Hi All Yes, that was a New Year's Eve tradition even in Kirkby, some way inland from the docks. We could hear the sirens, too. That was while the "tall, dark" man of the family was going round the block with a piece of coal, expecting a glass of whisky as he let the New Year in. Maria ----- Original Message ----- From: Pam Craven To: eng-merseyside@rootsweb.com Sent: Friday, December 15, 2006 12:22 AM Subject: Re: [ENG-MERSEYSIDE] Christmas Hi Marged No Christmas recollections but New Year. When I was a child my mum and dad always woke me up before midnight and I remember standing at the doorway or out in the street with all the neighbours as everyone gathered around waiting for midnight when all the ships in dock on the Mersey let off their sirens. It always seemed exciting and something to look forward to. That is New Year to me and it has never been the same since I moved away to the south of England. Best wishes Pam (ex Wirral) -----Original Message----- From: eng-merseyside-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:eng-merseyside-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Marged Sent: 14 December 2006 23:47 To: MERSEYSIDE Subject: [ENG-MERSEYSIDE] Christmas I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas, followed by a prosperous and peaceful New Year. In the lead up to Christmas, perhaps we could have some Christmas recollections - if they concern Merseyside, all the better. If they don't, well - we can overlook it for once and look forward to some good contributions. Perhaps people would just like to tell us what their plans are for Christmas - staying home or visiting family? All the best, everyone Marged ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ENG-MERSEYSIDE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ENG-MERSEYSIDE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message