Category Archives: Notices

Have you ever fancied ticking something off your bucket list?! Something adrenaline fuelled and daring??

Well look no further!

We have a FLASH OFFER for our Dare for Derian event in July where you can now take part in a 160ft bungee jump or 160ft abseil for just £100!! (you can either pay in full or fundraise via JustGiving)

We have limited places available so if you are interested…follow the links below/pop over to Vinten and come to see myself or Ellie.

TO REGISTER FOR ABSEIL….https://www.derianhouse.co.uk/events/dare-for-derian-abseil/

TO REGISTER FOR BUNGEE….https://www.derianhouse.co.uk/events/dare-for-derian-bungee-jump/

If you do have any questions or would like more information then please do not hesitate to come chat to us about it. We are offering this FLASH OFFER to everyone here at Derian first, as it would be brilliant to have some of our teams takes part J but if you do have any friends or families who are dare devils just like yourselves, then get them on board too!

Have a lovely day and speak soon!

Good afternoon, could I please ask everyone to avoid parking by the Lodge reception on Wednesday as we will have a company on site to Valet the 3 Micras in readiness for their return to Nissan.

After they have been valeted, they will stay there until the day of collection, but sadly we will not be able to use them.

Kind Regards

Good afternoon, on Wednesday of this week we will be taking out of service PF69 ODJ, NXV and ODC, to make way for our new Jukes which will be arriving tomorrow.

Registrations should be available from tomorrow for booking purposes.

Initially, we can expect some confusion due to the Micras being pre-booked, however please see facilities who will gladly help out.

Please double check your bookings as we will be back down to four vehicles.

Dear all,

Oliver McGowen training is now required as part of our mandatory Training.

Please read what is required below.

• The training is named after Oliver, whose death shone a light on the need for health and social care staff to have better training on learning disabilities and autism, and has been campaigned for by his parents Paula and Tom McGowan.
• The 18-year-old had mild hemiplegia, focal partial epilepsy, a mild learning disability and was autistic. He died in November 2016 after he was given antipsychotic medication, even though he and his family warned it could be harmful. His death was determined to be “avoidable” by an independent review.
• The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism has been co-produced and co-designed with autistic people and people with a learning disability. There are two tiers to The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training ensuring all health and social care staff receive the right level of mandatory training for their role and to meet the requirements set out in the Health and Care Act 2022.
• Tier one has been designed for staff who need general awareness of the support autistic people or people with a learning disability may need such as administrative and estates roles
• Tier two is for people who may need to provide care and support for autistic people or people with a learning disability, such as frontline health and care staff.

The first part of both tiers is now live and involves staff completing e-learning package that takes about one hour and 30 minutes to complete. Everyone should do this e-learning whatever their role and whichever tier they need to complete.

The e-learning will help staff understand learning disability and autism, as well as methods of communication and reasonable adjustments people may need.

Those needing tier one will then take part in a one hour online interactive session with people who have lived experience of learning disability and autism.

Those needing tier two will then take part in a face-to-face training day that is co-delivered by people with lived experience also.

HEE is now working with partners to finalise the second part of the standardised The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism packages and trainer’s training.

Please access the e learning as soon as possible.

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism

Handbook: The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism

E learning for health will register and record that you have completed this so no need to email me

Hello Team Derian,

Help Derian House by becoming a Wish Maker

Derian House has entered a first-of-its-kind partnership with Make A Wish UK to offer our children and young people extraordinary memory-making experiences – and there is an opportunity for you to become one of 10 volunteers to help kick-off the project.

Starting later this year, we will be offering wishes to a number of our children and young people, working alongside the UK arm of the global charity that brings joyful experiences to children diagnosed with a critical condition.

As part of the project, we have been asked to provide 10 volunteers to help children design their wish.

The Derian wishes – which will see children design their unique experiences – will begin in September. But before that, Make a Wish UK has given us a number of places on their magical UK Disney Wish, taking place in June. This special experience, which takes place in an enchanted manor in the Midlands sees families enjoying exclusive character meets, epic Marvel adventures, accessible carnival ride and themed shows (see attached for more details).

BE A WISH MAKER

As a Wish Maker, you will be part of a team of volunteers who will capture wishes for children as part of a wish discovery. You will be involved by meeting children virtually and helping them to unlock their wildest imagination to create their wish story. You will be led by the wish granting and wish referrals team. You will be fully supported and given the relevant tools, training and support for the job. Wish discovery meetings can take from 30 minutes to two hours. It promises to be a very rewarding role.

• 10 volunteers needed
• Currently open only to Derian House staff and volunteers
• Minimum age 18
• Must be available for training on Monday, 13 March from 11.30am to 1pm.
• To apply in the first instance, you can express an interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/F0aFifgMik by this Friday, 3 March (shortlisting will be done on Monday, 6 March)
• Once we have selected the 10 volunteers from Derian House you will be required to complete an application form with Make a Wish UK (you will be a Make a Wish UK volunteer – not Derian House)
• Full training will be given.
• Find out more about the role here: Wish Maker (Derian House) | Make-A-Wish UK Volunteering

I’m sure many of you will want to be part of this exciting new opportunity, and so encourage you to express interest quickly.

Best wishes,

Karen

We’re extremely proud to announce that Derian House has been shortlisted for ‘Student Placement of the Year: Community’ in the Student Nursing Times Awards 2023 

Year on year, we receive excellent feedback from student nurses who are on placements in community settings 

We offer them outstanding support, one-to-one help when they need it, and first-hand experience with children and young people who have complex conditions 

It’s an honour and a privilege to be recognised for the work we do, and we look forward to finding out if we’re the winners at the prestigious awards ceremony on Friday 28th April 

Good morning everyone,

Given the increase in COVID cases on site we are implementing the following restrictions with immediate effect;

• Please can all staff start daily lateral flow testing for this week only
  • We have test kits available in HR and the Care Team Office if you no longer have any at home
• If you are negative but have any symptoms please wear a mask whilst moving around the Hospice and Vinten Place
• Please limited table numbers in the dining room to no more than three

It’s been some time since we had restrictions in place so if you have any questions please ask.

On Monday 20^th February 2023 we are launching our Summer Raffle Campaign, which will give our donors the chance of winning £10,000! The campaign will run for 10 weeks and will close on the 2^nd May 2023, with the draw taking place on the Friday 12^th May 2023.

On 20^th  February 2023,  books of raffle tickets will land on the doorsteps of 15,000 of our donors and it will go live on our website and social media platforms also.

What to do if you receive a raffle ticket enquiry:

During office hours (9-5 Monday – Friday):

–  All Telephone enquiries should be directed to the Fundraising Team. (ideally Sarah Proctor – Ext 263 or 305)

–  If any members of the public walk in to reception to buy a ticket please call a member of the Fundraising Team to attend reception.

Out of office hours evenings and weekends:

– Direct any calls or walk ins to our website – www.derianraffle.co.uk to purchase online/virtual tickets. Alternatively, ask them to call the fundraising team on 01257 271 271 during office hours to request Physical tickets.

Please Note: Raffle Tickets will not be sold in our shops at the present time.

Staff, volunteers and Trustees CANNOT enter the raffle

Unfortunately, all employees, volunteers and trustees of Derian House Children’s Hospice and their immediate families are explicitly excluded from entering the Derian House Raffle.

Please note “immediate families” means spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses regardless of where they live.

On Tuesday 14th February (Valentine’s Day), there’ll be a love-themed t-shirt day for all staff and volunteers to get involved with.

Get out your reds, pinks and heart-patterned clothes for a day to celebrate luuuuuuuuuurve <3

Please remember IPC policies when choosing your outfits.

With a new year comes a new calendar of fundraising events, and we’ve got plenty for you to get involved with in Derian House’s 30th year!

Derian’s Top Dog

It’s time for a W-A-L-K! Take the lead for the month of February and collectively walk 100km with your four-legged friends – all you have to do is raise a minimum of £100 on JustGiving! Your pampered pooch will receive a free bandana so they’re Derian-branded and raring to go!

£50 Business Challenge

Do you know someone who works for a business, or even owns their own? We’re challenging them to take on our famous £50 Challenge, and turn £50 into something much more by whatever means necessary! They could hold a bake sale, or even scale the Three Peaks – the world is their oyster! Who’ll come out on top and take the crown from our current champions, Anwyl Homes?

£50 Junior Challenge

NEW for 2023 is our school equivalent of the Business Challenge – think Dragon’s Den and The Apprentice… what will our schools get up to to raise as much money as they can from £50?

Morecambe Bay Walk

Derian House’s longest-running fundraising event is back and bigger than ever! 300 of our supporters will paint the Bay green on Saturday 27th May as we hike seven miles from Arnside to the picturesque village of Grange-over-Sands. Entry is just £50, or FREE is you raise a minimum of £50 on JustGiving.

Dare for Derian

Go on… we dare you! Due to the popularity of our Dive for Derian fundraiser, we’re tripling the adrenaline with the addition of a bungee jump and an abseil for this summer’s thrilling event. On the weekend of Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July, take to the skies at Black Knights Parachute Centre, or climb the crane at Bolton Wanderers Football Stadium… Daring supporters must be 14+ for the bungee and abseil, or 16+ for the skydive, with minimum funds needed to be raised to secure your trip to the sky!

Coming soon…

• The Great North Run (Skip the ballot and speak with our Fundraising Team today to secure your FREE place)
• Born Survivor

Visit our website to find out more about each of these events, or pop upstairs in Vinten Place to speak with our Fundraising Team today – https://www.derianhouse.co.uk/events/.

Who wants to start the year off as a winner?!

An exciting competition to ‘Draw it for Derian’ will see one budding artist’s masterpiece emblazoned on the front of a Volvo truck to celebrate 30 years of care at Derian House.

Youngsters up to the age of 16 are asked to submit their birthday-themed art for the challenge, led by truck dealers Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd, and are encouraged to get as creative as possible.

The winning design will feature a ‘text to donate’ number that will encourage donations while the truck is out on the road or at events. Every customer that uses the vehicle will also be invited to make a voluntary donation.

Thomas Hardie launched their successful ‘Drive it for Derian’ campaign back in 2021, which saw their unmissable Derian-branded truck hit the road and raise over £7,500 for the hospice in the process.

Entries need to be returned by the end of January, and the winner will be chosen on Friday 3rd February. Visit our website below to download the design sheet and get involved… good luck!

https://www.derianhouse.co.uk/draw-it-for-derian…/

Just a reminder that if you haven’t had a chance to complete Staff Survey Temperature check, the survey will be open until Sunday 8th January 2023.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=L4KxNBc8uk-2fphc2W8kL2p8YNixmbxBmbI38i7OQhNUREg3S1VQUVdJVDA4UDYyQU1UMTU4S0VGOCQlQCN0PWcu

Happy New Year!

To thank our team for what they do, Mercure Hotel (Bolton Georgia House) are offering FREE access to their club and facilities throughout the whole of January free of charge.

All you need to do is show your work ID badge when attending, and there’s no limit to how many times you can go into the club for the month!

Hello all!

Just to let you all know, rather than our usual menu we’ll be serving Christmas Dinner in Danni’s Diner this Sunday (the 18^th) and next Wednesday (the 21^st). Lunch will be a traditional Turkey Dinner or Mediterranean Vegetable Tatins, followed by mince pies. Hope to see you there!

Warm regards,

The Catering Team

We invite you all to wear your Christmas jumper/t-shirt on Friday 9^th December for Derian’s Christmas Jumper Day.

Please remember if you are on the Care Team, or any other team working directly with the children or young people, to maintain IPC and wear a t-shirt rather than a jumper with your work trousers.

We look forward to celebrating Christmas Jumper Day.

Hello,

We’ve been asked a few questions about the party, so ahead of Friday here’s a bit more information…

• The coach will leave Derian at 7:00pm – there are limited seats so if you haven’t already booked a place you will need to organise your own transport to and from the venue. No alcohol is to be consumed on the coach and personal items (coats, umbrellas etc) can be left on the coach, but at your own risk.

• If you are making your own way there, please arrive promptly for a 7:30pm start.

• As you know, the format is a little different to last year and we will be having a 2 course meal instead of a buffet. Your menu choices will be on the reverse of your place card. Please collect your place card from the table next to the arrival drinks and pop it down when you have chosen where to sit.

• It is too late now to add any additional guests, but if you decide last minute that you would like to join in the fun – please arrive after the meal (approx. 9:30pm).

• The return coach will leave at 12:30am and for those staying after this the bar closes at 1am.

Thank you, we hope you have a great night!

Hello all,

Please find attached the third and final week of our rolling Autumn menu, as well as the anytime menu which is still running alongside it.

Many thanks to everyone who has been leaving us feedback on the new menu, we hope you enjoy this week’s meals!

Warm regards

The Catering Team

AutumnMenuWeekThree

Hello,

Just over a week to go until our staff Christmas party!

Just to make you aware alcohol will not be permitted on the coach.

Arrival drinks will be waiting for you on arrival at the hotel 🙂

Thank you!

AnytimeMenuDH

AutumnMenuWeekTwo

Dear Derian House Colleagues,

As the FIFA World Cup 2022 commences on the 20^th November.

I have been asked for England games to be showing and their first game will be on Monday 21^st November from 1pm in the dining room for viewing through your lunch or break.

Obviously, if any families or CYP have a specific game they wish to watch at Derian then the cinema or other TVs can accommodate these requests, please arrange with Estates or Steve in IT.

Thanks,

David

Hello,

There are just three Friday’s left until our staff Christmas party!

For those who have booked a place on the coach, this will leave Derian House at 7:00pm, please arrive early so that the coach can leave on time.

If you’re organising your own transport, please aim to arrive at Stanley House by 7:30pm. Postcode for sat nav is BB2 7NP.

The return coach journey will leave Stanley House at 12:30am and the journey back to Derian House is approximately 20 minutes.

There will be a free bar at this years’ party (drinks included are single spirits with mixer, glass of wine, pint or bottle of beer,) we hope that you will enjoy this responsibly.

If you have any other questions – please let us know.

Look forward to celebrating with you all J

Hello all,

Please find attached the first week of our new Autumn Menu, which will be beginning on Monday. Please try and let the kitchen staff know what you’d like to order for lunch before 11:00AM.

Also attached is our new Anytime Menu, which is a list of alternatives you’ll be able to order any day you don’t fancy any of the main options.

There’s going to be a suggestion box in Danni’s Diner from Monday, so you can let us know how the new menu is going.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing your feedback on our new menus!

Warm Regards,

The Catering Team

– AnytimeMenuDH

– AutumnMenuWeekOne

– Monday14thDailymenu

HO HO HO, it’s fast approaching silly season and I have received numerous requests, once again, for our yearly £5 Secret Santa gifting.

If you would like to join in, with spreading Christmas cheer and gifting a fellow colleague, please email me and I will pop you on the list.

I will inform you of who you are buying your gift for on Friday 2nd December, happy shopping…

Please return your gift to me by Friday 16th December than the mischievous little elf can deliver your luxury gift.

Please would you all kindly spread the word.

Kind regards,
Tina Thorpe-Knowles

Hi All,

Following my recent update, I am now delighted to announce that Karen Edwards will be joining us as the new Chief Executive of Derian House Children’s Hospice.

Karen, who previously held the role of Chief Executive of Bolton Lads & Girls Club, will be joining the team in February and said “I’m delighted to be joining the team at Derian House and be a part of the amazing services the charity provides. I’m looking forward to leading the team through the next chapter.”

As you already know, our current Chief Executive, David Robinson will be leaving Derian House at the end of the year but he said “I wish Karen every success in taking over the reins and leading Derian House forward from the amazing place we have taken it to.”

Lynn Grayson, Director of Clinical Services will be deputising between David’s departure and Karen’s start date and I’m sure we will all support Lynn to maintain our fantastic services to our children and young people and their families.

Thank you to those staff who helped with the recruitment process, your input was valuable to us when making a decision. Thank you also for your patience in awaiting the outcome of our interviews, I know you were all keen to find out who our new Chief Exec would be.

More details will follow and a public announcement will be made next week.

I hope you will join me in welcoming Karen to the team in 2023 and wishing David all the very best for a long and happy retirement.

Kind regards,

Karen Swindley
Chair of Trustees

One of our creative supporters, Alan Davis, has been crafting beautiful garden ornaments from old pots and pans to sell and raise money for Derian House.

Some of his projects include weathervanes, animals, and flowers such as poppies – that can be seen at the front of the hospice! He also makes things from wood and is working on a special project to be displayed in reception at Christmastime.

But he needs our help!

If you have any scrap metal or old frying pans (the cheaper the better!) please bring them to Reception.

On Wednesday 9^th November our representative from Mattioli Woods (Pension provider) will be onsite to do a pension clinic.

This will be by appointment only in the Vinten Place meeting Room.

If you currently have a Standard Life pension and would like an appointment please email me and I will allocate you a 30 minute slot. I have times available between 9.00am and 2.00pm.

Kind regards,

Ben Leavesley

Hi All,

I know you will all be aware that the selection day for our new Chief Executive took place on Friday and I am sure you are all wanting to know the outcome.

I can confirm that we have offered the post to one of the candidates but at the moment we are not able to make an announcement as we are in the process of undertaking pre-employment checks – yes they apply to Chief Execs too!!!

I am hoping that we will be able to make an announcement next week, but we will let you know as soon as we can.

Can I also thank all those of you who were directly involved in the process – your input was invaluable in helping the panel to make a decision.

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” 

Join the Derian Voices from Wednesday 26^th October and enjoy mince pies and hot chocolate after choir practice.

We’re looking for new members to join the Derian Voices to perform at this year’s Lights of Love concert.

The musical celebration will be held at the beautiful Blackburn Cathedral on the evening of Friday 2^nd December and the performances from the Derian Voices Choir are what make the night even more special.

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by singing carols on your lunch break each Wednesday throughout November.

All singing abilities are welcome and you may find that you have so much fun that you’d like to remain a member of the choir all year round.

For more information, please speak to Gill.

I am pleased to confirm that we have seen a significant reduction in COVID cases over the past week therefore are reducing COVID restrictions.

With immediate effect –

• You will no longer be required to wear masks (unless you are testing negative, showing mild symptoms or feel a little unwell but fit for work).
• There are no longer any restrictions in the dining room.

We are however still asking all staff to –

• Please maintain handwashing
• Please ensure that if you show any symptoms you do a lateral flow test (always perform tests at home, do not come into the Hospice and then do a test). Tests are available from HR if you do not have any at home already.

Thank you for your support and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Regards,

Ben (Head of People and Culture)

Following this Month’s SMT meeting, please find updates from it for your attention:

• COVID cases are on the rise and we have reintroduced a number of COVID restrictions. This will be updated on a weekly basis.
• Please ensure that all visitors and family members have lanyards to identify them (blue for family members and red for contractors and guests). These are available at reception and should be issued as standard when your visitors sign in but it is YOUR responsibility to check and make sure they have the appropriate lanyard.
• There will be Fire Marshal training held on the 16th and 17th November and we are particularly looking to increase our number of office based Care Team staff who hold this qualification.
• Following staff feedback about needing more vehicles, a fleet review has begun. We will have a new fleet of eco-friendly cars in the new year.
• We are changing the way we print letters. Instead of printing onto letterhead paper, we will use a template letterhead (which will save 8p per copy). Details of when this will transition over will follow shortly.
• CEO interviews are taking place on the 21st October and you have an opportunity to be involved! Please keep an eye out for communications from HR about how to take part.
• The Big House Giveaway total has hit an incredible £460,873!
• Derian House is doing its first-ever TV advert which will be aired before Christmas and will tell Holly’s story.
• New hoodies are available in reception including pink, grey and black children’s hoodies.

Good morning all,

It’s just one more sleep until Derian Day, our special day of the year where our supporters from across Lancashire and South Cumbria go big and go green in their own unique way to celebrate Derian House’s birthday!

Don’t forget to wear green tomorrow (Friday 7^th October) – fundraising t-shirts for all are available in Vinten Place if you want to come up and grab one – and celebrate with us throughout the day.

Our annual newsletter, Danni’s Diary is out now! You can pick up your copy at reception, or from around the hospice (can you spot yourself?)

We will be posting out copies to 40,000 donors on Friday, along with our Christmas catalogue.

If you would like any copies to hand out then please come over to Vinten Place store room where we have a big stash.

If you want to send to anybody in your professional networks then it’s online as a flipbook here: https://www.derianhouse.co.uk/derian-publications/

• £19,366 (£20,173 FTE) – £21,221 (£22,106 FTE) per annum (dependent on experience)
• 36 hours per week – 4 days per week

Are you a retailer with a passion for visual merchandising and making a difference; looking for a new adventure?

Do you want to work in a sector that is not only focused on sustainability and upcycling, but which is also improving the lives of others on a daily basis?

If this is you then third sector charity retail may be for you!!

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Shop Manager to join our Derian House charity retail store on King William Street in Blackburn.

The role involves assisting with the managing and co-ordinating the daily retail activities for the shop, assisting with all aspects of the operation, including the management of staff, volunteers and vulnerable people, whilst also developing and delivering a high standard of customer service maximising sales and profitability.

The successful candidate will have proven ability to lead & supervise, with the ability to motivate others, and well-developed team building skills.

This role would require working regular weekends and some evenings as required.

For further details about this position or to arrange an informal discussion please contact Andrew Upton-Ford – Head of Retail & Online Sales

Closing date for internal applications is 5pm 7^th October 2022

The kind people at Barrett Corp Harrington have generously donated a Christmas party for up to 50 people for staff at Derian House – organised by our Vice Chair of the Trustees, Matt Cowburn.

Places are being given on a first come, first served basis – so if you want to come then please let Caroline Taylor know by email ASAP – (caroline.taylor@derianhouse.co.uk).

The details:

15^th December – 6pm to 12.30pm

Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre

25 Aytoun Street

Manchester

M1 3AE

(it’s over the road from Piccadilly station so perfect for the train)

• Welcome cocktail on arrival
• Festive street food
• Two drinks tokens per person
• LED dancefloor
• Professional DJ
• Heated canal-side terrace

It’s an absolutely brilliant space.

Dear Colleague,

Our Trustee Board meeting took place on the 22^nd September 2022, at which Dawn updated the Board on the annual Forget-Me-Not service held in the spring. After a gap of three years the feedback from families has been quite overwhelming, with over 200 family attendees. The Board were impressed with the impact this activity has and thanked everyone involved for their support in making it happen.

We continue to look at the options for progressing further developments at Derian House, ensuring this is aligned with our strategy, regional demand and prevalence. We have an Away Day with the Senior Management Team at the end of September to progress things and when we have more detail, we will share.

As we stated in April, we committed to review the previously agreed cost of living pay rise when changes to pay within the NHS were announced. The Board discussed this at the meeting and approved a proposal from the senior team to offer a further increase of 1.5%, which will be backdated to April 2022; it therefore represents an increase of 4.5% for 2022. David will e-mail you all very soon to confirm the full details of this additional award but I hope this goes some way to recognise the value we place on you all and will be a little help with the challenges we are all currently facing with the cost of living.

We have now been presented with the Birdsong results and are delighted to see such a positive response to the questions. It is truly great to see such an improvement! I am delighted to let you know that for this survey round we were included in benchmarking, not just nationally but also with closer colleagues across Great Manchester Hospices, and the Board are proud to share that Derian House performs at the highest level compared to our peer group. Ben will share the report and other Birdsong information shortly.

It is good to see that we are maintaining strong income levels for the first eight months of the year and the Board recognises the excellent work in securing our income whilst keeping costs under control. At this challenging time for everyone it is vital we maintain a financially secure charity for all those who use or work for us.

The year of 2022 has been challenging, however with the amazing Derian Team spirit we are confident you will continue to provide the very best care for all those families who need us so much.

The Board would like to thank everyone for their continued commitment and hard work.

Karen Swindley

Chair of Trustees

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” 

Join the Derian Voices from Wednesday 26^th October and enjoy mince pies and hot chocolate after choir practice.

We’re looking for new members to join the Derian Voices to perform at this year’s Lights of Love concert.

The musical celebration will be held at the beautiful Blackburn Cathedral on the evening of Friday 2^nd December and the performances from the Derian Voices Choir are what make the night even more special.

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by singing carols on your lunch break each Wednesday throughout November.

All singing abilities are welcome and you may find that you have so much fun that you’d like to remain a member of the choir all year round.

For more information, please speak to Gill.

We’re inviting fashion fanatics and charity shop lovers everywhere to our latest charity shop lock-in event at Derian House’s Blackburn store on Thursday 29th September.

If you enjoy a bargain, we’d love you to join us for an evening filled with vintage pieces, pre-loved designer brands and homeware goods. Plus:

– Food and fizz
– Goodie bags
– Charity shop challenges
– Live music from Emma-Rae
– Give your unwanted clothes a second life by bringing along donations

Tickets are free, but you MUST book to be added to our guest list. We can’t wait to fill our shop floor with fashionistas for a night to remember!

For tickets and info, please email gillian.rabbett@derianhouse.co.uk.

The mornings are getting colder and the evenings are getting darker, which means the countdown is officially on to our Christmas party!

If you haven’t already done so, please email christmasparty@derianhouse.co.uk with your menu choice and whether you would like a place on the coach.

MAINS:

• Brown sugar gammon, cheddar mash, holiday roasted vegetables
• Turkey and Swiss burger, coleslaw, festive fries
• Fried mac and cheese, Christmas salad, sour cream dip (v)

DESSERT:

• Chocolate churros, chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream (v)
• New York style cheesecake, blueberry compote (v)
• Warm apple pie a la mode, caramel sauce (v)

If you are unable to make it, please do RSVP to let us know.

If you have any other questions, please get in touch on christmasparty@derianhouse.co.uk

Thank you!

It’s that time of the year once again! Flu jabs will be being administrated by Siobhan and Hayleigh next week. There will be an update on which day and location, and anyone can just turn up.