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River Pilots to receive Freedom of Liverpool

THE Liverpool Pilotage Service, which has navigated ships in and out of the River Mersey for 250 year, has been awarded the Freedom of Liverpool. The organisation has been guiding vessels in and out of the river to the locks, docks and jetties since 1766.  The service was introduced by Act of Parliament to improve safety on the Mersey following the loss of 18 ships and 75 lives in just 1 year (1764).  It has seen many changes to the facilities on the river over the years, ranging from the original Old Dock to the brand new Liverpool 2 container berth built to handle the biggest vessels in the world.  Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Roz Gladden said:- "The Liverpool Pilotage Service is very much at the heart of Liverpool's history, ensuring the safety of ships of all nations arriving and departing the Port. This honour recognises the vital role it plays and the invaluable work supporting trade and industry which is vital to the City region's economic success. Without them, we would not be able to welcome cruise liners to the City or have hosted the hugely successful Three Queens event last year. I am delighted to be able to confer on them the Freedom of Liverpool in tribute to their contribution to the maritime industry over the last 250 years." The Freedom of Liverpool was conferred to them, at a special thanksgiving service, at Liverpool Parish Church, on Thursday, 28 July 2016, led by the Rector of Liverpool, the Reverend Dr Crispin Pailing. Captain Chris Booker, Chairman of Liverpool Pilotage Services, said:- "To be a Mersey River Pilot is a very real privilege. From small sailing vessels to mighty container ships, bulk carriers to huge cruise liners, Liverpool Pilots have met the challenges of the tide and the wind on a daily basis for 250 years. It is easy to forget that over the first two centuries a considerable number of pilots lost their lives in the course of their duties due to the hazardous nature of a seafarer's life. Today's pilots have a sophisticated electronic simulator to hone their skills, but they still have the knowledge and skill to allow them to bring ships safely in and out of the River Mersey whatever the weather conditions may throw at them."  In its 250 year history there have been some 1,600 River Pilots, and today the service is provided by 55 self employed River Pilots. For more information about the Liverpool Pilotage Service, visit:- LiverpoolPilots.Com.

Go wild this summer at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands

THROUGHOUT August 2016, families can take part in 'What's that wader?' on a self led trail to discover more about the wonderful variety of wading birds that can be found on the Dee Estuary. Normal admission charges apply to non-members, no additional charge for the event. Available 9.30am to 4.30pm daily. On any day Explorer Backpacks are available to hire, full of everything needed to discover more about the creatures that call Burton Mere Wetlands home. No booking required, cost £2.50. To end the month, the 'Wild Wednesday' event, on Wednesday, 31 August 2016, will give families the chance to get up close and personal with the tiny creatures living in the mud. From shrimps, to worms, to beetles, they provide a feast for the various wading birds that make their home on the reserve. For more details visit:- RSPD.Org.UK or phone the visitor reception on:- 0151 353 8478. If you do not know who to get to the venue, type: RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands in to Google, or put Puddington Lane, Burton, Cheshire, CH64 5SF, on your Stat-Nav.