Hospice care in focus at Kingswinford Ladies Luncheon gathering
At the October meeting of Kingswinford Ladies Luncheon Club, Chairman Ann Rogers welcomed 27 members to the Lodge, Wellington Road, Dudley to enjoy their lovely food and hear about the wonderful care provided at Mary Stevens Hospice.
The speaker Maria Goodwin said she was especially pleased to be asked to talk as it happened to be “Hospice Care Week” and explained how the compassion and kindness they provide gave patients dignity at the end of life’s journey. They take patients from the Dudley borough and surrounding areas. The land was donated by the wonderful benefactors Mary & Ernest Stevens, transferred to the borough in 1931 and registered as a hospice in 1986. It started as a day centre, opened by Diana the Princess of Wales in 1992, and five years later opened its inpatient unit. Although it only has capacity for 10 beds, each room has its own patio and there is a family flat. Many volunteers support the day unit providing craft sessions, dog therapy and spiritual care. An uplifting speaker on a very sensitive subject.
Meetings are held on the second Friday each month at the Lodge 12pm for 12.30pm. The next luncheon will be on November 14, when the speaker will be Mr Ray Presenter, talking about “ Bourneville Heroines” and the Christmas festivities will be on December 12, with a special raffle and a Christmas meal with wine. The speaker will be Mr John Butterworth, “My Six of the Best Christmases”.
Visitors are most welcome and can attend three times before deciding to join. For more information ring Chairman Ann Rogers on 01384 273511 or the secretary on 01902 372984, email jillgriffithsme7@gmail.com.
