On the 130th anniversary of the wreck of the Mexico, the worst disaster in lifeboat history, a poignant reminder of the tragedy has come to light.
Southport resident John Lasley spotted the old bible in a second-hand book shop with an inscription marking the event. The bible was given to a close relative of Richard and John Robinson, crew members of the ‘Eliza Fernley’, the Southport lifeboat that capsized in the attempt to rescue the crew of the German ship the Mexico, wrecked on a sandbank off the Southport coast.
John Robinson was the youngest member of the crew, aged just 18 when the disaster happened. His brother Richard was aged 25. A third brother, Henry Robinson survived by clinging on underneath the overturned lifeboat and breathing through an air valve. He was one of only two survivors on the Southport boat and all the crew of the ‘Laura Janet’ lifeboat from St. Anne’s were drowned.
Mr Lasley has very kindly donated the bible to The Atkinson who will put it on display in the Museum.
The anniversary of the wreck of the Mexico is being commemorated with a talk at the Atkinson by local historian Martyn Griffiths on Wednesday 14 December at 1pm. The talk is free
The Cork Jacket Crew is also performing Cork Jackets and Drill -The Great Lifeboat Disaster of 1886 at 7.30pm on Saturday 10 December. Tickets are £10 (£8 concessions)
To book your tickets or to find out more information please visit theatkinson.co.uk or call our friendly Box Office team on 01704 533333.
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LISTING INFORMATION
Object of the Month
The Wreck of Mexico
Wednesday 12 December
1pm
FREE
The Cork Jacket Crew
Cork Jackets and Drill
Saturday 10 December
7.30pm
£10 (£8 concessions)
For interviews or press tickets/photos please contact Emma Lloyd Emma.lloyd@sefton.gov.uk / 0151 934 2129
*Please be advised that there is a £1 per ticket booking fee for telephone and online sales and a 2% fee for credit cards at the Box Office.
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About The Atkinson
The Atkinson is Southport’s beautiful new home for music, theatre, art, poetry, literature and history, right in the middle of Lord Street in Southport. Significant investment has been made in refurbishing the stunning 19th century buildings, to create a really welcoming multi art-form venue with a strong contemporary feel.
The Atkinson offers an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night time offer. Wile the day away visiting the new shop, that sells gifts and contemporary crafts from regional makers and then relax in the Bakery, choosing from a selection of artisan bread sandwiches, cakes and sharing platters. You can even take little bit of The Atkinson home with you from the delicatessen. Wander through the major exhibitions and see performances from some of the UK’s foremost musicians, actors, performers and companies, films, family activities and much more.
The new Museum is now open. Sefton Between Land & Sea tells the story of Southport and Sefton as well as the area’s dramatic maritime history. While Discover Ancient Egypt – the new Egyptology Gallery is the home of the Goodison Egyptology Collection, a remarkable collection of archaeology that has not been seen for over 40 years.
Posted on 7 December 2016 under Just announced
