Winckley Square Historical Book Raises Funds For St. Catherine's Hospice

Mar, 8 2019

~They say ‘you can’t judge a book by it’s cover’ and this is so true when relating that quote to what Preston’s Winckley Square looked like 31 years ago.

In 1988, Marian Roberts published the first in a series of historic relevance of the park simply called ‘The Story of Winckley Square’.

Twenty one years later in 2009, Andrew Mather who was then President of the Preston Historical Society updated Marian’s book with proceeds going towards St. Catherine’s Hospice.

Now in 2019, Andrew has once again been a strong contributor for the book ‘A Portrait of Winckley Square’. The publication combines all the collective research undertaken as part of the fantastic transformation of the Winckley Square Gardens in the Preston city centre. Proceeds once again went to St. Catherine’s Hospice which has raised a staggering £3,200.

The Winckley Square Hotel, in Camden Place, has bought 20 copies of the book for guests to enjoy.

Andrew explains the concept behind the recent publication and the names of those who helped the process come to fruition,

“The idea of the latest book was to record the research undertaken by various contributors, in particular Alan Crosby and Aidan Turner-Bishop, the process of transforming the Gardens and recording the names of everyone who had made this glorious restoration possible, along with the many unnamed backroom people who gave their time and energy to ensure the success of the venture.”

Andrew is forever thankful to the charity St. Catherine’s both in the hospice and in the community. The project simply could not have been achieved if it wasn’t for their help.

John Chesworth, chairman of St Catherine’s and executive chairman of Harrison Drury solicitors which has offices on Winckley Square has these closing words of appreciation for  Andrew,

“This is a fascinating book, of which Andrew should be very proud”.

Copies of the book are available from the gift shop in hospice reception in Lostock Hall priced at £10.

^Alex Ashworth