Rotary Visits Catterick
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Catterick Camp 1
'SIGNING UP FOR THE DAY’ – A VISIT TO CATTERICK CAMP
Within our Rotary Club we are very fortunate to have club member Captain Sherri Took. She recently invited the club members and friends to visit Phoenix House Recovery Centre, based at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire where Sherri is stationed to support the recovery unit.
The Catterick Garrison is a major camp and military town three miles south of Richmond, North Yorkshire. It is the largest British army garrison in the world, with a population of around 13,000 and covering over 2,400 acres.
Under plans announced by the Ministry of Defence in November 2005, the population of Catterick Garrison is expected to grow to over 25,000 by 2020, making it the largest populated centre in the local area.
Situated within the Garrison is the Phoenix House Recovery Centre. This is the centre where all wounded, injured and sick personnel (including family members) can be supported in their rehabilitation and on the road to recover. Personnel living at Phoenix House can therefore recover from their injuries, either mental or physical, whether they are enlisted persons or veterans.
The relaxed atmosphere promotes general wellbeing and residents are encouraged to undertake their own recovery programme under the guidance of specialist staff, such as our club member Captain Sherri Took.
Her work here may involve welfare advice, psychological wellbeing support, educational courses, sporting activities and/or involvement in fellowship events, such as the annual Rotary Golf Challenge. These activities are designed to improve personal independence, raise morale and develop camaraderie with others who have been injured or become sick.
During our tour of the site we were shown the Centre’s facilities, which support the recovery process. These include classrooms and an IT suite, training kitchens, art room, workshops, a gym with specialist equipment, health and wellbeing rooms and canteen and recreational facilities as well.
The day was truly inspiring, summed up by our club president Brian Royce who said in his vote of thanks, "How wonderful it is to be given the opportunity to see the facilities from bedroom suites to IT rooms to communal lounges. What an amazing building it is and it’s so important that help and support is given to our service personnel who have given so much for their country whilst on active service; something our forefathers would have appreciated I’m sure."
If you are interested in finding out more about Whitley Bay Rotary Club, please contact us either on enquiries@whitleybayrotaryclub.co.uk or by telephoning 07419 736989.
