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The Chinese Ambassador
to the UK and his wife were given a warm welcome when they visited
the Wirral recently. His Excellancy, Ma Zhengang toured Lever Brothers,
Tulip International and Dale Farm. Also on the itininery was a trip to
the Lady Lever Art Gallery to take in a view of the Chinese ceramics on
display there. Speaking about the importance of establishing trade and
cultural links between China and Britain, Mr Zhengang said, "I'd
like to be known by more people in this country, we need their help to
build a friendship between your country and mine. I am very impressed
with the mixture of agriculture and industry you have in this area. I
didn't know that Unilever was based in Wirral before my visit, this is
a big name in China and we have invested $1000m in the company."
(Article
December 2000) back
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Antwerpen Averechts is a Belgian organisation that provides interested
people with alternative city tours - with a special emphasis on the 19th
century and the Industrial Revolution, its effect on building and living
and the way the end of the 20th century is coping with the remnants of
this period. Last year, members visited Hull, Bradford and Saltaire and
this year plan to spend time in Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool
- with a view to visiting Port Sunlight.
(Article March 1999) back
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Britain in Bloom Now is the time of year when many villages, towns
and cities start to prepare for the annual competition ‘Britain in Bloom’.Port
Sunlight has won on many occasions going on to represent Britain in the
'Entente Florale' competition in Europe. Hundreds of communities come
together with the single goal of improving our local, regional and national
environment through the use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping
techniques. This competition annually attracts over 1000 entries and is
now in its 36th year. Its roots can be traced back to the early 1960’s
when Roy Hay MBE, a horticultural journalist, was on holiday in France
during the ‘ Fleurissement de France’. The country was filled to overflowing
with flowers, shrubs and trees all in full bloom and this impressed him
so much that on his return to Britain, he enlisted the help of the British
Tourist Authority, as well as the Royal Horticultural Society and the
Britain in Bloom competition was born.The competition is organised into
categories for cities, towns and villages on a regional basis. The winners
of the regions then proceed to the national finals which are held in August/September.
The national winners can then enter the Entente Florale which is the European
equivalent of Britain in Bloom. The trophies are highly sought after and
the presentation of national awards is quite a prestigious event with
the likes of Princess Anne and Princess Alexandra presenting the awards.
(Article May 2000) back
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The results of the Britain in Bloom competition will today be announced
in a glittering ceremony at Durham Cathedral, with the Duchess of Northumberland
presenting the prizes. "This has been another great year for Britain in
Bloom and I don’t envy the judges their difficult task." said Alan Woods,
Chief Executive of the Tidy Britain Group. "But whatever the results,
there will be long-term benefits for the communities involved. The competition
is often the catalyst for people getting together and working for sustained
improvement to the environment in which they live – leading to enormous
economic and social benefits as well." Port Sunlight Village will represent
the North West in the national finals of Britain in Bloom next year in
the 'Best Urban Community' category.The village gained first place on
the Best Urban Community category of the North West in Bloom competition,
carrying off the Hounds Hill Shopping Centre Trophy. Dawn Yates,Information
Officer at the Port Sunlight Village Trust said,"We are really proud to
have won this award again after not entering for some time.We couldn't
have done it without the help and support of the residents..."
(source:Wirral Life October 2000) http://www.tidybritain.org.uk (Article
October 2000) back
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Village hopes to be model of floral
success
ARTICLE
FROM THE CHESTER CHRONICLE AUGUST 11th
THE model village of Port Sunlight played host to Britain in Bloom judges
this week as it bids for glory in the competition. It is one of 59 finalists
in the contest, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society and the Tidy
Britain Group, which have won through from preliminary rounds. Port Sunlight,
a winner in 1992 and 1995, is competing in the Urban Community category
of Britain in Bloom against six rivals.
And on Wednesday judges Walter Gilmore and Ian Wilson called at the village
for a tour hosted by the chief executive of the Port Sunlight Village
Trust, Andrew Tonkiss. Following the judging, Port Sunlight and its rivals
face a wait until October 3 when the winners will be announced at a ceremony
in Dumfries. The village was built by the first
Lord Leverhulme as a model community for workers in his soap factory.
It is competing in the Urban Community
section against Martlesham (Suffolk), Mickleover (Derbyshire), Balsall
Heath (West Midlands), Pimlico Village (London), Hillsborough (Northern
Ireland) and Bettws (South Wales. Besides Port Sunlight, the North West
is represented in Britain in Bloom: Manchester (Large City), Congleton
(Large Town), Knutsford (Town), Keswick (Small Country Town), Coniston
(Large Village), and Port St. Mary (Large Village).
PORT SUNLIGHT VILLAGE ONLINE 2001
BBC's Radio 5 Live features a series of programmes about Britain's
Towns and Villages. On Monday 15th May at 3.00 pm, Port Sunlight is featured,
the main interviewee being Arthur Owen who has lived in the village since
his birth just after the war. Karen Blakeley, a resident in the village
and also interviewed for the program said,'It's so nice that they've chosen
Port Sunlight for their show, it's such a lovely village."
(Article April 1999) back
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The Boy's Brigade celebrates it's centenary in April this year with
some special events but requires some help... Captain Val Hall makes a
special request to anybody who has Company memorabilia - photos, badges,
certificates etc - to get in touch with a view to displaying the items
in Christ Church at the end of April.Over the weekend of May 5th - 7th,
there will be a reunion buffet and a prize-giving and display evening
(including memorabilia collected) ,both to be held at the Resident's Club.
On the 7th May there will be a parade through the village starting at
the clock at 9.15 a.m. Lord Leverhulme and Judge Lockett, President of
the Parade will attend.
(Article February 2000) back
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The Bromborough Festival of Performing Arts The Bromborough Festival
was founded in 1949 to " encourage the study of Music and the Arts and
to stimulate the interest of the public in an appreciation of the Performing
Arts".The Bromborough Festival of Performing Arts is a Registered Charity
and the Committee is responsible for the planning and organisation of
a competitive festival every year designed as a performance friendly environment
for competitors of all ages with skills in one or more of the 4 main Performing
Arts. The festival takes place in the months of March & April each year,
you can check this year's dates here
(Article April 2000) back
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Bromborough Pool Village, former home of Price's Candle Works, was
built between 1853 and 1901 and was one of the first planned industrial
villages in England and like Port Sunlight was a grand philanthropic gesture,
the brainchild of Julian HIll.Plans are now under way to restore the Grade
Two Listed Village Hall to its former glory and also provide a range of
facilities including residential accommodation for autistic adults, IT
facilities for residents and businesses, a commmunity hall, a cyber cafe
and shop.
For further details: Riverside Housing Trust, Liverpool (Article March
2000) back
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Building Work on the recently vacated single storey building in Lodge
Lane (lease formerly held by Cabot Carbon Engineering) is expected to
begin in December or January, according to the latest edition of the Port
Sunlight News from the Port Sunlight Village Trust.
Article October 2000) back
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Christ Church, Port Sunlight has been undergoing internal alterations
this summer. A £50000 Appeal Fund has been launched to cover the projects
costs. The improvements will mean more space to accommodate increased
numbers of Sunday worshippers ans better refreshment facilities. Fundraising
events, such as the Millennium Concert featuring the Great Sutton Male
Voice Choir have ensured the appeal gets off to a good start.
To find out more about the appeal, please contact: Reverend Malcolm Shapland
0151 645 4061
(Article October 2000) back
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Da Vinci's drawings
get rare showing
Article from the Daily Post by Ian
Latta August 14th 2001
A SET of Leonardo da Vinci's finest drawings taken from the Queen's private
collection are to be displayed on Merseyside for the first time.The
10 drawings will tour the country next year as part of the celebrations
marking the Queen's Golden Jubilee.They
are part of the only collection of works by the Renaissance master still
in private hands in Britain.Part
of the Royal Collection, the priceless drawings can never be on permanent
display because of potential damage from exposure to light.
But they will be on show at the Lady
Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight for 10 weeks next year, where the light
will be reduced to protect the pictures.The
Wirral gallery has been picked as one of four across the UK to display
the drawings.
The collection has been put together
to reflect all stages of da Vinci's career and his wide range of interests,
such as architecture, engineering, anatomy, optics, geology and botany.
Stephen Guy, spokesman for Lady Lever,
said: "Da Vinci is a divine figure, a universal genius and we are
delighted to be able to show his work."It's
a great privilege to see how the hands of the master sweep across the
paper. It's a very rare opportunity for the people of Merseyside to be
in the presence of this hugely creative mind."You
really need to see them first hand to appreciate them. Da Vinci's impact
on modern culture cannot be overstated."
Entrance to the gallery will be free
but it is too early to say if there will be a charge for the exhibition
itself.The drawings form part
of a bound volume of 600 drawings kept in a vault at Windsor Castle.
Martin Clayton, assistant curator
of the Print Room at Windsor Castle, said: "Leonardo was one of the
most amazing chaps there has been and there seems to be an irresistible
appetite for him."Everyone
knows this almost mythical character had all these interests and this
exhibition allows people to approach him through these personal aspects.
"The drawings are things we can
get right up close to and get some idea of the workings of his mind."
The images have been in the Royal Collection since 1690 and were probably
acquired during the reign of Charles II.They
include dramatic studies of the sea-god Neptune, studies of a horse and
a drawing of a mortar attack on a fortress.
It is unclear how Charles II came
by the world's largest single collection of da Vinci drawings.Last
month, an 8cm x 12cm da Vinci painting sold at Christie's in London for
more than£8m, equalling
the world record price for an old master drawing.The
small silverpoint study, Horse and Rider, was expected to fetch £3.5m.
It was the only remaining work by an artist of such importance in private
hands, apart from those owned by the Royal family.
Da Vinci was born near the town of
Vinci in Italy in 1452 and died in Cloux in France aged 67.He
was regarded as one of the most influential painters of the Renaissance
period, which stretched from the 1400s-1500s, but he was also a sculptor,
architect and draftsman.His
sketches reveal that he devised a prototype flying machine, helicopter,
machine gun and diving suit centuries before they were invented.
The Mona Lisa, his most famous work,
is viewed by around 16,000 visitors per day.The
Leonardo da Vinci exhibition will be at the Lady Lever Art Gallery from
February 15 to April 21, 2002
Ten Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci
from the Royal Collection: A Golden Jubilee Celebration will be shown
at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight (Feb 15 - April 21, 2002);
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea (April 27 - July 7, 2002); Graves Art
Gallery, Sheffield (July 13 - Sept 21, 2002); and Ulster Museum, Belfast
(Sept 27 - Dec 8, 2002).
Article from the Daily Post by Ian
Latta August 14th 2001
(Article August
2001) back
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Ellens Lane railway bridge undergoes major improvement work from May
2nd. Ellens Lane will be temporarily closed between the junctions of Greendale
Road and Gardens Road for two weeks.The road closures will come into effect
from 10 a.m on May 2nd but the pedestrian crossing will not be effected.
Diversions will be in place and the alternative route for motorists will
be via Bromborough Road, The Village, Bebington Road, Greendale Road and
vice versa.
(Article April 2000) back
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Flooding has
dominated the news over the last few weeks but Port Sunlight has miraculously
avoided the worst effects of the weather. This was not the case in the
rest of the region as borne out by an article in the local press: Wirral
people woke up on Monday morning to face the consequences of some of the
worst weather to hit the region.Roads and homes and even a school across
the borough were badly hit following the torrential rain and floods. Emergency
crews worked round the clock to try and deal with the growing number of
storm-related incidents, including 16 flooded roads and damaged homes
and businesses. Inundated Wirral firefighters say they were inundated
with SOS calls in the wake of the torrential storms.In the first few hours
of Monday morning Merseyside Fire Service had more than 60 calls - the
majority from Wirral - relating to flooding. A spokesperson said: "We
were constantly out on call pumping away water and we had not enough vehicles
to cope with all the emergencies."The situation was grave and in many
cases we were forced to shore up buildings to prevent water flowing into
the properties." Year 10,11 and 12 pupils at Clare Mount School in Fender
Lane, Moreton were sent home after areas of the building were badly flooded.
Commuters faced chaos getting to work when people tried to find alternative
routes after finding their usual roads either impassable or blocked by
the queues.A tree was also brought down on South Drive, Upton as people
were leaving for work. Some of the worst areas affected were Brimstage
Road near to the craft centre and Dibbinsdale Road in Bromborough, which
had to be closed. Thingwall Road in Irby also had to be closed to traffic
after Arrowe Brook burst its banks during the early hours of Monday morning.
Motorists were also being advised to avoid Thornton Hough completely as
roads were impassable. On the Wirral railway line, trains were suspended
between Birkenhead North and Hamilton Square after Conway Park station
was flooded, and no trains were running beyond Rock Ferry. Flooding also
caused drains in certain areas to overflow due to the extra pressure on
them.
Article from the Wirral News 1st November 2000 back
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Port
Sunlight's creator to be honoured with flower festival
ARTICLE FROM THE CHESTER CHRONICLE AUGUST 11th
by DAVID HARDING
THE 150th anniversary of the birth of the creator of Port Sunlight Village
is being celebrated with a special service and flower festival next month.
William Hesketh Lever, the first Viscount Leverhulme, opened a soap factory
in Port Sunlight in 1888 and built the church and the model village of
Port Sunlight for his workers.
Now he is being remembered at a Founder's
Day Service in Christ Church on Septembcr 19, 150 years to the day after
his birth. Among those attending will be the late Lord Leverhulme's great
granddaughter, The Hon Jane Heber-Percy, and senior executives from Lever
Faberge, the company which bears the family name. The service, which is
open to the public, starts at 7.30pm.
Rev Malcolm Shapland said: 'Founder's
Day has been an annual event since the days of the first Viscount. It
used to be a very big affair, with a fun day at the Oval in Bebington
for all the workers. 'Now the church service is the only bit that is left.'
The flower festival, which takes place at Christ Church from September
18-23, is on the theme of God in the Community.
It is to bc faithful to the memory
of the man who built up a 'very special' community and went on to leave
his mark across the peninsula. The death in July last year of the first
Lord Leverhulme's grandson Philip is likely to add even more poignancy
to the anniversary events. The 85-year-old Viscount died without a male
heir, bringing to an end the hereditary title bestowed on his grandfather.
His home, Thornton Manor in Thornton Hough, has been sold to a company
set up to establish an up-market health spa. The new owners, . Lee and
Janet Magner, also plan to," hold classical concerts and summer '
camps for children. Work to transform the manor is due to start early
next year. Among the features being kept is the open-air bedroom where
the first Viscount Leverhulme slept.
In June Thornton Manor played host
to a three-day auction of antiques and paintings, attracting interest
from around the world.
The Flower Festival opening times
are as follows: Tuesday, September 18, 10am-8pm; Wednesday, September
19, 10am-6pm; Thursday, September 20, 10am-8pm; Friday, September 21,
10am-Spm; Saturday, September 22, 4.40pm-8pm; Sunday, September 23, 11.30am-8pm.
Article from the Chester Chronicle 11th August 2001 back
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Gladstone Theatre follows the likes of the Unity and the Neptune Theatre
onto the net.From 15th November 1999, you will be able to get an in-depth
look at what's on, book seats and even join as a Friend of the Theatre
.(Article November 1999) back
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Work has commenced on our Theatre Improvement Programme. Under the
direction of the Port Sunlight Village Trust,the land on the Greendale
Road side of the Theatre has been re-designed to provide improved access
without steps for disabled members of our audience. On completion, we
will also invite ticket holders for performances to use the Greendale
Road entrance doors.Those wishing to pay for tickets at the Box Office
and latecomers should continue to use the existing foyer entrance at the
rear of the auditorium. We intend to commence Phase 2 of our improvements,
which is the construction of a suite of performers’ dressing rooms, within
the next few months. By our own efforts, and those of our audiences, we
have already raised half of the funding to allow this work to begin. We
have a further £30,000 to find. After this development has been completed,
we can turn our attention to the major task of improving audience facilities.
We appeal to all users of the theatre to assist us at this time in the
task of keeping open and improving this valuable community asset. Any
financial contributions you are able to make should be addressed to Alan
Davies, Fund Raising Co-ordinator, or handed to any of the Stewards on
duty in the Theatre. For some performances we run audience raffles and
we would encourage you to participate and give generously to our Theatre
Improvement Fund. (Sheila D jones, Vice Chairperson, Gladstone Theatre)
Gladstone Theatre Trust http://www.gladstone.uk.com boxoffice@gladstone.uk.com
(Article June 2000) back
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The Gladstone Theatre stages a Car Boot Sale on May 6th (10 a.m -
1 p.m). The event is one of many planned to raise cash for the Theatre
Improvement Fund. Tables/pitches are £5 each and light refreshments will
be available.
(Article April 2000) back
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ONE of
the borough's flagship theatres is to get thousands of pounds in lottery
cash to help secure its future. The Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight
will be making full use of the £45,000 grant from the North West Arts
Board to install new dressing rooms, toilet facilities, showers, a stair
lift and brand new equipment. This is the second phase of the theatre's
facelift programme, coupled with a drive to include a broader mix of professional
and amateur productions on the playbill, reflected in such diverse forthcoming
attractions as a production of Frankenstein and an Abba Gold gig. Calls
have been made to save the theatre since last autumn, when the planned
improvements were announced. These will eventually include a new public
entrance and box office, a studio-cum-rehearsal area which will encourage
community arts projects and seminars, enlarged orchestra pit and improved
sound and lighting facilities.
Project leader Sheila Jones, of the Gladstone Theatre Trust, said at the
time of the appeal launch: "Although the theatre is run entirely by unpaid
volunteers, it is one of the busiest small theatres in the country. "If
it is to remain open to serve Wirral properly, these essential improvements
must be carried out." Since that launch, support has been impressive,
culminating in a fundraising night at the theatre itself headlined by
local comedienne Pauline Daniels. The Gladstone's fortunes are now brighter.
The St Patrick's weekend "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" show saw the theatre
record its first full house, with many late bookings having to be turned
away from the extravaganza starring Jimmy Cricket and the Nolans. The
theatre was one of four Merseyside projects benefiting from the £766,767
allocated to arts in the North West.
Website:back
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Doddy has them
rolling in the aisles for SAM
(Article from the WIRRAL NEWS, August 1st 2001)
A
five- hour fund-raising "laughterthon" took place at the Gladstone
Theatre in Port Sunlight last week when Ken Dodd took to the stage for
SAM. In front of a sell-out performance, it was a classic performance
from Doddy who shared everything from the women of Bebington to Big Brother
- not to mention a few swipes at the tax man.
With his trusty tickling
stick in tow, Ken, launched into a marathon of joke-telling and music
which carried on for five hours. Ken and his guest stars all gave their
time for free, meaning that every penny raised on the night went straight
into the pot to buy Wirral Hospital a vital RMI scanner. The whole event
raised more than £8000 for the appeal taking the total to over £800,000.
Margaret Simpson of
Irby said: "I've never seen Doddy live on stage before but when I
read he was performing for SAM I thought, why not? Quite simply he was
fantastic. I have never laughed so much in years. I don't know where he
gets his energy from. I was exhausted and all I did was watch."
At the end of the
show, Ken was presented with a special paque honouring the £10,000
he has raised for SAM to date. Elizabeth Morris, SAM Appeal manager, told
the audience: "The best way to raise money for a good cause is through
laughter. Not only did Ken take time out from a national tour to perform
here in Wirral tonight, but only he could give our appeal such a huge
boost."
Ken's plaque will
now be displayed along with others on the Wirral Thousand Memorial ar
Arrowe Park Hospital.
Get in touch with SAM
To support the SAM Appeal,
please call Elizabeth, Penny or Chris on 0151 -604-7469
(Article
from the WIRRAL NEWS, August 1st 2001)
(Article April 2001) back
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The Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight
Village has plenty to celebrate this Christmas. Newly opened is a suite
of four much needed performers' dressing rooms. Those who tread the boards
of the Gladstone's stage can be assured now of comfortable, modern , more
spacious surroundings to prepare for the performance of their lives. The
enlarged facilities have been given the thumbs up by the many local music
societies and dancing schools appearing at the Gladstone and where large
numbers of entertainers need to use the changing and make-up provisions
all at the same time.
The Theatre has an attractive seasonal
programme in December/January. Leading the way is resident society, The
Port Sunlight Players with the pantomime,'Dick Whittington', and ideal
pre-Christmas tonic for all the family (see opposite page for performance
details).
On Thursday 27th December, The
Houghton Weavers are welcomed back to the Gladstone with their Christmas
tour show. Always a sell-out, you shoud book early to treat yourself and
friends to this traditional entertainment at its best.
Into the New Year and the festivities
continue with 'The Wizard of Oz', 'Aladdin' and 'Alice in Wonderland.'
Details on how to book in advance for any of the shows are given on
the opposite page.
Now that the entertainers have modern
facilities backstage, The Gladstone Theatre Trust has commenced fund raising
to improve audience amenities in the auditorium and foyer areas. Remember
that the Gladstone is our only non-profit making voluntary-run community
theatre on the Wirral and is deserving of your support. You may wish to
visit our website at www.gladstone.uk.com for an overview of the Theatre
and take advantage of the online reservation facility.
If you would like to become a 'Friend
of the Gladstone Theatre' and contribute with a gift aid donation
to the Gladstone Theatre Improvement Appeal Fund , please contact
the Theatre's Fund-Raising Co-Ordinator, Alan Davies on 652 4566.
He will be pleased to hear from you and will be grateful for your interest.
Visit the Theatre's website where you can book tickets online - www.gladstone.uk.com
(Article
December 2001) back
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Harry Williams was employed as clerk-of works with Lever Brothers
and UML over a period spanning 47 years. He was recently interviewed in
the Heritage Centre by Dave Guest of BBC North West Tonight about his
memories and current views about the village
(Article March 1999) bback
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Happy New Millennium and a sincere thankyou to all our visitors for
making Port Sunlight Village Online, the most popular Port Sunlight-related
website in 1999. As at January 1st 2000, traffic reached an impressive
55,000 hits, bearing in mind the site has only been live for 10 months.
In order to build upon our success, we wish to know your future requirements;
suggestions so far have included a Lady Lever Art Gallery webcam, a video-based
village tour, a chat room and a suite of electronic postcards to send
to friends. We can promise at least one of these ideas! Certainly a lot
more photographs of the village and village life will appear on the site
in the near future and we will endeavour to keep news as current as possible.
Please take the time to fill out an enquiry/suggestion form. Your help
would be appreciated.
(Article January 2000) back
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Heritage Lottery Bid Fails. The application under the Townscape Heritage
Initiative in conjunction with the Riverside Housing Association, on behalf
of Bromborough Pool Village has been rejected. The bid would have assisted
owner occupiers in the village to make repairs and carry out restoration
work in addition to a refurbishment of the boating pool. A fresh bid will
be submitted for the boating pool project.
(Article October 2000) back
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Heritage Open Days enabling the public to view hitherto inaccessible/partly
inaccessible historic buildings have been staged nationwide for the past
four years with great success. This year was no exception ;in Port Sunlight
during September 11th- 12th 1999, the Gladstone Theatre, Hulme Hall, Christ
Church and the Residents' Club were opened up to the public and hourly
tours were staged with hospitality provided.
(Article August 1999) back
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A John Ruskin
exhibition is currently showing at the Lady Lever Art Gallery. Artists
associated with Ruskin - including Turner, Holman-Hunt and Helen Allingham-
are featured also. The exhibits are taken from collections at the Lady
Lever Art Gallery and the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. The exhibition
runs until February 2001 Tel:0151 478 4136
(Article September 2000) back
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L#
Da
Vinci drawings start UK tour
Rare drawings by Leonardo da Vinci,
which are part of the Queen's royal collection, start a tour this week
around British museums.
The Lady Lever gallery at Port Sunlight is the first stop for the 10 works
by the Italian artist, which are being loaned out as part of the Golden
Jubilee celebrations.The collection
is estimated to be worth £20m and the drawings will also be seen
in Swansea, Sheffield and Belfast.The
work is normally held at Windsor Castle and is rarely allowed out of storage
because they are so sensitive to light damage.The
royal collection, which many people hold among the best art collections
in the world, is held in trust by the Queen as sovereign for her successors
and the nation.
The exhibition has been specially
selected to reflect all stages of Da Vinci's career and the wide range
of interests in had, including architecture, geology and botany.They
include Studies of a Horse, which was drawn around 1490.While
in the service of Ludovico Sforza, Da Vinci was commissioned to execute
a huge bronze monument of Francesco Sforza on horseback.He
made many drawings of horses in preparation for the sculpture, a work
which was never completed.The
drawing on display is described as one of the "freshest and most
sensitive" of these studies.
The works have been in the royal collection
since before 1690 and were probably acquired during the reign of Charles
II.The drawings were found in
Da Vinci's studio in France when he died and over the years, the work
found its way to Windsor.The
tour starts in Port Sunlight on Friday, before moving to the Glynn Vivian
gallery in Swansea on 27 April, Sheffield's Graves art gallery on 13 July
before finishing in the Ulster museum, Belfast on 27 September.Article
BBCi 11th February 2002
(Article
February 2002) back
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Sunlight
shining with misty setting
Jul 2 2002
Article courtesy (Michael Green, Chester Chronicle)
A CHARMING display of 14 watercolours by Robert Anning Bell and his contemporaries
can be seen at the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight for the rest
of the year.Love in a Mist:
Early 20th Century Watercolours takes its name from a painting by J Herbert
MacNair.
Love in a Mist shows three figures
in a misty setting, typical of what is known as The Spook School of painters,
originally from Glasgow, who were known for their pictures with wraith-like
figures.MacNair, his wife Frances
and Robert Anning Bell taught in Liverpool University's applied art department
and promoted the ideals of the arts and crafts movement among their students.Followers
stressed the beauty of craftsmanship for its own sake, working on book
illustrations, paintings, mosaics, stained-glass, murals and posters.
They regarded the Middle Ages as a golden age.
These artists were influenced by the
dream-like subjects of Sir Edward Burne-Jones and the decorative schemes
of French painter Puvis de Chavannes, producing imagery relating to mystery
and imagination.The exhibition
includes a theatre design by Charles Rickets, perhaps best remembered
today for his illustrations of Oscar Wilde's work.Exhibition
curator Jessica Feather said: "All these works are from our collections.
Most have not been on display for a number of years and some have never
been shown before."
Love in a Mist: Early 20th Century
Watercolours can be seen at the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight
until December 1. Ring 0151 478 4127 for details.
(Article
July 2002) back
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The recent death of Lord Leverhulme
has raised questions about
the future of Thornton Hough Manor estate and its sale is due in December.
There is speculation, as reported in the press recently, that a consortium
will build a hotel and conference centre on the site. Rumours have even
circulated that a former Beatle make take up residence - George Harrison
recently stated his intention to move elsewhere after a stabbing attack
on him and his wife at his home. Stanley Allan of Thornton Hough adds,
' It would be comforting to think either the National Trust or english
Heritage would take over the Manor and access could be maintained for
local and Wirral people in general.This would be a fitting memorial to
its former Lord and what he would have wished.'
(Article December 2000) back
to community latest
Peer
leaves £31m in will.
THE future of Lord Leverhulme's multi-million pound legacy was settled
yesterday (Tuesday) but questions still surround prospects for his Thornton
Manor estate. The viscount, who died aged 85 in July, bequeathed a total
of £31,477,042 to family, friends and former staff. His daughters, Victoria
and Jane, received paintings and priceless mementoes. His eldest daughter
Susan is being cared for by means of a trust fund. Rare treasures inherited
by close family include Churchill guns, silver goblets and a cigarette
box and cigar box presented to Lord Leverhulme by staff on his 21st birthday.
Another was a gift from King Edward VII. Prized trophies, the 1968 National
Hunt Cup, the 1978 Grand Military Gold Cup, have been bequeathed to relatives
and the 1977 Chester Vase, won by his horse Hot Grove, has been left to
the Chester Race Company.
Port Sunlight's Lady Lever Art Gallery is to get portraits of the three
Viscounts Leverhulme, one of which was by Britain's leading portrait painter
of the 19th century, Augustus John. Acting curator at Lady Lever Art Gallery
Amy Barker said: "These paintings are of great importance to us from both
a historic and sentimental point of view. "He was a great friend to the
gallery and a very generous man. We are thrilled to have three generations
of portraits in his bequest and they will become a prominent feature at
the museum."
The viscount also gave orders for his home, Thornton Manor, to be placed
in trust before a sale can take place later this year. The manor, valued
at more than £6m, is believed to have been registered with London estate
agent SPD Saville. However, Saville's this week refused to comment on
the sale. The manor boasts one of the most remarkable private gardens
in the country and is regularly opened to the public in aid of local charities.
Article from the Wirral
News - January 10th 2001
(Article January 2001) back
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M#
Millennium
Celebrations in the village will be hopefully boosted with the success
of more fund-raising events planned for later this year. An application
for a Millennium Festival Award which would,amongst other projects, fund
a reinstatement of the Bandstand which originally stood in the Diamond.
(Article July 1999) back
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N#
NMGM Director's Inquest
A Wirral-based museum director was feeling over-worked and under pressure
before he took his own life, an inquest heard. The body of Sir Richard
Foster, of Heswall, was found by a walker on the shore of North Beach
at Swanage, Dorset, on March 8. The coroner recorded a verdict of suicide
after hearing Sir Richard had filled his pockets with sand and drowned
after drinking a bottle of whiskey while sitting on the steps of a nearby
hotel. After the hearing, Lady Mary Foster, widow of the 59-year-old Director
of Museums and Art Galleries on Merseyside said her husband was a very
special person with strong sense of public service. "His achievements
were enormous to the rest of us but not to him," she said. "He was a very
modest man who worked far too hard and always thought he should do better."
The father of three returned to Swanage where he grew up to end his life.
He had a distinguished 35-year career in the museum industry and latterly
led the team responsible for eight Merseyside galleries, including the
award-winning Conservation Centre. Sir Richard had planned to retire from
his £80,000-a-year post in 2002. In a letter addressed to "My lovely Mary"
which he left in a hire-car in which he drove from London to Swanage on
March 7, he said he was deeply concerned about his work. Lady Mary reported
him missing when he failed to return home to Wirral, Bournemouth coroner,
Sheriff Payne, said he had no option but to record a verdict of suicide
because it was clear Sir Richard had planned to kill himself. He said:
"This letter was not written under the influence of alcohol. I was written
in a very clear frame of mind and the sentiments expressed in it were
clear. His intentions were expressed in clear terms and was what would
be considered a suicide note." After Sir Richard's death tributes poured
in from across the arts world praising his vision and achievements, as
well as his charm and modesty.
(Article April 2001) back
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O#
Online villages and communities related to Port Sunlight grows daily
but the quality of the sites varies somewhat. One of the most comprehensive
sites is run by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.Not only is there an interesting
section on the garden village of New Earswick, located on the north side
of York started in 1901 by Joseph Rowntree but also details about housing
and community projects run by the Foundation. More garden village sites
can be found at Letchworth and Hampstead. The philanthropic works of William
Hesketh Lever are often compared to those of Robert Owen and Cadbury -
now you can visit New Lanark and Bournville on the web.Further afield
the Dutch model village of Agneta Park, reputed to have been admired by
William Hesketh Lever on his travels, is featured on the Delft website.
(Article October 1999) back
to community latest
Osborne Court is the first development within the village since 1938.
Bovis Retirement Homes is endeavouring to blend the building work with
the general architecture of Port Sunlight. The Court is separated into
five individual buildings which will provide 40 retirement apartments.The
project was launched on June 9th 1999 at Hulme Hall and the construction
is due to be completed bt the end of 1999.
(Article July 1999)
back
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P#
Planning Applications
- There was a full house for the first public meeting of the season hosted
by the Port Sunlight Village Society on October 7th 1999. A lively meeting
ensued with the emphasis placed on listed building consent and maintenance
issues. Joanne Storey, Enforcement Officer and Graham Arnold, Conservation
Officer of the Wirral Borough Council were present and answered the many
queries. Joanne Storey can be contacted on 691 8155 (Mondays and Tuesdays
only), Graham Arnold will answer queries if Joanne is unable.Alternatively,
you can access WBC's planning applications database for online application
forms, lists of planning applications and other essential information.
(Article October 1999) back
to community latest
Port Sunlight Village Online has become a member of the National Inventory
Project. NIP is a web-based database of UK projects and initiatives concerned
with the Information Society. Its overall aim is to provide a source of
good quality information about current Information Technology (IT) and
Information Society (IS) developments in central and local government
and in the private sector. In March 1999, as part of the Modernising Government
Action Plan, Ministers agreed that the NIP should be updated and used
as a key resource for gathering and disseminating best practice information
about innovative IS/IT developments. It follows that the NIP is one of
the actions being taken forward in support of the commitments set out
in the Modernising Government White Paper. The NIP is an open forum for
the exchange of information, and in part depends for its success upon
user involvement. The NIP database is actively maintained, and the secretariat
welcomes submissions of details of new projects, links and news. We hope
you will feel free to make contact with the NIP secretariat by e-mail
to discuss any aspect of the project. http://www.information-society.org.uk
(Article September 2000)) back
to community latest
The Civic Trust
are staging their popular Heritage Open Days event this weekend. Among
the four Wirral buildings selected this year is the Port Sunlight Heritage
Centre at 95, Greendale Road. A tour of the village will take place between
10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, September 16th/17th 2000 (booking
essential, tel: 0151 644 6466)
(Article September 2000)) back
to community latest
The Port Sunlight Village Society is to stage public meetings on a
regular basis. A forum is provided for all matters relating to the village.
An annual general meeting on July 15th 1999 approved the appointment of
the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer and a committee of ten members.
The next meeting will be at the Residents' Club, King George's Drive on
October 7th 1999 at 7.30 pm and will be attended by Andrew Tonkiss, Chief
Executive Officer of the Village Trust and Joanne Storey,Planning Officer
for the Wirral Borough Council.
(Article September 1999) back
to community latest
The Port Sunlight Village Society kicked off its social calendar for
this year with a Valentines Evening with disco and buffet at the Port
Sunlight Men's Club on Saturday February 12th and finishes with a Christmas
trip to York - there is definitely something for everyone. Events are
open to all but priority is given to Society members.Membership includes
a member's guide and a discount scheme.
For more details: E-Mail the society or Tel: 0151 644 7683
(Article February 2000) back
to community latest
The Port Sunlight Village Society. A Children's Easter Disco (age
range up to 12 years) is to held at the Lever Club, Port Sunlight on Sunday
23rd April, 6-9 p.m. Admission is free and parents are welcome.The Societies'
AGM is also to held at the Residents' Club on 27th April 2000 at 7.30p.m.
Guest speaker will be Gavin Hunter, a local historian, giving a general
talk about Port Sunlight.
(Article April 2000) back
to community latest
For more details: E-Mail the society or Tel: 0151 644 7683
The Port Sunlight Village Society is currently in discussions with
the Wirral Borough Council about the proposed Aldi Store in Bebington.
Although technically outside the conservation area, the concern is for
the bottlenecks of traffic which will occur if there is a car park adjacent
to the main road. Aldi have proposed a public forum to be held at the
Bebington Civic Centre to be held sometime in the near future.
(Article October 2000) back
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R#
Railtrack have
made an assurance about tidying up the embankment area between Port Sunlight
and Bebington Stations adjacent to Greendale Road, technically outside
the Conservation Area. David Rankin, Community Relations, says that Railtrack
rely upon feedback from local residents in maintaining such areas and
that because of such a large area of responsibility there is normally
a six - to - eight week wait for attention.
(Article March 2000) back
to community latest
For more details: Tel: David Rankin, Railtrack 0161 228 8605
S#
Soap Production at Unilever's Port Sunlight site is due to cease next
year, and it's been estimated that around 125 jobs are to be lost. Gerry
Hare, works director at Port Sunlight said: " We will do all that we possibly
can to explore viable possible alternatives to compulsory redundancies."
Unilever recently unveiled the new European IT centre at the site and
the arrival of support facilities at Port Sunlight has seen jobs increase
by 25% over the last five years.
(Article September 2000) back
to community latest
Sunlight
Jobs Assured
Unilever is keen to allay fears that jobs will be lost at its Port Sunlight
plant after announcing that it is planning to shed 8000 jobs and close
30 plants over the coming 12 monthsThe
losses are central to the five-year Path to Growth strategy which aims
to reduce personel by 25000 coming as part of the company's rationalisation
programme to help the company absorb its £14.2 billion acquisition
of American giant Bestfoods.
Debbie Smith, responsible
for external realtions at Wirral's research facility said: ' The losses
will not be affecting Port Sunlight. They will be affecting the food areas
of the business.'Unilever's
business in Wirral now has two separate parts, Lever Faberge's home and
personal care and Unilever's research facility, with the former operating
from the original Port Sunlight factory.Ms
Smith added: "Lever Faberge and Unilever Research operate independently
of other parts of the company'.
This is further confirmed
by a Unilever spokesperson who said: 'Bestfoods was purchased last year
with the sale being finalised in October. However in the middle of last
year we identified areas where there would be likely savings in the Unilever
food business worldwide and the job losses will come from where the businesses
overlap. There is no food-based business at Port Sunlight and it will
be unaffected.'In
response to the news, Cllr Phil Davies , deputy leader of Wirral Council
and cabinet member for economic regeneration, commented: 'We are obviously
very relieved that the company has formally announced that there will
be no impact on Wirral as it was something that were concerned about.
It is good news that the area has escaped without any adverse effects
on the company in the borough and I am pleased by the news.'The
restructuring costs caused by the Bestfoods acquisition has also been
partly blamed for a 38% drop in profits in the first period of this year
but Unilever is confident that any lost ground can be regained.
(Article from Wirral News 09th May 2001)back
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T#
Continuing
the tradition of public oratory at Hulme Hall started by William Lever
in the nineteenth century, Tony Blair visited Port Sunlight on a whistle-stop
tour of the north-west. Mr. Blair arrived at Speke airport then took to
his campaign "battlebus" with wife Cherie to Port Sunlight where he was
greeted by a large crowd of party faithful. A small gathering of Tories
stood outside the village hall, where he was attending a rally.
Mr Blair told the rally that William Hague had finally admitted that the
election was not about British entry into the Euro. He also repeated his
party's message that a vote for the Conservatives would mean cuts and
economic mismanagement. Mr Blair said tough decisions had to be made in
the ealy days of New Labour in power to get the national debt down but
this had enabled the Government to make record investment in schools and
hospitals. He wound up his speech by stating the election was not only
about what the Government could achieve but principles also, adding,"
This is a choice not only about policies but about basic values.Over the
next six days we have to concentrate our minds and say we don't want another
term for the sake of office but another term to carry on making changes
the people want to see."
Cherie Blair, who was with her husband for the rally, made the short walk
to the Hillsborough Memorial Garden and placed a red bouquet at the foot
of a plaque honouring the 96 football supporters who lost their lives
in April 1989. The message written by the Prime Minister's wife, who is
a Liverpool fan, read, " We will always remember you, Cherie Blair."
(Article June
2001) back
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Concern over spa for the rich and
famous
CONSERVATIONISTS are calling for plans for a multimillion pound revamp
of the ancestral home of the Leverhulme family to be put on hold.Lee Magner,
a London-based property entrepreneur, bought Thornton Hall in a £3.5m
deal last year.He has submitted a planning application to transform the
building into a luxury hotel and health club.But conservation groups fear
the application is "premature" and claim it could have serious
implications for the future of the site.
The Garden History Society, a national
organisation responsible for the protection of historic gardens, is planning
to visit the Thornton Hough mansion with representatives from English
Heritage.Kathryn Gibson, the
society's northern region conservation caseworker, said: "This is
a Grade II* registered site so in national terms it's quite outstanding
and of exceptional historic importance. We want to ensure any developments
do not compromise any of the features which make it so special."Ms
Gibson said the society " broadly" supported alterations to
the actual building.But she
added: "Proposals for car parking in the walled garden area are of
concern. We want to look at an alternative. We don't want important features
destroyed."Good conservation
practice indicates that any major changes to an historic landscape should
flow clearly from an historic landscape assessment and be supported by
a comprehensive conservation management plan."Particular
issues of concern are the demolition of greenhouses and outbuildings,
and the parking provision."We
would like to see plans put on hold until these are addressed." If
the proposals are successful, the former home of the founder of the Port
Sunlight soap works will become the first health spa and retreat in the
North West aimed at the rich and famous.
Work is due to start in May, with
the new centre opening for business in December or January. It is expected
to create about 100 jobs.But
the plans have also come under fire from people in Thornton Hough.Reverend
Derek Seber, representing the village's conservation committee, said:
"We held a meeting earlier this week and have formulated a response
to Wirral's planning committee."The
clear opinion of the people involved was generally supportive of the development."But
there are a couple of reservations. It is felt there could be a problem,
which could become dangerous, with increasing numbers of vehicles in a
small village which already has traffic difficulties."It
will mean there are two spa facilities here and we don't want one to survive
at the expense of the other. We are also concerned about the demolition
of garden features."
Thornton Hall was put on the market
after the third and last Lord Leverhulme died in July 2000, at the age
of 85.Mr
Magner, who will own and operate the complex with his wife Janet, last
night said: "We are working with English Heritage to get together
a management plan that they feel comfortable with."There
are no planned changes to the gardens other than the walled garden which
we are hoping to reinstate because it has been effectively lost."English
Heritage are visiting the site to assess exactly what is going on and
I will consult with them after that."A
spokesman for Wirral Council's planning department said: "We have
a current full planning application and listed building consent application."There's
no date for it to go to committee yet and we are still working in consultation
with interested parties."..SUPL:
Jan 23 2002
By Stuart Dye Daily Post Staff
back
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U
Five Year Facelift
For Unilever
(Article from the Daily Post - July 11th 2001)
THE Lever Brothers'
soap works in Port Sunlight remains the nominal hub of one of the biggest
consumer groups in the world.Now called Lever Faberge, the plant embodies
the sort of transition taking place in the global marketplace that is
being engineered by giants like its parent Unilever.At the broader level
Unilever is reshaping its sprawling portfolio of 1,600 brands into 400
key products; at the narrower end of the scale the detergents factory
has had to innovate and develop to ensure it remains part of the overall
company structure.
The disposal of Lord Leverhulme's family seat at Thornton Manor and sale
of its heirlooms sums up what has truly become the end of an era.However,
the outlook remains bright with new products coming on stream and news
that a technology centre is being created at the Wirral site.This bright
forecast was tempered a little last week when the company announced that
around 40 scientists' posts in research and development need to be shed
prior to the creation of a Global Technology Centre to concentrate on
soap and detergent innovation.In the next few months hard soap bar manufacturing
is disappearing after more than 100 years, but this is not the damaging
psychological blow it seems. Only 2.5pc of production is now devoted to
bars which have declined in popular use. Although 125 jobs are being lost
there is partial compensation with the creation of 75 others to make a
new product.Names like Lux and Lifebuoy will go but these days it is gels
and liquid soaps that capture the consumer's attention.In today's ultra-demanding
marketplace it is essential the site that makes Persil, Domestos and Surf
continues to be innovative to retain the security of 1,300 jobs.
One move that would have provided a degree of security was the plan to
site the group's European information technology headquarters at Port
Sunlight but that has now switched to St David's Park in Flintshire.Works
manager Gerry Hare explained: "Originally we were to have 200 IT people
here but the group's acquisition of Bestfoods in the US meant that a larger
and more flexible site was required."However we are establishing a global
technology centre here and it is essential we continue to develop new
ideas."The centre will be one of six worldwide and will incorporate the
current research and development facility focusing on soaps and detergents
development which is currently shedding 40 jobs. It is hoped that the
revamped hi-tech headquarters will create further posts in the future.
The business has been successful in this particular sphere in recent times.
Some years ago disaster struck when a product called Persil Power was
found to disintegrate clothes; a fact gleeful rivals took advantage of.Since
then the company has bounced back to pioneer Persil Tablets, ready made
doses of powder in pill form, as well as an easy-iron fabric conditioner.This
year Persil Capsules arrived on the market, the liquid version of tablets,
and is backed by a £9m advertising campaign.Hare continues: "As we announced
last year, we are ceasing soap bar production at this site and currently,
are in the process of transferring production to one of our other European
sites. "It is envisaged that by the end of September the production of
soap bars will have ceased at the Port Sunlight site."What will also cement
the role of Port Sunlight in the hierarchy is the ongoing development
of the research centre which is designed as a key resource for innovation
in clothes care.Earlier this year Lever Brothers merged with the company's
Elida Faberge site in Leeds to form a new division for clothes and personal
care products employing 2,700 with 22.6pc market share.
(Article from the
Daily Post - July 11th 2001)back
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V#
Families "saddened"
by vandalism
Article from the Wirral Globe October
3rd 2001
FAMILIES of victims of the Hillsborough disaster have condemned vandals
who sabotaged a memorial stone in Port Sunlight dedicated to those who
died.. The marble stone was smashed and will have to be replaced.Andrew
Tonkiss, Chief Executive Officer of Port Sunlight Village Trust, said
that the cost of this is as yet unknown.He
said: "A piece came off the corner of the stone and the last thing
we want is for it to look patched up. It will need a complete replacement."In
the past we have had damage to flower beds and tubs of flowers, as well
as graffiti, but not significant damage."It
is a sad reflection of society."
Terry Burkett, from Rock Ferry, is
the father of 24-year-old Peter Burkett who lost his life during the tragedy
at Hillsborough football stadium in 1989.Mr
Burkett said: "The likelihood is that this was done by people who
don't know what Hillsborough was all about."It
seems an indication of youth behaviour today. It's sad and we are saddened
by it."
Article
from the Wirral Globe October 3rd 2001
Village identity?
A recent local newspaper article focused on the fear of residents
that the village is losing its character as a result of new building plans
in the village. There was a furore in the 1980's when a retirement home
development between Central Road and Pool Bank was mooted;after protestations
and public enquiries, Bovis Homes completed the work,based on designs
by local architects, Paddock Johnson, in 1999. Although the buildings
were designed to complement existing architecture, the results were not
to the tastes of all residents. Carol Jones, 58, who has lived in the
village for 37 years, said, "The new development looks a bit too modern
and, if further buildings appear, it will start to look like an estate."
The latest plans seek to level the existing Cabot Engineering building
(lease expires August 2000),generally considered an eyesore, and replace
it with apartments of sympathetic construction to the Village. Alternative
ideas put forward by the Port Sunlight Village Society include the planting
of trees to balance the already crowded environment. The Port Sunlight
Village Trust, responsible for the management of Port Sunlight, face the
difficult task of maintaining the Village's beauty and keeping the residents
happy whilst trying to generate additional revenue streams.
(Article August 2000) back
to community latest
Port Sunlight Village Society society@portsunlight.org.uk
Tel: 0151 644 7683
The Port Sunlight Village Trust
Tel: 0151 644 6466
Village Restoration:Owners
ordered to rectify changes
(Article from the Daily Post - June 9th 2001)
Stuart Dye - Daily Post Journalist
Wirral Council last night announced it is to take legal action in a bid
to restore historic Port Sunlight Village to its former glory. Residents
of thr purpose-built industrial village will be served enforcement notices
in the next few days making it mandatory for them to replace alterations
that contravene listed planning laws.
Over the past 20 years hundreds of modern double-glazed windows, conservatories,
satellite dishes and plastic guttering have been fitted on the 19th century
homes. But planning officers say they must be replaced with original-style
wooden window frames, at a cost of up to £500 each, as well as cast
iron paperwork to preserve the area's unique character.
Conservation officer for Wirral Council, Graham Arnold, said:"Port
Sunlight is world famous and recognised as having architecture that is
second to none, but what has happened over a 20 year period is that the
backs of properties have been altered with inappropriate fittings. Some
replacement work has been done by people voluntarily but there is still
a lot that needs to be changed. We are seeking to remedy this situation
and have drawn up enforcement
notices with the help of consultants. They will be served as soon as the
enforcement offices are ready." It is not known how many homes willbe
affected by the enforcement notices but each will be tailored to a particular
property. Mr Arnold added: "Consultants have measured up each individual
situation and drawn up details explaining what needs to be done so the
person receiving it will know what is expected of them. There will be
limited time for compliance which depends on what work needs doing. The
decision that this work had to be done was made some time ago and all
the residents were well informed. The enforcement notices are the logical
next step."
Six people had originally challenged the council's decision that they
should remove the offending fittings but their appeals were dismissed
by the planning inspectorate. Port Sunlight has some 900 properties with
more than 600 in private hands after they were put on the market in 1980.
The Village Trust which owns 250 homes has already begun the process of
replacing uPVC windows and doors at its properties. It has lodged more
than 30 planning applications this month to reverse work carried out in
the early 1980's under previous landlord Unilever Merseyside Limited (UML).
The Trust's chief
executive, Andrew Tonkiss said:"Every year we do work at about 20
p.c of our houses which includes repointing of chimney stacks and other
such minor adjustments. If there is a window,door or plastic guttering
that needs work we are doing it to the original style. All of our properties
were given permission for alterations in the 1960's but it was inappropriate
and we are setting an example by reversing the styles. We have about 100,000
visitors each year and it is vital we preserve the original character
as an important tourist attraction."
(Article from the Daily Post - June 9th 2001) back
to community latest
Stuart Dye - Daily Post Journalist
The Port Sunlight Village Trust took over responsibility for Port
Sunlight Village from UML on April 6th 1999. The Trustees appointed are
Mr.Graham Bell (chairman), a local businessman, Mrs Maggie Sparks of Family
Housing Association and Mr John Taylor, a Lever Brothers Director. A personal
message from the appointed trustees:- "The Village and its residents should
be in no doubt that we aim to ensure that it remains one of the most beautiful
conservation areas in the country. It is one of the main objectives of
the Trust to see that it preserves and maintains it for the public at
large,including the residents of course."
(Article July 1999) back
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U#
End of
soap era
Oct 29 2001
by Alan Weston, Daily Post reporter
TRADITIONAL soap making has ended after 100 years at the famous Port Sunlight
factory in Wirral.From this week the former Lever Brothers plant - now
called Lever Faberge - will concentrate on shower gels, liquid soaps,
and laundry detergents.
A revolution in the personal care
market has led to a steep decline in the popularity of traditional household
names such as Lifebuoy and Lux.In
Port Sunlight's heyday five factories produced soap bars, in the past
year it accounted for only 2.5pc of the site's total production.
The 125 workers whose jobs were lost
by the decision to axe soap production have either been re-deployed elsewhere
on the site, or have taken early retirement or voluntary redundancy.
Tommy Keating senior began his career
packing soaps in 1962.Mr Keating
said: "I never thought soap production would finally end at Port
Sunlight, and it makes me particularly sad as the village was named after
the soap.
"When I started, the soap was
made by hand in the big vats and we used to taste it to see if it contained
enough caustic soda. If it was the right amount, it would produce a tingling
sensation on the tongue. If it was too much, it would burn."His
son David followed in his father's footsteps and works in the factory
producing laundry tablets.
He said: "Now everything is computerised
and it has changed out of all recognition from my Dad's day."Gerry
Hare, works director at Lever Faberge, said new technology was the cause
of demise of the traditional methods of production.
He said: "We have had to adapt
to that change by taking Port Sunlight from the 19th to the 21st century
in one step."Soap production is now being moved to a site in Prague,
Czechoslovakia, where it can be produced more cheaply and where there
is greater demand.(Article October 2001) back
to community latest
Unilever set to
hit its sales targets
Mar 26 2002
Daily Post
CONSUMER products giant Unilever yesterday
said it was on course to hit earnings targets for this year despite slower
sales growth in recent weeks.The
Anglo-Dutch business said efforts to improve margins on its brands were
having an impact on sales in developing and emerging markets.
But the group "remained comfortable"
with forecasts of low double digit earnings per share growth for 2002
before one-off costs.Updating
investors ahead of its first quarter close period, it added earnings growth
for the first three months of the year should be around 25pc.
Unilever, owner of the Lever Faberge
detergents factory in Port Sunlight, is focusing on its 400 leading brands
such as Hellman's Mayonnaise, Dove soap and Magnum ice cream under its
Path to Growth strategy.This
restructuring programme, which began two years ago, has seen more than
700 smaller brands sold by the group.
The disposals mean that overall sales
in the first quarter will be euro370m (£227m) lower than a year
ago.Unilever said it expected
underlying sales growth for the first three months of the year to be 1pc
to 2pc based on trading in January and February.
Sales growth from the leading brands
is likely to come in at 3pc, down on the 5.3pc recorded for the whole
of 2001.The London-based group
said the reduced amount of product innovation compared with the first
quarter last year was also hampering sales growth.
The operating margin would be 150
basis points higher, which Unilever said was a "significant step
up" from last year.Unilever's
shares were down 7.5p at 575p.Last
month the group reported a 35pc increase in pre-tax profits for 2001 to
£2.26bn on a 4pc jump in underlying sales.
(Article April
2002) back
to community latest
Super Soap
in the Pipeline
(from BBC Online Tuesday 21/05/02)
Scientists are developing innovative soaps and deodorants to make us even
cleaner.
The 'super soap', developed by a team at the Colgate-Palmolive Technology
Centre in Piscataway, New Jersey, reduces the amount of bacteria which
attaches itself to the skin.
The deodorant, from Unilever Research
and Development Laboratory, Port Sunlight, UK, works on the basis that
bacteria in the armpit need the iron in sweat to produce body odour, so
depriving them of iron reduces the smell.
Both developments were presented to
a meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Salt Lake City.A
UK expert said both pieces of research opened up interesting new areas
for development.
Soaps work because of the combination
of the mechanical action of washing and the ability of the detergent to
"grab and hold" undesirable substances, including bacteria so
that they are taken away with the soapy water.
Antibacterial soaps add ingredients that reduce the ability of bacteria
to survive on the skin.The Palmolive
scientists are attempting to prevent the bacteria adhering to the skin
in the first place.
Their Microbial Anti-attachment Technology
(MAT) uses the chemicals petrolatum (Vaseline), dimethicone and polyquaternium,
all of which prevent bacteria sticking to the skin.MAT
was tested in three studies using Serratia marcesens, a bacteria which
is not normally found on the skin, but which is easy to detect in tests.
One hand was washed with a commercially
available soap or a dummy version, and the other with a soap containing
MAT.When the hands were dried,
they were pressed against a plastic surface already coated with the bacteria.
The researchers then looked at how
much bacteria was transferred from the plate to the hands.It
was found the amount of bacteria attachment to the hands washed with the
MAT-containing soap was reduced by between 50 to 58% compared to those
washed with placebo or commercial soaps.
The team, led by Dr Shamim Ansari,
believe the MAT ingredients deposit a thin film on the surface of the
skin, preventing the bacteria from taking hold, and perhaps also changing
the surface properties of the skin.He
said: "The clinical data demonstrate that fewer bacteria bind to
hand skin after washing with this soap technology."
Colgate's Protexâ Bar Soap,
which uses this technology is available in Latin America.
The Unilever team, working on the
development of new deodorants, found depriving bacteria of iron will prevent
them producing body odour. Bacteria need iron to function properly. It
is the 'waste products' the produce which smell.
A combination of two molecules was
used, one which released all the iron in the sweat, and another which
bound up the iron so the bacteria cannot get to it.This,
the researchers say, leaves the bacteria with very little iron and unable
to grow.
The team tested the combination on
50 volunteers for two weeks and found a 90% reduction in the number of
bacteria and much lower levels of underarm odour.Dr
Andrew Landa, who led the research, said: "Sweat itself does not
smell."The bacteria on
our skin are responsible for producing the malodour. They feed themselves
on the secretions of glands in the underarm, producing odorous molecules
as a by-product."
Dr Trish Coates, of the Skin Research
Centre at Leeds University, told BBC News Online: "Both of these
pieces of research are very interesting.She
said the development of the MAT technology could lead to "a new generation
of soaps."But she said
it was not clear if it would work for all bacteria, and added: "I
would be very worried about anything that could change the surface of
the skin. Skin itself is very antibacterial."
"There are also good bacteria
that live on the skin that, for a long time, we've thought that they actually
stop more dangerous bacteria getting a hold, because they fill up a niche."
Of the deodorant research, Dr
Coates said: "This is very interesting, but it's just another way
of thinking about it, though it may well be that in the fullness of time,
it would be more effective."
(Article June
2002) back
to community latest
Up to 190 jobs are
to go at the Unilever factory.
(BBCi Wednesday 19th June 2002
The company, which makes household cleaners and toiletries, says that
the jobs will be lost in the research laboratory at Port Sunlight.
Laboratory director Alan McKinnon says the job cuts are part of a major
reorganisation and do not mean that the company is not fully committed
to its operations in Wirral.
"There are no doubts for the future of the area and the lab remains as
strong as it's always been. But we are a global business, we are in a
very competitive world and we have to change to survive."
"The reason this business has survived for over 100 years is because we
have been prepared to change when we've needed to change and this is another
example of that".
(Article June
2002) back
to community latest
Diabetes sufferer loses
tribunal
Aug 1 2002
Courtesy Emma Gunby, Liverpool Echo
A DIABETES sufferer who claimed he was overlooked for a job because of
his disability, has lost his case.Edward
Newman, 39, from Moreton, told a Liverpool employment tribunal that he
believed he had been unfairly discriminated against because of his condition.But
the tribunal did not agree and did not uphold his complaint.
Mr Newman, who worked in a packing
department at Lever Faberge Ltd, in Port Sunlight, alleged that bosses
told him he could not take up a new position because he might pass out
and lay undiscovered for hours.But
Mr Newman, from Millhouse Lane, said he felt his diabetes should not prevent
him taking up a new job in a different department.He
said: "The risks would be minimal, if any. The actual job is very
close to the packing hall and someone else nearby could keep an eye on
me."I didn't see that being
a risk."The panel was also
told how Mr Newman had been taken off night shifts in November last year,
after the company doctor found it aggravated his diabetes.
He had also suffered problems with
his lower back which forced him to take 11 weeks off work.When
he returned he was put on restrictive duties and told not to lift weights
of more than 15kg, the tribunal heard.The
panel heard how bosses had put Mr Newman in a series of temporary positions
at a time when more than 100 of his fellow employees were also looking
to be redeployed following the closure of the soap factory at Port Sunlight.Emlyn
Williams, representing Lever Faberge Ltd, said: "The respondent hasn't
failed to find you a job."Throughout
the time they knew you had diabetes they retained you on your shift pay."The
company has done nothing wrong, they protected your pay, they gave you
work to do when they were suffering major restructuring because of the
closure of one of their sites."
The company acted reasonably."
emmagunby@liverpoolecho.co.uk
(Article August
2002) back
to community latest
V
VIllage Halls event launches
at Port Sunlight
May 1st 2002
Ideas
about the countryside influence debate about national identity, modernity
and ideals of citizenship. The Village Hall Roadshow is an art and film
programme which will tour 5 villages in a converted Luton van starting
in Port Sunlight on the 3rd of May. There will be a special opening on
the evening of May Day Bank Holiday (6th May). All welcome.
Jeremy Deller &
Alan Kane are collaborating on a steam powered internet. Joanne Tatham
& Tom O Sullivan have written and published a novella for the roadshow.
There will also be a commissioned 100 second film by Vehicle shown in
a mobile cinema designed by Jerki and on the walls of the village halls
will be a selection of landscapes by the photographer John Davies.
The village hall roadshow
is touring the following venues:
Port Sunlight, Merseyside
- 3rd - 6th May
Kingsley, Cheshire - 11th - 14th May
Parbold, Greater Manchester - 22nd - 25th May
Brampton Bierlow, South Yorkshire - 28th - 31st May
Aughton, Lancashire - 4th June - 7th June
All openings are at
5pm on the first day at each venue (except for the initial launch on the
Bank Holiday Monday).
Throughout the tour
there will be a programme of films and documentaries shown in the cinema,
a library of videos and books for visitors to borrow, commissioned t-shirts
designed by AHC and Sue Tompkins, talks by local historians and speakers
from further afield, a newsletter for the network of villages, a raffle
and a wide range of local activities taking place at each venue.
The Village Hall Roadshow
has been funded by the Arts Council of England and North West Arts Board
with additional support from the Turnpike Gallery - Leigh, The Lighthouse
- Glasgow, The Engineers Emporium, The Stableyard ISP - Glasgow and Cains
Brewery (launch night).
courtesy:www.villagehalls.org
(Article May 2002) back
to community latest
W#
Webnewsgroups
- Port Sunlight along with other Wirral locations, now has its own
internet newsgroup. www.webnewsgroups.com has over 50,000 cities,towns
and villages around the world, listed in its databases. As well as standard
messaging capabilities, the newsgroup can promote your web pages and create
online auctions.
(Article November 1999) back
to community latest
Wedgwood Museum is the location or the next PSVS trip on May 20th.
The newly-opened visitor's centre is a testament to the brilliance of
Josiah Wedgwood - William Hesketh Lever was an avid collector of Wedgwood
(see the Gallery section for more details!).Leaving Port Sunlight at 9.30
a.m and arriving at Hanley for shopping at 11a.m, the Wedgwood tour starts
at 2 p.m, the coach leaves at 4.30 p.m arriving back at 6 p.m. Tickets
for the trip are £8 for OAP members, £9 for Society members and £10 for
non-members.
(Article April 2000) back
to community latest
Wharf
Street Retirement Homes and Apartments - 2001
is set to herald the start of new construction work in Port Sunlight.
The demolition of the Cabot Engineering offices in early January will
give way to 10 2 bedroom retirement apartments owned by the Village Trust.
The remaining planning permission
for the go-ahead of a 60-bed nursing home and 38 close-care apartments
in the vicinity of Wharf Street/The Ginnell is currently being sought
by Glenavon Investments. The Wirral Borough Council is considering the
removal of a condition when permission was previously granted in October
1998. There was a stipulation that residential garages were to be built
before residential accommodation was built and occupied.
Both of the new developments have been designed by Paddock Johnson Associates,
based in the Village,who designed the Bovis Retirement Homes in Pool Bank,
completed in 1999 and who have also drafted an extensive seven-stage refurbishment
plan for the Gladstone Theatre.
View the planning
applications
(Article January
2001) back
to community latest
The Wirral History Fair organised by Paul Dearden of the WIrral History
Society takes place on Sunday 15th October at Hulme Hall (10 - 5 pm).
The Port Sunlight Village Society has been invited to participate. One
of the exhibits on display will be a model of a turn of the century Port
Sunlight living room. The model was designed by the late Mary Mottershaw,
who until recently was the treasurer of the Society.
Wirral Reflections - the third edition is now available chock-a-block
with images of the peninsula, past and present courtesy of a dedicated
and talented team of writers. Articles in the summer edition take in subjects
as diverse as Lady Hamilton, Church Music at Shotwick, Raby Mere: Wirral's
Hidden Treasure and a fascinating article about Port Sunlight and its
influence on subsequent building on the peninsula. For your copy make
a cheque/draft/postal order payable to: Wirral Reflections for:- £2.50
(UK & Republic of Ireland) £3.00 (Rest of World) Wirral Reflections P.O.Box
31 Upton CH49 6HY reflections@portsunlight.org.uk (Article August 2000)
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