A green plaque has been unveiled at the entrance to Emmaus Mossley to celebrate the contribution of charity founder Richard Darlington.
On Wednesday 13 October, the green plaque was officially unveiled at a ceremony attended by Richard and Terry Waite CBE, President of Emmaus UK. Richard was joined at the event by friends, family, supporters and current community members of Emmaus Mossley.
For more than 30 years, Richard has invested his time, skills and energy to the Emmaus movement within the UK. He was first involved in establishing Emmaus Cambridge, the first Emmaus community in the UK, before bringing the concept to the North West and launching our Emmaus Mossley in 1997.
Paying tribute, Terry commented: “Richard is one of the pioneers of Emmaus in the UK. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to honour Richard for his unique and marvelous contribution, not just to Emmaus Mossley but Emmaus in general.”
Richard played a central role in the early years of the charity, bringing together a team of people who became Emmaus Mossley’s first trustees and volunteers. He helped to identify a suitable building, secured its purchase and assisted in the refurbishment to convert it to a community home and base for our charity.
Very proud
Richard said: “The unveiling of the plaque was totally unexpected but wonderful. It’s great to see that so many people have carried on the whole spirit of Emmaus here in Mossley.
“One of the highlights for me was using my donated piano as a community piano in the café. Another was seeing my humble sack barrow upcycled to display flower plants. The companions and staff have been very imaginative. I’m very proud of the many people who have contributed to Emmaus Mossley. Thank you to you all.”
Emmaus Mossley now supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting. From our Longlands Mill base, we run a social enterprise, selling donated and upcycled furniture, household goods, clothes, bric-a-brac and vintage items.
Andrew Kilburn, Chair of Emmaus Mossley, said: “We have no doubt that without Richard, there would have been no Emmaus Mossley. His contribution has been immense, and we will continue to work to achieve the dreams and vision that Richard had all those years ago.”
Find out more about Emmaus Mossley’s history.