June and July | Issue 190 network - St Nicholas Hospice

networkJune and July | Issue 190

Internal magazine for staff and volunteers

Bumper edition!Staff and

Volunteer party picture special,

the Hospice People Survey

and much more

2 June and July 2018

Dates for the diary

The next few months are jam-packed with Hospice events and fundraising occasions. To help you plan your diaries here is a snap shot of what’s coming up soon. We’re always on the lookout for people to volunteer at events, so if you can spare any time please let our Fundraising Team know.• 7 JulyWarehouse Clearance Sale• 8 JulyWomen on Wheels Bury• 15 July Skydive Day• 22 JulyBattle of the Knights II• 28 JulyBures Garden Party• 5 AugustJust Push Play 4: Train Kept A Rollin• 2 SeptemberClassic and Sports Cars by the Lake

in this issue Hello: Education Administrator Andrew Pettigrew, Financial Controller Colin Howe, Bank Warehouse Assistant Elizabeth Penny, Bank Hospice Nurse Sandra Jardine, Bank Retail Assistant Lydia Bridge, Volunteer Weekend Receptionist Patrick Sprake, Volunteer Hospice Care Assistant Kate Macdonald, Hospice Neighbours Sarah Corlett, Susan Spendlove and Tracey Garner, Shop Volunteers Matthew Winearls, Ray Rymill, Janette Clark, Linda Frost, Zoe Ellis, Karolina Valentine, Annabelle Capilna and Timothy Deane.

Goodbye: HR Director Jane Doughty and Hospice Neighbour Linda Dunsford.

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Hospice People Survey

Staff and volunteer party Classic and Sports Cars by the Lake

Senior manager on-call

The best way for everyone to find out which of our on-call managers is on duty is by checking the Hospice’s Outlook organisational calendar, as this is the most up-to-date record.

If you need to contact the on-call manager, their number is always available from Reception or in an emergency the Sylvan Ward.

Welcome to network

Staff and volunteers gathered to wish HR Director Jane Doughty a fond farewell as she left the Hospice after 12 years. Jane paid tribute to her teams and thanked the directors for their support. The Hospice’s Chief Executive Barbara Gale, the Chairman of

the Board of Trustees Charles Simpson, Trustee Marion Miles and Joyce Norburn all passed on their thanks and appreciation.

3vwww.stnicholashospicecare.org.uk

Hospice People Survey


Summer party

Volunteers and staff gathered together to socialise over delicious cakes and refreshments, while long-serving staff and volunteers were recognised for their contributions to the Hospice.Many picked up Certificates of Achievement. Well done to everyone, including:

Five years of service:Wendy Abbott, Marlene Aldrich, Nicky Bradford, Kathleen Brown, Cherie Carver, Lesley Bishop, Jill Crowther, Frances Dowsett, Linda Dunsford, Anne

Emery, Stephanie Ewart, Enid Feinson, Elizabeth Hosegood, Jean Lywood, Frank Rumball, Tim Fox, Katherine Hayes, Malcolm Leith, Angelina Taylor, Jo Hill, Ray Sinclair, Zoe Cooke, Sarah Rowling, Jennie Stiff, Patricia Hannon, Heather Lowe, Will Manley, Susan McCave, Elizabeth McNeil, Brian Myhill, Rosemary Ornbo, Judith Parfey, Alicia Pill, Ricky Potter, Deanne Ridgeon, Lorraine Street, Carol Ross, Wendy Young, Matthew Vernon, Donna Ling, Jane Williams, June Tytherleigh, Richard

Shepperson and Maddie Jefferies.Ten years of service:Angela Adams, Jean Ager, Mike Andrews, Catherine Child, Michael Field, Sandra Ince, Susan Nutt, Freda Petty, Doreen Whomes, Abby Mayes, Jenny Smith, Julie Parker, Rita Munns, Rosemary Walker and Patricia Sheehy.Fifteen years of service:Gill Austin, Pauline Bird, Sarah Flowers, Gerri Fox, Jane Hart, Joan Jones, Barbara Murfitt, Yvette Pearce, Siobhan Richardson, Roy Swarbrick,

Staff and volunteer partyThe Hospice was filled with a mood of celebration on the afternoon of Sunday, 10 June, as many turned out for our staff and volunteer party.


Summer party

Staff and volunteer party

Sarah Bilal, Angela James and Annette Cane.Twenty years of service: Sue Watson, Viv Mullen, Jean Padmore and June Stokes.Twenty-five years of service: Pam Currie, Patricia Moss, Louise Whitehead, Margaret Hough and Margaret Stuart.

Thirty-five years of service:June Shepherd and Barbara Watts.Thank you to everyone

who supported the event

including the Catering and

Facilities Teams, Volunteer

Receptionists Colin Knight

and Sally Swatton, Volunteer

Catering Assistant Hazel

Golding and Bury Market’s

Flowers for all Occasions.


Supporter’s story

Jane Cooper is one of our Hospice Ambassadors and not only is she a relentless fundraiser; she also helps out at events and uses her passion for the Hospice to help raise awareness for us. Here she shares a little bit of what drives her:

“My husband passed away at the Hospice on 8 February 2016.“He got the level-two cancer diagnosis in June 2015 and then the level-four diagnosis in the September, so it was all very quick. I had also just lost my dad, so it really was the worst year of my life. “When I look back the Hospice was there from day one of the level-four diagnosis. We had a diagnosis on the Thursday at Addenbrookes and a lady called me from the Hospice and said ‘can we come out and talk things through with you’. We had so much support. There was always someone at the end of the phone, so I never felt alone. “Nige spent ten days in the Hospice and that’s when I really saw how amazing everyone at the Hospice is.

“So that’s where my passion for raising money for this wonderful place started.“I think my first fundraising event was the Girls Night Out walk in the September and then over Christmas I did a chocolate bingo in our village hall, which raised over £400, and I have just gone on and done lots of different things.“In total I have done three chocolate bingos and then this Easter I did a school quiz, from which I shared the proceeds with the PTA and I have got another quiz booked because everyone loved it.“I have also done a cake bake sale and in January I asked people at work to take part in a swap shop. I asked them to donate any unwanted Christmas presents and then come along to a sale and perhaps buy something else. People loved it and it raised over £200, and then anything I had left I took to the Hospice shop. “In February, I did a tree of love, and it proved really successful. It was really

positive, and it was something different that people really connected with. “I have also attended events and bucket collections. I was part of the group that dressed up as Star Wars characters – I was Darth Vader. “Somebody said to me it must be so lovely for you to know that you are raising money for the Hospice, and yes, I am doing it to ensure that the care can continue, but for me personally it is also my way of saying thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, for everything that you did. “The fact that I feel the Hospice is always there still helps me to cope. My passion is just to say thank you, and I hope that my passion rubs off on other people. I do think time is one of the most precious gifts that you can give.”

Jane’s passion for Hospice


Bereavement Café

Support for our community

Led by Family Support Practitioner Bianca Neumann-May, the sessions, which take place in The Apex on Wednesdays, have continued to grow.The café is a space where people can talk about the pain of loss and also find courage and strength in knowing they are not alone.The café runs from 10am to midday and there is no need to book.Recently, some of those who attend the café have shared some of their experiences with us:

Phil Holman says:“It is a very friendly group, and you really do make friends here. You do pick up things and you have the chance to talk about things if you want to, but you also have the chance to listen to others, which really does make you feel helpful, like you have made a difference to them. “It is probably not what you would expect when you hear the name bereavement café, it is very uplifting.”

Bob Brough said: “When I first came along I think

most of all I expected it to be uncomfortable and lots of people talking about the loved ones they have lost, but it wasn’t like that at all.“It is very inspirational listening to people talk about their experiences and having the chance to talk to people who are in similar situations to yourself is very useful.“You find that you are able to teach each other certain things, help each other, and you are able to get to know each other.” Trevor Braddick shared: “I would say one of the things I have really got out of coming to the café is learning to talk to people about what has happened. For me it has been a way of meeting people who have gone through something similar to me and starting to get back into life.“There are no expectations on you when you come along to the café. “You can take everything at your own pace. If you want to take little steps you can, there are people here to support you, and you also feel like you are helping others too.”

Last year the Hospice started running a Bereavement Café in Bury St Edmunds town centre.

Paul Bianchi added: “I first came along at the start of last year (2017). I live in Sudbury and for me this session has become an important chance to meet and speak to people who have experienced something like I have. “Everyone has an understanding, they are sympathetic.“The group has certainly grown and there is a nice feeling about coming here. It is a very good location for a bereavement café, you are in the open.”

For more information please visit the Hospice’s website.

Paul and Phil

Bianca Neumann-May alongside volunteers


Organisational news

We need volunteers to help across our Haverhill Hub’s four areas - in the café, shop, garden and to assist with Hospice services.We would love to hear from individuals who want to be part of a great team and are looking for a new challenge. You don’t need any formal qualifications and full training and support will be provided.

Hub volunteers

Over the coming weeks there are three Minibites taking place which everyone is able to attend: • How to use falls mats and sensors: delivered by Brenna Greer on Wednesday, 11 July, from 2.45pm on the Sylvan Ward • Opiate selection, reasons and titration: delivered by Jane Wythe on Wednesday, 18 July, from 2.45pm on the Sylvan Ward • SVCO: delivered by Tash Hooper on Wednesday, 8 August, from 2.45pm on the Sylvan Ward.

Upcoming training

Battle of the Knights: battle recommences

The countdown is on for the Hospice’s 5k race and obstacle course challenge event, Battle of the Knights II. Battle of the Knights returns on Sunday, 22 July, following the event’s postponement in March.The challenge will see participants undertake a 4km run before tackling The Playground’s obstacle course, which boasts ramps, monkey bars and a cargo net to name just a few obstacles. New sign ups for the event

are being accepted. On the day we will still need volunteers to keep all our participants safe and ensure it runs smoothly. Please email [email protected] if you can help.

Swim Serpentine, the exciting open water swimming festival, is back for 2018 and we’re on the lookout for six volunteers willing to take the plunge and take part for the Hospice. We have places for the one and two-mile distances. Participants must complete the challenge in a wetsuit or tow-float and every swimmer will be able to choose a start wave, with swimmers setting off at regular intervals during the day. Places will be allocated on a first come first serve basis; and swimmers will need to raise a minimum of £300 in sponsorship. If you are interested, please contact Events Manager Jenny Smith: [email protected]


Girls Night Out

Excitment builds for GNO

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to walk our 2018 Girls Night Out.At the end of the walk’s early bird offer 1,686 women had signed up to take part. That number continues to go up, but as always the more the merrier. If you would like to be involved in the event, you could also volunteer to be a marshal on the night (Saturday, 8 September).

Contact Charlie De-Moore in the Fundraising Team for more information.

A choir will make their voices heard when they welcome our walkers over the finish line on Saturday, 8 September. For the fourth time, members of the Rock Vox Choir will stretch their vocal chords to make sure a rousing chorus greets those finishing 2018’s Girls Night Out. The 40-strong choir, which is made up of members from Cambridge, Ely, Mildenhall, Soham, Brandon and Lakenheath, began supporting the charity after one of their members took part in the walk a couple of years ago. Clare Clay, who leads the choir, which is based in Prickwillow, said: “We are all so excited to be supporting Girls Night Out and all of the brilliant walkers taking part. It really is fantastic and we all enjoy it.

“For us, it is such a joy to be able to be there on the night and be able to welcome everyone to the finish line. There is a lot of singing and there is a lot of cheering and whooping too.“There is just an amazing atmosphere and we are so pleased that we are able to be part of it. Being able to see everyone over the finish line is amazing. It’s like euphoric joy when you are there on the night.”With a packed

summer schedule and having recently returned from a performance in New York’s Lincoln Centre, the choir will be performing a variety of different hits, plus their very own Girls Night Out medley. “Last year was the first time we performed the special Girls Night Out arrangement and we will definitely be doing that again this year. We will also have a few other special numbers too,” added Clare.


Fundraising news

Thank you!A massive thank you to everyone who has given their time, ideas, money, energy and enthusiasm to support our services over the last month. Here are just a few examples:

A huge thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Hidden Gardens of Bury event.It truly was a wonderful day and we are pleased to announce that the event has resulted in a fantastic final total of £19,056.87. We are extremely grateful to everyone who helped to make this event possible, all of the gardeners, who not only gave their time on the day but spent hours preparing and making sure their gardens were in tip-top shape. Our thanks also go to our many brilliant volunteers who lent a hand on the day, all of our visitors and the event’s sponsors Gross and Co. and Bedfords.

This year’s Accumulator Challenge in aid of the Hospice has officially launched!Thank you to everyone who came to the Accumulator Challenge Launch Party, which took place on 28 June, and to

Bury St Edmunds Audi for kindly hosting. Now everyone has received their £50 notes, it’s time to kick off this summer of corporate fundraising. Good luck to all of the teams taking part.

A music night was a fitting tribute as a family came together to raise funds in memory of a wife, mother and grandmother who ‘loved music and dancing’.The evening of entertainment, which was enjoyed by more than 100 people, was organised by the family of Shelia Empson and raised £1,315. Shelia’s husband Peter said:

“We all really enjoyed it and I think everyone who came along did. Both me and Shelia loved music and dancing. We met dancing and it was something we both enjoyed.”


Fundraising news

Popular car show returns for ninth year in aid of Hospice

A popular event for all the family is ready to pull straight into the fast lane. It is hoped a fantastic array of eye-catching cars and motorcycles will help Classic and Sports Cars by the Lake - which this year is on Sunday, 2 September – raise thousands of pounds for the Hospice.The crowd-pulling show, is organised by Austin Cornish and the Classic Car Committee, including show president Max Milburn, and kindly hosted by Andrew and Gina Long of Hall Farm. Since it started it has raised more than £250,000 for the charity.Andrew Long said: “We are delighted to be opening Hall Farm to a loyal following of car and motorcycle

exhibitors and clubs. The cars and motorcycles really are the stars of the show and we think this year’s Classic and Sports Cars by the Lake will be the best yet.“As ever, we would like to thank our fantastic team of volunteers who have been involved since day one and our many sponsors, whose generous support helps us to hold this tremendous fundraising event.”Having officially launched on Tuesday, 3 July, the show, which is now in its ninth year, will again take place at Hall Farm, The Drift, Fornham St Martin, and will see more than 650 vintage, pre-war, post-war, classic, modern and super cars, motorcycles and

commercial vehicles go on display.In addition to hundreds of valued vehicles, the day, which is sponsored by Ashtons Legal and Ensors Chartered Accountants, will have fun for all of the family.Visitors will be able to enjoy family-friendly rides and entertainment, crafts, food and drink, a Greene King licensed bar and live broadcasting by BBC Radio Suffolk.Tickets for the show, which can be bought at the gate on the day, cost £8 for adults and £5 for children (children under 10 go free). Family tickets (two adults and two children) can also be purchased for £20. The show runs from 11am-4.30pm.


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June and July | Issue 190 network - St Nicholas Hospice