Santa Claus spotted getting his booster jab in Sefton

AS the final countdown to Christmas begins, staff at a Covid19 vaccination site in Sefton were surprised by the arrival of a very jolly patient in a red suit, looking to get a jab. 'Santa Claus' visited Netherton Health Centre, where he had pre-booked an appointment to get his Covid19 booster vaccination, under the alias Ron Clayton.

Arriving, unusually, by van rather than by sleigh, Santa explained that his reindeer were busy getting ready for their Christmas duties, but that even though he was:- 'snowed under' with festive preparations he knew it was very important to make time to get vaccinated as soon as he was eligible.

Santa said:- "I've got a busy few days ahead, flying around to deliver presents to children all over Sefton and beyond! I wanted my long journey to be made as safe as possible for myself and everyone I visit, by getting my booster jab for extra protection. Mrs Claus and all of my elves have also had their booster jabs, to keep themselves and everyone else safe this Christmas. Some of the elves are over 100 years old, so obviously they had their vaccinations quite early on, but it's never too late to come forward for your jab if you've not got round to it yet!"

After getting his vaccine, Santa declared that all the staff at Netherton Health Centre were definitely on his 'nice' list, before he waved goodbye to the team and set off back to the North Pole.

Jenny Macoy, Site Manager at the Covid19 vaccination centre at Netherton Health Centre, said:- "We were so glad to see St. Nick himself coming in to get his jab, even though he must have a busy schedule at the moment! Protecting yourself and others should definitely be top of everyone's Christmas list this year. The booster vaccine is important because helps improve the protection you have from your 1st 2 doses of the vaccine and helps give you longer term protection against getting seriously ill from Covid19. Get yours booked in to stay safe this festive season."

The NHS is now offering all adults the opportunity to book their booster jab by the end of the year. Those now eligible to book are people who had their second Covid19 vaccine at least 3 months ago, and are:-

► Aged 18 and over.

► Aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk from Covid19.

► Frontline health or social care workers.

If, like Santa, you are eligible for your booster jab, you can call:- 119 or visit the NHS website to book an appointment, or find a walk in vaccination site that is offering booster jabs, online at:- NHS.UK/Covid-Booster.

Booster jabs are also available from local vaccination sites in Sefton, which are taking bookings by telephone for anyone eligible. Contact the local vaccination sites to get booked in:-

► Seaforth Village Surgery, 20 Seaforth Rd, L21 3TA.
Call:- 07979938229.

► Netherton Health Centre, Magdalen Square, L30 5SP.
Call:- 01512476413.

► Southport Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 44 to 46 Hoghton Street, PR9 0PQ.
Call:- 01704395830, these phone lines are open:- Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

Find out more about local vaccination sites in Sefton by visiting:- SouthSeftonCCG.NHS.UK or SouthportAndFormbyCCG.NHS.UK.

St Helens Christmas Panto Goldilocks Is 'Just Right' With 5 Star Reviews

THE theatre's Christmas pantomimes have become a real highlight of the festive season year after year, and Goldilocks audiences confirming it's:- "the greatest show on earth." The circus comes to Town this Christmas in Regal Entertainment's magical pantomime, Goldilocks And The 3 Bears. It promises to be just right with its mix of unbelievable circus tricks, madcap comedy capers, Regal's high production values, and a smash hit selection of chart hits to sing and dance along to.

Audiences are invited to join Goldilocks this festive season who, with the help of the 3 Bears, tries to save her Big Top from a rival circus owner!

St Helens Theatre Royal has been granted the use of the Society Of London Theatre and UK Theatre's:- 'See It Safely' mark. This certifies that the venue is complying with Government and industry Covid19 guidelines to ensure the safety of staff, performers, and audiences.

Goldilocks And The 3 Bears features a host of St Helens' favourites cast members, who have trained for 6 months ahead of the show to master a number of circus skills and stunts which will feature in the show, including:- aerial skills and hoops.

David Tag is joined by Timothy Lucas as Baron Von Vippemall, Olivia Sloyan as Goldilocks, David Phipps Davis as Dame Gertie, Scott Gallagher as Silly Billy, Jenna Sian O'Hara as Baby Bear, Harry Moore as Daddy Bear, and Chantal Amber Rose as Mummy Bear.

The creative team includes:- Director and Producer Chantelle Nolan, Musical Supervisor Callum Clarke, Choreography by Nazene Langfield, and Written by Reece Sibbald.

Theatre manager and show director and producer Chantelle Nolan commented:- "We are absolutely delighted with the response to Goldilocks And The 3 Bears, it's our biggest and most adventurous show to date and is a brand new production with sparkling new sets and costumes. We want people to come to the theatre with the assurance that we are doing everything we can to ensure they have a safe visit. We would ask all ticketholders to wear a mask to assist in the safe visit for themselves and others."

St Helens Theatre Royal has a range of Covid-secure measures in place. They include:- increased cleaning, hand sanitiser stations at points throughout the building, and a QR code phone app for audiences to order food and beverages to be delivered to them at their seats.

Customers are required to wear face coverings (unless exempt) and are being encouraged to take a lateral flow test up to 48 hours before attending a show. People are asked not to visit the theatre if they have Covid symptoms. Meanwhile theatre staff are taking daily Covid tests.

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