Liverpool Daily Post - Pool of Life

Reader shares memories of Outward Bound

2010-03-02T10:13:51Z

SUCH a lovely comment from Robert Scott on my post about memories of Outward Bound that I thought I'd republish it here for all to see. Thanks Robert...

Now at the age of 57, I remember my one month stay at the Aberdovey outward bound school. It was a part of my apprentiship programme from British Steel in Workington Cumbria.

I can say without any doubt it shaped the rest of my life.The challenges we faced and the confidence it left imprinted on my life, I just can't describe in words. Only throughout my life I have many a time reflected on my achievements gained at Aberdovey.

From the guy who couldn`t swim to be the last one out of the pool on the drownproofing test to the guy who was frightened of heights who abseiled 200 foot down a slate mine in the pitch dark.

Also the funny times when practising our canoe escape. I remember the tough guy who wouldn't be told by the instructor he was to near a sandbank in the estuary only to find when his canoe rolled over he got his head stuck in the sand.

Finally the feeling of coming home fitter than i have ever been since. May it carry on for ever.

Photography exhibition on Lewis's 5th floor by Stephen King

2010-02-23T09:55:27Z

SORRY about the extended break. You know the phrase "wnat something done, ask a busy person", well that's been the story of my life.

To make amends, here's a link to my interview with Stephen King, the photographer behind the Lewis's 5th Floor: A Department Story exhibition at the Conservation Centre. Sadly, it's even more topical than I would have liked it to be given the bad news that Lewis's is to close.

Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it...

THREE decades have passed since the newspaper was discarded on the very spot it still lies. "Make John happy," shouts the headline - a plea from Lennon's ex-girlfriend May Pang.

A thin layer of dust coats its yellowing pages and spreads across the floor once bustling with shoppers.

It's deserted now, a Marie Celeste of retail, but never quiet.

Music and messages are pumped through the tannoy system from the department store below, a disconcerting reminder of what could have been.

Yet it's the place's unchanging state that makes it special - a snapshot of the past, shut up in its entirety since the 1980s.

"It's a bit eerie really," says freelance photographer Stephen King, who has documented the space for a new exhibition and accompanying book - Lewis's Fifth Floor: A Department Story.

Advent Calendar: December 16

2009-12-16T08:00:40Z

PREPARE yourself for a moving story behind door number 16...

Advent Calendar: December 15

2009-12-15T08:00:13Z

OPEN today's door and find yourself inside one of Liverpool's best known buildings...

Advent Calendar: December 14

2009-12-14T08:00:27Z

CAN you hear that? There's seems to be music coming from behind door number 14...

Advent Calendar: December 13

2009-12-13T08:00:23Z

WHICH important Liverpool figure is behind door number 13?

Advent Calendar: December 12

2009-12-12T08:00:32Z

SOME of you will hate what's behind today's door and others will love it. Any guesses?

Advent Calendar: December 11

2009-12-11T08:00:32Z

WATER is a clue to what's behind today's door...

Advent Calendar: December 10

2009-12-10T08:01:02Z

TODAY'S door provides an insight into one area of our city...

Could you become a heritage ambassador for Knowsley?

2009-12-09T12:05:17Z

KNOWSLEY Council is looking for history enthusiasts to sign up to a free volunteer training course to become an ambassador in heritage.

Beginning in the new year, the course involves working with blue badge guides, storytellers and other heritage professionals.

Those who enrol will also benefit from all expenses paid visits to local museums as they train to act as ambassadors to promote the borough's rich heritage.

]]> The course will consist of a number of sessions taking place across a variety of locations, including Prescot Museum. Participants can expect to receive basic health & safety and equality & diversity training, as well as developing communication skills and how to handle museum objects.

Post-course opportunities could include working with Knowsley Heritage or Archive Services, giving heritage talks in the local community or showing people round favourite local historic buildings.

The course is open to all Knowsley residents and those who are interested should contact Jane Wells on 443 2283 or email jane.wells@knowsley.gov.uk. Places must be booked by Thursday, December 31.

The training is part of the Conservation Skills and Interpretation project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Advent Calendar: December 9

2009-12-09T08:00:26Z

BEHIND today's door is a long-lost scene...

Advent Calendar: December 8

2009-12-08T08:00:55Z

A special treat for music lovers is behind today's door...

Outward Bound Trust calling for your memories

2009-12-07T12:04:56Z

WERE you on an Outward Bound course between 1941 and present day? If so, the organisation is keen for you to share your memories on its website. Obviously, I'd also love it if you share them on here too, either by emailing me at laura.davis@liverpool.com or by using the comments section below.

Here are a few words from Nick Barrett, chief executive of The Outward Bound Trust...

We want to place the different generations of Outward Bounders in the same "room" online and give them the chance to share their stories.

]]> For nearly 70 years generations of young people have been having the same intense Outward Bound experience and we want to hear about it. The person who participated in an Outward Bound course in, say 1952, had the same powerful experience as the person taking a course this week.

Over the decades the mountains have been just as daunting, the weather just as unpredictable and the water just as icy. At the same time, the trials, the triumphs, the highs, the lows and above all, the learning, have been equally powerful.

There are a million stories of personal growth, adventure and fulfilment waiting to be told and shared.

Advent Calendar: December 7

2009-12-07T08:00:47Z

Advent Calendar: December 6

2009-12-06T08:00:52Z