15:51.
It’s slightly later than planned due to circumstances beyond my control, but I’m leaving a wet and miserable Calder Valley behind for a night out with friends in Liverpool. Dawn, plus Fran and Aubrey are already there and I’m catching up. Due to timings it’s not the speediest of journeys as it involves several changes of train, which is why I’m typing this now on the platform of Hebden Bridge station after arriving from Sowerby Bridge on a Blackpool service. Still, it could be worse. In the background I can hear a band playing. I’m assuming there’s an open air gig in the nearby park, which must be well soggy! I’m glad I’m not there – even tho’ the forecast for Liverpool’s no better. I’m off to see some bands too – but in a drier place. Our friends love Liverpool and have persuaded us to join them in seeing a Beatles tribute act in the resurrected ‘Cavern Club’. I’ve fond memories of the area in the 1970s when a club across the road called ‘Eric’s’ was in business. You’d get a real mix of bands in those days, from punk to old hippy bands like ‘Gong’.
We’ve booked a hotel just round the corner as we’re making the most of the weekend. All I need now is for this train to turn up…
16:33.
A single Northern Class 156 turned up (almost) on time at 16:07 to ferry me across the Pennines, we’re just about to arrive in Victoria now. My fellow passengers consist of families returning home after a day out and younger folk heading out for a night in the cities clubs and pubs – although there’s not that many of them as it’s too early!
17:07.
Victoria was an even more surreal experience than on a normal Saturday due to the number of young women and girls dressed as cats or book and film characters. I spotted ‘Wonder Woman’ and Rapunzel, amongst others. I’m assuming that some event’son rather than this being some bizarre co-incidence!Whilst I was waiting for the liverpool service a pair of ex-West Midlands trains Class 150s put in an appearance on a StalyVegas – sorry, Stalybridge service.
I’m currently on a TPE 185 to Lime St. It’s another train carrying a mix of families and revellers enjoying different Saturday experiences.
20:08.
No time for blogging right now, there’s too much going on! Our night out has coincided with Liverpool gay pride and the city is absolutely buzzing!
Postscript.
We had a fab night listening to songs from the ‘fab 4’ which brought back a huge amount of happy memories as well as one or two sad ones. The Cavern was far better than I expected. It could have been touristy and tacky but it was anything but. Yes, there were plenty of tourists but they were there because they loved the Beatles music. It made for a great atmosphere.
10:01.
The atmosphere aboard’s happy but damp!
Now we’re in the first of our pubs. Nowadays it’s called ‘The Dispensary’. I remember it by it’s old name, ‘The Grapes’.
14:00.Next pub. The Little Grapes.
Here’s the crew.
Today the group’s splitting up for different cultural activities. Some are off on a busman’s holiday and visiting the East Lancashire Railway. I’m taking the second group back to my birthplace – Liverpool – for a tour of the city. No doubt we’ll be taking in a few of some of the architectural gems that make up the port’s pubs. Expect a few memories and pictures later…09:35.For once, I’m glad a train was late! I’m currently sat on the 09:22 from Sowerby Bridge to Manchester, which I was due to miss by about 5 mins but as it was running 6 mins late I breezed straight onto it as it was already sat at the platform.11.05.Whilst waiting for the sore heads to arrive I’ve been taking pictures at Manchester Victoria station. Having known this place since the early 1970s it’s fantastic to see its resurgence after years of decades of decline and neglect. Nowadays the main concourse is buzzing with people, some of whom now linger at the bars and cafes like these.
Whilst waiting I’ve also been observing. As a photojournalist I’m always observing and looking for shots that tell stories. One thing I noticed today was the number of otherwise healthy young men missing legs. My suspicion is that they’re ex-servicemen. Unlike an earlier generation, they don’t hide their injuries by wearing long trousers. Their prosthetics are on display.12:15.Our stag group are now on the way to Liverpool aboard a packed and late running TPE service where the numbers aboard have been bolstered by dozens of Liverpool football supporters.17:16.We’re heading back to Manchester after a wonderful afternoon in Liverpool. I take back what I said about football supporters as the city centre was lacked with them, yet the atmosphere was excellent.
18:03.
Paul Bigland 