Wirral is a world class place!

Jul 2 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

SCORES of readers have sent in their photos of worldwide Wirral namesakes after our story last week about Birkenhead, New Zealand.

We revealed the future of the main library in the Auckland suburb is under debate, months after the future of the central library in Borough Road looked in doubt.

Carol Dean emailed a photo showing her and her cousin at Birkenhead Ferry Terminal, New Zealand.

She said: “I was thrilled to read your article about the two Birkenheads. In 2005 my husband and I stayed in Birkenhead, Auckland, with my cousin Linda Schmidt, nee Harrison (born in Birkenhead, Wirral).

“Birkenhead is a very pretty town with a real community feel about it. The shops are all within walking distance as was the old library – the staff were in the process of packing up ready to move to their new premises when we were there.

“We also took a trip on the Birkenhead Ferry boat to Auckland City and returned on the Birkenhead Transport bus – a lot cheaper to travel on than our Birkenhead transport.

“During our holidays in New Zealand, we also visited New Brighton, which is near Christchurch, South Island.

“We have also visited Eastham which is in Cape Cod, Mass. USA. They continue to have links with our Eastham, in particular, St. Mary's Church.

“We visited the town hall with a letter from the vicar of St, Mary's Church and were quite surprised to see a tea towel from our Eastham pinned to the notice board – someone had beaten us to it!”

Betty Ward, from Wallasey, sent in photos showing New Brighton Pool in New Brighton, Vancouver.

She said: “Never mind Birkenhead! The photos were taken in Vancouver three years ago. It was May and the water was cold.

“The park was lovely, set out for walks and plenty of seating.”