Henry VIII joined around 80 party revellers at Pendleside Hospice’s medieval-themed Christmas party which was supported by the Prince’s Trust.
Day patients and guests along with hospice staff and representatives of the Prince’s Trust joined in the festivities – some aptly dressed in period costume!
They were entertained by The Holy Maggots medieval band, a storyteller, magician, caricature artist and calligrapher. The hospice’s former spiritual care co-ordinator Chris Cheeseman played the role of Henry Vlll.
Gemma Hildred, Pendleside’s activity co-ordinator, said: “We dressed the room up medieval style with a banqueting table, jester’s tent, goblets and stone walls. The Prince’s Trust made chandeliers and torches for the walls.
“Everyone joined in the spirit and had a fabulous time enjoying the banquet and drinks on offer!”
Michelle Chapman from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, who is the Prince’s Trust programme support worker at Nelson Fire Station, said: “We raised money for Pendleside and two other organisations for vulnerable people with a charity car wash. With the money we bought arts and craft materials to make the props for the medieval party.
“A dozen of our youngsters working on our programme were joined by three members of staff who went into the hospice to meet staff and patients and make the chandeliers and torches.”
The Prince’s Trust has a strong working relationship with Pendleside who have had two successful work placements. One of the placements enjoyed the experience so much he has gone on to be a volunteer at the hospice.
It’s been a busy festive period at Pendleside, with a full calendar of fundraising activities taking place in the build-up to the big day.
The Pendleside team spent the day at Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford offering Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea with Santa, plus back at the hospice, the staff decked themselves out in their best festive knitwear for a Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser.
Leah Hutchinson, fundraiser at Pendleside Hospice, said: “Christmas is always a magical time for everyone who visits the hospice and this year has been no exception. We’ve had a fabulous festive period in the lead up to Christmas and it’s been so heart-warming to see everyone’s faces light up at each event.”