10:11am Sunday 14th March 2010
By Amie Mulderrig
Saris dripping in beads, mirrored trinkets, henna-hand painting and crispy samosas were all on offer yesterday as Watford Peace Hospice opened it doors for a Bollywood-themed coffee morning.
Residents across Watford turned out in force for the exotic event and were treated to sari demonstrations, alternative therapy treatments including massage, Indian dancing by pupils from Watford Girls School and a sit-down meal of Asian delicacies.
Nicky Maxwell-Braithwaite, 30, who helps co-ordinate and organise the mornings, said: “My nan and mum both had cancer so I originally became involved with the hospice as a thank you. They were all absolutely fantastic and a great support in our time of need.
“Since then I have worked for the hospice by going into schools and meeting with people, talking about what we do at Watford Peace Hospice.
“The turnout today has been fantastic and it’s still early. We hold these coffee mornings every four months to try and raise as much money as possible for the hospice and they’ve proved really successful.
“We are really grateful for all the support we get from our volunteers manning the stalls and donating their time and goods, as well as residents visiting and buying.”
Raffles, a tombola, lucky dips, stalls selling knitted ducks, plants, jewellery, jams and baked goods also set up shop, with items quickly being snapped up by eager visitors.
Danielle Carey, 12, and Lauren Payne, 12, from the 23rd Girl Guides, were selling a range of cakes, some of which they had baked themselves.
Danielle said: “Our cakes are really popular – we’re selling like hot cakes.
“This is the third time we’ve run a stall and we do it to help the hospice, a really great place that we’re keen to support.”
Sue Plummer, 49, chief executive of Watford Peace Hospice, described how important it is the hospice hosts these regular mornings.
She said: “Hospices tend to have negative connotations - it is generally thought of a place people go to die.
“But that’s not the case, it’s a warm, friendly environment - a lot is done by staff to ensure patients are comfortable.
“By opening our doors we hope the public can see what goes on and dispel some of that negativity.
“I am delighted with the turnout today, hopefully people have had a fantastic time and that’s helped us to raise money.”
The Watford Peace Hospice will hold an Italian-themed coffee morning in the coming months.
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