Guest Blog by Debbie Sayers Fullwood
Last Saturday (16th May 2026) I took the opportunity to visit the Military Muster event that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, on Preston New Road in Southport.
The weather wasn’t great, but the welcome was warm and was opened by Southport Town Crier Mr Kevin Ruane MBE.
I took two of my granddaughters and we were excited to be able to explore, and climb into, the five military vehicles, on show by the Mid Lancs Military Vehicle Trust, that were in the car park.
An ambulance, all kitted out, that had served soldiers on the front line, and since made appearances in films about the war, was especially interesting.
Inside the building we were delighted to learn about some of the 52 local hero’s, with surnames we recognized, that the North Meols Family History Society have been researching.
Knowledgeable guides were on hand, all dressed in period war attire, to answer questions and point out interesting facts. Artifacts brought by the Ormskirk Heritage Hub were particularly fascinating.
We were told the tragic story of two Birkdale-born brothers, who served their country together, but died in battle. Thankfully another of their brothers did make it home, but what a sacrifice for peace that little family made.
My granddaughters were very enthralled with the displays brought by Lathom Park Trust. One of them was reading War Horse, by Michael Morpurgo, at the moment so to learn about the thousands of horses that went through the remount station in Lathom near Burscough, and talk to the local historian was just brilliant.
The Southport Hookers had a fabulous display of their handiwork, ready to adorn our local postboxes, as poignant reminders of those who sacrificed their tomorrows, so that today we might live in peace.
I was particularly thrilled to speak to the War Graves Commission representative, who, with the few details I had, was able to show me , on a computer , the grave, which is located in a Cardiff cemetery, of one of my own family members who died in the first world war.
Finally we had the opportunity, while visiting the Family Search Library, which is within the church, to trace our family tree, using any of the premium genealogical research websites that the church has access to, completely free of charge.
This annual event is going to be a great addition to our town’s calendar as a fascinating and enjoyable day was had by all who attended.
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