Code’s retreat opening 1/6/2019
 
How many times in a year do we hear the phrase, “Gratefully received and faithfully applied” when a charity cheque is handed over at an installation meeting etc.    Well sometimes it is nice to see how that money is faithfully applied. 
PODs site in 2016
A case in particular is Code’s Retreat at Altcar Training Camp near Southport.   Back 6th December in 2016 (which was a bitterly cold day), a group of West Lancs Mark Masons lead by the PGM visited the Code’s Retreat site as it was back then in order to place a plaque on one of the Pods which had been purchased by West Lancs Mark Charities. 
Code's retreat in 2016
The bulk of the money for the purchase of POD had been raised at the Mark Masons Weekend and form money raised on Remembrance Sunday.      When we visited the site on that Thursday in 2016 there were just four PODS on concrete bases and a couple of works containers.    And there was still quite a lot of work to do to get the site ready for it’s opening which had been intended to be in 2017.
Our Plaque
Cadets
Music while you wait
  Things do not always turn out as intended and it was not until 1st June 2019 that ‘Code’s Retreat’ was finally opened.    Lots of people turned out for the opening as many charities and local organizations had been involved project and many volunteers had done most of the work on the site.      Saturday morning at Altcar was somewhat overcast which then turned to rain, but that did not seem to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm.    When the visitors arrived they were met by music from a Piper. 
Visitors
As the crowed grew they were joined by platoons of cadets from the camp.    Opening remarks were given by the Chief Executive of the North West Reserve Forces and Cadet Association, Colonel Mark Underhill, OBE.    Colonel Underhill gave a brief background to the site which had been left to the camp by the lady who had owned the land.  
A reflective Colin Svenson
The primary purpose of the retreat is to provide a pleasant, secluded and secure location for military personnel in recovery to take relaxing breaks as part of their recuperation process.  Priority will be given to the Wounded, Injured and Sick Serviceman and Women.    These units will give veterans an opportunity to mix with those service personnel who are using the camp and also to relax and enjoy wildlife and scenery.
Code's Retreat 
Colonel Underhill then handed over to Hon Colonel of the Merseyside Army Cadets, Andy Reid.    Colonel Reid, who is a triple amputee caused by stepping on an IED in Afghanistan; spoke of the importance of a sanctuary like Code’s Retreat for veterans in the North West, as the next nearest one is two and half hours away.   Before cutting the tape to open the site Colonel Reid promoted several cadets.    Each promotion was met with acclaim by his or her particular platoon.
Colonel Mark Underhill and Colonel Andy Reid
 Then in the now pouring rain, Andy Reid cut the tape which officially opened Code’s Retreat.   Each visitor was presented with a drink on entering the site and what a transformation there had been from when we last visited.     Those of us from the Mark visit back in 2016; Michael Clarke; Ian Nairn; David Fairclough; Colin Svenson and Derek Gaskell went off to find the Mark POD.     The POD now named ‘Keystone’ was all smart and ready for visitors.  
The Grand Opening
With concrete paths for people walk on and fresh turf between the PODS it gave a totally different feel to the site compared to our first visit.     As well as the restrooms at the reception end of the retreat, there is also a reading room and a well equipped workshop at the other.    There is also a central wood fire pit, and a good stock of wood.
Name plate 'Keystone'    
Overlooking the river is a viewing area and fishing point.  (Unfortunately this was one of the photos of the day that did not come out well.)   After the site tour we went back to the club house for hot food and a hot drink, and all this had been laid on by the camp.
David; Michael and Ian outside 'Keystone'
Perhaps it was somewhat appropriate that Code’s Retreat was opened in the week of the 75th anniversary of D Day; to remind us that charities are still needed to look after our veterans.    We will never know those who eventually use Code’s Retreat and stay in ‘Keystone’ but we can hope that in some small way we have helped them on the road to recovery.
Entrance to the fishing platform
Reading room
Workshop
Visitors entering the site 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell.