WHEN I tell people that I work for North Devon Hospice, people often say, "it must be terribly emotional working somewhere like that every day", and I must admit, I thought that myself before I came here. However, as soon as you step through the doors, that feeling is blown away by the warmth and loving atmosphere that flows through the building.

This is something you can experience for yourself this weekend as North Devon Hospice opens its gardens under the National Gardens Scheme. Between 11am and 4pm this Saturday and Sunday, why not come and have a look around our beautiful grounds, which are so well-used and loved by our patients and their families (and you can also enjoy a sumptuous cream tea in our Terrace Café)?

I would thoroughly recommend this for anyone who has not visited North Devon Hospice yet. It is a perfect way to find out more in a relaxed and informal way, and gives you a real understanding of why our services are so essential to thousands of patients, families and carers throughout North Devon.

Our services are provided free of charge, but it costs more than £3 million a year to give this vital care.

One way you can support us is by being part of our Lottery Club for just £1 a week.

The winner of this week's £1,000 Lottery Club top prize is Mr O A A (Lottery No. 36755) from Braunton who wins £1,000 while Mrs M P (69113) of Umberleigh wins £100. Mrs H L (87518) now living in Somerset wins £75, Mrs W (05493), our £50 winner, lives in Barnstaple and our £25 winner, Mrs J J (52333) lives in Holsworthy.

Congratulations to the other 30 prizewinners and thank you so much to all our Lottery Club members and to our wonderful volunteers, collectors and canvassers for your ongoing support. If you would like to become part of North Devon Hospice's Lottery Club, please contact me on 01271 347217. I would be delighted to hear from you.

MIKE PENNY,

North Devon Hospice Lottery Manager.