Game 5 against Lancashire at Liverpool

Game 5 was played at the Firwood Bootle Cricket Club in Liverpool.

 The club was founded in 1833.

Lancashire batted first and made only 9 for 188 runs. Gordon Cowling took 3 wickets for 19 runs off his 8 overs while Graeme Cook took 2 for 44 from his 8 overs.

Victoria replied with 168 runs, 20 runs short. Greg Watsford made 54 runs.

Most of the women had spent the day exploring Liverpool. At 6.00 pm Steve picked us up from the hotel in the coach so we saw the end of the match and then had dinner at the club.

On the journey back to the hotel Steve drove passed the grounds of Everton Football Club and Liverpool Football Club.

We were unable to get to the front of the Liverpool Football Club ground as the road was barricaded but took this image through the wire near the Anfield Road Stand.

Liverpool - part 2

For many years Liverpool was a prosperous trading city and this is partly illustrated by the substantial and impressive buildings in the city, particularly in the area near the docks and in the city centre.

A number of museums combine to tell the history of the city.

The Liverpool Museum concentrates on the development of Liverpool, past and present.

The Merseyside Maritime Museum describes the history of shipping in Liverpool over the centuries while the Slavery Museum, on the top floor of the maritime museum, examines Liverpool’s part in this movement.

Sailing ships encountered problems with the wind in the river so areas such as the Albert Docks were built to protect the ships. Liverpool was a major port for trade, especially with America, but was also an important departure port for those leaving England for other countries. During the Second World War with the German attempt to stop goods arriving in and leaving England the importance of Liverpool increased. Military ships acted as escorts to the transports however Liverpool also faced bombing from the Germans. The demise of Liverpool as a trading centre occurred with the arrival of container ships drastically reducing the size of the workforce required on the docks plus the role of Liverpool as a major port.

Two major exhibitions in the maritime museum are on the sinking of the Titanic and the sinking of the Lusitania. Other memorials to these ships can be found in the dockside area.

Propeller of the Lusitania

Memorial to men in Marine Engine Room on the Titanic

Birds, especially large seagulls, are everywhere - particularly in the dock area.

The symbol of Liverpool is the Liver bird – a fictional creation.

A Liver bird on top of the Liver building

A number of versions can be seen throughout the city.

A version of the Liver bird once on a building now in the museum

Another version of the Liver bird in the museum

Outside the Liverpool Museum can be found these bright and colourful characters. A number of their friends can be found elsewhere in the city. It started with one large yellow superlambanana and they then multiplied. Seventy smaller superlambananas appeared throughout the city and were then auctioned as a fundraiser for the hospital. A selection remain on public display.

Liverpool - part 1

Liverpool was our base for four days so we took time to explore this city.

We started by walking near the Mersey River. Four years ago we viewed the river from the other bank so it was interesting to explore this side of the river.

The river at low tide.

Red brick buildings lining the walk-way by the river.

Nearby there is a collection of statues including this one to immigrants who left England via Liverpool.

There is also a statue of Billy Fury (1940-1983), one of the many entertainers from Liverpool popular in the 1960s.

View from Albert Dock.

A reminder of Liverpool's nautical past.

Liverpool today - The Wheel of Liverpool.

But the major tourist attraction in Liverpool is The Beatles. In the afternoon we visited the Beatles Story an exhibition, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, about the musical group.

Early posters of the Liverpool music scene including one for a group called The Beetles.

One of the photos of the young Beatles at The Cavern.

The influence of The Beatles is everywhere including in our hotel - ibis Styles hotel in Dale Street. Beatles motifs are throughout the public areas and the bedrooms. Lucy in the sky with diamonds was the theme in our room.

Near the hotel is The Cavern section including this photo board at the entrance of the former original Cavern Club. Hotels and clubs in this area include references to The Beatles or The Cavern Club.

Nearby is a wall of the Cavern Pub is The Cavern Wall of Fame featuring the names of the many musicians and bands who performed at the club.
The Hard Days Night Hotel also strongly carries on The Beatles theme including having statues of each of the group members on sections of the balcony.
In Stanley Street we passed a statue of Eleanor Rigby sitting on a bench. It was made by the entertainer, Tommy Steele.

I am writing this post on a Friday evening (9.30). It is still daylight outside but the young people have been out on the town for some hours. Across the road Beatles music is blaring out. The Beatles have not been forgotten in this city.