In January, the Retford Support Group for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice had its annual planning meeting. It is a small but active group who have been raising money for Bluebell Wood for more than 15 years. Trends change and the group will be trying new ideas but there are always the popular events which they are happy to organise again and which they hope will be fun for everyone.
You will see the group later in the month at Morrisons and in March they will have a Quiz Night; they will be taking part in Charter Day in May. Last year’s Afternoon Tea in our beautiful Town Hall was a great success and they hope to offer an even better ticket only event again in June. A market stall is planned for August and they hope to be at East Markham’s Apple Day in October as they have been for many years — it is such a great event. As well as their usual appearance at the turning on of the Christmas lights at the end of the year there are three other new events still in planning, so there will be plenty of opportunity for you to support the group as you so generously have in the past. More details will, of course, follow as the year unfolds.
Retford people have always been very supportive of Bluebell Wood; you may be interested in a few facts and figures, so you know where your contribution has been used. In the year 2017–18, 302 families were supported and 60 new children and young adults enjoyed the activities and support from the hospice. 23,976 hours of respite care and 183 nights of end of life care were given. It is perhaps not so well known that Bluebell Wood also offers sibling support and this year this amounted to 1,082 hours. There are 120 local volunteers in 11 different areas and together they have given a staggering 74,623 hours by way of fundraising and support in other ways. As donations and fundraising account for 48% of Bluebell Wood’s income, the group’s work, and your support, are vital in raising the £4 million needed to keep the service thriving and progressive, so thank you — they look forward to seeing you again at some of their upcoming events.