It's all happening at the moment in Liverpool and around about. A week ago I was at Croxteth Park preparing to do a sponsored walk for the charity Stroke Association. Fortunately it was a beautiful day and the whole occasion was enjoyable and well supported. The starting ribbon was cut by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool and we were led off by the children from two nearby schools who also sang beautifully to encourage us. I'm pleased to say that I've raised just over £140, more than I expected and I'm grateful to all those who supported me. If you want to know more about the Stroke Association, go to their website. As I know by experience Stroke comes out of the blue and it's good to know what to do when it happens.
Last Wednesday, 11th May, I went to St MargaretMary's in Knotty Ash, to give a talk to the Catholic Mothers' group which was very enjoyable, then on the Thursday, I attended a lunch at the Royal Hotel, Crosby to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the forming of Crosby Writers' club. I have been a member for 34years, a good time was had by all and we had a very interesting talk from Amanda Brooke, author who lives Halewood way, which is the south side of Liverpool.
On Thursday, 19th May, I will be talking and signing books at Crosby Library at 2pm and on Saturday, 28th May, I will be talking and signing copies of my latest books at the WriteBlend bookshop on South Road, Crosby at 2pm. All welcome.
In July, 'A Sister's Duty' will be released by publishers, Ebury Press in paperback and as an ebook. It was previously published under the title 'For the Sake of the Children' in hardback and paperback.
I remember way back in my late teens and twenties it was said that Liverpool was dying, people were leaving for the south and emigrating to different parts of the Commonwealth and not only people but companies, including shipping companies, which meant less jobs in my fair city. Then things started to change and it proved that Liverpool was still alive and kicking and it was still a city that had a strong position on the map of Great Britain. Our two fabulous football teams were famous in places far beyond these shores. I never forget going to Austria a few years ago and meeting a man from Latvia and when my husband and I said we were from Liverpool, immediately he recognized the name. Then, of course, there were the Beatles and other music groups who played their part in making Liverpool famous worldwide. And the Grand National horse race has brought crowds flocking in to the city for years and still does.
Liverpudlian actors and theatres have also played their part - as have writers, and I don't just mean playwrights, such as Willie Russell and Jimmy McGovern, but saga writers, like myself, and Lyn Andrews, Ann Baker, Joan Jonker, Elizabeth Murphy, and the woman who could be said to have started it all, Helen Forrester, I mustn't forget Katie Flynn and Annie Groves/ Sheila Riley. Not all these are Liverpudlians but they have made the city their own. On the crime side I must remember Martin Edwards and Ron Ellis. Then there are also writers, Beryl Bainbridge,Carla Lane, and Lynda La Plante who made their mark on television and the literary scene.
Now Liverpool is buzzing and it is one of the most popular tourist places in the country. The ships are back in the shape of enormous cruise vessels and it's just great.
Last night son Tim took his camera into the city centre because there was some Light festival or scene going on - also the Beacon was open for visitors to go up to the top where the view would be fantastic. One can also get a brilliant view from the top of the Anglican Cathedral. For information about more events coming up go to the Liverpool website or that of the ECHO.
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