Autumn Tour 2009 - Merseyside, 23-25th October
The journey North was somewhat arduous; the combination of Friday traffic, half term and M6 roadworks did not bode well. After a brief stop in Cheshire our stomachs were filled and spirits lifted. Prior to our arrival in Birkenhead, a quarter peal of St Clements Minor was scored in Wallasey. The tour began much as any other; rendezvousing in The Shrewsbury Arms where many an acquaintance was renewed. A good range of beers was available although getting to the bar to order them was more of a challenge.
Accommodation was courtesy of the Birkenhead’s 64th Sea Scouts and was well serviced with all required facilities, benefiting from separate quarters for those with less social sleeping habits! On Saturday morning, Iain was surprised in his personal sleeping quarters- a cupboard. Saturday dawned and following breakfast we set out to the first morning’s towers in Eastham. Bromborough followed, a tricky 8 not aided by the ropes going around the clock mechanism. Bebington proceeded lunch at The Three Stags.
Port Sunlight, a planned village constructed by the Leverhulme family- founders of the Unilever Company, was our next destination. Each row of houses was unique in gothic style. Originally built for workers producing ‘Sunlight Soap’, the village featured beautiful tree lined avenues, an art gallery and an ornate war memorial.
Rock Ferry trailed with access to the tower via an upstairs hall which provided the location for an impromptu game of indoor cricket using a plastic hockey stick. Sadly owing to navigational inadequacies we only managed to make the final tower as everyone else was leaving.
The evening’s food was kindly provided by the catering officers and enjoyed by all. Some took the opportunity to attend the evening’s practise over the water at Liverpool Cathedral. A further game of indoor cricket was enjoyed by those who remained followed by the customary trip to the pub.
Sunday morning ringing featured 3 towers in Liverpool before we went our separate ways, once more having enjoyed another wonderful weekend together. CSBS members managed to extend the tour an extra few hours by stopping off in Cheshire for a magnificent Sunday roast cooked by my mother, who was undaunted by the number of hungry students facing her.
- Rob Challoner.
