Liverpool

Returned last night from two brilliant days in Liverpool. For me, as a Scouser, it turned out to be the perfect homecoming - good hotel with amazing views along the Mersey, bright and sunny days (if a little chilly at time) and friendly folk with a good sense of humour (I know it is a bit cliched, but it was true). Our first port of call was the Records Office in an attempt to find any information on my maternal great grandfather, who lost his life when his ship went down at Cape Horn. However, as I don't know the name of the ship, or the shipping line, I was out of luck. Perhaps Lloyds may be able to help. We did find the burial records for my grandfather though. A late lunch in The Crown, an ornately decorated pub near Lime Street Station, turned out to be quite a sociable occasion. The place was buzzing, and the three young men on the next table included us in their conversation. After wandering around, admiring the grand buildings near the Pier Head, and enjoying a good meal in a nearby gastro-pub, we retired to our 'room with a view' overlooking the river.

Next morning, fortified with a full English breakfast, it was time for a spot of grave hunting in Toxteth cemetery. This turned out to be more difficult than we imagined, despite knowing the section we needed. A phone call to the Register Office (thanks Steve!) enlightened me to the fact that some graves are numbered on the back, and by deduction we found the family burial plot (with no headstone). Next a trip to see my first home, now fully modernised, as could be expected, and on down to nearby Otterspool Prom on the banks of the Mersey, rekindling happy family memories. C & D were back from their holiday so then we headed off to Crosby for a reunion with them. I couldn't resist a visit to D's allotment plot. D won't mind me saying that these allotments bear no resemblance at all to our 'Best in Birmingham' site at The Hill. They were a real delight. Talk about recycling! Each plot had its own quirky character with sheds and shelters, fences and gates built from all types of materials, & old baths for water storage. There were neat stacks of wood, bricks & metal - things that should not and could not be thrown away, just waiting for their moment. It had a lovely, homely and friendly atmosphere and I know now how much D enjoys his 'den' (and the results of his labours there). I'd love to return at the height of the growing season. Finished our visit to C & D's in their favourite tapas bar.

Next morning, couldn't resist a short trip across the Mersey and back on the Royal Iris. A real nostalgia fix, and all under a clear blue sky. Looked around St Nicholas's (the sailors') Church where some of my ancestors were baptised and married, and reluctantly left Liverpool via the Mersey Tunnel for Birkenhead, for more grave hunting. This time it was at Flaybrick cemetery. We found the general area, but as my g.grandmother and three of her children were buried in a public grave, there was again no headstone to be found. Although the cemetery visits had not been exactly fruitful, I was pleased to find the last resting places of my ancestors were well tended, and even the bright, sunny weather and the birdsong made the whole experience quite pleasant.

On to Wallasey to visit my elderley aunt who, despite ill health, looks remarkably young and is as bright as a button for her (nearly) 90 years. And, how good too to meet up with my cousin, who I haven't seen since we were teenagers!

Came home via Cheshire Oaks Retail village, where I was overwhelmed by all the shops (and understandably rather tired after a busy two days). Missed out on the chance to spend lots of money on all sorts of fashionable things, and just plumped for a pair of walking trousers. Mike chose a sharp knife for the kitchen.

Pleased to find, on our return, that my veg seedlings continue to thrive, on the bedroom window ledge. Now I'm eager to set some more.