St Jude's anniversary celebrations

The party was held on a very special day, 10th July, exactly thirty years to the day that founder Megan Trace opened the doors to the first family who took refuge in St Jude's in 1978 and, little did she know that over the next thirty years it would be a safe haven for 1,800 women and children.

Megan said: "I never thought I'd do it '“ every building I found at the time, which I thought was suitable, was met with objections from neighbours."

Nevertheless she was determined to find suitable premises, finally finding a building in the Old Town that was due to be demolished and which subsequently took two years to renovate.

Megan said: "I had so much help from so many people in the town, I could never have done it all on my own."

Since that first family arrived thirty years ago Megan said she doesn't believe the refuge, has been empty since.

She said: "It's been a wonderful time for me."

Presentation's of bouquet's of flower's and gift's were presented to Megan and to Maureen Brown, who has been St Jude's manager for the past fifteen years.

Attending the event were many local dignitaries including town Mayor Cllr Douart who said it was his first visit to the refuge.

He said: "It's a very beautiful, restful place."