Friends of Midpark this week benefited from the retiring collection taken at two celebration services held in the Crichton Memorial Church on the 14th and 15th October. Both services were organised by The Crichton Trust to mark the 120th Anniversary of the dedication service which was held in the church on the 15th October 1897.
A ‘Choral Evensong’ led by St John’s Church Choir in Dumfries took place on the Saturday evening while musicians and singers from several churches in Dumfries got together on the Sunday afternoon to support the ‘Songs of Praise’ service which was led by Reverend Dr Hamilton Inbadas from St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church in Dumfries and Reverend Dr Maurice Bond from St Michael’s and South Parish Church in Dumfries.
Dr Ian Macmillan, Chairman of The Crichton Trust said: “The Evensong and the Songs of Praise services attracted approximately 400 visitors. It was fantastic to see so many people visiting the Crichton Estate over the weekend to take part in the 120th Anniversary celebrations of the Crichton Memorial Church. I am grateful to everyone who helped organise these events and to those who joined in the celebrations.”
Alex Haswell, Chief Executive added: “We are grateful to the local churches, and the representatives from their bands and choirs, who supported these events and of course to our distinguished guests. I would also like to thank Reverend Dr Hamilton Inbadas from St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church in Dumfries and Reverend Dr Maurice Bond from St Michael’s and South Parish Church in Dumfries for their invaluable contribution to these services.
Thanks to generosity of those who attended these services, the retiring collection for Friends of Midpark raised £616.16. Given the history of The Crichton as an internationally recognised centre of excellence in mental health research and care, I am delighted to be able to handover this donation to Friends of Midpark to assist them with the invaluable work they do in supporting Midpark patients and their families.”
Friends of Midpark was established in 2012 for the opening of the new Midpark Hospital and aims to improve the quality of life of people with lived experiences of mental distress and to advance the welfare of patients in Midpark Hospital. They work to support activities that fall out with normal NHS funding and can involve initiatives to support the garden, group activities, family facilities and client holidays.
Iain Boddy, Chair of Friends of Midpark and his colleagues were very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the weekend celebrations and to accept the generous donation from The Crichton Trust. He said: “On behalf of the ‘Friends of Midpark’ may I express my gratitude to the Crichton Trust for their generosity and their consideration of our charity for this very substantial donation. I had great pleasure in attending both services over weekend and offer my thanks to all those involved in the preparations for ensuring that it was such a success and most especially to the Rev Dr Hamilton Inbadas.”
