Heads I win, Tails you lose – Pete Turner

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Pete Turner Magician

Our first speaker of the Autumn season was Magician Pete Turner who presented Heads I win,Tails you lose. Peter’s main theme was how he used an understanding of probability to solve various problems. This was reinforced by asking questions and observing body language. He was then able to determine what card a person was holding. The explanation seems plausible but it still seems like magic to me. If a trick didn’t go as planned he solved it with a magicians switch, changing one card for another and I’ve no idea how he did that either!

After introducing himself, Pete asked us to stand and place our hands on our heads or bottom. Following a spin of a coin he asked the ‘heads’ or ‘tails’ to sit down depending on which side the coin had landed. By repeating the process only one person was left standing. Pete then produced a pre-written note that described the winning person. Magic! Whilst this was going on a passer by was seen looking into the church with much bemusement.

Although he didn’t want to encourage gambling Pete concluded with some advice on how to win at roulette. This involved following the sequence of red/black. If there had been 4 reds then probability suggests the next spin will be black. My suggestion would be to try this at home and not the casino!

If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events, please fill in the Contact Form.

Article written by Richard Hughes, with thanks.

Visit to Speke Hall on 19th September

Outings No Comments

This outing gave all participants a leisurely start to their day, arriving at Speke Hall for midday.  On arrival we were given a warm welcome by staff and the buggy was provided for those wishing to take advantage.  Lunch was included and many members chose the scouse for which the Speke Hall café is famous.

With the sun shining all day, it was a pleasure to stroll round the gardens and inspect the many varieties of herbs and vegetables in the kitchen garden.  

The Hall opened at 12.30 so there was plenty of time to explore and refresh our memories about this local property.  The room guides have a wide knowledge of the hall and its occupants over the last 400 years and many members commented on their friendliness.  We saw how the blinds we funded protect the furnishings from the sun’s rays.   

We were also able to visit a special exhibition from The Hardmans’ Photographic Collection. The pre-loved bookshop is a ‘must’ to visit, professionally set out and welcoming. Leaving at 4pm and driven safely by Pat we all had a good day out.

If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events, please fill in the Contact Form.

Article written by Carol Hitchmough, with thanks.

Exploring North Wales on a SoFA Holiday

Holidays No Comments
Caernarfon Castle

For ten years, committee member Michael Rofe has worked with Airedale Holiday Company to organise bespoke holidays for SoFA members.  His final one before filing away his spreadsheets, was to North Wales.

Despite traffic delays locally, we were soon starting our holiday with delicious cakes, tea and coffee at the Georgian listed Rossett Hall near Wrexham.  We then continued our journey into North Wales.  Our driver, Carl, an extremely knowledgeable holiday guide, took us via the scenic route (aka ‘Little Switzerland’) to the imposing Penrhyn Castle (NT).  We enjoyed visiting its dominant display of architecture, stone and wood carvings, together with a fine art collection.  Our first day ended at our holiday base, the historic, modernised Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon.  The hotel provided SoFA members with a comfortable, relaxing environment and dining facilities – allowing members to enjoy time together after the day’s activities.

Day 2 began at Plas Newydd House, a must on any NT bucket list.  In brilliant sunshine, members enjoyed the house and colourful grounds set alongside the tidal waters of the Menai Strait.  In the afternoon, we stayed on Anglesey to enjoy the equally colourful restored hidden gardens of Plas Cadnant.  As well as wandering the beautifully tended gardens and wooded paths, we learned of the link with our botanic gardens in Southport through its Victorian gardener Thomas Williams.

Smallest House in the UK

The following day, we enjoyed free time in Caernarfon exploring its castle and enjoying options to wander around the town, cruise on the river or explore the local countryside.  The next leg of itinerary was a trip around Llanberis area.  We began at the National Slate Museum followed by a journey alongside Lake Padarn on the heritage steam railway, then on to Betws-y-Coed.  The day’s coach journey had taken us passed rushing waterfalls and through some of the mountainous scenery of Snowdonia, accompanied by detailed commentary from driver Carl.  

The first stop on the return journey was free time in Conwy.  Members enjoyed a short bus tour of the area or on foot, the quay and old wharves which included a visit to the smallest house in Britain.  We returned to Rossett Hall to enjoy a lunch together before heading home.  Another enjoyable holiday among SoFA holiday friends.

If you are not a member but are interested in joining our Association, please complete the Contact Form.

With thanks to Frank Hyland for the article.

Visit to Carnforth Station and Leighton Hall

News Outings No Comments
Leighton Hall

On 21st August our cheerful group of 50 SoFA members headed for our first visit of the day, Carnforth Station. The first port of call, as always was the tea and coffee facilities, after which we were free to meander through the famous station building at our own pace. As you would expect there was a great deal of interesting memorabilia on display. There was an added bonus of Brief Encounter being shown for those who wanted to sit down and watch this famous film. The station and the film are full of nostalgia from a bygone age. The staff were very helpful cheerful and knowledgable, which helped to make this a very pleasant visit. The weather also stayed fine and dry.

We then moved on to our second visit of the day, the beautiful Leighton Hall. Our coach driver Pat did extremely well steering the coach down the very narrow country lanes to the entrance of the estate. The current owner Mrs Suzie Reynolds lives in the Hall and it certainly has a warm and lived in feeling. Following a very pleasant afternoon tea/lunch our group then had a private tour of the Hall. There are beautiful and fascinating items of art and furniture, unsurprising when the 800 year old house is the ancestral home of the famous Gillow furniture family. Once again all the staff and guides were very pleasant, relaxed and knowledgeable which resulted in a very pleasurable visit.

In addition to the beautiful gardens and delightful woodland area, there were bird of prey displays. At this point the rain came down heavily but it did not dampen the spirits of the birds, their handler or the members of our group. The combination of the two visits provided our members with a very pleasant day.

If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events, please fill in the Contact Form.

Article provided by Edwina Alcock with thanks.

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