In a heartwarming display of community gratitude, art organisations have joined forces to honour the dedicated staff and volunteers at East Cheshire Hospice through a series of creative wreath-making workshops. The initiative, spearheaded by Macclesfield Community ArtSpace, served as a special thank you to the nurses and helpers who provide exceptional care to patients and their families throughout the year.
A Collaborative Effort Fueled by Generous Donation
The workshops were made possible through the generous support of the Bollington Arts Group, which donated £900 to Macclesfield Community ArtSpace from the proceeds of their most recent exhibition. This financial contribution directly funded six wreath-making sessions, demonstrating how local artistic endeavours can translate into meaningful community support.
Creating a Space for Appreciation and Creativity
The sessions were held at the Hospice's Sunflower Living Well Centre, a modern facility that actively encourages community organisations to utilise its space during evenings and weekends. This collaboration created a perfect environment for staff and volunteers to step away from their demanding roles and engage in a relaxing, creative activity designed specifically for their benefit.
Jennie Gaywood, Chair of Bollington Arts Group, expressed her delight with the event, stating: "The Hospice organised it extremely well and put on a lovely afternoon with refreshments. We were pleased to donate to Macclesfield Community ArtSpace, which does great work to promote art in the community." She further explained the group's charitable ethos, noting: "Our exhibitions showcase local art at affordable prices, and each year we aim to donate to charity as we're a non-profit making group. This time we were delighted to help two charities."
Personal Connection Drives Community Support
The initiative held particular significance for Jane Griffiths, Coordinator at Macclesfield Community ArtSpace, who experienced the Hospice's care firsthand last year when her father, Eddie, passed away. "I saw how hard the staff work and what amazing quality care they deliver," Jane shared. "They couldn't have cared for dad any better. It was nice to do something for them as a little thank you." Her father, Eddie, aged 93, was a notable local table tennis champion who represented both Macclesfield and Cheshire, as well as being North Wales champion.
Sustaining Community Art Through Collaboration
Macclesfield Community ArtSpace, which operates with approximately thirty dedicated volunteers, works tirelessly to make art accessible to the local community through drop-in sessions, workshops, and partnerships with local councils. The group is currently engaged in creating a giant horse for the upcoming Lunar Parade on February 14th. Jane Griffiths emphasised how crucial the Bollington donation was, stating: "The funds also help keep our doors open as we have no mainstream funding. We'd like to work together with the Hospice in the future."
Ameera Fletcher, the Hospice's Befriending and Community Volunteer Services Lead, highlighted the broader significance of the collaboration: "This was a great example of collaboration between three charities. Our staff are always smiling, giving everyone the best care and experience, and it was nice to put the focus on them." The wreath-making workshops not only provided a creative outlet but also strengthened the bonds between these vital community organisations, showcasing how art and compassion can intertwine to support those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
