Introducing his talk, Mr Saunders noted that ‘brief’ and ‘Mervyn’ are not often associated together! Given the breadth of his subject, this is perhaps understandable. Mervyn’s history began with the restoration of King Charles 11 who allowed theatres to reopen after their closure by Oliver Cromwell. The first and most notable was the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane. Unfortunately this had to close shortly after opening because of the Plague and then the Great Fire of London. The present building, still in use, is the fourth on the site. A local connection is that Rex Harrison, born in Huyton, Liverpool starred in My Fair Lady when it opened in London at the Theatre Royal. Apart from ‘straight’ theatre, mention was made of entertainment to be found in tea gardens, inns, music halls and circuses.
Being from St Helens, Mr Saunders concluded his talk with a plea for the recognition of a fellow citizen from St Helens. George Groves was the first sound recording engineer working on the ‘Jazz Singer’ the first talking picture. Despite this and a successful Hollywood career, he is largely forgotten. This was an interesting subject and a lively presentation. Hopefully we will see a return visit by Mervyn Saunders.
If you are a not a member but are interested in any of our events or in joining our Association, please fill out Contact Form.
We will visit the award winning Bury Market which has plenty to offer visitors. The market dates back to the 1440’s and is renowned for its diverse mix of stalls which makes it one of the largest in the North of England. Bury also has many fine buildings, including the Fusilier Museum. Immerse yourself in the history of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and explore 300 years of their history. There are also the Art Museum, Sculpture Centre and Transport Museum. Bury has many cafes to offer those seeking lunch.
In the afternoon we will have a trip on the East Lancashire Railway from Bury to Rawtenstall, traversing the Lancashire countryside. We then journey back to Bury before our return to Southport.
Please note this outing will involve some walking.
The coach will pick up at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. See SoFA Spring Magazine for details. The cost to include train ride, travel and gratuities.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any events or to join our Association, please fill in Contact Form.
After a leisurely start, we arrive at the PlazaComplex in Stockport for a light lunch of soup, sandwiches and a hot drink. Afterwards, we walk the short distance to the building housing the UK’s only site dedicated to the hatting industry, hats and headwear. We will have a guided tour of the hat making process and time to enjoy the exhibition of headwear through the generations.
Before our return, refreshments should be available at the museum cafe. There are no access issues. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when booking.
The coach will pick up at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. See SoFA Spring Magazine for details. The cost to include travel, lunch, guided tour and gratuities.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any events or to join our Association, please fill in Contact Form.
Tatton is a country estate of 1000 acres of parkland. Within this are formal gardens, a walled kitchen garden, historic glasshouses and a hundred year old Japanese garden. The 18th century house contains the collection of the Egerton family. Refreshments can be purchased at the Stables Restaurant and possibly the Gardener’s Cottage. The stable yard also has a gift shop and second hand bookstore. There is also a working farm to visit with an admission charge of £10.
Most of the paths are compacted gravel. There are stairs to the upper level of the Mansion. The farmyard is cobbled. Electric buggies and wheelchairs are available, ring 01625 374400 to pre-book.
Please remember to bring your NT membership card to gain free access.
The coach will pick up at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. See SoFA Spring magazine 2026 for details. The cost to include travel and gratuities.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any events or join our Association, please fill in Contact Form.
Welcome to Lyme, once the home to the Legh family, nestling on the edge of the Peak District. Step back in time and enjoy lavish interiors of the Regency Era at Lyme Hall. Explore the elegant Italian Garden, Dutch Garden and Reflection Lake. Visit the luxurious herbaceous borders where a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennett in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice.
There are several tea rooms and food outlets at Lyme including the Timber Yard Cafe out in the deer park offering drinks and warm snacks. Delicious light lunches are available in the Ale Cellar Tea Room situated in the house.
A free shuttle bus service runs from the main car park to the house and there is an accessible route around the property.
Please remember to bring your NT membership card to gain free entry.
Deer Park at Lyme
The coach will pick up at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. See SoFA Spring Magazine for details. The cost to include travel and gratuities.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any events or to join our Association, please fill in Contact Form.
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.
We will visit the award winning Bury Market which has plenty to offer visitors. The market dates back to the 1440’s and is renowned for its diverse mix of stalls which makes it one of the largest in the North of England. Bury also has many fine buildings, including the Fusilier Museum. Immerse yourself in the history of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and explore 300 years of their history. There are also the Art Museum, Sculpture Centre and Transport Museum. Bury has many cafes to offer those seeking lunch.
