'Say it Loud' included live performance, pre-recorded interviews with community members and Lister Steps staff and audience participation. One very special part of the performance was a poem written and read by Eddie Cotton. Watch it live here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9inK4B6VTeE&feature=share
Love in the Library by Eddie Cotton
Like a jilted bride outside the church
She waited in the rain
We're talking about Lister Drive library
On the corner of Green Lane
For seven long years she stood alone
Getting lonely, wet and damp
A building shorn of beauty and charm
The only illumination came from the light of a street lamp
Then the scallies turned up to climb on the roof
To make a nice few quid
I phoned the police to let them know
But the robbers weren't soft, they were liddds
They were like Spring Heeled Jack
When they heard the siren's wail
Tuebrook's finest tried to catch them
Unfortunately, to no avail
The robbers had turned up mob-handed
And quickly set up camp
They were very organised I'll give them that
'Cos they even built a ramp
Working in shifts to rob the lead
That protected the roof from the rain
The police couldn't catch the culprits
And like Bob Marley we waited in vain
They stole and raped and pillaged
And left her high and dry
If you looked up at the roof on a fine sunny day
You could see a clear blue sky
But hoorah...Lister Steps came out of the block
Like Usain Bolt against the clock
Personal bests and Olympic gold
Riding chariots of fire to escape the cold
Inspiration arrived in a vivid dream
Woke up that morning
With a simply fabulous scheme
To turn our library into a community hub
With a disco and a youth and pensioner's club
Not forgetting the crèche, books and computer
And digital inclusion for the 'arl ones
'Cos you know it's the future!
A performance stage with room to aspire
To nurture future generations and a chance to inspire
With kindles and books and a nursery too
Positive things, for the likes of me and you
A conscientious crew with goodness in mind
Sprung into action to see if they could find
The money needed before it was too late
Before condemning the building to the fickle finger of fate
They applied to the Lottery Fund
With a heartfelt funding bid
After the panel had read the words it was unanimous...
Let's give Lister Steps a few quid
So now there's a few bob to pay the bills
For contractors to come in armed with drills
To bore through the walls
Before the whole building falls
And preserve our heritage once and for all
I had the privilege of going inside
To film its condition and be your guide
To show what's happening, and to let you know
How things are progressing after being so low
It was dusty in the library,
And there was plaster falling off the wall
But, to be honest, with a bit of TLC
It'll end up looking like St George's Hall
I'm messing, but you know what I mean
This building is beautiful and deserves to be seen
If the money arrives to do her up
It'll be like Ladies Day at Aintree
And winning the European Cup
13 grand it cost to build
T’was a labour of love truly fulfilled
A gift to us the readers of life
To act upon life's troubles and strife
Yes, If Andrew Carnegie was still alive I'm sure he'd turn in his grave
So let's get this show on the road
Because, truly, fortune favours the brave
Apathy and disillusion are the enemy of man
People who moan and begrudge I would personally ban
From any activity that promotes good vibes
We want people who enhance people's lives
So let's build a library with love and affection
And let's all pull in the one direction
With people power we can move mountains
And have a brand new library as well as two new fountains!
We've embarked on an exciting journey
Visualising the creation of a community hub
So folks, if you like what we're doing
Then feel free to join the club.