Tag: Southport

SoFA Coffee afternoon 10th January 2026

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

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.

Formby National Trust Update

Formby Nature Reserve News No Comments

As the major project of removing rubble at Formby Victoria Road continues, a huge digger moves vast quantities of sand covering the rubble. Once exposed, the rubble is crushed and removed from the beach to be used in levelling the area designated for a new car park. The dunes from which the rubble has been extracted are reshaped with the sand removed earlier.

This has not been the best year for natterjack toads as it has been too dry. The sand lizards are thriving down on the Sefton Coast. Owing to the work being carried out on the Formby sand dunes the resident sand lizards had to be transferred to a place of safety for a few days. A survey over five days found 27 sand lizards, all if which were safely returned to their ‘original homes’. It is believed that this is the first time these little creatures have ever been moved on such a large scale. Sefton is thought to have 50% of the UK population of sand lizards.

Many thanks to the Formby site Team for providing the above information. Article by Edwina Alcock with thanks.

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

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