Ark Royal in Liverpool 2009

The Ark Royal came into a very grey Mersey yesterday. I was in town so tried to get a few shots but I'm still coming to terms with the new kit. Given that there weren't many others braving the Wirral side at Birkenhead, it seems the best views were further out towards the mouth.

The Navy will allow visitors today and saturday. I went on board last year and wasn't arrested immediately but I'll not be going again this year. The ship is quite awesome but there was something a bit wrong about young children getting to handle powerful weaponry and given the recent Rhys Jones killing, leaves a sour taste. That said, the officers on board were very professional and helpful. It was free too. Well, we paid for it!

Details at the Echo.

2008 Visit

2009 Visit

Ark Royal Visit to Liverpool:

I've never been a great fan of military matters, but I visited the Ark Royal when she recently docked in Liverpool. There is a family connection in that the original Ark Royal - if one discounts Walter Raleigh's ship - was built and launched in Birkenhead. My grandfather - a contemporary Ragged Trousered Philanthropist - was a painter at the shipyard and worked on the aircraft carrier. He also claimed to have painted the Mona Lisa ( Isle of Man ferries had names such as Mona's Isle) but I digress. The story of the boat's service is interesting from a historical perspective.

The tour of one of its successors was very interesting. I noted that there was less searching of bags and confiscating of items than at the McCartney concert; not that many people would argue with the gun-toting marines on board.

One aspect I did find unsettling was the glee in allowing very young children to hold enormous weaponry without placing their use in context.