We pay our rent with 12 red roses
On Monday 23 June, Margot, a young child who visits Naomi House & Jacksplace, joined our annual tradition and paid our rent with a dozen red roses.
Every year, on or around Midsummer's Day, Naomi House & Jacksplace gives 12 red roses as a peppercorn rent to Naomi and David Cornelius-Reid. This tradition dates back to before service first opened in 1997. Naomi and David’s mother, Mary Cornelius-Reid, permitted the construction of a hospice on her land in the Sutton Manor Estate in Sutton Scotney. In return, she requested a symbolic gesture: to name the hospice after her daughter, and to pay an annual rent of a dozen red roses on or around Midsummer’s Day. Mary sadly died in 2014, but the tradition lives on.
Each year, I look forward to this date, where my brother and I get the opportunity to meet some of the remarkable families visiting Naomi House & Jacksplace.
It is also a day when I honour a joyful tradition started by my mother, Mary Cornelius-Reid.
Building on her legacy, I am thrilled that we were also able to share the good news that we have extended Naomi House & Jacksplace’s lease by another 120 years, on top of the existing lease, so that this tradition can continue for years to come – supporting even more children, young adults and families.
This year, Margot (aged 3) and her mum Yvonne, as well as Margot’s nanny Myra, made the annual tradition very special and presented the dozen red roses to Naomi. Margot has been visiting Naomi House & Jacksplace since she was aged 1, and has made many friends at the hospices.
In addition to the presentation of the roses, a speech was given by the charity’s Director of Care, Erika Lipscombe. Afterwards, families, volunteers and staff enjoyed rose shaped cupcakes baked by our wonderful catering team.
As well as honouring this unique tradition, Erika Lipscombe also shared the news that the lease for land that hospices are built on has been extended for another 120 years. This means the tradition will live on, supporting more families now and in the future.
This special occasion is a moment of deep pride for us all at Naomi House & Jacksplace. For me, it’s so important for us to come together to honour this beautiful tradition. I was delighted to invite Margot, with her mother Yvonne and her nanny Myra, to present a dozen red roses to Naomi. And in doing so, Margot paid our rent for the next twelve months, thank you Margot!