Woodeaves Brothers’ community closure

This year’s Feast Day on Sunday 5^th May was a different sort of occasion for the Brothers who have resided at and been part of the community of Woodeaves in Altrincham, Cheshire. Last Sunday marked the closure of the Brothers’ community there with a commemorative Mass, celebrated by parish priest, Fr Tom Cunnah, who spoke fondly of the important role the Brothers have had in the parish with regards Catholic education at both St Ambrose Prep school and College and their community presence ,for over 60 years, right next door to Holy Angels church. Br Dominic Sassi received a framed picture from Fr Tom as a keepsake from the parish. After Mass, many Brothers, school Principals, staff, friends and Edmund Rice Network colleagues past and present gathered for a lunch to observe the community’s departure and to remember fondly their connections with Woodeaves.

The history of this beautiful ‘arts and crafts’ period house has been a varied one. Originally, it was built and lived in as a private residence by a silk merchant until being bought by an order of French teaching Brothers fleeing from the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II who converted into a school. This was then taken on by the Christian Brothers and classes were originally held on the ground floor of the house until a proper school building was erected nearby in the 1960s.

One event stands out in many Brothers’ memories: the fire!

Br Dominic Sassi recounts: ‘My major memory of Woodeaves, of course, is the disastrous fire which broke out in November 1983. One brother, Baptist Doyle, died from smoke inhalation and several others were taken to hospital in a critical condition. Fortunately, there was no further loss of life. Support from parents of students, friends and parish was tremendous. One year later, Woodeaves rose phoenix-like after refurbishment.’

In the 1990s the English Province Council had its headquarters at Woodeaves and the Edmund Rice Office has always been housed there. Latterly, since the 2000s, the house has been home to retired Christian Brothers who had moved from closed down communities in Stoke-on-Trent, Birkenhead, Twickenham, Crosby, Gorton and Sunderland. Its suitability in terms of space, level terrain for gentle gardening and the genteel neighbourhood has meant for a relaxed, safe retirement for Brothers and yet has allowed them, whilst at Woodeaves, to remain very ‘connected’ to the Edmund Rice Network via the adjacent schools and office events being held at the house.

Sadly, over the past 10 years, resident Brothers have gradually gone to their earthly rest with only three in residence since the new year. Keeping a large house such as Woodeaves open for such a small community was no longer viable and the decision was made to close. Leaving their home has been difficult for the Brothers; Br Eamon Gillen has returned to Belfast, Br Dominic Sassi has moved to a residence with Br Mike Halligan in Liverpool and Br George Gordon, the longest resident left at Woodeaves, will move to St Sebastian’s Community in Salford. We must remember too, the staff who have so loyally and conscientiously served the Brothers at Woodeaves. Cook, Eva Quinn has worked at Woodeaves for the past 42 years, so this change has had a huge impact on her, as at age 84 she still didn’t feel ready for retirement! House manager Michelle Cropper has overseen the closure of the house, being friend and companion to the Brothers over the past 6 years.

Coming rather sooner than expected, the closure of the community at Woodeaves is a great change for the Edmund Rice Network in England. It has been a place for the whole Network to gather in celebration, for formation and for discernment. The Edmund Rice Office, for the time being, still occupies part of the house until a decision is reached on a location for the English Network base.

Ann Nichols

With contributions from Br Edward Egan, Br Dominic Sassi and Roisin Maguire

LINK to a slideshow of Woodeaves photos through the years