North Devon Hospice newsletter Autumn 2009

‘From such humble beginnings, with the care of a few patients, the hospice has gradually grown in a measured way. From the day care, the various therapies, the move to Deer Park, to the opening of the Bedded Unit, everything has been carefully developed with one intention, and that is the best possible care for the people of North Devon.

And we are not going to stop now at 25 years...’

contact us at:

North Devon Hospice Deer Park Barnstaple North Devon EX32 0HU

T: 01271 344248 info@northdevonhospice.org.uk www.northdevonhospice.org.uk

This newsletter is printed on paper which is:

The Countess of Arran MBE DL (President 1990 – 2008) COVER IMAGE: THE FLOWERS OF THE MAZZARD CHERRY

being there for twenty-five years Registered Charity Number: 286554

‘I am so glad we are marking the 25th Anniversary by planting a Mazzard cherry tree because being a local tree it helps us emphasise the strong local connection made by the hospice with the communities of North Devon.

Dear friends, Let me start by warmly welcoming you to a special 25th anniversary edition of our newsletter. The stories, milestones and photos you will see demonstrate the depth of support and commitment by so many individuals, organisations and companies over the years.

The roots of the hospice are deeply embedded in our community and so a lot of the most vital work has gone virtually unseen. From the original group of 6 friends who, some 28 years ago, came together and became the driving force to launch Hospice Care Trust (North Devon) to the many thousands of hours freely given by dedicated volunteers, this unfailing support has brought us to where we are today.

The tree’s roots which have just been covered in earth are vital for the tree’s well being and they symbolise the strong roots which the hospice has planted into the soil of North Devon and from which it receives affection, support and financial resources.’

The Rt. Revd. Bob Evens

Bishop of Crediton, President North Devon Hospice

It could be perceived that many of the hospice’s milestones are related to our buildings, but in reality it has been the active giving by the people of North Devon that has truly made the difference. ..and indeed will make a difference in the years to come.

We are here for and because of you, and we are here for all the family.

By extending and improving the care of individuals, we believe future generations will continue to benefit from the fruit of the work that first began over a quarter of a century ago.

With all good wishes

Gordon Lester, Chief Executive Deer Park, Barnstaple. 1st April 2009

strongroots 1981

First public meeting to discuss need for hospice care in North Devon ‘A social worker by profession, Rita Medway was the main driving force behind the establishment of the hospice and it was her vision and enthusiasm which ensured that the hospice thrived in its early years’ Philip Jewell

1982

Hospice Care Trust North Devon is launched (140 people attended) £1,843 collected from donations on first day of launch (9th October) First support group in Bratton Fleming started by Jenny Galliford ‘Jim McGowan asked me ‘What are you going to do?’ So we organised family friendly, community orientated events.’

Bideford, Pilton & Braunton groups were established soon afterwards

1983

Office: two rooms above pharmacy at 46,Vicarage Street, Barnstaple (space generously donated by Messrs Savaker and Rawstron) Chair: Rita Medway Medical Chair: Dr J Turner Treasurer: Bill Trethewey

1984

Appointment of first hospice nurse, Wynne Withers ‘I had to leave behind my home and my husband, albeit temporarily, to take on this task, but I knew it was for a very worthwhile cause.’ Wynne Withers

1984

First patient referral received

1985

Move to 7, New Buildings,Vicarage Lawn, Barnstaple (Richardson House) Named after President of North Devon Hospice Care Trust: Lord J. Richardson Opening of Day Care Centre Volunteer Penny Taylor: ‘I remember the small cramped bathroom with the north wind whistling through the window. There were 4 or 5 other volunteers working there then and I came in once a week to help with the lunches. I used to buy the food and cook it at home and then put it in the boot of my car, usually just after the dog had jumped out! And of course for the Christmas lunch we had to sit on the stairs because there was so little room for everyone.

As time went on I did home visiting and driving, sometimes I would collect a patient and then be involved in Day Care all in the same day (of course I was much younger then).’

Deed of Covenant Penny Taylor

volunteers Margaret Whittaker

Rita, Anne and Ross

‘When I got off the train at Exeter, I thought I was heading for the back of beyond.

I came for a conference at Lee Abbey and met people there who were working very hard to set up a hospice service.’

(Penny was 82 in August 2009)

Hospice Care Trust North Devon: Philip Jewell is appointed as Administrator (replacing volunteer Norman Hills) ‘I thought that this would probably be a short-term appointment.’ Philip Jewell Philip became chief executive and eventually retired in 2008

1985

Official launch of care team (3 nurses and 11 volunteers) ‘Wynne Withers, Ross Selwyn and Anne Belchamber covered the whole of North Devon and Torridgeside and initially one of their key tasks was to persuade local doctors of the genuine benefits offered by our services.’

Philip Jewell

Christmas lunch

Jim McGowan was one of the founders of Hospice Care Trust North Devon and initiator of Friends of Hospice Care. He was in his thirties when he died in March 1985. ‘There is no doubt that the initial work of setting up the service in North Devon is very largely due to Jim. He will be greatly missed, but his inspiration lives on to encourage us all to bring to fruition the project which was so dear to his heart.’

Rita Medway

Volunteer Margaret Whittaker: ‘Rose was the hospice secretary and receptionist and the switchboard was in the lounge/dining room, so when lunch was served Rose either had to go out or join in. Lunch was a squashed affair- it was impossible to use the bathroom at this time – the door was just the other side of the dining table. A lady from the Red Cross came to ‘do nails’ and someone else ‘did hair’.

1985

Wynne Withers

chair and nurses

Jim McGowan

‘I just haven’t got the words to express the wealth, the extent and deep-rootedness of the care here at the hospice...and this all came from such small beginnings of 6 friends.’

Jacquie Thwaites 2009 (widow of Jim McGowan)

Philip hot coal walking in 2002

strongroots

1985

Training of first volunteers ‘Our volunteer training was quite rigorous. It included travelling out for a day with a community nurse, visiting another hospice and finally concluded after several weeks with an interview by a local GP; that was quite nerve-wracking actually.’ Penny Taylor ‘The ladies running the group were very enthusiastic and passionate about their ideas and by the end of the meeting we, the volunteers, had the same sense of commitment.’ John Fletcher-Cullum John was one of the hospice’s early volunteers who then became a member of staff eleven years later.

1987

Opening of first hospice shop: 55 Boutport Street, Barnstaple. Jean Bishop (manageress) First leasing of beds for terminal care. Dorothy Baker: 4th hospice nurse ‘The hospice arranged for 2 beds in local nursing homes so that patients who needed more intensive nursing could be cared for without the need for a hospital admission. I remember these beds costing what appeared to be an enormous amount of £6,000 per year each.

This would buy roughly ten weeks of bed today.’ John Fletcher-Cullum Chair: Dr Henry Bastiaenen. Nurse Co-ordinator: Anne Belchamber Dorothy Baker: fourth hospice nurse is appointed

1988

Rosemary Booth: fifth hospice nurse is appointed ‘I remember the excitement of finding myself as the fourth full time hospice community nurse and going for a celebratory lunch with all the nurses at a vegetarian cafe in Bear Street called Heavens Above! I loved working with the patients, their families and the many people I encountered in the community. Although it was very difficult at times, I had some of the most wonderful experiences of my life and learnt so much.’ Rosemary Booth Chair: Mark Parkhouse DL

1989

Appointment of Barbara Cecil as Day Care sister ‘Barbara Cecil’s driving force initiated activities for her patients aimed to enrich their quality of life. She developed art and therapy rooms and her patients thrived under her care. She cherished a vision of a property sufficiently spacious to house art, craft and complementary therapy rooms; rooms for educational purposes and quiet rooms for use both by patients and bereaved relatives. In 1994 Barbara’s dream materialised, thanks to the generous interest in hospice of Vivian Moon, from whom the Trust was able to purchase Deer Park.’ Ivy Shirley

1989

Mary Brooks: sixth hospice nurse is appointed ‘Everything at that time was very informal.The heating was broken when I arrived in December and I can remember sitting with a crochet blanket around my knees. Probably health and safety would have a fit nowadays as lots of things were fairly makeshift but we all did our best and rallied around together. I can remember lugging mattresses, commodes and numerous boxes up and down the narrow steep stairs to our office. There was a great family feeling though of helping each other out. I joined in with fundraising events at Christmas and spent 2 days every year with Barbara (Cecil) and Sue (Mace) on the Babbacombe holiday.’ Mary Brooks

1989

Babbacombe: Twice yearly pilgrimage to Hotel de la Mer. A group of volunteers and staff travel with patients for a short break in South Devon, enjoying the delights of the English Riviera. ‘Barbara Cecil was full of fun and gave of herself ceaselessly. I understand the laughter was deafening. Everyone was made to feel very special, able to do seaside things and forget for a short time the aches and pains that illness brings.’ Margaret Whittaker

John Fletcher-Cullum

Hotel de la Mer

As a result of fundraising by North Devon College students, the first syringe driver was bought and presented to Wynne Withers in 1987

‘Ivy Shirley and Betty Truscott came out for a chat to see if I would be willing to start a support group. They walked around the garden, and one whispered to the other ‘Sounds as though she’s interested’; I don’t think I was supposed to hear that! So we organized a coffee morning, that was Sheila, Jenny, Denise and me and then a couple of years later Rita (Gallup) joined us and of course she was marvellous too. Stanley my husband has been the treasurer.’ Doreen Cooke who is nearly 84 has been fundraising with the Croyde Support Group for over 20 years. By March 1987 there were 15 active support groups.

Rita subsequently became a trustee (and made wonderful shortbread for all the staff).

early fundraisers

Babbacombe: ‘Talk about an actionpacked weekend!’

Barbara Cecil

Rosemary Booth, Mary Brooks and Suzanne Mace (Nurse Co-ordinator)

Rita Gallup

Ivy Shirley

Barbara Cecil

strongroots 1990

President: The Countess of Arran MBE DL ‘The Countess of Arran has worked tirelessly on behalf of the hospice. She has generously allowed her wonderful home, Castle Hill, to be used for a number of special events and in the midst of her many other commitments she has always found time to attend hospice functions.

We owe her a real debt of gratitude.’ Philip Jewell Volunteer Co-ordinator and Case Worker: Kate Gaunt

1991

Lovatt Day Care Centre is opened by Martyn Lewis (nos 7 and 8 New Buildings) It is named after an inspirational patient, Chrissie Lovatt, who worked tirelessly for the hospice.

‘The months of the builders’ occupation were not easy. Due to the generosity of members of Bear Street Methodist Church we were able to bridge the gap as we had use of a room and kitchen facilities - all at no charge to the Trust. We are all delighted with our new premises and quite overwhelmed at the generosity and hard work of so many people.’

HRH with The Countess of Arran

Barbara Cecil

1992

1992

The Trust has to raise £300,000 per year to maintain present services ‘Some of the patients were too ill or too disabled to attend the day care centre but required help and support at home.Volunteers befriended people in their own homes and also, in some cases, arranged 24 hour care for patients. There was only a part time volunteer organizer in the very early days so we just talked to each other over the phone and sorted out each others availability.’ John Fletcher-Cullum

Annie Hogg HRH with Ross, Rosemary, Sue, Rose, Sheila and Ivy

Visit of HRH Princess Diana The Princess of Wales ‘When Lady Di arrived we were playing scrabble. She came and looked over our shoulders. She was so beautiful and caring and it gave everyone such a lift. There was such a lot of security with her visit, even the manhole covers in the street were searched.’ Penny Taylor ‘Princess Diana arrived in summer dress and sandals. The day was hot and sunny until she arrived in Barnstaple and then the rains came down relentlessly and a summer storm raged throughout her visit. Her empathy with those who were unwell was inspirational. She also made time to come and chat with some of us outside in the rain.’ Margaret Whittaker Visit of The Duchess of Norfolk CBE (Help the Hospices founder and president)

1993

Community Nurse Annie Hogg is appointed ‘One of the goals in palliative care is always to provide comfort, both physical and emotional. In order to do this, especially to provide emotional care, we must attempt to understand ourselves and more importantly to accept ourselves and our own limitations. The first step to accepting others is to be at ease with ourselves. Not an easy task.

We often participate in the processes that involve the patients and family in coming to terms with deteriorating health and many talk openly about their hopes, fears, their family and the losses they will inevitably face. So many people face death courageously and have so much to share with health professionals involved in their care.’

Jo Cooper (Community Clinical Nurse Specialist 1997-2007)

1993

Purchase of Deer Park, Barnstaple. Due to the generosity of local businessman Vivian Moon, the Trust is able to purchase Deer Park

‘She (the hospice nurse) answered my questions and my family’s questions with complete honesty and that was what we wanted and needed most. ‘ Chrissie Lovatt ‘The Duchess seems puzzled by some of the words on the board as she joins a scrabble game.’

North Devon Journal, October 1st 1992

Martyn, Chrissie and Barbara

‘There is so much laughter coming from the day care centre you would think there was a party going on.’

Chrissie Lovatt

strongroots 1993

Move to Deer Park ‘A country house with lovely views and copper beech trees. It was a big leap into the unknown and I could sense those in charge were a little nervous of the venture, although it was obvious that Vicarage Street could no longer contain the expanding work of the hospice.’

Margaret Whittaker

Jean Baines (now Penny) was a Day Care nurse at that time ‘My first memories of Deer Park are cleaning. We stripped and cleaned the kitchen for 3 or 4 days and got everything ready for our Day Care patients. We used to do everything then and had to be very versatile.

We ran a little shop which sold chocolates and cards and also had gifts for patients to give as birthday presents, because they couldn’t get out on their own easily. If a patient asked for something we’d try and fix it. We washed and cut hair, gave baths, cooked and had craft sessions, as well as going on occasional day trips. We made things to sell because we tried to be self-funding, so in those days I was involved in Day Care and fundraising, I even gave little speeches and received cheques (don’t tell the fundraisers now..) in fact my whole family got involved, making and selling things. Oh yes, and there was the rickety old St John’s Ambulance with which we used to pick up patients. We brought oxygen cylinders in the van with the patients and volunteers would ride shotgun; the volunteers were amazing, and they still are.’

In 1995 Jean became a Community Clinical Nurse Specialist 1993

Nurse manager Mary Brown is appointed and Mixed Bag Theatre Company is formed

1994

Jenny Penson as first nurse tutor is appointed. Her brief is to develop an education function within the Trust and establish stronger links with the Healthcare Trust, local nursing homes and care agencies

1994

Within a year the launch of the Education Department is heralded by the first North Devon Hospice Annual Conference. Within 5 years an academic partnership had been established with the University of Plymouth, and trained nurses from a wide geographical area attended university modules at the hospice. ‘A very enjoyable course. I was able to take learned material and put it into practice in my role.’

2009 has seen another successful university module facilitated at the hospice through the Education department

1994

Secretary Heather Hoddinott: ‘There were only 15 members of staff and I was secretary to them all.’ Heather now supports the Bedded Unit medical team

1994

First social worker Mandy Redgrove is appointed ‘Soon after joining us Mandy began to work with children affected by the death or illness of a parent. At the same time she began to train a team of bereavement volunteers who were able, alongside our nurses, to continue to offer support to bereaved family members. Mandy has also specialised in facilitating group work with patients and carers, a service much valued by the participants who are able to share experiences with others who are facing similar challenges.’

Philip Jewell

‘Each time I leave I have a warm glow deep inside my soul.

I feel part of an extended family’ - a volunteer

Some familiar faces with one of the speakers at our 2001 Conference Angela, Jenny, Dr Tim Hunt, Jane and Heather

‘In the team we recognise that life is about now’ Mandy Redgrove

‘What does being a volunteer do for me? It makes me very contented with my lot’ Cyril Smale

- a bereavement volunteer

Jean Penny

Jenny Penson

‘For several years we toured the village halls of North Devon with amateur productions of a high quality. Apart from being great fun for all of those who participated, the theatre group raised significant funds for the hospice and continued to raise its profile.’

Philip Jewell

strongroots 1994

Mark Parkhouse DL hands over the chairmanship to John Riley ‘One of the most pleasurable experiences for me is my annual metamorphosis in December into a white bearded old man dispensing gifts at Christmas lunch for our patients.’ John Riley ‘The Christmas lunch was an essential part of the annual programme in the 1990s and as many guests, nurses, volunteers and administrative staff as possible were crammed into the Commodore Hotel, Instow or the Park Hotel, Barnstaple to enjoy a typical Christmas lunch with crackers, paper hats and all the trimmings. Vivian Moon contributed in a big way to the day and lots of fun was had by all.’ Margaret Whittaker

1995

Pioneering Complementary Therapy service is launched. ‘The introduction of a wider range of therapies has transformed and enhanced the service offered to our patients and families. As expected the touch therapies are proving the most in demand. Acupuncture too is always fully booked and counselling and art therapy have both been invaluable.’ Barbara Cecil The therapists Helen Maxwell, Roger Groos and Maryanne Moore are very instrumental in developing this service which becomes a flagship for other UK hospices

1996

First male nurses, John Fletcher-Cullum and Trevor Mitten are appointed Barbara Lester is appointed as Fundraising Manager ‘I remember, as part of my induction, going with a Hospice Nurse to visit two teenage girls whom no one had told that their mother had only a few days left to live. It fell to the Hospice Nurse, who had only recently been referred, to do this, and I remember how awe struck I was at the way she handled the whole situation.’ Barbara Lester Our medical advisor Dr Susanna Hill starts to make weekly visits

1997

Work begins on the Princess Diana Wing ‘This was to accommodate additional day care facilities, particularly for the provision of the expanding range of complementary therapies which we were able to offer to our day hospice patients.’ Philip Jewell Bridget Knowles replaces Karen Bishop (Jean Bishop’s daughter) as manageress of Barnstaple shop. Today Bridget is acting head of retail for the hospice.

1998

Princess Diana wing is officially opened by Martyn Lewis Facilities include 3 therapy rooms, an art room, the Retreat and a large meeting room.

‘Art can enable people to build anew their sense of self in relation to their illness and in relation to their life.’ Jane Chadney art therapist First lottery draw

1999

Ali Hunt joins fundraising working with Barbara Lester and Jenny Clarke Chris Willis (husband of Sylvia who’d been a trustee since 1994) begins volunteering. ‘I first met Ali when we were sitting together trying to work out the answers to a test on the Highway Code at Ladies’ Driving Day.We had a crib sheet but we thought we’d give it a go...doesn’t sound too good does it?’ Ten years on and Chris is still volunteering for the hospice. ‘How would I describe the hospice? One word…fantastic. I’ve seen both sides of it and I suppose that’s why I’m still here. My wife Sylvia was supported by Jo, a hospice nurse when she contracted liver cancer.’

The Trustees Annual Report of March 2003 reads: ‘We are sad to report the death of Sylvia Willis, one of our longest serving and most diligent trustees.’ We are so grateful to Chris and to the many other hundreds of volunteers who give of their time, energy and skills so freely

....and after the extension wing has been completed

before....

Barbara Lester

‘It’s the people not the premises that makes North Devon Hospice so special’ John Riley

Dr Susanna Hill

Mark Parkhouse DL John Riley, Martyn Lewis The Countess of Arran MBE DL and Nick Harvey MP ‘I leave the hospice with a sense of peace and tranquillity’

Sylvia Willis

photo: North Devon Journal

Jane Chadney (standing)

a patient

Hospice Nurse Jo Cooper

Ali Hunt

strongroots 1999

Patients’ artwork is exhibited at Bideford’s Burton Art Gallery and then goes on tour Jane Kingsley appointed to help with the accounts (8 hours a week) ‘As the hospice grew and started to provide more services to more and more people, so the amount of money we needed to raise also grew. The team is extremely professional and makes sure all money is accounted for and spent wisely, meaning the public can give with confidence knowing that their donation is in safe hands.’ Jane Kingsley

2002

‘Light in the Dark’ appeal launched to raise funds for a bedded unit Communications Officer Kate Fox is appointed ‘By developing and maintaining a comprehensive communications strategy the profile of the hospice will be raised.’ John Riley Doreen Harrison is appointed as Support Services Manager

2003

Building work begins for our new seven-bedded unit

2004

To meet the demands of our expanding service, new staff are appointed across the hospice, with the concurrent appointment of the first North Devon consultant in Palliative Care, Dr Mary Ryan

2005

The in-patient unit opens to patients offering 24 hour care for the first time ‘All the staff are wonderful. The smiley lady who cleans my room is very kind, she always has time to listen and leaves everywhere spotless. I wish I could take her home’ - a patient Chair: Ron Ley. (Retiring chair John Riley has been one of the main driving forces behind the development of the in-patient unit) Hospice Conference: Our first ever two-day conference helps many UK health professionals across the UK to improve their understanding of the patient’s perspective

2006

The seven-bedded in-patient unit is officially opened by HRH, The Princess Royal Appointment of The Revd. Ben Luck as chaplain

2007

Wynne Withers (our first hospice nurse is diagnosed with terminal cancer) ‘When I was diagnosed I cried but I wasn’t angry. I can’t be a hypocrite, I can’t spend hours with people as a nurse helping patients to accept what is happening and then not accept it myself.

I am very fortunate, I am surrounded by love.’ On August 22nd 2007 Wynne died in the Bedded Unit

2007

New building work begins ’Thanks to a sizeable grant from the Department of Health, we shall be significantly expanding and upgrading our kitchen facilities, as well as improving the dining environment for visitors and staff.’ Ron Ley

2008

Appointment of Gordon Lester as Chief Executive Chair: Dr John Womersley President: The Rt Revd. Bob Evens Official opening of the Terrace Cafe A patient from the Bedded Unit comments: ‘The food is amazing here. The cooks ask me what I want and then make it taste so good and present it so nicely. It’s like a proper restaurant.

They even understand I need small portions. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to be here.’

2009

Dr Murray Fletcher is appointed as the hospice’s own consultant Hospice Gardens open to the public as part of the National Open Garden Scheme ‘I know I can’t walk very far, but it makes such a difference to be outside in beautiful surroundings.

I find a sense of peace there.Thank you to everyone who keeps it looking so lovely’ - a patient

HRH with Alfie Grigg

Gordon Lester and David Kennard

Open gardens in July Jane Kingsley

“The main memory is of laughter and light.

More people should know this and lose the fear that the word ‘hospice’ often engenders” Mary Miller (Trustee 1998 - 2005) Ron Ley

Dr John Womersley

Revd Ben Luck

It’s been a Star Trekking, Nightwalking, Big breakfasting, Dreamwalking Devon dangling, Hartland weekending, group supporting, castle making all biking, all driving, all walking, all running, all cycling, all playing, all jumping, all climbing, all knitting, all singing, all dancing.....twenty-five years So we celebrate our 25 years of working together...thank you so very much

Many patients enjoy spending a day at the hospice to chat to others with similar experiences.

Complementary therapies, amongst other things, are available as well as the chance to relax and be peaceful

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Although it is not possible to account for their outstanding work in our financial statements, we estimate that the hours provided by our volunteers saves the Hospice over £1 million per year and allows us to deliver services, or provide a level of service, to patients and their families that we may otherwise not be able to provide. Every volunteer brings something different to the role they undertake, but they do not just add spice to our organisational mix, they are one of the main ingredients of our success. Our grateful thanks are due to every one of them!

DAY HOSPICE

EMOTIONAL & SPIRITUAL SUPPORT U N I T

We are here for and because of you

B E D D E D

T H E F RU I T O F 2 5 Y E A R S

We provide 24-hour care in our hospice bedded unit to patients with problems too complex to treat at home.This care is offered in a welcoming and calm atmosphere. Many patients return home once their symptoms have been controlled.

For those who have come to the end of their lives, we offer the best quality of care, responding sensitively to physical, emotional and spiritual needs

T H E

COMMUNITY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALISTS

Most people prefer to be at home throughout their illness and we can often make this possible. Our team of community clinical nurse specialists visit patients at home and help with pain and symptom management as well as offering emotional, spiritual and practical support.They work closely with local GP practices, who refer people to our service

By giving time and a listening ear, our experienced team helps people to discover what they need to make the very best of life through this difficult time.

The range of help includes counselling, self-help techniques, group support, spiritual support and bereavement support