Author | Lightnews

Martin Travis

@martintravis.bsky.social

1.3K followers 1K following 5K posts

#TRFC. Autistic. Deaf / acoustic neuroma. Wirral walks & photos. Carl Sagan enthusiast. Geographical Pedant. Lover of vol-au-vents, especially the little pastry hats! Disappointed jet-packs are not yet ubiquitous. Koumpounophobic 👀

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Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 7h

Yes, the ashes were still smoldering, so will have to cool down, I think.

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 7h

Last year, on the morning after Bonfire Night, the field was a mess, strewn with litter and used fireworks.

Volunteers, I think from Holy Cross, but maybe from the event organisers too, cleaned it all up that afternoon, and apart from the fire scorch marks, the site was left broadly immaculate 👍

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Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 8h

Superb photograths! 👍

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 8h

We want jet packs!

a man in a white suit is flying through the air with smoke coming out of his mouth

ALT: a man in a white suit is flying through the air with smoke coming out of his mouth

media.tenor.com

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Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 8h

a man is drinking a glass of soda while holding a sandwich

ALT: a man is drinking a glass of soda while holding a sandwich

media.tenor.com

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 8h

That reminds me of the Germania plan for Berlin - grand, but stark and intimidating. 🤔

I like the Exchange Flags buildings for example, but there is something austere about them, and you wouldn't want the whole city centre looking like that, I think? 🤷‍♂️

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Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 8h

I got the bus home from Thingwall Road East, as the heavens opened 🫣

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 8h

It was lovely earlier wasn't it, but I couldn't get out until later, when I the clouds were already gathering ☔️🍁🍂

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Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 8h

Arrowe Park, under rainy and glowering skies this afternoon.

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Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 8h

The aftermath 🔥😬

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Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 11h

Spot on 👍

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 13h

Yes, it could certainly be argued that if the monarchy is to persist, it should be self funding, but as others have pointed out, many of their sources of private income are themselves dubious / anachronistic / unjustifiable.

Ultimately, there needs to be a debate on the institution's whole future.

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 13h

I think that change with the police this year has led to the risk assessment and public liability insurances issues not being fully addressed at Upton. Hopefully back to normal in 2026 👍

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 13h

I'm gonna swerve getting into that whole debate, Barrie 😬

More locally, I guess it could certainly be argued that Wirral Council could have communicated decisions much better, to ward off false narratives being driven in people's consciousnesses. Lack of clear information encourages tittle tattle.

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Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 13h

Everything feels a bit febrile at the moment doesn't it, and the likes of Reform will be all too quick to capitalise on manufactured, false grievances, by filling the information void with their own narrative.

People really need to think a bit more, not believe nefarious rumours at face value.

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 13h

Yes, absolutely agree Denise, although I do think some people, older people especially (including my mum), are inclined to treat anything they read online, or hear in local gossip, at face value by default, through gullibility.

Manipulators know this, and exploit this fertile ground to peddle lies

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 13h

wirralview.com/remembrance-...

Just a footnote to this. One of my neighbours' grievances was the council "banning" the Remembrance Parade at Upton this year "because those Muslims don't like it".

The reality is, of course, nothing of the kind, but this shows how misinformation gains traction.

Remembrance Sunday 2025 in Wirral

Remembrance service events are due to take place across Wirral on Remembrance Sunday and the council has worked with organisers to ensure these can go ahead. Unfortunately the usual Remembrance event ...

wirralview.com

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Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 13h

Like swans?

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Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 13h

Who owns the seagulls though?

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 14h

I'm not a big fan! 😉

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 14h

What the ...... ? 😱🫣😁

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 14h

If we are going to keep the monarchy (and that's a whole different debate) it should be modernised and whittled down, like some of the other European monarchies, where the extended family are not included in taxpayer funded luxury.

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Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 23h

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...

Huge bonfire seen for miles across Merseyside - live updates

Fireworks lit up the sky as crowds gathered to watch the display

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 23h

www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/2556483...

It all seems a bit of a mess, with certain claims being made by event organizers, and Wirral Council stating that there had been some misunderstandings. 🤷

Huge bonfires lit in Birkenhead and Woodchurch as crowds gather in 'protest'

A HUGE bonfire has been lit in Birkenhead in what is thought to be a protest against Wirral Council's alleged decision to ban events around November…

www.wirralglobe.co.uk

Martin Travis @martintravis.bsky.social · 1d

There was a really loud window-rattling explosion here earlier. Some of the elderly neighbours were visibly upset, out on their steps, wondering what the heck had gone on. In hindsight I assume it was a prelude to the bonfire being lit, but who knows?

It was ridiculously loud though 😬