News
Garden dedication and service of thanksgiving at RMBI care home
22 November 2011
Over 100 people attended the official opening and dedication of the two gardens at RMBI care Ecclesholme in Manchester. Amongst these were Peter Hosker (Provincial Grand Master for the Province of West Lancashire), Harold Woodward (Deputy Provincial Grand Master for the Province of East Lancashire), and Chris Caine (Deputy President of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution).
The Provincial Grand Chaplains for West and East Lancashire, along with several Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, group chairmen and other group officers from both Provinces were also in attendance.
Rev David Halford (Provincial Grand Chaplain for East Lancashire) dedicated the first garden. Harold Woodward then spoke about Jack Price the recently departed Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire who he said would have been very pleased to have opened the ‘Peace, Love and Unity Garden' which was now dedicated to his memory - Jack Price, 3 April 1937 to 23 October 2011.
The second garden was dedicated in thanksgiving for the marriage of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by Rev Graham Halsall (Provincial Grand Chaplain for West Lancashire). Peter Hosker then declared the garden officially dedicated and opened.
Home Manager Bev Niland then conducted the principal guests on a guided tour around the home.
After a buffet lunch the brethren then travelled a short distance to St Mark's Parish Church. The Provincial Grand Chaplains conducted the service of thanksgiving.
During the service Rev Graham Halsall invited Gerald Bullough (President of the Association of Friends of Ecclesholme), Beverly Niland (Home Manager), Des Bell (Resident of the home) and Ernest Daniel to say a few words about their views of the home.
Gerald said he had many memories from his involvement of the home over the last 30 years. He said that the improvement to the services and facilities gave him the greatest pleasure.
Beverly said that she was supported by her teams of cares, caterers and cleaners, who carried out their work with care and dedication, which she thanked them for.
Des said he did not know where to start as he enjoys every minute he is in the home, however, his biggest joy is the smile that everyone has, whoever they are and whatever they are doing, it is a great place to live.
Ernest summed up by thanking everyone who worked in the home for the care they show to all the residents.
The service ended with Chris Caine who gave a brief talk on his involvement with the Home, he finished by saying that part of his role was to ensure the continued improvement of the home in particular the improvement of facilities for the care of residents particularly those suffering from Dementia.
