Lord Mayor’s visit to Broughton Care Village links to 106-year-old opening

A visit from the Lord Mayor of Manchester has provided Broughton Care village with a historic link to its opening 106 years ago

During a visit to the facility to meet residents and staff, Councillor Donna Ludford had on the same chains of office worn in May 1917 by Alderman Sir Thomas Smethurst when he welcomed the first resident of Broughton House, Charlie Fox.

Alderman Smethurst was instrumental in the founding of Broughton House, after launching it as the East Lancashire Disabled Sailors and Soldiers Homes, in response to a nationwide call for support for veterans.

In 1916, the Secretary of State for War, the Earl of Derby, asked mayors around the UK to see whether more could be done to find care homes for the war wounded.

Alderman Smethurst chaired a meeting of the East Lancashire branch of the British Red Cross Society to take action.

At her visit, Councillor Ludford was joined by her Consort, Councillor Sean McHale, on a tour led by Broughton House chief executive Karen Miller and director of care Jane Green.

The Lord Mayor’s chain of office and badge were made by Messrs John Hall and Co of Manchester in 1851.

Councillor Ludford said: “It’s wonderful that for over 100 years Broughton House has provided support and care for the armed forces community across the north west.

“It was an honour and pleasure to meet the veterans and the staff and volunteers, and a privilege to wear the same chains of office as Alderman Smethurst did in 1917.”

Ms Miller said: “It was an honour to meet the Lord Mayor of Manchester and especially to introduce her to many of our wonderful residents and to show her around our historic museum.

“With Councillor Ludford’s predecessor playing a huge part in the opening of our home and meeting our first-ever resident, Charlie Fox, it was truly a privilege to continue this longstanding relationship between Broughton House and the Lord Mayor’s Office.”