NEWS FROM HOYLAKE’S BELOVED PIRATE SHIP “The Grace Darlingâ€.
The Festival of Firsts organisers write:
Many of us have come to love the Grace Darling, Hoylake’s very own pirate ship, since she was “berthed†on the rocks by the new Hoylake Lifeboat station in Summer 2013.
Hundreds and hundreds of children (and grow-ups) have clambered over Grace and enjoyed her close- up and from far off. Grace is the sister of the “Black Pearl†located in New Brighton – equally beloved.
Recently we had an accident on Grace! During half term, a child went through the deck and was rescued by the Fire and Police services. Frank Lund and Major C Mace who installed Grace, inspected her and have concluded that the deck was damaged by vandals before the accident occurred. They have replaced the damaged deck and made everything good and safe. Frank and the Major inspect Grace at least once a fortnight.
During half terms and holidays it would be a good idea to have more frequent inspections. Do you regularly walk by the Grace Darling or visit her? Would you be willing to telephone in if you see anything amiss? If yes, please become a friend of Grace by contacting Barbara and Frank. Help us to keep Grace sturdy and safe so that we can all enjoy her for many years to come!
Barbara Singleton, the Chair of the Wirral Festival of Firsts Art Programme approached Frank Lund about a driftwood ship in early 2013. As a result, “Grace Darling†was created by Frank Lund and Major C Mace with a team of helpers including Scooby the ship’s dog. She was completed in just three weeks, in time for the 2013 Festival of Firsts. You can read more about the story of how Grace Darling came about through the following links. Please visit Grace and Pearl ‘s Facebook page for other news and updates.
https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackPearlNewBrighton
How do you contact Barbara and Frank?
It was brilliant to see the Grace darling lit up last evening. Quite spooky when I gazed out of my front window to see her ‘dressed overall’ with lights. Well done to whoever made the plan and carried out the work
When are the lights on?
I’ve been down a few times around 5.30pm (the time when I ran past once and saw her all lit up) but she’s been in darkness.
I am a shop owner along Market St who has also been vandalised so many times these last few months. I also noticed that the lovely Incredible Edible planters are getting targeted as well.
It would appear that these incidents could be the work of the same yobs. So I agree we need to get together and name & shame these low life’s. Here we are trying to make our town look attractive and welcoming and mindless idiots are trying to ruin it. Makes me so mad.