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On 1st July I met with some fellow family researchers in Hooten, Cheshire. I had booked to stay nearby for 2 nights as I have a Great Grandfather connected to Port Sunlight.
On the 2nd I visited the Port Sunlight Village. I had an amazing time although hot and very tiring. I decided that instead of continously getting in and out of the car I would park it in the Village and push myself round. Well, I decided to park at the further point which was outside Lever House. I was then advised to go down Greendale Road, take a right which led me to the Garden Centre and find my way round the village.
I didnt visit all the buildings but I saw Gladstone Hall, drove passed the Bridge Inn which I had planned to eat in but didnt. I wanted to visit the Museum and was advised that the Museum and Gallery were at the same place. This is not the case. So having pushed myself up the ramp to the Gallery , chatting to a few staff members and realising this was mainly full of Lord Levers belongings (Paintings, statues, furniture etc) that I should really head for the Museum. So back down the ramp and onto the Museum, where I visited the shop where I brought a postcard, and a sunlight long bar of soap, chatted with Lynn who works there, and decided on a plan that would probably take in a Trail later in the day. At this point I had not gone round the Museum.
I was hot, and thirsty and needed a snack and realised the nearest venue to get this was the Art Gallery. So back I went, up the ramp to the Gallery. The staff were very helpful and showed me the lift and directed me to the shop and cafe. I sat and ate a scone with jam and had a cappucino. I also brought water to carry with me. I then visited their shop when I brought a lovely satin (I think) glasses case which I am using to carry my mobile phone in. I chatted to the staff and spoke about Richard Woods. I mentioned that I did not know where he was buried. I was informed that there would be someone at Christ Church and they should be able to help me. So off I went to Christ Church passing the school on the way. It was like they were expecting me as they had the ramp out to assist people unable to climb the stairs. I met a few volunteers who gave me the number for the person responsible for the burial register. I even attempted to venture round the churchyard myself. It is a lovely churchyard and despite the stone paths it was fairly easy for me to manage. I had little battery on my mobile but took the opportunity to call the lady I had been given the number for. I left a message and within minutes she called me back saying she would just finish her lunch and come and meet me at the church. This she did. However having looked at the registers she was unable to find Richard or his wife listed.
I returned to the Museum where I saw their displays, video etc but missed the tour. I have the plan of the village so next time I will take more in. Port Sunlight is a lovely village and the people are so helpful and friendly. I wish I could live there.
I took a few pictures during my time in the village but I also know I will find more on the internet.
On leaving the Village I headed for the house in which Richard lived. I wanted to meet the people living there and also ask them about the watch I had brought from ebay which belonged to Richard. I parked in Elmbank oppsite the house, had assistance to cross the road as the pavements where high and then knocked on the door. Out came this lovely man who had been sitting in the garden. We chatted for ages. I showed him the death cert of Richard my Great Grandfather, my Grandmothers birth certificate and the 1911 census page all which list Richard as previously living in his house. I asked also if he had had renovations done recently particularly to the fireplace but he said no. In fact his fireplace was put in during the 70's. Therefore the mystery of where the pocket watch, I now have, was found still continues.
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Fi,
I have been fascinated reading your adventures around Port Sunlight.
Can I ask, are you still at the same address you were back in 2007, when I posted you a newspaper article about Tanni ?
I would like to send you an item I have, connected to Sunlight Soap.
Elisabeth
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Hi Elisabeth.
Yes I am still at same address. Thank you for your interest.
Fi
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Fi,
I'll put it in the post tomorrow or Monday. Hope you like it!
Elisabeth
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Thanks you Elisabeth. I am sure I will.
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nudge, cos I can and because I think there are people who have not seen it. LOL!
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Fi,
Package in the post this morning, so you might get it on Monday.
I hope you are fully recovered from your adventures!
Elisabeth
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aahh Thank you Elisabeth. I look forward to receiving it. Do you have any connections to Port Sunlight then? I am just about recovered thanks. Had a quiet day surfing the net.
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No connection whatsoever. Just something I happened to have. It is just a little something to add to your collection.
I enjoyed reading your battle for the watch, and then was fascinated with your adventures at Port Sunlight.
I hope it arrives safely.
Elisabeth
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Hi Elisabeth,
I have sent you a pm but I would publicly like to thank you once again for the lovely Sunlight Almanac dated 1899 which was so gratefully received on my return from work today.
A book to be treasured forever.
Thank you once again.
Fi :) :)
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