Tag: Droylsden

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Spotkick success sees Mossley retain Willow Wood Hospice Cup

Mossley AFC lifted the trophy for the second successive year as the Willow Wood Hospice Cup match raised £252.17 in support of the Hospice.

After a goalless 90 minutes at a sunny Seel Park, the Lilywhites came out on top 4-2 in a penalty shootout against Droylsden FC as both teams continued their pre-season preparations last Saturday (12th July).

Supporters were able to purchase raffle tickets and make a donation in collection buckets at the ground to the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which cares for patients with any life-limiting illness in Tameside and Glossop.

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was an annual fixture in the Tameside and Glossop non-league football calendar for a number of years.

After a hiatus, it was revived last year by former councillor and Civic Mayor of Tameside, Brian Wild, and fellow long-time supporter of the Hospice, Chris Smith.

Mossley hosted the occasion this year after beating Glossop North End AFC 2-0 last year at the Asgard Engineering Stadium as the cup made a triumphant return.

Brian Wild (left) and Roger Dilkes representing the Hospice at Mossley AFC.
Brian Wild (left) and Roger Dilkes representing the Hospice at Mossley AFC.

Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser, said: “A huge thank you to both clubs, our patron Brian Wild and Roger Dilkes for representing the Hospice, and everyone who attended for their support.

“We’re grateful to all those who bought a raffle ticket or dropped a donation in the bucket. Every contribution helps us continue caring for our patients and those closest to them.”

Brian Wild, patron of the Hospice, commented: “We didn’t see many goals but, on a sweltering hot day in Tameside, it was a brilliant game of football. Thank you to Mossley AFC for their excellent hospitality.

“I’m so pleased to see the Willow Wood Hospice Cup growing in momentum again. It’s more than about football – it’s about the community coming together to support an important local cause.”

Stephen Porter, Mossley AFC’s chairman, added: “We were delighted to host this year’s Willow Wood Hospice Cup match and proud to continue supporting the amazing work the Hospice does for local people.

“Thank you to fans of both teams for their generosity and getting behind the occasion.”

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Local author pens children’s poems to raise hospice funds

A local author has penned a bespoke treasury of poems to help raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice, which she describes as “a very special place”.

‘Into the Willow Wood’ by Johanne Lee is a variety of poems aimed at children aged 7 to 11, that she hopes adults will enjoy reading too.

The book covers a wide range of subjects from self-belief and faith, to fairytale and nature.

Johanne, who lives in Glossop but is originally from Droylsden, has always had a keen interest in reading and writing poems since her childhood.

It was only during the Covid pandemic that the mother-of-three, who also recently became a grandma, decided to combine her poems together into published books and join poetry groups.

“Poetry has become a daily practice for me,” the 56-year-old told us. “I love poetry and found a way with the picture books to raise awareness in early years settings of things like conservation and kindness.”

‘Into the Willow Wood’ is out now and is the 11th book of Johanne’s collection – which has helped to raise important subjects in children’s minds, as well as awareness and funds for both local and national charities.

The front cover of Johanne’s book called ‘Into the Willow Wood’ which will help to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice

“The concerning thing to me is how much charity is needed,” said Johanne, who is a former dance teacher, hairdresser and teaching assistant.

“Willow Wood Hospice is a place I’ve known about for a long time. I know so many people who have been in the Hospice and I’ve always wanted to support it in some way. It has helped so many people over the years.

“Local charities like Willow Wood are amazing and they are so imaginative in the ways they raise funds – which never stops and it’s never easy.

“I wanted to put my words and poems to good use. I genuinely wanted to do something with purpose and I want to raise as much money as possible for Willow Wood.”

Fittingly, a poem dedicated to the Hospice called ‘Into the Willow Wood’ features in the book.

The butterfly on the book’s front cover is also a symbol to make the book more unique to the Hospice.

“I know Willow Wood releases butterflies every year and a friend of mine goes to the event,” she said. “I knew it was something associated closely with the Hospice and I wanted it to feature prominently on the cover.”

VIDEO: Listen to Johanne reading one of her poems from the book, called The Truth Fairies, below…

The book, which is around 50 pages in length, was a couple of years in the making.

“I write poetry every single day and some things are to a prompt and some things are specific,” Johanne told us.

“With these poems, I realised they are very different – some are almost fable, which I loved as a child. They are poems that all of a sudden I realised were this book, so I’ve probably been writing them over the last two years and I’ve realised this was the place for them.”

Johanne held a book launch on Friday 12th April – the day it was released – at the Masonic Lodge in Glossop, which was a great success. She raised £550 on the night, which she has kindly donated to the Hospice.

‘Into the Willow Wood’ is available to buy at Dark Peak Books & Gifts in Glossop and through online retailers such as Amazon and Waterstones as a hardback for £14.99. It will soon be available in the Hospice reception shop, on our online shop and at forthcoming fundraising events – we’ll keep you updated! 

The book will also be accessible in the future as an eBook.