Local Heroes

This is the section of the website where we like to feature news of members' achievements and success stories. Perhaps you have won an award, expanded into bigger premisies, created an innovative new product - whatever it may be, if you want to shareyour good news please email brief details toDevelopment Manager Neil Dutton and we'll do our best to feature you here, and in the members magazine, Voice.

Ken's mural sings city's praises!

Liverpool & Knowsley Branch member Ken Izli has given his long-established and well-loved "City Cafe" on Stanley Street in Liverpool city centre a new lease of life with a wonderful interior mural that is delighting his customers.

The mural was painted by local artist Jim Fleming and was inspired by the song "Under a Mersey Moon" by musician Jimmy Rae, who wrote and released the song last year in aid of Liverpool Unites and Wirral Autistic Society. The song has sold well locally and been featured on local radio many times.

It has been performed in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral and even spawned a specially made You Tube video tribute from a fan. Ken saw the work of artist Jim Fleming whilst on a visit to West Kirkby and together they came up with the cafe's colourful makeover idea.

The mural was unveiled at a special invitation-only event by BBC Radio Merseyside broadcaster and Liverpool legend Billy Butler, who is pictured at the event with Jimmy, Jim and Ken. The mural features a great many of Liverpool's landmarks and attractions, and Jimmy Rae performed an intimate acoustic set for the occasion, including Under the Mersey Moon, which he says was written as a tribute to the enduring spirit of Liverpool, through good times and bad.

Ken Izli looks forward to welcoming fellow FSB members and their friends to City Cafe to see the mural in the flesh. Postcards of the mural are available at the cafe! City Cafe is at 9 Stanley Street, Liverpool. Telephone 0151 255 0051.