As time goes by so quickly and people move on, it is so important to keep a track of history so that stories and memories from years gone by can be preserved for the interest and enjoyment of others well into the future.
Blythe House is gearing up to commemorate its 35th anniversary in 2024, and as part of celebrations, we are keen to hear from anyone who has fond recollections of it over the years.
The hospice was founded in 1989 by Reverend Betty Packham, after she was bequeathed a £1,000 legacy in the will of Stan Blythe. Betty, and her life companion, Doris Turck cared for Stan in the comfort of their home during the last four months of his life.
David with Betty during hospice construction
We were delighted to welcome Jan Close, wife of David Close OBE, and their eldest daughter, Kate Paine, to the hospice recently, to talk about its earlier history.
David masterminded and project managed the build of the purpose-built hospice facility on Eccles Fold, Chapel-en-le-Frith where Blythe House is still based to this day.
Jan said: ‘David was due to retire from his career in the engineering industry in 1992. He met with Simon Cocksedge, who was then his doctor, and chairman of the committee for the hospice at this point. David told Simon that he was retiring, and he’d be keen to get involved in volunteering to support the hospice. Within 24 hours, Simon approached David and asked him to be chairman of the committee!’
At the time, the hospice was still very small; operating from 137 Manchester Road, a home in Chapel-en-le-Frith that Derbyshire County Council very generously let the committee have rent-free. In January 1995, a plot of land at Eccles Fold was purchased from Derbyshire County Council to build a brand-new hospice.
In February 1997, David hosted a launch event at the Town Hall for an appeal to raise £500,000 for the hospice build; backed by the hospice’s patron at the time, the Duke of Devonshire. David and Jan spent two years ardently seeking grants from trust funds until they reached that total. The remaining £200,000 was raised locally by fundraiser, David Mirtle, and local volunteers.
Jan explained that along with the hospice committee, he managed costings and payments, also health and safety. He liaised with the architects, held site meetings with builders and electricians about proposed plans, and the design and layout of the building.
The building work was completed in June 2000, and the month after saw the last day of hospice services at 137 Manchester Road. In August, the brand-new hospice on Eccles Fold opened its doors to patients for the first time, and it was officially opened in September with a special event attended by local dignitaries. In March 2001, the Duke of Westminster visited Blythe House to celebrate its opening.
David retired from his voluntary position as chief executive in March 2003, passing on the role to Nick Pilling.
If you have any memories or photographs of the humble beginnings of the hospice, to what it is today, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please email: communications@blythehouse.co.uk.
