Guests at the Gloucester City Mission shelter in Great Western Road received an early Christmas treat today when the long awaited completion to install showers at the new Homeless Centre in Great Western Road had its official opening this morning as staff and supporters of the centre were making preparations to house those in need over Christmas. The funding for this essential project came from Rotary in Gloucester, together with a huge donation from Rotarian Mina Ward (now based in Adelaide) who with her sister Bridget undertook a sponsored swim round the Scilly Isles to raise money for the campaign. Whilst Jo Dunnett from BBC Radio Gloucester conducted interviews, there were calls from the audience for a practical demonstration of how the showers worked. Rotarian Jan Long stripped off to her Christmas red bathing suit and christened the shower to loud cheers and applause. Jan said the showers are excellent with lovely hot water and easy to use, a fantastic project for Rotary to have achieved!! Rotary Spokesman Martin Henshaw said, “We are delighted that this dream has finally become a reality and illustrates the importance of Rotary’s work in the local community, in addition to our work nationally and internationally. We wish everyone a very merry Christmas and peaceful new year.” Also present were members of the Blue Watch fire service who were carrying on their annual tradition of serving Christmas Eve dinner at the Shelter. For further information contact: Martin Henshaw, [email protected] or Rod Beardshall [email protected] Rotary@Kingsholm Rotary in Gloucester Photographs by Rotarian Jan Long (01531 650036) shows the opening ceremony with Mina and Bridget Ward, The Right Worshipful The Mayor of the City of Gloucester, Councillor Neil Hampson, Mayoress Miss Alice Hampson, The Sheriff of Gloucester, Councillor Said Hansdot and Presidents of Rotary Clubs in Gloucester