M L
OUT AND ABOUT WITH SIMMO
By Claire Simmo
I have rewritten this column so many times following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II – trying to find the right words to say about a lady who whether you are a royalist or not , has affected all our lives . To me , never mind the Spice Girls – she invented girl power ! Some say it ’ s a privileged lifestyle , which I agree with , but she was thrown into a life at such a young age when not only did she have to deal with the death of her father , but suddenly have to rule a nation . I ’ m not sure how close to the truth The Crown was , but , if it ’ s anywhere near close to the truth , she had so much to turn a blind eye to , with little guidance in a very male orientated world , so I actually have a huge amount of respect for her , not only as a Monarch , but as a sister , daughter , parent and grandparent . The funeral itself made me proud to be British , done so tastefully and with over 4 billion people watching , it brought an end to an era and something I for one will never see again in my lifetime - RIP Queen Elizabeth .
Well , before the country came to a standstill for 10 days , actually it ’ s been a fabulous month ! It was fantastic to have the return of the Southport Flower Show , with the highlight being Ladies Day . I always look forward to hosting this with Paul Crone as it ’ s a perfect platform to take the mickey out of him all afternoon ! With special guest appearances from stars from Strictly and Andy Otley and Kelly Bond providing the entertainment – it was great to once again all be back in a room ( well marquee !) and get together – although I ’ m still thrilled that I don ’ t have to judge “ Best Dressed ” and just host it !
I ’ m delighted to also announce that I have been cast as “ The Spirit of the Ring ” in Aladdin at The Atkinson in Southport for LHK Productions . Even more thrilled to say it ' s alongside the legend Patsy Kensit – who I had the pleasure of interviewing at the Hilton in Liverpool back in 2017 and I ’ m super excited to be working with her ( oh yes I am !) in my home town , and of course being reunited with the most hilarious Dame in the Business – Michael Chapman and the extremely talented Lewis Prior . The panto runs from Thursday 8th December until News Years Eve and still tickets available theatkinson . co . uk
In October last year – I was proud to be asked to host the very first LGBTQ + Business Awards and this year it ’ s going to be even bigger and better and being held at the Titanic Hotel .
One of the main partners is The Guide Liverpool which means that myself and Jay Hynd will be hosting this together and I can ’ t wait to celebrate so many worthy winners and nominees , it ' s wonderful to see such a positive award ceremony for businesses especially when so many have struggled since the pandemic . If it ’ s anything like last year – I also know its going to be one hell of a party as they were dancing before dinner was served ! We filmed a taster for the evening with Drew Cockton , founder of the Awards this month , and of course had to create the Leonardo and Kate Winslet walk down the stairs !
Thanks to a new campaign on Sandgrounder Radio with the Car Dealership I work for , Innovation Cars , I got to have Olly Murs sprawled across my mini , of course I mean the bonnet ! We took the show live from a brand new venture in Birkdale Village @ viphqbirkdale , and Olly was invited to the official opening as he is friends with the owners Mark and Danny . It ’ s a brand new play centre but also , something that never existed sadly when I took my kids to play barns – IT HAS A BAR !!!! Not only that , but it also serves a wicked roast dinner and the food is amazing !
18 merseylife . com