Rebecca Mcgrath

Sayers, the Merseyside bakery founded in Old Swan in 1912, is preparing to close 19 shops at the end of August 2026, putting about 100 of its 800 jobs at risk. The company, now owned by Karen Wood and operated through S&PB Retail Ltd, says declining high-street footfall, changing shopping habits and rising costs have made the locations unviable. It plans to invest in its remaining 72 shops and protect around 700 jobs. The article also traces Sayers’ ownership and expansion history and shares readers’ nostalgic memories of its toast, cakes, pasties and community role.

Motorists travelling across Halsall Moss between Southport and Ormskirk have reported recurring apparitions and unexplained incidents for more than 60 years. Accounts include an elderly man appearing in the back seat of a Mini, a white van vanishing and reappearing, a mysterious passenger disappearing from a car, and a figure seemingly struck by a taxi but leaving no trace. Paranormal researcher Rob Gandy documented the reports and collected additional testimonies, while possible explanations include misperception, unusual lighting, coincidence or phenomena that remain unexplained.

Identical twins Ben and Sam Tweddell from Southport celebrated receiving almost identical A-level results at Christ the King Catholic High School and Sixth Form Centre. Ben achieved a Distinction in Business, an A* in EPQ, an A in Sociology and a B in Law, while Sam received a Distinction in Business, an A in EPQ, an A* in Sociology and a B in Psychology. Both will study at Edge Hill University while living at home. Their parents praised their hard work and the support provided by the schools they attended.

Rachel Buckley, a 19-year-old from Walton, won the Miss Liverpool Echo contest in 1988. Her modeling career and prize included £10,000 leg insurance, a Jersey holiday, clothing, money and other gifts. The Liverpool Echo has revisited the contest through a collection of 22 previously unseen Mirrorpix photographs showing Buckley in Liverpool city centre during a 1960s-themed fashion and flower-distribution photoshoot.

A 13-image gallery explores Vincent O'Neill's home at 10 Percy Street in Liverpool's Georgian Quarter, including its ornate interiors, stained glass, historic features and view of Liverpool Cathedral. O'Neill bought the neglected Grade II* listed property in 1974 despite friends calling him “mad,” then spent decades restoring it with his wife, Susan.

A memorial bench dedicated to Cain, a much-loved Australian Cattle Dog from Wirral, has been unveiled at Vale Park in New Brighton after supporters raised thousands of pounds through a GoFundMe campaign. Cain’s owner, Tracey Rennie, said the bench honours not only Cain but all beloved pets, and credited the local community with helping her cope with his death. Remaining funds will benefit Birkenhead Kennels, while Rennie’s new dog, Scout, has brought renewed happiness to her life.

The Brookhouse on Liverpool’s Smithdown Road is approaching its 150th anniversary and remains a renowned student pub. General manager Steve Mann describes its history, including its origins in 1878 and the restoration of the Brookhouse name, as well as its popularity for sports, drinks deals, reunions and community gatherings. He attributes its continued success to giving customers what they want, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere and supporting social interaction at a time when local pubs are closing.

Mersey Ferries crews are completing specialist training ahead of the Royal Daffodil entering service. The new ferry uses diesel-electric propulsion, automated diagnostic systems and highly manoeuvrable technology that differ substantially from the existing fleet. Captains, engineers, deckhands and customer service staff describe the vessel’s commissioning as a major team effort and a once-in-a-career opportunity. Royal Daffodil will offer spacious lounges, bars, viewing decks, event spaces and improved accessibility, marking a significant new chapter for Mersey Ferries after the retirement of Royal Iris.

Huyton boxing coach Andy Robinson, who has volunteered with young people for more than 30 years, says community boxing helps children build confidence, discipline and respect while improving mental health, school attendance and behaviour. His six-week Andy's Positive Programmes initiative encourages primary-school pupils to identify and solve problems in their communities. Inspired by bedtime stories for his son Teddy, Robinson has also written the children's book Teddy and Crocksey, which promotes inclusion, kindness and empathy while incorporating Merseyside dialect. Proceeds from the book will support his school programmes.

Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa is celebrating its 30th anniversary by looking back at its transformation from a golf club into a major Merseyside resort. HR manager Georgia Whelan recalls celebrity guests including Taylor Swift, Niall Horan and Perrie Edwards, leading golfers such as Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy, and the period during the Covid-19 pandemic when Liverpool FC used the hotel as a secure team bubble. Staff lived alongside the players and celebrated the club’s Premier League title victory. The resort is marking the anniversary with a call for former guests, members and local residents to share memories, culminating in a 1990s-themed brunch.

A photo gallery looks back at Shenanigans, the Liverpool city-centre Irish pub founded by brothers Daragh and Conor McDonald in 1997. The pub became known for Guinness, an inclusive atmosphere and events including beach and full-moon parties, fashion shows and live music, while attracting office workers, students, visitors and celebrities. Shenanigans is preparing to mark its 30th anniversary in April 2027.

Clifton Hall, a Grade II-listed former Victorian home, Baptist tabernacle and current Masonic hall in Birkenhead, has become a venue for paranormal investigations that help fund its maintenance. Caretaker Jeff Forshaw describes hearing unexplained running water and music-box sounds, being trapped behind a basement fire door, and witnessing colleagues experience apparent physical pushes, flying objects, misplaced keys and a figure at a window. Several initially skeptical volunteers reportedly became convinced that the building may be haunted.

A Liverpool Echo quiz highlights popular past and present music festivals and cultural events across Merseyside, inviting readers to test their knowledge of events associated with Liverpool and Scouse identity.

Ian Kinvig, who left school without a clear career plan, built Swan Boat Builders from a one-man operation in Aintree into a 14-person business producing bespoke luxury narrowboats and wide-beam boats costing up to £200,000. After demand surged during the Covid-19 pandemic, the company accumulated a four-year order book and has completed more than 60 boats. Kinvig attributes the business’s appeal to fully bespoke construction, in-house skilled trades and traditional hand-painted marine finishes. Customers come from the UK and overseas, while appearances on Channel 4’s My Floating Home have increased the company’s international exposure.

Shenanigans, an Irish pub on Liverpool's Tithebarn Street, will mark its 30th anniversary in April 2027. Brothers Daragh and Conor McDonald opened the venue in 1997 after converting the former Rising Sun, overcoming doubts that the location would succeed. The pub has built a broad customer base through Guinness, live music, friendly service and an inclusive atmosphere, and has welcomed visitors including Cillian Murphy, James Norton, Rylan and members of The Farm. Its early promotional stunts included filling the pub with three tonnes of sand for a beach party, while its owners credit community support and a focus on hospitality for its longevity.

Royal Albert Dock marked its 180th birthday with a projection of thousands of photographs across the Maritime Museum’s façade, transforming the inner quay into an open-air gallery. Photographer Mark McNulty curated images documenting Liverpool’s music, nightlife and cultural history, with the display running throughout August. A wider community campaign will invite the public to submit photographs for a permanent digital memory book and a further projection planned for September.

Liverpool photographer Mark McNulty is revisiting 40 years of images of the Royal Albert Dock for a projection on the Maritime Museum during the dock's 180th-anniversary celebrations. His archive records the site's transition from a derelict area to a major cultural destination, capturing friends, nightlife, music, exhibitions, public art and landmark events. The Royal Albert Dock and Liverpool Echo are also inviting the public to submit photographs, with 180 images to be selected for a permanent digital memory book and a September projection.

Daniel Heskes and Jamie-Leigh Bradshaw describe how their premature son Ralphie Ray endured respiratory problems, seizures and repeated hospital treatment before an MRI revealed Periventricular Leukomalacia, a permanent injury to the brain’s white matter. Now two, Ralphie is non-verbal, severely autistic, deaf in one ear and affected by chronic lung disease, swallowing difficulties and seizures. His family says doctors repeatedly dismissed their concerns and hopes sharing his story will raise awareness of PVL and encourage parents to trust their instincts. The couple will climb Snowdon overnight to raise money for Alder Hey and hopes eventually to establish a charity supporting families affected by the condition.

Whitbread will permanently close its remaining 106 UK Beefeater restaurants on September 10, 2026, as part of a £250 million restructuring and a broader exit from standalone restaurants. The closures, also affecting Brewers Fayre and Bar + Block, put around 3,800 jobs at risk, while some sites will be converted into Premier Inn rooms or internal hotel kitchens. Four locations in the Liverpool City Region are affected. Whitbread chief executive Dominic Paul blamed business rates and employer National Insurance costs, while local customers described the Queens Drive restaurant as affordable, family-friendly and an important community venue.

Sisters Heather and Nicola Farrell are sustaining their family's decades-long trading tradition at Liverpool's Great Homer Street Market, known locally as Greatie. Their clothing business, Trend Queen Official, expanded from the market to a shop before the COVID-19 lockdown prompted them to focus on online sales and social media videos. Their Facebook, Instagram and TikTok presence now attracts customers from across the UK and overseas, while regular shoppers remain central to the business. Heather says the market's variety, atmosphere and community spirit continue to make it valuable despite the decline of the high street.

An anonymous teenage survivor has spoken about more than a year of violence, non-fatal strangulation, isolation and coercive control by former partner Josh Shanahan. Shanahan pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to actual bodily harm, two counts of non-fatal strangulation, and controlling and coercive behaviour, receiving a three-year-and-nine-month prison sentence and an indefinite restraining order. The survivor, who continues to deal with trauma and fears he may target her after release, is rebuilding her life and urging other abuse victims not to blame themselves and to seek a way to safety.

Merseyside Police introduced a Section 60 order in Liverpool city centre for a third consecutive evening after reports of youths carrying machetes and involvement in fights and assaults. The order, covering a wide central area and applying to people aged 12 to 30 whom officers suspect may be involved in criminal activity, gives police enhanced stop-and-search powers. Three people were arrested during the previous evening’s operation. Chief Inspector Chris Barnes said the measure aims to deter and disrupt criminality while allowing lawful activity to continue, and urged parents, carers and the wider community to help prevent young people becoming involved in crime or antisocial behaviour.

Craig Brady, a 26-year-old father from Dovecot, was one of four men in their twenties killed when a black Cupra crashed into a lamppost on Liverpool Road in Huyton. His sister Kelsey described him as a loving, gentle person and her best friend, while hundreds of readers shared condolences for his partner Ellie Jones, their two young children and the other victims' families. Merseyside Police said a fifth man remains in hospital in stable condition.

Craig Brady, a 26-year-old father of two from Dovecot, was one of four men killed when a black Cupra crashed into a lamppost on Liverpool Road in Huyton. Merseyside Police said a fifth man was taken to hospital in stable condition. Brady’s sister, Kelsey, described him as her best friend, a loving and gentle man with a close relationship with his large family. He leaves behind his partner, Ellie Jones, and their children, Phoebe and Archie.

Liverpool has developed enduring unofficial names for many landmarks and public places, reflecting local history, dialect and humour. The article explains the origins of nicknames including The Rocket for the M62 entrance, Paddy’s Wigwam for Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, Greatie Market, The Mystery, The Raz, the bubble bus stops, the ECHO Arena, the Bombed-Out Church and The Ralla. Several names derive from historical events, former titles, architectural features or local slang, and remain in common use despite changes to the locations themselves.

A family in New Brighton is distressed after floral tributes left for Dave York, a well‑liked school crossing guard who died suddenly, were twice removed by unknown individuals. CCTV footage appears to show different people taking the flowers, upsetting relatives and the school community who had left them in remembrance. The family is appealing for information about those involved.

Liverpool is highlighted as the birthplace of several global firsts, including the modern crossword puzzle, the RSPCA, the world’s first elevated electric railway, the first football goal net, early motorised fire engines and purpose-built ambulances, the first female UK chart-topper, and innovations in tropical medicine and banana imports. These achievements underscore the city’s long-standing contributions to culture, transportation, public health, and global trade.

The Black Bull pub in Gateacre, a Grade II‑listed building dating to 1753, remains a community hub known for its historic character and a local legend about a resident ghost named Charlie. Shift supervisor Sue Bowcock describes the pub’s mix of regulars, community spirit, and events such as singers, themed nights, and group trips like a recent outing to Chester Races. Popular drinks include cask ales, Madri, Carling, prosecco, and wine, and the pub continues to attract both locals and notable visitors including Liverpool players and actors. Sue emphasizes the pub’s inclusive atmosphere and encourages support through continued patronage.

Tony McGuinness retires after 36 years in teaching, concluding 11 years as headteacher of All Saints Catholic High School in Kirkby, where he helped lead the school out of special measures and rebuild trust with the community. Having left school without qualifications, he later pursued higher education and advanced through several leadership roles before returning to lead his hometown school. Under his leadership, All Saints achieved strong Ofsted results and regained popularity among local families. McGuinness reflects on the importance of culture, relationships and providing opportunities for working‑class children, expressing pride in everyday interactions that shaped the school community. As he steps down, he looks forward to family time and believes the school is ready for new leadership to continue its progress.

Tony Bellew’s appearance on ITV’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire is recapped, highlighting his aim to win money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and his humorous exchanges with host Jeremy Clarkson while tackling early questions. The article contrasts his performance with David Haye’s previous result and invites readers to try answering the same quiz questions through an embedded quiz.

Bridewell Studios in Liverpool marks its 50th anniversary with an exhibition showcasing rare works by Maurice Cockrill, returning to the spaces where they were created. The artist-led collective, housed in a former police station, has endured by purchasing the building themselves and refusing repeated offers to sell. Curator Brendan Lyons highlights Cockrill’s influence on Liverpool’s artistic community and the significance of major works such as Nocturne To the City and the large-scale Seven in Two series, reunited for the first time in decades. The exhibition underscores the studio’s ongoing creative activity and its deep roots in the city’s cultural history.

A long‑serving landlady reflects on 37 years running The Rose of Mossley, a century‑old pub that has become a community hub known for charity fundraising, local traditions and loyal regulars. She recounts the venue’s history, memorable visitors, community groups and a recurring story of a resident ghost. Despite rising costs, she stresses the importance of local support to keep neighbourhood pubs thriving.

Several places across the world share the name Liverpool, spanning the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Bolivia, Greenland, Louisiana, and Guyana. Each location has distinct historical backgrounds, from New York’s former salt industry to Canada’s privateering legacy and Australia’s early British settlement. Smaller communities in Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania trace their roots to early settlers, while Greenland’s Liverpool Land reflects Arctic exploration. Other sites such as Mount Liverpool in New Zealand and the remote Bolivian region highlight varied landscapes and purposes. The survey underscores Liverpool’s global influence and the diverse histories behind each namesake.

Residents of Liverpool shared mixed views on whether Andy Burnham should be considered a Scouser, with many noting his Liverpool birthplace but acknowledging his long association with Manchester. Opinions varied on whether this shaped perceptions of his potential as Prime Minister, ranging from support for his past work on issues like Hillsborough to uncertainty about his political direction. Several interviewees expressed hope he could make a positive difference, while others remained cautious about his policies or focus on northern identity.

Strawberry Field remains a major Liverpool landmark, known for its iconic red gates and connection to John Lennon, but its deeper legacy lies in its 90-year history as a Salvation Army site supporting vulnerable children and, today, young adults facing employment barriers. Mission Director Michelle Lovegrove-Huggins highlights the ongoing community work funded through tourism, emphasizing the site's dual identity as both a Beatles destination and an active social mission. Visitors are encouraged to explore beyond the gates to understand its charitable impact, its role in Liverpool’s cultural identity, and its continued commitment to providing a peaceful sanctuary and support for local people.

Highlights the involvement of current and former Liverpool and Everton players at the World Cup, noting England’s narrow win over DR Congo and upcoming match against hosts Mexico. Mentions several Merseyside-linked players representing various national teams and introduces a quiz celebrating past and present World Cup performers from both clubs.

A preserved section of Liverpool’s 1715 Old Dock, built on the natural creek that gave the city its name, lies beneath Liverpool ONE and is accessible through guided tours operated by National Museums Liverpool. The dock, revealed during 2001 excavations, is celebrated for its pioneering engineering and historic impact on global trade. Its modern tours have earned a Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award, reflecting strong visitor reviews and growing interest in the city’s maritime heritage.

Liverpool’s Colomendy outdoor education centre, long regarded as a rite of passage for generations of Merseyside schoolchildren, is up for sale after the collapse of its operator, Kingswood Colomendy Ltd. Liverpool City Council, which reclaimed the North Wales site last year, aims to secure a tenant committed to continuing outdoor activities for local children. Former visitors shared memories ranging from ghost stories and farm chores to hikes and school dances, reflecting widespread hope that the facility is restored for educational use.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport, originally Speke Airport, opened in 1933 after operating from a converted farmhouse and expanded significantly through World War II and the postwar years. Management transferred to Liverpool City Council in 1962, leading to new runway construction and later development of a modern terminal in 1986. The airport welcomed notable visitors including The Beatles, Concorde and Pope John Paul II. Ownership evolved through privatisation in 1990, full acquisition by Peel Holdings, and later majority control by Ancala after a 2025 share purchase. Renamed in honour of John Lennon in 2001, the airport continues to grow under its current ownership structure.

Liverpool-born tennis champion Neal Skupski begins his latest Wimbledon doubles campaign, aiming for a fifth title alongside partner Christian Harrison following their Australian Open win. His former headteacher praised his dedication and achievements as Skupski prepares to face an Argentinian pair in the opening round. The article highlights his earlier successes at Wimbledon, his career path through LSU, his partnership history, and his longstanding representation of Great Britain in major competitions.

Liverpool’s Dazzle Ferry, Snowdrop, became a permanent waterfront icon after its 2015 WWI‑inspired livery by Sir Peter Blake gained widespread public support. Originally a two‑year art commission, the design was retained indefinitely and is the only working dazzle‑painted vessel among three such projects. Recent service disruptions occurred due to technical issues, prompting temporary commuter bus replacements. After engine maintenance and testing, the ferry resumed service, with relief expected soon from the arrival of a new £26m vessel, the Royal Daffodil.

A 100-year-old Liverpool great-grandfather, Malcolm Murdoch, prepares to celebrate his 101st birthday while living independently in West Derby. His life story includes surviving WWII air raids, serving in the King’s Regiment, building a long marriage of 73 years, raising two sons, and decades of community involvement as treasurer of Woodlands Members Club. He attributes his longevity to family traits, hard work, and a lifetime of dancing with his late wife Ethel, while praising Liverpool’s friendliness and encouraging younger generations to work hard for a fulfilling life.

An archive of more than 400 original contact sheets containing thousands of previously unseen Beatles photographs taken by trusted band photographer Leslie Bryce is going to auction at Sworders on July 6. The collection, preserved for decades by Bryce’s daughter, includes candid images from performances, tours, film productions, and recording sessions. Estimated at £22,500 to £28,000, the sale has already drawn strong interest, with hopes that competitive bidding will push the final price higher.

A Huyton couple, Joan and John Gaffney, celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary, reflecting on meeting as young workers at the Meccano factory in Speke. They recount their early courtship, marriage at St Francis of Assisi Church in Garston, years spent building a home and family, and their enduring bond. Now in their 90s, they remain active and independent, surrounded by a large multigenerational family, and plan to mark their platinum anniversary at the Halewood British Legion.

Former Brookside cast members reunited aboard the MV Royal Daffodil for a private event featuring live entertainment and attended by more than 100 guests. Fan Lee Brady described the gathering as emotional and celebratory, with long‑time castmates reconnecting and reflecting on the show’s cultural impact. Renewed interest in the soap followed its crossover with Hollyoaks and its return to streaming, reinforcing Brookside’s enduring significance in Liverpool’s heritage.