Ladies listen to veteran newsreader at Hospice luncheon!

Angela Rippon O.B.E. - journalist, broadcaster, TV presenter and successful author - proved incredibly popular with the supporters of Princess Alice Hospice as the guest speaker at the Hospice's 28th annual 'Women of our Time' luncheon on Friday 5 November at Duchess' Grandstand, Epsom Racecourse.

The flagship 'Friends' event has since its conception seen hundreds of guests enjoy a day of shopping and luncheon, raising fantastic sums of money for the charity.  Last year's event generated over £13,000.  This year the raffle alone raised £2,400, and the table raffle for Denbies Whitedowns Cuvee was very popular, raising £500.

With donations from stallholders still to come in and sales of special 25th anniversary book sales, limited edition celebrity designed brollies, Hospice lottery tickets and delicious Christmas puddings the figure will increase, it currently stands at over £15,500 net profit.  This is enough to fund 176 visits to patient homes from a community Princess Alice Nurse, who offers specialist care and support.

Veronica Eagles and Anne Flew, Co-Chair of The Friends of Princess Alice Hospice, welcomed 400 guests including The Mayoress of Epsom and Ewell, Mrs Gillian Smitheram, trustees of Princess Alice Hospice, Mrs Sheila Hurton and Mrs Jane Formby.  The event was once again presided over by Lady Toastmaster Jane Burridge, who gives her time freely and generously to the Hospice.

Veronica Eagles said:

'"The Women of Our Time" event is a great day out and we know it will continue to be a popular event due to the high profile personalities who agree to support the charity and speak.  The luncheon is just one of many events the Friends of Princess Alice Hospice organise throughout the year; the local community must do all it can to help the Hospice towards its yearly target of over £7 million, 75% of this target must be raised through voluntary donations and fundraising.'

Jan Mason who was the Worshipful Mayor of Epsom and Ewell last year, and now the Deputy Mayor and last year's Mayoress of Elmbridge, Rosemary Vickers booked a table and brought along 5 former female mayors and another former mayoress.  They have pledged to continue the tradition of attending the event.  On Friday, Jan presented a cheque to the Hospice in the sum of £1,000.  This was given in memory of one of her colleagues, Cllr Derek Phillips, who received care at the Hospice in December 2008.

The tickets for the Angela Rippon hosted luncheon sold out within a matter of weeks, many supporters placed their names on the very long waiting list.  With another high profile guest already confirmed for next year, the Friends of Princess Alice Hospice are confident of another early sell out.

To become a friend of Princess Alice Hospice, to join the events mailing list or to find out more about the events arranged by the charity, visit www.pah.org.uk or contact 01372 461869 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .