So said the caption on a photo display showing the effects of the great flood visited on Hull last June. The monsoon like storm brought several months of rainfall on the city in just a few hours. Result. Thousands of homes and businesses were severely damaged and the Endsleigh Centre as much if not more than most.

The grounds were virtually turned into a boating lake and, as you can imagine, much of the ground floor as well. The damage was massive but particularly to the function suite, which was all but destroyed. This area being a main revenue earning resource in Sr Catherine’s business plan, a rapid recovery plan was generated and eventually the damage was repaired.

As they say, ‘it is an ill wind that blows nobody any good’ and so it was here. With the damage repaired, the facilities seem much better than before the flood, shining bright and very functional.

The reopening ceremony was conducted by Fr Stephen Maughan, who blessed the restorations and all the facilities in the presence of many guests from the Sisters of Mercy, the contractors involved and the friends/volunteers of Endsleigh. To mark the occasion, a celebration cake was produced and ceremoniously cut by Fr Michael O’Connor and Sr Angela Mary, supporters of Endsleigh for many years.

Sr Catherine closed the proceedings with a speech of thanks to all concerned in the restoration work, especially the staff and the contractors, with particular thanks to the Rotary Club of Hull for their magnificent contribution toward the repairs to the special facilities for the disabled.

In the immortal words of ‘Mother Catherine MacAuley’, the service was completed with ‘cup of tea’.

Tom Timpson