The annual general meeting was held on Tuesday (last night) at the Whitehills Health and Community Care Centre.

In her manager's report, Marion Hood praised the ongoing dedication and commitment of the 63 volunteers.

She said: "Through continuing recruitment, I am delighted to welcome 12 new volunteers since May 2008, with a further four volunteers presently going through the induction process.

"The volunteers are an integral part of the good partnership working with NHS Tayside professional nursing and medical staff."

Lippen Care continues to support the nursing staff and general practitioners in training in palliative care.

In 2008 two local GPs accepted the invitation to enhance their palliative knowledge, under the guidance of Dr Martin Leiper, consultant in palliative medicine at Roxburgh house. Two further GPs are taking up the opportunity in the coming months.

The work of the volunteers, from those who man the shop, the "trolley run", the volunteers who greet visitors at the hospice and Clova Ward and those who produce the floral arrangements and who tend the garden were also praised.

Works tirelessly

Two new water features have been positioned in front of patient bedrooms, and the community involvement team also works tirelessly.

Recent purchases include a 'lift and rise' recliner chair, and a community clinical bed and lightweight hoist have been bought for loan to palliative patients in Angus who wish to be at home.

Plans are being outlined to offer volunteers training in counselling skills.

In her report Moira Nicoll, Lippen Care chairman, stated the Strathmore Hospice is considered a flagship, promoting palliative care through various visits to the unit.

Lippen Care continues to support the training of staff and is committed to joint funding a new position with NHS.

She said: "This new position will be based in Whitehills with the title of Lippen Care palliative care clinical lead, developing a pathway to ensure palliative care needs are identified and implemented from their findings.

"This move puts into effect the remit of our constitution, 'to help promote and enhance the provision of high quality palliative care throughout Angus and encourage education and research to improve the quality of palliative care in Angus."

Three long-serving members of Lippen Care - Michael Hill and Elizabeth and Ian Duncan - are stepping down from the executive committee.

Moira continued: "Michael, a former chairman, has worked tirelessly and supported Lippen Care from day one, providing us with much advice and guidance through our early fund-raising days leading to fruition and, having reached his 80th birthday, has decided to pursue other interests.

"Elizabeth and Ian have also worked heart and soul for Lippen Care, not only serving on the executive but also participating in all fund-raising events.

"Their presence will be missed but they have decided to take time to enjoy other aspects of life and we wish them well. All three will always be associated with the establishment of Lippen Care Strathmore Hospice."

The accounts for the year showed donations totalling £25,627 and legacies of £11,147, with a further £10,084 from fund-raising.

The total receipts for the year were £62,036 compared to £58,698 in 2008, and this year there was a surplus of £13,774 compared to a deficit of £2,223 the previous year.