Mary Faichney’s beloved Bellinger River District Hospital has a new café – one that her nieces are sure she would raise a china tea cup to in approval.
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The well-known and much-loved Bellingen resident passed away 10 years ago, aged 94, leaving a generous bequest to the hospital for a project that would benefit staff and patients.
After much discussion, it was decided that a café was the best way to honour Mary’s wishes, and with Mary’s Tea House to be officially opened on July 30, her nieces, Robyn Rixon and Daphne Gentle, couldn’t be happier.
“Mary was a former Citizen of the Year, a really good person,” Mrs Rixon said.
“She was a very social person; a ‘cup of tea and cake’ lady so she would be delighted to know her gift has made this café possible.”
Mrs Gentle, who visited Mary weekly, taking her in her wheelchair to cafes in the main street for a cup of tea from a ‘proper tea pot’, said Mary loved the hospital staff and the care she received from them.
“Mary intended that her bequest would be of benefit to the staff, and seeing the café completed, we are just thrilled. This is exactly what Mary would have wanted.”
The Bellingen Pink and Hospital Auxiliary volunteers operate the coffee shop.
“Our volunteers have had barista and food handling training, and are very much looking forward to helping the hospital honour the intent of the Mary Faichney Bequest,” said Auxiliary President Deb Anderson.
“The café is open three days a week – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday – but we will open five days a week from July 30.
“We, of course, would welcome more community-minded people from Bellingen and Urunga areas joining our ranks so we have enough helping hands to operate the café daily and provide patients and staff with a much-needed service on site.
“The café looks out over the Patient Wellness Garden and the Carl Foster Shed, which is so appropriate as it links together three wonderful projects made possible by the local community.
“It is the perfect place for a quiet cuppa and a bite to eat.”
Anyone wanting to find out more information, or join the café roster, can phone Mrs Anderson on 0409 311 349.
