IN BRIEF
RAF RESERVES SHOW COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT CARE HOME PROJECT
TOUR OF THE GRADE 1 PHILHARMONIC DINING ROOMS
Residents at a care home in Hoylake are all set to enjoy the spring outdoors after RAF reservists transformed the garden area of their property .
Personnel from Formby-based 611 Squadron took advantage of some early sunshine to paint benches and tend gardens at Hoylake Cottage , which offers nursing and dementia care in a homely environment .
Each year members of 611 Squadron , based at RAF Woodvale , come together as a team to deliver a community-based project in their local area over a training weekend .
Wing Commander Steve Chaskin , the OC of 611 Squadron , said : “ This was a great opportunity for the Squadron to collectively make a difference in the local community .
“ It was very rewarding to see the end result across the facility .”
To mark the project , 611 Squadron planted a cherry blossom tree in the gardens at Hoylake Cottage to leave a lasting legacy for the enjoyment of residents , service users and staff .
Emma Mathison , Team Leader of the Dementia Unit at Hoylake Cottage , added : “ It was a lovely gesture from the RAF reservists , who did a great job in getting the grounds and buildings prepped in good time for the warmer months ahead .
“ Our residents can now look forward to spending spring and summer outdoors , with support from 611 Squadron .”
611 Squadron draws in personnel from across the North West to train in air & space operations , intelligence , ground engineering , logistics , human resources , media and chaplaincy services , to support the RAF in the UK and overseas on main bases and on operations .
Mersey Life were delighted to be invited on an exclusive tour of The Grade 1 Philharmonic Dining Rooms on Hope Street , Liverpool .
The team were met by John McFerran , a qualified Blue Badge tour guide , for an exclusive tour of the Grade 1 building . This spectacular building ranks with Buckingham Palace and Chatsworth House .
Debi Batho , Mersey Life said : " Before we entered the building , we were allowed a unique photographic opportunity in front of the main golden gates . This was a special moment to have a picture taken in front of the iconic main entrance where John Lennon once drank .
" On entering the building , we were met by marvellous mosaics , beautiful plasterwork , copper reliefs and a stunning stain glass window of the patron saint of music , Cecelia , which is just spectacular . John arranged for refreshments , with a choice of coffee , tea or draught soft drink and the stories began .
" As we were coming to the end of our tour the best was saved to last - the famous Gentlemen ’ s toilets . Inside the toilets there are 5 red marble urinals and three luxurious washbasins , a mosaic floor , original brass fittings and coloured tiles in relief on the walls - a real must see .
" We thoroughly enjoyed our visit , John gave us a great insight into the history and architecture of the building in a wonderfully friendly way .
" We learned so much and there was plenty of opportunities to take photographs . Thank you John & The Philharmonic Dining Rooms ."
For further information on how to book your tour , visit www . nicholsonspubs . co . uk
10 merseylife . com