Southport Care home goes to extraordinary lengths to get their old soldiers on parade

Care home goes to extraordinary lengths to get their old soldiers on parade

When several of Birkdale Park Nursing Home veterans stated that they would like to be part of the WW1 Armistice Commemorations Care Manager Jonathan Cunningham MBE had an idea!

One year ago Jonathan, an army veteran himself, successfully restored a former taxi cab ‘rickshaw’ he found in Blackpool. ‘It was in such a state with no wheels, the chassis had twisted and it had no cushions’ Jonathan said. Over several months it became a labour of love for Jonathan as the old taxi became a reconditioned means of transport for the elderly and sick of Birkdale Park Nursing Home in Birkdale, Southport. It is now a regular sight across Southport with care manager Jonathan furiously pedaling along the promenade. It is regularly seen at the end of the pier with wrapped up residents enjoying an ice cream or a bag of chips.

On Sunday it proudly transported Reginald Hardman (Aged 85) and Alan Atkins (Aged 83) to the Southport Cenotaph for the service of remembrance. At the end of the service they even joined the main parade past the Town Hall steps for the loyal salute to the dignitaries on the dais. ‘we got so many cheers and applause as we cycled past the gathered crowds’ Jonathan said.

Reginald ex Gurkha Brigade who fought in Malaya said ‘It was a moving service. I was here to pay respect to Auther Owens a young man with whom I worked with on the farm in Cheshire. He was only 22 and was terrified of going to war. He told me he probably wouldn’t come back. Sadly he didn’t and he died in 1944 on Arnhem Bridge. I can recall the look of fright in the young man’s eyes and that will never leave me. He died for all of us!’

Alan Atkins ex Royal Service Corps said ‘to be here today is a great honour. I’m thankful Jonathan has the energy in his legs to transport us here from Birkdale Park.’

In addition, Birkdale Park produced a unique display, organised by Tony their activities co-ordinator. It comprised of an old army blanket upon which the residents placed their home made poppies, cap badges and ‘reflections of war’ It is a very moving piece of art and is available to view at Birkdale Park should anyone wish to view it.

Jonathan said, ‘it was a moving service. We have so much to be thankful and much we owe these veterans. It is a true honour to transport them to this service and around Southport. Life is for living and we at Birkdale Park live every day to the full.’