March 2007

BVPP Newsletter – Volume 1, Issue 1

PREFAB DAYS – A COMMUNITY REMEMBERS
Book Launch, 14th December 2006

The book is the combined memories of the Belle Vale Prefab community, sometimes poignant, often funny but always with passion. It recalls the memories of this unique community from the time of the first dwellings in 1947 through to the demolition program of 1969. There were over 1000 dwellings on this site which, whilst certainly the largest in the UK, may also have been the biggest in post war Europe. No single book can hope to capture the memories of a thousand families over two decades. It’s simply the way of things that communities everywhere eventually change, grow old, take different shape and often disappear. The unique tapestry that evolves over years from the experiences and interactions of hundreds of individuals and families begins to unravel as soon as the bulldozers move in, as if someone has pulled on a loose thread. In a matter of a few months, all that is left are a few photographs, diaries, journals and stories to be passed to children. These stories of the “Tin Palaces” told by the occupants and their children are related with both enthusiasm and nostalgia all of which is evident throughout this book.

BELLE VALE POST OFFICE TAKES UP THE CAUSE

We would like to thank Mr Jones The Postmaster for his efforts on our behalf in selling “Prefab Days” to customers from the local community. Price £9.99 available from: Belle Vale Post Office (Details below) Or by Post, order via bvpp@blueyonder.co.uk
4 Belle Vale Post Office, 121 Belle Vale Road, Liverpool

SIR TERRY LEAHY BECOMES PRESIDENT

In April 2006 Sir Terry Leahy agreed to become President of the Belle Vale Prefab Project. Many will recall that as a young child, Terry lived in a prefab in Endbrook Road and attended Our Lady of the Assumption. After graduating from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 1979 Sir Terry entered the Tesco supermarket chain as a marketing executive. In 1992 he was appointed to Tesco’s board of directors, and by the time he was 40 he had worked his way up to become chief executive in 1997. Sir Terry was knighted in 2002, soon after having received the honour of the Freedom of the City of Liverpool which entitles him, amongst other things, to herd his sheep across the city without being arrested.

WEBSITE

Thanks to a grant from the Lee Valley Housing Trust the Prefab Project web site is being developed. Unfortunately due to the amount of work involved in getting the book published in time for Christmas the web site has slipped somewhat. Detailed development is being carried out at the moment and it is hoped that we will go live very soon. You will be informed at the project meeting when this is so. The web site will contain details of meetings of the Project Group, excerpts from the book, a depository of all the photographs we have received, as well as a way of tracing former friends and neighbours. Copies of the last three news letters, as they become available, can be accessed so that it will be possible to look back to see items that you may have missed.

GATEACRE SOCIETY

At the last meeting of the Gateacre Society on Sunday 4th February, members of the Belle Vale Prefab Project were invited to give a talk about our project and the success of the book “Prefab Days” Sandra Sandland and Eddie Lansdowne were amongst the members to volunteer. They had an audience of between 50 and 60 people who were very interested in our photographs and maps and many Gateacre Society members bought the book. There is to be a write up of the talk in the next Gateacre Society newsletter.

RADIO MERSEYSIDE

On 8th December two members of the Committee, Celia Kelly and Rob Langton took part in a broadcast for Radio Merseyside. They were interviewed by Linda McDermott about our book “Prefab Days” Linda McDermott included a question on air for which a copy of “Prefab Days” was to be given as a prize for the first correct answer.

EXHIBITION CALLED “INSPIRED BY A HERO”
PART OF THE “FOUR CORNERS OF LIVERPOOL” PROGRAMME

The exhibition was based on a model depicting a local hero. Mr Dick Squires, who lived in the Belle Vale Prefabs was a War Hero, and was suggested for the project by Pat Wheatley. Mr. Squires a submariner during the War, was decorated by the Russian President, and honoured with the M.B.E. By Her Majesty the Queen. The two sided model was made by an artist from the Liverpool Museums and incorporated photographs, certificates and memorabilia kindly loaned by Mr and Mrs Squires for use in the exhibition.

IN REMEMBRANCE

We would like to take the opportunity to remember two members of the Prefab Project Group. Dot Prenton, a valued member of the Prefab Project Committee who died in February 2006. Ray Kirkham who taught boys from the prefabs the joys of scouting, and more especially built a permanent base for them. In the heart of the prefab estate. The Scout Hut of the 5th Childwall Troop. Ray died in January 2007.

TRIP TO ST. FAGAN’S

St. Fagan’s: National History Museum is one of Europe’s biggest and most exciting open-air museums. Over forty buildings have been taken down stone-by-stone and rebuilt here at St. Fagan’s, Including a Prefab in the same design as the Belle Vale Prefabs. The Museum dismantles these buildings and re-erects them at St Fagan’s as means of ensuring their future. In September 2005 the Liverpool Museums, as part of the Prefab Project start up process, funded a trip to enable the group to revisit their unique history. The day proved to be exceptional as the weather was fine and sunny and the sight of the Prefab and its interior brought back many memories for us all. What made it so memorable was the ability to go inside the prefab and to see how it was furnished in the 1950’s style. A lunch was provided in the cafeteria which was enjoyed by all.

The trip costs £10.50 for members and £15.00 for non members.

BABY BOOMERS

Congratulations to the following members who will celebrate their 60th Birthday this year.

Margaret Cannon nee McDonald
Elaine Connor nee Adams
Jean Downey nee Witter
Sue Glover nee Corness
Peter Heys
Janet Hughes nee Williamson
Pat Stenton nee Blakemore
Linda Thomas nee Kerr
Pat Wheatley nee Hagan

BELLE VALE PREFAB PROJECT FUTURE MEETINGS

Thursday  31st May 2007 (7pm - 9pm)
Thursday  28th June 2007 (7pm - 9pm)
Thursday  26th July 2007 (7pm - 9pm)
Thursday  30th August 2007 (7pm - 9pm)