LIVERPOOL REACHES OUT TO LOCAL PEOPLE TRAUMATISED BY BOMB
Liverpool reaches out to local people traumatised by bomb
BY: ADRIAN MULLAN
Liverpool opened its heart to a group of local youngsters affected by the Omagh bomb, when the city welcomed 22 people and showed them a time they will never forget.
Just over one month ago, a Liverpool house wife, Libby Lambert, decided that something should be done for young people caught up in the tragic events of August 15th in Omagh.
The first step was to make a quick phone call to the local newspaper, the Liverpool Echo, who promptly got in touch with the Ulster Herald, which in turn contacted Paddy McMahon, leader of Omagh Boys and Girls Club. Paddy made contact with the leader of the Hospital Road Youth Club, Gary Morton, and the plans took on an irresistible momentum and resulted in a magical experience for all involved.
For four days, the group which included a psychiatric nurse from the trauma team, were VIP's, and attended a number of functions at which they met with football stars past and present, TV celebrities, local politicians, and most important of all, the ordinary, warm, caring, generous people of Liverpool.
They met and had conversations with many in the cast of the Liverpool soap, Brookside, and had an audience with Bobby Charlton , and Alex
Ferguson and they were given the freedom to walk on the pitches at Goodison Park and Anfield after recent matches. Libby and her husband had ensured that every possible consideration was shown to the visitors and the people of Liverpool reached out in a generous and compassionate way, ensuring that this was indeed, a memorable visit.
Originally, Libby, whose husband coaches an under 11-side, the Eagles, had intended to bring over an under-11 team to play against the local side. However, after consultation with the local youth leaders, it was agreed that the trip would be more relevant if it were open to all youth ages. The composition of the group was agreed, and so, on Thursday last (29th October), the Omagh group set-off for Liverpool.
There was an initial hitch, as the group had set-off to Dublin to catch the Seacat Ferry, in the meantime, as the coach was already well on its way, Paddy McMahon got a call at the youth club, advising him that, due to the weather, the crossing had been cancelled. Luckily, Paddy was able to contact the coach mobile phone and redirect it to Dublin airport where the ferry company had booked the party on to a flight.
From there, it was all plain sailing, (in a manner of speaking), and the party arrived in Liverpool at 5.30pm where they were welcomed to the Manor House, Seaforth, with an inviting buffet. The Omagh youths were then introduced to the families with whom they would board. Thursday evening was relaxing allowing people to get to know each other, and the youth leaders ensured that the media dealt with the party in a sensitive way, the emphasis was on looking to the future rather than the past.
The group had an early start on Friday morning, when they toured the grounds of Liverpool F.C. and a VIP visit to the famous trophy room. Next on the agenda was a visit to Bootle Town Hall for a civic reception with the Lord Mayor of Sefton.
Having lunched at the Town Hall, the group headed for Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The organisers had ensured that there was �600 worth of vouchers for the various fun park rides, and �10 cash each for a snack. So well organised were all aspects of the trip that the participants were swept along on a wave of excitement and enthusiasm. The evening closed with the visitors viewing the famous Blackpool lights.
Saturday morning began another busy day of activities with a tour of the Albert Dock, a viewing of the Beatles' Story and Ferry Cross the Mersey. From there it was on to McDonald's for a burger and chips, courtesy of sponsors and hosts before going to Goodison Park to see Everton play Man United.
One of the most moving moments of the entire trip occurred when, whilst at the Everton - Man Utd match, it was announced over the public address system that the Omagh group was present, the entire audience, of some 40,000 stood and applauded the Omagh youngsters. It was an emotional moment for the group, and prompted one of the young members to comment "I never knew the people of Liverpool cared so much about us."
Saturday's events concluded with a Halloween Disco at the Devonshire House Hotel.
On Sunday, the group had a chance to catch their breath with a lie in; however as the day wore on there were a range of energetic activities; with
some opting for swimming, others for bowling, and an opportunity to see the local team in action.
An invitation by MP Joe Benton to Bootle Town Hall accounted for some of the afternoon, whilst in the evening the youngsters took the opportunity to spend time with the host families saying their goodbyes. An early night readied the local people for an early start and at 6.30 a.m. on Monday, the Group started off on their home journey.
Speaking after the trip, Gary said it had been great for the all of those concerned, he said the group were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the ordinary people of Liverpool.
He said that for the children it was an important and successful visit and gave them the opportunities to forge relationships with the host families and other people they met.
BY: ADRIAN MULLAN
Liverpool opened its heart to a group of local youngsters affected by the Omagh bomb, when the city welcomed 22 people and showed them a time they will never forget.
Just over one month ago, a Liverpool house wife, Libby Lambert, decided that something should be done for young people caught up in the tragic events of August 15th in Omagh.
The first step was to make a quick phone call to the local newspaper, the Liverpool Echo, who promptly got in touch with the Ulster Herald, which in turn contacted Paddy McMahon, leader of Omagh Boys and Girls Club. Paddy made contact with the leader of the Hospital Road Youth Club, Gary Morton, and the plans took on an irresistible momentum and resulted in a magical experience for all involved.
For four days, the group which included a psychiatric nurse from the trauma team, were VIP's, and attended a number of functions at which they met with football stars past and present, TV celebrities, local politicians, and most important of all, the ordinary, warm, caring, generous people of Liverpool.
They met and had conversations with many in the cast of the Liverpool soap, Brookside, and had an audience with Bobby Charlton , and Alex
Ferguson and they were given the freedom to walk on the pitches at Goodison Park and Anfield after recent matches. Libby and her husband had ensured that every possible consideration was shown to the visitors and the people of Liverpool reached out in a generous and compassionate way, ensuring that this was indeed, a memorable visit.
Originally, Libby, whose husband coaches an under 11-side, the Eagles, had intended to bring over an under-11 team to play against the local side. However, after consultation with the local youth leaders, it was agreed that the trip would be more relevant if it were open to all youth ages. The composition of the group was agreed, and so, on Thursday last (29th October), the Omagh group set-off for Liverpool.
There was an initial hitch, as the group had set-off to Dublin to catch the Seacat Ferry, in the meantime, as the coach was already well on its way, Paddy McMahon got a call at the youth club, advising him that, due to the weather, the crossing had been cancelled. Luckily, Paddy was able to contact the coach mobile phone and redirect it to Dublin airport where the ferry company had booked the party on to a flight.
From there, it was all plain sailing, (in a manner of speaking), and the party arrived in Liverpool at 5.30pm where they were welcomed to the Manor House, Seaforth, with an inviting buffet. The Omagh youths were then introduced to the families with whom they would board. Thursday evening was relaxing allowing people to get to know each other, and the youth leaders ensured that the media dealt with the party in a sensitive way, the emphasis was on looking to the future rather than the past.
The group had an early start on Friday morning, when they toured the grounds of Liverpool F.C. and a VIP visit to the famous trophy room. Next on the agenda was a visit to Bootle Town Hall for a civic reception with the Lord Mayor of Sefton.
Having lunched at the Town Hall, the group headed for Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The organisers had ensured that there was �600 worth of vouchers for the various fun park rides, and �10 cash each for a snack. So well organised were all aspects of the trip that the participants were swept along on a wave of excitement and enthusiasm. The evening closed with the visitors viewing the famous Blackpool lights.
Saturday morning began another busy day of activities with a tour of the Albert Dock, a viewing of the Beatles' Story and Ferry Cross the Mersey. From there it was on to McDonald's for a burger and chips, courtesy of sponsors and hosts before going to Goodison Park to see Everton play Man United.
One of the most moving moments of the entire trip occurred when, whilst at the Everton - Man Utd match, it was announced over the public address system that the Omagh group was present, the entire audience, of some 40,000 stood and applauded the Omagh youngsters. It was an emotional moment for the group, and prompted one of the young members to comment "I never knew the people of Liverpool cared so much about us."
Saturday's events concluded with a Halloween Disco at the Devonshire House Hotel.
On Sunday, the group had a chance to catch their breath with a lie in; however as the day wore on there were a range of energetic activities; with
some opting for swimming, others for bowling, and an opportunity to see the local team in action.
An invitation by MP Joe Benton to Bootle Town Hall accounted for some of the afternoon, whilst in the evening the youngsters took the opportunity to spend time with the host families saying their goodbyes. An early night readied the local people for an early start and at 6.30 a.m. on Monday, the Group started off on their home journey.
Speaking after the trip, Gary said it had been great for the all of those concerned, he said the group were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the ordinary people of Liverpool.
He said that for the children it was an important and successful visit and gave them the opportunities to forge relationships with the host families and other people they met.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0722
Published Date: 05-Nov-98
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