The Art group meets in the Meeting Rooms at Our Lady of Lourdes on a Thursday from 1.30-3pm. All abilities are welcome. Contact Judith Hays 07727879600.

OLOL Judo club Southport has been a family run club for 25 years by Mrs M Newton BJC 6th Dan and ex BJC National Squad member and Mr A Newton 6th Dan. It is a fun, friendly and respectful Dojo that has trained Judoka to compete successfully at local, national and international levels. Newcomers of all ages very welcome just come and have a go. Contact Mr A Newton on 01704 546706 or visit our facebook page.

The group organises a pilgrimage to Lourdes every couple of years. The next one is planned for the summer of 2023. The ethos is all together and the pilgrimage is very much a group activity. The trip includes the traditional elements of a visit to Lourdes: the shrine, the baths, the procession, Stations of the Cross, Mass and devotions. There is also socialising by visiting cafes. Excursions are made to the Pyrenees mountains and the surrounding countryside. As some of the group require wheelchair assistance there is a need for the appropriate numbers of helpers that can manage wheelchairs and others to keep the sick and elderly company. New people are always welcome! Quizzes and other fundraising activities are run throughout the year. Committee members: Anna Gavin, Diane Tierney, Mary Sim, Jane Chmielowski, Stefan Chmielowski, Tom Kennelly and Ruth Aughton.

Our latest project is the community garden at St Joseph's Church.  There are raised beds for growing food and flowers to be enjoyed by the members of our community and their friends.   It is early days for the project as yet and preliminary plans are still taking shape.  So watch this space or check out our newsletter for more information on when the next meeting will take place.  This autumn we have harvested from the apple trees eating apples and cookers soon to be transformed into apple pies and other delicacies.

French improvers group:  Tuesdays (term time) 1pm-2.30pm.  This is a friendly group, suitable for people who have previously learnt French but feel a bit rusty and would like to refresh their knowledge and practice speaking French. Using  a variety of learning materials, including practical activities and games, we cover conversation, grammar and vocabulary.  French advanced group:  Fridays (term time)10.30am-12.  This is a friendly group suitable for people with a good understanding of French language. Gain confidence to use French to present your opinions and understand those of others; using original learning materials such as TV extracts and magazines/newspapers articles, we discuss topics such as current affairs, personal interests, films, travel and culture. Each year, we read a book in French during summer term.  Taster sessions available.  For more information, contact Sophie.payne@yahoo.com

As the name suggests, Tanya Mingas is part native and a fluent speaker of the language and inspired to enthuse, engage and motivate others to the benefits gained from learning a second language.  People who speak more than one language tend to have improved memory, problem-solving and other critical thinking and listening skills.  The focus is to practice vocabulary, phrases and grammatical structures to enable learners to hold simple conversations in Spanish in a relaxed and non-threatening atmosphere.  Spanish classes take place on Thursday mornings between 10am - 12 noon.  Courses run on a 10 week consecutive basis. This particular group is suitable for learners who are absolute beginners or those with a basic understanding.  Learners will develop their language skills using a variety of different language materials including; textbooks, handouts, Youtube videos and more.  There’s always time for coffee, cake and socialising.  An invaluable part of the whole experience!  Taster sessions are available upon request. Intermediate and Advanced courses coming soon.  Please contact Tanya 07834 563 424, tanichi2@btinternet.com for more information.