st christopher's connections

ConnectionsStaying connected with our supporters Winter 2014Staying connected with our supporters Spring 2016

From our Joint Chief ExecutivesStep into spring by joining us on St Christopher’s Bluebell Walk The Bluebell Walk is now in its eighteenth year and first started in 1998 with 108 walkers. It’s amazing to think that the last walk in 2014 attracted one thousand walkers and raised over £53,000 – in fact you have raised an incredible £264,000 over the past 10 years on this walk alone.

We are extremely grateful for your ongoing support, it means we can continue to provide our specialist palliative care and family services free of charge to those who need it. It costs £19m a year to do this and we need to raise £13m each year. Your support really does make a real difference to the people under our care. Thank you.

If you’d like to come and see the difference your support makes, the Anniversary Centre in Sydenham and Caritas Centre in Bromley are open to the public and host many events. For a Sydenham tour, contact 020 8768 4573 or for a Bromley tour contact 01689 892988.

We would also like to thank Alan de Maid Estate Agent for their ongoing sponsorship and the unwavering support of the local Rotary clubs – especially Langley Park and Orpington Crofton who have supplied teams of volunteers since 2002.

According to the National Trust, mild winters and warm springs mean

an early and intense flowering of the bluebells – so this year’s

Bluebell Walk should be one to remember. We look forward to

seeing you there.

Heather and Shaun

BLUEBELL WALK EDITION

Sunday 8 May 9am-2pm

In association with Orpington Crofton, Langley Park and Beckenham Rotary Clubs and with print sponsored by Alan de Maid

With a choice of walks between three and nine miles, join in the fun at Cudham Recreation Ground, Kent TN14 7QB

Stroll through a gorgeous carpet of bluebells in the woods

Pets are just as welcome as people Enjoy dressing up for a great cause

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A beautiful day to walk amongst the bluebells Our biennial fundraising Bluebell Walk is back and we would love you to join us on Sunday 8 May in the beautiful Kent countrysideIt’s a wonderful day out whether you’re walking in memory of a loved one, for fitness or for fun. With a choice of walks between three and nine miles, you’ll find a route to suit you whatever your age or ability. Well behaved dogs are also very welcome!

There will be live music, entertainment, a BBQ, a beer tent and refreshments at the recreation ground. So why not get together with family, friends and colleagues and join us for this special day?

Registration in advance is free but please try to raise as much sponsorship money as you can. And don’t forget if you pledge to raise £50, you can get one of our limited edition Bluebell Walk t-shirts (below) absolutely free of charge!

Registration is easy. There’s a Bluebell Walk registration form opposite or you can register online at

www.stchristophers.org.uk/bluebell If you have any

questions, please contact Leo and the

Bluebell Walk Team on 020

8768 4570.

“Raising funds by supporting the Bluebell Walk is a really nice opportunity to give something back to our community because you never know when you or someone you know might need the hospice”Lois Seager, Beckenham

Get involved as a volunteer at the Bluebell WalkIf you would like to support us on the day as a volunteer, helping us to set up and marshal the routes that people will be walking, please email [email protected]

Thanks for your help with transport, StagecoachWe are currently organising free Stagecoach buses to take people to Cudham. Check our website for further details at www.stchristophers.org.uk/bluebell

Supporting my

local hospice

The beautiful bluebells in Kent

There’s nothing like a good walk to help build up an appetite for cake!

Why not choose to dress up and stand out? The Bluebell Walk is a great day out for the family

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Does your company want to join the party?You can gather a group of your workmates and enter as a team on the Bluebell WalkNearly every organisation has a Corporate Social Responsibility or Charity Policy. Many employers choose to match any money raised by their employees which can be tax effective for everyone.

Or maybe your organisation would like to donate staff time towards team building projects for St Christopher’s. Corporate teams also help in our gardens and rejuvenate our high street shops. Or you could take over our high street shops for a day as part of our competitive Shop Wars initiative, and battle against opposing company teams to raise the most money on the day.

If this sounds like your thing, then the fundraising team would love you to get in touch with them. Please contact Leo Thon at [email protected] or call him on 020 8768 4570.

“The Bluebell Walk is a lovely walk for people of all ages. Some of our walkers are over 70 and one of our ladies brings her grandchildren”Mary Lyons, Chislehurst

St Christopher’s Bluebell Walk 2016 registration formSupport your local hospice with a three, five, seven or nine mile sponsored walk through gorgeous Kent countryside, starting and finishing at Cudham Lane South, Kent TN14 7QB. All day entertainment and refreshments – and it’s free to register before the day, either on the form below or online at www.stchristophers.org.uk/bluebell

Walker details All walkers must complete a separate form

Mr Mrs Miss Ms Other Date of birth Essential if under 18

First name(s)

Last name

Address and postcode

Email

Telephone

I pledge to raise over £50 – please reserve me my free S M L XL unisex event t-shirt*

I hope to raise £ How I heard about this event

Why I’m walking

I enclose an optional £5 donation to help cover the costs of putting on this event

Team details If applicable – all team members must complete a separate form

Team name

Confirmation and signaturesI would like a place in St Christopher’s Bluebell Walk 2016. By signing this form, I confirm that I have read and accept the terms of walking (below).Signature x DateChildren under 18 must have parental consent and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Parent/guardian signature x Date

T-SHIRT OFFER *T-shirt offer is available on a first come first served basis while stocks last. T-shirts can be collected on the day OR on specific designated days from the hospice in Sydenham and Caritas House in Bromley. More details will be in your fundraising pack. TERMS OF WALKING Walking – especially on the highway – is a potentially dangerous activity. The organisers expect people taking part in this charity Bluebell Walk to carefully observe all the relevant rules in both the Highway Code and the Country Code and to obey all reasonable safety instructions from walk officials, signage on the route or in writing. This is a family event and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The organisers and those associated with this Bluebell Walk are under no liability whatsoever in respect of any personal loss or injury which may be sustained in the course of the Bluebell Walk. We ask all walkers to raise as much sponsorship as possible. If you are unable to participate in the Bluebell Walk for any reason, all donated monies collected in support of St Christopher’s must be offered back to the individual sponsors or forwarded to the charity if the sponsors do not want their donations returned. PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING By taking part in the event you consent to being photographed and filmed. Images and/or film footage may be used in print, online and on our social media sites to promote St Christopher’s and our events. If you do not want to be filmed or photographed please inform the photographer(s) and make yourself known to a member of staff. DATA PROTECTION We value your support and promise to respect your privacy. The data we hold is managed in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). We will not disclose or share your details with any third party. KEEPING YOU INFORMED We would like to keep you informed about the work of St Christopher’s and other events in the future. By submitting this registration form, you will be indicating your consent to receiving messages from us by email and/or post unless you tick this box. If you are under 18 we will write to you about this event only and you will not be added to any mailing lists. St Christopher’s is registered charity 210667

Returning this formReturn either in the Freepost envelope provided or post your form to Bluebell Walk Registration, St Christopher’s, 51-59 Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham SE26 6DZ. For queries or more forms please call 020 8768 4575 or email [email protected] Additional forms can also be picked up at any St Christopher’s shop.

Fundraising packThis will be posted to you and will contain all the details you need to know about the event, a sponsorship form and information about how to set up an online sponsorship page.

Sunday 8 May 9am-2pmChoose to walk in memory of someone

Pick the walk length that best suits you

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They all went nuts for the Nuts Challenge – could you join them?On 6 March, a group of 23 robust souls braved mud, water and obstacles along with freezing temperatures,

wind and even snow to raise money for St Christopher’s. As well as an 11-strong team from Sydenham Sports Club competing in memory of John Nue, our very own Nuts organiser at St Christopher’s, Remi

Knight, persuaded two of her cousins and their partners to take part. Are you nuts enough to join Remi for the Summer Nuts Challenge on Sunday 4 September? It will be warmer and you should dry out quicker, so get a team together and contact Remi on 020 8768 4577 to register.

Laura is going the extra mile in April for St Christopher’s and her sisterWe’re delighted to introduce one of our intrepid Virgin Money London Marathon runners – Laura KeelerLaura has bravely signed up to run a gruelling 26 miles in support of St Christopher’s. The hospice is close to her heart as her younger sister, Josie, attends the Young Adults Group at St Christopher’s on Saturdays.

Josie suffers with Cockayne Syndrome, a rare genetic life-shortening condition that is characterised by premature ageing.

Laura says: “My sister really enjoys going to the Young Adults Group. She loves meeting her friends, taking part in the art activities and getting her nails painted – she’s quite a girly girl. I want to raise money for St Christopher’s to support this programme and make sure it keeps going. It seems that as soon as people turn 18, all support stops, so this service is vital for my sister and other young people like her.”

Laura has always enjoyed running but is most comfortable with around six miles. She says: “I did a 10k run about three years ago in support of Make-A-Wish for Josie. But I’ve certainly never considered running a marathon before – it’s going to be tough.”

Laura’s been training hard to get herself ready for the challenge. As well as running with the Petts Wood runners on a Tuesday night, she’s been fitting in long runs at the weekend. And a few times, after a hard day’s work teaching maths at a local secondary school, she even runs the 11 miles home. When we spoke to her, she was getting

ready to run the Dartford Half Marathon on Sunday 13 March.

Laura first became aware of St Christopher’s at the Make-a-Wish 10k run, where she saw lots of runners wearing St Christopher’s bibs. But she hadn’t visited the hospice until a few weeks ago when we held a ‘meet and greet’ for all our wonderful marathon runners.

Laura says: “I didn’t really have any expectations before the visit but I was astounded by how focused on the individual everything is. People can eat what they want, when they want and family are welcome to stay. It’s really considerate of people’s needs – they’ve thought of everything to make it as easy as possible for the families.”

Laura’s hoping to raise around £2,000 and is already almost half way there. If you would like to support her on 24 April, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/laurakeeler or search for Laura Keeler on the Virgin Money giving website at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/

Good luck, Laura – we’ll be thinking of you every step of the way!

We’d like to thank all our amazing runners in St Christopher’s Marathon Team. If you already have a marathon place and would like to run for us, please contact Leo Thon at [email protected] or call 020 8768 4575.

“My sister really enjoys going to the Young Adults Group. She loves meeting her friends, taking part in the art activities and getting her nails painted... I want to raise money for St Christopher’s to support this programme”Laura Keeler

The Young Adults GroupMoving from children’s services to adult services is not always easy. The Young Adults Group aims to reach young people with a life-limiting illness aged 17-25 living in south east London (Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham).

The group meets between 8am and 9pm every Saturday in the Anniversary Centre in Sydenham and includes transport for those who are unable to get to the hospice themselves, arts and other activities, nursing support and a free lunch. Josie Keeler looks forward to the activities and friendship on offer at the weekly Young Adults Group

Laura Keeler will be pounding the pavements for us

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Join the St Christopher’s Volunteer Event Squad with GeorgieGeorgie Grant, Senior Community Fundraising Manager at St Christopher’s, is excited about setting up the St Christopher’s Event Volunteer Squad to help out at our events. She says: “The work is a lot of fun, and even more enjoyable when there is a cast of thousands. It looks great on CVs and university applications and has led to careers for many of us in the third sector. We need people who are happy to donate their skills, talents and passions, whether that’s baking cakes, cheering or building arenas for us! Get in touch with me today – I’d love to hear from you and welcome you on board”

Liz’s volunteering at St Christopher’s is her way of saying thank youLiz Terry’s family experienced first-hand the great work done by St Christopher’s – and she been involved with helping out at the hospice ever sinceLiz says: “There are so many different ways that volunteers can help the hospice, whatever your interests and skills.

“St Christopher’s relies heavily on volunteers and any time given is really appreciated, whether it be an hour or two or a full day. Helping at events can be a lot of fun and it’s great to meet other volunteers and staff.

“I have been volunteering for St Christopher’s for several years now. I often bake cakes for the Open Gardens Festival

and other events, I have helped with the planning and setting up of events and also help out in the offices. Currently I am working on a project to enable the hospice to claim Gift Aid back from HM Revenue & Customs which I find interesting. At the end of a day in the office I know that the work I have done will benefit St Christopher’s greatly.

“It’s nice to be able to give something back after the help St Christopher’s gave my family when we needed them.”

What is the St Christopher’s Event Volunteer Squad?If you’re over 17 and looking for a new challenge in 2016, you could join the band of volunteers who make an invaluable contribution to St Christopher’s. Whether you have a couple of hours or a day to give we want to hear from you and your friends.

Every year St Christopher’s organises around 24 events and we are looking for people who can help with event preparation, promotional activities, running stalls, cheering and more.

Joining our friendly Event Volunteer Squad can help make a real difference to our work. There are many reasons why people volunteer at events. For some it’s to meet new people, for others it’s to gain new skills or experiences. What’s similar for all volunteers is the desire to support our work.

Joining the St Christopher’s Event Volunteer Squad is a great way to:• get experience and build a CV• meet lots of interesting people• develop skills such as communication,

customer service, event organisation and

• experience a wide range of exciting events, such as our Bluebell Walk, Food Festival and Wild West Fair and The Mad Hatter’s Fair.

If you’re interested in helping out at events and joining the Event Volunteer Squad, please contact Georgie at [email protected] or phone her on 020 8768 4575.

I hoped to be of some help when volunteering at St Christopher’s but what I didn’t anticipate was the enjoyment of working with the three hardworking and endlessly-patient girls in the Fundraising Department who make volunteering not only satisfying but great fun as wellSt Christopher’s volunteer, Roni Join the St Christopher’s Event Volunteer Squad today

Liz Terry has been volunteering for several years and really enjoys the interesting work

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Thanks to Jackie and Jean – our knitting dream teamSt Christopher’s patient, Jackie Lewington, and her mother Jean Smith have come together to form a dream team in knitting and selling Easter bunnies and chicks to raise money. Jean knits them when she comes to see Jackie at the hospice, who then sells them on to visitors and staff. So far Jean has knitted a phenomenal 300 bunnies and chicks, and even supplied 300 fondant-filled chocolate eggs to go in them! Jackie and Jean are well known in Sydenham having run the florist, Jackie’s Flower Studio, for 30 years. Thanks so much to both of them!

Why not open your garden in your own way?If you didn’t take part in our Open Gardens Festival this year you could still hold a more private garden party for family, friends or colleagues over the

summer months.Even a simple family BBQ can

become a fundraising event by inviting your neighbours and selling food.

Telling them you’re raising money for St Christopher’s is a great ice-breaker and really helps to spread the word about the invaluable services we provide for our patients and families.

Pick up some gardening tips for your own plot

Beautiful gardens await you this summer

Explore all the secrets of our hidden gardens This year 25 supporters are kindly opening their gardens to the public to raise money for St Christopher’sThe programme starts in Beckenham on 14 May and will span Orpington, East Dulwich, Petts Wood, Kevington, Chislehurst, Keston and Hayes.

Part of the programme includes ‘An afternoon with Terry Waite CBE’ on Wednesday 15 June from 2pm at The Georgian House, Holwood Park Avenue. Terry will join us in this beautiful marquee setting for the afternoon to speak about his work in seeking the release of hostages in Iran, Libya and Beirut as well as his experience of being in solitary confinement as a hostage himself. During the afternoon he will speak about his way of facing seemingly hopeless situations and maintaining inner balance in the face of extreme difficulties.

If you’d like to book tickets to hear Terry’s inspirational talk, which includes a welcome glass of fizz and light tea, please contact Nicola Howard on 01689 892988 or at [email protected] Or if you have a hidden gem of a garden you’d like to open to the public – there’s still time and we can help publicise your event on our website and through social media – please contact Tracy Blackmore on 020 8768 4573 or email [email protected]

If you would like to support us by offering your baking skills instead, we always need cakes, tray bakes and biscuits during Open Gardens season. Most gardens have refreshment stalls so donations of baked goodies are always gratefully received. Our homemade cakes never fail to impress, and really do make a difference in making the day a success, so please do get in touch with Tracy if you are able to help.Terry Waite

Saturday 14 May · 2-5pm

Open Gardens at 20 and 22 Cromwell Road,

Beckenham BR3 4LW

Entrance £3.50. These two neighbouring gardens

in Beckenham differ in layout, design and style,

showcasing two different options for urban gardens.

The garden at number 20 is a half walled courtyard

garden designed in 2000, and offers a tranquil space

with a decked area leading to pathways surrounded

by fl ower beds and interesting shrubs. Next door at

number 22 you will fi nd a more traditionally set-

out family garden with lawn, fl ower beds and well

stocked shrubs and trees. Train Clock House Bus 54,

194 or 358.

Sunday 15 May · 1-6pm

Open Gardens in Forest Hill SE23 3BP: 7 Canonbie

Road, The Coach House 3 The Hermitage,

Hilltop 28 Horniman Drive, 27 Horniman Drive,

53 Ringmore Rise and 25 Westwood Park

Combined entrance £7 (the central paypoint is at

28 Horniman Drive).

These six wonderful gardens in Forest Hill make

for a very interesting afternoon. They are all within

walking distance of each other – or a yellow

ballooned taxi is available for a donation! Situated

on one of the highest points in south east London

these gardens afford fantastic views across London

and the Downs, offering a real treat to the senses

– art, sculpture, delicious homemade cakes and

refreshments as well as many plants for sale.

There are too many hidden gems to list but

delights include a walled courtyard garden, a city

sanctuary garden built on three levels with rose and

jasmine draped arches, a jewel garden and topiary;

a sculptor’s garden packed with plants, sculptures

and ceramics for sale; a vintage garden with a fl ock

of chickens, vegetable beds and large fruit trees; a

story trail for children of all ages; and an organic ‘bee

friendly’ garden with seating areas and a unique slate

water feature.

These gardens are opening for the National Gardens

Scheme (NGS) with a share to St Christopher’s.

Train Forest Hill Bus 176, 185, 197, 356 or P4.

Sunday 29 May · 11am-5.30pm

Open Garden at 12 The Meadows,

Chelsfi eld Park, Orpington BR5 6HS

Entrance £4. The front garden is

Mediterranean style gravel with

sun loving plants. The rear

three-quarter acre garden

is in two parts: a semi-

formal area with two

ponds (one Koi and one

natural) with lots of summer

interest; and a semi wooded

area with mature bamboos,

acers, grasses etc, including a children’s path with a

13' high giraffe and lots of points of interest. Opening

for NGS with cakes and refreshments sold in aid of

St Christopher’s. Train Chelsfi eld.

Sunday 29 May · 2:30–5:30pm

Open Garden at 174 Peckham Rye, East Dulwich,

SE22 9QA

Entrance £3.50. This tranquil garden is densely

planted with a wide variety of rich contrasting

foliage which changes every year as it matures.

Unusual plants are combined with old favourites.

The garden was originally designed by Jude Sharpe

and is easy care and child friendly. Join us at this

‘oasis of calm in Peckham’ and take a moment to

enjoy some ever popular home-baked cakes and

refreshments.Opening for NGS with St Christopher’s

as the chosen charity. Train Peckham Rye or East

Dulwich Bus 12, 63, 363 or 197.

Sunday 5 June · 2-5pm

Open Garden at 47 St John’s Road,

Petts Wood BR5 1HT

Entrance £3.50. A charming garden with a wide

variety of acers, shrubs and herbaceous perennials.

The garden also offers plenty of seating areas,

some shaded, in which to enjoy the refreshments

and homemade cakes that are available. Train Petts

Wood Bus R3 or R7.


Open Gardens at 103 and 105 Dulwich Village,

Dulwich SE21 7BJ

Combined entrance £5. Two Georgian houses with

large gardens backing onto Dulwich Park.

103 Dulwich Village is a beautiful garden with a large

variety of plants, roses, shrubs and climbers. It has a

herbaceous border, spacious lawn and an ornamental

pond with an abundance of fi sh and wildlife.

105 Dulwich Village is a pretty and vibrant fl ower-

lovers garden with old-fashioned roses, delphiniums,

unusual perennials and colourful planters. The

garden also features an attractive early twentieth

century greenhouse, well-tended lawns, shrubs and a

waterfall and pond attracting a variety of wildlife.

There will be a wind band provided by Dulwich

Symphony Orchestra to entertain you while

you enjoy homemade cakes and refreshments.

Train North Dulwich or West Dulwich Bus P4.


Open Garden at White Cottage, Crockenhill

Road, Kevington BR5 4ER

Entrance £5. This beautiful informal cottage garden is

a haven for wildlife. The tranquil pond attracts newts,

dragonfl ies and frogs. In addition, there is a beehive

and a fantastic fl ock of free range ‘Orpington Buff’

chickens. The colour themed beds contain grasses,

perennials, shrubs and fruit trees. The garden also

offers plenty of places to sit, take in the surroundings

and enjoy tea and cakes. Plants, vegetables and local

produce (honey, jams and eggs) will also be available

to purchase. Opening for NGS with a share to

St Christopher’s. Parking is in an adjacent fi eld and will

be signposted. Train Swanley/St Mary Cray Bus 477.

Wednesday 15 June · from 2pm

‘An Audience with Terry Waite CBE’ at

The Georgian House, Holwood Park Avenue,

Orpington BR6 8NQ

Tickets £20 (includes a welcome glass of fi zz and

light tea). Tickets must be purchased in advance from

Nicola Howard on 01689 892988 or at n.howard@

stchristophers.org.uk

We have great pleasure in welcoming Terry Waite

CBE to this beautiful marquee setting for the

afternoon to speak about his work in seeking the

release of hostages in Iran, Libya and Beirut as well as

his experience of being in solitary confi nement as a

hostage himself. During the afternoon he will speak

about his way of facing seemingly hopeless situations

and maintaining inner balance in the face of extreme

diffi culties. There will also be audience questions.

Terry Waite has a long association with the hospice

movement having known our founder Cicely Saunders

before she opened St Christopher’s Hospice in 1967.

Train Orpington Bus R2, 353 or 654.

Saturday 18 June · 6.30pm until late

‘The Neil Diamond Experience’ at

The Georgian House, Holwood Park Avenue,

Orpington BR6 8NQ

Entrance £25. Tickets must be purchased in advance

from Nicola Howard on 01689 892988 or at

[email protected]

Guests are invited to join us for a wonderful

performance of sounds from Neil Diamond Tribute

act Bob Drury, back by popular demand. Included

in your ticket price is an item from the BBQ cooked

on site. Drinks and a selection of desserts will be

available to purchase. Please come and enjoy this

fantastic event dancing the night away in this most

beautiful setting (the concert will take place within a

large marquee). Train Orpington Bus R2, 353 or 654.

Friday 24 June · 6.30-10.30pm

‘Summer Sounds’: an evening of music in the

beautiful garden at Crown House, Crown Lane

Chislehurst BR7 5PL

Tickets £10 (up to Friday 17 June inclusive then £15).

Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling

020 8295 2443.

Bring your blanket or garden chairs, sit back, relax and

take in the sounds of summer during this evening of

summer music from Live Productions (www.live-

productions.co.uk) plus support. A BBQ, drinks and

puddings will be available to enjoy in this stunning

garden setting. No picnics please. Train Chislehurst

Bus 162 or 269.

Sunday 3 July · 12-5pm

The Norlands Community Open Gardens

Festival, Norlands Crescent, Chislehurst BR7 5RN

Combined entrance £6. Six very different and

attractive gardens will be open, including: a Japanese-

inspired rear garden; a fl ower and sculpture garden;

gardens backing onto National Trust land with

mature trees; and gardens with terraces and ponds

built on sloping sites. Other gardens will feature teas,

strawberries, Pimm’s®, and a BBQ. Attractions include

musical entertainment, activities for children, a

tombola, and stalls selling plants, secondhand books

and toys, and homemade produce.

Further details of each garden will be available on

our website. A map and full details will be provided

on entry. Please adhere to ‘No Parking’ signs in Cricket

Ground Road. Train Chislehurst Bus 162 or 269.


Open Gardens at 207 and 209 Worsley Bridge

Road, Beckenham BR3 1RW and 12 Overbrae,

Beckenham BR3 1SX

Combined entrance £5. Three unique gardens all

opening on the same day.

209 Worsley Bridge Road is a 150' suburban garden

with mature trees, mixed herbaceous borders and

shrubs and colourful containers. Planting includes

perennials, clematis, roses, grasses and hostas. Several

seating areas in which to enjoy refreshments and

homemade cakes.

207 Worsley Bridge Road’s garden achieved ‘Kent

Wildlife Garden Silver Certifi cate for Wild Gardens’.

It includes a scenic wildlife pond and numerous

seating areas. Look out for the very convincing folly.

12 Overbrae is a medium-sized garden on a hill with

a small wooded area to the rear offering shade and

changing levels. Many colourful pots and soft fruit, a

cacti collection and raised bed. The front garden has

been planned for year-round interest, with a gravel

garden, fernery, roses and herbaceous plants.

Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome. There will

be plants and arts and crafts for sale. Train Lower

Sydenham, Beckenham Hill or Beckenham Junction

Bus 352.


Open Gardens at the Allotments 19-21

Homesdale Road, Petts Wood BR5 1JS

Entrance £3.50. This is a fantastic opportunity to see

local gardening at its best.

The allotments are a hive of activity producing a vast

variety of fruits and vegetables. Some of the tenants

will be available to share their

secrets and chat about the fi ner

points of horticulture.

There will be a produce

stall and the ever-popular

scarecrow competition as

in previous years. In an adjacent

garden you can enjoy tea and

homemade cakes accompanied by

piano music. Train Petts Wood

Bus R3, R7 or 208.


Open Garden at 36 George Lane,

Hayes BR2 7LQ

Suggested donation £2. Enjoy a unique suburban

garden with many unforgettable curios. Featuring

a miniature Tardis and a G-scale American garden

railway with a small line where visitors of all ages

can have a go at driving a train! Visit the fascinating

vintage telephone museum with over 70 old phones

dating back to the early 1900s, switchboards and

working telephone exchanges. Connect calls, listen

to the speaking clock and reminisce with ‘Dial-A-

Disc’. Arts and crafts will also be on sale. The is a side

passage entrance, look for a sign saying ‘To the trains’.

Train Hayes Bus 119 or 146.

Saturday 3 September · 2-8pm

Open Garden at 36 George Lane, Hayes BR2 7LQ

Suggested donation £2. Details as Sunday 24 July.

Key to the gardens and events

Wheelchair access

Wheelchair access (partial)

Parking in surrounding roads

Specifi c parking information in description

Raffl e or tombola

No dogs (except guide)

Refreshments

Supervised children free

Plant sale

Must book in advance

If you didn’t take part in our Open Gardens Festival

this year, why not hold a more private garden party

for family, friends or colleagues this summer? Even a

simple family BBQ can become a fundraising event

by inviting neighbours and selling food. Telling them

you’re raising money for St Christopher’s is a great

ice-breaker and really helps to spread the word.

More information about all Open Garden events

is available from Tracy Blackmore on 020 8768

4573 or at [email protected] or

visit www.stchristophers.org.uk/opengardens for

details of any late Open Garden entrants

These gardens are opening for the National Gardens

Scheme (NGS) with a share to St Christopher’s. These gardens are opening for the National Gardens

Scheme (NGS) with a share to St Christopher’s.


Train Forest Hill Bus 176, 185, 197, 356 or P4.

Sunday 29 May · 11am-5.30pm

Open Garden at 12 The Meadows,

Chelsfi eld Park, Orpington BR5 6HS

Entrance £4. The front garden is

Mediterranean style gravel with

sun loving plants. The rear

three-quarter acre garden

is in two parts: a semi-

formal area with two

ponds (one Koi and one

natural) with lots of summer

interest; and a semi wooded

area with mature bamboos, interest; and a semi wooded



a miniature Tardis and a G-scale American garden



There will be a produce

stall and the ever-popular

scarecrow competition as

in previous years. In an adjacent

garden you can enjoy tea and

homemade cakes accompanied by

Petts Wood


Open Garden at 36 George Lane,

Suggested donation £2. Enjoy a unique suburban

garden with many unforgettable curios. Featuring . Enjoy a unique suburban



secrets and chat about the fi ner will be available to share their


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Celebrating 50 years of hospice care in 2017In 2017 it will be 50 years since Dame Cicely Saunders founded St Christopher’s as the fi rst modern hospice, and started the transformation of end of life care throughout the UK and internationally.2017 provides St Christopher’s with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 50 years of the modern hospice movement and our care services. Thank you

all for your invaluable support. Help us celebrate our golden birthday next year by attending the many events taking place. We would be delighted to hear any ideas you have for events and fundraising.

St Christopher’s promotes and provides skilled and compassionate end of life care of the highest quality, working with, and through, our communities. Our vision is of a world in which all dying people and those close to them have access to the care and support they need when and wherever they need it. We serve a diverse population of 1.5 million people in

the London boroughs of Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark, reaching some of England’s most deprived areas. All our specialist palliative care and family care services are provided free of charge. We care for patients from the age of 18 upwards. Our care services are delivered in a range of settings

including in patients’ own homes, our 48 bed inpatient

unit, our Anniversary Centre in Sydenham and our Caritas Centre in Bromley.Our palliative care is delivered by coordinated teams of specialist doctors and nurses; physiotherapists and occupational therapists; social workers and welfare support workers and includes adult bereavement services, psychiatric support, arts and complementary therapies, spiritual and religious care and specialist support for bereaved children.Every year it costs £19 million to deliver all our services, of which approximately £13 million must be fundraised. We are very grateful to our local communities and the trusts, foundations and companies that support us.

To fi nd out more about our work, please call 020 8768 4500, email [email protected] or visit www.stchristophers.org.uk

Explore the secrets of hidden gardens in 2016Welcome to the St Christopher’s Open Garden Festival, where supporters kindly open their gardens to the public to raise money for their local hospice.We are very lucky this year to have so many gardens opening for us. However, we are always looking for more, so if you would like information about opening your garden please contact Tracy Blackmore on 020 8768 4573 or at [email protected] you would like to support us and can offer your baking skills we always need cakes, tray bakes and biscuits during Open Gardens season. Most gardens have refreshment stalls so donations of baked goodies are always gratefully received. Our homemade cakes never fail to impress, and really do make a difference in making the day a success, so please do get in touch with Tracy if you are able to help.

Don’t put it off! Our Will Week is 5-9 SeptemberHave you been putting off updating your Will? Intestacy laws are complicated so to ensure your wishes are carried out, take this opportunity to update your Will and help your local hospice at the same time.Local solicitors kindly donate their services but request that instead of paying them a fee you support St Christopher’s with a single gift of £150 for a simple Will or £200 for a pair of simple mirror Wills. Any additional legacy you choose to leave to us would be a wonderful bonus.

For a full list of our participating solicitors, and how and when to apply, search ‘Will Week’ on our website or contact Tracy Blackmore on 020 8768 4573 or at [email protected]

Sydenham site 51-59 Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham, London SE26 6DZTelephone 020 8768 4500Bromley siteCaritas House, Tregony Road, Orpington BR6 9XATelephone 01689 825755

[email protected]

St Christopher’s is registered charity 210667 © St Christopher’s March 2016

Discover beautifulhidden gardensopening locally

from May to September

2016 in aid of St Christopher’s

[email protected]




Caritas House, Tregony Road, Telephone 01689 825755

Caritas House, Tregony Road,

St Christopher’s

all for your invaluable support. Help us celebrate our golden birthday next year by attending the many events taking place. We would be delighted to hear any ideas you have for events and fundraising.

51-59 Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham, Discover beautifulhidden gardensopening locally

from May to

opening locallyfrom May to

opening locally

September2016 in aid of

September2016 in aid of

September

St Christopher’sSt Christopher’s is registered charity 210667 © St Christopher’s March 2016

St Christopher’sSt Christopher’sSt Christopher’s

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Look out for your special Open Gardens fold-out pocket guide below – mailed to you with this edition of Connections

7

The Mad Hatter’s Fair is on Saturday 25 June – don’t be late for this dateWe invite you to tumble down the rabbit hole for our first Mad Hatter’s Fair in the hospice gardens in Sydenham to enjoy all the splendours of wonderland. You’ll be treated to bonkers tea, plenty of stalls to shop, a magic show from the Queen of Hearts and even croquet with hedgehogs (don’t worry, not real ones). Everyone is welcome between 11am and 4pm and there’ll be plenty to keep children busy including face painting, a treasure hunt and a storyteller. Come dressed as your favourite character – not only will you make the Cheshire Cat smile but you’ll also be entered into a prize draw. Just £1 for adults and kids go free! If you are an entertainer or stall trader and would like to get involved, please contact Sarah at [email protected] or call 020 8768 4679.

Yee-haar! The Food Festival and Wild West Fair rides back in JuneIn 2015 St Christopher’s transformed its annual Summer Fair into a wonderful wild west-themed food fair

Due to popular demand, the Food Festival and Wild West Fair is back again this year on Saturday 4 June from 11am-4pm at

Green Street Green, Orpington, Kent BR6 6JS sponsored by Riverford Organic Farm.

The recipe for the day includes a mix of local producers, a big serving of stunning

hot food, cider and wine, a dash of craft and gift stalls, lots of activities and rides for children, cake stalls and lashings of excellent live entertainment that create the ultimate foodie family day out. It’s just £1 for adults and kids go free!

If you would like to enquire about securing a booking as a food vendor or stall trader please contact Georgie Grant at [email protected] or call 020 8768 4684.

2017 will be St Christopher’s special year of celebrations2017 will mark 50 years since Dame Cicely Saunders founded St Christopher’s and, in doing so, started the modern hospice movement. We will be celebrating throughout the year with a variety of activities including a church service, parties, balls and special one-off events – including our London to Paris 50:50 cycle challenge.

We would like all of our supporters to join us in our celebrations. If you have a good idea to celebrate our golden anniversary or would like to organise your own event, please email [email protected]

One thing you can do now is send us any personal St Christopher’s-related photographs you have. This could be attending an event here at the hospice or your own event, enjoying a concert, listening to a lecture or visiting patients in the Anniversary Centre.

We would like as many photos as possible and will use them to create our very own collage depicting Dame Cicely. Preferably we would like them emailed in a digital format to [email protected] or you can drop them in to the hospice in Sydenham or post them to Christine Davies at the Sydenham site along with a stamped addressed envelope (so we may send the originals back to you). The address is on the back of this issue of Connections. Please mark your envelope ‘MOSAIC’.

Dame Cicely helping to ‘dig the first spit’ of the grounds that eventually became St Christopher’s Hospice

Painted faces and beaming smiles

Trying to stay on the bucking bronco

Food producers had some wonderful stalls ‘Dumbledore’ and his family in the dog show

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Every year it costs £19 million to deliver our services, of which approximately £13 million must be fundraised. We are extremely grateful to our local communities and the trusts, foundations and companies that support us that enable us to deliver our specialist palliative care and family care services free of charge.

[email protected] www.stchristophers.org.uk

Sydenham site51-59 Lawrie Park Road, London SE26 6DZTelephone 020 8768 4500

St Christopher’s is registered charity 210667© St Christopher’s March 2016

Bromley site Caritas House, Tregony Road, Orpington BR6 9XATelephone 01689 825755

Diary dates 2016Visit www.stchristophers.org.uk/events for details and updates. For questions, email [email protected] or call 020 8768 4575.

MarchSun 27 Easter Sunday We’d love to see you

in the Anniversary Centre for Sunday lunch

Tue 29 5,000 Club lottery draw More great cash prizes for our lucky members

AprilThu 7 Concert Series Dances, drums and

whistles, 7.30pm at St Christopher’s in Sydenham. Tickets £10

Fri 15 Race Night at The Warren, Croydon Road BR2 7AL. Tickets £3 or table of 10 £25. Contact Peter Wilks on 01322 310332

Sun 24 Virgin London Marathon If you have your own place, why not run for us?

Tue 26 5,000 Club lottery draw Check whether your number is a winner

Thu 28 Simon Weston evening Join Simon Weston CBE at Oakley House, Bromley Common BR2 8HA at 6.45pm. Tickets £37.50 include a two-course meal. Contact Vanessa on 01689 892991 or email [email protected]

MayStart of our Open Garden Festival You could

still open your garden for us, get in touch!Mon 2 Bank holiday A great time to

organise your own fundraising eventThu 5 Concert Series Three Cane Whale,

7.30pm at St Christopher’s in Sydenham. Tickets £10

Sun 8 Bluebell Walk See page 3Sat 14 May Open Gardens 20 and 22

Cromwell Road, Beckenham BR3 4LWSun 15 May Open Gardens Forest Hill SE23

3BP: 7 Canonbie Road; The Coach House, 3 The Hermitage; Hilltop, 28 Horniman Drive; 27 Horniman Drive; 53 Ringmore Rise and 25 Westwood Park

Sun 29 May Open Gardens 12 The Meadows, Chelsfield Park, Orpington BR5 6HS and 174 Peckham Rye, East Dulwich SE22 9QA

Mon 30 Bank holiday It’s a great day for fundraising

Tue 31 5,000 Club lottery draw Remember you can have up to ten numbers in play!

JuneThu 2 Concert Series Tony Woollard and

friends, 7.30pm at St Christopher’s in Sydenham. Tickets £10

Sat 4 Wild West Fair & Food Festival The Green, Green Street Green – see page 7

Sun 5 Open Gardens 47 St John’s Road, Petts Wood BR5 1HT; 103 and 105 Dulwich Village, Dulwich SE21 7BJ; White Cottage, Crockenhill Road, Kevington BR5 4ER

Wed 15 An Audience with Terry Waite CBE The Georgian House, Holwood Park Avenue, Orpington BR6 8NQ. Tickets £20 (includes glass of fizz and light tea) from Nicola Howard on 01689 892988 or at [email protected]

Sat 18 The Neil Diamond Experience The Georgian House, Holwood Park Avenue, Orpington BR6 8NQ. Tickets £25 from Nicola Howard on 01689 892988 or at [email protected]

Sun 19 Father’s Day Get fundraising with dad or make a donation instead of a gift

Tue 21 Founder’s Day Celebrating the life of Dame Cicely at St Christopher’s in Sydenham

Fri 24 Summer Sounds An evening of garden music at Crown House, Crown Lane, Chislehurst BR7 5PL. Tickets £10 (up to Friday 17 June then £15) from 020 8295 2443

Sat 25 The Mad Hatter’s Fair Fun for all at St Christopher’s in Sydenham

Tue 28 5,000 Club lottery draw Could this be the month you get lucky?

JulySun 3 Open Gardens Norlands Crescent,

Chislehurst BR7 5RN; 207 and 209 Worsley Bridge Road, Beckenham BR3 1RW and 12 Overbrae, Beckenham BR3 1SX

Thu 7 Concert Series Blues Brothers International, 7.30pm at St Christopher’s in Sydenham. Tickets £10

Sun 10 Vitality British 10k From Hyde Park Corner, London. Sponsorship target £150

Sun 24 Open Gardens The Allotments 19-21 Homesdale Road, Petts Wood BR5 1JS; 36 George Lane, Hayes BR2 7LQ

Tue 26 5,000 Club lottery draw The chance to win cash prizes

Sat 30 to Sun 31 The Chatterton Arms Music Festival Chatterton Road, Bromley, BR2 9QW in aid of St Christopher’s. Enjoy many live bands and more. Call the venue for more info on 020 8460 4604

Sun 31 Prudential RideLondon – Surrey 100 Starting from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, join our team today

August Mon 29 Bank holiday Get together with

friends for some fundraising funTue 30 5,000 Club lottery draw

SeptemberThu 1 Concert Series The Marmen Quartet,

7.30pm at St Christopher’s in Sydenham. Tickets £10

Sat 3 Open Garden 36 George Lane, Hayes BR2 7LQ

Sun 4 The Nuts Challenge Contact Remi on 020 8768 4577 or email [email protected] to register

Mon 5 to Fri 9 Free Will Week Have your Will drawn up free for a donation

Sat 10 to Sun 11 Thames Path ChallengeSun 11 London to Brighton Cycle Face the

challenge of a 54 mile journey on two wheels. All you need to do is pledge to raise £100

Sun 18 Classic Car Show 11am-4pm at Tripes Farm, Orpington BR6 7RS. More info at www.stchristophers.org.uk/carshow

Tue 27 5,000 Club lottery draw Increase your chance of winning with extra numbers

OctoberDate to be confirmed Midnight WalkThu 6 Concert Series Welcome to the

world of Lily Neill, 7.30pm at St Christopher’s in Sydenham. Tickets £10

Sun 9 Petts Wood 10kFri 14 London Tour – Lifeboat Station

Victoria Embankment, London Tickets £15Tue 25 5,000 Club lottery draw More great

prizes will be won by our members

NovemberThroughout the month Party wear events

will be happening in all our shopsThu 3 Concert Series Clive Carroll, 7.30pm

at St Christopher’s in Sydenham. Tickets £10

Sat 5 Bonfire Night Why not hold a fundraising fireworks party with family and friends?

Sat 26 Christmas Market St Christopher’s Bromley, Caritas House

Sun 27 Remembering with St Christopher’s St Christopher’s Bromley, Caritas House

Tue 29 5,000 Club lottery draw Don’t forget to check your numbers

DecemberThu 1 Concert Series Joglaresa, 7.30pm at

St Christopher’s in Sydenham. Tickets £10Sun 4 Remembering with St Christopher’s

St Christopher’s in SydenhamFri 16 Grand Christmas Raffle drawTue 20 5,000 Club lottery draw It’s the

biggest cash prize draw of the year!

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