The Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall and College in the UK chaplaincies held a family fun night (bingo, quiz and hot supper).

We were supported by pupils from the SMH boarding committee who helped our bingo caller Mr Michael Flanagan and served extra (sweet) treats to our guests and the College ‘Faith that Does Justice’ group that led the quiz. St Mary’s Hall catering team served a wonderful hot supper half way through the evening.

One of the beneficiaries was Cornerstone’s Safe Haven Project, providing temporary accommodation « pods » for the homeless in Manchester. These pods provide a bed, wash basin and toilet in a secure cabin for a homeless person who would be living on the streets in the city centre. The pods are situated next to a Cornerstone centre where food and showers are available, alongside medical help and support in finding work.

Funds were also raised for the Hummingbird project for the resettlement of a refugee family in the Stonyhurst / Hurst Green community. Staff and parents of Stonyhurst College, St Mary’s Hall and St Joseph’s primary school, Hurst Green together with members of the Catholic and Anglican parishes in the village have been collaborating under the guidance of Caritas and Sean Ryan, the National Refugee coordinator of this scheme. It is hoped that a refugee family will be settled within our community this autumn.

On the night, there was much fun and competitive spirit with wonderful bingo, quiz and raffle prizes donated by parents and families of SMH and Stonyhurst College, many of whom joined us for the evening. Just over £1000 was raised for these two charities.