Tag: Southport and Formby Association

Outing to Tatton Hall and Park

Our outing on 21st May was to Tatton Hall and Park in Knutsford. The weather was sunny and warm so perfect for our trip over to Cheshire. On arrival we were met at the car park by a very knowledgeable Guide who was expecting our coach party. After a brief introduction to the house and park he led us through to the courtyard cafe where most of us had a coffee. Despite the forecast the weather stayed fine and we enjoyed the gardens and grounds. The rhododendrons and azaleas being particularly colourful. Most people made their way up to the Japanese Garden before returning to the cafe for lunch.

In the afternoon we expored the Mansion. Although the Egerton family had owned the estate since 1598 they did not live there until the early 18th Century when a house was built. In 1729 Samuel Egerton, a second son so not due to inherit went to Venice to be apprentice to his uncle Joseph Smith. In 1738 Samuel’s brother died so he did inherit the estate. Then in 1758 Joseph Smith died leaving a vast legacy to Samuel. This enabled the Mansion to be built at Tatton and the huge collection of art and fine furnishings kept together. There is currently an exhibition in the Mansion called Beyond the View. This outlines the experience of the extraordinary journey of Samuel Egerton from Cheshire to Venice and his connection to the celebrated artist Canaletto. The highlight of the exhibition being two remarkable Canaletto paintings.

Our next outing is to the Hat Museum and Exhibition at the Plaza Complex in Stockport on August 13th.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events or are interested in joining our Association, please complete Contact Form. Your enquiry will then be forwarded to the relevant organiser.

Article provided by Richard Hughes with thanks.

Outing to Lyme Hall and Deer Park

Our outing on 30th April was to Lyme Hall and Deer Park in Disley. The weather was warm and sunny so perfect for our trip over to Cheshire. We were made very welcome by the National Trust staff at Lyme Hall and everyone found plenty to see and do during our time there.
Lyme Hall is nestled on the edge of the Peak District, was once home to the Leigh family and, in its heyday, a great sporting estate. The Hall is filled with treasures and stories of historical interest. The room guides were very friendly and knowledgeable and made our journey through the hall all the more interesting. There is also a 1,400 acre estate and deer park with lots of wooded areas and meadows to explore.

We all appreciated the sun and fresh air and agreed the outing to Lyme Hall was very relaxed and enjoyable. Our next outing is to Tatton Hall and Gardens in Knutsford, Cheshire which will take place on Thursday 21st May.

If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events or are interested in joining our Association, please complete the Contact Form. Your enquiry will then be forwarded to the relevant organiser.

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

Events News Speaker Meeting No Comments

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.

A Brief History of Entertainment – Mervyn Saunders

News Speaker Meeting No Comments

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.

Article by Richard Hughes, with thanks.

Bury Market and East Lancs Railway

No Comments

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.

Navigation