And the winner is: Cakes of the World Celebration with the Migrant Workers community

Regular readers will know that over the past twelve month I have been presented with all manner of cakes. I have been greatly impressed by the range of home baking that local groups have produced. I found that I was holding a competition in my mind as to who was the best. As my term of office draws to a close I think it is time to declare a winner. For a long time Maghull Baptist Church led the bake off. Highly commended goes Clarence High School, Age Concern Crosby, St Luke's Crosby, the amazing Guinness Cake at Mrs & Mrs Fletchers whose home was open as part of the National Garden Scheme, Grosvenor Rd URC Birkdale and the MacMillan Coffee Morning in Marshside. But the undoubted winner was the 'Cakes of the World' celebration held by the Migrant Workers' Community this weekend.

Congratulations to Eileen Saunders and her team, pictured above with their star baker, they produced an amazing spread. There were cakes from all over Europe. The quality and diversity of baking eclipsed all other events. Students from Edge Hill University helped put on the event and they have promised me some of the photographs they took which illustrate the brilliant bakes and which I shall add to this posting.


The cakes demonstrate the enormous and diverse contribution that the migrant workers make to our community. In every generation people have moved to our town and they too have enhanced our society by their hard work and cultural impact.

Duke of Edinburgh Awards Evening Southport update

It was really inspiring to meet all the young people who had gained Duke of Edinburgh Awards from across the borough. The numbers embarking on the scheme are on the up here and across the region- but we are one of the few places that hold a full blown award ceremony. My job was to hand out badges to people gaining the Siver Award. The event was held at the Southport Convention Centre

Rotary in Southport for Technology challenge and Annual Conference

My visits to Rotary began with the Technology Challenge organised by the Southport Rotary group at Greenbank High School. I met students from local school and colleges who were participating in this event. Their task was to design and make an electrically powered car to travel along a course and pick up a load. I was genuinely impressed by the inventiveness of the students who ranged in age from 12 to 18 years old. Some of the older students from Southport College were undertaking apprenticeships or preparing to go to university, they had the task well in hand. But it was the younger students who really impressed me. It was good to observe so many girls actively and successfully participating in engineering.

At the weekend I was at the Floral Hall for the annual conference of the Lancashire and Cumbria Rotary district. They have come back to Southport for three of the last five years. It is my habit at these events to speak to as many of the delegates as I can about their experience of our town. Conferences likes this fill our hotels and Guest Houses and provide bookings for our restaurants so it was very pleasing that there was universal praise for the welcome they have received. A special mention must go to the staff at the Floral Hall.

Among the charities that the Lancs/Cumbria Rotary support is the Blood Bikes

German exchange with Range High School in Formby visit Southport Town Hall

It was a pleasure to meet students from Range High School and from a school from Bavaria in Germany who were involved in a school exchange.

They all packed into the Mayor's Parlour at Southport Town Hall at beginning of a tour of the building. We have a well-rehearsed tour of Bootle Town Hall but the Southport one is still of a bit of a 'work in progress'. As we were gathered in the Parlour I was able to show them some of the historical regalia from the Southport County Borough including the Mace and Mayoral chain. We next visited the council chamber. The students from both schools were full of interesting questions and we discussed the difference between a burgermeister and my role as Mayor here. In the anti room to the chamber there is a 'rogue gallery' photographs of former Mayors dating back to the mid C19th which stimulated a lot of discussion.

It was an excellent tour, the special ingredient was the interest shown by the students from both schools

My visit to Southport Foodbank

Some of the many volunteers at Southport Foodbank

I started my day with a visit to Southport Foodbank housed in a church down by the north end of the Marine Lake. This is a major voluntary effort and draws its support from across the community. The churches play a significant role in collecting food, recruiting volunteers and managing the project. Local supermarkets support the scheme and along with special events these three sectors provide most of the resources. But it doesn't stop there, schools, youth organisations and individual donations are important. On my visit I was told about the involvement of the 58th Southport Brownie who helped collect food at Tescos before Christmas. They returned to the Foodbank to help label and stack the bumper Christmas collection and I understand they followed that through in February with further work at the project..

Demand remains high with December 2016 being a particularly high month and though they are seeing a slight drop off in demand from single people that is more than compensated for by the increase of support to families. The foodbank ahs no taken on welfare benefit advice for its clients and it was good to meet the volunteers involved. They intend to have an adviser at each foodbank session across the Southport network. Benefit delays and changes were the cause that led lmost a third of the foodbank's users to its doors.

After the volunteers has shown me round I joined them for a coffee overlooking the Marine Lake. They have plans for further work. Our town is fortune to have such a large body of willing volunteers to carry out this work. They deserve our thanks.

My visit to HeartStone Birkdale and Ainsdale

Saturday morning I was at Sacred Heart Church on Liverpool Rd Birkdale where along with their partner parish St John's Stone in Ainsdale (jointly known at HeartStone) they were working through their priorities for the next few years. The priest Father Slingo had invited Nugent charity to show case their local work: Margaret Roper House, Clumber House and Clarence High School. I shall be visiting all these projects in the near future.

Nugent CEO Normandie Wragg introduced each project in turn and after lunch the parishioners committed to working alongside the charity. More about my visits to these projects later on.

Concern expressed about the plight of Polish people working in UK at Southport's Anglo Polish Annual Lunch

The plight of Polish people and other EU citizens living and working in the UK was raised by Andrew Otto, a respected local solicitor and the Vice Chair of the Southport and District Anglo Polish Society, in his speech proposing the toast to the guests at the society's annual Lunch .

Andrew was keen that the House of Lords should pass the amendment to safeguard the rights of folk already settled in the UK believing, as I do, that there is no risk that this will not be reciprocated.

My role was to respond to Andrew's toast which I was pleased to do. The UK owes a great debt to Polish people who came to our aid in WW2 some of whom settled here after the war. The story of how individual families were driven across Europe as first the Russians and then the Germans made them homeless in a dangerous war torn continent is one of the tragedies of the 20th century. The story is well known to the wartime generation and to those of us who grew up in the 50s and 60s and went to school with the sons and daughters of those immigrants. Today the story is being told afresh to a new generation. The revival of Terence Rattigan's  play Flight Path by Trevor Nunn in 2011 with Sheidan Smith and Sienna Miller in the lead roles is an important part of that re-telling.. Since then various versions of the play has been touring the provincial theatre's of Britain. Even closer to home our own Little Theatre in Southport is staging the play. (I learned from one of the guests that a similar role was played by Polish seamen.)

That generation of Polish who made the UK their home have made an enormous contribution to our society; economically, socially, culturally and every which way. As with so many immigrant group we are far better off because of their presence. Today a new generations of Polish men and women  have come to Britain and the Society has done a good deal to welcome and support them. As Andrew Otto pointed out there is a great deal of uncertainty about their future.

One little trivial fact I picked up -thanks to one of those irritating emails- was that exactly ninety years ago on the day of the dinner the Polish nation adopted a new National Anthem . I also had a crash course on Polish pronunciation from Society chair Richard Kowalski  all of which was a great help

Finally the new Manchester based NW Consul for the  Republic  of Poland Lesvek Rowicki spoke about the changing European landscape and how that would impact on his fellow country men and women who had settled here. .

After the dinner and the speeches were entertained by a group from Manchester singing Polish sea shanties  and a few English ones they had adapted.

Southport Music Festival- young people showcase their talents

The Mayor, I learn, is President of the Southport Music Festival and so it came to pass last week that I was down to chair their AGM. I was unable to attend the festival this year as I was already booked up so the 'President's opening remarks were something of a challenge. I have chaired some pretty boring meetings but this one was certainly not in that category. A dedicated group of volunteers have kept this Festival alive whilst many across the country many have folded. Today, in its 110th year, it flourishes.

After the business of the meeting was concluded-with special presentations to some of the volunteers- we all sat down to a concert given by some of the young people who had entered the Festival in 2016. The standard was amazingly high. I took a few pictures and I am grateful to Ian Dexter for providing me with some additional ones. Let's start with a couple of videos which will illustrate the quality.

Charlie on the piano

A memorable sketch about dentists

a great musical hall turn

another excellent soprano

Three young women open a new business in Southport's Ocean Plaza

I was pleased to help launch a new business at Ocean Plaza. Three young women who have already set up a Vets practice in Widnes and have now opened a new one in Pets at Home in Southport. There was, of course, cake, balloons and a ribbon to cut. I wish them every success.

Photo by Daniel Woodcock

Photo by Daniel Woodcock

Ethel Williams 100th Birthday

It was a real pleasure to meet Ethel Williams on her 100th Birthday. Ethel lives at Dovehaven in Southport.

Ethel was born in Leigh Lancashire in 1917. During the war she served as a Land girl in Montgomeryshire in central Wales where she met her husband who worked for the Forestry Commission and settled after the war.

It was great to hear Ethel's memories and to discuss how much things have improved. She spoke of how much difference the automatic washing machine made. Ethel played the organ at the Victoria Methodist church in Blowick.

Southport Reform Synagogue invite me to a Shabbat Service

The Reform Synagogue in Southport invited me to a Shabbat Service to be precise Tu B’shevat Shabbat Shirah. The Service leader was Student Rabbi Kath Vardi. There was a special, fruit themed chavurah afterwards.
I was most impressed by the was Kath Vardi led the service in large part singing the liturgy in Hebrew. We were invited to look at the scrolls and the way the readings were laid out.

It was good to hear that the Iman Soyful Alam was coming to the synagogue to give a talk and answer questions. He is certain to get a friendly welcome.

Southport's Holocaust Memorial service

The Holocaust Memorial service, presided over by Michael Braham, was one of the most compelling and powerful remembrances for the victims of genocide held in our town.

Young people from the VIth Form Colleges at KGV and Runshaw joined the pupils of St John's Ainsdale in reminding us of the enormous human cost of the holocaust. They told the stories of individual victims, those who had died and those who lived on after the war. Their thoroughly researched presentations had a great emotional impact.

Their contributions were followed by the Imam of Southport Mosque Soyful Alam. The packed congregation, in Christ Church on Lord St, had listened in respectful silence to the young people and to Michael Braham talk about the events that took place in the death camps of Nazi Germany and of the plight of refugees -especially the children- who came to this country and our town. The history they related addressed the theme of the service; how after the genocide can life go on.

pupils from St John's Ainsdale re enact a scene where children disembark from the kindertransport

Into the silence stepped Soyful to take his place behind the lectern. His powerful address confronted the continuing use of genocide in the world today. He spoke of his despair and our failure to learn the lessons of the holocaust. The world stands aside and fails to act. It is hard to find hope when night after night we see images of genocide and we know how many hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. Soyful warned this failure to act undermines our common humanity and the bonds that should link us all together.

Such was the impact of Soyful's address that the congregation broke in spontaneous and prolonged applause and in the tea room after the service it was the main topic of conversation.

Peter Dowd MP's was unable to attend the service and I was asked to say a few words. As world events are played out and once again the warping influence of nationalism and populist politicians threaten the peace and stability of our world it is more important than assert our values. One of my responsibilities as Mayor is to preside over Citizenship ceremonies during which we declare our allegiance to the British values of respect and tolerance. We must fight intolerance and prejudice wherever we encounter it. The Holocaust was an indescribable atrocity, and we must never forget the victims of this evil and those other acts of genocide that continue to this day. The work of Holocaust Memorial Day keeps alive the memory of those who died and those who survived.  We own a great debt to those who dedicate themselves to educating the public. One such person is Pauline Collier (pictured above with the pupils of St John's), who is a Fellow at the Imperial War Museum. She has been central to the success of the Southport Holocaust Memorial service as long as I can remember. Thanks to her and those who work alongside her the next generation have been taught about the terrible event that took place.

100th Birthday Tea Party for Diana Beldam

 I was delighted to be invited to Diana Beldam's 100th Afternoon Tea Party at the Soroptimist House in Southport. There was a great turnout and the members laid on a memorable spread to mark the occasion.
Diana was very proud of her birthday card from the Queen which had pride of place on the mantelpiece along side a host of others.
I asked Diana what the first thing she could remember. She recalled being picked up by her Father and being shown a Zepplin as it flew over her Yorkshire home. Zepplin's began commercial flights in 1910 and during WW1 over 500 people were killed in air raids-although I doubt any got as far north as Yorkshire.
Also at the Tea Party were representatives of Crosby Housing who have a partnership with Southport Soroptimists

Chair of SSHA and Mandy Elliot from Crosby Housing

Rainbow Flags Flying at Southport and Bootle Town Halls

Rainbow Flags Flying At Town Halls

I am pleased to announce that Rainbow flags will be flying at both Bootle and Southport Town Halls today (February 1) to mark the start of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) history month.

 Notices will be displayed at the Town Halls explaining why the flag is being flown for the day.


 LGBT History Month is a month-long annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements.

 In 2017 the month looks at Citizenship, PSHE  and Law to mark the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality in England and Wales.

 Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Iain Brodie-Browne, said: "I have felt for a long time that we have failed to give the appropriate recognition in our borough to LGBT citizens and to the contribution that they make to our communities. It is very important to lend our support to LGBT history month and show that Sefton Council supports LGBT people.
“The Rainbow Flag represents the diversity of the LGBT community, many of whom are residents in our borough. I am delighted that the Rainbow flag will flown from our two Town Halls on February 1st."
 For more information on LGBT history month visit
www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/

Holocaust Memorial service in Southport we must learn the lessons and build bridges and friendships between people not erect walls and ferment divisions

Rev Staurt Broughton, Imam Soyful Alam, Rabbi Ariel Abel and IBB

 The Holocaust Memorial service, presided over by Michael Braham, was one of the most compelling and powerful remembrances for the victims of genocide held in our town.

Young people from the VIth Form Colleges at KGV and Runshaw joined the pupils of St John's Ainsdale in reminding us of the enormous human cost of the holocaust. They told the stories of individual victims, those who had died and those who lived on after the war. Their thoroughly researched presentations had a great emotional impact.

Their contributions were followed by the Imam of Southport Mosque Soyful Alam. The packed congregation, in Christ Church on Lord St, had listened in respectful silence to the young people and to Michael Braham talk about the events that took place in the death camps of Nazi Germany and of the plight of refugees -especially the children- who came to this country and our town. The history they related addressed the theme of the service; how after the genocide can life go on.

The pupils of St John's Ainsdale who acted out a scene about
children arriving in  the UK on the Kindertransport.

Into the silence stepped Soyful to take his place behind the lectern. His powerful address confronted the continuing use of genocide in the world today. He spoke of his despair and our failure to learn the lessons of the holocaust. The world stands aside and fails to act. It is hard to find hope when night after night we see images of genocide and we know how many hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. Soyful warned this failure to act undermines our common humanity and the bonds that should link us all together.

Such was the impact of Soyful's address that the congregation broke in spontaneous and prolonged applause and in the tea room after the service it was the main topic of conversation.


Peter Dowd MP's was unable to attend the service and I was asked to say a few words. As world events are played out and once again the warping influence of nationalism and populist politicians threaten the peace and stability of our world it is more important than assert our values. One of my responsibilities as Mayor is to preside over Citizenship ceremonies during which we declare our allegiance to the British values of respect and tolerance. We must fight intolerance and prejudice wherever we encounter it. The Holocaust was an indescribable atrocity, and we must never forget the victims of this evil and those other acts of genocide that continue to this day. The work of Holocaust Memorial Day keeps alive the memory of those who died and those who survived.  We own a great debt to those who dedicate themselves to educating the public. One such person is Pauline Collier (pictured above with the pupils of St John's), who is a Fellow at the Imperial War Museum. She has been central to the success of the Southport Holocaust Memorial service as long as I can remember. Thanks to her and those who work alongside her the next generation have been taught about the terrible event that took place.

Excellent up to the minute panto from All Souls Dramatic Club

All Souls pantomimes are a Southport institution. All institutions need to adapt to survive and All Souls did that gloriously with their Sleeping Beauty show this year.

There was an exciting and innovative use of high quality video not just in the opening sequence but throughout the show that added to the production.

Nothing was lost from the traditional format we had all the usual gender bending devices; a script writing Dame, a principal boy, a precious item the audience have to guard ( a dragon slaying sword) and masses of audience participation- oh yes we did. The jokes were the proper blend of those that made you laugh out loud, or groan, the risqué and the parochial. The show concluded with the Dame and her son leading an enthusiastic audience sing-a-long by which time we all felt we knew one another as most of the groups visiting had been name checked.

All Souls have a loyal and growing audience-over 3,500 people have already booked for this year. They have kept the pantomime fresh, we even had a post modern feminist twist at the end. The principal boy -who is a bit of a wimp- and is of course a girl- fails to slay the dragon with the magic sword. The princess seizes the sword and decisively slays the dragon. Excellent stuff.

At the end of the show I got to meet the cast. It was a great pleasure to attend.

First civic visit to Southport Mosque, inter-faith charity dinner great success

A little piece of history was made this week. I became the first Mayor to make an official visit to Southport Mosque. The event was jointly organised by the Iman Soyful Alam and Vicar of Holy Trinity Rod Garner. Members of both faith groups sat down together to share an excellent meal prepared by Mosque.

Rev Jane Morgan, Mayoress, me Soyful Alam and Rod Garner

The meal was the first joint event and built on visits that have been taking place between the two groups for some time. Everyone was made very welcome and over the meal we all had the opportunity to get to know more about the activities of one another. The one thing that shone out was how much we all had in common.

Holy Trinity provided the desserts 9you can just see the
date & nut chocolate made by the mayoress

The joint meal raised over £400 for a local charity selected by the Mayor.I explained my choice. I have been involved with mental health work for a long time. Recently someone I had known for almost thirty years committed suicide and it has had a great impact on me and my work colleagues. I nominated Southport Samaritans to receive the donations from the meal.

In a world where some people are determined to ferment hatred, fear, and division this meal was a hopeful demonstration that there is a better way. Instead of erecting walls and barriers we should get to know each better and recognise our common humanity. The death of the MP Jo Cox is a terrible demonstration of the consequences when hate not hope wins the day.

A pupil of Linaker School this lad was keen to meet the Mayor

During the event, several people spoke to us. We all have so much to learn from each other. As I have gone about my work as Mayor it is clear to me that faith groups make a major contribution to the wellbeing of our communities. Mosques play their full part in that work. I know from my time as a school governor that there is a lot of contact between schools and our local Mosque and how positive that partnership has proved to be.

The world can seem to be a frightening place but I am convinced that simple acts like sharing a meal, sitting down together and getting to know people as individuals can help to remove misplaced suspicions. One of the speaker from the Mosque on Monday night finished his contribution by quoting from Tom Paine who came from a Quaker family: ‘all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion’.

I had a sinking feeling when mentioned Tom Paine as that was the quote I had jotted down to use at the end of the evening when I was to speak. Fortunately, I had stuffed in my pocket a copy of Burn's 'A man's a Man for a'That' which I was going to use later in the week. I chose the last verse which I think it fitted the bill:

Then let us pray that come it may,
As come it will for a' that,
That Sense and Worth, o'er a' the earth
Shall bear the gree an' a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
It's comin yet for a' that,
That Man to Man the warld o'er
Shall brithers be for a' that.

I want to thank Soyful and Rod for their invitation. It was an excellent evening and Soyful’s parting words to us were ‘the door is now open’. I think for many of us our only regret is that we should all have met up sooner.