Geoff Weekes, Chair of Bridgemead Trustees, thanked all the friends and supporters of Bridgemead at the 25th birthday party held at Bridgemead on 23rd November. Around 60 supporters came including the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rob Appleyard, who said “I’ve visited Bridgemead several times and really feel the incredible warmth of the place.”
A Happy Place
The Revd Neville Pearce said:
“This takes me back 25 years, going round all the churches with Ray King and raising money for Bridgemead to be built. It’s a wonderful place, and now I’m a potential resident…”
Ex volunteer Morfydd Jones agreed: “Bridgemead is such a happy place. I volunteered doing the trolley here for six years, but then had to stop when I got shingles. Now I’ve got my name on the list….”
Delicious
A vast array of enticing canapes were provided by Una McCullogh and her team. Sally Fuller and Frankie Knapp who have visited Bridgemead for many years said it was a very good event and “the food was wonderful.”
Vision
Geoff Weekes said: ” We are so grateful for everyone for all their contributions, giving their time, money and prayers. Through your support many lives have been touched and elderly people have flourished.” Marian McNeir, MBE and Patron of Bridgemead explained that her mother was a resident and she “spent her last years here being loved and cherished. My family is so impressed by all the staff and trustees who care so passionately and it is that passion which will help us realise our vision.”
Geoff Weekes went on to talk about the need for a new vision for Bridgemead which is informed by today’s needs – the rising river levels, and the increasingly complex care needs of the residents.
He said:
“Some of the people here have been involved since Bridgemead was built, or even before that, and some are far more recent, but everyone’s contribution is so valuable. We are so grateful and it is lovely to see so many people here and feel the huge support for Bridgemead both in the past and in the future. We can continue to make a difference to the lives of our residents and their families, as well as to the community of Bath.”
