Author: bsa_mar

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.

This year, for what is almost unbelievably the nineteenth annual concert, members of local amateur operatic societies are coming together to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

The 19th Enchanted Evening, which this year will be held at Dukinfield Methodist Church on Friday 30 September, was the brainchild of volunteer Mike Styan. A committed supporter of the Hospice, Mike has volunteered in a number of different roles including Inpatient Ward Assistant, collecting and replacing charity cans from local businesses, selling raffle tickets and he is now a very valued Ambassador, representing Willow Wood at various events within the community.

“When I organised the very first Enchanted Evening, I never thought we’d still be singing nineteen years on, but it is a joy to be able to continue to support the Hospice in this way. The shows have raised over £19,000 to date and we’re hoping for a full house this year – it would be wonderful to reach £20,000.

“Of course, I’m only one member of the team and couldn’t do it without my co-producer, Phil Steels. As always, we have some top class soloists performing and we feel very lucky to have them on board.

“Sarah Thewlis, Amy Mason, Ben Mackenzie, David Noble and Kelly Harrington are all very well known in local AODS circles and they, plus myself, will be singing a selection of the best loved tunes from musical theatre. It’s a varied programme and we can guarantee you’ll be going home whistling, humming or singing your favourite song!

“Steve Pearson Car Sales have once more sponsored the Enchanted Evening and I must thank Steve for his generosity, we really are very grateful.”

Tickets are just £8 for a wonderful evening of entertainment, and can be obtained by ringing Mike on 07751 272763. “During the pandemic, we live streamed the show and are continuing to do so for those unable to attend. It worked really well, and you can find out more by going to www.19enchanted.live. I do hope you can join us, it will be a fabulous evening and will help Willow Wood continue to care for our community.”

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.”

This National Volunteers Week, 1-7 June, Willow Wood is celebrating the part its volunteers play in keeping the Tameside and Glossop Hospice at the forefront of Hospice care.

Mark Llewellin, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees, explains, “As we are gradually returning to normal our volunteers are once more taking up their roles throughout the Hospice. Although we are still not yet up to full strength, last month alone we calculated that, at minimum wage, our volunteers saved us around £60,000. And as a number of our volunteers work in highly skilled areas such as Health & Safety or Complementary Therapies and others mentor us in specialist skills, the true figure would be much higher!

“Without our volunteers there is no doubt that we would not be able to maintain and develop our specialised and loving care to our patients and their loved ones.”

Lisa Pye, volunteer services manager, agrees. “Our volunteers work in every area of the Hospice. The very first person you will meet if you walk through our doors will be a volunteer receptionist. The skills, professionalism and dedication of our nearly 600 strong team are something we are very proud of, and their commitment was recognised back in 2016 with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the equivalent of the MBE for volunteer groups.

“On Saturday we held a tea party for those volunteers who had completed five, ten, fifteen, twenty and even twenty-five years of service with us where they received their long service award. And this week myself, members of the senior management team and board members will be out and about every day thanking our volunteers personally and handing out specially baked cupcakes.

“Of course, there is always room at the Hospice for more volunteers. As we continue to expand and develop our services, we also need more support. Whether working in Willow Wood itself, helping at fundraising events or serving in our shops, there are plenty of opportunities, details of which can be found online at willowwood.org.uk.”

This week is not the only time that volunteers are celebrated. Later in the year the Hospice holds a massive party and this year will be the first one since 2019. “We’re hoping to make this the biggest and best party ever” said Mark “and for the first time this year we are looking for local businesses to sponsor the party. Whether you can help cover the costs of dressing the room, the refreshments, or even become a headline sponsor we would be very grateful. Again, you can find information on costs and benefits on our website. But in the meantime, please join us in paying thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers. They are simply the best.”

Staff and volunteers at Willow Wood are delighted to invite supporters back to their beautiful gardens on Saturday 9 July for the Butterfly Memory Release, a touching way to remember loved ones.

Event organiser Laura Marinelli said, “We are thrilled that we’re able to welcome everyone back to remember their loved ones this special way. Every life remembered is represented by a delicate Painted Lady, which will take flight from your hands into our wildlife friendly gardens.

“It is a wonderful spectacle as they open their wings and lift into the air before coming to rest on the flowers, many of which have been planted to provide food for the butterflies. It’s quite poignant in later months to see butterflies flitting in the gardens, and to wonder if they are descended from one you may have released in memory of a special person.

“If you’ve not heard of this before, you may wonder why the Hospice has chosen butterflies for this memorial event. It’s because, in folklore and myths throughout the world, butterflies are seen as a symbol for the soul. Indeed, the ancient Greek word for butterfly was the same as their word for the soul. And it’s not just in European myths; in Russian, Japanese, South American, Indian and Samoan tales butterflies are revered in the same way. So, it just seemed an appropriate and magical way to remember those who meant the world to you.”

The butterflies are released following a short blessing by Hospice chaplain Eddy Inglis, and it truly is a wonderful spectacle and a joyous way to commemorate loved ones.

The day also sees the Willow Wood Summer Fete. Lisa Buckley, newly appointed community and events fundraiser said, “I’m really looking forward to this and to the Summer Fete which runs alongside it. Although I’ve only been here a few weeks, I’ve really hit the ground running and I’m very busy organising stalls, entertainment and refreshments for the day.

“If you’re attending the Butterfly Release, you’ll be able to spend some time to reflect over a cream tea, light lunch or even a glass of Pimms’s! And if you want to shop, there’s a fantastic range of stalls with handcrafted items, accessories, wax melts and much more. It really is a lovely way to spend a Summer Saturday.”

To find out more about the Summer Fete and Butterfly Memory Release or to dedicate your butterflies online please click here. Alternatively, you can pick up a dedication from the Willow Wood reception or any of its eight shops.

Chair of the Willow Wood board of Trustees, Philip Millson (on left in photo) and Vice-Chair Mark Llewellin were very pleased to meet young Mia at our recent NGS Garden Open Day.

Mia presented them with a handwritten card and a beautiful butterfly wind chime that she had made. Here, in her own words, is Mia’s story:

“Thank you for looking after my Grandad in 2018 and my Grandad was very happy that the nurses and doctors was helping him. I made this butterfly Wind Chime and please can you give it to someone that is poorly to cheer them up”.

We certainly will Mia, thank you so very much.

Mia also gave us a lovely photo of her grandad and herself, and had this to say about the card:

“And on this card is a picture of a kitten on it and it looks like my Auntie’s kitten and she’s called Willow and she’s named after the Hospice”.

It was a pleasure to meet Mia and have a chat in our beautiful gardens, and we really are grateful to her for her lovely words and gift. Thank you Mia.

Willow Wood have had a wonderful donation of both time and money from Virgin Media who not only helped fund the creation of a family room at the Hospice, but arranged for a team of volunteers to come along and refurbish it with a corporate volunteering day.

Mark Llewellin, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees said: “We’ve always understood the importance of supporting a patient’s loved ones as well as the patients themselves and, apart from the necessary restrictions of the past couple of years, have always had open visiting hours on our Inpatient Unit – and that includes the family pets! Our aim is to make everyone as comfortable as possible, and to provide a bright yet homely environment.

“We had two large twin rooms, both very comfortable with access to private patios looking over the gardens and ensuite facilities, but have wanted to create a family room where partners, children and other visitors could feel at home. The wonderful donation of £670 from Virgin Media and, just as importantly, the time and skills of their volunteer team, have meant we have been able to give a full makeover to one of these rooms.”

With the funds provided the Hospice purchased paint, a dining table complete with stools, bean bags, chairs, soft furnishings, lighting – and even a picture for the wall! And the team from Virgin Media and their contractor Wingnut Utilities worked tirelessly throughout the day.

Lee Dooley, Regional Community Lead from Virgin Media’s Manchester office, organised staff from as far afield as Leicester and Birmingham to give a day’s volunteering at the Hospice. He said: “It was a pleasure to come to Willow Wood, the whole team was so enthusiastic. To see the room go from an empty shell in the morning to a brightly painted, fully furnished, family space was incredibly satisfying. Knowing that this will contribute to the wellbeing of Hospice patients and their families gave us all a real sense of achievement.

“Some of the volunteers also spent time in the beautiful gardens, giving sheds, benches and pergolas a facelift – and we’d have no hesitation in coming back to the Hospice again. It was a very full day of volunteering but a day the whole team were proud to take part in.”

If your company would like to organise a corporate volunteering day find out more here or contact volunteering@willowwood.org.uk.

A new event in the Willow Wood calendar is a full day Classic Coronation Street Tour, coming up on Sunday 5 June.

Hosted by vice-chair of the Board of Trustees and acknowledged expert on all things Corrie, Mark Llewellin, the trip will be a fascinating insight into the classic days of the programme. In addition to a 90 minute visit to the Coronation Street outdoor set, the trip will also include a coach tour round some famous locations such as the Red Rec Park and Weatherfield Church.

It will be a real trip down Memory Lane, as Mark will take Corrie fans back to the golden days sharing the story of how creator Tony Warren came up with the idea of his fictional street and how he persuaded Granada TV bosses to put it on air, through to how the show is made today. And if you’ve ever heard him speak at one of his famous Afternoon Teas or giving an after-dinner speech, you’ll know you are in for a treat!

Mark said, “There’ll be backstage gossip, history, details of how filming happens and how the episodes are put together. We’ll be having lots of laughs along the way with tales of the iconic stars – Jack and Vera, Bet and Alec and Ena, Martha and Minnie amongst them.

“And I have to pass my thanks to Roberts Travel of Oldham who are our sponsors of the event. Their generosity means that we can offer this wonderful full day trip for just £40 – and when you consider that entrance to the Studio Tour alone is £35, you’ll realise what good value it is.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing my stories with Willow Wood’s supporters and I’m sure it will be a unique day out. It’s very appropriate for the jubilee weekend – the Queen is probably the most famous person to walk the cobbles so we’ll be tracing her steps too.”

The coach will depart from Willow Wood Hospice at 9am returning at around 5.30pm, so it really will be a full and fun-packed day.

The trip can be booked online here. Alternatively, pick up a booking form from the Hospice or any of its shops.

International Nurses’ Day falls this year on Thursday 12 May, and it gives everyone at Willow Wood the opportunity to thank that very special team for their hard work, their dedication, their compassion and their specialised care.

Here’s what Caroline Corbett, one of our In-Patient Unit sisters has to say about her role: “I’ve been at Willow Wood now for 10 years, and can’t imagine working anywhere else. I’m so proud of my role here, and feel privileged that I’m able to spend that time with our patients and their families.

“Little things can make such a difference in their care. Sharing a walk in our beautiful gardens while speaking of their hopes and wishes for their stay. Or mouthcare with their favourite (and possibly alcoholic) drink. Little things as I say, but they help create a bond. Getting to know people in this way can help me to answer their questions, to know when they want me there for support. Sometimes just to hold their hand, that can be all they need.

“Every day is different, every person is different, and we nurse people with a range of different illnesses. We still see predominantly cancers, but end stage dementia, cardio-renal management, neurological disease, pulmonary disease they all need different skills and can be quite challenging. However, our high ratio of staff to patients mean that we are able to give individual care, tailored to their needs. And continuity in care is important as well, with our own patients which makes it easier to spot changes in conditions or emotions and respond accordingly.

“My role has developed over the years, as our care has developed and I’m so excited for the future of the Hospice, and for the care we can continue to provide for our community.

“I couldn’t care effectively though without the support of the rest of the team and that includes our wonderful volunteers too. Everyone at Willow Wood is passionate about the Hospice and passionate about our roles. I’m proud and privileged to work here, and I’m proud and privileged to care for our patients and their families.”