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nugent news Clumber Lodge revisited after 75 years Sister Benedicte Registered Manager Clumber Care On 11 February 2016, Nugent Care’s Clumber Lodge, which has been ‘home’ for so many babies, children and young people celebrates 75 years. In 1941, Monsignor Bennett, the then Director of Nugent Care, was instrumental in helping the Sisters of the Little Ones move with the babies they were caring for, to Clumber Lodge in Formby, to escape the bombing in Liverpool during the war. The Sisters and staff cared so lovingly for those babies who stayed, some for several months and others for several years, until being adopted, and they integrated so well with other children in the locality. Clumber Lodge, now called Clumber Care, has such a special place in people`s hearts; and we are so blessed by the generosity of those people, and others, who visit with presents at special times of the year such as Christmas. There are times when we ponder about the special times in our past and have a great longing to revisit places we have been to in our lives or lived in as a child and for some that can be remembering quite an emotional journey. It is always a great privilege for me to meet people visiting the Home, the place where they lived; those wishing to learn more about their past and talk about the time they spent as a child at Clumber. It is an emotional time but a pleasure filling in the gaps, rekindling thoughts and to laugh about the happy memories, looking at old photographs and remembering their friends. They remembered feeling
warmly welcomed and the good send offs when leaving; lovely parties with cards and presents being opened amongst tears. Some visit when needing to talk about a difficulty they are going through and need a listening ear or word of advice. My thoughts are with all the children living at Clumber presently and for those of the past who made that journey through Clumber Lodge, hoping it had been a good experience for them. I pray for those who still find it difficult and a struggle to cope with life, hoping that they may find some comfort and peace soon in their lives, and for those whose lives and families had been more successful, praying that they may be thankful for that and continue to do well in life. We thank God for the wonderful work of the Sisters and Staff throughout the 75 years.
The start of the New Year is always a busy time for Nugent Care. This year marks our 135th anniversary. Nugent Care is the social welfare arm of the Liverpool Archdiocese. In 2005, we changed our name from the Nugent Care Society to Nugent Care and celebrated 100 years of service since the death of our founder, Father James Nugent. At that time, the well-known Liverpool celebrity, Cilla Black wrote, ‘Father Nugent was an important figure in Liverpool’s history and it is important to acknowledge his life and legacy. I feel very close to the story of Father Nugent. He was born in Hunter Street, close to where I was born and I recognise the Liverpool in which he had such an influence…But perhaps the most important legacy that Father Nugent left is the work that is carried on in his name by Nugent Care.’ Monsignor John Furnival wrote, ‘Father Nugent founded many institutions for the poor and needy in his native town of Liverpool and was instrumental in the scheme to take the “orphaned childe” to the New World to find a new home. He spearheaded the campaign to “Save the Child” from the temptations and the dangers of the streets, and he provided shelter to the marginalised and the despised in the society of his day. Much of what he pioneered still bears fruit in the societies and principles of our day and his work and name are perpetuated by the Nugent Care Society he founded in 1881.’ Our article this month focuses on Clumber Lodge which will have its 75th Birthday this year. Sister Benedicte has been lovingly providing care from Clumber, for 46 years. Sister Ben (as she is warmly called) is a warm and friendly person and who is also passionate about justice and fairness. When I first met Sister Ben, she gave me a big hug to welcome me and I will never forget the convivial feeling I experienced when visiting Clumber Lodge. Sister Ben’s example is a truly humbling dedication that carries on the important work that Father Nugent started. It is what we do well. We help people. Normandie Wragg Chief Executive – Nugent Care
Catholic Pictorial
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