Members past and present of the Falmouth Fundraising Group of Cornwall Hospice Care gathered at the Penmorvah Manor Hotel recently for celebratory lunch marking the 25th anniversary of the branch.

The group has much to celebrate, having raised almost half a million pounds since it was formed in 1991. Guests at the lunch were welcomed by current committee members who handed out silver emblems decorated with "25th Anniversary" for them to wear.

There was a display of photographs, articles and other memorabilia which had been collected over the years. Christine Morris extended a warm welcome and thanked everyone for joining the committee in celebrating the important anniversary. The friends and supporters included two people from Canada as well as Sisters Imelda, Rose and Maureen to whom she extended a special welcome. They had been at Hayle when the idea was born for hospice beds, then a ward and eventually St Julia’s.

Christine also thanked Margaret Woolcock for the anniversary cake and Jane Frapwell for her considerable contribution towards organising the event. Sister Damien then said Grace after which everyone sat down to a delicious meal.

Following this, John Cottrell, who had been involved with St Julia’s since 1991, spoke of the beginning when a need was identified for special care for people in the community other than a hospital bed. He witnessed the development from hospice beds, to the eventual St Julia’s Hospice.

In 1988 the late Gerald Austin was enlisted as head of fundraising and with his wife Nina, a volunteer, at his side was set the task of finding sources of finance. Nina is still a member of the Falmouth Fundraising Group.

The Falmouth group is now made up of nine ladies and one gentleman, who work together through good times and the more difficult ones. John likened the group to a "real family" and thanked the "army of friends and supporters" who attend the numerous functions organised by the group.

Also at the lunch were Tamsin Thomas and Angela Flamank from Cornwall Hospice Care's head office and Tamsin delivered a message from chief executive, Paul Brinsley, congratulating the group on their wonderful achievements.

Then, much to the surprise of the Falmouth committee, certificates were presented to each individual member, representing the number of years served. Jane Frapwell, John Cottrell and Nina Austin all received 25 year certificates with others close behind.