News from the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice during 2001

News from Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice

May 2001

Special Film Showing Raises £5,500 for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice
Over £5,500 was raised for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice from the special screening at Guildford Odeon of "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" on Wednesday, May 2, 2001.

The film, courtesy of Buena Vista International, starred Nicolas Cage, Penelope Cruz, Christian Bale and John Hurt and is currently breaking box office records. The special screening was in memory of Joyce Harwood, whom many will remember from her 50 years as Assistant Manager at the Odeon In Guildford from 1945 - 1995. Joyce was enjoying her well-deserved retirement when illness struck and she spent her final weeks at the Phyllis Tuckwell.

Richard Linfoot, General Manager of the Odeon In Guildford said: "Joyce devoted so much of her life and time to the Odeon, we felt we wanted to give something back in her memory. We are very happy to be able to help the Hospice by hosting this charity screening."

Tickets sold out very quickly, with all the revenue going direct to the Hospice. Anthea Turner and husband Grant Bovey came as guests to the screening and film goers enjoyed drinks and had a chance to win a year's cinema pass.

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Garden Party Raises £7,000
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice raised more than £7,000 when they held their summer garden party at the Castle in Farnham.

The event was opened by Conservative general election candidate Virginia Bottomley at 11 am and attracted more than 1,000 people, including newly appointed town Mayor, Victor Duckett.

Money was raised from admission prices and the sales of home-made cakes, plants and bric-a-brac.

Farnham Brass Band and Hook Morris Men and Fleet Morris dancers entertained the crowds, as did pupils from South Farnham School who did Maypole dancing.

Unfortunately, because of foot-and-mouth restrictions still in progress, the Miller's Ark farm animals were not able to attend. However, Chalky the Clown filled in at the last minute to ensure the younger children weren't disappointed.

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Royal Visitor In Town
The Duke of Kent visits the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice
There was a flurry of activity just before the arrival of HRH The Duke of Kent who was on an official visit to the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice last Thursday.

The VIP guests and top brass were lined up in brilliant sunshine as the royal car swept into the hospice drive.

Greeted officially by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Sarah Goad, the Duke went on to meet distinguished guests and vice-presidents before touring the hospice. The Duke was accompanied on the hospice tour by the President of Phyllis Tuckwell, Chris Tuckwell, after whose mother the hospice was named.

David Kinnear, director of fundraising, invited the Duke and Royal entourage to meet fundraisers and supporters.

Dr. Morris explained the new and old part of the hospice as seen in Clifford Williams Ward and the future plans before His Royal Highness went to view the garden.

Operations director David Maskell explained the clinical philosophy behind the new hospice gardens before the Duke planted an ornamental tree to commemorate the occasion.

The Duke recalled a visit made some time ago by his wife, The Duchess of Kent, who is patron of the hospice, before being invited to the Barbers Day Care Centre for tea.

Chris Tuckwell explained the Barbers' connection and introduced Mr. Grant Macdonald, Master of the Worshipful Company of Barbers.

Among those being received by the Duke was the new High Sheriff of Surrey, Mr. Bill Biddell and Cllr. Michael Goodridge, who has just taken office as Mayor of Waverley. For both it was one of their first official duties.

The Duke met many of the volunteers and the staff team during his visit. Among them the team of fundraisers who explained their roles to the Duke. Kathleen Dugmore, local group chairman and Pam Thorley from Toshiba, Dr. Jeremy Kyle and Mrs. Sue Evans from Farnborough Rotary (they are major helpers with the hospice's musical event "Picnic to Music in the Par" in July), and Mr. and Mrs. Michael White from Bakers, Mike Scantlin from MMC Ltd. and paperchasers Primrose Carter and Pat Turner.

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