Welcome to our August 2010 e-News bulletin

Nursing News

Sue Varvel, IRHH Director of Nursing and Clinical Services, is set to become one of the first people to graduate with a Masters degree in Hospice Leadership - a new course at the University of Lancaster.

Click here for more.

Celebrate 25 years with us

It's not too late to join us at West Wycombe Park on 4th September for our music and fireworks extravaganza celebrating 25 years of patient care and choice in the Chilterns. Book online at www.irhh.org/silver until midnight Thursday 2nd September or call 01442 890222 until midday Friday 3rd to secure £30 / £20 tickets. All tickets booked after 24th August can be collected on the day. Tickets available on the day for £35.

Calling all marshalls for Chilterns Three Peaks Challenge

We're hoping to double our numbers for this year's event and as a result we need around 100 marshalls to help keep our walkers safe. If you'd like to be a part of this amazing day by volunteering as a route marshall, please contact us on 01442 890222. Find out more or register online to walk the chalk at www.c3peaks.com.

Take time out for a cuppa

Since Fern Britton launched our Chilterns Big Brew, the different take on a tea party has generated more than 25 events locally, ranging from garden parties to cream teas and luncheons.

Why not make the most of the remaining summer and host your own Big Brew to help raise more funds for the Iain Rennie nursing service. Click here to read more. or contact our fundraising team on 01442 890222 or fundraising@irhh.org for more information.

Calling former teachers

IRHH is launching a new initiative in conjunction with local schools to raise funds and awareness. For nursery to primary school age, we have launched 'Butterfly Fingers' - an activity pack themed around our butterfly logo. For secondary schools we hope to work in partnership and offer something in return. We're inviting schools to come on board - and seeking former teachers to volunteer as our 'schools ambassadors' - willing to give talks in assemblies, help with lesson planning and delivery. Click here to find out more or contact 01442 890222 fundraising@irhh.org

Join the hospice lottery

You can help us to care for more people by joining the Hospice Lottery. It costs just £1 a week and with more than 80 cash prizes ranging from £10 to £1,000 every Friday, it's a good investment! IRHH was one of the founding members of the Hospice Lottery Partnership and received more than £65,000 in the last financial year. If you'd like to join, call 01442 890222 or email fundraising@irhh.org

Shop Stories

Our Director of Nursing Sue Varvel was joined by the Mayor of Dacorum on 20th August to declare the refurbished Bennettsgate charity shop open for business once again. Click here for pictures from the grand re-opening.

Recycle your old CDs and DVDs for IRHH

We can raise funds from recycling your unwanted CDs and DVDs. Since we launched this scheme in January - you've helped us raise more than £1,000.

If you have CDs or DVDs you no longer want, why not take them to your nearest IRHH shop - or drop them off at the collection points in our Tring or Chalfont St Giles offices.

Click here to check the criteria for recycling.

Click here for a list of shop locations.

Volunteer vacancies

If you're interested in any of the following, please call 01494 877200 or email rahmad@irhh.org

Communications: We're looking for a student or specialist in graphic design who would be willing to help with specific projects free of charge. We're also seeking an enthusiastic volunteer with good attention to detail who could help us scan the local papers for IRHH media coverage.

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!

Carer Consultation Group: We are seeking former carers to join the IRHH Consultation Group. This small but vital group holds evening meetings three times a year to provide feedback on a range of issues from the service we provide to our new fundraising initiatives. Members have been primary carers for patients cared for by Iain Rennie nurses and have usually been bereaved more than two years but less than six.

Retail & Trading:

Gift Aid Administration: 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.

Warners End charity shop: Hot on the heels of the Bennettsgate refurbishment comes our other Hemel charity shop's chance for a facelift. We're calling on volunteers who could help us with the re-fit during w/c 6th September - especially anyone handy with a paintbrush!

Risborough shop: We're seeking more volunteers to support our Princes Risborough charity shop manager for just half a day a week.

If you're interested in any of the above, please call 01494 877200 or email rahmad@irhh.org

Staff vacancies

We are currently recruiting for:

• Health Care Assistants
• Iain Rennie Nurses
• Bank Nurses
• Communications Officer

For more information on any of these opportunities, visit http://www.irhh.org/sitehome/volunteering/index.html

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:

• Beaconsfield Country Fayre (organised by the Beaconsfield Fundraising Group) Monday 30th August, Windsor End, Old Beaconsfield 11am - 4pm. Lots to do - come and join the fun!
• 25th Anniversary celebrations at West Wycombe Park on 4th September
• Wendover Memorial Woodland picnic on 12th September

• Chilterns Three Peaks Challenge: 5-mile, 9-mile and 18-mile routes taking in Whiteleaf Cross, Coombe Hill and Ivinghoe Beacon on 19th September

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

Appeal raises more than £30,000

Many thanks to everyone who responded to our recent appeal by making a donation or signing up to a regular gift. The appeal followed the story of former carer Brian Fowler, now a volunteer ambassador for IRHH, and his late wife Mary. Your support will help us recruit more Iain Rennie nurses and reduce the risk of a waiting list as patient numbers continue to increase.

Blowers and Bly being bald, bold and belligerent

IRHH Patron John Bly and supporter Henry Blofeld were a sell-out at Pendley Manor Court Theatre at their extra date for IRHH on their Edinburgh Fringe tour. More than 200 people were entertained by the pair, and raised £3,000 for IRHH. John and Virginia Bly also raised over £1,000 with a Summer Lunch for 30 friends.

Open Gardens visitors dig deep

This year's Open Gardens scheme raised £30,000 for IRHH, thanks to the efforts of dedicated gardeners at 40 beautiful properties throughout the Chilterns - and the generosity of their 3,000 visitors. Click here to read more.

Summer ball success

Former carer Rosemary Higgs organised a Summer Ball for over 100 guests in Little Missenden, raising £7,000. She also invited 50 guests to her Chilterns Big Brew, and was announced the lucky winner of tea for two at Pendley Manor in the prize draw for this event. Rather than treating herself, Rosemary is using this prize to raise even more funds for 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!