Pilgrims Hospices calls for piano players to share the gift of music
Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford is extending an invitation to the community to bring the soothing sounds of music to their sanctuary space.
The hospice, known for its compassionate care, believes that music has the power to bring comfort, relaxation, and a sense of peace to patients, families, and staff alike.
They are calling on piano players from the local area to volunteer their time and talents to play the piano in the hospice’s tranquil sanctuary.
Music has long been recognised as a therapeutic tool, with the ability to ease anxiety, uplift spirits, and create a calming atmosphere. At Pilgrims Hospices, the gentle melodies that flow from the piano can be heard in the ward and the offices, bringing a sense of serenity to everyone in the building. For patients in palliative care, and their families who are often navigating incredibly challenging times, this small act of kindness can make a world of difference.
“We’ve seen first-hand how music can transform the atmosphere here at the hospice,” says Wendy Kelk, Hospice Services Manager at Pilgrims Hospices. “A simple tune played on the piano can bring smiles, spark conversations, and even provide a moment of reflection and peace. We’re inviting anyone who can play the piano, even if it’s just for 10 minutes, to consider stopping by and sharing their gift with us. It’s a small gesture that has a truly profound impact.”
The request is simple: if you or someone you know can play the piano, consider donating a bit of your time, whether it’s once a month, once a week, or simply when the mood strikes. The hospice welcomes these spontaneous performances, knowing that the presence of live music can enhance wellbeing and provide a comforting backdrop to the daily routines of care.
For those interested, there is no need to schedule a formal appointment. The hospice encourages anyone with the ability to play to simply drop in and share their music. You are welcome to come in, when our reception is open, and during visiting hours; the piano awaits the touch of kind-hearted volunteers who wish to contribute to the hospice’s nurturing environment.
By offering just a few minutes of your time, you can help create an atmosphere that soothes, heals, and connects. Pilgrims Hospices deeply appreciates the community’s support in making their space one of comfort and tranquillity.
For more information, please contact Wendy Kelk, Hospice Services Manager:
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.
6th August 2024
Pilgrims Hospices Summer Fair raises over £15,000 at Sandyacres
On Sunday 28 July 2024, hundreds of community members gathered at Sandyacres Sports and Social Club for the annual Pilgrims Hospices Summer Fair, raising over £15,000 for our charity.
Visitors delighted in browsing a variety of stalls offering puzzles, crafts, children’s toys, and gifts. The children’s craft area was particularly popular, with youngsters creating beautiful artwork using various media.
Delicious treats, including cream teas and cakes, were served at our refreshment stall, while the BBQ was a hit among visitors.
Music filled the air with lively performances by Where’s My Thing, alongside a set by Radio Ashford’s very own Sam Griffin and Webbo.
Faversham Ices generously sold ice creams donated by Consort, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds went to the hospice. We extend a special thanks to Richard, who donated his time and van to make this possible.
We are deeply grateful to the many local companies and our media partners who supported the event by donating prizes for the Grand Draw, tombolas, and stalls.
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our wonderful community. Your generosity enables us to continue making a difference in the lives of those facing life-limiting illnesses, ensuring that they and their families remain at the heart of everything we do.
Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager for Ashford, Louise Newman, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to all our wonderful supporters and volunteers for making our ‘sunny’ Summer Fair a success. As a local hospice, we are continually moved by the generosity of our community. Every donated item, every helping hand — together, they make a significant difference to our patients and their families.”
Special thanks to AnnMarie Fuggle from Sandyacres Sports and Social Club who donated the use of the venue and supported the event from start to finish.
Over 90 volunteers came together before, during, and after the event to ensure its success. We are especially grateful for their continued support.
From one community to another, thank you. Your support ensures that our families continue to receive the care, compassion, and dignity they deserve during challenging times.
Pilgrims Christmas Fair Saturday 16 November 2024 at Grosvenor Hall, Ashford
Pilgrims Hospices is a local charity dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients and their families across East Kent. Through their various programs and events, they strive to create a supportive and caring environment for all those they serve.
30th November 2023
Pilgrims Hospices Ashford Christmas Fair delights hundreds and raises over £13,000
Pilgrims Hospices Ashford hosted a heartwarming Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 25th, at the Grosvenor Hall in Ashford. The festive extravaganza drew in hundreds of visitors who came together to embrace the spirit of the season while supporting a noble cause.
Attendees were treated to a delightful array of festive activities, creating a magical atmosphere for families and friends alike. Children revelled in the joyous occasion with an abundance of toys and games, while adults savoured the seasonal delights of coffee and mince pies.
Santa Claus made a special appearance, spreading cheer and joy among the attendees and adding an extra layer of magic to the event. The Christmas Fair also provided a unique shopping experience, with an opportunity for patrons to purchase festive crafts and gifts, making it the perfect destination to kickstart the holiday season.
Thank you to everyone who came along on the day. Our volunteers were splendid; we could not have achieved this without them.
Louise – Pilgrims
The event, held at the Grosvenor Hall in Ashford, not only brought the community together but also raised a remarkable sum of over £13,000. The funds generated during the fair will contribute to the invaluable work of Pilgrims Hospices in providing compassionate care and support to those facing life-limiting illnesses.
Louise Newman, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager, expressed her gratitude, stating: “We had such a brilliant time, and everyone was so supportive. Thank you to everyone who came along on the day. Our volunteers were splendid; we could not have achieved this without them.”
Pilgrims Hospices extends heartfelt appreciation to the community, volunteers, and sponsors who contributed to the success of the Christmas Fair, making it a memorable and impactful event. The support received will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of those in need during the holiday season and beyond.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
8th November 2023
Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Fair and Craft Market: A Festive extravaganza for the whole family!
Get ready to kick off the festive season with a bang as Pilgrims Hospices proudly presents the 2023 Christmas Fair & Craft Market! We’re thrilled to announce our new venue for this year’s festive fiesta – Kingswood, Grosvenor Hall in Ashford. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 25th, and get ready for a day of pure Christmas magic!
What’s in store for you?
This year, we’ve pulled out all the stops to make your Christmas season extra special. With an array of stalls brimming with seasonal crafts and gifts, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Find that perfect present for your loved ones, or simply immerse yourself in the holiday spirit by enjoying live festive music, delicious homemade refreshments, and more. We’ve got something for everyone!
Kids’ Corner Fun Children, brace yourselves for an incredible craft corner! You can decorate a gingerbread shape, paint a mug or plate, and dive into other creative crafts that will spark your imagination. Don’t miss the chance to join in the fun with exciting games like Snowballs in a Bucket, Pick a Candy Cane, and Snowman Hoopla. Plus, we have a surprise for your little ones – special appearances by Superman and Wonder Woman!
Meet Santa Claus
Santa Claus is coming to town – and he’s making a pit stop at Pilgrims Hospices’ Christmas Fair! Visit Santa in his brand-new ‘Yurt’ grotto, straight from the North Pole. Don’t forget to bring your wish list; you might just get a sneak peek at some holiday magic.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
By attending our Christmas Fair & Craft Market, you’ll be spreading joy and making a difference in the lives of those in need. Your participation helps Pilgrims Hospices support people across east Kent who are living with an incurable illness, making the holiday season a little brighter for them.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 25, 2023 Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Venue: Kingswood, Grosvenor Hall, Kennington, Ashford, TN25 4AJ
Entry Fees
Adults: £3.00
Children: Free
Visit Santa: £4 (*Children’s admission applies to anyone under 16 years old.)
Parking
Free parking is available on site. Follow the signs as you enter the gates and take directions from our friendly car parking marshals.
Please Note
As much as we love furry friends, dogs are not allowed at this event.
For more information, contact the Ashford Fundraising Office at 01233 504 111 or email [email protected].
Don’t miss the most spectacular start to your holiday season – join us at Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Fair & Craft Market on November 25th. Let’s make this festive season one to remember, together!
Each year Pilgrims supports thousands of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services, from end-of-life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
1st August 2023
Pilgrims Hospices Summer Fair Success at Sandyacres
Despite the rain and emergency road closures hundreds still attended the Pilgrims Hospices annual Summer Fair on Sunday 30th July held at Sandyacres Sports and Social Club where over £11,000 was raised for the local charity.
Although Mother Nature didn’t play ‘fair’ on the day as the rain set in, people of all ages still travelled from miles around in the hopes of winning prizes and bagging bargains. Hospice staff and volunteers manned over 30 stalls, featuring games like the famous Bottle Tombola, Tin Can Alley, Paper Plane game and Pilgrims Putting.
We couldn’t be more grateful to all our supporters
Louise – Pilgrims
Faversham Ices also kindly sold ice creams – which were unsurprisingly popular on the day – donated by Consort so that 100% of the sales went to the hospice.
Many local companies showed their support and donated towards the Grand Draw. Buckhurst Luxury Shepherds Huts kindly donated a night’s stay, Rocksalt and Boys Hall also both very generously gave a £100 voucher. The Bottle Tombola and Bottle Fishing wouldn’t have been possible without K and L Wines and Spirits UK Ltd very kindly sponsoring the games and donating 60 bottles of their delicious wine.
Magician Geoff Partner amazed the crowds with his magic tricks and Deadpool Dan wowed visitors with his American Superhero costume.
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Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager for Ashford, Louise Newman, said: “We couldn’t be more grateful to all our supporters, for going the extra mile, and still volunteering or visiting on the day despite the rain and unforeseen challenges we faced. As a local hospice we are always so moved by the generosity of our communities. Whether people donated items or offered to lend a hand on the day their kindness and dedication all adds up to make a huge difference for our patients.
Special thanks to AnnMarie Fuggle from Sandyacres Sports and Social Club who donated the use of the venue and supported the event from start to finish.
Over 90 volunteers joined forces before, during and after the event to ensure its success and we are especially grateful for their ongoing support. On behalf of everyone who benefits from our services, may I say a huge thank you to all of the people who helped to make our Summer Fair possible.”
The hospice’s next fundraising event is the Folkestone Downs Challenge. The 36km hiking event, with the route designed to showcase the very best of Kent’s spectacular south coast will be held on Saturday 2nd September. For more details visit: Folkestone Downs Challenge 2023.
Your support means everything to the people we care for. Around 80% of our funding comes from the generous community. With your help we can continue to offer quality end-of-life care and our full range of wellbeing activities. Thank you.
11th April 2023
UNFRAMED mural festival and art trail arrives in Ashford
Follow the Ashford UNFRAMED 2023 art trail this April half term, and be amazed by the murals created by national and local artists, who have transformed blank walls in Ashford town centre, into a sea of colour and creativity.
Kate Duddell from Pilgrims’ fundraising team with Chris Dixon from Ashford Borough Council / Mural art by Will Redgrove on Pilgrims’ Ashford General shop
Sue Sharp with artist Will Redgrove
At the UNFRAMED launch, Sue Sharp, Pilgrims Hospices Director of Income Generation and Marketing, met mural artist Will Redgrove, painter of Pilgrims Hospices shop on Castle Street with his interpretation of the work of Pilgrims. The masterpiece depicts three blue tits representing the three Pilgrims Hospices; a ribbon in flight within a field of bluebells, forget-me-nots and sunflowers. A meaningful and peaceful representation of everlasting love, memory and care, which, is at the heart of Pilgrims Hospices’ vision.
Visitors to the festival can download a map, scan a QR code at each site, or pick up a physical map from Coachworks, Low Key Tap Room, Picturehouse or Made in Ashford and wander around the town centre immersing themselves in the street art and learning more about each piece.
The mural festival is running from Saturday 1 April to Sunday 16 April 2023, with arts workshops, street dance and film screenings available to all visitors.
Keep up with all the latest updates as they happen and watch the progress of the artwork being created by following @ashfordunframedon Instagram.
Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
