On Thursday 16^th we had the double celebration of the organisations Foundress, Victoire Larmenier and the “handing over” of our community partnership project with the Prince’s Trust.

We aimed for a French theme on the day with a little touch of Brittany thrown in for good measure.  Our Activity Coordinators Sue and Irene worked with military precision and flare to organise a variety of entertainments working closely with Janet, Debbie, Janice and Sue from the catering team to ensure our buffet was second to none and plenty all round for everyone.

Great support was had from the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral and to no lesser extent by Bishop Mark Davies and Father Ray.  The Mayor and Mayoress kindly cut the ribbon on the project and gave a fine oration which highlighted just how hard the young people of team 139 of The Prince’s Trust had worked over the previous weeks to make it real.

Bishop Mark along with Father Ray presented the certificates of achievement (very creatively put together by Sister Frances) to the Team who as individuals took it in turn to make personal presentations as to how the project had evolved and what they had gained and given in return.

Everyone was hugely proud of the hard work and the finished product which effectively transformed a virtually useless piece of sloping ground into a wheelchair friendly meeting area for barbeques, events and somewhere for residents to sit with their families during the nice summer evenings.

Sr Lilian had put together an extremely informative timeline with pictures (can now be seen in the main reception area) that highlighted the work of the Sisters of Nazareth both past and present and in many ways how that support and working together with local communities remains an essential element in everything that we do today.

Robert York was also present and spoke to everyone about the work of NCCT and how we looked forward to continuing and encouraging new projects with community partners especially the Prince’s Trust who through Jason, James and our ten young stalwarts made a huge difference for us and hopefully we for them through arranging work placements and other initiatives.

For good measure we had a piped procession through the home and up to the garden area which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone both pre and post opening by Brian in full regalia!

Day two on Friday 17^th was a totally different event with our friends who own the “Classic Car” showroom down the road bringing onto the premises a selection of beautiful and rare classic cars which our Activity Coordinators quickly seized upon to make some extra activity income “have your photo taken” for a small fee.  As you can see from the photographs, Sister Mary made the most of the moment and looks remarkably at ease just waiting to be chauffeured by Richard (owner) around the grounds.

Throughout the course of the day we had a variety of entertainers and visitors to the home who were curious about care homes and seemed to really enjoy everything we offer.  We even had a couple of people who enquired about staying with us because they had so much fun.

Many of our staff came in on their days off to join in and we offered everyone the opportunity of non-uniforms for both days if they so wished and indeed one or two did so.

We had the lower 6^th young men from St Anselms who acted as guides for both days ensuring that visitors knew were they were going and for that we are extremely grateful especially as the 16^th was the day England played their European game!!

We could probably go on forever but better keep it  short and savour the two days for the great success they were.   Please enjoy the photographs and we’ll be having plenty more community partnerships, and themed days so watch this space.  If you go onto the Diocese of Shrewsbury website you will also see some great coverage of the events.

Click here to see more pictures of the days events

Regards

Steve Wright