Family firm’s charity work could land major honour
ONE of Rochdale’s oldest companies has been recognised for its charity work.
Family-run building firm H Bell and Sons are stalwart supporters of Springhill Hospice, led by former company director Harry Bell.
And now their efforts have seen the firm named as a finalist in this year’s prestigious North West Charity Awards.
The Princess Street builders, formed in 1912, were nominated by the hospice in the ‘Outstanding Charity Support by small or medium sized company’ category.
The firm will find out if they have won at an awards dinner at The Principal Manchester on October 12.
Hospice Julie Halliwell said: “A corner stone of the local community, we are so very grateful of the steadfast support the team at H Bells give to the patients in our care.
“Over the years their support has grown from strength to strength.
“It was an honour to nominate the team and being chosen as a finalist at these awards is great recognition of their efforts. We really hope that in October, we’ll be celebrating them as award winners”.
Over the years the team at H Bells, now led by brother and sister, Chris Bell and Louise Scott, have raised money and awareness for the Hospice in many different ways.
In his year as Man of Rochdale Harry, organised a hugely successful evening with Professor Brian Cox at the town hall, raising more than £100k.
The company even weigh in scrap metal found on site, sell it and donate the proceeds to Springhill.
And good sport Harry has even dyed his hair green during the hospice’s annual ‘Go Green’ fundraising drive.
Louise Scott said: “H Bells are proud to have been named as a finalist in the North West Charity awards 2018, it was totally unexpected. Winners or not, supporting the care of local patients is important to every member of our team and we are committed to continuing support of this wonderful organisation for years to come”.
Meanwhile the hospice is also inviting guests to its new Summer Garden Celebration day from 11am to 3pm on Sunday.
The free, family-friendly day will give the public a chance to see the award winning gardens in full bloom and enjoy activities, games, stalls, cakes and face painting.
Head gardener Nick Dent said: “With the beautiful weather we have had recently, mixed with the occasional tropical rainfall, the gardens are looking better than ever.
“What better way of spending a summer’s day than with family and friends in beautiful surroundings?”
New to the event this year, will be lots of activities for all ages. From entertainment for younger ones; glitter faces and face painting, traditional garden games and fruit picking to stalls full of plants and produce, homemade jams, chutneys and cakes, fresh wood-fired pizza, seasonal gift and craft stalls, not to mention the chance to enjoy a glass of the classic summer drink, Pimms.
For more details visit springhill.org.uk. ●●The Bell Family, from Rochdale building firm H Bell and Sons with Professor Brian Cox at a fund-raising dinner. From the left are Harry Bell, Chris Bell and Louise Scott