Yesterday, on a blustery August Friday morning I decided what I’d most like to be doing was walking along Harrison Drive into New Brighton. And an hour later that’s where I’d arrived. Off the train, down the hill and very soon half soaked when that wave in the top picture splashed up to welcome me.
It was great, and kind of what I went for. Blustery, elemental, traditional seaside and with views of Liverpool and the docks to come, what could be better?
Further along the Prom I went for a sit down, a dry off and a read of my one of my current “written under another name and not one of her murder mysteries” mid-20th Century novels. Brilliant and recommended, by the way.
Meanwhile and around me, both versions of New Brighton are in full side-by-side progress. The traditional Edwardian seaside resort, with chips and lovely villas. And the modern version, reviving and celebrating itself with murals and pirates.
Just along the seafront though “I see the sea” has, for now, sadly seen off the Black Pearl pirate boat. Awaiting its (always temporary) reconstruction, no doubt.
And of course at this point across the swell looms Liverpool. Ever closer as I walk the next few miles past Vale Park, Egremont and Seacombe towards Birkenhead.
Then there are docks to walk by on this side too. The always busy Belfast one next to others more quietly awaiting whatever their futures might be.1
This is a glorious place.
And someday soon I’d like to be able to get the ferry home to Liverpool from here at Woodside in Birkenhead. But not just yet, while here too awaits its future. Soon to come I hope, as a that would somehow seems the right and proper way to arrive at Liverpool. And to get back here, soon and regularly.
After all The Left Bank’s not that far away is it? Just through the middle there from Liverpool One.
For more, much more, on The Left Bank and its current and possible future from those who live there and love the place, do have a look at “The Left Bank” magazine and much more here. Beautifully written, designed and photographed. It’s what sent me off walking along Harrison Drive on such a blustery yesterday.
It's alright here innit! Lovely piece. My sunflower's easily a match for that one!
Truly wonderful. And thank you for the lovely magazine. A gem, as ever.