Christmas Lunch 25th November 2024

Christmas Celebrations News No Comments

Storm Bert had done its worst but that did not deter 78 of our members who ventured out to the Old Links Golf Club for lunch. The room was beautifully decorated with balloons and a tree, a few Christmas jumpers also added to the Festive occasion.

I had a traditional lunch of prawns, turkey and Christmas pudding which was most enjoyable. As far as I could tell the alternative choices were equally as good. Given the number in our group and the various choices of dishes, I thought the service was excellent. Unfortunately two people who had booked were unable to attend but their lunches were boxed up and delivered to them. A nice touch I thought.

Thank you to Maggie for arranging the meal and to Jeanette and her staff for preparing and serving the food. Lastly thank you to all who attended, making it a most pleasant afternoon. On behalf of the Committee may I wish all our members a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

if you would like to attend any of our events or become a member please fill out our Contact Form. Article provided by Richard Hughes, with thanks.

United Voice Show Choir 22 November 2024

Events News Speaker Meeting No Comments
United Voice

On Friday 22 November, SoFA was entertained by the United Voice Show Choir, Christ Church, Southport.  The choir was created by James Loynes in 2006. James’s goal was to give people from all walks of life and all levels of musical experience the opportunity to perform on stage and have a lot of fun in the process!

There were about 40 choir members, all dressed in their United Voice T-Shirts and in the second half all put on colourful Christmas headgear.

James introduced the choir to the SoFA members who were in attendance and let them know that the concerts the choir have put on included Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Home Alone, ABBA and Doctor Who.

A number of songs were performed from their ‘Top of the Pops’ concert, which took place in August. These included ‘I Feel Fine’, ‘Under the Boardwalk’, ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody. We were also given a taster of the songs that will be included in their next concert ‘Christmas Time … and Space’. Some these songs were ‘All I want for Christmas is You’, ‘Feliz Navidad’ and ‘From a Distance’, to name a few. We were also privileged to have the rarely heard song ‘Born Is The Light of the World’ performed.

The choir was energetic with their singing, with some interesting movements to make the numbers come alive.

To give the choir a short break, James sang three solos accompanied by a guitarist.

At the end of the performance James thanked SoFA for inviting the choir to sing at their Speaker Meeting.  The feedback from the audience was that they thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

If anyone is interested in purchasing tickets for the ‘Christmas Time … and Space’ they can be obtained from James by calling 07581 841 450. It is being held at Greenbank High School, Birkdale on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December 2024.

If you are not a member of the ‘Southport and Formby Association’ but would like to attend any of our events, please fill in our Contact Form.

Outing to Shakespeare North Playhouse and Bents Garden Centre at Christmas

News Outings No Comments

On 31st October, Halloween, over 40 members fittingly visited Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot. A building showcasing the Baird and his connections with Prescot and local historical properties at Knowsley and Rufford.

Members enjoyed an interesting explanation of the structure and atmosphere of the Cockpit Theatre – designed to reflect how Shakespeare’s plays were produced, actors performed his works and how the versatility of the theatre enables modern shows to be staged. We were expertly guided through the building including some detail of Sir Ken Dodd’s passion for Shakespeare and his support for the Playhouse which continues through the generosity of his wife.

We then enjoyed a lunch together in the Playhouse before beginning the next part of the day’s outing. Members gave a huge thanks to the staff and volunteer guides who helped make our visit so interesting and pleasurable.

Bents Garden Centre

In contrast we then made the short coach journey to Bents Garden Centre where we were treated to their Christmas displays featuring sumptuous festive food, a riot of colour everywhere and the use of latest light technology to present fabulous displays of trees, decorations and mechanical toy layouts which triggered the childhood enthusiasm for some members! With time to enjoy a drink and cake before heading home. A great introduction to our festive time together.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events please fill in the Contact Form.

With thanks to Frank Hyland for the article and photographs.

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