Reunion Ball has flourished over the past 57 years...
ONE of the original founders of the annual Reunion Ball in Southport has revealed how the event has flourished over the past 57 years.
Phil Austin is the last remaining founder who attended the first gathering in 1966 – the year England won the World Cup – and the latest event, on Saturday, January 6.
The original meeting involved a group of friends at The Brunswick Hotel in Southport. The latest one had grown to taking over two floors of The Grand on Lord Street, with 23 hosts inviting over 400 guests.
Nearly £986 was raised for Queenscourt Hospice at the function. Entertainment was provided by Captains of Industry; DJ Jeff Wall; Dean Stansby; and by Emma Holcroft, organiser of the Southport Jazz Festival, which takes place at The Grand this February.
They were followed by guest DJ spots by Mark
Pickup and Cliff Barclay. Photography was provided by Dave Brown Photography on behalf of Stand Up For Southport.
The 57th Reunion Ball was organised by Helen Equizi, owner of Capelli Hair Studio in Southport. She took over running the night in 2020 from founding member Robert Lough, who grew it to the ball size.
Helen has been a host for over 20 years.
Phil Austin attended the night with friends including John Fennessey, who has also been attending for many years.
Phil said: “It all began in 1966 when a group of friends, who were regulars in The Brunswick Hotel cocktail bar, got together to arrange a big party. The reason being that we had been attending parties at friends’ parents’ houses over the years and those of us who had not been able to reciprocate wanted to host a ‘do’ at The Brunswick.
“About 10 of us ended up hosting a black tie ball for around 70 people with live music in the hotel ballroom where all concerned had a great time dancing the night away. Thus began an annual event that unbelievably has stood the test of time.
“Each year the size of the ball increased, remaining at The Brunswick until it closed in the late 1970s.
“From then on, the venue changed fairly regularly. We have held Reunion Balls at The Prince of Wales Hotel, The Scarisbrick Hotel, The Royal Clifton Hotel, Bliss Hotel and, for the last two years, The Grand.
“As the years rolled by, several sons and daughters of the original hosts joined as hosts and the numbers began to swell.
“Many of the attendees really look forward to the event – it is a chance, particularly for the ladies, to strut their stuff in their fineries on the night!
“It is quite a story – the event has grown from modest beginnings in Southport to a function with 23 hosts inviting over 400 guests. Long may it continue!”
Reunion Ball organiser Helen Equizi said: “Phil Austin is an amazing gentleman and, being an original host, as others are still connected in many ways, in supporting the event, including the Lough family, may it continue with new generations.
“This year’s 57th Reunion Ball was one of the best yet, with a positive reaction from all the guests.
“Choosing to provide two levels of entertainment at The Grand with different types of music really gave the evening a fulfilled ambience of choices, and made it very sociable.
“The Grand staff, managers and service were absolutely brilliant. They created a superb atmosphere throughout the evening and had a really positive work ethic.
“Without the hosts, the evening wouldn’t happen, but their support allows this event to continue.
“We are all tired after
Christmas and new year, and it overwhelms me the great turnout on the night.
“We were delighted to be able to raise £986 for Queenscourt Hospice too. This Reunion Ball gives us a boost to the beginning of the year and obviously to say hello to people we sometimes haven’t seen for a while or over the festive season.
“Long may it continue.”