IT was a big shock to discover that it was only a tad under half a century since I first travelled on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer and classic day excursion ship Waverley, in 1975. At 77 years old this unique historic vessel, which in my humble opinion is one of the most beautiful …
Yet more evidence for the prosecution to the question ‘Do the authorities in Liverpool hate ships?’ The fabulously restored operational steam tug tender Daniel Adamson berthed in Canning Dock on one of her very welcome but occasional visits to the city. So how did Gower Street Estates who run the Royal Albert Dock public realm …
I AM delighted to announce the return of the Fizz & Ships nautically themed wine tasting after the event was postponed due to the covid outbreak. The relaunch of this imaginary armchair from Liverpool, celebrating famous shipping lines and fine wines, with my former Post & Echo colleague Jane Clare, will be on Sat 23 …
It was a life defining decision, a road not taken, a moment of choice as in the film Sliding Doors to go one way or another. A charming Fred Olsen Cruise Lines representative at the entrance to Liverpool Cruise Terminal asked me: “Are you getting off at Southampton? Or going around the world?” For a …
WHEN US Iraqi war hero General ‘Stormin” Norman Schwarzkopf toured the Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia and saw her engine room’s white painted bilges, he was astonished. “OK – I’ve seen the display, where’s the real engine room?” he growled. Such a disbelieving reaction was music to the ears of Capt Hugh Daglish, seen left, the …
THE Royal Albert Dock complex is a fine sight these days, and a major tourist hub with its museums, galleries, shops and accommodation. What it lacks is the essence of its original purpose: ships, boats, vessels, barges, as among life’s more depressing views are those of empty docks and basins. The shipless situation is about …
IT’S a well established truism that you should never buy anything viewed through the bottom of a beer glass – especially not a boat, or in this case a rare and historic 100-year-old prototype lifeboat in need of seriously expensive restoration. However, that’s just what Dan Wardle, below right, New Brighton Lifeboat helmsman, and two …
COME and get aboard a Fizz & Ships illustrated wine and champagne tasting evening with a shipload of anecdotal fun and viticulture on Saturday 23 March, 2024, at 7pm, at St Anne’s Church, Aigburth, Liverpool. At the helm will be renowned sommelier Jane Clare with Peter Elson manning the puns and life jokes as you …
TOP Beatles biographer Mark Lewisohn has given his support to Shipping Lines’ campaign to save the world famous Salvor ship’s mast which featured in the Fab Four’s momentous first photo-shoot featuring Ringo Starr, seen second left aboard the ship, with from left, Paul, George and John. “I wish you well with your campaign and I …
FASCINATING documents from a long-forgotten transatlantic voyage to Liverpool undertaken exactly 70 years ago were discovered by a friend while clearing out her late aunt’s flat. Providing a portal into the final throes of ocean travel’s golden age, it comprises memorabilia found by Claire Rider, a Liverpool city tour guide, from a sailing taken by …
