Learn about Liverpool’s history with new Central Library course

A BRAND new course is on offer for anyone who wants to uncover their family tree and learn more about the history of Liverpool

For the first time, Liverpool Record Office is running a special five week course, which starts on Monday 13 February (2-4pm), to give people all the know-how they need on how to trace their family tree, giving them a guide to how to use Liverpool’s Record Office including accessing school and housing records as well as giving access to amazing archived Liverpool images.

In My Liverpool Home will be delivered by Central Library’s experienced and knowledgeable team, it will give people the opportunity to view and understand how to access archives which date back to the 13^th century, and will also provide a rare chance to see behind the scenes and visit the purpose-built repository and conservation studio.

Taking place on the fourth floor of Central Library each week of In My Liverpool Home will cover:

• Week One – A guide to the Record Office and its unique resources and how to use them.
• Week Two – Learn about school records which also includes industrial schools which were for children who had lost one, or both, parents.
• Week Three – Look at the impact of the workhouses in Liverpool.
• Week Four – This will introduce people to the resources available at the library for discovering the history of houses and the conditions most working class people had to live in.
• Week Five – This will give people the opportunity to see a photographic history of Liverpool, dating back to the 1850s.

The course will take place each Monday from 13 February until 13 March and each session costs £25. If anyone signs up to the entire course they only pay £100.

Advance booking is essential and this can be done either by emailing archives@liverpool.gov.uk giving your name, contact details and stating clearly which week you’d like to attend or whether you would like to take part in the full course. Applications can also be made via post to: In My Liverpool Home, Record Office, Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW. Enquiries can also be made at Central Library. Payments can be made on the day of the course.

WHIZZ! BANG! River of Light spectacular, 5 November

Liverpool and Wirral’s brand new fireworks event, River of Light, takes place on Saturday 5 November.

There’s nothing that welcomes the return of Autumn like firework night in Liverpool, so say “pish!” to dark nights, grab your warm coat and your big scarf and get ready for this one. It’s fair to say we’re very, very excited about this brand new event!

The running order of the evening is as follows:

• 4pm – Build up begins with Bring The Fire street entertainment at Albert Dock Salthouse Quay, Mann Island, Princes Parade and Hamilton Square/Woodside Ferry Terminal in Wirral.
• 5.30pm to approx. 6.15pm – Les Commandos Percu and Deabru Beltzak, a group of world renowned drummers will parade from Liverpool Town Hall in a spectacular fusion of percussion and pyrotechnics.
• 6.30pm – Mid-River fireworks display begins.
• 6.50pm – Show ends.

Sparks in the Parks – Bonfire Night in Liverpool 2015

5th November Fireworks Displays

This year two displays will take place in Sefton Park and Newsham Park – and will start at 7.30pm and be synchronised to music and will last around 20 minutes. We’ve been promised some Uptown Funk and a bit of Let It Go from Frozen for the little ones.

These events are hugely popular, so we’d advise travelling either on foot or on public transport and leave plenty of time to get there on time.

Remember, Remember – important information

• It can often be cold in the park so don’t forget to wrap up warm and plan your visit.
• The parks can be pretty muddy, so make sure you’re wearing suitable footwear.
• Dogs can often be frightened of fireworks and displays so please leave them safe at home.
• Please don’t bring your own fireworks, sparklers or Chinese Lanterns as they can be dangerous in a crowd of people.
• If you need any travel information or advice – please visit Merseytravel.gov.uk

Sefton Park information

There is limited accessible parking at Croxteth Drive, Sefton Park.  Due to significant road work disruption at the junction of Smithdown Road, Ullet Road and Greenbank Drive we encourage you to leave your cars at home as delays are expected. The event organisers would urge anyone going to Sefton Park  to walk around the park to the review field and to avoid the café area in the centre of the park in order to avoid congestion and delays.