It didn't pass our attention this week as we gazed out of the office window that a giant inflatable 'Mr Matey' look-alike has popped up to greet visitors at our workplace in the Albert Dock.  We put on our investigative hats to learn more.

The inflatable stands on a 112 year old tall ship called the Glaciere, a Baltic Trader that used to carry stone from England to Denmark and actually helped build some of Liverpool's Dock Walls.  After being sunken and wrecked,  Captain Dave Murray was inspired to restore the vessel in October 2003 with the help of many homeless and jobless volunteers living in the YMCA.  The volunteer’s acquired fantastic experience in shipbuilding and many went on to find new employment opportunities as a result of the experience.

Captain Dave and the Glacier recently joined up with Liverpool Community College to run the Maritime Academy, providing opportunities for people to learn how to dive and sail.  If you are interested to learn more why not visit the website at www.glaciere.co.uk.