Poignant service to mark 'new beginning' for Derry support facility for alcoholics

A poignant service will be held today at a Derry charity which supports men fighting alcohol addiction.

The House in the Wells opened in 1972 to provide accommodation and other support services for alcoholics.

The Bogside facility quickly became a lifeline for people struggling with alcohol problems and their families.

In 1982, a maple tree was planted (see picture above) within the grounds of the House in the Wells.

However, the tree has now grown so big that it has become a health and safety hazard.

As a result, it has to be removed.

However, the tree was such a focal point for residents of the hostel, that management have decided to plant a new maple tree in its place.

The tree will be planted during a ceremony at the House in the Wells at 2pm today.

Father Brendan Collins from the adjacent Long Tower parish and Reverend David Latimer from First Derry Presbyterian Church will jointly conduct a blessing for the new tree.

Former staff members and residents at the House in the Wells have been invited to come along to the event, which will be followed by a barbeque and entertainment.

A spokesperson for the House in the Wells said it would be a special event for everyone involved with the facility.

“Due to health and safety the reasons the large maple tree in the courtyard his to be removed but staff and residents see it as a new beginning for newly adapted wet hostel.

“The original tree was planted in 1982, ten years after the house in the wells was open.

“A group of volunteers including Tommy McKay, Joanna Carlin, Jim McCready and then Fr. Denis Bradley started what has become a legacy and one of the longest running charities within the city.

“The tree grew along with the hostel. Over the years the Wells became one of the main sources of support and shelter for many of local families who had a love one suffering from addiction.

“As the tree grew residents would spend many a summer’s day getting shade and staying dry in winter. Residents would share a story and bound as they became at home in the wells.

“With our hostel working within the 'Harm reduction model' we see the new tree growing as the hostel continues to growing in the city.”

The House in the Wells spokesperson encouraged members of the local community to come along tomorrow.

“On the day Rev. Latimer and Fr. Collins will hold a blessing for the new tree, the hostel, residents and staff and everyone in attendance.

“The Major Martin Reilly will be showing his support too.

“Following that there will be live music from Decky McLaughlin and the Hi-flats, fresh of their success at the Jazz festival and the hostel head cook Mandy Polland will putting on another high class BBQ."

Since opening, the House in the Wells had always been a ‘dry’ hostel which meant that residents were not allowed to drink alcohol on the premises.

However, the facility became a ‘wet’ hostel last year which resulted in residents being allowed to drink alcohol on site in a controlled manner.

Management at the hostel say this new approach has been a success and led to them being able to help residents control and monitor their consumption of alcohol.