Charity
The Bob Taylor Defibrillator Project
It is thanks to Bob Taylor that defibrillators have been installed at two churches.
The initiative dates back to a council meeting of Fleet Circle in late 2016 when the matter being discussed was (as ever) how to raise awareness of the Catenian Association and the Circle in the parish and how to increase membership. It was suggested that a project of some sort might be the way forward and Bob Taylor, a relatively new but very enthusiastic member suggested that the two churches of the parish – Our Lady in Fleet and Holy Trinity in Church Crookham – could benefit from having defibrillators, which could be a benefit to the local community as well. Everyone agreed that this was a good idea but had no idea of what was involved or potential costs. The Circle agreed to looked into it.
Over the next few months little progress was made although a lot of investigation went on. Sadly, very unexpectedly and suddenly, Bob Taylor died on 8 March 2017. The Circle agreedthat the project should be carried forward in his memory, under the name of ‘The Bob Taylor Defibrillator Project’ and this received the blessing of his widow, Margaret.
Ray Swinburne offered to head up the project, predominantly as a Catenian-led parish operation. This he did successfully, with help from Circle members, parishioners and local businesses. He also got the local St John’s Ambulance Service involved, both practically and financially: the cabinets, units and training were provided free of charge or at a discount. Theelectrical wiring associated with the installation of the units was provided by a parishioner.
On 9 December 2018, the two units, one at each church, were finally commissioned and a short ceremony was held when Father Sean Tobin, the parish priest, officially switched on the unit at Holy Trinity, although he declined to bless it as he felt that might tempt fate! The plaque is mounted adjacent to the Holy Trinity unit.
Each church now has a defibrillator unit, mounted externally, with parish first aiders trained and accredited by Farnborough paramedics as first responders should the need arise to assist a parishioner or member of the local community, which has been advised of the units and their location. In addition, parish ‘defib checkers’ have been trained and accredited to conduct weekly operational checks on the units. Finally, a reserve fund of £2,000 was raised to cover future expenses. Both units now form part of the Fleet and Church Crookham network of defibrillators that can be accessed by the emergency services.
The Circle’s thanks go to Margaret for her support, to Ray for his unstinting drive to get the project done and to all those mentioned above who gave great support and assistance.
Caption:
Father Sean with Margaret Taylor and her sons, David and Gerry, with Ray Swinburne at the opening
President's Charity for 2020 - 2022 is DEBRA
What is EB?
Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a group of genetic skin conditions that cause the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch.
There are many different types of EB, ranging from the mildest, in which only the big toes are affected, to the most severe, which can have a devastating effect on any part of the body, causing lifelong disability and pain, and in some cases can sadly be fatal.
Find out more about EB from the DEBRA weblink below
Past-President Charities Supported
St. Josephs Hospice Hackney London,
https://www.stjh.org.uk/
Apostleship of the Sea
https://www.csan.org.uk/member/apostleship-of-the-sea/
Alzheimer's Research UK
https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/
Naomi House & Jacksplace
https://www.naomihouse.org.uk/
Other Charities Supported
Catenian Bursary Fund, see the following weblink for details on the fund, individual project awards, Lourdes and Success Stories
Flame, our Catholic Youth event, next held on Saturday the 4th of March 2023 at the Wembley Arena
