OAKHAVEN HOSPICE PRESS RELEASEOctober 2007 Women of our Time Luncheon On October 25 th the nineth annual Women of Our Time Luncheon was held at Chewton Glen in aid of Oakhaven Hospice. Nearly one hundred guests, a record number, were treated to a champagne reception followed by a superb luncheon in the hotel's Lake Suite. Hon Chairman, Dr Jan Swallow greeted the guests and paid tribute to the founding committee of the luncheon headed by Angela Guillaume, who have spent so much time and effort during the past eight years organising Oakhaven's most popular and prestigious event. The committee stepped down after the 2006 event and attended this year's luncheon as guests. The guest speaker this year was Tricia Stewart known nationally and internationally as the inspiration and drive behind the famous Alternative WI Calendar that changed the image of the WI forever. Tricia brought the house down with her hilarious account of how the idea for the calendar was born and produced, with the expectation of raising £5000 for Leukaemia Research and dedicated to Tricia's friend, John. The calendar was launched in 1999 and sold 88.000 copies in the UK with a further a 240.000 sold in America. In the five years since, it has raised nearly one million pounds. The story was made into the blockbusting film Calendar Girls with Dame Helen Mirren playing the role of Tricia Stewart. As is the custom, an exceptional person is chosen to receive Oakhaven's Woman of the Year award and this year, a totally surprised Lady Peggy Curtiss was the very popular recepient of this award. Peggy has dedicated her life to helping others. See separate information on Peggy's life. 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 |