Liverpool.

Walkers: Anthony, Vic, Danny, Paddy, Jim, Dave, Mike and Martin.

We picked Jim and Dave up at the Fleece in Penwortham, and from there they directed us through the new road layout, to the newly opened Penwortham by-pass. From there we made our way to Merseyrail's Old Roan station on the outskirts of Liverpool, where we purchased our tickets to take us into the city. The rain was coming down steadily by now.

After changing trains at Moorfield for the Chester train with the help of a young lady employee, who very kindly guided us through the station to the correct platform. We travelled just one stop along the line to Lime Street, where Anthony had arranged to meet up with Mike H, who had made his own way there.

We didn't have to wait more than a couple of minutes before Mike was spotted, hood up to protect himself from the rain, which was coming down quite hard now, striding out across the concourse towards the Christmas display outside St. Georges Hall. After
making our greetings we decided to seek refuge in the basement cafe within the hall.

With no hard and fast itinerary to stick to (fast!!! we don't do fast)
we decided to do a tour of the hall, in the hope that the rain would abate. This is one of the basement cells, where prisoners where locked up, often for minor offences, before being escorted up a narrow stairway to the dock of the court, where many were sentenced to deportation to Australia

The judges chair. ( The seat of power)

This is the Gallery, overlooking the main hall. The beautiful mosaic floor is only on display on special occasions. Most of the time it is boarded over as it is now, to protect it.

The rain persisting, and time getting on, we set off to the cafe within the precinct of the Metropolitan Cathedral, where it was planned we should have our lunch.

On our way to the cathedral we passed this primary school. The
fence may have only been put up to stop balls being kicked over the wall, but it gives it the appearance of a prison.

,

When we reached the cafe, Jim managed to secure us a little room all to ourselves.

After lunch, the rain having stopped, we headed up to the cathedral where a carol service for the primary school children of the diocese was just finishing. After letting the multitude process out, we set off further up the hill to the Victoria Museum and Gallery where we could only have a short visit, due to the time creeping up on us.

 .

Off back down hill to Central station, where there was a little wait for the next train. Martin took the opportunity to present us with
cakes to celebrate his forthcoming birthday on Monday. 
Thanks Martin. Once back at Old Roan we had a relatively easy journey home, albeit in the dark.
DK