Category: City Quay

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Mandarin Ducks enrapture City Quay residents

This morning residents observed two Mandarin Ducks. The Ducks were spotted last year on the City Quay lake but no one captured the picture.

We stood and watch the majestic creatures with its dazzling plumage, gorgeous and striking beak. It’s beak sets them apart from your average mallard and inspired its nickname ,”hot duck”.

The Mandarin duck is known to be one of the most beautiful ducks in the world. It is one of the few living creatures who don’t cause any environmental problems. In China and Korea, they symbolize faithfulness because they are monogamous birds, meaning they mate for life. That is why every bride receives a pair on her wedding day. The ducks have been spotted on our lake for the last couple of mornings: it makes you feel like a child again just looking.

The Mandarin Ducks were spotted in Sefton Park in January and originates over 4,500 miles away in China.

I hope everyone in their lifetime gets to see a Mandarin Duck – such an uplifting sight. Just remember one thing: if someone offers you a Mandarin Duck dish, don’t eat it, because it’s great to look at, but not to eat!

Article by Audrey McCurley
Pictures captured by James Roche.

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Life at City Quay

Life at City Quay gets more interesting each day!

The site, as we know, was built on the historic “Herculaneum dock” and is ringed by some English Heritage Grade II listed building which had been used to store explosives before and during WWII.

Left section of mural

It was also the place which marked the beginning for the old overhead railway, or “Dockers umbrella” as it was locally known. Built in the early 20th century it was finally pulled down in the 1950’s to the consternation of many local people. Ask anyone over the age of 65 about the Dockers umbrella and you are bound to get a reply tinged with nostalgia as it is remembered with affection by those who knew of it. If you go to the back of the estate the sandstone archway which marked its exit from the escarpment is still visible on the left facing the sports centre.

Middle section of mural

On the other side of the complex just outside of the fence we have the old “Dockers steps” These steps served as a passage from the Dingle area of Liverpool through to the docks and were tramped by hundreds of dock workers each day on their way to queue for work. They have been in place for over 150 years. On a good day I count 72 steps but other days there seem to be 74. Can anyone be sure?

At the bottom of the steps an unknown artist has painted a mural. This covers five panels and depicts life in Liverpool from the early 20th century to around the 1980’s It has references to both World wars,, the general strike of the 1930’s “Boys from the Black Stuff.” by Allan Bleasdale, the dockers umbrella and the Beatles.

Right section of mural

It seems a shame that not too many people know about this work of art which sadly is now beginning to crumble.

Take a look, you may see some things I have missed! Look out for the black cat in the middle of the picture.

(Anna Williams)

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