WILLOW Wood Hospice is kicking off its Christmas fundraising fun with a return to Hyde Town Hall for its popular Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 15.
From 11am to 3pm, step straight into the festive spirit by meeting Santa; picking up unique gifts, crafts and decorations; and treating yourself to tasty festive goodies, candles, cards and more.
There will also be the opportunity to enjoy some delicious festive refreshments and soak up the seasonal cheer.
Entry will be £1.50 per person and Under-12s are free.
Another must-see Christmas event for the community is the Garden of Lights celebrations evenings at the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne, where the gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland of over 11,000 lights.
Kindly sponsored by Brother International, each of the seven nights in December will feature a different local choir bringing seasonal cheer, along with refreshments and festive stalls to explore.
Doors are open from 5pm to 8pm on Tuesday, December 2; Thursday, December 4; Tuesday, December 9; Thursday, December 11; Saturday, December 13; Tuesday, December 16; and Thursday, December 18.
Entry is free and you can just turn up with no need to book, for what promises to be a magical evening for all.
On Thursday, December 4, there’s the added bonus of a Festive Wreath-making Workshop, where you can unleash your creativity by creating a stunning wreath from scratch to take home and enjoy.
It will be a relaxed, creative evening in a cosy atmosphere in the Hospice’s dining room, guided by floral expert Zoe Smith, from The Flower House in Marple.
Tickets are £35 per person, which includes all materials for your wreath and a festive drink and nibbles.
Spaces are limited and can be booked online at www.willowwood.org.uk/wreath-making/
As this time of year often brings memories of those we love, the Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal is a beautiful way to remember someone special, while also helping to care for local patients and families.
By making a donation in their memory, your loved one’s name will be included in a Book of Remembrance, you can hang a personalised ornament on a Tree of Dedication in the reception area at the Hospice, and you will be invited to one of two dedication events in December.
Generously sponsored by Anthony Barton Independent Family Funeral Services in Mossley, the events include moments of reflection and music, followed by the symbolic lighting of the Light up a Life tree.
They are taking place on Saturday, December 6, at 2pm at Old Glossop Parish Church and Sunday, December 14, at 2pm at Albion Church in Ashton-under-Lyne.
To make a dedication and find out more about the appeal, visit www.willowwood.org.uk/lual.
The Hospice is also supported by the generosity of the communities of Tameside and Glossop, who organise their own events to raise vital funds for patient care.
These include the Festival of Christmas Music at Albion Church on November 30 and the Willow Wood Hospice Choir Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Church in Stalybridge on December 13. More information can be found at www.willowwood.org.uk
Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: “Christmas is such a special time for our community, and we’re very excited to welcome you to our festive events this year.
“Throughout the season, there are so many wonderful ways for people to come together, make memories and support local hospice care.
“Last year’s Christmas Fair raised £8,000 and this year we’re hoping for an even bigger success. It costs around £10,000 to run the Hospice for a day, so every pound raised really helps us to continue providing specialist, compassionate and dignified care for patients and those closest to them.”