After the formal business of our Annual General Meeting in February, our committee member, Professor Robert Owen, asked for 10 minutes to address those present. He told the meeting of the existence and purpose of the Robert Owen House – a building in the grounds of Broad Green Hospital in Liverpool. It offers accommodation to relatives of patients who are in the hospital undergoing specialist treatment for serious and worrying heart, lung and thoracic conditions.
“ A safe – haven in times of need “ perfectly describes the house which is situated alongside the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital whose patients come from North Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire and as far afield as the Isle of Man. It is funded by public donations only , offers support and comfort to all patient’s relatives who stay in time of need, and has seventeen bedrooms – all ensuite .It is only when one comes to need and use the facilities on offer that their true value is realized. Everyone hopes that life does not present them with a need to use the Robert Owen House and all it offers, but it is comforting to know of it’s presence. One of our members present at the meeting, Dorothy Lowe, was so impressed by what she heard that she immediately embarked on a number of fund-raising events , of which a Garden Fete was the most ambitious.Our President , Graham Roberts, kindly agreed to let his home and gardens in Rhos-on-Sea be the venue for the event which was planned for Saturday 30th June. Features of the Fete were a 24 piece Brass Band, a jewellery stall, a book stall, a large raffle with really worthwhile prizes along with an excellent high-class afternoon tea. A splendid watercolor of Caernarvon Castle by local artist Mary Meadows was the prize for a separate raffle and Dorothy Lowe placed up a prize for auction of a first class evening meal for six, cooked by herself in her own attractive home.
Everyone involved were really hoping for good weather when the day finally arrived , but, as it turned out, the rain and gusty winds proved to be the biggest enemy – nationally this June has been the wettest one on record ! However, fortunately the rain stayed away between the start at 2.00pm and 3.30pm, allowing well over 100 people to enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea in the very pleasant gardens whilst listening to the Beulah Brass Band playing in the background to complete the scene. When it was time to draw the winning tickets for the numerous raffle and other prizes , the heavens opened and our President and other officials got a thorough soaking whilst handing out the prizes. Professor Owen – the retired orthopaedic surgeon who initiated the creation of Robert Owen House – who had spent the afternoon ‘circulating’, was brave enough to stand out in the pouring rain to thank all those involved in the Garden Fete for their time, enthusiasm and hard work in organising what proved to be a very successful, enjoyable and worthwhile fund-raising event.