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Our Glossop shop is officially award winning

Willow Wood Hospice is celebrating after its Glossop charity shop was crowned the East Midlands winner in the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards 2025.

The much-loved shop on High Street West was one of over 5,000 charity shops nominated from across the UK and rose to the top following a public vote of more than 40,000 people.

It is one of just 12 winners nationwide, representing each of the nine English regions, plus Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Adding to the Hospice’s success, Willow Wood’s shop in Hyde was also shortlisted in the highly competitive North West category.

The awards organised by the Charity Retail Association, now in their second year, celebrate the very best of charity retail – shops that not only raise vital funds through the sale of pre-loved goods but also serve as community hubs, providing employment, volunteering opportunities, and support for local people.

Customers of the Glossop shop echoed this sentiment in their nominations.

One supporter commented: “This charity shop is so well presented, colour co-ordinated and the staff are so lovely. They are very reasonably priced, making it accessible to all – I go in four times a week. Everything is priced very reasonably; range of stock is really good. The staff are amazing; they can never do enough for you.”

Some of the Willow Wood Glossop shop’s hard-working volunteers celebrating with the award.

The award was presented to the shop’s team on Thursday 30th October by Emma Peake, Chair of the Charity Retail Association, who spoke with the dedicated staff and volunteers behind the shop’s success.

Caroline Lillis, manager of the Hospice’s Glossop shop, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been named East Midlands winner – it means so much to our whole team. Every day, our volunteers bring warmth and passion to what they do, and our customers are like family to us. This award is for the community of Glossop who support us so loyally – we couldn’t do it without them.”

Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, added: “A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, share, and spread the word among family and friends. Your support truly makes a difference and these awards recognise the outstanding work our retail team does every day to support patient care at the Hospice.”

Robin Osterley OBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, commented: “Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who voted. The volume of support the Awards received this year not only demonstrates the public’s passion for their favourite stores but really shows the impact they have within their local communities and the difference they make to people’s lives.”

The overall UK winner will be announced in November.

For more information about the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards and to see all the area winners, visit https://charityretail.org.uk/the-uks-favourite-charity-shop

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Glamour and generosity shine at 1920s Glitz Gala Ball

More than 200 guests stepped back in time to the roaring 1920s for Willow Wood Hospice’s Glitz Gala Ball.

Held at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne, the glittering event has helped to raise over £30,000 in support of patient care at the Hospice.

The venue was transformed into a dazzling 1920s scene, thanks to the creative vision of Denton-based agency Visual Architects, who provided the stunning themed décor.

Guests embraced the glamour of the era, donning tuxedos and flapper dresses as they enjoyed a night of vintage style on Friday 17th October.

Attendees were treated to welcome drinks and a three-course meal, before dancing the night away to live music from the band Schwing. The compere for the evening was Tameside Radio DJ Cameron Kennedy.

The night began with a light-hearted Stand Up for Willow Wood fundraiser, where guests could purchase a fan or trilby for the chance to win a selection of celebrity wines and champagne.

In her welcome speech, Willow Wood Hospice CEO Tracy Minshull spoke passionately about the importance of community support.

“Much like the 1920s, we’re making every penny count,” she told the audience. “But truth be told, it’s our community – not the coffers – that keeps us going. Times are tough, costs are rising, but thanks to your fundraising and generosity, we’re still here, delivering care with dignity and you are the heartbeat of the Hospice.”

A raffle, auction and silent auction – featuring an array of fabulous prizes – boosted the funds even further.

GALLERY: Click on the image below to browse through our photo album. Image credit: David Hirst.

Headline sponsors for the event for the second consecutive year by Scientific Sanitation Solutions, an Ashton-under-Lyne business developing innovations in sanitation and agriculture. Other sponsors included Gerard McDermott KC, Sofology, Manchester City Football Club, Bamford Print, FGH Security and Vivienne Westwood Limited.

Students from Tameside College lent a helping hand on the night, assisting guests in the cloakroom.

Tracey Schofield, Events Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “The Ball is always a highlight of our fundraising calendar, and this year’s 1920s theme brought so much sparkle and energy. Keep an eye out for details of the exciting events we have planned in the run-up to Christmas.”

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Willow Wood Hospice, added: “It was a wonderful night but the moment that stood out for me was when we showed a video sharing the story of a family we’ve supported – which perfectly and poignantly captured why supporting hospice care is so important. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, donated, or contributed in any way to the event, to help raise vital funds towards patient care.”

Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, is a local charity providing specialist, compassionate and dignified care for patients across Tameside and Glossop living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as supporting those closest to them.

The Hospice is not part of the NHS and receives only a quarter of its annual funding from the Government, meaning it relies heavily on the community’s generosity – through donations, fundraising, volunteering, shopping in its eight charity shops, playing the weekly lottery, or leaving a Gift in a Will.

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Celebrating one year of our Clearance Outlet

What a year it has been! Just twelve months ago, our Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre opened its doors, transforming a warehouse into a vibrant retail hub – not just a place to donate and shop, but a place with heart.

From our Opening Day on 12th October to the launch of our branded vans and improved collection and delivery service, every milestone has helped the team grow stronger together.

Highlights included a Family Fun Day, filled with laughter and music, and the unveiling of our community garden – now a welcoming green space for everyone.

Behind the scenes, success has been powered by our staff and volunteers, including young people from the Tameside YES scheme. We’ve also welcomed many new faces – individuals and corporate volunteers – whose energy and commitment have made a huge difference.

“We’ve all learned so much this past year – and we’re still learning every day,” said Paul King, Warehouse and Logistics Manager. “Shopping or donating here isn’t like your typical charity shop. There’s always something happening, plenty of space to browse, and a real buzz thanks to our customers, staff, and volunteers.”

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who has donated, shopped, or supported this multi-faceted retail hub. You’ve helped make this outlet truly special.

Here’s to another year of growth, community, and making a difference TOGETHER.

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Tameside College serves up spicy success for National Curry Week fundraiser

Tameside College’s Business Innovation team brought flavour, culture and community together for a good cause this month, hosting a National Curry Week celebration to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

The event, held on Tuesday, October 7 at The Restaurant at Tameside One on Wellington Road, drew in staff, students and local food lovers for an afternoon of tastings and talks celebrating the best of South Asian cuisine and hospitality innovation.

Guests enjoyed a range of tasting plates prepared in partnership with local favourites Moksha Restaurant & Bar and Lily’s Vegetarian Indian Cuisine, with chefs sharing their expertise and passion for authentic dishes.

Alongside the feast, visitors also had the chance to hear how local hospitality businesses are working with the College to innovate, inspire new careers and grow skills in the region’s thriving food and drink industry.

Entry fees and donations went directly towards supporting patient care at Willow Wood Hospice, which provides vital services to patients and families across Tameside and Glossop.

Organisers said they were delighted with the turnout and generosity of those who attended.

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Football Night nets record amount for hospice care

The sixth annual Football Night fundraiser has raised over £9,000 to support local patients and families at the Hospice.

The record-breaking amount – almost double last year’s total – was made possible thanks to the generosity of footballing legends, supporters, and dedicated volunteers.

More than 200 football fans from across Tameside gathered on Friday 26th September for an evening of laughter, memories and behind-the-scenes stories from Manchester City greats Joe Corrigan MBE, David White and Brian Horton.

Hosted by former top-flight referee Roger Dilkes, the event – held at Dukinfield Masonic Hall for the third successive year – proved to be a huge hit, with the audience enjoying candid and entertaining insights from the trio of City stars.

Over the years, a host of football favourites – including Martyn Buchan, Peter Barnes, Eamon O’Keefe, Trevor Ross, Ella Toone, Alex Williams MBE and Tommy Booth – have appeared free of charge to help raise vital funds for the Hospice. This year was no different, with the three City legends ensuring the night was one to remember.

Former professional goalkeeper and Manchester FA ambassador Allan Grafton MBE once again played a crucial role in securing the support of the footballing guests.

Around 200 people enjoyed a trip down football memory lane at Dukinfield Masonic Hall

The Football Night is organised each year by long-time Hospice supporters Brian Wild and Chris Smith, who have together raised more than £40,000 for Willow Wood since Chris’s wife was cared for at the Hospice in 2013.

Former Tameside Civic Mayor and Hospice patron Brian Wild said: “We’re all volunteers and even the pie and peas for 200 guests are made at home by Cllr Denise Ward, at her own expense. We aimed to raise £7,000 but this result is just astonishing. Chris and I are so pleased this money will go straight towards providing compassionate and dignified care for people across Tameside and Glossop.”

“The Football Night always sells out, and the tickets get snapped up quickly. I take my hat off to the sportspeople who give up their time to entertain and support the Hospice. Many people here have a personal connection to Willow Wood, and this event shows how deeply the Hospice touches local lives.”

Much of the fundraising success also came from the wider community, with sponsorship and donations from local businesses including Cosmo Bingo (Stalybridge), Bay Freight, Manchester Credit Union, APEX Joinery, Lo-Cost Windows and Hyde Accessible Transport Ltd, among others.

Lucy Ta’ati, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Without people like Brian and Chris organising these events, Willow Wood would not be able to continue offering the care and support our community needs. We are truly grateful for their incredible dedication and for the generosity of everyone who supported this year’s Football Night.”

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Artist transforms Hyde shop window

Artist Emma Evans has been brightening Hyde’s high street with vibrant shopfront murals in partnership with Tameside Council.

Her latest project transformed the window of our Market Place shop, framing it with Willow Wood Hospice’s familiar trees in a colourful, welcoming design.

The artwork has sparked conversations among shoppers, volunteers, and passers-by, raising awareness of the Hospice’s vital work.

Emma said: “It was such an honour to create the window artwork for Willow Wood. The team are incredibly friendly and the work they do is truly inspiring. The words they chose flow beautifully with the values of the wider Hyde project.”

Gemma Wharmby, manager of our Hyde shop, commented: “I think it really brightens up the window and fits in with our logo perfectly. Emma was lovely and is a regular visitor to our shop so it was really nice to see her work.

“We have had lots of customer feedback saying it looks lovely and bright and really grabs your attention. Lots of customers have asked about the reason behind it and said she’s done a fab job.”

Thank you to Emma and Tameside Council for combining creativity with community pride.

Our Hyde shop manager Gemma next to the finished shop window
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Rotary hits fundraising hole-in-one for Willow Wood

Charity was the real winner at Werneth Low Golf Club as Tameside Rotary’s annual golf day for Willow Wood Hospice raised more than £5,100. 

A bumper 24 teams took part in the competition, which has become a fixture on the local fundraising calendar. 

Thanks to sponsorship from Malbern Windows and support from other local businesses, this year’s event topped previous totals. 

Among the winners on the course were Elly’s Heroes, who took the overall team prize, while WGAF 4 finished runners-up. 

Special mentions also went to Steve Cooper Clarke (nearest the pin, 9th hole), Chris Ventress (nearest the line) and Matt Foster (nearest the pin, 11th hole). 

In the hotly contested “Yellow Ball Competition”, sponsored by FTDS, M60 Scaffolding came out on top.

The 23rd edition of the golf day had a new feature this year – a silent auction for six rounds of golf at courses across the region, donated by supporters.

Lucy Ta’ati, Events and Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood, said: “Tameside Rotary have been steadfast supporters of Willow Wood since the very beginning, and we are so grateful for their dedication in organising this wonderful Golf Day for over 20 years. 

“This year’s event was the biggest and best yet and we want to thank the kind-hearted Rotarians, everyone who joined in, all the sponsors and in particular Malbern Windows and Werneth Low Golf Club for hosting. 

“It costs around £10,000 each day to keep the Hospice open, and without supporters like Tameside Rotary, we simply couldn’t continue providing our vital care for local people.” 

Werneth Low’s Club Captain Lou Arrowsmith added that Willow Wood is also his nominated charity this year, with members already raising another £1,000.

Tameside Rotary’s President Mike Glover paid tribute to the volunteers who made the event possible, before looking ahead to their next big community fundraiser: the Tameside Beer Festival, taking place at Stalybridge Civic Hall on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th September – which is also supporting the Hospice. 

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Golfers swing into action for hospice care

Golfers once again swung into action to help raise thousands of pounds for Willow Wood Hospice.  

Twenty-two teams enjoyed a tee-rific experience at this year’s Martin Wild Golf Day, in support of their local hospice.

In total, the annual fundraiser at Ashton-under-Lyne Golf Club made over £10,000 – which will help support patients from the local community with any life-limiting illness.

The event was kindly sponsored by Docutech Office Solutions and Marshall Peters.

The action-packed day on Friday 8th August teed off with hot refreshments and a shotgun start before the golfers started their 18 holes – including some friendly competitions throughout, including Beat the Pro.

Browse through photos from the day, taken by David Hirst, by clicking the image below:

Staff and volunteers from the Hospice ensured they were well looked after with refreshments before the day finished with a prize presentation for the teams finishing first to sixth and a silent auction.

Only one team could be crowned champion and that honour went to UK Decs – whose team captain was Jason Moulton.

The popular event, first held in 2019, is promoted by Martin Wild, a former Lancashire amateur golf champion and a long-time supporter of the Hospice.

Tracey Schofield, Events Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We are delighted with the success of this year’s Martin Wild Golf Day and so grateful for the incredible support we received.

“Thank you to all of the volunteers who gave their time on the day, the players who took part with such enthusiasm, our generous sponsors whose support made the event possible, and the companies who donated prizes for our silent auction.”

Anyone who would like to take part in next year’s Martin Wild Golf Day can register their interest by contacting the Hospice’s Fundraising team on 0161 330 7788 or email fundraising@willowwood.org.uk

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Guide Bridge Theatre takes the Enchanted Evening reins

A much-loved musical tradition that has raised thousands for Willow Wood Hospice is entering a new chapter as Guide Bridge Theatre steps in to take over the running of the annual Enchanted Evening concert.

Now in its 22nd year, the concert has become a cherished fixture in the local calendar, drawing audiences from across the borough for a night of nostalgic musical theatre performed by talented soloists from local operatic societies.

Organised since its inception in 2004 by Mike Styan and a dedicated team of musical friends, the event has raised over £20,000 for the Hospice, including £1,386.50 last year.

This year marks a ‘changing of the guard’ as Mike steps back from the organiser role, passing the baton to Sue Holden and the team at Guide Bridge Theatre, who will host the concert for the first time on Friday 26th September at 7.30pm at their venue on Audenshaw Road.

Reflecting on his years leading the event, Mike said: “It has been an absolute privilege to organise the Enchanted Evening for the past 21 years. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved — not just the money raised, but the joy and community spirit the concerts have brought.

“I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years, from the performers and audiences to our loyal sponsors. I’m thrilled to see Sue and the team at Guide Bridge Theatre take it forward, and I know they’ll do a fantastic job keeping the magic alive.”

Sue Holden and Mike Styan handing over the music books in the Hospice gardens
Sue and Mike handing over the music books in the Hospice gardens

Sue appeared in the very first concert back in January 2004 and is thrilled to be involved in its future.

“Mike has done a tremendous job over many years and has thankfully agreed to share his knowledge with me,” she said.

“I am delighted that Guide Bridge Theatre have agreed to host this event and thank everyone there for supporting this venture. This means that all the money from ticket sales can go directly to the Hospice.

“Work has already started on this year’s programme and I am excited to be working with some very special and talented people, all of whom give freely of their time and talents to support Willow Wood. I have no doubt it will be a truly magical Enchanted Evening.”

The concert has seen a number of homes over the years — from its debut at Ashton-under-Lyne Civic Hall, to Stalybridge and Dukinfield Methodist Churches, as well as being held virtually during Covid-19. Throughout it all, it has retained its heartwarming appeal and community spirit.

The event continues to receive the support of Steve Pearson Car Sales on Acres Lane in Stalybridge, whose backing helps ensure the funds raised can support the care of patients with any life-limiting illness from Tameside and Glossop at the Hospice.

“Once again it is our absolute pleasure to be involved in the Willow Wood Enchanted Evening event,” said Steve. “Each year has got bigger and bigger, and hopefully this year is going to be the best yet. We’re looking forward to helping make it happen.”

Tickets for this year’s event are £10 per person and can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/venueplan/bkgzmkgzwvrv.

As always, audiences can expect a night filled with wonderful music, nostalgia, and community spirit — all in support of Willow Wood Hospice.