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Port Sunlight’s coronation events to celebrate community and the environment

Port Sunlight’s coronation events to celebrate community and the environment

A week-long programme of free events and activities will be happening in Port Sunlight to mark the coronation of King Charles III. This will include a special afternoon tea, walk and talk tour with the village’s gardeners, a curator talk and a best dressed house competition.

The week will end with an outdoor Big Lunch event on Sunday 7th May, which will be open to everyone and filled with stalls, food and drink and live performances.

Organised by Port Sunlight Village Trust, the programme has been created to celebrate community and the environment, both causes close to the new monarch’s interests.

What’s on

Communi’tea
Tuesday 2nd May, 12 – 2pm | Church Hall, Bridge Street
Enjoy an afternoon tea with all your favourite treats alongside craft activities and cupcake decorating.

Landscape Walk and Talk Tour
Wednesday 3rd May, 10.30am – 12pm | Meet outside Port Sunlight Museum
Ever wondered what goes into planning and caring for Port Sunlight’s green spaces? Find out from PSVT’s Landscape team and witness the unveiling of a specially-planted tree to mark the coronation.

Curator Talk: Breaking the Mould – King Charles III’s Poundbury and Lord Leverhulme’s Port Sunlight
Thursday 4th May, 5 – 6pm | Church Hall, Bridge Street
Learn about architecture, identity and placemaking as James Hayes explores the similarities between King Charles’ endorsed development Poundbury in Dorset and Leverhulme’s Port Sunlight.

Best Dressed House Competition
Friday 5th May
Decorate your house to mark the Coronation and be in with a chance to win our Best Dressed House competition. Recycled and repurposed materials are encouraged. Judging will take place from 11am on Friday 5th. Prizes will be announced on Tuesday 9th.

Port Sunlight’s Coronation Big Lunch
Sunday 7th […]

By |April 21st, 2023|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Port Sunlight’s coronation events to celebrate community and the environment

Port Sunlight not chosen for UK’s World Heritage Site Tentative List

Port Sunlight not chosen for UK’s World Heritage Site Tentative List

 

The village of Port Sunlight has not been chosen to join the UK’s Tentative List for World Heritage Site inscription, following a bid submitted last year.

Port Sunlight in Merseyside was the nineteenth century creation of William Lever to provide healthy, comfortable housing with beautiful architecture and surroundings for ‘Sunlight Soap’ factory workers. It is considered to be one of the finest surviving examples of an industrial worker village. Port Sunlight is noted for its significant influence on the design of ‘garden villages’ around the world and its emphasis on providing beauty for all.

Today, Port Sunlight is home to over 900 Grade II listed houses and public buildings, a world class art gallery, museum, beautiful gardens and parkland, and a thriving community.

Following many years of encouragement and desire by the local community and politicians to have Port Sunlight’s importance recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a bid was submitted in July 2022.

The bid was in response to the UK Government’s open call and put together by Port Sunlight Village Trust, with support from strategic partners Wirral Council, National Museums Liverpool and Unilever.

This included consultation with Port Sunlight’s communities as well as significant research, which formed the basis of the bid.

By being chosen to join the list, it was hoped to have Port Sunlight recognised amongst other similar worker settlements such as Saltaire and New Lanark.

Despite not being selected, Port Sunlight Village Trust and its partners have vowed to build on the research, partnership working and community engagement that went into the bid.

If there is support for Port Sunlight to submit another bid to join the UK’s Tentative […]

By |April 10th, 2023|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Port Sunlight not chosen for UK’s World Heritage Site Tentative List

PSVT looking to commission a bronze conservator for works on Port Sunlight’s War Memorial

Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) wishes to commission a bronze conservator for works on the War Memorial in Port Sunlight

Port Sunlight's War Memorial and bronzes

Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) seeks to commission a bronze conservator for the on-site treatment of the bronze sculptural elements of the War Memorial, Port Sunlight. The aim of this treatment is to undertake maintenance work on the bronzes by cleaning, stabilising and providing a protective coating on the bronze works. This is part of a rolling programme we are undertaking to look after Port Sunlight’s collection of Grade I and Grade II listed monuments. The War Memorial is recognised as one of the most significant war memorials in the country and is one of the largest in the UK.

Go to the ‘Supporting materials’ section below to download the full brief, works overview and Tender Response Form.

Timescales

Tender process opens: 3rd April 2023

Tender submission deadline: 3pm, Friday 21st April 2023

Interviews: Week commencing 24th April 2023

Target dates for bronze works to commence: 22nd May 2023

Target date for bronze works to be completed: 3rd July 2023

 

For more information and clarification questions, contact Catherine Downey, Heritage Manager, by calling 0151 644 4800 or emailing c.downey@portsunlightvillage.com


Supporting materials

 

By |April 3rd, 2023|Uncategorized|Comments Off on PSVT looking to commission a bronze conservator for works on Port Sunlight’s War Memorial

PSVT looking to commission a specialist consultant for ‘health check’ of Port Sunlight’s houses

Port Sunlight Village Trust wishes to commission a specialist consultant to carry out an exterior survey of Port Sunlight’s houses

 

Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) seeks to commission a consultant for the design and implementation of a ‘health check’ conditions and alterations survey of Port Sunlight’s listed houses. The consultant must have direct experience in the survey, analysis and appropriate care of listed houses. The aim of the survey is to measure the degree of change for exterior conditions and alterations over the past five years, using the prioritised treatments and non-conforming alterations reported in the Conservation Management Plan 2017 as the base line.

Click here to see the full brief.

Timescales

Tender process opens: 4th April 2023

Tender submission deadline: 3pm, 25th April 2023

Short-list interviews (online or in-person): Week commencing 1st May 2023

Appointment and project start: 8th May 2023

Project completion: 1st August 2023

 

For more information and clarification questions, contact Gareth Dean, Conservation and Maintenance Manager, by calling 0151 644 4800 or emailing g.dean@portsunlightvillage.com

By |April 3rd, 2023|Uncategorized|Comments Off on PSVT looking to commission a specialist consultant for ‘health check’ of Port Sunlight’s houses

Port Sunlight Gazette Spring 2023 issue

The spring 2023 issue of the Port Sunlight Gazette is here!

Copies of the Port Sunlight Gazette, spring 2023 issue

Dive in now to discover spring events and activities, conservation updates, village news and much more.

Printed editions will be hand delivered to every household in the village by Friday 24th March.

You can also read it online here.

By |March 16th, 2023|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Port Sunlight Gazette Spring 2023 issue

Port Sunlight Village Trust is looking for a Learning Assistant

Port Sunlight Village Trust is looking for a Learning Assistant

Update: We’re no longer accepting applications for this vacancy. Thank you for your interest.

 

As an organisation, we understand the importance of learning and we aspire to deliver creative, accessible opportunities for learners to engage with our story and explore their own understanding of the history and future of the village.

We’re seeking to recruit a new casual Learning Assistant to join the team at a very exciting time as our learning offer is looking to expand. Learning Assistants will be responsible for delivering formal learning programmes and on occasion informal learning, on behalf of Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) to children and young people at key stages 1-4. The majority of activity will take place in Port Sunlight but with some off-site visits, therefore an element of travel to fulfil the needs of this role will be required. In line with PSVT’s safeguarding policy a full DBS check is a requirement of this role.

You will be joining a friendly and committed team of staff and volunteers passionate about creating memorable and fulfilling experiences for all. If you are passionate about delivering engaging workshops, collaborative working and have an interest in the heritage and significance of Port Sunlight, please get in touch.

Applicants should have previous experience of teaching and facilitating workshops and have a demonstrable flair for communicating and engaging with children and young people.

To find out more, please download the job description here.

To apply, please complete a supporting statement of no more than 500 words using this form and send it with your CV to recruitment@portsunlightvillage.com by 10am on Monday 27th March. Interviews will take place at the end […]

By |February 14th, 2023|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Port Sunlight Village Trust is looking for a Learning Assistant

Weekly warm space opens in Port Sunlight’s Church Hall

Text saying Port Sunlight's Free and Friendly Warm Space with an illustration of a hot drink. PSVT and URC logos are in the corner.

 

A new weekly warm space is opening at Port Sunlight’s Church Hall to help local communities in Wirral keep warm and connected this winter.

Run in partnership with Port Sunlight Village Trust and the village’s Christ Church, the warm space will open every Tuesday, 9am–12pm, from 17 January. Everyone is welcome to join and take part in activities, enjoy free hot drinks and toast, and access information from local support services.

Claire Bates, community engagement officer at Port Sunlight Village Trust, said: “With rising energy and household costs, it’s important people in our local communities have somewhere nearby to relax, feel supported and stay warm. The warm space will be open every Tuesday for people to use as they wish, whether you want to make new friends and take part in activities or simply read a book and enjoy a hot drink.

“Port Sunlight’s warm space is open to all, you don’t need to be a Port Sunlight resident to attend. It’s completely free and there’s no need to book. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone.”

Paul Harris, chief executive at Port Sunlight Village Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Port Sunlight’s Christ Church and the United Reformed Church to provide this weekly warm space for our local communities. We’re glad the Church Hall continues to be a safe place for people in the area to come together and we hope this important initiative will be able to help those who need support during these colder months.”

Rev Ian Smith, the Minister of Christ Church, said: […]

By |January 23rd, 2023|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Weekly warm space opens in Port Sunlight’s Church Hall

PSVT awarded £20,000 to help restore Boating Pond

PSVT awarded £20,000 to help restore Boating Pond

The Boating Pond as it looks filled with water, with the Sea Piece fountain in operation

Port Sunlight Village Trust has received a £20,000 Movement for Good Award from Benefact Group to help fund conservation work on the village’s Boating Pond and its fountain, Sea Piece.

Built in 1932, the pond is located next to the world-class Lady Lever Art Gallery and is the work of one of the village’s most prolific architects, James Lomax-Simpson. The fountain at the centre of the pond was added in 1946 and was designed by Sir Charles Wheeler. It is one of several major public monuments cared for by Port Sunlight Village Trust.

Over the decades, the Boating Pond has suffered from significant problems caused by the original design and early use of materials like concrete and cement. This has meant the stonework has deteriorated due to saturation, leaking water into the surrounding ground.

A difficult decision was made in early 2021 to turn off the fountain and drain the pond to prevent contamination of the ground and stop the wastage of water. Since then, PSVT has continued to explore solutions with conservation architects and Wirral Council.

The work required to protect the stonework, pond basin and bronze fountain will cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, so the £20,000 award from Benefact Group will form an essential part of the funding needed to move forward with the project to get the fountain flowing again.

PSVT was one of 31 charities chosen by a panel of judges to receive a share of £500,000 as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards, which is giving over £1million to good causes this […]

By |December 19th, 2022|Uncategorized|Comments Off on PSVT awarded £20,000 to help restore Boating Pond

Port Sunlight Gazette Winter Edition 2022 + Special Queen Elizabeth II Edition

The winter 2022 edition of the Port Sunlight Gazette is here

The front covers of the Winter Gazette and the special Queen Elizabeth II edition - the former has a photo of the Causeway in the snow, while the latter's cover shows Queen Elizabeth II on a visit to Port Sunlight in 1988.

Port Sunlight Village Trust has published the winter edition of the village newsletter. A commemorative supplement in celebration of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s links with Port Sunlight has also been published, thanks to support from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Both publications will be hand delivered to every household in the village by Friday 16th December.

The Gazette includes news and information from Port Sunlight Village Trust, village groups and societies, local businesses, and other important stakeholders. Check out the winter edition here or download a copy here.

You can view the special Queen Elizabeth II edition here or download a copy here.

By |December 8th, 2022|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Port Sunlight Gazette Winter Edition 2022 + Special Queen Elizabeth II Edition

The World Reimagined is coming to Port Sunlight!

The World Reimagined is coming to Port Sunlight!

We’re delighted to announce that Port Sunlight will be taking part in The World Reimagined, a national art project offering free visitor trails that explore how we understand Transatlantic Slavery and its impact on society in the UK today.

Created by artists, these globes bring to life a UK-wide journey of discovery that reminds us all how Transatlantic Slavery is not just ‘Black History’ – it’s everyone’s shared history.

Until 31st Oct, the public will be able to follow a trail of 10 Globe sculptures across Liverpool City Region and PSVT is proud to be the sponsor partner of the Wirral’s own Globe sculpture, located at The Priory in Birkenhead.

What’s more, Port Sunlight will also be playing host to a smaller Learning Globe artwork, created by pupils from West Kirby Grammar School, at our SoapWorks venue.  Schools and community groups across the UK have used these globes to engage with themes designed to empower them in creating a future world where racial justice is a reality. Locally, the Learning Globes will form an additional free art trail through Liverpool City Region for the public to enjoy.

To learn more about SoapWorks click here.

 

 

The globe sculpture at Port Sunlight will be free to view. Trail visitors will also be able to enjoy half price to SoapWorks (open 10am-5pm, Wednesday-Sunday), a chance to uncover Port Sunlight’s own links to the colonial past.

We’ll shortly be announcing a program of exciting local activities linked to the themes explored by The World Reimagined, so keep an eye out for more information on this soon!

PSVT is incredibly […]

By |September 22nd, 2022|Uncategorized|Comments Off on The World Reimagined is coming to Port Sunlight!