Mayor cuts ribbon on restored Preston Guild summershouse

Published by lpriest for Progress Housing Group in Housing and also in Communities

The Mayor of Preston Councillor Carl Crompton visited St Catherine’s Hospice to cut the ribbon on the restored hospice summerhouse - originally built as an exhibit for the 1922 Guild Trades Procession.

As the city marks another Guild year, supporters – including master carpenter Neville Jones, who carried out the refurbishment – gathered on the hospice lawn for the official unveiling.

The project was funded through donations from the Eric Wright Foundation and Leyland Rotary Club, while Neville, who works for Progress Housing Group and several other local firms, gave their time and expertise for free.

Other companies to have contributed included JB Howard and Son, who carried out the decorating, Andrew Taylor who completed the roofing work; Hoghton UPVC Windows who fitted the windows; and C&W Berry Ltd who donated the timber, while Pam Worsley, PA to the chief executive at St Catherine’s, co-ordinated the project.

Neville, who completed the carpentry work over the past 11 months to finish in time for this year’s Preston Guild, said it had been a wonderful experience.

The 58-year-old, who has been a carpenter for 40 years, said: “Working on the summerhouse has been thoroughly enjoyable.

“I’m pleased that this piece of history can be admired again, and enjoyed by patients at St Catherine’s Hospice.”

Neville’s name is honoured in a second commemorative plaque fitted to the outside of the summerhouse, which was originally donated as a Guild Bowl House to what was known asLostockHallConvalescentHospitalback in 1922.

When day care services at St Catherine’s Hospice were extended a few years ago, the summerhouse was repositioned to the south lawn – where patients can enjoy views out over the beautiful hospice grounds.

Guild Mayor Crompton said he was thrilled to have been asked to cut the ribbon on the summerhouse as part of the re-opening ceremony.

“It is wonderful to see the summerhouse restored to the same condition as when it took part in the 1922 Guild procession,” he said.

“Neville has done an excellent job of ensuring it will be around for many more Preston Guilds in the future.”

Stephen Greenhalgh, chief executive of St Catherine’s Hospice, added: “I am absolutely delighted we have been able to complete this project through voluntary expertise, and special donations from the Eric Wright Foundation and Leyland Rotary Club.

“This historical artefact is significant to the local community and it is fitting it has ended up at one of the best loved charities in centralLancashire.”