Christ on a bike! Earlier in the week we were basking in the highest temperatures the UK’s probably ever seen. Today we’re experiencing the levels of rain that make me want to dust off plans for an Ark!
The four of us have had a fantastic weekend in Liverpool. Saturday night at the Cavern Club was great, but today we did something very different and also very sobering after a night on the beer. We visited the Slavery Museum at Liverpool’s Albert Dock. I’d recommend it to anyone but if you’re white and think you’re hard done by, expect to learn some uncomfortable truths. The museum lays bar the true horror of the slave trade and Liverpool’s part in it. The full horror of this obnoxious trade and man’s inhumanity to man is laid bare. To be honest, it’s a lot to take in, so I’d recommend more than one visit.
Unfortunately, the weather in Liverpool was so wet we cut short the day to head back across the Pennines to West Yorkshire. In the event, it wasn’t any better back home. We ended up back in our local pub for a ‘a couple’ then were joined by other friends so that a couple became several – then it started chucking it down. So much do that for the first time we ordered a taxi to get us the short distance home.
Now, whilst Dawn’s digging the pair of us a very nice meal out of the freezer (home made Harissa Chicken) I’ve been busy checking emails as tomorrow I’m back on the road judging stations for the ACoRP awards. it’s ironic to think that last week Mark and I were bothered about the heat. This week it’s not suntan lotion we need to pack – it’s a canoe! We’ve ‘only’ got three (widely spread) stations to visit today, so expect another rolling blog describing the course of the day. Today’s been pretty easy, but here’s a few photo’s to illustrate it.
Liverpool’s Gay Pride in full swing!
Wet but happy! The four of us on the way home.
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 