How baby showers and golden weddings are helping St Catherine's Hospice

An afternoon tea with Dotcom Walkers at the Mill

St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall now has a permanent live music and alcohol licence, meaning the grounds and Mill cafe can be used for the likes of wedding anniversary or birthday celebrations.

The hospice recently hosted a baby shower and a golden wedding do, and it says holding family events helps raise cash for their good work,

The Mill cafe has already hosting a number of themed food evenings on the last Friday of every month, from Tapas and Mediterranean, to seafood and French nights.

Commercial catering manager Nicola Hanmer said: “It’s a very exciting time here at St Catherine’s.

“Since we launched The Mill as a social enterprise in November 2014, with all the profits going directly to the hospice, we’ve really seen the benefit of opening up the grounds to the public and letting people see for themselves what a wonderful place St Catherine’s is.

“We’re keen to keep coming up with new ideas to bring more visitors in, and offer our supporters something a bit different to look forward to, so this is the next step in our on-going ambition to secure St Catherine’s in the heart of the community.”

Nicola added: “The café is very popular and it’s always so busy. Our St Catherine’s blend coffee is a particular favourite with customers coming in to enjoy our homemade cakes and desserts.

“Some people also like the idea of enjoying a glass of wine with lunch, so offering that could really boost our income - at the same time as keeping customers happy.

“We have recently hosted a baby shower, had a number of birthday celebrations and a golden wedding anniversary. We also have some businesses which are using the rooms upstairs for meetings and conferences.

“People are interested in coming to St Catherine’s for celebrations such as family parties, but also for more poignant ceremonies, such as funeral receptions.”

“Opening the café in the evenings for the themed nights has proven a hit, with all of them being sell-outs.”

The next theme night is Italian on Friday August 26, followed by a barbecue night on September 30. For more, contact 01772 695277 or [email protected].