Students from Sidcot School have helped sow the first seeds – or bulbs – to welcome Weston Hospicecare to its new premises at Kildare House (the former HQ of Moose International) in Winscombe. Thirty students and their teachers from the Quaker school donated an afternoon to plant 2,500 daffodil bulbs which have been donated to the Hospice by the Axentis Michael Charitable Trust.
Sidcot’s Headmaster Iain Kilpatrick who led the budding young gardeners said: “Many of our students had not heard of a hospice before and those who had were somewhat fearful of what it meant for a loved one. They gained a huge amount from volunteering alongside the Hospice team of nurses and doctors and it was a good opportunity for them to learn what a positive and inspirational organisation it really is. It was a real privilege to get involved and I hope this is the start of a very happy relationship between Sidcot and the Hospice.”
Alex Demetriou whose Grandfather, Axentis Michael, was cared for by the Hospice was on hand to represent the Charitable Trust and to help the children plant the bulbs. He said: “Weston Hospicecare is an extremely special place which encourages everyone to make the most out of life. It was great to see the children so full of energy and enthusiasm – I hope that the daffodils will bring a lot of pleasure and will be a lasting reminder of the wonderful work of the Hospice.”
Weston Hospicecare purchased its new premise in Winscombe in May this year. The charity, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2014, hopes to be able to move within the next five years. Chief Executive Gill Auden said: “We were thrilled to receive the donation of bulbs which will brighten the forecourt and drive of our new premises at Kildare House come Spring. To have the pupils from Sidcot there, so enthusiastic, keen to help and learn a little about the Hospice as well was fantastic. What bright young minds and so wonderful to be able to work alongside our new neighbours. My huge thanks go to Iain, Alex, Kerry and all the pupils for getting involved.”
Winscombe Primary School children will also be planting bulbs for the Hospice in the next few weeks.