Forest Holme Hospice opens The Secret Wardrobe

On Friday October 19, Harry Redknapp opened the doors of The Secret Wardrobe, the new vintage boutique in aid of Forest Holme Hospice, at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole.

Harry was guest of honour at the exclusive, evening preview event hosted by the charity to thank all of its supporters.

On Saturday October 20 at 11.45am, shoppers in the Centre were treated to a flash mob of more than 90 dancers from Poole’s Orchard Dance Academy, dancing to a medley of hits. For the big finale the dancers formed a conga line and invited onlookers to follow up the escalator to the first floor to become The Secret Wardrobe’s very first customers.

Stocking a collection of pre-loved vintage clothes, art deco jewellery and shabby-chic furniture, the boutique’s opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.30pm. All the proceeds from The Secret Wardrobe will go to the Poole hospice, which cares for patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

Diane Platt, charity manager at Forest Holme Hospice, says: “We are delighted to have been inundated with customers on our opening weekend. It really is a dream come true and we would like to thank all the people whose hard work has helped to make this a reality.


“A big thank you goes out to Harry for officially opening the doors of The Secret Wardrobe. We are looking forward to introducing the shoppers of Poole to our unique collection of vintage wares.”
The Big Yellow Self Storage Company on Nuffield Road is still accepting donations of vintage items on behalf of Forest Holme Hospice. Free parking is available for visitors who would like to drop off their donations.

To find out more about the shop visit www.facebook.com/SecretWardrobeBoutique and follow the shop on twitter @secretwardrobe1.

Forest Holme Hospice to share The Secret Wardrobe

Forest Holme Hospice is getting ready to share The Secret Wardrobe, its new vintage boutique with shoppers on Saturday October 20.

Located on the first floor of the Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole, Forest Holme Hospice is inviting the public to view a very special unveiling of the shop – all will be revealed at 11:45am on Saturday.

The Secret Wardrobe will sell pre-loved vintage clothes, art deco jewellery and shabby-chic furniture. All the proceeds from the store will go to the Poole hospice, which cares for patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

Diane Platt, charity manager at Forest Holme Hospice, says: “We are very excited to be opening the doors of The Secret Wardrobe to shoppers this Saturday. It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication from many people, but we are delighted with the results and are sure the shop will be a hit with fashionistas across the conurbation.

“Come along on Saturday morning to meet the team, browse our collection and share in our little surprise.”

To thank all of its supporters the shop will host an exclusive, invite-only, VIP preview on Friday evening. The shop will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm.

The Big Yellow Self Storage Company on Nuffield Road is still accepting donations of vintage items on behalf of Forest Holme Hospice. Free parking is available for visitors who would like to drop off their donations.

To find out more about the shop visit www.facebook.com/SecretWardrobeBoutique and follow the shop on twitter @secretwardrobe1.

Fundraisers get forest fit for Forest Holme Hospice

On Saturday October 13, fundraisers gathered in the grounds of Moyles Court School in the New Forest to take part in a three hour boot camp challenge in aid of Forest Holme Hospice.

Top instructors from Forest Fit Club put participants through their paces in the sunshine, tackling four exercise zones; ‘Sand-Hill Sprints’, ‘Ultimate Endurance’, ‘Outdoor circuits’ and ‘Ab Blast’.

So far the endurance event has raised £571.50 for the Poole hospice, with donations still being received.
Hannah Parson, corporate fundraiser for Forest Holme, said: “We created the ‘Fundraise & Get Forest Fit’ event to offer a unique and inspiring way to fundraise and were delighted with the turn out.

“We want to give a big thank you to the staff at Forest Fit Club, who did an amazing job at motivating each of the teams, and to all our fundraisers for showing so much enthusiasm and for continuing to smile throughout the final 15 minutes of exercise! This is a fantastic total and will go a long way to improving the care of our patients here at Forest Holme.”

MYFood generously donated Power Snacks and AECC Chiropractors were on hand to revive participants with mini treatments throughout the challenge. One lucky fundraiser was awarded an Asics running watch, one month’s free membership to Fitness First Poole and three months membership to Forest Fit Club through the prize draw.

To find out more about Forest Holme Hospice’s programme of fundraising events go to www.forestholmehospice.org.uk

Forest Holme Hospice over the moon with Lunar Walk

Forest Holme Hospice is over the moon after more than 80 people pledged £6500 by taking part in the Daily Echo-backed Lunar Walk at midnight on Saturday September 1.

Under the cover of darkness, Buzz Lightyear, Princess Leia and out of this world aliens gathered at the Dolphin Shopping Centre for the Poole hospice’s fifth midnight walk.

The fancy dressed midnight ramblers had the choice of participating in the Half Lunar of four miles or, for the more energetic entrants, the Full Lunar of nine miles to Sandbanks and back.

All money raised from the moonlit stroll will go towards helping the Poole Hospice care for people in the local area suffering with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

Justine Foster, Community Fundraiser at Forest Holme Hospice, says: “We want to pass on our thanks to everyone who participated – all the money raised will make a big difference to the lives of people in Dorset.

“We are looking to revamp this event next year to attract an even bigger audience, so watch this space!”

The Boat that Rocks! All aboard for the Elvis Harbour Cruise

Rock n’ roll royalty will entertain passengers on board the Forest Holme Hospice Harbour Cruise on Thursday July 19.

While cruising along Poole Harbour, renowned Elvis tribute artist Willard Ford will be crooning all the old favourites to keep those blue suede shoes dancing the night away.

Passengers can dine on fish and chips against the backdrop of Old Harry’s rocks before returning to Poole Quay in time to take in the fireworks from a prime spot aboard the boat.

Diane Platt, charity manager at Forest Holme Hospice, says: “Our Harbour Cruise is proving to be a popular event on the Forest Holme fundraising calendar. We still have a few tickets left so be quick to get yours and avoid being left lonesome tonight.”

Boarding begins at 7pm and the boat will cruise from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Tickets cost £22.50 and all proceeds will go to the Poole hospice, which is dedicated to caring for patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. For more information and to buy tickets please contact 01202 670644.