![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Ella-Rowcroft.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Ella-Rowcroft.png)
1941
Ella Rowcroft bestowed the main House and part of the Pilmuir estate to care for the local community.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Ella-Rowcroft.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Grounds.png)
1981
The Torquay Lions Club announced that one of its major projects was to set up a local hospice.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Grounds.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/1900s-Community-Nurses.png)
1982
On 4 May, Rowcroft Hospice opened and three patients were admitted. The first branch of the Friends of Rowcroft fundraising group was born.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/1900s-Community-Nurses.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/official-opening.png)
1983
The final ward was completed in April giving the Inpatient Unit a total of 18 beds. Rowcroft celebrated its opening on 24 July, with TV presenter David Dimbleby.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/official-opening.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Rowcroft-Hospice-shops.png)
1984
Rowcroft opens its first shop in Torquay.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Rowcroft-Hospice-shops.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Richard-Brinsley-laying-stone.png)
1991
A stone was laid by Richard Brinsley, founding Chair of Rowcroft Hospice, for the extension to the main house to create an additional ward and a single room downstairs.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Richard-Brinsley-laying-stone.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/MDT.png)
Mid-1990s
Rowcroft began to take its care out into the community and established a team of Community Nurse Specialists, later becoming a multi-professional team including other health and social care specialists.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/MDT.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Rainbow-House-was-acquired-and-refurbished-.png)
1999-2000
Rainbow House was used for Rowcroft’s day services and Rowcroft began offering the complementary therapies of aromatherapy and relaxation techniques, plus art therapy and music therapy.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Rainbow-House-was-acquired-and-refurbished-.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Richard-Brinsley-Centre.png)
2001
The Higher Lodge was refurbished into the Richard Brinsley Centre to house the expanding community team and Hospice at Home nurses.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Richard-Brinsley-Centre.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Lottery-draw.png)
2004
Rowcroft ran its first weekly lottery draw.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Lottery-draw.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Rowcroft-Hospice-ebay.png)
2005
Rowcroft began selling pre-loved stock online on eBay.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Rowcroft-Hospice-ebay.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/visit-by-Duchess-of-Kent.png)
2006
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester visited the hospice and officially opened Melody Corner, a raised level garden created for patients.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/visit-by-Duchess-of-Kent.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/H@H-24.7-1.png)
2011
Rowcroft’s Hospice at Home service expanded to provide 24/7 hour care, supporting patients in their last two weeks of life at home across South Devon. And Rowcroft’s Sleep Walk was launched – the hospice’s flagship fundraising event which has raised over £1 million to date.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/H@H-24.7-1.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Ellas-Cafe.png)
2012
Rowcroft opened its first tearoom in Churston, and expanded further into hospitality in 2019 with the launch of Ella’s Café Lounge in Chelston and Ella’s Mobile Café.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Ellas-Cafe.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Hospice-grounds.png)
2020
Owing to a generous legacy, Rowcroft was finally able to purchase the estate, enabling the hospice to ensure its sustainability into the future. Also in 2020, Rowcroft launched Ella’s Vintage Online.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Hospice-grounds.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/14.png)
2021
Devon Farm Kitchen was launched to generate additional income for the hospice by delivering ‘deliciously satisfying’ meals to people’s homes across South Devon.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/14.png)
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/40th-Anniversary-Rowcroft-Hospice-e1672925598243.png)
2022
Rowcroft celebrates 40 years and looks to expand and enhance its care.
![](https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/40th-Anniversary-Rowcroft-Hospice-e1672925598243.png)