Twenty Two Voices
Be nosey to know about Knowsley…
A warm and witty poem about Knowsley, it’s people, passions and cultural credentials is brought to life by 22 individuals representing Knowsley’s rich and diverse local community.
The poem aims to give everyone a fun glimpse into Knowsley, its history and its communities. We hope it will help to encourage more people to get involved with the events and special activities that will take place throughout Knowsley’s year as Liverpool City Region Borough of culture.
Watch Twenty Two Voices
Who are the Twenty Two Voices?
In order of appearance:
- Sir Phil Redmond CBE - English television producer and screenwriter from Huyton
- Steve McMahon – Footballer from Halewood who was capped 17 times by England
- Alison Shacklady – Prominent member of the Halewood Culture Festival and St Nic’s Church
- Dr Hassan Maassarani - Former GP from Syria, has lived in Kirkby for 61 years
- Jason Cole – A youth worker and role model based in Knowsley
- Reverend Kimberley Mannings – From Huyton and is the first female Vicar of Prescot
- Dr Rob Howard – Composer and founder of the Prescot Arts Festival
- Vinny Dooley – Chair of Cronton Gala committee and pillar of the community
- Tate Traynor – Active member of Knowsley’s Youth Parliament from Prescot
- John Riley – Musician and member of the band Glass Skies
- April Beadman – active member of Knowsley’s Youth Parliament from Whiston
- Sheila Bersin MBE – Founder of the U3A in Halewood and the Knowsley Older People’s Voice
- Layla Phillips – Member of Whiston Junior football league and pupil from Whiston
- John Conteh – British sportsman from Kirkby who held several world titles
- Bernie Burgan – a retired dinner lady born and bred in Kirkby
- Rachel Ryan – Young singer who has performed in Knowsley for years
- Cherie Grist Renshaw – international artist and businesswoman from Stockbridge Village
- Paula Hampson – professional dancer who has lived in Huyton all her life
- Keith Hanshaw – long-standing businessman and founder of hand-crafted satchels in Knowsley
- Mike Dooling MBE – Recipient of an MBE for services to athletics in Merseyside
- Carole Arnold – Retired headteacher who worked in Prescot for over 40 years
- Captain Bob Dobson MBE – served in the armed forces and recipient of an MBE
About Curtis Watt
As part of Knowsley’s year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture, Kirkby born Curtis was commissioned to work with the local community and write a poem about the place - its people, passions and cultural credentials.