A WINTER Wonderland lunch held last Sunday raised thousands of pounds for Grove House.

Over 200 people enjoyed a delicious four-course lunch and sampled festive cocktails provided by local caterer Chris Berendt.

Carols and musical entertainment was provided by saxophonist Derek Nash, who plays with the Jools Holland Band, and Dave Colton. Duo Kerry McDunnough and Grace Trinnaman of Bell’aria London Vocals also wowed diners with their operatic medley. Guests were able to purchase Christmas gifts from market stall holders which included beautiful pottery, Christmas wreaths, glasswear, elegant soaps etc.

The event was organized by four friends Chris Berendt, Stephanie Carver, Ethne Ozholl and Louise Miller who have organised a fundraising lunch for Grove House Hospice annually for the last five years, and amazingly they have managed to achieve their target of �100,000 over this period.

Ethne said: “We are delighted that the afternoon was such a tremendous success, the organisation was a joint effort and we wish to thank everyone who gave up their time to help us.

“We would also like to say a big thank you to the many local businesses and suppliers who provided raffle and auction prizes. Also to Barclays Bank who are generously going to match fund �3,000 of the takings.”

Louise added: “Grove House is such a special place, most of us will be touched by cancer at some point in our lives. Grove House provides support to patients and their carers throughout their cancer journey – from diagnosis and throughout illness.

“The specialist, professional care at the hospice provides both practical and emotional support to patients and families at what can often be a painful time.”

Hospice chairman David Dunbar thanked the four ladies for once again organising such a successful and enjoyable lunch: “Grove House must raise in the region of �1.5 million every year to continue to provide its vital services to local people, events like this make a substantial difference to our annual income.”

The �100,000 raised from the five lunches is a brilliant result and was made possible by the hard work and generosity of volunteers as well as the organisers.