Member Article

Military care home receives royal visit

A nursing home providing care for 50 Veterans of all three Armed Forces received a Royal Visit today, in Salford [20 March 2014].

Broughton House, Home for Ex-Servicemen and Women, hosted His Royal Highness, the Duke of York KG, as part of his visit to the Manchester area. The Duke is the Patron of the Charity.

Broughton House is a nursing and residential care home that was created in 1916; one month after the Battle of the Somme began. Since then it has cared for over 8000 military and Merchant Navy Veterans who have served their country.

The visit had been eagerly anticipated by residents living at the Home, including former Royal Engineer soldier, Jack Pilkington, 80, who met the Duke as part of the residents group. Jack said, “I asked His Royal Highness when he last flew as I am a qualified pilot as well. He was very kind and congratulated me on my recent physiotherapy successes, having been able to stand up for the first time in two years.”

Having spent the major part of the visit with the residents of Broughton House, the Duke was briefed on the future development plans for the charity from architect partner, Gary Bate, and the Trustee charged with developing plans, George Almond.

Chief Executive Officer, Chris Thomas, said: “We do not charge residents who can’t afford it to live at our home and it is our charitable aim to ensure that this remains the case.”

As well as meeting the rising cost of care, the old building is in need of upgrading. Broughton House is unique as it provides an environment for ex-military personnel, with a NAAFI style bar and a military museum which has artefacts from all the major wars; including medals, letters and military uniforms.

Chris Thomas said “It’s so much more than a care home; it’s a place of pride. Our Home honours the sacrifices of Veterans and gives residents a strong sense of identity and purpose. It was fantastic that the Duke of York could spare the time to hear about our plans as we approach our centenary year. We hope that, with his support, we will be able to announce plans soon that mean we can completely revitalise the Care offer to Veterans in Manchester and the North West.”

There are an estimated half a million veterans living in the North West, the majority over the age of 65.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Cause UK .