20th Birthday Garden Party

On Sunday 17th August, Hospice Shops celebrated their 20th Birthday in style - twenty years since Share the Care Ltd., (STC) was set up and the first shop opened.

STC Chairman, Terry Groves and his wife Janet, hosted a superb garden party. Invitations had been sent to all Hospice Shop Volunteers and approximately 120 were able to be there, together with The Island's Lieutenant Governor, His Excellency Vice Admiral Sir Paul Haddacks KCB, and Lady Haddacks, and STC staff members.

The marquee had been in use the day before for a family wedding; we were therefore all very grateful it had been made available for this very special day, at no cost to Hospice Shops.

These Hospice Shops website pages record a most memorable 20th Birthday Party. There are six pages for you to enjoy; the first two record the Party Events and the next four are devoted to photos of the Shop Volunteers' tables. Links to all these pages can be found at the foot of each page.

The Party in Pictures

Here pictured is the Marquee in which the 20th Birthday Party was held. The weather was really kind, the Sun coming out right on cue just as the guests were settling into their seats, and stayed out to see all back to their homes.

Guests were welcomed by: Julie Jones, Manager until last June - back for the day; Siobhan Ellison - STC Office Manager; Tina Lawton who took over as Manager at the beginning of August; and Julie McLean, Senior Admin Officer. When all were seated these four looked after the guests at table making sure they had all the refreshments they wanted.

Ramsey Town Band, under their Director of Music, Robert Quane, entertained quests during the afternoon with a variety of music, much enjoyed and appreciated by all. The depth of the marquee can be seen clearly from this photo.

A scene from the Party. There were table for groups of eight placed all through the marquee. Comfortable chairs, table cloths, crockery and cutlery plus a glass for a toast later in the party. During our cream tea we were all given non-contributory raffle tickets - more later!

His Excellency Vice Admiral Sir Paul Haddacks KCB, and Lady Haddacks joined the party. After enjoying their cream tea, they circulated the marquee talking to as many Volunteers as time permitted.

Time for a few words of welcome and a Toast

Terry Groves warmly welcomed everyone and invited Sir Paul Haddacks to say a few words.	Sir Paul Haddacks made a short and amusing speech, contrasting volunteering in the Navy (never a wise move) with volunteering for Hospice and acknowledged that without volunteers Hospice and Hospice Shops could not function.

Hospice President, The Venerable Brian Partington presents a welcoming bouquet of flowers to Lady Haddacks. He followed with warm words of thanks Terry and Janet Groves for their kindness and hospitality which made this wonderful Party possible, and to end - proposed a toast to our hosts and to the continuing success of Hospice Shops.
Continued on page two