Garden dedication and service of thanksgiving 

Over 100 people attended the official opening and dedication of the two gardens at Ecclesholme, 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.

Bev Niland (Ecclesholme Home Manager) then conducted the principal guests on a guided tour around the home.

A buffet lunch was served at Elm Bank Masonic Hall, which is next door to Ecclesholme. After the lunch Ernest Daniel (Chairman of the

Association of Friends of Ecclesholme) presented flowers to the two principle guest's wives and Mrs Sally Ann Caine.

The brethren then travelled a short distance to St Mark’s Parish Church where they were welcomed by Rev Geoffrey Turner (Rector of the parish),

Ernest Daniels thanked Rev Geoffrey Turner for allowing the service to be held at St Mary's.

The Provincial Grand Chaplains then conducted the service of thanksgiving. During the service readings were given by, Harold Woodward who read from the

 Old Testament - Isaiah 35 - The Joy of the Redeemed and Peter Hosker who read from the New Testament - Matthew  25  chapters  31 - 45 - The sheep and the goats.

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.

Chris Caine then gave a brief talk on his involvement with Ecclesholme, 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.

Harold Woodward opens the ‘Peace, Love and Unity Garden’ as Chris Cain looks on.

The Peace, Love and Unity Garden.

Beverly Niland (Home manager) is pictured with the two principal guests, Chris Caine, the Provincial Chaplains and the

Association of Friends of Ecclesholme committee members.

Peter Hosker opens the garden dedicated in thanksgiving for the marriage of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Graham Halsall looks on.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge garden.

Pictured from left to right, are: Peter Hosker, Rev Graham Halsall, Chris Caine, Rev David Halford and Harold Woodward.