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The Herald Scotland
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
The best of Liverpool - ten attractions in four days
QUIRKY QUARTER Why, even after three hours, are we reluctant to leave? We're suspending reality and becoming totally inquisitive, in this world of illusions, magically changing images, upside down rooms, and unbelievable photo opportunities. It's interactive and frustrating, but satisfying to crack conundrums. Ryan Johnston, who patently loves his job, helps when we fail, and is a whizz at photographing us. Don't miss the quiz about landmarks, when you can become an 'Honorary Scouser'. Ron's faves are conducting an orchestra playing Beethoven's 'Fur Elise' and the last room. I won't reveal anything. Suffice to say this room's compelling, a tad scary and infinite. And take a hairbrush in with you to look your best. You'll be mesmerised. Quirky's an understatement. MERSEY FERRY RIVER EXPLORER CRUISE Royal Liver Building (Image L Cahill) Aim to arrive early at The Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal, to collect a journey map, then swiftly join the queue, to secure a deck seat for best views. To the sound of 'Ferry Cross the Mersey', by Gerry and the Pacemakers, we take the 50-minute cruise, on Royal Iris of The Mersey. We hear an excellent commentary, viewing photo-worthy highlights, such as The Three Graces (Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building), Cammell Laird Shipyard (over 1300 ships built), Royal Albert Dock, and Wallasey Town Hall. An option's to disembark at Seacombe and walk to New Brighton. We ferry past Everton FC's new stadium. After you disembark, head to The Beatles Statue for a photo. MUSEUM OF LIVERPOOL ake for this stunning building to learn Liverpool's story. Our destination's an exhibition in the Skylight Gallery on the second floor. Here, in the People's Republic Gallery, we visit 'Galcoff's and the secret life of Pembroke Place'. We're fascinated by the reconstruction of the frontage of kosher butcher's shop, and a description of how the 1930's green tiles were conserved or replaced. The exhibition's enhanced by a video of the family, including Ivor Galcoff, Percy's grandson, singing 'The Sausage Song'. We learn about the social history of Liverpool's Jewish community, and read notes written by Galcoff's customers and workers. Position yourself at the nearby window to take exceptional photographs of Liverpool's superb architecture and waterfront. THE CAVERN RESTAURANT Time for our first taste of 'scouse', accompanied by Merseybeat. This Mathew Street restaurant attracted us because it served 'Blind Scouse', a vegan adaptation of the world-famous dish. We sit at a great vantage point, watching tourists. But, we're focused on delicious, garlic bread then hearty bowls of scouse - mixed vegetables, barley, potatoes and gravy, with pickled red cabbage, beetroot and crusty bread on the side. Sorbet scoops of blood orange, and mango complete a perfect lunch, which includes top-class service from our waitress Rose. Satiated, we admire the reception desk with its campervan frontage, photos of celebrities displayed up the staircase, and Cavern merchandise. THE CAVERN CLUB We head downstairs and feel the beat, history and fame, gaze at the famous arches and think how it must have been. On the Front Stage, a man belts out 'Sunny Afternoon', by The Kinks. This Cavern Club's a replica - the original one was demolished in the 1970s and rebuilt in the 1980s, in the same place. We still feel excitement and the atmosphere - especially nostalgia as we're Baby Boomers. It's loud and powerful, with great acoustics. Before you leave, I recommend you buy a brilliant souvenir, from an extensive choice. We climb into daylight for the Wall of Fame and statues of Cilla Black and John Lennon. STRAWBERRY FIELD In 1934, Strawberry Field and its Victorian house were gifted to The Salvation Army. The house later became a refuge for needy children. We're impressed to learn about the Steps at Strawberry Field programme, including one where young adults with difficulties securing paid employment, can succeed. Strawberry Field Bandstand (Image: L Cahill) We marvel at the top-class exhibition, especially the 'Imagine' piano, a Steinway lent by the George Michael Estate. There are also gifted, limited edition LPs and John's handwritten draft of 'Strawberry Fields Forever' lyrics. The photomosaic is superb, especially seeing John's face behind the piano. We explore the gardens, where young John played - a haven of peace. We spot the original red gates and climb onto the bandstand. By the time we reach the labyrinth walk, we're well chilled, with John's song in our heads. CROSBY BEACH We take the train from Central Station to Waterloo, then walk past a swan-filled lake, to a path through sand dunes. It's time to reacquaint with several of the special, naked 100 men I know and love in Merseyside. 'Another Place' by Antony Gormley at Crosby Beach (Image: L Cahill) Time for more photos of these cast-iron men, who live on Crosby Beach, gazing at the sea, horizon, ferries, and the Burbo Bank Offshore Wind Farm. These superb life-size sculptures by Antony Gormley, made from moulds of his body, live in 'Another Place'. Take care when visiting my stunning, fit friends. Soft sand and mud are unforgiving and dangerous, so please obey the warning to stay within 50 metres of the promenade. You won't need to stray out for excellent photos. Photograph yourself with the men, but kindly respect them too. THE BLUECOAT Time for Liverpool's oldest city centre building. The Bluecoat, dating from the 18th Century, is tucked away down School Lane. We face a stunningly impressive building, a former school for orphans, which later became a contemporary arts' centre. It's a busy place, with a café, exhibitions, tours, events and workshops, and a print studio. Unmissable's the peaceful garden and the shops behind blue doors, especially R&J Porter. Robert Porter's a jeweller, silversmith and hand engraver. Joan, his proud wife, tells us about her husband engraving trophies, e.g for the Grand National and Aintree. Through another blue door, is Aldous Books, where you can snuggle down with a secondhand book in its cosy, reading nook. The Bluecoat (Image: L Cahill) LIVERPOOL ONE/CHAVASSE PARK We're bamboozled by the expanse of Liverpool One, until information in its brand directory explains all - Paradise Street for restaurants, and style and technology venues, Peter's Lane for designer items, and South John Street for two floors of high-street venues. Also listed are alternatives - The Old Dock Tour, The Heritage Trail, and The Nature Trail. Once you've exhausted all those, head for some R and R at The Top where you'll be surprised by Chavasse Park & The Terrace. Though there are busy bars and restaurants, there's also an unexpected, green space to rest, and admire what you've bought to remind yourself of lovely Liverpool. Before planning your memorable journey, go to Liverpool, four days, 10 attractions - even a shipyard founded by Scottish entrepreneurs, and bowls of Blind Scouse, PS We love you.
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Scotsman
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Family pays tribute to legendary Edinburgh musician Shorty Rogers who passed away aged
The family of a legendary Edinburgh musician who was the original singer of a chart-topping swinging 60s group have paid tribute to him, after he passed away last week. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ronnie 'Shorty Rogers' Woodbridge was an 84-year-old Liverpool-born rock singer and Edinburgh music icon whose flamboyant stage presence and boundless energy made him a local legend. The dynamic performer, gifted comedian, and cherished member of the Edinburgh music scene passed away peacefully on June 17, leaving behind a legacy that spans over six decades of music, laughter, and love. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ronnie "Shorty Rogers" Woodbridge on stage in Edinburgh later in his career. | Marc Marnie Performing under the stage name Ronnie Loftus, a cheeky nod to his 6-foot-3 frame, he became a fixture of Liverpool's emerging music scene, getting up to sing with Gerry and the Pacemakers and other young bands. On occasion he would see John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the Grapes in Matthew Street, they would speak about music and he would also watch them perform in the Cavern. In 1959, Ronnie was part of the earliest version of what would become The Searchers, naming the band with John McNally and Mike Pender after his favourite Western film, directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne. But before the group gained widespread recognition, Ronnie was offered a position as lead vocalist with the Nat Allen Orchestra, a professional opportunity that would shape the rest of his life. After performing at Liverpool's Locarno Ballroom, Ronnie relocated to Edinburgh in 1960 for a residency at the city's premier dance venue, the Palais de Danse in Fountainbridge. There, he adopted the name Shorty Rogers and performed six nights a week with an 11-piece orchestra, thrilling audiences with his soaring voice and magnetic stage presence. Shorty performing in his heyday at the Palais in Edinburgh. | The Woodbridge family It was also in Edinburgh where he met his future wife, Frances, whom he married in 1962. The couple had four children: Ruth, Ron Jr., Richard, and Frances Anne. When the dance hall era came to a close, Ronnie chose to remain in Edinburgh rather than rejoin the orchestra in England. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Looking back at that time, Ronnie's son, teacher and musician, Faron Woodbridge (Ron Jr.) told the Evening News how his dad felt most alive when performing on stage. He said: 'My mother was pregnant with my sister when the band was on the road, so my mum wanted to go home. Ruth arrived and they tried to continue touring to start with but it was a bit difficult, so they moved back to Edinburgh and the rock and roll band scene kicked off. The family has been here ever since. 'My dad had a loyalty to Edinburgh, and loved my mum. It wouldn't have worked out to carry on touring. So he got a job here and played live all over the city. People remembered him from the Palais, so they followed him into the rock and roll band scene. 'When I was a young boy my dad took me all over with him to his gigs, including The Bandwagon, off Fredrick Street. I used to love watching him perform live with his band on a Saturday afternoon, it was inspirational.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Shorty passed away peacefully on June 17 aged 84. | Marc Marnie From the late 1960s onward, he continued performing under the name Shorty Rogers, developing a distinctive act that blended rock and roll, ballads, and country music with comedy and showmanship. Known for his flamboyant outfits — Shorty became instantly recognisable in venues across Scotland. His high-octane performances often included microphone-stand acrobatics, crowd banter and spot-on impressions of comedians like Ken Dodd and Tommy Cooper. Despite his larger-than-life stage persona, Ronnie remained grounded. By day, he worked as a road roller driver. By night, he transformed into a beloved entertainer who brought joy to thousands. Audiences across generations fondly remember his warmth, wit, and unforgettable performances. Shorty's funeral will take place on July 4 in his adopted hometown of Edinburgh. | Marc Marnie Ronnie remained devoted to his wife Frances until his passing, and his musical legacy lives on through his two surviving sons, both of whom continue to perform in their own bands. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Faron said: 'I have been a musician most of my life thanks to my dad, he nurtured that in me and I was the bass player in his band for 10 years from the age of 16. It was such a buzz being on stage with my dad and great fun. My brother Richie was in the band as well, as drummer, even though he was only 13 when he started. 'He was a fantastic dad, in many ways he was like a brother and mentor. I always felt like he had time for me, if I had a problem I would talk to him. Even though he was a hardworking man he would always make time for the family. 'Richie is a renowned drummer in the Edinburgh music scene, my dad really encouraged him from an early age. It's in our blood to perform music on stage. We just absorbed all his musical knowledge and talent.' Ronnie 'Shorty Rogers' Woodbridge entertained music fans in Edinburgh for more than half a century. | The Woodbridge family Shorty Rogers was a cherished husband, father, performer, and friend. His contribution to the cultural life of Edinburgh — and his roots in the vibrant Liverpool music scene of the 1950s and 60s — make him a remarkable figure in British music history. He will be remembered not only for his voice and charisma but for the joy and laughter he brought to every stage he graced. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Faron added: 'Memories of my dad performing on stage have been passed on down the generations. 'He only stopped performing about a year ago. He went through a period of his heart giving him problems, but they managed to sort out his medication to allow him to still get up on stage, playing places in recent years like Bannermans, the Caves and the Jam House (before it closed). He was a bit more restrained on stage but he still loved it.' Born in Liverpool in January 1941 during the height of the Second World War, his mother tragically died shortly after his birth due to complications from scarlet fever, and he spent his early years away from the family but soon returned to live with his father, stepmother, and three older brothers near Anfield, close to Liverpool's football ground. Ronnie 'Shorty Rogers' Woodbridge was a much loved performer in Edinburgh and further afield for more than 60 years. | Marc Marnie Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And Faron revealed that his dad had no ill feeling about seeing the Searchers have great success with chart hits including 'Needles and Pins' and 'Sweets for my Sweet'. He said: 'He was happy for the Searchers and would go to their gigs to catch up with them. They enjoyed huge success and are still going now, they are playing Glastonbury this year. When dad died we received messages from musicians John McNally and Mike Pender, which was lovely. 'However, my dad has got his own legacy for what he established in Edinburgh. He was a larger than life character, a proper rocker, who was loved by so many people in Edinburgh for so many years.' Though he had trials with Liverpool Football Club as a young man, music quickly became Ronnie's true calling. Inspired by the rise of rock and roll and artists such as Elvis Presley and Gene Vincent, Ronnie joined his first band — The Duke Duval Rhythm Group — in 1958. That group would go on to become the first rock band to play at Liverpool's now-legendary Cavern Club. Their name remains inscribed on the Cavern's Wall of Fame to this day. Ronnie Woodbridge's funeral will be held at Warriston Crematorium at 1pm on Friday, July 4. Mourners are requested to wear something red in memory of Shorty.
The Herald Scotland
06-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
‘Lord's Prayer better recognised than national anthem, Churchill or Shakespeare'
Of just over 2,000 people across the UK asked last month – in polling commissioned by the Church of England – 80.3% correctly recognised the line 'Give us this day our daily bread' was from the ancient prayer. This came just ahead of Star Wars, with 79.9% recognising the line 'May the force be with you' came from the films. Of all those polled, 89% said they had heard of the Lord's Prayer or the Our Father, with 88% of those who identified themselves as having no religion still having heard of the prayer. When it came to other famous lines from history, 'To be or not to be' from Shakespeare's Hamlet play was recognised by just under three-quarters (73%) of respondents, while fewer than two thirds (63%) correctly matched the lines 'happy and glorious, long to reign over us' as being from Britain's national anthem, God Save The King. Around six in 10 (61%) respondents recognised the line 'Never in the field of human conflict, was so much owed by so many to so few' from Churchill's 1940 speech to MPs in Parliament. More than half (58%) recognised 'You'll never walk alone' as being from the song by Gerry and the Pacemakers, and is the adopted anthem for Liverpool football club. Fewer people recognised an extract from the British national anthem (Aaron Chown/PA) Least well-known of the seven extracts from famous works given were the lines 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, matched correctly by just 39% of people. The findings also showed that 16% of those surveyed said they had not heard of the national anthem lines, while 14% said they had not heard of the line 'You'll never walk alone'. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said the findings suggest the prayer remains a 'steady guide' and something which continues to 'resonate with people of all faiths and none'. Mr Cottrell is leading a 'tour' of events at churches and cathedrals across the north of England as part of his Faith In The North initiative, with a focus on the prayer. He said: 'These results reflect what we've been hearing across the north of England through our Faith In The North initiative, which invites people to explore the Lord's Prayer. 'Though ancient, its words continue to resonate with people of all faiths and none. 'In a world of shifting cultures and changing circumstances, the Lord's Prayer remains a steady guide – perhaps never more so than now. 'Lines like 'Give us this day our daily bread' speak powerfully to today's challenges, reminding us to seek sufficiency, not excess, and to consider what 'enough' truly means.' The polling comes ahead of the Thy Kingdom Come prayer movement finishing this Pentecost Sunday, with events taking place in churches across the globe. – Pollster Savanta interviewed 2,035 UK respondents online between May 23 and 26 and said data was weighted to be representative of the general public by age, gender, region and ethnicity.
Wall Street Journal
16-05-2025
- Health
- Wall Street Journal
The Next Frontier to Treat Cancer: Electricity
Electricity is gaining newfound traction as a potential treatment for diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis to hard-to-treat cancers including glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. Pacemakers for decades have delivered electric pulses to keep heartbeats steady, and electroconvulsive therapy has helped people with serious mental illness after other treatments have failed. Now new technologies and devices are widening the scope of how electric fields and pulses could be used as medicine.
