Strange Tales

from South Liverpool LINK - Aug/Sep 2022

Pap Your Pets

Strange Tales by Anton Valdemart

Grandma and Grandpa were devoted to their only grandchild Phil, an orphan since his parents died in a shipwreck when he was just five years old. They all lived in a pretty cottage overlooking the Mersey estuary, the views out to sea giving a sense of comfort for their loss. Phil loved to wander along the beach looking at the ships. “I want to go to sea,” he would tell his loving grandparents on many occasions as he grew up. “I want to see strange lands and unusual places.” “We hope you do,” said Grandma, “but that you will always come back here. We love you very much and would hate to lose you.” “There is nowhere more strange and unusual than Liverpool,” joked Grandpa. In time Phil trained in the merchant navy and set off on his travels. He joined a wellknown shipping line, first on sailing ships then moving on to steamers. Grandma and Grandpa were delighted and comforted by his letters home, envelopes bearing unusual stamps and postmarks from far-off lands. Phil’s visits home were few and far between - he was sometimes away for up to two years. His photograph was taken at a studio in Bold Street, then framed. The old couple hung it proudly on the wall of their snug parlour. Suddenly the letters stopped. “We’re worried,” Grandma told Mrs Jeffries over the garden wall. “It’s been nearly a year now since we heard anything.” The shipowners confirmed that Phil had signed off from his last berth on the Southern Star after reaching Fiji. A shipmate told them that Phil had decided to go exploring the islands. Three more months went by. Grandma and Grandpa stared at Phil’s photo on the wall, willing and wishing he would return. Then the letter arrived. Grandpa handed the smudged and creased envelope to Grandma, who put down her knitting and carefully opened its contents. She scanned the neat handwriting then broke into a broad smile: “He’s coming home at last!” They went to meet him off the ship. “You look so well,” said Grandma. “And prosperous,” said Grandpa. Phil’s eyes danced with joy as he described his travels. The couple were transported to the tropical delights of Fiji with its sun-kissed shores and beautiful vistas. “I’ve found the perfect place - sunshine all the year, wonderful food and happy neighbours.” Phil described the thatched house he had built and his role in the growing tourist industry. His grandparents nodded in agreement then Grandma asked nervously: “Are you going to settle there?” “Yes,” enthused Phil then paused for effect before adding: “I want you to leave this place and move out there with me - you’ll be so happy. It’s a totally different world.” His grandparents’ faces dropped, thinking about the miles of ocean, the isolation and the strange food. Phil frowned then broke into his familiar smile: “Only joking!” He added softly: “Home is best.”

read my next Strange Tale in the Link: restoration comedy.

Photo of the Month

This month’s stunning image is “Maximum Effort” by Maldwyn Jones of the South Liverpool Photographic Society. Come see this and over 100 more fabulous images at the SLPS Annual Exhibition, running from Thursday 4th August to Tuesday 16th August upstairs at Wilkinson Cameras, 4 Bold Street L1 4DS. If you have got a camera, why not join the club? Members are currently enjoying weekly meetings either online via ZOOM or at CADWA, L16. See our What’s On section for more details. Complete beginners and the more experienced are all welcome. Check out the syllabus on their website, www.slps.co.uk, and get in touch! Call/text 07783 335 353 or email Tim, membership@slps.co.uk 10

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