Light up a life

TEN thousands lights will be switched on in memory of loved ones at Wirral Hospice St John's next month.

Hanging from trees and buildings at the hospice, they will be switched on during the Light Up A Life ceremony on Sunday, December 8, which starts at 5.30pm.

They will be turned on by the family of Kate McMahon, who was cared for at the hospice and passed away in 2023.

People support Light up a Life by sponsoring a light in memory of family, friends and colleagues who are no longer with us. All donations help to fund the hospice's specialist medical, nursing and family care services.

To sponsor a light for Light up a Life call 0151 343 0778 or visit http://www.wirralhospice.org/lightupalife to make a donation online

Christmas fair

THE 10th Birkenhead Scout Group's Christmas Fair is this Saturday (November 16).

Taking place at The Institute on Church Road in Tranmere (near St Catherine's Health Centre) it is on from 11am-2pm. It promises 'loads of fun', with a raffle, tombola, cake sale, bric a brac, charity stalls, refreshments and much more.

Cranford

ROCK Ferry Operatic Society's next production will be staged next week.

Cranford - a new play based on Elizabeth Gaskell's much loved Victorian novel  featuring traditional folk songs, ballads and carols - is at the Little Theatre on Grange Road West in Birkenhead on Friday and Saturday, November 22 and 23. The Friday performance starts at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm show only on Saturday.

A spokesperson for Rock Ferry Operatic Society said the show "promises to be a seasonal treat in the run up to Christmas'.

"The society has been slow to get going post covid - we have had a few concerts but this is our first stage show since the pandemic. With not much in the bank and only a small number of  mostly older members in RFOS, a friend of the society wrote this new play especially for us to overcome  those obstacles. 

"It is a funny and touching period piece and uses lots of traditional folk songs and ballads ( no performance fees!) which we have all been enjoying singing.

"Music is provided by our talented director and MD Jane Davenport on keyboard and two brilliant folk musicians on an assortment of instruments including violin, guitar and tin whistle.  For fans of musicals it is a chance to see something  new and a little bit different. 

"The novel was a popular BBC serial a few years ago, with a starry cast led by Judy Dench, and is still available on some streaming channels - so we hope we will have a few period drama lovers out there. RFOS and we want Cranford to be a success to ensure that the society keeps going. Elizabeth Salter, Binny Williams, Kathy Dally, Barry Prescott - all the RFOS longstanding players have main parts in this production"

Tickets, £12, are available from RFOS members, Indigo on Bedford Rd Rock Ferry or online at  www.ticketsource.co.uk/rock-ferry-operatic-society or on the door before the performance.

Panto

LIFELINE Productions next show, Cinderella the Panto, is at The Carlton Little Theatre on Grange Road West in Birkenhead from Thursday, December 5-7.

Performances start at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm, Tickets are from Live Health on Oxton Road in Birkenhead (0151 652 1927) or the ticket secretary on 0151 513 2636.

Art fair

THE 20th Oxton Art Fair will be held at the Williamson Art Gallery in Birkenhead this weekend.

Taking place at the venue on Slatey Road this Saturday and Sunday (November 16 and 17), its organisers say the event has come a long way since 2004 when a group of talented local artists saw the opportunity to form a collective and promote their work.

This weekend, 13 members of the group and eight guest artists will showcase their art.

A spokesperson for the group told the Globe: "A massive 1700 visitors came through the doors last year. Our best yet, making for a great track record. Made greater by continuing to stand by our objective; to keep Oxton Art Festival fresh, innovative and inspirational to all who visit.

"This year we have 13 members and eight guest artists showcasing their art, over one weekend. So, whether you want to browse, buy or chat with the artists, you’ll be sure to find the perfect original piece among the painters, photographers, printmakers, jewellers, illustrators, ceramicists, mixed-media and textile artists.

"We hope you can celebrate our 20th anniversary with us."

The event is open on Saturday from 10am- 5pm and Sunday from 10-4pm.

For more details, go to: https://oxtonartfair.co.uk/

Volleyball club

HOYLAKE Hurricanes Ladies Volleyball Club meet every Monday at 8pm at the West Kirby School and College Sports Hall. New members welcome. £6 per session. Contact Kris via email at hoylakehurricanesvbc@gmail.com or message on 'Facebook - Hoylake Hurricanes Volleyball Club open'.

Oxton studios

OXTON Open Studios' Christmas event takes place later this month. Now in its fourth year, the studios showcase 'the creativity and passion of 12 Wirral creatives in four locations most within a short walk of Oxton Village'.

It promises pottery, photography, jewellery, print-making, felting, multi-media, painting and more. A spokesperson for the organisers said: 'By visiting Artists in their work spaces you will have an opportunity to gain insight into working practices, inspiration, techniques, tools and materials that shape the end product'.

It is taking place on Saturday, November 30 from 10am-4pm and Sunday, December 1 from midday to 4pm. More information can be found on Oxton Open Studios Facebook page.

Rehearsals

HESWALL Musical Society is looking for new members to take part in its Christmas and Spring shows. Rehearsals are every Tuesday at Kylemore Centre on Kylemore Drive in Pensby (7.30pm).

Short mat bowling

ST Hilary’s Bowling Club is now bowling indoors on Wednesdays from 9.30 am to 12 noon at St Hilary’s Church, Wallasey. For details contact 07910917760.

Ladies club

HARLEQUIN Ladies Club meet on Wednesdays at New Brighton Cricket and Bowls Club on Rake Lane (2pm). Activities include guest speakers and social get-togethers. Admission is £3. Details from Pam on 0151 638 2258.

Bedazzled

A SELECTION of 'glamorous' evening wear dating from the 1920s to the present day is now on show at a Wirral art gallery.

Showcasing 20 outfits, Bedazzled - on display at the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight until January 26 celebrates 'the enduring popularity of beaded garments and explores the skills involved in making them'.

For more details, go to liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/bedazzled

Dance classes DANCE classes for all ages are taking place on Wirral at The Arabesque School of Dance. Beginners welcome.

To book a free trial class call Karen on 651 0401 or email k.molyneux@ntlworld.com

Support group meeting

THE next meeting of the MSA (Multiple System Atrophy) Support Group will take place this Wednesday (November 13) at St John's Church Centre on Birkenhead Road in Meols from 2-4pm.

All sufferers and families are welcome and it is a good opportunity to talk with representatives of the charity and also to network and share experiences with others affected by this illness.

For more details call Roy on 07931511258.

Christmas craft

A Christmas Wreath-making event is at St Anselm's College in Birkenhead on Thursday, November 28 (6.30pm). There will be a wreath-making demonstration, raffle and live music. Tickets, £35, from the College office on 652 1408 during school hours. Limited places available.

Welsh Society

BIRKENHEAD Welsh Society meets meets on the first Monday of each month.at the Seion Chapel on Laird Street in Birkenhead. Details from the secretary 07788 600745.

Rock 'n' roll

CHESHIRE Cats rock’n’roll fundraising nights are on Wednesdays (7.30pm-11pm) at Poulton Victoria Club on Poulton Bridge Road, Wallasey. All funds raised help local sick children. Admission £1.50.

Chat and craft

A chatter craft club is at the community centre on Maryland Lane in Moreton every Monday (1pm-3pm). Details from Cathy on 0151 605 1994.

Yoga

CHAIR-based yoga, coffee and chat at Westbourne Hall, West Kirby every Thursday from 10.30am to midday. Details from yogawithkate.org or Kate Knowles on 07708 496645.

Croquet club

UPTON Victory Hall Croquet Club is looking for members. Details from Val Knowles at knowlesval@hotmail.com or 07891009369

Bowling club

WEST Kirby Prom Bowls Club is looking for new members, men and women. More details from 0151 625 5158.

Get creative

ART classes are at Newton Village Hall on Monday (2.30-4.30pm and 7-9pm) and Wednesday (10am-noon). Details, nigelmorris@hotmail.co.uk or 678 0834.

Photography

HESWALL Photographic Society meets on Fridays at St Peter’s Church Hall in Lower Heswall (7.30pm). Details from heswallphotosoc.co.uk

Greasby bowls

GREASBY Ladies Bowls Club is looking for new members with or without experience to join the club. Details from 07772991348.

Ladies club

LISCARD Ladies club meets every Tuesday from 2pm-4pm at Marlowe road United Reformed Church Hall on Marlowe Road in Wallasey. Meetings include guest talks, demonstrations and outings. Details from Barbara on 07528260841.

Folk club

WALLASEY folk and acoustic club meets on the first and third Sundays of each month at Misty Blues on Manor Road in Liscard (7.30pm).

Over-50s swim

WIRRAL over-50s swim club is at Calday Grange Swimming Pool on Friday mornings. Email wirraloverfiftiesswimmers@gmail for details or if interested in a taster session.

Country music

LEASOWE Castle Country Music Club meets on Thursdays at Poulton Vics Social Club, Poulton Bridge Road, Wallasey (7.15pm).

Piano bar

THERE is live piano music at the Mess Cafe at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton on Thursdays (7pm). The Fort Sessions’ - a night of live acoustic guitar and singers - are on Fridays (7pm).

Folk dancing

FOLK dance sessions on the first, third and fifth Tuesday of every month at Victoria Hall, Bebington (8pm-10pm). Info, alexacharlottepenny@gmail.com

Ladies bowling

BEBINGTON Ladies Bowling Club meets on Tuesday and Thursday. Info, 0151 608 8616.

Flexercise

FLEXERCISE sessions for over 60s are at St James’ Church Hall, New Brighton every Wednesday. For more details, call 07544 150112.

Oxton U3A

OXTON University of the Third Age (U3A) holds fortnightly meetings at Trinity with Palm Grove Church, Alton Road, Birkenhead.

If you are interested and would like more details, email membership@oxtonu3a.co.uk

Anyone for ... ?

BADMINTON club nights are at Upton Victory Hall on Salacre Lane in Upton on Mondays and Fridays (7.30pm). Details, Lauretta on 07936 293350.

Tap dance

A Monday evening tap dancing class in Wallasey is looking for new members. Call Angela on 07786 360959.

Got an event? Email craig.manning@nqnw.co.uk