IN BRIEF
100 SEA URCHINS CELEBRATE 100 YEARS
THOUSANDS FLOCK TO BOLESWORTH FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR
Over 100 Members of the Royal Naval Reserve Officers ’ Club , Liverpool ( commonly known as the Sea Urchins ) and guests celebrated their 100th Annual dinner at HMS EAGLET , Liverpool .
The Guests of Honour were Commodore Phil Waterhouse ADC Royal Navy , the Naval Regional Commander for Northern England and Captain Ian McNaught CVO MNM , the Deputy Master of Trinity House .
Before the dinner , the guests were treated to “ Splice the Mainbrace ” which meant an issue of rum as a celebratory drink for the Centenary . Guests took their places at dinner while a Sailor ’ s Hornpipe was played . The Floristry and Catering Departments of Hugh Baird College provided a Centenary Cake and decorated the dining room with a beautiful floral display and the Port was provided by the Association of Royal Navy Officers .
Thousands of visitors attended the inaugural Bolesworth Christmas Lights Trail over the weekend as the Cheshire venue opened its doors to its illuminated winter wonderland for the first time .
Visitors flocked to the 1.2-miles of magical lights trail , which includes the UK ’ s longest festive light tunnel , and runs along the lakeside and through winding woodland paths and grounds to provide a magical fusion of colours , music and unique experiences .
Along the way visitors enjoyed spotting real reindeer and a selection of fun fairground rides for all the family . There was also a wide selection of festive food and drink at the Christmas market as well as several festive stalls to snap up some special gifts for loved ones .
The event also offered visitors a spectacular laser light show carefully choreographed to music , as well as a sculpture trail that showcases some of the best local and nationally recognised artists .
As well as the beautifully lit winter wonderland , there was the chance to book a visit to meet Father Christmas in his grotto or to have a go at ice skating on an all weather and environmentally friendly synthetic ice-skating rink .
Visitors wanting to indulge at Christmas were able to book a visit to the VIP Champagne Island , where they could relax , drink an inclusive ½ bottle of Champagne and soak up views of the illuminated Bolesworth Castle . Cosy blankets and a glowing fire pit were provided to help keep visitors warm on the winter nights .
The Club ’ s President , Lieutenant Commander John Glover RD Royal Naval Reserve , spoke of the camaraderie of Naval service during World War One , which was the catalyst for creating the Club and how it had grown and lasted for so long . He said that it was a credit to those who have gone before that the Club is still in existence but there are still mountains to climb especially in recruiting new members .
www . rnrofficersclubliverpool . org
Nina Barbour , Managing Director of Bolesworth , said : “ It was fabulous to finally welcome so many to our first Christmas Lights Trail at Bolesworth and to see everyone enjoying the attractions . We ’ ve had such positive feedback from visitors and the team is looking forward to welcoming more guests to our winter wonderland as we run up to Christmas .”
The Christmas light trail runs until the 24th December and tickets are available at www . bolesworth . com / christmas .
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