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Peter Davis’s Art Fair talk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The mobile phone and its presence in everyday life is depicted in a series of contemporary paintings by prize winning Cheshire artist Peter Davis.

A fascinating theme which features in his 45-minute talk entitled ‘Painting the Zeitgeist’ at Art Fair Cheshire 2024 on Sunday, September 29, from 11.30 am.

The exhibition, sponsored by AstraZeneca, is at Macclesfield Town Hall (Sept 26 to Oct 3) and in aid of East Cheshire Hospice. Admission is free.

Artist Peter Davis who is giving a talk at Art Fair Cheshire 2024. 

Peter said: “I like capturing the world and the era we live in. I’m fascinated by the urban environment and inner cities and how quickly they’re changing.

“My overriding obsession is people and their relationship with technology. I remember life before people had black rectangles in their hand. They might have gone on a train and read an actual book made of paper, looked out of the window or walked down the street and didn’t just look down at their phone.

“If you took a snapshot of people walking down the main street in Macclesfield, 90 per cent will be on their mobile.”

A sample of Peter Davis’ award-winning work.

Peter’s talk will highlight parallels with American painter Edward Hopper. Peter said: “He painted in the 1920s and I’m painting in the 2020s. I’m interested in how he documented life, particularly in New York, and what we can learn from that.”

A member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, Peter currently has a portrait of a young woman exhibited in a prestigious award at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Visit www.theartfair.org.uk.

The countdown is under way to Art Fair Cheshir

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The countdown is under way to Art Fair Cheshire which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

The biennial event in aid of East Cheshire Hospice runs from Thursday Sept 26 until Thursday Oct 3 at Macclesfield Town Hall.

The exhibition, sponsored by AstraZeneca, will showcase work from more than 50 artists who donate a percentage of sales to the Hospice.

Art Fair Cheshire is looking for volunteers to help run the exhibition which has raised around £450,000 for the Hospice.

They will continue the good work started by grandmother Anna Rains who had the idea for an art exhibition.

Volunteer Anna Rains who helped inspire Art Fair Cheshire.

Back in 1998, she chaired a fundraising appeal to mark the Hospice’s 10th anniversary.

The dedication of Anna and her fellow pioneers provided the financial help to build the Sunflower Centre which remains an important hub for patient care.

Indeed, it was fitting that Anna and her original fundraisers attended the reopening of the refurbished centre a few weeks ago.

Their vision and drive provided the inspiration for the initial project with the art exhibition a key fundraiser.

This year’s displays will be organised in-house by the Hospice after previous co-chairs Georgie Johnson and Steven Dalton stepped aside after running the last two exhibitions on a voluntary basis.

Hospice Community and Events Fundraiser Claire Gorton said: “Georgie and Steven did a wonderful job with the support of volunteers and we’re so grateful to them all.

Macclesfield artist Francesca de Campora with her work at Art Fair Cheshire.

“Art Fair Cheshire has established a superb reputation and our aim is to build on that success. We want to organise a unique event which showcases art and celebrates community and giving.

“We want to further strengthen its links to the Hospice and what is happening here, including involving our Memory Tree unveiled last year.

“In addition to a fantastic exhibition, we’ll have a pop up café, artist tours and talks. Artists of all ages will hopefully take part, including school and college students.

Visitors enjoy works of art at the last exhibition in 2022.

”The Assembly Gallery will feature original art and sculptures, while the Capesthorne Gallery will exhibit jewellery, photography, glassware, ceramics, millinery, willow weaving as well as paintings and prints.

“We want it to be accessible and will need plenty of volunteers to get involved with the many different aspects of such a large project.”

The event is open from 10.30 am until 4 pm each day. For more details and to find out how to exhibit or volunteer visit www.theartfair.org.uk

A special story from Starlight Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Little Ruby Leah was back for her second Starlight Walk at the tender age of three.

Her first visit a year ago came just weeks after her dad Leon died of pancreatic cancer, aged 53.

Mum Georgia has raised almost £10,000 for various charities since losing her husband in March 2023.

Her parents Lynne and Brian, along with other friends and relatives, were there to support her at the event.

Georgia, from Macclesfield, said: “Last year walkers were surprised we took part so soon after Leon died, but I quickly went into fundraising mode and wanted to make a difference.

Ruby and Georgia Leah.

“I wanted to say thank you and make sure others get the same care and treatment as we did and especially my husband who spent three weeks at the Hospice.”

Leon was a drayman at Wincle Brewery and colleagues joined Georgia for a Snowdon climb, one of her many fundraising challenges.

Georgia said: “I did a sky dive and have had cake sales, coffee mornings and all sorts of things.

“Ruby saw the poster for the Starlight Walk and said she wanted to do it again to raise some money for the nurses. It’s a special evening. It’s beautiful and we’re lighting a candle for daddy.”

Andrew Smith Funeral Services are the latest to sign up for the Starlight Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A team from Andrew Smith Funeral Services are the latest to sign up for the Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 18.

They could have one of the biggest representations at the East Cheshire Hospice event with around 16 walkers.

Funeral director Richard Morrey said: “Some members of our team, their partners, friends and even a few of our dogs are taking part.”

Richard raised funds for the charity at the Fire and Ice Walk last year in memory of his late father Eric, a patient of the Hospice in 2017.

Labradoodle Ted, aged eight, will join his owner Andrew Smith for the Starlight Walk.

Richard said: “Rather than running over broken glass and hot coals, it will be gentle exercise and a leisurely stroll this time.”

Owner Andrew Smith said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with East Cheshire Hospice and are pleased to help support them where we can.

“We’re all looking forward to taking part in the Starlight Walk this year. It’s the first time we’ve taken part and it should be a great team event.”

Starlight walkers from Andrew Smith Funeral Services. From left, Julie Kidd, Richard Morrey, Samantha Bridges, Andrew Smith, Julie Arrowsmith, Simon Goodwin and Angela Owen.

The company is part of the Hospice’s 500 Club.

Early bird entry to the Starlight Walk is £20 for adults and £15 for under 16s, with the standard entry of £22.50 and £17.50 applying from March 19.

Walkers cover a 2.5 Kilometre loop through the woodland as often as they wish.  For many it is a chance to remember lost loved ones.

Gates open at 6 pm with live entertainment and refreshments. The walk is from 7 pm.

* To enter visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/starlight-walk/

Luke Hughes, the newest addition to the Hospice’s fundraising team

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

March through March is the latest fundraising challenge announced by East Cheshire Hospice.

One of the organisers is Luke Hughes, the newest addition to the Hospice’s fundraising team.

The new initiative dares supporters to cover 300,000 steps next month while raising a minimum of £50 in the process.

Luke, a community and events assistant for three months, said: “March through March is for everyone, whether you’re a regular walker or just starting out.

“It’s your challenge and you can walk or run on your own, or team up with family and friends.

“Supporters can do it in their own time at their own pace and every step counts towards raising funds to care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.”

Luke Hughes who has joined the fundraising team at East Cheshire Hospice.

It is one of several campaigns Luke and colleagues in the fundraising team have lined up for the year.

He said: “We’ve a jam-packed programme of events. I’ve been at the Hospice for three months and love the fact it’s such a busy and varied role.

“That’s what I was looking for after completing my degree at the University of Leeds last year. I’m really happy here and have already seen that we serve such a close community.

“I helped with the Christmas tree collection and couldn’t believe the numbers of volunteers who came together to support the Hospice cause.”

Luke is co-ordinating a group of Hospice fundraisers taking part in a Born Survivor event at Capesthorne Hall on Saturday, April 27.

The Open Gardens event, in which supporters invite the public to their home, is another project he is closely involved in. A bungee jump and a 5k run with inflatables are also planned with details announced soon.

Luke Hughes who has joined the fundraising team at East Cheshire Hospice.

Luke is studying an events management diploma to increase his knowledge of the industry.

He said: “I worked in retail while I figured out what I wanted to do and discovered I had a passion for events and fundraising. The community side of it is new to me, but I love it and the job ticks all the boxes.

“I love the variety of the events industry and am excited by all the activities planned we’re planning at the Hospice.”

* To sign up for March through March visit the Hospice website.

Sign up now to get the best discount for the popular Starlight Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Sign up now to get the best discount for the popular Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 18.

The cheapest ‘super early bird’ tickets priced £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for under 16s are available until February 18.

The price changes the following day to £20 and £15 respectively for the ‘early bird’ offer before the standard entry of £22.50 and £17.50 applies from March 19.

Almost 400 supporters took part last year and another bumper turn out is expected this time with walkers covering a 2.5k loop through beautiful woodland multiple times if they wish.

Starlight Walk Pic 1 – Walkers prepare to set off at last year’s Starlight Walk.

The walk, organised by East Cheshire Hospice, is an emotional journey for many, giving them a chance to remember lost loved ones.

The dusk walk will have lighting, lanterns, fire pits, points of reflection and other features to enjoy along the way.

Walkers are encouraged to raise funds for the Hospice to help fund the care of patients.

Starlight Walk Pic 2 – En route through the woods at Capesthorne Hall.

There will be live entertainment with food and drink stalls.

Community and Events Fundraiser Claire Gorton said: “The whole family is welcome to this moving and uplifting evening of remembrance.

Starlight Walk Pic 3 – A floodlit route awaits Starlight Walk entrants. 

“Our annual memory walk is an opportunity to come together and remember loved ones in a really special way.”

Well-behaved dogs are welcome and there will be no fireworks. The walking route is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

* To register visit the Hospice website.

The BIG Quiz Night success

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Where is the latest venue to host a quiz in aid of East Cheshire Hospice?

Full marks if the answer is AstraZeneca on Charter Way, Macclesfield, where 34 teams tackled brain teasers set by the charity’s quiz support group.

Quiz experts Waters Green Weavers came out on top, finishing three points clear of their nearest challengers.

Entrants included hosts AZ and other businesses, plus Marlborough Primary School the regular quiz venue.

Quiz 2 – The triumphant Waters Green Weavers team.

Twice as many teams took part due to a bigger capacity at AZ, which has the Hospice as one of its chosen charities.

Co-host Paul Morrissey, an ex-AZ employee and Hospice Vice President, said : “Initially we wondered whether we’d get enough teams to fill the space at AZ, but the fact we got so many teams was amazing and we even had to turn teams away on the morning of the quiz.

“We wanted a bigger venue so we could attract more teams and we succeeded in that.

Quiz teams ready to do battle at AstraZeneca.

“It’s no reflection whatsoever on Marlborough who’re also fantastic hosts. We have around three quizzes a year and our summer event which tends to be less well attended due to holidays makes Marlborough the perfect location.”

The quiz raised £5,000 with the next edition planned for early next year.

Hospice fundraiser Carley Macey said: “The quiz group have been running these fun nights for several years and once again there was a terrific response from supporters. We’d especially like to thank AstraZeneca for their help.”

Hospice Chaplain takes on Fire and Ice Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice Chaplain Marion Tugwood is the latest to accept the brave challenge of a Fire and Ice Walk.

There are still a few spaces left if you can pluck up the courage to tread on hot coals and broken glass.

There is a choice of one or both challenges on Thursday, November 9, at Macclesfield Rugby Club.

Hospice Chaplain Marion Tugwood who is tackling a Fire and Ice Walk.

Funeral director Richard Morrey persuaded Marion to take part. He said: “I know Marion very well and encouraged her to get out of her high heels and walk on hot coals.”

Marion said: “I’m happy to take up the challenge, especially as the event is about raising funds for the Hospice. In for a penny in for a pound, so I’ll be doing both the Fire and Ice walks.”

Richard did the fire challenge in 2018. He said: “It was wonderful. The coaching instructor was amazing and we felt so invigorated by the end of his talk.

“They explained everything during the safety briefing and said that it won’t hurt and doesn’t burn. The advice is just to follow their simple rules.

Last year’s Fire Walk at East Cheshire Hospice.   

 

“I’ve watched a couple of You Tube videos of glass walks and trust the staff organising it. I’ll believe everything they tell me.

“It’s a question of mind over matter basically and putting one foot in front of the other and being careful.”

* To enter the Fire and Ice walks visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/fire-and-ice-walk/

Richard Morrey takes on Fire and Ice Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Funeral director Richard Morrey sees for himself the care given by East Cheshire Hospice.

The nature of his work with Andrew Smith Funeral Services means he has regular contact with families using its services.

He can also vouch personally, as well as professionally, for the Hospice after his late father Eric was a patient there in 2017.

Plenty of reasons then for Richard to take part in a Fire and Ice Walk in aid of the charity on Thursday, November 9, at Macclesfield Rugby Club, from 6 pm.

Richard said: “The Hospice were very good to me and my family when my father passed away.

Funeral director Richard Morrey.

“He spent three weeks at the Hospice and the care for him, my mum Lynda and the rest of our family was first class.

“I’ve been involved with them since I started in the funeral industry 12 years ago. They’re a wonderful organisation.

“My father was a herdsman and also did a lot of work for the council as a youth leader.

“I also know the care they give to people because I speak to families every day arranging funerals.

“Families who come into the Hospice say the same as me. The care is amazing and I try to encourage as many people as possible to donate to the Hospice or fundraise for them.

“I went to see a gentleman there who wanted to chat through his wishes, and his family were saying how staff rally round and support them. It’s also such a calming environment.”

Andrew Smith Funeral Services is a member of the charity’s 500 Club which means they pledge to raise £500 each year for the Hospice.

Richard Morrey with his certificate after his first Fire Walk. 

Richard, an employee for more than eight years, said: “We’re keen to support the Hospice in every way we can. We know the Hospice is pretty much self-funded for everything that happens there and we want to help.”

Older sister Justine took part in a late-night walk for the Hospice shortly after their father died.

Richard said: “I wanted to up the ante on my sister so I did the Firewalk in 2018 and now I’m looking go one stage further by walking on both glass and fire.”

* To sponsor Richard visit justgiving.com/page/richard-morrey-1690378079152

Pie and Pint Follow Up

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A countryside walk for East Cheshire Hospice was blessed with sunshine after a washout last time.

It rained so heavily in 2022 that it resembled a sponsored swim more than a scenic stroll.

But thankfully blues skies greeted this year’s Pie and Pint challenge, sponsored by Holdcroft Motor Group.

 All smiles as walkers prepare to set off.

Organiser Claire Gorton said: “We were lucky with warm and sunny weather after so much rain last time.

“There were so many puddles at the previous event, but it didn’t put off walkers who loyally returned to support us again and we were rewarded with perfect conditions.”

The weather was so severe last time the Hospice switched the event from February to September, with the challenge again ending with a pie and a pint to soothe aching muscles.

Walkers tackle the 10k Pie and Pint challenge. 

Dozens took part in the latest 10k walk, raising more than £6,500, with Hospice mascot Sunny the Dog drawing curious looks from canine friends at the start at Macclesfield Rugby Club.

Claire, Hospice community and events fundraiser, said: “We had all ages taking part and we’re so grateful to everyone – participants, volunteers, the rugby club, Maggie who provided the tasty pies and Holdcroft, our sponsors.

“These events are vital in engaging the local community, raising awareness and funds for the Hospice which receives fewer than 18 per cent of funds from government.

En route through Over Alderley, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury and Dale Brow.

“That means we must raise more than £7,500 every single day to provide our services free of charge to those in our community.”

Participants were invited to watch Macclesfield’s rugby team in action afterwards.

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