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Poetry in motion
A SERIES
of poems created by Merseyside women are being displayed across the
Merseyrail network. Called ‘Enabling Voices’, the works
are part of the ‘Enabling Choices’ project, which has given
women the opportunity to express their hidden literary talents and
celebrate their contribution to Merseyside society.
The poems, put forward by women living and working across Liverpool
and Greater Merseyside, go on display at a number of stations and
the scheme was launched officially at Moorfields and Hunts Cross
Merseyrail stations.
Enabling Choices is a partnership between women across the public
sector in Merseyside. Liverpool councillor Flo Clucas chairs
the partnership, which has the support of women across the region
including some of the region’s female MPs. Councillor Flo
Clucas, Chair of Enabling Choices, said:- “We are delighted so
many women have shared their literary talents with us. The calibre
of poetry was exceptional and we were amazed by the support this
project has received. Everyone who has taken part and bared a little
bit of their soul in these poems deserves praise.”
Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel said:- “The
project involves poetry from women from all walks of life and we are
proud to see so many of them on display. The poems are
excellent and we hope the project will help capture people’s
imaginations. Maybe it will encourage other women to have a go
themselves.”
One of the women taking part in the project is Fakhira Ali, from
Aigburth, with her poem “Curried Scouse”. Fakhira said
of the project:- “I’d written many years ago in university but
hadn’t put pen to paper for over ten years until I heard about this
project. Out of curiosity I sent a poem in and I was made up when it
was chosen. It’s boosted my confidence to do more writing and it has
inspired me to write the book I have always wanted to.”
Louise Ellman MP, who is backing the project, said:- “Just
reading the poems shows that we are blessed with some really
creative and talented women here in Merseyside. It is a fantastic
project.”
A book of all of the poems will be published in the Spring and a
copy will be distributed to everyone who took part. The
partners involved in the project include Merseytravel, Merseyrail,
the local authorities of Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens,
Wirral and Halton, Jobcentre Plus, The Mersey Partnership, New
Heartlands, Business Liverpool and Train 2000.
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Green light for plans to save Merseyside landmarks
2 OF
Merseyside’s historic buildings got a lifeline from the Heritage
Lottery Fund (HLF). Lowlands - the Liverpool mansion where the
Beatles once failed an audition - and the Old Police Station were
awarded Stage Two Passes worth a total of £1.2million. The news
represents a green light for restoration plans. The
announcement takes HLF's investment in Merseyside's historic
building and monuments to almost £93 million since 1994. Schemes
range from Paul McCartney’s childhood home to St Georges Hall, which
opens next month.
Peter Fellows, HLF Casework Manager for the North West, said:-
“Towns and communities change over time but landmarks such as
these are a constant visual reminder of our shared roots. Our
funding will breathe new life into these much loved buildings and
ensure they are part of local life for generations to come.”
The West Derby Community Association has been awarded £975,500 of
the funding for their plans to restore Lowlands. The Grade II listed
Italianate style mansion was built in 1846 by local builder and
architect Thomas Haigh in the West Derby area of Liverpool. It
was saved from demolition by a local councillor in the 1930s and was
sold to the West Derby Community Association in 1957. From 1957 to
1966 the basement of Lowlands was home to the hugely popular Pillar
Club. The Beatles – when they were the Quarrymen- famously failed an
audition there and George Harrison played there as a 15 year old.
The club also hosted performances from bands including Gerry and the
Pacemakers and The Hollies. In 1962 part of the attic was converted
to a coffee bar and became a meeting place for some of the rock
bands who helped to create the Mersey-sound of that era.
Today the building is
a lively community centre but it is in need of urgent repair and
only the lower floors are useable. Thanks to the HLF grant,
restoration works can now go ahead to save the mansion and bring the
upper floors back into use. The grant will also pay for the
creation of a History Room on the ground floor of the building,
bringing the rich history of the landmark to life. A host of
volunteering and training opportunities will be offered as work gets
underway.
Mrs Pat Blair, JP, chairman of the West Derby Community Association,
says:- "We are delighted that the Lowlands Renewal Project has
been given the green light. Everybody is looking forward to the work
beginning and seeing this much-loved building renewed and conserved.
The community has backed us all the way in this ambitious project
which will see Lowlands returned to its 1890 appearance with the
added attractions of improved access and facilities. Volunteers have
played a key part at Lowlands over the past 50 years. There will be
more great opportunities, including heritage conservation training,
during and after the renovation work."
Meanwhile, £268,000 has been awarded to St Michael’s and Lark Lane
Community Association to restore The Old Police Station. Standing
within the Lark Lane Conservation Area, the prominent landmark was
built in 1885 and served as a police station until 1974 when it was
decommissioned. Since then, it has played a central role in
local community life by accommodating kids clubs, adult education
classes and youth work sessions. Structural decay now threatens the
continued safe use of the police station, but the HLF grant will
conserve it and ensure future generations can enjoy it.
Exhibitions will help highlight the history of the building and its
role within the local community and local history. The front cell
will be converted into a multi media display centre with
publications, photographs and computer displays. Plans also include
the creation of a local heritage trail from the Old Police Station
to take in many of the other locally important features including
King John’s Toxteth Deer Park, Sefton Park and the Ancient Chapel of
Toxteth.
Centre Manager, Rupert Hale, said:- “After years of planning,
it is now exciting to be able to get on with the work. I feel this
award is a tribute to the numerous volunteers who make the centre
such a busy place. Around 1,600 people a week use the centre and we
are pleased that they will benefit from improved facilities after
the tremendous support they have given us over the years.” |
