Campeneros group

On the 12th December we head to Spider Projects, Campeneros to host a group with members there. Campeneros is a crisis café and safe space in the heart of Birkenhead for people who are struggling with emotional and psychological distress. 

We sat down and had a conversation with a small group, the conversation spanned, local travel, subculture, alternative venues, workplaces and demolished and relocated communities and how to get free entry to the hotel california. 

Here are some of the memories and stories that came up across the sessions, some are taken from not format so they are a little short. 

Your name: Nicholas Evans (Volunteer)

Location of memory: Birkenhead Town Hall

Date/ Era of memory: 2018

Your story or History: Tranmere Rovers winning the play-off finals at wembley. The players went to the beach/ cool rooms after they got off the coach with all the supporters. The next day there was a massive celebration in Hamilton Square at Birkenhead Town Hall. 

Your name: Adele 

Location of memory: Cali / Hotel California

Date/ Era of memory: 2009 - 2012

Your story or History: Just loads of memories of my older mates used to sneak me in to the ‘club’ area. Was such a good laugh and was so busy - felt like a Liverpool bar. Can not imagine anywhere being so busy now. 

Your name: not given

Location of memory: Harveys

Date/ Era of memory: 2000s - 2004

Your story or History: Harvey’s was night club for teens/ underaged. It was always packed and loud. There was another called Hex which was aimed at alternative teens 

Name: N/A 

Location: North End 

Date: 1940-present 

Your story or history: 

There has been loads of regeneration across the history of the area and i dont always trust it. There used to be a community in the flats up near the park, the flats were wonderful but cheaply built and most got knocked down. 

But there is still a row of shops that resemble a small high street that used to serve the community in this area. 

But there is still the post box there that seems to have survived and seen all of these changes.

We would love to say a massive thanks to Adele from Spider project for facilitating and getting involved with the group, and thanks to the participants for chatting with us and sharing their stories. This session seems to have the most modern history focusing on late teens across the early and mid 2000s. If anyone has any memories of early and mid 2000s youth, nightlife and community please get in contact and share this with us.