| Michael
Smout |
CANON Michael Smout is a man who is used to looking to the heavens, but he has just written a book that looks to the stars for inspiration.
The churchman has written Mersey Stars: An A-Z of Entertainers, as a tribute to the unique character of the area.
It features the stories of more than 60 famous names from the acting, music and comedy worlds. The list includes the Beatles, Frankie Vaughan, Leonard Rossiter, Arthur Askey and Kenny Everett.
The book is not the only celebrity connection for Mr Smout, of St Michael's Church, Aughton, near Ormskirk. He also taught at Ringo Starr's old Dingle Vale school.
The 63-year-old came to work in Liverpool from Herefordshire in 1964 and was impressed by the city's vitality and wealth of talent.
He has spent years gathering information on each star for his book.
He said: "I arrived at the old St Philemon's Church in Toxteth. It was a complete contrast to Herefordshire. It wasn't long before I discovered the humour and music that makes Merseyside so special. This book is a tribute to that.
"I have based it on those people who have made a national or international impact. My favourite in the book has to be Frankie Vaughan. As well as his wonderful talent, he dedicated himself to helping others."
The book also features comedians Ken Dodd and Jimmy Tarbuck, actress Pauline Collins, radio DJ John Peel, and musicians Billy Fury and Billy J Kramer. |
| Michael
Smout Books |
 Merseyside Meanders
Here are 31 walks to celebrate the pleasures of walking in the Merseyside area.
There are no mountains or hills and all of the walks are ‘easy’ - hence the title. Many well-known places feature - including Liverpool, Aintree, Halewood and Southport
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 Mersey Stars: an a to Z of Entertainers
A celebration of the wide stream of talent that has flowed from Merseyside this century. This includes talents as wide-ranging and distinctive as they are outstanding, ranging from Sir Thomas Beecham to Lily Savage and Glenda Jackson.
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 Towns and Villages of Britain: Lancashire Full of historical facts and liberally laced with tales of hauntings, witchery and enchantment - the moors, valleys and mossland of Lancashire are the backdrop to this new, comprehensive gazetteer of the county's towns and villages.
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