A FUND set up in memory of a charitable Cestrian has made its first donation for a worthy cause in Upton.

The Cecil Bowen Memorial Fund held a launch event in celebration of the successful grant application for the first applicant to the new fund, Birch Café, at Dorin Park School and Specialist SEN College.

The fund has been set up in loving memory of Cecil Bowen. Cecil was born inside the city walls in 1930 and was proud to be able to call himself a true Cestrian.

Cecil had several businesses in the local area and where possible tried to give something back to the local community. The charity aims to continue to do this since his passing, particularly in Handbridge, Hoole, Great Boughton and Boughton where Cecil and his wife Mary lived in their lifetime.

The aim of the charity is to support residents of the Chester area of all ages by providing relief of financial difficulty or to support assisting with specialist requirements that have not been able to be satisfied via traditional routes.

Birch Café started as an impromptu activity when a day out was cancelled at short notice. Since then it has developed into a monthly event involving pupils and staff at Dorin Park, governors, invited guests and neighbours next door.

The café has a different theme each month including mother’s day, the seaside and summer time. The pupils make decorations, menus and invites based on the theme. The café sells hot and cold drinks and cakes made by pupils. Asda (Sealand Road) has also supported the café by providing tea, coffee and ingredients to make cakes.

The pupils have different roles on the day; Jordan is the tech guy organising the music and lights. Natasha is front of house, meeting and greeting guests. Seb is behind the counter serving, dealing with the money and washing up. Jodie, Bethany, Sophie-mae, Luke and Paige make up the waiting on team looking after lovely customers.

The fund has awarded the cafe £250 to buy fantastic aprons with an embroidered Birch Café logo on the front for the launch event, which had the theme of a Mad Hatters Tea party.

Examples of suitable causes the Cecil Bowen Memorial Fund is looking to donate to include mobility aids, sensory toys and equipment, communication aids, funding for a specific requirement that will support an assist an applicant in poverty and funding to allow applicants to take part in trips organised by groups such as schools or Scouts.

  • For more information, or to request a funding application form, email cecilbowenmemorialfund@gmail.com or visit the Cecil Bowen Memorial Fund page on Facebook.