Heartwarming stories of Christmastime charity aboard the Mersey ferries will be brought to life through letters and photographs from decades ago.
When Woolton resident Simon Payne was organising his late stepfather Ernest Bailey's possessions, he uncovered an archive illustrating a lost episode of Liverpudlian philanthropy. This archive will now be displayed as a digital exhibition to celebrate Ernest, who hosted festive parties for disadvantaged children across Liverpool in the 1970s and 80s.
Ernest Bailey was a senior manager at Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive (now Merseytravel) and every year used his business connections to organise a Christmas outing on the Mersey ferry for children, often those in care.
The exhibition, titled ‘Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime’, will include a series of photographs and letters of thanks and appreciation from as far back as 1979, from the children who attended. This treasure trove of letters details how the children met Santa Claus, received gifts and enjoyed music and food together.
Liverpool Hope History Postgraduate student Mathilda Naulleau is behind the exhibition, which will be showcased in time for Christmas on November 20 at the University’s Hope Park Campus, Childwall.
The original documents were kindly donated to the University’s Professor of Modern World History Bryce Evans for the purpose of the exhibition by Ernest’s family members.
Mathilda Naulleau said: “This opportunity came through a competition that was open to History Masters students where applicants were invited to explain why we each deserved the chance to curate a digital exhibition using the Ernest Bailey archive. Bryce encouraged me to apply, and after providing an example of my written work as well as a reference, I was lucky enough to be selected and it's honestly been such a rewarding project to work on.
“As someone who isn't from England, working with the Ernest Bailey archive has felt like uncovering a hidden piece of Liverpool's history. I've loved working with the old photos and letters, piecing together the story behind them, and figuring out how to make that story come alive in a digital space. It's also been a huge learning curve - I've rarely had to think so visually before, but it's made me see history in a wonderfully new way.
“I really hope people come away feeling uplifted, reminded that history isn't just about conflict or politics, but also about compassion. Ernest Bailey's story shows how small acts of kindness can make a huge difference, especially during difficult times. I think it's so important to showcase these stories because they remind us that history isn't only made by famous figures - it's shaped by ordinary people doing good in quiet ways. If people leave thinking differently about what counts as 'important' history, then I'll have achieved what I set out to do.”
The exhibition ‘Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime’ will be launched at 4pm on 20 November 2025 at Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park and will be available for private view thereafter.