Welcome to our July 2010 e-News bulletin

Nursing News

Our nursing service was rated 'excellent' in a recent spot-check by the independent regulator of health and social care in England, the Care Quality Commission. The health watchdog awarded its top three-star rating and made no recommendations for improvements. Click here for more.

Celebrate 25 years with us - but don't miss the Early Bird!

The early bird discount for tickets to our 25th anniversary event ends on Monday 19th July. Enjoy music from Abba Forever, Beverley Craven and rock classics from the Pepper Show in the stunning surroundings of West Wycombe Park on 4th September. To book, call 01442 890222 or visit www.irhh.org/silver

Special memories:

The IRHH marquee at the event will include a special memories display - and we would love you to be part of it! The display will feature photographs, memories and quotes from supporters, volunteers, staff and patients throughout our 25 year history. If you would like your special memories or thoughts about Iain Rennie Hospice at Home to be included in the display, please send them by email to comms@irhh.org or by post to Stephen Biggs at the Tring Office. Any photos should be sent as jpeg files, and quotes or anecdotes should be a maximum of 40 words.

Walk the Chalk is back...

Following the huge success of our first-ever Chilterns Three Peaks Challenge, this popular event returns on Sunday 19th September, with a 5-mile, 9-mile and 18-mile option. We're aiming to see 2,000 walkers (two-legged and four-legged!) wind their way across the beautiful Chiltern Hills and to raise £300,000 in sponsorship. Sign up now by calling us on 01442 890222 or register online at www.c3peaks.com.

Fern's Big Brew makes a splash!

Fern Britton's backing of our new Chilterns Big Brew reached national press with a feature in Woman's Own magazine and Third Sector (a charities' publication). Why not join Fern and make the most of the summer weather with your own Big Brew? If your party raises £150 you will have funded an Iain Rennie nurse for 24 hours. Call our fundraising team on 01442 890222 or email fundraising@irhh.org for more information.

Can you help with storage space?

IRHH has very kindly been offered some free furniture for use in our (not yet confirmed) new premises - but we have very limited space in which to store the new furniture in the meantime. If you think you can help us with our storage problem or can offer other products or professional services related to our re-location, please email pscott@irhh.org

Shop Stories

Beverley Craven joined our Retail & Trading team and eager shoppers last week to open our latest charity shop. The new store in Downley, near High Wycombe, is our 11th charity shop in the Chilterns. Click here for pictures from the grand opening.

We're still recruiting volunteers to help in the new shop, so if you'd like to help, please call us on 01494 877200.

We would like to thank the very kind lady who responded to our appeal in the June e-news for sponsorship of a blind for the window of our new bookshop in Tring; this has been particularly useful recently, as it has saved our staff, volunteers and customers from roasting in the hot weather.

Volunteer vacancies

Retail & Trading: Our Retail & Trading Team in Tring would like a volunteer to help with Gift Aid administration. The role includes data entry and filing, initially for one day per week.

PAT tester: All electrical items donated to our shops require PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) testing before they can be sold. We are looking for practical 'hands on' volunteers, who have a general understanding of basic safety issues with electrical appliances. We will then provide training, either at our Retail & Trading site, or in your own home.

Fundraising Admin / Volunteers: The IRHH fundraising team is seeking volunteers with strong admin / PA skills to help in the charity's head office in Tring. Flexibility with days available would be ideal, as desk space can be limited! Call 01494 877200 or email rahmad@irhh.org

Dates for the diary

Visit the What's On section of our website to view a whole host of events and activities coming up.

Forthcoming highlights include:

Open Gardens in Wendover on Saturday 17th July and Wigginton on Sunday 25th July )

Tickets are still available for "Pepper Rocks" at Berkhamsted School's Centenary Theatre from Friday 16th to Sunday 24th July (excluding the Monday and Tuesday). For more information or to book tickets, call the Box Office on 01442 877292 or visit www.peppershow.com

Bald, Bold & Belligerent - a return of the popular and fun evening with Henry Blofeld and John Bly on Friday 6th August at Court Theatre, Pendley.

To find out more about any of our events, or to let us know about an event you are organising for IRHH or Pepper, please contact our fundraising team on 01442 890222 or email fundraising@irhh.org

Fundraising Highlights

A record-breaking Goodnight

More than 500 women (and several men!) took part in our 2010 Goodnight Walk on 19th June. BBC's Bill Turnbull kick-started the event with a record-breaking Conga, and participants pledged more than £50,000 in sponsorship on the night, with more expected over the coming weeks. Click here for the full story and pictures from the night.

Running for Fun!

Over 900 people took part in the annual Tring Midsummer Fun Run last month, organised by Tring Running Club. Click here for pictures of this event, and news of other supporters who have been pounding the streets to raise money for IRHH.

Drinking to success

IRHH benefits from the support of many local pubs who have our collecting boxes on their bars, and in the last month we have been particularly pleased to receive donations from The Robin Hood in Tring and the volunteers of Buckland village, who once again turned their village hall into The Buck Pub over the May Bank Holiday weekend, raising money for IRHH. A big "cheers" from everyone here at IRHH!

Support IRHH by buying tickets for the 2010 Superdraw and you could win prizes ranging from £50 up to a fantastic £5,000!! Superdraw tickets can be purchased online at www.hospicelottery.org.uk or by telephone on 01442 891459.

Would you like to win £1000 every week? Join The Hospice Lottery and not only will you be raising funds for Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, but you could win some great cash prizes too. Click here for further details or call The Hospice Lottery on 01442 891459.

If you are thinking of sending flowers or gifts to your family or friends, please consider using Charity Flowers. They supply high quality flowers by post to anywhere in the UK , and Iain Rennie will benefit to the value of 15% of the price of your order.

You can order online at www.charityflowers.co.uk , or by telephone on 08705 300 600. Remember to quote "IRHH" when you place your order!