More Than The Beatles

In a recent project at FACT, the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology, the Ghana Think Tank, with tons of help from Tenantspin, set up a video booth for the recording of Liverpool problems.

These problems (3.5mb pdf) were sent to a selection of think tanks formed in Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Serbia, and Ethiopia, and their solutions were acted on back in Liverpool.

These solutions included building cement bollards to stop parking on sidewalks, installing a kitty-litter box for dogs in a public park, painting the undersides of umbrellas with sunshine and then doing sunny-day things in the rain, to learning how to build African instruments out of found materials, so that junkies can play them to earn money while "gouching, instead a robbing."

In a problem culled online, Rachie B. complained about the dominance of the Beatles: "I think it's important that Liverpool is known for more than just the beatles."

Her problem was sent to our group of thinktanks from Ghana, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico and Serbia, and the following solution was provided: "Ask kids in Liverpool to document their favorite, unofficial parts of Liverpool for a guidebook or website."

So, Tracey Dunn, of Tenantspin, sought out the insider advice of people in Liverpool aged 1-13, and came up with a list of favorite spots in Liverpool. If anyone would like to help us design a pamphlet for this unofficial guide, please contact the Ghana Think Tank at http://www.ghanathinktank.org

Linus age 13 Tuebrook
This is a mechanical/water feature sculpture put up in 1967 on Fenwick Street near the Liver Building.
Most of these kinds of sculptures were removed by city councils years ago because they sound like toilet's flushing, so this is a rare example of a kinetic piece of public art. If you're lucky you'll see it in action.

There is an African Shield next to the Bucket Fountain and on it is a description about the fountain and Piazza. The Fountain was made and donated by Cammell Laird and Company Shipbuilders based in Birkenhead,across the River Mersey. Goree Piazza is named after two old bonded warehouses in the old Dock Road. Goree is the name of an island off the West Coast of Africa. Slaves were shackled here at the Goree Piazza many years ago.

Jordan Vernon age 11 Skelmersdale
Sci Fi shop 92 Bold Street Liverpool L1 4HY telephone 0151 707 1491
Just down the road from FACT, a large space filled with comics ,toys and memorobilia from Watchmen,Dr. Who,Judge Dredd, Buffy the vampire Slayer and Star Trek amongst others.

Michael McCay age 11 and Tom McCay age 9 Maghull
Number 2 Lodge, Walton Park Cemetery, Walton, Liverpool L9 1AW. Telephone 0151 530 1066.
Lots of animals for children to visit. Tom also likes FORBIDDEN PLANET Sci Fi shop (see above)

Thomas age 6 Anfield
Anfield Road,Liverpool L4 0TH.
'The Flattie' is near Liverpool's football ground and Thomas likes to go and watch the match on a big screen there with his dad.

Jade Sealy age 11 Toxteth
Springwood Avenue, Woolton, Liverpool L25 7UN
This is a big open space to relax in and contains a 'slide' to play on. There is also a nature reserve with many trees and shrubs. Allerton Hall pub restaurant in the grounds serves meals and ice cream.The hall was the home of anti-slave trader William Roscoe.Jade is pictured here with her mum

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Megan age 6 and Molly age 7 Tuebrook
Croxteth Hall and Country Park, Muirhead Avenue, L12 0HB telephone 07989 139357
Lots of jungly climbing fun to be had here.

Max age 6 and Tom age 4 Tuebrook
Muirhead Ave, L12 0HB
Big open spaces and lots of activities throughout the year

Julie Anne age 11 West Derby
Ice cream parlour,39, Warbreck Moor, Walton Vale, Liverpool 4 telephone 0151 523 1315

Alexandra age 5 and Taylor age 6 Walton
Cottage Lane, Deeside CH5 2AZ near Wirral,Merseyside telephone 44 1244 531147
Travel on the tractor to reach Kangaroos (?) and porcupines or go horse riding there.

Thomas age 4 Childwall
Dempster Buildings, Atlantic Way, Brunswick Business Park, L3 4BE. Water front near Dingle.0844 120 850
Childrens' indoor play centre.

Leanne age 12 West Derby
Bankfield Road,Tuebrook,L13. telephone 0151 254 1968

Clare age 12 Wavertree
Collector's shop at Gostins Arcade, 32-36 Hanover Street,L1 4HN telephone Lis Edgar 07990990496
Find collectables like antique toys, records and local art here. Affordable and unique. Run by a local artist who also puts on regularly changing Art exhibitions in the Arcade.The photo is of a water fountain.

Robyn age 12 Wavertree
Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5SD telephone 0151 707 8288
Robyn enjoys pizza here although it's mainly a North African and Middle Eastern restaurant.Very reasonably priced. Another branch is at Myrtle Street in town.

Lee age 11 Bootle
Liscard village, Wirral
and the FUN FAIR at New Brighton.

Ellie age 11 Wavertree
Play area near Olive Mount in Wavertree.

Joy age 1 and Josh age 6 Wavertree
Harthill Road, Allerton,L18
Joy likes football and flowers here and Josh likes the rock climbing.

Erin age 9 Wavertree
Cunard Building, Water Street, L3 1DS telephone 0151 227 2550
Indoor play area where you can make things like bags.