St.Helens set to discover its greatest stories never told

21st September 2010

What do Hollywood films and the Titanic have in common? Unbeknown to most people, the borough of St.Helens has made significant contributions to both. And that’s just a small part of the town’s history.

With a wealth of interesting facts to shout about, St.Helens has joined with the City of Liverpool’s landmark public art event Liverpool Discovers, to uncover and document the wealth of significant, yet lesser-known, facts about its history, driven and informed by the people who know it best.

For instance, did you know that George Groves, the pioneer who brought sound to the Hollywood screen was born in St.Helens? Or that the bell and portholes for the Titanic were made by a St.Helens company?

St.Helens storytellers are being asked to unlock the treasure trove of hidden secrets by telling the world what they know online by clicking here or email garymaddock@sthelens.gov.uk or post to Gary Maddock at St.Helens Council, Wesley House, Corporation Street, St.Helens, WA10 1HF. The facts will then be verified by a panel of historians, with the most interesting stories inspiring the installations and map. The open consultation will run from now until Friday 8 October.

The 10 categories included for consultation are: Arts and Entertainment, Health, Science and Technology, Sports, Trade and Commerce, Architecture and Open Spaces, Transport, Maritime, Social Justice/Radicals and Music.

St.Helens Discovers is a part of the Liverpool Discovers project, commissioned by Liverpool City Council in collaboration with St.Helens Council, and will see both places reveal their greatest stories never told, before a Winter’s Trail transforms these amazing facts into fun and interactive art installations in early 2011. St Helens will also feature on an innovative map that will show tourists and visitors alike around its points of interest inspired by the public consultation.

The award-winning Wild in Art have been commissioned to bring the region to life once again this winter and have devised this innovative and exciting event as the key part of Merseyside’s seasonal programme of cultural events, entitled A Winter’s Trail.

Sally-Ann Wilkinson, Director of Wild in Art said: “We’re incredibly excited about St.Helens Discovers and their involvement within the project. This is the people’s chance to shout about what they find most interesting and what makes them proud about their home. We want people to have a lot of fun with us by sharing their stories, as well as enjoying the trail early next year.”

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture, Communications and Town Centre Councillor Barrie Grunewald said: “I can’t wait to hear and read some of the entries.

“St.Helens is a borough packed with so many wonderful people and fantastic storytellers. This project is an opportunity to share those stories, uncover new tales and find out more facts about what makes St.Helens the place it is".

The project is supported by the Liverpool ECHO, BBC Radio Merseyside and Merseytravel, with further partnerships to be announced soon.

St.Helens Discovers is financially supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

For more information contact Gary Maddock at St.Helens Council on 01744 676731 or email garymaddock@sthelens.gov.uk