I lived on the Wirral Peninsular beside the RIVER MERSEY for over 40 years. As a boy, I lived in 53 Rappart Road, Wallasey. Only a hundred yards or so from the prom and river. Growing up in this area was full of adventure for me and my younger brother Dave.

We had the sea shore, the river, the docks, and various parks. My favourite place was the docks, packed with ships of all shapes and sizes. Royal Navy and Merchant Navy, if you don’t live near a big river, this meant, war ships and cargo ships.

To be on the docks playing skipper of a paint barge, with our Dave as crew was great. It was not unusual to be just missed, by a big ship, or rocked by the wash.

At the age of 10, I could and did join the Sea Cadets, I was made up. I spent ages preparing my uniform for my first parade, on the bus I was struggling to get my lanyard right, an old lady on the seat in front turned and said, don’t be worrying son you look ACE.

Crossing the Mersey by ferry boat was great, walking around the top deck in the summer and battened down in the saloon rolling with the waves in the winter. One Sunday we crossed the Mersey for a Church parade on the Air Craft Carrier ARK ROYAL, The parade was held on the flight deck, it being winter the deck was rolling ever so slightly.

Another favourite place was Bidston Hill, a local beauty spot. If we had money we would go, or return by the steam train, only two carriages but a magical journey. The Hill boasted a windmill and observatory. Best of all as far as we were concerned was the woods and open hills and the wind mill with its massive sails. We would play knights and crusaders for hours.

New Brighton, also on the river and just a penny bus ride or 3 mile walk away was a very busy seaside resort in summer, with a large fair ground and outdoor swimming pool. The pool hosted the local bathing beauty contest.

Alas, the glory days of the River Mersey are gone, but it is only through compiling this web page, that I have come to realise how much I miss the river and all its many facets. I hope that my photographs have illustrated some of this magic and that if the opportunity arises, one day you may be able to take a trip down the RIVER MERSEY yourself.