Light a Light - St Columba's Hospice

for Lig mo h re t a in f L o, s ig ee h pa t ge 8

AUTUMN/WINTER 2014

INTRODUCING OUR NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM

LIGHT A LIGHT STORIES

OUR LATEST PALLIATIVE CARE GRADUATES

TO ABSENT FRIENDS ART WORKSHOP WITH OUR DAY HOSPICE PATIENTS

in this issue 03 Welcome 04 News from the Hospice 06 Introducing our New Senior Management Team 08 Light a Light Stories 10 Our Palliative Care Programme Graduates 12 Burns Supper 14 The Celtic Challenge 15 To Absent Friends 16 Art Workshop with our Day Hospice Patients 18 Our Cow Returns Home 20 Spotlight on our Shops 22 Edinburgh Art Fair | Fashion Show 23 Events Diary Keep in touch with us online for our latest news. Find us at: facebook.com/stcolumbas and follow us on: twitter@stcolumbas St Columba’s Hospice 15 Boswall Road Edinburgh EH5 3RW T: 0131 551 1381 E: [email protected]

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk Scottish Charity No. SC003634. Registered in Scotland No. 48700

Design: Ian Wetton Cover image: Malcolm Cochrane (www.malcolmcochrane.co.uk) 02 | contents

Welcome to the Autumn Edition of Life I am absolutely delighted to be writing this, my first official welcome, as the new Chief Executive of St Columba’s Hospice. This is a wonderful time to be taking over the reins, as our fantastic new hospice facility will ensure that as we go forward we can continue to provide the very best care for our patients and their families and carers. Our new Hospice also sets us firmly at the forefront of Specialist Palliative Care in Scotland and, along with our Education Centre, will ensure that our expertise in this area of clinical care continues to develop. This also enables us to share the specialist skills and knowledge that are to be found here at St Columba’s Hospice, with healthcare professionals working in other sectors and in other areas, so that excellent palliative care is available to many more people in Edinburgh, Lothians and beyond.

Jackie Husband

I have heard great things about all our wonderful supporters and I look forward to meeting many of you at our events over the coming years. Our next big event is, of course, Light a Light, when we come together as a community to remember so many of our loved ones and friends. I am looking forward to meeting Sir Tom Farmer, who this year will have an able helper in Noah aged 8, who is looking forward to helping Sir Tom switch on the lights. Everyone has told me that it is the people that make St Columba’s such a special place, and that includes you our supporters, without whom we could not do what we do. So from me, and everyone else at St Columba’s Hospice, thank you. With kindest regards and best wishes,

Jackie Husband Chief Executive

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

welcome | 03

News from the hospice Well done to all our Celtic Challengers who cycled 200 miles, all the way from Edinburgh to Iona, raising over £32,000 for the Hospice. Cyclists braved the Scottish weather (and sore bottoms!) spending 4 days in the saddle to raise funds for the Hospice. Thank you to all the participants for their efforts on our behalf!

2015 dates

announced – see page 14

19 SEPTEMBER 2015 Almost 300 supporters took to the hills in aid of St Columba’s Hospice on 20 September to raise funds. In spite of it being a horrible misty wet morning everyone set off with a smile and were rewarded when the sun came out and the mist cleared. From waterproofs to sun block in one afternoon – a typical day in the Scottish hills! We are extremely grateful to everyone for their support. All of the participants went to great lengths to achieve, and in very many cases exceed, their fundraising targets. We’ll update you on the funds raised once all the money comes in but in the meantime, a heartfelt thank you to one and all!

To register your interest for 2015, email [email protected] or call 0131 551 1381.

04 | news

Hospice Staff Graduate And More Are Awarded Funding For Specialist Palliative Care Education

Raising over £12,000, this year’s Walk was a great success as 200 folk walked the length of the Water of Leith in memory of someone they had lost. It was, for many, an emotional experience and we are very grateful indeed to those who took part for a fantastic fundraising effort.

Congratulations to every one of our students who graduated this year, including members of the Hospice team pictured below.

Thank you!

Remember A Walk To

– Thank you I

on Pop in to our Iona Café a for a coffee and snack, browse nowCaf é& the selection in our new Gift Shop open Sh and pick up a great read from our book op section. Our Christmas Collection is also available from our website at www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

From left to right; Alison Allan, Mandy Ballantyne & Lesley Sheill

Education is an enormously important part of the culture at St Columba’s Hospice, and we are delighted to announce that we will have even more of our own staff graduating next year as six of our nursing staff have been successful in gaining Scottish Government Continuing Professional Development funding to follow a variety of our palliative care courses. www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

news | 05

Introducing our new

Senior management team

Since the last edition of Life there have been some very exciting developments here at St Columba’s Hospice. We have recruited a new Clinical Services Director and a new Chief Executive, and so we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to our new Senior Management Team…

From left to right; Dr Duncan Brown Jackie Husband Dot Partington

06 | our new senior management team

The familiar face in the team for many of our friends and supporters is, of course, Dr Duncan Brown, our Medical Director. Duncan has been a stalwart of the Hospice for over 12 years. Having done his specialist training in South East Scotland; working in Marie Curie, The Royal Infirmary, the Western General, St John’s Hospital and over in Fife, Duncan started working as a Locum Consultant at the Hospice in September 2002, before being offered a permanent position in February 2003. Duncan took over from Dr Benton as Medical Director in 2010 and like all our clinical and Medical Staff, he is passionate about the work of St Columba’s Hospice and shares his passion with the University Medical Students he teaches in our purpose built Education Centre. Working in palliative care gives him “the chance to make a real impact on people’s lives” and highlights the fact that it is “the combination of a very people centred role working with individuals and families, combined with the challenge of addressing complex clinical problems, such as pain and breathlessness” that makes St Columba’s Hospice such a rewarding place to work. The first of our new arrivals to the team is Mrs Dot Partington, who joined us as Clinical Services Director in July having built up a wealth of experience working in a number of different specialist roles in Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh, and the Borders General Hospital amongst others. Whilst working Dot has also continued her studies… and was awarded a Post Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care from none other than St Columba’s Hospice in partnership with Queen Margaret University! So, when the opportunity arose to join the Hospice team as Clinical Services Director, Dot didn’t hesitate. “Not only is St Columba’s a very special place, this is also a very special time for St Columba’s Hospice and Specialist Palliative Care.” Dot says “I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues – we have a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of Palliative Care in Edinburgh and Lothians and it is a privilege to be part of it.”


And finally, at the beginning of October we were delighted to welcome Jackie Husband as our new Chief Executive. Jackie was latterly the Director of Clinical Services at the also very highly respected Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow. We have always had very strong ties with our colleagues in the West of Scotland and were extremely excited to hear that Jackie will be bringing her wealth of expertise and enormous enthusiasm to bear in her new role with us. Jackie’s experience as a senior clinical and education specialist means she is ideally placed to spearhead the strategic development of St Columba’s Hospice. “The Hospice rebuild gives us a fantastic opportunity to look closely at the services we are delivering to the patients and families in Edinburgh and the Lothians that need us.” Jackie is clear that we need to work together with other specialist care providers to make sure that we continue to be at the forefront of developments in Specialist Palliative Care services.

We will be working in partnership with our colleagues across the Lothian Region to influence and develop how Specialist Palliative Care Services in the Region will look as we move forward. We are delighted to be contributing to the overall redesign of palliative care in the Lothians to make sure that all patients and their families get the services they need and deserve – the services that we would want for ourselves if the need arose. This is a unique time for St Columba’s Hospice, and for Specialist Palliative Care, and I look forward to leading the Hospice forward in this exciting new phase of its development.

Jackie Husband, St Columba’s Hospice Chief Executive

our new Senior management team | 07

Light a light Monday 15 December 2014 Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh

Everyone welcome!

2014

Our Light a Light tree lighting ceremony will be on Monday 15 December 2014 in Charlotte Square Gardens. The gates open at 5.30pm and the lights will be switched on at 6.30pm. There will be a special service and community carol singing. The Tree of Remembrance will remain lit from 15 December 2014 until 5 January 2015 for anyone wishing to come and see it over Christmas or New Year.

Cat Maclean’s Story My mother was fitter than most people I know and at 72 had just bagged all 282 of the Scotland’s Munros, and had trekked round Kanchenjunga (the third highest mountain in the world). She was never ill, had boundless energy, and to us she seemed indestructible. In June 2012, the following year, the news that she had terminal oesophageal cancer was a catastrophic shock for us all. By July she had deteriorated so rapidly that she needed specialist palliative care and a place was found for her at St Columba’s Hospice where she remained until she died in October 2012. It was a long and miserable summer and we spent all the time we could at our mum’s bedside. The staff were wonderful not only to mum but also to us as a family. The love and care she received was unparalleled. After her death, I vowed we would do as much as we possibly could as a family to repay St Columba’s and give something back. My three children and I came to the Light a Light ceremony that Christmas and it was a very cathartic, healing experience. Seeing the tree lit up and knowing that one of the lights was in memory of my mum was very special. Sadly, by the time the next Christmas rolled around I was unable to attend that year’s ceremony; by horrible irony I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent my first chemotherapy session 2 days before Light a Light 2013. I was so disappointed not to be there. Now, 7 months on, I am nearly at the end of my treatment and determined to be at Light a Light 2014. I’ve also signed up for the Great Pentlands Push in September and it’s been a great goal to have whilst I’ve been undergoing treatment. My brothers and I are taking part as a team in memory of our mum to raise as much money as we can for St Columba’s – it’s such an amazing place filled with truly wonderful people.

08 | light a light

Sharon Forbes’s Story My husband Gavin was cared for by St Columba’s Hospice in late 2011. The care which he received was just phenomenal and I am so grateful for the time he was able to spend there. I took part in Light a Light for the first time last year, in memory of Gavin. I asked him to give me a sign to let me know he would be there in Charlotte Square with me, and as I looked for his light on the tree, out of a crowd of thousands, the lovely Bill Kerr from the Hospice stopped in front of me and welcomed me. The last time I saw Bill was the final day Gavin and I spent together at the Hospice, so this meant a lot and was the message that I needed. I was so glad that I had the support of the St Columba’s Hospice community at Christmas. The service is beautiful and can be an emotional time for everyone. I can say with my hand on my heart that I will be back again this year.

Veronica Kernan’s Story St Columba’s Hospice is very close to my heart as they cared for my dear father who passed away there 3 years ago. The experience moved me in a way I had never known before and I was so touched by the kindness shown by the staff at the Hospice that I wanted to give something back. Since then I have worked every Saturday as a volunteer in the Stockbridge Charity Shop, I’m also walking the Great Wall of China next year to raise funds for the Hospice and I will be supporting the Light a Light Appeal and volunteering at the event on Monday 15 December. Light a Light is such a special way to remember someone at a time when they are dearly missed. It also makes you feel part of a loving and supportive community. I hope to see you there.

Join us as we Light the Lights on the Tree of Remembrance and come together to remember our loved ones and sing some carols in Charlotte Square Gardens at 6.30pm on Monday 15 December. Donate online by visiting our website at www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

Light A light | 09

St Columba’s Hospice

Education Department Margaret Colquhoun,

Mandy Ballantyne,

Senior Nurse Lecturer, St Columba’s Hospice

Staff Nurse, St Columba’s Hospice

Our multidisciplinary courses are relevant to staff who care for those with palliative care needs related to cancer or other life-limiting and progressive disease. Most of our graduates have completed work-based learning projects which have advanced palliative care practice in their workplace. In doing this, they have been supported by their manager and the Hospice Education Department. Many of our own staff have studied with us, reinforcing our commitment as a learning organisation. However our courses are open to anyone delivering palliative care in a wide range of settings.

I’m proud, absolutely delighted – and relieved – to have gained my BSc in Palliative Care. I came to St Columba’s Hospice from 23 years in continuing care of the elderly and although I had some experience of palliative care, I was very keen to learn more. I work full time and it was a challenge to juggle the job, family life and study, but it was well worth it. It’s helped me feel more confident in my ability as a palliative care nurse, particularly with my communication skills. I had amazing support both from my managers and from the St Columba’s Hospice Education Department. I’m proud of my achievement and I’ve loved it. I never thought I would say that but I have!

The Hospice has always provided education and has a strong commitment to promoting and sharing knowledge and research. Our Graduates are often either current or future leaders of palliative care. Palliative care is our purpose and our passion. All our education is directed towards improving the quality of palliative care services delivered to patients and carers, both at St Columba’s Hospice and elsewhere. Each member of staff who delivers palliative care has the potential to make a difference and to increase the quality of experience of the patient and carer. I’m extremely proud of all of our students and it was wonderful to see so many of them graduate this year.

Amie Mboob,

Staff Nurse, Blenham House Nursing Home

Studying at St Columba’s Hospice was a fulfilling experience. It gave me a unique and valuable opportunity to develop my knowledge and practice. Through my studies I became more self-aware and this allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. The standard and quality of the care I deliver has greatly improved. The teaching staff at St Columba’s Hospice were incredibly supportive and motivating.

For information about courses offered by the St Columba’s Hospice Education Department please see www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk or call 0131 551 1381. 10 | education department

Alison Allan,

Lesley Sheill,

Project Lead, St Columba’s Hospice

Staff Nurse, St Columba’s Hospice

I never set out to do an MSc. I just wanted to keep my hand in. When I started my first module in Managing Complex Pain and Symptoms in 2006 while working as Day Services Manager, I never imagined that I’d be graduating in 2014 with a Masters Degree. I chose to look at post-stroke pain which positively influenced the care I was able to offer to our patients – but it wasn’t an easy option!

The Education Department lecturers were extremely helpful throughout my course which spanned ten years, due to the many challenges of being a wife, parent, daughter and nurse.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to tie my dissertation into my role as Project Lead of the St Columba’s Hospice Rebuild Project. It was a hugely enjoyable piece of work-based learning and the Hospice was extremely supportive of me. Academic experience has broadened my horizons. I found the Masters Degree hugely challenging, extremely well delivered and supported by an excellent Education Department. It was a wonderful way for me to advance my practice. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone working in Palliative Care.

I can’t thank the St Columba’s Hospice Education Department enough for supporting me through many a traumatic episode in my family life. They gave me fantastic encouragement and I would never have completed my course without them. My colleagues have also supported and encouraged me, sharing their own knowledge and experiences to enhance my own. My studies have given me confidence in my role as a nurse that I am giving the best that is available to ease and support patients and their families at the end of a loved one’s life. I have now graduated and am proud of myself, but it doesn’t end there. My work continues and I am taking forward my workbased learning project. At St Columba’s Hospice we take pride in giving good care which means we never stop learning.

Graduates in Palliative Care, Class of 2014


education department | 11


Friday 23 January 2015 7 P M – L AT E , E D I N B U R G H C O R N E X C H A N G E

Hosted by

Grant Stott

Featuring

Including

Bruce Fummey

Still Game’s Tam and Isa aka Jane McCarry and Mark Cox With special thanks to:

12 | blue dove campaign Image provided by: Janet McCrorie


BURNS SUPPER Raise a toast to our national Bard with this traditional Burns Supper with a ‘wee’ twist. This popular evening is jam-packed with Scottish entertainment and fare and of course Rabbie Burns! Our host, favourite Forth One presenter Grant Stott, will introduce a fabulous line up including Burns fan and highly acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe performer, Bruce Fummey. Tam and Isa aka Jane McCarry and Mark Cox from the ever popular TV show Still Game will perform the toast and the reply to the lassies and James MacSween who will ensure that the Haggis is addressed! The evening is topped off with a toe tapping Ceilidh and music from band Corra into the wee sma’ oors.

Grant Stott

SPECIAL

PRICE

£49

Tam & Isa

Bruce Fummey

Corra

Life Newsletter readers will receive a special price of £49 per ticket for this jam-packed evening at one of the Scotland’s biggest Burns Suppers! Tickets include a welcome drink on arrival, a 3 course traditional meal followed by a cheeseboard, a nip to toast Rabbie Burns, your entertaining speakers and music and a ceilidh by Corra. Doors will open at 7.00pm with carriages at 1pm. To book please contact [email protected] or call 0131 551 7731 and quote Life Newsletter.

There are a limited number of VIP tickets available which include access to the private pre-event reception from 6.00pm onwards. The reception will give you and your party the opportunity to meet the evening’s speakers in an informal environment and includes a welcome drink and canapés.


VIP £69 burns supper | 13


Nicholas Stormonth died of cancer in St Columba’s Hospice in September of 2012.

We are delighted to announce the dates of The Celtic Challenge 2015. Perfect for cycling aficionados and beginners alike, this is a truly special challenge that will put your fitness and stamina to the ultimate test. Over five days, from 13 May to 17 May, the Celtic challenge will cover over 200 miles from Edinburgh to the Isle of Iona, and will pass through some of the most stunning and unspoilt landscapes in the UK. And as an added incentive to get on your bike, we have a special discounted registration fee of £100 if you register before 28 November 2014. To find out more, come to our information session on Tuesday 18 November from 6 – 8pm at the Hospice Education Centre, 17 Boswall Road, EH5 3RW. Email [email protected] or call 0131 551 1381 to register your interest. Quotes from the Celtic Challenge participants: The long downhill on Iona – wheeee! Hard work but rewarding

Nicholas’s story is one of sheer determination and the indomitable nature of the human spirit. In spite of suffering from Crohn’s disease for over 30 years Nicholas was a keen athlete, and a passionate and dedicated road cyclist. We hope Nicholas’s story will inspire you to get on your bike in 2015 and ride in aid of St Columba’s. Our dear son Nicholas was diagnosed with cancer in May 2011 and by November was told his cancer was terminal. It was devastating. A Successful lawyer, Nicholas was also a keen cyclist. Whilst undergoing treatment, Nicholas decided to set up a Charitable Trust (Nico35) to help others in his position. To raise funds he persuaded his friend David to join him in 2 cycle races covering a total of 426kms in Northern Italy in 2 days in early June 2012. Completing this challenge was a dream come true. One month later Nicholas was admitted to St Columba’s Hospice where he spent his last weeks being cared for with care, compassion and dignity. Nicholas felt very secure and peaceful there, and we will always be grateful for the gentle kindness and support our son, and his family and friends received from the amazing team at St Columba’s. Kathleen & Jack Stormonth Nicholas’s Mum & Dad

This was a huge personal challenge for me and I enjoyed every minute… well, apart from the 5 mile incline at Crianlarich! Cycling round Mull and being on Iona in the sunshine was just lovely…

14 | celtic challenge

Nicholas’s story inspired and moved us so much we asked his family to let us share it with you. We hope that hearing about Nicholas’s determination will inspire and motivate you to take part on the St Columba’s Hospice Celtic Challenge 2015,

to absent friends Everyone has a story to tell of someone who is dead who they miss – a grandparent who had a fascinating life; a friend with a unique sense of humour; a child who loved to dance. A person’s death does not lessen the meaning of the relationship we have with them but our culture doesn’t easily support active remembrance of dead people. Talking openly about someone who is dead can often cause discomfort, distress or embarrassment. So, in a culture where death is seen as being morbid – often too difficult or too disturbing to mention – how do we remember and honour those who have died? In Mexico they hold a huge holiday each year, the Mexican Day of the Dead which is dedicated to remembering family and friends who have died. Graves are tidied and decorated, special meals are prepared, and people remember, respect and celebrate those who have died. The Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care is challenging us to create a Scottish version of the Mexican Day of the Dead.

Scotland has a rich heritage of storytelling, especially as winter approaches and the nights draw in. What if we revive Scottish customs of remembrance that have lain dormant for so long in the Gaelic Samhain festival and All Souls Day? Can we recreate a meaningful opportunity for storytelling and remembrance in the Scottish tradition? For a few days each year we should allow ourselves to talk about our memories of those who have died. Whether that be sharing photo albums with your grandchildren, or inviting friends round to try your granny’s favourite recipe… or by Lighting a Light for someone you have lost. This November we are being challenged to help establish ‘To Absent Friends’, a new festival of storytelling and remembrance, and with it to create opportunities for all of us to share and to listen, without discomfort or embarrassment. We will revive old traditions and create new ones – an opportunity for us all, in our own unique way, to raise a toast ‘to absent friends’. To Absent Friends, a people’s festival of storytelling and remembrance, will take place 1-7 November. You can find out more at www.toabsentfriends.org.uk

A photo exhibition, created to support ‘To Absent Friends’ will be exhibited in the grounds of the Hospice from 6 – 19 October 2014.


to absent friends | 15

Art Workshop in

our Day Hospice

with Alex Hamilton

As part of our Art Strategy, artist Alex Hamilton ran a Cyanotype Photogram workshop with our Day Hospice patients. The activity involves making unique images from plants, using the power of the sun and water. Most of our patients said that they didn’t think they had any artistic talent, but all surprised themselves with what they produced and were absolutely delighted with the beautiful images which emerged as the photograms developed. Our Day Hospice patients created their own images from plants gathered from the grounds of the Hospice. These images were framed and given to the patients and will also be exhibited at a Palliative Care Conference. The patients hope that the images will be used to design specialist fabric for cushions for the Day Hospice, enhancing the environment for all who use it and helping to bring the outside in. It was a fabulous day and the patients enjoyed it so much. Every one of the patients joined in and was enthralled all day. The patients arranged the plants and flowers on the paper and watched intently as their photograms were developed. The nurses commented on how animated and chatty the patients were at lunch time. The patients were all given a framed copy of their artwork and the originals will be exhibited as part of the St Columba’s Hospice Art Programme. 16 | art workshop

The workshop was such fun and it was a great pleasure to work with the patients. I wish you all success with your new Hospice and your future Arts Strategy.

Alex Hamilton,

Artist

The workshop has been excellent. I’m very pleased with my picture and I’m quite proud of myself too. I have my own garden and I’m very fond of flowers, but I never imagined that I’d be able to make something like this. I’ve finally discovered that I’m artistic – how exciting!

I’d never heard of the Cyanotype process before. It’s absolutely amazing. These images could be made into postcards and sold in the shop or made into cushions, they are so lovely.

I’ve really enjoyed the workshop. It’s not every day that you can create something which you can hang on your wall for the rest of your life. I was quite surprised how it all came together with just a handful of different plants and in a couple of hours I had a picture which I’m very proud of. I never thought I’d be able to do something like this. It’s extremely creative.


art workshop | 17

thistle returns to Boswall Road Our temporary move from Boswall Road to Kirklands House was a momentous and challenging occasion for everyone associated with the Hospice. Everyone had to familiarise themselves with new temporary surroundings whilst maintaining the compassionate and professional care that patients and families had come to cherish. On arrival at Kirklands a relative spotted a cheery statue of a cow in the grounds, and with a mischievous smile and a glint in the eye, an idea was formed. Each night or early morning, the cow appeared in a new location. Some days she was found eating leaves, and one day seemed to be listening in to the day’s gossip.

18 | our cow returns home

… and eventually the cow’s clandestine movements became the talk of the Hospice. Thistle’s nocturnal wanderings really made everyone smile and helped everyone relax and settle into their temporary home. Now, several years on, the mystery of the cow still brings a smile to the faces of Hospice Staff, and until now, no-one knew who the culprit was… Finally, we can let you into the secret that at least one of the secret cow movers was Mr Gordon Hughes.

Pauline Affleck Relative

My family association with the Hospice goes back as far as 2008, when my Mother in Law, Charlotte Affleck was looked after by the caring, compassionate staff. Even though St Columba’s Hospice was never far from my mind, the Hospice became more of a focal point when my mother, Gladys Hughes was admitted to St Columba’s Hospice at Boswall Road in January 2012. She was the last patient to leave the Hospice to go to the temporary accommodation at Kirklands House. Due to her illness, the Hospice team were unsure if she would even make the move, plans had been put in place to keep her at Boswall Road even when the builders moved in. However Mum was a fighter and she didn’t want to be left out and on the day of the move, she was in good spirit and the move took place.

Sir Tom Farmer

Mum survived at Kirklands until the end of March 2012. The family believe that she wanted to make her 60th birthday which was on 3 March 2012, before she ventured onto pastures new, and I think the Cow and the beautiful surroundings of Kirklands House really kept her spirits up until the end.

The Edinburgh Cow Parade was a great event for the City and I really wanted to gift ‘Thistle’ to the Hospice. Each cow is unique and I knew she could provide a much needed diversion and talking point for patients and families, which can be important when folk are facing such difficult times. I am delighted to hear that she has done her job so well – her role at St Columba’s Hospice is to brighten up the garden and make people smile.


our cow returns home | 19

Spotlight on our shops leith Walk Anybody who has tried to drive down Leith Walk recently will have seen the chaos around our Leith Walk Charity Shop which was left marooned and almost inaccessible for ten weeks due to the roadworks. Fortunately for us the barricades have now moved on and business, donations and customers are returning! Our Shop Manager Sarah Cumings and volunteers have done a fabulous job just to keep the shop open and morale high amidst all the noise, dirt and disruption. They would be so grateful for any donations of haberdashery, linen or bric-a-brac. As ever, Gordon, our knight in shining armour is on hand to collect.

Goldenacre Bookshop The Goldenacre shop is hosting a series of art exhibitions by local artists, some of whom feature in our new 2015 Artists Calendar. These are great opportunities to buy beautiful art and prints at very reasonable prices, visit the bookshop and support the Hospice – a win win win!

If you can spare a few hours to help in one of our charity shops we would love to hear from you. Ideally we are looking for volunteers who can commit to one shift per week or fortnight, usually 10am – 1pm or 1pm– 4pm. It’s huge fun and great camaraderie.

If you are having a clear out or if you would like to volunteer in one of our shops, please contact Sarah Munro on 0131 555 0625 or email [email protected] 20 | SPOTLIGHT ON OUR Shops

St Columba’s Shops Calendar –

Style Through the Ages

For a bit of fun, and to showcase the vast choice of wonderful vintage clothing available at our charity shops, our St Columba’s Hospice Shops Volunteers model Style Through the Ages. With many thanks to Cristina Carra Caso Photography, Scarlet and Black Styling and all our wonderful volunteers who feature in the calendar.

Victorian

Edwardian

Georgian

Suffragettes

1930s

Land Girls

1920s

1950s

James Bond

1970s

1960s


1980s

The calendar will be available from any of our charity shops at a price of £6 (or £10 for two) and also online at www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk SPOTLIGHT ON OUR ShopS | 21

EAF2014 60 Galleries 500 Artists 3 Days Only!

Edinburgh Art Fair 14 - 16 November : ECE The Edinburgh Art Fair, is firmly established as Scotland’s largest annual art show. They have introduced over 350 galleries and 5000 artists to the 85,000 visitors. At this years EAF they continue to provide a platform for the finest young talent and, the established big name artists.

The 2014 EAF has a distinctly international flavour with representation from Ireland, Poland, Australia and India and, closer to home, with the participation of established galleries such as The Scottish Gallery as well as the best of Scottish printmaking from both Edinburgh Printmakers and Glasgow Print Studio. Art on display will be wide-ranging from live street art (from the Too Much Fun Club) to Aboriginal art represented by Tingari Arts. The current list of 2014 exhibitors can be found at www.artedinburgh.com/exhibitors In addition there are a series of artists talks and demonstrations, as well as drawing classes and printmaking workshops. All these activities will be free and open to everyone including children. Tickets are available to buy for £5 per person at all of our shops with all proceeds being received by the Hospice.

fashion show

26 February 2015 – Surgeons Hall

First Show 6pm Second Show 8.30pm St Columba’s Hospice is delighted to be involved in a very special evening of glamour and style this February at Surgeons Hall in Edinburgh. The night, organised by supporter and Stylist Sylvia Calder, Director of David Calder Studios will bring a touch of fun and fashion to the ladies of Edinburgh whilst raising funds for our Hospice. Sylvia is working closely with some of Edinburgh’s most popular boutiques to style their spring/summer 2015 collections for the show. The evening will showcase a range of fashions to suit all women and every occasion. The night also gives guests the chance to win a very unique shopping experience package with treats from each of the boutiques involved in the show.

Sylvia Calder,

Director of David Calder Studios

This event is all about showcasing affordable style for the everyday woman, whether it is at work, at the weekend or for a special occasion. We want to give the ladies suggestions on how to update their wardrobe by incorporating current trends. It is going to be a great night out with fizz, fun and a glamorous fashion show. The evening will help to raise funds for St Columba’s Hospice, a charity very close to my heart.

Tickets are available at £25 per person and can be purchased by contacting [email protected] or calling 0131 551 1381. For more information on Sylvia Calder Personal Styling visit www.david-calder.co.uk 22 | edinburgh art fair

Events Diary 2014/2015 edinburgh art fair

fashion show

14 – 16 November 2014

Thursday 26 February 2015

Scotland’s largest annual art show, introducing over 350 galleries and 5000 artists. Edinburgh Corn Exchange | Thur 6.30 – 9.30pm, Fri/Sat 11am – 6pm Sun 11am – 5pm | £5 per person

A very special evening of glamour and style, organised by Sylvia Calder, Director of David Calder Studios. Surgeons Hall | First show 6pm Second Show 8.30pm | £25 per person

The Celtic Challenge 13 – 17 May 2015 Cycle 200 miles over four days from Edinburgh to Iona in our Celtic Challenge. Register by 28 November and save £50 on your registration fee! For more details see our website.

Light a Light Monday 15 December 2014

THE CELTIC CHALLENGE INFORMATION SESSION

To find out more, come to our information session on Tuesday 18 November from 6 – 8pm at the Hospice Education Centre, 17 Boswall Rd, EH5 3RW. Email [email protected] or call 0131 551 1381 to register your interest.

Join us as we light the lights on our Tree of Remembrance in Charlotte Square Gardens, and afterwards at St John’s Church for Christmas Carols. Charlotte Square | 6.30pm (opens at 5.30pm) edinburgh marathon festival FREE

30 & 31 May 2015

Burns Supper Friday 23 January 2015 Beat the winter blues and get 2015 off to a rip roaring start with an evening of hilarious speakers, a lively ceilidh and traditional fayre. Edinburgh Corn Exchange | 7pm – late | £49 (Early Bird & Life Newsletter readers) £55 (Normal Ticket) £69 (VIP Ticket)

For more information about these and other events, including how to book, please see

www.stcolumbashospicefundraising.org.uk or call 0131 551 1381 or email [email protected] 23 | SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SHOPS www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

Make this your running challenge for 2015 and sign up now to run the Edinburgh Marathon for St Columba’s Hospice. For more information please contact [email protected] or call 0131 551 1381.

The Great Pentlands Push 2015 Saturday 19 September 2015 Experience the Pentland Hills as you’ve never seen them before! Our Gold, Silver, Bronze, and (family friendly) Nudge routes ensure there is a walk for all ages and abilities. Register your interest by emailing [email protected] or calling 0131 551 1381. The scenery is amazing… and wait till you try the Hog Roast! Diary | 23

Weekly Prize Draw Win £1,000

Each week!

This is a fantastic way to support St Columba’s Hospice and every week a lucky winner receives a cheque for £1,000! If you enjoy a flutter, we can promise you excellent odds and at only £1 per week, we think it is a bit of a bargain. If you haven’t already signed up, please do think about it. It costs so little and makes such a difference… And if you are already a member, you know what a great way this is to support us. So why not take one of our leaflets and give it to a friend or neighbour and encourage them to join too?

Thank you for your support. We couldn’ t do it without you!