Why I will never leave this place

Why I will never leave Liverpool.

It's my home town. Well sort of,  I live on the outskirts but still have an L post code so that's good enough for me.  I could write about all of the wonderful cultural things such as our art galleries, fantastic waterfront, theatres, parks, wonderful architecture of our beautiful buildings,  universities, and of course our music, unique sense of humour and football. The things we are famous for across the world.

 The reality is, that, Liverpool people take these things for granted. We are a unique race, naturally creative, so we grow surrounded by all of these wonderful cultural experiences and they become part of who we are.  We expect to go to pubs at the weekend and be surrounded by laughter and music. We are expected to be sportsmen, artists writers, actors and comedians. If you are not a performer then there is always someone in the family who is. We grew up with a piano in virtually every household end everyone learned either to play a musical instrument, sing, act or dance.

Our city centre is vibrant with colour, chatter and laughter.  No one ever travelled on a train, bus or one of our ferries without making a new friend by the end of the journey.  If you venture in to one of shops you can always rely on a fellow shopper to give an honest opinion of whether a dress will suit you or even where you can get it cheaper. Visitors are informed of the best places to eat or drink, not from a tourist information office,  but simply having a chat to a passing local or asking directions.

So you see, that is one of the many the reasons why people never leave this city. It is accepted that we are fortunate to have a fabulous cultural history but the one thing that makes Liverpool unique is its people. Ask a Scouser who inspires them and I guarantee it won't be anyone who is historically famous or a famous celebrity.  The name Anne Williams, the ordinary mother who fought for justice too prove the police lied during the Hillsborough disaster,  or maybe Joan Jonker who set up victims of violence will be the people who inspire.  Local people who have made a difference to the lives of others.

We are a race not impressed by fame or money. Ringo Starr of Beatles fame is considered a "blurt" for making derogatory comments about his home city. Most Liverpool people mock the "stars" who left at the earliest opportunity but use the city's fame to promote their own egos. No hero worship for them here even though they are probably deluded enough to think we care.

 We are also a very unforgiving city, just ask the Editor of the Sun how many copies they've sold in the Liverpool since the reports of the Hillsborough disaster ( which were false and lies). We are a city divided into two for football but united and stand together against injustice. If you win our hearts you have us forever.

The City of Liverpool suffered terribly during the Thatcher years. Manufacturing was destroyed and central funding withdrawn from a council which wouldn't comply.  The people were made to suffer and this created an underclass, generations of people who had never known employment. Our heads remained high and we never lost hope.  After taking a battering during the war years and then followed by the musical revolution in the sixties, the seventies, eighties and nineties were difficult times in our city.  Riots took place in 1981 and the city was in decline.  The rest of the country sneered and  " scousers" were considered an underclass by the boys clubs of Fleet Street and Downing Street.   The press did a great job of convincing the world that our city was a bad place full of thieves and scroungers.  It took 20 years to prove the lies of the press and the Yorkshire Police about then Hillsborough disaster of 1996. Only the tenacity and dedication of the victims families kept the fight for justice.

Then the tide turned. This wonderful maritime city was finally recognised for its unique cultural history and became the City of Culture.  Visitors came in droves and the city became regenerated into the vibrant exciting place of previous years.  We are even expecting the cruise ships to return in the same numbers as in Liverpool's heyday. Our universities are the best in the country educating doctors, lawyers, business graduates and every professional vocation key to our country's future. It is even more encouraging to hear the Liverpool accent amongst this group of young professionals.  Our local young talent is staying in the city and becoming the leaders of the future.

Some things will never change.  The waterfront with its magnificent buildings, watched over by the Liver Birds and of course our wonderful people.  We maintain our close links with the Scots, Welsh and Irish who have strong links with the city.  The location is perfect for anyone who lives here. Historically part of Lancashire, only two hours from the hills of Wales, the Lakes of Cumbria, Yorkshire Dales and Peak District. A short flight or trip on a Ferry takes you to Ireland or the Isle of Man. Travel a little further and you can get to Scotland or the South West in less than the time that you spend at work for a day.  Wherever you live in or around this city you are never far from green and pleasant countryside.  Liverpool is a city surrounded by country.   There are many reasons why I would find it so difficult to leave this place.

"Ferry 'cross the Mersey cos this lands the place I love and here I'll stay" (Gerry Marsden)

In my Liverpool home,
In my Liverpool home,
We speak with an accent exceedingly rare
Meet under a statue exceedingly bare. **
If you want a cathedral we've got one to spare
In my Liverpool home
(Patrick McGovern)
**reference to the Dickie Lewis naked man statue above what wa gage neon trance to Lewis's store