A Nutcracker named after legendary fundraiser and war hero Captain Sir Tom Moore now stands proudly to attention outside a business on Lord Street in Southport.
‘Sir Tom’ was one of the names chosen for 12 Nutcrackers which have now been placed by Southport BID throughout the town centre.
The 6ft figure is situated next door to Deli Volare, which is selling takeaway products during the November lockdown.
Deli Volare is the sister business of the Volare restaurant, both of which are owned by local restaurateur Onofrio Maimone.
He said: “Why not come and visit Sir Tom, our resident Nutcracker? He’s right outside!
“You can indulge in a nice hot Italian takeaway coffee, hot chocolate or tea.
“You can even have a browse of our many different and unique Italian products!
“Visitors can also order a takeaway or pre-book one for the weekend, with free delivery service at a minimum order of £25 still available.
“Either way have a great weekend, stay safe and we hope to see you here!”
Captain Sir Tom Moore, after whom the Deli Volare Nutcracker is named, is a 100-year-old former British Army officer, who served during World War Two.
He raised over £32.79 million for the NHS Charities Together by walking laps of his garden during the first Coronavirus lockdown.
Captain Sir Tom also recorded a number one single with a duet with Michael Ball of You’ll Never Walk Alone, with proceeds also going to the NHS.
The names for the 12 Southport Nutcrackers were chosen during a competition run by Southport BID, with other names being: Peanut, Sutton, Old Duke, Fredrich, Hesketh, Meols
Hans, Marmaduke, Rufus, Noel and Rutherford.
Some have strong Southport links such as Sutton, Old Duke, Hesketh and Meols while some, such as Fredrich and Hans, nod to the figures’ German roots.
They all arrived in Southport yesterday (Thursday, 19 November) and can be found at various positions around Southport town centre.
They are being provided by Southport BID which is inviting local families to have fun by completing this year’s Southport Nutcracker Trail.
Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said: “We hope people enjoy seeing the Nutcrackers this year.
“During the November lockdown we want families to be able to enjoy their exercise by trying to spot all 12 Nutcrackers in a safe and socially distanced way.
“If the current restrictions are lifted in December then the Nutcracker Trail will be a good way of encouraging people to come and enjoy their Christmas shopping and meals out in town.
“We would love to see your selfies with the Nutcrackers, or your photos of them!
“Please share your pictures on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and include the hashtag #southportnutcrackers and we will offer a prize of a £50 Southport Gift Card for the best one while we have an iPad Mini for someone who completes the Southport Nutcracker Trail.”
You can spot them by taking part in the Southport Nutcracker Trail, which you can download here:
Write the names of the 12 Nutcracker Kings that you will find located around the town.
When you have got them all, please fill in your details and post it into Santa’s Postbox, which is located outside Wayfarer’s Arcade on Lord Street.
Alternatively you can email your completed trail sheet along with your name and contact details to info@southportbid.com
There will be an iPad Mini for one lucky winner completing the trail.
The Nutcrackers brought real magic to Christmas shopping in Southport town centre last year, with families from across the North West enjoying finding all the figures in between trips to local shops and restaurants.
In German tradition the dolls are symbols of good luck, frightening away malevolent spirits.
For more details about the Southport BID, please visit their website at: southportbid.com or Like the Southport BID page on Facebook, Follow them @SouthportBID on Twitter and at southportbid on Instagram
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