BOLTON AND ROCHDALE METHODIST DISTRICT

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Methodist Homes for the Aged, Registered as a Charity - No. 1083995

MHA is a charity providing care homes, housing and support services for older people throughout Britain.

Established 65 years ago, MHA now delivers a range of services to over 12,500 individuals.  We serve approximately:

· 3,000 older people in residential, nursing and special dementia care homes

· 1,500 older people in sheltered housing and housing with care

· 8,000 older people in community projects

Our services are delivered by 5,000 dedicated staff and 5,000 committed volunteers.   Together they make a real difference to the lives of the older people we serve.

 www.mha.org.uk

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Within the District, MHA currently has a Home in Bury - Epworth Grange, Chirmside Street, Bury, BL28 2BX

and  Beechville MHA, 653, Chorley New Road, Lostock, Bolton, BL6 4AG

Beechville

16 July 2011

Beechville Summer Fair

2.00 - 4.00pm

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A Volunteer’s story

There was a meeting at St John’s Methodist Church, several years ago, when the then mayor of Bolton, Walter Hall, helped to launch the new Methodist Home, Beechville, in Bolton and the setting up of a support group.   That was the start for me!   

I had been the MHA Circuit rep for many years wanting to support this charity mainly in memory of my wonderful Sunday School teacher, Flo, who was well cared for in the last years of her life at the Tankerton Home.  I felt the need to become more involved with MHA.  

I became the treasurer for the support group, watching the building grow until the first residents moved in and we held a meeting in Beechville itself.  Maria was the Activities Coordinator at the time and was busy making us all tea or coffee – so I went over to help.  Before I knew where I was I had offered to go in weekly to help with Craft Activities.  I got to know the residents and found they just enjoyed spending time talking about a wealth of topics – that wasn’t hard for me!  

Maria moved on and Eileen came as the Chaplain to Beechville.  She was trying to set up regular prayer times so, as I could play the piano, she ‘roped me in’ for the weekly prayers and coffee time.  As a worship leader if Eileen is away I take the morning prayers in her place.  These times have become very special for the residents as they come for both the prayer-time and fellowship together afterwards.  I feel quite comfortable walking around the home spending time with the residents and the staff sharing many times of laughter and reflections.  

As the Amenity Funds Treasurer I link closely with the new Activities Coordinator, Julie, ensuring she has any extra funding for Birthday and Christmas presents for every resident plus the many extras such as entertainers or craft materials for their activities.  

If you would like to become a Beechville volunteer then talk to Melanie at Beechville or myself.  There are many niches that are there to be filled.  Some volunteers come in for one hour a month – others once or twice a week at times to suit each individual.  You are under no obligation to continue helping if you find the work is not for you.   

I had no idea at the onset how my role as a volunteer would develop – nor if it was the right work for me – so I hope this brief summary might encourage you to consider being a Beechville volunteer.  I come away from Beechville tired – but fulfilled with the knowledge that I have been alongside some wonderful people.  

Margaret Higson

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Epworth Grange 

Epworth Grange Methodist Home Day Centre

Wednesdays 9.30am - 3.00pm 

The Day Centre is seeking new members.  Activities include craft, entertainment, chat,  shop selling sweets, toiletries, etc.

Lunch provided at a reasonable cost 

For further details please contact Elizabeth Layfield, c/o Epworth Grange Methodist Home. Chirmside Street, Bury, BL8 2BX  (Tel : 0161 763 7500)