Pinch Belly Park Stockport

As I delved deeper into the history of my hometown I set out to explore Stockport's oldest park Vernon Park which is tucked away on the hillside and a short walk from the town centre. 

I wrongly assumed that the imposing red brick building standing beyond the grand stone gates of Vernon Park was Vernon Hall.  I knew that the Vernon family were key players in the industrial development of the area. But I suppose by choice they would've lived away from the smog and grime of the mill town. After all, Friedrich Engels - in his lengthy read  "The Conditions of the Working Class of England" had rather harshly described Stockport as being:

“renowned as one of the duskiest, smokiest holes in the whole of the industrial area”

— Friedrich Engels

Surprisingly the park came before the building. In 1844 Lord Vernon gifted agricultural land to Stockport council with the intention of it being developed for "the purpose of public walks and as a place for outdoor activity". Various financial disputes delayed the building of the park and work didn't start until 1857. The building came a few years later and became Stockport Museum. I'm not certain what was displayed here but at that time the Victorians were keen to travel and usually returned with all sorts of 'treasures'.

Outside I met a number of people who'd come to visit the museum. Except it had closed. I never even knew it existed. I'm not too sure what the future holds for the building but I hope it isn't left to go to ruin. I took a peek inside - it was a little dark and gloomy but nevertheless had features. In the right hands and with investment this could be a fantastic arts centre.

Beside the doors stood a pair of ornate urns overflowing with neglected dying plants.

The signpost beyond the house suggested that there was plenty more to be discovered.

I came across a commemorative park bench which dates the park - 150 years takes us back to 1858. Stockport over the centuries has known extreme periods of economic boom and bust. I know I've mentioned the decline of recent years here in Stockport - it comes and goes in cycles. That gives us hope for the future. It has to get better doesn't it? 1858 was not the best of years - English cotton trading was suffering and unemployment amongst the mills workers was high. The council employed the poverty-stricken mill workers to construct the park. it's likely they would've laboured in return for a pittance - the minimum to survive... and so the nickname  Pinch Belly Park. Their endeavours would've greatly benefited the community - it's not difficult to imagine the positive impact this pleasant green space would've had on the wellbeing of the locals. We all deserve space to breathe and simply 'to be' don't we?

The view through the gaps in the trees of old and new stretches for miles and miles. Many old textiles mills still stand in Stockport. Beyond the mill is the visible line of the M60 motorway - the Manchester ring road. 

I was bemused by the sight of the cannon. The original Russian cannon came from the Crimean War but was the metal was melted down to aid the 'war effort' in the 1940s - yet another period of hard times in our history. The ornate railings and water fountains also suffered the same fate.

The original Victorian bandstand was demolished in the 1960s and later replaced with this replica.

The two bowling greens were neat and well kept. There's something very traditional about bowling greens. Calm and peaceful places.

Bowling and bowling only. Obviously. But horses?

The local community police officer was enjoying the peace and quiet of the park.

Or perhaps he was looking out for horses?

I hope you enjoyed my visit to Vernon Park in Stockport. I regret not making the time to visit the lovely tea room - I definitely will do next time though.

Reflections of Liverpool

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.”

— John Lennon

A friendly rivalry exists been Liverpudlians (from Liverpool) and Mancunians (from Manchester). Think Liverpool FC v Manchester United. The Beatles v Oasis. Scouse v Hotpot. And so the list goes on... But the rivalry between theses two neighbouring cities has roots going back to Victorian times - to industrialisation and in particular the building of the Manchester Ship Canal from the River Mersey and feuding merchants. I've visited and photographed the Manchester end of the waterway at Salford Quays and Media City many times. Despite being a Mancunian, I love to 'cross the border' to visit the city of Liverpool. I'm always drawn to docklands area and historical industrial warehouses and so Albert Dock on the River Mersey is a perfect destination.

Albert Dock Liverpool

It hasn't always been picture-perfect though. WW2 bomb damage and, over the following decades, a dramatic decline in industry and trading to the late 1970s left this area a grim desolate and sewage-filled wasteland. It was a dismal no-go area. The area had such a bleak feel to it.

Albert Dock Liverpool

In the early 1980s a life-line was thrown in the form of an ambitious and impressive regeneration programme. I think the futuristic new now sits comfortably with richly historic old.

I remember visiting here in the early days of the restoration. My memory is of buying contemporary black and white patterned buttons from from a little independent shop. At the time I was knitting a mohair cardigan. I wasn’t the best of knitters and my item had a rustic look to it!

Old and new buildings sit alongside each other.

The waterfront is lined with modern structures. An abundance of glass and strong lines. Can you see that the figure in the window gives a sense of perspective?

Museum of Liverpool

I'm always drawn to detail in reflections. I feel this, if I were to be labelled, may be one of my 'trademarks'. The big wheel looms high although I’ve not yet plucked up the courage to venture on here. The red brick warehouses and sheds have been spruced up.

Reflections in windows of the Museum of Liverpool

We Mancunians chuckled quietly to ourselves when Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture in 2008. Oh how very wrong we were to mock! I'm looking forward to the Transmitting Andy Warhol exhibition coming soon to the Tate Liverpool. It’ll be the ideal excuse to return.

Reflections of Albert Dock in the windows of the Museum of Liverpool

The River Mersey looks cold and murky but when the sun makes an appearance the crowds flock here to stroll along the promenade on the waterfront. The water is apparently the cleanest it’s been since the Industrial Revolution although I wouldn't dare take a dip in it!

Reflection of the waterfront in the windows of the Museum of Liverpool

I like the reflections here of old architecture on modern. The area is showcases prime examples of how good architectural design can sit comfortably beside the old.

Museum of Liverpool

Can you spot the two famous mythical Liver birds perched on the towers of the Liver Building? The legend goes that if these two birds were ever to fly away then the city of Liverpool would cease to exist. They're firmly fastened down!

The Liver Building on the waterfront, Liverpool

The Royal Liver building dates back to 1911 and was one of the first buildings in the world to be constructed from reinforced concrete. The elaborate squared building in the middle is the Cunard Building - a reminder of the significance of Liverpool as major port when our ancestors - mine included- bravely sailed away on the liners to new lives across the globe.

Reflection of the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool waterfront.

The Port of Liverpool Building, a stray traffic cone and an ominous 'One-Way' sign! This building is known as one of the Three Graces - together with the Liver Building and Cunard Building.

Reflection of The Port of Liverpool Building

The Beatles seem to be on every street corner in one form or another. And of course it’s a perfect excuse to stop for a cuppa!

Cafe on the waterfront at Liverpool

No photos of cake this time. I've been on a sugar detox for the last two weeks. I know, hard to believe isn't it?

I hope you liked my stroll around the waterfront in Liverpool. There is so much more to see but that will have to wait for another time. I really recommend a visit if you're ever passing by. There’s so much to see. And of course don't forget your camera - it’s a a very photogenic area!.

She Loves You Yeah Yeah Yeah!

I was a day tripper to Liverpool, home of the Beatles - a tourist and not Lennon's interpretation of a tripper ! My mum reckons my first words weren't 'mummy' or 'daddy' but "Yeah Yeah Yeah"from She Loves You. Proof that even toddlers weren't exempt from the influence of The Beatles in the sixties!

Aside from the obvious Beatles reminders everywhere, Liverpool is a fascinating city to visit. I wish I could transport you all there now with the wave of a wand - I know you'd love to explore. I remember Liverpool in the 1980s - a very low point for the city - high rates of unemployment, the council in debt and dominated by militants, areas of poverty and dereliction - and then the riots, the Hillsborough football stadium disaster and the shock of the killing of precious little Jamie Bulger in 1993. All of these events I remember vividly and with sadness. But over the last couple of decades or so the city has been transformed by huge investment and regeneration. Don't get me wrong, there are still areas of inner-city depravation here but generally there's a sense of optimism. If, like me, you enjoy history, music, galleries and museums, architecture, shopping, people-watching in dockside cafes then Liverpool has to be on your list of cities to visit.

And amongst all the delights I just mentioned, I unexpectedly came across a boat restoration in Albert Dock. Well you know I can't resist a restoration project so although I plan on blogging about Liverpool city next week, I wanted to give you a taster of one of my discoveries!

So…. I was casually strolling around the vast restored dockland warehouse area when I spotted a rickety looking boat - it turned out to be a historic steam powered tug-tender.

I peered over the railings and noticed shadows of people on deck. Being curious and noting the free admission of course I had to take a closer look!

The Daniel Adamson was originally built in 1903 for the Shropshire Union Canal and Railway Company.

In 2004 the boat was on the verge of being scrapped but was rescued at the very last minute. This is the only surviving tug-tender in the Uk and so is of historic significance.

The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society bought the vessel for a token £1 and a lengthy restoration project began. The tug is being lovingly restored by a team of volunteer enthusiasts.

Although it would appear that there's still plenty of work to be completed, it's clear that significant progress has already been made.

It was interesting to see the fabric of the vessel. Although most of the original wood had been stripped away, enough snippets remained for the colours to be rematched. In the 1930's the salons had been re-fitted in a lavish Art Deco style. It would've been in a similar style to the great liners of the time but on a much smaller scale.

A paradise for lovers of rust!

The boat was moved from the dry dock to the current location in Albert Dock earlier this year. It's due to be moved to to shipbuilders Cammell Laird for the engine to be fitted.

I don't have the best sea legs - even on still water in a dock - but I felt slightly uneasy on board!

And so the plan is to complete the restoration of the S.T. Daniel Adamson to her former glory within the next 18 months. This will be the oldest Mersey built steam vessel operating in the world.

How exciting! I can't wait to see the finished result and report back!

Vintage Print and Vintage Ladies

I love seeking out quirky and unusual vintage printed items such as maps, postcards, cigarette cards and books. I like the detail and appreciate the work that went in to producing these items. Working with programmes such as photoshop, it's easy to take for granted how we have everything at our fingertips at the click of a button. My plan was to show you a snippet of my collection.

But I came across something I just had to share with you ... browsing the Christmas Markets in Manchester last week I could hardly believe my eyes when, amongst all the glitter and gluhwein I spotted a sign offering "a unique opportunity to purchase a piece of British Industrial Heritage" Oh I had to take a closer look!

The font drawings and master drawings were being sold by a salvage company operating from the former Linoprint and Machine Company factory on the outskirts of Manchester.

They look fantastic in a simple minimalist frame. They'd work well hanging on the wall of an airy loft-style apartment.

Amongst the finds were interesting photos of the draftsmen working in the drawing office at Linotype. The Linotype and Machine Company was established in 1889 and the printing machinery was advertised as"the Eight Wonder of the World"!

I have no doubt that this unique vintage collection will be snapped up soon. Now if only I had the money…

And so to return to my original but now pared-down plan. It's a tough choice whittling down my favourite pieces from my printed collection so I'll save the maps, books and cigarette cards for another day.

Amongst my collection of vintage celebration cards, I particularly like these tinted birthday cards which date to 1918. I sourced them from Oh La La Vintage store in Howarth, Yorkshire.

Not only are they typical of the era, but one includes the slogan on the back " Buy National War Bonds Now" advertising War Bonds to finance the war efforts.

And staying on the subject of ladies, what do you think of these two? I discovered them amongst a collection of theatre related ephemera at a car boot sale in Cheshire. I think this lady is an actress from a French Theatre company in the early 1900s... although I use the term 'actress' loosely! Doesn't she look a cheeky one?!

This card is particularly attractive because when held up to the light it becomes translucent and pale delicate colours emerge. I wonder if this is connected to the French actress Cora Laparcerie who was born in 1875. I feel sure that the two cards are in some way connected - I need to research them further. Perhaps they're even the same person?

I hope you enjoyed my vintage post today. Let me know if you've ever come across any similar items. I'd also be interested to learn more about the actresses.

A Maiden on a Voyage

The original idea from my journal pages was to show my collection of vintage cameras in the first of my posts. But, as is often the case... my story took an unexpected twist.

So firstly who can guess what lies within? And who had one as their first camera?

Yes, this is my little Kodak Brownie and it was, and still is, very precious to me. I don't know where it came from but I owned it from the age of about 7 or 8. I took it on all our family holidays. The photos are stashed away in my mum's loft.

My grandad and dad were keen photographers and both had darkrooms. Together with my own Brownie camera, this bakelite Olbia camera is another firm favourite and belonged to my grandad.

My grandad, grandma and dad used to cycle the length and breadth of England on holiday and along the way take photos. I can't imagine how they found the energy to cycle so far... but somehow they did! They were robust people. I love browsing through the many hundreds of their photographs which are now in my possession. I think it's such a shame that they didn't document their journeys in writing for future generations to read. A little settings guide and hand-written chart is tucked in the old leather case.

Not so long ago I spotted a photo of the SS United States in the photo box - I thought it could've been taken either in the port of Liverpool here in the Northwest of England or more likely down on the south coast in Southampton where they used to go on holiday. The dockland areas in those times were a hive of activity. I had relatives who sailed over to the States in the 1920s to start new lives - adventurous times for them. There are plenty of scanned passenger lists available to view online and they make interesting reading.

When I posted this on various social media sites, my friend and one of my very favourite bloggers Sally (aka Radish) mentioned that she recalled sailing across the ocean from the US to England during the 1950s. Well I truly couldn't let this opportunity slip away .... I had to find out more about her journey! It was such an honour for me when Sally agreed to share her memories.

And so over to Sally:

“In 1955 I was 15, and I sailed with my family on the maiden voyage of the USS United States.The idea of the ship as I remember it, was that it was supposed to be a transport ship for the troops. But as there was no war at the moment, it was dressed up to be a passenger ship to be used back and forth from US to Europe.

Our family sailed third class, and our rooms were more or less in the bowels of the ship and to rear as I remember. Our rooms were small and had no windows, and it was impossible to tell on the lower levels if it were night or day. My brothers and sisters and I were in bunks. Above decks had open areas that were nice enough for kids, but I am sure that my parents would have loved to have been sailing in second class. I liked to go outside on the decks and walk in the wind.

There was a large dining room with two meal seatings, and we went to the second seating because my parents liked cocktails first. I think there were three bars in third class and my parents had their preferences. There was a movie theater that showed first class movies every day.

I had the most fun on that ship crossing, I think of my whole life. Being 15, although I told everyone I was 16, made it so. My parents were very protective of me, and at home I had curfews, but for some reason on the crossings over and back I was allowed to run free with the exception I had to show up for meals and their cocktail hour. I had no curfew. I fell madly in love both going and coming back. One with one young college freshman going over and another different young man coming back. The first one wore a tweed jacket and had white buck shoes. We danced until the band quit. On the trip back I was the youngest of a group/pack and we actually conned our way to other classes on the ship. I was terrified that I would get caught but I went and I didn’t. On the way back to America, one young man, who was really older than me but today would remind me of a very young Robert Downey, Jr., he kind of took me under his wing, though at a distance, and I was really madly in love.

Although it was the end of May, it seems like the crossing was very rough. Many people were seasick and in their bunks, as was I a little, but due to the men in my teenage life and the excitement I did not have the time to cave to actually throwing up. Many times few people showed up for meals. Sometimes the table cloths were wet so the dishes would stay on the table. The amount of food and the choice was amazing: cakes, pies, puddings, ice-creams, cream puffs. For me the choice of desserts and the number we were allowed to have was astounding. We rarely had dessert at home. I think I concentrated on desserts.

One thing I remember clearly is on the way home to New York, we all got up early on the last morning to see the Statue of Liberty at dawn. It was so beautiful, and I was so proud to be an American.
”

— Sally Calligan 1938 - 2017

Thank you so much to Sally for sharing your precious memories!

I'm sure you'll agree with me this that is a fascinating account and it has left me wanting more!!

Edit: I miss dearest Sally. Sadly she passed away in January 2017. Across the ocean she encouraged me and many of my creative friends during my early days of blogging and digital photography. I do remember revealing the first version of my website to her and she strongly disliked it and told me so in not so many words! I valued her honest opinion. Of course she was right and within 24 hours I changed it!