Successful fundraising year for St. Anthony’s School
There were lots of smiles and a big cheer when pupils and staff at St. Anthony’s School in Margate learned how successful their fundraising year had been by raising an incredible £2092.27 for the school’s charity of choice, Pilgrims Hospices.
Over the year they held cake sales, a colouring competition, did a Christmas card fundraiser and took part in sponsored walks, they raised an amazing £2092.27 for the charity.
Caroline Dixon, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Officer, said: “I really can’t thank everyone at the school enough for their amazing support. It’s been so lovely to be part of their fundraising activities over the year, especially when I have been invited along to their cake sales. This wonderful amount has been raised by both the pupils and staff, a great team effort.”
We are proud to contribute to our community in this way and we are already planning further exciting fundraisers for this coming year.
Antony Curry, St. Anthony’s School
St. Anthony’s Assistant Head Teacher Antony Curry is incredibly proud of what everyone at the school has achieved, he said: “Pupils at St. Anthony’s take great pride in supporting Pilgrims Hospices. Through our friendship with Caroline, we have gained an understanding of the importance and outstanding work the charity does.
“This association has allowed our students to show their caring and generous nature. This remarkable amount of money has been raised through a variety of events that have been hugely enjoyed by all.
“We are proud to contribute to our community in this way and we are already planning further exciting fundraisers for this coming year.”
The pupils sponsored walk took place on Monday 15th July and Head Teacher Rob Page joined them on their 20 laps of the school field. Each person who took part received a special medal from Caroline as a thank you from the charity and a well-deserved ice lolly from Antony which went down very well with everyone.
I am made to feel so welcome by everyone, it’s always a pleasure to visit St. Anthony’s School.
Caroline, Pilgrims
Caroline added: “I am looking forward to my next visit, every time I go to the school I am made to feel so welcome by everyone, it’s always a pleasure to visit St Anthony’s.”
If your school would like to support Pilgrims Hospices and would like more information on the many ways you can do this please contact [email protected].
If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or click here to read about our Wellbeing Programme.
13th September 2019
An art book lover’s dream
One of the best-known prizes for visual arts in the world, the Turner Prize 2019 is taking place at the Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate. Every other year, the prize leaves Tate Britain and is presented at a venue outside London. The exhibition will be running from September 2019 to January 2020.
The Old Bank Bookshop in Margate is an art book lover’s dream. With shelves packed with all genres, fiction, non-fiction, classics, vintage and much more, all at amazing prices. With more than 3,000 books in stock at any time, there’s bound to be something to suit your taste.
To coincide with the Turner Prize, The Old Bank Bookshop will be embracing this prestigious event being held in Margate by creating its own arts festival of paintings, prints and, books; an eclectic collection of modern, post-modern and traditional themes for a wide variety of subjects.
We have the most amazing selection of beautiful art books to suit all tastes.
Gavin, Pilgrims Retail
Gavin Fox, The Old Bank Bookshop manager told us: “This is an ambitious arts project; which we hope will create lots of interest from visitors to the Turner Prize exhibition who would also enjoy viewing some of our beautiful arts editions and in some cases some quite risqué titles. In fact, some of the publications could leave you speechless.”
All of the books have been generously donated and checked to ensure the shop sells the very best of quality on the shelves.
“We have the most amazing selection of beautiful art books to suit all tastes. Everything from American painter Jackson Pollock; a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement, to Gustav Klimt, one of the most influential figures in the Viennese secession movement.” Gavin told us.
Gavin with some of The Old Bank Bookshop team
Gavin began his career with Pilgrims as a volunteer back in 2010; he’s now a full-time member of Pilgrims Hospices staff managing The Old Bank Bookshop, Margate and Burgate Books, Canterbury.
Gavin said: “The Turner Prize for visual arts will bring many hundreds of visitors to enjoy Margate with its quirky shopping, interesting restaurants, bars and of course the Turner Contemporary gallery.
“We’re already meeting new art-loving customers who are visiting the Turner Contemporary and enjoying our amazing selection of specialist art.
“Pilgrims art festival will run throughout the year and will hopefully be able to offer visitors some interesting and varied art covers.
“We are a specialist second-hand book store and review our stock closely to ensure shoppers can purchase the best quality pre-loved books.”
Gavin with some of the art books on sale
Gavin manages his team of volunteers at The Old Book Shop Margate and Burgate Books, Canterbury; all of them are truly committed bookworms who love books and love to be part of the volunteer team supporting Pilgrims.
“All of the books are donated to the charity and sometimes from the most surprising sources, all books are individually priced from a few pounds upwards along with prints and paintings from £10. We hope you visit and enjoy our spectacular arts festival selections.” Gavin added.
Visit The Old Bank Bookshop at 17 The Parade, Margate CT9 1EY.
The store will close at 4:00 pm throughout the week and weekends when the clocks go back GMT.
You will receive a warm welcome at The Old Bank Bookshop from Gavin, his customer-friendly and very popular dog Ollie and the team of very knowledgeable volunteer bookworms.
This year alone, Pilgrims Hospices has to raise £11 million through voluntary donations in order to run our full range of services. Money raised through events like these helps us to continue caring for local people at the end of their lives.
31st July 2019
Pilgrims new shop to join the regeneration of Margate High Street
98 – 102 High Street Margate is set to become the latest addition to Pilgrims Hospices portfolio of shops. Opening soon, the shop is currently undergoing refurbishment before it takes on a new, modern, fashionable look. The store, which anticipates opening in August, will be brimming with furniture, bric a brac and clothing.
Amongst the many reasons for supporting your local high street; doing a little retail therapy in your local hospice charity shop will be helping people who need important care in the local area.
Work in progress at the Margate High Street shop
Mandy Hawkett, Pilgrims Retail Area Manager, explained: “The new store will offer a wide variety of pre-loved goods right in the very heart of the High Street, in Margate. The clothing price points will be £5 or less, therefore there are plenty of good reasons to pop along and snap up a trendy bargain.”
Charlee Piper, Pilgrims Shop Manager, said: “The Margate High Street and surrounding area is experiencing a rebirth of sorts, with many of the empty shops being used as art spaces or for new local businesses. We’re excited to be part of that revitalisation.
We will offer a wide variety of pre-loved items, right in the heart of the High Street.
Mandy Hawkett – Pilgrims Retail
“In recent years there has been an influx of young people in their 20’s and 30’s from as far as London. People are keen to up-cycle goods and have such creative ideas to breathe new life into pre-loved goods while maintaining a low carbon footprint and supporting all things local.
“My team are looking forward to a grand opening. We will also be recruiting additional volunteers for the new venture, so keep an eye on the shop window and the Pilgrims website if you would like to become part of our team.”
Opening hours will be:
9 am – 5 pm Monday to Saturday
10 am – 4 pm on Sunday
Find a full list of Pilgrims shops in your area here or take a peek on Instagram.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,400 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
29th November 2018
Afternoon high tea at Pilgrims
Students from Broadstairs College treated hospice patients, Therapy Centre users, staff and guests to a scrumptious afternoon high tea last week.
The students aged 16 – 18 years who are studying level 2 and 3 Catering and Hospitality arrived in chefs whites for cooking and black and whites for the front of house team.
Roger Phillips, Head of Catering for East Kent College, said: “The students take part in events within the community as part of their curriculum. Many of the group have only recently started their course in September and are progressing really well.
“The college is keen to expose trainees to a diverse range of opportunities to broaden their skills and offer them opportunities to enhance their progress into employment. Training at Pilgrims’ hospice in Margate, is just one of the many ways we are helping our young people to engage with their community.”
Training at Pilgrims’ hospice in Margate, is just one of the many ways we are helping our young people to engage with the community.
Roger Phillips, East Kent College
The students prepared and cooked cakes, pastries, and sandwiches; all beautifully presented and served.
Georgina Braithwaite, Head Chef for Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, said: “It’s lovely to have the support from our local community and not just with financial donations. The students had the opportunity to find out more about what happens here and discover we are much more than a hospice ward.
“I would like to thank Roger, his colleague Rob Allsworth and the students for offering us such a lovely treat.”
Ian Ashton, Head of Catering for Pilgrims Hospices, is working with Broadstairs College to identify opportunities to offer some work experience placements for students next year.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims’ support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or visit How we Help for more information.
The students prepared and cooked cakes, pastries, and sandwiches; all beautifully presented and served.