Tales of mince pies and Christmas dinners only tell part of the story Visiter column

Tales of mince pies and Christmas dinners could easily fill up the Mayor’s diary this week but instead I want to start by telling you about some of the really inspiring meetings I have had with young people.

Picture by Conrad Ainslie

I have attended two presentations from students who have completed the Prince’s Trusts Team programme. The first was at Hugh Baird College in Bootle and the second was sponsored by the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. The 12 week scheme offers work experience, challenging community projects and an adventurous five-day team building residential trip. It was clear from both groups of students that the programme had a positive impact on their self-confidence. It was great to meet young people determined to make the best of their opportunities.

I have also handed out certificates at the Sefton Shining Stars Awards for young people who have been nominated for their exceptional achievements. I was particularly impressed by the stories of young people who have taken on caring responsibilities or who had overcome many difficulties to reach their goals.

I had the pleasure of welcoming Redgate Primary School from Formby to the Town Hall. We have devised a special quiz for school groups that visit and these young folk enthusiastically joined in. They were a great credit to their families and school.

I have also heard the pupils from St Mary’s Little Crosby sing carols and Christmas songs at a Coffee Morning held at Crosby Hall to raise money for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal. They were brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed their performance.

There was more Christmas music from the Southport Bach Choir at Holy Trinity and an amazing Inter-galactic carol concert at the Temperance Institute-you’ll have to read the Mayoral Blog 

http://themayoralblog.blogspot.co.uk if you want to know more. Danielle Thomas sang at the ‘Light Up a Life’ Service at St Joseph’s Hospice and on Saturday I attended the Formby Village Nativity Play which is undoubtedly one of our borough’s great community events.

Over the Christmas period I shall be helping to celebrate a 100^th Birthday in Formby, attending the Amadeus Chamber Choirs Concert and on 25th December visiting the Southport Christmas Shelter- which provides food, warmth and companionship for those in need.

A final word about those Christmas meals and mince pies; as I write The Elderberries, the friendly gardening club, gets my vote for the best, but there are still ten days left till Christmas.