Finding space to play

On the 22nd July it will be 113 years since the death of the Manchester Refuge’s founder, Leonard Kilbee Shaw. The vision and work of Shaw set the foundation stones of the charity, which continues to thrive today as the Together Trust. 

Recreation Ground, Cheetham, 1906

A letter written by Shaw a few years before 1902 set out his wishes for how the charity should continue in the event of his death. In part it focused on the continuing influence of his wife Annie, particularly within the Cheetham Hill homes. The letter also included his hopes for the future. It had long been the wish of Shaw to be able to provide the children with a recreational space for play, amongst the city slums. A plot had already been purchased just off Heywood Road, Cheetham, but a further sum of around £2000 was needed for its completion. 

Recreation Ground, Cheetham, 1906

An extension to the Bethesda Home was also desired by Shaw to increase the number of children catered for by the service. A memorial fund was set up by the committee to achieve these ends. 

We venture to think that no more fitting memorial to such a life as that of Leonard K. Shaw, spent in the service of the poorest and most needy children of Manchester and Salford, could be provided than to finish off the schemes he had in hand when he died.

– The Manchester Guardian, 5th July 1902

 

By mid 1905, the Bethesda Home extensions, in Cheetham Hill, were duly recorded as a “memorial to the late Mr L. K. Shaw” at a cost to the committee of £9,318. The Manchester and Salford public had donated in their thousands to ensure Leonard Shaw was remembered through the charity he had set up.