Liverpool,land of my childhood
Well,we got to Liverpool on the 28th.No disappointments to report.
We drove in through from Runcorn,so that we could see the Airport and Bryant and Mays,both of which played a big part in my childhood.
It was free to go into the airport then, and we children would sit on the balcony for hours,watching and dreaming.We would wonder where those silver birds were flying to,they were all propeller driven and glamorous.
Bryant and Mays was where Mum and big sister worked,we lived in the tenements across the road,and,when the works hooter sounded a flood of green overalled,white turbanned women would spill across the road and through the gates.I cannot watch Chigley with my grandchildren without being reminded of the matchworks.
We drove on through Garston and Grassendale, where I had my first job as a paperboy.I delivered to all those beautiful big houses in the Serpentine and surrounding avenues.
As we passed along Aigburth Rd.,on our way to Sefton Park,I called to mind a time when I was an errand boy for Appletons hardware store in St. Marys Rd. in Garston.
I had one of those bikes with a basket in front,and one very cold winter Saturday, my boss Mr. Moore,told me he had a big order for the Nurses Home in Grassendale;a 2 trip job!
Well,I loaded up for my first trip,the basket was so full and my load so heavy that I had to stand on my pedals just to keep moving.The bitterly cold wind was biting into my cheeks and I was frozen stiff by the time I got there. The cooks were busy getting lunch ready for the nurses as I cycled back for my second load.The second trip was even worse, for the wind had strengthened and I was really at the limit of my powers................
I arrived in a cold and frozen heap,the kitchen window was opened and through it came the aroma of steak pudding,boiled potatoes,gravy and carrots etc. etc.
The cook took one look at my frozen physog and asked " Are you hungry son?"My heart leapt! "Yes" I replied.She disappeared into the kitchen and my head filled with visions of a steaming feast.She returned,"ere yar"she said ,handing me a single spring onion!!
Back to Saturday,we went on through Sefton Park and I was thrilled to see that the houses surrounding the park were being refurbished.My memory of them was of dereliction and decay.The last time I was in the Park was as part of a contingent of Birmingham Trade Unionist's,taking part in the start of the Peoples March for Jobs.Days of Hope eh!
You know,I've got so many memories from that park alone that I fear I will bore you all rigid ,so I'll stop right here,because if I move beyond those Park gates and into Lodge Lane,I'll end up being barred from the site.
Geez, my head is spinning with so many stories that want to be told.
Thanks for reading so far
BrianD