Jonathan’s presentation will be about the modern reality of being a Liverpool Magistrate. This is a voluntary role that balances deeply traditional principles with intense, contemporary pressure.
If you would like to attend any of our events or to join our Society please complete Contact Form.
Sue is the Assistant County Organiser for the NGS and will talk about the History of the National Garden Scheme. The scheme raises funds for nursing and health charities by opening private gardens to the public.If you are interested in any of our events or joining our Association please complete Contact Form.
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.
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.
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.
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.