Frodsham’s Will to Work builds memorial bench

Feb 27 2009 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

CRAFTSMEN at Frodsham's Will to Work workshop have created a “very special bench for a very special lady”.

They are putting the finishing touches to a wooden memorial seat which will be placed on Frodsham Hill in honour of Connie Ormsby, a well-known and much-loved district nurse and midwife who delivered more than 400 babies throughout her long career based in the community.

Nurse Ormsby, who died last year, aged 90, was originally from Berkshire and moved to Frodsham in 1947 where she worked until her retirement, living in Fountain Lane with her husband, Walter, now also deceased.

They had no children of their own, but their niece, Jean Stanton, has funded a public memorial bench which Frodsham Town Council has agreed to site at the couple's favourite spot at the summit of Frodsham Hill.

“They could see the hill from their kitchen window and used to love going up there, and they would be thrilled the Will to Work Workshop has built the memorial bench,” said Mrs Stanton, who lives in Cambridgeshire.

The occupational workshop for disabled people is based near Nurse Ormsby's home in Fountain Lane.

Founder Geoff Prince said: “This is a very special commission for a very special lady who was respected and much loved by all her knew her.”

The workshop is a charity and relies heavily on regular commissions and donations. Anyone wishing to help should contact Geoff on 01928 731477