Preston Grammar School Association presentation to St Catherine’s Hospice

To celebrate both the longevity, extending over 130 years, and the final closure of the Preston Grammar School Association some 50 years after the closure of the School, several former members of its Executive Council accompanied by retired printer Andrew Mather recently presented a cheque for £2,500 to St Catherine’s Hospice.

This was to recognise the fact that many people are touched by cancer and other potentially life-shortening illnesses at some time in their lives and in particular to acknowledge the important work carried out on a daily basis both within the hospice and in the wider community.

Rather than make a straightforward donation with its residual funds the Association decided to publish a book written by its former Secretary Charlie Billington (type-set by Andrew Mather), which would act as a permanent legacy and the proceeds of which would be passed on in full to St Catherine’s. With it still being on sale it is expected that the revenue raised by the hospice will exceed £2000, to add to the £1700 already raised by the Association and included in the cheque donation.

Copies of the book, A Very Preston Affair (ISBN: 978-1-5272-6783-1) can be purchased for £7.50 from the Mill Shop and other hospice outlets and the author still has a few left (captainvolvo@blueyonder.co.uk / 07950 142907). If anyone would like one it would be advisable to hurry as a reprint is unlikely. Also a companion publication is currently in preparation, the proceeds of which will again be passed on to St Catherine’s.

In response community engagement officer Emily Carpenter thanked the Association for choosing to support St Catherine’s Hospice and added that the total amount would make a real impact on the care provided to patients and their families both at the hospice and in people’s homes.

Pictured (l-r) are Brian Hall, Trevor Sergeant, Jim Goring, Charlie Billington and Andrew Mather.

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