Author: bsa_mar

Willow Wood have got a fabulous way to start the festive season in style – a ladies only Winter Wonderland Lunch. Held at Smokies Park Hotel on Thursday 24 November, this sparkling afternoon begins at 11.30am with a glass of Prosecco followed by a gin tasting before a delicious afternoon tea with even more fizz!

Mark Llewellin, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees and a well-loved local celebrity, will be hosting the Winter Wonderland afternoon and said: “It will be sparkles all the way with cabaret from the effervescent Belinda Scandal who entertained us so well at our Strictly Dance earlier this year. The audience absolutely loved her, and we’re anticipating another scintillating set!”

Mark is a very well-known after-dinner speaker, master of ceremonies and radio presenter, who entertains many different groups in his own inimitable style. The ladies present can expect a number of his highly amusing tales along with some fun and games.

In addition, there’s a fashion show from Be You Be Beautiful and the chance to browse and buy from a number of stalls including bespoke jewellery, skin care, make up, ladies accessories, luxury wax melts and candles and, of course, Willow Wood’s very own gin which is available in a four berry infusion in addition to the ever-popular traditional London Dry style. All this makes it the ideal opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts or just to treat yourself.

“If you’re in business, the Winter Wonderland is an ideal way to thank clients, customers or colleagues – or just join us and enjoy an indulgent pre-Christmas afternoon with friends.” said Mark. “And if you don’t know what to buy for those ladies who have everything, why not gift them an early Christmas present with a ticket to this afternoon of fun, fizz and more. At just £34.50 per head it’s great value – and will be something they’re sure to enjoy.”

Tickets are available to buy online – just go to willowwood.org.uk.Please don’t leave it too late to book your place though, there are only a limited number of tickets.

Photo: The amazing Belinda Scandal with vice-chair of Trustees and the afternoon’s host, Mark Llewellin.

Willow Wood’s fantastic clearance sales are back at the huge distribution centre on Langham Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, and the next one is coming up on Friday 30 September.

Starting bright and early at 9am sharp, those in the know will be queuing to get in. Vicky Moorfield, manager at the Distribution Centre said: “We’re incredibly busy all the way through to 1pm when the sale ends, and we have everything marked down to rock bottom prices. And there is such a variety of stock on sale, ranging from furniture, clothes, bric a brac, small electrical goods, books, toys and much more”.

The sale also has a very popular feature – fill a bag with clothes for just £5! And with shoes, bags and other accessories available you can have a whole new outfit for less than £10.

Vicky also said “Our supporters just love these sales, so if you have an eye for a bargain and are ready to rummage then you’re in for a treat! And can I take this opportunity to thank our supporters – all the items on sale, whether a table, a toy or a trouser suit have been donated by our community.

“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to our volunteers who have been working very hard behind the scenes to help organise the sale, and will be there on Friday 30 September to ensure it runs smoothly.”

Willow Wood has around 500 volunteers, working in all areas, but at the moment is looking for more support, particularly on the retail side. Our shops, online sales and clearance sales bring in a large part of the £3million needed this year to care for our patients and their families. These funds can only be raised with the support of the volunteer team.

If you’d like to help and can spare a few hours each week, find out more about volunteering here – we’d love to have you on board!

Willow Wood are proud to announce that they have partnered with four of the best up-and-coming comedians on the national and international circuit for a Comedy Night at the George Lawton Hall, Mossley.

Colin Manford (Justin’s younger brother) will be hosting the evening on Friday 16 September and brings with him the very talented Big Lou, who has been described as a cross between Les Dawson and Jimmy Carr; Steve Shanyaski, named the Holsten Pils Comedian of the Year and the Birmingham Comedy Festival Best Breaking Talent; and Alex Boardman, who has written for John Bishop and 8 out of 10 Cats, and is one of the UK’s most sought after acts in his own right.

Lisa Buckley, event organiser said, “Colin is amazing and so very funny, he really can connect with any audience and I’m thrilled to have been able to secure him for what promises to be the best night out of the year. And, as Colin is a committed supporter of a number of local charities, we’re offering the Comedy Night for just £15 a ticket – truly an amazing price for an amazing night out.”

All four comedians have toured extensively and are at the top of their game, although it must be stressed that this evening is for over 18’s only. Colin, himself an award winning comedian and joint host of the Plane Comedy Podcasts, said “I’m very excited to be teaming up with the wonderful people at Willow Wood to bring a fine night of comedy to raise vital funds for the Hospice. The line-up is phenomenal, so buy your tickets online from Willow Wood or from the George Lawton Hall itself.”

Tickets and more information can be found here.

Willow Wood are delighted to announce that John Fellowes has agreed to become a patron of the Hospice. For many years the public face of Willow Wood, John, who was appointed as fundraising manager in 1997, not only spearheaded fundraising activities to build the Hospice, but continued raising funds to ensure specialist palliative care for the people of Tameside and Glossop.

From welcoming the first day patient in May 1999 Willow Wood has been an integral part of the community, caring for many thousands of local people and their families. Although all care is free of charge, it does come at a cost. This year the Hospice is looking at £3million to maintain and develop services, and costs are continuing to rise. Karen Houlston, chief executive said “John came up with many fundraising initiatives until he retired in 2017, and we are absolutely thrilled to have him back on board. For many people he was ‘Mr Willow Wood’ and we are looking forward to having the benefit of his experience once more.”

Mark Llewellin, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees and acting head of fundraising agreed. “I am delighted that John has agreed to become a patron and renew his association with Willow Wood. So many people in Tameside and Glossop know him and know of his years of fundraising work for the Hospice. In fact there will be thousands of local people I’m sure who John ‘talked’ into doing things to support us down the years – I am one of them! His passion for the hospice’s work is undimmed and it was a joy to welcome him back this week.”

John will be in very good company as a patron, joining both Julie Goodyear MBE and Julie Hesmondhalgh from Coronation Street, Sharman Birtles who is currently serving as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Tony Husband the celebrated cartoonist, comedian Justin Moorhouse, well known amateur golfer Martin Wild and retired businessman Phil Cowper, formerly a Trustee at the Hospice.

Mark concluded: “Phillip Millson, chair of the Board of Trustees, Karen and myself were extremely happy to welcome John back into the fold and detail some of the developments made over the past few years.We are looking forward to a long and happy association, and thank him so much for lending his support once more to Willow Wood.”

There is some fantastic news for parents – the baby and toddler department at the Pad, Shepley Street, Stalybridge is being extended. That means even more pre-loved bargains will be available, and as all the money raised goes directly to Willow Wood Hospice, shoppers will be helping patients and their families as well as making great savings themselves.

Pauline Lunt, Willow Wood’s new Retail Operations Manager said: “We all know how expensive raising a family is, and how soon babies outgrow their prams, cots, clothes and toys! Given the current economic situation it’s even more important to spend wisely, so if you’ve a baby on the way or are a new grandparent you’ll be pleased to know that we are extending the very popular baby department here at the Pad.

“It’s in response to customer demand. This section of our store has always been very busy, but recently stock has been flying off the shelves. And as our supporters donate such high-quality and barely used goods, we made the decision to extend the department.”

The baby and toddler section will be re-sited to the first floor of the store. This means that for the next few weeks the café will be closed and refurbished as well, re-opening in about four weeks’ time. “We’re going back to basics a little,” said Pauline. “Most of our customers come in for a speciality coffee, cake or light snack and that’s what we’ll be concentrating on. We’ll still have a smart, clean and bright Coffee Shop where you can relax over a tasty treat, but customer research has shown that well priced and good quality baby items are what people in the area are looking for.”

The new department will reopen the first week in November in plenty of time to buy those Christmas gifts. Nearly new toys, books and clothing will be in plentiful supply, along with all the necessities to furnish a nursery. “We’ll be announcing the re-opening date as soon as we can,” said Pauline, “so please keep in touch by checking our social media, where we’ll be keeping you up-to-date with all the changes.”