Climbing High

(Above) ZEBU takes to the seas

Ex-Knowsley Hey pupil Brian Roach is climbing to new heights - on Liverpool's square-rigged Flagship ZEBU. Brian is a “topman rigger”, one of the expert crew who work aloft on her massive rigging.

Brian is a key member of the team who are rebuilding her rig, using the skills of generations of Liverpool sailors. “None of us knew these skills before we joined the ship,” Brian points out, “But now we're experts at it - which just proves anyone can achieve anything they set their mind to.”

Brian is also studying for his Skipper’s qualifications, and earlier this year was one of the rigger team who set sail on the historic clipper ship ‘Cutty Sark’ for the first time since 1934. “That was a really great honour. And what we all learned about working in a team in that huge rigging, out on yardarms 100ft long, 200ft above the ground, will stay with me forever.”

You could get involved with Liverpool’s Flagship as Brian has done. “We’ve got a Millennium Volunteers Scheme now, through which anyone between 16 and24 can get a nationally recognised Award that proves you’re a person who can rise to a challenge and do good work. There's still lots of work to do on the ship, so come and join me and the team. It’s not all work - it’s a family, we have a good laugh, and you learn a lot.”

You can join the Millennium Awards Scheme by ringing 0151 733 0699, or Julie, the MV Leader, on 07754 144566. Give it a go now!

Brian atop the mast with ship’s Bosun Julie Evens