Snowdrops and Silver Service SoFA’s outing to Lytham Hall

Lytham Hall snowdrops

For the first of several outings planned for 2025, over 40 members travelled together on the pleasant, short coach drive to Lytham Hall in mid February. Arriving at noon, there was ample time to wander through the Hall grounds to enjoy both the gardens and the beds of beautiful snowdrops. After the walk, we gathered in the refurbished first floor of the West Wing, over the cafe. In an informal setting, members could mix and chat while enjoying the variety of sandwiches, scones, delicious confectionary and cakes. The catering staff at Lytham Hall provided a high standard of silver service. There was still time to stroll through the shop and garden centre, where some members were tempted by the large display of flowers and plants. Then home safely by tea time thanks to the reliable service of Don Fraser Coaches.

If you are not a member but would like to join any of our events, please fill in the Contact Form. Article by Frank Hyland with thanks.

Trailer for Formby National Trust

Formby Nature Reserve were offered a 16ft trailer for sale at a discount from Attingham Park. The trailer was still a considerable amount of money so an appeal was launched. SoFA agreed to donate £1000 towards the trailer for Formby Nature Reserve.

The trailer has now been delivered to Formby and it has already been put to good use. The Rangers are delighted as it is much bigger than their existing trailer. It is very versatile and has been used for many purpose such as for moving bulk materials during forestry and woodland work over the winter. The trailer has also be used to move heavy equipment around the site and also to move portable toilets to Gawthorpe Hall. In the summer it will be used to clear litter left by visitors, tobacco waste and old building rubble off the beach.

We are really pleased that our donation has been put to such good use in helping with the purchase of this trailer. This will ultimately help the rare sand lizards, natterjack toads and tiger beetles to thrive at Formby Nature Reserve.

If you are not a member but would like to join our Association please fill in the Contact Form.
Article by Lois Hughes and photographs supplied by Edwina Alcock, with thanks.