PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION TO RAISE HOSPICE FUNDS
23 March 2009
An exhibition of photographs by David F Ritchie at York’s Bar Convent in April will raise funds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice, where he was a patient.
Maureen Ritchie has arranged the show – and framed the pictures for it – in memory of her husband, who died two years ago. David Ritchie worked for many years in local newspapers as both a photographer and as a process engraver, making photographic plates for the press.
‘He was truly a natural when it came to his gift for photography,’ says Maureen. ‘He captured candid shots of people or events and he produced many unforgettable images.’
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says ‘The pictures that were taken by David Ritchie are very striking, and we are very grateful to Maureen for arranging this special exhibition of his work so that other people can enjoy them. She is generously giving all the proceeds to the work of St Leonard’s, so we encourage everyone to visit the exhibition.’
The exhibition will be held at the Bar Convent, in Blossom Street, on Saturday 18 April 2009, opening at 7.00 pm. Entry costs £7.50 and includes wine, cheese and canapés, tea, coffee and cakes. Tickets are available from St Leonard’s Hospice by calling 01904 77 77 77; they will also be available on the door.
HOTEL WEDDING FASHION SHOW BRINGS HOSPICE DONATION
17 March 2009
York’s St Leonard’s Hospice is benefitting from a Fashion Show held recently at the Pavilion Hotel in Fulford by Susan Forth Wedding Gowns of Selby.
Susan Forth and Ben Willis from ther PavilionHotel donated £400 from the event to Hospice Community Fundraiser Judith Wilson at the Hotel.
Judith says, ‘Susan is one of our regular supporters, who will always be happy to take a stand at one of our Wedding Fairs or help St Leonard’s in any way she can. We are really grateful to her, and to Ben and all his colleagues at the Pavilion Hotel, for this very generous donation.’
LENNY HELPS THE HOSPICE TEAM GET FIT FOR ‘MIDNIGHT WALK’
12 March 2009
Staff at St Leonard’s Hospice are getting into training for one of the major fundraising events of the year – the annual Midnight Walk – with a little help from the Hospice’s mascot Lenny Bear.
Lenny is helping the Hospice’s fundraising team prepare for the six-mile Walk on the night of Saturday 20 June by encouraging them to get fit with exercises. He’ll also be at the start of the Walk at York College, near the Hospice, to help participants limber up.
The Midnight Walk was held for the first time last year, and was a very successful event, raising more than £25,000 for St Leonard’s and providing fun for everyone who took part. The walk takes place on pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York on a six-mile circular route that starts and finishes at York College on Tadcaster Road. Walkers will check in between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. After a short warm-up (led by a professional and ‘helped’ by Lenny) the walk begins at 12.00 midnight. It is led throughout and there is a high level of health and safety, with trained First Aid staff available at all times.
Everyone is welcome to join in, but anyone who is under 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times. There is a charge of £10.00 for each adult walker; walkers under 16 are charged £5.00. The Hospice is encouraging everyone to take a sponsor form and to raise as much money as they can. All the proceeds will go towards the £2.8 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.
Helen Moreton of the Hospice’s Fundraising Team says, ‘Last year’s Midnight Walk was a fantastic event and everyone had a wonderful time! Why not join us this year and help us to raise money for our work? We are very grateful once again to York College for all their support, and we look forward to seeing lots of walkers at midnight on 20 June.’
Entry forms for the St Leonard’s Hospice Midnight Walk are available on the Hospice’s website – www.stleonardshospice.org.uk – by calling the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77, and from reception at the Hospice on Tadcaster Road.
ARCHBISHOP PREACHES AT FELLOWSHIP SERVICE
22 February 2009
The Archbishop of York was the preacher at the Annual St Leonard's Fellowship Service, held at St Edward the Confessor Church in Dringhouses on Sunday 22 February. Around 200 people were at the Service, which included readings, hymns and an anthem sung by The Poppletones.
The picture shows the Archbishop with (l to r) Martyn Callaghan, Hospice Chief Executive; Graham Millar, Chairman of Trustees; Christine Stephenson, Fellowship Secretary; Andrew Pearse, Hospice Chaplain.
DENBY’S 'NEW FOR OLD' OFFER HELPS THE HOSPICE
22 February 2009
The Denby Shop in York’s MacArthur Glen Designer Outlet at Naburn is giving its customers the chance to purchase new tableware at discounted prices and help St Leonard's Hospice at the same time with a 'New for Old' exchange.
The scheme runs from 2 to 15 March and means that customers can get discounts on new tableware in exchange for their old, useable crockery. For every piece that customers bring to the shop they will receive a discount of £2.00 off the price of a new piece of plain Denbyware. There are a few rules; cups and saucers count as one item, for example, and no broken or chipped crockery can be accepted. The stores’ staff may refuse items that they consider unsuitable.
The Denby Shop has run this ‘New for Old’ promotion very successfully with St Leonard’s in previous years. The crockery that is handed in will be donated to the Hospice, to be sold in its five shops in Tang Hall, Scarcroft Road, Pocklington, Haxby and Acomb.
Hospice Retail Manager Helen Moreton says, ‘Last time the Denby Shop ran this exchange, St Leonard’s received hundreds of pieces, and we were able to sell a lot through our shops. We are very grateful to Denby for using this imaginative promotion once again to help St Leonard’s.’
ST DAVID’S DAY CONCERT HELPS TO MAKE ST LEONARD’S DAY
19 February 2009
St David’s Day is being celebrated with a concert at Bishopthorpe Church on 28 February that brings together the voices of The Occasion Choir from York and the Llanrwst Male Voice Choir – with the proceeds going to St Leonard’s Hospice.
‘Songs for St David’ will be introduced at St Andrew’s Church in Bishopthorpe by well-know Yorkshire Television broadcaster John Crosse. The Occasion Choir will be conducted by international soprano Yvonne Robert and accompanied by Nicholas Page. Gwyneth MacDonald will accompany the singers from Llanrwst and their musical director is George Jones.
Tickets for the concert, which starts at 7.30 pm, include wine and appropriate Welsh ‘Rare-bits’, are £7.00. They are available by calling 01904 701652 or 01904 701459.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s, says, ‘Yvonne and her choir are long-standing supporters of the Hospice, and we are very grateful to them for arranging this special concert for St David’s Day – and to the choir from Llanwrst for helping to make it an especially Welsh occasion!’
HOSPICE AT VENTUREFEST - THANKS TO GENEROUS SPONSORS
13 February
St Leonard's was privileged to be given a stand at the prestigious Venturefest Yorkshire 2009 event at York Racecourse on Wednesday 11 February. Our stand was generously sponsored by The Shepherd Group. The graphics for the stand - which we can keep to use in other venues - were designed, made and donated to us by Dayfield Graphics of Clifton Moor as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations.
Venturefest attracts lots of companies from throughout Yorkshire and many young entrepreneurs who are looking for advice and to show their skills and products. For St Leonard’s Hospice the day was very valuable, enabling us to make contact with many local businesses and individuals, and to ensure that everyone visiting the event knew about us and our work.
We are very grateful to The Shepherd Group and to Dayfield Graphics for supporting us in this very practical way.
AN UPDATE FROM THE CYCLISTS IN SCOTLAND
(see 20 January)
11 February 2009
Training is going ok, this week I've managed cycling in the gym three times this week, 'covering' just over 25 miles each visit, and John has yet again bravely cycled to work 3 times, plus we both did a 15 mile offroad trip on Thursday lunchtime, and then a 15 miles on Saturday offroad, and today we had grand plans of a 'simulated' day on the coast to coast. We'd prepared an unseen route on the map that was around 50 miles and 6000ft of climbing starting at Peebles. We thought this would be a good test of whether our training regieme was up to the task or whether we needed to ramp it up considerably. Sadly deep snow and blizzard conditions got in the way, and for safety reasons we had to cut it short. We did however manage a reasonable distance and 2800ft of climbing, so the day was not totally lost. And I suppose it was a good test of our winter cycling gear!
We're just about to formally announce that we have got a support driver and a big 4x4 Audi thing. And he comes with free use of a house in Fort William, so we should be able to use that for the first 3 days all being well.
Graeme Lister and John Baxter
You can sponsor Graeme and John by going to
www. justgiving.com/graemeandjohn
CARVE YOUR NAME WITH PRIDE AT PARSONAGE AS WEDDING FAIR HELPS HOSPICE
4 February 2009
Brides and grooms who tie the knot at the Parsonage Hotel in Escrick, where a Wedding Fair in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice takes place on Sunday 15 February 2009, can now leave a permanent reminder of the day by having their names carved on a special ‘Eternity Tree’.
The Parsonage Hotel has dedicated a tree in the hotel grounds, which has reached the end of its life, for couples to inscribe their initials. They will be invited to mark the trunk, and the marks will later be chiselled into the trunk for them as a permanent reminder of their wedding
The Wedding Fair which is open from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm, includes everything a bride and groom might need for the great day, including bridal wear, balloons, flowers, photographers, cars and stationery.
Everyone is welcome to the Fair. During the day there will be special fashion shows of bridal gowns by Susan Forth Wedding Gowns of Selby and ‘I do’ Bridal House of Tadcaster and featuring men’s outfits from York Hire Wear.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘How romantic! To have your initials carved on the Eternity Tree to mark your wedding. It adds a special dimension to weddings at The Parsonage, which is a lovely venue both for the Wedding Fair and for any wedding celebrations. We are grateful to the hotel staff and to all the exhibitors for taking part. We know it will be a great day, and it will help brides-to-be and their fiancés to decide just what they need for their wedding.’
NEW HOSPICE NUMBER TO STREAMLINE FURNITURE DONATIONS
2 February 2009 
Generous supporters of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice who have good-quality furniture they wish to donate to raise money for the charity now have a new, dedicated number to ring – 01904 77 77 76.
The Hospice’s Furniture Shop on York Road in Acomb contributes thousands of pounds each year to help towards the £2.8 million annual running costs of St Leonard’s. All the furniture it sells is given by local people, and the shop is known for the good quality of everything it sells.
Helen Moreton, Retail Manager at St Leonard’s, says, ‘We can advise people on the phonme if what they are offering us is appropriate for our customers. That’s why it’s important to telephone us on our new number – 01904 77 77 76 – to talk to us and to book in items. We can’t accept any furniture that hasn’t been booked in advance. We can sometimes accept items if donors are willing to able to deliver them to the shop – call the shop direct first, though, on 01904 781576 to see if we have room for them.
Legal requirements and market conditions mean that there are some things the Hospice Furniture Shop cannot accept – they include gas appliances, large electrical appliances, such as washers and fridges, upholstered furniture that does not have the fire-retardant labels still securely attached; glass (for example in cupboard doors or furniture) that does not conform with safety regulations and sideboards
‘When you call us, we can advise you whether what you are offering us fits in with what we need – and when we will be able to collect it,’ says Helen. ‘It’s great that so many people want to donate furniture to us, and we hope that our new, dedicated advice and booking number will help them to help us.’
SCOTTISH COAST TO COAST BIKE RIDE TO HELP ST LEONARD’S
20 January 2009
A former York man is planning to cycle across 300 miles Scotland – including ascents totalling more than 15,000 feet – in just six days to raise funds to thank St Leonard’s Hospice for caring for one of his friends.
Graeme Lister, who is 48, went to Huntington School and to Archbishop Holgate’s School. He now lives and works in Edinburgh and is undertaking the challenge with mate John Baxter. They will set off from the Isle of Skye on Thursday 9 April and will use a winding off-road course along tracks, paths and forest roads to reach Montrose in Forfarshire on Scotland’s east coast six days later.
The ride is in memory of Graeme’s friend Bob Handscombe, a cancer patient who was cared for by St Leonard’s, and of Bob’s wife Jo, who also had cancer. The sponsorship money from the ride will be shared with Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Grame and John have set up a website to raise sponsorship for the event –
www. justgiving.com/graemeandjohn - and would welcome donations. Graeme says, ‘I was very impressed with the care that St Leonard’s gave to Bob, and I hope that this special - and particularly challenging! – bike ride will help to raise lots of money for the work of the Hospice and for the work of the Marie Curie Nurses, too.’
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It is wonderful that Graeme and John are undertaking this exciting challenge in aid of the Hospice and the Marie Curie nurses. We wish them good weather and a following wind in April – and lots of sponsorship, too!
GOLF FUNDS COME TO HOSPICE
20 January 2009
Jason and Richard Eldridge presented Hospice Director of Fundraising Janet Morley with a cheque for £2,400 from the Golf Day that Jason organised in High Wycombe, where he works, in memory of his mother Jenny, who was a patient at St Leonard's some years ago.
MASTER BUILDERS DINNER RAISES FUNDS FOR HOSPICE
17 January 2009
When York’s builders got together for the annual Dinner Dance of their branch of the Federation of Master Builders, they raised more than £350 for St Leonard’s Hospice during the evening.
Almost 100 people attended the event, at York Racecourse. As well as enjoying the dinner and the dancing, they took part in several fundraising activities, including a raffle and a game of stand-up bingo. The results were split between the Branch and their chosen charity, St Leonard’s.
The Branch President, John Eastwood, says, ‘We all had an excellent night, and we are pleased to have raised a good sum for the Hospice. Many of the members of the Federation have had relatives and friends who have benefited from hospice care, and we are glad to be able to help St Leonard’s. We are very grateful to the many local business and other supporters for their generosity in supplying prizes for the raffle and for other help to make the evening such a success.’
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at the Hospice, says, ‘Thank you very much to everyone in the York Branch of the Federation – which is one of our regular supporters – for being so generous in raising this money for the work of the Hospice; we are delighted to have built a special relationship with them!’
MASONIC DONATIONS GIVE CHRISTMAS CHEER TO HOSPICE
16 December 2008
Generous Freemasons both from the Francis Drake of York Lodge No 7825 and from the Charity of the Grand Lodge of England are helping York’s St Leonard’s Hospice with an early Christmas present totalling more than £3,700.
The Francis Drake of York Lodge is donating £305 raised at its Ladies’ Night Dinner in November. The cheque will be presented to Helen Moreton of the Hospice’s Fundraising Team by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, Derek Iveson.
Ken Lippett, from the Provincial Charity Committee, will also hand over a cheque for more than £3400 from the national charity.
St Leonard’s has been chosen to receive the money by the Francis Drake of York Lodge after one of its members was cared for in the Hospice.
Helen Moreton says, ‘Everyone at St Leonard’s Hospice is very grateful to the Francis Drake of York Lodge and to the Freemasons’ Grand Charity for these wonderful donations. It is generous giving like this that helps us towards meeting the Hospice’s annual running costs of £2.8 million and enables us to continue to provide our services without charge to local people.’
RECYCLED FASHION HIGHLIGHTED AT HOSPICE SHOP FASHION SHOW
3 December 2008
A fashion show at the St Leonard’s Hospice shop in Acomb raised more than £1000 for the work of the charity – and showed how recy
cling and re-using fashion clothes and accessories can be great value when money is tighter.
The show opened with Miss Eco York, Melissa Chapman, wearing the dress she created from recycled Sainsbury’s shopping bags to underline the message of recycling.
Models – all of them shop staff, shop volunteers and customers – 
modelled a wide range of fashionable items, which included two couture dresses from London fashion houses that had been donated for the event.
Like all the Hospice’s shops, the Acomb store sells good-quality donated goods.
Helen Moreton, Retail Manager at St Leonard’s, says, ‘The show was a demonstration of recycling at its best – and the ladies who were there were keen to snap up bargains in time for the festive season ahead.All our shops always have lots of fashionable clothes for sale at excellent prices, as well as other great bargains.Come along and discover what we have to offer!’
JEWELLERS STAFF GIVE ‘GOLDEN’ DONATION TO HOSPICE
24 November 2008
Staff at Beaverbrooks the Jewellers in Spurriergate in York have added a golden touch to St Leonard’s Hospice by donating £800 to the charity.
The head office of the national chain has given all the staff in its more than 60 shops around the country £100 each to donate to a charity of their choice – and all the eight staff at the York store immediately decided that their donations would go to the Hospice.
Staff member Julie Holmes says, ‘Two of us here have had family members cared for by St Leonard’s so we all agreed that because it is such an important local charity it was the right place to receive our money.’
As well as the £800 donation, the store has also donated a pendant that will be one of the prizes in the Hospice’s Grand Christmas Draw.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising At St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are really grateful for the vote of confidence in our work that this generous donation represents.The Beaverbrooks staff are a diamond group of supporters!’
BRASS GROUP TO PLAY AT HOSPICE’S LIGHT UP A LIFE TREE DEDICATION
24 November 2008
All Saints Brass, a group of players from All Saints Church in North Street, is tuning up to play at the Service of Dedication for the St Leonard’s Hospice ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas Tree in St Helen’s Square.
The service, which takes place at 6.00 pm on Sunday 30 November, will mark the official switch-on of the lights on the tree. Each light is sponsored to honour a loved one or a friend.
One of the players in All Saints Brass is Nigel Robertshaw, whose wife Helen was recently cared for by St Leonard’s. The group will play before the short service, and will accompany the carols. There will also be readings and prayers, and after the tree lights are illuminated the tree will be dedicated. The tree will be lit until Twelfth Night, 6 January 2009.
All the funds raised by the ‘Light up a Life’ tree help St Leonard’s Hospice to meet its annual running costs of £2.8 million. For more information about dedicating a light on the tree, look for ‘Light up a Life’ leaflets in the Hospice’s shops in Acomb, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road and Tang Hall, see the Hospice website at HYPERLINK "http://www.stleonardshospice.org.uk"www.stleonardshospice.org.uk or call the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01901 77 77 77.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘‘Christmas is a time when we remember our family and friends, and our Light up a Life Christmas Tree is a very special way of honouring them. We are delighted that All Saints Brass have agreed to play for us at the dedication on 30 November, and we are very grateful to City of York Council for providing the tree in St Helen’s Square.’
HOSPICE CHRISTMAS TREE ARRIVES IN YORK’S CITY CENTRE
12 November 2008
York’s city centre Christmas tree, which will again be raising funds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice, is being put in place in St Helen’s Square on MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER.
Each year the Hospice’s ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas tree raises much-needed funds for the work of St Leonard’s.Each light on the tree is sponsored to honour loved ones and friends.
The 30-foot tree, from the Castle Howard Estate, will be lowered into place outside the Mansion House.It will be lit from 20 November until Twelfth Night, 6 January 2009.There will be a short Service of Dedication around the Tree at 6.00 pm on Sunday 30 November, with carols and readings, to which everyone is welcome.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Christmas is a time when we remember our family and friends, and our Light up a Life Christmas Tree is a very special way of honouring them.We are delighted that once again City of York Council has so readily agreed to let us dedicate the tree that traditionally stands in St Helen’s Square to the memory of friends and loved ones this Christmas.’
·To sponsor a light to shine on the ‘Light up a Life’ tree, please contact St Leonard’s Hospice on 01904 77 77 77 or visit the Hospice website at www.stleonardshospice.org.uk
COPMANTHORPE 60s NIGHT RAISES HOSPICE FUNDS
12 November 2008
A night of 60s music from group Trigger 66 at the Royal Oak pub in Copmanthorpe has raised £912 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice.
The event, on 25 October, was organised by long-standing Hospice supporters Marlene Locker and Anna Rollinson and their husbands. Hospice mascot Lenny Bear received the funds from Marlene and Anna.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s, says, ‘The evening boogying to 60s music was obviously a great hit, and we are really grateful for this generous donation, and for the continuing support of Marlene and Anna.’
ALDWARK MANOR WEDDING FAIR WILL HELP BRIDES AND HOSPICE
6 November 2008
Brides-to-be looking forward to a spring wedding have a new date to put in their 2009 diaries – 25 January – when a Wedding Fair in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice in York will be held at the prestigious Aldwark Manor Hotel.
The Fair will offer provide lots of ideas for the special day, including bridal gowns, hire cars, cakes, stationery and musicians. There is free admission to the event, which will run from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.
There are still a few spaces for exhibitors at the event, and organiser Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, would like to hear from companies who offer something special for weddings.
Judith says, ‘We are very pleased to be able to hold a Wedding Fair at Aldwark Manor for the first time, and we look forward to welcoming lots of prospective brides and their fiancés. This is also a great opportunity for local businesses to tell customers just how they can help make the day really memorable.’
Anyone who wants to know more about exhibiting at the Wedding Fair can contact Judith at St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
BEAR PREPARES FOR HOSPICE FAIR
28 October 2008
St Leonard’s Hospice is getting organised for Christmas – with a bit of help from its mascot Lenny Bear – with its forthcoming Christmas Fair, which will be held at the Hospice in Tadcaster Road on Saturday 22 November.
The Fair, which opens at 10.00 am and runs until 1.00 pm, offers the chance to stock up for the festive season. It has lots of the traditional stalls, including crafts, fine linens, home-made cakes and books.
Hospice gifts will also be on sale, alongside a new selection of Christmas cards and the 2009 Hospice calendar, which again features old pictures of York contrasted with their modern equivalent. The Hospice’s Stables Coffee Stop will be open, offering light refreshments.
The Fair’s organisers are also keeping their fingers crossed that Father Christmas may find time in his busy schedule to pay a visit to the Christmas Fair.
Except for sleighs, there is very limited parking at the Hospice, because of the building work currently underway.
Sarah Atkinson, Hospice Fundraising Assistant, says, ‘Lenny Bear has become very excited by the thought of Christmas, so he’s keen to welcome as many people as possible to the Fair on Saturday 22 November. All the proceeds go directly to help St Leonard’s in its work of caring for local people.’
A FEW TICKETS LEFT FOR HOSPICE PAMPER EVENING
15 October 2008
There are still a few tickets left for the special ‘Pamper Evening’ in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice at the York Marriott Hotel in Tadcaster Road on Thursday 23 October.
Guests at the Pamper Evening can sample two different beauty and wellbeing treatments, watch demonstrations of make-up and skin care, and find out more about complementary therapies like aromatherapy, hot stone and traditional Thai massages, facials and therapeutic wraps.
Ladies attending the Pamper Evening, which begins at 6.30 pm on 23 October, will enjoy a welcome drink and a knife-and-fork buffet, as well as receiving a ‘goody bag’ when they register as they arrive on the evening.
Hospice Community Fundraiser Judith Wilson, who is organising the event, says, ‘Our two previous Pamper Evenings have been really enjoyable, and we know that these last few available tickets will be snapped up soon.’
Tickets for the Pamper Evening cost £15 and are available by calling the Hospice’s Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
GOLFERS CLUB TOGETHER TO HELP THE HOSPICE
6 October 2008
York's Pike Hills Golf Club welcomed 280 golfers from all around Yorkshire and beyond to its annual Hospice Golf Day in August, and raised more than £8,300, for St Leonard's Hospice – once again beating their total raised in past tournaments.
The club has been holding the event annually for more many years, and this year's total means that the club has raised more than £70,000 for St Leonard's. The tournament is traditionally organised by the Vice Captain of the Club and this year's Vice Captain, John Pollock, was in charge of the event.
After a night of torrential rain John feared that the tournament might have to be called off, but fortunately the morning dawned bright and sunny, and the event went ahead. The golfers competed in teams of four – men’s, ladies’ and mixed. The first team went out at 7.30 am, and, with teams setting out at seven- or eight-minute intervals, the last one was back in the clubhouse by 8.30 pm.
As well as the teams’ entry fees, the total for the Hospice was boosted by several raffles – prizes included National Express rail tickets and a gallon bottle of whisky. Half-way round the course, the Club’s Ladies’ Section organised a Halfway House refreshment stop, which also raised money. An evening auction of donated prizes, and donations from local businesses, boosted the total.
Receiving the money raised by the event, Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard's Hospice, said, 'Each year Pike Hills Golf Club comes up with a tremendous sum for our work of caring for local people and their families. The Club is one of the Hospice's most dedicated supporters and is a really excellent example of the great support we receive from the local community. We are very grateful to everyone who took part in the tournament and especially to John for his organisation.'
WORK BEGINS ON NEW ENTRANCE TO ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
1 October 2008
Visitors to York’s St Leonard’s Hospice will soon benefit from an improved reception area, while patients and staff will find themselves better shielded from the comings and goings at the Hospice entrance, thanks to development of the building’s entrance that starts this week.
The redevelopment, which is expected to take until early next year, has been partly funded by a grant of £250,000 from the Department of Health. The plans mean that the entrance will be relocated, with a new canopy above, and sliding glass doors will give easy entry to the building.
Inside, the reception area is being relocated, offering better facilities for visitors and staff. A larger area will be devoted to the shop, and there will be a new waiting area. A new wall will separate the reception area from the in-patient areas of the Hospice to give improved security and privacy for patients and their families, and to cut down on the amount of noise reaching patients' rooms from other parts of the building. A new staircase will give easier access to the upper floor.
During the building work visitors may be asked to take other routes into the building but any disturbance will be kept to a minimum. At no time will the care of patients or the safety of staff and visitors be compromised. Parking in the Hospice grounds will be limited; visitors are asked if possible to use public transport.
Martyn Callaghan, Chief Executive of St Leonard's, says, ‘We have now had more than seven years’ use of our new building, and, as with any building, we have learned how it might be improved. This redevelopment will enable us to give our patients greater privacy, our visitors a better welcome and our staff improved working conditions. We hope everyone will bear with us while the work goes on; none of our services to patients will be affected, and we look forward to the refurbished entrance will great anticipation.’
RECYCLED FASHION HIGHLIGHTED AT HOSPICE SHOP FASHION SHOW
29 September 2008
Recycling and reusing is not just about taking your bag-for-life to the supermarket or putting your bottles in the bottle bank – as a fashion show in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice on Wednesday 26 November will show.
The show takes place at the Hospice’s shop in Acomb, and Miss Eco York, Melissa Chapman, visited the shop to highlight how fashion clothes and accessories can be great value. Melissa wore the dress she has created from recycled Sainsbury’s shopping bags to underline the message of recycling.
Like all the Hospice’s shops, the Acomb store sells good quality donated goods, and there are always lots of fashionable clothes for sale at excellent prices. The Fashion Show will highlight some of the stock, which will be modelled by volunteers and customers.
Helen Moreton, Retail Manager at St Leonard’s, says, ‘It’s great to have Melissa with us to underline the recycling messages that the Hospice shops have always supported. And it’s not just fashion that we recycle – books, jewellery, bric a brac, furniture, hats and handbags are just some of the other goods we always have on sale. The Fashion Show gives a glimpse of the stock at our Acomb Shop, but all our shops regularly have great bargains. Do your bit for recycling and help the Hospice by coming along to discover what we have to offer!’
Tickets for the Acomb Shop Fashion Show, which starts at 7.00 pm, cost £4.00 and include light refreshments, are limited. They are on sale from the Hospice’s Acomb Shop either in person or by calling 01904 788063.
GREAT NORTH RUNNERS FOR ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
29 September 2008
Andy Molloy is training hard for next Sunday’s Great North Run – and he’s doing his first half-marathon to raise money for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
Andy’s father was a patient at St Leonard’s and Andy, who has already raised funds for other local charities, decided that he wanted to help the Hospice by taking part in the Tyneside run. He has been in training with the Knavesmire Harriers since March – and has lost two stone in the seven months he’s been with them. A keen sports fan, Andy has never done distance running before, but, starting from only being able to manage short stretches, he is now comfortable with the 13 miles of the Great North Run.
Alongside Andy will be his friend Gary Copestake, who will also be running for St Leonard’s Hospice.
Andy says, ‘My father was looked after so well in St Leonard’s; the staff are fantastic, and I wanted to see if I could help them by raising funds with the Great North Run. Gary and I are really looking forward to the event – and we’re very grateful to the Knavesmire Harriers for their patient help in training! If anyone would like to sponsor us, please do – it’s for a great cause.’
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are really grateful to Andy and Gary – and to others who are also taking part in the Great North Run – for their support. Everything they raise will go towards our work of caring for local people and their families.’
THAI SPA THERAPIES AT HOSPICE PAMPER EVENING
23 September 2008
There’s a chance to try Thai spa therapies from 5 Senses Spa in York, along with beauty treatments tips, at a special ‘Pamper Evening’ in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice at the York Marriott Hotel in Tadcaster Road on Thursday 23 October.
Among the therapies on offer from 5 Senses Spa, which offers ancient Thai Spa methods, are aromatherapy massages to reduce stress and promote relaxation and healing, hot stone massages and traditional Thai massage, as well as facials and therapeutic wraps. Visitors to the Pamper Evening will be able to get an idea of how they might benefit from these unusual treatments.
Ladies attending the Pamper Evening, which begins at 6.30 pm on 23 October, will have the chance to sample two treatments, to watch demonstrations of make-up and skin care, and find out more about complementary therapies. All guests who attend the event will receive a ‘goody bag’ when they register as they arrive on the evening.
Hospice Community Fundraiser Judith Wilson, who is organising the event, says, ‘This is our third Pamper Evening and we know from experience that they are really enjoyable event. We look forward to welcoming lots of guests this year.’
Tickets for the Pamper Evening cost £15 and include a welcome drink and a knife-and-fork buffet. They are available by calling the Hospice’s Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
HOSPICE TREE ON CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR THE FIRST TIME
25 September 2008
An atmospheric photograph of St Leonard’s Hospice’s ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas tree in York’s St Helen’s Square is likely to prove to be one of the city’s most popular cards this Christmas.
The picture, taken by Terry Shepherdson, a Hospice supporter, shows the lit tree in front of the Mansion House and reflected in wet pavements. It was taken in December last year, which was the first time the ‘Light up a Life tree had been in the city centre.
All the proceeds from the sales of the card will go to help the work of St Leonard’s Hospice. In addition to the card showing the tree, there are seven more designs to choose from, traditional and modern.
The new cards are now on sale at the Hospice shops, in Acomb, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road and Tang Hall; at the Hospice’s Fundraising Department and ‘The Stables Coffee Stop’ at the Hospice in Tadcaster Road. They are also available at Barnitts store in Colliergate, York and at DG & LE Gill, Chemists, in Bishopthorpe. All the cards cost £2.95 for a pack of ten.
Also on sale is the 2009 St Leonard’s Hospice ‘York Past and Present’ calendar, once again featuring old photographs of the city contrasted with the same scene today.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘The card showing our Light up a Life tree is very special to us, as it is the first time we have had a York scene so directly related to our work. We are very grateful to the photographer for donating the picture, and expect that the card – and all the others we have on sale - will be very popular. All the sales will help us towards meeting the Hospice’s annual running costs of £2.8 million.’
EILEEN OPENS HER HOUSE FOR THE HOSPICE
17 September 2008
An ‘Open House’ to raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice is being held on Saturday 20 September.
Eileen Rhodes is opening her home – 26 Prior’s Walk, Ouseacres – in aid of the Hospice from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm, and hopes that lots of people will drop in to see her. Tea and coffee will be available. To celebrate Eileen’s birthday that day, there will be birthday cake. The refreshments have been donated by local companies. There will also be a children’s toy stall.
There is no charge for entry or refreshments, but Eileen hopes that everyone who attends the Open Day will make generous donations to St Leonard’s Hospice, which cared for her husband Cliff.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s, says, ‘It is really generous of Eileen to open her home to visitors in this way to raise funds for our work. We are really grateful to her, and we hope that people will go along throughout the day to help her celebrate her birthday.’
ESCRICK FOOT-TAPPING EVENT TO RAISE HOSPICE FUNDS
10 September 2008
There’s a chance to enjoy a feast of music from the Barlby Foottappers Band when it plays in Escrick on Thursday 18 September in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
The event, organised by the St Leonard’s Hospice Escrick and Deighton Support Group, is being held at Escrick and Deighton Club, on Main Street in Escrick, starting at 7.00 pm. A light supper will be served, and there is a bar in the Club. There will also be the chance to win prizes in a raffle.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Our Support Group in Escrick and Deighton has a regular series of events that raise funds for the work of the Hospice, and we are very grateful to them for their continuing work. This evening with the Barlby Foottappers Band – most of whose players are students at Barlby High School – should prove a delight and we know lots of people will want to join them.’
Tickets for the evening are £5.00 (£4.00 for children) and can be obtained from Escrick Post Office or by telephoning 01904 728459 or 728277
‘FORESTERS’ TO PLAY IN HOSPICE CONCERT
9 September 2008
St Leonard’s Hospice is once again offering the chance to hear the popular ‘Foresters’ at its annual evening of folk music at the Cottage Inn in Haxby on Saturday 27 September.
The tickets cost £8.00 each, and the event runs from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm – the Foresters will play from 8.00 pm. There will be bar facilities and a tombola. St Leonard’s Hospice gifts, cards and calendars will be on sale. The event has been organised with the help of St Leonard’s Luncheon Club, and all proceeds go to the work of the Hospice.
Rosemary Thompson, Bereavement Care Coordinator at the Hospice, says, ‘It’s really good to have the wonderful ‘Foresters’ with us yet again at this special evening. We have been holding it for a number of years now, and we always have a most enjoyable time – as well as raising funds for St Leonard’s. Why not come and join us this year?’
Tickets are available by telephoning Rosemary on 01904 422882 or the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
BETTY’S HOSPICE CALENDARS ON THEIR WAY AROUND THE WORLD
3 September 2008
Betty Snelgrove looks forward every year to getting lots of copies of the St Leonard’s Hospice ‘York Past and Present’ calendar, so that she can send them worldwide to friends and relatives.
This year Betty, who lives in Fulford, is among the first to receive the newly-printed 2009 calendar. She has bought 30 copies, and has already begun sending them to people around the world, as well as giving them to friends and neighbours as an early Christmas present. The calendar features old photographic scenes of York and the same scene today.
As in previous years, the pictures in the calendar come as tear-off postcards, and Betty is looking forward to receiving them throughout 2009 as one of her New Zealand friends uses them to give a monthly news bulletin about her life on the other side of the world. ‘I look forward to getting the calendars every year,’ Betty says, and the 2009 version is even better than usual. I like to give them to people, because it reminds everyone what a beautiful and historic place York is.’
The 2009 ‘York Past and Present’ calendar is the seventh time that this successful format has been used by the Hospice. The old photographs, again provided by Imagine York, the project that has put thousands of York images on the internet, show the city between the 1850s and I950s. They include pictures of Clifford’s Tower, Marygate Tower, York Railway Station and Ouse Bridge. Each one is contrasted with their modern equivalent, taken as far as possible from the same spot.
The calendars, which cost £4.00, are available from St Leonard’s Hospice shops in Acomb, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road and Tang Hall, and from the Hospice reception on Tadcaster Road.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice says, ‘Betty is one of our best customers for our calendars, and it is really encouraging that she is sending them around the world. We know that many people at home and abroad find the contrasting old and new pictures of the city fascinating, and we are confident that, once again, the calendar will be very popular.'
HOSPICE BANKS ON BANK’S SATURDAY COLLECTION
2 September 2008
St Leonard’s Hospice is to benefit when the Royal Bank of Scotland branch in York’s Nessgate marks its new Saturday openings with a fundraising day.
There will be a collection for the Hospice at the branch on Saturday 13 September, and bank staff hope that customers will give generously to the charity. Among them is Customer Adviser Angie Bell, who has close links with St Leonard’s, where her husband John is the Maintenance Supervisor.
From 13 September the bank will open every Saturday from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm, in response to customer research and feedback.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s, says, ‘We are really grateful to Angie and her colleagues at Royal Bank of Scotland for using their first Saturday opening to raise funds for St Leonard’s. We hope they’ll get lots of customers, who will also ‘invest’ in our collecting boxes as they undertake their transactions.’
HOSPICE DARES TO SAY THANKS TO SUPPORTERS
2 September 2008
Adventurous accountants from York firm Garbutt & Elliott will be going head-to-head with other local businesses in a one-day ‘Say you Dare’ Business Challenge on Thursday 18 September, organised by St Leonard’s Hospice to raise funds for its work.
Garbutt & Elliott are the Hospice’s auditors and long-term supporters of its work, so they were keen to enter teams into the Challenge, which will see up to 15 groups of enthusiastic participants descend on Camp Hill near Bedale. This is the second year the ‘Say you Dare’ Challenge has been run.
Camp Hill is the UK’s leading single-site provider of team-building and corporate event programmes and the teams will tackle events like blindfold driving, the Skywalk, bob-sleighing and Gemini mud buggies.
There are still a few team places left, and the day includes refreshments and a barbecue, as well as a trophy for the winning team. As an encouragement to help the Hospice, the three teams that sign up the most sponsorship get extra points before they begin. St Leonard’s has negotiated a special price for the day of £500.00 (+vat) per team of up to ten people.
Russell Turner, Managing Director of Garbutt & Elliott says, ‘I took up the ‘Say you Dare’ Business Challenge last year and despite throwing myself off things and clambering over numerous obstacles I had a great time. So much so that I am looking forward to supporting this good cause again to raise funds for St Leonard’s. I’m proud to say that our staff are working hard to raise money too and are supporting the event by giving up their own free time. We hope that our clients and contacts will sponsor our teams too and donations can be made online by going to www.justgiving.com/sayyoudare-garbuttandelliott.’
Roy Cole, Community Fundraiser at the Hospice says, ‘Garbutt & Elliott were once again first off the mark for the ‘Say you Dare’, and they are keen both to hone their teambuilding and networking skills and to have fun. And, of course, they’ll be raising money for the Hospice. With just three places left to fill, we’re encouraging other firms to follow their lead and sign up for a day of adrenaline and achievement!’
To book a team place on SAY YOU DARE! contact Roy at St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
LIZ’S MARATHON EFFORT RAISES FUNDS FOR ST LEONARD’S
29 August 2008
Liz Davis’s run in the London Marathon had a golden outcome for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice – almost £2,500 in sponsorship.
Liz visited St Leonard’s to meet Hospice Director of Fundraising Janet Morley, and to show her medal. Liz, a recent convert to marathon running, has now undertaken several of the 26-mile events, and has also branched out in triathlons.
She chose to run the London Marathon for St Leonard’s because the mother of a friend was cared for in the Hospice. Liz says, ‘My friend said that everyone at St Leonard’s was fantastic, and when I realised that it costs £2.8 million every year to run the Hospice, I realised how important it is to raise money for them. Running a marathon is nothing compared to what the staff at St Leonard’s do every day – and if you do a marathon or some daft event like that, it’s better to do it for somebody else because it keeps you going!’
Liz was backed in her run by Barratt York, as the friend whose mother was cared for by the Hospice works for the company. St Leonard’s was Barratt’s Charity of the Year 2007-2008.
Janet Morley says, ‘Liz tells me that anyone can run a marathon, but she hasn’t convinced me yet! So we are particularly grateful that she was so generous in running for us, and raising such a wonderful amount – and thank you, too, to Barratt York for their support. It is really good to know that there are people like Liz who are motivated to go to such lengths to help St Leonard’s.’
EASTER PICTURE MAKES £1000 IN CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR HOSPICE
13 August 2008
Christmas cards showing a snow scene at Warthill, east of York, that was taken on Easter Day have raised more than £1,000 for St Leonard’s Hospice.
Warthill resident Jack Hunter woke early on Easter Sunday 2007 – and seeing it had snowed he rushed out of his house with his camera to take pictures of the village before traffic and footsteps had spoiled the scene.
Later in the year he made some Christmas cards for the use of himself and his wife Audrey. They were seen by neighbours who asked for some too – and soon the whole village was ordering. Jack produced a book of sample pictures for people to choose the scene they wanted, and made the cards to order.
‘There were 22 different pictures,’ says Jack, ‘and we had more than 1000 orders. The most popular scenes were of the village pond and the church. We decided to give the proceeds to St Leonard’s as we’ve been supporters for a long time; the Hospice cared for our niece, so we know how well the patients are looked after.’
Sue Edwards, Fundraising Assistant at St Leonard‘s Hospice, says, ‘This was a wonderful idea of Jack’s , and has raised an amazing amount for our work. We are really grateful to him, and to everyone in Warthill who bought the cards at Christmas.’
VISIT YORK RAISES £800 FOR LOCAL CHARITY
13 August 2008
York’s tourism businesses dug deep into their pockets and raised £800 for St. Leonards Hospice at the 2008 Tourism Awards for Excellence, held at York Racecourse earlier this year.
Many of the city’s tourist attractions, guest houses, hotels, shops and restaurants took a gamble on the blackjack and spun the roulette wheel at the fundraising casino, which was part of this year’s tourism ‘Oscars’. The annual awards acknowledge and reward the successful endeavours of tourism businesses in the city.
Sister Agatha from the Bar Convent, who received the highly-prized 'Tourism Ambassador of the Year' award at the event presented the money to Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St. Leonards Hospice, at the Bar Convent.
The first-ever meeting to discuss having a hospice in York, which eventually resulted in St. Leonards Hospice, actually took place at the Bar Convent, so it was felt fitting to ask Sister Agatha to present this cheque. Sister Agatha, official Visit York Tourism Ambassador said, ‘What could be a greater privilege that to support St Leonard’s Hospice with this handsome cheque?’.
The Bar Convent has a long-standing relationship with the hospice movement. In 1815 the then Bishop of Dublin sent two girls to be trained as nuns at York’s Bar Covent. On returning to Ireland one, Mary Aikenhead,founded the Irish Sisters Charity, which in turn founded St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney London – thought to be the first hospice in England.
St. Leonard’s Hospice, which was founded in 1985, cares for local people with life threatening illness and for their families. In addition to the 21 beds for in-patients, it also has a Daycare unit. St. Leonard’s services are free of charge and the Hospice’s £2.8 million costs are met entirely by the generosity of the local community.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard's Hospice said ’St Leonard's is very grateful for this donation. The money raised will go directly to our work of helping local people and their families.' Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of Visit York, said, ‘We’re delighted to be presenting this cheque to St Leonard’s Hospice on behalf of York’s tourism industry; their work is invaluable to the city of York.’
WATES’ CYCLISTS DELIVER £11,000 TO HOSPICE
12 August 2008
A group of intrepid cyclists from Wates Construction has cycled across country from Bridlington to Blackpool to raise money for three charities, including York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
The bikers visited the Hospice to hand over £11,000 to St Leonard’s Hospice Mascot Lenny Bear and Hospice Community Fundraiser Roy Cole. They also presented the same amount to Marie Curie Cancer Care – and earlier they will had been at Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa with a cheque for them, too.
Organised by York man David Price, who is Commercial Manger for Wates Construction, working from its Leeds Office, the team of 27 cyclists included 19 Wates staff as well as riders from Wates’ suppliers. It also included the Head and Deputy Head of York’s Manor school – Wates are constructing the school’s new premises on Boroughbridge Road.
David Price says, ‘We chose our three charities because members of the team have personal connections with them – St Leonard’s cared for my mother and father, and I know how good their work is.’
Roy Cole says, ‘Everyone at St Leonard’s is really grateful to the Wates cyclists for their great effort in crossing the country from sea to sea, and for raising such a fantastic sum for our work and that of the other charities.’
ROCK AND POP STARS OF THE FUTURE IN CONCERT FOR THE HOSPICE
10 July 2008
Three young bands who are being coached at the School of Rock And Pop held weekly at Archbishop Holgate’s School in York are practising hard for a concert on 14 July that will raise finds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
The bands, all with members aged between 11 and 18, will play the best of contemporary rock and pop at the concert, which is being held at Archbishop Holgate’s, on Hull Road, starting at 7.30 pm.
The School of Rock and Pop, which is based in Darlington, aims to get young musicians out of their bedrooms and playing in a band. The weekly lessons help the musicians to make new friends and build confidence as they learn to play the songs they enjoy. The School offers tuition in a wide range of styles, from Reggae and Latin American to Ska and Heavy Metal. Over the academic year the students are exposed to and participate in classes in a wide variety of rock and pop styles.
Andrew Meadowcroft from the School of Rock and Pop says, ‘We have five other centres throughout the north, and each one has always raised money for their local hospice. We wanted to carry on that tradition in York as we know that St Leonard’s Hospice provides a fantastic service to the local community.’
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s, says, ‘We are delighted that the School’s first concert in York will be dedicated to the Hospice – we’re looking forward to a great evening, and we wish all the best to the young musicians.’
• Tickets for the concert on 14 July cost £3 and £2 and are available from students of the School of Rock and Pop – more information from 0845 234 0195 or www.schoolofrockandpop.com
AKASH’S TANDOORI NIGHT HELPS HOSPICE
4 July 2008
Akash Tandoori restaurant is offering diners a choice from anywhere on its menu – and charging just £8.95 for three courses – and it is extra-special because it raises funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
Barik Miah and his colleagues at the Akash Tandoori in North Street are holding a special fundraising evening for the Hospice on THURSDAY 10 JULY, charging just £8.95 for three courses. All the money paid by customers on the evening will be donated to the work of the Hospice.
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Akash Tandoori is one of the Hospice’s Corporate Patrons, and a regular supporter of our work. We are delighted that they are again running a special fund-raising evening for us. We know that diners will enjoy the restaurant’s dishes, and they will know that they are helping St Leonard’s at the same time.’
SCHOOL’S EFFORTS RAISE £2,000 FOR ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
26 June 2008
Pupils, parents and staff at St Olave’s School in York - the Junior School of St Peter’s School – have helped to raise £2,000 for St Leonard’s Hospice with a series of events that included a fundraising ball at the National Railway Museum and a Shopping Extravaganza evening.
Co-ordinated by St Olave’s Parent/Teachers Association, the fundraising efforts throughout the year have also included school fetes and fairs.
The Head of St Olave’s, Andy Falconer, says, ‘Helping our 350 pupils to realise that they have a moral obligation to help others when they can, is very important. We are very pleased with the amounts that have been raised this year and we hope they make a real difference to St Leonard’s Hospice and to the charities which we support.’ Iona Illingworth, Chair of the PTA, added, ‘Everyone has worked very hard to generate as much as possible – thank you to all involved.’
Sue Edwards of St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Team says, ‘St Olave’s School is one of our regular supporters, and we are very grateful that they have raised such a magnificent sum for us. Thank you to everyone!’
At the beginning of the summer holiday, a group of St. Olave’s teachers will be attempting to climb the highest peak of each of mainland Britain’s three countries as part of the Twenty-Four Hour National Three Peaks Challenge. They aim to raise money for Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa. Other beneficiaries of the school’s charity giving this year have been Svrljig - a charity for children in Serbia; the Yorkshire Air Ambulance; the RSPCA; Guide Dogs for the Blind and Barnardos.
HOTEL WEDDING FAIR HELPS ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
24 June 2008
A beautiful dress and a handsome groom are the two requisites for any bride – and the Wedding Fair at the Marriott Hotel on Tadcaster Road in York on Sunday 20 July in aid of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice will help with at least one of those.
The Fair, which will be open to the public from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm, will include lots of ideas for helping that special day to be perfect, including wedding dresses from Susan Forth Wedding Gowns of Selby.
Other exhibitors include wedding cake designers, photographers, florists, suit hire for the groom, best man and ushers, wedding cars, makers of wedding favours and suppliers of wedding accessories and stationery.
All money raised from the Wedding Fair will go to help St Leonard’s Hospice to provide care for patients and their families. Admission to the Fair is free.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says ‘Although we can’t perhaps, help with a handsome man, we can make sure that brides-to be have everything else they need for their special day. Our Wedding Fair at the Marriott is a brilliant opportunity to get inspiration for a wedding, and we are grateful to the staff of the Marriott and to all our exhibitors for their hard work and generous help.’
ALL SAINTS STUDENTS’ SWIMMING AND SILENCE FOR THE HOSPICE
23 June 2008
Students from Year 7 at All Saints School in York have taken to the water or stopped talking as they help to raise funds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
One hundred and seventy-five students took part in a Sponsored Swim, at the swimming pool of The Mount School in Dalton Terrace, or held an hour’s sponsored silence at All Saints.
The events were organised by Dave Guest, Head of Year 7 at the school, as part of the citizenship learning that the year-group undertakes each year. This year the two events raised a total of more than £1,700 for the Hospice, as part of the school’s continued charitable fundraising. Mr Guest sys, 'Thank you to all the parents, relatives and friends without whom the money would not have been donated.'
The school first started to collect funds for St Leonard’s in this way in 1994, and have raised more than £20,000 for the work of the Hospice.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Fourteen years of swimming and keeping silent for St Leonard’s is really amazing. We are very grateful to the school for their support over the years, and to all this year’s students who swam or were silent for us.’
SUNFLOWER TREE BLOOMS FOR HOSPICE IN ST HELEN’S SQUARE
17 June 2008
A ‘Sunflower Tree’ has sprung up in York’s St Helen’s Square to celebrate the work of St Leonard’s Hospice and to mark Hospice Awareness Month.
The 12-foot tree, supplied by Vertigrow Plant Nursery in Malton Road, York, is in the centre of the square, outside the Mansion House, for a week. From its branches hang sunflower shapes coloured by visitors to the Hospice’s Summer Fair at the beginning of June, by local children and by patients in the Hospice’s Daycare.
Since 1996, when the Hospice and local children created a giant sunflower on the Eye of York, St Leonard’s has celebrated the month of June with a sunflower display in the city centre. There have been sunflowers in York Minster, the Theatre Royal, the City Library and in the Art Gallery, as well as at the National Railway Museum. This is the first time since the original display that the sunflowers will be in the open air, and the ‘Sunflower Tree’ is attracting a great deal of attention.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘The eye-catching Sunflower Tree will help to let local people and visitors know about the work of St Leonard’s in a colourful, fun way. We are very grateful to Vertigrow for supplying the tree for us, to City of York Council for allowing us to “plant” it in St Helen’s Square, and to everyone who has coloured in the special sunflowers for us. We hope everyone enjoys it!’
'SUNBEAM’ COCKTAILS AT HOTEL DU VIN HELP HOSPICE ‘GO YELLOW’
12 June 2008
Bright yellow ‘Sunbeams’ are shining at York’s Hotel du Vin as guests order a new cocktail specially created to raise finds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
Barman Adrien Leuillier has created his ‘Sunbeam’ cocktail to mark Go Yellow month, which raises awareness of St Leonard’s by encouraging all things yellow – the colours of sunflowers, the Hospice’s symbol. It consists of rum, pineapple juice, banana, ginger liqueur and vanilla syrup and lives up to its sunny name.
Each ‘Sunbeam’ sold at £5.00 will see a donation of £3.00 going to the work of St Leonard’s Hospice in caring for local people with life-threatening illnesses. The new cocktail will be on sale throughout June.
Sophie Lemm, Regional Business Manager, Yorkshire, for Malmasion and Hotel du Vin, says, ‘The Hotel du Vin wanted to think of a way we could support this fantastic local charity during their ‘Go Yellow’ month, and a cocktail seemed the perfect idea. We always like to be involved in the events that St Leonard’s organises because of the amazing work the Hospice does.’
Hospice Community Fundraiser Victoria Perry says, ‘A sunny, fantastic-tasting cocktail is a perfect way to celebrate our Go Yellow month. We are very grateful to Hotel du Vin for its support and to Adrien for coming up with such a great drink. Try one as soon as possible – they’re brilliant!’
NESTLE BARS WILL HELP HOSPICE MIDNIGHT WALKERS
11 June 2008
Everyone who takes part in the first St Leonard’s Hospice Midnight Walk on 21 June will be able to keep their calorie levels topped up, thanks to a donation of cereal bars from Nestlé.
The company’s Customer Contact Centre Team Manager Vicky Whitelock, and Customer Relations Officer Gillian Liddell will visit the Hospice on THURSDAY 11 JUNE to hand over more than 500 cereal bars in flavours including Shreddies, Honey Nut and Nesquik to Hospice mascot Lenny Bear.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice says, ‘It’s important that our Midnight Walkers have plenty to keep them going on the 21 June, so we are very grateful to Vicky and Gillian, and all their colleagues at Nestlé, for donating these nutritious cereal bars. Now all we have to do is to stop Lenny from eating too many before the day!’
COLTON GARDENS AND ART HELP HOSPICE AND CHURCH
4 June 2008
The gardeners of Colton are hard at work preparing for one of the major events of the village’s year – the Open Gardens and Art Exhibition on 21 and 22 June in aid of Colton Church and St Leonard’s Hospice.
Five village gardens are opening to the public on both days from 10.00 to 4.30 pm. Among them is the garden of Martin Etherton at the Old Post Office. Since he moved to the village he has created a new alpine garden with a miniature railway running through it, which is expected to prove particularly popular with children. Admission is £3.00 for all five gardens, and there will be refreshments, books, plants and St Leonard’s Hospice gifts on sale.
The Art Exhibition, which takes place in St Paul’s Church, Colton, will be open throughout the weekend, from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm on both days. Admission is included with the fee for the gardens.
Evelyn Pennington, one of the organisers of the annual Colton Open Gardens, says, ‘My late husband Clifford died at St Leonard’s, and since I’ve remarried, my new husband Alan and I have raised thousands of pounds to help the Hospice.’
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are really pleased that Evelyn, Alan and their friends in Colton are once again opening their gardens and organising local artistic talent for this special weekend. June is Hospice Awareness Month, and we are delighted that the people of Colton are giving so generously to St Leonard’s.'
HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS HAVE TEA – WITH CAKES MADE BY VOLUNTEERS
4 June 2008
Volunteers from York’s St Leonard’s Hospice are being treated to afternoon tea at York’s Marriott Hotel to say thank you for all their hard work over the last year – and the cakes are being provided by the Marriott’s own volunteers.
This year, to mark National Volunteers Week, St Leonard’s has invited all of its volunteers to tea. There are currently more than 400 volunteers who support the Hospice, helping with everything from working in the wards or in Daycare to cooking, hairdressing , gardening, in our shops or with regular fundraising events. Last yaer they worked more than 20,000 hours for St Leonard’s.
This year the Marriott Hotel in Tadcaster Road is hosting the tea. It has its own team of volunteers who help in the community, and they offered to make the cakes to feed the 120 Hospice volunteers expected at the hotel.
Heather Marvin, Volunteers Services Manager at the Hospice, says ‘Volunteers have always been at the very heart of the Hospice Movement, and since St Leonard's opened in 1985 we have always had a regular and very loyal band who work in every aspect of the Hospice's life. This tea party is a chance to say a very big “Thank You” to them for all their hard work – and it is really good that the Marriott’s volunteers are helping us to celebrate!’
HOSPICE LUNCHEON CLUB INVITES PAST MEMBERS TO CELEBRATE 21 YEARS
4 June 2008
The Luncheon Club at St Leonard’s Hospice is celebrating its 21st birthday this year – and is marking the occasion with a ‘cuppa and a chat’ at the Hospice on Monday 9 June.
The Club, which started in 1987, not long after the Hospice was opened, meets at the Hospice each month to bring together people who have recently been bereaved. Members usually attend the monthly meetings for a short time after they are bereaved.
The organisers have issued an invitation to everyone who has been a member in the past to return for the reunion, which takes place in ‘The Stables Coffee Stop’ at the Hospice (the original Day Hospice building) from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm on 9 June.
June is Hospice Awareness month, and everyone is invited to wear something yellow – the colour of sunflowers, symbol of the Hospice Movement – to mark the occasion.
Rosemary Thompson, Bereavement Care Coordinator at St Leonard’s, says, ‘The Hospice Luncheon Club has “come of age” this year, so we’d like to welcome back as many of our former members as possible for the reunion this year. They may meet old friends and there will be the chance to talk and reminisce. And we hope they will wear something yellow to support the work of St Leonard’s.’
Booking is not needed for the reunion – just turn up. There is no parking at the Hospice except for people with mobility problems. Visitors are encouraged to use the Park and Ride bus to Askham Bar, opposite the Hospice on Tadcaster Road.
‘TIE A YELLOW RIBBON’ TO HELP ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
30 May 2008
Supporters of St Leonard’s Hospice are being invited to ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon’ to a special tree in the grounds of the Hospice to honour their loved ones and friends.
Remembering loved ones with a yellow ribbon has become an important part of many people’s lives. Throughout the month of June St Leonard’s offers everyone the chance to ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon’ on the tree on its Tadcaster Road site, in return for a donation to help its work of caring for local people. Yellow is the colour of hope and memory, and is a colour especially associated with the hospice movement.
Each yellow ribbon carries the name of the person honoured, and will be tied in place by one of the Hospice staff. The ribbons will remain on the tree throughout June, which is Hospice Awareness Month. Hospices throughout the country will be taking part in a campaign to increase awareness of their work.
To remember someone with a yellow ribbon ask for a leaflet from one of the Hospice shops in Acomb, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road and Tang Hall, from Hospice reception in Tadcaster Road or from St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre by calling 01904 77 77 77.
Helen Moreton, Community Fundraiser for St Leonard's Hospice, says, ‘A yellow ribbon is a very visible reminder of a loved one or a friend, and by making a donation to our work and having a yellow ribbon tied to our special tree, you will be making a positive contribution to our work of caring for local people.’
This year there is a special event for Hospice Awareness Month at St Leonard’s. On Saturday 21 June the Hospice is holding its first Midnight Walk on pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York, starting and finishing at York College on Sim Balk Lane. Walkers check in at York College between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm and set off at 12.00 midnight after a short warm-up. The Walk is led throughout. Everyone, of any age, is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times. There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00 – and everyone is being encouraged to get sponsorship. For more information call 01904 77 77 77
POCKLINGTON’S ‘BAYWATCH BIKERS’ TO RAISE FUNDS FOR HOSPICE
20 May 2008
Staff and members of the Francis Scaife Sports Centre in Pocklington are to pedal their bikes all the way to Filey and back to raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice in York.
Around 20 riders – calling themselves ‘The Baywatch Bikers’ – will set off on Saturday 19 July for the coast. Among them will be gym member Adele Shipley, whose mother was cared for by St Leonard’s.
Darren Jackson, Manager of the Francis Scaife Sports Centre and one of the riders, says, ‘We’ve done quite a few charity events through the gym before, and this time we wanted to raise money for a local charity. Adele’s mum died in the Hospice so we all wanted to do something for St Leonard’s to say thank you for all the care and support she received. St Leonard’s wasn’t just there for her mum, but for the whole family, too.’
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Biking more than 60 miles to raise funds for St Leonard’s will be no mean feat, and we hope that lots of people will sponsor ‘The Baywatch Bikers’ well as cheering them along on their journey! We are very grateful to them for coming up with this excellent idea, and we wish them the best possible weather for the ride.’
• Donations can be made on-line at www.justgiving,com/adeleshipley – or contact the Francis Scaife Sports Centre on 01759 305052.
SELBY INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION BALL HELPS THE HOSPICE
9 May 2008
Dancing the night away has helped Selby Industrial Association raise £1,350 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice.
Selby Industrial Association, which brings together companies in the Selby area to promote their mutual interests, held a Ball at The York Pavilion Hotel in November last year. Organised by John Readshaw, Ian Bithell and Bryan Cass, officers of the Association, the evening raised a total of £2,700. The Association has divided the proceeds between St Leonard’s Hospice and Martin House Hospice for Children
This is the second year in succession that the event has raised more than £1,000 for St Leonard’s, and John Readshaw, Ian Bithell and Bryan Cass went to the Hospice to hand over the cheque to Hospice cooks Taffeline Tough and Penny Deighton, who attended the Ball.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, says, ‘A great deal of the support for St Leonard’s comes from the Selby area, and we are really grateful that the members of Selby Industrial Association have once again helped us in our work of caring for local people and their families. ’
SEVERUS SOCIAL CLUB’S HOSPICE EVENING NETS £1000
28 April 2008
Generous members and friends of Severus Social Club in York’s Milner Street raised more than £1,000 at a special evening of entertainment and fundraising in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
The club lined up entertainers, including duo Flaming Pie, to perform at the club on Wednesday 16 April. An auction, which included a view of Captain Cook’s ship Endeavour in harbour painted by a Daycare patient at the Hospice, a snooker cue and dancing lessons, were among the fundraising events during the evening.
There was also a Grand Raffle with prizes donated by the club’s suppliers and by local businesses, including a Nestle hamper as well as a bingo session and other fundraising activities.
The evening raised £1,080 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice, and Hospice Volunteer Arthur Hattee will be at the Club to receive the donation, which will be used to help care for local people with life-threatening illnesses, and their families.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It was really generous of the Severus Social Club to arrange this special fundraising evening for us, and we are delighted that they have raised such a great sum of money. We know that everyone had a brilliant night and we thank them for giving so generously to our work.’
10,000 BEDDING PLANTS ON SALE AT HOSPICE
28 April 2008
Anyone looking for summer bedding plants should hurry along to St Leonard’s Hospice on Tadcaster Road in York on Saturday 3 May when 10,000 of them will be on sale to help Hospice funds.
The plants have been donated by HM Prison Wealstun at Thorpe Arch near Wetherby. As the prison is currently being upgraded they are not needed for displays this year, so David Jones, Learning and Skills Manager at the Prison, agreed with his colleagues to donate them to charity. As well as the 10,000 to St Leonard’s Hospice, a similar number is going to help Martin House Children’s Hospice.
The plant sale at St Leonard’s on Saturday is being run by the Hospice’s volunteer gardeners with the help of members of the York Ainsty Rotary Club. It opens at 10.00 am and finishes at 2.30 pm. Among the plants on sale will be marigolds, begonias, lobelia and antirrhinums.
Janet Morley. Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘With the weather about to really warm up – we hope! – now’s a good time to buy bedding plants to bring colour to your garden. And these plants from HMP Wealstun are beautifully grown and are bound to make a splash. We are really grateful to David and his colleagues for so generously donating all these plants to us – and to our volunteer gardeners and our friends from York Ainsty Rotary Club who are helping to sell them. All the money we raise will go directly to our work of helping local people who have life-threatening illnesses.’
BUTCHERS MEET TO HELP THE HOSPICE
23 April 2008
Three local butchers are donating bacon and sausages to help feed the many people who are supporting the Midnight Walk in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice in June.
After an appeal in The Press, Ged Bell Butchers of Middlethorpe Grove, J H Piercey Butchers of Gracious Street and M & K Butchers of Bishopthorpe Road have all offered meat for the barbecue that will feed the walkers after their six-and–a-half mile circular walk on 21 June. The walkers will also be able to warm up with tea and coffee supplied by Betty’s and Taylor’s of York,
The Midnight Walk, which follows pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York, starts and finishes at York College on Sim Balk Lane, not far from the Hospice. Walkers check in at York College between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm and set off at 12.00 midnight after a short warm-up. The Walk is led throughout. Everyone, of any age, is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times.
There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00 – and everyone is being encouraged to get sponsorship. All the proceeds will go towards the £2.75 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘There’s nothing better after a good walk than hot food, so we’re delighted that these three excellent local butchers have offered us supplies for our barbecue. It will really give us something to look forward to as we stride out on the Midnight Walk on 21 June!’
SOCIAL CLUB PUTS ON SPECIAL HOSPICE NIGHT
10 April 2008
A special evening of entertainment and fundraising is being planned by Severus Social Club in York’s Milner Street in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
The club has lined up entertainers, including duo Flaming Pie, to perform at the club on Wednesday 16 April. In addition, there will be an auction, which includes among its lots a painting of Captain Cook’s ship Endeavour in harbour, painted by a Daycare patient at the Hospice. Other lots include a snooker cue and dancing lessons.
A Grand Raffle offers the chance to win prizes donated by the club’s suppliers and by local businesses, including a Nestle hamper. There will also be a bingo session and other fundraising activities on the evening.
Non-members are welcome to the evening, from 7.30pm; members will be on hand to sign them in. Admission is free. There is on-street parking nearby.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s, says, ‘We are very grateful to the members of Severus Social Club for arranging this special evening in aid of the Hospice, to our long-term volunteer Arthur Hattee for helping with the arrangements and to everyone who has supplied lots for the auction and prizes – especially our Daycare patient who donated the wonderful picture of the Endeavour.’
ROB NEEDS FOOD TO COOK FOR MIDNIGHT WALK
4 April 2008
Rob Marshall is ready with his barbecue to feed the volunteers taking part in the first Midnight Walk in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice on 21 June – but so far he has nothing to cook.
So Rob is appealing to a local companies to see if anyone can offer bacon, sausages and bread to feed the expected 500 walkers as they complete their six-and–a-half mile circular walk following pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York.
The Midnight Walk starts and finishes at York College on Sim Balk Lane not far from the Hospice. Everyone, of any age, is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times. Rob’s wife Pat, who is the physiotherapist at St Leonard’s Hospice, will be taking part in the Walk, along with their dog Missey.
‘I’m looking forward to cooking for the hungry walkers as they return from the walk,’ says Rob, but there’ll be nothing for them to tuck into unless a generous local company offers help – we’d all be really grateful to them.’
The Hospice’s Midnight Walk starts with walkers checking in at York College between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. After a after a short warm-up they set off at 12.00 midnight. The Walk is led throughout. There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00 – and everyone is being encouraged to get sponsorship. All the proceeds will go towards the £2.6 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Rob is really keen to make sure that the walkers are fed properly after their Midnight adventure. We know that there are lots of supportive companies out there who could offer food for him to cook – please give us a ring if you can help!’
• If you can offer food for the Midnight Walk Barbecue, contact Donna on 01904 77 77 77.
• Entry forms for the St Leonard’s Hospice Midnight Walk are available on the Hospice’s website – www.stleonardshospice.org.uk – by calling the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77, from reception at the Hospice on Tadcaster Road and at The Press in Walmgate.
BREAST UNIT FACES PEAKS CHALLENGE TO RAISE HOSPICE FUNDS
3 April 2008
Six friends from the Breast Unit Team at York District Hospital are challenging themselves and raising funds for St Leonard’s Hospice by attempting the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
The team, organised by Jackie Frazer and with the support of colleagues, will set out on 28 June and hope to tackle Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent within 12 hours to win a coveted Three Peaks certificate. They are encouraging friends, relatives, colleagues and the public to sponsor them, with the funds going to the work of St Leonard’s.
Helen Moreton from the Hospice’s Fundraising team says, ‘Jackie and her colleagues are already in training for this great challenge, and I know they are looking forward to it. We are very grateful to them for offering to do the Three Peaks for St Leonard’s, and we wish them good luck and good weather on 28 June.’
Anyone who would like to sponsor Jackie and her team from the Breast Unit can contact the Hospice’s Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
AGE GAP NO PROBLEM FOR FAMILY TACKLING MIDNIGHT WALK
1 April 2008
Three generations of the same family are taking part in the Midnight Walk for St Leonard’s Hospice – with 50 years separating their ages.
Seven-year-old Holly Hankin will join her mother Sam (37) and her grandmother, 57-year-old Maureen Cox on the Walk, which takes place on the longest Day – Saturday 21 June. Maureen and Sam run Fringes Hair Salon in Middlethorpe Grove in York.
‘We thought a Midnight Walk was a bit different, and we want to help raise lots of money for St Leonard’s’, says Sam. ‘We hope to get as many people as we can to sponsor us.’
The Midnight Walk starts and finishes at York College on Sim Balk Lane not far from the Hospice. The organisers hope that around 500 walkers will take part – though there will be room for more! Everyone, of any age, is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Walkers will check in at York College between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. After a short warm-up the six-and–a-half mile circular walk begins at 12.00 midnight, following pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York. It will be led throughout. There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00 – and everyone is being encouraged to get sponsorship. All the proceeds will go towards the £2.6 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It’s great that Holly, Sam and Maureen are all keen to do the Midnight Walk together. We know that it will be a great adventure, and we are sure that lots of people are already looking forward to it very keenly.’
GUY’S EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY BASH HELPS THE HOSPICE
18 March 2008
When Guy Jefferson celebrated his 80th birthday recently he received no gifts – but all his friends and relations made generous donations to York’s St Leonard’s Hospice instead.
Guy and his wife June will visit the Hospice on TUESDAY 18 MARCH to hand over almost £1,100 to Community Fundraiser Donna Woodman. This is the second time Guy and June have helped St Leonard’s in this way – they also asked for donations instead of gifts for their Golden Wedding anniversary.
Almost 80 people attended Guy’s birthday party at York’s Ramada Fairfield Manor Hotel, where they were entertained by organist and singer Martin Hewitt, a friend of the Jeffersons. June also arranged a surprise for Guy – a ‘This is your Life’ presentation, telling the story of his 80 years.
‘It was a lovely event,’ says June, ‘and it was good to see so many friends. We are very pleased to have been able to raise so much for the Hospice – we have both had friends who have benefited from its care.’
Donna Woodman says, ‘It’s really thoughtful of Guy and June to remember the work of St Leonard’s in this very special way. Their friends and family have been very generous – a tribute to Guy and a lovely way of marking his birthday.’
CHARITY DONATIONS HELPS ST LEONARD’S
13 March 2008
Bereaved people attending services at York Crematorium have been generous in giving to charities – and York’s St Leonard’s Hospice is benefiting.
The crematorium’s Bereavement Service Manager, Neil Milsted, will visit the Hospice to hand over a cheque for £600 to Hospice Community Fundraiser Victoria Perry. The donation is one of the national and local charities that are benefiting from collections at the crematorium over the last 18 months.
Neil Milsted says, ‘St Leonard’s Hospice has been a beneficiary of these collections for the last few years as it is a charity that’s local to the citizens of York.’
Thanking Neil for the donation, Victoria says, ‘It is really good to know that when people are saying farewell to their loved ones, they are moved to make a donation to charity at the same time. We are very grateful to them and to Neil and his colleagues for their continued support for the work of St Leonard’s.’
HOSPICE RECEPTIONIST WENDY FIRST ON LIST FOR MIDNIGHT WALK
11 March 2008
Walkers are already signing up for the first-ever Midnight Walk in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice – and Hospice receptionist Wendy Kirkham and her friend Barbara Bright were the first two to add their names to the list.
The Walk, which takes place on the longest Day – Saturday 21 June – starts and finishes at York College on Sim Balk Lane. Wendy, who has worked on reception at St Leonard’s for seven years, says, ‘I love working at the Hospice – I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. I feel privileged to work there, so I’m looking forward to the challenge of the Midnight Walk and to helping to give something back by raising funds to help our work.’
Following the lead of Wendy and Barbara, lots of people have already returned registration forms. The organisers hope that around 500 walkers will take part – though there will be room for more! Everyone is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Walkers will check in at York College on Sim Balk Lane, not far from the Hospice, between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. There will be a short warm-up before the six-and–a-half mile circular walk begins at 12.00 midnight. The walk follows pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York and will be led throughout.
There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00. The Hospice is encouraging everyone to be sponsored and to raise as much money as they can. All the proceeds will go towards the £2.6 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It’s great that so many people have already sent in their forms to take part in the Walk – and that Wendy and Barbara led the way! We are really grateful to everyone, and we look forward to a really exciting event on 21 June.’
FIRST-TIME FASHION SHOW HELPS HOSPICE – AND THE ENVIRONMENT
11 March 2008
For the first time, all six of St Leonard’s Hospice’s shops are coming together to present a special fashion show at the Hospice in Tadcaster Road – and everything, including bridal gowns and outfits for proud mothers, is for sale.
The show, on Monday 21 April, will feature a wide selection of top-quality clothes, handbags and shoes from the stock of the shops at Acomb, Burton Stone Lane, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road and Tang Hall. They will be modelled by shop customers and volunteers.
The Daycare area of the Hospice is being made available for the show, which features clothes for all occasions. Tickets, which are available at all the Hospice shops or from St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77 cost £3.50 and include light refreshments. The doors open at 7.00 pm, and the show begins at 7.30 pm. All proceeds go towards the work of St Leonard’s.
Helen Moreton, Retail Manager for St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Some of our shops have had their own fashion shows before, but this is the first time they have all worked together on one event. There are some wonderful clothes available, many of them practically new, and we know there will be a lot of interest in buying them after the show. Purchasers, both at the show and in our shops, know that they are helping St Leonard’s Hospice – and they are also helping the environment, so everyone benefits!’
JULIE TO RUN LONDON MARATHON FOR ST LEONARD’S
29 February 2008
Julie McDonald, whose partner Jamie Sharp works at J Rymer Funeral Services, is running the London Marathon to help the company’s year-long fundraising for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice – and Hospice mascot Lenny Bear has been helping her to train.
J Rymer, which is based at Penleys Grove Street in York, has chosen St Leonard’s Hospice as its Charity of the Year. Julie, who has run the London Marathon a couple of times before, agreed to help with their fundraising efforts by running for the Hospice this year. In return J Rymer are going to kit out Julie with new running gear. ‘A friend of mine was cared for in St Leonard’s recently,’ Julie says, ‘and it brought home to me what a good job the Hospice does, so I should like to raise as much as possible for its work.’
Jamie and their six-month-old daughter Poppy are encouraging Julie in her training, and will be in London on Sunday 13 April to cheer her on.
Victoria Perry, Corporate Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘J Rymer has supported the Hospice for a long time now, and we are delighted that they have chosen St Leonard’s as their Charity of the Year this year. We are thrilled that Julie is tackling the London Marathon on our behalf, and we hope that lots of people will support her with sponsorship.’
• To sponsor Julie in the London Marathon go to www.justgiving.com/juliemcdonald, or call into J Rymer in Penleys Grove Street
FLOWER EVENING RAISES HOSPICE FUNDS
25 February 2008
A sell-out evening with expert flower artist George Smith MBE for Acomb Flower Guild raised £555 towards the work of St Leonard’s Hospice, and the same amount for the Anthony Nolan Trust, last November.
The Guild’s Chairman, Margaret Best, presented the money to Hospice Volunteer Cyril Reynolds at its recent meeting in Acomb Church Hall. Each year the Chairman chooses which charities the Guild will support.
‘It was a really good evening, with every seat sold – in fact George Smith joked that the tickets must have been changing hands on the black market! Some of our members have been cared for by St Leonard’s, so it was very appropriate that we should support the Hospice this year,’ says Mrs Best’
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘George Smith has supported St Leonard’s for a long time, and he was one of our Millennium Appeal Patrons. We are very pleased that the members of Acomb Flower Guild had such a good time watching him create some of his wonderful flower arrangements – and we are really grateful to them for supporting our work so generously.’
COLLEGE GETS GEARED UP FOR HOSPICE’S MIDNIGHT WALK
22 February 2008
Staff and students of York College are gearing up to help hundreds of walkers tackle the first-ever Midnight Walk in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
The Walk, which takes place on the longest Day – Saturday 21 June – starts and finishes at York College on Sim Balk Lane and the College is supporting the Hospice by offering its facilities at the beginning and end, and providing volunteers to help staff the route and run the event.
Walkers will check in at the College between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. There will be a short warm-up before the six-and–a-half mile circular walk begins at 12.00 midnight. The walk follows pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York and will be led throughout.
The organisers hope that around 500 walkers will take part – though there will be room for more! Everyone is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times.
There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00. The Hospice is encouraging everyone to be sponsored and to raise as much money as they can. All the proceeds will go towards the £2.6 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.
Sophie Burr, Post-16 Progression Coordinator at York College, says, ‘The College is very pleased to be able to offer support to our neighbours at St Leonard’s Hospice on this very special walk. For the past two years the Hospice has been the chosen charity for many student volunteers. The College runs a valuable enrichment programme alongside the curriculum and seeing students working in the local community in this way is part of our long-term commitment. Our students want to give something back to the wider community.’
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Everyone at York College has been brilliant as we’ve been setting up our first Midnight Walk. We are really grateful to them, and we look forward to welcoming lots of walkers on 21 June.’
TV PRESENTER HELPS HOSPICE PILOT NATIONAL CLEAN HANDS CAMPAIGN
20 February 2008
BBC Look North’s Harry Gration is helping St Leonard’s Hospice highlight its pioneering work in encouraging hand hygiene for healthcare workers to help prevent the spread of infections.
St Leonard’s is one of two hospices in England where ‘cleanyourhands’, a voluntary national campaign, is being piloted. Launched in 2004, ‘cleanyourhands’ has already been adopted by all NHS acute trusts in England and Wales. It is now being extended to primary care, mental health care and ambulance trusts as well as care homes and hospices.
There is a display in the Hospice about the campaign, as well as posters and information for patients that explain the campaign, which is designed to educate and inform healthcare workers about why, when and how to clean their hands. It also provides information for patients about how they can encourage good hand hygiene by the people looking after them.
Sue Spence, Director of Clinical Care at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are proud of our strict regime of hand hygiene and infection control at St Leonard’s. We are pleased to be able to use our expertise in helping other hospices and healthcare organisations to implement the ‘cleanyourhands’ campaign and procedures, and we are delighted that Harry has been able to give his support to our work.’
‘THE STABLES’ CALLS FOR HELP TO OPEN EXTRA DAYS
15 February 2008
The call has gone out from ‘The Stables’, St Leonard’s Hospice’s popular ‘coffee stop’, for extra volunteers to join its friendly team and help increase the opening hours.
Based in the former stables of the house that once stood on the Hospice site in Tadcaster Road, opposite the Askham Bar Park & Ride, ‘The Stables’ building has been refurbished with sofas as well as café-style tables and chairs. It has a display of old photographs showing the conversion of the building when the Hospice took it over the 1980s.
‘The Stables’, which is open to everyone, serves light refreshments, including delicious home-made scones, cakes, sandwiches and toasted teacakes. Soup is also available, along with freshly-made tea and coffee. All the proceeds from the ‘Coffee Stop’ go towards the work of St Leonard’s Hospice in caring for local people who have life-threatening illnesses.
It is currently open from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and is staffed by volunteers. The Hospice would like to extend the opening hours soon and is looking for more willing helpers. Anyone who can offer a couple of hours during the week will be made very welcome. Please call Hospice Community Fundraiser Judith Wilson on 01904 77 77 77 for more details.
Judith says, ‘The Stables has been a very popular place to meet and eat ever since we opened. Now we want to increase our openings so that the Hospice’s visitors, patients and staff – and anyone who wants to call in – can call more often. We should welcome all offers of help; our volunteers are a friendly crew, and everyone is keen to raise as much as possible for the vital work of the Hospice.’
HOSPICE’S LENNY BEAR SENDS OUT HIS GIANT EASTER EGGS
14 February 2008
St Leonard’s Hospice mascot Lenny Bear is busy dispatching 120 large Easter eggs to pubs, clubs, shops offices and organisations to help the Hospice raise funds.
Now in its seventh year, the Hospice’s Easter Egg competition has already proved a success around the area. This year there are two sizes of chocolate eggs to be won – very large and large, to suit different places, and all 120 have already been ordered.
The eggs will be on display at each venue, and to enter the competition players choose one of the numbered squares on the game board – there are either 100 squares or 50, depending on the egg’s size. Each square costs £1, and the name and phone number of the player are entered on the square they choose. When all the squares are full, the winning number, which has been chosen at random and placed in a sealed envelope, is revealed.
Jean Cross of St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising team, says, ‘Lenny Bear and I are delighted that so many people have agreed to take one of our special Easter Eggs and are helping the Hospice in this fun way. The eggs are beautifully decorated – and they have enough chocolate to keep anyone happy over Easter! Look out for them around the area – and you may win one. ’
PARSONAGE WEDDING FAIR GOES TO GREAT LENGTHS TO HELP HOSPICE
5 February 2008
Every bride needs to make a bold statement on her wedding day – and nothing is bolder than a stretch limousine.
There is the chance to try one at the Wedding Fair at the Parsonage Hotel, Escrick, on Sunday 17 February when Marie and Mike Duffy from White Stretch Limousines in Selby will be on hand to explain all the features of their very special vehicle to brides and grooms.
The Wedding Fair, which is being held in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice, also includes everything else a bride and groom might need for the great day, including bridal wear, balloons, flowers, photographers and stationer.
Everyone is welcome to the Fair, which is open from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. During the day there will be special fashion shows of bridal gowns by Susan Forth Wedding Gowns of Selby and ‘I do’ Bridal House of Tadcaster.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Arriving at your wedding in a fabulous stretch limo is something many brides dream of – and the Wedding Fair at The Parsonage Hotel gives you the chance to try one out for size! The Parsonage is a lovely venue and we are grateful to the hotel staff and to all the exhibitors for taking part. We know it will be a great day, and it will help brides-to-be and their fiancés to decide just what they need for their wedding.’
UNIVERSITY JAZZ QUARTET TO PLAY AT SELL-OUT HOSPICE SUNFLOWER BALL
4 February 2008
Revellers at the Hospice Sunflower Ball, being held at York Racecourse on 26 April, will have the sounds of jazz to encourage them to dance, thanks to the York University Jazz Quartet, which is playing during the evening at the reception and in the casino.
Quartet leader Zezo Olimpio and his musicians will be just one of the highlights at the Sunflower Ball, which is held every two years and is one of the major fundraising events for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice. In 2006 the event raised more than £50,000. It is organised for the Hospice by a dynamic committee of volunteers – and this year they have already sold all the tickets – more than 500 of them – four months before the event.
To ensure that the Ball raises as much as possible for the Hospice, the Committee is still looking for extra sponsorship and for top-quality prizes for the auction and Tree of Life. Anyone who can help should contact St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘The energy and enthusiasm of the Ball Committee are unbounded– and to have sold all the Ball tickets already is nothing short of amazing. We are really grateful to them for all their hard work, and to Zezo and his colleagues for agreeing to play at the event. It is sure to be a fabulous evening.’
HOSPICE SHOPS OFFER FREE BAGS AND DISCOUNT WITH CHOOSE2REUSE
11 January 2008
St Leonard's Hospice has joined forces with the City of York Council and North Yorkshire County Council as they launch their Choose2Reuse campaign in Parliament Street, York on Monday 14th January.
The aims of the Choose2Reuse Campaign are to improve the quality of goods that are given to charity shops, to encourage more people to buy pre-owned goods and to increase the number of volunteers in charity shops. The campaign also hopes to get people to re-think the way they dispose of their unwanted items.
The York launch of the campaign, on Monday 14 January, will see ‘Green Santa’ in Parliament Street encouraging people to bring him unwanted Christmas gifts, which will then be distributed to participating organisations.
Choose2Reuse pledge cards will be given to customers at the shops and at the launch of the campaign. Each time they buy something or make a donation of goods to sell, they will have the card initialled in one of three circles. When all three circles have been initialled, the customer will be entitled to a free re-usable bag (whilst stocks last) and 10% off their purchase at the St. Leonard's Hospice shop. Anyone who volunteers to work in one of the shops will also receive a bag.
The scheme is being offered at the St. Leonard's Hospice shops, in Acomb, Burton Stone Lane, Haxby, Tang Hall and Scarcroft Road. It has also been extended to the Hospice's Pocklington shop.
Helen Moreton, Retail Manager for St. Leonard's, says, 'We're really pleased that North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council have got together to help promote the concept of recycling and of donating good-quality goods to charity. We have been working hard to encourage people to give us goods to sell and raise funds for our work of caring for local people - through this campaign we look forward to welcoming lots of new customers, donors and volunteers!'
HOTEL WEDDING FAIR HELPS ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
9 January 2008
A sparkling Bentley is just one of the ways in which a special Wedding Fair at the Marriott Hotel on Tadcaster Road in York on Sunday 20 January will help brides-to-be and their grooms – and York’s St Leonard’s Hospice as well.
The Fair, which will be open to the public from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm, will include lots of ideas for helping that special day to be perfect, including wedding cars from Executive Bentley of Howden. Other exhibitors include wedding cake designers, photographers, florists, makers of wedding favours and suppliers of wedding accessories and stationery. There is also the chance to hear the musicians of the Key Largo Trio and of Gourmet Opera.
Special bridal fashion shows by Elizabeth of York and York Hire Wear will take place at 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm.
All money raised from the Wedding Fair will go to help St Leonard’s Hospice to provide care for patients and their families. Admission to the Fair is free.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says ‘Getting to the church on time is vital for a wedding, so Ian and his Bentley will be high on the list for brides-to-be and their fiancés when they visit our Wedding Fair at the Marriott. It’s a brilliant opportunity to get inspiration for a wedding, and we are grateful to the staff of the Marriott and to all our exhibitors for their hard work and generous help.’
BAGS OF HIGH-FLYING SUPPORT FOR HOSPICE FROM ASDA
7 January 2008
York’s ASDA store has been giving St Leonard’s Hospice bags of help over the last few months, with four staff members undertaking a parachute jump for the charity and the Monks Cross store inviting the Hospice to hold a ‘Bag-Packing Bonanza’ with York College students and staff from the Defence Vetting Agency, Coutney’s Gym, The Helmsley Group and from the Hospice itself, packing people’s shopping for them in the busy run up to Christmas.
The parachuting staff – Sharon Maw, Claire Wood, Liam Busby and Mick Frain – jumped at the Joint Services Parachute Centre at Netheravon in Wiltshire. They were driven there by Jacky Allen, the Events Coordinator at ASDA Monks Cross, and were terribly lost on the way!
They jumped in tandem with serving and former members of the Parachute Regiment – Claire’s partner was one of the Red Devils. Two of the ASDA staff loved their jump – especially Mick Frain, who enjoyed it so much he's taken up parachuting and hopes to become an instructor! The two others – who were the bravest beforehand – were the most nervous when their names were called!
Final figures have yet to be totted up, but the team hopes to make a good sum in sponsorship to add to almost £1,250 that the bag-packing volunteers raised from shoppers’ generous donations during their day and a half of bag-packing.
Jacky Allen says, ‘Cancer is something which can touch anybody. There is no-one who doesn't know someone who has got it, has had it or is recovering from it, whether it's work colleagues, family or friends – so we couldn't think of a more worthwhile charity to benefit from this event than St Leonard's Hospice.’
Hospice Fundraiser Victoria Perry, who received the money, says, ‘We are really grateful to the intrepid ‘ASDA Four’ who willingly threw themselves out of an aeroplane for us, and to the store at Monks Cross for so generously allowing us to collect on two of the busiest days before Christmas.’
HOSPICE CAROL SERVICE IN GUILDHALL
21 December 2007
The Carol Service for St Leonard's Hospice took place in York's Guildhall on Thursday 20 December, with 200 people present. There were contributions from New Generation Singing Group, West Thorpe Methodist Choir and Soprano Amanda Crawley, who was accompanied by Jo Peach. The piano was played by Sheila Winpenny and the readers were the Hospice's Medical Director Dr Sarah Anderson and the Retail Manager Helen Moreton. The service was led by Hospice Chaplain the Rev'd Andrew Pearse.
ST LEONARD’S SHARES BEREAVEMENT EXPERTISE WITH COUNTY’S ADVISERS
13 December 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice has been training Parent Support Advisers and Home School Support Workers throughout North Yorkshire to support children, parents and carers with family bereavement.
The 50 Advisers throughout the county support young people, parents and carers to promote the development of positive family and school relationships. Advisers work in partnership with schools, teachers, other school staff and outside agencies, to ensure children and young people gain the most from their educational opportunities, by overcoming barriers to learning, improving attendance and reducing exclusions. This is achieved through the delivery of parenting support and individual work with young people. A recent survey among the Advisers identified the need for them to be trained to help children and families who are bereaved. North Yorkshire County Council’s Education and Social Work Team, which oversees the work of the Parent Support Advisers, approached St Leonard’s to set up the training days.
St Leonard’s, which has cared for patients and families from York and the surrounding area for more than 20 years, has wide experience in helping children and families to come to terms with the loss of a close family member. The course was run by the Hospice’s Bereavement Care Coordinator, Rosemary Thompson, Sue Spence, Director of Clinical Services and Viv Blacker, Hospice Social Worker.
Stuart Davidson, Home/School Support Work Manager for North Yorkshire County Council, says, ‘The training days run by St Leonard’s were extremely valuable to the Parent Support Advisers and Home School Support Workers. The knowledge and experience they have gained will enable the team to support young people and their families at an early stage, identiify and help prevent bereavement issues becoming a barrier in their lives. Parent Support Advisers and Home School Support Workers are an important resource within North Yorkshire’s Early Intervention and Parenting Strategy. It was tremendous to work in partnership with St Leonard’s, and we hope to be able to run future courses with the Hospice for other Education Social Workers and school based staff.’
Martyn Callaghan, Chief Executive of St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are delighted to be able to use our expertise to provide the training in bereavement matters with children and families. It is part of the long-standing commitment to training and education that has been part of our ethos since the Hospice opened in 1986, and we look forward to working closely with the County Council in the future.’
CONCERT BAND HELPS THE HOSPICE
7 December 2007
York Concert Band is performing Christmas music and novelty items in Poppleton Community Centre at 7.30 on SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER, with proceeds going to York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
They will be joined by children from Poppleton Ousebank Primary School. There will be seasonal readings interspersed with the music.
Tickets cost £6.00 (children £3.00) and can be bought at Poppleton Community Centre, Upper Poppleton Post Office, by telephoning 01904 794784 or on the door.
GIVE VIRTUALLY THIS CHRISTMAS AND HELP THE HOSPICE
4 December 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice has come up with the perfect gift for those awkward-to-buy-for people who seem to have everything – virtual gifts that help other local people.
The Hospice is offering Virtual Gift Vouchers that come with their own festive cards, in £5, £10, £20, £50 or £100 denominations. Each voucher sold is a donation for that amount towards the work of St Leonard’s in caring for local people with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at the Hospice, says, ‘More and more people like to make a donation to their favourite charity at Christmas instead of buying gifts – so we’ve decided to offer them the chance to help St Leonard’s with our ‘virtual gifts’. The recipient will get a voucher in an attractive card, and will know that the funds are going directly to help patients here. Of course, we still offer small gifts like jewellery, candles and small toys as well, so there’s something for everyone. Christmas is a time for giving, and there’s no better gift than to help people who need our specialist care.’
• The ‘virtual gift’ vouchers are available from the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77 and for personal callers from Hospice reception.
'LIGHT UP A LIFE' TREE IS DEDICATED
3 December 2007
The 2007 'Light up a Life' Christmas tree of lights was dedicated at a short service in St Helen's Square on Sunday
2 December. Despite heavy rain a large crowd gathered to hear the choir of St Wilfrid's RC Primary School sing two carols, and everyone joined in to sing 'Once in Royal David's City' and 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' to the accompaniment of members of the University of York Concert Band. St Leonard's 
Hospice is very grateful to them, and to everyone for turning up on such a wet evening!
The tree remains in place until Twelfth Nifht, 6 January 2008. There is till time to sponsor a light on the tree to shine in honour of a loved one or a friend.
MARRIOTT STAFF HAND OVER CHALLENGE FUNDS
29 November 2007
Intrepid staff at York’s Marriott Hotel have raised more than £450 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice by scaring themselves and conquering their fears in a series of team-building challenges.
The Hospice teamed up with Camp Hill in Bedale, the UK’s leading single-site provider of team-building and corporate event programmes, in a unique one-day Business Challenge in September, under the title ‘Say you Dare!’ The Marriott Hotel team, along with teams from other companies across York, took part in a series of activities including mud buggies, blindfold driving and the Skywalk.
Although the Marriott team conspicuously did not come in first in the Challenge, the organisers at Camp Hill said that they were ‘the most fun team’ they had ever worked with! The team raised sponsorship from colleagues and friends.
Receiving the money from the Marriott team, Victoria Perry, Hospice Corporate Fundraiser, who organised the ‘Say you Dare’ event, says, ‘The Marriott team was absolutely brilliant, and really entered into the spirit of the day. We are very grateful to them, and to all the teams that took part, for their hard work and enthusiasm, and for raising funds for our work.’
• Another ‘Say You Dare’ Challenge is planned for 2008. Any businesses that are interested can contact Victoria Perry on 01904 77 77 77.
BECCI'S WEDDING HELPS HOSPICE
28 November
When Becci Griffiths married Paul Redmond on Saturday 29 September, she asked for donations to charity instead of gifts, in memory of her grandmother, who was cared for in the Hopsice. She rasied £1,200.24 - an amount that was matched by Drax Power Station where Paul works.
At the wedding Becci said, 'Sadly, the one member of my family who would have loved to see us standing here today would be my Nan. My Nan lived a simple life, to a simple code. The code was this. When things were good in our lives she felt our happiness, pride, laughter and warmth. When things were difficult for us she felt our sadness, carried our pain, and walked the path with us. My Nan never knew jealousy, competition, gloating or self obsession. She only knew fairness, gentleness, loyalty and gratefulness. A simple code yet a priceless one. Please let this be our marriage code.'
HOSPICE CHRISTMAS TREE ARRIVES IN YORK’S CITY CENTRE
20 November 2007
York’s city centre Christmas Tree, which this year will be raising funds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice, has been put in place in St Helen’s Square.
For the first time the Hospice’s ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas Tree, which each year raises much-needed funds for the work of St Leonard’s, will be outside in the city centre. Each light on the tree is sponsored to honour loved ones and friends.
The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Irene Waudby, was in St Helen’s Square with Hospice representatives to see the tree lowered into place outside the Mansion House. The 30-foot tree, from the Castle Howard Estate, will be lit from 22 November until Twelfth Night, 6 January 2008. There will be a short Service of Dedication around the Tree at 5.00 pm on Sunday 2 December, with carols and readings, at which everyone is welcome.
The Lord Mayor says 'I am delighted to be able to offer my support to St Leonard's Hospice and the Christmas Tree in St Helen's Square. This is a special time to remember friends and family, and I know I shall take great pleasure from looking out onto the decorations in the square this year,’
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Christmas is a time when we remember our family and friends, and our Light up a Life Christmas Tree is a very special way of honouring them. We are delighted that the City of York Council and York City Centre Partnership have so readily agreed to let the tree that traditionally stands in St Helen’s Square be dedicated to our use this Christmas.’
HOSPICE PASSES CHARITY WINNING POST WITH TOTE DONATION
7 November 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice came in the winner as Tote staff from around the country contributed to the charity at York Racecourse’s Ebor Meeting, raising £1500.
York Racecourse regularly offers free tickets for Tote’s North East Area staff. This year, Area Manager Sue Gordon decided to use the gift to raise funds for a local charity. Staff were asked to pay £5 per ticket. Staff decided among themselves which charity to support, with St Leonard’s Hospice ahead by a length.
Sue Gordon says, ‘Everyone at Tote in York is aware of the work of St Leonard’s, so we are very pleased to be able to support such an important local charity that benefits the community.’
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It’s a sure bet that our patients will benefit directly from the generosity of Tote staff, and we are very grateful indeed for this wonderful support.
The Tote is one of the main betting organisations in Britain. It has more than 4,000 employees, 160 of whom work in York. It has more than 540 shops and a presence on all 59 racecourses in Britain, as well as offering internet and telephone betting facilities.
CRABTREE AND EVELYN’S FUN DAY HELPS THE HOSPICE
6 November 2007
There’s a chance to choose lots of Christmas gifts and help a local charity on Friday 9 November when the Crabtree and Evelyn store in York’s St Helen’s Square hosts a Charity Fun Day in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
During the day the store is offering the chance to win a range of top prizes in a special raffle. There will be demonstrations, including special hand therapies and nibbles will be available for customers. Staff from St Leonard’s will be in the store, with a range of Hospice Christmas cards and calendars for purchase too.
All Crabtree and Evelyn purchases can be gift wrapped free of charge on the day. The company is giving 10 per cent of the day’s takings to St Leonard’s Hospice.
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Everyone is always pleased to receive gifts from Crabtree and Evelyn’s range, so when there’s the chance to buy your Christmas Presents and help St Leonard’s Hospice at the same time, everyone’s a winner! We are very grateful to store manager Nicola Kew and her staff for organising this special day for us.’
KIT KAT CRESCENT CASH HELPS HOSPICE
2 November 2007
York City played host to St Leonard’s Hospice for a special Hospice Awareness Evening in October, to which children from two local primary schools were invited – and now the club has played the return leg with a visit to the Hospice to hand over funds collected at the event.
Pupils from Tang Hall Primary School and Westfield Primary School joined Hospice mascot Lenny Bear at Kit Kat Crescent to watch the match against Stafford Rangers. Helping during the evening were staff from the Coppergate branch of Body Shop and from Barratt York. They collected donations from fans as they entered the ground.
The children were briefed by York City Community Coaches and met some of the players. With the help of Lenny Bear they paraded around the ground and formed a Guard of Honour as the players ran onto the pitch. At half time they played games on the pitch with the Coaches, and enjoyed an encounter between Lenny and York City’s mascot Yorky the Lion. They all agreed though that the best bit of the night was watching York City win!
York City Manager Billy McEwan and Club Secretary Nick Bassett will visit the Hospice on FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER to hand over the more than £400 collected on the night and to meet staff and patients in the Hospice’s Daycare.
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We had a brilliant night at Kit Kat Crescent with York City FC and we know that the children really enjoyed themselves. We are grateful to everyone at the Club, and Body Shop and Barratt York for their great support, and to all the fans for their generous donations.
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK VISITS ST. LEONARD’S HOSPICE
1 November 2007
The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, has visited St. Leonard’s Hospice to meet patients and staff and see the care that the Hospice offers to people with life-threatening illnesses.
This was the first official visit to the Hospice by Dr. Sentamu, who is President of St. Leonard’s. He met the Chairman of the Hospice’s Trustees, Dr. Peter Kennedy, and spent time with the day-care patients, who come to the Hospice each week for both practical help and social relaxation. He was then shown round the in-patient unit by Sue Spence, Director of Clinical Care. He spent time with patients, families and staff.
Dr. Sentamu said: ‘Hospice care is about provi
ding a good listening friend for the journey. It is help for our fears and feelings of uncertainty. It’s also about addressing our wholeness; we need spiritual, social and medical care. For the army of volunteers, the doctors, the nurses and for all those who share the benefit of their expertise to help alleviate pain and suffering of patients and their families – I give thanks today.’
Martyn Callaghan, Chief Executive of St. Leonard’s 
Hospice, said: ‘We were delighted to welcome Dr. Sentamu to St Leonard’s. Although this was Dr. Sentamu’s first official visit, we are pleased that he extends a long and close association of three previous predecessors of the Archbishop of York as our President.’
REMEMBRANCE CONCERT TO AID HOSPICE
1 November 2007
A special ‘Remembrance Concert’ is taking place on Saturday 10 November at St Andrew’s Church in Bishopthorpe to raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
With music and words for the season of Remembrance, the evening has been organised by international soprano Yvonne Robert. She will direct the Occasion Choir, accompanied by Nicholas Page in a number of pieces.
The evening will be introduced by BBC Radio York’s Jules Bellerby, and the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Irene Waudby, and the Sheriff of York will be attending the event. During the evening there will be ‘victorious refreshments’ and mulled wine.
Tickets, which cost £6.50, are available by calling 01904 701652. All proceeds will go to St Leonard’s Hospice.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser for St Leonard’s says, ‘We are very grateful to Yvonne and all her colleagues for organising this very special event, which is so appropriate to the season.’
QUIZZES OFFER A BIG CHANCE TO HELP THE HOSPICE
24 October 2007
Big Ian of the group Huge is asking people to pit their wits against his questions in a series of pub quizzes in York, in aid of the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
For five Mondays, beginning on 29 October, Big Ian will be running his quiz at the Old White Swan in Goodramgate. Entry is just £1.00 per person, and there will be prizes for the best scores. All proceeds go help the Hospice in its work of caring for local people.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s, says, ‘It’s a great chance to test your knowledge, enjoy a fun evening in the pub and help the Hospice, all at the same time – what could be better? We are ‘huge-ly’ grateful to Big Ian for arranging this series of quizzes for us – part of his continued support for our work.’
OLD YORKSHIRE ON FILM WILL HELP HOSPICE
23 October 2007
A glimpse of what life in Yorkshire was like over the last century through old films will help raise funds for St Leonard’s Hospice.
The Hospice’s Escrick and Deighton Support Group is hosting an evening of films from the Yorkshire Film Archive at Queen Margaret’s School in Escrick on Thursdays25 October, at 7.30 pm.
The selection of films, some dating back more than a century, will be shown under the title ‘A Century of Yorkshire Life’. The Support Group hopes that as many people as possible will come along to support the event, and continue its fundraising tradition which began in 1984, a year before the Hospice opened its doors for the first time.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Our Escrick and Deighton Support Group comprises some of our longest-serving fundraisers, and they continue to give their time and organisational skills to raise money for our work. Their film evenings are very popular, and we know that many people will be keen to join them on 25 October.’
Tickets for the event cost £6.00 and include a glass of wine. They are available on the door. There will be a raffle, and Hospice Christmas cards, calendars and diaries will be on sale.
GETTING READY FOR HOSPICE AUTUMN FAIR
22 October 2007
Autumn is in the air as staff at St Leonard’s Hospice prepare for the Hospice’s Autumn Fair on Saturday 3 November.
Hospice Community Fundraiser Donna Woodman has been out collecting fallen leaves to help give a real autumn atmosphere to the Fair, which runs from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm. Visitors will be able to enjoy traditional favourites such as the home-made cake stall, bric-a-brac stall and tombolas.
They will also be able to buy Hospice Christmas cards and calendars, and choose from a new range of Hospice gifts. Refreshments will be on sale at the Hospice’s Coffee Stop, ‘The Stables’.
Entry to the event, which is held at the Hospice on Tadcaster Road, is free, and all the proceeds go towards the work of helping St Leonard’s to care for local people with life-threatening illnesses.
Donna says, ‘The Autumn Fair offers everyone the chance to buy their Christmas gifts early, or try their luck on the tombola. It’s always a happy event, and we hope that lots of people will join us on 3 November.’
Visitors to the Autumn Fair are asked not to use the very limited parking at the Hospice, but to use the ‘Park and Ride’ bus service to Askham Bar, just opposite the Hospice premises.
BARRATT REACHES ITS PEAK
Staff from Barratt York put their best feet forward and completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and raised £2,500 for St Leonard’s Hospice.
The challenge involved an 11-hour adventurous climb of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent, the three peaks that dominate the skyline of the western part of the Yorkshire Dales national park.
Paul Hogan, sales director at Barratt York, which is based at Monks Cross North business park in York, said: “This was a very difficult challenge, particularly as some of us had not spent very much time training for the event. But it was very enjoyable despite poor weather, and we are really pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile cause. St Leonard’s Hospice provides an invaluable service and we have further events planned in the next 12 months to continue our fundraising efforts on their behalf.”
Barratt has chosen St Leonard’s as its charity of the year and future events include a football competition, pig racing, a charity ball and a monthly jeans day.
THREE PEAKS IN WIND AND RAIN RAISE £2,000 FOR HOSPICE
11 October 2007
Ninety-mile-an-hour winds and torrential rain were not supposed to be forecast for a group of walkers tackling the Three Peaks Challenge – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours.
Among the walkers was Nik Coultas who was raising funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice, in memory of his friend Ian Nelson.
He and his friends, who were raising funds for other charities, managed to climb up and down Ben Nevis in a respectable time of just six hours, despite the weather conditions. Then they headed, still in their wet gear, for Scafell Pike in the Lake District. Setting off up the mountain at 2.00 am, with the aid of head torches, they battled against an ever-stronger wind. After two-and-a-half hours’ climbing they decided that, with 200-foot drops on either side of the path and the constant drenching rain, they should turn back and head for Wales.
After an hour and a half of climbing Snowdon they were advised to turn back – but they continued for another hour, by which time the wind was gusting up to 90 miles an hour. They had got more than three-quarters of the way up, but had finally to turn back again.
Fortunately, Nik’s sponsors were impressed by his efforts, and he has raised more than £2,000 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice.
Hospice Community Fundraiser Donna Woodman, who received Nik’s donation, says, ‘What an adventure! Nik is definitely a brave and determined man to tackle Britain’s three highest mountains in such conditions. We are really grateful to him and to his sponsors for his very generous donation.’
VOICES RAISED FOR HOSPICE IN AIR MUSEUM HANGAR
8 October 2007
More than 200 singers raised their voices in a ‘Come and Sing’ performance of Handel’s oratorio ‘Messiah’ in the Canadian Hangar of the Yorkshire Air Museum on Saturday 6 October, in aid of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
Surrounded by historic aircraft, the singers and orchestra were conducted by David Bowman, former Director of Music at Ampleforth College, in an afternoon rehearsal and an evening performance. They were joined by soloists Lynne Dawson (soprano), Jane Sturmheit (alto), Edward Sturmheit (tenor) and Mattheson Dowdy (bass).
The orchestra, the soloists and the conductor generously gave their services free for the occasion, which was part of ‘Voices for Hospices’, an event that takes place every two years and is billed as ‘The World's Largest Simultaneous Musical Event’. More than 500 different musical performances were held on Saturday in nearly 30 countries around the world. All of them will raise funds for their local hospices and palliative care services.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says,’ It was a wonderful evening of music-making in a stunning setting. We are very grateful indeed to everyone who took part – our choir, who made such a wonderful sound, to our soloists Lynne, Jane, Ed and Matt for their great kindness in joining us to raise the evening to an even higher level of excellence, to the instrumentalists and to Jill Bowman who organised the orchestra for us, and to our conductor David Bowman for presiding over the whole event with great good humour and perfect musicianship. The money we raised will go to help our work with patients in the Hospice and to the work of the Air Museum, whose staff were excellent hosts and partners in the event.'
LENNY BEAR HELPS SORT HOSPICE CHRISTMAS CARDS
3 October 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice mascot Lenny Bear has a big task ahead – helping to sell more than 100,000 Christmas cards that raise funds for the Hospice.
This year there are ten different designs available, ranging from the traditional to the modern. The York scene card, always one of the Hospice’s best sellers, is a view of York Minster in the snow, taken by Press photographer Nigel Holland. The Press has generously allowed the Hospice to use the image for the card.
The new cards are now on sale at the six Hospice shops, in Acomb, Burton Stone Lane, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road and Tang Hall; at Hospice reception and ‘The Stables Coffee Stop’ at the Hospice in Tadcaster Road. They are also available at Barnitts store in Colliergate, York and at DG & LE Gill, Chemists, in Bishopthorpe. The York Minster scene cards are £3.00 for a pack of ten; the other nine designs are £2.75.
Also on sale is the 2008 St Leonard’s Hospice ‘York Past and Present’ calendar, once again featuring old photographs of the city contrasted with the same scene today.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘This year’s cards have something for everyone, and we hope that lots of people will snap them up. Lenny Bear will certainly be busy keeping everyone supplied! All the proceeds from the sale of our cards and calendars go directly to our work of helping local people.’
MEDICS BALL WILL HELP HOSPICE
1 October 2007
Medical students from the Hull York Medical School are taking to the dance floor in a Medics Ball on Friday 2 November that will raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
The Hospice often plays hosts to medical students as part of their training in palliative care, and now two of them, Lizzie Farrar and Jessica Hardie, have decided that they will put their organisational skills to work to raise money for St Leonard’s.
The Ball, at the Monkgate Hotel on 2 November, will include a drinks reception, three-course dinner and dancing to a DJ. There will also be a special raffle, and the organisers have already collected some good prizes from local supporters.
They welcome offers of sponsorship and prizes. There are also some tickets still available for the Ball. Lizzie and Jessica can be contacted by e-mail at hy4jfh@hyms.ac.uk, or hy4esf@hyms.ac.uk or by phone (message service) on 01904 424481. All the proceeds from the Ball will go to help St Leonard’s Hospice care for local people.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s says, ‘It’s brilliant that Lizzie and Jessica have decided to organise a Ball in aid of St Leonard’s. As medical students they have seen at first hand the value of care in the Hospice, and we are very grateful to them for all their hard work.’
GOLFERS CLUB TOGETHER TO HELP THE HOSPICE
27 September 2007
More than 270 golfers from all around Yorkshire were at York’s Pike Hills Golf Club on 9 August for their annual Hospice Golf Day, and beat their own record by raising more than £8,300 for St Leonard's Hospice.
The club has been holding the event annually for more than a decade, and this year’s total means that the club has raised more than £65,000 for St Leonard’s.
The tournament is traditionally organized by the Vice Captain of the Club. This year's Vice Captain, Jack Smith and his wife Ann, a club member, undertook the organisation between them.
The golfers competed in teams of four. This year there were 48 men’s teams, as well as ladies’ and mixed teams. The first team went out at 7.30 am, and, with teams setting out at seven or eight minute intervals, the last one teed off at 4.00 pm. Everyone was back in the clubhouse by 8.30 pm. E ach hole was sponsored by a local company or individual members of Pike Hills. Their contributions, as well as the teams’ entry fees and the proceeds from a raffle and an auction, went towards the total raised.
Jack Smith says, ‘I’m really pleased that this year we’ve been able to raise even more than usual for the work of St Leonard’s with our special Hospice Day for many years. The weather was wonderful, we raised a fantastic total of £8,310 – and we enjoyed a really good day of golf.’
Receiving the money raised by the event, Martyn Callaghan, Chief Executive of St Leonard’s Hospice, said, ‘Pike Hills Golf Club is one of the Hospice’s most dedicated supporters. Every year they raise a fantastic sum for our work of caring for local people – and this year they have surpassed themselves! The club is an excellent example of the great support we receive from the local community.’
LYNNE JOINS LOCALS FOR HANDEL IN THE HANGAR
26 September 2007
International soprano Lynne Dawson, who sang part of Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ at the funeral of Diana Princess of Wales ten years ago, is preparing to join local singers as soloist in a ‘Come and Sing’ performance of Messiah at the Yorkshire Air Museum on Saturday 6 October, in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
Lynne, who lives near York, will be joined by husband and wife Jane and Ed Sturmheit from Bishopthorpe, who will take the alto and tenor roles, and by York bass Matt Dowdy. The orchestra has been organised by violinist Jill Bowman, whose husband David, former Director of Music at Ampleforth College and founder of its famous Schola Cantorum, will rehearse and conduct the performance.
All the performers are giving their services for the occasion, which is part of ‘Voices for Hospices’, an event that takes place every two years and is billed as ‘The World's Largest Simultaneous Musical Event’. On 6 October, in nearly 30 countries around the world, there will be more than 500 different musical performances. All of them will raise funds for their local hospices and palliative care services.
The performance of ‘Messiah’ at the Air Museum is open to everyone who would like to come along and sing or just listen. There will be an afternoon rehearsal at 4.00 pm and the performance will begin at 7.00 pm. There will be a refreshment break between; drinks will be available, and performers should bring something to eat.
Tickets for singers and audience cost £10 each, and proceeds will be shared between the work of St Leonard’s Hospice and the Yorkshire Air Museum, which, like the Hospice, is a registered charity. To book tickets either as singer or audience, phone St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice says, ’It’s not every day you have the opportunity to sing wonderful music alongside top-quality soloists and players in a unique venue like the Air Museum hangar. All the money we raise goes towards the vital work of St Leonard’s in caring for local people – with an annual bill of £2.6 million, every penny helps.’
MCCARTHY AND STONE’S ‘FAT FRIDAYS’ BRING HOSPICE FUNDS
25 September 2007
‘Fat Fridays’ at retirement builders McCarthy and Stone’s North East Regional Office in York have helped to raise funds for St Leonard’s Hospice.
Each department in the company has taken turns to bake cakes and bread and to sell them to their colleagues in the company’s offices in Upper Poppleton each month. ‘Fat Fridays’, combined with ‘Dress Down Days’ and other events, have raised £1,000.
McCarthy and Stone’s North East Marketing Manager, David Allford, marked the hand-over of the money by presenting Helen Moreton, Retail Manager for St Leonard’s Hospice, with a special ‘£1,000 cake’. The presentation took place at McCarthy and Stone’s offices on Northminster Business Park, Upper Poppleton, York.
‘We had a vote in the office about which charity we all wanted to support, and the Hospice was the clear winner,’ says Mr Allford. ‘Many of the staff are aware of the wonderful care St Leonard’s provide and we are delighted to be able to help with this donation – with, we hope, more to come.’
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ’It’s a great idea to have Fat Fridays in the office – and to make money for the Hospice while you’re enjoying cake is an ideal way of fundraising! We are very grateful to everyone at McCarthy and Stone’s office in Poppleton for their generosity in supporting St Leonard’s.
CHILDREN’S HARVEST GIFTS FOR HOSPICE DAYCARE
21 September 2007
Patients who go to Daycare at St Leonard’s Hospice in York received special gifts when three- and four-year-old children from Askham Bryan Nursery brought their harvest gifts for them.
The children presented the produce from their Harvest Festival to the patients, and then joined them for juice and biscuits. Vicky Ineson from Askham Bryan Nursery says, ‘We thought that it would be good for the children to go along to see the Daycare patients in the Hospice and take their gifts to them. We know what a good job the Hospice does for local people, and we are very pleased that our children are able to help in this small way.’
Sue Spence, Director of Clinical Services at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Our Daycare patients are always very pleased when visitors come – and especially young children. We are very grateful to them and to Vicky and her colleagues for supporting us with the children’s gifts.’
LAND’S END TO JOHN O’GROATS INCLUDES HOSPICE VISIT FOR CYCLISTS
20 September 2007
Two university friends from the local area who are cycling almost 1200 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice called at the Hospice premises on Tadcaster Road today to meet staff.
Mike Aldred from Knapton Lane, Acomb, and Dave Smith from Cornlands, Norton, are both final-year students at Collingwood College of Durham University – Mike is studying physics and Dave chemistry. They set off from Lands End on 12 September, taking an unusual zig-zag route through the country that brings them east of the Pennines and through York. They expect to complete the ride at John O’Groats on 29 September.
Dave Smith says, ‘We wanted to support a local charity and we appreciate the work all hospices do and the need they have for fundraising. We particularly chose St Leonard's as we were aware of the work they do through friends, and how much the Hospice had done and had meant to them. We've seen how much support St Leonard’s needs, and are glad to be able to help contribute some small amount.’ They are also supporting the Alzheimer’s Society.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Eighteen days riding from the tip of Cornwall to the North of Scotland is a great challenge – and to get sponsorship to raise funds for our work at the same time is fantastic. We are really grateful to Dave and Mike for their generosity, and we wish them well for the remainder of their journey.’
• Dave and Mike welcome further sponsorship, Donations can be made on line athttp://www.justgiving.com/lejog07stleonards or by phoning the Hospice Fundraising centre on 01904 77 77 77.
HALLELUJAH AS HANDEL IN THE HANGAR TAKES OFF
10 September 2007
Calling all singers! Come along and sing Handel’s ‘Messiah’ in the unusual setting of the Yorkshire Air Museum’s aircraft hangar on Saturday 6 October and help raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
With the Air Museum’s Halifax bomber as a dramatic background, the singers and orchestra will be conducted by David Bowman, former Director of Music at Ampleforth College and founder of its famous Schola Cantorum.
Among the soloists will be the internationally-known soprano Lynne Dawson, who lives near York. Lynne is perhaps best known for singing part of Verdi’s Requiem at the funeral of Diana Princess of Wales on 6 September 1997. The other soloists, Jane Sturmheit (alto), Edward Sturmheit (tenor) and Matheson Dowdy (bass), are also from York.
Part of the international ‘Voices for Hospices’ event that takes place around the world on that day, this performance of ‘Messiah’ is open to everyone who would like to come along and sing or just to listen. There will be an afternoon rehearsal and the performance will begin at 7.00 pm. Tickets for singers and audience cost £10 each, and proceeds will be shared between the work of St Leonard’s Hospice and the Yorkshire Air Museum, which, like the Hospice, is a registered charity.
Voices for Hospices takes place every two years and is billed as ‘The World's Largest Simultaneous
Musical Event’. On 6 October, in nearly 30 countries around the world, there will be more than 500 different musical performances. All of them will raise funds for their local hospices and palliative care services. The day has been designated as ‘World Hospice and Palliative Care Day’.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice says, ’We need lots of singers to fill the Yorkshire Air Museum hangar with their voices. Everyone who enjoys singing is very welcome to take part, have a good time and help us to raise funds for the work of St Leonard’s.’
ARTHUR’S CLUB ROUNDS HELPS SELL HOSPICE’S 2008 CALENDAR
30 August 2006
The latest edition of the popular ‘York Past and Present’ calendar from St Leonard’s Hospice will be in even more homes this year, thanks to the hard work of Hospice Volunteer Arthur Hattee, who has persuaded all the Working Men’s Clubs in the city to stock it.
The new 2008 calendar contrasts old pictures of York as it used to be with the same scene photographed recently. The old photographs, again provided by Imagine York, the project that has put thousands of York images on the internet, show the city between the 1870s and I950s. They include pictures of Micklegate, Monkgate and King’s Square, as well as of New Earswick and Heslington.
Arthur, who is a long-standing volunteer at St Leonard’s, has visited all York’s Working Men’s Clubs, asking them to stock and promote the calendar over the next few months. All of them readily agreed, and distribution is now underway.
The calendars, which cost £3.50, are also available from St Leonard’s Hospice shops in Acomb, Burton Stone Lane, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road and Tang Hall, and from the Hospice reception on Tadcaster Road. They will also be on sale at some local shops. A new range of Hospice Christmas cards will be on sale soon, too. The profits from calendars and cards all go towards the Hospice’s work of caring for local people.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are always seeking new ways to sell our calendars, and we are delighted that Arthur has worked so hard, and so successfully, to interest so many Working Men’s Clubs around York to stock them, We are grateful to him and to the clubs.’
St Leonard’s Hospice would welcome other groups, organisations and businesses that would like to sell the 2008 Calendar to raise funds for its work. Please contact Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser, on 01904 77 77 77 if you can help.
SECOND TIME LUCKY FOR HELEN’S FIRST HOSPICE FUN DAY
30 August 2007
After her planned Charity Fun Day in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice was washed out by the rain in July, Helen Sykes from Askham Bryan Produce has rescheduled it for Saturday 8 September, in a new Venue – Bishopthorpe Village Hall.
For 23-year-old Helen, it is a way of raising funds to enable her to take a sponsored five-day trek in Iceland next year to raise more than £1000 for the Hospice’s work.
For the Fun Day, Helen has organised a wide variety of stalls and entertainments, including traditional games like Hook-a-Duck, Splat-a-Rat and Hit the Golf Ball into the Hole. There’s a ‘Harry Potter’ hoopla as well as balloon hats and face paintings. There will also be refreshments and stalls, including one selling homemade cakes. There will be an open auction for prizes include a tour of York Brewery and a York Boat trip Admission to the Charity Fun Day, which runs from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm, is free.
Helen says, ‘I hope it’s second time lucky for the Fun Day, after being washed out last time. I wanted to help St Leonard’s because it’s a local charity that does so much good for local people. I hope lots of visitors will come along and support the Hospice by spending generously – and help me with sponsorship for my Iceland adventure next summer!’
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We’re really grateful to Helen for persevering in her organisation for this event for the Hospice. It’s very brave of her to plan it not once but twice, so we encourage everyone to go along to show their support!’
HOSPICE’S HOPES FOR ALLERTHORPE AUTUMN AMBLE
30 August 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice is offering everyone the chance to join in an Autumn Amble on Sunday 23 September, with a three-and-a-half-mile easy walk at Allerthorpe, just south of Pocklington.
Starting and finishing at Allerthorpe Village Hall, the guided walk, which is on tracks and easy paths on level ground, with no stiles, goes through part of Allerthorpe Nature Reserve and attractive farmland, with plenty to see along the way. The walk is pushchair-friendly, and suitable for dogs, which must be kept on leads.
Walkers will gather from 10.00 am, ready to begin the walk at around 10.30. It will finish at around midday. There will be a simple competition along the way, with prizes for the winners.
Entry to the walk, which is suitable for all ages, is £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children. Families have a special rate of £14.00, which covers two adults and up to four children. Entry forms are available from the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77. They are also available in the Hospice shops in Pocklington, Acomb, Burton Stone Lane, Haxby, Scarcroft Road and Tang Hall.
The Hospice hopes that walkers will ask their families and friends for sponsorship – forms are available. All the funds raised go towards the work of St Leonard’s as it cares for local people with life-threatening illnesses.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘This new Autumn Amble gives a chance for families with young children, and anyone who likes a short, easy walk, to enjoy the countryside and help us raise funds for our work at the same time. We hope to see lots of people on 23 September!'
BARRATT YORK SELECTS ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
17 August 2007
Staff at Barratt Homes in York have decided to support St Leonard’s Hospice as the company’s dedicated charity for the next 12 months.
Barratt York, which is based at Monks Cross North business park, encouraged staff to support a local charity and, after consulting with more than 100 members of staff throughout the region, decided to support the Hospice for the forthcoming year.
Secretary to Barratt York’s managing director, Lisa Reinhard, says: 'We have always supported a number of charities local to the housing developments that we have built in the area but we wanted our efforts to be more structured and focused. We are delighted to support the excellent work that St Leonard’s Hospice undertakes to provide much needed help to people with life-threatening illnesses. Some people here at Barratt York have had their loved ones cared for by the Hospice and we are keen to give something back.'
The charity fund raising events planned for the next 12 months include a golf day in September, a fancy dress Halloween Haunt, pig racing, a charity ball and a monthly jeans day.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, 'We are delighted to have been chosen as the beneficiary of Barratt York’s year of fundraising. The committee under the guidance of Lisa certainly have lots of great ideas to involve staff and supporters and we look forward to sharing some great events with them. It costs £7,219 every day to run the Hospice and offer specialist care to those who need it. No charge is ever made to patients or their families. Without the help of companies such as Barratt York our task would be extremely difficult. On behalf of those patients – thank you all.'
THREE PEAKS WALKERS STEP OUT TO HELP HOSPICE
27 July 2007
A group of colleagues from York company Gamestation who have tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk to raise money for the charity.
Among them was Joe Tidball, whose grandfather Gerald Peacock was one of the Hospice’s first patients more than 20 years ago.
Joe was unable to be present as the group presented more than £600 raised in sponsorship, much of it raised through his efforts to the Hospice’s Senior Sister Sue Taylor. Sue was part of the team caring for Gerald, and remembered him well.
A team of five from Gamestation – Jo and Ian Wallace, Alec Atkinson, Shaun Finnerty and Rob Cordukes – ascended Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent in 14 hours at the end of April. As well as support from Joe Tiball in the company’s IT department, the team had the help of John Parkes, who ferried them to and from the start and finish and fed them along the way.
Joanne Wallace says, ‘Although Gamestation has 250 stores around the country we are a local company, so we were determined to use our sponsorship of the Walk to raise funds for our leading local charity. We are pleased to have collected a good sum for St Leonard’s.’
WEDDING FAIR A SUCCESS
25 July 2007
The Wedding Fair at the York Marriott Hotel on Sunday 22 July, in aid of St Leonard's Hospice, was very successful, with lots of brides-to-be, their fiances and family coming to see what was on offer.
It was standing room only in the two fashion shows by Elizabeth of York and York Hire Wear. The pictures show some of the models who took part.
AKASH EVENING NETS £800 FOR HOSPICE
19 July 2007
The special fundraising evening at the Akash Tandoori restaurant in York's North Street raised the magnificent sum of £800 for the work of St Leonard's Hospice.
Akash Tandoori is one of the Hospice’s Corporate Patrons, and Barik Miah and his colleagues offered customers a three-course meal for less than £6.00, with all the money paid by customers on the evening being donated to the work of the Hospice.
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are very grateful to everyone who took part and enjoyed this special evening. We are especially grateful to Mr Barik Miah and all at Akash Tandoori for their generosity in organising the event and for donating all the money raised on the evening to the Hospice. It will all go directly to patient care.'
ASKHAM BRYAN FUN DAY POSTPONED
19 July 2007
The Fun Day at ASkham Bryan Produce, scheduled for Saturday 21 July (see 12 July, below), has been postponed becasue the field is waterlogged.
It will now take place on SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER.
GOLF AT ALDWARK MANOR WILL RAISE HOSPICE FUNDS
19 July 2007
There are a few places left for teams to take part in a charity team event on Saturday 18 August at the prestigious Aldwark Manor Golf Club that will raise funds for St Leonard’s Hospice in York.
The event is being organised by the course’s Head Professional Alastair Grindlay. His grandfather, Norman Williams, was cared for by the Hospice.
For the event teams of two to four players are welcome, and team members must have a handicap of no more than 28 for men and 36 for ladies. There will be team prizes, as well as others for the longest drive, for the drive nearest the pin and even one for a hole-in-one. A raffle prize draw will help raise more for the Hospice, and the day’s fee includes a bacon roll and coffee as well as a running buffet after play.
The cost is £80 a team, and entries, which need to include the team name, the names and handicaps of the players and a contact address and phone number – as well as a cheque for £80 payable to Aldwark Manor Golf Club – should be sent to Alastair Grindlay at the Professional Shop, Aldwark Manor, Aldwark, York YO61 1UF. Telephone enquiries to 01347 838353.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says ‘The Aldwark Manor Course is one of the prime courses in the York area, and we know that there are lots of keen golfers who will be happy to play there – especially when it raises funds for our work. Thank you to Alastair for setting up this special event – we are very grateful to him.’
KNITTERS AND NATTERERS
18 July 2007
The Knitters and Natterers of Heslington, long-standing friends of St Leonard's Hospice, have presented funds to purchase new patient hoists. They came to the Hospice to meet Director of Clinical Services Sue Spence (kneeling) and see the hoists. The Knitters and Natterers are (left to right) Jean Parminter, Gwen Pratt, Freeda Hawswell, Margaret Williamson, Sheila Manning and Liz Wilson.
HOSPICE DARES TO SAY THANKS TO SUPPORTERS
17 July 2007
Forget the ‘Thank You!’ card and the chocolates - St Leonard’s Hospice in York has come up with a more unusual way to say thank you to the local business community for all their support over the years…SAY YOU DARE!
The Hospice has teamed up with Camp Hill in Bedale, the UK’s leading single-site provider of team-building and corporate event programmes, to create a unique one-day Business Challenge on Thursday 20 September. Teams from a wide range of the Hospice’s Corporate Supporters will go head-to-head tackling Blindfold Driving, The Skywalk, Bob-Sleighing, Gemini Mud Buggies and much more.
‘Young Business Entrepreneur of the World’ Amar Latif will be there to give an inspirational talk, and refreshments and a barbecue are all included, as well as a trophy for the winning team. The Hospice has negotiated a special price for the day of £500.00 (+vat) per team of up to ten people.
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at the Hospice says, ‘Even while they are teambuilding, networking and generally having fun, companies will still be raising money for the Hospice, as 25 per cent of all the team fees go to St Leonard’s. We are looking for 15 teams but as five team places have already been taken (with accountants Garbutt & Elliott first off the mark) you’ll need to hurry!’
To book a team place on SAY YOU DARE! contact Victoria at St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
HELEN’S FIRST FUN DAY HELPS PAVE THE WAY FOR ICELAND TREK FOR HOSPICE
12 July 2007
Helen Sykes from Askham Bryan Produce is using her strawberry field for a new cash crop on 21 July – a Charity Fun Day in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
It’s a new venture for 23-year-old Helen, who is raising funds to take a sponsored five-day trek in Iceland next year to raise more than £1000 for the Hospice’s work.
For the Fun Day Helen has organised a wide variety of stalls and entertainments, including traditional games like Hook-a-Duck, Splat-a-Rat and Hit the Golf Ball into the Hole. There’s a ‘Harry Potter’ hoopla as well as a giant inflatable slide, balloon hats and face paintings. There will also be refreshments and stalls, including one selling homemade cakes. Prizes in a Grand Draw include a hot air balloon flight, tee time at a local golf course and £50 holiday discount.
The Fun Day will be held at Askham Bryan Produce’s strawberry field, near York’s northern ring road at the junction of Moor Lane, Woodthorpe. There will be signs indicating the location. Admission to the Charity Fun Day is free.
Helen says, ‘I wanted to help St Leonard’s because it’s a local charity that does so much good for local people. I hope lots of visitors will come along and support the Hospice by spending generously – and help me with sponsorship for my Iceland adventure next summer!’
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We’re really grateful to Helen for organising this event for the Hospice – it’s a very daunting thing to do for the first time, so we encourage everyone to go along to show their support.’
LENNY HELPS HIS LOVELIES PREPARE FOR DRAGON BOAT CHALLENGE
10 July 2007
St Leonard’s’ Hospice mascot Lenny Bear is helping his Great York Dragon Boat Challenge team – ‘Lenny’s Lovelies’ – get ready for the event on Sunday 15 July by demonstrating good paddling technique.
The team of sixteen members of the Hospice staff – including members of the nursing, catering housekeeping and fundraising departments – is preparing to do battle with 35 other crews on the River Ouse between Scarborough Bridge and Lendal Bridge.
They know that the competition will be stiff, and don’t expect to be anywhere near the winners’ podium, but they are very willing to ‘have a go’ to raise money for St Leonard’s. They are very grateful to have been given a place in a keenly-contested race.
Lenny’s Lovelies are seeking as much sponsorship as possible for all their hard work, with two-thirds of the team’s proceeds going to the work of the Hospice – the other third goes to the charities nominated for this year by York Rotary Club, which organises the Dragon Boat Challenge.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Lenny’s Lovelies are neither the fittest nor the youngest team in the race by a long way, but everyone is keen to do well and raise lots of money for our work. And with the ‘help’ of Lenny Bear we have an advantage that no other team can boast!’
If anyone wishes to sponsor the Hospice’s ‘Lenny’s Lovelies’ team they can call the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
HOSPICE ‘COFFEE STOP’ OPENS AN EXTRA DAY
4 July 2007
The popular ‘Stables Coffee Stop’ at St Leonard’s Hospice in Tadcaster Road is now open an extra day each week.
Since it opened last year ‘The Stables’ has opened on Thursdays and Fridays. Now, thanks to the help of more volunteers, it is open on Wednesday as well. It serves tea and coffee, fruit juice and soup, home-made cakes and sandwiches between 10.00 am and 2.00 on all three days.
Popular with Hospice staff and visitors, ‘The Stables’ is open to everyone and is ideally placed opposite the Askham Bar Park and Ride service on Tadcaster Road.
‘The Stables’ is based in the former stables of the house that once stood on the Hospice site. For many years, until the Hospice’s main buildings were extended as a result of St Leonard’s Millennium Appeal, the building was used as the Day Hospice. It has been extensively refurbished and is a friendly, modern and stylish place to meet and eat. There is a display of old photographs showing the conversion of the building when the Hospice took it over the 1980s.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘More and more people are discovering ‘The Stables’ as a place to have a relaxing lunch, with the prospect of a good cup of tea or coffee and some excellent homemade cakes. Everyone is very welcome to come along, and they will know they are helping our work of caring for local people. We are very grateful to our volunteers who run ‘The Stables’ for us, and we are hoping to increase our opening hours even further in the future.’
HOTEL WEDDING FAIR HELPS ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
4 July 2007
Brides-to-be and their grooms are being given a helping hand at the Marriott Hotel on Tadcaster Road in York with a special Wedding Fair on Sunday 22 July – and the proceeds from the Fair will help York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
The Fair, which will be open to the public from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm, will include lots of ideas for helping the special day to be perfect. Exhibitors include wedding cake designers, photographers, musicians, wedding car suppliers, travel consultants and beauticians – and even a mobile disco. Elizabeth of York and York Hire Wear will be holding fashion shows at 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm, and there will also be musical entertainment from the Key Largo Trio.
All money raised from the Wedding Fair will go to help St Leonard’s Hospice to provide care for patients and their families.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says ‘Our Wedding Fair at the Marriott is a great opportunity for every bride-to-be to bring along her fiancé – and everyone who is helping in the planning – to get inspiration for their wedding. We are grateful to the staff of the Marriott for their hard work and generous help, and to all our exhibitors.’
AKASH’S TANDOORI NIGHT HELPS HOSPICE
30 June 2007
A three-course meal for less than £6.00 is a bargain – and when it raises funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice it is extra-special.
Barik Miah and his colleagues at the Akash Tandoori restaurant in North Street are holding a special fundraising evening for the Hospice on THURSDAY 5 JULY, charging just £5.95 for three courses. All the money paid by customers on the evening will be donated to the work of the Hospice.
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Akash Tandoori is one of the Hospice’s Corporate Patrons, and a regular supporter of our work. We are delighted that they are again running a special evening for us. We know that diners will enjoy the restaurants dishes, and they will know that they are helping St Leonard’s at the same time.’
FRIENDS DRIVE TO MONGOLIA IN A BEAT-UP CAR TO RAISE MONEY FOR HOSPICE
23 June 2007
Driving 10,000 miles from London to the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar in a 998cc, 13-year old car that cost just £300 may seem madness – but it will help raise money for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
Two friends, Richard Napier and Stephen Gregory, both 29, are taking part in the Mongol Rally, an annual adventure that raises thousands of pounds for charities. Richard, who lives in Leeds, is a friend of St Leonard’s Hospice Community Fundraiser Donna Woodman, and offered to raise money for the York charity. Their team is called ‘Yakky Racers’ and will be one of more than 200 setting off from Hyde Park in London on 21 July and hoping to arrive in Ulan Bator about three weeks later.
The rally’s rules require them to have a car that has seen better days. Their £300 red Nissan Micra will have to brave two continents, three deserts, seven mountain ranges, innumerable border guards and possibly bandits. There is no set route for the rally and no backup, so the two are on their own, coping with map-reading, unfamiliar languages and customs, all types of weather and probably mechanical problems. If they arrive in Mongolia – and only around half of the starters usually do – the rules then say they have to sell the car and give the proceeds to charity, leaving them to find their own way back to Britain.
Also on the rally will be celebrity ‘adrenaline junkie’ Jack Osborne (son of Ozzy), whose adventures will be followed by an ITV film crew making a documentary on the rally.
Richard Napier visited St Leonard’s Hospice to see its work and to meet Hospice mascot Lenny Bear, who tried out the car and wished the pair well on their epic journey, which will also raise funds for the rally’s main charity Mercy Corps Mongolia and for Hope and Homes for Children.
Donna Woodman for St Leonard’s said, ‘I’m sure that Richard and Stephen are quite mad, but it’s a great adventure and we all wish them really good luck! We are very grateful to them for raising money for the work of the Hospice, and we look forward to hearing progress reports as they get ever nearer to Mongolia.’
Richard and Stephen welcome sponsorship for the event. For more information visit their website at www.justgiving.com/st_leonards or phone the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77
LENNY HELPS COURTNEY’S GYM KEEP FIT FOR GO YELLOW DAY
17 June 2007
Courtney’s Gym at Monk’s Cross has signed a new temporary member – St Leonard’s Hospice mascot Lenny Bear, who is helping staff and members to get in the mood to support GO YELLOW DAY on 21 June.
Along with other business supporters of the Hospice, Courtney’s staff and customers will be wearing yellow on GO YELLOW DAY to show their support for the work of St Leonard’s. They will also be having a collection an aid of its work. Lenny Bear, who is keen on keeping fit, will try out exercises with gym members to make sure they are up speed for the event.
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It’s great that Courtney’s is taking part in GO YELLOW DAY. Lots of other businesses are taking part too, and so are schools and colleges across the area. Look out for lots of yellow on 21 June – and if anyone else would like to join in, it’s easy – just put on something yellow and, if you can, send us a donation.
More information about GO YELLOW DAY is available by calling St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraisers on 01904 77 77 77.
TEAS THE CREAM OF RICCALL OPEN GARDENS
30 May 2007
When Ted and Barbara Taylor open their Riccall garden in aid of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice on Sunday 10 June, regular visitors to the Open Gardens know that they can expect great cream teas as well as fine plants.
Ted and Barbara have opened their garden at Yew Tree Cottage in Riccall’s Church Lane as part of the annual Riccall Open Gardens for several years. As well as having tea and scones, visitors can admire their walled cottage garden, planted in a traditional way, and the courtyard with tubs and borders.
This is one of nine gardens in the village that will be open on 1 June. There are two new ones, both in Kelfield Road, opening for the first time – Dairyman’s Cottage, which has colourful, well-stocked borders (and will also serve teas) and Dam End Farm, which as well as interesting plants also has a pond. The Hospice antique lace and linens stall will also be open at Dam End Farm.
There are plants and books on sale on the village green, and plants will also be on sale in the garden at 12 Main Street, which also has a ‘Spot the Ornament’ game for children. The Greyhound and the Hare and Hounds pubs in the village will both be open for Sunday lunch and drinks.
A programme giving entrance to all the gardens costs £2.00. They are available on the day at any of the gardens or on the village green. Accompanied children under 14 have free entry. The gardens are open from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm. All the gardens will be marked with an identifying letter and balloons.
Karen O’Hara of the St Leonard’s Hospice Riccall Support Group says, ‘Our Open Gardens are one of the highlights of our continuous programme of events to raise funds for St Leonard’s. All the gardens are full of interest, and regular visitors know that there’s always something new to see – and where the cream teas are! It makes a perfect Sunday afternoon out, and helps raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice, too.’
DAWN’S CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN SAVES THE DAY FOR HOSPICE
30 May 2007
When the chocolate fountain for the St Leonard’s Hospice Pamper Evening at York’s Marriott Hotel cancelled at the last minute, the charity was faced with the possibility of 130 disappointed ladies – until Dawn Piercy of ‘Simply Chocolate’ in Barlby heard of their plight and stepped into the breech.
On the morning of the event the booked supplier of a chocolate fountain withdrew, and Hospice Community Fundraisers Judith Wilson and Victoria Perry were faced with the task of finding another. With the help of the Marriott Hotel they tracked Dawn down, and she willingly agreed to bring along her machine.
The Pamper Evening was a great success, with all 130 ladies enjoying the chance to sample beauty treatments, watch demonstrations of make-up and skin care, find out more about complementary therapies – and taste the chocolate from Dawn’s fountain.
Judith Wilson says, ‘We are really grateful to Dawn for saving the day at the Pamper Evening on 24 May. We know from experience that a chocolate fountain is a highlight of the event, and her generosity was a major part of a great evening, which raised funds for the work of the Hospice.’
HOSPICE CALLS FORMER LUNCHEON CLUB MEMBERS TO 20th ANNIVERSARY REUNION
24 May 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice Luncheon Club, which each month brings together people who have recently been bereaved, is celebrating its 20th anniversary – and has issued an invitation to everyone who has attended its events in the past to a reunion on Monday 4 June.
The Luncheon Club, which meets at the Hospice, was started in 1987, not long after the Hospice was first opened. Members usually attend the monthly meetings for a short time. To mark the special anniversary there is to be a special meeting in ‘The Stables Coffee Stop’ at the Hospice (the original Day Hospice building) from 2.00 pm on 4 June, and organisers would be delighted to see past members for tea and a chat.
BBC Radio York presenter Sandie Dunleavy will be a special guest, and everyone is invited to ‘GO YELLOW’ by wearing something yellow-coloured to mark the beginning of Hospice Awareness Month. Yellow is the colour of sunflowers, the symbol of the Hospice.
Rosemary Thompson, Bereavement Care Coordinator at St Leonard’s, says, ‘For the last 20 years the Hospice Luncheon Club has brought together hundreds of bereaved people who have found that the chance to talk and be supported by others who have lost loved ones has helped them through their loss. We hope to see as many of them as possible at this special reunion – they may meet old friends and there will be the chance for talk and reminiscences. And we hope they will wear something yellow to support the work of St Leonard’s.’
Booking is not needed for the reunion – just turn up. There is no parking at the Hospice except for people with mobility problems. Visitors are encouraged to use the Park and Ride bus to Askham Bar, opposite the Hospice on Tadcaster Road.
PUPPETS HEADING TO HOSPICE FAIR
22 May 2007
Story-telling puppets will be a highlight of the St Leonard’s Hospice SUMMER FAIR on Sunday 3 June, when Mary Passeri of Arty-Farty Kids will be entertaining young people with her own brand of humour.
Mary will be joining in the fun of the SUMMER FAIR, which promises to be a great day out for all the family. Held in the grounds of St Leonard’s Hospice on Tadcaster Road from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm, the Fair will include a wide variety of games and stalls to entertain visitors.
The Hospice’s mascot Lenny Bear will be out and about at the fair, and there is music throughout the day. There is a barbeque and other light refreshments are available in the Hospice’s Stables Coffee Stop for anyone who is peckish.
The Hospice’s Grand Plant Sale also takes place at the Fair. Hundreds of plants, including bedding plants, vegetables, houseplants and perennials, grown by the Hospice’s volunteer gardeners and a host of supporters, will be on sale.
There will be no parking at the Hospice on the day of the Fair. Visitors are encouraged to use the Park & Ride bus to Askham Bar, opposite the Hospice.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Whether you want to see Mary’s puppets telling their stories, shake hands with Lenny Bear or buy a tray of marigolds, the Hospice’s Summer Fair has something for everyone. Admission is just £1 for adults – free fro children – and there’s lots to do. We know that all who come will have a really good time, help us to raise money for our work – and, of course, enjoy the sunshine that we’ve booked for the day!’
CONCERT DONATION HONOURS AUDREY
22 May 2007
To thank St Leonard’s Hospice for the care that his wife Audrey received John Curtis and his family decided to organise a special fundraising concert in Naburn – and with the generosity of friends and neighbours they raised more than £3,600 for the work of the Hospice.
More than 160 people attended the concert, in St Matthew’s Church, given by the Selebian Singers with soloists Sally Lewis and Sally Lund. People who were unable to be there on tyh night sent in donations. A prize draw, with generously-donated prizes, also raised funds.
John Curtis presented the proceeds to the Hospice’s Bereavement Care Coordinator, Rosemary Thompson, at the Hospice. With him were his grandchildren 14-year-old Jade Kent and her brother Zak (12), both students at Millthorpe School. Audrey Curtis was for many years a very popular teacher at Naburn Primary School and many of her former pupils contributed to the money raised for St Leonard’s
‘The care that Audrey had in the Hospice was excellent,’ says John Curtis, ‘and we all felt we wanted to do something to help. We had a target of £2,000, and we are delighted to have been able to raise so much more than that for the work of St Leonard’s.’
HANDEL IN THE HANGAR
15 May 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice and the Yorkshire Air Museum are offering the chance to sing Handel in the Museum’s aircraft hangar, with the Halifax bomber as the backdrop, when a ‘Come and Sing’ performance of Messiah is held on 6 October this year.
Part of the international ‘Voices for Hospices’ event that takes place around the world on that day, this performance of Messiah is open to everyone who would like to come along and sing or just to listen. There will be an afternoon rehearsal and the performance will begin at 7.00 pm.
Among the soloists will be the internationally-known soprano Lynne Dawson, who lives near York. Lynne is perhaps best known for singing part of Verdi’s Requiem at the funeral of Diana Princess of Wales. The singers and orchestra will be conducted by David Bowman, former Director of Music at Ampleforth College and founder of its famous Schola Cantorum.
Voices for Hospices takes place every two years and is billed as ‘The World's Largest Simultaneous
Musical Event’. On 6 October, in nearly 30 countries around the world, there will be more than 500 different musical performances. All of them will raise funds for their local hospices and palliative care services. The day has been designated as ‘World Hospice and Palliative Care Day’.
St Leonard’s is working closely on the organisation of the concert with the Yorkshire Air Museum, which, like the Hospice, is a registered charity, and proceeds will be shared with them.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice says, ’A performance of Messiah in an aircraft hangar makes this a very special occasion, and we are very grateful to the Yorkshire Air Museum for their great help in organising this exciting event. We are really looking forward to seeing lots of people filling this huge space and getting ‘lift-off’ with a resounding performance of this great work.’
ALDWARK GOLF EVENT TO RAISE HOSPICE FUNDS
9 May 2007
The Head Professional at the prestigious Aldwark Manor Golf Club is offering teams the chance to play on the course in a charity team event on Saturday 18 August – and help raise funds for St Leonard’s Hospice in York, which cared for his grandfather.
Alastair Grindlay has been at Aldwark Manor since 2006, having worked as a golf professional in Germany and Spain. He is looking forward to a great day of golf at the August event in memory of his grandfather Norman Williams. Teams of two to four are welcome, and team members must have a handicap of no more than 28 for men and 36 for ladies.
There will be team prizes, as well as others for the longest drive, for the drive nearest the pin and even one for a hole-in-one. A raffle prize draw will help raise more for the Hospice, and the day’s fee includes a bacon roll and coffee as well as a running buffet after play.
The cost is £80 a team, and entries, which need to include the team name, the names and handicaps of the players and a contact address and phone number – as well as a cheque for £80 payable to Aldwark Manor Golf Club – should be sent to Alastair Grindlay at the Professional Shop, Aldwark Manor, Aldwark, York YO61 1UF. Telephone enquiries to 01347 838353.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says ‘We are always pleased when someone with close family connections to St Leonard’s takes the initiative to organise a fundraising event for us. Alastair’s golf day will, I’m sure, prove attractive to a great many people; we are very grateful to him for thinking of our work.’
BACK TO CASTLE HOWARD FOR HOSPICE FAMILY WALK
26 April 2007
The annual St Leonard’s Hospice Family Adventure Walk, with a route around the Castle Howard estate, will take place on Sunday 17th June 2007.
The Walk, which raises funds for the Hospice’s work of caring for local people, is designed for all ages, and follows bridleways and field paths. This year’s route passes under Castle Howard’s Pyramid Gate and goes near the Great Pyramid opposite the house. There are fine views throughout the route and we pass through the picturesque village of Bulmer.
During the walk participants have the chance to take part in a simple quiz about what they see along the route and there will be prizes for the winners.
The St Leonard’s Hospice Family Adventure Walk is about five-and-a-half miles long and is guided along the whole route. It is suitable for all ages, though there are a few stiles and a couple of short climbs along the way.
The Walk starts at Welburn Village Hall, with check-in from 10.00am, and sets off at 10.30am. It costs £4.00 for an adult and £2.00 for a child to take part – a family ticket for two adults and up to four children is £14.00. No unaccompanied children under 16 are allowed on the walk. Sensible footwear – boots if possible – is required, and walkers should bring a packed lunch, snacks and a waterproof.
HOSPICE CALLS ON GARDENERS TO ‘POT ONE FOR ST LEONARD’S’
26 April 2007
‘Pot one for St Leonard’
s’ is the call going out from the volunteer gardeners at York’s St Leonard’s Hospice as they plan for the Grand Plant Sale at the Hospice’s Summer Fair on Sunday 3 June.
They are calling on all the Hospice’s green-fingered friends as they are busy in the garden this spring to pot up an extra plant or two, or perhaps prepare an extra tray of plants, to donate to the Hospice to sell at the sale.
The annual sale will be held as part of the St Leonard’s Summer Fair, which takes place at the Hospice on Tadcaster Road on Sunday 3 June, starting at 11.00 am and finishing at 3.00 pm. Admission to the Fair is £1 for an adult, with children free.
The Hospice gardeners, who keep the Hospice grounds looking colourful throughout the year, welcome plants of all types for the Sale: bedding, houseplants, vegetable plants, small bushes – indeed, anything that grows! All the proceeds from the Grand Plant Sale go towards the Hospice’s work of caring for local people. The plant sales regularly raise more than £1,000, and all the proceeds go towards the Hospice’s work of caring for local people.’
Barbara McDonald, one of the volunteer gardeners, says, ‘People come from far and wide to our Plant Sale, which has a great reputation for excellent plants at bargain prices. To keep up the tradition we need as many plants as possible, so we hope lots of local gardeners will set a few aside for us.’
If you have plants to offer, please call the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77. The Hospice gardeners hope to start bringing the plants together for the sale from mid-May.
HOSPICE SEEKS LADIES FOR PAMPERING
25 April 2007
Beauty treatment and the chance to help York’s St Leonard’s Hospice come together at the Marriott Hotel in Tadcaster road on Thursday 24 May at the Hospice’s second ‘Pamper Evening’
Hospice Community Fundraiser Victoria Perry called in to sample some of the treatments on offer from Joanne Snowball of the Select Beauty Salon at the hotel, who is one of the exhibitors taking part in the event. Among the more unusual treatments on offer from Joanne are lash perming, anti-ageing treatments and red vein removal.
Everyone attending the Pamper Evening, which begins at 6.30 pm on 24 May, will have the chance to sample some of the treatments, to watch demonstrations of make-up and skin care, find out more about complementary therapies – and even take part in chocolate tasting. All ladies who attend the event will receive a ‘goody bag’ that will include sample goods from the Body Shop.
Victoria Perry says, ‘Our first Pamper Evening last year was a really enjoyable event, and this year’s will be even bigger and better!’
Tickets for the Pamper Evening, which begins at 6.30 pm on 24 May, cost £15 and include a welcome drink and a knife and fork buffet. They are available by calling the Hospice’s Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
P-P-PATIENTS KNIT P-P-PENGUIN P-P-PULLOVERS
19 April 2007
The care that York’s St Leonard’s Hospice offers takes many forms – but pullovers for Australian penguins is a bit out of the ordinary.
Patients who come to Daycare at the Hospice have been knitting miniature jumpers for the small Fairy Penguins that live on the coasts of Tasmania and New South Wales. They were inspired by a news story about the birds, which have been rescued from oil slicks in the seas just off the coast. The detergents in the clean-up process rob the penguins of the natural oils in their feathers and make them susceptible to cold.
With the help of St Leonard’s Hospice the penguins will be kitted out in new, multi-coloured sweaters that will keep them warm while the feathers regain their natural protection. The Daycare patients have already made more than 50 of them, which will be sent to the Penguin Rescue Fund in Hampstead, London.
Barbara Jackson, Daycare Leader, says, ‘Many of our patients, who come to us one day a week for practical help and social relaxation, have really enjoyed making the penguin pullovers. The knitting is straightforward, and they are pleased to know that they can help these little birds recover from their problems.’
DESIGNER GETS BIG THANK YOU FROM HOSPICE
17 April 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice has said a big 
thank you to designer David Peach of Hutton Peach Design Consultants by asking him to help put up a new sign, based on his new-look logo for the Hospice, on its Acomb shop.
For more than ten years David has given his time and skills to design most of the Hospice’s publications and other items. Last year he designed the new blue and yellow St Leonard’s Hospice logo, based on the sunflower, symbol of the Hospice Movement.
The new look has now been extended to all seven of the Hospice’s charity shops, and to mark his association with the Hospice’s work, David was invited to help put the new sign at the Acomb shop in place.
A new Hospice website, developed from David’s new logo design, has just gone live at www.stleonardshospice.org.uk.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are very grateful to David for his many years of generous work for the Hospice, all undertaken with great professionalism and entirely free to us. His new logo design has given the Hospice a whole new, fresh look in all aspects of our work – most visibly in the new shop signs and in the exciting new website. His support for our work has been invaluable, and we thank his very much indeed.’
HOSPICE GETS £250,000 GRANT FOR REDEVELOPMENT
11 April 2007
York’s St Leonard’s Hospice has been given a grant of £250,000 by the Department of Health towards a complete reconstruction of the Tadcaster Road building’s reception area.
The funds, part of a £40 million package being shared by 146 hospices around the country, will enable St Leonard’s to rebuild the entrance area to achieve improved security and privacy for patients and their families, and to cut down on the amount of noise reaching patients’ rooms from other parts of the building.
The redesigned entrance will have better facilities for visitors and staff, and there will also be an expanded area for the shop.
Plans for the redevelopment, which will cost a total of £400,000 are already in preparation, and the work is expected to be completed with a year. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption while the work is in progress and there will be no reduction in the Hospice’s services to patients.
Martyn Callaghan, Chief Executive of St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are delighted to have received this grant from the Department of Health as part of its plan to help improve the physical environment of adult hospices in England. It means that our redevelopment to improve facilities at St Leonard’s can go ahead quickly, and we are looking forward to seeing the work completed as quickly as possible.’
EASTER GLADNESS CELEBRATES GLADYS’S HOSPICE LINKS
5 April 2007
A special Easter event to raise funds for St Leonard’s Hospice takes place at the Village Hall in Sand Hutton on Saturday 14 April, to celebrate the life of Gladys Kaye, who for many years was the Secretary to the Hospice’s Board.
Called ‘Easter Gladness’, the day has been organised by Gladys’s daughter Rosie Miers. There will be coffee and cakes and lunches, as well as a wide range of stalls including gifts, jewellery, honey, baskets, cards and games. A raffle and a tombola will also help to raise funds, all of which will go to the work of St Leonard’s. The event is open from 10.00am to 3.00pm.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Gladys was a very good friend of St Leonard’s Hospice from its earliest days, and worked tirelessly both as Board Secretary and in many other ways. We are delighted that Rosie is celebrating her mother’s life and her association with the Hospice in such a practical way, and we hope that lots of people will come along to support her on 14 April.’
HOSPICE’S ‘COFFEE STOP’ WILL OPEN AN EXTRA DAY – WITH HELP
2 April 2007
The successful ‘Coffee Stop’ at St Leonard’s Hospice is planning to extend its opening hours – and needs more people to help run it.
From 9 May the ‘Coffee Stop’, at the Hospice on York’s Tadcaster Road, will open three days a week – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Hospice Community Fundraiser Judith Wilson is now looking for new volunteer ‘Coffee Stop’ Assistants who could undertake to help serve customers on any of the days – and especially on Wednesday, the extra day of opening.
‘The Hospice ‘Coffee Stop’ is becoming increasingly popular both with visitors to the Hospice, with our staff and with people just popping in to sample our great tea and coffee, our wonderful homemade cakes and the fresh sandwiches – we are conveniently situated just opposite Tesco at Askham Bar and the Park and Ride terminus.
‘Opening an extra day will mean that we can serve more customers, with all the profit going towards the Hospice’s work. Anyone who could offer to do a couple of hours, from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon, or from noon until 2.00pm, will be very welcome – we’re all very friendly, and enjoy meeting the customers.’
Judith can be contacted at the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77
ROYAL OAK BRANCHES INTO HOSPICE FUNDRAISING
27 March 2007
A charity auction night at the Royal Oak pub in Copmanthorpe has raised more than £3,000 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice.
Landlord Tony Wasley, with the help of lots or regulars, organised a big auction of more than 40 prizes, which raised £2,500, as well as a raffle of smaller prizes that brought in more than £500 extra.
Handing over a cheque for £3,048 to Hospice Community Fundraiser Judith Wilson, Tony Wasley said, ‘We had a live band and we filled the pub with very generous people. It was a great night!’
Judith said, ‘The Royal Oak is one of our most regular fundraisers and we are delighted that Tony and his friends have once again come up trumps for us! They show that fundraising can be great fun, as well as helping other people.’
BODY SHOP GIVES GIFTS AS HOSPICE LOOKS FOR LOCAL PAMPERERS
25 March 2006
The Body Shop in York’s Coppergate Centre is helping St Leonard’s Hospice to pamper its supporters at the second ‘Pamper Evening’ at York’s Marriott Hotel on Thursday 24 May – and is joining in a call for more local pamperers to take part in the event.
Skin care and perfume samples provided by the Body Shop will form part of the ‘goody bags’ that will be given to all ladies who attend the Pamper Evening. Body Shop Manager Sarah Metcalfe handed over the gifts to St Leonard’s Hospice Community Fundraiser Judith Wilson, who is organising the event, which will include beauty treatments, make-up demonstrations, skin care, complementary therapies – and even chocolate tasting.
Judith says, ‘We are delighted that The Body Shop has helped us with the Pamper Evening so generously – now we’re looking for more beauty specialists of all types to join us for the evening, including hair stylists, make-up artists, nail technicians and skin-care experts. They can take a table at the hotel and let everyone who supports us on the night know what they have to offer. Last year’s Pamper Evening was a great success, and we know that everyone who comes this year will have a great time.’
Anyone who wants to book a space should contact Judith at the Hospice’s Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
Tickets for the Pamper Evening, which begins at 6.30 pm on 24 May, cost £15 and include a welcome drink and a knife and fork buffet. They are available by calling the Hospice’s Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
HOSPICE IS FIRST TO MEET THE NEIGHBOURS AT ‘THE SQUARE’
21 March 2007
Meeting the neighbours is taking on a new meaning for staff at St Leonard’s Hospice, who are being shown around ‘The Square’, the new development next door on Tadcaster Road, as the show home opens.
Developers Nixon Homes, who are building 61 town houses and apartments on the site of the former Wilberforce Home, invited Hospice Chief Executive Martyn Callaghan and members of the Hospice staff to be the first to see the show home, as a thank you for a good working relationship as the building progresses.
Nixon Homes have taken great care to minimise disruption to the Hospice, and have also helped with practical matters, such as paying for new signage at the Hospice premises and a new CCTV security system.
Martyn Callaghan says, ‘We have always looked at the development as a positive step for the Hospice – we welcome the prospect of new neighbours in The Square. And we pay tribute to the very sensitive way in which Nixon Homes have worked so closely with us. We are very pleased to have been invited to inaugurate the new show home.’
The show home opens to the public for the first time for the weekend of 24 and 25 March. Some properties will be released for sale very soon, and the whole development is scheduled for completion in August 2008.
FANFARE’S NOTES RAISE CASH FOR HOSPICE
19 March 2007
Members of the York-based brass group Fanfare entertained shoppers at the McArthur Glenn Designer Outlet at Naburn in the run-up to Christmas – and raised £400.00 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice.
Five of the group played at the venue for two days, asking for donations to the Hospice. ‘People were very generous,’ says trombonist Ken Stamp, ‘and we are very pleased to have been able to help the Hospice.’
Hospice Community Fundraiser Donna Woodman, who received the donation from Ken, says, ‘Fanfare regularly supports St Leonard’s, and we are delighted that they have once again used their musical talents to help our work.’
JAMIE GETS GREAT RUN TRAINING FROM HOSPICE BEAR
14 March 2007
York University student Jamie Wheelan is getting into training with St Leonard’s Hospice mascot Lenny Bear for one of Britain’s most popular 10 kilometre runs, the Manchester Great Run.
Jamie has pledged to raise at least £150 in sponsorship for the Hospice in return for being given a place in the run on 20 May. The Hospice has five places in the Manchester Great Run and five in the earlier Edinburgh Great Run, on 6 May. Anyone who wishes to take part and is willing to raise the required sponsorship should contact Hospice Community Fundraiser Donna Woodman at the Hospice’s Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
Donna says, ‘We know that there are lots of keen runners in the area who will welcome the chance of a place in one of these Great Runs. If you can raise at least £150 in sponsorship for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice, Lenny Bear and I would be very pleased to hear from you!’
