St Joseph's in Formby held their annual garden fete raising over £7,000

The Friends of St. Joseph's would like to give a big 'Thankyou' to everyone who contributed and helped at the St Joseph's Fete on July 2nd, especially to everyone from St. Jeromes church who collected, gave and helped on the day.

Paddy Taylor from St Joseph's said: "We were blessed with a wonderful afternoon with lots of visitors who were entertained by Formby Vikings Skiffle band, Irish dancers, Belles and Beaus choir from Adult services, Liverpool and lots more."

"The children enjoyed fun and games including face painting and painting an old banger!"

"The police came along with a special lock up van, the Birds of Prey were under the trees and there were lots of things to buy and delicious things to eat and drink."

"We are delighted to announce that this year we made £7,536 which will be going towards our latest project, a new, fully accessible mini bus."

The main raffle winners were Sr Nora from St. Joseph's convent, £150, Ray Grindley £75, and Christopher Carr £25.

Future events include a Bridge afternoon on October 18th. A quiz night on November 17th and a Christmas Fair on December3rd.

The "Friends of St Joseph's is a voluntary fund-raising group, an independent charity. It was set up some 35 years ago for the benefit of the residents and day people who use St Joseph's Adult Services. The funds raised are used to provide additional amenities and opportunities that contribute to their quality of life.

St Joseph's in Formby is a site which has for many years hosted a variety of healthcare and religious facilities, consisting of a modern resource / day centre and three houses for 12 people each where round the clock personal care and support are provided. The three houses together comprise a 36-place care home registered with the Care Quality Commission as St. Joseph's Home. There is also a PSMG convent and Prayer Centre, much used for retreats, on the site.

Additional facilities have been added in recent years, with the support of the Friends of St. Joseph's. The Friends of St Joseph's are led by Sue & Alan Pendleton co-chair persons with their wonderful companions, who include staff members, family members and friends of the service users. At fundraising events these people bring their extended families and friends to support and help with the occasion.

Over the 35 years the Friends of St Joseph's have achieved huge results and demanding projects through their fund raising. During this time their efforts have resulted in a hydrotherapy pool, a barbeque area within woods but accessible by wheelchair along a woodland pathway, a sensory garden, a conservatory and many other smaller treats. This wonderful organisation depends entirely on donations and grants.

This is achieved through the Annual Garden Fete, which is always held on the 1st Sunday in July, the Christmas Fayre, Quiz Nights and Bridge Afternoons to name but a few. Find out more on their website: www.ftf.org.uk

Young boys get a taste of being locked up in a Police van at the fete

Tombola had everyone in a spin!

The Go-Carts were great fun, even for Dympna Edwards who had to push!