Our volunteers are making a real difference

STAFF and Trustees of Springhill Hospice would like to say a massive THANK YOU to each and every one of the 400+ volunteers who give their time, expertise, energy and commitment to helping staff to ensure the highest standards of care are offered to our patients, their families and visitors.

This amounts to over 1,600 hours per week of time given freely - in the Day Hospice, on the ward, on reception, in the kitchen, fundraising, garden, driving and in patients’ own homes in the community.

Also we are lucky to have a large number of volunteers working in our nine shops, the Emporium and in our Craven Tea Rooms on Broad Lane, helping to raise vital funds for the running of the Hospice.

Some volunteers have been with us since the Hospice first opened in 1989 and some of these can claim even more years, having been involved in planning and fundraising activities prior to the Hospice being built. Dedication indeed! Whatever the volunteering role, or how long volunteers have been involved, huge thanks are owed to all our volunteers all year round for their tremendous commitment, support and hard work in making the Hospice the exceptional place it is.

You all make a real difference and really do help to make ‘every moment count.’ From Staff and Trustees of Springhill Hospice. FOR the first time in decades I will not be voting Conservative.

Why are they punishing pensioners?

Axing the Winter Fuel Allowance.

Forcing me to sell my home to meet the cost of my care in old age.

Refusing to guarantee the value of our pensions that we’ve worked and paid for all our lives.

Tories are taking the pensioner vote for granted. Not any more. I’m voting for Labour’s Tony Lloyd on Thursday June 8.

A real friend of older people. Ken Blackwell Spotland Road ●●This image of a magpie and buzzard taken was submitted by Terry Angus. Email your pictures to us at rochdaleobserver@menmedia.co.uk or upload them to flickr.com/groups/rochdalepics THE whole nation is horrified by the horrendous, barbaric attack of terrorism and violence in Manchester.

My thoughts are with