Tag: Ainsdale

SoFA Tea and Coffee Event – July 11 2026 – repost

Forty-Four members attended our summer Tea and Coffee event. Although a smaller number than normal, the ‘chatometer’ still maintained a high register! While the record-breaking heatwave and Wimbledon Ladies Final were significant distractions, our members made the most of a time together in the cool, open surroundings at St John’s Church in Ainsdale. A friendly togetherness made for enjoyable catchup conversations and the usual welcoming environment made it easier for newbies to feel part of the occasion and make new acquaintances.

It was an opportunity to have queries answered by the Committee and for members to provide feedback on questionnaires including new ideas and suggestions for programme planning.

Two of the committee members were awarded with Long Service Awards. One was 15 years and the other for 10 years’ committee work. Congratulations to both.

The chairman, Frank Hyland, outlined the arrangements for the group’s holiday to Wiltshire in 2027. Also, an update on the work on a digital option for booking and payments which is to be introduced in 2027 and although National Trust staff were not available to chat with members, he advised that our website continues to provide the latest news received from our properties. He also asked members to explore practical ways of publicising SoFA in their involvement in other local social groups. Partnerships have been made easier now because SoFA membership is no longer conditional on having National Trust or National Trust of Scotland membership. Another successful event was closed with a well-supported raffle.

If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events or are interested in joining our Association, please complete our Contact Form.

SoFA Tea and Coffee Event – July 11 2026

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It was an opportunity to have queries answered by the Committee and for members to provide feedback on questionnaires including new ideas and suggestions for programme planning.

Two of the committee members were awarded with Long Service Awards. One was 15 years and the other for 10 years’ committee work. Congratulations to both.

If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events or are interested in joining our Association, please complete our Contact Form.

The SoFA AGM

Events News Speaker Meeting No Comments

The SoFA AGM was attended by over 50 members on Friday 24 April at our usual venue of Christ Church Southport. Frank Hyland, Chairperson, supplied those in attendance with what SoFA has achieved during the last 12 months.

Last year, SoFA met its objectives, with a full programme of talks, events and activities. In addition, members enjoyed a great holiday in Cambridge and our well managed website and social media continued to be a useful source of information. To assist recruitment, we held two awareness days at the Atkinson to promote our Association.

During the AGM members of the committee were elected, including two new members. Edwina received a long service award for her time as a SoFA committee member. During her time as a committee member she has worn many hats, such as Chair and Vice-Chair. Until Covid, she was a volunteer at National Trust Formby and has been our liaison contact for many years.

Thanks were given to the PCC of Christ Church and Matthew, in particular, for enabling us to meet in their church as well as to all our members for their constant support throughout 2025.

When the AGM was finished, we were provided with an update from local National Trust staff.

Gil Riley, a volunteer at Rufford Old Hall for the last 18 years, supplied us with an update as to what is happening at their gardens. He says that there is a lot of pruning going on and wants to make the gardens evolve in order that there is something new to see each season.

Emma Ritson then supplied us with an overview of the various National Trust Properties in our area. She let us know where the donation that SoFA has given them will be spent. They require a wood chipping machine. There is a lack of signage at Rufford, therefore, they would like to have six long-term garden signs put up. Metal edging is also required around two footpaths. They also have a garden plant project which will cost between £500 – £1000. Emma thanked SoFA for the donation we supplied to them.

Then we were then given an update about National Trust Formby, this was presented to us by Laura Michelangeli. Firstly, she informed us that the donation that we had given them was spent on ‘Community Activities’. The car park at Victoria Road is now open, 80,000 tonnes of material having been removed during the project. They are in receipt of Sycamore Gap saplings, that have now been planted. She informed us that they are thrilled that they have received these.

Laura also informed us that the donation that we gave to Speke Hall was spent on wildflower seeds, which have been sown. Once they have germinated and grown, they will be visible next to the visitor reception for all to see. She told us that the kitchen has been restored and is now open for visitors.

She was pleased to announce that The Hardmans’ House is now open every Friday and the last Saturday of each month.

Laura thanked all the SoFA members for their donations to Speke Hall and Formby Woods.

If you are interested in joining SoFA please contact us using our Contact Form.

Tales of a Customs Officer – Brian Topping

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In March SoFA members attended the Speaker Meeting at Christ Church, Southport which was given by Brian Topping.

Mr Topping has had a long and varied career in the Customs Office. In the 1970’s and 1980’s he was a Customs officer in the former Department of H M Customs and Excise at Heathrow. He clarified that at that time a Customs Officer was not primarily responsible for security but for taxation for the Revenue Service.

He recounted numerous instances which involved people from many different parts of the world, for example, an Irish man who had a ‘bottle of water’ which was in fact Poitín/Poteen (an Illicit Irish spirit) which was forfeited!

A Customs Officer needs to be observant, as in the case where a mother’s children were running around in the Green Channel area and she offered a key to the officer which did not open her Delsy suitcase. Eventually the case was opened and was found to contain 16 kilos of Heroin. She The woman served nine years, her accomplice was given seven years, and the mastermind received 10 years in prison.

A Customs Officer must learn how the airline industry works and to be able to read body language. For example, if this was unusual the passenger was likely to be guilty of smuggling something in their suitcase or on their person.

Mr Topping could have given us many more examples, however instead told us he will reveal more in his next talk, Talk Two.

He was a most entertaining and enlightening speaker.

By Vikki Fahey

If you are interested in attending one of our Speaker Meetings or joining SoFA please contact us using our Contact Form.

SoFA Coffee afternoon 10th January 2026

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Sixty of our members attended the first organised event of 2026 which was a tea and coffee event in Ainsdale. It was a lovely sunny day and everyone was in good spirits. St John’s Church in Ainsdale has proved a popular venue since January 2024 when we held our first coffee afternoon there. The church provides a warm and friendly atmosphere which is appreciated by SoFA members.

The change to an afternoon event has suited members who make time to focus on friendly conversations and to catch up with each other after the Festive Season. Members received details of our programme of outings and holiday for 2026 which will be described fully in our Spring Magazine out soon. The event also included a well supported raffle with an array of interesting prizes.
The Committee are investigating the use of paperless applications for trips and outings and Janice our Treasurer outlined the possibility of using Bank Transfers for trip applications.

There was an update from Laura Michelangeli, the Community Engagement Manager at National Trust Formby. Laura gave a comprehensive review on the progress of work that is being carried at Formby to remove tons of rubble from the beach, build a new car park further inland and the restoration of sand dunes. She also spoke of the 8 English Longhorn cattle who browse and graze a wide range of vegetation making them ideal for conservation grazing.

If you wish to attend any of our events or join our Society, please complete Contact Form.

Article supplied by Lois Hughes and church interior photograph by Charlie Craig, with thanks.

SoFA Lytham Hall Outing

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The day before the outing it had rained solidly all day. However, on 16 December, the outing day itself was perfect, allowing 37 members of SoFA to enjoy a superb time at Lytham Hall in sparkling sunshine.

The short journey was made a little longer by the ubiquitous roadworks en route. However, Pat, our dependable driver from Don Fraser Coaches, ensured that we arrived in time for refreshments. Revitalised, we took a tour of the Hall decorated for Christmas with the theme ‘The Most Wonderful Rhyme of the Year’.

The display featured rooms containing one or more exquisitely decorated trees and scenes depicting nursery rhymes. It was impossible to choose a favourite, however, the staircase landing display was particularly spectacular.

The final display was a charming model village depicting Lytham in winter complete with ski slopes.

Members then enjoyed a silver afternoon tea. There was time to look at the Garden Centre and do some Christmas shopping then home safely in golden winter sunshine. Another enjoyable SoFA outing in friendly companionship.

Photographs of SoFA Lytham Hall outing supplied by Charlie Craig and article by Frank. Thank you both.

If you are interested in joining SoFA please contact us using our Contact Form.

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