Liverpool Tales from the Mersey Mouth - A book by John Williams
"This is a wonderful collection of writings by
John Williams. While it isn't specifically about the Beatles,
they are clearly a part of the story, along with the very fiber
and fabric of the city that influenced him and them as well.
The pieces are short, well written and filled with a delicious
sense of humor that shines in the titles as well as the essays."
Jan Perry, Cincinnati Post
"John Williams writes in the language of Liverpool,
a Scouse scribe who brings to life the people and places, inner
thoughts and outer images, the vigour and vitality and essentially,
the iron humour of a unique city."
Bill Harry, founder of Mersey Beat
thanks! im in the proses of studying for a
degree in modern history and i found your site very usefull!
i went on holiday to Liverpool this summer and found it fascinating-
i only wish i was there during the 50's amnd 60's!
i'm not, as a rule, in the habit of leaving
notes after nosing about other people's websites... in this
case, however, i would like to express my appreciation for
the stories i have found here...
what a great read!
thank you and keep up the great work!
be well
mia
ps. if you have the time and temperament,
i would like to know where else you are published?
Annika from England
wrote on October 28. 2003, 15:14:
I found this article about colours very interesting.
have you heard of the term pink collar workers to describe
work dominated by women such as shop assistants etc?
What a great job. I found your site via merseymouth.
I know now what I missed. I have never laughed for a long time.
I am trying to tell my grandkids just how different things
are in Canada than Liverpool. Thanks for your effort Joe. Keep
it coming
Loved your rendering from Crete, it was a
bloody howl, so very typical of the island although a little
bit more sophisticated than I remember. I know Crete well and
Elounda, spent several years there in Chania and Chersonissos/Iraklion.
I used to work as a tour rep for Arrowsmith Hols. Brought back
a lot of great memories. I always said that one day I (like
McArthur) would return. Keep up the great work love reading
your stuff. If its one thing I miss living in the USA, it is
the Liverpool wit and humour, and all the great characters
that seem to evolve from that city. This seems a very mundane
place to live. Keep up the good work. Tra for now Berni
Just a former Liverpool Lass, now in Vancouver,
Canada
In trying to find images of the gas street
lamps, I happened upon your memories.
I'm in the process of creating a "memory
book" for my adult children, who at present are not so
very interested, but I think will be when I'm no longer here
or may not have my marbles any more.
Hello, I actually live in Wambo Lane, which
is now right next door to a large supermarket. I am searching
Google for some history about this area, not having much luck
so far. I remember the prefabs with great affection though.
Fair points made. I'm now studying the project
as part of my university degree. I would be inclined to agree
that it is hideous, but nonetheless, Liverpool seems to like
it.
Christine from United Kingdom
wrote on October 16. 2003, 16:05: --
I was feeling a bit down in the dumps till
I read this, thanks for cheering me up
I am raising funding for a bottle manufacturing
plant and in finding out more about the process, your story
is the funniest thing I have read about glass manufacturing.
Enjoyed reading all of these tales . Takes
me back to my youth and beyond. Please keep up all the good
work and I look forward to a future piece from you which refers
to the likes of Billy Liddell and Tommy Lawton spinning in
their graves at the antics of todays soccer heroes.
If you dont write it John...maybe I will...but
I couldn't do it justice.
My mother in law told me to visit your website,
and i must admitt your tales are funny but true, i am taking
my wife and five year old son over to liverpool for christmas
later on this year, and of course most of our time will be
spent at goodison park !!!! cheers, keith
2001 spent a wonderfull time in MERSEYSIDE
with my family who live in WIRRAL-Seabank road..Wonderfull
place and people,they took me to Liverpool i wished i had been
able to stay and learn more.But Sept 11 happened and i was
placed on a plane at Manchester and returned to Aussie..But
loved MERSEYSIDE and know the history in the area is very interesting;
M
John your stories are so well done and down
to earth i just love them and i sicerely hope you make it with
your stories to be published ,,Will be keeping my figers crossed
and praying for you ,,,You certainly deserve ,,,Luv Syl from
powell river british columbia canada
Like Marged, I was brought up around the corner
from doddy's cottage
Personally, I used to cringe when I saw him.
I did once go for an audition to the Royal Court hoping
I could be a diddy woman ! alas, it was not to be (tic)
I worked in a T.V rental company for a couple
of years and Doddy would come in 3 months late with his B/W
rental fees wearing his Russian hat. I don't remember any jokes
being bandied about all I can remember is me staring at that
horrible mole he has next to his lip.
Now, back to who I would vote for greatest
Liverpudlian, it would have to be someone further back I imagine
like a Rathbone, Bibby or Father Nugent.
I love John Lennon's songs but he doesn't
deserve to be placed on a pedestal above the rest of the Beatles.
Oh and I remember you kicking a football and
it hitting me in the mush in our backyard in Kirkby. It was
about that time too. 1963ish coincidence or what? It's surprising
the things you remember after forty years and most times I
can't remember what happened forty minutes ago.
I wonder if John Lennon's name would have
been so high on the list if he hadn't been killed.
John how about adding England to the list
of countries.
Mary from Australia
wrote on October 4. 2003, 15:29:
Hi John,
Yes I would have chosen John Lennon.
I was surprised it was Ken Dodd. Still we
got Lennon's Airport which is something. I think Liverpool
is a bit slow off the mark sometimes. I mean knocking down
the Cavern was a disaster. But now Liverpool is on the
move and maybe they will get it right this time.
Mary
*Annemarie Stinson nee Foggo from Australia via
Liverpool
Used to live in Knotty Ash myself - grew up
on the Ken Dodd legend but have never actually seen him perform.
Oh, I tell a lie - he came to open a shop that I worked in
once - Julian Swift at Prescot. All the girls were queueing
up for personal autographs - he asked their names and to one
girl said "Heather - do you grow wild on the moors, Heather?" Not
bad for an off the cuff crack! Top Liverpudlian? I don't think
so!
Your ragman story reminds me of my lovely
wife's only visit to a court was to give evidence for buying
a toy windmill from an unlicensed hawker. Oh if it was that
simple now. Wally Banks
I just came upon your webpage and it looks
good. I see you were on the Cape York - maybe I'll hear more
about it when I read more of your entries. I read 'La Mer I
divorce thee', so far. I can't remember just now what I was
searching for when I found your page.
I was a radio op and my first ship, as 2nd
sparks, was Cape Franklin - a good ship though the OM didn't
like me - he liked my senior sparks and himself and that was
about it. We berthed in Vitoria, Brazil, with the Cape Howe,
also an ore carrier.
I'm living in Cork, Ireland - over here for
30 odd years. I still get back a fair bit and like to call
in the Roscoe Head, Quinns (White Star) and Pig and Whistle
- thank God they haven't done anything to these pubs. It's
a great place and I miss it and I second your wish for the
good times in the 21 c.
What a great read John, should be very proud
of yourself. This site will keep me occupied for years to come.
Maybe able to even locate a few Old Friends, Thanks again John.
I couldnt agree more. I work outside for a
living and love the smells of trees or natural phenomena; however
it has got to a stage whereby it makes me miserable to walk
past other people because they always smell of dreadful perfumes.
Even if the perfume is expensive it offends my nose and sets
me off sneezing and wondering how they can go about smelling
so strongly of that which is not themselves. Why does everything
have to be scented or flavoured? Have our senses become dulled
by years of overwhelment? Please someone invent a perfume that
smells of moss ; or tell me how i can make my own .
Simply sobering....I wish I could have read
this 40 years ago when attending school on Merseyside...also
explains one the background to my own family...my Father son
of Irish immigrants married to a woman who was a from a family
of Scottish Presbyterian folks etc etc....what a potent brew
...yet it all somehow worked for me...Cheers John....great
stuff man.
Memories of the Kop, eh - nah, nowhere near
the same as when we stood and SWAYED! Many a day I've gone
home with wet splattered shoes on a dry day!
Didn't make the Isle of Wight, as I was away
at sea, but I did meet Jimi Hendrix in a hotel bar sometime
earlier - had a drink with him, just a normal guy, no airs
and graces - he could have been a Scouser!
By the way - I worked on the Tower and New
Palace funfairs back in the 60s when I was at Riversdale studying
to be a Radio Officer. Grew up in sight of the Liver Building
but now exiled in Wales.
I happened to come by your site by entering
NOYTA-CCCP in google search since I have a stamp on a post
card with that on it from 1930. I'm trying to find the origin
and history behind it. It took me to one of your stories. I
then clicked on your home page and I will save it to surf at
another time. It is 3:15 a.m. where I am at. I'm sure I will
enjoy reading your other stories and adventures. Would love
to get a reply. ;-)
Exiled Merseysider - half Scouse half Manx
- living in Wales. Entertaining about the preacher - I remember
them too - and the escapologist who worked on the bomb site
next to Lewis's... I was hoping to find some info on when the
river "froze over" probably in the early 1900s - if you know
where I can find any info please feel welcome to e-mail me
and let me know. Cheers lah!
Quite a story, could only happen to a scouse.
I am a member of the Merseyside Branch of the Vindicatrix Association,
we meet on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7-30pm at Sams
Bar in Tithebarn Street, come and give us a visit.
I really enjoyed your story! Great stuff!
I was at the Vindi Jan-Mar 1961 and went to sea as a galley
boy. I really come from Leicester originally and came to NZ
in 1963 to join the NZ M.N. After being promised a job I was
unable to join the Union and never did get back to sea. I've
been stuck here ever since. My wife and I have six daughters
and nineteen grandchildren so I don't think I'll be going home
now.
I also was a connie on the buses #79 Lee Park
to the Pier Head everything you said was true and it was one
of the best jobs I ever had. I also worked as a waiter in the
French at the Adelphi and selling shoes in Lewis's, made Spam
at the Blue Cap and was a Hod carrier for Wimpy's I must have
had a thousand jobs before I gave it all up and came to the
States, I still love and miss the place though. Dave Doran.
Lyn B from United Kingdom
wrote on July 16. 2003, 08:58: E-mail:
I really laughed at this ... I truly hope
that it is not an omen!!!!
The one that we are hoping to hear about is
totally wrecked inside ... but has potential! and, well outside
will need at least three skips !!!!
Only just found this pearl of a missing link
and will definitely be sharing it around. Almost, only almost
forgotten what I miss most so far from the Pool
Another good yarn, you certainly have the
flair to put them together, but Whisky and Coke, please please
tell me that's not Scotch whisky you are talking about, I thought
the only barbarians that put coke in Scotch were south of the
US Canada Border.
John, this is a ps. I've just read River Deep,
it took me back! I lived in the school house at Bethesda at
the end of the valley in your story from 1941 to 1945. It is
still to me the most beautiful place in the world. I have been
back many times and in recent years have taken my grandsons.
you can imagine how they enjoyed the mountains and rivers.
You were correct about the dangers. It was
not unusual for climbers to get stranded, even killed up there
and what is now part of the Snowdonia National Park was used
as traing area for commando's. Thanks once more for a great
read...Teresa
You've done it again, my friend.......a wonderful
story,and a terrific read.
Had me on the edge of my seat when you took
that leap of faith, but knowing you I never feared you would
land safely....After all, you had your wellies on, didn't you?
:-)
Seriously, all your stories and poems are
so well written and very entertaining.
Take care.
Joanie.
Mary from Australia via Liverpool
wrote on July 13. 2003, 00:50:
Another great tale. You are a marvel and such
experiences
Just read with interest, your last article
about our wonderful Constabulary we have here in Liverpool..,
I know all about it you see as I was once one of that lot.
Served from 1992 - 2002 at Walton Lane (as well as other places)
before I was stitched-up, presented to her majesty's Crown
Court, listened as the Traffic Officer told a pack of lie's
and dutifully convicted by the people of Merseyside who dislike
the Police. As a result... I was disqualified from driving
3 years and sent to prison for 3 months as well as upon my
release.. disciplined internally and immediately sacked!
I can't believe I gave up my career to be
a Copper in Liverpool, what planet was I on!??! I also do a
lot of wedding photography too.. so it aint too bad.
No wonder people really do hate the Cops..
I've experienced the s***e from both inside and out & I know
what go's on behind closed doors!
it was a very good read mate, what amused
me most of all was it was my first trip to trinidad and the
a. b's had a great delight in telling this big mumma I was
a cherryboy she chased me all around the tables in the bar,i
was bloody petrified and run for it, good luck mate , george
perth down under
You are surely a man of many talents. Loved
your story. You should write a book using all the work you
have done already. You have a great gift for writing. What
are you waiting for? Many blessings Rosemary.
Very interesting to hear someone talk about
going to my local pub the Blue Ball in Prescot Street.
I lived over the road in Fairclough Lane. Great times always
when there was live talented musicians and singers on at
the local pub and all you had to do to get in was buy a pint.
Do you remember Pat the doorman? I also used to drink
at the Coach and horses fifty yards up the road, which
is still there.
Hya John. I read you redneck in Elounda and
I think it's brill!
There is a site for Elounda holiday Friends
to keep in touch I'm sure the people who look after the site
would love your article.
they are at webatelounda77.net I would have
put it there but I think you may need to give the go ahead.
why dont you have a look at the site it's at http://elounda77.net
keep up the good work
Much enjoyed your story of being bus-conductor
on 26 route.
I also did a spell of conducting in 1966 at
Speke garage.
Quite an education and I well remember the
humour of the drivers and the encounters with the public
- especially at chucking out time on Park Road on a Friday
night.
Your story explains why my cash never matched
- I always seemed to be short, no matter how much care I took!
jumped ship in portland maine,and had the
same luck and kindnes shown to me by all the locals bar the
nice friendly guy in the pool hall who pulled a knife and relived
me of forty dollars i was also at the ripe old age ofsixteen
.regards jim
Just a p.s. to 'correct' my location in my
last mail. I'm a Londoner, but have been expat in Germany for
the last 30 years. OK, it can happen to anyone!
John, Robin Hurst tipped me off to your site
a short while ago. I've just read your moving 'The Long and
Winding Road' for openers, and I'm moved to drop you a note
right away. Great stuff, mate. I sailed out of Liverpool a
few times in the 1950s and have many happy memories of it.
So I shall return and take my time to go through your site
from bow to stern.
All best, and hope to see you at the Vindi
Reunion next month.
footnote to my previous message my niece and
her husband Louise and George wong manages the Philly pub if
you still go for a pint there say hello for me.
Great site john, some brilliant stories. You
must have been on the England when me and our Ronnie Mac was.
We were vindi boys 52/53 Will access your site again regards
Bob Edwards.
Wonderful web site. Will keep me good for
a few hours. Just read ticket to ride, took me back to when
I delivered Atlantean bus prop-shafts to Edge Lane in the 80s.
just been looking at your website, it's a
great read, I too was a vindi deck boy spending 34 years deep
sea, I'm now on pilot boats on the firth of forth.
Another new guest book, due to file size of
previous volume.
Earlier books can be found at the bottom of
my index page at, http://www.merseymouth.com
( 46 people have signed this guestbook since August 16. 2003 )
James McCann from Liverpool
wrote on September 17. 2003, 13:59: --
Hi John
I love visiting this site and I find myself
relating to and/or agreeing with most of the stuff you write.
I am Liverpool born,(1935), and have lived here all my life.
I am of course a Liverpool fan and have witnessed
all the great and not so great occasions at Anfield over the
last 55 years or so.
The one that sticks most vividly in my mind
is the night we played Inter in the European Cup Semi-final
V Inter Milan. As I recall it was the wednesday night after
we had won the FA cup for the first time
Most older fans will agree with me, I`m sure,
when I say that at the time the FA cup was our Holy Grail.
Before the kick off the atmosphere in the stadium was electric
and when the FA cup emerged from the tunnel for its` "Lap Of
Honour" the noise that erupted can not be described. All around
grown men(incuding myself) had tears running in torrents down
their cheeks and were hugging anyone in sight. It truely was "a
night to remember".
I wonder will it ever be matched . Halcyon
days indeed.
Your eulogy of the Kop in the old days reminded
of my youthin the late fifites/early sixties going to
see "the lads" (when they were in the old second
division!) - memories of watching in awe from the "boy's
pen" as
the clouds of "steam" rose from the famous Kop.
I had an Uncle, a match-goer from before the war, and a docker
as well, who had a special "match coat" for
use on the Kop, with the pockets judiciously sewn up
- not only to guard against the ubiquitous rolled-up "footie
echo" but ever since the
day that, after half time, he reached into his pocket for
his pork pie wrapped in last night's Echo, and unwrapped
it, only to find that some kind person had eaten
his pie!
Hence the sewn-up pockets.
great days, and a great team. Why doesnt anyone
know all the players' names any more?
Dr.Lennie Wolfman- you will recall I told
you he sits next to me at Anfield- well, I mentioned your name
etc and he remembers you well, sends his good wishes. He`s
still going strong, still involved with medical matters but
more than somewhat cheesed off with our Anfield displays!
also another thing I wanted to say is like
your poetry as a writing it is interresting:). i love this "Poems
are never finished, they are simply abandoned."
thought id read your diary of the atkins diet!
very funny read! im about to try it myself and as you, i have
a good taste for alcohol and think it might prove very difficult
to give up! wish me luck ! kaz x
Mary from Australia
wrote on September 1. 2003, 01:40: --
Hi John,
I myself am not a wine drinker although I
am trying to educate myself and have discovered a few that
I like.
I find red wine gives me a terrific headache
and most white wines leve me with a thirst. I also put lemonade
in my white wines but I do remember when I was a lass buying
(with friends) a bottle of QC Ruby wine 7/6p and drinking it
in gulps before we went out on the town.
Great site hit on by chance, brought all the
memories back of growing up in Liverpool and how good it was.
I still remember the tunnel vision and hang on to your pint
times in the Eagle and Child.
Coxhead farm sounds the ideal place for a
child's explorations and imagination. Wonderfully written -
it was lovely to read. You are lucky to be given such fantastic
memories. I remember going to my Grandparents farm in Wexford
as a child. Going back now it is a run down farmhouse and outbuildings,
but back then it was my yearly escape from urban surroundings.
Wonderful.
Loved your site, came across it by accident
whilst researching the Cameo Murder. I'm sending
details of it to my sister in the U.S.(the site that is, not
the murder!)
What a great website you have set up. It is
important for the people of Liverpool to remember their history.
It has made us who we are today. I loved the web pages and
wish you luck in the future.
Love the site. I can`t say I found out a lot
I did`nt know about my home town but I like the way you`ve
put it. I`m making sure my daughter knows her heritage. She
likes me to sing 'Johnney Todd' and 'The Leaving Of Liverpool'
at bedtime.
During an unsuccesful web search for Liverpool's
lost pubs, I came across your page about the Phil. After
looking at your home page, I'll look forward to reading some
more soon. Have put your site in my favourites! Karen (one
of many Scousers in Somerset!)
I was a bare knuckle boxer up until 63 and
I remember the public bouts held in the "Mystery" in Wavertree.
I took and gave a few hidings in those days I can tell you.
Should you wish to look into this side of Liverpool life I
will gladly assist you and provide some pics. email me
I remember Elders and Fyffes well John, our
outside fitters use to work on them in Garston. Great Story
John. Who would know such places existed if we didn't hear
them in stories like yours.
Great story John --I remember me Dads mate
always brought them big hulking bunches of green Bananas home
and always gave us a load --you do jog the memories with your
tales --Aud In Sc longing for a ferry ride across the Mersey
:-)
Hi. I loved your stories, reminded me how
much I miss home, I was born and dragged up in Garston, went
to Duncombe Road school, then Blackburn House. Miss all my
old friends, and mosjoannet of all the scouse humour !!!!!!!
Hi, as you can see I come from New Zealand
via Essex, a long time ago, and have been asked about one of
the Beatle songs where they refer to fish and finger pie. As
I was from the SE of the UK this doesn't mean much. In your
info you also refer to the pie but I am still not too sure
what the finger part is. This is in answer to an American friend,
who like myself, is also a Beatle fan. Love your site and have
bookmarked it for further reading. Cheers Yvonne.
Hi John. Your tale of Bananas took me back
to 48ish when I was serving an apprenticeship at Grayson Rollo
South Works. I was sent out with the gang to work on the first
banana boat never having seen such things before another lad
and myself got a bunch and went and sat on the river wall.
I will leave it to your imagination to what happened later.
Wales actually, Hi JW, on the subject of butter
I've invented a method of application for best butter on bread
that will enable it to bite back against it's hydrogenated
impostors. Poetry, I do that stuff too. PK Conway.
John Foster from Liverpool
signed the guestbook
on September 22. 2003, 21:15.
This is a wonderfull surprise to find somthing
that I will be able to sit and down and read during the long
cold winters of Canada. As you can see I have been in canada
for over 40years but liverpool has never left my heart and
I have had the good fortune of finding my family again after
so many years. I have been home two times in the last four
years and my wonderfull cousin has been to my home three times
allso and will be coming again next year and I and my brother
and his wife will be going home next year. And so thank you
and will be reading all your stories one by one. Till next
time ......
Thanks for the laughs. I hope you were not
taking the Michael out of us micks.
just so happens we have a plastic lady on
our dressing table, but I think it came from Wooleys on the
way home after forgetting to get one at source. Keep up the
giggles
JB
Mary from Australia
wrote on September 21. 2003, 06:57:
Hi John,
All I can say ...you do make me laugh.
By the way I have a bottle of HW in a plastic
Virgin Mary which a Liverpool friend gave to me on my
last trip home.
Guess what... I dab a bit on myself now and
then.;-)))
reading through your guest book from 2001-2002.
Frank Saunders mentioned Peter Craven, who was a world champ,
and fought at the stadium (I assume he means the boxer).
I actually worked with a boxer named Jimmy Stubbs,(welder),
who fought him on a couple of occasions. I can't recall the
outcome of the bouts.
Jimmy was a top boxer who hailed from Widnes/Runcorn,and
fought the then world champ in a non title fight
and won, but lost in the return where it mattered most, for
the world championship.
some of these facts are vague, so I can't
be sure of outcomes.
Perhaps you may (or readers of your guest
book) be able to recall more detail?
Great Water story John. Was that Davies's
Farm where the Caravan was? We used to go camping there when
we were Kids. Was that Tiber St where the Co-op Hall was on
the corner or was it Tagus St?
You brought back memories of my Grandma and
Mom both, Grandma was the most devoted Catholic, and for a
good while Mom ran, a pretty good second, I guess you could
say ,that I was in the offing for a spot in the line,,,, I
wanted to be a Nun !!
Keep them acoming John,,, "cos we'll all be
awaiting,,,,
If any of your other stories were anything
as good as this I can see that I've missed some really good
ones. This being my first time to receive one of your stories
I can see that you really have a knack for writing, which
I envy. John - keep them coming I really enjoyed it.
loved it. When we lived in France, my neighbour
went to Lourdes and brought me back a small bottle of Holy
Water that had been blessed by the priest or whoever.
My 4 year old son got hold of it and drank
it. Don't think it did him any good, in fact I know it didn't.
Love the Water, Water Everywhere story. Have
sat here with tears streaming down my face. It's a case of
water, water everywhere once more. Wonderful stuff, keep 'em
coming!!
Cheers
Pam
Stoke on Trent
Sonia from USA via Liverpool
wrote on September 20. 2003, 13:26:
John, I am speechless.
Outstanding
There is no question.............
YOU are gifted!!!!
No doubt y ou have been thoroughly doused
with Holy Water, and we now know your secret.
Hi John,long time no hear! Hope you and yours
are well. The memories you give are only like they happened
yesterday. It was only yesterday,wasnt it?!!! take care