It was a glorious summer afternoon last Wednesday, as the team at Whistlemount Day Centre invited clients, family, friends and sponsors to a Garden Party.
There was a large attendance who enjoyed the afternoon celebrating the continuing success of the Alzheimer’ support for many in Meath. Pictured above are;
Whistlemount Day Centre Chairman, Christy Blake, with founder Gerry Leech and CEO of ASI, Andy Heffernan at the function
The brainchild of Gerry Leech, formerly of Tara Mines, it opened back in 1992. The idea was to give clients a day care centre, to meet, have a meal & refreshments and enjoy social integration with some professional support.
Manager Liam Burke, Danielle Timmons Dementia Advisor, Barbara Keane Administrator and Marie Brennan Home Care Coordinator.
In that time it was all on a voluntary basis and with the help of the mines, they had a centre. The numbers would grow and grow over time and with the help and support from many businesses. Many people today have benefited with the centre which also provides respite for their families.
Gerry Leech was not to know the good he was to do. He was also ably assisted by others including Ann Marie Russell who had a passion for fund raising.
Today, Whistlemount Day Centre is affiliated to the National ASI with over 62 centres in the country.
Christy Blake, Noel Heaney (Board Member on ASI, Cllr Emer Tóibín, Liam Burke and Andy Heffernan
CEO Andy Heffernan complimented the team on organising the successful event. There are 14 people working at the centre, providing this essential services to the community. There are 20 clients per day who avail of the services from Monday to Friday. There is a major emphasis too on having gardens maintained to a high level and safe environment for clients to enjoy the the fresh air. Indeed Mr Heffernan commented ‘they are as essential as the bricks and mortar of the centre.”
As the centre marches on with the competent team, lead by Liam Burke, Chairman Christy Blake, spoke of the great commitment and effort put in by all. The plan is to continue to grow the service and remind all that the centre is there to help and support the community. Covid presented many challenges and now things are back to the new normal , it would be hoped the numbers will grow.
Guests enjoying the Garden Party last Wednesday 14th July
The Garden Party was an opportunity for all to come together and that was evident to anyone there, on a glorious summer afternoon, at Whistlemount, Kells Road, Navan. The gardens were were in full bloom with plenty of space with everyone in great spirits, mingling and chatting to lovely background music.
There was plenty of food, cakes and light refreshments along with entertainment provided by Kingscourt singer, Matthew Carolan, who had everyone tapping their toes and some people up dancing to tunes of Frank Sinatra’s songs and Neil Diamond’s, Sweet Caroline, among the songs on the play list.
Now 32 years on, one man’s inspiration benefits the whole county with an essential service that no one can put a price on.
The Music Man, Matthew Carolan
