An acting legend who has carried a torch for the arts in Sefton since the 1960s has been honoured at the 2023 Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Hilda Blomley, who is in her 90s, has made a huge contribution to the arts in our area over the years.
She was recognised as a Finalist in the Sefton Arts Award, sponsored by Fitton Estates.
Hilda has been a member of All Souls Dramatic Club in Southport from its outset in the 1960s and has been an acting member from the beginning, starring on stage until her 80s.
She is a life member of All Souls and a member of the now defunct All Souls Badminton Club.
Hilda has been an active member of the costume team attending every meeting assisting in making costumes, making the tea and being on call for all 12 performances of shows every year to help with any costume malfunction. She also gives lifts to younger members of the society who can’t drive and nothing is too much trouble for her.
In 2012 prior to the London Olympics Hilda was given the honour of carrying the Olympic torch through Southport.
All Souls Dramatic Club included it in one of their pantos – and Hilda brought the Olympic torch on stage to rapturous applause!
A dedicated member of Holy Trinity Church Hilda has also spent many hours assisting in church events, organising choir trips and taking them to competitions all over the country.
The Pride Of Sefton Awards were organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and by Stand Up For Southport, with support from In Demand Radio.
VIP guests included Mayor of Sefton Cllr Clare Carragher and Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson, while the night was hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo and TV presenter Fraser Dainton.
Entertainment was provided by Kelly Bond and Soul Jam.
Money was raised for the Steve Prescott Foundation and the ICU Steps charity, a cause close to Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group Chairman Andrew Mikhail after his long battle in intensive care in hospital against Covid-19 during the pandemic.
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