Wandering About: Liverpool 8

Two in the end dry days on the run? Sky maybe not broken then? I set off with my camera for another wander around. No random bus to North Liverpool this time, in fact Sarah gives me a lift into town, where Dig Vinyl in Bold Street is seriously investigated.

Not one of Bold Street’s more celebrated independents, perhaps, but much liked by me anyway.

When I used to make films this late afternoon light where the descending sun shines brightly behind you was always perfect for filming outdoor scenes and places. You’d  only get an hour or so of it before dusk would set. So every moment would be valuable.

When the gardens here were St James’ Cemetery this was its chapel. So it much pre-dates the Cathedral. Which in this perfect light is as great a piece of art as Liverpool possesses. Look.

A word about the title of this piece. A pedant might point out that we’re not technically in Liverpool 8 yet, and that’s true. But as I’ve pointed out on here before, my particular Liverpool 8 has always begun as soon as you start climbing the hill out of town, the Mount Pleasant, so there.

Apparently the long empty terrace on the left there is about to be restored at long last. Not sure who by though?

One of the first jobs I was involved in when I started working at Liverpool Housing Trust in the mid 1970s.

That’s, left to right, Joe Farrag, Tom Calderbank, Tracey Gore and Sandi Hughes.

I can’t guarantee that Joe and Bob will be there to greet you, but it’s a beautiful exhibition of the many peoples of Liverpool 8, so do call in and have a look.

A friend from Granby, Michael, is walking towards me here. And he will tell me another friend, Xanthe, has had her baby girl. Sooner than expected but both are doing well. Good news.

You didn’t suppose for a minute I’d walk on by did you? Joe Farrag lives along here on Beaconsfield Street and is part of the group of us who’ve worked together as Granby 4 Streets these last few years.

Just external decorating to do. Oh and United Utilities to connect the water supply? Any chance?

Where you can just see the blue and red pigeons there above the door. These are ‘Art’ from a couple of Biennials ago. And Joe Farrag, who you met earlier in this post, puts them in parts of Liverpool 8 where they will bring luck and good fortune. Or that’s his story, though it’s working very well in Granby!

This is where Tracey Gore, who you also met earlier works. Tracey and the team here are the managing agents for Granby 4 Streets. Handling all our lettings, repairs and housing management. We couldn’t do what we’re doing without them. ‘Homes and Communities without Racism’.

So two walks in two days, wandering round my beloved place. Maybe another one tomorrow?