The service took place on Tuesday 8^th April to celebrate the hard work of all those who have contributed to the home since it opened in 1987. On 1^st April 2025 a new chapter began in the life of Bethany House as ownership transferred from Preston Bethany Care (PBC) to Pilgrims’ Friend Society.

The thanksgiving service was led by Neal Shelton-Green, Assistant Director of Operations at Pilgrims’ Friend Society, who began with a devotion focussing on how special each individual is to God.

The service was attended by all five outgoing trustees, including PBC Chair Janet Kay, who thanked all those who have contributed to the life at Bethany House, including staff, volunteers and trustees. She also thanked the residents, explaining, “Pilgrims’ Friend Society call the residents who live with them ‘family members’, and at Bethany House, you have been like family.”

A number of those attending have had longstanding involvement with the work of Bethany House, including founder, Edwin Holland, who still leads services at the home, and whose book ‘Bethany House: Faith and Action’ chronicles answers to prayer as the home was built, and tells stories of the commitment of the many volunteers. The thanksgiving service mentioned some of these stories.

There was also the opportunity for three of the home’s past and present managers to meet up – current Registered Home Manager Beth Kneale, Gill Whitfield, who was the manager for 17 years up to 2022, and Muriel Hargreaves, the home’s first matron, as the manager used to be known.

Beth commented, “We’re delighted that Pilgrims’ Friend Society are taking us forward, ensuring that great Christian care can continue to be provided at Bethany House for many years to come.”

After the service, everyone enjoyed hot cross buns and a celebration cake baked by Anne Topping, a cook at Bethany House.

Freda Smith, 95, has been a resident at Bethany House for two and a half years. Freda said, “It’s great we can carry on receiving the best care at Bethany House. The staff are all amazing and I love them all! It’s the best place to live and I wish I had known about it sooner as I had gone to other homes and I was not happy there. I am so pleased that we can continue with Pilgrims’ Friend Society.”