From celebs to soup kitchens and it all started with a cow... |
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How Hanover Charities came about In the 1950’s the very charismatic, then Custos Rotolorum of Hanover, Willy De Lisser along with his wife Ida lived at the Blue Hole Great House. Known as “Custos”, Willy De Lisser, and Ida, famed for their excellent hospitality and internationally renowned polo field, entertained many visitors, including royalty such as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip as well as the host of celebrities who were flocking to the island. An old Jamaican family, the De Lisser’s were great supporters of the community and every christmas “Custos” would slaughter a cow for the Hospital and infirmary patients’ christmas dinner. This had spiralled to the family supporting the disadvantaged of the parish. During the year custos would contact the person, who was then called the Poor Relief Officer, to identify the parishioners who most needed assistance. At Christmas each person would then get from the family 5 shillings, and the children 1 shilling, Ida would personally find out from the list who was who, (man, woman or child), and get a small gift for each one, which she would wrap and distribute. – Sometimes up to 200 plus gifts. A winter visitor to Jamaica, Mrs. Bingle, heard about what the family did and was so impressed she made a cash donation to help out with the purchase of gifts and food. Buoyed by this contribution from Mrs. Bingle, Custos felt
Hanover Charities Board (The board – a who’s who – past & present) The founding committee was comprised of the energetic Custos, Willy DeLisser, who acted as chairman, the suave John Pringle, (Round Hill conceptualiser and manager), who as Vice-Chairman used his gift of persuasion to - - involve many others aided by Ms. Stockhausen, secretary. An interesting Hanover Charities historical note, to carry on the tradition and to honour its founder Willy DeLisser who had been unfailing in his dedication to helping others – on his passing a motion was agreed by the board that whoever was the custos of the parish at the time would always be invited to become a board member. This tradition continues to this day. The other founding members were Lord Monson and Lady Monson (now Mrs. Bettie Phillips); and representing the Round Hill homeowners, Fiffy and Francis McAdoo; and Johanna Bigelow- Clark. Tryall was represented by Mrs. Harriet Little, Mr. Sandy Forbes and Mr. Edison Dick – who were also joined by local committee members, Eric Frater, Dr. Arthur Wint and Mrs. Gladys Mair. There was also always a representative of the Salvation Army who would come from Kingston to attend the meetings. An original 1957 founder member, who is still active with Hanover Charities and is in fact the present Vice Chairman, is Cecile Clare. Ms. Clare has a deep love for her parish and a long-lasting and deep commitment to helping the needy as originally started by Willy DeLisser. A noted perfectionist, Ms. Clare’s other great love is her own extended family. Her contribution to date has been incalculable. More long serving members were Round Hill homeowners Johanna Bigelow-Clark, who was the longest serving chairman, and Bettina Ward (sadly no longer with us) who served as Johanna's Vice Chairman from the mid 60ties through to 1992. Both Johanna and Bettina were sincere and very dedicated in their mission to help with Hanover Charities. A story attributed to Johanna was that in 1988 after hurricane Gilbert devastated the island she drove her car to Lucea, despite the terrible conditions, to check on the hospital and other services directly helped by the charity. Because of the terrible damage and the length of time it took to get aid for vital services in the parish she insisted that every year funds be set aside for hurricanes or any other natural disaster –the emergency account exists today. Taking up the reins from Johanna was Sandi Morris – who as Chairman from 1992 until her passing in January 2001 was a driving force behind the charity. |
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