Sefton want your stories as council celebrates 50 year anniversary

As, over the coming months, the borough of Sefton marks the 50th anniversary of its creation, those people and places that make it a fantastic place to live, work and visit are being honoured.

Unique and wonderful

To mark Sefton reaching its half century, having been formed on 1st April 1974, the Council wants to throw a spotlight on what makes Sefton a unique and wonderful part of the UK.

With its world-famous, 22-mile coastline, Sefton is home to nearly 280,000 people, to thousands of businesses, to rare wildlife, world famous events and a number of famous faces.

Personal stories

As part of the celebrations people of all ages are being encouraged to share their personal stories of life growing up in Sefton, their memories and experiences, and give their predictions on what they think Sefton will be like in another 50 years’ time.

These stories will be collated and kept safe inside two special time capsules, to be located at either end of the Borough, and only reopened after another 50 years, in 2074.

Blown away

Phil Porter, Sefton Council’s Chief Executive, said: “I am one of the Borough’s newest residents, having moved here late last year, but in that short space of time I have been blown away by Sefton.

“The inspiring, caring, impassioned and resilient people and communities that make it up ensure Sefton is well and truly on the map.

“It is the volunteers, the hard workers, the community champions, the business owners that make us proud to be ‘from Sefton.’

Wholesale reorganisation

Sefton Metropolitan Borough was formed as part of the wholesale reorganisation of local government in England in 1974 under the 1972 Local Government Act, that saw the introduction of unitary councils. This involved the merger of the county powers of Bootle and Southport, the municipal borough of Crosby and the urban districts of Litherland and Formby together with the Maghull and Lydiate area that was formerly part of the rural district of West Lancashire.

As home to the famous Aintree race course, home of the Grand National, the Open Golf Championship and Anthony Gormley’s Iron men, it is seen by millions across the country and the world each year.

Among the famous faces originating from the Borough are England Lioness Alex Greenwood, TV presenter and journalist Anne Robinson, footballer and commentator, Jamie Carragher, comedian, and actor, Lee Mack. Celebrity chef Marcus Wareing, footballer and TV pundit Steve McManaman, actress Miranda Richardson and Soft Cell singer, Marc Almond all hail from Sefton too.

Celebrations about everyone

Phil Porter continued: “Sefton has plenty of famous and talented people to celebrate but I want our 50th anniversary celebrations to be about everyone who makes the Borough what it is.

“I would encourage everyone who has an amazing story to tell to get in touch with our teams so that we can preserve these Sefton stories for generations to come.”