OAKHAVEN HOSPICE PRESS RELEASEApril 2007 DINING DIVA'S FIRST LUNCHEON On March 30 th the first Dining Diva lunch took place at New Park Hotel Brockenhurst raising £1,130.00 in aid of Oakhaven Hospice. A special treat was in store for the 120 ladies after the champagne reception and 2-course luncheon. The guest speaker was none other than the Phantom of the Opera himself, Earl Carpenter. The man behind the mask gave a fascinating account of life behind the scenes at one of the West End's longest running musicals, now in its 20 th year at Her Majesty's Theatre. Earl, who was born in Southampton and whose Mother lives in Ringwood started his stage career with The New Forest Players, described the intensity of the role, performing in 8 shows per week for the past 3 years. He must keep to a strict health regime which includes no alcohol, but he enjoys every performance, every day. After his talk, Earl took a question and answer session with the assembled guests, many of whom had seen the show more than once. Speaking with Jayne Ashley, Oakhaven's Business Development Manager before his talk, Earl said “ helping charity appeals to me, I am very happy to support the hospice movement and Oakhaven is a very special place. We all know somebody who benefits from hospice care and I am delighted to be able to support this wonderful local facility. “ Stella Foster, Fundraising Co-Ordinator for Oakhaven gave a vote of thanks to Earl and to all the guests who had so generously supported the event. The next Dining Diva Luncheon will be held at New Park on June 8 th with Pauline Brandt, TV Presenter for the BBC as guest speaker. For details, please contact Stella on 01590-6130 Notes for Editors: Oakhaven Hospice supports not only at the Hospice but also out in the community. Our services are always free of charge. We support over 120 patients weekly and our Community Team make 2,500 home visits and telephone contacts each year. Our Bereavement team makes in excess of 1,600 contacts with the community every year while the Day Hospice has more than 1,200 attendances by patients annually. Press & PR enquiries about this event and Oakhaven Hospice to Jayne Ashley. Telephone 01590-688697 |