When the UK traded with the US, Liverpool was the gateway to Europe. As Europe increased trade within its member states the East, the 8 miles of uninterrupted dockland fell in to decline along with the local economy and the lives tat depended on it. The population declined rapidly as people sought work elsewhere. The derelict properties adding to the industrial wasteland. By 1980 the port was at its lowest ebb. Its remaining storage being used for surplus grain and butter. European farmers were guaranteed incomes from the European Union to produce food that would never be used, not even for the starving in Africa. The UK governments response was not to divert that money in to producing goods (and creating employment) that was required but to decide that Liverpool need a garden festival to help regeneration. The festival site remains unused today. Fortunately the city's beautiful and historical buildings remained intact. These along with its musical and sporting heritage helped it become European Capital of Culture in 2008. This time the city has been regenerated and is the top UK destination outside of London.

This, another in the Mersey Rhymes, series recalls Liverpool's overhead railway. It recalls the station names and hints at the long standing passion for football. EMU = Electric Multiple Units - the worlds first railway carriages that did not need a locomotive - now the world standard for Mass Transit Systems.

A simple rhyme in a new series I'm writing and invite people to add to. This one recalls how the Mersey Ferries became 'Royal' (e.g. the Iris became, the Royal Iris, as with the Daffodil) following their involvement in the evacuation from France following the failed invasion. The style is intended to be used with skipping games.

Some of us, in our youth, admired another from afar. Overwhelmed by our emotions we froze and were unable to take any action at all. Forsaking for ever the never knowing of rejection or acceptance.

Rip Ja feel?