WILLOW Wood Hospice has got a fabulous way to start the festive season in style – a ladies’ Winter Wonderland Lunch.
Held at Smokies Park Hotel on Thursday November 24, this sparkling afternoon begins at 11.30am with a glass of Prosecco followed by a gin tasting before a delicious afternoon tea with even more fizz.
Mark Llewellin, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees for the Ashton-based Hospice, will be hosting the Winter Wonderland afternoon.
He said: “It will be sparkles all the way with cabaret from the effervescent Belinda Scandal who entertained us so well at our Strictly Dance earlier this year.
“The audience absolutely loved her, and we’re anticipating another scintillating set!”
Mark is a very well-known after-dinner speaker, master of ceremonies and radio presenter, who entertains many different groups in his own inimitable style.
The ladies present can expect a number of his highly amusing tales along with some fun and games.
In addition, there’s a fashion show from Be You Be Beautiful and the chance to browse and buy from a number of stalls including bespoke jewellery, skin care, make up, ladies accessories, luxury wax melts and candles.
And Willow Wood’s very own gin will be available in a four-berry infusion in addition to the ever-popular traditional London Dry style.
“If you’re in business, the Winter Wonderland is an ideal way to thank clients, customers or colleagues – or just join us and enjoy an indulgent pre-Christmas afternoon with friends,” said Mark.
“And if you don’t know what to buy for those ladies who have everything, why not gift them an early Christmas present with a ticket to this afternoon of fun, fizz and more. At just £34.50 per head it’s great value – and will be something they’re sure to enjoy.”
Tickets are available to buy online – just go to www.willowwood.info. Please don’t leave it too late to book as there are only a limited number of tickets.
• Willow Wood are delighted to announce that John Fellowes has become a patron of the Hospice.
For many years the public face of Willow Wood, John, who was appointed as fundraising manager in 1997, spearheaded fundraising activities to build the Hospice and also continued raising funds to ensure specialist palliative care for the people of Tameside and Glossop.
This year the Hospice is looking at £3million to maintain and develop services, and costs are continuing to rise.
Karen Houlston, chief executive, said: “John came up with many fundraising initiatives until he retired in 2017, and we are absolutely thrilled to have him back on board.
“For many people he was ‘Mr Willow Wood’ and we are looking forward to having the benefit of his experience once more.”
John will be in very good company as a patron, joining both Julie Goodyear MBE and Julie Hesmondhalgh from Coronation Street, Sharman Birtles who is currently serving as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Tony Husband the celebrated cartoonist, comedian Justin Moorhouse, well known amateur golfer Martin Wild and retired businessman Phil Cowper, formerly a Trustee at the Hospice.