Tag: Southport

Tales of a Customs Officer – Brian Topping

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

Coffee Afternoon Events No Comments

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

Events News Outings No Comments

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.

Blood Bikes

Events News speaker meeting No Comments

At our last speaker meeting of 2025 on Friday 28 November, our speaker was Barry Foster from North West Blood Bikes, Lancs. and Lakes. Barry began his talk by showing us a brief film from the 1960s, when Margaret Ryerson and her husband first set up Blood Bikes. When it was first established all the volunteers used their own motor bikes and paid for their own petrol. From there blood bike centres were set up around the country.

North West Blood Bikes (NWBB) was first set up in May 2012 by four ex police motor bikers. To become a blood biker, you need to be an advanced motorcyclist/driver. You are assessed and re-assessed on a regular basis. Safety is paramount and if the weather is very bad they have two ‘blood cars’ available.

Barry’s role includes assessing new potential members, he is also the fleet manager for all their vehicles.

They transport various items for the NHS, such as blood, plasma, frozen breast milk, different bodily fluids etc. The volunteers are expected to do two shifts per month. The various shifts are Monday – Friday 7pm – 2am; Saturday – Sunday 7am – 2am and all Bank Holidays 7am – 2am.

Currently Barry’s team have 15 bikes in the fleet. They are mainly BMWs, which are very big and heavy bikes. However, they are presently looking at smaller bikes, which are less heavy, that will allow some men and women to ride more comfortably.

They have two new BMW 1300 RT bikes, which require the livery to be applied on them. They cost between £18,000 – £19,000 each with the stickers costing an additional £400. Barry says there is nothing better than riding a brand-new bike and contributing to a great cause. When the weather is very bad, they have two automatic Kia Seeds for them to use.

Despite the bikes being covered in yellow and reflective stickers, as well as having their lights on plus the words ‘Blood’ on the front of the bike, they are still not seen by other road users. Barry kindly requested that when we see a big yellow bike in our car mirrors, that we make room for them to pass, making their imperative journey a little easier.

There are times when they meet another blood biker from a different area at a motorway service station, when samples or blood is exchanged. This allows blood etc. to be transported from one end of the country to another, at no cost whatsoever to the NHS. This saves thousands of pounds each year. Since their inception in May 2012, NWBB have completed 150,000 runs.

They have a large team, which includes controllers, bikers, car drivers, fundraisers. Without these Blood Bikers the NHS, may not at times, be able to complete the work they do.

Barry said that they have received much thanks and appreciation for the work they do, from patients, their families and NHS staff.

Many thanks to Barry who gave us a very interesting talk.

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

Festive Lunch

Events News No Comments

On Thursday 27th November, sixty-five members gathered together at the Old Links Golf Club. On arrival at the warm and welcoming venue we were able to chat with friends and find out where we were seated. Having all, some months ago, made our menu choices, it was a relief to find that Maggie, the event organiser, had brought with her the slips of paper we had completed. We could order drinks from the bar and settle down to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.
As usual, Jeanette and her team served our 3 course meal with friendly efficiency. This was followed by a hot drink and mince pies. Lots of chat and catching up took place. Maggie thanked the staff and gave them a suitable gratuity.

Frank followed this by informing everyone that this would be the last time Maggie would be organising our Christmas Meal, having carried out this task since December 2018. In recognition Maggie was presented with a ‘Goody Bag’ from the Committee. An extremely enjoyable time was had by all and a last thank you to Charlie who took time to take some lovely photographs.

If you would like to join our Association or attend any of our events, please complete Contact Form.
Many thanks to Carol Hitchmough for the article.

My Life in the Path Lab by Peter Gordon

News Speaker Meeting No Comments

Peter has many years experience working in Pathology Laboratories and gave a light hearted talk about his ‘Life in the Path Lab’ on 26th Sept. This was a well presented, interesting and humorous talk about a serious subject. Peter largely focused on the lack of Health and Safety in the ‘good old days’ that would not be tolerated in modern Pathology Laboratories today. These laboratories focus on the analysis of body fluids, tissues, cells and blood. This aids in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases. Peter explained how they also have an important role in preparing for Blood Transfusions. Pathology Labs play a crucial role in healthcare by providing essential diagnostic information to doctors.
There was a lot of interest in the many leaflets that Peter brought to illustrate the role of Path Labs. Judging by the animated reactions and comments, the talk was well received. We thanked Peter for beginning our 2025-2026 Speaker Meetings in style.

If you would like to attend any of our events or to join our Association please complete Contact Form.

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