Fred Camenisch

Liverpool, UK

Born in Liverpool in 1907 into a family originally Swiss, educated Sedbergh and Wadham, now a widower with two daughters and two grandchildren. I was solicitor in town until I retired 20 years ago. Except for five years in army I have always lived on Merseyside and am a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for one of Britain's most fascinating cities. The superb Ness Gardens and Liverpool's unique character, wonderful buildings, outstanding collections and extraordinary history keep me busy.

The Hungarian Rhapsody

On seeing a film about life on the plains

Is the weather cold and dreary, do you long for sun and wine?
Are you feeling somewhat weary for atmosphere do you pine
Heed my warning gentle stranger, let no poster you beguile
For such posters oft spell danger when they show a peasants smile.

Here's to a life in Hungaria, a life on the Hungary plains
Where you run a grave risk of malaria for lack of a system of drains
Where the roads are a quagmire of puddles or a dust bowl in summer it seems
And to get to the Top you must join the Co-op, Hungaria land of my dreams

Be not tempted by that drawing of a flagon of Tokay
Or by rows of stallions pawing round the farm at break of day
Rather board a No. 7 and contented ride to town
Though Hungaria looks like heaven it will surely let you down

Here's to the gay life Hungarian, the life of the Hungary plains
Where existence is strictly agrarian and women get naught for their pains
Where the drink seems exceedingly potent and the wild geese fly over in streams
And those at the Top are completely Co-op, Hungaria land of my dreams

Love In An English Garden

Across the shining river the hills still carry snow
The wind is blowing from the north, yet you would hardly know
That winter was still present, something you would not guess
When strolling warm and sheltered in the lovely grounds of Ness

Down in the peaceful valley spring flowers face the sun
Where can you match this blossom yet the year has scarce begun
Soon blackbird, yaffle, chaffinch each will their love profess
Love in an English garden, this Eden known as Ness

Known widely for its Excellence of shrub of flower and tree
The finest teaching garden in the country it must be
Not only birds & insects their suit with fervour press
But many a maid when courted here has also answered yes!

Love in an English garden! What better place than here
Where sea and marsh and mountain at each
viewpoint appear
Where perfume, form and colour are perfect, nothing less
For love in an English garden the choice is surely Ness