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Welcome to our autumn issue of Wellburn news; it’s been a landmark year for Wellburn reaching 25 years and we would like to say a huge thank you to all who helped us achieve our success in the care sector. I hope you enjoy all our news from this exciting year. P5 St George’s Grimston Court Rosevale Ryton Towers Foreign Secretary William Hague has given his seal of approval to the £1.6 million extension and refurbishment of Nightingale Hall. Mr Hague, who is the MP for Richmond, was given a tour of the home, which is nearing the end of a major modernisation programme that is seeing it extended from 28 rooms to 39. At an official event which also included local councillors and other dignitaries, Mr Hague praised Wellburn for its sympathetic refurbishment of the Grade II listed building, which was formerly the Officers Mess of the Green Howards Regiment. Members of the Yorkshire Regiment, which incorporates the Green Howards, were among the guests. Mr Hague said: “Wellburn has done a magnificent job extending and refurbishing this building and ensuring the work was in keeping with its historical and listed status. Karl Beckett, Managing Director of Wellburn Care Homes, said: “We were delighted to welcome William Hague and other important guests to the home and given the history of Nightingale Hall, it was also particularly pleasing to have a military presence. MP sings Nightingale’s praises Wellburn has teamed up with experts working in elderly care to produce a series of professional films covering various topics within the sector. The ten short films - cover areas of nutrition, exercise therapy and activities - The films feature interviews with the following people, talking about their specialist areas: • Sylvie Silver, Director of the National Association of Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA) • Carole Marshall, Nutritionist and Lecturer at Northumbria University • Ben Allen, Managing Director of Oomph Wellness Ltd. Examples of some of the titles of the films are as follows: • Activities and the community • Volunteering in the care sector • Nutrition and the elderly The films can be viewed on Wellburn’s website, www.wellburncare.co.uk, or its YouTube page, www.youtube.com/wellburncarehomes. Care films P24 P9 P18 In the swim Garden House staff received some spiritual support when they went for a fundraising dip in the freezing North Sea. Continued page 12

Wellburn Newsletter Autumn 2012

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The Wellburn Care Homes newsletter showcases the work we are doing in the North East and Yorkshire. Wellburn Care Homes produce a bi-annual newsletter, which provides a personal insight into our homes and business. Residents are involved in its production and we also encourage contributions from partners and organisations.

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Welcome to our autumn issue ofWellburn news; it’s been a landmarkyear for Wellburn reaching 25 yearsand we would like to say a hugethank you to all who helped usachieve our success in the care sector.I hope you enjoy all our news fromthis exciting year.

P5

St George’s

Grimston Court

Rosevale

Ryton Towers

Foreign Secretary William Hague hasgiven his seal of approval to the £1.6million extension and refurbishmentof Nightingale Hall.Mr Hague, who is the MP for Richmond,was given a tour of the home, which isnearing the end of a majormodernisation programme that isseeing it extended from 28 rooms to 39.At an official event which also includedlocal councillors and other dignitaries,Mr Hague praised Wellburn for itssympathetic refurbishment of theGrade II listed building, which wasformerly the Officers Mess of theGreen Howards Regiment. Members of the Yorkshire Regiment,which incorporates the Green Howards,were among the guests.

Mr Hague said: “Wellburn has done amagnificent job extending andrefurbishing this building and ensuringthe work was in keeping with itshistorical and listed status.Karl Beckett, Managing Director ofWellburn Care Homes, said: “We weredelighted to welcome William Hagueand other important guests to thehome and given the history ofNightingale Hall, it was also particularlypleasing to have a military presence.

MP singsNightingale ’spraises

Wellburn hasteamed upwith expertsworking inelderly careto producea series ofprofessionalfilms coveringvarious topicswithin thesector.The ten shortfilms - cover areas of nutrition, exercisetherapy and activities - The films featureinterviews with the following people,talking about their specialist areas:• Sylvie Silver, Director of the National

Association of Providers of Activities forOlder People (NAPA)

• Carole Marshall, Nutritionist andLecturer at Northumbria University

• Ben Allen, Managing Director of OomphWellness Ltd.

Examples of some of the titles of the filmsare as follows:• Activities and the community• Volunteering in the care sector• Nutrition and the elderlyThe films can be viewed on Wellburn’swebsite, www.wellburncare.co.uk, or itsYouTube page,www.youtube.com/wellburncarehomes.

Care films

P24

P9

P18

In the swimGarden House staff received somespiritual support when they went fora fundraising dip in the freezingNorth Sea. Continued page 12

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Free Life Stories Capture ServiceWellburn is piloting a free life story capture serviceat several of its homes.The service is aimed at members of the communitywho would like to chronicle an elderly familymember or friend’s life.

By recording people talking aboutany aspect of their life and thenpresenting them with an audio CD,these memories will be preservedfor future generations. This couldprove particularly beneficial to thosewith loved ones in the early stages ofdementia, or who have illnesses suchas Parkinson’s Disease. People withthese conditions may find it difficultto remember, or even speak inthe future.

Congratulationsto Suzanne Hugheswhom has hada baby girl Hannah.

Lynn Whitehead

Area Manager - Interview

1. Why did you join a Care Home Company?I have worked in various care/support settingsduring my time, such as hostels for people whoare homeless, women’s refuge, supported livingaccommodation for people with learningdisabilities, young people’s units and I reallywanted my next role to be a new area of workfor me, where I can learn and also bring myexperience to the company.

2. If you could go anywhere in the worldwhere would it be?

While I love holidays in the sun, if I could goanywhere I would like to go to Alaska and seethe polar bears, but not too close up!

3. What are your aspirations for the company?To be renowned for excellence indementia care.

4. What is your favourite classicmovie of all time?

That will have to be ‘The Odd Couple’. Although Ihave watched it several times it still makes melaugh. It’s Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau attheir best.

5. If you could time travel, what era wouldyou go to?

I love the era of the ‘Big Bands’ such as GlenMiller. I went to see the Glenn Millar Band at theSunderland Empire with my mam recently andthey were great. ‘Little Brown Jug’ is one of myfavourite tunes and I love the film ‘The GlenMiller Story’.

6. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?Well I have a gorgeous grandson, Noah, who willbe two years old in January, so he keeps mevery busy and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

7. What is your favourite car?If money was no object, then an Aston MartinOne-77 or DBS Coupe, I will put one on my listfor Santa!

8. In the care industry what do you thinkis an important thing to remember?

I believe it is very important to make timeto listen to people and to always have anopen mind.

9. If you could give any advice to ayoung child what would it be?

You can be anything you want to be if youput your mind to it.

My dear girl, the day you see I’mgetting old, I ask you to please bepatient, but most of all, try tounderstand what I’m going through.

If when we talk, I repeat the samething a thousand times, do notinterrupt to say: “You said the samethings a minute ago”… Just listen,please. Try to remember the timeswhen you were little and I would readthe same story night after night untilyou would fall asleep.

When I don’t want to take a bath,don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me.Remember when I had to run after youmaking excuses and trying to get youto take a shower when you were justa girl?

When you see how ignorant I am whenit comes to new technology, give methe time to learn and don’t look at methat way…. Remember, honey, Ipatiently taught you how to do manythings like eating appropriately,getting dressed, combing your hairand dealing with life’s issues everyday….. the day you see I’m getting old,

I ask you to please be patient, butmost of all, try to understandwhat I’m going through.

If I occasionally lose track of whatwe’re talking about, give me the timeto remember and if I can’t, don’t benervous, impatient or arrogant.Just know in your heart that themost important thing for me is to bewith you.

And when my old, tired legs don’t letme move as quickly as before, give meyour hand the same way I offered mineto you when you first walked.

When those days come, don’t feel sad…. Just be with me and understand mewhile I ge to the end of my lifewith love.

I’ll cherish and thank you for the giftof time and joy we shared. With a bigsmile and the huge love I’ve alwayshad for you, I just want to say,I love you…

my darling daughter.

- Unknown

Letter from a mother to a daughter

www.wellburncare.co.uk Tel: 0191 229 3530H E A D O F F I C E N E W S

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H E A D O F F I C E N E W S www.wellburncare.co.uk Tel: 0191 229 3530

Snowdon Scafell Pike Ben Nevis

Starting in Wales on Friday night, we arrived ata youth hostel near the base of Snowdon. To ourhorror, we found we were sharing the youthhostel with a large party of very excitedschoolchildren, so we headed off for a curry anda couple of beers until we thought it safe toreturn. We needn’t have worried; they werelovely and were all fast asleep when we gotback. They even sponsored us - thank you guys!!

Next day the predicted monsoon and howling galesarrived and we set off for the peak. After a fewhours, soaking wet we arrived as close to the peakas we could get, without being blown off the top,before making our way back down, no stopping toadmire the view for us!

After a night dodging the midges around WastWater, we looked out of the window and it wasn’training - yippee. Full of enthusiasm we headed tothe drying room to get our dry clothing and bootson. I think it should be called a wet room instead,as nothing was dry, so we put our wet things onand headed off for the second peak.

Despite the improvement in the weather, it stillseemed like a slog to get to the top, which is quiterocky. Before we got too cold, we stopped to take acouple of pictures and headed back down. By the

time we reached the bottom, the sun had startedto shine. There was no time to stop for a rest aswe jumped back in the bus and headed tobonnie Scotland.

We arrived after midnight and surprisingly it had onlyjust gotten dark. No time to stop, we headed to bedready for a 5am start. The morning turned out to beglorious and that helped, as this was the big one.Despite the warmth, there was still a lot of snow atthe top and the views were amazing. Even moreamazing was the clothing some people go walking in.There were the obvious ones in fancy dress, who hadthe right kit on underneath, but there were alsosome totally unprepared people. One was evenwearing flip flops in the snow at the top!

We had to have a night to celebrate ourachievement, with a few drinks and a massive carboverload, before heading to our hotel, which hadenough electric sockets to charge everyone'smobile phone at the same time, fluffy towels andsteaming hot showers – bliss!!

Rare summer sunshine helped toensure our 2012 British Red CrossOpen Gardens events were ascorching success.

It meant the two homes raised afantastic £499 (Eighton Lodge £332and Grimston Court £267) for theRed Cross and Wellburn CareHomes donated £110 to make anice round figure of £600.

Red CrossThree peaks

On Friday 15th June 2012, we set off for our 3 PeaksChallenge to climb Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis,the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales.

Thank you to everyone for a fabulousweekend; we are busy planning

Wellburn’s next challenge.

- Ann Callaghan

“I attended the Great North East CareAwards 2012 ceremony on Saturday24 November at the HiltonNewcastle. with my husband Mike,Karl Beckett and his wife Marie,Norma Burns and her friend Vi.We were there to support Norma,as she had been nominated and wasa finalist for an Award.

There were 19 separate awardcategories and Norma Burns hadbeen shortlisted (to two people) as aFinalist for “The OutstandingContribution to Social Care Award”category. We all had a great night,but unfortunately Norma lost out toa lady called Ellen Vick from acompany called New Prospects,however she did collect an Award forbeing a Finalist. Never mind Norma -maybe next time.” Cathy Parkin.

North East Care Awards

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www.eightonlodge-carehome.co.uk Tel: 0191 410 3665E I G H T O N L O D G E N E W S

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Welcometo new staffTracey Bennett Blessie Gray

Lynn Best

A huge thank you to Sheila Turnball,who retired at the amazing age of 74after working for the company for justunder 20 years.

Welcometo new residentsKennethRobertsonOlive Nilson

Lillian HuntJames Corrigan

The Olympic torch passed close toEighton Lodge, prior to the start ofthe Olympics.

Unfortunately, due to the sheernumbers of people present on theday, we were unable to see thetorch itself, but the atmospherewas fantastic and it was still goodto be part of it.

Passingthetorch

We had an amazing response toour summer fair, with peoplefrom across the communitycoming to support the event.

There was a jazz band, cakestall, tombola, bedding plantsale, garden ornament sale anda fruit and vegetable sale. Anamazing £800 was raised for theresidents’ social fund.

Summer Fair

Red Cross fundraiser

Rare July sunshine helped toensure a charity event atEighton Lodge, to raise moneyfor the world’s largesthumanitarian organisation,was a scorching success.

Each year, the British Red Crossinvite organisations to open theirprivate gardens to members of thepublic and this year it was the turnof Eighton Lodge.

As well as residents and their families,over 40 members of the localcommunity attended the event andwith people paying £4 for entry to thegardens, a cream tea, entertainmentand a raffle; it meant £332 was raisedfor the British Red Cross.

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S T G E O R G E ’S N E W S www.stgeorges-carehome.co.uk Tel: 0191 419 1878

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Catie Henning Esther Mokhali

BirthdaysMargaret Taylor 80th Peggy Wilcock 90th

Residents at St George’s were waltzed backto the 1940s and 1950s at an afternoontea dance.In a bow to the Gallic roots of tea dances,staff dressed as French maids to take to thefloor with residents, before serving them tea,cream cakes, pastries and scones.To top the afternoon off, residents then settleddown to be entertained by a local singer.

Strictly comedancing

The long arm

of the law St George’s has opened its doors sothe local community can have a‘cuppa with a copper’.

We are the first Care Home in thearea to be used for the drop-insessions, which allows people livinglocally to raise any issues with theirbeat officers.

PC Gordon Bellamy, of NorthumbriaPolice’s Washington Neighbourhood

Getting pushy Residents and staff at St George’s did asponsored wheelchair push around a local park.The event was very successful, with over £300being raised. Half the money is going to theresidents’ social fund and the other half is beingdonated to the Chester-le-Street Sea Cadets.

Team, said: “Sessions like this allow usto connect with the local community inan informal setting and we find themvery useful.”

Welcome to new staff

There were plenty of ruffled feathersat St George’s, but they belonged tothe birds of prey that were the starattractions at a falconrydemonstration.

Among the birds, the residents wereable to see and hold, were a SnowyOwl, a Barn Own, Kestrel and aHarris Hawk.

Wise old Owls

Our annual fireworks display wentwith a bang.

On a lovely clear evening, everyoneenjoyed watching the display, whichreally lit up the garden!

Fireworks display

Welcometo new residentsSheila MurtherBryan HarrisonDerek Foord

Audrey DickinsonJoan Coates

Sarah Dunn celebrated her30th Birthday

Kelly Watt, manager, celebrated21 years with Wellburn

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www.glenholme-carehome.co.uk Tel: 0191 549 2594G L E N H O L M E N E W S

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CongratulationsTo Christine Scott for beingpromoted to Team Leader.

A big welcome to our newresidents, we hope they’ll bevery happy here:

We have enjoyedfish and chips onthe seafront witha nice cup of tea.The sea air is

lovely to blow away the cobwebs.

We have also enjoyed a trip toSunderland dogs, a tipple and pieand pea supper.

It made a lovely change to ourFriday evening.

Blowingawaycobwebs

Welcometo new staffEmma Barbrook Jennifer Welford Gillian Aitken

Jade DevonportHayley Darnton

Warm Welcometo new residents

Mary SeymourNorman WilkinsonMay Denning

Sadie GodfreyFreda ChappelOlive Rogers

Residents at Glenholme weretreated to a performanceof Aladdin by Actonepanto,a group that tours nursingand residential homes.

Aladdin was performed by two members of the group, who bring their ownsets and music. The show, which also included songs from popularmusicals such as Beauty and the Beast, lasted one hour and to make it asreal as possible there was an interval – with snacks and refreshmentbeing provided.

He’sbehind you!Summer is not the timefor pantomime is it?Oh yes it is!

I joined Glenholme in 1987,as the kitchen assistant,however over the years I endedup working as part of thehousekeeping team. As timewent by the Home’s residentsincreased and gentlemen weregradually introduced to thehome, Glenholme has undergonemany changes throughoutthe years, all I must say forthe better.

I worked for the company for 20years and retired in 2007. Afterretiring I found myself missing

the company of the staff andresidents, so I would regularlycall into the Home for a chatand a coffee. When I was toldthey were looking for a secondcook, I immediately put myselfforward for the position and inJune 2010 I rejoined Glenholmeas second cook and was thrilledto be back in Glenholmeamongst the staff and residents.

I must say, all my years havebeen happy and enjoyable atGlenholme and the staff andresidents have been a pleasure towork alongside, I hope to workat Glenholme for many yearsto come.

Dorothy HandyA staff’s Life Story AtGlenholme House

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N I G H T I N GA L E H A L L N E W S www.nightingalehall-carehome.co.uk Tel: 01748 823 003

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Welcome to new staff

and welcome to Suzanne Hughesas our new area manager:

We were joined by our residents’families and local councillorsto celebrate the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee.Everyone was treated to a lovelybuffet meal and the day wasrounded off with entertainmentprovided by the Bill Norris Group.

Sue Griffiths Liz TaylorStacey Simpson Sabrina BuxeyTracey PearsonLeanne HugillLauren Boon

Laura RobinsonEllie Hutton Vicky KiernanJenny LowesAnita SingjaliMel Barratt Maggie Cole On 28th September 2012,

Nightingale Hall held a MacmillanCancer Support Coffee morningand with the help of Janice Spark,our Activities Co-ordinator andAlison, our Chef, there were somespectacular cakes on offer and weraised £63.41.The soldiers from 1 Battalion REMEalso turned up to support thisworthwhile charity event. Not onlydid the soldiers make a fantasticdonation, they spent time chattingwith the residents, some of whomused to also be in the Army,with Mr Sheldon being a pastveteran of the REME.

The soldiers had a tour of our newrecently refurbished room, whichboasts a bar and cinema room,complete with projector and satellitesystem. This particularly impressedthe soldiers and they have already

booked in their long term aftercare, aslong as they can bring a PlayStation.

The staff and residents of NightingaleHall would like to wish the Soldiers of1 Battalion REME a safe return fromAfghanistan and extend our welcometo come back and visit us in thenear future.

Welcometo new residentsEvelyn Johnson Joyce KeenleysideTom Watson Edith Watson

Ken HarveyDennis ShermanGladys CavellHilda Raw

Jubilee party

Residents at Nightingale Hall hada little flutter when they went tothe races.They spent an enjoyable afternoontrying to pick winners at the nearbyCatterick Racecourse, which is one ofthe oldest courses in the UKUnusually for the summer this year,there was plenty of blue sky andeveryone got into the spirit of things,shouting home the horses even ifthey hadn't backed them.

At the RACES

MACMILLANCancer support

Carly Smith on havingher new baby girl Maisie.

Congratulations

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www.wellburncare.co.uk Tel: 0191 229 3530L I F E S T O R I E S

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Margaret moved to NightingaleHall in 2009, having spent 22 yearsliving near to her daughter,Christine (and husband, Paul), inHastings. Margaret moved upto Richmond, to now spend timeliving closer to her sons David (andwife, Janet), Michael (and partner,Maggie) and daughter Stephanie(and husband, Ross) who live inCumbria, Scotland and theYorkshire Dales, respectively. Margaret was born in 1923 in a smallvillage near Huddersfield, West Ridingof Yorkshire; her brother John was bornin 1929. Her parents Arthur and AnnieLodge ran their own business makingfelt filters and felt jelly bags for use inhouseholds as well as restaurants,bakeries, brewers and hotels.Margaret’s father and grandfather wereboth amateur musicians andentertainers, so it was no surprise thatshe studied the piano to quite a highstandard in her younger days. Afterleaving Wakefield Girls High School atthe start of World War Two, Margaretwent to work in the technical drawingdepartment of David Brown’sagricultural machinery factory inHuddersfield. It was here that she mether future husband Neville who laterqualified as a metallurgist.

They married in 1946 and subsequentlymoved to St Albans where their firstthree children, David, Michael andChristine were born. Margaret andNeville then moved to northStaffordshire where their fourth child,Stephanie was born. The establishmentof the Abbotsholme Arts Society in 1968at a nearby co-educational day /boarding school gave Margaret anopportunity to use her organisationalskills as the Society’s HonorarySecretary, a role she fulfilled for about15 years. Sadly Neville died in 1978 andMargaret eventually moved toHastings, East Sussex, to be closer toher daughter Christine and herhusband as well as her only twograndchildren, Daniel and Zoë.

Before moving to Nightingale Hall inRichmond, North Yorkshire, Margaretbecame a proud great-grannie to Tobyand Mabel. Throughout her lifeMargaret has had a love of classicalmusic and the arts, motor racing,gardening, needlework and driving. Shestill fondly remembers her schooldaysand for many years was a keenattender at the school reunions, drivingmany miles around the country to meetup with her school friends.

The proximity of three of Margaret'schildren to Richmond has made itmuch easier for them to visit theirmother. As Christine and Paul travel upto Newcastle to visit their daughter Zoeseveral times a year, Margaret nowenjoys seeing all her children on aregular and frequent basis, withNightingale Hall proving to be anideal base.

Bobby was born on 28th April 1934in Red Row, along with his twoolder sisters Joyce and Betty. Hisfather was a miner and later hisparents owned a chip shop at thedrift. Bobby left school at the age

Bobby PercyHeatherdale

Margaret RutherfordNightingale Hall

L I F E S T O R Y

L I F E S T O R Y

came back to England he boughtinto the hotel business and hisfirst enterprise was theNorthumberland Arm in Feltonand later owned a hotel nearDumfries. Bobby has been marriedthree times, his first two wivessadly passing away. Before Bobbycame to be part of our family atHeatherdale he was living with hissister, niece and great niece.

of 16 to start an apprenticeship atthe National Coal Coard as anelectrical engineer. He then wentonto Ashington Technical collegeto do his national certificate andthen on to Newcastle to do ahigher national. Eventually hewent to Bahrain to be aDistribution and Transmissionmanager in the 1960’s. After he

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R O S E VA L E N E W S www.rosevale-carehome.co.uk Tel: 01904 764 242

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Welcometo new staffMerce VacaKarl Knowles

Tom AndersonDianne Wallace

Welcometo new residentsMrs PierceMrs Hyslop

Mrs GingellMrs Fogg

Fifteen residents and carers went toScarborough and enjoyed paddling inthe sea, relaxing on the deck chairs onthe beach, fish & chips and ice creams!

Five residents and carers tookpart in the memory walk at theYork Knavesmire (racecourse),5km walk and raised £100 for theAlzheimers Society.

Thank you Seaside

Pets at Home came into Rosevalewith two rabbits, and a gecko.The residents fell in love with one ofthe rabbits and we decided to keepher. She is called Fudge and she nowlives in an indoor cage in the lounge,where she comes out daily and haslots of cuddles.

Furry Fun

We were treated to a visit by Tinkerbell the pony, which came fromYork Riding School.

No long faces

We were recently delighted towelcome a group of studentsfrom Holland to Rosevale.The studentsspent a day inthe Home aspart of aneducationalvisit to York.The visit wasarranged through Rosevale’sManager, Nikki, who has hadDutch students staying with her inthe past.

The youngsters spent a lot of timechatting with residents and theywill now be writing an account oftheir experience.

After the visit, one of the students,Amarinda, wrote us a lovely letter,which said: “I want to thank you fora very nice moment in your house. Itwas a pleasure to meet you and totalk to you all.“The people were very kind and nice.I hope that you all enjoyed it like I did.“I heard a lot of laughing people inthe living roomand when wecame in theroom we sawa lot ofsmiling faces.”

Dutch StudentsGoing Dutch

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www.wellburncare.co.uk Tel: 0191 229 3530L I F E S T O R I E S

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In 1942 I married George, who was inthe Northumberland Fusiliers, notlong after he was sent to Normandy,later I received a letter saying he wasmissing. My first daughter was bornten months later and I thought shewould never see her father, but later Igot a letter from the Salvation Armysaying they’d found him in a Swanseahospital, badly wounded. When hecame home we had nowhere to live sowe squatted in a camp at Ouston, withlots of other ex-service families in thesame predicament. After about sixvery hard years, we got a new house atBirtley, we were the first family tomove into this estate. I lived there for60 years.

Around 1960, George became a youthleader at Birtley community centre andmyself, my eldest daughter and mymany friends became helpers.

We had a very good football team,Birtley Juniors and even former

Manchester United and England legendBryan Robson played for a while. I ranthe table tennis. The actor Tim Healeyeven played for a while. We all gotinvolved with lots of crafts for ourmany fairs. We also had youthexchange with Denmark and Germanyand many trips away.

After about 25 years, George had aheart attack and we had to retire.These were the happiest years ofmy life.

George and I started to go toNormandy with the veterans each yearand found our best man’s grave, it wasvery emotional.

George died in 1990. Four years later Iwent to South Africa to see myyoungest daughter and even went on asafari. It was lovely, but it was good tocome back home. I’ve had lots ofholidays with my family since andenjoyed my life.

L I F E S T O R Y

Riverhead Hall

Margaret Eileen Sissons, knownto us as Eileen, was born on 12thAugust 1929 in Nottingham. Herparents, Edith Mary Sissons andGeorge Frederick Sissons, alsohad two other daughters, Stella(Fishpool) and Marian (Brown)who now live in Pocklington andNottingham respectively.

Eileen attended Langley MillInfants School, followed byHeanor Grammar School, whereshe participated in open waterswimming events, as well as beinga keen cricketer and tennis player.

Later Eileen went on to bothManchester and Birminghamuniversities, where she studiedSpanish. An intelligent lady, shewas also fluent in Spanish andalso spoke German and French.

Eileen worked at the DerbyshireElectricity Board, although shelater move to Skegness and thenlater to Pocklington, beforejoining us at Riverhead Hall.

In her younger days Eileen waswell travelled, joining her parentsand sister on their first familyholiday abroad to Nice in 1953.Eileen has also visited Majorca,Yugoslavia and Italy.

Eileen’s passion in life has alwaysbeen dogs. Eileen chose to holidayin the UK countryside, so that shecould take her two dachshunddogs with her (Timothy andJonty). Eileen’s friends were alsodog lovers and they lovedspending time together walking.

Eileen lived a very active life andwhen she wasn’t out walking withher dogs, she would spend hertime gardening. Eileen grew herown vegetables, including broadand runner beans and tomatoes.

Although not a lover of TV, Eileenenjoyed musicals, theatre, booksand the radio. Current affairs andpolitics being Eileen’s chosen topicto listen to.

Eileen has always been an ‘early tobed – early to rise’ lady, which hascontinued at Riverhead Hall.

Eileen very much enjoys readingthe morning paper, walks inthe garden and in particularvisits from the P.A.T. dog or anyother dog.

Joyce BellEighton Lodge

L I F E S T O R Y

Margaret Eileen Sissons

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GA R D E N H O U S E N E W S www.gardenhouse-carehome.co.uk Tel: 01289 330 942

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another cause he served. He was chairman of thelocal advisory committee and was involved in thesetting up of the premises in Harbour Road.Swan Court was built by the RBLS HousingAssociation and Peter was involved in it beingsited in Eyemouth. The Eyemouth Museum wasopened in time for the centenary of the EastCoast Disaster in 1981 and again Peter was at thehelm for the conversion of the Auld Kirk, theproduction of the tapestry (he may even haveput a few stitches in), the reprinting of theDisaster book and the commemorative medallions.He served on and was chairman of, the EyemouthHerring Queen committee and supported thefestival long after he retired from the committee.

Peter fought long and hard to have a cottagehospital built in Eyemouth and he helped instarting a fund to provide extras for such abuilding. When it became clear that a hospitalwas not to be, the monies were diverted to fundthe now ‘Hospital comforts Association’, whichPeter chaired for many years.To help fund the hospital project he was amember of a group who started the first ‘’200Club’’, (Now 500 Club) which today helps financea number of local clubs. Peter was interested inall kinds of music and sang with the EyemouthFisherman’s Choir until his memory failing tooktheir toll. He served as Justice of the Peace forat least 25 years. When the legion moved to newpremises in the main street, the ‘Hut’ atWellbraes became vacant and Peter led a groupwhich had the hut converted to serve asheadquarters for the disabled club. He chairedthe TEDDA committee for a number of years. His efforts on behalf of the town were recognisedwhen he was awarded the MBE in the QueensHonours List in 1996. There were many otherinterests which gave him pleasure and enjoyment.His little weather station in the back garden,where he faithfully recorded details at midnightevery night for years. He was able to boast thatEyemouth had more sunshine hours and less rainthan anywhere round about. The figures wererecorded in a notebook in his beautifulcopperplate writing, which he could put down onpaper as quickly as most could scrawl their efforts.Peter was proud of his two grandsons and fivegreat grandchildren. Since they came along hishealth has started to give cause for concern. Theonce razor sharp mind had started to slip.Eyemouth has much to be grateful for Peter for.He fought for the town long and hard. He has lefta legacy which will last for for many years

Welcometo new staffSusan Henderson Anne Mc Coll Arleen Johnstone

Beth Charlton Leonie Wardhaugh

Congratulationsto Janette Spence for recentlyachieving her NVQ Level 2

A huge warm welcome toJean HarrisonJessie & Tony Park

We had a lovely party to celebratethe Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The home was decked out in red,white and blue, we had someentertainment and the residentsenjoyed a lovely jubilee lunch.

Jubilee party

Every three months, the Spittal ImprovementTrust carries out a clean-up at the beach nearGarden House.Residents and staff were involved in the mostrecent event and we enjoyed helping to ensureour lovely beach remains clean and tidy.

Beach Clean

Peter Fishbourne MBEOn Friday, August 3, the people of Eyemouthsaid farewell to one of the town’s stalwarts. For over 60 years, Peter Fishbourne MBE,played a major role in the development andimprovements within the burgh.

Peter was born in Chirnside, but the family movedto Eyemouth, where he attended primary andsecondary schools. With schooldays over, Peterspent a short time as a telegram boy, beforeserving his apprenticeship with Purvis, alocal joiner. He served with the Black Watch in Cyprus andGreece as a signalman and attained the rank ofSergeant Instructor. He returned to the buildingindustry for a short time before training atMorayhouse College of Education to become ateacher of Technical Education.In 1953 he married a local girl, Jean Dougal andthey had a family, Alan and Odette. Peter’s firstteaching post was in Kelso/Morebattle. He thentaught in Chirnside before moving to Eyemouth in1965.Peter took early retirement from teaching tostand as eastern Berwickshire’s representative onthe Scottish Borders Council. He was successful andserved until his retirement.Peter’s contribution to and for the welfare ofEyemouthanditscitizens, is impossible to measure.He served on the Town Council from 1955 untilregionalisation. He led the council as Provostthree times. He then served in BerwickshireDistrict Council, before being elected regionalcouncillor in the 1980’s. His other main interestsincluded the Eyemouth Harbour Trust, which hejoined in 1964. His service of 38 years includedsome ten years as chairman. The Royal BritishLegion Scotland was another of his interests. He

served for almost 60 years on the localcommittee where he occupied the posts ofsecretary, pensions officer, vice chairman,chairman and president, at various times.Peter also served at Area Level, where he waschairman, vice president and president over theyears. He served on the national council and onthe pensions committee, where his work wasmuch appreciated.His work for the Royal Institute for the Blind wasrewarded with a post on their national executive.The Royal mission to Deep Sea Fishermen was

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www.gardenhouse-carehome.co.uk Tel: 01289 330 942GA R D E N H O U S E N E W S

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Welcometo new staffLeighanne, Lee, Shaun and Julie HARVEST FESTIVAL

Singsong

Judith Scurr - Leaving

All the staff at St Catherine’s wouldlike to say goodbye to Judith, ourmanager. She will be greatly missedand we thank her for getting StCatherine’s to where it is todayand for all her hard work over thelast three and a half years.

Smile and a Song are our regular ‘sing-a-long’ duet. They are fantastic with ourresidents and really get them involved withthe singing. Smile and Song are a big partof St Catherine’s and enjoy dressing up atChristmas and for special occasions.

After 8 years workingfor Wellburn Care,Corina Davison isleaving St Catherine’sand returning hometo New Zealand to bewith her family andher new grandchild.We would like to saya big thank you toCorina for all your

hard work over the years.

CongratulationsCongratulations to Mariyana whogot married this summer.

Thank you

this year; he also gave a quick talk toeveryone regarding the work that theSalvation Army does.We have just celebrated another

successful Harvest Festival. StCatherine’s residents were joined byour village primary school, Forest ofGaltres, to sing songs of praise. Foodwas donated from staff, relatives andfriends to be distributed to people inneed and the homeless. A very bigthank you to Major AndrewDunkenson, who collected the foodon behalf of the Salvation Army again

In the swimGarden House staff received some spiritualsupport when they went for a fundraisingdip in the freezing North Sea.The eight staff, including Acting ManagerJane Filer, were joined by the ReverendMatthew Knox, from the Tweedmouth,Spittal and Scremerston Parish, for a colddip in the water.Reverend Knox even went into thewater wearing his clerical black shirt and‘dog collar’.We staged the event to raise money forthe Parish and we would like to thankeveryone, particularly residents and theirfamilies, for their kind support. Theymoney is still coming in but we hopeto raise over £300.

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S T C AT H E R I N E ’S N E W S www.stcatherines-carehome.co.uk Tel: 01904 470 644

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Shock to the senses – St Catherine’sBrian, our head gardener, transformed our dementia unit’s garden earlierthis year. Brian worked very hard to ensure that the garden was packed fullof sensory activities for the residents. Each area within the garden excitesdifferent parts of the senses; there is a colourful area, a smells/herb areaand two raised vegetable beds for the residents to plant their ownvegetables. The whole area is accessible by a wheelchair friendly pathand when the sun sets, the garden is illuminated by numerous solar lights.The garden was officially opened by Mollie Haig MBE in the summer.We would like to say a big thank you to Brian for his dedication to ourgardens and big and well-deserved congratulations on his gold Yorkshire inBloom award this year.

Ivan was born on 19th October 1919in Buckinghamshire and he had asister named Gwen, who was 10years younger than him. WhenIvan was 12-years-old, he started asan apprentice with a factorycalled Bloom and Wade, whomade road drills.

At the age of 14, Ivan and his familymoved to Norfolk to work on hisuncle’s farm. Ivan would have stayedand worked on the farm for manyyears, however times were hard andthe farming industry was startingto use more mechanical aids. As hisuncle’s farm was run mainly withhorses, the farm unfortunatelyended up closing down.

Ivan, then at the age of 16, starteda new job working on a 100- acrefarm owned by Mr NewcombeBaker, to whom Ivan states was a‘fine employer’. Mr Baker wasinstrumental in the mechanizationof arable farming and was also afounder member of Normac, the

Norfolk machinery foundation. Thefarm which Ivan now worked onmainly produced sugar beet, barleyand wheat. One of the first tractorsto roll off the production line wascalled the M tractor. Ivan had neverdriven a tractor before and asked afriend who drove a Ford if he could

go home with him that evening tolearn to drive - needless to say Ivanproudly drove the tractor the verynext morning. Ivan was laterintroduced to the 16ft combineharvester that no one had heard ofbefore, but which had come fromCanada. Ivan continued to managethe farm until he retired.

Ivan met his wife Carol on the farmduring the war. She was one of fourland girls that had been deployedto help out on the farm. Heroriginal job was to milk the farmcows, but she later transferredonto driving the tractors. Ivanremembers the day before theirwedding; it was very thick fog, yeton the day of the wedding the sunshone all day. Ivan and Carol wenton to have two children, Sarah andSteven. Later in life Carol and Ivandecided to move to York to becloser to their daughter Sarah.They moved to Strensall on theoutskirts of York, Ivan wasadmitted to St Catherine’spermanently in 2012 due to hisfailing health.

L I F E S T O R YIvan Jo lly’s

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www.wellburncare.co.uk Tel: 0191 229 3530L I F E S T O R I E S

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From Captain of the Royal Navyfootball team, through to being asemi-professional gambler, EzreDrake has lived an exciting andcolourful life. His mother andfather were from Halifax, butcame to Newcastle for work -his father was a miner and hismother a housewife. He had onebrother and two sisters and atthe age of 86, is the lastsurviving sibling.

Ezre’s first job was behind a bar,where he worked from 6am in themorning until 11pm at night, sixdays a week. He really enjoyed hisjob and he made his money up withtips. Ezre then enlisted in the RoyalNavy, where he worked on a

minesweeper. He said he canremember D-Day as if it wereyesterday; he had just finishedtraining in Plymouth, when at 5am,he heard a horrendous noise andeveryone rushed outside. Ezre saidthe sky was literally black withplanes and by 9am D-Day waswell underway.

He enjoyed being in the Navy verymuch. He was also football mad andwas the captain of the Navy footballteam. Ezre said he would have lovedto have been a professionalfootballer – not for the money

though, but he had a huge passionfor it. He said the money modernday footballers get paid is ridiculous.

Ezre got married at the age of 26and his advice is, you should neverrush in to marriage and he feels alot of people get married now forthe wrong reason. Sadly, his wifedied 32 years ago of cancer. Theyhad no children.

He then went on to work atFederation Brewery, where heworked for 48 years until he retired.He says this was his favourite job.Ezre is now 86 and living at RytonTowers, but still drives his car. Heplayed cricket, football and golfwhen he was young, but he wants toget back into golf again eventually.Ezre drives himself to hisappointments and a nurse said tohim, she has never seen anyone froma care home drive themselves toappointments. Ezre was also a semi-professional gambler and actuallybought his house with his winnings,he had a good lifestyle.

Dorothy was born on in 1921 toHelen and William Boyd. She wastheir first born and lived inSandyford, Newcastle upon Tyneand was christened DorothyWayton Boyd. After Dorothy leftSandyford School in 1935, shewent on to be a dressmaker until1939, when the war started.Dorothy then joined up andworked in a factory buildingSpitfires. Dorothy was asweetheart of the forces.

After the war in 1945, Dorothybecame a dancer and was on stagewith Bobby Thompson, the ‘littlewaster’ and when Newcastle wonthe cup for two years running inthe 1960s, Bobby and Dorothy wereon stage at a venue when theNewcastle team came in. They letDorothy and Bobby hold the cup.

Dorothy then went on to be aBluecoat at Butlins, where she metQueen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip,while they were on tour. In 1972,there was a house fire at thehouse Dorothy owned in Jesmond.Realising there was somethingwrong. Dorothy got her 80-yearold mother and two lodgers outthe house, but there was a mantrapped upstairs; thankfully thefiremen got him out.

Dorothy loved making clothes andstill wears many of the tops thatshe made herself.

Unfortunately Dorothy never hadany children or got married,Dorothy’s quote is ‘love, freedomdo what I want when I want.’

DorothyBoydWhorlton Grange

L I F E S T O R Y

Ezre DrakeRyton Towers

L I F E S T O R Y

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H E AT H E R DA L E N E W S www.heatherdale-carehome.co.uk Tel: 01670 760 796

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Residents enjoyed an afternoon inthe garden playing ten pin bowling.The sun was shining, so we got ourhats on and made the most of it.

CongratulationsSarah on getting married to Kevin.

Marlene on getting married to Jimmy.

Debra on the birth of her firstchild Karl.

Marlene on the birth of herfirst Grandson Karl.

Violet on becoming a grandmother.

Welcome to:New Staff – Kim Beverley andLynne Aldworth.

New Residents – Alice Cox,James Robert Percy (Bobby) andFlorence May Westle.

Happy Birthdays

Sea Life Centre

Marjorie reaching the great age of103 in August.Alan Rowell and Jean Grievesturning 90 and Minnie Keech 75.

In Royal company One of our residents, Bobby Percy, gotto meet Prince Charles during his visitto Northumberland in the summer. Wetook some of our residents to seePrince Charles, as he visited Red Rowand the local pub kindly opened for usso we wouldn’t have to stand for toolong. Bobby was sitting in another partof the pub and unexpectedly got tomeet the Prince, much to his delight.

Everyone at Heatherdale was treatedto a wonderful performance by theEllington Colliery Band.

The band played a wide range of brassband classics and HeatherdaleManager, Alison Moore said: “We hadreally good support from ourresidents’ families and the musicbrought back many happy memoriesfor everyone.”

The cold and rain didn’t dampenspirits, when staff and residents gottogether to celebrate the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee.

We had originallyplanned to havea ‘street party’in the garden,but insteadwe broughteverything insideand enjoyedbeing entertainedby a local singerand eatinglovely food.

We went to the Sea Life centre andfound it amazing - residents reallylove their day trips out. We finishedour day by getting fish and chipsand eating them in the minibus,the good old fashioned way.

Singer Lewis brought in his Olympictorch for us all to see. Residents lovedhaving a hold and getting theirpictures taken looking like Olympians.

Jubilee Party

Congratulations toAlan Rowell, whomcelebrated his 65thwedding anniversarywith wife Mary.

Olympic Torch Ten Pin Bowling

Banging the drum

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www.glenholmedaycentre.co.uk Tel: 0191 548 6042GLENHOLME DAY CENTRE NEWS

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Congratulations

Queen’s jubilee

Big thank you

Visit to Bede’s world

Sharon Whitfield on passing herNVQ level 2 in record time.Sheila Morris on the arrival of hergrandson Charlie.Michelle Reah on passing herNVQ level 3.Mary and Dennis Meddis on your70th wedding anniversary.Happy Birthday to Barbara Percivalwho is 90 years young.

Happy Birthday toMargaret McDonald

To our Day Centre clients who raised£95 with their buckets for the PDSA.

Worth a punt

People who attend Glenholme DayCentre were all of a flutter after ahorse, they were shown during a visitto stables in North Yorkshire, dulyromped home at 20-1 the following day.

The Day Centre hada trip to Bede’sWorld in Jarrow.We enjoyed lookingaround themuseum and alsolooking around the

medieval farm; we saw the old farmingmethods and even met a curly pig. Asyou can see Marjorie Goss got into herpart wearing a habit. After lunch wewent to St Paul’s Church and theverger gave us the history of thechurch and the links to St PetersChurch in Sunderland. The vergereven let us ring the bells, via ropes,which was a real treat.

We visited Kirleatham Owl Centre,where we watched a flyingdemonstration featuring barn owls,long legged selinas, isis birds and a ratshow. We also enjoyed looking at themeerkats and mongoose and also thesnakes and reptiles on show.

Users of our Day Centre enjoyedbetting on horses from the comfortof their own chairs, at a charityrace night.

The race nights are always popularand this was no exception.Money raised from the event has goneto the Day Centre funds.

The day centre and the residentialhome joined forces for the Queen’sJubilee. We had the proceedings on thebig screen and had a brilliant streetparty, with flags and hats galore.

The group spent an enjoyable Saturdayafternoon at the racing stables ofAndy Crook, who is based in Middleham.They were thrilled to be around theracehorses, which included a three-year-old filly called Dansili Dutch.

Dansili Dutch was in an eight furlongrace at Pontefract, so everyone had aflutter and they were delighted whenit romped in by six lengths, a t anamazing price of 20-1.

And to carry on the horse theme,we had a pony into the home for theteam to meet.

...andthey’re off

KirkleathamOwl Centre

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L I F E S T O R I E S www.wellburncare.co.uk Tel: 0191 229 3530

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Olive Bruce was born on 12thJune 1921 to the proud parentsMary and Frank Bruce. She hadthree sisters and one brother.Her childhood was spent at Sheriff Hill.She first went to Sheriff Hill School,then at 11, to Carrhill School.

Olive was brought up Church ofEngland and every Sunday morning

went to church with her father. Olivedid a lot of cycling with her niece Doris,who was only one month younger andher cousins; they loved going toDurham. Her father was a miner all hislife and worked at Heworth Colliery.Dad took all the family down the pit,except her mother, as she did not wantto go. This was so everyone could seewhat Dad did. He was a foreman anddid blasting. Olive said she was veryscared and frightened.

Olive left school at 14 and started workat John Hutton, in Newcastle. Very highclass tailoring was done there, mostlyby hand and Olive would get the tramto work.

At the start of the war, Olive and Doriswere put into the A.T.S., unfortunatelyafter initial training, Doris went southand Olive went to Stirling, Scotland.When she was there, her friend saidshe was going on a blind date with her.This was her first meeting with herhusband, Kare Hilson. Kare hadescaped the German invasion ofNorway and joined the Norwegian freeforces. Near the end of the war Olivereturned to Sheriff Hill and joined theadmin staff at food office. Kare wentback to Norway. Olive got a letter fromKare to say come to Norway and meethis family. Olive went there for a

holiday and love blossomed. A fewmonths later they got married.

An uncle in Norway had a lot of landand he gave them some to build alovely house, a very big house in abeautiful place. Olive enjoyed livingthere and they had a small motor boat.They had dogs and Olive said she wassad by the fact that they could not havechildren, as they both would haveloved a family. Her husband Kareworked as a telephone engineer.

They both returned to England for awhile and then missed Norway, so theyreturned there to live for a few moreyears. Kare had an accident at workand therefore he decided to retire. Theydecided to move to southern Spain, forthe warmer climate, especially forKare. They had a lovely villa there andenjoyed a good social life. They bothloved dancing. Due to it getting verybusy in Spain, they moved back toDurham. Then for a while they lived inKent and after that they moved toBournemouth, then to Lincolnshire.This was where Kare died in 1998. Afterhis death, Olive moved to Washingtonto be near her niece, Joan.

Olive said she had been blessed to havehad a wonderful life, an excellentchildhood and the best husband.

Pat Grey has always loved horseracing,so much so she became quite thescourge of the bookmakers! Born inSouth Shields, Pat’s father worked forthe Shipping Federation and hermother was a housewife. Pat movedto London when she was only 18 andreally enjoyed living in the city whereshe found work at HM Customs andExcise. She so enjoyed working forthem when returning to South Shields,she continued working for Customsand Excise, up until her retirement.

Pat did not get married or have anychildren but was close to her niece

and nephew Elizabeth and David. Pathas always been interested in horsesand in horse racing. Elizabeth andDavid were given a riding lesson whenElizabeth was six and David four.Later, when Elizabeth was older, Pattook her to the races at Rothbury.Elizabeth chose her horse, HighlandWedding (merely by its name), butAuntie Pat, studying its form, said ithad never done anything before andwouldn’t let her bet on it. Elizabethhas never let Auntie Pat forget thatthe horse won losing her 30 shillings.

The family were all very excited whenPat became part owner of her ownhorse, Jassy. This gave her enormouspleasure and much interest,particularly at Kelso Racecoursewhere Pat has spent many a happyday at the races mingling with theowners and trainers.

In October 2002, members of thefamily joined Auntie Pat at Kelso inthe hospitality restaurant. By now Patwas always picking winners. Elizabethpicked her own and won nothing. Patis now 92 and living at Ryton Towers.She enjoys doing crosswords in herspare time and loved the visit from ahorse and carriage earlier this year.

Olive NilsonL I F E S T O R Y

Eighton Lodge

Pat GrayL I F E S T O R Y

Ryton Towers

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www.rytontowers-carehome.co.uk Tel: 0191 413 8518RY T O N T O W E R S N E W S

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Staff BirthdaysNorma Holmes 65th

Sarah Coyne 21st

Kerri Vincent celebrated her birthdayby getting engaged.

Warm Welcometo new residentsPat GrayMargeret AustinEnid CoathupJean Edgar

Mary StephensonMary BuchanEzra DrakeLillian Haggerty

Jessie Horrocks has celebratedher 99th BirthdayJessie Hunter has celebrated her90th Birthday.

Welcometo new staffDarren Walker Heidi Thompson Heather Knowles

Gillian Knotts Sam Annison

Frendene Park was first registeredfor Northumbria in Bloom in 2010.The first round of judging took place

on April 5th 2011, for the SpringBedding and to find out plans forSummer Bedding and any long termplans. 5th July saw the summerjudging and after a very long day wewaited for 11th September and theresults of all our efforts.

We would like to share some ofthe quotes from the judges’ report,before I announce the results.

"There is obvious pride of placeamong the people of Ryton, who doso much for their local parkand environment."

"The judges were delighted to meetsome of the seven year old gardenersin the park, seven beds are managedby various friends groups, the nursinghome and the bowling club."

Taking all of the above and a lotmore, into consideration, FrendenePark has been awarded GOLD!

Ryton, in the Small Town category,has been awarded SILVER GILT!

I would like to say a big thank you toyou and please, pass on my sinceregratitude to your staff, for all theirhard work and on going efforts.

Our residents thoroughly enjoyedhaving a ride on a horse and cartthat came to the home recently.The horse and cart always provespopular and this time wasno exception.

Horse and cart

Frendene Park

CongratulationsKatie Hart, Tracy Smiles forstarting their NVQ Level 3.Karen Teasdale on becominga team leader.Kerri Vincent on the birth ofher baby boy Sam, on the 22ndJuly at 4:15am, weighing 2lb8oz - both are doing very well.

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R I V E R H E A D H A L L N E W S www.riverheadhall-carehome.co.uk Tel: 01377 253 863

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Residents at Riverhead Hall have taken full advantage ofthe bright and sunny days we’ve had. Margaret Dixonand others have been enjoying games in the garden andLucy Warkup here, enjoys sitting amongst ourwonderful flowers.

Every Monday afternoon there is abus trip at Riverhead Hall, whereresidents get to travel around thecountryside of East Yorkshire,visiting places such as HornseaMere, Sledmere Deer Park,Bridlington Harbour, local farmsand attractions. This is a popularactivity, which the residents lookforward to.

Day Trips Out Family Fun Day

Riverhead Halltook Silver Gilt,in the public andprivate charitableestablishmentcategory of Yorkshirein Bloom. Picture is from DriffieldTimes and Post, dated Thursday27th September.

Celebratingour garden

CongratulationsTo Stacey Grady and Beverley Robsonon completing their NVQ Level 2in Healthcare.

Also congratulations to Sarah Boweswho became a Team Leader.

Riverhead Hall hosted a “World’sBiggest Coffee Morning” on Friday28th September, in aid of MacmillanCancer Support and raised £55.

Coffee morningWelcometo new staffJaici BellamyNaomi CousinsNell Cutherbertson

Loren WilliamsonVictoria Wilson

Summer Months

A family fun day was held atRiverhead Hall, on Saturday1st September. Friends, familyand visitors were invited toenjoy an afternoon with the

staff and residents. Activitiesincluded a bouncy castle,tombola, raffle, cake and craftstall and “Sam’s Safaris”.

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Mary Coutson was born in 1919, onEscrick Farm at Shipton, Rufforth.Her parents were Francis and EmilyBeckett. Her father was a farmer andspent his life farming, whilst hermother stayed at home with her four

children, Mary, Ruth, Francis andAlbny. Mary attended school until shewas 15. After leaving school, she hadmet her first serious partner, Willy,who used to come to school on hishorse. He was very religious and hewould often tell Mary stories.Tragically he died in a car crash.

After leaving school she went to workin an office, called CountryGentlemen’s Associations, dealingwith farmers who wanted to buygoods for their farms. When the raceswere on, Mary would also work at theYork racecourse on the counters. Asshe got older, she went on to do manydifferent jobs, as she liked to have achallenge and the variety. Mary lovedto attend dances in York city centreand it was here she met her future

Mrs Mary Coutsonhusband, Stanley Coulson. When theymet, Mary didn’t tell him where shelived, so when she left to go home,he followed her five miles out of York.When Mary would go to Stanley’shouse, his mother would oftenmistake Mary’s last name Beckettfor Peckett.

Mary and Stanley married on 5thFebruary 1940, when Mary was 21.It was a small quick wedding at achurch in Rufforth, as Stanley hadbeen called up into the army to fight.He was away for three years. Once hecame back from the war, they movedout of their parents’ houses and into asmall house together in Shipton. Theywent on to have three wonderfulboys: Richard, Peter and Ian. Marystayed at home with the children,whilst Stanley worked in shipping;collecting the cargo for ships. Thefamily enjoyed going on manyholidays onboard the ships. Sadly shelost her husband, Stanley, when hewas in his 60s. Mary came to Rosevaleon 3rd May 2007 and continues tohave a fully independent and fun filledlife here.

Alistair was born in June 1922,near Crieff in Perthshire, theyoungest of seven brothers andtwo sisters. He lived and workedin Crieff, until being enlisted intothe RAF in 1941, where he servedas a wireless operator.

During the 1990’s, Alistair wrote,“On 22nd December 1941, I left thefamily home, at Tomaknock, toreport for service in the Royal AirForce. At the time, this wasprobably the biggest event in mylife and probably has remained so,in my otherwise rather uneventfullife. My going heralded thedeparture of the last of the sevenSinclair siblings, who served in the

armed forces during periods from1935 to 1946.’’

He described being apprehensive,but having a ‘feeling of adventure’and spoke of striking upfriendships, which helped to dispelany fears these young men had.

On returning to ‘Civvy Street’, heworked in the employmentdepartment in Crieff, before beingtransferred to Norfolk,

then Aberdeenshire and finally toInverness, where he worked asSchool Careers Officer,until retiring in 1985.

He married Amy in 1952 and hasone daughter, Fiona and one son,Ewan. His six grandchildrenregarded him as a great playmatewhen they were younger andwhen in his early eighties, he was‘still game’ enough to try outtheir trampoline.

An avid sportsman, he playedfootball in his younger days andloved fishing and golf until only afew years ago.

Alistair and Amy lived in Invernessfor 42 years, until moving house toDuns three years ago, to be nearerfamily. Alistair is now living in theexcellent care of Maxine and herstaff at Garden house.

Alistair Sinclair

Rosevale

L I F E S T O R Y

Garden House

L I F E S T O R Y

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C R AG H A L L N E W S www.craghall-carehome.co.uk Tel: 0191 284 6077

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Welcometo new staff

Kirsty New Dawn Ryder

Welcometo new residentsDoris FoxSarah DaviesGordon CrowtherEdith Anderson

Betty SchofieldJean VaseyAda Nicholson

Congratulations

Craghall’s residents have beenmaking the most of the few days ofsunshine we have had over August,in our lovely gardens.

Our summer BBQ was a huge success; we were very lucky to have been blessedby beautiful sunshine and a great day was had by all.

Summer BBQ

SummerOliver

Gordon was born inHuddersfield in 1928 andmoved to Newcastle, when hisfather moved here in 1951, towork at the ministry. Gordon trained asan accountant and worked as an Auditorwith Winter Robinsons in Newcastle. In1964, he took up the position of Secretaryand Treasurer for the Percy HedleyCentre in Forest Hall and he workedthere until his retirement in 1989.

He was a member of St Johns for 50years and became County Commissionerfor Northumbria and a Commanderof the Order of St John. He was afounder member of Longbenton andKillingworth Rotary Club and servedas President of the club.

Gordon has devoted muchof his working life tocharitable causes and hasbeen a Freemason for 50years, although he does notattend as many lodges ashe once did. Gordon wasmarried to Monica in 1955and they were togetheruntil 1998, when Monicasadly passed away. They hadtwo children, Gillian and Keith.Gillian is a nurse and Keith now runshis own business. Gordon has twograndchildren, Nicola and Kristopher.

Gordon came to Craghall recently to tryit out and has decided to stay, as livingon his own was lonely and he is lookingforward to making new friends and thenew social life that he has at Craghall.

Seven of Craghall’s residents enjoyedan outing to the Theatre Royal to seeOliver on the 11th October. One of ourresidents said: “It was a modern twiston an old fashioned musical and Ithoroughly enjoyed it.” At the endof the show the residents were allasking ‘please sir can I havesome more?’

Agnieszka PrzybylJulie Todd

and returning staff

Two of our residents enjoyed a tripto see the Ladyboys of Bangkok, theyhad a brilliant time and one said:“The costumes were fabulous andthe music and dancing was brilliant.Very enjoyable entertainment.”

Ladyboys

Gordon Crowther’sL I F E S T O R Y

Roz Johnston, Katie Duncan,Louise Anderson on completionof her their NVQ Level 3

Patricia Chasi on completionof her Health and Social CareDiploma Level 3

Joanna Garlukiewicz, EmmaBarbrook and Julie Todd oncompletion of the three peaks!

Farewell to Emma Barbrook,who was promoted todeputy at Glenholme house,we all wish her well.

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www.wellburncare.co.uk Tel: 0191 229 3530L I F E S T O R I E S

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Vincent, or Vin as he prefers to becalled, was born on 3rd August 1922in Earlestain, a part of Newton-Le-Willows. Vin’s father Jim, worked inthe wood yards on the railway andhis mother Lizzy, stayed at home,apart from during the war, when sheworked in a factory. Growing up, Vinhad two sisters and a brother – Lillywho died age 95 last year and Jeanwho left for Colombia in the 1940swith her Colombian husband. Vin’sbrother Arthur, is 90-years-old andlives in Blackpool. Vin was called upin the RAF in 1941 and worked as aradio engineer, spending time in Indiaand Burma. When Vin came out ofthe services he trained as a teacher.He worked at an art school inCheshire, then Wargrave JuniorSchool in Newton-Le-Willows, wherehe became Deputy Head. Vinattended night school during the1960s and achieved a degree inEconomic History. He then becamehead teacher at a primary school inMerseyside in the 1970s, where heremained until he retired in 1982. Vinmarried his wonderful wife Elsie, atthe age of 27. They were a close anddevoted couple, who lived in Newton-Le-Willows all their married lives,close to their parents. Vin and Elsiehad one child, a daughter namedJudith. Vin moved to Wellburn Housein 2011, after Elsie passed away in1996 and is regularly visited by hisdaughter and her husband Neil, whohave two children Anna, 24 who livesin Lisbon and Nicholas, 21 who is adrama student in London.

Edward, known to us as Eddie, hasbeen part of Wellburn’s family since10th March 2012. Before coming tolive here, Eddie used to come forday care and respite breaks. Eddieoriginally comes from Newcastle –he spent 50 years living inLongbenton, then two years inOvingham and two and half years inOvington. Eddie used to work forNewcastle and Gosforth Council asa charge hand. Eddie never married,nor had children – he has twonieces Carole and Maureen, who heis very close to. They visit regularlyand often take Eddie on day tripsout. Eddie enjoys having a pint atOvington social club and also lovesfootball and was very fond of goingto St James’ Park to watchNewcastle United play. Eddie alsoloves dogs and his dog Jake nowlives with his niece Carole, whobrings him to Wellburn House tovisit Eddie.

Elizabeth, known to us as Bessie, wasborn on 13th September 1909 and hasbeen living at Wellburn House since4th November 1999, making her ouroldest resident and the one that haslived here the longest. Bessie wasborn in Dunfermline in Scotland andhas two sisters, Isobel and Jeanie andtwo brothers, Tom and Alec. Bessiemarried George Gray and they hadtwo children, Elizabeth and Jane.Bessie worked as a teacher inDunfermline, however she used tolove to travel and visited France, Italy,Switzerland and Austria. Bessieenjoyed Scottish country dancing,knitting, dress-making and reading. In1954, Bessie became interested inspiritualism and many mediumshipexperiences, which she passed ontoher daughter Jane. At the age of 72Bessie moved to Ponteland, to becloser to Jane, after her husband died.Bessie would enjoy going out withfriends for picnics and to the daycentre. Bessie then moved toCallerton Hall for three months,before coming to Wellburn.

Vincent Piling

Edward Keenan Elizabeth Gray

L I F E S T O R I E S

Wellburn House

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W E L L B U R N H O U S E N E W S www.wellburnhouse-carehome.co.uk Tel: 01661 834 522

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Staff AnnouncmentsCongratulationsCarla Terrone on completingher NVQ Level 3.

To all the staff on ourexcellent inspection results.

Our manager Janice onbecoming a Nan – SummerOlivia Coulson was born onSaturday 25th August.

Hexhambrass band

Some of our residents enjoyed anouting to our local school, for aJubilee tea party. Meryl, ourmasseuse, made some fantasticJubilee decorations for us to take

with us. We enjoyed some foodand a cup of tea, while watchingthe children. Luckily it was aglorious day, so we got togo outside.

Maude, here on respite, went for awalk with staff to feed the horsesnearby – armed with some carrots,Maude and the horse had a great time.

Maude feedingthe horses

Jubilee at Ovingham Middle School

There are many wise old owls atWellburn House, but we recently hada visit from the feathery kind.Baywings, a company that specialisesin giving falconry demonstrationsand education-based events, broughtin a snowy owl and a barn owl toshow the residents.The birds proved a big hit, putting asmile on residents and staff faces alike.

Falconry Day -Very wise owls

Welcome back to:Debbie Harrison Leighann Goodwin

Congratulationsto our bank careassistant Claire Ilesand Venetia Johnsonin getting intouniversity.

Welcome to ournew residentsAgnes PrestonMary TeasdaleJenny Rushton

Pat Florek Elsie Yeoman

On a lovely summers day, wewere all treated to a melody ofsongs from the Hexham BrassBand. One of our ladies, GretaScudamore, also celebrated herbirthday on the same day andenjoyed her own birthday song.

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www.grimstoncourt-carehome.co.uk Tel: 01904 489 343G R I M S T O N C O U RT N E W S

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Welcometo new staffKim RhodesNatalie Sargent

Emma Richardson Catherine Shields

Residents at Grimston Court had alovely day out at Burnby Hall Gardensin Pocklington.

Over the summer months, GrimstonCourt residents and staff, regularlyvisit the Gardens, which are home tothe biggest collection of Hardy WaterLilies in Europe.

Burnby Hall is also the venue for theSteward Museum, which celebratesthe exploits of the adventurer,traveller, scholar, philanthropist,soldier, collector and environmentalist,Major Percy Marlborough Stewart.

At their most recent visit, residentswere treated to a concert by theVintage Rhythms Band.

Red Cross Day

Garden Visit

We had good support from the localcommunity, at our 2012 British RedCross Open Garden event.

People were asked to pay a smallentry fee for access to the gardensand we provided a cream tea, raffleand entertainment.

We raised £267 on the day andwould like to thank our staff,residents, their families and localpeople for contributing towardssuch a worthwhile cause.

When he was child, Jack Simpson wouldspend hours playing with the popularmodel construction system, Meccano.It was a hobby that would never leavehim, as he went to on to travel theworld constructing cranes, as a veryin-demand engineer.Born in Airdrie, Scotland, in 1917, Jacksays he had an enjoyable childhoodgrowing up with his mother and fatherand a brother and sister.He was never happier than buildingmodels with his Meccano, so when leftschool at the age of 15, he knew hewanted to do it for real, so he began anapprenticeship as an engineer.It was a job he took to immediately andone in which he became such an expert,

Jack SimpsonL I F E S T O R Y

that his talent and expertise was verysoon in demand across the world.At the height of his career, Jack was aDirector of a company, with responsibilityfor 750 men and he regularly got asked totravel to places such as Australia, China,New Zealand and Japan, to advise on theconstruction and maintenance of cranes.This was at a time when travelling toplaces like China was unusual.He estimates that this ‘troubleshooting’role probably took him around the worldtwice over and he looks back with greatfondness at his travels. Jack was married, to Agnes, who was alsoable to accompany him on some of histrips. They have two children, one ofwhom lives in York, so is able to visit himregularly at Grimston Court. Jack says hehas that many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he has lost count!On top of his working life, Jack has alsoachieved many other things in hispersonal life. He is fluent in three foreignlanguages, German, Spanish and French,he used to teach mathematics at nightschool, he played tenor saxophone in aband when he lived in Bath; and he wasalso a keen photographer.

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WHORLTON GRANGE NEWS www.whorltongrange-carehome.co.uk Tel: 0191 214 0120

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CongratulationsNoreen Ashforth90th birthday 20th Aug Vicky Porter on completionof her NVQ Level 2Marie Clifford on becominga grandma.

Happy 100th Birthday Agnes Giles Agnes blows out the candles on her birthday cake, made for her byWellburn staff.

A brass band struck achord with everyone atWhorlton Grange.The Dunston Silver Band played awide range of music for the residents,including 87-year-old Anna Hull,who had a go at playing one of theinstruments herself.

Welcometo new staffGill McCartney & Ashley Shaw

Warm Welcometo new residentsJoy BeevorJoyce HedleyBilly Dinning

Violet Wright Leonard McEvoy

Residents took a trip to the lakes atBilly Dinning’s request, a great daythis turned out to be and we arenow planning a second trip.

Whorlton Grange had their summerBBQ on 11th August, the sun cameout and a good time was had by all.Big thanks to Marina Charlton andAlan Briggs for the fabulous foodand thanks to all residents, familiesand staff for their help and support.

Summer Fun

Strike upthe band

Keeping warmat the Lakes

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I walked down to the grounds ofRipley castle and met James andhis team from Log Heights,who were setting out all theactivities for the day fromarchery, bush craft, canoeing,team games and raft building.

We soon erected all the tentsand all the staff and their familiesdescended on the grounds. Thehog roast arrived to warm ourbellies for the big day.

Well talk about competitive,watch out for the Olympicsin Rio, as we may have afew recruits!

Whether it was being knockedabout in a ball, canoeing orarchery, it was played in greatspirit and enthusiasm, especiallywhen the heavens opened!

However, last but not least,was the raft building and whatspirit and team work andeveryone made it back in onepiece. It was a splendid finaleto an extraordinary day ofcelebration of 25 years anddoesn't seem that long agothat Wellburn was onlyopened in 1987, when I wasa mere teenager!

Karl Beckett

Celebrating 25 Years

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After completing the Lyke Wake Walkand National 3 peaks, I soon set a datefor the Yorkshire 3 peaks challenge –Climbing Pen-y-ghent (691 meters)Whernside (728 meters) andIngleborough (723 meters), a total of24.5 miles that need to be completedwithin 12 hours.I enlisted the help of a friend, who haddone it many time before and knew theroute well. The plan was to do thechallenge, then camp over night. Why,when there was a perfectly good puboffering B & B, I never knew...So on the 9th August 2012, we planned todo the challenge, setting off shortlybefore 10am. The first peak wasWhernside, the tallest of the three andsince it was the first, it was fairly easy toclimb. The view from the top could notbe seen due to mist and it appeared as if Iwas stood on a cloud during the decent,however the mist cleared to leave behinda bright and clear day, perfect forwalking.Upon approaching Ingleborough, Inoticed the ‘path’ looked like a jaggededge, down the rock formation and not apath at all. Upon reaching the start of theclimb however, it appeared there was infact a path, just wide enough for a personto walk in a zigzag formation up the side.This was tough and very tiring; thechallenge in itself was not to look downat the sheer drop below. The view fromInglebrough though, made it all

worthwhile, it was amazing. Then thelong, long, long walk to Pen-y-ghent thatseemed to take a life time. Pen-y-ghent, the smallest of all three, didnot feel like the smallest at all. Uponclimbing halfway, I began to worry that Ishould have worn my harness, as I waswondering where the rope was to keepme from falling off. This was the toughestof them all and the elation I felt uponreaching the top soon deflated, when Idescended down the other side and setoff back towards the start of Whernside.If I thought the previous walk was long, Ihad been very much mistaken. We set offalong marshes that had flooded withwater up over our boots, there was noway around without wasting time andthus losing the challenge by going overthe 12 hours allowance. So, I had nooption but to continue through. Tired andhungry, the sight of the ‘finish’ and thesun setting made me so happy and I wasthoroughly pleased that I had finished,with just over an hour to spare. Then thetent... It was luxury!Eight days later on the 17th August 2012 Iset off on the 9 hour journey toInverness. 22 miles long, 280 metersdeep, more water than all of England andWales lakes combined. –The Loch Ness.

The Loch Ness Monster SwimMy first open water swim since I was 10years old. This time my mother joined me,though she bottled out of the actualswim and instead became my personalphotographer. We arrived the eveningbefore and drove down to Dores tofamiliarise myself with the route. We werefortunate enough to witness the ‘crazy’people who were doing the test trail injust their speedos!!! Fortunately I hadpurchased a full length wetsuit and wasconfident that, along with my two hats, itshould keep me toasty warm.

The following morning I joined around500 other swimmers on the beach, tostart the Loch Ness monster swim.It was

at this moment, looking at the route sofar out on the Loch, that I was beginningto think that this bucket list wasn’t muchfun after all. Then the start, or what wethought was the start, as we ran into theLoch, thrashing about trying to swim tothe first buoy, arms and legs everywhere;swimmers going over people only to heara whistle and being told to ‘go back itwas acclimatisation’. This broke my heart– swimming out to that first buoy hadbeen tough. I now understood why theysaid all swimmers must finish within anhour. Then the actual start, so off wewent again, arms and legs all over,goggles getting knocked off, mouthfuls ofwater, until everyone finally found aplace and swam along the route. I triednot to notice how dark the water wasand how I couldn’t even see my hand infront of me, so should there have beenanything in the water, I wouldn’t haveknown until it was on top of me.

I kept my head down and always withsomeone on the outside of me (well younever know do you?) and swam the routeas fast as I could – if only to get out andhave some of the promised BBQ after.The finish line was soon in sight and asI came into the shallow and stumbledacross the line, I felt sad that it was overand that although the idea is to swim itas quick as you can, you don’t really gettime to really enjoy it. I was presentedwith a medal and soon found my mumalong the shore, camera at the ready.

The results were available in the eventvillage and I was shocked to discover Iswam the mile quicker than I do in apool, at 30mins 16 seconds.

H E A D O F F I C E N E W S www.wellburncare.co.uk Tel: 0191 229 3530

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Sarah Sims fromRiverdale Bucket List

So what next??The Wolds Way - 79 miles from Hessle toFiley to be completed in November andthe firework 500, A 500-metre swimoutside at night, also to be completed inNovember.

Everyone at Wellburn wishes you all thebest Sarah.

3lb diced lamb2lb diced pumpkin4 tbsp vegetable oil2 large onions4 cloves garlic400g chopped tinned tomatoes1 pint beef stock1 tsp oreganoSaltGround black pepper12oz chorizo sausage sliced

Heat the oil in a pan and brown the lambon all sides - remove and place aside in aseparate dish.

Return pan to heat and add onions and garlic- gently fry for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes,stock, oregano and salt. Bring to boil.

Return the meat with juices to the panand add the chorizo.Stir well. Cover and simmer for 30 mins.

Add pumpkin cubes, cover and bring backto the boil, then reduce heat and simmerfor another 30 mins.

Skim off excess fat from surface and adjustseasoning to taste, if necessary.

Serves 12Great seasonal dish

12345

Lamb and

pumpkin

casserole

GARDEN HOUSE

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The awards ceremony at the Yorkshire inBloom Awards lunch 2012.Brian Plummer, John Ashton & Billy Lowes.

Weather, Oh dear, it has been a very difficult year, possibly the warmestMarch on record, followed by the coldest wettest late spring and recordbreaking rain in the ‘summer’.Thank you to our gardeners for keeping the gardens looking so well insuch challenging conditions.We are now at the point when winter bedding should be going in andthe summer bedding is ‘blooming’ in the sunshine?

GARDEN HOUSEBerwick in Bloom 2012 - Silver Medal AwardNeil has created a new flower bed, with a FloweringCherry tree in the centre and perennial shrubs.Jane, Maureen & Freda have agreed, (with Neil advising)to take over the management & sponsorship of a rosegarden, with four large beds just a short walkingdistance from Garden House. Perfect for residents,staff and friends to visit and be involved with, or ‘a sitdown with a cup of tea’.

HEATHERDALEMorpeth Parish Council garden competition 2012- 2nd prize ‘Hanging Baskets’ Ivan has completed his first year, the gardens andoutside areas are looking superb. Only disaster hasbeen the sweet peas, in general this year they havehated the summer weather!Ivan’s winter project for Alison (Manager) is to buildwooden planters at wheel chair level in the gardenfor residents; these will be suitable for growing fruit,vegetables and flowers.

CRAGHALLLee planted over a thousand extra daffodil and crocusbulbs last autumn and they provided a stunningdisplay this spring in all flower beds around the home.Residents with bedrooms at the rear have commentedabout the colourful bedding displays in the newlarge planters.Due to judicious removal of some of the lowerbranches of the mature trees and shrubs, more lightunderneath the trees has promoted superb growth ofthe plants underneath.

WHORLTON GRANGELast winter, Syd replaced the very old roses in twolarge beds; due to using Mycorrhizal Fungi on the rootsof the new roses, we were able to plant roses ‘after’roses, a great success.Marie (Manager) has re-designed the inner courtyardwith a new fountain and patio planters. This pleasantcourtyard gives residents safe outdoor access,promoting an ‘open door’ policy.

WELLBURN HOUSEThe rose garden has not enjoyed the weather, theblooms were often wet and the weight of themcaused some of the branches to pull away from themain stems.New fencing in the rear garden has enabled a safeoutside access to these lovely gardens for residentsand their families.The drive entrance was planted up with FrenchMarigolds; they lasted two weeks, before the slugsstripped them! Although this autumn, the same bedfor the first time, has a wonderful display ofColchicum, beautiful mauve flowers, which musthave been dormant for years, gardening neverceases to surprise!!

RYTON TOWERSFirst prize in the 'Britain in Bloom Committee Cup'2012. + will go forward this autumn to the AreaWinners competition.There was a meeting here at the end of June andall concerned said that the gardens were lookingabsolutely fantastic.The flower bed, which we sponsor and manage inFerndene Park, has been changed to a long term‘perennial’ bed with shrubs and plants, which willattract birds, bees and butterflies. We intend plantingdwarf tulips this autumn, to compliment the daffodilsplanted in the other beds, by the local community.Residents and staff enjoyed the lunch and photoopportunity in the Park, when the Britain in Bloomcameras filmed the involvement of local volunteersthis summer.

EIGHTON LODGEGateshead East Summer Garden Competition2012 - First prize & Silver Salver 'BestCommercial Premises' + will go forward thisautumn to the Area winners competition.”Visitor numbers to the British Red Cross Open Gardenday in July were down, no surprise with the inclementconditions. There were many compliments regardingthese immaculate, colourful gardens.Lee’s baskets & pots were superb. In common with ourother gardens, the roses have succumbed to blight,due to the persistent wet weather.Produce from the ‘Potager’ veg/fruit garden has beenvery good, Lee picks for the kitchen twice a week.

ST GEORGE’SResults for the ‘Sunderland in Bloom’ 2012 gardencompetition, not announced until November.Kelly (Manager) would like a sensory garden, due tothe restricted nature of these gardens, Lee (gardener)will source three very large barrel planters to go ontothe rear patio; they will be planted to provide ‘yearround’ colour & interest for residents and attractingbirds, bees & butterflies.The first floor patio is a great success for residentsand their families, full of colourful planting and safeoutdoor access.

GLENHOLME HOUSE & DAY CENTREResults for the ‘Sunderland in Bloom’ 2012 gardencompetition not announced until November.We were very sorry to lose Jan Walker this summer;Jan planted the winter and summer pots and basketsin the gardens. We are very pleased to join with theHome to plant a Wisteria in her memory.The front area around the Birch tree has been developedfor use by the clients in Glenholme Day Centre.Lee will be planting a large number of spring bulbsthis autumn at Glenholme, those planted previouslywere becoming sparse.

NIGHTINGALE HALLYorkshire in Bloom 2012 – Yorkshire Rose Award– Silver GiltAwarded third prize in the Richmond TownCouncil Garden Competition 2012 –Commercial sectionCongratulations to Billy for the Silver Gilt award.Entering the Yorkshire in Bloom competition hasencouraged Richmond Town Council to possiblyparticipate in this competition in the future?The new central water feature, in the rear courtyard,is an attractive focal point and compliments theprofusion of colour in the flower beds and planters,providing a safe, private area for residents andtheir families.

ST CATHERINE’SYorkshire in Bloom 2012 -Yorkshire Rose Award - GoldThe new ‘Sensory’ garden in The Mews is a greatsuccess. Regularly used by residents, staff andvisitors. Brian (with help from Derrick) has built apathway and an abundance of raised wheel chairheight wooden planters, full of plants, soft fruit,vegetables and herbs.I do hope Brian has forgiven Karine for clearing theyoung onions and lettuces, in one picking, to use inthe kitchen, residents were very complimentary aboutthe onion soup!

ROSEVALEYorkshire in Bloom 2012 -Yorkshire Rose Award - GoldThis small walled garden has looked very well allsummer. Brian’s pots and baskets in the main gardenand at the front, have been superb.A sheltered garden is a great advantage duringan inclement season; residents are able to accessthe outdoor space from the lounges, albeit‘between’ showers?

GRIMSTON COURTYorkshire in Bloom 2012 -Yorkshire Rose Award - SilverWeather for the British Red Cross Open Garden day wasshowery, however those who did attend, enjoyed theirday and appreciated the gardens and cream teas.The orchard has very few fruits this year, wet weatherin spring, blossom and no ‘bee’ activity for pollination,not a good combination.John has not had an easy task keeping on top of theshrubs and lawns in the wet summer grow weatherfor both. The wildlife pond now has a small fountain,the plants are becoming established and there is avery smart wrought iron ornamental fencingsurround, providing safety and interest. I think it willnot be long before ‘ fish’ are requested

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