Letters to Editor:- "First car in Southport!"

"I wondered whether readers might be interested or even be able to provide information about the attached photo. It show my wife’s Great Grandfather Dr William Barrett (GP) , his wife Alexandra and her brother and sister in law along with three of William and Alexandra’s children. It is taken outside 29 Park Crescent where they moved from Scotland some time in the early 1890’s. I think it must have been taken around 1896/1897. The family story claims that Dr Barrett owned the first car in Southport. I don't know what type of car it is." Alistair MacLeod from Mobberley.

Editors note:- "If any of our readers can help please email him via:- shawbostmac@waitrose.com and also please do let us know!"

Letters to The Editor from the UK Electoral Commission:- "5 May 2011"

"ON Thursday, 5 May 2011, voters will decide who represents them in local elections across England. There will also be a referendum on whether we use the ‘first past the post’ or ‘alternative vote’ system to elect MPs to the UK Parliament. Many of your readers will want to get involved in campaigning in the referendum and elections. This could be by setting up a campaign group, standing as a candidate or starting a political party. It is important that people can get involved but they should be aware that there are rules they need to follow. These are set out on our website  and I’d encourage everyone planning to play an active role in the campaigns to check the rules." Peter Wardle, Chief Executive, Electoral Commission.

Zoe Photography Puts City Into Perspective

AN award-winning photographer is offering people the chance to see Liverpool from a different perspective. Zoe Richards, who runs Zoe Photography on Hope Street, is holding the walk for budding photographers and will help them to see both landmark sites and undiscovered gems within the heart of Liverpool. Stopping points will include Falkner Square, Percy Street, and the Anglican Cathedral. Zoe said:- “The walks will show people what to look out for when taking a photograph and how to see something in a picture. It is about training the eye and showing people how to create the best photograph by understanding how to use the light and the contrast of different buildings. Liverpool is such a great place to stage a walk like this, as it has such fantastic buildings. Plus it will give people the chance to create fine art on their own doorstep.” The walk, at 10am on 3 April 2011, will last up to two hours and costs £10 per person. However, one lucky person can win a pair of tickets for the walk simply by registering. The winner will then be picked from random. To register your place on the walk please contact Zoe on:- 0151 708 5838 or call:- zoe@zoephotography.co.uk.

MURDER INVESTIGATION - AIGBURTH

MERSEYSIDE Police launched a murder investigation following the fatal shooting of a man, believed to be in his 40s, in Aigburth on Thursday, 24 February 2011. Police Officers were called to Bryanston Road, near to the Belgrave pub, at around 6.50pm to reports that a man had been shot. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. At this early stage of the investigation, the motive for the attack is unclear. Officers are particularly keen to trace a man who was seen walking away from the scene, up Belgrave Road away from Aigburth Road, shortly after the incident. House to house enquiries are underway and witnesses from the pub are being sought. Officers are also examining CCTV from the area. Patrols have been stepped up in the area. Officers would urge anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information about it to contact Admiral Street CID on:- 0151 777 5364 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

HMS Liverpool visit to Liverpool
Photographs by Patrick Trollope.

SHE was built by Cammell Laird of Birkenhead and is the tenth of the class of Type 42 Destroyers and the 7th ship to bear the name and might be the last as she is decommissioned next year (2012). This was her first major visit to the city in 3 years and during her visit to Liverpool over Friday, 25 February 2011 to Monday, 26 February 2011, her crew marched through the city as honoured Freemen, bestowed upon them in 1983. It was the first time many of the sailors had taken part in a march after attending a service at Our Lady and St Nicholas Church, known as the “Sailor’s Church”. The march ended at Liverpool Town Hall and the crew were treated to a reception at the hosted by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Hazel Williams. The ship and her crew have taken part in operations in the Falkland Islands, running counter drug smuggling operations in the Caribbean and was even deployed as part of the invasion of Iraq during the 2003. The current captain of HMS Liverpool, Commander Colin Williams, said the ship’s company were “hugely grateful” for the welcome they received and said he hoped to return the ship to the city once more before she leaves the senior service. Commander Williams all so added:- “I am very proud to be bringing HMS Liverpool to her spiritual home on the Mersey. There is always great anticipation among the crew, especially for this visit. We always receive warm hospitality in Liverpool and this year we got even more.”