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Brand new Pie & Pint event this February!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A tasty pie and a traditional pint – that’s the welcome awaiting walkers at a new fundraising event organised by East Cheshire Hospice.

A 10k walk on Sunday, February 6, starts and ends at Macclesfield Rugby Union Football Club.

Pie and Pint, starting at 10 am, is a scenic stroll through the Cheshire countryside.

The route visits Over Alderley before a half way refreshment stop at Mottram St Andrew. Prestbury is the next port of call before the last stretch into Dale Brow and back to the rugby club.

Hospice fundraisers Bethan Wade (left) and Beth Candy practice the Pie and Pint route.

Tickets are £25 for adults and £15 for under 18s who must be accompanied by an adult or have written permission. Tickets will also provide a non-alcoholic drink.

Challenge Events Coordinator Bethan Wade said: “It’s a new event and a great way to get into shape for the spring.

“Walkers are urged to wear suitable clothing and footwear such as walking boots and waterproofs and not trainers as the route is challenging and is likely to be muddy.

Fundraiser Beth Candy shows the way on the Pie and Pint route.

“The entry fee only covers the cost of staging the event, so we’re asking walkers to raise sponsorship which will go directly towards caring for patients.

“All entrants will receive a custom pint glass, hi vis jacket and, of course, a pie and a pint at the end. There are three flavours – meat and potato, chicken balti and cheese and onion – plus vegan, gluten free options. Walkers  can watch the rugby afterwards if they wish.”

To enter visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/pie-and-pint/

Light Up A Life Service – A Special Broadcast 2021

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice is inviting the public to join its Light Up A Life service from the comfort of their own homes again. The special Christmas broadcast will be streamed live on the Hospice website and  Facebook page on Saturday, December 4, at 3 pm.

The annual service is by tradition an opportunity to remember lost loved ones, though everyone is welcome. The remembrance event was held at St Michael and All Angels Church, Macclesfield, until two years ago.

A Tree of Memories will be on display in the Hospice Chapel. The symbolic tree is decorated with personalised baubles dedicated by supporters to someone special.

Bethan Wade, Challenge Events Co-ordinator, said: “The broadcast will be a little different than our usual Light Up A Life service, but will feature music, readings and staff from around the Hospice and will be suitable for people of all faiths and none.

Bethan Wade from East Cheshire Hospice with one of the Light Up A Life packs. 

“In another year of uncertainty, let’s join together to remember those who mean the most.

“While nothing compares to gathering in person, this year we felt it would be responsible to celebrate virtually once again.”

A recording of the service will also be available. A Light Up a Life pack can also be ordered via the website for a donation.

The pack includes a candle, LUAL bauble, two festive tea bags, a mince pie recipe and a vegan and gluten-free mince pie recipe.

* For more details visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/lual/

Newest member of the marketing team at the Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Netball coach Becky Sidwell has become the latest signing for East Cheshire Hospice by joining its marketing team.

She already knew a lot about the charity having raised funds for the Hospice with Macclesfield Netball Club where she is a coach, umpire and committee member.

Unfortunately, Becky’s playing days are over at the age of just 23 after two serious knee operations, injuries sustained playing netball. Becky began playing the sport at 10 and volunteered through the club when she studied at The Fallibroome Academy.

Becky (centre, back) with fellow members of Macclesfield Netball Club.

Becky graduated from Staffordshire University just over a year ago, completing her Graphic Design degree with a First Class, after Covid-19 curtailed her studies.  She has been working as a freelance designer while coaching juniors at the club where she also looks after publicity.

Becky said:  “I’m excited to have joined the Hospice which is local to me as I live five minutes away. I’ve always known about the Hospice and the important role it plays in the community.

“I always like to give something back to the community which is why I wanted to apply for the marketing role.

“I’d played about four games after my first knee operation and had gone through all my rehab when I tore the cruciate ligament in my other knee.

“Psychologically I’m reluctant to play again but enjoy coaching all age groups.  The netball team has hardly played because of the pandemic but hopefully we’ll be back in action in September.”

Drive in Cinema

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Watch cinema classics in the shadow of Capesthorne Hall in the comfort of your own car. The invitation comes from East Cheshire Hospice which has announced its first Drive-In Cinema on Sunday, October 17.

Gates open at 6 pm with family fun film Moana on screen from 6.30 pm. The next arrival time is between 9  pm and 9:15 pm for another box office favourite Dirty Dancing, the 80s classic starting at 9.30 pm.

Amazingly, it will the Hospice’s first fundraising event for two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its last event was a Tough Woofer 5K obstacle course in October 2019, also at Capesthorne Hall.

Aiming for a box office hit with a Drive-In Cinema….East Cheshire Hospice Events Manager Beth Candy (left) and Challenge and Events Co-ordinator Bethan Wade.

Marketing Manager Luke Brightmore said: “It’s hard to believe we’ve been away for so long with an  event organised by the Hospice, but as everyone is aware restrictions have prevented us from staging mass participation gatherings. “We’ve two terrific film choices and guests can feel the ocean calling or put on those dancing shoes for an evening of entertainment, all from the safety and comfort of their own vehicle.”

Tickets are £25 per car for one film or £35 for both.  Pizzas from Pizza Principle, popcorn and candy floss will be available and cinema goers can also bring their own snacks and drinks.

Social distancing measures will be in place. Queues for food and drinks will be marked out with at least one metre spacing and hand sanitising stations will be available. Parking marshals will ensure plenty of space between each car.

To book tickets and find out more information about the event, visit the Hospice’s website www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/event/drive-in-cinema

Macc Open Art Exhibition Returns

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The online Macclesfield Open Art Exhibition returns in September and October in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

The exhibition was revived last year by organiser Geoff Archer and featured work by 236 artists who submitted 651 works, all of which were displayed.

Geoff Archer with one of his paintings Pick Up

Geoff, a painter and former head of art at Henbury High School, said: “Last year’s event was meant to be a one-off, assuming things would be back to normal by now. However, the postponement of Art Fair Cheshire which raises a lot of money for the Hospice, and the consequent loss of funds, convinced me that another Open would be worth doing.

“Last year’s exhibition was a great success and we raised a few thousand pounds for the Hospice. We hope to do at least as well this year.”

Instead of an entry fee, artists make donations to the Hospice and with most works for sale, those who sell are also asked to make a contribution to the charity in lieu of usual commission.

Geoff said: “The exhibition is open to all artists, amateur or professional and there’s no age limit. “Artists are allowed to submit a maximum of three works. Usually there’s a selection process at galleries because of a lack of space to hang items, but like last year everything submitted will be shown.”

Visit maccopen.org.uk for information about submitting work where there is a link to the charity’s website for donations. The public can view exhibits at that website when the exhibition starts.

Daring Double Wing Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Thrill seeker Andrew Hine admits roller coasters will never quite be the same again after a daring wing walk. The father-of-two even went up in the air twice so he could perform loop- the-loops on his second attempt. He joined other daredevils at an airfield in Gloucestershire, all of them raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice. The flights were on top of a classic 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane. Andrew, from Upton Priory, honoured the memory of grandfather Norman Wilcox who died in the Hospice in 1995.

Andrew Hine ready for his wing walk adventure.

Andrew, a support worker for adults with learning difficulties, said: “I’ve never experienced anything like it before and the days of Alton Towers and Blackpool Pleasure Beach might not be quite as exciting any more.

“I know it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, but when I saw they only do upside down from a second wing walk I couldn’t resist. “I’ve not been spending a lot of money during lockdown so thought I’d treat myself and it was a fun thing to do and a great adrenalin rush. “The pilot managed to do a few aerobatic manoeuvres, including a couple of stall turns and two loop-the-loops. It was a brilliant day. “The most daring thing I’d done was a sky dive 15 years ago and to some it would have looked terrifying and the worst thing you can possibly imagine, but for me it was exciting.”

Wife Lahdan was there to witness Andrew’s aerial acrobatics. To sponsor him visit justgiving.com/fundraising/andrewhine

Other high flyers included seven members of the Hospice staff. Health care assistants Joanne Helm, Jill Harding, Caroline Allen and Pam Webster were joined by complementary therapist Gill Black, staff nurse Laura Parker and fundraiser Bethan Wade.

The oldest participant was Hospice volunteer Barbara Spivey who, at 74, was one of several grandmothers who undertook the challenge.

Bethan said: “It was an amazing day and a different kind of fundraising challenge and we’d like to thank everyone for taking part and raising funds for the Hospice.  Everyone had a great time and hopefully we can arrange another wing walk.”

Art Fair Delayed

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The organisers of Art Fair Cheshire have reluctantly taken the decision to postpone the event until May 2022. The biennial art fair takes place at Macclesfield Town Hall in support of East Cheshire Hospice. The decision has been taken because of the on-going uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic. The popular event had been scheduled to start at the end of September.

Co-chair Georgie Johnson said: “We’re disappointed to have to postpone the event but strict limits on numbers allowed in the Town Hall, along with rising Covid cases, means that we felt we had no choice. “We’ve had such generous support from sponsors this year and rather than risk that funding if the event were cancelled at the last minute, we’ve decided to re-book the event for May 26 until June 5 next year. “All of our participating artists are on board to take part again and we look forward to seeing everyone then.”

Visitors at the last Art Fair in 2019.

Art Fair Cheshire involves more than 80 artists, each of whom donates 40 per cent of the sales of their work to the Hospice. The event has been running for 22 years and is proud to support artists from all over the north west. The next event will feature a new gallery of emerging and recently-graduated artists as well as many artists from across the region and beyond. Local primary schools are also involved and have been busy designing sunflowers, which feature on the Hospice logo. These will be displayed as a huge wall of celebratory flowers when the event opens next year.

Sunflowers drawn by pupils at Alderley Edge School for Girls as part of a project to involve schools in the next Art Fair in May 2022

Two years ago the event raised £45,000 to provide funds for the Hospice’s art therapy unit. It has donated around £300,000 to the Hospice since 1999. To sign up to the Art Fair Cheshire newsletter, or for more information about events, talks and artists, visit www.artfaircheshire.org.uk. It is the latest fundraising event in aid of the Hospice to be delayed by the Covid crisis. The Hospice has already put back its Memory Miles walk at Adlington Hall from late August until Friday, March 25.

Wing Walk Takeoff Delayed

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

A Wing Walk has had to be delayed five weeks in the latest blow to East Cheshire Hospice’s fundraising plans.

Bad weather was one of the reasons the challenge was put back until Monday, July 26.

A rise in Covid infections leading to Cheshire East being made an ‘enhanced response area’  was another factor.

The event, which sees wing walkers harnessed on top of a 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane, is fully subscribed.

The postponement adds to the tension for participants, including five grandmothers, the eldest of whom Barbara Spivey (74) runs a fancy dress shop on Chestergate.

 

Wing Walk grannies …from left,  Pam Webster, Gill Black, Jacky Macleod and Barbara Spivey.

 

The effects of Covid-19 have badly affected plans by the Hospice fundraising team whose last mass participation event was a Tough Woofer dog walk in October, 2019.

That means there will be a two-year gap until the next event, a Drive-in Cinema at Capesthorne Hall, on Sunday, October 17.

A Memory Miles walk due in August has now been shelved until March 25 next year.

Events Manager Beth Candy said: “We’re pretty confident the cinema event will go ahead. It’s been such a frustrating time for our supporters and losing so many events has wrecked our fundraising plans.

“We’d appeal to anyone who can raise funds for the Hospice to please support us in whatever way they can. The last 18 months have been so tough and the sooner we’re back to normal the better.

“Any donations, large or small, will much such a huge difference to the care of our patients.”

 

The wing walk facing Hospice fundraisers.  

Memory Walk Postponed Again

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice has been forced to postpone its Memory Miles walk yet again because of the Covid crisis.

The new date is Friday, March 25, 2022, at Adlington Hall – almost three years after the Hospice last staged its flagship memory walk.

The August 27 event has been postponed reluctantly, amid on-going uncertainty over the easing of lockdown restrictions.

The absence of mass participation events is a major financial blow to the Hospice.

The next event is a Drive-in Cinema on Sunday, October 17, at Capesthorne Hall, where the charity’s last fundraising event, a Tough Woofer dog walk, took place two years ago.

Organisers are hoping it will be a case of fifth time lucky for the Memory Walk which was cancelled twice in 2020 (April and September) and twice in 2021 (May and August).

Events Manager Beth Candy said:  “We’re very sad to keep having to cancel these events, but when we do eventually stage our next one and all get back together again it’s going to be bigger and better and more amazing than ever before.

“The memory walk is extra special to us because it’s a celebration of lost loved ones. It’s an event we get most sponsorship from because of its very nature.”

 

Walkers enjoying the memory walk two years ago.

 

The Hospice had delayed accepting registrations until the government made its most recent announcement to put back the final easing of lockdown restrictions.

Beth said: “People would have had mixed emotions about us launching an event in the current circumstances with restrictions in place, even though we’d probably have been out of those restrictions by the time the walk came round.

“But we want to make sure there aren’t going to be any restrictions and don’t have to cap the numbers taking part. Unfortunately, there was the potential for that to be the case.

“We want to be confident we can do it and want everyone to be confident they can attend.

“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone coming together again in March and want to thank everyone for their loyalty, patience and understanding.”

The Memory Walk, formerly Light Up The Night, was to have been the climax to a Memory Miles event in which fundraisers undertake their own challenge by whatever means they wish.

 

The last memory walk in 2019.

Bill’s Open Garden

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

The roots of Bill North’s love of gardens go back to his days as a teenager.

His first job was as an apprentice horticulturalist and he spent his entire career involved in parks and gardens in some capacity.

Bill eventually retired as head of leisure at the then Macclesfield Borough Council in 2009.

He is one of several East Cheshire Hospice supporters opening up their gardens to the public this summer to raise funds for charity.

Bill and wife Julie entertained visitors at their beautiful garden on Kennedy Avenue as part of their annual support for the National Garden Scheme.

The Hospice provided teas for guests who admired herbaceous borders, Acer trees and countless flower pots and hanging baskets.

Bill said: “I dote on my garden and spend hours in it. I love it and genuinely feel better when I’m outside.

“I was very fortunate that my hobby was my career and once our garden is sorted at the start of the year it’s a matter of mainly keeping on top of it.

“We’ve a covered area where we love entertaining. That’s why we’re pleased to be coming out of lockdown because we can start to have people round again like before.”

Core beneficiaries of the Nation Garden Scheme include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

The couple have now decided to hold a second Open Gardens day on Sunday, August 15, with proceeds in aid of the Hospice only. Find out more here.

 

Gardeners’ world….Bill and Julie North in their back garden.

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