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Home , Birkenhead Park, Leasowe Lighthouse, Port Sunlight River Park, Wirral Peninsula

Wirral Heritage Open Days

3- 11 September 2016 Wirral Heritage Welcome Open Days 2016

Heritage Open Days celebrate our Wirral’s nine day programme lasts As Wirral’s Heritage Champion, I am Heritage Open Days is a national event outstanding architecture and culture from September 3 – 11. Our heritage delighted once again to welcome you to which Wirral is proud to contribute. by allowing free access to properties is second to none and Heritage Open to Wirral Heritage Open Days. The 2016 Over the years visitor numbers have many of which are normally closed to Days give both visitors and residents programme gives visitors the chance to increased and our local open days the public or charge an admission fee. the chance to explore and enjoy its explore a wide range of historic buildings now draw in people from well outside wealth of history and architecture. and landscapes as well as providing an Wirral as well as from the peninsula Throughout the country, thousands of interesting series of tours, events and itself. Admission to all events is free. historic buildings and sites will open their and Heritage Association website: activities, organised by voluntary groups doors and local people will organise www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk. and individuals, and all aimed at giving This year’s programme has been organised countless events and activities to both local residents and visitors alike a by the partnership of the Wirral History promote their community’s heritage. Downloadable copies of this programme unique opportunity to discover more of and Heritage Association and numerous Information about Heritage Open Days are available on www.visitwirral.com. Wirral’s remarkable history and heritage. dedicated people who open up buildings, regionally and nationally is available put on displays and organise heritage on www.heritageopendays.org.uk Whilst most events take place within Wirral As always, I have been impressed by the walks and talks especially for the event. Borough, we are delighted to publicise energy, commitment and enthusiasm of Wirral’s Heritage Open Days is Wirral’s activities in south Wirral. For further those who have given their time to put I should like to thank all those who biggest heritage event and draws in information about Heritage Open Days the programme together and I have no have contributed to the programme several thousand visitors. It is organised in West contact History hesitation in assuring visitors to Wirral and the many individuals who by the volunteers of the Wirral History and and Heritage on 01244 972210 or email Heritage Open Days that there will be give of their time so freely to make Heritage Association in partnership with [email protected] something of interest for everyone. Heritage Open Days a success. numerous voluntary groups and individuals. Every attempt has been made to ensure the Many of Wirral’s heritage attractions Do please use the nine days to see accuracy of information in this brochure, are open to the public throughout and do as much as you can. which has been supplied by individual the year, so do please come back events organisers. However, Wirral History again and experience the wealth of history... it belongs to us all ! and Heritage Association cannot be heritage that Wirral has to offer. responsible for any discrepancies or last Elizabeth Davey, Chairman, minute changes to the programme. Any Councillor Jerry Williams, Wirral History & Heritage Association updates will be shown on our website. Wirral Heritage Champion

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 HOUSE SITE NAME PAGE 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th

Bebington St Andrew’sChurch 9 New Brighton St James’ Church 18

Bidston 9 New Brighton St Andrew’s United 18

Bidston Bidston Windmill 10 New Brighton The Dome of Home 19

Bidston St Oswald’s Church 10 Oxton Christ Church 19

Birkenhead Parkgate St Thomas’s Church 20 11 Grand Entrance Christ Church URC 21 Birkenhead 14 & St Mary’s Tower Port Sunlight Port Sunlight Museum 20 Birkenhead HMS Conway 11 United Birkenhead Prenton 21 Birkenhead 12 Reformed Church Central Library St Anne’s RC Church 21 Our Lady of the Birkenhead 12 Immaculate Conception Thornton St George’s 22 Hough Birkenhead Quaker Meeting House 13 Shore Cottage 22 Birkenhead High School Birkenhead 11 Academy WW2 Shelters Holy Apostles & 22 Martyrs Church Birkenhead St James’ Church 14 Wallasey Rake Lane Chapel 23 Birkenhead Wirral Transport Museum 15 Wallasey St Hilary’s Church 23 Birkenhead Wilfred Owen Story 13 Wallasey St Mary’s Church, 17 Bromborough 15 Pool Pool Buildings Wallasey Wallasey Town Hall 23

Bromborough St Barnabas Church 15 Wallasey Wallaseyans’ Club 24

Eastham St Mary’s Church 16 St Bridget’s Church 25

West Kirby Methodist Leasowe Castle 16 West Kirby 24 Church

Leasowe 17 West Kirby West Kirby Museum 24

St Mary & St 18 Helen Church Holy Cross 25

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 LOCATION SITE NAME PAGE 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th

Bidston Community 610 (County of Bidston 27 Hooton 31 Archaeology Chester)Squadron

Bidston Walk 27 Hooton Hooton Park Tour 31

Flaybrick Past, Bidston 27 Little Neston 32 Present and Future Colliery Walk

Flaybrick Maintenance Bidston 28 Ness Ness Botanic Gardens 32 & Partnership

Bidston Flaybrick Friends’ Walk 28 Neston Neston Town Trail 32

Flaybrick What Bidston 28 New Brighton All Around the Vale 32 Happens Next

New Ferry Butterfly Birkenhead American Civil War Tour 28 33 Park Walk

Birkenhead Park Birkenhead 29 New Ferry New Ferry Historic Walk 33 Friends’ Heritage Walk

Birkenhead Park Oxton Guided Birkenhead 29 Oxton 33 Ranger’s Walk History Walk

Birkenhead Wilfred Owen Trail 29 Port Sunlight Open Village Walk 34

Williamson Art Birkenhead 30 Walk 34 Gallery Tour

Birkenhead Wirral Archives 29 Rock Park Rock Park Walk 34

Bromborough Rake Lane 30 Wallasey 35 Pool Buildings Walk Cemetery Walk

RSPB Mere Burton 30 West Kirby Ashton Park Walk 35 Wetlands

Eastham Ferry and Eastham 31 West Kirby Old Village Walk 35 Country Park Walk

6 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 7 Though somewhat Bidston overshadowed by its Buildings St Andrew’s Church Bidston Lighthouse neighbours, and Church Road, Bebington, CH63 3EX Wilding Way, Bidston, CH43 7RA Chester, the Borough of Tues 6 Sep, 10am to 3.30pm Sat 3, Mon 5, Tue 6 & Sat 10 Sep Open to Wirral can nevertheless Guided tours: 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm Doors open 12.45pm to 4pm boast that it has a wealth of Guided tours: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm historic buildings. There are 9 View Scheduled Monuments, one The world’s most inland lighthouse was of which, Birkenhead Priory is established at the Bidston signals station in 1771, starting a revolution in lighthouse included in Heritage Open Days. optics. The site later became a station We have almost 2,000 Listed in the Liverpool-Holyhead telegraph. Re- Buildings, the most outstanding built in 1873 by George F. Lyster, the new of which have been awarded building combined the telegraph (now Grade I or Grade II* listed electric) and lighthouse functions.

status. A selection of these, For further information see: as well as sites in south www.bidstonlighthouse.org.uk Wirral, will be open to view during Heritage Open Days. Soft drinks and snacks available for purchase. The church is a Grade I Listed Building, with parts of the structure dating from the Norman Souvenirs & second-hand books period. The architectural historian, Raymond for sale. Fantastic views from lamp Richards, considered it to be the finest church room. Height restriction applies in Wirral. It is an active Anglican parish church, (minimum 106 cms /42 ins). with historical records dating from 1093. Limited parking available. If coming by No booking required. car the only access is via Wilding Way. There is disabled access to the church but no wheelchair access to toilets. Pre-booking required. Book online at Light refreshments available. www.bidstonlighthouse.org.uk/events/whod

Contact: Mrs Karen Davies Contact: Amanda: 0151 645 6478 0151 653 7816 [email protected] www.standrewsbebington.org.uk The lighthouse is open to the public on selected weekends during the warmer months. Admission to ground floor and bookshop free. Guided tours to signals and lamp rooms £2.50 (adult), £1 (child). Private tours by arrangement. Further information about the Lighthouse, its history and opening times can be found at: www.bidstonlighthouse.org.uk

www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 9 St Oswald’s Church Bidston Windmill Birkenhead Grand Entrance, Bidston Village Road, Bidston, CH43 7QT Access via footpath from Tam Birkenhead Park Thu 8 Sep 10am to 4pm O’Shanter Farm Car Park, CH43 7PD Birkenhead High School Park Drive, Birkenhead, CH41 4HD Sat 3 Sep, 10am to 12 noon, Academy WW2 Shelters Sat 3 & Sun 4 Sep, 10am to 3pm last entry 11.45am 86 Devonshire Place, Birkenhead, CH43 1TY Sat 10 & Sun 11 Sep 1pm to 3pm Sat 10 & Sun 11 Sep, 9am to 2pm A brick built tower mill, erected to replace a The impressive Grand Entrance, with its wooden peg mill, destroyed by fire in 1791. North and South Lodges, dated 1847, was Used to grind corn until 1875. Restored designed by local architect, Lewis Hornblower, by Wirral Borough Council. who, together with John Robinson, also designed the Park’s boathouse and bridges. Height restriction applies for upper floors (minimum 110cms). Children under 11 No disabled access, steps lead up to years must be accompanied by an adult the front door. Inside there are 2 ground at all times. Dogs can be minded. floor rooms and steep stairs to the upper floors. Limited space, so unsuitable for No pre-booking required. pushchairs or large back packs. First come first served. St. Oswald’s Church has been part of a No booking required. tradition of worship on this site that stretches Disabled access to ground floor only. Upper back at least to the eighth century. The floors only accessible via steep ladders. Newly renovated WW2 Air Raid Shelters, Contact: existing church was rebuilt in 1856 and The windmill is approached over uneven built in 1940 from funds raised by staff and 0151 653 5697 the Tower dates from 1593. There are ground not suitable for wheelchairs. families, so that pupils could return safely [email protected] numerous beautiful stained glass windows to Birkenhead, following their evacuation. www.friendsofbirkenheadpark.org.uk within the church some of which attract Refreshments available at Tam Sound system brings the shelters to great attention from specialists. One was O’Shanter Farm Café. life. Information sheets, interpretation crafted by Morris to a Burne-Jones design. boards and photographs add to the Conway Chapel, Scriptorium, Contact: experience. Activity sheets available. No booking required. [email protected] Birkenhead Priory Light refreshments available. Pre booking required. Priory Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5JH Disabled access to the church. The windmill is open to the public from No disabled access. Sat 3 & Sun 4 Sep & Wed 7 to Sun 11 Sep, 10am until 12 noon on the first Saturday Steep steps and low ceiling. 12 noon to 5pm Contact: Ron Iveson of each month from April to September, 0151 378 5835 but closed during the colder months Films and photographs can be viewed in The museum is dedicated to the memory [email protected] when bats resume their winter residence. fully accessible conference facilities. of HMS Conway, a training ship anchored Facebook: stoswaldschurchbidston Admission free. Donations to the Friends Refreshments available. off Rock Ferry from 1859 to 1941, before of Bidston Hill welcome. For more moving to the Menai Straits. Many Conway information, see: www.bidstonhill.org.uk Open to the public by appointment artefacts, painted and stained glass. throughout the year. No booking required. Contact: Emma Owen Parking available in the Priory car park. [email protected] Accessible via ‘walking chair’ 0151 652 5777 up external staircase. Facebook: BHSA Shelters Contact: David Holbert 0151 538 6913 or 07549 917289 [email protected]

10 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 11 Birkenhead Central Library Our Lady of the Immaculate The Wilfred Owen Story Birkenhead Quaker Borough Road, Birkenhead, CH41 2XB Conception Church 34 Argyle Street, Birkenhead, CH41 6AE Meeting House Mon 5 Sep Cavendish Street, Birkenhead, CH41 8AQ Tue to Sat 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 Sep, 11am to 2pm 83 Park Road South, Birkenhead, CH43 4UU Talk and tour at 2.15pm, meet in the foyer Sat 3 Sep 11am to 4pm Fri 9 Sep 10.30am to 4pm Sat 10 Sep 11am to 4pm The Wilfred Owen Story and Gallery is the Sat 10 Sep 10.30am to 4pm first permanent exhibition to commemorate Wilfred Owen, one of the most celebrated This Grade II listed church, designed by war poets of all time. He spent his formative EW Pugin in 1857, was completed by Pugin years in Birkenhead. The gallery follows his & Pugin in 1895. After bomb damage life and honours the genius of the town’s in 1941, it was sympathetically restored famous adopted son. There will be with all original features remaining. different activities throughout the Photographs of Holy Cross RC Church, week, including poetry readings. designed by FX Velarde will be on display.

No booking required except for No pre-booking required. groups (8 to 15 max). Disabled access through side Disabled access to the exhibition, entrance to church. but no disabled toilets. Refreshments available. Refreshments available. Contact: the Parish Priest, Church Office Contact: Birkenhead Central Library, opened by 0151 652 1074 0790 333 7995 George V in 1934, replaced the 1909 [email protected] Carnegie Library in Market Street South, [email protected] For normal opening times see website demolished to make way for the tunnel Church open to the public during Mass www.wilfredowenstory.com approach. Its architects, Gray, Evans & times daily and on Sundays. No charge. Crossley, created a Neo-Georgian palace with an imposing pillared portico and balcony. Inside are Carrara marble and Victorian Quaker Meeting House in red English oak details, Della Robbia plaques brick. Wood panelled meeting room and the Wilfred Owen memorial window. with original central heating controls (not There will be a behind the scenes tour. functioning). Victorian WCs. Small garden.

No booking required. Disabled access to ground floor. Limited disabled access. Tour unsuitable Refreshments available.No booking required. for those with mobility issues. Contact: Mary Green Contact: 0151 653 9602 0151 606 2665 cox.green@btinternet (ask for Birkenhead Reference Library) [email protected] www.wirral.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives

12 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 13 St James’ Church Birkenhead Priory and Wirral Transport Museum Bromborough St James Road/Laird Street, St Mary’s Tower 1 Taylor Street, Birkenhead, CH41 1BG Birkenhead, CH41 7AL Priory Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5JH Sat 3, Sun 4, Sat 10 & Sun 11 Sep, St Barnabas Church Sat 10 Sep 11am to 3pm Wed to Fri 1pm to 5pm 1pm to 4.30pm Church Square, Bromborough, CH62 2AA Sun 11 Sep 10am for reunion service Sat & Sun 10am to 5pm Tue 6 Sep 11am to 2pm Sun 11 Sep 12 noon to 4pm St James Church is a Grade II listed building Birkenhead Priory is the oldest standing designed by C. E Lang in the centre of building on and an Ancient St Barnabas is a Grade II Listed Building, Birkenhead’s North End and established to Monument. Founded in the mid 12th century built 1862 – 1864, to a design of Sir George serve the Dock Cottages. Building began as a Benedictine monastery, it was granted Gilbert Scott. Outside are three fragments in 1845, but was not completed until 1858. the right to ferry travellers across the Mersey of Anglo-Norse sculptured stones, re- Since then the church has been a pillar of the in the 14th century. It was dissolved by assembled to form a cross. The churchyard community, both physically and spiritually. Henry VIII and the Priory Church demolished. contains an 18th century sundial and a Adjacent is the tower of St Mary’s, Birkenhead’s war memorial. There will be short tours of Open day for all the family. Collections of old first parish church, consecrated in 1821 and the church and its immediate environs. photos of the area, not usually seen will be now dedicated as a memorial to those on display, along with stories and memories who died in the submarine Thetis disaster. No pre-booking required. Disabled of the church and life around it. There will The former Chapter House is consecrated access. Refreshments available. be music and craft activities for children. as a place of worship. The Scriptorium is One of the most comprehensive ‘working’ the home of the Friends of HMS Conway. Contact: Parish Office transport museums in the country. Collection Small guided tours, to help people appreciate 0151 334 4155 includes trams, buses, motorcycles and the heritage of the church and its location. Partial accessibility. No booking required. [email protected]. uk No booking required. Refreshments available for purchase. cycles, many in working order. 1930s garage Disabled access. scene. The large model railway layout is a Refreshments available. Contact: draw for visitors of all ages. Admission free. Site 0151 666 1249 Bromborough Pool Contact: Eve Barrett Enquiries 0151 652 4177 Half hourly tram rides, £2 adults/£1 0151 670 9974 www.thebirkenheadpriory.org children & concessions. Bromborough Pool School, [email protected] Museum open weekends and Bank Holidays St Matthew’s Church 1pm to 4.30pm throughout year. Closed and Giles Shirley Hall Christmas and New Year York Street, Bromborough Pool, CH62 4TZ Meet outside School Limited disabled access. No disabled toilets. Sat 10 Sep, Visits start at 10am, Refreshments available at nearby Woodside. 11am, 12 noon & 1pm No booking required. No booking required if group Contact: Tony Cooper less than 10 people. 0151 647 2128 Disabled access. [email protected] Refreshments available at Garden www.mtps.co.uk Centre - for lunches, order in advance on 0151 643 1359.

Contact: Anne Litherland 07587 550060 [email protected] www.autismtogether.co.uk/ bromborough-pool

14 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 15 Eastham Leasowe Leasowe Lighthouse Liscard Lingham Lane, Moreton, CH46 4TA St Mary’s Parish Church Leasowe Castle (Nearest station Moreton) St Mary’s Church Stanley Lane, Eastham, CH62 0AQ Leasowe Road, Moreton, Wirral, CH46 3RF Sun 4 Sep 1pm – 5pm Withins Lane, Liscard, Wallasey, CH45 7LU Fri 9 & Sat 10, 10am to 4pm Mon 5, Tue 6, Wed 7, Thu 8 Sep, Sat 10 & Sun 11 Sep, 12 noon to 4pm Oldest brick lighthouse in Britain. Built 1763 Sun 11 Sep, 12 noon to 4pm 10am Morning Tours by Liverpool Docks Committee. In use

until 1873. One of four lights erected on Grade II listed church in the centre of Wirral’s north coast, two at and Eastham village. There has been a church one, a lower light, at Leasowe. Lower Light in Eastham since 852 AD. The current destroyed by the sea and replaced, 1771, by a building is medieval, built about 1150. Find lighthouse on Bidston Hill, itself rebuilt , 1873. out more about its story; the key conflicts it Managed by volunteers. Grade II listed. has seen; learn about the everyday life of today’s church; discover the stories behind Entry to ground floor display area and gift the memorial plaques on the walls. shop free. Charges apply for guided tours to upper floors - £2 adults, £1 children, who Daily guided tours of the graveyard at must be at least 1.06 metres to take the tour. 2pm, Amorini Antiques – valuations Organ, voice and trumpet recital No pre-booking required. Sunday 11 Sep, 3pm to 4pm Built in 1876 by E.W.Nobbs, the Church is a Disabled access to ground floor. fine example of mid-Victorian architecture Refreshments and souvenirs No booking required. with perpendicular tracery and west tower. available for purchase. Tea and coffee in church every day and Broad interior without aisles, good arts on Saturday light refreshments provided and crafts and stained glass windows in Contact: Rose Campion by the Scouts, opposite the church. Whall style. Ring of 8 bells in use. Church 0151 353 0861 Disabled access to church registers dating from 1925 will be available (Leave message if no answer) but not to graveyard. for inspection for the last time before [email protected] being deposited in Cheshire Archives. Contact: Sue Abraham The Lighthouse is open for guided 0151 334 9216 No booking required tours, 1pm – 5pm, on the FIRST and [email protected] Disabled access. THIRD Sunday of each month. Refreshments available St Mary’s Church is open every Wednesday Built by the Earls of Derby in the late & Thursday, 2pm to 4pm from mid May to 16th century, Grade II* Leasowe Castle Contact: David Harvey early September. www.stmaryseastham.uk. has been altered and enlarged over the 0151 639 8093 centuries, serving among other things as [email protected] a sporting lodge, a castellated mansion, an hotel, a nobleman’s residence and a railwayman’s convalescent home. Today it is once again an hotel. Find out about the castle’s history, explore its exterior, glimpse some of its historic rooms.

Pre Booking required. Limited disabled access. Refreshments available for purchase.

Contact: Linda Cook 0151 606 9191 [email protected]

16 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 17 Neston New Brighton Ss Peter, Paul & Philomena Oxton St Mary and St Helen St Andrew’s United Church Church / ICKSP Christ Church, Oxton Parish Church Rowson Street, New Brighton, CH45 5AR 7 Atherton Street, New Brighton, CH45 9LT Bessborough Road, Oxton, CH43 5RW High Street, Neston, CH64 9TZ Sun 11 Sep, 2pm to 4.30pm Sun 4 Sep, Church open all day Sun 11 Sep, 1pm – 5pm Thu 8, Fri 9, Sat 10 Sep, 10am to 3.30pm 10.30am Sung Mass with Gregorian Chant Sun 11 Sep 12 noon to 3.30pm The building was built in a Greek Cross 3pm to 5pm Guided Heritage Tours, Grade 2 listed Anglican Church, housing a shape and the roof is interesting. with cream tea refreshments splendid ‘Father Willis’ organ. It has two First There are lots of war memorials as well as 4pm Mayor of Wirral World War memorials, one wall mounted relics from 5 other churches in Wallasey. 5.30pm Sunday Vespers with Benediction and the other an elaborately carved pulpit. Wilfred Owen and his family attended No booking required. Disabled access. here whilst living in Birkenhead. History Church open daily throughout Guided tours can be arranged. displays. Free Organ recital in afternoon. the week, 8am to 8pm Light refreshments available. Sat 10 Sep 11am to 1pm Guided No booking required. Contact: Peter Purland Heritage Tour/Refreshments Disabled access. [email protected] Sun 11 Sep 4pm to 5pm Guided Refreshments. Heritage Tour/Refreshments 5.30pm Sunday Vespers with Benediction Contact: Rev Karen Freeman St James’ Church 0151 652 3990 (church office) Albion Street, New Brighton, www.christchurchbirkenhead.net Wallasey, Wirral, CH45 9LF Sat 3 Sep, 10am to 4pm Sat 10 Sep, 9am to 11am The church has many attractions, including stained glass windows by Kempe, Hardman, A mid Victorian gothic revival building, Norris and Burne-Jones. The Falklands designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, Chapel was rescued from HMS Plymouth. currently undergoing major restoration The font was used for the christening of works. As part of these works, the Lady Hamilton and there is a display of rare spire, the tallest in Wirral, has recently Viking Stones. Guides will be available to been rebuilt (completed in April). show visitors around during opening times. Art and Craft exhibition by parishioners and On Saturday 3 September we hope to a unique display of church vestments. Welcome to the ‘Dome of Home’, have our beautiful 1833 Bewsher and architecturally ambitious, little altered Fleetwood organ available for willing Pre-booking required for tours. Catholic Church of 1935; monumental in and capable volunteers to play. People scale, baroque in its spatial conception, Disabled access. should bring their own music. Refreshments available for pre-booked tours. its dome can be seen from afar. Established as a Shrine Church in 2012. The building will also be open on Contact: Peter Rossiter This well loved landmark has undergone other days as it now houses the two HLF restoration projects. 0151 336 5503 New Brighton Heritage Centre. [email protected] Pre booking required, outside No booking required. scheduled tours times. Disabled access. Disabled access. Light refreshments. Coffee will be available both Saturdays. Contact: Contact: Churchwarden, Mr J.Timms [email protected] 07740 719185 07743 235045 [email protected]

18 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 19 Parkgate Port Sunlight Christ Church United Rock Ferry St Thomas’ Church Reformed Church Mostyn Square, Parkgate, Port Sunlight Museum Church Drive, Port Sunlight St Anne’s R C Church, Rock Ferry Neston, CH64 6SL 23 King George’s Drive, Village, CH62 5EF Highfield Road, Rock Ferry, CH42 2BY Sat 10 Sep, 2pm to 5pm Port Sunlight, CH62 5DX Mon 5 to Fri 9 Sep, 11am to 4pm Sat 10 Sep, 1pm to 3.30pm Sun 11 Sep, 2pm to 5pm Sat 3 Sep, 10am to 5pm Built by William Lever, 1st Viscount Leverhulme, Designed by E. W. Pugin in Early Decorated This early Victorian church, originally built as a Visit Port Sunlight Museum to explore the story as “a church in whose worship all Christian style, completed, after his death, by the Pugin of Port Sunlight, the vision of its founder for people, except those of extreme views, could practice, 1875-77. Built of stone with his soap workers, and the work to protect this share”. English Gothic Style from Helsby red Welsh Pierrepoint of a bluish hue. Outstanding garden village for future generations to study . The interior has an open and lofty Rose Window and other devotional features. and enjoy. New for 2016 ‘Port Sunlight in Focus spaciousness, the red walls contrasting with 1886 - 1916’, a special photography exhibition. the marble pavement, oak pews and screens. Main entrance at front. Car park at rear (access from Ruskin Avenue). There is a Free entry to the museum, Saturday Booking not required. ramp. 100 yards from Rock Ferry Station. 3 September 10am to 5pm. Disabled access. Booking not required No pre-booking required. Tea/coffee, Contact: Arnold Waters biscuits and cakes available. [email protected] Port Sunlight Museum has its own Tea www.ccpsurc.info Room, serving hot and cold drinks, hand- Contact: Parish Secretary baked cakes and light lunches. Port Sunlight 0151 645 3996 (mornings only) Christ Church is open on weekdays Museum is open daily, throughout the year, [email protected] during the summer months see website for times and admission charges

chapel, was closed for 16 years but reopened Contact: Port Sunlight Museum in 2010, after refurbishment. Local community 0151 644 6466 Prenton projects, in support of ‘The Bishop’s Trust’ [email protected] raised the funds for the renovation and the www.portsunlightvillage.com Prenton United ’Fisherman’s Church’, as it is known locally, is Reformed Church a testament to their sterling efforts. Financial 1 Prenton Road West, Prenton, CH42 9PX assistance was also given by English Heritage. (By traffic lights at junction of Prenton Road West and Storeton Road.) Photographs and documents relating to Wed 7 Sep, 9am to 12 noon the history of Parkgate will be on display. Members of the church will be available to The original congregation met first in the welcome visitors and talk about the building. Prenton Bowling Pavillion in 1887. It then moved into the chapel, now the Hall, opened, No booking required. 1890. Foundation Stone of church laid by Disabled access. Mrs W.H. Lever, 1908. (Near stone is a place Refreshments available at cafes nearby. of quiet remembrance). Amalgamated with St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 1972. A Contact: brass plaque commemorates members [email protected] of the congregation killed in WW1. www.stthomasparkgate.wordpress.com No booking required. Disabled access. Refreshments available.

Contact: Mrs Marian Davies 0151 645 4802 [email protected]

20 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 21 Thurstaston The Chapel, Rake St Hilary’s Church Claremont Road, Wallasey, CH45 3NH Lane Cemetery Sat 3 Sep, 10am to 4pm, Sun 4 Sep, St George’s United Shore Cottage Rake Lane, Wallasey, CH45 5DE 2pm to 4pm Thurstaston Beach (Off) Station Road, Wed 7 & Sun 11 Sep, 2pm to 4pm Reformed Church Supervised visits to the Bell Tower of St George’s Way, Thornton Thurstaston, CH61 0HN the main church will be conducted on Hough, CH63 1JA Sat 10 Sep, 1pm to 4pm the hour whilst the church is open Sat 3 & Sun 4 Sep, Sat 10 & Sun 11 Sep, See at close hand the exterior of Shore 10am to 4pm Cottage, once known as Sally’s Cottage, There has been Christian worship on the built on its small quay on Thurstaston shore. site of St Hilary’s for over 1000 years. The Visit the working artists’ studio next door, present church, built 1859 replaced a with its unrivalled views across the Dee church burned down in 1857. It contains a estuary to North . Examine images and Willis organ and the recently restored west documents linked to the history of the site. window. Visit the Tudor tower of the earlier Bring along any photographs you may have church and view the original Norman font. to be scanned for our collection. Record your No booking required. own stories. A unique part of Wirral’s past. Refreshments available in the No disabled access – main church on both days. 71 steps down to beach. Bacon rolls on sale in the Old Tower Refreshments available for purchase. 12 noon to 2pm, Sat only. The Chapel was originally opened in 1882 Disabled access except to Bell Tower. and, in recent years fell into disrepair. In Contact: [email protected] 2009 it became the church of St Elisabeth 0151 648 6581 Contact: the New Martyr. It has been beautifully www.ShoreCottageStudio.com 0151 638 5241 renovated and is now a Russian Orthodox www.sthilarywallasey.org.uk Church. It is available for interdenominational Wallasey burials and is also licensed for weddings. No booking required. Wallasey Town Hall Holy Apostles and Martyrs’ Disabled access. Brighton Street, Wallasey, CH44 8ED Parish Church There will be guided walks around Wed 7 Sep, 2pm to 4pm St George’s Road, Wallasey, CH45 6TU the cemetery - see Walks Section Monumental listed building, designed for the Sat 10 Sep 10.30am to 7pm Contact: John & Diane Robinson Borough of Wallasey by Briggs, Wolstenholme St George’s was built at the start of the Sun 11 Sep 9am to 5pm 0151 639 4231 & Thornley. Foundation stone laid by George twentieth century when the first Lord Leverhulme [email protected] V in 1914. Served as a Military Hospital during The church was designed by the architect commissioned architect Lomax Simpson to WWI. Officially opened as Town Hall, 1920. F X Velarde during the mid-20th century. build a church in the Norman style. A grade Now main centre for Wirral Borough Council. Today it is the parish church of the II* listed building, the church has outstanding Tour includes Mayor’s Parlour, Council vibrant Catholic parish community of Romanesque-style carvings and impressive Chamber, Reception Room & Civic Hall. Holy Apostles & Martyrs in the Diocese stained glass windows and of course there of Shrewsbury. Around the outside is a carving of St George and the Dragon! Meet in Town Hall reception area by 1.55pm. you will see sculptures of the English Martyrs Afternoon includes tea with the Mayor and inside, Velarde’s exquisite design. No booking required. in his Parlour and a talk on history of the Disabled access. building by the Wallasey Historical Society No booking required. Disabled access and facilities. Contact: Pre booking required. Refreshments available. [email protected] Disabled access Refreshments provided by the Mayor. Contact: Fr Michael Coughlan The church can be opened to 0151 606 4362 Contact: Chris Morris groups by prior arrangement [email protected] 0151 653 4605

22 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 23 The Wallaseyans’ Club West Kirby St Bridget’s Church Woodchurch 140/142 Grove Road, Wallasey, CH45 0JF St Bridget’s Lane, West Kirby, CH48 3JT Sat 3 Sep, 2pm to 5pm West Kirby Methodist Church Sat 3 & Sat 10 Sep, 10am to 4pm Holy Cross Church 29a Westbourne Road, Church Lane, Woodchurch, CH49 7LS West Kirby, CH48 4DQ An Anglican church with a history of worship Sat 3 Sep. 12 noon to 3pm, Fri 9, & Sat 10 Sep, 10am to 4pm dating back 1000 years. Substantially rebuilt Fri 9 Sep, 11am to 3pm 1869-70 but some medieval masonry Sat 10 Sep, 10am to 4pm Opened in 1904, the church has stained survives, particularly in chancel. Home to Sun 11 Sep, 3pm to 5pm glass of unusual quality. These windows a rare Norse Hogback stone. Stained glass (ending with Songs of Praise) are complemented by a Willis organ and a windows, painting over the chancel arch chancel refurbished in Art Deco style in the and iron chancel screen all by C.E.Kempe Grade II* listed building, C12th nave; C14th 1930s by the Bibby family. Other famous local south aisle, chancel and tower, all much people (e.g. ’s family and Cyril No pre-booking required. altered; a C16th porch and a C20th north Gourley) are commemorated in the church. Disabled access. aisle. Items of interest are wood carvings, Refreshments in church centre. 1741 charity board, Kempe window, part Displays and leaflet available to guide visitors. 10 minutes’ walk from West Kirby station. of pre-Norman wheel cross. Peal of eight Children’s activities. bells, possibly one of the lightest in Britain. No booking required. Contact: Malcolm Taylor Originally owned by the Billington family Disabled access. 0151 625 2481 Self guided leaflets & Church Tours available. and, later a private school, the buildings Refreshments available. [email protected] Lots of activities - see website for details housed service personnel during the www.holycrosswoodchurch.wix.com/holy-cross Second World War and are now The Contact: Graham Gladden Wallaseyans’ Club. The Wallasey Grammar 07802 462682 Saturday 10 September : ‘Have a go’ at ringing School Archives are stored here and will [email protected] bells - Booking Required. Climb to the top of be on display during the event which the tower for views - Booking Required. Bring will also include tours of the building. your Teddy and watch it parachute down the tower. Registration required on day. Children’s West Kirby Museum activities. Light a candle for a loved one. Disabled access (ramp at side of building) St Bridget’s Centre, St Bridget’s Lane, Parking behind building. West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 3JT Restrictions for Tower visits / Bell Ringing Refreshments available. Sat 3 & 10 Sep, 10am to 4pm - No children under 8. All children under 16 to be accompanied by an adult. The Contact: Honorary Secretary Begun in 1892, restored and refurbished tower is reached via 100+ steep steps. 0151 639 2832 in 2013, the Museum tells the history Unsuitable for those with mobility problems, [email protected] of West Kirby, its Church, School and pregnant or with health issue, which make village. Exhibits and explanatory panels it unsafe to climb steep steps. NO dogs enhance the story, as well as temporary allowed in tower. Booking essential. displays concentrating on certain relevant themes. Enthusiastic volunteers will Disabled access to church but not tower. ensure you have an interesting visit. Refreshments available.

Contact: Parish Office No booking required. (mornings Mon to Thurs only) Disabled access. 0151 677 5352 [email protected] Contact: Carol Hunter 07470 863761 For details of opening at other times see www.westkirbymuseum.co.uk www.holycrosswoodchurch. www.facebook.com/WKMuseum wix.com/holy-cross

24 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 25 Bidston The embraces a Bidston Hill Walk Meet at Tam O’Shanter Farm, Walks, wealth of man-made landscapes Bidston Community Archaeology Boundary Road, CH43 7PD of both historical interest and Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm Tue 6 Sep, 11am to 1pm beauty. Within the Borough Boundary Road, Bidston, CH43 7PD Talks and of Wirral alone there are 26 Excavation site 50 metres from Walk explores King George’s Way, Thermopolyae Pass, the original site of Conservation Areas, including Tam O’Shanter Farm Sat 3 Sep, 11am to 3.30pm Bidston Court (later moved to Royden Port Sunlight and Hamilton Sun 11 Sep, 11am to 3.30pm Park), Bidston Windmill, Observatory and Activities Square, both deemed of national Lighthouse, taking in some of the Rock importance. In addition, the Carvings before returning to the Farm. borough has several landscapes No booking required. listed on the National Register of Not suitable for people with limited mobility. Historic and Gardens. These include Birkenhead Park, Flaybrick Contact: Memorial Gardens and Port 07803 166221 [email protected] Sunlight which all feature in our Heritage Open Days programme. Excavation of Pig Field Site, Tam O’Shanter Flaybrick, Past, Present and Future Urban Farm, Bidston. Aim to investigate Flaybrick Memorial Gardens, evidence of earliest date of occupancy. The Tollemache Road, Bidston. Meet at Tam earliest dating evidence recovered so far is O’Shanter Urban Farm, CH43 7PD in the form of pottery shards dating to the Wed 7 Sep starts at 2pm, 17th century. There is also potential prehistoric use indicated by pieces of worked flint. Flaybrick, is one of Britain’s most important Victorian cemeteries, listed Grade II*, We are happy to escort visitors around the site. designed by Edward Kemp and preserving The surface is uneven and at times slippery. all the key features of his original lay-out Visitors must wear appropriate footwear. and planting. The unusual linked chapels (Anglican and Non - Conformist), designed Booking not required. by Liverpool architects Lucy and Littler, have Uneven ground, unsuitable for wheelchairs. been disused and derelict for many years. Refreshments available at Tam O’Shanter Farm cafe. Recently, Wirral Council and Historic England have made significant investment in stabilizing Contact: the historic fabric of the chapels. This walk, led bidston-community- by Wirral’s Heritage Officer, Eileen Willshaw, will [email protected] describe these works and explore opportunities www.bidstoncommunityarchaeology.org.uk for the future development of the whole site.

There is excavation work on the site, weather Pre-booking not required. permitting, Saturdays and Sundays from May Refreshments available at the Farm. to mid-September. At these times access to the site is subject to prior arrangement. Contact: Eileen Willshaw 0151 652 4177

26 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 27 Flaybrick, Maintenance Flaybrick- What Happens Next? Wirral Archives Birkenhead Park Ranger’s Walk and Partnerships Flaybrick Memorial Gardens, Cheshire Lines Building, Canning Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre, Park Flaybrick Memorial Gardens, Tollemache Road, Bidston Street, Birkenhead, CH41 1ND Drive, Birkenhead, CH41 4HY Tollemache Road, Bidston Meet at Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm, CH43 7PD Meet in the Lower Ground Thu 8 Sep, Fri 9 Sep, Sat 10 Sep, Meet at Tam O’Shanter Sat 10 Sep 2pm Floor Conference Room Sun 11 Sep. 1pm to 3pm Urban Farm, CH43 7PD Thu 8 Sep, 2pm & 3pm Thu 8 Sep 2pm Led by Eileen Willshaw, Wirral’s Heritage Officer Start and finish at Visitor Centre. and Luke Agnew, Sexton for Flaybrick Memorial Two talks about Wirral Archives Service, with Walk takes about 1.5 to 2hrs. Flaybrick Cemetery (now Memorial Gardens) Gardens, this walk will explore the national and an opportunity to see behind the scenes, is a superb heritage asset for Wirral. There international significance of the Cemetery; including the Strong Room, where the historical A heritage walk round the world’s are thousands of memorials, 7 Listed recent conservation works, and the issues records of Wirral are protected and preserved. first publically funded park. Buildings and over 100 species of trees and confronting the future of one of Wirral’s most Disabled access. shrubs. But managing this vulnerable site, important heritage sites. After the walk, there Booking essential. No pre-booking required. which is on the National Heritage at Risk will be an opportunity for everyone to express All pathways tarmacked. Swiss Bridge Register, is a massive undertaking. Luke their views about the future development of the Contact: William Meredith, Archivist, and Roman Boathouse have steep steps Agnew, Sexton of Flaybrick, will describe the Cemetery, in an informal conversation session. Wirral Archives Service so are not wheelchair accessible. key issues involved, including maintenance 0151 606 2929 Refreshments available for purchase in Café. planning, tackling anti-social behaviour Pre-booking not required [email protected] and how partnerships and community Refreshments available at the Farm. www.wirral.gov.uk/libraries-and- Contact: Birkenhead Park Visitor Service Team involvement will be vital in safeguarding archives/wirral-archives-service 0151 652 5197 the future of this outstanding Cemetery. Contact: Eileen Willshaw [email protected] 0151 652 4177 Wirral Archives is open for family history, Booking not required. local history and Cammell Laird research, Refreshments available at the Farm Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. We Wilfred Owen Trail Birkenhead do not close for lunch. Please contact us Birkenhead Central Reference Library, Contact: Luke Agnew in advance to make an appointment. Borough Road, Birkenhead, CH41 2XB 07792 110973 American Civil War Tour Fri 9 Sep, 10.15am Meet at the gates of Birkenhead Priory, Priory Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5JH Birkenhead Park Heritage Walk Walk takes approximately two hours. Flaybrick Memorial Gardens Walk Sat 10 Sep 2pm Park Drive, Birkenhead Park, CH41 4HY Meet at Birkenhead Central Reference Library, Flaybrick Memorial Gardens, Start and finish at Birkenhead Tollemache Road, Bidston This guided walk explores the sites and Park Visitor Centre, Park Drive Wilfred Owen 1893 – 1918. First World Poet Meet at Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm, amazing stories of the local impact of the Tue 6 Sep 11am who attended the Birkenhead Institute. Boundary Road, Bidston, CH43 7PD American Civil War (1861 – 1865), when Follow the trail with a short walk around his Sat 10 Sep, 11am a ‘Le Carre’ style espionage battle of epic Walk of approximately 1 mile lasts around 1½ childhood homes near the Central Library. proportions took place on the streets of hours led by the Friends of Birkenhead Park. Free trail map and notes provided. A guided walk round the Gardens, taking Birkenhead and Liverpool. This would have approximately two hours, led by the international repercussions. The tour takes Gentle walk round Lower Park passing Booking required. Friends of the Memorial Gardens. about 1.5 hours and includes climbing key sites – Grand Entrance, Jackson The walk is on public footpaths. to the top of St. Mary’s Church tower. monument, Swiss Bridge, Boathouse etc. Necessary outdoor wear recommended. Disabled access, but note that paths are uneven in parts. Stout footwear Pre-booking essential. Suitable for wheelchair users. Contact: Rob Wood needed, also possibly rainwear. No disabled access to tower. Refreshments available in the Visitor Centre. 0151 608 0026 Booking not required. Booking required [email protected] Refreshments available at Tam O’Shanter Farm. Contact: Jerry Williams 0151 608 3769 Contact: Copies of the trail brochure available Contact: 0151 653 5697 free of charge from Birkenhead 0151 653 4599 [email protected] Central Reference Library. www.friendsofbirkenheadpark.org.uk

28 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 29 Williamson Art Gallery & Museum Burton Eastham Hooton Slatey Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH43 4UE Wed 7 & Fri 9 Sep at 11am RSPB Eastham Ferry and Country Park Hooton Park Hangars Tours last approximately 1 hour Puddington Lane, Burton, CH64 5SF Ferry Road, Eastham, CH62 0BH The Hangars, Airfield Way, Hooton, (Look out for brown sign on A540) Meet at Eastham Pier , CH65 1BQ A look at the building, history and Tue 6 Sep - admission free all day. Sat 3, Mon 5, Wed 7, Fri 9 Sep Access via Junction 6 M53, collections of the Williamson with Colin Visitor reception open 9.30am to 5pm Walks start 10am second exit off roundabout. Simpson, Wirral’s Principal Museums Officer, Self guided trails available Sat 10 & Sun 11 Sep including how and why collections are Walks will commemorate the 200th anniversary Guided tours at 11am & 2pm each day formed and a glimpse behind the scenes of the first steam powered passenger ferry at the work of an active museum. across the Mersey that ran between Liverpool Grade II* listed general purpose aircraft and Eastham. Commencing at Eastham Pre-booking required. hangars. Built in 1917 for the Royal Flying Corps. Pier, with a talk on the history of the Ferry, Disabled access. In use by the RAF until 1957. Subsequently the walk will continue along the shore line Refreshments available at the Gallery Cafe. sold to Vauxhall Motors who built their motor to Job’s Ferry and the site of the old power assembly plant on the site. Freehold of hangars Contact: Gallery Reception station, returning via Eastham Woods to the purchased in 2000 by the Hooton Park Trust. 0151 652 4177 Ferry Hotel. Length of walk about one hour. No booking required. The Williamson Art Gallery and Museum Pre-booking required. is open to the public throughout the No disabled access. Tours last about 1 hour. Wheel chair access to year, Wednesday to Sunday 10am to Refreshments available. most areas. Tours commence in Building 27, 5pm. Closed on Bank Holidays a Grade II listed ancillary building, housing a www.williamsonartgallery.org Explore the historic landscape of the RSPB Contact: David Mottram, display of the site’s 1000 years of history and Burton Mere Wetlands. See the Mere, once part [email protected] exhibits relating to aircraft and the Vauxhall of the Burton Manor estate, home of Henry or David Allan Viva, built at the plant in 1966. The Aeroplane Bromborough Pool Neville Gladstone, son of William Gladstone, 0151 327 3576 Collection and The Griffin Trust, both registered Prime Minister. Visit the remains of the Iron [email protected] charities, open to visitors after the tours. Bromborough Pool Village Walk Age promontory fort on Burton Point. Hear Bromborough Pool Garden about the Dee’s past and the spread of the Contact: Robert Frost Centre, The Green, CH62 4TT marshes, which followed its canalisation in 1737. 0151 327 3565 Sat 10 Sep, 2pm to 3.30pm [email protected] Hot and cold drinks and snacks Meet at Bromborough Pool Garden Centre. available for purchase. The walk of 2 miles takes 1½ hours 610 (County of Chester) Squadron No booking required. From Price’s Candle Works to the present Hooton Park Airfield, Hooton Park, Mere and wetlands fully accessible. day, the walk will look at features of interest Ellesmere Port, CH63 1BR Route to Burton Point unsuitable for including the Old Court House site, which Sat 3 & Sun 11 Sep, 12 noon those with limited mobility. may be muddy. The role of Autism Together No dogs allowed, except and Land Trust will also feature. Walkers The talk on 610 (County of Chester Squadron) registered assistance dogs. are encouraged to visit Bromborough Pool covers the history of the Squadron from Garden Centre, where parking is available. its inception in 1936 to its disbandment in Contact: RSPB Burton Mere Visitor Centre 1957 and covers the work of the Squadron 0151 353 8478 Booking not required. during WWII, when the Squadron was one of [email protected] Disabled Access: walk is on pavements the most effective fighter units in the RAF. except the Old Courthouse which may be muddy and uneven and this section Pre-booking required. Disabled access. is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Contact: Anne Litherland Contact: Michael Lewis 07587 550060 01244 373551 [email protected] [email protected] www.portsunlightriverpark.com

30 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 31 Little Neston Neston New Ferry New Ferry Historic Walk Meet at Bebington Station, CH63 7LA Neston Collieries and Burton Neston Town Trail New Ferry Butterfly Park Sat 3 Sep, 9.30am to 1pm Marsh WW2 Decoy Walk Meet outside Neston Parish Church, Howell Road, New Ferry (approach road Meet and finish at Harp Inn, Little Neston, High Street, Neston, CH64 9TZ to Bebington Station Car Park).The Park is A fascinating guided walk from Bebington CH64 0TB (off Marshlands Road) Sat 3 & Sun 11 Sep 2pm signed from Bebington Road and access is Station to the , showcasing the Thu 8 Sep, 10am to 4pm between Aldi (CH62 5BG) and the railway history of New Ferry and its historic waterfront. A walk round Neston town centre, exploring the overbridge. Meet at the Park entrance. Find out about New Ferry’s role as a Victorian A walk round the former Neston Coalfield town’s historic buildings and some of its history Sun 11 Sep, 2pm to 3.30pm tourist resort, its war time past and where the and locations, followed by a walk to WW2 bombs fell, and what is so special about it Burton Marsh bombing decoy bunker, with Disabled Access. today. The walk will finish at the summit of Port an explanation of what it was for and how Pre booking required. . Sunlight River Park, so bring a picnic lunch to it fitted in to the Merseyside defences. Refreshments available in local Cafés. finish off the tour, plus stout walking shoes.

Pre booking required. Contact: Janet Griffiths, No pre-booking required. Disabled Access. 0151 336 5478 Limited access. There are two flights of Refreshments available at Nets Cafe. email [email protected] steep steps towards the end of the walk which are not suitable for wheelchairs. Contact: Phil Pritchard 0151 336 5973 New Brighton Contact: Mark Anthony Craig [email protected] 07746 073914 All Around the Vale Meet outside Vale House Cafe in Vale Park, Ness Magazine Lane, New Brighton, CH45 1LZ Oxton Sat 10 Sep, starting at 12 noon Ness Botanic Gardens The walk will explore the industrial history Oxton Guided History Walk Neston Road, Ness, Cheshire, CH64 4AY Walk takes approximately 90 minutes of this former railway goods yard (brick- Meet centre of Oxton Village Mon 5 Sep, 10am to 5pm making and railway operation), and by the postbox, CH43 5SF Guided heritage walk/ talk around Vale Park how this has contributed to the wildlife Sat 3 Sep, Sat 10 Sep, 11am to 12.30pm Ness Botanic Gardens was born of the and the Magazines Conservation Area. This diversity of the park. Short walk of only Liverpool cotton merchant, Arthur Kilpin Bulley’s part of New Brighton by the River Mersey about 600 metres, but much to see. Guided tour round Oxton, with information, passionate interest in plants and his desire estuary has impressive views. There is diversity anecdotes and views of old Oxton. to share that interest with others. He began of historic interest within a small area. Live scything demonstration. the creation of the garden in 1898, laying Pre-booking required the foundations of one of the major botanic There will also be an optional fun quiz The lower half of the Park is One tour goes along unmade roads. gardens in the country. Bulley died in 1942 with a prize for the best effort. disabled-accessible. Please ring in advance and we will do all and in 1948 his daughter Lois presented the we can to cater for people with a disability. gardens to the . Today Disabled access. All walking route A nature reserve of the Cheshire We do try to help anyone with physical Ness displays plants from all over the world. is on accessible paths Landscape Trust. disabilities to enjoy the walk or arrange a Refreshments can be purchased personally tailored walk on another date. Free entry day to anyone. at Vale House Tea Rooms. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Refreshments available in village. No booking required. Booking essential. No booking required. Disabled access. Some parking on site. Contact: Bob Knowles Refreshments available. Contact: Therese Irving No refreshments on site but they are available 07976 321322 0151 638 0069 in nearby Port Sunlight and New Ferry. [email protected] www.nessgardens.org.uk (leave your name and contact number) [email protected] Contact: Paul Loughnane, 0151 645 8937 [email protected] www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk www.wirralwildlife.org.uk

32 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 33 Port Sunlight Rock Ferry Wallasey West Kirby Port Sunlight Open Village Rock Park Walk Trail starts from Port Sunlight Museum, Meet at the New Ferry Pier Rake Lane Cemetery Walks Ashton Park Walk 23 King George’s Drive, Terminal at the junction of Rake Lane, Wallasey, CH45 5DE Start outside St Bridget’s Centre, Port Sunlight, CH62 5DX the Dell and New Ferry Road, Wed 7 & Sun 11 Sep St Bridget’s Lane, West Kirby, CH48 3JT Sun 11 Sep, 10am to 5pm New Ferry, CH62 1DA Weather permitting, there will be Sat 3 Sep, 10am & 12 noon. Each Tue 6 Sep, 10.30am & 1.30pm walks between 2pm & 4pm tour lasts 60 minutes A unique opportunity to see inside some Walk lasts between 1½ and 2 hours of the village’s buildings, visit gardens Short half-hour walks around the cemetery. West Kirby Park “opened” in 1901 without and allotments and meet residents. Pick Topics covered will be major sea disasters, ceremony. Its development was characterised up a trail leaflet from the Museum. e.g. Titanic, Lusitania and the ‘Forgotten by delay and overspend and initially it was Empress’ and War Walks, including only the Lower Park that was laid out, leaving No booking required. Most places WWI, WWII and the Crimean War. today’s Upper Park as sloping meadowland. accessible. Refreshments available Later to become known as “Ashton Park”, the from the Port Sunlight Tea Rooms. Meet at cemetery chapel park changed significantly over the years.

Contact: 0151 644 6466 No booking required. Take a guided walk round the park info@portsunlight village.com Disabled access. and learn about the Ashton family, the creation of the park and its The Chapel will be open to view development and use over the years. Port Sunlight River Park - see Rake Lane Chapel Dock Road North, Bromborough, CH62 4TQ Booking required. Sat 3 Sep, 1.30pm Walk finishes at The Refreshment Rooms, Contact: John & Diane Robinson Route framed to allow disabled The 2½ mile walk takes approximately 1½ hours Bedford Road East, Rock Ferry, CH42 1LS 0151 639 4231 access if necessary. Meet at River Park car park [email protected] Refreshments available in Hilbre Rock Park was designated a Conservation Room, St Bridget’s Centre. This vibrant new park and former landfill site Area in 1979. The estate was laid out by has stunning views and overlooks the River Joseph Bennison in 1836/7 & now comprises Contact: Martin Harrison Dibbin, Price’s Candle Works and Bromborough 36 houses of different styles & all are Grade 0151 625 8535 Dock. The guided walk led by Biffa and 2 Listed. Also surviving are the old Rock [email protected] Autism Together staff, includes the history Ferry Pier & the listed stone slipway. www.ashtonpark.btck.co.uk of the site, the links with Unilever, Biffa, the Land Trust; and present day management. The New Ferry/Rock Ferry coast is designated an SSSI (Site of Specific Scientific Interest). Booking not required Moored in the Mersey were once the West Kirby Old Village Walk Disabled parking. Footpaths suitable training ships ‘Conway’ & ‘Indefatigable’ Meet at St Bridget’s Church Lychgate, for wheelchairs but some slopes. and the reform ships ‘Akbar’ & ‘Clarence’. Church Road, West Kirby, CH48 3JT Please call to check suitability. Wed 7 Sep 10.30am Booking required. Contact: Anne Litherland Accessible route. A walk of 1 mile lasting 1¼ hours, through the 07587 550060 Refreshments can be purchased Old Village of West Kirby. This was the centre [email protected] at the end of the walk. of West Kirby until the railway came. Once a www.portsunlightriverpark.com bustling community with farms, inns and shops. Contact: Su Thomson Some buildings survive from the 17th century. 0151 645 1088 Booking required. Narrow pavements - not suitable for wheelchairs.

Contact: Heather Chapman 0151 625 7013

34 www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk 35 Thank You!

Wirral History and Heritage Association would like to thank the following for their help:

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

St Andrew’s Church, Bebington; St Andrew’s United Church, Wallasey; St Anne’s R.C. Church, Rock Ferry; St Barnabas Church, Bromborough; Birkenhead Quaker Meeting House; St Bridget’s, West Kirby; Christ Church, Oxton; Christ Church URC; Port Sunlight; St George’s URC, Thornton Hough; St Hilary’s, Wallasey; Holy Apostles & Martyrs Parish Church, Wallasey; Holy Cross Church, Woodchurch; St Mary’s Church, Eastham; St Mary’s Church, Liscard; St Mary and St Helen’s, Neston; Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Birkenhead; Prenton URC; St James’ Parish Church, Birkenhead; St James’ Parish Church, New Brighton; Ss Peter, Paul & Philomena Church/ICKSP, New Brighton; St Thomas’ Church, Parkgate; West Kirby Methodist Church;

Birkenhead High School Academy, Birkenhead Priory, RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, Ness Botanic Gardens, New Ferry Butterfly Park, Port Sunlight Museum, Port Sunlight River Park, Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, Wirral Archives Service, Wirral Museums, Wirral Libraries, Wirral Parks & Countryside, Wirral Transport Museum

Bidston Community Archaeology, Bidston Lighthouse, Birkenhead History Society, 610 (County of Chester) Squadron Association, Hooton Park Trust, Neston Civic Society, Oxton Society, Wallaseyans’ Club, The Wilfred Owen Story.

And not forgetting all the individual speakers and walk leaders.