Local history book raises funds for St Catherine’s

A local history book which brings together all the research undertaken as part of the transformation of Preston’s Winckley Square Gardens has raised an amazing £3,200 for St Catherine’s Hospice.

‘A Portrait of Winckley Square’ was the idea of Andrew Mather, who compiled, edited and published the book.

Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and subscribers, along with proceeds from sales, an incredible £3,200 has been raised to support the specialised care of St Catherine’s. It includes sales to the Winckley Square Hotel, who bought 20 copies for guests to enjoy.

The book follows two other works about the Preston landmark which have benefitted the charity over the years. The first – The Story of Winckley Square – was published by Marian Roberts in 1988.

In 2009, Andrew, then President of the Preston Historical Society, updated Marian’s book – again with funds raised being donated to the hospice.

Andrew said: ‘The idea of the latest book was to record the research undertaken by various contributors, in particular Alan Crosby and Aidan Turner-Bishop, the process of transforming the Gardens and recording the names of everyone who had made this glorious restoration possible, along with the many unnamed backroom people who gave their time and energy to ensure the success of the venture.

‘Another major aim of the project was to raise funds for St Catherine’s . The charity provides outstanding care at the hospice and in the community and we wanted to support that. Long may their work continue!’

John Chesworth, chairman of St Catherine’s and executive chairman of Harrison Drury solicitors which has offices on Winckley Square, said: ‘This is a fascinating book, of which Andrew should be very proud. It is fantastic to have all this important research organised and recorded for posterity.

‘That the book has also raised such a significant sum for St Catherine’s makes it extra special, and we are incredibly touched that Andrew and his colleagues have, once again, chosen to support St Catherine’s in this way.’

Copies of the book are available from the gift shop in hospice reception in Lostock Hall priced at £10.

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