Garston Masonic Hall on Island Road in Liverpool hosted a fundraiser for Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services (LDAS). Hall chairman Mal Yates, a member of Lodge of Harmony No 220, co-hosted the event with Paula Johnson of Every Woman Sparkles Community Interest Company.
The afternoon began with a talk outlining the core aims and objectives of LDAS which is a grassroots, community-based service for women and girls who have experienced domestic abuse. The women-led, women-only registered charity has provided specialist, trauma-led support since 2006.
The Mersey Ladies Choir then performed, led by Vicky Jones, the afternoon’s entertainer. A fashion
show followed which featuring breast cancer survivors modelling clothes.
The 82 guests who attended this special event then enjoyed an early two-course Christmas dinner provided by Tony Ackroyd and his catering staff followed by raffles to raise funds for this worthy event.
Paula Johnson of Every Woman Sparkles compered the afternoon, with everyone enjoying the singing and dancing. Vicky Jones, a well-known Cilla Black tribute artist on Merseyside, entertained guests with Cilla’s songs and other hits from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The event raised £1,400 for LDAS and was the fifth fundraiser in 15 months organised by hall chairman Mal Yates and Paula Johnson, both directors and trustees of Every Woman Sparkles Community Interest Company.
Previous fundraisers since July 2025 have raised £9,500 in total, with two supporting Clatterbridge Cancer Care, one Liverpool Bereavement Services and one Downs Syndrome Liverpool. These events have supported local charities while strengthening links with the local community and are always well attended.
Story by Alan McCluskey