News from Ecclesholme
In Olympic Year
Ecclesholme have already won Gold
After many months of painstaking work and dedication by Bev Niland, the Home Manager, and her staff, together with Karina Baldwin Gold Standard Champion for Ecclesholme .
A presentation by Lucy Giles, Clinical Nurse Lead for Gold Standards Framework, was made at Manchester Town Hall attended by Bev and Karina. This highly coveted award is the only one to be recognised by all care home Authorities and lasts until 2015 with yearly visits by the Framework Authority to check that the very high standards that this organisation demands are being maintained
The much coveted plaque
Earnest Daniel,Karina Baldwin, Beverley Niland, Gerrald Bullough and Andrew Forkin,
Gold Standards Framework Facilitator
Earnest Daniel, Association of Friends Chairman, Karina Baldwin, Beverley Niland,
Gerrald Bullough, President of the Association Friends
Association of the Friends of Ecclesholme
Following on from their Gala Dinner success, The Association of the Friends of Ecclesholme held their Christmas Fair at Elm Bank Masonic Hall with the kind offices of their Group Chairman Stuart Shea.
This year’s event, which was again well supported, was opened by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Chorley Group Raymond Martland who congratulated all ‘The Friends’ for their outstanding contribution to the welfare of the residents; also in attendance was Earnest Daniels who is Chairman of The Friends. There were numerous stalls laden with all manner of items for sale together with various raffles and a magnificent sum in excess of £2000 was raised. Thanks go to all who assisted in any way from both East and West Lancashire Provinces helping to contribute to the benefit of the residents of Ecclesholme.
Ray Martland and Friends Chairman Earnest Daniels opening the event
Chorley Group Chairman John Robson getting into the spirit of things
One of the many stalls manned on the day
One very happy young man
Another lucky winner
A goodly attendance for another sucessful day.
Association of the Friends of Ecclesholme
On Sunday 6th November the Association of the Friends of Ecclesholme held a day of ceremony and dedication when the two new landscaped gardens were officially opened by the Provincial Grand Master ofWest Lancashire, Peter John Hosker and his wife, Julie, together with The Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, VWBro Harold Woodward and his wife, Phyllis; accompanied by Deputy President of the RMBI Chris Caine and his wife Sally Ann.
Ecclesholme Gala Dinner
The Principle guest for the evening was Anthony Bent, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who congratulated the Friends on the work done, and monies raised over many years. In his response, Chairman Ernest Daniel expounded on the funds raised and the beneficial effect this has had, and continues to have, on the residents. A cheque for £500 was presented to the Association by Wigan Group Chairman, Malcolm Taylor, and a raffle on the night realised the sum of £1419.85 which was very much appreciated.
The Room is set ready for the Guests
Group Chairman Malcolm; Assistant Provincial Grand Master Tony and their Ladies
Association of Friends Chairman Ernest Daniel and his Lady
Ecclesholme Christmas Fair
Don't forget the "Ecclesholme Christmas Fair" which is to be held on Sunday 27th November, 2011 at Eccles Masonic Hall, .
There are loads of stalls and raffles to take part in, as well as a wide variety of refreshments to enjoy.
Bring along your ladies and children are always made more than welcome.
The Provincial Grand Master of the Province of West Lancashire, Bro. Peter John Hosker and his wife Julie are to officiate at the annual Christmas Fair to take place at
Eccles Masonic Hall, Elm Bank, Half Edge Lane, Eccles, M30 9BA, on Sunday 27th November, 2011 commencing at 2.00 p.m.
Please do your best to support this event, which will enable the Association of Friends of Ecclesholme to give more funding to our residents at our Masonic home from proceeds from both events.
New People Carrier for Ecclesholme
Three committee members from the Friends of Tithebarn attended the Ecclesholme AGM where they were presented with a cheque for £1,000 by Raymond Martland (Assistant Provincial Grand Master) from the Masonic Bowling Society in his newly appointed role as Chairman of the West Lancashire Masonic Bowling Society.
After the meeting Chris Caine (Deputy President of the RMBI) was shown the new vehicle that is going to be formerly presented to the RMBI at their AGM. The vehicle has been purchased by the Friends of Tithebarn and is the second vehicle at the home. It has wheel chair access along with a carer’s seat in the rear of the vehicle and five other seats for passengers.
Pictured Left to right are: Chris Caine, Laurie Scott (Friends of Tithebarn Chairman), John Stallard (Friends of Tithebarn Treasurer) and Paul Matthews (Friends of Tithebarn Secretary).
Ecclesholme Celebrates Burns Night in Style
Brian Hernon, a member of Delphi Lodge No. 9061 in the Province of East Lancashire, piped in the haggis which was carried by resident Barry Sweetman to the great delight of all present. Grace was read by resident Desmond Bell and the poem, My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose, written by Robbie Burns, was recited by resident George Spencer. During the course of the meal Brian played a medley of tunes and afterwards spent time speaking to many of the residents personally.
Ecclesholme AGM
Numerous members, along with their wives, with a number of guests were in attendance at the 31 Annual General Meeting of the Association of Friends of Ecclesholme Benevolent Fund. The principle guest was WBro Chris Caine,PSGD, who was recently appointed Deputy President of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
Michael Gouldsbrough, representing the Warrington Group(outgoing Chairman of the Association of Friends of Ecclesholme Benevolent Fund)invited Earnest Daniels, representative of the Wigan Group to chair the committee for the next two years.
After the AGM closed, Michael Gouldsbrough was presented with a cheque from the Travellers Lodge No 4679 which is in the Warrington Group by Raymond Martland(Assistant Provincial Grand Master). The cheque for £1,000 was a legacy from a departed brother; Bernard Bretherton, who had arranged prior to his death for a legacy to be presented to the Association of Friends.
Ray also presented a cheque from the Masonic Bowling Society in his newly appointed role as Chairman of the West Lancashire Masonic Bowling Society for £1,000 to Michael, for the Friends of Ecclesholme Benevolent to be used for the ‘Resident’s Amenity Fund.’
W Bro Chris Caine during his address at the meeting
Some of the members,wives and guests who attended the AGM.
Raymond Martland presenting the cheque to Michael Gouldsbrough on behalf of Travellers Lodge
Pictured Left to right, are: Len Hart (Treasurer of the bowling committee), Brian Molyneux (Secretary of the Bowling Committee), Ray Martland - presenting the cheque to Michael and, Mark Gregory (Association Treasurer).
New Chairs at Ecclesholme
Ecclesholme has now two electronically operated chairs at the home, purchased from the proceeds of the generosity of the "West Lancashire Bowling Tournament", who made a donation for this particular project in 2010.
The photograph shows one of the residents relaxing comfortably in this, the newer chair, allowing him the chance to be seated into the chair from a standing position.
The two chairs are widely used by many residents who find sitting and standing difficult without help. With these chairs the residents just stands by the chair and with automation the chair folds around their frame and allows them to sit and stand-up without over-stretching their carers and doing something with dignity.
The forthcoming 31st Annual General Meeting of the Association of Friends of Ecclesholme is to be held at the home on Sunday, 23rd January 2011, commencing at 2.30 p.m. Anyone interested in attending will be made very welcome!
The meeting will be honoured by the attendance of the Vice President of the R.M.B.I., WBro. Chris J. Caine, PSGD, who is to be in attendance at both the AGM and the committee meeting which follows.
A presentation is also to be made by the "West Lancashire Bowling Tournament" to WBro. Michael Gouldsbrough, Chairman of the Association of Friends of Ecclesholme, and WBro. Laurie Scott, Chairman of the Friends of Tithebarn, prior to the commencement of the AGM.
Ecclesholme Christmas Fair 2010
The Ecclesholme Christmas Fair, as its name suggests, was held at Ecclesholme RMBI Residential Home, Eccles, on Sunday 28th November 2010 and was again a wonderful and successful event. The fair raised £1,563.30, which will help to support the residents of the home.
The Christmas Fair is organised by the Association of Friends for Ecclesholme and was this year officially opened by WBro Jonathan Clipsham PSGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for West Lancashire, accompanied by his partner Kathryn. Our own WBro Martin Roche PJGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire was there to support the event, as was WBro Dennis Rudd, the senior APGM from West Lancashire several Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals were also present. Also there to support the event were several district chairman, deputy chairmen and district secretaries.
The fair was particularly well attended, with people from East and West Lancashire as well as the residents of the home enjoying the atmosphere of the event. Stalls were set up not only by the residents of the home but by lodges and districts from both East and West Lancashire. There was a cake stall, a jam and Christmas decorations stall, a fancy goods stall and even a chocolate tombola to name but a few. The Audenshaw Masonic Shop also ran a stall.
Malcolm Warren, Secretary of the Association of Friends of Ecclesholme would like to thank all those who attended the event for making it so successful. The day went very quickly and they are indebted to the helpers on the day for doing such a “sterling” job, which will allow the Association to donate more funds for the “Residents’ Amenity Account” to support the residents, especially at Christmas time.
See the article at the bottom of the page for an example of how the Association supports the residents.
Annual General Meeting of the Association of Friends of Ecclesholme
The Annual General Meeting of the Association is to take place at Eccleshome, Vicars Street, Eccles on Sunday 23rd January, 2011 commencing at 2.30 p.m. The meeting takes no longer than 25 minutes. The Association extends an invitation to anyone who has involvement with the Association; in particular they would love to have high rulers and District Officers from East Lancashire at the meeting.
On this occasion it would be wonderful to see a large number, as they have the Vice President of the R.M.B.I. Mr Chris Caine attending and are also hoping that the Chief Executive of the R.M.B.I. will also be in attendance.
If brethren, who are able to attend, especially form local Masonic Halls, could inform Malcolm Warren, secretary, directly by e-mail then he will make sure tea / coffee will be available for you.
Malcolm Warren, the Secretary of the Association of Friends for Ecclesholme. His email address for people to make contact is: malcolmwarren6@aol.com
Touch screen PC arrives at Ecclesholme
The Friends of Ecclesholme have purchased a touch screen computer for the residents who suffer from dementia. The PC, costing over £3,000 was supplied by Dementia Life a specialist company that supplies communication support and interactive games for people with dementia. Caring for people with dementia is recognised by the NHS as one of the major challenges of the 21st century. There are over 820,000 people nationally suffering from the disease and advancing technology can offer ways to augment and supplement the human care for people with dementia.
The system helps to unlock memories of dementia sufferers, it allows families and carers to break through barriers put up by the disease and lets them communicate with sufferers. The touch-screen systems uses generic archive pictures and film clips from the 1930’s onwards to trigger old memories and prompt dementia sufferers to engage with their families and carers and feel open about talking again.
With the generosity of brethren from East and West Lancashire the Association is able to provide these types of extras for the residents at the home. So much so that at the last Association meeting it was decided to purchase a second system for residents housed on the second floor.
The touchscreen "CIRCA" systems
Jim Sims, Leigh Group representative for the Friends of Ecclesholme, using the new PC