Category: Fundraising

Gardens throughout Skellingthorpe Village will open to raise money for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

Local residents in Skellingthorpe Village in Lincoln will be opening their gardens for the eighteenth year in aid of St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. The annual event which is organised by a committee of volunteers will see nine gardens open on Sunday 31st May, from 11am – 4pm.

Mike (70) and Carol (66) Robinson have been opening their garden to the public for the past eight years.

Carol said: “The Open Gardens draws in people from far and wide from across the country. Garden enthusiasts and families come for a browse around the gardens and the village and just to enjoy a nice day out.

“When the weather has been particularly good we have seen up to 70 people in our garden at one time. The day has a wonderful feeling of community spirit and is a brilliant way to bring so many people together.

“It takes a lot of time and hard work to get our garden ready for the Open Gardens but it fills us with a great sense of pride when it is finished. It is very satisfying when we see people enjoying our garden and the experience.”

Entry to the gardens will be via the Skellingthorpe Community Centre and costs £3 per person. Many of the gardens will also have craft stalls and refreshments which will be available for a small donation.

Carol said: “It is wonderful to be able to give something back to such a deserving charity that is a vital part of our community. We know people who have used the hospice and we know how important the service is to so many across the county.

“Over the years the fundraising committee in Skellingthorpe have raised in excess of £73,000 for St Barnabas with over £38,000 from the Open Gardens events. It really is an enjoyable day that helps to make a difference to our local hospice.”

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will also be hosting a plant sale and serving hot and cold refreshments from the community centre.

Photo courtesy of Stuart Wilde Photography Ltd

Local independent charity gets a boost of £100,000 from colourful sell-out fun run

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has had more than £100,000 pledged from runners after they hosted Lincolnshire’s first ever Colour Dash which saw more than 2,500 people take part.

The independent charity teamed up with local events supplier, Running Imp, to host the fundraiser on Saturday 9th May at the Lincolnshire Showground.

Becky Otter, Event Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“I am delighted to reveal that the Colour Dash is the single most successful event in our charity’s history. We are overwhelmed by the number of people who have turned out to raise this incredible sum of money and show support for their local hospice.

“From the very beginning we were excited to be bringing this family focused fundraiser to the Lincolnshire community. It has captured the minds and hearts of so many who have come together to make this event a resounding success.”

The Colour Dash saw participants as young as five hit with environmentally friendly powdered paint as they ran the five-kilometre course.

Becky said: “We met people who were taking part for all sorts of reasons. Many were there to remember and honour someone special whilst others came along to soak up the atmosphere at this feel-good event.

“Not only was the day bursting with colour it was also brimming with high energy and positivity which really added to the atmosphere. I think it goes without saying that we will definitely be bringing the Colour Dash back next year.

The event saw support from the local business community with Western Power Distribution, named as headline sponsors.

Becky concludes: “The money raised from this event will directly impact the care and services we provide. Last year we cared for more than 9,000 people across the county and this year we hope to care for even more.”

Lincolnshire’s first ever Colour Dash proves it’s popularity as it sells out with just over a week to go

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has announced that they have sold all 2,500 of its places ahead of the Colour Dash on Saturday 9th May.

The Colour Dash, held at the Lincolnshire Showground, is a fun run which will see participants take on a 5k course lined with paint stations. At each kilometre runners will be splattered from head to toe in environmentally friendly powdered paint.

Becky Otter, Event Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“It is amazing to see the popularity of this event and to see so many people who want to be part of Lincolnshire’s first ever Colour Dash.

“The fundraising team are counting down until the day of the event and we can’t wait to see what 2,500 people look like showered in a rainbow of colour!

“People have been signing up for this event in flurries from the very beginning and we are still getting enquiries from people now. Unfortunately all the spaces are full so we are having to turn people away.”

The run was organised in partnership with local events supplier, Running Imp and support has also been received from Western Power Distribution, who have been named as headline sponsors.

The Colour Dash is set to see the largest turnout in the charity’s fundraising history and is expected to be the highest grossing.

Becky said: “We hate to turn people away from any event but due to health and safety we have to ensure that we do not exceed this capacity. Plans are already in motion for next years Colour Dash and we are hoping to accommodate an even larger attendance.

“There is just over a week to go until the Colour Dash kicks off and now is the time for people to be getting their sponsors. Every single penny they raise will help to support their local hospice to continue caring in their community.”

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will once again host the Grand Plant Sale on May 17th at the Grandstand on Carholme Road. Now in its 14th year the Grand Plant Sale has become a favoured event among supporters.

Each year supporters of St Barnabas Hospice donate an array of quality indoor & outdoor plants, bedding plants, shrubs and beautifully filled hanging baskets. All plants donated will be put on sale on the 17th May at bargain prices. The Grand Plant Sale is open from 10am – 1pm, 50p entry and all funds raised from this event goes directly towards patient and family care across Lincolnshire.

Ben Petts Community Events Fundraiser said: “Each year we ask for donations of bedding plants, shrubs, perennials and house plants. This event solely relies on the support of our local community and we welcome any plant donations.”

“Over the past 14 years this event has raised a staggering £42,225.00 for Hospice care across Lincolnshire, making this a firm favourite in our calendar of events.”

If you have any plants that you would like to donate towards this event then please feel free to contact a member of the St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice Fundraising Department on 01522 540 300 or email: ben.petts@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.

Plants can also be taken to the Grandstand on Saturday 16th May, between 10am – 12pm.

Local independent charity gets a boost from Strictly Come Dancing inspired events.

On Sunday 29th March, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice hosted Strictly Kidz and Strictly Ballroom, two dance inspired fundraisers that raised £20,500. Both events were held at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre and saw over 760 people attend.

Strictly Kidz raised over £7,500 from 23 couples aged 7-16 years who battled it out to be crowned the Strictly Kidz champions. Each pairing performed the Paso Doble and Cha-Cha-Cha before Isla Rose Perkins (10) and Samuel True (10) lifted the trophy.

Isla said:

“Strictly Come Dancing is one of my favourite programmes to watch and I have always wanted to take part in something similar myself. I never thought that I would win. It was a real shock when I heard my name announced. I was shaking but so excited!”

In its triumphant return, the fifth annual Strictly Ballroom raised £13,000 with 22 couples performing the Melody Foxtrot and Jive. A sold-out audience watched as Richard Fogg and Lisa Sandland-Taylor danced their way to victory.

Richard said:

“The past 11 weeks have been a real pleasure as we got to grips with the dance routines and got to know our fellow dancers. The whole experience has been fantastic and winning is simply the icing on the cake.

“I would recommend taking part in Strictly Ballroom to anyone and I am already thinking about signing up again for next year.”

The winners of Strictly Kidz and Strictly Ballroom were decided by a combination of an audience vote and scoring by a judging panel, which consisted of; Aggi Doughty, winner of Strictly Ballroom 2011 and 2012 and Andrew Pigg and Ursula Barker, dance instructors from Premier Dance.

Becky Otter, Events Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“I am absolutely astounded by the support from our local community who have helped us to raise such an incredible amount. Both events brought the heart and soul of our local community together through music, dance and fun.

“All of our participants demonstrated real willing and determination throughout our Strictly events to learn the dance routines and to put on a show stopping performance. I am immensely proud of each and every one of them who made the shows such a resounding success.

“Our aspiration is to help our patients and their families make the most of every single second they share, regardless of how much time remains. It is money raised from events like these that can turn our aspirations into reality.”

Photo courtesy of Bryony Hooper

Runners are being encouraged to act quickly to avoid disappointment as spaces fill quickly for Lincolnshire’s first ever Colour Dash.

Local independent charity St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has teamed up with events supplier, Running Imp, to host the Colour Dash on Saturday 9th May at the Lincolnshire Showground.

Becky Otter, Event Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“There has been a flurry of people signing up for the Colour Dash and we are receiving dozens of new applications daily. Our maximum capacity for this event is 2,500 participants and we are fast approaching that figure.

“The Lincolnshire community have shown a real enthusiasm for this event and it is sure to be a fun-filled day for the whole family. Colour Dash also provides us with the opportunity to raise much needed funds to continue our provision of end of life care across the county.”

The event has also received support from the local business community with Western Power Distribution being named as the headline sponsor.

Mark Hutchinson, Distribution Manager for Western Power North Lincolnshire, said:

“We have a long-standing relationship with the charity and are excited to be the sponsor of the first ever Colour Dash in Lincolnshire. Our sponsorship will help towards covering the costs of the Colour Dash, so that all money raised can benefit the Hospice.”

“Some of our staff will also be taking part in what has already proved to be a very popular event, with so many people already registering to take part. We look forward to working with St Barnabas and hope the event raises a lot of money for such a worthy charity.”

The 5k route will be lined with paint stations which will see runners splattered from head to toe in environmentally friendly powdered paint, with a different colour for each station. Runners will also be given their own paint which they will be able to use during the run.

To take part, participants must be at least five years old, and anyone aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Children cost £10, adults £20 and a family ticket is £50.

To secure one of the remaining spaces go to: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/colourdash

Join St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice for Easter fun at Branston Hall Hotel

On Sunday 12th April, from 10am – 4pm, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be hosting it’s 8th annual Easter Craft Fair Egg-stravaganza at Branston Hall Hotel. Join St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice for Easter egg hunts, face-painting, arts, crafts and a chocolate tombola.

There will be over 20 local craft stalls showcasing their handmade goods and include Stained Glass products by Rosemary Pike, Daisy Ducks, Body Shop at Home and Gemini Crafts.

Ben Petts, Community Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“Our Easter Craft Fair has been growing each year and is becoming a firm favourite in our hospice events calendar. Branston Hall Hotel is set within 88 acres of stunning parkland and lakes and provides the ideal setting.

“We have lots of activities for children such as an Easter egg hunt, an egg and spoon race and a Bunny Hop complete with an interactive quiz around the lake.”

Barnabas Bear will be making a special appearance as he judges the children’s arts & crafts competitions. There will be a selection of homemade cakes all lovingly prepared by St Barnabas Hospice volunteers plus refreshments provided by Branston Hall Hotel.

Guests are invited to take part in the chocolate tombola whilst children enjoy the bouncy castle and face painting. The half mile Bunny Hop leads participants around the grounds of Branston Hall on an interactive quiz with a chocolate treat for every participant. No prior booking is required and the cost is just £5.00 per child on the day.

Children’s activities are timetabled throughout the day;

10am – 3pm Easter egg hunts

11am Onwards Bunny hop

12pm – 3pm Arts and crafts activities

2pm Egg and spoon race

Admission is just 50p per adult which includes one free entry into the prize draw which is Sunday lunch for two at Branston Hall Hotel. Children up to 17 years old are admitted for free and free parking is also available.

For further information please visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/eastercraftfair

Last year more than 873 people turned out for the walk in Lincoln

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice calls on the local community to join them for One Night in a Onesie

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is urging the local community to join them for their historical Moonlight Walk which is set to take place in Lincoln, Grantham, Louth and Spalding.

Due to the county-wide popularity of last year’s walks the local charity has decided to return with One Night in a Onesie as the theme for the second consecutive year.

All four walks are held on Saturday 6th June and early registration is encouraged to take advantage of the early bird registration fee of just £10 per adult.

Becky Otter, Events Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“The Moonlight Walk is a flagship event in our hospice calendar and one that we are extremely proud to host each year. It never ceases to amaze me how generous the people of Lincolnshire are and over the past eight years the local community have united and helped us to raise in excess of £580,000 to support our patient and family care across the county.”

Last year, almost 1,000 people took part in the annual late-night walks across the county and together raised over £65,000. This year, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, are hoping to attract 1,500 participants to help raise £80,000.

Becky Otter, said: “One Night in a Onesie is not a race or a sport it is a unique walk that allows everyone in the Lincolnshire community to take part. Men and women from 11 years up are welcomed to sign up together and be part of this community driven event in aid of hospice care.

“This really will be a night to remember and guarantees to be full of fun and laughter and not forgetting to mention this will be the comfiest walk you have ever been on! Whatever your reason for walking; to get fit or to remember a loved one, please join us in your onesie!”

Participants can register online at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/onesiewalk

The Percussion Guns made their debut at last years gig

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is offering one band or musician the opportunity to open an evening of live music at The Engine Shed

On Friday 17th April from 7 pm – midnight, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be hosting ‘St Barnabas and Friends live at the Engine Shed’ which is being supported by Lost Soul Promotions.

Last year St Barnabas organised a gig at the Engine Shed in conjunction with local band Lost Souls. The gig was organised by Clare Frayne in memory of her mother Trish Butler who died in the hospice in 2013. Clare organised the event to raise money for the charity that had helped to care for her mum in her final days.

Becky otter, Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“Following the success of last year’s event, I am pleased to announce that St Barnabas Lincolnshire hospice is organising another live music event at The Engine Shed in April. For the first time this year we are giving a local band or musician the opportunity to open the show.

“The competition is a wonderful opportunity for someone from the local music industry to make their mark. The Engine Shed is Lincoln’s elite live music venue and any band or musician would be proud to perform on the stage”

To enter, acts will need to submit a video entry to St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice fundraising office by 12th March. Once entries are in, a panel of six from the fundraising office will compile a shortlist of three which will then be posted on the charity’s Facebook page for a public vote.

The public vote will take place from Monday 16th March to Monday 30th March. The video which receives the most likes will win.

Joining the competition winners is ‘Blistered’ a Lincoln based MOD covers band, covering Indie, Britpop, Ska and Soul classics. Blistered are scooter enthusiasts and have been performing over the last twelve years.

Also performing is the phenomenal ‘Percussion Guns’, they made their debut in 2014. The Percussion Guns are a four piece band with a big sound, based on blending edgy rock ‘n’ roll with energetic performances.

Also on the bill is ‘The Smiths UTD’ a Lincoln based Smiths tribute band and ‘Infamous Vampires’ a local British Rock band who have developed a style of heavy, riff orientated guitar music.

Michael Mckiernam from Lost Souls Promotions is supporting the event.

Michael Said:

“I am delighted to support St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice again, last years event exceeded our expectations and I was overwhelmed by the support of the local community. The event raised over £3,000 and we would like to try and raise even more this year.

“I know so many people who have been touched by the work of St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice; this is my way of saying thank you.”

Tickets are available from www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/engineshed

To enter the competition please contact becky.otter@stbarnabashospice.co.uk for the drop box details or call her on 01522 559 516 for further information.

Guests are invited to test their general knowledge and skills and compete against fellow participants at fundraising Quiz Night

Lincoln, 10th February 2015 – On Friday 6th March from 7.30pm – 10pm, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be hosting their first fundraising Quiz Night for the Bourne area.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start at The Elsea Park Community Centre, Elsea Park, Bourne PE10 0US.

The evening will offer a variety of rounds, including general knowledge, sport, trivia, food and drink, as well as a picture round and a “follow-on” round with teams of up to six people.

Prizes will be awarded on the night to the highest scoring team and a bar and raffle will be available.

Janie McCormick, Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“We’ve run quiz nights in other areas for some time now and they have always proved very popular. A quiz often brings out the competitive side in people which starts as early as choosing a team name. A quiz is a great way to socialize with friends and neighbours whilst raising much needed funds for a local cause.”

Tickets are priced at £4 each and can be bought online at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/quiz. They are also available from St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice charity shop in Bourne and also on the door on the night of the event.

Janie concludes: “We are looking to increase awareness of the services that St Barnabas offers in the Bourne area as well as raising funds. We really hope that the quiz will be well received.”

For further information contact Janie McCormick on 01476 591010 or email janie.mccormick@stbarnabashospice.co.uk