September/October 2013

Issue 4 • September/October 2013

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

Hilbre Island • Meols Meadow • West Kirby Shops • Wrecking on the Wirral Coast • Plus much more

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

Welcome to the fourth issue of The Lake.

@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: Hilbre Island

By Alfie Milne

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.

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

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 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.

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

Pages 26-29

CONTENTS 04 Hilbre Island

23 Photography by Andrew Crothall

08 Lucas/Askew Memorial Trophy

24 Wirral in Old Photographs

10 UK North Blind Sailing Association

30 On Wind and Tattered Wing

12 Incredible-Edible-Hoylake

32 Hoylake and Meols in Bloom

14 Meols Meadow

34 Wrecking on the Wirral Coast

16 Lost Solutions

38 Wirral Ranger Service Events

18 West Kirby Sailing Club

40 Street Life!

21 History of West Kirby Shops

42 Junior Tennis Tournament

Take a look at our new website

www.lakemagazine.co.uk

04 The Lake

Hilbre Island www.hilbreisland.org.uk

By Allen Burton Hilbre, sometimes referred to as ‘The Cheshire Island’ is one of three islands just under two miles off the Wirral coast, in the Dee Estuary. They are ‘tidal islands’, that is to say that they are surrounded by the sea at high tide. At low tide they are accessible on foot. For most people, that is literally true: only very few people are permitted to drive out to them. Even bicycles are not allowed on the sands.

To visit them safely, you must find out the tide times and safe crossing times before setting out. For reasons of safety, groups are advised to inform Wirral Country Park in advance of their visit. All safety advice, including the safest route, should be followed. Information is also displayed on a noticeboard by the car park at the North end of the Marine Lake, West Kirby.

If you intend to stay on the island over high tide you will be surrounded by water for about six hours. There is precious little shelter from the weather and no café, nor even any drinking water. It is probably because of this that most people prefer to visit at low tide, when you can walk out, spend a little time and get back to West Kirby safely between tides. There are toilets but not as we know them. They are of the non-flushing, composting variety.

Nor are there any litter bins. Visitors are expected to take home the empty containers which were full on the way over. Another thing which surprises some visitors is that dogs have to be kept on a lead – it is after all a Nature Reserve. This may all be well known to many readers but it is surprising the number of people I have met who have never visited Hilbre. Even some who have lived all their lives in Wirral.

The headquarters of Hilbre Island Bird Observatory (HiBO)

The islands are currently owned by Wirral Council, who manage them through a team of Coastal Rangers based nearby at Wirral Country Park.

The Dee Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI or Triple SI) which is a national classification conferring a degree of protection on the area. The area is also has the accolade of ‘Ramsar Site’. This is a worldwide recognition of the importance of the area for wildlife, in particular, birds.

Hilbre is also recognised as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Site (RIGS).

The rocks of which the islands, and indeed much of Wirral, consist, were laid down as a sandy desert around 220–240 million years ago. At one time they would have been part of the mainland. However, the rock is relatively soft, so the ravages of sea, rain, wind and temperature variations have constantly worn away the area and this process continues today. Barely a winter passes without some damage to the fabric of the islands or to the buildings.

times. The stone buildings all date from the later part of the 19th century and were built by the Liverpool Dock Trustees, which later became known as the Mersey Dock and Harbour Board. To protect the crumbling cliffs, there are also some Victorian sandstone reinforcements.

At the northern tip, the remains of the last Lifeboat Station on the island have been rescued from complete ruin and are now used by Hilbre Bird Observatory (HiBO) as a bird hide.

Over five decades the enthusiastic ornithologists of HiBO have observed and recorded sightings of birds from around the globe. A world map in their observatory graphically underlines the estuary’s value to birdlife. There is always plenty to see for the bird enthusiast.

On Hilbre there are four buildings, constructed mainly of wood, and each has a story to tell. All were occupied at certain

Rock Sea Lavender

FoH volunteers at the end of a day’s work

Some of the flora and fauna are specially adapted to a maritime environment. The prime example is the Rock Sea Lavender (Limonium britannicum ssp. celticum) a rather rare species only found at certain points on the west coast from North Wales to Cumbria. Another is the Sea Campion (Silene maritima). The pink Thrift and yellow Birdsfoot Trefoil are eye-catching.

Of course, there are many more species of wild flowers. Along the margins of Hilbre there are seaweeds and amphibious plants.

The Lake 05 Little beasties too, abound in the rock pools and crannies of the cliffs. Sea snails, star fish, sea urchins can all be seen when the time is right. Perhaps the most insignificant creature is, in a way the most important because of its rarity. The Sabellaria (reef worm) is a tiny worm. It lives in colonies in which each individual builds a little house for itself. Gradually as the colony grows, these individual cells amount to a huge apartment block. This is similar to the way coral grows. Unlike coral, however, the Sabellaria structure lacks the brilliant colouring of the coral reef. It is dull brown.

It would be impossible to visit Hilbre and not see a variety of birds, often in great numbers. If you are very lucky you might get to see a rarity.

If you visit at low tide you will be able to see the colony of grey seals which are in permanent residence in the Dee Estuary.

The numbers vary greatly, from 30–40 to a record of 800 or more in the summer of 2012. They lie, or ‘haul out’, on Hoyle Bank between Hilbre and the Welsh coast.

You may even hear them singing but identifying the tune may prove difficult.

The seals can be spotted even at high tide but you have to be more watchful.

They spend most of their time under water catching food and only pop up every so often for air. By the time you’ve told your friend ‘There’s one!’, it has disappeared from view. Occasionally another variety of seal, a common seal, will appear on the Island. Here on Britain’s west coast this species is less common than in other parts of the country. In the Dee they are not common at all.

Needless to say, the Islands are steeped in history, even pre-history. Fossilised footprints have been found which were made about 230 million years ago by a dinosaur – a Chirotherium. These were

Lion Rock

passed on to the Liverpool World Museum.

Rubbish and ashes from cooking fires dating back ten thousand years, have come to light. Stone tools have been discovered, for example an axe head from five thousand years ago. Iron Age, Roman Era, 10th and 11th century finds lead right up to more modern maritime and military activities on and around Hilbre. The links with the Lifeboats, the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, the Telegraph Station and World War II are all well documented and offer a detailed glimpse into our history.

The ecologist, the ornithologist, the geologist, the paleontologist, the archaeologist, the botanist, the marine biologist and the historian will all find something on Hilbre which will satisfy their special interests.

However, what’s in it for you and me?

Most people enjoy a visit to Hilbre. Many speak about the beauty of the estuary or the islands. The seals provide interest and surprises for many. The buildings are a constant source of curiosity. The birds, the

The old lifeboat slipway at the north end

flowers, even the rocks fascinate. For many the greatest attraction is this: when you are on a rock of 4.7 hectares (11.5 acres) and there is a mile of deep blue water between you and the mainland, between you and all the daily chores which await and nothing particular to distract you for six whole hours, a feeling of relaxation invades you. Nothing to do but enjoy your surroundings. So simple.

Like many other sites in Wirral, Hilbre has its own ‘Friends of’ group. It was formed in May 2001. The aims of the group are to preserve all aspects of the Hilbre Islands, both the natural and the built environments.

Under the direction of the Wirral Coastal Rangers they carry out repairs to walls and fences, they paint outside walls and buildings, control invasive species of plants, pick up litter and build low retaining walls to protect the thin layer of top soil which supports all of Hilbre’s plants. They run a mid-week task every month and eight monthly weekend tasks. They also offer the chance to the public to visit the old Telegraph Station and at the same time, the use of a telescope for seal watching.

The Telegraph Station is now used as an Interpretative Centre with information about the history and natural history of the Island. The Mobile Information Unit staffed

by FoH volunteers, can be seen throughout the summer months on certain weekends in West Kirby. Part of their time and effort has to go into fundraising, not an easy task in these difficult times. Funds are raised from membership fees, donations, sales, legacies and sometimes successful grant applications. Membership currently stands at around 150 and there is a committee of 11. The organisation is a registered charity, hence the committee members are classed as trustees.

Contact details: Wirral Country Park: 0151 648 4371 Website: www.hilbreisland.org.uk Email: thefriendssofhilbre@hotmail.com

06 The Lake

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The Lake 07

Port Sunlight Festival 21st & 22nd September 2013 Port Sunlight Village Trust welcomes you to their FREE entry event!

This year, Port Sunlight Village Trust have combined three celebrations into a two-day event: the best parts of the Summer Festival, Founders Day and the Winter Food Fayre, which has hitherto been in early December, and are wrapping it up into one free entry festival. Port Sunlight is also celebrating the 125th anniversary of the village and factory and Unilever are taking a full and active part in the Festival celebrations too.

Unilever’s PG Tips are headline sponsor for both the Festival and Port Sunlight Museum’s Tea Room, so visitors will be able to enjoy a cup of PG Tips in the Catch up Cuppa tent and Unilever’s Knorr Chefs will showcase their range of products in the Knorr Kitchen in the Unilever marquee.

There will also be the intoxicating mix of attractions that we have traditionally laid on: Over 100 exhibitor stalls selling locally produced food, crafts and promoting various charities. Vintage entertainment: Dr Diablo, Punch & Judy, Sword Swallowers, Girl in a Bottle plus traditional fairground rides such as gallopers, swing boats, helter skelter and coconut shy.

Port Sunlight welcomes the American Auto Club NW on 21st September and Thame Valley Classic Cars on 22nd September. Two fantastic static displays will be present for the duration of each day located on Osborne Court Green. Pillbox Vintage Fairs is a regular exhibitor at all Port Sunlight events. With its eclectic collection of Vintage and Retro chic, from platforms to hipsters, if you like quirky and unusual, you will enjoy browsing the racks of clothing from the past in the Lyceum on Bridge Street!

The Festival offers a farm area with cute and cuddly animals, plus new for 2013, a dog agility course will take place over both days giving dog owners the chance to show their skills with their pet, running through hoops and winding through poles! Then watch K9Brats the professionals show how it should be done! The popular free fun dog show takes place on Sunday 22nd with competitions such as ‘Best 6 Legs’, ‘Cutest Puppy’, ‘Dog Judges would like to take home’ and many more. It is free to enter with registration on the day at 11am in the dog arena.

The main music stage will host a wealth of local talent over both days with a varied programme of performers such as: Port Sunlight Brass Quintet, Shanty Folk Group, Adagio Theatre School, Church Drive School Choir, The Lyceum Brass Band, and Complete Works Dance School to name but a few.

See www.portsunlightvillage.com for complete line up.

With a wide range of high quality hot food to go providers such as, Little Furnace Wood Fire Pizzas, American Street Food Ltd and The Curry Stall plus many more, there will be something to suit everybody’s taste buds.

Associate sponsors include, Port Sunlight Garden Centre, Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, heading the Love Food Hate Waste Campaign and Unilever Knorr. Port Sunlight Garden Centre will have a festival marquee on the museum green with plenty more to see in the well-stocked garden centre on The Causeway which is open all over the weekend.

There really is a fantastic line-up for everyone. Port Sunlight Village Trust hopes to see you there!

08 The Lake

The Lucas/Askew Memorial Golf Trophy The annual golf match was played at McDonald Portal Championship Course at Tarporley, Cheshire on 17th August 2013.

The event began in 1999 when 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’.

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 19th hole is always to ‘absent friends’.

On this occasion The Lake Bar Flies ran out the winners by 15 points to Lounge Lizards 9 points. This makes the overall score to date, Lake Bar Flies 12 Lake Lounge Lizards 2.

The teams returned to The Lake pub, Hoylake for the presentation and buffet. The losing team put £10 each into the Cup which is presented to each winning Bar Fly who immediately paste it on their forehead where it remains during the evening celebrations.

The venue for 2014 is to be arranged.

s The Lake Lounge Lizard

The Lake Bar Flies

10 The Lake

Arriving in Style

Heating with Wirral Plumb & Bath Guests at the wedding of Androula Stavarou and Ian Fox at St. Hildeburgh’s Church, Hoylake on Friday 23rd August were surprised to see the groom arrive in a rather unconvential wedding vehicle – a VW Camper Van. The van was arranged as a surprise for the groom by his wife to be.

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.

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

@lakewirral

Wirral Plumb & Bath is offering customers a fixed call out price starting from £40.00. Call 0151 625 1089 for more details.

The UK North Blind Sailing Association is a community association whose aims are to promote the participation of blind and partially sighted people from Merseyside and the North of England, in sailing.

To organise and fund sail training opportunities and to support the social inclusion of visually impaired people in our group events in and around sailing.

Social isolation is a major problem for members of the blind community. Of the 58 blind members surveyed, 64% of them stated that they feel socially isolated and 62% stated that they feel insecure out of their home. Social isolation is thus exacerbated by lack of public awareness as members of the blind community lack opportunities, such as a supportive environment, to take part in mainstream activities. This in turn can lead to a lack of motivation and a deterioration in their health and wellbeing.

Our aim is to reduce this sense of isolation and improve the emotional and physical wellbeing of members of the blind community in the North of England and Wales. This will help address the significant and disproportionate degrees of social exclusion and health issues within the blind community. We use the term ‘blind community’ to include all people who are visually impaired.

The organisation was set up three years ago to address the lack of ANY sailing opportunities in the North of England and Wales for the blind community. Through discussion with the National Sail Training Centre, Plas Menai, we devised suitable keel boat training weekends for our members. Between 2010 and 2012 we obtained funding to provide 131 places over 15 training weekends supported by our volunteer sighted crews and the professional staff at Plas Menai.

We then found crewing opportunities for some of our blind members through the Royal Mersey Yacht Club (RMYC) in Tranmere.

With Club support we were able to purchase our first boat, “Mermaid”, which we renovated, launched and raced in the Club’s competitions through 2011 with our own blind crew crew supported by sighted volunteers. With the demand we were experiencing from the blind community we decided to purchase a second boat, “Mersey”, in 2012. These boats are “Mersey Mylnes” - they have a deep, enclosed cockpit which is ideal for our blind members.

We have raced a full season with both boats this year. We also attended the two-week Beaumaris Menai Straits Regatta in both 2012 and 2013.

Blind sports in general have moved forward over the last 25-30 years as a positive way to involve blind people in society: football, golf, bowling/bowls, cycling, skiing, athletics, etc. and of course sailing. The Paralympics have shown very clearly that sporting achievement is a viable way to involve blind people in society and at the same time raise public awareness of the challenges they face.

Please check out our website www.UKNorthBlindSailingAssociation.org.uk to find out more and how you can get involved!

Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/UKNBSA and follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/UKNBSA

12 The Lake With few resources IEH can’t follow up all the good ideas that abound, more often it’s a case of just what’s possible, and if in doubt return to the basic aims of growing local food that’s available to all and getting conversations going in the community about what we need to learn.

Incredible-Edible-Hoylake What on earth are we doing?

By Sally Scott

What on earth do we grow? The simple answer is any vegetable, fruit or herb that we can manage to grow!

If you had seen someone kneeling on a Hoylake pavement, wielding a trowel and talking to passers-by in early 2011, you might have thought ‘What on earth are they doing?’ or maybe, ‘There’s been an accident!’

Quite likely you were witnessing the early days of Incredible-Edible-Hoylake.

Then it seemed odd but now part of Hoylake voluntary group, Incredible-Edible-Hoylake grows food in public spaces, in neglected soil or in new planters. It’s for anyone to pick.

The inspiration for Incredible-Edible-Hoylake (IEH) came from Yorkshire. After much kitchen table talking, two women in Todmorden wanted to take action for their community which seemed to have become impoverished and deskilled, and that seemed to resonate with pressing world-wide environmental issues. They came up with the idea that focusing on food would have a universal appeal and would provide plenty of opportunities for local action.

They started Incredible-Edible-Todmorden.

Now, just a few years later there are many groups in the Incredible-Edible family including in Hoylake.

The earliest IEH actions were tentative; co-founders, Sally and Rose, set about clearing the rubbish from a couple of messy bits of ground and improving the soil there, and when someone donated some lettuce plants two cheeky, little, food-producing plots were born!

As well as ‘What on earth are you doing?’, a typical comment was ‘It’ll all be trashed!’.

That didn’t happen and IEH has gone from strength to strength. Now there are a mixture of growing locations… roadside plots, at three Merseyrail stations, in garden space offered by residents, at churches and schools, planters outside Hoylake businesses and at the Police Station… Oh! and fruit trees in the three local parks!

There was no grand plan, this huge variety just came into being, step by step ‘What can we do?’, and people in the community have been curious, and appreciative of IEH’s activities.

The volunteer gardeners have had to learn about growing food in spaces that are less than ideal, too shady, too windy or cramped… and, how can soil that’s shallow or spent be improved rapidly and how can people be encouraged to pick the crops… but only when they are ready!

Much of the gardening work is done by a group of volunteers on Wednesday mornings, tackling whatever are the most urgent tasks, and there are individuals who can’t get to the weekly sessions who take care of other sites.

In the early days, IETodmorden found a serious lack of knowledge about different vegetables and what it takes to grow food.

Nowadays knowing about food, and eating a seasonal diet is more common, and it’s fair to say that in Hoylake there are a lot of conversations happening. People seem increasingly relaxed about sharing what they know and of course what they don’t know!

IEH operates in CH47 and managing all the locations, with the right plants for each site, and their ongoing care can be tricky just within the postcode, but what about global issues? Like a concern for the UK bee populations? It’s not just the honey, bees pollinate of a significant proportion of the plants that give us our daily food.

Bee numbers are decreasing, some species have already disappeared from Britain, so when Hoylake’s Festival of Firsts invited IEH to be part of their summer activities, IEH Project Bee was designed as a fun day event, with a contribution to an ongoing ‘legacy’.

The event in Elm Grove by the Hoylake Scout Hall had a lovely sunny day. There was local honey for sale and a display of live bees in a glass sided hive by Nigel, a local beekeeper.

Artist Michelle painted colourful pavement bees and decorated ‘Bee Hotels’. There was a ‘swarm’ of knitted bees... made by the Library knitting group and other ‘stitchers’.

There was an opportunity to sign the Friends of the Earth Bee petition asking the government to help protect bees and refreshments of local honey and fresh bread donated by Fahy’s local bakery.

You can get more and see the video by following the link www.baytvliverpool.com/ vod/?vid=GBV51da9b8ec9bdd

The Liverpool Echo Environmental Awards Competition promotes ideas about the ‘environment and community’ and in summer 2012 IEH entered the competition.

Though not outright winners, the label ‘Highly Commended’ came at just the right time, providing a boost for IEH during the phenomenally cold and wet season when nothing seemed to grow except for the populations of greedy slugs and snails.

IEH continues to try to ‘spread the word’, and because dedication to eating seasonal food with fewer food miles, isn’t always easy, IEH produced a leaflet about locally produced and sold food. The more you look for locally sourced food and the local economy in general, the clearer it becomes that Hoylake is very rich in local resources – there’s a lot to be had for anyone who lives here or visits.

A permanent wall plaque urging us to be “Bee Friendly” was formally unveiled; it’s there for all to see and even after a few weeks seeing it seems to make passers-by smile!

There is too much to say in one article, so if you want more information about the Project Bee Leaflet or any aspect of IEH, please get in touch.

The membership is free and everyone is welcome to do as much or as little as feels right for them.

Contact details … 0788 404 1950 e-mail: incrededhoylake@gmail.com Facebook.com/ Incredible Edible Hoylake

The Lake 13

The perfect setting for that special day Hoylake is the perfect setting for that special day.

This picturesque Wirral seaside town now has a showstopping venue that offers a unique setting, delicious food courtesy of the Marco Pierre White restaurant - Marco’s New York Italian - and stylish accommodation in the 56-bedroom hotel Holiday Inn Express.

The Kings Gap has always been popular for weddings, and now with Marco Pierre White behind the business, quality, value and personality are the hallmarks of this superb venue.

At just £2,000, the venue’s wedding package includes hire of the stunning Garden Room - an intimate setting which can be tailored to meet your personal needs - cocktail drinks reception for 40 guests, a three-course meal for 40 guests from a classic menu, evening buffet for 80 people, balcony room for the bride and groom with Champagne, along with top table flowers.

The Garden Room and Marco’s are now licensed for civil ceremonies as well as the patio area which is expected to be a huge hit next year. With bedrooms adjacent you are able to have your entire day in the one place without the worry of transport or driving.

The Holiday Inn Express Hoylake benefits from excellent proximity to Liverpool city centre and is a mere five minutes walk to the nearest railway station. If you are thinking of holding your wedding here, call 0151 632 2073.

14 The Lake

Meols Meadows SSSI Status

By Graham Lilley Next time you are travelling from West Kirby to Liverpool on the train look out of the left-hand side window once you are beyond Meols station. After passing the sewage works you will see what at first glance seems to be some fairly ordinary looking fields. These fields are known as Meols Meadows and they are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Meadows have been in the news of late.

Recent reports continue to highlight the decline of traditional meadows in the British landscape. Between 1930 and 1983 a colossal 97% of traditional meadows were lost through conversion to crops and improved grassland. The meadows that remain are highly localised and fragmented.

However, on a positive note, efforts are now being made to halt this decline. There has been the announcement of the Coronation Meadows Project. This is a scheme led by Plantlife in partnership with the Wildlife Trusts and the idea is to identify one flagship wildflower meadow in each county and to create new meadows using seeds from this meadow. HRH Prince Charles is the patron of Plantlife and it is planned to designate 60 meadows in celebration of the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.

Although no meadows on Merseyside have been designated as part of this scheme, the meadows in Meols are still worthy of mention.

So, what does having the designation Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) mean?

Well, it means that a site has special legal protection, and it is only given to the best sites for wildlife and geology in the United Kingdom. Natural England is the body which has responsibility for identifying and protecting the SSSIs in England under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Meols Meadows have been given SSSI status because of the flora present. The seven hectare site has been traditionally managed since medieval times, which has encouraged the grasses and wildflowers. The meadows are only cut late in the season – meaning that the vegetation is given the greatest chance to grow and to seed.

The best time to see the array of wildflowers is springtime. The highlights include betony, dyer’s greenweed, pepper saxifrage, pignut, yellow rattle, devil’s bit scabious and meadow cranesbill. These are all species indicative of a long history of traditional management.

Dyer’s greenweed is worthy of mention as centuries ago it was used to give a yellow colour to wool. In some areas of the country

it was actually cultivated, and excavations of some Viking sites have shown evidence of its use in the ninth to eleventh centuries.

Yellow rattle is found throughout Britain.

The yellow flowers are followed by little brown ‘purses’ – within which the seeds rattle when they are ripe – hence the name. Other species present include green-winged orchids which, although they can be found across England, predominate in the south. They actually have purple flowers but they have green veins that are found on the flower’s hood.

They are a threatened species which is very hard to reintroduce even in areas where they previous grew. It’s great that they can be found in the Meols Meadows.

Although maybe not quite as exciting as the array of wildflowers, there are a number of species of grasses present including common bent, meadow foxtail, common couch, sweet vernal grass, yellow oat grass and quaking grass. The last two species are rare in Merseyside.

The borders of the meadows consist of ditches where the vegetation is dominated by common reed, greater pond sedge, reed canary grass and meadowsweet.

Meadowsweet flowers later in the year than some of the other wildflowers. Like dyer’s greenweed it had a traditional use - being used to flavour mead.

Although the Meols Meadows are privately owned I have had the good fortune to visit them (with the landowner’s permission) on a number of occasions in springtime when they are at their best.

The first thing that strikes you when entering the meadow is the depth and density of the vegetation. The wildflowers and grasses are all jumbled together - so at first sight there do not seem to be many flowers. However, on closer inspection you can see the wildflowers breaking through. Every step seems to offer something different. The next thing you notice is the abundance of insects, bees, moths and butterflies – all attracted by the wildflowers. As you walk through the meadows mini-clouds of insects take to the air. All around is the pleasant mix of wildflower aromas. The overall feeling is that you’re experiencing something unique – and it certainly brings a smile to your face!

Unfortunately – it is not all good news.

The condition of any landscape does not remain static. Natural England carry out regular assessments of all SSSIs. In their last assessment in August 2012, two of the units which make up the Meols meadows were found to be ‘unfavourable – no change’ and one was found to be ‘unfavourable – declining’. The reason for these poor assessments is due to the encroachment of poorer quality grasses and scrub into the wildflower areas.

Common reed, which was initially only found in the ditches, is one of the main culprits as it is now spreading into the meadows. More active management is required.

Despite this note of pessimism it is great to know that here in west Wirral we do have these meadows that have survived for centuries. With careful management, hopefully the wildflowers, grasses and associated wildlife will be here for centuries to come.

16 The Lake

When The Lake was looking to create a strong web presence – www.lakemagazine.co.uk - we turned to Lost Solutions based in the heart of West Kirby.

We caught up with Ian Beecham and Lee Garnett from Lost Solutions to find out more about their exciting new business...

Web design and technology change so quickly, how do you keep up?

Indeed. Having a keen interest in the industry helps and being an advocate of the ever growing Linux and Open Source Technology movement keeps me in the loop. Essentially, by definition, the code is open source and therefore allows me to manipulate and develop the code according to my own, or my clients requirements.

Here at Lost Solutions we only work with the very latest technology and design techniques, ensuring that security levels and design features are always at the highest level possible.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you see on websites?

Tell us about Lost Solutions ...

In a DIY world, most non-developers don’t understand the work that goes into building a website. There are plenty of tools that let you drag-and-drop your way to an online presence in a few hours and call it a website: for a business that’s a poor choice.

Your website should reflect your business, your goals, your brand. I’m talking about a website that adds value and is a strong tool in your marketing arsenal. One that is optimised for search. One that works across browsers, operating systems and media devices. One that doesn’t stick you with another company’s logo at the bottom of it because you got the site for free and now you’re obliged to perpetually advertise someone else’s brand. So the idea behind Lost Solutions is to provide a bespoke, locally based, approachable and friendly service to help businesses gain an understanding and take control of their own web presence.

What about you two. Have you always worked in the web industry ?

Ian: Predominately yes, although I first started playing with code back in the early eighties on my trusty old BBC-B computer but by the time we moved into the nineties and the internet revolution began there was only ever one direction I wanted to run in.

Lee: No, not until May of this year. I have practising building websites with the

assistance of Ian, but my expertise lies in the engineering and networking side of the business.

Have you attended further education or are you self taught?

Ian: Well, both really - I’ve always enjoyed maths and logical problems. Over the years I’ve attended - and passed :-), numerous coding/multimedia related courses including Unix, Linux, HTML, CSS, PHP, Java and many more. Having said that I’ve spent endless hours at home practising the craft purely because I enjoy it, so I guess it’s very much a vocational thing for me.

Lee: Both, I started fixing computers as a hobby in the mid 90s just as the internet went mainstream. Then I developed an interest in computer networking which can be complicated to say the least. I realised there was an ever growing demand for these services which are quite lucrative. I decided to set up my own business in Liverpool called ‘Catalyst Computer Repair’, but to do so I needed to make my skills official by attending college/university. I received many certifications relevant to IT consultancy and networking which are recognised globally. A year after Catalyst was set up.

I was approached by Ian (who I’ve known for over 10 years) to set up a business that combines all our skills and incorporates pretty much everything that the IT industry can offer. Then ‘Lost Solutions’ was born.

I see these kind of things on a daily basis, even on many large corporate websites (banks, TV broadcasters etc.). Probably the most common one at the moment is a non-responsive website. Essentially, a responsive website ‘recognises’ the kind of device connecting to the website (a mobile, tablet, laptop, desktop etc.) and adjusts and displays accordingly. There are probably people reading this now who’ve tried to buy something from a website on a mobile, only to find that when they get to the payment gateway the site is not responsive and is, infact, unusable on a mobile - so no sale. Infuriating for the customer and not conducive to good business practice.

How important is social media in today’s marketplace?

Social media has become an increasingly important part of people’s daily routine. No longer is it just for socialising with others, but many users look to social media sites for recent news, reviews, and jobs.

With that in mind, it is beneficial for businesses to take advantage of this affordable marketing tactic. Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube are great ways for companies to build brand awareness, improve SEO and engage with their customers. Additionally, using these networks can help to determine your target audience, their demographics and give a better understanding of what the public is looking for from your company.

The Lake 17 What advice would you give to businesses who want to improve their current site or create a new website ?

What, besides coming and talking to us first :-) Essentially, a website at the very least, allows you to display and sell your goods/services to an ever-increasing global marketplace, to some degree it’s a collection of pages of full-colour advertisements that run 24 hours a day, seven days a week right across the world. More and more companies are realising the importance of a professional web presence and are allocating a designated member of staff, department or turning to highly skilled companies like ourselves to manage their web presence - it’s become a full-time job. Like most things in life, quality costs, don’t be duped by the ever-increasing ‘free drag’ n’ drop’ website offers, there are numerous reasons why they are not a solution for the serious minded business - if a car company offered ‘free’ cars do you think they would be any good? They’d probably be made with the cheapest parts, poorly assembled, prone to breakdowns and would, no doubt, be covered in advertisements for their own company!

So, someone thinks they may want a new website, what should they do next?

Essentially, if you own a business and want it to be a success, if you don’t have some kind of web presence then you’ve already fallen behind the competition. It can be a bit scary and daunting if you’re not particularly technical minded, that’s where companies like ourselves come into play, offering free, friendly and no-obligation advice/guidance.

There are things to do and things to consider.

Some of those things that go into determining a cost.

Content: Whether you pen a few paragraphs yourself or hire someone to do it, it’s got to be written, organised, keyword optimized, human-being optimised, spell-checked and proofread.

Photos: Whether they’re original or stock, someone has to find, organise, retouch and optimise them for the web.

Design: There’s high-end custom and there’s minimal, but someone has to consider colours, fonts, graphics and how they all work with your brand.

Structure: Think about pages, navigation and usability, and the best way to get users from here to there.

Layout: Headers, footers, sidebars, call-outs, pull quotes, opt-in boxes, social icons.

These things don’t magically place themselves on the page, nor should they be stuck somewhere haphazardly.

Optimisation: Beyond keywords, there are considerations for code quality, site speed, meta data, etc.

Functionality: Opt-in boxes don’t program themselves. Nor do contact forms, shopping carts or other features. There are fundamental questions like ‘what happens if…’ and ‘then what?’.

Compatibility: With half a dozen common browsers and twice as many versions, multiple operating systems and platforms, not to mention mobile, someone has to make sure your site works.

Launch: Someone has to install your site on a hosting server, set up the DNS, get your analytics, Webmaster tools and sitemaps in order and make sure everything is working in real life, including all those opt-ins and contact forms.

If this sounds like a setup for ‘…and that’s why a website has to be expensive!’ it’s not. It’s just the practical reality of building a site.

Where would you like Lost Solutions to be in three years time ?

If things continue to go well we’ll be still based here in West Kirby (I’ve lived here for years) but in a larger building and with more staff !

Seriously though, we’re also developing other software solutions, including EPOS, network and security solutions and would expect them to be part of the bigger picture moving forward.

The Lake would like to thank Lost Solutions for their hard work and invaluable advice while building our new website.

If you think Lost Solutions could help your business, why not speak to Ian or Lee for a no-obligation quote. Telephone 0151 792 9155 or email: web@lostsolutions.co.uk

18 The Lake

West Kirby Sailing Club Juniors’ Summer www.wksc.org.uk Sail a Hilbre and Star Day Every once in a while it is good to show the juniors and their parents what the rest of the sailing club do. So on a beautiful summer’s day the Hilbre and Star class took the OnBoard children out onto the River Dee in perfect sailing conditions. The boat owners were more than happy to let the youngsters take the helm of their boats.

They and their parents were treated to trips around the River Dee. followed by a BBQ in front of the club. Hopefully they will want to have another sail in the boats next year and you never know some may even become permanent crews!

Junior Training Week The Junior Training week has been running for over 20 years under many different names and takes place during the May half term holidays. It’s the perfect chance for the juniors to start sailing and for others to improve their skills.

The 2013 Junior training week saw 36 young people taking to the water, some of them trying sailing for the first time. There were two groups. A Laser Pico group which was led by club training officer Kieron Inman with instructors Mike Mountford and Mike Williams, and a Feva group led

by Club Sailing Secretary Paul Jenkins with instructors Liam Gardner and Graeme McWhannell.

Four days of intensive training took place in various wind strengths and the RS Feva group had a trip on the tide down to Heswall.

Sail a Hilbre Day - A Jenkins

The week ended with a BBQ and prizegiving in which club Commodore David Taylor presented all of the young sailors with the various different stages that they had managed to achieve.

This week can’t happen without the support of its volunteers, especially Francesca Morrison, Charlie Fitzgerald, Graham Tate and all other mums and dads who helped at lunchtimes.

The final big thanks have to go to Kieron and Nicci Inman for running the week and putting in the many hours in sorting all the paperwork out!

West Kirby Sailing Club OnBoard Club The Royal Yachting Association setup the OnBoard Scheme to encourage more young people to take up the sport of sailing.

Schools are encouraged to contact their local Sailing Development Officer who will

connect them with the nearest OnBoard Sailing Club.

West Kirby Sailing Club has been involved in OnBoard since 2008 and has seen hundreds of school children come through its doors with many of them continuing and joining the sailing club.

OnBoard sessions take place on a Saturday morning from May to end of September and anyone is welcome to take part. Booking is essential to ensure that a place can be guaranteed. Just visit the WKSC website – www.wksc.org.uk to find out more information on how to join in.

In 2013, sessions have continued to take place every Saturday and we’ve only lost a few down to the bad weather that we had at the beginning of the season. Many of the OnBoarders have now joined the sailing club and race regularly on a Friday night in our Cadet and Youth Handicap fleet.

The Lake 19 Our future plans include setting ourselves up as a centre that can offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme to all of our members as well.

If you want to take part, or want any further information on the OnBoard scheme, take a look at our website or visit the official site at www.ruob.co.uk OnBoard Festival – 13th July 2013 OnBoard is split up into different regions and the Merseyside and Cheshire region have an annual festival in which all of the different OnBoard clubs come together to compete against each other to see which is the best.

In 2013 it was West Kirby’s turn to host this event and we were fortunate to get support from RS Sailing and West Kirby Sea Scouts who provided additional boats.

Nearly 70 kids took part, which is a massive number, and we believe to be a national record for an OnBoard Festival. The weather was very kind to us and this brought out even more competitors than we had planned for.

The event took the form of a endurance race in which all of the different clubs and groups were put into teams and then raced around a simple course, changing crews every lap to ensure everyone got out onto the water.

After a brief stop for lunch, the race continued on. The temperature increased and most of the competitors took to swimming to cool down.

The local T15 windsurfing club also had their event on the same weekend so anyone walking round the lake would have seen it packed with young people enjoying sailing and windsurfing.

Junior Training Week - K Inman

At the end of the day, after the results were in and checked by an independent panel, it was West Kirby who won the team prize, although it has to be said we had more in the team than all the others put together.

Next year West Kirby will have to defend its title at the next OnBoard festival.

Cadet Open Meeting The 6th of July saw the resurgence of the West Kirby cadet dinghy fleet as a sailing force to be reckoned with. The 52-acre marine lake hosted the WKSC cadet open meeting, attended by 15 cadet dinghies (30 junior sailors). On a perfect sunny day, and with a fresh breeze to power the fun, there were 4 fiercely contested races. Visiting national squad sailors Sophie and Hannah

Goodrich (South Cerney Sailing Club) came first, Esme & Eliza Jones (Royal Torbay Yacht Club) second, and Alex Colquitt and Ella Marston third.

The UK Cadet Class Association (UKNCCA), were so impressed with the calibre of juniors at WKSC that they provided them with two class boats to further develop their junior racing.

Sailing Club Weather and Webcam One of the things that sailors find frustrating is not knowing what the wind is doing. To try to help this we have put up a weather station and a webcam on our roof which looks over the lake. This is available on our website and is updated every minute. www,wksc.org.uk Many thanks to Paul Jenkins and Paul Colquitt for producing this article.

Onboard festival – J Wheeldon

20 The Lake

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Moreton-based, we concentrate on serving customers in and around Wirral.

This allows us to cut travelling cost and carbon footprint associated with working nationally and enables us to offer a better ‘local’ service.

Since the introduction of the feed in tariff along with electricity price rises, we have seen awareness for renewable energy and energy efficiency increase .

We offer a comprehensive list of services from surveys and audits to installation and energy monitoring.

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readers in September on all beauty treatments Booking essential. Please quote LAKE when making booking.

One voucher per customer.

Offer expires 30.09.13.

Terms and conditions apply.

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0151 625 9600 34-38 Banks Road, West Kirby CH48 0RD (inside What’s Cutting Hair & Beauty Salon)

Hoylake Flower Club Diamond Jubilee

Arrangement by Arnaud Metairie

The oldest flower club in the Cheshire Area of NAFAS, and one of the oldest in the United Kingdom, celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in style this spring. Over a hundred members and friends from all over the North West and North Wales gathered at the Leasowe Castle Hotel on the 28th of April to enjoy a wonderful demonstration of floral art by Arnaud Metairie entitled ‘Let’s Celebrate’. The audience was so thrilled

by Arnaud’s beautiful designs that he received a standing ovation at the end of his demonstration! A delicious afternoon tea was served and Shirley Robinson, Chairman of the Cheshire Area of NAFAS, lead the toasts and tributes to the Club.

form a club in Hoylake. With the help of her friend, Mrs Marjorie White, and with the support of The Hoylake and District Horticultural Society, The Hoylake Flower Decoration Club, as it was originally known, came into being. Many of the most famous names in flower arranging visited the Club in the early days, including Julia Clements, Sheila MacQueen and Constance Spry.

Edith Brack, the Club’s late President, was very active in the Club. Edith was on the editorial board of The Flower Arranger

magazine and started the popular ‘Know Your Demonstrator’ articles. Her interest in Ikebana greatly influenced her style and led her to publish books such as Flower Arrangement Free Style.

Today the club has some seventy members and meets once a month in Melrose Hall, Hoylake to enjoy beautiful flower arranging demonstrations.

More information about the Club is available at www.nafascheshire.org.uk/clubs

The Club was formed in 1953 after the late Mrs Elsie Carr attended a flower arranging demonstration in London and so enjoyed the experience that she decided to try to Past and present Chairmen of Hoylake Flower Club: left to right: Shirley Pownall, Jenny Catton, Maria Earnshaw, Hilary Storey, Elizabeth Lindsay (current Chairman) and Mavis Corlett.

The Lake 21

History of West Kirby Shops

Calling West Kirby residents past and present. West Kirby Museum Research Group needs your help.

Val Frost and I (Sue Jackson) have taken on the mammoth task of investigating the history of all West Kirby shops and businesses from the late 1800s to the present time.

by Sue Jackson WK Museum Research Group Grange Road

to know about the shop owners, who often lived above the shop premises.

Do you remember Totteys (sarsaparilla ice lollies), Raymonds (the large penny draw), Altorfers (the smell of perm lotion), Jones and Co (the overhead wires carrying metal cash containers to the cashier’s booth), Fahys (the wonderful bakery smell and the long queues) to name a few of the well known West Kirby shops? They are now no longer and all part of history. What did these shops sell? Where were they? When were they built?

We are looking at tithe maps, directories and land ownership before the shops. It is hard to believe that Banks Road was reported to be in a ‘wretched condition’ in 1873. The West Kirby Board was requested to take the necessary steps to level the sand on the road and cover it with loose rock or cinders. Before the construction of the Marine Lake and the promenade in 1899 there was nothing to hold back the sea and during a storm, or high tides, the sea would sometimes flow down what is known as Dee Lane and cover low-lying land now occupied by shops and the railway station.

The building frenzy began when the railway came to West Kirby in 1878 and the population expanded rapidly, requiring a good selection of shops. We are trying to find out who built the shops, and note the alterations made over the years. We want

The social history of the shops and shopping is a fascinating subject. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century shopping was a social occasion. The customers stood the other side of the counter and asked for required goods.

Butter, cheese and soap would be cut at the counter and wrapped in paper. Biscuits were weighed out from tins into paper bags.

There was no pre-packaging. The bakeries baked in the early hours of the morning.

There was sawdust on the floor of the butcher’s shop and an array of meat and game hung up outside. Locally caught fish was plentiful. Shop assistants often wore overalls. As many people made their own clothes haberdashery shops were needed.

Tradesmen maintained and repaired goods (as compared with today’s ‘throw away’ society). Many people used order books and there were free home deliveries. Errand boys pushed handcarts and horses pulled delivery wagons. Money was returned on soft drink bottles, which could be very lucrative in the 1950s when day trippers left them scattered along the shore. Do you remember collecting PG Tip’s cards and Green Shield Stamps?

We are collecting photographs, advertisements and newspaper cuttings - in fact any information on any shop. We would love to see any photographs of the West Kirby shops and businesses, interior and exterior, and we would appreciate you sharing your memories. Shop owners - please can you look at your title deed documents. Have you any memorabilia of previous businesses?

Has anyone old tins, boxes etc of products from the past to enhance our displays?

The Crescent

The West Kirby Museum Research Group put on a display at the museum opening weekend at St Bridget’s Centre in July.

People showed a lot of interest in the folders of the photos we have collected so far. We concentrated on an exhibition of the shops between Alexandra Road and Church Road, and visitors were able to give us valuable snippets of information which will help us put the jigsaw together. We were able to tell them that Helms, Hazlehursts, Kennedys, Hooleys, Melias, Prytherchs and Fahys had been in this block as well as lots of other shops.

We are hoping the residents and shopkeepers of West Kirby will support us in this project, so that we can produce a record of all West Kirby shops for generations to come.

If anybody can help with photographs or information, please write to Sue Jackson at West Kirby Museum Research Group, St Bridget’s Centre, St Bridget’s Lane, West Kirby, Wirral (or email spj2298@gmail.com or telephone 0151 625 2298).

We would also be delighted to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining the West Kirby Museum Research Group to help with our various research projects.

Banks Road

The Lake 23

This issue we showcase the work of Wirral-based photographer Andrew Crothall.

Andrew told The Lake: “I am passionate about landscape photography and I am particularly attracted to water as it adds an extra dimension to my images. I am, therefore, fortunate to live on the Wirral surrounded as it is on three sides by water. This, together with the large tidal range and the changeable weather, provides a huge variation in the appearance of our shoreline and consequently ample opportunities for photographers.”

To view more of Andrew’s images, visit his website at www.andrewcrothall.co.uk You can also see examples of his work decorating the walls at The Wro Lounge in West Kirby.

24 The Lake

Wirral in Old Photographs Facebook Group

By Sue Jackson In December 2012, Mark Hughes created the Facebook group ‘Wirral in Old Photographs’ (WIOP). His first post was an old photo of the Ring O’Bells, West Kirby.

Wirral in Old Photographs Banner and Logo (HeB designs)

the 1800s but we have others from each decade of the 1900s and we have a few recent ones for comparison.

First photo posted by Mark Hughes

Within days, member numbers were increasing rapidly and they were posting all sorts of interesting old photographs. Mark asked me if I would be willing to become an administrator with him, especially to cover times when he was away on business or on holiday.

As the months have gone on, Mark and I have been overwhelmed by the interest shown in the page – our membership is now over 2,700 and we have well over 5,000 wonderful photos. People are telling their friends, family and work colleagues about us and news is spreading about how interesting the page is.

Many WIOP members live in Wirral but not all. A large number were actually born and grew up here. Some, however, only moved to Wirral as children or adults. We also have members all over the world who used to live in Wirral.

The members living abroad love seeing the comparison photos as it shows them how places have changed since they left. The old photographs also remind them of how the area they lived in, used to look in their childhood or before.

Many members tell us the pictures bring back forgotten memories which they share with other members by making comments on the page. They enjoy showing the photographs to their relatives who are not on a computer or Facebook.

St Hildeburghs Church under construction (thanks to Syd Bird for photo)

The pictures that are posted are mainly old photographs of West Wirral (West Kirby, Caldy, Hoylake, Meols, Moreton, Thurstaston, Heswall, Irby, Pensby, Frankby, Newton, Grange, Greasby, Neston, Willaston and Parkgate). There are other Facebook pages covering other areas of Wirral. However, we don’t have any strict rules and we are always pleased to see old photos of other areas of Wirral and have a very relaxed attitude to what is posted.

There are pictures of buildings, scenery, people and events, in fact almost anything from Wirral’s past. You never know what’s coming. Some of the pictures are from

We need your help though. We are really hoping that you have lots of local photos hidden away in attics or under the stairs that you will share with us.

We would of course love it if you became members. Just put Wirral in Old Photographs into the search box on Facebook and you should be able to find us and apply for free membership.

If you are not on Facebook it’s easy to join and there’s no need to put any personal information on. You needn’t even use your own name. You can make one up so no one can identify you. Some people just use Facebook for our page.

People have found missing friends, school pals, work colleagues and relatives. They have even discovered relatives they didn’t know about. We have a number of family history experts on the page. We also have others who go to Wirral Archives and have been able to answer people’s queries from the past by searching old newspapers.

The page is friendly and respectful.

We are light-hearted and try to avoid controversial topics. There is lot of banter which people enjoy.

WIOP coffee morning

Many of us have made new friends thanks to WIOP. We have had two evening get togethers and have another arranged for September. We had a history lecture at one.

We are beginning to have coffee mornings to get to know each other better. Some of these will include a visit to somewhere of historical interest.

It has made people realise how proud they are of the area they live or lived in and made the present inhabitants realise how lucky they are to be living where they do.

People tell us they are going for walks more often now to see buildings and scenes that have been posted and are taking more photographs as a record for generations to come.

Everyone is becoming more observant and walking around looking at architecture and unusual carvings. Amongst some of the things members have found in West Kirby alone, are upside down hearts, a little face and a horse’s head carved in sandstone walls, letters in curbing stones, dragons on roofs and lions on posts.

Railway Inn, Meols

If you don’t have computer access, we are hoping you would be willing to allow us to borrow your photos to scan them (or come to photograph them) so we can put them on the page for others to enjoy. We promise to return them promptly if we take them away.

Also please ask your more mature relatives if they have any old photographs hidden away. We are looking for any of West Wirral from the 1800s to the 1990s showing local buildings, scenes, events and school photos. We are very happy to have family photos if the background is identifiable.

If you are able to help us, please ring me (Sue Jackson) on 0151 625 2298 or email me at spj2298@gmail.com or contact Mark Hughes at 07889995918 or markhughesuk@aol.com

The Lake 25

Experience the true riches that North Wales has to offer…

Glan Gwna Country Holiday Park is an exclusive and private caravan and lodge holiday home park set in an enviable position – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The park has been redeveloped over the years and is set in over 120 acres of landscaped woodland and is a true haven of peace and tranquillity, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

All new and used holiday homes for sale are set in sensitively landscaped grounds in a perfect setting. Located for exploring the North Wales coastline and Snowdonia National Park there is something for everyone within easy reach of the park.

Glan Gwna really does need to be seen to be believed, with its landscaped grounds, private fishing lake, streams and rivers, woodlands and abundant wildlife. Recently, there has been substantial investment in improving the facilities at Glan Gwna, showing the commitment to enhancing the park. The park also has a beauty salon.

Additional to this, stunning positions situated alongside the River Seiont are currently available.

Although medium in size, Glan Gwna has been designed and structured to accommodate fully winterised caravans for a 101/2 month season.

Take in the calm and tranquil surroundings.

A paradise for walkers, cyclists, golfers, and those who appreciate the outdoor way of life. Located just an hour from Heswall and Chester, one and a half hours from Liverpool and Manchester, Glan Gwna Holiday Park is ideally situated for those who do not relish the thought of a long drive after a hard week.

Today’s Holiday Homes come in a wide range of styles, designs and layouts, and all offer a high standard of fittings. They are tailor-made for discerning people who place emphasis on quality, comfort, relaxation and privacy.

Manufacturers offer such a choice that there is definitely a home to suit your needs. Some people decide to start with a more basic or more affordable model, but that does not mean you have to stay with that model forever.

Just like moving home or changing your car you can part-exchange your holiday home when it is convenient for you and eventually could end up with the ultimate in luxury. All makes of Holiday Homes can be supplied and we can arrange finance on both new and used homes. You, your family and friends can enjoy the benefits of owning a holiday home. You have the freedom to visit as often or as little as you choose - not just for a two week annual break.

Kitchens and bathrooms have state-ofthe-art appliances and every attention to detail to guarantee the ultimate in modern living. Choose from a two or three bedroom holiday home, with open plan living spaces with real gas fires, or a more traditional floor layout with a separate dining area.

Some bedrooms have en-suite luxury bathrooms with power showers, and are large and spacious. This really is first class accommodation in a first class location.

On offer we have a large selection of previously owned holiday homes together with an extensive range of new holiday homes and lodges from all leading manufacturers. All of these come fully sited and connected to mains services including water, electricity and gas.

In order to spread the cost of enjoying your holiday home or lodge, we offer unique payment terms with our low deposit, low rate finance packages that are designed especially for your purchase.

When you visit Glan Gwna, all your questions about holiday home ownership, costs, finance etc will be answered.

With annual park fees at around £2,900 for a full season why not contact us today to discuss the benefits of holiday home ownership, alternatively we look forward to welcoming you on the park and showing you around personally.

Tel 01286 67 3456 • www.glangwna.com

26 The Lake

Orovales, 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

Meols Drive, Hoylake CH47

Offers in Excess of

£699,995

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

The Lake 27

Grindley Brook, Thorsway, Caldy CH48

£1,399,950

Links View, Meols Drive, Hoylake CH47 4AN

Offers in Excess of

£750,000

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 ‘Charles 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

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

Bertram Drive, North Meols CH47

Strathallan Close, Heswall CH60

£560,000

£499,950

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

Immaculate Four Bedroom Detached Home • Situated in the Desirable Area of Heswall in a Quiet Cul-de-sac • Spacious and Tastefully Appointed Family Accommodation • Lounge, Dining Room, Cloakroom and Study • Good Sized Beautifully Fitted Dining Kitchen • Master Bedroom with Dressing Area and Modern Fitted En-suite • Gas Central Heating, Double Glazing, Driveway and Double Garage • Mature Rear Garden Mainly Laid to Lawn with Established Borders

Garden Hey Road, Meols CH47

Park Road, Meols CH47

£299,950

Stunning Four Bedroom Detached Home • Immaculately Presented Spacious Family Accommodation • Good Sized Hallway, Lounge, Play Room and Cloakroom • Impressive Recently Re-Fitted Kitchen with Granite Work Surfaces • Large Driveway, Attached Garage and Utility Area • Gas Central Heating and Double Glazing • Beautiful Rear Garden with Lawn and Decked Area • Internal Inspection Essential to Appreciate this Home

£279,950

Beautiful Four Double Bedroom Semi Detached Home • Well Presented Family Accommodation Spacious ‘L’ shaped Lounge, Conservatory and Cloakroom • Modern Fitted Kitchen with Integrated Appliances • Dressing/Sitting Area off Second Bedroom • Lawned Gardens to the Front Side and Rear • Driveway and Detached Garage to the Side • Closer Inspection Essential to Appreciate this Family Home

28 The Lake

Offers in Excess of

Hawthorn Drive, Newton CH48

£249,950

Ashcroft Drive, Heswall CH61

£244,950

Detached Three Bedroom Bungalow • Spacious and Well Maintained Accommodation Two Reception Rooms and Wet Room • Parquet Flooring and Original Fireplace • Driveway, Carport, Detached Garage • Large Beautiful Sunny Rear Garden • Benefiting from Being Sold with No Onward Chain • Early Viewing Strongly Recommended

Four Bedroom Semi Detached Family Home • Arranged Over Three Floors and Beautifully Presented • Through Lounge Dining Room with Patio Doors to Rear • Fabulous Fitted Kitchen Breakfast Room with Integrated Appliances • Three Bedroom and Family Bathroom to First Floor • Master Suite and Private Shower Room to Second Floor • Ample Parking to the Front Elevation with Sandstone Wall • Attractive Patio and Well Manicured Rear Lawn

Derwent Road, Meols CH47

Brook Edge, Hillbark Road, Frankby CH48

£219,950

£215,000

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

Well Appointed Four Bedroom Semi Detached Property • Beautiful Location Fronting Royden Park Cloakroom, L Shaped Lounge Dining Room and Conservatory • Beautiful Views from Balcony Across Paddocks and Greenbelt Land • Four Bedrooms, Balcony Area and Family Bathroom Driveway and Integral Garage • Small Enclosed Mature Rear Garden • Closer Inspection Strongly Recommended

Daryl Road, Heswall CH60 5RD

Gilroy Road, West Kirby CH48

£209,950

Beautifully Presented Two Bedroom Semi Detached Home • Situated in a Prime Location Close to Heswall Village • Spacious Bay Fronted Accommodation • Sitting Room, Lounge, Study and Utility Room • Large Dining Kitchen with Door Leading out to Garden • Two Bedrooms with Fitted Wardrobes, En-Suite and Shower Room • Off Road Parking, Gas Central Heating and Double Glazing • Low Maintenance Private Rear Garden

£185,000

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

The Lake 29

Lyndhurst Road, Meols CH47

£179,950

Traditional Three Bedroom Semi Detached Home • Situated in the Popular Residential Area of Meols • Spacious and Well Maintained Accommodation • Through Lounge Diner, Kitchen and Rear Porch • Three Bedrooms, Bathroom and Loft Room • Gas Central Heating and Mostly Double Glazed • Enclosed Good Sized Rear Garden with Lawn and Patio • Closer Inspection Strongly Recommended

Gilroy Road, West Kirby CH48

£164,950

Bay Fronted Three Bedroom Semi Detached Property • Located in the Sought After Area of West Kirby • Tastefully Appointed and Well Planned Accommodation • Lounge, Dining Room and Modern Fitted Kitchen • Gas Central Heating, Double Glazing and Driveway • Large Rear Garden with Patio Lawn and Stunning Views • Offered for Sale with No Onward Chain Internal Inspection Highly Recommended

ANTED SIMILAR W Curzon Road, Hoylake CH47 • **NEW INSTRUCTION** • Stunning Location close to Promenade • Combi-Boiler Central Heating • Well-proportioned Accommodation

• Three Bedroom Duplex Maisonette • Fitted Kitchen with Appliances • Low-Maintenance Ideal for Professionals

Dawpool Farm, Thurstaston CH61 • Four Bedroom Detached Barn Conversion • Lounge, Dining Room & Breakfast Kitchen • Four Bedrooms, Bathroom & En-suite • Double Glazing & Electric Heating

£750pcm

£1,950pcm

• Exclusive Dawpool Farm Development • Utility Room and Downstairs W.C • Private Landscaped Gardens • Closer Inspection Essential

Noctorum Road, Noctorum CH43 • Four Bedroom Executive Detached Home • Three Large Reception Rooms • Contemporary Kitchen/ Diner • Picturesque Rear Gardens

£2,500 pcm

• Striking Entrance Hallway with Galleried • Conservatory, Ground Floor WC & Utility • Sweeping Driveway to Imposing Entrance

ANTED SIMILAR W 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

30 The Lake Some of the adults linger on the islands to moult out of their bright summer plumage into paler winter colours. With time and patience it is possible to get close views of these courageous long distance travellers.

Wirral Wildlife On Wind and Tattered Wing

By Matt Thomas The Welsh hills appear to quiver through the midday heat haze as the August sun beats down on the Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve. Across the sands, baking hard in the unrelenting sunshine, there are hundreds of people enjoying a classic summer day. The schools are on summer holiday and it seems that most of the pupils and either their harassed parents or exhausted grandparents have decided to make the most of the good weather and headed to the seaside.

There are several kites fluttering between Little Eye and West Kirby, closer to Red Rocks a successful Ashes summer has inspired a large game of cricket and everywhere there is a huge variety of sandcastles under construction, from the traditional fort with flags, to all-seater football stadia. In the rock pools surrounding Hilbre children squeal with delight when first a blenny, then a shrimp plops out of the net into their bucket. The smell of barbequing sausages is mingling with the sweet scent of suncream. All in all it looks like a top notch British summer.

With all this human activity you’d be forgiven for thinking that there would be precious little room left for wildlife on the beach or Hilbre Island, but you’d be wrong.

Ringed Plover

The thing is, for many migratory shorebirds this isn’t in fact summer. It may look and feel like summer to us, but, now they have finished breeding, for the Dunlins, Turnstones and Ringed Plovers arriving on Hilbre, this is very definitely autumn.

Around the island are hundreds of these diminutive wading birds, brought here on a fresh north westerly breeze. These birds are just passing through on a mammoth migration from the high arctic to wintering grounds in western Africa. If you look on a globe then you would see that for birds nesting in arctic Canada, Greenland and Iceland, the estuary of the River Dee is a perfect place to stop and refuel on the long journey south to Mauritania and beyond.

Later, into what we would consider true autumn, these birds will be replaced by Dunlins from Siberia and Eastern Europe which will stay on the islands and wider estuary for the whole winter.

They are great to watch. I find a shady spot away from the day trippers and sit quietly with my camera. The sandstone reefs are covered with seaweed (that to be totally honest is awfully smelly after several hours in the hot sun!). This seaweed holds plenty of food for hungry migrants and as they feed you can see the different strategies that each species uses to satisfy its appetite.

The Turnstones wander slowly along using stout bills to flip over fronds of the brown seaweed and nudge away the odd stone to reveal what is underneath. They seem to be favouring tiny shore crabs; there are many here today making me think there has recently been a large hatch.

The Dunlins are moving at a much faster speed than the leisurely paced Turnstones.

They dart about probing with long, slightly curved bills at any mud-filled nook or cranny in the rocks and examining any shell for a meaty shellfish treat.

Amongst all this activity are the Ringed Plovers. They feed in a different way again.

They stand still and upright using their large eyes to look for any movement on or under the seaweed. When they spot prey they dart after it and grab it with their short stubby bills before standing still and upright once more.

It is an idyllic scene, the peace only broken when a squabble occurs between Ringed Plovers over an unfathomable (to me at least!) dispute.

At such close quarters I can see the ragged wing feathers that they will moult for pristine new ones. It is no surprise that these birds look a little worn. They have spent a short, and for them a stressful, arctic summer raising a brood of chicks before flying thousands of miles to avoid a long and barren arctic winter.

As well as refuelling, the birds rest. Often they will roost at high tide when water covers their feeding grounds, but today some are roosting at low tide just yards from where I have hunkered down. Another squabble, this time between Turnstones, wakes a roosting Dunlin. It is clear this altercation is over food, a Turnstone is running away with a big crab, chased by noisily ‘pipping’ others.

The Dunlin looks a little indignant at the intrusion on its nap time, but peace soon descends and it tucks its head back under ragged wing to catch a few more zzz’s.

Turnstone

It is always special to see these birds but to be able to have close prolonged views of them going about their daily lives is beyond special. In a few hours I count more than 100 Turnstones, 400 Ringed Plovers and 500 Dunlin.

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

Dunlins

Hilbre is also a great place to find something a little more unusual. Amongst the small waders I find a Whimbrel. This bird looks a little like a Curlew that you can see all year round on the Dee, but is significantly smaller and has much darker markings on its head. We get thousands of Curlew on the Dee each winter, but only ever a few Whimbrel. We only see these birds as they pass by on spring and autumn migration and then only in very small numbers. The taller Whimbrel strides around the shore on long powder blue legs looking for crabs. It is taking larger ones than the Turnstones are and there are no squabbles between the two species – the Turnstones know when to give way. I get a few pictures of the Whimbrel, not knowing if I will get another chance this autumn before it wanders off foraging further down the beach.

It is incredible that all this is going on with the sights and sounds of a big day out at the seaside in the background. With my camera memory cards full but an empty stomach, I pack my kit away and return to the mainland for an ice cream.

Whimbrel

32 The Lake

Sales every Tuesday at 10am 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

• 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

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

West Kirby Library Autumn news and events Congratulations to all who took part in the summer reading challenge ‘Creepy House’. Certificates and medals will be presented from the beginning of October.

The adult reading challenge ‘Book in some time to read’ runs until 31st October. Enter soon and you may win shopping vouchers.

••••••••••••

Antique and Collector’s Sale on Tuesday, October 15th – Entries Now Accepted

Bring a song, your favourite poem or one you’ve written to join local poets celebrating

Friends of Hoylake and Meols in Bloom

National Poetry Day

Those who were in the Gardens during the Festival of Firsts weekend will recall what an incredible sight it was to see so many people enjoying themselves listening to live music and poetry, having cups of tea and picnics on the grass, children playing and not a computer in sight (well except to take pictures).

The Friends of Hoylake and Meols in Bloom are very proud to have received this letter from Prime Minister David Cameron. It is a wonderful accolade to everybody involved with the Friends, be it supporters, members or sponsors but especially our volunteers who make it all possible.

At a recent meeting of the Trustees it was unanimously agreed to continue the restoration of Meols Parade Gardens, the only free public multi-sports park in Hoylake. Many of you will be aware of the Friends achievements in the Gardens, for example the sensory garden, murals, sensory play equipment, flower picnic table, grass, long, seaside and rose beds.

Obstacles to rejuvenation include the replacement or repair of the protective, but crumbling seaside wall, which has held back everything the weather can throw at it for over a century. Nothing is impossible, it just takes a bit more effort. We would like to secure the the replacement of the tennis courts, football pitch, basketball court and the atrocious surrounding uneven paving.

Possible additions could be a wheelchair sports area and the return of a bandstand.

It does not take much imagination to visualise what a totally rejuvenated Parade Gardens would do for our area in terms of visitors. We know there are already people coming from Chester and Liverpool to spend time in the sensory garden. It would greatly enhance the area, improve the wellbeing of the local community, provide physical activity and enjoyment for all age groups. The knock-on effect of a vibrant Parade Gardens will also benefit our high street and the area as a whole.

You can see more of what we do at www.hoylakeinbloom.co.uk or look at our ebook at http://online.3dpageflip.com/forv/ ycle/ (takes a few seconds to load).

We would warmly welcome advice or help from anyone who would like to help the Friends achieve these ambitions, as individuals, sponsors, fundraisers, providers of professional advice such as architects, surveyors and builders, your help and support would be very much appreciated.

Please phone the FHMIB on 07958 385118 or 07725 540049 for further information.

If you would like to support us with a regular yearly donation (we suggest £5 for individuals, £7 for families and £10 for businesses), it can be done through our website or there are support forms available in Hoylake library or by phoning the above numbers.

The village planting containers are also available for sponsorship or as a memorial.

at West Kirby Library Thursday 3rd October 2-7.30pm Contact Nikki Bennett or Laura Pringle nikkibennett27@hotmail.com laurapringle@wirral.gov.uk for a reading slot or register for ‘Open Mic’ on the day.

•••••••••••• As part of Wirral Bookfest, Caroline Smailes will be at the library on Friday 11th October at 2pm, talking about her latest novel ‘The Drowning of Arthur Braxton’. The event is free BUT booking is essential.

For further information see wirral.gov.uk/bookfest •••••••••••• Following the success of our summer story time Darron Rogers will be back for ‘Shout Out Boo Take Two’ on Monday 21st October at 2.30pm.

Stories and rhymes suitable for children aged 3 upwards.

•••••••••••• On Tuesday 12th November, 2.00-4.30pm West Kirby Library will host ‘The West Kirby Concourse 50+ showcase’ An afternoon for the 50+ group to showcase their talents: poetry, prose, music, singing etc.

Refreshments will be available for a small donation.

For further information on library events please telephone 929 7808.

The Lake 33

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A motorist’s guide to Block Exemption In October 2003 European Union legislation, ‘Block Exemption Regulations 1400/2002’ (BER) came into force.

This gave motorists more freedom in their decision as to who should repair and service their vehicles – now any garage can be used without invalidating the manufacturer’s warranty (subject to certain conditions).

This was as a result of four specific ‘freedoms’ that were introduced, aimed at safeguarding free competition in the entire market for vehicle spare parts, service and repair. These meant:

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· Parts manufacturers can no longer be forced by their original equipment (OE) contract to limit supply of parts to the vehicle manufacturer/assembler · Parts manufacturers can supply OE products under their own brand so motorists and repairers will not feel they have to go to a main dealer for a certain part · Anyone with a legitimate need for technical information has a right of access to it in a usable form and at a reasonable cost The BER covers service and maintenance during the warranty period and prohibits vehicle manufacturers’ warranties from including conditions requiring that:

· All normal maintenance be provided within the vehicle manufacturer’s network · All parts used must be the manufacturer’s original spare parts The European Commission declared that such clauses in a warranty document would represent ‘an unjustified restriction for the consumer’ The Automotive Distribution Federation (ADF) have written proof from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that: Independent repairers CAN carry out normal maintenance and repair services during a vehicle’s warranty period without invalidating the warranty conditions provided that:

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with the manufacturer’s servicing schedules and is recorded as such · Any parts used are of ‘appropriate quality’ and are recorded as such

About MB-Wirral

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To discuss your individual requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us on 632 0006 or by email at info@mb-wirral.co.uk. Better still, drop in and see us at MB House, 39A Carsthorne Road, Hoylake Wirral CH47 4FB.

34 The Lake

Wrecking North Wirral Shore

By Greg Dawson During the 1700s and 1800s when the inhabitants of Wirral’s Deeside villages obtained their luxuries from smuggling, the villagers along the Irish Sea coast from Hoylake to Wallasey looted theirs from shipwrecks. By the later 1600s, Liverpool had taken over from Chester as Britain’s second most important port. In the 1700s Liverpool’s shipping grew in leaps and bounds with the rapid expansion of the slave trade and increased imports and exports to and from the Colonies. By 1750, only about 30 ships belonged to Chester and the population had levelled out at about 14,500 whereas Liverpool’s population had mushroomed to 25,000 with 220 ships, including about 50 slave trading vessels. Fifty years later, Chester’s population and shipping was roughly the same but Liverpool could boast of having over 750 ships (including 120 slavers) and a population of over 80,000.

As ships beat their way into Liverpool laden with valuable cargo, often at the mercy of mountainous seas and strong winds, they were watched by inhabitants of the coastal villages of Wirral. The ships’ crews prayed for the safety of dry land, while many of the Wirral villagers prayed for a wreck. When ships ran aground or were wrecked in storms, local people stole their cargoes. They considered it their ancient right to loot and make off with any cargo that was washed ashore. Accusations were made that the inhabitants of North Wirral, particularly those living along the Irish Sea coast during the 1700s and early 1800s, were wreckers, deliberately luring ships onto the rocks and sandbanks so to plunder their cargo and murder survivors for their possessions.

James Stonehouse, a Liverpool shipowners son was born in 1769 off Church Street, nearly opposite St Peters. His father was owner and commander of his own Liverpool built ship, the ‘Mary Ellen’, named after his wife. The ship was launched in 1775 and was first used in the slave trade before being converted to a privateer. Obviously the circles in which James Stonehouse and his father moved gave them a lot of first-hand information about smuggling and wrecking. They probably knew shipowners who had lost valuable cargo to wreckers and were not impressed with the villagers of North Wirral. Stonehouse wrote: “Wirral up to the middle of the 18th century was a desperate region. The inhabitants were nearly all wreckers or smugglers. They ostensibly carried on the trade or calling of

fishermen, farm labourers and small farmers but they were deeply saturated with the sin of covetousness and many a fierce fire has been lighted on the Wirral shore on stormy nights to lure the good ship on the Burbo or Hoyle banks, there to beat and strain and throb, until her timbers parted and her planks were floating in confusion on the stormy waves. Fine times then for the Cheshire men. On stormy days and nights, crowds might have been seen with carts, barrows, horses, asses and oxen even, which were made to draw timber, bales, boxes or anything that the raging waters might have cast up. Many a half-drowned sailor has had a knock on the sconce, whilst trying to obtain a footing, that has sent him reeling back into the seething water and many a house that has suddenly been replenished with eatables, drinkables and furnature, where previously bare walls and wretched accommodation was visible.”

Then for smugglers he wrote: “Fine times the runners used to have in my younger days. Scarcely a house in North Wirral that could not provide a guest with a good stiff glass of brandy or Hollands. Formby was a great place for smugglers. I don’t think they wrecked as the Cheshire people did, these latter were perfect fiends.”

As Stonehouse records, not only merchandise was hauled from wrecks, but good timber also. Many old cottages and farmhouses were built using timbers from wrecks.

At the home of my ancestors, Yew Tree

Farm in Irby village, the original roof of the farmhouse adjoining the older sandstone buildings was built with large ship’s timbers and stood much higher than before renovation a few years ago. The roof beams were holed and notched indicating their previous use as part of a ship. These timbers were probably hauled up from the shore to one of the family farms in Moreton before being transported to Irby.

There are no eye-witness accounts of people lighting false signal fires or murdering shipwrecked sailors or passengers, but no doubt some bodies washed ashore were robbed. Witnesses might well have seen fires on the shore at night near the site of wrecks. They were probably lit by locals so that they could see who or what was being washed up. Wirral was indeed lawless and as Stonehouse wrote, “a desperate region” as an incident in 1756 illustrates when impressed men held aboard a tender called the ‘Bolton’, at Hoylake, mutinied and took over the vessel after attacking the guards and taking their weapons. The ship’s mate was knocked down with a musket butt and beaten with an iron bar and a handspike. He later died and about 40 of the men escaped to Liverpool. On the following Wednesday, one of the captured men was being taken to a boat, but was freed by a mob. The mob went drinking and returned in the evening, then broke open the watch-house and freed another impressed man, after breaking the watchmaster’s ribs.

‘Mariners Needle’ This column on Column Road is known locally as ‘Mariners Needle’. This tower was built on the northern nose of Grange Hill in 1941 by the Trustees of Liverpool Docks to replace a windmill that collapsed in 1839. Mariners had used the windmill as a daymark for many years.

It is an 18m (59ft) unpainted round red sandstone column topped with a sandstone sphere.

The Lake 35

from Wirral swooped down and forcibly seized and made off with large quantities of cargo. An armed guard was stationed on the ship which fired on the wreck-looters when they returned to plunder the ship again. The guard fired warning shots, then killed one of the crowd. The mob became so violent that the guard made off in a boat and left the ship’s cargo to the looters. This account confirms Stonehouse’s opinion that at this time many Wirral residents were, in general, lawless robbers.

Charles Dawson Brown, historian and cotton broker

Compared to the above jail-breaking, assault and murder, wreck-looting was hardly a crime to the lawless villagers of North Wirral. However, it was not just the people of Wirral who robbed victims of shipwrecks. During a storm in 1775, two outward bound Parkgate ships, the ‘Trevor’ and the ‘Nonpareil’ were lost. The ‘Trevor’ went down off the coast of Lancashire with Captain William Totty and 30 people onboard. The Dublin bound packet boat ‘Nonpareil’ was wrecked on the Hoyle Bank with the loss of Captain Davies and 100 passengers, including 43 Irish vagrants being deported from the Neston House of Correction. Scores of bodies were found along the coast and on the Welsh shore at Flint, 19 people were arrested for robbing dead bodies cast up on the beach.

A laden ship from St. Domingo called the ‘L’Equite’ was being brought into Liverpool when she ran aground off the coast of Meols at Dove Point and eventually lost her rudder. She was got into the Mersey with difficulty and ran ashore at New Ferry with her rich cargo intact. Hundreds of people

Even years later, in 1837, a report written on the need for a police force, which included a passage on wreckers states that: “Chester and Cornwall are the worst. On the Cheshire coast, not far from Liverpool, they will rob those who have escaped the perils of the sea and come safe ashore and mutilate dead bodies for the sake of rings and personal orniments (sic).” The commissioner of the Liverpool Police stated that: “In Cheshire parish, constables never interfered with wreckers. The Borough Police on salvage duty had to go armed against the hostility of the neighbouring villagers.” One of my ancestors, farmer’s son and cotton broker Charles Dawson Brown of Stone Hive, Darmond’s Green, West Kirby, a well known local historian, founder of Wirral’s first museum and a founder member of the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, recorded local information from many sources, much of it handed down through his family. His maternal grandfather Nathaniel Dawson and great grandfather John Dawson (my direct ancestors) were Yeomen of Irby and Moreton and had farms in Moreton from the 1740s to the early 1800s.

Also, his mother’s sister Mary Dawson was married to Bernard Sherwood, the Hoylake tide surveyor, who, during the 1840s, lived at 5 Sea View. Other family members were also local and all were well placed to witness, or be informed of, the goings on at the scene of wrecks, so that much authentic information would have passed to Brown.

In the way Charles Dawson Brown wrote of wrecking in Wirral, he appears to mean the wreck-looting of ships breaking up due to the perils of the sea, rather than people deliberately causing them to run aground. He wrote: “There was a good deal of wrecking going on at one time and when inward-bound West India ships met with disasters and broke up, a great gathering of men from surrounding villages took place in order to secure casks of rum which came ashore and which sometimes were buried in the sandhills, to be removed at a more convenient time. Deaths have frequently ensued from the heavy drinking of the strong new rum which took place at such times and it has frequently been said that some of the casks which were buried have never been recovered. Happily, now, there are comparatively few wrecks and wrecking is a thing of the past.” It is quite possible that some contraband hidden at night is still buried in the area. If, as Brown says, men ‘sampled’ some of the strong raw rum recovered from the wrecks, then they probably staggered home their own separate ways like rubber giraffes. The next morning they wouldn’t know what day it was, let alone remember which sandhill or patch of scrub they buried their loot in.

As Brown quite rightly stated, by his time of life in Victorian days, wrecks along the Wirral coast were few. This was mainly due to steam ships taking over from the more perilous sailing vessels, improved and better marked navigation channels and the mouth of the Mersey being lit by New Brighton lighthouse, completed in 1830.

At the other side of the Wirral Peninsula on Grange Hill, West Kirby, the old windmill used by generations of mariners as a landmark was destroyed by a storm in 1839. It was replaced by a taller and more conspicuous navigation point, when, in 1841, the Trustees of Liverpool Docks completed a 60 foot sandstone column.

36 The Lake

Seagrass Studio Gallery Jo Smith, artist-in-residence at Seagrass Studio Gallery, is one of Hoylake’s quirky characters known for her richly textural local landscape paintings and unique jewellery. Having grown up in Hoylake, she has developed a deep sense of attachment to the place and never tires of the beautiful, ever-changing coastline, the source of inspiration for her artworks.

Her painting technique has developed over the years to incorporate sand and earth collected from the beach and land which inspires her on her daily dog walks. She then mixes it with her paints or applies it directly to her canvas rendering tactile memory of the places she visits.

Seagrass opened four years ago and Jo showcases her own and 30 other local makers’ work in her tiny but perfectly formed gallery. You will find lush pottery, stained glass, hand-made felt, local photography and unique jewellery in this Aladdin’s cave. There is a wealth of local Wirral talent which made it an easy decision to stock only locally produced crafts. Tucked away near Hoylake Station, the exterior of Seagrass is as reminiscent of the idiosyncratic little galleries more commonly found in Cornwall as the atmosphere Jo creates inside the gallery itself. It has a relaxed and laid-back feel as the workspace is overflowing with paint pots and coffee cups. Jo teaches 1:1 and runs children’s classes and arty parties there. She also combines art with her therapeutic training to offer art therapy and counselling.

She recently provided eight artworks for the new Park Suite at Arrowe Park Hospital as part of her art for Wellbeing activity.

Jo has run Art for Wellbeing workshops for the Festival of Firsts, and has been involved in other community arts projects including the Wirral Arts Trail; a Christmas schools art project; recycling workshops; mixed media workshops; classes at West Kirby Residential School and Art Therapy workshops for Cruse, Wirral. Being passionate about all things local, she has regularly donated work to raise funds for many local charities including Claire House, the Candice Colley Foundation, Tomorrow’s Women and the Roy Castle Lung Foundation. Jo received a nomination for Cheshire Woman of the Year in 2012 in recognition of her multi-faceted career.

Jo has exhibited widely across Merseyside in both solo and group shows and has recently been selected to exhibit at the prestigious Chester Arts Fair in November alongside the most successful UK artists. It’s not surprising then that she has received many commissions for her local landscape scenes.

She regards herself as blessed to live here and be part of such a strong community but despite her paintings being predominantly local scenes, her work hangs in homes and private collections across Europe and as far away as India, America, Australia and New Zealand.

Future projects include a mural for the exciting Wirral Arts Trail, an invitation to exhibit in Spain and run art workshops in France. However, closer to home, she hopes to concentrate on a new body of work inspired by the most humble of subjects, Seagrass! Incidentally, the name of the gallery, Seagrass, is a rather contentious issue at the moment. Jo remembers her parents digging it up along Hoylake and Meols beach around 40 years ago and it’s still here. Are we for or against the grasses along our Coastline? Jo would be without much of her subject matter if those beautiful Marram grasses and wild flowers were to go. What do you all think?

Liverpool Waterfront

Horizon

The Lake 37 But a name like Homegrown Bananas can say much – and mean a lot more! The initial imagery of ‘Homegrown’ implies organic warmth. A home produced meal or vegetables fresh from the garden. But in a broader sense it implies a cultivation of the local environs – from the field to the local, independent business. In other words – it’s localism in action. A show of support from the local community to its immediate assets and amenities.

The Scene: A small café in West Kirby. A group of four locals are laughing in a corner, surrounded by various notepads and mugs of coffee. The casual observer may deduct little more than a shared joke – but it wasn’t a joke that gave us cause to laugh but inspiration. We had in fact just christened Homegrown Bananas – and so began a journey that is still in its early stages but very much blooming.

The titular banana began its journey at local café Toast on June 19th and over the course of two hours a good proportion of the capacity crowd shared a song, poem or story. Main band of the evening, The Huers, opened and closed proceedings with their acoustic grace and it was in many ways an excellent opening shot for Homegrown Bananas.

The banana cart then moved around the locale taking in various venues including most recently the behemoth space of West Kirby Library. Of course, with a venue like that there is room for doing things on a grander scale! With the usual open-mic element firmly in place, the welcoming aroma of Flaming Bean Coffee in the air and various themed activities taking place around the space including a much borrowed from library display themed around bananas, ecology and Transition Town themes.

Homegrown Bananas Friends of Meols Park West Kirby Food Festival

But what of the ‘Bananas’? Well, it’s a roughly yellow fruit you may say. In fact, the humble banana is imbued with much symbolism. It can be art, food, décor and most importantly an economic tool. After all, if we don’t look after the people who produce our bananas, and by extension their local economy, where will we get our bananas from?

Indeed, at the heart of the banana and Homegrown Bananas itself lies a resilience to withstand any challenge. Peel away the skin and the reward is a nutrient-filled food – essential in life – in the same way that music and community are. Homegrown Bananas is, therefore, a positive mix of the creative, the local and the community -based ethos of Transition Town. With monthly events held in an independent venue in the West Kirby area there’s a good chance we’ll be seeing you at a Homegrown Bananas event soon.

The Friends of Meols Park are pleased to present their 5th Firework Display On Sunday 3rd November 2013.

The Firework Display will be set off by local social celebrity Beverley Macca, by pressing down the IP Plunger.

The typical gathering will feature a headline performer opening proceedings with the floor soon thrown open to those who have a song, poem or story they want to share to the always open minded and appreciative crowd. That includes you right? See you soon and when the banana comes your way – get ready to share your song, poem or story…

The theme once again is ‘Fun and Fireworks’. Incredible-Edible-Hoylake, will be serving out Pumpkin Soup and there will be the usual family funfair rides, side stalls, refreshments, mulled wine, donkey rides and more.

For further information visit www.facebook.com/pages/Homegrown-Bananas

The Firework Display is free although there will be bucket collections and voluntary donations would be appreciated, due to the rising cost of staging the event. The event finishes 7.30pm.

Words by Sebastian Gahan © 2013 Photograph by Creative Watch Area

The fun starts at 12 noon with the Firework Display at around 6pm. Arrive early for the best viewing point.

West Kirby hosts its second Food and Drink Festival from 21st- 26th October Upload to YouTube your own Come Dine experience, or let us know if you want to host a dinner party and you could be filmed!

While the idea is to highlight all that is great about local produce and food in West Kirby, we also have a serious motivation in raising funds for the West Kirby RNLI.

Visit West Kirby is working in association with West Kirby Farmers Market to bring you a week long extravaganza of fine food, unique recipes, pop up restaurant and much more. Try and buy! Recipes in some places will be available for you to test at home.

West Kirby RNLI provide 365 days assistance to anyone off shore. As a coastal area we should feel proud to have such a lifesaving service on our doorstep.

While some may count themselves lucky to put food on the table, Wirral Foodbank provide food for people in need. We will be putting recipes together that taste great and

won’t stretch the budget. West Kirby Community Fire Station are supporting too.

While 21- 26 looks busy, Saturday 26th October is going to be mad! There is West Kirby Farmer’s Market in the morning from 9-1 at St Andrew’s church hall near West Kirby Grammar School. In the afternoon, an Art Fair will take place in the hut behind Westbourne Hall – a fantastic opportunity to purchase an original piece of art.

In the evening there will be an auction of art and who knows what else!

Lots more to be announced.

Follow @wkfoodfest on twitter or www.facebook.com/WKFoodFest

38 The Lake

Fully Qualified and Experienced Local Pest Controller Wasps

Ants

£40

£45

Fleas

Flies

Rats, Mice, Squirrels

£90

£45

£95

(2 visit treatment)

(3 visit treatment)

All other pest species treated. All prices subject to free survey and no obligation quote.

Telephone: 0800 206 1905 or 07773 909 165

www.recoursepestcontrol.net

Wirral Ranger Service Events and Activities Date: Every Wednesday of every month

Date: Thursday 24th October

Date: Sunday 17th November

Time: 10.30 – 15.30

Time: 1.30pm – 3.00pm

Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Title: Heswall Dales Volunteer group

Title: Half Term Autumn Scavenger Hunt

at Royden Park

Title: History and wildlife Walk

at Royden Park

Join the Ranger at Royden Park on a fun way to discover autumn. Collect your sheets between the above times at the Coach House.

Join the Ranger and learn some of the history and a look at what wildlife is active at this time of year.

Meet: Heswall Dales Rangers Office off Oldfield Road, Heswall (CH60 6SN)

Meet: Court Yard/Coach House at Royden Park.

Meet: Court Yard/Coach House at Royden Park.

Special requirements – Sorry no dogs.

Suitable clothing & footwear/no dogs/packed lunch is recommended

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk

Special requirements: Sorry no dogs. Warm and waterproof clothing and suitable footwear.

Join other volunteers and help the Ranger at Heswall Dales carry out a variety of tasks and duties including footpath restoration, heathland management, site surveys and more.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk

Please contact the ranger for details

Contact: dantravis@wirral.gov.uk 0151 677 7594 Date: Sunday 13th October Time: 1.30pm – 3.00pm Title: Fruits of Autumn at Royden Park Sloe jelly, Elderberry sauce, Hawthorn jelly. Just a few of the foods that are available from the fruits and berries at this time of the year. This Ranger-led walk discovers these and other interesting facts.

Meet: Court Yard/Coach House at Royden Park.

Sorry no dogs.

Date: Sunday 3rd November

Date: Sunday 1st December

Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm

Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm

Title: Save Our Heathlands – Help with

scrub clearing on Thurstaston Common

Title: Woodland rhododendron clearing

at Royden Park

Come and help with practical scrub clearing on our heathland at Thurstaston Common. Enjoy the fresh air, meet other volunteers and help the environment.

Come and help with practical woodland work and remove some of the unwanted rhododendron at Royden Park. Enjoy the fresh air, meet other volunteers and help the environment. Hot potatoes also on the menu.

All tools and gloves provided.

Meet at Thurstaston Hill car park off Telegraph Road.

All tools and gloves provided.

Special requirements: Outdoor clothing and waterproofs and able to carry out hands-on practical work.

Special requirements: Outdoor clothing and waterproofs and able to carry out hands-on practical work.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk Date: Sunday 20th October Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm Title: Save Our Heathlands – Help with

scrub clearing on Caldy Hill

Meet at the Rangers Office, Royden Park.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk Date: Tuesday 5th November Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm Title: Save Our Heathlands – Help with

scrub clearing on Caldy Hill

Date: Tuesday 3rd December Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm Title: Save Our Heathlands – Help with

scrub clearing on Thurstaston Common

Come and help with practical scrub clearing on our heathland at Caldy Hill. Enjoy the fresh air, meet other volunteers and help the environment.

Come and help with practical scrub clearing on our heathland at Caldy Hill. Enjoy the fresh air, meet other volunteers and help the environment.

All tools and gloves provided.

All tools and gloves provided.

Meet at the turning point down Fleck Lane, off Column Road near West Kirby

Meet at the turning point down Fleck Lane, off Column Road near West Kirby

All tools and gloves provided.

Special requirements: Outdoor clothing and waterproofs and able to carry out hands-on practical work.

Special requirements: Outdoor clothing and waterproofs and able to carry out hands-on practical work.

Special requirements: Outdoor clothing and waterproofs and able to carry out hands-on practical work.

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk

Contact: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk

Come and help with practical scrub clearing on our heathland at Thurstaston Common. Enjoy the fresh air, meet other volunteers and help the environment.

Meet at Thurstaston Hill car park off Telegraph Road.

The Lake 39

Auctioneer John Crane with his regular column on the auction world...

Good collections of objects from all eras, works of art, pictures, silver, fine furniture, oriental ceramics, textiles and so forth seem to develop quite naturally in people’s homes. Some people certainly appear to have an innate ability to understand the types of objects to acquire.

When these collections eventually come on to the market to be sold by public auction, it is very much good fortune if the collections in question at the time of sale are fashionable, and therefore desirable. Great desirability and high quality always achieves high prices in the auction rooms.

Beatles auction

Items are still discovered locally. I recently was shown a Neolithic polished hand axe-head found in the earth in a caravan site in Llanarmon-yn-Ial! There was a ‘factory’ in North Wales and the Lake District which produced these items for export across Europe; nothing new there! If you do have any local discoveries I would be pleased to feature them on these pages.

Certain types of oil and watercolour pictures are rising in price again at all levels in the market.

The name Millicent E. Ayrton might be familiar to some readers. She was also known as Mrs Pollock. Millicent Ayrton lived at The Anchorage in Hoylake and was a prolific artist. She was born in 1913 and died in the year 2000. Millicent Ayrton studied at the College of Art in Liverpool under the famous Charles Penn in the 1930s.

The style of her work varies as does the work of many painters with natural ability. Her work is still affordable but some of her work is now climbing to the ‘mid to high hundreds’.

I would like to hear from anyone who holds these paintings and a note to remember is that from 1880-1940 there are 48,000 artists who exhibited their work. Some are very good but most have not stood the test of time.

On August Bank Holiday Saturday we held an auction of Beatles memorabilia at LIPA, formerly the Liverpool Institute High School for Boys where Paul McCartney and George Harrison were educated. I also attended there for six almost happy years!

Notable auction results were a John Lennon double signature in a Quarry Bank school textbook which made £7,400. A ticket to a Beatles Dance in Lewis’s department store achieved £3,500. There were a few sets of autographs which made £3,000 - £7,000. A knitted black tie which once belonged to John Lennon made over £3,000! A ‘low numbered’ Beatles White Album has now been discovered with a misprint on the cover and is expected to fetch in the region of £30,000! Most of the lots offered at the auction found eager buyers, such is the continued desire for ownership of these items.

People say that it is a matter of personal taste in what to collect and that rightly true. It is often the subject of the piece of artwork which makes it collectable rather than its quality or hand. Japanese ivories may not be considered worthy to grace the shelves of the collectors’ display cabinet by some people, whereas the German portrayal in ivory (below) and in our next Fine Arts auction (£1,500 - £2,000) of St George and the Dragon, to a patriotic person may be a priceless addition to a collection and sit in pride of place on display.

Nabila with Costume Work of Art Nabila Nagi trained in Liverpool and holds a BA in fashion constructive textile design. This was followed by ten years of experience in the London commercial manufacturing fashion world. This example, called ‘acceptance’, of her work took six months to make and was influenced by the intensity of colour in our native woodlands.

The bodice is made from burnt canvas and the silk organza petals flowing to the ground were individually hand dyed and applied with elements of gold leaf and gold metallic silk.

It wouldn’t be inexpensive to have one made and I can give you more details if you care to telephone me.

Certainly an artistic designer worth watching or for that special commission !

I have a request for readers for two types of items. The first is a galvanised dolly tub and garden items for a keen collector. The preservation of iron by the galvanising process began in Italy in the C18th; invented by Luigi Galvini. It still works today.

The second request is for a vintage or modern bell-tent and vintage camping equipment; vintage caravanning has been around a long time. More about this vintage camping at a later date.

Wool Dyeing, Fez by Millicent E Ayrton 1983 A picture we sold three years ago by Sir George Clausen for £190,000.00 is being sold again by the original purchaser in October. The price to be realised this time will be an indication of the strength of the market in these current economic conditions.

Silver and gold continues to do well in the auction rooms.

There is a constant demand from abroad and as long as the auctioneers you use have embraced the Internet technology of ‘live on-line bidding’, as you have probably seen on the TV programmes we do, AND the auctioneers have years of auction experience you are able to realise a good financial return.

Please telephone me about any interesting objects you have for auction, especially the finest examples of pictures, books, silver, jewellery, Beatles and pop memorabilia and good furniture even G-plan and Ercol are selling well now and all 1950s–1980s items are worth looking at.

I will be seeing objects for valuation at the Claire House shop in Irby on the 12th and 19th September 10.00 am - 2.00 pm. Proceeds to Claire House Childrens’ Hospice.

Details are on the Claire House website.

Finally, I content myself nowadays with developing my rare hosta collection. The seeds from which the miniature one (see below) was grown, came from Japan... it has no name yet.

Ivory of St George and the Dragon Hoylake, Meols and the surrounding areas are well known for their abundance of treasures. Joseph Meyer, whose private collection formed the basis for the Liverpool Museum Collection often acquired Roman items brought to him which were discovered in the sands of the local shores and the fields of the hinterland.

Antique Silver Last week I happened to notice that at the Liverpool Town Hall there was a piece of textile art on display in the form of a most beautifully made long dress. It is certainly a fine example of the textile artist’s creative skills.

The Hosta with no name!

I look forward to hearing from you all on 01244 680055 or 07836 209995. www.catocrane.co.uk or www.5CVC.co.uk In the meantime... Happy collecting to everyone.

40 The Lake

Vegetarian Cooking Street Life!

By Aly Challoner-Jones Being as factual as I can be, we haven’t had a terrible summer. I don’t know about you but I’ve managed to don the shorts and flip flops on numerous occasions (yes, I shamefully did!). The kids’ holidays are over and it’s back to uniforms and work mode, but there’s still time to have some late funshine. Create a festival in your back garden! Music, food, drinks in jam jars and lights in fishbowls. Get your neighbours and friends over, they can help throw up the gazebo. Food? Street food... contemporary, trendy, no washing up and requires little more than a recycling bin and some helpful hands. Ask people to contribute with their favourite family recipes... but no beef burgers, thank you!

This is what I’ll be serving at my next event; (a table for two in the treehouse) baked falafel made with basil and spring onion.

Instead of a humdrum pitta, a shaped flour tortilla baked in the oven. Who needs crockery when you can eat the bowl too!

Stuff the shell with some crunchy fresh salad, a homemade tzatziki, the obligatory chilli sauce or refreshing tomato salsa.

Then, as they say in Rome... Mangiamo!

Ingredients for 4 people: 2 x 400g tins of chickpeas drained 4 spring onions, chopped 1 medium carrot, grated 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 2 tsp ground coriander 2 tbsp chopped basil 2 tbsp flour Salt and pepper 1 tbsp olive oil 250g natural yoghurt 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 clove garlic, finely chopped Juice of half a lemon 4 handfuls of shredded Romaine lettuce 8 cherry tomatoes 2 spring onions A small green chilli 2 tsp of white wine vinegar 1 tsp sugar A pinch of salt and pepper 4 tortilla wraps

Method: Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and brush a baking tray with oil.

Put the garlic, spring onion, coriander, cayenne, chickpeas, basil, flour, salt and pepper in a food processor and process until combined but not smooth.

Using lightly oiled hands, shape the mixture into 16 balls and flatten a little.

Place the falafel on the baking tray and bake for 30 minutes, turning halfway through.

Mix the yoghurt with mint, garlic and lemon juice.

Chop the tomato, spring onion and chilli (no seeds!) and mix with the vinegar, sugar and seasoning.

Fill wraps with salad, falafel, tomato salsa and yoghurt dressing.

To make tortilla shells, sit the wrap inside an ovenproof bowl and bake for 10 mins until golden and holds its shape.

If you’d like to find out more and be inspired to cook veggie, have a look at the Absolute Cooking Facebook page or check out www.absolutecooking.co.uk Our services include: teaching at home, individual recipe and menu planning, vegetarian consultancy... and some intriguing product development!

Other than reaping the sumptuous rewards of recipe writing, I’ve been exploring culinary central. I happened to land at the new Bej Restaurant in Hoylake, the only all vegetarian restaurant on the Wirral! “Why the name Bej?” Chef Chris is Venezuelan, and some of the Spanish pronunciations don’t quite translate the way you’d expect.

For example a V is pronounced B, hence “Van” becomes “Ban”. They started out with the name Veg, pronounced Beg, but felt the spelling was a little confusing! So they finally agreed on Bej. Here endeth the lesson!

I met with Chris (Chef), Laura and Laura’s Mum (both front of house). The immediate impression was of a close family business, with strong cores values. I was surprised to discover that all the staff are vegan, and had altered their lifestyles for health and moral reasons. They’ve even produced a leaflet for those who pose that inevitable question, ‘But what DO vegetarians eat?

Where CAN they get their protein!?’. Chris clearly clarifies in there that a lack of nutrition and calorie intake is of no concern!

The ethos at Bej is fresh, cooked from scratch, ethically sourced and as much organic produce as possible. They stock a wide range of vegan/organic wines, beers and spirits as well as serving some glorious

fruit juice and smoothie combinations. The menu is predominantly vegan, with a range of delicious and unusual cheeses than can be added by request. The dishes do not contain eggs and even the ice cream is delectably dairy free! With many people these days having a dairy intolerance, Bej is very well received and is a comfort zone for those concerned.

Despite having only been open a short time, there is already a regular customer base of families, vegetarians and meat eaters.

Some of whom travel from as far away as Manchester. Customers comment on the quality AND quantity of food, claiming that despite preconceptions, they never go home via the takeaway!

There really is something for everyone, from the more discerning to the carefree and adventurous. Chris recreates dishes from South America such as Hallacas, a traditional recipe made with cornmeal and wrapped in plantain leaves. There are also popular choices like risotto, and polenta with a roasted vegetable stack. Chris is developing a reputation for his unusual flavour combinations and adventurous techniques. I had the pleasure of tasting the soup of the day during my visit, beetroot and chocolate laced with an amaretto essence! I had truly never tasted anything like it! I also selected the chocolate and beetroot and brownie for dessert, a heavenly experience... silky, rich and decadent. Wasn’t I fortunate my son was unable to finish it!

What’s next for Bej? A new and refined menu, entertainment... possibly a comedian, charity events and continued efforts to source locally, ethically and fresh! They are packed to the max at the weekend, which is no surprise with such a beautiful setting on the terrace. If you’re planning to pop by, avoid disappointment and make a booking...

Bej awaits your call!

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

The Lake 41 This will allow your family law solicitor to get to grips with the relevant issues straightaway. It will also save time and allow you to get the most out of your first meeting.

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

What should I do in preparation for my meeting with a family law solicitor?

Good preparation will help both you and your solicitor. Some useful points to consider are: • Prepare a short chronology of your relationship noting any relevant dates and events.

•

Prepare a summary of assets, liabilities and income of the family’s finances as best you can.

• Prepare a list of any questions or points you wish to raise or which are a concern to you.

At the end of the meeting you can consider your list of questions and raise any points which may not have been dealt with. You can also ask your solicitor to summarise (in writing too) the points of advice and the next steps to take. It is important that you are able to form a working relationship with your solicitor and that you can work together as a team.

Are there any tips when dealing with my partner?

It is important to retain some level of communication with your partner, focus on the relevant issues and work as a team with your family lawyer. Communication can be the key to unlocking the problem and finding a solution.

Will I have to sell the house?

Whether or not the family home has to be sold will depend on the facts of the individual case. A main concern is where everyone will live as the parties will separate and one home will become two. This can mean that the family home is sold and the net proceeds of sale are divided, but this does not necessarily

mean there will be an equal split of the money. It may also be possible to postpone the sale of the family home until the children have left home or to offset the family home against other assets (including pensions) so that the property can be retained.

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 hour appointments at their West Kirby office and their Heswall office is open on a Saturday – so why not get in touch?

Can I change the locks?

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

You may be entitled to change the locks but the other party might be entitled to change the locks back again. You should seek legal advice to check your position and entitlement. Where there is a concern about your safety, it might be appropriate to contact the police or seek an injunction order.

We are not married, does it make a difference?

Yes, the fact that you are not married can make a significant difference. There is no such thing as a ‘common law’ husband or wife. In these circumstances the legal rights and remedies might be limited to the family home and how it is owned. Where there are children however, it might be possible to make an additional claim for financial provision under the Children Act 1989.

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.

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

42 The Lake

Junior Tennis Tournament Upton Tennis Club July 20th – 27th Talented young tennis players from all over the Wirral, including West Kirby, Hoylake, Meols and Caldy as well as from across England and Wales were recently showing off their skills at the 72nd annual West Cheshire Open Junior Lawn Tennis Tournament. Wirral residents were invited to go along to watch these budding young stars and enjoy lunches and delicious afternoon teas. This was also the first year when additional events were added of the Ladies and Mens’ Open Singles.

The tournament, sponsored by Wirral-based accountants and business advisers McEwan Wallace, took place at the Upton Victory Hall Lawn Tennis Club in Rake Lane from July 20th to the Saturday 27th July.

Lewis Crawford from West Kirby winner of U18 Boy’s Singles with Anthony Wilding, past President of Cheshire Lawn Tennis Association

Junior tennis players took part in events such as the under 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 16s to the under 18s.

The tournament has, in the past, attracted top-ranked UK tennis players such as Heather Watson, Ken Skupski and Barry Cowan.

The tournament is supported by the various sections of the Upton Victory Hall;the bowling, tennis, croquet and badminton sections. For more on the West Cheshire Tournament or the Victory Hall visit www.uptontennisclub.co.uk

Spectators enjoying refreshments

Laura Parsons (runner-up) and Julia Bond (winner) of the Ladies Open Singles

Ben Leeman of Wirral, runner up in the U12 Boy’s Singles