Not only is Bro, Matt the youngest Brother ever to achieve this honour in the Wallasey & District Province of the RAOB but he was able to have his father Bro Pat Simmonds on the Roll of Honour perform the ceremony. (Dad is the one with glasees).

Matt has quite a year ahead, a Province to provide over and joining the ranks of fatherhood himself in February (if on time).  In his acceptance speech Matt praised his predecessors for the sums they have raised for local charities; but he is aware how much the abilty to raise those sort of sums depends on the premises at the parkview.  This year he will be directing fundraising to the special projects fund to ensure that no maintenance task goes uncompleted and the building remains ‘fit for purpose.’

Under Bro. Jim’s leadership the Buffaloes of Wallasey and their many supporters have raised a magnificent £7185.00 for the cause.  A super sum specially when you realise that the entirely local effort eclipsed the donation so recently trumpeted by Nat West Bank who gave £6,000.00.

Stick’n'Step provide conductive education for over 70 sufferers of cerebral palsy each week without any state or local government aid whatsoever. The power of the ordinary folk when they get together as in the Buffs is truly amazing, “Thank You all” said Bro Jim in his handover address.

There was dancing, a lucky dip, a major raffle, tombola and guess the weight of the cake all to raise abit more cash for the charity which gets no state aid at all. The winners of the Poetry and Photographic competitions were announced and the trophies (which were sponsored by the Victoria and Ben-my-Chree Lodges) were presented by PGP Bro. Jim Sheargold.

To round off the afternoon Santa himself came along to hand out a special gift for all the Stick’nStep attendees.

The RAOB wreath was laid by Bro. Jim Sheargold.

The Wallasey Amateur Photographic Society are running a Photo Competition and Event Poets a Poetry Comp.  Judging in both Comps takes place in the Autumn and the winners will be exhibited or published in December.

The awards will be made at the Christmas Party for Stick’n'step which is to be hosted by the BUffs at the Parkview.

Having passed from Bootle to Knowsley and then into private hands he was about to disappear into a museum vaults probably to never see the light of day again.

Alls well that ends well and he now adorns the Lodge room wall in the Parkview Social Club RAOB under the care of the Victoria Lodge number 5005.

Being these days a small but intensly enthusiastic Lodge they chose to hold a Dinner to mark the occasion.

Also celebrating this year are the Ben-my-Chree Lodge number 3716 who were inaugurated 90 years ago.  This lot not only held a Dinner but are holding a Family Social Night on 8th October to share their anniversary with as many family friends and Buffs as can make it.

Among the hundreds of walkers supporting dozens of charities there were 10 supporters of the PGP, Bro. Jim Sheargold ROH,  proudly displaying their Stick’n'Step tee shirts.  That is until they rounded Perch Rock and headed onto the teeth of a force 8 wind.  Coats were zippered hoods tightened and eyes screwed shut against the blasting sand.

Your correspondent and Jake the dog were relieved to drop out at the nine mile marker in Hoylake but five intrepid souls made it to the end.

Sponsorship in to date has added £620.00 to the Ever growing total which will be presented to the Charity in January 2012.

She’s a stickler for keeping her ale right and for treating her customers to a smile.  And if you are peckish on a Sunday night have a batch or two at a £1.00 a go.

Be aware, though, do not be caught using bad language or offensive behaviour cos Kaz won’t stand for it.

The Parkview is a friendly community Club and will stay that way.

Mike was the guest of honour at a very well attended Cremation Service  at Landican during which two dozen Buffaloes paid a special tribute to their good friend.  The Buffs are only the latest in a long line of friendships made by Mike during his life here in Wallasey and much pleasure was taken in sharing some good memories.

The Parkview Social Club RAOB then hosted a “Wake” in Mike’s honour and Club Secretary  Bro. Geoff Smith ROH invited the widow, Tina to unveil a plaque renaming the main club bar as “Mikes Bar”.

Farewell Good Friend.