Birkdale Park Rickshaw Takes Centre Stage at Armed Forces Service and Parade
Once again Birkdale Park Nursing Home and its proud veterans couldn’t miss the opportunity to be on parade at the recent Armed Forces Day and Service in Southport.
Jonathan Cunningham MBE Registered Manager of Birkdale Park and Green Howard Veteran himself took two of his veterans on parade on their home ‘Rickie’ the rickshaw.
James Highton former Staff Sergeant in the Liverpool Kings Regiment and Jonathan’s former school teacher said ‘I’m very proud to be here today although I wish Jonathan could pedal a bit faster!’
James was kept company with by Navy Veteran Albert Wrigley former Fleet Air Arm engineer.
Albert said: ‘It is a proud moment to be here and be part of this Service’ The Merseyside Lord Lieutenant Mark Blundell met with James, Albert and Jonathan. He commented on the rickshaw stating ‘This is the first time I have ever seen a rickshaw part of a military parade’ It was a very special moment for all concerned. Jonathan said ‘It very fails to get the hairs on the back of your neck standing on end. The crowds were fabulous. I loved it when we turned the corner in our rickshaw and the crowd started clapping and cheering our veterans. One joker in the crowd said ‘Look there’s a Kingo!’ James loved it!’ They visited the SSAFA and other forces stands before returning for lunch at Birkdale Park.
Birkdale Park is a Nursing Home situated near the end of Lord Street in Southport. It is graded Good by CQC and holds its veterans very close to its heart. Music is also another huge feature of the home liberating those with dementia for a period with their tunes from yesterday. Jonathan is always delighted to show people around their amazing home. Contact the happy home on 01704 566055 or just pop in and say hello.