Category: Community

The last volunteer team is now finally back at East Cheshire Hospice after the pandemic.

Flower arrangers were the final helpers to return, more than two years after Covid-19 forced volunteers to be laid off.

Reception staff had been among the first wave back, weeks after lockdown began in March 2020.

Helena Smith, the Hospice’s Voluntary Services Co-ordinator, said: “The return of the flower volunteers is quite a big thing, since it feels like the final piece of the jigsaw is now back in place.

“We want to thank all our flower arrangers for their patience over the last couple of years. The flowers make quite a big difference and are greatly appreciated by patients and visitors, so it’s great that we’ll have them again.”

Flowers from donations decorate individual patient rooms and generally brighten up the Hospice.

The floral team were welcomed back with a workshop at the Picturedrome, organised by Sarah Hinchliffe, a new Hospice volunteer.

Sarah Hinchliffe points out a few floral techniques during a workshop. 

Sarah, a floral designer, opened her business North & Flower in Macclesfield last year when she moved back to the area to be close to family. Husband Adam is from the area.

Sarah said: “The floral industry isn’t very kind to the environment. I pride myself on being environmentally conscious and love telling people about it.

“This workshop with volunteers was a chance to demonstrate sustainable techniques, especially as the Hospice is moving towards becoming more eco-friendly.”

The Hospice is on the lookout for volunteer gardeners. That team has been busy helping create a Serenity Garden in the courtyard at the Hospice.

The eco-friendly project has seen an open patio space at the back of the Hospice transformed into a year-round floral retreat for patients and visitors.

The gardens surrounding the Millbank Drive complex also need regular maintenance.

Helena said: “Anyone who can spare a few hours each week is most welcome. Some of our flower arrangers are also part of the gardening team as well.

“We couldn’t do without our volunteers who help out in so many different ways. Even when they couldn’t be here during challenging times, many were still involved in various fundraising activities.

“It’s an amazing team and we can’t thank them enough for their commitment.”

* Call Helena on 01925 664984 or email hsmith@echospice.org.uk for more details.

Enjoy a leisurely Sunday afternoon tea room treat at Adlington Hall this summer and help East Cheshire Hospice.

The charity’s volunteers are serving hot drinks and home-made cakes every Sunday between 2 pm and 5 pm until August 28.

The only exception in July 24 when the venue is closed for a private event.

All proceeds go to the Hospice which raised £1,823 last summer from the venture.

Catering is provided in the traditional tea room in the main building at Adlington Hall, set in  picturesque grounds.

Hospice volunteers (from left) Velda Price, Simon Price, Paige Lester and Liz Donoghue prepare to serve guests at Adlington Hall.

Guests do not need to book teas and, if they wish, can also pay to walk through the hall and gardens at one of England’s finest country homes.

Adlington has been the ancestral home of the Legh family for more than seven centuries.

Camilla Legh is a Hospice Vice President and has volunteered for the charity for several years, helping with flower arranging.

She opened up the extensive gardens in March for the charity’s Memory Walk.

Hospice Community Fundraiser Carley Macey said: “The tea room is an ideal setting and we hope everyone who goes along enjoys the amazing home-made cakes prepared by our volunteers.

“By supporting this initiative, it’s a great way to support your local hospice.”

Adlington Hall is available all year for pre-booked group tours of 20 people minimum. For details visit adlingtonhall.com

Highlights include The Great Hall which houses The Great Organ, arguably one of the country’s most important 17th century musical instruments.

Accordionist John Jones received the best possible present for his 80th birthday tomorrow (June 2) by collecting a lifetime achievement award.

Macclesfield Town Council recognised his amazing efforts in raising around £330,000 for charity over more than 30 years.

Cllr David Edwardes, in one of his final duties as Mayor, presented the award at East Cheshire Hospice which has received more than £103,000 from John’s generosity.

The presentation was delayed because on the date it should have been handed over John was fundraising for the Hospice with the Stockport Accordion Club at Broken Cross Club.

John Jones who has received a lifetime achievement award. 

John was happy to give an impromptu performance at the Hospice when the honour was finally awarded.

He has also raised a similar amount for Macclesfield and District General Hospital, including more recently its intensive care unit where his wife June died two years ago.

He plays classic songs in the hospital’s cafe and waiting rooms and has performed over the years at the Sunflower Centre at the Hospice.

John said: “The award was a complete surprise and I was immensely proud to receive this civic honour for my fundraising for the Hospice and the Hospital.

“I also go busking by the ECHO shop run by the Hospice in Poynton raising money for charity. I get a lot of pleasure from playing my accordion, and making new friends.”

Special Jubilee packs have been produced by East Cheshire Hospice to mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

Organisers of several street parties have already requested the limited-edition packs which contain Union Jack flags and bunting.

The Hospice has more free packs to give away to help celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style over the extended four-day Bank Holiday at the start of June.

Staff at East Cheshire Hospice get in the mood for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The packs also have Jubilee-themed fundraising ideas for a variety of events to mark the occasion.

Claire Gorton, community fundraising assistant at the Hospice, said: “If you’re thinking of organising an activity with friends, family and community then why not support a great local cause while you celebrate this momentous occasion?

“Whether you’d like to host a street party, get sponsored to spend the day in fancy dress, or sell handmade crafts, we’d love to hear from you.

“There’s lots of ways people can join in the fun. It could be a red, white and blue day, quiz night, street party, craft activities, BBQ, tombola, bake sale, afternoon tea or even a 1950s themed party.

“In honour of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, why not challenge yourself to do 70 press-ups or squats every day in June, or run 70 miles over the month?

“It could be a competition to make the best crown-shaped biscuit, or a traditional British desert.”

Contact the community team via email community@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 789103.

Jubilee packs are available from eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/the-queens-jubilee/

Would you like to show off your garden to support East Cheshire Hospice?

Green-fingered gurus are invited to share their passion for gardening with visitors.

The Hospice will provide a fundraising pack to help home owners who join its Opens Gardens scheme.

Last summer Bill and Julie North entertained visitors at their beautiful garden on Kennedy Avenue and the couple are planning to do the same again this year.

Bill and Julie North who are opening up their garden again for East Cheshire Hospice.

Claire Gorton, community fundraising assistant at the Hospice, said: “Many wonderful gardens are hidden away and Open Gardens is the perfect opportunity to share them with others.

“We’re here to help anyone who wants to take part and our fundraising pack includes a guide, collection boxes, collection buckets, balloons, banners and posters.

“We’ll also send a digital resources pack which includes directions and safety signage, an event checklist and fundraising ideas.

“Those who want to get involved need to choose a date and time and an entry fee. We recommend between £3 and £5.

“People can decide if they want to set a fundraising target, if they have a goal, and if they want to provide teas and coffees, a cake stall, plant sale or raffle.

“Other things to think of are promoting it through friends and our website/social media and checking your garden is safe which might be whether there’s wobbly steps or a pond.”

* For details visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/open-gardens-2022/

Friendly banter between pub regulars ended in a challenge match at pool with East Cheshire Hospice emerging the overall winners.

Decorator Tim Lyne and window cleaner Tim Larson were having a joke over a pint at the Brewers Arms, Macclesfield, about their abilities at the pool table.

There was only one way of finding out who had the best cueing skills so two teams were set up, each with eight players.

From left, landlord Dave Wrench and captains Tim Lyne and Tim Larson.

The team led by window cleaner Tim came out on top, with pub landlord Dave Wrench acting as referee.

Regulars sponsored the teams and donated raffle prizes, resulting in a £659 donation to the Hospice. The pub was already a supporter of the charity through its weekly prize draw.

Regulars Hannah Hewitt and Tim Lyne.

Regular Hannah Hewitt, nee Friel, whose husband Simon is a barman at the pub, said: “The two Tims were having a joke with a bit of winding up going on.

“It was Tim Larson’s idea to raise money for charity from the challenge. Everyone was up for doing it, especially as a lot of people at the pub have had family and friends treated by the Hospice over the years.

“The game should have taken place a couple of years ago, but because of Covid was delayed for a long time.”

Art Fair Cheshire returns soon, encouraging emerging artists and paying tribute to the rich textile heritage of Macclesfield and beyond.

Familiar artistic favourites will also be showcasing their work at the biennial event which runs from Thursday, May 26, until Sunday, June 5, in the grand surroundings of Macclesfield Town Hall.

Browsing exhibits at the 2019 Art Fair Cheshire.

As ever, exhibiting artists will kindly donate 40 per cent of their profits to East Cheshire Hospice with proceeds dedicated to its art therapy unit.

More than 80 artists will exhibit work in three galleries every day between 10.30 am and 5 pm.

Browsing exhibits at the 2019 Art Fair Cheshire.

Art Fair Co-Chair Georgie Johnson said: “For the first time there’ll be a gallery of Emerging Contemporary Artists who’ve been specially selected to take part in the event.

“By giving a platform to emerging artists, the event hopes to ignite curiosity, spark conversation and introduce unique investment opportunities for both first-time buyers and the more experienced collectors who come along.

“Art Fair Cheshire felt that this was the year to introduce a dedicated gallery space of emerging artists in order to play a part in nurturing the amazing artistic talent that Cheshire and the surrounding area has to offer.”

The three galleries are –

• Assembly, featuring original art and sculptures from more than 40 artists.
• Capesthorne, with jewellery, photography, glassware, ceramics, millinery, willow weaving, plus paintings and prints.
• Emerging Gallery, featuring 11 new and emerging artists. From textiles and mixed media to ceramics and photography, it presents new and stimulating work from upcoming talent.

Emerging Artist Curator Amy Stevenson said: “The new exhibition will be held in the ground floor Silk Room and will pay homage to the rich textile heritage of Macclesfield and the surrounding Cheshire district.

The last Art Fair Cheshire took place in 2019.

“It’ll explore the work of 11 artists whose practice is rooted in textiles, or connects to the subject of textiles through themes and processes such as pattern, layering, collage, etching and impasto.

“It’ll showcase an outstanding group of emerging artists from the North West and include a wide range of contemporary practices visitors may not have come across before.

“Our two other galleries will feature artists both familiar and new and we’re sure there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy and buy.”

Art Fair Cheshire is brought to you in partnership with Little Greene Paint and Paper and AstraZeneca. For information visit www.theartfair.org.uk

Music legend Noel Gallagher hit the right notes for East Cheshire Hospice by donating one of his treasured possessions.

His platinum disc for the iconic Oasis album Definitely Maybe was sold at auction for £3,750, with proceeds going to the charity.

Oasis fan Neil Bromley, from Prestbury, generously bought the collectors’ item at a party night held by Team Rainbow which raised a record £11,200.

The fundraising group – also known as Sarah’s Army – is a legacy to Carl’s Lamptey’s late wife Sarah who died in the Hospice in 2014.

From left, Joe Corrigan, Neil Bromley with the platinum disc and Carl Lamptey.

She was 36 and had breast cancer and more than £65,000 has been raised in her memory.

Noel is friends with ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Corrigan, a keen Hospice supporter, and donated the disc when he heard about the charity’s financial plight during Covid-19.

Carl, from Macclesfield, said: “Joe has been an amazing supporter and helped us get the disc. We’d also like to thank Noel for being so humble and kind and taking it off his wall at his studio in London when he heard about the charity’s situation.

“The party night in December almost didn’t go ahead because of Covid, yet we raised more than ever.  A special thanks also to Linda Longdon at Broken Cross Club for her amazing support.”

Carl is now planning an 80s night there in May as part of the group’s fundraising campaign.

Definitely Maybe, released in 1994, was the group’s debut studio album and received wide critical acclaim.

Growing a moustache is always a hairy experience for pilates teacher Mark Leah.

That is because he usually gets a look of horror from family and friends when he unveils his latest design.

They will be relieved Mark is staying clean shaven until he launches his next Movember charity challenge.

It will be his 10th successive year during which time he has raised more than £10,000 for East Cheshire Hospice.

A few of  Mark Leah’s many appearances.  

Mark, from Macclesfield, said: “It’s good fun for little work for a local charity and people are so generous. At the end of the day it’s only a moustache and it’s not as though I’m doing anything too strenuous.

“The moustache is a nuisance to be honest and it’s great to be able to shave it off afterwards. My wife Margaret is much happier once it’s gone.”

Mark often keeps his black moustache well into December for effect at Christmas parties, a move that invariably tops up his fundraising.

He has just presented a cheque to the Hospice for £830 from his latest effort.

The most he raised was £1,369 in 2019 before lockdowns and face masks which hide his moustache from pilates students at Trinity House physiotherapy practice where he is based.

Mark said: “People forgot I was growing a moustache, so it was a bit of nightmare. I then found a really good mask with a Mexican moustache, but unfortunately it scared too many people who said it was putting them off.

“I change my moustache every week if possible. It’s been bright red but the dye wouldn’t wash out of the bed sheets for weeks. I’ve also had it in stripes, with chunks cut out and even got a hairdresser to turn it into a bat shape once.

“I judge it on the reaction of my daughter Gemma and son Jamie. If they say ‘dad you can’t go out like that’ I know it’s daft enough and I’ve got an effect.”

Mark took part in memory walks with his late father Frank while father-in-law George Calnun died in the Hospice in 2009. He said: “The Hospice were fantastic and we’ll always be grateful.”

Mark’s most bizarre fundraiser was a walk backwards from Arighi Bianchi to the Cat and Fiddle pub.

* To sponsor him visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Mark-Leah-Movember2021