A fresh chance for shoppers

DR Kershaw’s Hospice is launching its own monthly farmers’ market with the first one scheduled for Sunday, November 20, from 9am-1pm.

The market will boast handmade jewellery and cupcake stalls, hot bacon and sausage muffins, delicious breads, jam & chutney and coffee.

Appeals manager Lisa Pearson said: “We already have several stalls confirmed, and we are hoping to get more.”

There will be no farmers’ market in December, but it will be held on the third Sunday of every month from January, 2012.

Lisa added: “It will be a fabulous way of getting people through the gates who have never been in the hospice and don’t know what we do.

“Our day patients are busy making goods to sell to support the hospice and they will have their own stall.

“We will be more than happy to show small groups of people around the hospice so they can get an idea of what we do and see how important it is for us to get their support.”



OLDHAM’S new farmers’ market has been cancelled due to lack of interest. It was launched on Tommyfield last month with a modest five stalls. Fifteen stalls had been expected on Friday with traders offered a special rate of £5 until it was established. But the response has been disappointing.
Markets manager Sharon Hibbert said: “We revisit the idea in the New Year.”

THE grounds of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice will be aglow when their Christmas tree is illuminated to remember loved ones.

The hospice’s annual Light up a Life ritual and carol service will be led by hospice chaplain Miles Howarth on Sunday, December 4.

Fundraisers are urging visitors to turn out in their droves to take part and support the cause.

Light up a Life gives everyone the chance to dedicate a light to a loved one or friend, not necessarily someone who has died, for a suggested minimum donation of £5.

Besides shining a little light into lives, the scheme helps raise vital funds towards the £1.3million it costs to run the hospice every year.

Last year, Light up a Life raised around £13,000.

The Salvation Army band will play at the service, Peter Wakefield, from Oldham Coliseum, will lead carol singing and Chadderton Hall Junior School choir will take part.

The service starts at 7.30pm in the hospice grounds, Turf Lane, Royton.

Viv Curtis, from Dr Kershaw’s appeals office, said: “The children’s choir get better and better each year. We love having them because they really lift the evening.”

To sponsor a light, contact the appeal’s office on 0161-624 9984, or download a form from drkershawshospice.org.uk.