Former War Hospital pays its respects to soldiers with WW1 Remembrance Service

STAFF, Governors and volunteers from North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust joined in a short service, at Hollins Park Hospital, in Winwick, on Monday, 12 November, to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War 1.  Hollins Park Hospital became known as the Lord Derby War Hospital, during World War One, treating more than 56,000 injured and shell shocked war casualties, between 1915 and 1920. The Trust's Chaplain Pam Lovatt led the special remembrance service, which ended with Trust's Chief Executive Simon Barber, Chairman Helen Bellairs and service user volunteers laying wreaths made by service users from the Hospital's inpatient wards in the memorial garden at Hollins Park.

Trust volunteer Stella McGeachin, who read at the service, said:- "We were honoured to attend the remembrance service and to read a poem by war poet Ivor Gurney, who was treated at the Lord Derby Hospital due to shell shock. It's so important that we remember and pay our respects to those who gave their lives for our Country, as well as those who worked tirelessly to save the lives of countless soldiers."

Helen Bellairs, Chairman of the Trust said:- "We are extremely proud to hold a service of remembrance to commemorate 100 years since World War 1 ended. Our facility at Winwick was 1 of the largest military Hospitals in the UK at the time, providing vital care for British and Commonwealth soldiers."

As the event drew to a close, staff, Governors and volunteers paid their respects by observing a 2 minute silence, to remember and honour everyone who has lost their lives fighting for their Country.

A festive feel to St George's Hall

LIVERPOOL'S St George's Hall has Christmas all wrapped up as its festive activities begin to snowball, returning for a 3rd year, Liverpool's Christmas Market is now officially open, on St George's Hall, plateau. More than 40 traditional style festive cabins dressed in garlands offering up tempting Christmas gifts including:- handmade jewellery, festive decorations, fleece garments, fragrances, beautiful canvases, hand painted ceramic plates, scarves and edible gifts to make perfect stocking fillers. Also on offer is a vast array of food and drink stalls catering to all tastes, with food on offer such as the:- Yorkshire wrap pancakes, mezze platters, hog roasts, salt and pepper sui mai, along with the likes of bratwurst and gourmet burgers. For those with a sweet tooth:- crepes, Belgian waffles, muffins and cupcakes will be on offer. After a successful inaugural year in 2017, the Windmill Bar makes its return and will serve traditional beers, mulled wine, hot chocolate and other festive drinks. For younger visitors there will be a selection of vintage fairground rides to enjoy.  The markets will run until Sunday, 23 December 2018.

Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:- "Thousands enjoyed the market last year and we had really positive feedback from both visitors and traders. There is a wide variety of stalls selling seasonal food and drink to really get people into the festive spirit, and with the additional activities taking place inside St George's Hall and the Town Hall there really is something for everyone."

The market will kick start the Hall's ticketed Christmas activities, which include:-

► Carols in the Concert Room - On Wednesday 12 December, sing along to your festive favourites as the Concert Room plays host to Liverpool's very own:- Mezzo Soprano Danielle Thomas, the Liverpool Harmonic Gospel Choir and Allerton Brass. And the Hall's very own Charles Dickens will provide a reading or two. Tickets are ₤16.50, including booking fees, and can be bought from the  St Georges Hall  website.

► Luna Winter Cinema - Everyone loves a Christmas film, and what better way to enjoy your favourite festive flick than in the stunning surroundings of the Hall. Showings take place from Wednesday, 19 December to Sunday, 23 December 2018, with the likes of:- 'It's A Wonderful Life,' 'Home Alone' and 'Love Actually' on the line up (please note, 'Elf' has already sold out). Tickets are ₤11 (concessions are available) and can be bought from the St Georges Hall website.

As well as St George's Hall, the Town Hall is playing host to a very special guest:-

► Storytime with Santa; Father Christmas and his friend Buddy the Elf, are heading to the Town Hall to share some magical stories and sing a song or 2 in their magical grotto. Starting from Saturday 1 December, Storytime is aimed at 3 to 10 year old's and each session lasts around 45mins. Tickets are ₤15 per child (2 adults can accompany them for free) and obtained online.