Bond premiere thrills Hospice
By Pete Bennett
(Herald Express 23/11/2006)

THRILLER: Above -the 'Bond' Jaguar. Inset - Actor Daniel Craig as Commander Bond in Casino Royale.

Bond fever hit Berkhamsted last week as The Rex cinema held a special premiere style showing of Casino Royale, the latest in the classic spy series, in aid of the Hospice of St Francis.

More than 300 people turned out last Thursday night for the charity show, many in black tie dress, to enjoy vodka martinis, see a real Bond car and enjoy the new film, helping raise thou¬sands of pounds in the process.

Anna Loder, who organised the event, along with hospice therapist Lucy Barnet and, Anne McCrorie-Shand, said the event was a massive success.
She said: "It went extremely well and exceeded everyone's expectations. We were happy to make £15,000 and I think we've made nearer £25,000. Everyone loved the film and James Hannaway at the Rex was absolutely thrilled that everyone had made such an effort."

Organisers were allowed access to a copy of the film for the charity screening thanks to Anna's husband Sandy, a great nephew of Bond creator lan Fleming. The Jaguar car, which was lent by Merritts of Amersham, was a star of the previous Bond film Die Another Day.

An auction and a raffle were also held helping bring in much needed funds for the hospice.
Anna added: "Everyone had a great time and we raised so much, and James Hannaway the owner of the Rex was fantastic."

Leap of faith

- walking barefoot over red hot coals.

The Hospice of St Francis is asking people to take the ultimate test of mind over matter next week

The Hospice is hoping to encourage as many people as possible to Dig Deep and walk over a 20 foot bed of 1200° F coals to raise cash for the new building.
Penny Bird from the Hospice said: "We asked people to do sky dives and run marathons and now we want them to walk on fire to help equip the hospice!
"People have to raise a minimum of £150 to take part, but that .shouldn't be too much trouble if you are asking friends to give you money to walk on hot coals!"
The event is being run by Time 4 Challenge, a training and events company with more than 20 years experience in guiding people across the hot coals with a 100 per cent safety record.

The event will also raise funds for the Peace Hospice in Watford and takes place at the Watermill Hotel in Bourne End on Thursday November 30.
Everyone taking part will be given two hours training and motivation before the event to help conquer their fears.
Penny added: "There are lots of staff from the hospice doing it and it's not too late to sign up. Give me a call or email me to register."
For more information please contact Penny Bird on 01442 869550
Friends and family can watch the firewalk taking place from 8pm.

The hospice's new gift shop opens in Berkhamsted this Saturday, November 25, at 10 am.

NUMBER TWENTY, at 20 Lower Kings Road, offers a fantastic selection of Christmas gift ideas and finishing touches for the home.
The shop will also be a showcase for the Hospice giving information, promoting events and selling tickets.