6th December 2024

    Festive success: Canterbury retail Christmas Fair raises £2,450 for Pilgrims Hospices

    A group of staff and volunteers waving at the camera at Pilgrims Hospices Pre-Loved Christmas Fair in St Dunstan's Church Hall, Canterbury on 30 November 2024. A person dressed as Santa stands at the end of the group, also waving.

    Pilgrims Hospices is thrilled to announce that the Canterbury Retail Christmas Fair, held on Saturday 30 November 2024 at St. Dunstan’s Church Hall, raised an incredible £2,450 – surpassing last year’s total!


    Charlotte Brown, Pilgrims Hospices’ Shop Manager at the St. Dunstan’s shop, and her dedicated team of volunteers created a magical festive atmosphere, welcoming hundreds of visitors eager to shop for Christmas decorations, gifts, toys, and more. The day wouldn’t have been complete without special appearances from Father Christmas and Mrs. Christmas, delighting children and adults alike.

    “Thank you so much to everyone who supported our Christmas Fair,” said Charlotte. “We love hosting this event for our local community, who support us so brilliantly. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and welcome new ones, with many stopping to enjoy tea, cake, and a friendly chat. Every penny raised will go towards providing vital end-of-life care in our community.”

    Pilgrims Hospices is immensely grateful for the support that makes events like this so successful, helping to continue the charity’s mission of providing compassionate care to those who need it most.


    Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.

    14th November 2024

    Get ready to rock and give back! Pilgrims Hospices’ Massive Music and Media Sale

    Mark your calendars for a fantastic day of music, media, and giving back!

    Pilgrims Hospices is excited to announce the Massive Music and Media Sale on Saturday 14 December 2024 at St. Peter’s Methodist Church Hall, St. Peter’s Street, Canterbury CT1 2BE.

    This special event is the perfect opportunity to shop for Christmas while supporting local hospice care in east Kent.


    With thousands of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, books, and media-related goodies starting at just 50p, with multi-buy options available on selected items, this is a can’t-miss event for music lovers and media collectors alike! Whether you’re a fan of the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, George Michael, or even hip hop legends, you’ll find incredible bargains and hidden gems across a wide range of genres.

    But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Many items will be available in special multi-buy deals, meaning even more opportunities to snag a unique find. Plus, the knowledgeable Pilgrims Hospices team will be on hand to help guide you to those must-have items, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just browsing.

    T-shirts, memorabilia, and a wide variety of media treasures will also be on offer, so whether you’re searching for the perfect vinyl, a collectable DVD, or a concert tee, the Massive Music and Media Sale has something for everyone.

    Just some of the fabulous items that will be available to purchase at the event

    And it’s all for a great cause! By shopping at the Massive Music and Media Sale, you’ll be supporting Pilgrims Hospices’ mission to provide compassionate end-of-life care for people in east Kent. Plus, this event is eco-friendly – shopping second-hand helps reduce waste, and you’ll be giving new life to pre-loved items while making a positive impact on the environment.

    Jonathan Gummer, E-commerce Manager at Pilgrims Hospices Retail, shared his excitement about the sale:

    “We’re thrilled to host this electrifying event that combines the love for music and media with the spirit of giving. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy great music, find unique treasures, and support a cause that makes a real difference in people’s lives.”

    Whether you’re looking for a Christmas gift for that special someone or just want to treat yourself, this sale is packed with amazing stock. From high-end rarities to fun stocking fillers, there’s something for everyone at incredible prices.

    Can’t make it to the sale? Don’t worry!

    You can still browse and shop via Pilgrims Hospices’ eBay store, where you’ll find even more exciting collectables.

    You can also follow our e-commerce team on social media:

    Join us on Saturday 14 December 2024, from 9:30am – 3:30pm, for an unforgettable day of shopping, music, and giving back! Let’s rock Canterbury and help make a difference in the lives of those in need of Pilgrims care throughout the festive season.

    Join our Facebook event and let your friends know you’re coming, too!


    Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.

    20th December 2023

    Hannah shines with sustainable creativity in Pilgrims Hospices Store 50 window displays

    Pilgrims Hospices is proud to spotlight the remarkable work of Hannah Golding, the window dressing specialist at Pilgrims Hospices Store 50 in Canterbury. Hannah’s innovative and sustainable approach to window displays has garnered attention and praise, making her an invaluable asset to the Pilgrims team.

    Innovation and Repurposing:

    Hannah Golding’s window displays are renowned for their creativity and innovation. When asked about her inspiration, she shared, “I always try to think about, moving forward, how I can use and reuse some of these pieces in the future, being totally sustainable.” A prime example is her Christmas display, which is a take on Widow Twanky from the Marlow Theatre Christmas Pantomime, featuring a repurposed pantomime dame costume made from repurposed or upcycled textiles, cardboard, and plastic bottles, showcasing her unique ability to turn pre-owned items into captivating works of art.

     

    I try to make the most of the space in our small window to create maximum impact on the high street, and the brilliant mannequins we have always help with the theatrics.

    Hannah    –     Pilgrims

    Sustainability Focus:

    Sustainability is at the heart of Hannah’s work. “The windows are so important to our shops. Sustainable Santa was such a success in the window last year; I thought we were on to something here,” she explains. By showcasing sustainable items, Hannah not only promotes responsible consumption but also helps build the brand of the store as a hub for eco-friendly and fashionable finds.

    Local Collaboration:

    Hannah’s collaboration with local organisations, like using the pantomime dame costume from a Marlow Theatre production, adds a fascinating touch to her displays. She emphasises the importance of community involvement, stating, “It was wonderful to be donated the costume by the Marlow Theatre; I hope we will be able to work with them on future projects.”

    Challenges and Solutions:

    Working with pre-owned items presents challenges, but Hannah navigates them adeptly. She elaborates on the process of creating displays: “I try to make the most of the space in our small window to create maximum impact on the high street, and the brilliant mannequins we have always help with the theatrics.” Her dedication to maintaining quality and visual appeal is evident in every display.

    Community Engagement:

    Hannah ensures her displays resonate with the local community. “We really want our windows to be part of the community,” she says. By gauging and incorporating community preferences, especially during festive seasons like Christmas, Hannah makes the store a vibrant and welcoming space.

    Long-Term Impact:

    Beyond aesthetic appeal, Hannah believes her work has a broader impact on raising awareness about sustainable practices and responsible consumption. “Our displays truly strike a chord with our customers, and we are enthusiastic about our ongoing integration into the wider community,” she adds.

    Hannah Golding, 43, born in Canterbury and currently residing in Whitstable, has been working with Pilgrims Hospices for a year. Apart from her window dressing role, Hannah is also involved in jewellery making under the guise of ‘little shop of hnh’, and is part of the makers shop Walrus & Oyster in Burgate, Canterbury, showcasing her multifaceted talents. @littleshopofhnh – littleshopofhnh.etsy.com

    Store50 has recently been awarded the Canterbury BID, Christmas Window Competition 2023, Platinum Award!

    Store 50, 50 St Peters Street, Canterbury CT1 2BE, 01227 949609

    Follow us on social media for updates:

    Facebook Store50: Pilgrims Hospices; Instagram: @pilgrimsshop-store50

    www.pilgrimshospices.org


    Pilgrims Hospices is a charitable organisation dedicated to providing compassionate care and support for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. With a focus on quality of life and well-being, Pilgrims Hospices serves the community by offering a range of services and support for patients and their families.

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