Birkenhead Park Part Two

The more I visit and blog about the places, buildings and rich heritage we have here on the Wirral, the more I wonder why many of us don't hold them in greater esteem. Even better, why don't we use them to attract wealthy people here, be it to live or to invest in the region.  Maybe we do but it must be in a quite low key fashion. Does anyone has more info??  

Part of Wirral Borough Council's Cultural Strategy (yes, they have one!) defines culture as ' a way of life' and 'a sense of being'. It also says that 'it is central to economic prosperity and growth' and that promoting it 'enhances self esteem and community pride'.  So, great words yet I don't think there is even an Arts Development Officer and yes, I know we are in a recession but don't think there has been one for a few years (don't mention the Hamilton Quarter!!). These are, effectively, the family jewels but to be brought out to enjoy and use, not ignored and neglected.  Thanks goodness for 'Friends of...' and I have some ideas too but not giving everything away!

The photos here include The John Laird Centre which was formerly the John Laird Art School - and the first public art school outside London when it was opened in 1871.  It was given to Birkenhead by Laird himself.  I went there on a Saturday mornings in the early sixties with my leather cap on - ha.  I felt good toddling along there but I was rubbish at painting! Top left shows a house on the edge of the park which is fabulous but seems empty, and I guess there are others. If you stand with your back to the front of the Park entrance (pictured) you face the hideously brightly painted building next to the John Laird Centre and the awful newer buildings further down.  In Hampstead (North London) they finally allowed a MacDonald's but it couldn't have the usually bright exterior, it had to be 'discreet' and in keeping with the beautiful place that Hampstead is.  Such opposites!

I noticed on the front of the Centre that some letters had fallen off so I rang the owners  (Stanton Marine) up yesterday and asked when they would be replaced.  I think they were a bit shocked and doubt they care that much, but when places (in general) start to fall into dis-repair this soon escalates and surely that is to be avoided at all costs?

I am going to London, our cultural capital, tomorrow until Monday (so no blog!). I just love the place but we too have lots to proud of, we just need to work on it a bit more. I know times are hard but this isn't a new issue and there is comfort in realising that there was once so much to be proud of here..................and there can be again, we just need to be more aware, less apathetic and take some collective ownership.  My mum, a true Liverpool lass, lived here (under duress I think) and always called it the one-eyed City!  Me, I love it.