Newsletter

Dear Family and Friends

A whiff of Spring in the air to help us look forward to the year ahead and in the hope that we will finally gain approval for offices at Reception for the Manager and for the nursing staff, an extension to the laundry and a purpose built hairdressing / chiropody room.

Although the pace of redecoration has slowed to a gentle stroll this has, to a large extent,  been due to rooms being occupied by residents who, understandably, do not wish to uproot to another room while their own room is redecorated.

Over the Christmas and New Year period one of our carers, Lynne, organised both a raffle and a table top sale to raise funds for the Residents Amenity Fund which benefited significantly  thanks to her efforts and the wonderful support of family and friends who visit  the Home.  The same carer tirelessly repeated the exercise for Easter, once again raising a gratifying amount for the Residents to use for their summer outing and shopping trip later in the year as well as providing “in house” entertainment and supporting the Activities staff.

We have had a variety of entertainers over the past few months – Dab Hands who have provided fun “singalong” entertainment and a couple new to us who have also proved very popular with many of the residents who have joined in with singing some of those much loved and familiar songs of yestayear.  We were delighted to extend an invitation to our neighbours from within the village to join us, some of whom were kind enough to accept.  On the 8th of April an Easter Parade provided a lively hour of entertainment during which our ladies were able to wear the Easter bonnets they had decorated with the Activities staff - the gentlemen were given leave not to wear a bonnet!

Shirley and Chris are planning our 2006 summer outing to Longleat in June or July.  It was a resounding success when we visited three years ago so we have every intention of making the outing equally enjoyable and memorable.

A visit from “Moneyspinners” is booked for May giving the residents a chance to buy clothing for themselves for the eagerly awaited summer or just to enjoy browsing.  Age is no barrier to retail therapy!
 
I would like to welcome a number of new staff among whom are carers, a new assistant cook and the Proprietor’s Personal Assistant, Liz Pratley who doubles as our Book-keeper and general Girl Friday.  We look forward to a long and happy association with them all.

Jane Swainson

Jane Swainson
Nurse Manager