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.
After which I have a cup of tea in Soul Café.
Not one of Bold Street’s more celebrated independents, perhaps, but much liked by me anyway.
Emerging from there about 3pm to find perfect afternoon light.
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.
Let’s go then. The sun beginning to set over Chinatown, decorations from New Year still up.
The corner of Rodney Street and Mornington Terrace.
The Oratory.
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.
Even looks good reflected in a car window.
Well done that Giles Gilbert-Scott and everyone who built it.
Into St James’ Gardens.
Where the snowdrops are out.
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.
Anyway, Toxteth Library. So we’re now in Liverpool 8 any way you want to consider it.
Along Georgian Upper Parliment Street.
Looking across to Percy Street.
Apparently the long empty terrace on the left there is about to be restored at long last. Not sure who by though?
Corner of Catharine Street and Upper Parliament Street.
One of the first jobs I was involved in when I started working at Liverpool Housing Trust in the mid 1970s.
Looking down Upper Stanhope Street.
Turning the other way.
The Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, sparkling.
Walking towards Princes Road.
Something in here I want to tell you about.
In the Kuumba Imani Centre.
You’ll remember the brilliant ‘L8 Unseen’ exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool last year?
Well it’s in here now.
And here’s my friend Tracey Gore, in the middle, talking with 3 people who are in the exhibition.
That’s, left to right, Joe Farrag, Tom Calderbank, Tracey Gore and Sandi Hughes.
Here’s Joe, with Bob Lambanana, photographed on top of the Hope Street Hotel with the Cathedral in the background.
And here Joe and Bob check their picture has been hung correctly.
Joe’s idea to do this. Surreal or what?
They both go for a look round.
Look, here’s L8 artist and film maker Sandi Hughes!
A very big photograph indeed.
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.
Meanwhile, back in the late afternoon light, on to Princes Avenue.
Parkway.
Along the boulevard.
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.
The Mosque, through there on Grove Street.
The new memorial for all the L8 lives lost in wars.
And more new life, the blossoms are out.
Into Granby.
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.
Into Cairns Street.
Two more of our Community Land Trust houses virtually finished.
Just external decorating to do. Oh and United Utilities to connect the water supply? Any chance?
It has been one of the joys of my life to help this lovely place start having a future again.
And next, on site soon, will be Ducie Street.
Maybe by late spring or early summer?
It’s going to be a considerable challenge.
But what a gorgeous street this is?
I walk on, the perfect light fading now.
Past Princes Park Gates.
Greenheys Road.
Into Lodge Lane.
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!
Along to the Super Store. What’s that on the roof?
Yes, Joe’s been here too.
And oh yes it is.
Along Lodge Lane as twilight gathers.
Past Steve Biko Housing.
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’.
Onto Smithdown as evening settles in.
Nearly home now.
And past Hartington Road as the sun sets over Liverpool 8.
So two walks in two days, wandering round my beloved place. Maybe another one tomorrow?
Some nice photos there,Ronnie. I’ve seen that guy with the little yellow lambanana around town quite a few times in the past – it always seemed a bit odd/eccentric yet fun at the same time. Now I know who it is. I guess it’s like having a pet with no mess.
Having been brought up in L8 shallot st & now living in Canada this just wonderful,im back in the pool every sept &always take a walk around the old district,so nice to see the good work taking place
Wonderful to see the places of my childhood, from birth in Sefton General I lived in Shallot St. until 1961 when we left and moved to Runcorn, preceding many more who were moved there many years later. I wonder in which house James Roughly lived, and what years, I don’t immediately recognise the name. Happy years spent at St. Silas Infant School as well, with teachers who spring to mind like Miss McNutt, Mr Roberts, Headmistress Mrs. Collins.
Steve Peel