Wirral Heritage Open Days

5th to 13th September 2015 Wirral Heritage Welcome Open Days 2015

Heritage Open Days celebrate our Downloadable copies of this As Wirral’s Heritage Champion, I am Heritage Open Days is a national event outstanding architecture and culture programme are available on visitwirral. delighted to introduce Wirral Heritage to which Wirral is proud to contribute. by allowing free access to properties, com. Information about Heritage Open Days 2015. The programme Over the years visitor numbers have many of which are normally closed to Open Days regionally and nationally offers a wide range of tours, events increased and our local open the public or charge an admission fee. is available on www.visitwirral.com and activities organised by voluntary days now draw in people from outside groups and individuals, all aimed at Wirral as well as from the peninsula Throughout the country, thousands Whilst most events take place within providing both local residents and itself. Admission to all events is free. of historic buildings and sites will Wirral Borough, we are delighted to visitors with a unique opportunity open their doors and local people publicise activities in south Wirral. to discover more about Wirral’s This year’s programme has been will organise countless events and For further information about remarkable history and heritage. organised by the partnership of the activities to promote their community’s Heritage Open Days in West Wirral History and Heritage Association heritage. For more information see contact Chester History and Heritage As always, I have been impressed by the and numerous dedicated people who www.heritageopendays.org.uk on 01244 972210 or email energy, commitment, knowledge and open up buildings, put on displays and [email protected] professionalism of those who have put organise heritage walks and talks. Wirral’s Heritage Open Days is the programme together and I have no Wirral’s biggest heritage event and Every attempt has been made to hesitation in assuring visitors to Wirral I should like to thank all those who is organised by the volunteers of the ensure the accuracy of information Heritage Open Days that there will be have contributed to the programme Wirral History and Heritage Association in this brochure, which has been something of interest for everyone. and the many individuals who give in partnership with numerous supplied by individual events organisers. of their time so freely to make voluntary groups and individuals. However, Wirral History and Heritage Many of Wirral’s heritage attractions Heritage Open Days a success. Association cannot be responsible are open to the public throughout the The nine day programme lasts from for any discrepancies or last minute year, so do please come back again Do please use the nine days to September 5th – 13th. Wirral’s heritage is changes to the programme. Any and explore the wealth of wonderful see and do as much as you can. second to none and Heritage Open Days updates will be shown on our website. heritage Wirral has to offer. Wirral has a long and significant give the chance to explore and enjoy history... it belongs to us all ! its wealth of history and architecture. Councillor Jerry Williams To find out more visit the Wirral History Wirral Heritage Champion Elizabeth Davey and Heritage Association website Chairman www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk Wirral History & Heritage Association

Cover: Lighthouse, photograph by Raymond McBride, 2015.

2 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 3 Events Calendar: Buildings Open to View

Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun LOCATION SITE NAME PAGE LOCATION SITE NAME PAGE 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th

Bebington St Andrew’s Church 19 New Brighton Heritage Centre 16

Bebington Mayer Hall and Park 15 New Brighton The Dome of Home 13

Bidston Bidston Lighthouse 9 Oxton Christ Church 12

Bidston Bidston Windmill 10 Holy Name of Oxton 14 Jesus RC Church Bidston St Oswald’s Church 23 Trinity with Palm Oxton 24 Park Grove Church Birkenhead 9 Grand Entrance Parkgate St Thomas’s Church 24 47 – 48 Hamilton Birkenhead 10 Square Port Sunlight Bridge Cottage 17

Birkenhead Birkenhead Priory 11 Port Sunlight Christ Church URC 12

Birkenhead HMS Conway 13 Prenton United Prenton 18 Reformed Church Birkenhead Birkenhead 12 Central Library St Anne’s RC Church 20 Our Lady of the Holy Apostles & Birkenhead Immaculate 16 14 Martyrs Church Conception

Birkenhead Outwood House 17 Wallasey Rake Lane Chapel 18

Quaker Meeting St Andrew’s Birkenhead 10 Wallasey 20 House United Church

Sir Frederick Wallasey St Hilary’s Church 21 Birkenhead 19 Lister House St Mary’s Church, Wallasey 21 Birkenhead Wilfred Owen Story 25

Bromborough St Barnabas Church 20 Wallasey Wallasey Town Hall 25

Eastham St Mary’s Church 22 Wallasey Wallaseyans’ Club 24

St Mary & St Neston 22 West Kirby St Bridget’s Church 21 Helen Church West Kirby West Kirby Museum 25 Ness Ness Gardens 15 St Michael & 23 New Brighton St James’ Church 23 All Angels

4 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 5 Events Calendar: Walks, Talks and Activities

Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun LOCATION SITE NAME PAGE th th th th th th th th th LOCATION SITE NAME PAGE 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th

Lower Bebington Bebington 31 Walk Hooton Hooton Park Tour 30

Community Bidston 28 Old Hoose 30 Archaeology

Flaybrick Military Birkenhead 29 Neston Neston Town Trail 29 History Walk

American Civil Birkenhead 27 New Brighton All Around the Vale 27 War Tour

Birkenhead Wellington Road Birkenhead 28 New Brighton 34 Park Walk Conservation Area Butterfly Tranmere Air Raid New Ferry 31 Birkenhead 34 Park Walk Shelters - Lecture New Ferry New Ferry 31 Birkenhead Wilfred Owen Trail 35 Historic Walk Oxton Guided Oxton 32 Woodside Tour History Walk Birkenhead - Poetry, pottery, 35 pubs and people. Port Sunlight Open Village Walk 32 Williamson Art Birkenhead 35 Gallery Tour Walk 33

Birkenhead Wirral Archives 27 Port Sunlight War Memorial 32

Bromborough Heswall Historic 31 Rock Park Rock Park Walk 33

Bromborough Thornton Thornton Hough Pool 28 34 Pool Village Walk Hough Village Walk

Heswall Historic Rake Lane Heswall 30 Wallasey 34 Walk Cemetery Walk Eastham Eastham 29 West Kirby Ashton Park Walk 27 Village Walk

Hilbre Island Hilbre 30 West Kirby Old Village Walk 35 Guided Tour

610 (County of St Bridget’s Hooton 29 West Kirby 33 Chester)Squadron Church Tour

6 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 7 Though sometimes overshadowed Buildings by its neighbours, and Bidston Lighthouse Chester, the Borough of Wirral Wilding Way, Bidston, CH43 7RA Grand Entrance Lodge can nevertheless boast that it has a Sat 5th & Sat 12th September Birkenhead Park, Park Drive, Open to wealth of historic buildings. There Guided tours start promptly at 12.30pm, Birkenhead, CH41 4HD are 9 Scheduled Monuments and 1.30pm and 2.30pm both days. Doors Sat 5th & Sun 6th September Birkenhead Priory is included in open at 12 noon and close at 4pm 12 noon to 4pm Heritage Open Days. We have over View The first Bidston Lighthouse was built 700 Listed Buildings, the most in 1771, further from the shore than any outstanding of which have been other lighthouse in Britain. The present awarded Grade I or Grade II* status. Grade II listed Lighthouse was built by A selection of these will be open to Mersey Docks and Harbour Board in view during Heritage Open Days. 1873. Guided tours and heritage displays. Fantastic views from the lamp room. Large selection of second-hand books on sale.

Children must be 1.06 metres (42 inches) or taller to go up to the lamp room.

Limited parking. Disabled access to ground floor only. Limited supplies of An opportunity to look inside the soft drinks, sandwiches and snacks Grand Entrance and see one of its will be available for purchase. hidden courtyards, and to learn about the families who lived in the lodges. Pre-booking required, book online at The Grand Entrance with its North and bidstonlighthouse.org.uk/events/whod South Lodges was designed by the young or call Amanda on 0151 653 7816 architect Lewis Hornblower, who also designed the boathouse and bridges in Bidston Lighthouse is open to the public the Park, together with John Robinson. on selected weekends during the warmer Bees are now being kept in the courtyard months. Admission to the ground floor under secure conditions and bee suits is free and there is a small admission are available for all ages if you would charge for guided tours to signals and like to inspect them more closely. lamp rooms. Further information about Bidston Lighthouse, its history and No disabled access; unfortunately, opening times can be found online there are steps leading up to the at www.bidstonlighthouse.org.uk front door and fairly steep steps inside. Refreshments available.

No pre-booking required. Email [email protected]

The Dome of Home photo Steve Billington www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 9 Birkenhead Bidston Windmill Birkenhead: Access via path from Tam O’Shanter 47 - 48 Hamilton Square Farm Car Park, CH43 7PD Priory Birkenhead, CH41 5AR Sat 5th September Mon 7th, Tue 8th & Wed 9th September 10am to 12 noon Priory Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5JH 9am to 3pm; guided tour of full buildings Open to the public at 10.30am, 11.30am & 2.30pm Wed to Fri 1pm to 5pm Guided Tours Sat & Sun 10am to 5pm Two Grade I listed town houses, together Wed 9th to Fri 11th September 2pm with courtyard gardens and outbuildings, Sat 5th & Sun 6th September 12 noon & 2pm designed by the Scottish architect James Birkenhead Priory Sat 12th & Sun 13th September 12 noon & 2pm Gillespie Graham. Sensitively refurbished Volunteers Week-End Birkenhead Priory is the oldest standing in 2013 as a wedding venue, business Sat 5th & Sun 6th September 10am to 5pm centre and café. A rare opportunity building on and an Ancient Monument. Founded in the mid 12th to see inside one of Birkenhead’s The Birkenhead Priory volunteer team century as a Benedictine monastery, it outstanding historic buildings. will be sharing the recent developments was granted the right to ferry travellers at the Priory, including a variety across the Mersey in the 14th century. Pre-booking required for tours. of family friendly drop in activities It was dissolved by Henry VIII and the Disabled access via steep ramp to celebrating the site and their work. Priory Church demolished. Adjacent ground floor only. Refreshments Our team of enthusiastic Volunteers is the tower of St Mary’s, Birkenhead’s available in basement café. will be available to give guided tours, first parish church, consecrated in 1821 gardening demonstrations, interpretative Call 0151 601 9479 or email and now dedicated as a memorial to trails, arts and crafts activities and [email protected] those who died in the submarine Thetis demonstrations of our new digital trails. disaster. The former chapter house A brick built tower mill, erected to is consecrated as a place of worship replace a wooden peg mill, destroyed by and there is a chapel dedicated to fire in 1791 and used for grinding corn the training ship, HMS Conway. until 1875. Restored by Wirral Borough Birkenhead Quaker Council. Minimum height restriction for Meeting House upper floors (110cms). Children under 83 Park Road South, Birkenhead, CH43 4UU Medieval History 11 years must be accompanied by an Fri 11th September 2pm to 4pm adult at all times. Dogs can be minded. Weekend: Big Heritage Sat 12th September 10.30am to 3pm Sat 12th & Sun 13th September 10am to 5pm No booking required. First come first A late Victorian purpose-built served. Disabled access to ground floor Quaker Meeting House (1892), with Over the weekend Big Heritage will be only. Uneven ground unsuitable for several original features e.g. pine hosting a range of activities at the Priory wheelchairs. Refreshments available panelling and benches; parts of the exploring medieval history. Come along at Tam O’Shanter Farm café. original hot air heating system and a to this family friendly event to meet a magnificent water closet with blue medieval knight and explore the history of The windmill is open on the first and white patterned chinaware. The Wirral with a team of real archaeologists. Saturday of each month, April to lay-out of the meeting room is little September (bats permitting), 10am to changed since Victorian times. 12 noon. See www.bidstonhill.org.uk No booking required for any of the for more information. No pre-booking required. Disabled above events. Partial accessibility. access. Refreshments available. Refreshments available. Call the Ranger at Tam O’Shanter Farm on 0151 653 9332 or email Friends of Call Mary Green on 0151 653 9602 Email [email protected] [email protected] or email [email protected]

10 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk Birkenhead Central Library Christ Church United HMS Conway Chapel ‘The Dome of Home’ Borough Road, Birkenhead, Reformed Church, and Museum Ss Peter, Paul & Philomena Church /ICKSP Wirral, CH41 2XB Port Sunlight The Scriptorium,Birkenhead Priory, 7 Atherton Street, New Brighton, CH45 9LT Thu 10th September Open daily 8am - 8pm Church Drive, Port Sunlight Priory Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5JH 2.15pm for talk and behind the scenes tour Guided tours: Village, CH62 5EF Sat 5th, Sun 6th & Sat 5th September 2pm to 5pm Mon 7th to Fri 11th September (inclusive) Wed 9th to Sun 13th September Birkenhead has a long history of library Sun 6th September 3pm to 5pm 11am to 4pm 12 noon to 5pm provision, its first library dating from Wed 9th September 2pm to 5pm 1856. The present Central Library was The Priory Scriptorium is dedicated to the Sat 12th September 2pm to 5pm opened by King in 1934, memory of HMS Conway, a training ship Sun 13th September 3pm to 5pm when it replaced the Carnegie Library anchored off Rock Ferry from 1859 to in Market Street, itself opened in 1909, 1941, before moving to the Menai Straits. It but demolished to make way for the first contains many Conway artefacts, stained Mersey Road Tunnel. See the stained glass glass and painted windows and honour window, commemorating Wilfred Owen. boards recording four Naval Officers Talk and tour at 2.15 pm. Meet in the foyer. who were awarded the Victoria Cross.

No pre-booking required. Limited No pre-booking required. Parking disabled access. Refreshments is available in the Priory car park. available from vending machine. Accessible via ‘walking chair’ up external staircase. Call 0151 606 2149 (ask for Birkenhead Reference Library) Call David Holbert on 07742382904 or Christ Church URC, Port Sunlight was email [email protected] Welcome to the ‘Dome of Home’, built by the building department of architecturally ambitious and little altered the Lever Organisation in 1902 and Catholic Church of 1935; monumental in completed in 1904. It was the gift of Christ Church, Oxton scale, baroque in its spatial conception, its William Hesketh Lever (later 1st Viscount dome can be seen from afar. This well- Bessborough Road, Oxton, CH43 5RW Leverhulme) to the village of Port loved, familiar landmark, established as Sat 5th September Sunlight. His wish was that the church be a Shrine Church in 2012, has organised 1pm to 4pm undenominational and open to all who Guided Tours, a Guide Book and a new chose to worship there. Gothic in style, webcam showing views of the river A listed Anglican Church, housing the church is a Grade II Listed Building. a famous Willis organ. It has two from the roof. For further information visit www.domeofhome.org or to First World War memorials, one wall No pre-booking required. There are organise a tour for groups throughout mounted and the other an elaborately ramps to the main entrance. Several the year phone 07743235946 carved pulpit. The poet Wilfred Owen cafes and restaurants are nearby. worshipped here. Heritage displays. No pre-booking required. Disabled Guides available. Organ recitial. Call Edward Austin on 0151 334 6027 access. Refreshments available. or Christ Church on 0151 645 3870 No pre-booking required. Disabled access. Refreshments available. Call on 07743235046 or email [email protected] Call Rev Karen Freeman on 0151 652 3990 (church office)

12 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 13 Holy Apostles and Holy Name of Jesus Mayer Hall and Park Ness Gardens Martyrs’ Parish Church RC Church Mayer Hall, The Village, Lower Neston Road, Ness, St George’s Road, Wallasey, CH45 6TU 60 Beresford Road, Oxton, CH43 2JD Bebington, CH63 9PL Cheshire, CH64 4AY Sat 12th September Wed 9th September Sat 5th & Sun 6th September Sun 13th September 2pm to 5pm 10.30am to 4.30pm 1pm to 4pm 10am to 5pm

One of the many churches designed Set in the , overlooking by local architect, Edmund Kirby (1838 the Dee estuary and North Wales, – 1920) and erected in the orchard of with plants from all over the world, his own home, Overdale, 1899 – 1900. displayed in a 64-acre oasis of gardens. Thanks in part to the use of natural An inspiration for gardeners and an materials such as the soft rose-coloured exciting introduction to the natural world brickwork, the woodblock flooring for families and a great day out for visitors. and oak bench pews, the building retains a peaceful intimate character. No pre-booking required. Mobility scooters available, bookable in advance. No pre-booking required. Disabled Refreshments available. access via ramp at side entrance. Call Zoe Chapman on 0845 030 4063 Call Hugh Lappin on 0151 652 4937 or email [email protected] Check www.nessgardens.org.uk for general opening hours

A chance to see Mayer Hall, a gift to the people of Bebington from Joseph Mayer. Holy Apostles and Martyrs Parish Together with his other legacies, Mayer Church is Grade II* listed. Designed Park and the old Free Library, the Hall by the Liverpool architect F.X.Velarde, is a reminder of this generous Victorian for the Diocese of Shrewsbury. The philanthropist. Tours of the Hall and Park. church opened in 1953 and has been Special activities. Displays by local groups. described as one of the most richly decorated of Velarde’s churches. No pre-booking required. Disabled access to ground floor. Refreshments available. No pre-booking required. Disabled access and facilities. Refreshments. Call Dennis Boyd on 0151 609 0257 or email [email protected] Call Tony Mossman on 0151 606 4362 or email [email protected]

14 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 15 New Brighton Our Lady of The Immaculate Outwood House Port Sunlight: Heritage Centre Conception RC Church St Anselm’s College, Manor Hill, Bridge Cottage Inside St James Church, Victoria Cavendish Street, Birkenhead, CH41 8AQ Prenton, Birkenhead, CH43 1UQ Bridge Cottage, 23 Park Road, Road, New Brighton, CH45 9LF Sat 5th September 11am to 4pm Sat 5th & Sun 6th September 11am to 3pm Port Sunlight, CH62 4US Weekdays 11am to 4pm Sat 12th September 11am to 4pm Sat 12th & Sun 13th September 11am to 3pm Sat 5th to Sun 13th September Sun 11am to 3pm 11am to 3pm This Grade II listed church, designed by EW Pugin in 1857, was completed The first opportunity to visit Bridge by Pugin & Pugin in 1895. After bomb Cottage, the largest house in Port damage in 1941, it was sympathetically Sunlight and once the home of William restored with all original features Hesketh Lever founder of the village. remaining. Photographs of Holy A rare chance to meet a range of Cross RC Church, designed by local artists and craftspeople who FX Velarde, will be on display. will be demonstrating and selling their bespoke artwork and crafts. No pre-booking required. Disabled access (entry at the side of the church). Pre-booking not required. There Refreshments available. is disabled access; please contact Port Sunlight Museum for more Call the Parish Priest, Church Outwood is a Grade II Listed building information. Refreshments. Office, 0151 652 1074 or email erected in 1862. The original owners [email protected] were the Segar family. Purchased in 1872, Call 0151 644 6466 or email three generations of the Heap family (rice [email protected] merchants) lived there. Heap’s Rice Mill in Liverpool’s Baltic triangle is Grade II listed. This event includes a building tour and an update on the Heritage and Historical Research project which has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Pre-booking not essential, but would The Heritage Centre is now situated within be much appreciated, especially St James Church. Staffed by volunteers for wheelchair users. Separate every day, it provides a wealth of local assisted wheelchair access to history information. Come and have a cup basement and ground floor only. of tea, look at the information we have Light refreshments provided. displayed and perhaps, watch one of our local history DVDs Talk on Wednesday 9th Call Bill Iveson on 07747115450 or September 2.30pm, ‘Wallasey in 1961’. See email [email protected] page 23 for details of St James Church.

Call Rusty Keane on 0151 639 5798 or email [email protected]

16 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 17 Prenton United Rake Lane Chapel and Sir Frederick Lister House St Andrew’s Church, Reformed Church Cemetery Guided Walks Park Road East, Birkenhead, CH41 4BB Bebington Prenton Road West, Prenton, CH42 9PX The Chapel, Rake Lane Cemetery, Sat 5th to Sun 13th September Church Road, Bebington, CH63 3EX Wed 9th September Wallasey, CH45 5DE Tue 8th September 9am to 12 noon Sun 6th September 2pm to 4pm The Headquarters of the founding 10am to 3.30pm Wed 9th September 2pm to 4pm branch of The Royal British Legion, Guided tours lasting approximately 45 Prenton Congregational Church began co-founded by Sir Frederick Lister in minutes at 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm in 1887 and amalgamated with St Paul’s 1921. Office and workspace where Presbyterian Church in 1972 to form welfare work has been taking place the present United Reformed Church. since then and carries on to date. There is a place of quiet remembrance near the 1908 foundation stone, laid by No pre-booking required. No disabled Mrs WH Lever. In the church is a brass access. Refreshments available. plaque commemorating those of the congregation killed in the First World War. Email [email protected]

The church is by the traffic lights at the junction of Prenton Road West and Storeton Road.

No pre-booking required. There is disabled access. Refreshments available. The church is a Grade I Listed Building The Chapel was originally opened and the architectural historian Raymond Call Mrs Marian Davies on 0151 645 4802 in 1882 and, in recent years fell into Richards considered it to be the or email [email protected] disrepair. In 2009 it became the church finest parish church in Wirral. It is an of St Elizabeth the New Martyr. It has active Anglican parish church which been beautifully renovated and is has historical records from 1093. now a Russian Orthodox Church. It is available for inter-denominational burials No pre-booking required. There is and is also licensed for weddings. disabled access to the church but no wheelchair access to toilets. Short selected half-hour walks around Tea and biscuits available. the cemetery will also be available. Topics covered will be major sea disasters, e.g. Call Mrs Karen Davies on 0151 645 6478 or Titanic, Lusitania and the ‘Forgotten email [email protected] Empress’ and War Walks, including WWI, WWII and the .

No booking required. There is disabled access.

Call Diane Robinson on 0151 639 4231

18 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 19 St Andrew’s United St Barnabas Church, St Bridget’s Church, St Hilary’s Church, Wallasey Church, Wallasey Bromborough West Kirby Claremont Road, Wallasey, CH45 3NH Rowson Street, Wallasey, CH45 2LY Church Square, Bromborough, CH62 2AA St Bridget Lane, West Kirby, CH48 3JT Sat 5th September Sun 13th September Sun 6th September Sat 5th & Sat 12th September 10.30am to 4pm Tours up to Bell 2pm to 4.30pm 2pm to 4pm 10am to 4pm Platform and top of Church Tower on the hour from 11am until 3pm Built in 1870 in the shape of a Greek cross. St Barnabas is a Grade II Listed Building, An Anglican church with a history of Sun 6th September The church and tower have been altered built 1862 – 1864, to a design of Sir worship dating back 1000 years. Home 1pm to 4pm Tours on the hour since then. Some of the woodwork has George Gilbert Scott. Outside are three to a rare Norse Hogback stone. from 1pm until 3pm been recovered from Ennerdale Road fragments of Anglo-Norse sculptured and Liscard Congregational churches stones, re-assembled to form a cross. No pre-booking required. Disabled and includes a ‘self-carved’ pulpit. The The churchyard contains an 18th access. Refreshments in church centre. stained glass windows suffered some century sundial and a war memorial. 10 minutes walk from West Kirby station. bomb damage during the war and depict There will be short tours of the memorials to the lives of past members of church and its immediate environs. Call Malcolm Taylor on 0151 625 2481 or the church. Guided tours can be arranged. email [email protected] No pre-booking required. Disabled No pre-booking required. Disabled access. Refreshments available. access. Refreshments available. Call Parish Office on Email Peter Purland 0151 334 4155 or email St Mary’s Church, [email protected] [email protected]. uk Liscard Withens Way Withins Lane, Liscard, Wallasey, CH45 7LU The old Tudor Tower dates from the Sat 12th & Sun 13th September 1530s, although Christian worship has 12 noon to 4pm taken place here for over 1,000 years. St Anne’s RC Church, The old church burned down in February Built in 1876 by EW Nobbs, the Church Rock Ferry 1857. The present church was designed is a fine example of mid-Victorian by Hay Bros. The clock was added in Highfield Road, Rock Ferry, CH42 2BY architecture, with perpendicular tracery 1893. The organ was built by Henry Willis Sat 12th September and west tower. Broad interior without organ builders and in 2009 the 150th 1.30pm to 3.30pm aisles, good arts & crafts and stained glass anniversary of service was reached. The windows in Whall style. Ring of 9 bells in organ recently had a full restoration and Designed by EW Pugin in the Early use. Church registers dating from 1925 you will be able to hear it being played Gothic style. The principal stone is will be available for inspection before during Saturday and Sunday. The original Storeton faced with Welsh Pierrepoint of being deposited Cheshire Archives. Norman Font was returned back to us in a bluish tint. Outstanding Rose Window 2014 and is now on show in the Old Tower. and many other devotional features. No pre-booking required. Disabled access. Refreshments available. No pre-booking required. No disabled Access from car park at rear (Ruskin access to the Tower in the main Avenue). There is a ramp. Within 100 Call David Harvey on 0151 639 8093 church. Refreshments will be available yards of Rock Ferry train station. No or email [email protected] in the main church on both days pre-booking required. Tea/coffee, and bacon rolls will be on sale in the biscuits and cakes available. Old Tower from 11am to 2.30pm.

Call Parish Secretary on Call Mr Geoffrey Prince on 0151 645 3996 (mornings only) 0151 639 7416 or 07725134300 or or email [email protected] Mr James Houghton on 07731898288

20 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 21 St Mary’s Church, St Mary and St Helen St Michael’s & All St Oswald’s Church, Bidston Eastham Antiques Quiz Parish Church, Neston Angels RC Church Bidston Village Road, Bidston, CH43 7QT and Road Show High Street, Neston, CH64 9TZ New Hey Road, Woodchurch, CH49 5LE Tue 8th September 10am to 4pm Stanley Lane, Eastham, CH62 0Aq Thu 10th - Sat 12th September Sat 5th & Sat 12th September Fri 11th & Sat 12th September 10am to 4pm 10am to 3.30pm 11am to 4pm Sunday 13th September 1pm to 4pm Sun 13th September 12 noon to 3.30pm Opened in 1965, the church was designed by Richard O’Mahoney, partner in charge The church has many attractions, at FX Velarde Partnership. The high, including stained glass windows by tent-like roof, aluminium outside and Kempe, Hardman, Norris and Burne- timber inside, is a landmark on the M53. Jones. The Falklands Chapel was The furnishings and fittings in the open rescued from HMS Plymouth. The font plan interior remain largely as designed. was used for the christening of Lady No pre-booking required. Disabled Hamilton and there is a display of rare access. Refreshments available. Viking Stones. Guides will be available to show visitors around during opening Call the Parish Priest on 0151 652 5767 times. There will be an art exhibition by local artists and a unique exhibition St Oswald’s has been part of a tradition of the life of Emma, Lady Hamilton. of worship on this site stretching back to at least the 8th century. The tower dates St James’ Parish Church, Pre-booking required for tours. from the 16th century and the existing Disabled access. Refreshments New Brighton church was rebuilt in 1856. There are available for pre-booked tours. Albion Street, New Brighton, CH45 9FL numerous beautiful and significant stained glass windows, including one crafted by The Grade II listed church is hosting Sat 5th & Sat 12th September William Morris to a Burne-Jones design. a range of family events, including Call Peter Rossiter on 0151 336 5503 or 10am to 4pm (Churchwardens will be A wreath within the church was given Eastham Antiques Quiz and Road Show, email [email protected] around for most of the day to answer to Sir Edward and Lady Cust by Queen and local produce competition. Organ questions). The building will also be Victoria on the death of their son, who and instrumental recital in the church, open on other days as it now houses was a page boy to the Queen. Look for Sunday 3pm to 4pm. Linked events on the New Brighton Heritage Centre. the hand crafted mosaic Reredos of the Saturday include a sheep run at 11am (to Grade II Listed Building designed by Sir ‘Last Supper’, by the Italian artist Salviati. be confirmed) and a Memorial Service George Gilbert Scott and built 1854 – ‘Remembering VE Day’, 2pm at Mayfields 1856, in the Victorian Gothic Revival No pre-booking required. Disabled Woodland Remembrance Park. style. The chancel has wall paintings by access. Refreshments available. the famous Victorian artist Hemmings No pre-booking required. There is and some of the stained glass is by the Call Ron Iveson on 0151 652 4852 level access to the church via the Camm family of Smethwick. The rare or email [email protected] lychgate; refreshments available. example of an early 19th century Bewsher and Fleetwood organ, now restored, was Call Sue Abraham on 0151 334 9216 or originally in St John’s Church, Egremont. email [email protected] No pre-booking required. South public entrance is level access; accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. Refreshments.

Call John Timms on 07740 719 185 or email [email protected]

22 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 23 St Thomas’ Church, Parkgate Trinity With Palm Grove Wallasey Town Hall West Kirby Museum Mostyn Square, Parkgate, (URC/Methodist) Church Brighton Street, Wallasey, St Bridget’s Centre, St Bridget’s Neston, CH64 6SL 63 Alton Road, Oxton, CH43 1UZ Wirral, CH44 8ED Lane, West Kirby, CH43 3JT Sat 12th September 1pm to 4pm Sat 5th September 1pm to 4pm Fri 11th September Sat 5th & Sat 12th September Sun 13th 11.30am to 4pm Sat 12th September 1pm to 4pm 2pm to 4pm 10am to 4pm

An opportunity to explore this fine Dating from the early 20th century, the Founded in 1892 and newly refurbished, Victorian gothic style Grade II Listed Town Hall is a Listed Building and the the museum collection covers 1000 building. With the help of our guide administrative headquarters of Wirral years of local history: Pre-Norman books, follow the Church’s ‘History Borough Council. This event is hosted by and medieval sculptured stones; the Trail’ and ‘Stained Glass Windows Trail’. the Mayor of Wirral and includes a tour of story of St Bridget’s Church and West Knowledgeable Church members will the principal accessible rooms: the Council Kirby Parish schools. Special displays be on hand to answer your questions. Chamber, Civic Hall and Round Room. by the Museum Research Group. Guided tours can be arranged for The afternoon includes tea with the Mayor interested parties by mutual arrangement. in his Parlour and a talk on the history of No booking required. Disabled Children’s activities will be available linked the building by Wallasey Civic Society. access. Refreshments. to the Church ‘yesterday and today’. Pre-booking essential as numbers are Call Christine Longworth No pre-booking required. Disabled access. limited. Visitors should arrive by 1.55pm on 0151 632 3949 This newly refurbished church was closed Refreshments available in coffee bar. and wait in the Town Hall Reception Area. for 16 years and reopened in 2010. Local community projects, in support of ‘The Call Ken Tasker on 0151 652 6667 or Call Chris Morris on 0151 608 5050 Bishop’s Trust’ raised the money for the email [email protected] renovation and the ’Fisherman’s Church’, as it is known locally, is a testament to their sterling efforts. Financial Wilfred Owen Story assistance was also given by English The Wallaseyans’ Club 34 Argyle Street, Birkenhead, CH41 6A4 Heritage. Photographs and documents Tue 8th to Fri 11th September 140–142 Grove Road, Wallasey, CH45 0JF relating to the history of Parkgate will 11am to 2pm be displayed in the church. Members of Saturday 5th September 2pm to 5pm The Wilfred Owen Story and Gallery the church will be available to welcome Originally owned by the Billington family is the first permanent exhibition to visitors and talk about the building. and later became private schools; the commemorate Wilfred Owen, who is buildings housed service personnel during one of the most celebrated war poets Pre-booking not required. Disabled WWII and are now the Wallaseyans’ of all time. He spent his formative years access. Refreshments available nearby. Club. The Wallasey Grammar School in Birkenhead. The gallery follows his Archives are stored here. These and life and honours the genius of the Call Valerie M Johnson on 0151 336 7838 material relating to Wallasey in general town’s famous adopted son. There or email [email protected] will be on display during the event which will be different activities throughout will also include tours of the building. the week, including poetry readings.

No pre-booking required. Disabled access Pre-booking required for groups (15 (ramp to side of building, reserved disabled max). There is access to the exhibition, parking spaces). Refreshments available. but no disabled toilets. Tea and biscuits.

Call Hon. Secretary, The Wallaseyans’ Call Janet Holmes on 07903337995 Club on 0151 639 2832 or email or email [email protected] [email protected]

24 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 25 The Wirral peninsula is blessed with a wealth of man-made ‘All Around the Vale’ Ashton Park Walk Walks, landscapes of great historical Meet outside Vale House Tea Meet outside St Bridget’s Centre, St interest and beauty. Within the Rooms, Vale Park, Magazine Lane, Bridget’s Lane, West Kirby, CH48 3JT Talks and Borough of Wirral alone there New Brighton, CH45 1LZ Sat 5th September are 26 Conservation Areas, Thu 10th September 10.30am to 11.30am & 12.45pm to 1.45pm including Port Sunlight and 11am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 3pm Activities Hamilton Square, both deemed ‘West Kirby Park’ opened in 1901 of national importance. In This guided walk is around Vale Park without ceremony; its development was addition, the borough has several and the Magazine Conservation characterised by delays and overspend. Area, pointing out various points of The original park was only half the size of landscapes included on the historical interest. The talk will span the present area. Later to become known National Register of Historic several centuries, but this year we are as ‘Ashton Park’, it changed significantly Parks and Gardens, including especially commemorating the life and over the years. This guided walk explores Birkenhead Park, Flaybrick work of Edith Eskrigge, who lived in the history, design and development of Memorial Gardens and Port what is now the park 100 years ago. the park, including the story of the Ashton Sunlight which all feature in our family, after whom the park is now named. Heritage Open Days programme. Pre-booking required. Disabled access (a small set of shallow steps – but there Pre-booking required. Access along is an alternative route.) Refreshments paths without steps or steep slopes. from Vale House Tea Rooms. Refreshments in St Bridget’s Centre.

Call Therese Irving on 0151 638 0069 Call Martin Harrison on 0151 625 8535 or or email [email protected] email [email protected]

American Civil War Wirral ‘Behind The Scenes at Meet at the gates of Birkenhead Priory, Wirral Archives Service’ Priory Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5JH Wirral Archives Service, Lower Ground Sat 12th September 2pm Floor, Cheshire Lines Building, Canning Street, Birkenhead, CH41 1ND This guided walk explores the sites and Thu 10th September 2pm & 3pm amazing stories of the local impact of the American Civil War (1861 – 1865), when Two talks and guided tours, lasting a ‘Le Carre’ style espionage battle of epic approximately 45 minutes, with proportions took place on the streets of an opportunity to see behind the Birkenhead and Liverpool. This would have scenes, including the Strong Room international repercussions. The tour takes where the historic records of Wirral about 1.5 hours and includes climbing are protected and preserved. to the top of St. Mary’s Church tower. Pre-booking required. Disabled access. Pre-booking essential. No disabled access to tower. Call William Meredith on 0151 606 2929 or email [email protected] Call Jerry Williams on 0151 608 3769

26 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 27 Bidston Community Birkenhead Park Heritage 610 (County Of Neston Town Trail Archaeology & Landscape Walk Chester Squadron) Meet outside Neston Parish Church, Pig Field Site, Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm, Meet at Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre, Hooton Park Airfield, Hooton Park, High Street, Neston, CH64 9TZ Boundary Road, Bidston, CH43 7PD Park Drive, Birkenhead, CH41 4HY Ellesmere Port, CH63 1BR Thu 10th September 11am to 1pm Sat 5th September 11am to 3.30pm Thu 10th to Sun 13th September Sat 5th & Sun 13th September 12 noon Sat 12th September 2pm to 4pm 1.30pm to 3.30pm The excavation aims to investigate The talk on 610 (County of Chester A walk around Neston town centre, evidence of the earliest date of occupancy Find out about the history of the Squadron) covers the history of the exploring the town’s historic on this site. The earliest evidence so world’s first publicly funded park; the Squadron from its inception in 1936 buildings and some of its history. far is in the form of pottery dating from role of Joseph Paxton in its design to its disbandment in 1957 and covers the 17th century. There is also potential and its influence on Central Park New the work of the Squadron during WWII, Pre-booking required. Disabled Access. prehistoric use, indicated by pieces of York and other parks, national and when the Squadron was one of the Refreshments available in local cafés. worked flint. The team will be happy international. The walk will follow the most effective fighter units in the RAF. to escort visitors around the site. places of interest, including the Swiss Call Janet Griffiths on 0151 336 5478 Bridge, Roman Boathouse and the park Pre-booking required. or email [email protected] Disabled access. Refreshments. No booking required. Uneven ground, lodges. The tour is approximately 2 unsuitable for wheelchairs. Visitors should miles long and takes about two hours. Call Michael Lewis on 01244 373551 wear appropriate footwear. Refreshments or email [email protected] available at Tam O’Shanter cafe. Pre-booking required for groups only. Flaybrick Military Steps in one location but an alternative Email accessible route available. Refreshments History Walk [email protected] available in the Visitor Centre. Flaybrick Memorial Gardens, Eastham Village Walk Tollemache Road, Bidston Email Birkenhead Park Rangers Meet at the church lychgate in Meet at Tam O’Shanter Urban [email protected] village centre, CH62 0AE Farm, CH43 7PD Sat 5th, Wed 9th & Thu 10th September Sat 12th September 11pm to 1pm 10.30am to 11.30pm Flaybrick is an outstanding Victorian A short walk around the historic features of cemetery, dating back to 1864. It contains Bromborough Eastham village with a look at the church, hundreds of military related burials Village Pool Walk the cottages, the pubs, the farm and the and family commemorations of those Meet outside the Village Hotel, ‘big’ houses and the village under the who gave their lives in wars across the Pool Lane, Bromborough guidance of village historian, John Brown. world. This walk will emphasise the Sat 5th & Sat 12th September 11am graves relating to the Boer War, Zulu Pre-booking required. No disabled Wars, World Wars and other conflicts. A walk starting at the Village Hotel access. Refreshments available. in Bromborough. The village of Pre–booking not required.Please Call 0151 327 3576 or email Bromborough Pool is the third oldest note that paths are uneven in parts. [email protected] industrial village in Britain, laying Refreshments available at the Farm. the foundation for a ‘garden village’, but overshadowed by Port Sunlight Call 0151 488 5406 which it pre-dates by over 35 years.

No pre-booking required. Refreshments available at café in village.

Call Glynn D Parry on 0151 334 4762

28 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 29 Heswall Historic Walk Hooton Park Tour Lower Bebington Walk New Ferry Historic Walk Meet at car park behind Heswall Hall The Hangars, Airfield Way (was known Meet outside Mayer Hall, Lower Meet at Bebington Station, CH63 7LA (access from Mount Avenue, CH60 4RH) as South Road), Hooton, CH65 1BQ Bebington, CH63 7PL Fri 11th September Sun 6th September 2pm Access via Junction 6 M53, Sat 12th September 2pm 9.30am to 12.30pm approx second exit off roundabout. A circular walk through the historic Sat 12th & Sun 13th September This walk around Lower Bebington, A leisurely walk through New Ferry on a heart of Heswall, highlighting the Tours at 11am & 2pm will trace its roots from medieval winding route of about 1 mile, to finish at many old sandstone buildings which times. The village became noteworthy Port Sunlight River Park. Hear about the make the Heswall Lower village The second Hooton Hall, built for the in the 19th century, when it was fascinating history of the area. Learn about Conservation Area so attractive. Stanley family in 1778 was demolished in the residence of the celebrated the origins and development of New Ferry, antiquarian and benefactor Joseph its long-forgotten history as a tourist Pre-booking required. 1925. The war department requisitioned its park in 1914 for the Liverpool Pals. Mayer. The free library he introduced resort, its role in making the bricks that Call Roger Lane on 0151 342 9269 or Three Belfast hangars, now listed was one of the first in the country. built nearby Birkenhead and Liverpool, and its relationship with the river. email [email protected] Grade II were built in 1917. In the 1930s, Pre-booking required. The Hooton was used as Liverpool airport pathways can be uneven in places. No pre-booking required. There are two and during WWII; its aircraft patrolled Refreshments available in village. the Irish Sea and around 10,000 aircraft flights of steep steps towards the end of the walk and parts are on grass which were assembled. Also on the site are The Email [email protected] Hilbre Walk: Aeroplane Collection (TAC), who restore may compromise access for wheelchairs. Archaeology and History aircraft and aero engines and the Griffin Call Mark Anthony Craig on 0151 513 6681 Trust who restore transport vehicles. Hilbre Island, West Kirby or email [email protected] Sat 12th September 3.30pm No booking required. New Ferry Butterfly Park Walk Those attending must make their own Limited disabled access. Meet at park entrance, Howell way across to the island from West Kirby; Road, New Ferry CH62 5BJ it is safe to cross over the recommended Call Colin Schroeder on 0151 678 7798 (approach road to Bebington Station route after 2.30pm for this event. car park – access between Aldi, Visitors are asked to leave by 8.00pm. CH62 5BG and the railway over-bridge) Sun 13th September Hilbre has a wealth of hidden history dating 2pm to 3.30pm approx from prehistoric times to the 20th century. Hoylake: Old Hoose This walk around the island will include Meet at the Ship Inn, Market The walk will explore the industrial areas not normally accessible to the visiting Street, Hoylake, CH47 3BB history of this former railway goods yard public. We will look at what remains of the Mon 7th September 11am (brick-making and railway operation) and island’s early occupation plus its maritime how this has contributed to the wildlife and industrial history, finishing with its A walk lasting about 90 minutes, seeking diversity of the park. A short distance of wartime and leisure involvement. Duration out the haunts of local fishermen only about 600m. Pond dipping and other of walk will be approximately 1.5 hours not along the back lanes; see the first and children’s activities will be available. including travelling time across to the island, latest RNLI stations; walk by the sea. which is about 1 hour each direction. Meet No pre-booking required. The lower half of the park is disabled accessible. Some in the Day Room opposite the toilets. Pre-booking required. Disabled access. parking on site. Refreshments available Refreshments available locally. Booking required. Access is limited for nearby in Port Sunlight and New Ferry. certain disabilities and the walk will Call Helen Penny on 07914685099 include flights of steps. No refreshments Call Hilary J Ash on 0151 327 5923, or email [email protected] (bring your own) but there are toilets. Paul Loughnane on 0151 645 8937 or visit cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk Call Chris Morris on 0151 608 5050 or wirralwildlife.co.uk

30 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 31 Oxton Guided History Walk Port Sunlight ‘Open Village’ Port Sunlight River Park Walk Rock Park Walk Meet centre of Oxton village Trail starts from Port Sunlight Museum, Meet Dock Road North Car Park, Meet at the New Ferry Pier Terminal by the postbox, CH43 5SF 23 King George’s Drive, CH62 5DX Bromborough, CH62 4TQ at the junction of the Dell and New Sat 5th September 11am – East Walk Sun 13th September Wed 9th September Ferry Road, New Ferry, CH62 1DA Sat 12th September 12.30pm – West Walk 12 noon to 4pm 1.30pm to 3.30pm Tue 8th September 10.30am & 1.30pm approx Now in its second year, ‘Open Village’ provides a rare and special opportunity Rock Park was designated a Conservation to see inside some of the houses and Area in February 1979. The estate was laid principal buildings in the beautiful out by Joseph Bennison in 1837 and now village of Port Sunlight and to meet comprises 36 houses of different styles, all village residents. Pick up a trail leaflet of which are Grade II listed. Also surviving from Port Sunlight Museum. are the old Rock Ferry pier and the listed stone slipway. The New Ferry – Rock No pre-booking required. Most of the Ferry coast is designated a SSSI (Site of There is history around every corner buildings are accessible. For more This vibrant new park with stunning views Special Scientific Interest). The training of Oxton and you can explore it in the information contact Port Sunlight over Wirral, North Wales and Merseyside ships ’Conway’ and ‘Indefatigable’ and company of an Oxton Guide, who will Museum. Refreshments available from is a former landfill site overlooking the the reform ships ‘Akbar’ and ‘Clarence’ inform and entertain you with facts and the Port Sunlight Museum Tea Room. River Dibbin, Price’s Candle works and were once moored in the Mersey here. stories about the area. We offer 2 walks, Bromborough Dock. This 2 mile long guided one to the east of Oxton and one to the Call on 0151 644 6466 or email walk will look at the history of the site: Port Pre-booking essential. The west. Each lasts approximately 90 minutes. [email protected] Sunlight, the links with Unilever, Biffa, the route is accessible. Tour ends at Land Trust; and present day management. the Refreshment Rooms. Pre-booking required. The walks go along some unmade roads, but we do No pre-booking. Disabled parking. Call Su Thompson on 0151 645 1088 try to support anyone with physical Footpaths suitable for wheelchairs but disabilities to enjoy the walk, or arrange Port Sunlight War Memorial some slopes – please call to check a personally tailored walk on another War Memorial, Causeway, Port Sunlight suitability. Refreshments available. date. Refreshments available in village. Wed 9th September St Bridget’s Church Tour Call Bob Knowles on 07976321322 9am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 4.30pm Call Anne Litherland on 07587550060 or or email [email protected] (weather permitting) email [email protected] Meet at North Porch, St Bridget’s Church, St Bridget’s Lane, West Kirby, CH48 3JT Observe the cleaning and waxing of Sat 5th September the bronze statues and plaques at 10.30am & 2.30pm the Grade I listed Port Sunlight War Memorial. This work is required to A guided tour around the interior of maintain and preserve the magnificent the church, looking at architectural bronze statuary designed by Sir William features, including wrought iron chancel Goscombe John and completed in 1921. screen and stained glass, mainly by Charles Kempe. Historic inscriptions. No pre-booking required. Disabled access. Refreshments in Museum Tea Room. Pre-booking required. Disabled access. Refreshments available. Call on 0151 644 6466 or email [email protected] Call Menai Dillon on 07778391919

32 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 33 Thornton Hough Wellington Road Walk Around Wilfred Owen Trail Guided Walk Conservation Area The Williamson Meet at Birkenhead Central Reference Library, Borough Road, CH41 2XB Meet outside The Seven Stars, Church Meet outside the Pilot House, 28 Atherton Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Fri 11th September Rroad, Thornton Hough, CH63 1JW Street, New Brighton, CH45 2NY Slatey Road, Birkenhead, CH43 4UE 10.30pm Thu 10th September Sat 5th September 10.30am Wed 9th September 10.30am to 12 noon (approx) 2pm to 3.30pm The trail starts at the Birkenhead Friday 11th September Central Reference Library with the Old The village as it appears today is 2pm to 3.30pm principally due to the efforts of two Instonians War memorials and Wilfred Owen artefacts displayed on the first philanthropic landlords: Joseph Hirst, a A look at the building, history and floor. The walk then continues around textile manufacturer from Huddersfield collections of the Williamson with the area looking at the homes where and William Hesketh Lever, later Lord Colin Simpson, Wirral’s Principal Wilfred Owen lived and the buildings he Leverhulme, founder of Port Sunlight. Museums Officer, including how knew as a school boy when he attended Hear all about the history of the and why collections are formed Birkenhead Institute, 1900 – 1907. buildings, the men who created them and a glimpse behind the scenes at and the people who lived there. the work of an active museum. Pre-booking required. Disabled access – walk is on public footpaths. Pre-booking required. Parking available Pre-booking required. Disabled on Smithy Hill. Refreshments available access. Refreshments available. in the Village Café or The Seven Stars. Call Rob Wood on 0151 608 0026 or email [email protected] Call Gavin Hunter on 0151 336 2761 A guided walk, with a talk beforehand, Call Gallery Reception on 0151 652 4177 exploring the historic villas and surroundings of old New Brighton. Duration approximately 2 hours. West Kirby Old Village Walk Woodside Industry Plus: Tranmere Deep Air Pre-booking required. The route is Port, Poetry, Pottery, accessible and refreshments are available. Meet at St Bridget’s Church lychgate, Raid Shelter: Lecture Church Road, West Kirby, CH48 3JT Pubs and People Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Call Joy Hockey on 0151 639 2412 Wed 9th & Sat 12th September Meet at Woodside Ferry Terminal Slatey Road, Birkenhead, CH43 4UE 10.30am by the ‘Beatle Penguins’ Thu 10th September 2pm Sun 13th September A short circular walk through the 10.30am to 12.30pm (approx) Ian Weir of Blackett-Ord Conservation old village of West Kirby, once a Engineering Ltd is the Project Manager Wallasey/Rake Lane bustling community with farms, This guided stroll takes us from the and Conservation Engineer who has led Cemetery Guided Tours inns and shops. Some buildings waterfront docks to ambitious plans recent investigations into the presence, survive from the 17th century. to lay out a Regency new town, to Sun 6th September 2pm to 4pm extent and condition of the Birkenhead the creative heart of the area and to Wed 9th September 2pm to 4pm tunnels, built for Camell Lairds’ workforce Pre-booking required. No disabled see the original transport links. at the beginning of WWII. Ian will report access. Refreshments available on Short themed walks organised by on the initial findings so far, which have 12th Sept on Church centre. Pre-booking required. Wheelchair the Friends of Rake Lane Cemetery. been undertaken on behalf of Tranmere accessible with only slight slopes. Please see the entry for Rake Tunnels Volunteers Ltd, with grant Call Heather Chapman on 0151 625 7013 Refreshments available at the Lane Chapel on page 18. assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund. or email [email protected] Woodside ferry terminal. Pre-booking required. Disabled Call Helen Penny on 07914685099 access. Refreshments available. or email [email protected] Call 0151 652 4177

34 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 35 Thank You! Wirral Heritage Open days are organised through a partnership of many local voluntary groups and individuals. Wirral History and Heritage Association is the umbrella organisation for Wirral’s local history and heritage societies and aims to bring together everyone with an interest in the peninsula’s unique past. For more information, please email [email protected]

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in Wirral Heritage Open Days:

The Friends of Ashton Park, Friends of Bidston Hill, Friends of Birkenhead Park, Friends of Flaybrick Memorial Gardens, Friends of Hilbre, Friends of HMS Conway, Friends of Rake Lane Cemetery, Friends of Vale Park, Friends of West Kirby Museum.

St Andrew’s Church, Bebington; St Andrew’s UC, Wallasey; St Anne’s R.C. Church, Rock Ferry; St Barnabas Church, Bromborough; Birkenhead Quaker Meeting House; St Bridget’s, West Kirby; St Mary’s Eastham; Christ Church, Oxton; Christ Church URC, Port Sunlight; St Hilary’s, Wallasey; Holy Apostles & Martyrs Parish Church Wallasey; St James’ Parish Church, New Brighton; St Oswalds Church, Bidston, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Birkenhead; Prenton URC; St Mary and St Helen, Neston; Ss Peter, Paul & Philomena Church/ICKSP, New Brighton; St Thomas’ Church, Parkgate; Trinity with Palm Grove (URC/Methodist) Church.

Birkenhead Priory, New Ferry Butterfly Park, Port Sunlight Museum, Ness Botanic Gardens, Wirral Archives Service, Williamson Art Gallery & Museums, Wirral Libraries, Wirral Parks & Countryside, Bidston Community Archaeology, Bidston Lighthouse, Birkenhead 47 - 48 Hamilton Square, Birkenhead History Society, 610 (County of Chester) Squadron Association, Eastham Archives Group, Fort Perch Rock, Heswall Society, Hooton Park Trust, Joseph Mayer Community Partnership, Neston Civic Society, Outwood House, Oxton Society, Port Sunlight Museum & Garden Village, Rock Ferry Local History & Research Group, Royal British Legion, Tranmere Tunnels Volunteers Ltd, Wallasey Town Hall, Wallasey Civic Society, Wallaseyans’ Club, The Wilfred Owen Story, Wirral Autistic Society, Wirral Tours.

And not forgetting all the individual speakers and walk leaders!