P.G.M. MAKE PRESENTATION TO B.L.E.S.M.A.

The P.G.M. visited the British Limbless Ex Servicemen’s Association Home in Blackpool on Wednesday 21st April to present a cheque for £3800 for the purchase of four special mattresses.
These mattresses which are kept constantly inflated by their own air pump will be used to ease pressure pain for residents who are bed bound for substantial periods.

The P.G.M. was accompanied by W. Bro Keith Beardmore Ass. Pr . G. M., W. Bro Mike Clarke Ass. P.G.M. ( Des), W. Bro David Fairclough, W. Bro John Shrewsbury, W. Bro Eric Drinkwater and Bro Jim Barnes. Mrs Lynne Connolly and Mrs Tegwen Drinkwater also accompanied the party.

After presenting the cheque to the manager of the Home Mrs Jacqui Longden the party viewed the facilities and chatted with the residents whist enjoying tea and a splendid chocolate cake made by the resident chef.

The home accommodates 47 beds of which 17-20 are used for respite care and also widows of members of the Association on short term stays, is the only one in England. It was opened in 1947 and relies entirely on donated funds. Another B.L.E.S.M.A. Home is situated in Scotland.

  The P.G.M. with Home Manager Jacqui Longden

Jacqui Longden  stressed the importance of donations such as this to maintain this unique facility for ex service personnel with a disability, who reach the latter years of their lives, to be accommodated in comfort and supported by medical provision.

The total of £3800 comprised of the revenue from the sale of the Mark Poppy, £507 from Freshfield  Mark Lodge, Donations from other Lodges to this project and Provincial Charity funds