Dedicated staff who work on big day.. as well as the Bishop!

Dec 26 2007 by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Daily Post

IN MERSEYSIDE, one of the tunnels is closed, the trains were off, and the ferries were off. But, across the city, December 25 was just another day at work for many.

It was not just coastguards, nurses, policeman, taxi drivers, football players and firemen whose attendance was required on Christmas Day.

Muriel Curno, 56, a Terminal Duty Manager at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, led a team as passengers headed out on Christmas Day

For Muriel, her Christmas began at 5.50am when she left her home in Wales to Merseyside to start her 12-hour shift.

Three flights ventured out to European locations on Christmas Day, and Muriel said: “It’s people getting home to their families and being re-united, but it’s also people saying goodbye. It holds that extra emotion when it is Christmas, so it’s great to be involved in, and it’s my job to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

The airfield opened between 2pm and 7.30pm with three scheduled outbound flights due for take-off.

Other staff on duty included air traffic controllers, fire fighters, cleaning staff, staff checking in flights, retail shop staff, loading staff, canteen staff, engineering staff and control room staff.

For chefs across the city, Christmas Day was one of their busiest of the year.

Chef Patron of the London Carriage Works and Hope Street Hotel, Paul Askew, 41, is a busy man every Christmas as he juggles a seven-course meal for guests and a special day for his seven-year-old son and wife at home.

After preparing a family meal at home on Christmas Eve, as well as working with his kitchen staff until 11pm to prepare for Christmas Day at the London Carriage Works, Christmas Day was a busy one.

Paul’s Christmas proceedings began at 6am promptly as the joy of being a parent kicked in, quickly followed by a trip to the restaurant.

“Christmas Day is the one day where us chefs get to prepare something unique. It’s hectic for everyone, but I love it, we do a seven-course meal and should finish up at around 5pm. Most of us will be back for Boxing Day in both the hotel and the restaurant,” said Paul.

“Champagne was served for our guests and that extra effort is made by all as it’s Christmas, and I will leave instructions with my wife for our very own family meal,” said Paul.

Kitchen staff, serving staff, house keeping and reception will be on standby throughout the hectic day.

And for staff at Liverpool Cathedral, December 25 is a must-attend day.

The newly installed Dean of Liverpool, Very Rev Justin Welby, welcomed guests at the 11.30pm Christmas Eve Eucharist which lasted an hour and lead into the Christmas morning.

After stepping into the position only two weeks ago, the Dean has had to hit the ground running, heading into the busy Christmas period, and was expecting to greet over 1,000 people at each of the services. It was something he looked forward to: “My impressions of this wonderful place are almost overwhelming.

“The Cathedral never stops! The sheer number of events and services has to be six times greater than at Coventry Cathedral.

“I am truly excited about the services that will take place through Christmas Day.”

On Christmas morning itself, at 10.30am, the Bishop of Liverpool James Jones presided, and the Dean preached. “I warmly welcomed the people of Merseyside and all who attended the services that are central to the city recognising the spirit of Christmas,” said the Dean.

Director of Hospitality at Liverpool Cathedral, Eryl Parry, said: “It will be really good to welcome people from local places and people from all over the world as Liverpool Cathedral is a great place for the city itself.”