sales since the Hillsborough disaster almost 28 years ago.

It is estimated the boycott has cost Britain’s best selling newspaper millions of pounds in revenue since 1989 and, following the landmark new inquest verdicts last April which found the 96 were unlawfully killed and that Liverpool fans were not to blame, two campaign groups – Total Eclipse of the S*n and Shun The S*n – have been encouraging shops, businesses and local councils not to stock it.

People turned up with their children, some in push chairs and the children got involved by holding up placards in the crowd.

Music came fromlocal man Carl Allen who sang a few numbers on the top of the steps.

For pics and a video of Carl Allen singing Shun The Sun at the protest please follow the links below:-

Redrow Granted Planning Permission to Build on Harthill Estate Despite Protests

Redrow has been granted planning permission to build more than 50 homes on the Harthill Road Estate site despite a big protest at the site and in Liverpool Town Hall afterwards at the Planning Committee meeting.

At the site of the proposed development earlier in the morning, about 300 protestors gathered to get their voices heard whilst members of the Planning Committee went on a site visit.

The protesters had their say to the Councillors as they went about a site visit, the atmosphere was feisty but peaceful. After the visit, the members boarded a mini bus to take them to the hearing in the Town Hall.  Police were called to help the mini bus move away safely from the site as a precautionary measure, with the road being narrow and the build up of people.

Calderstones school opposite the site voted against the plans, but Calder Kids a young person centre on the site wanted the redevelopment to go ahead.

As part of the plans, Calder Kids, Beechley Stables and the miniature railway will be relocated to make way for the development.

The 4 hour planning permission meeting heard the vision from Redrow and then about 20 protesters were given time on the podium to have their say.  At the end of the meeting the committee voted 5-1 in favor of granting permission to Redrow.

For a few pics of the protest please follow the link below:-

 

3000 Lights For Child Refugees Protest – Liverpool

A peaceful hour long gathering took place earlier to protest against the Governments refusal to accept child refugees into the U.K.  The protest was held on the iconic St Georges Hall steps in Liverpool.

It was announced today (8/2/17) that the UK will no longer welcome any more child refugees. This is unacceptable, while there is a ban on several countries from entering the USA and the global hostility towards people selling refugees from Syria and other countries is increasing we must continue to let our government know that refugees are welcome in the UK!

No child should be living in a war zone and we should be doing all we can to give them somewhere safe to live, learn and grow.

The government originally promised to provide refugee for 3000 child refugees, so we will hold 3000 lights into the night sky for them.

The crowd brought candles, torches and used their phones to light up the cold evening.

Only 350 unaccompanied child refugees will be allowed to settle in the UK, thousands short of numbers previously indicated.

The statement from Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill said local authorities indicated “have capacity for around 400 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children until the end of this financial year” and said the country should be “proud” of its contribution to finding homes for refugees.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron called the decision “a betrayal of British values”.

“Last May, MPs from all parties condemned the Government’s inaction on child refugees in Europe, and voted overwhelmingly to offer help to the thousands of unaccompanied kids who were stranded without their families backed by huge public support,” Mr Farron said.

“Instead, the Government has done the bare minimum, helping only a tiny number of youngsters and appearing to end the programme while thousands still suffer. At the end of December last year the Government had failed to bring a single child refugee to the UK under the Dubs scheme from Greece or Italy where many of these children are trapped.”

For pics of the night see the link below:-

Visit My Mosque Open Day – Brougham Terrace, Liverpool

Visit My Mosque Day is a national initiative where over 150 mosques across the UK are organising an open day, the 5th of Feb is that day. Visit My Mosque Day is facilitated by The Muslim Council of Britain.

Mosques across the UK will be sharing tea and biscuits, alongside an insight into the day-to-day goings on of a busy Muslim centre of worship. More mosques will be participating this year from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain said, “Visit My Mosque Day is our chance to welcome fellow Britons to our diverse community. In previous years we were moved by how the great British public has taken part in the day, some travelling dozens of miles to find their local mosques, and the level of enthusiasm in the number of mosques who have invited their neighbours to share in the experience has increased each year. Now its third year, we hope that Visit My Mosque Day becomes a great British institution for years to come.”

I went to the oldest Mosque in Britain earlier and met the Bishop of Liverpool Paul Bayes there and the Rev Dr Crispin Pailing, Parish Priest of St Nicks church in Liverpool.  Upon arriving we were greeted warmly.  Our hosts provided, tea, coffee and snacks for us before having short talks by some of the Trustee’s.  This was followed by a tour of the building and were told about the plans for the future for the place.

For pics see link below:-

 

Trump Protest in Liverpool

A second protest / rally has taken place in Liverpool on the steps of St Georges Hall against the U.S President’s new foreign travel ban, dubbed the “Muslim Ban” by some people.

Hundreds of people gathered and brought placards with them to protest against this new bill, which bans people from several Muslim countries entering the USA.  Some of the countries with the restriction are Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

The ban has caused chaos in several US airports as people who were returning the above mentioned countries were detained by Federal officials even though some had green cards and some were US residents.

The protest set up by Liverpool Momentum was arranged only a day before and asked people to gather and protest against this ban and Prime Minister May’s refusal to condemn his actions.

It goes on to say.

“Donald Trump has imposed a ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US and while Jeremy Corbyn was quick to call for the cancellation of Trump’s UK State visit, our Prime Minister, Theresa May, has failed to speak out to defend our values of humanity and compassion. It is a matter of national shame.”

So far 18,000 people from across Merseyside, and nationally it’s over a million have signed a petition for Donald Trumps State Visit to be cancelled.

For pics of the event, see below:-