People in Southport are being asked for their support to help build a new Santa Sleigh for our Town!

THE appeal has been made by Southport Hesketh Round Table, which has operated the famous:- 'dancing Santa' sleigh on roads around Southport and beyond for many years, bringing cheer to children and families in the run up to Christmas.

The selfless volunteers from:- Southport Hesketh Round Table have had a busy year.

Since the Southport tragedy in 2024, they have raised over:- £180,000, to go directly to all the families affected.

They also carried out lots of Santa sleigh tours; took Pudsey Bear to dozens of:- Schools, businesses and other venues, to support:- Children In Need; volunteered to support the Southport Mad Dog 10k run; and so much more.

In April they were recognised as a Finalist in the Sefton Charity Champion category in the 2025 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.

Marc Foreman from Southport Hesketh Round Table said:- "We have so much more planned for 2025! Our mission is to continue rebuilding hope, supporting our young people and families, and spreading joy across Southport. And right now, we need your help with something truly close to our hearts. Can you help build a new Santa Sleigh? Every December, for three magical weeks, the Southport Hesketh Round Table Santa Float brings Christmas cheer to thousands of smiling children and families as we travel the streets of Southport. It's 1 of the most cherished community traditions, a moment of magic, laughter and light in a world that sometimes feels dark. But sadly, our float, which is currently built on a makeshift trailer that must be assembled and dismantled each year, is beginning to show its age. And our faithful reindeer? They've been with us for over 15 years and are in urgent need of a well-earned retirement. We are now seeking a sponsor, donor or kind hearted manufacturer to help us design and build a new, purpose built Santa Sleigh that will last the next generation of Santa lovers, young and old. Something safer, sturdier, and even more magical for our community. A sleigh fit not just for Christmas, but for healing, hope and happiness. This isn't just about a float. It's about what it represents. After everything our town has been through, we want to give Southport something joyful to look forward to. Something that brings us together, raises spirits, and reminds us of the goodness that still surrounds us. We are appealing to local businesses, national companies, and kind individuals. Anyone who believes in the power of community and the magic of Christmas, to help us bring this dream to life. Your support could help us build a sleigh that spreads smiles for the next 15 years and beyond. If you can help us with sponsorship, materials, design, manufacture or fundraising, please get in touch. Your generosity won't just build a sleigh. It will help build Southport's future. Some may not believe in Father Christmas. But they can believe in us. Because we'll make sure Santa delivers the magic, the memories, and the smiles year after year. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you."

If you can help or would like more details please email:- Southport Hesketh Round Table's Marc Foreman, at:- Marc_Foreman78@Yahoo.Com.

Top property professional appointed to head up high powered Liverpool City Region investment task force

1 of the Region's most influential property professionals has been appointed to head up the Invest Liverpool City Region (ILCR) Partnership Taskforce.

Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool and Sciontec Developments Limited, has been unveiled as Chair of the Taskforce which brings together senior representatives from local authorities, the private sector and key stakeholders to ensure a joined-up approach to attracting, securing and delivering inward investment.

It also plays a critical role in shaping and delivering the Liverpool City Region Capital and Real Estate Investment Programme.

Colin is a prominent figure in the Region's innovation and investment landscape and has been instrumental in driving major regeneration initiatives, positioning the City Region as a global destination for science, health, education and technology.

Colin said:- "The Liverpool City Region has an extraordinary investment story to tell, and I am honoured to chair the ILCR Partnership Taskforce at such a pivotal moment. I'm confident that we can deliver a new strategy which ensures that the City Region will build on its successes to date and use its enormous development potential to attract investment that will not only boost the economy, but create collaborative and inclusive opportunities which leave a positive legacy for generations to come. Our collective ambition is to ensure the Region is not only visible on the global stage but competes successfully for investment that drives inclusive growth. Investment doesn't just happen; you have to win it, and we are ready to do exactly that."

In his new capaCity as Chair, Colin will lead the Taskforce in providing strategic oversight for the programme and ensuring the Region's £11 billion investment opportunity is showcased to global audiences.

Members of the Taskforce contribute sector specific expertise and play a key role in positioning the City Region as a prime location for sustainable and impactful development.

Leader of Halton Borough Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, Cllr Mike Wharton said:- "I warmly welcome Colin as the chair of the Taskforce. With his excellent track record in attracting investment, bringing forward regeneration projects and his passion for innovation and inclusivity he is the right person to take us forward and help make the City Region a better place."

The news comes as Liverpool City Region prepares to showcase £11bn worth of investment opportunities across the Region at:- 'UKREiiF 2025,' the UK's Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Forum.

The event takes place later this month in Leeds and is set to welcome 16,000 delegates, speakers and investors across 3 days.

The Liverpool City Region Capital and Real Estate Investment Programme includes:- strategic partners Starship Group and Peel L&;P, Wirral Waters and Liverpool Waters followed by private sector partners Liverpool BID; Avison Young; ION Developments; Downtown in Business; Atkins Realis; APG Capital; Arup; BDP; Bouygues; Brabners; Knowledge Quarter Liverpool; Sciontec; Morgan Sindall; Redwing; Rivington Hark; Sutcliffe; Torus; Bean; Digital Engineering Studio; Everton FC; Liverpool FC; Gleeds; Trojan Lighting, Karrev; KI Partnership Ltd; Moore Media; Liverpool Place Partnership; Professional Liverpool; Steven A Hunt & Associates; Liverpool Chamber; Future Impact Board; OCO Global.

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