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Fifteen strollers took the train to Moorfields and walked down to the Pier Head for the ferry to Seacombe. The Mersey was very calm and we had some traffic to watch. Across the river, the “Stena Edda” left the 12 Quays terminal for Belfast, with Stena’s latest aquisition – “Bore Song” loading for the trip to Dublin. As our ferry set off, the Isle Of Man catamaran ferry, “Manannan”, left its berth ahead of us and turned to head out to sea. For a moment I thought we might have a race on our hands but “Manannan” soon left us in its wake. We soon passed the new IOM Ferry Terminal which is due to open soon. “Manannan” had berthed there a month ago as part of a trial of the facility. Further trials will take place later this year. Still sailing north, we passed the “Dockers’ Clock” and Everton’s new Stadium at Bramley Moore. With the Seaforth cranes and Perch Rock lighthouse in view, we turned to head towards the Seacombe terminal passing Wallasey Town Hall. An oil tanker “CEG Universe” passed on its way to the Ship Canal and we could see the steep cobbled streets on the shore and the Egremont Ferry pub. As we approached the terminal, the ferry’s commentary told us to look out for the historic fog bell. The bell once used to help guide boats to shore in bad weather, and has been given a new lease of life thanks to the dedication of two apprentices who were looking for a real-life case study to complete their apprenticeship with the Combined Authority. We disembarked from the ferry and began a walk along the Seacombe Promenade. The calm Mersey had been the result of a lack of wind and we now had sunshine to bask in too. We passed Guinea Gap and we’d heard about its history, folklore and swimming records from the ferry commentary. Wallasey Town Hall has a Hillsborough Memorial and a plaque also tells how it was used as a War Hospital from 1916 to 1919. Anglers were making the most of the high tide and a Pilot Boat and some jet skiers sped towards the Pier Head. We turned into Vale Park next to the Magazine site and passed the driftwood sculptures before stopping for a refreshment break. Returning to the prom, we carried on towards New Brighton and turned up Egerton Street and Brian showed us the site of the old Tower. The first mural displayed the names of many of the acts that had graced the Tower Ballroom. Brian then led us on a tour of the murals – I counted 27. We also saw a postbox knitted topper of an RNLI lifeboatman. The Lifeboatman, Mike Jones mural is still my favourite. During the walk, Brian had given us some interesting facts and history of Wallasey and New Brighton at various points. The ferry ride, the walk, history and murals made for a really enjoyable day. We then split with some going for lunch, some for ice cream and some heading for home.
Thanks to Brian and Brenda for organising and leading us. See you all next time.