Southport Reporter

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News Report Page 1 of 17
Publication Date:-
2026-06-26
   
News reports located on this page = 2.

Celebrate a double milestone with Mersey Cares' NHS Big Tea 2026

THE Cheshire and Merseyside communities are being invited to put the kettle on, bake their favourite cakes, and come together for a double celebration in July for Mersey Cares' NHS Big Tea 2026

This year's celebration is particularly special, marking 78 years of the NHS as well 25 years of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and by hosting or attending a Big Tea party, supporters help raise funds for Mersey Cares NHS Charity, enabling it to provide the 'extras' beyond NHS funding that can make a real difference in our communities.


Michael Crilly, Mersey Care's Director of Social Health and Community Inclusion
, said:- "We're hoping everyone gets behind this double celebration and helps raise important funds for patients, families and NHS staff across our region. The NHS has been the bedrock of all our lives for many years now and we all know someone who has benefitted from the care it provides. The Big Tea gives everyone the opportunity to raise funds and help pay for those little extras beyond the NHS' scope."

The Big Tea event encourages everyone to get involved by hosting their own tea party any time between:- Monday, 29 June and Friday, 10 July 2026 and all funds raised will support:- patients, families, and NHS staff across Mersey Care services, helping to enhance experiences and wellbeing.

Inspired by the Great British Bake Off, participants are also invited to host a:-
'Big Birthday Bake Off' at their tea party, encouraging friends, family and colleagues to bring along bakes and sweet treats for a chance to be crowned:- 'Star Baker.' 

You can get involved in 3 ways:
-

  • Host your own event with friends, colleagues, or your community.

  • Join a local celebration.

  • If you can't host or attend, why not take a tea break and make a donation.

Supporters are also encouraged to share their celebrations bakes on social media using the hashtags #BigTeaBigThanks #NHS78 #MerseyCare25. Mersey Cares can provide free printable materials to help make your event a success, including bunting and posters.

Anyone planning to host an event is encouraged to register online, set up your fundraising page and receive a fundraising pack to help get started.

Any questions regarding setting up an event or making a  donation, please email:- Charity@MerseyCare.NHS.UK.


Masters Putting Course in Southport tees off new mascot sculpture ahead of The Open
Photo & report by Andrew Brown - Founder Stand Up For Southport

A brand new landmark has arrived in Kings Gardens, in Southport, celebrating 1 of the Town's greatest golfing enthusiasts, ahead of The Open taking place nearby. 

Scottish golfer George Law founded Masters Putting Course, which is also known as:- 'Southport Crazy Golf' has been entertaining generations of golf lovers and families ever since the course 1st opened, in 1965. 

The popular family attraction celebrated its:- 60th Anniversary, in 2025, with the Law family this year investing in a series of improvements. 

They have been working with CWS (Custom Welding Services) in Southport to manufacture some new obstacles on the 18 hole course, which sits alongside the scenic Marine Lake. 

The newest feature to arrive is the large new mascot on top of the Masters Putting Course building, in tribute to founder George Law.  

The new landmark can be seen from the Promenade and all around Kings Gardens, easy for hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to spot when they arrive for:- The 154th Open Golf Championship, at:- Royal Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside, from:- 12 July to 19 July 2026.

  

Charles Law from Southport Crazy Golf said:- "George Law has been installed by Terry from CWS Wrought Designs, another masterpiece he has created for us demonstrating his talent crating artwork with metal. He has made it using nearly:- 4,000 welds; it would equate to over 81 metres of welded metal if stretched out in a line. He has done a sterling job. He's really proud of what he's made for us. We're looking to be running a competition soon asking people how many welded rings there are in our mascot! I've then hand painted it in our workshop and installed it on our course. Golfer George weighs over 100kg in weight so he's quite something. This investment is marking our 61 years in Kings Gardens since my grandfather, George Law, set up this  much loved crazy golf course. We created the new company logo and during a conversation with Terry, he said to me 'I can make that!' Terry is a man of his word so he did! We have had amazing feedback from visitors since it appeared at Masters Putting Green. We have lots of families who came to pay here up to 60 years ago and now come along bridging their children, or their grandchildren. They have been noticing all the changes we have been making this year, incorporating our new obstacles, which includes:- The Rocket and others. Golfer Gerorge has been made from steel and galvanised; he is here to stay for the next 60 years! We're looking forward to Southport Armed Forces Day taking place this Sunday, (28 June 2026) when Kings Gardens will be packed with:- military vehicles, inflatables, artisan stalls, live music and more. It's going to be a fantastic day. Hopefully that will be followed by a very busy School Summer Holiday. We are also very excited for:- The Open, which is coming back to Southport this summer. Crazy golf is a fun way for people to play in a fun and competitive way. If you put the ball on our 19th hole you can win a free game of golf too! Our course is perfect for families, for children, for adults, and for visitors to:- The Open. It can also be booked by businesses, organisations or schools looking to enjoy a fun day out, maybe looking to find out who will be crowned their golfing champion!"

With The Open Golf Championship returning to Southport this summer, Masters Putting Green has been busy this year upgrading its facilities; including the Space Race Rocket, the Watermill, and The Helter Skelter. 

The attractive 18 hole miniature golf course is situated in 1 of the most scenic spots in Southport, inside the scenic Kings Gardens, and next to the Marine Lake. 

It is surrounded by other long standing family attractions, including:- the Southport Model Railway Village, the Southport Marine Lake boats, Silcock's Carousel, Silcock's Funland, Adventure Coast Southport, the miniature railway and others. 

The course is open between:- 10 am and 6 pm, weather permitting, with:- £5 per person for:- 18 holes. 

The 'Masters' was originally called the:- 'Arnold Palmer' putting green, with George Law taking on the franchise, with the design influenced by 1 of golf's greatest legends. 

Some of the holes are inspired by some  of the world's most iconic greens, with others having a crazy golf theme. 

Mr Law bravely risked all he had to take on the Arnold Palmer franchise. It was the very first course to be built in the UK and is still run today by the same family.

Over the years the putting course has fondly become known as:- 'Southport's Crazy Golf '.

Southport Crazy Golf is an easy to play, fun course, suitable for players of all ages and abilities. Its layout is also suitable for wheelchair access, where play is possible on most holes.

What are your thoughts on this news topic? Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....

 
      
 
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