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BEST KEPT SECRET IN FRESHFIELD!
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Virtually all who walk along Blundell Avenue, Freshfield are there for a purpose. It might be to run the dog on the fields to the left or to venture into the pinewoods to catch a glimpse of the red squirrels on the right, but very few are aware of what lies beyond. Here it becomes narrower and darker; little more than a wooded country lane finished off with two sturdy stone gate posts.
Driving through the entrance, however, an expansive area of modern, bright and airy buildings appear. These are the grounds of Saint Joseph’s Adult Services; part of the Francis Taylor Foundation, which has become a centre of true excellence for the care of adults with severe physical and mental disabilities. It is the only service of its kind operating within the North West.
The first impression one gets on entry to this haven of respite is the intense feeling of being enveloped in a large warm blanket of love, compassion and happiness. Everywhere one turns there are smiling faces - carers and cared-for alike - e grounds one begins to realise the immense dedication to detail that has gone into the planning of this complex from the Aladdin’s cave-like Sensory Rooms to the positively tropical atmosphere of the Hydrotherapy Pool. All achieved to produce  | | Chris Hamilton opens the new Conservatory
accompanied by Alan Pendleton,
co-chairman of the Friends of St. Josephs. |
the maximum stimulation and relaxation therapy for all residents and day visitors. Much of this has only been achieved by the sheer determination, guts and foresight of all the staff at St. Joseph’s, led by Sister Eileen and the fundraising efforts of the Friends of St. Josephs led by their co-chairpersons, Alan and Sue Pendleton.
So it was to this oasis of inspired experience that a small band of Southport masons gathered recently for a very special event; the opening of a large new conservatory. As a Trustee of the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity, W Bro Chris Hamilton had been invited to officially open the site. Last year the WLFC made a major grant of £5,000 towards the construction of the conservatory. This was the largest single donation toward the project and Chris readily accepted the honour of this privilege on behalf of West Lancashire Freemasonry as shown on the adjoining photo.
The large new conservatory will serve many functions from staff meetings to residents’ Christmas parties as well as a pleasant and peaceful area for parents and friends to socialise with the residents and day guests. There are also plans afoot to relocate the very popular Cathy’s Corner Café to this area.
This wonderful organisation depends entirely on donations and grants! Donations can be forwarded to :
Alan & Sue Pendleton 29 Osbourne Road, Ainsdale,
Southport PR8 2RJ
Tel. 01704 577849.
Some Background to St. Jospeh’s.
 | | An interior view of the new Conservatory. |
St Joseph’s, situated in Formby Merseyside, has been open since 1912 when it was purchased by the religious order "The Poor Servants of the Mother of God". They are still the governing body today, but now operate as "The Frances Taylor Foundation".
In 1959 St. Joseph’s specialised in supporting children with a mental handicap. Since 1987 following changes in the law, St. Joseph’s has been caring for 36 adults with profound learning and physical disabilities. Also on site is a large day centre that serves the surrounding community and offers daily respite for some 40+ families. St. Joseph’s is the only place within the Northwest that offers a service for these special people, whose very complex needs also include severe health problems.
The "Friends of St. Joseph’s" which is a voluntary fund raising group, set up some 35 years ago for the benefit of the residents and day people who use St. Joseph’s Adult Services. The funds raised are used to provide additional amenities and opportunities that contribute to their quality of life.
Examples of the Projects that "The Friends" have raised funds for include: Garden furniture, a barbecue area within woods but accessible by wheelchair along a woodland pathway, a sensory garden, hydrotherapy pool and many other smaller treats.
News Date: 03/06/2010
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©
The Southport Group 2004
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