Ralph Gregson MBE

Tributes have been paid to Southport community campaigner and politician Ralph Gregson MBE, who died yesterday aged 91. 

Ralph and his wife, Pat, who were married for over 66 years, worked tirelessly over many years for a myriad of good causes in Southport.

He was a Conservative councillor for both Southport Borough Council and Sefton Council for many years, helping to grow tourism in Southport as the Chairman of the Tourist and Attractions Committee. 

One iconic Southport Visiter photo of Ralph showed him surrounded by thousands of people as he welcomed the victorious red Rum racehorse Red Rum to a special reception at the Floral Hall Gardens in Southport, after one of Rummie’s three Grand National victories. 

He was a familiar figure at Southport Theatre, which attracted some of the UK’s biggest acts to the resort in its heyday. 

He was the Founder Chairman of Southport Oxfam and opened the first Oxfam charity shop on Chapel Street in Southport town centre nearly 60 years ago, leading the drive to raise £2million for those in need. 

Ralph and Patricia Gregson

Ralph and Patricia Gregson

Ralph also had a huge influence in the continued improvements and upkeep of Birkdale Village, playing a prominent role in Birkdale Civic Society. 

A Birkdale Civic Society spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Founder, Ralph Ernest Gregson MBE who dedicated his life to serving others and died on 6th April aged 91.

He and his wife Pat, who were married in May 1955 ,worked tirelessly over many years for a myriad of good causes in Southport. 

“Ralph was first elected to the Southport Borough Council in May 1971 for West Ward and subsequently served on Sefton Borough Council as a Councillor in Birkdale Ward from 1974 to 1986 and was for many years Chairman of the Tourist and Attractions Committee.

Ralph and Patricia Gregson on their wedding day on 7th May 1955

Ralph and Patricia Gregson on their wedding day on 7th May 1955

“His duties included Festival and Conference promotions as well as coaxing show business personalities to the Theatre.

“In his early working life Ralph had been employed in the Southport Publicity and Attractions Department before moving to a similar post in Hayes in 1952. In later years he became a fashion buyer at Littlewoods travelling extensively in the Far East.

“Ralph was perhaps best known for his work in the Birkdale Civic Society. He was the Founder Member of the Society in April 1982 and a past Chairman. For many years, the Society’s meetings were held at his Liverpool Road home. In 2019 he was appointed Life President. 

Ralph Gregson (centre) with Peter Lomas (left) and Phil King (right) on Southport Pier, as part of the campaign to save Southport Pier

Ralph Gregson (centre) with Peter Lomas (left) and Phil King (right) on Southport Pier, as part of the campaign to save Southport Pier

“Ralph masterminded the construction of the Queen’s Jubilee Trail and on behalf of the Society was presented a much-coveted award from Her Majesty at St James’ Palace in 1992.

“Ralph was also Founder Chairman of Southport Oxfam and had the distinction of opening the first Charity Shop in Southport (Chapel Street) in 1964 and over the years raised nearly £2million for those in need. 

“From his earliest days Ralph was also involved in the Boys Brigade at St Paul’s Church.

“He was awarded an MBE from the Queen in 1999 for his many years of volunteering in Southport.”

Philip Birkenstein Chairman of St Petersburg Collection Creations by Theo Faberge and Sarah Faberge pictured at the Conservative Association Dinner at Scarisbrick Hotel.Ralph Gregson Chairman and President his wife Pat and Phil King are also pictured on November 3, 2006

Philip Birkenstein Chairman of St Petersburg Collection Creations by Theo Faberge and Sarah Faberge pictured at the Conservative Association Dinner at Scarisbrick Hotel.Ralph Gregson Chairman and President his wife Pat and Phil King are also pictured on November 3, 2006

Michael Braham who was one of the first members of the Birkdale Civic Society said: “Ralph was a man of drive and vision. To him the best was just about good enough. He gave 100% effort in everything he undertook.”

Ralph leaves a widow Pat to whom he had been married for more than 66 years, children Beverley and Paul and Grandchildren Hayley, Etienne and Charlotte who is the current Chairman of the Birkdale Civic Society, thus maintaining the family connection.

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com

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