The project to install four accommodation ‘pods’ at Altcar Training Camp on Merseyside for the use of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women has reached a new milestone with the preparation of concrete bases on the site reserved for the pods.
The aim of the project is to provide a pleasant, secluded and secure location for military personnel in recovery to take relaxing breaks as part of their recuperation process.
The first pod for the site was gifted to Altcar Training Camp. Thanks to the fantastic response from the local community, £12,000 has been raised towards the purchase of a further three pods. Each pod accommodates two people and is provided with electricity. The completed site, positioned in a quiet location away from the centre of the camp and beside a river, will comprise parking, ablutions, a kitchen area, a workshop, fire pit and barbeque. The site, named Code’s Retreat, is already supplied with mains power, water and a septic tank.
The preparation of the four concrete bases brings the project a step closer to completion.
Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Black, Commandant Altcar Training Camp, said: ‘Since we started this project we’ve really been overwhelmed by the support of the local community and local businesses. Thanks to them we will now be installing four pods in total, and when complete the site will provide a real haven for recuperating servicemen and women.’
Stephen Hunter, an employee at Altcar Training Camp and project manager for the initiative, said: ‘Everyone I’ve spoken to, without a hesitation, has donated to the project. Without hesitation they’ve all got involved. For materials for the site we’ve had donations from Total Timber, and today Spotmix are provided the concrete and laying it down for free. Most of the ground work is done now. A local farmer, James Greenwood, donated his time and energy to help. I think when it’s finished I’ll be staying here myself some evenings! It’s just great to be doing something for our heroes when they come home.’
Dean Tiplady, Director of Spotmix Ltd, said: ‘Steve contacted me about helping out with the pods for the lads and we said no problem, we’ll donate some concrete. We do a lot of work on Altcar Training Camp, and we really wanted to help out with this project.’
If you can help or support, please contact Lt Col Gordon Black, Commandant Altcar Training Camp, who would be delighted to hear from you, either by calling 0151 929 2539 or emailing [email protected]
