17 May 2022 Community

Helen’s Story- The Kirkwood’s Sunflower Memories Appeal

The Kirkwood exists thanks to the unwavering support of local people across Kirklees. that we support in their lives, and we can only do that with the few people that have been there since The Kirkwood’s beginning. One of the people that helped to build the very foundations of The Kirkwood was Janet Armitage or Netta as she was more popularly known.  

Hailing from Kirkheaton, Netta along with other people set up the Kirkheaton support group, she was determined to help The Kirkwood get what it needed to help support people within Kirklees.  

Netta’s son John was married to Helen, John died in 2016 at home after suffering with pancreatic cancer, and whilst he didn’t use The Kirkwood’s services both he and his mum had a deep respect for what the Kirkwood does for the community.  

Since Netta’s and John’s death Helen has continued her support of The Kirkwood and has been regularly to a number of our events including the Sunflower Memories Appeal.  

Remembering Netta and her husband John, Helen said: “John didn’t get chance to stay in The Kirkwood, it was quite sudden him dying. The reason I support The Kirkwood is because his mum Janet was one of the founding members of the Kirkheaton Kirkwood support groups, they helped to raise money to build the site at Dalton.  

“When you walked into her house there was always baking happening and bring and buy sales ect, it never stopped. She used to volunteer to help wash items for The Kirkwood too and she was a huge believer in what The Kirkwood were trying to do.  

“I once had a commemorative plate that was made and given to her after she died, I looked after it and when John died I moved to Kirkburton. I took the plate up to the shop and said it belongs here, it was a limited addition sunflower or spring flower plate that was made at the time. I just believed that Netta would have wanted the plate to come back to The Kirkwood.” 

On visiting The Kirkwood gardens and celebrating our Sunflower Memory Appeal, Helen said: “It’s lovely to come down on the day and see the garden and how fantastic it is and also seeing the stalls that are put up.  

“The garden is so peaceful and calming for everyone who goes there, it really is a magnificent place. The Kirkwood is a true tribute to the staff, volunteers and everyone involved with in it, it is so vital to Kirklees. Netta and John would both be proud of the help and support The Kirkwood continue to offer today to so many people in our communities.”