HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Sat 3rd to 11th September 2011

Do you know of a building,venue or guided walking-tour that would be interested in hosting an event during this years HERITAGE OPEN DAYS.

Please contact : info@wirralheritage.org.uk      

History Fair: Bruce Lairds opening speech Sat 5th March 2011

It is my pleasure to be representing the Lairds family here this morning for the opening of the Wirral History & Heritage fair. I am proud to belong to a family whose forbears contributed much energy to the wellbeing of this community,bringing business and a measure of prosperity.  I sometimes wonder whether my great g-g grandfather William, expected, when he set up the boiler making works that he was actually at the begining of turning the tiny Birkenhead settlement into a thriving community which, although built on business, would develop over the next 175 years into the busy and varied community we see here today.

The partnership between our family and the various other families and people who came to live and work here- some at the shipyard- others providing the multitude of other industries and services, is an example of the way communities can grow together and prosper. Good leadership, hard work, a caring attitude, looking out for one another.

Perhaps as we see the exhibits and stalls here today, we might consider past successes, but also the many ups and downs our forbears endured. I suggest that we can be reminded by this, that hard work, persistence and faith in the future build great communities as it builds great businesses.

There is a lot more to be done for this country and for the town. We can look at the lives of those who have gone before us, our parents, our grandparents and those before them as examples to us. Let's not just wait for the government to give the lead, we in our community and in our own ways can look around us and see opportunities. Whether it be establishing a new business and offering employment, or supporting an elderly neighbour, helping the local sports club, or encouraging the local church. It is the small things as well as the large things which build communities.

I wish you all a sucessful day- and it is my pleasure to declare the Wirral History & Heritage Fair 2011 officially open.

Bruce Macgregor Laird