80 years on we remember Liverpool's 'May Blitz'

THE Liverpool Bliz took place over 1 May to 8 May 1941. The Mersey had the largest Port on the West Coast, which was of significant importance to the British war effort. This lead to Liverpool and along with Birkenhead, taking the heaviest bombing, outside London. The targeting of the area, by the German Luftwaffe, killed over 4,000 civilians, on Merseyside. Today we can still see the scars of the bombing and the war, if you look around the area. The most well known landmark and lasting physical remnants of the destruction of war is that of St Luke's Church, at the top end of Bold Street in Liverpool City Centre. During Liverpool's 'May Blitz' the iconic Church building was destroyed by an incendiary device. The Church that is now better known as the Bombed Out Church, still stands as both a reminder of the bombing, and as a monument to peace. It is now a significant community centre and has a Grade 2 listed status.

On Thursday, 6 May 2021, exactly 80 years since its destruction, a service will stream live on the by St Bride's Church (the Parish of St Like in the City) on Vimeo, at 3.15pm. Due to Covid restrictions, the service, at St Luke's, is invitation only, but if you miss the live stream, it will be available to watch again later that day, so that as many people as possible can share in marking the opening of this new chapter in the ministry of St Luke in the City.

You can find out more about the Parish today on it's Facebook Page, as well as on the Parish's YouTube Channel. A fill list of the St Bride's Churches events marking the 80th can be found on the Parish of St Luke in the City page on the Churches website.
 

Sea Cadets in Birkenhead build an interactive ship simulator

AN enterprising group of young people and volunteers in Wirral, Merseyside have made good use of their time during lockdown to convert a disused office space into an interactive ship simulator. The 15 square metre space boasts a state of the art sound system, bull's eye windows (portholes) and red glow navigation lights so that Sea Cadets can experience what it's like to navigate at night. Mike Larsen, Commanding Officer for the Birkenhead Unit said:- "With many of our Cadets taking part in an online navigation course during lockdown, we wanted to give them the opportunity to get a more 'hands on' experience of what it's like to navigate different vessels around the globe. The ship simulator gives them the opportunity to put their navigation skills to the test and keep learning enjoyable." Teamwork is the order of the day in the new navigation classroom, with Cadets working together to read nautical charts and use technology to plan their route before setting sail on the ship simulator. Hannah, who is 1 of the Sea Cadets said:- "I was really surprised at how realistic the simulator is" s, "It will help us put the training into practice and keep navigation interesting." The unit's Training Officer, Ricardo Ermocilla, said:- "Projects like this will keep Sea Cadets moving towards the future by providing the best possible virtual experience."
 

Is Formby's McDonald’s Restaurant for sale?

OVER the last few weeks we have heard about the building that houses a drive thru restaurant that was purpose built in 2015 as MJ’s Diner and later acquired by McDonald’s in late 2018 is now up for sale? Harrocks Commercial Property has the listing on its website, but we have not had any reply to our requests for more information. From what we are told, the current owner is looking for offers in excess of ₤4 million for the property. Currently we are of the understanding that the rent being paid by McDonald's is ₤220,000 per annum and that this is the largest drive thru in its portfolio. According to a report we have seen, the site, located next to the A565 Formby Bypass, and on the junction of Altcar Road and Stephenson Way, is subject to a 25 year lease to McDonald’s restaurants Limited, with a break option after 15 years, on 28 September 2033, subject to 6 months written notice. Quite why this site is up for sale and what this means for McDonald’s, considering it has a long lease has puzzled many in the area. If we find out any more information, we will let you know.