Thank you to everyone who has run events on behalf of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice to raise money for care of our patients. Here is a review of some of the more recent ones.
Chest Wax raises £1000 for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice
What do a Plumber, a Crane Operator and a Youth Worker have in common? They all volunteered their hirsute bodies for a charity waxing. Inspired by the loss of friends and family members all three wanted to raise money for the Isle of Wight’s Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
On a sunny day back in April Adrian (hairy back) Crilly, Duncan (poodle) Rice and (sexy) Simon Daugbjerg bravely turned out at Crusoe’s Bar and Restaurant in Colwell Bay to have their chests, backs and armpits waxed (ouch!). All went smoothly with the aid of Charlotte Snooke and Amanda Croston, Beauty Therapist, who gave their services for free. In fact, it was so impressive even some of the spectators started joining in, including Leanne Popham, who volunteered to have her legs waxed.
A grand total of £1,001 was raised that day and on 28th June back at Crusoe’s a presentation was made to Kate Boyes, Trustee of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice
The story of Tea@Three
By Wendy Dyke
Last winter, I decided to support the Earl Mountbatten Hospice Tea at Three Event which was to be held during the summer. I mentioned this to Ray and his reply was “Don’t involve me.” Two days later, he suggested it would be a good idea to make and raffle a Rocking Horse.
For several months, Mountbatten the Rocking Horse had been around the island; Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons, IW Steam Railway and the Old Smithy in Godshill. We had lots of volunteers to sell the raffle tickets, all were sold meaning the rocking horse raised £6000. Mr Gee of Watford was the lucky winner. He volunteers for a Watford based hospice and had very kindly donated the horse to raise fund for their hospice.
A committee of six was formed to organise the afternoon tea. These lovely ladies over four months, organised a wonderful Tea at Three which was held at Shanklin Cricket Club.
On the day, a team went in early in the morning working to achieve this aim. The men fetched chairs and tables from St Blasius and St Saviour’s Churches, erected gazebos in the grounds of the Cricket Club, and did everything that was asked of them. The younger ladies being familiar with organising fetes for their children’s schools, suggested where the stalls, chairs and tables should go, and got with the job.
Viv, with the help of friends, started too make up plates of sandwiches and cakes. I have never seen so many cakes, there were all sorts, including little summer fruit tarts and meringues. You name it, it was there.
Terry France brought one of his barrel organs and along with Ces and Isobel played a number of tunes to add to the fun of the occasion.
At 2.30pm people started to arrive, and by 3.15pm there were over 250 guests. All of us who worked enjoyed the challenge, though we were unable to see what was going on outside. Even the waitresses didn’t have me to talk to anyone they knew. In fact, the men had to come and help the girls, even Ces who hates getting his hands sticky!
Lovely prizes were given to us for the raffles, and good quality items for the tombola. We had masses of cakes and jams, plants, books and bric a brac. Also a stall of wine and water which proved very popular and quickly sold out.
When the day came to an end, everything had to be done in reverse order. The cleaning and packing away was carried out with such humour and goodwill.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the following; The venues where we sold tickets for the Mountbatten Raffle; The volunteers who worked on the various days selling the tickets, and Shanklin Cricket Club who allowed us to use their facilities free of charge. Also a huge thanks to all the members of the public who gave us produce and gifts. Thank you to Andrew Turner and David Pugh for coming to make the draw for the rocking horse and other prizes.
We also mustn’t forget the people who came on the day and enjoyed an English Tea. Last but not least my Committee and all the volunteers, who worked so very hard. THEY WERE OUTSTANDING.
I’m sure you will be pleased to know that a cheque for £7,275 has been donated to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
Finally, I would like to put on record, that without the help of everyone, this day would never have happened, and I feel privileged to know so many nice people, who gave their all.
Isle of Wight Gift Fair
| Linda Philby-Borret Choir | |
| |
 |
|
| Alan Titchmarsh & EMH Patient | |
This popular Gift Fair was held on November 28 & 29 at the Bembridge Sailing Club with over 40 stalls offering a range of unusual Christmas Gifts. Thursday evening entrance included a glass of wine and canapes and the Fair was opened by High Sherriff Alan Titchmarsh and carols from the Linda Philby-Borrett Choir. The next day it poured with rain, but despite that many people came to the Fair and enjoyed lunch. Our thanks to Ventnor Rotary and Ryde Sea Cadets for keeping the traffic moving despite the rain. A very happy event supporting the Hospice and several other island charities.
4X4 Club Off Road Day
In September the 4X4 Club invited anyone to bring their own 4X4 and get some real off-road driving experience. The event was held at Knighton Sandpit which offered an interesting range of hills, climbs, mud and a large pond, which folk just couldn't resist. So while a lot of experience was gained in driving in those conditions, everyone also learned how to rescue cars which had 'gone in too far'. It was great day and our thanks to all the club members who made it a success. There are more photos on the photo gallery.
The Crab Club
On 19th December the Crab Club, a newly formed gentleman’s club from a local educational establishment, organised a chain gang through the streets and hostelries of Ryde in aid of the Mountbatten Hospice. Thirteen members plus several co-opted innocent bystanders took part and were driven mercilessly through the streets by two vicious and merciless, whip wielding officers of the law.
The people of Ryde dug deep into their pockets and many fines on members added to the pot. The final sum raised was £319.77. Thanks to our ‘game’ police women, the publicans of Ryde and to their generous customers for their contributions.
