Southport Christmas Lights Are Nearly Ready!

LATE at night, a Southport based company, Illumidex UK Ltd have been working hard to get the Town Centre ready for Christmas with a brand new lighting scheme. The Southport Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Sunday, 17 November 2019. The annual event and the lights are funded by Southport BID levy payers, and brings visitors from throughout the North West Region to see the display being turned on. This year the Southport BID have announced that Reality and TV star, Peter Andre, will be joining the festivities and turning on the lights. But he is not the only attraction. This event has grown each year and now offers visitors and locals alike a spectacular day of entertainment.

Other special guests will include:- Wet Wet Wet and Liberty X singer Kevin Simm, who won the Voice UK in 2017 and 80's Liverpool legend Sonia and the big man himself, Father Christmas. For the young, keep an eye out for the Starkidz Show, with your favourite Ice Queen followed by CBeebies headliner, Sid. That is just a sample of what's on the stage, in what will be a fantastic line up. Off stage expect fairground rides and street performances. the main event will be the Switch On and that will see the switching on of the spectacular light show tree and that will be topped off with a firework display. If you attend, please do not forget to visit the local shops, pubs and restaurants.

Stroke charity, A Stroke of Luck, announces 1st annual Gala Ball

THE survivor led charity launched in the UK in May 2019 and will host its highly anticipated 1st annual charity Gala Ball on 30 November 2019. The Merseyside based charity has been set up to support the recovery of stroke survivors across the UK using physical rehabilitation through the guidance of fitness and wellbeing professionals.

The inaugural Gala Dinner will take place at Birkenhead School, Merseyside and feature guest speaker Wasps Legend and Former professional rugby player, Peter Scrivener and 2 time stroke survivor, Carole Pyke. The glamorous evening will include live entertainment, a drinks reception, the finest gala dinner and a charity auction with money can't buy prizes.

In England, 1 in 6 people will have a stroke in their lifetime and it's widely accepted that the requirement for stroke rehabilitation frequently outlasts NHS support. A Stroke of Luck aims for stroke survivors to thrive in day to day life, providing them with access to fitness and wellbeing experts who can support their recovery and lead them to a fulfilled life: 1they may have thought was impossible to achieve.

A Stroke of Luck Founder and CEO, Craig Pankhurst, believes no stroke survivor should be left alone thinking:- 'What next?' and as a survivor himself is passionate about enhancing the life of every stroke survivor.

Craig said:- "This mantra will drive us to be 1of the biggest stroke charities in the UK. We have made unbelievable progress over the last few months as we've formed partnerships with organisations such as Tranmere Rovers Football Club and gained recognition from World Stroke Organisation. Our Gala Launch Ball will further our efforts to engage with each and every stroke survivor who wants our support and will be an evening of celebration, festivities and fundraising. We're excited to see what the future holds."

The gala ball will commence with a champagne reception at 7pm with guests seated for dinner from 7.20pm. Guest speaker and stroke survivor, Carole Pyke said:- "As an Ambassador for A Stroke of Luck I am very excited to be part of the Gala Launch Ball. It is the perfect opportunity to highlight the impact A Stroke of Luck will have in a Survivor's ongoing recovery journey. It also serves to be a reminder that Stroke is only part of our story: it is an indicator of a new starting point. Our lives are so much more than Stroke, and the best is always in front of us."

All funds raised on the evening will go towards the work of A Stroke of Luck, supporting Stroke survivors across the UK in their recovery and rehabilitation. Tables for 10 are available for ₤600 and individual tickets are also on sale for ₤60 each. Both are available to purchase online.

Letter to the Editor:- "The Lonsdale Trust Wallasey"

"THERE is so much doom and gloom; all that bickering about Brexit, it's nice to hear some pleasant news for a change! The Lonsdale Trust Wallasey Day Care Centre, on Seabank Road, Wallasey, has the capacity to take on more clients. In this homely building people receive high quality care from professionally trained staff. They provide support and day respite for carers who are struggling to cope with relatives who have dementia or other conditions Unlike many similar institutions clients have a good hot meal at no extra cost. Also (unlike some other eating establishments) they have the best rating for food hygiene. Depending on their individual needs clients take part in activities to improve their general wellbeing. The best thing about the Lonsdale is the happy and relaxed environment. OK, I may be biased as a Trustee, but you know when you walk into the building that it is a friendly and welcoming place. So, if you know someone who is struggling to cope with a relative and need time for their own needs, tell them about the Lonsdale. Carers can come to the centre to look around, receive advice in a quiet room and think about whether it is suitable. Just contact:- 0151 630 2076... Over to you!" Mrs T Irving, from Wallasey.