Wellburn House • Glenholme Residential & Day Care • Eighton Lodge • Whorlton Grange • Rosevale • Ryton TowersHeatherdale • Craghall • St. George’s • Grimston Court • Riverhead Hall • St. Catherine’s • Garden House • Nightingale Hall

Life stories Inside every one of Wellburn’s Homes,there is a rich tapestry of history – in theform of our residents.Each one of our residents has a tale totell in one form or another and it can befascinating, educational and inspiring tohear their stories.Throughout this newsletter you will findexamples of these stories, including alady who was involved in the making ofthe bouncing bomb. When Georgina Stobart started work in a munitions factory at the outbreakof war in 1939, she could have never imagined that the work she would bedoing would make history and even result in a film being made about it.To read more turn to page 10.

Wellburn Care Homes proved that even in times of austerity, it is stillpossible to raise much-needed funds for charity.

Two charity events, organised in partnership with the British Red Cross, hasresulted in £640 being raised for the volunteer-led humanitarianorganisation.

Each year the British Red Cross invite organisations to open their privategardens to members of the public. In 2010 we were delighted to welcomevisitors to see our award-winning gardens at Eighton Lodge in Gatesheadand Grimston Court in York.

There was an excellent attendanceat both events held in the summerand with people paying £3 for entryto the gardens and a cream tea, aswell as a raffle, a total of £640 wasraised for the British Red Cross.

Rachel Olney, the British Red CrossSenior Community Fundraiser for theYorkshire region, said: “We are veryhappy with the donation and all themoney will go towards helpingvulnerable people in need in theareas where the money was raised.”

£640 raised for British Red Cross

Garden House Reindeer Craghall FireworksEighton Lodge Tea DanceGrimston Court Silver Surfers

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Renewable Energyat Scalesceugh HallLater in the summer, work will begin on Wellburn’s newest home, known asScalesceugh Hall, which is near Carlisle, Cumbria.When completed in 2012 the Home, which will also include six cottagesproviding close care accommodation, will have 47-bedrooms, all of which willbe en-suite. Wellburn is spending over £2.5 million on the refurbishment of thisbeautiful Edwardian country house, which was previously owned by theCumbria Cerebral Palsy Society.This will be Wellburn’s first Home in Cumbria and further demonstrates thecompany’s growth and its commitment to owning and operating Homes ofgreat character and distinction. As Karl Beckett so perfectly says, it is“not about numbers, but the right property in the right location.”One of the biggest challenges facing Development Manager David Robinsonand his team, is not refurbishing the building, but coming up with ways ofutilising renewable energy in the Home.As chance would have it, an aquifer (a wet underground layer of water-bearingpermeable rock, from which groundwater can be extracted) runs under theland at Scalesceugh. David is hoping and tests are ongoing, to determine if itis possible to suck the water out of the ground via a ground source heat pump.If successful, these pumps will help to heat the home. Ground source heatpumps are 400% efficient, compared with a gas boiler, which is 95% efficient.David says: “Having a natural aquifer in the ground doesn’t happen often, sothis is a phenomenally exciting project.”

June 2011

General head office news

Wellburn News 2011Page 2

An army Sergeant Major has left the parade ground tolook after the interests of residents living in NightingaleHall and St Catherine’s.After 25 years spent serving his country all over the world - including seeing actionin conflicts such as Bosnia, the Gulf and Kosovo - Richard Ellis has joined WellburnCare Homes as Area Manager.

The 41-year-old will be responsible for overseeing the running of two of Wellburn’slargest Homes, the 49-bedroom St Catherine’s Care Home in Shiptonby Beningbrough, near York and the 34-bedroom Nightingale Hall in Richmond,North Yorkshire.

Richard, who lives in Strensall, York, with his wife and teenage daughter, said: “Ijoined the army, when I was 16 years old and so this is my first job as a civilian andI am really looking forward to it. Many people come out of the army and go intorelated jobs, but I wanted a whole new challenge and you can’t get more differentthan looking after the interests of elderly people living in Care Homes.

“Wellburn has got a fantastic reputation for putting its residents first in everythingit does and I believe the man-management and personal skills I learned in the army,will stand me in good stead in my new role.”

When he was in the army Richard was in the Green Howards, now known as theYorkshire Regiment and in a twist of coincidence, one of the Homes he will be incharge of, Nightingale Hall, used to be the Officers Mess of the Green Howardsbefore it was converted into a Care Home.

Richard joins civvy street ashome manager

Interview withSimonBeckettChairman

Q. When did you found Wellburn CareHomes Ltd and why?

A. I’ve been a qualified surveyor for over 45 years– and have been in business on my own since1970. We had a pretty tough time in the early‘80s on the building side in the N.E. especiallyand Wellburn Care Homes was found in 1986after I was persuaded by a business colleagueto look at other alternatives albeit allied toproperty. I quickly realised that whilst takingon major renovation and improvement ofConservation or Listed buildings is hard workand often expensive, fortunately for us, thebenefits are incomparable to new buildings,in the quality of the Home and environmentand general ambience for residents in need of24/7 Care.

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

A. British Columbia, Southern Alaska or NewZealand – I love the wild rugged outdoorsand I have been to the nearest: most ofScandinavia, Iceland and Switzerland.

Q. What are your aspirations for the company?A. I want the company to strengthen and grow

– not just in size so much, as in services andscope of what we offer. Whilst we may buy 2or more new Homes in the next growthphase, our focus will also be on Close Careand Day Care as well, for the future. I stronglybelieve in raising the bar when it comes toaspirations for a company. Never stand stillor complacency threatens.

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

A. I love the Victorian era – all that earlyindustrial development and tremendousgrowth at such a fast pace, plus no red tape!It must have been a fascinating time to liveand develop to the full.

Q. What is your favourite car?A. Cars are the fastest losing asset you can buy –

as long as it gets me there and back, is reliablein all weathers, I am happy. Although a dreamwould be a fully restored vintage MGA.

Q. In the care industry what do you think isthe most important thing to remember?

A. Care without Compromise must mean inreality what it says. We must always rememberhow we would like and rightly expect, our ownloved ones to be treated by others.

Q. If you could give any advice to a youngperson what would it be?

A. Study and get good qualifications when youare young – it is so much easier. Yes we havesome in the Company who have done it thehard way and full credit to them, but formyself, make life easy and do it early.When you have finished your training orcollege, the quality of the Company you firstjoin, is all important. Remember you can’tbuy experience and it is invaluable to yourlong term future. You also have to be able tobelieve in what you are doing to do it well. Ifyou are not enjoying it, why are you there!

Joke - How Is Norma?A sweet grandmother telephoned St. Joseph 'sHospital. She timidly asked, "Is it possible tospeak to someone who can tell me how apatient is doing?"The operator said, "I'll be glad to help,dear. What's the name and room numberof the patient?"The grandmother in her weak, tremulousvoice said, "Norma Findlay, Room 302."The operator replied, "Let me put you onhold while I check with the nurse's stationfor that room."

After a few minutes, the operator returnedto the phone and said, "I have good news.Her nurse just told me that Norma is doingwell. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood testjust came back normal and her Physician, Dr.Cohen, has scheduled herto be discharged tomorrow."The grandmother said, "Thank you.That's wonderful. I was so worried.God bless you for the good news."The operator replied, "You're more thanwelcome. Is Norma your daughter?"The grandmother said, "No, I'm Norma Findlayin Room 302. No one tells me anything!

More of us than ever can now lookforward to enjoying the benefits ofimproving life expectancy, but livinglonger isn’t without its problems. As thepopulation ages and medical advanceshelp us to live longer, more and morepeople need either Nursing orResidential Care in their later years.

However, most of us aren’t familiar withthe complications and costs involved inlong-term care until ourselves, or ourloved ones, are faced with the reality ofentering a specialist Care Home. This isoften a very distressing and difficulttime and without help or guidancethrough the maze of benefits andoptions available, it may not take verylong before any capital built up iscompletely eroded by Care Home fees.

Many people believe that the state willhelp fund their long-term care needs,but in today’s society, this is rarelythe case.

Some state benefits are available, themain one being attendance allowance.This can be paid up to a maximumof £71.40 and is related to caring foryourself, either in your own home or ina Care Home. Furthermore, as thisbenefit is not means tested, your incomeor savings will not be taken into accountin the assessment for this benefit.

If someone needs care, the localauthority will carry out two mainassessments. The first assessment looksat your need for care and the associatedcost, where care is provided by the localauthority. The second assessment looks

at your capital and income, to establishhow much you may be required to paytowards your care. Once the care needhas been decided on, the financialassessment will take into account yourbank and building society accounts,savings, investments and in some casesthe value of your home. It will also lookat the level of income you are receivingfrom pensions, some state benefits andinvestments. Where you have capital inexcess of £23,250 in England andNorthern Ireland, or sufficient incometo meet the local authority cost of care,there is no financial assistance towardsyour care fees.

General news

Wellburn News 2011 Page 3

By Roy Duns, FCA Cert PFS – St James’s Place Wealth Management

Wellburn came 6th in 2010 list of fastest growing companies in theNorth East – a massive 20 places up on the previous year.

The Fastest 50 list is published by The Journal newspaper and is made up ofthe fastest growing regional companies, based on turnover growth.

Speaking at an event celebrating the Fastest 50, Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretaryof State for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “What will determinewhether the region succeeds or fails economically are these people here. Thesuccessful growth of private businesses is what is going to create the wealthof the future. We need you as we have to grow out of this economic mess.”

Facing up to long-term care

Fastest 50

2010 SunflowerCompetition Results

Class 1Tallest sunflower St Catherine’s

Class 2Largest circumference sunflowerSt Catherine’s

Class 3Best photos with residents andgrowing sunflowers – Eighton Lodge

Grimston court

Wellburn News 2011Page 4

Due to the cancellation of the winter fair last year, we arranged an Easter fair, which was evenbigger and better! There was a raffle with fantastic prizes, ranging from huge Easter Bunniesand chocolate hampers to plenty of wine and pampering sets. The tombola was piled high withgifts, treats and luxurious toiletries and the cake stall, kindly run by Ann Mattam, was filledwith delicious cakes, buns and sweet treats! Refreshments were served outside in the glorioussunshine, by Erika Taylor, who was a tremendous help.

The whole day was a real success and enjoyed by residents, staff and visitors alike. We raisedover £230 in total to go towards the Residents fund, so ...THANK YOU EVERYONE!

EASTER FAIR held on 9th April

Since a state-of-the-art, touch-screen computer was installed in the Grimston Court, itsresidents have eagerly been surfing the internet, emailing and even using Skype to speak totheir family and friends.

The computer has proved so successful, that Wellburn Care Homes is now beginning to rollit out to the other Homes its operates in Yorkshire and the North East.

The company is spending £22,000 on this technology, of which half is coming in the form ofa grant from the Get Connected fund, which is administered by the Social Care Institute forExcellence (SCIE).

The touch-screen computers are provided by Simply Unite, a service that has been specificallydesigned to be much easier to use than a traditional computer. Users can send and receiveemails using one computer, view family photographs and videos, make free telephone/videocalls and browse the internet.

Pam Simkin, Manager at Grimston Court, said: “It understandably took a while for theresidents to get to grips with the new technology, but encouraged by their families andfriends, more and more are now using the computer.

“One of our residents used to love visiting art museums, but due to his age and mobility, hecan no longer do that, however he uses the computer to take virtual tours of the museumsand he loves it.”

As well as the computers, Wellburn Care Homes is also providing its Homes with a laptopcomputer and a projector with large screen, so residents can watch films or look atphotographs blown up on the screen.

Karl Beckett, Managing Director of Wellburn Care Homes, said: “Age shouldbe no barrier to anything and we want our residents to be able to accessactivities that can provide stimulation and ultimately improve theirquality of life.”

SILVER Surfers

‘Silver surfers’ at Grimston Court are proving that ageis no barrier when it comes to technology.

Barking up thewrong tree

Residents at Grimston Court spent afew hours playing with dogs broughtin by Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The residents had a wonderful timeinteracting with the dogs, who were asource of great comfort for them.

Pam Simpkin, Manager of GrimstonCourt, said: “Dogs are very lovinganimals and the residents loved havingthem in the Home. Because of theirnature and training, guide dogs inparticular are very soothing and greatto be around.”

Jenny Craven’sbirthday dinner fortwo at Grimston Court

Jenny Craven celebrated her 87th Birthdayin style on Sunday 6th March, along withher husband Derrick. No expense wasspared, as a lavish lunch for two wasarranged in their lounge overlookingGrimston Court’s stunning gardens.

They enjoyed a glass of wine, roast lambwith all the trimmings and a deliciousheart shaped birthday cake too.

Surrounded by beautiful Orchids, sentfrom their family in the Philippines andother flower arrangements from relatives,the scene was set beautifully.

They had a wonderful day that will staywith them for a long time to come.

Wellburn News 2011 Page 5

In 1941, at the tender age of 19, I embarked atLiverpool for an unknown destination. Wesailed almost to Halifax in Canada, then turnedsouth to make an involuntary stop at Freetownfor engine repairs, before spending five gloriousdays at Durban. At sea again and half theconvey headed for the Far East, probablySingapore, but we turned North along the Eastcoast of Africa and after a total of six weeks atsea, we disembarked at Port Sudan. We wereaccommodated in tents where conditions wereless than ideal. I remember walking throughhordes of flies to get to the mess tent. Wereceived Curtis Tomahawks CKD (completelyknocked known) in packing cases from Americaand it was our job to assemble them foronward transmission. After a while and anattack of amoebic dysentery, I was posted toSummit, about halfway between Port Sudanand Atbara. Here the aircraft from Port Sudan

were prepared, refuelled and sent to theWestern Desert. Transit aircraft sometimeslanded at Summit and needed refuelling. Thiswas contained in 4 gallon debbies and standingon an aircraft wing receiving umpteen debbiesto be emptied fully into the tanks was not apopular job.

The chance to get away from an awful stationcame when volunteers were requested for re-mustering to Meteorologist. I seized the chanceand was soon on my way by train to Khartoum.Once again in tents and a long walk in searingheat each day from the airfield to agovernment office to the centre of the city.Khartoum seemed very civilised after Summitand there was a canteen where one could geta reasonable meal. At the end of the course,when all the secrets of weather lore had beenoffered, at least all those known at the time, Iwas posted to Asmara. It seemed that my luckwas changing. A long journey by train and roadfrom Khartoum via Kassala, Tessenei andKeren, through miles and miles of b******Africa and I found myself in Asmara, or ratherat the airfield, some 8000 ft above sea level.

For of us in the office, we were making regularweather reports for transmission in code tovarious places in Africa and receiving reportsfrom other stations to prepare a daily weatherchart. We also took over the Eritrean MetService from the Italians. The Italians, who hadestablished stations in several villages in thecountry sending in regular weather reports,largely used it for agricultural purposes. TheItalians had trained Africans to do thisreporting in a kind of basic Italian, mostlynumerals and we were soon proficient atreceiving these, still in Italian, on thetelephone. There were stations at Keren,Massawa, Assab, Ghinda, Adi Ugli, Adi Caieh,Agordat, Tessenei and Nacfa and I visited allthese places at regular intervals for inspectionsand training of staff. Indeed at Nacfa, whichbecame the headquarters of the Eritreansfighting for independence against the

Ethiopians at a later date, I once spent twoweeks living in a native hut, infested with rats.

We also did balloon ascents daily takingreadings at one minute intervals to calculatewind speed and direction at various levels.The gas for filling the balloon had to bemanufactured on site by pouring causticsoda on aluminium scrap – a real HeathRobinson contraption.

When I had completed 3 years in Africa, thepowers that be were reluctant to send mehome, but the friendly doctor heard that I hadnot been on leave for three years and heinsisted that I be granted two weeks in Cairo,so that I would be fit enough to carry on for awhile. I travelled back to Khartoum by theroute I had used two years before, then SudanRailways across the Nubian Desert to WadiHalfa, lake steamer on the Nile and EgyptianState Railways to Cairo, with the same journeyto return to Asmara – 15 days each way, a totalof 45 days for two weeks leave. All I rememberabout my time in Cairo was the verycomfortable bed in the place where I stayed –quite an improvement on the issue “biscuits”in the RAF.

Eventually I was repatriated early in 1945. Thistime I flew from Asmara to the Canal Zone anda ship though the Med for home. During astopover at Khartoum I was asked if I wouldvolunteer for the Far East. I was even promiseda promotion, which shows that the words of“Bless ‘em all” “You’ll get no promotion thisside of the ocean” were not always right. Iturned down that tempting offer and afterdisembarkation leave, I was posted to Tain inRoss and Cromarty. A “home posting” somedistance from home, not for long though. OnVE Day I was recalled from leave and flew toNorway. My second experience of a territorypreviously occupied by the enemy.

Derrick CravenGrimston Court

Eritrea

Grimston Court’s trip to the RSPCAThe Residents and staff spent the winter months knitting squares to sew

together and make blankets for the animals at the RSPCA.

The Knitting Club was held over a few months and collected plenty of

brightly coloured squares, that Alison Roffe, the Kitting Club organiser, sewed

together to make lots of blankets.

We took a trip to present them with Nancy Campbell, Jean Scott and Molly

Weihs and to look at all the animals. It was a great project for a good cause

and we will do the same again in the future.

Garden house

Wellburn News 2011Page 6

Strictly come dancingGarden House took a leaf out of StrictlyCome Dancing’s book to help keep residentsfit and healthy – and now it is becoming aregular event

In October, the Home held its first-ever teadance. Along with residents from another localCare Home and Sheltered Housing scheme,people living in Garden House were treatedto an afternoon of entertainment, dancingand refreshments.

Music was provided by accordionist DoHutcinson and singer Debbie Bird and after aspot of dancing everyone tucked into anafternoon tea, which included sandwiches,cakes and drinks.

Ringtons Tea, which supplies tea and coffeeto Wellburn’s Care Homes, provided therefreshments, as well as handing out goodiebags and sponsoring a raffle.

Garden House Manager Jane Filer said:“Everyone had a thoroughly good time and itwas great to see so many of our residentstaking part.

“We encourage our residents to be as active asthey can and singing and dancing are two verygood and enjoyable ways to keep fit.

“The tea dance was so popular that we arenow repeat it every two months, starting inMarch 2011. Not only does it contribute togood health and wellbeing, it also gives theresidents a chance to catch up with otherpeople from the area they know.”

The Garden House tea dances will take placebi-monthly in the Spittal bowling club. For furtherinformation contact Jane at the Home.

Garden House would liketo welcome new residentsSheila WhiteheadJoyce WoodKathleen SmithCathy WalkerBill Foulton

New staffLeon Shaw – CarerSonya Jefferey – CarerWendy Marshall – CarerKaren Lough – CarerSteve Lock – CarerStephanie Laidlaw – CarerAngela Heston – Carer

The animals were brought into GardenHouse Care Home as part of an eveningof activities organised for the residents bythe Spittal Improvement Trust, a voluntarygroup working in partnership with thelocal community.

The evening began with a torch light paradethrough Spittal, followed by the lighting of aChristmas tree. The evening ended withChristmas carols and street entertainment.

Much to their delight, the residents atGarden House were able to stroke the twoadult reindeers and their baby calf. TheMayor of Berwick Jennifer Waterhouse, whois also a Spittal councillor, popped in to seethe residents as well.

Panto The pantomime season maybe over, but that hasn’tstopped Garden House,

Residents were recently treatedto a performance of MotherGoose from a local theatricalgroup. It forms part of thevaried activity programme theHome stages for the residents.

Garden House Deputy Manager Maureen Simmie,said: “One of the performers is married to aresident at Garden House and she arranged forthe theatre group to come into the Home to givea performance of Mother Goose.

“We regularly involve thelocal community in eventsand activities both insideand outside the Home andwe place great importanceon building relationships withour neighbours.

“The residents loved thepantomime and staging onein spring certainly didn’tmake a difference to them.”

Residents got aBIG Christmas surprisewhen they were visitedby three reindeer.

Eighton lodge

Wellburn News 2011 Page 7

CongratulationsWell done on passing NVQ level 2 toEmma MacAllister and Lorraine Sanderson,with thanks to Assessor Kay Burns.

Well done on passing LMC level 4 toMary Hardy and Denise Calland forpassing NVQ level 4, with thanks toAssessor Dawn Esslemont.

Eighton Lodge were happy to receive a Silver Plaque forsummer sunflower competition - winning the firstprize for best photographs, including residents andsunflowers. This award was presented to the Home bySimon Beckett. We also received 2nd prize for havingthe largest circumference of one sunflower and thirdprize for having the tallest sunflower.

Nancy StokoeMargaret Anne Stokoe was born on 6 February1927 at home in Pelton Fell near Chester-le-Street,to parents Florence and Thomas. Everyone usedto call her Meg, but her mother disliked it somuch she started to call her Nancy, theneveryone else followed suit. Nancy was the oldestof three children. She has a sister called Maureenand a brother called Tom.

Nancy went to Rosebury School in Newfield andleft when she was fourteen years old. The familymoved to a house in Fatfield County Durhamand Nancy’s first job was in a sweet factorycalled Horners. She hated the job however

managed to stay there for about a year, as themoney she got for working there was good.Once she left her job at Horners, she went towork for the Ammunition factory in Birtley andstayed there until she was eighteen years old.At eighteen Nancy got a job in the cashier’soffice at Bainbridges, where she was a JuniorAccountant. Nancy remained at Bainbridges,climbing the ladder and eventually makingDepartment Manager of Stock Accounts. Sheloved the uniform that she wore, as it wasalways a very smart suit. Eventually Nancyretired, when she was sixty years old.

When younger, Nancy was engaged to bemarried once, but said that she neverparticularly wanted to get married, so shedecided not to, although that did not stop herhaving a busy social life. She used to love to godancing at the Welfare Hall and the OxfordGalleries where Nancy loved to dance thequickstep, waltz and the jive. Nancy was also amember of the amateur dramatics in Fatfieldand was actually a very good Opera Singer.

Nancy used to love going on holidays abroadevery year and has been to many countriesincluding France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain,Hong Kong, Bangkok, Egypt, Shanghai andAmsterdam, to name a few.

Planting Trees in theCommunity

Green-fingered residents at Eighton Lodge, took partin an initiative to double the number of native treesand woods in the UK.

Residents, staff and other local volunteers, joinedforces to plant dozens of trees in the Dene area ofthe community.The trees were among 200,000 donated, free ofcharge across the UK, by RHS Britain in Bloom andthe Woodland Trust. The planting also marked thelaunch of the RHS’s Britain in Bloom competitionand the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ campaign.Shirley Ward, Gardens Manager, said: “We planted420 native wildlife trees and shrubs, with thepurpose of conserving this area as a wildlife habitatand wildlife corridor. We believe it will be a valuableasset to the area and as it matures a haven forbirds, mammals, plants and insects.“Wellburn is renowned for the quality of its gardensin its Homes across the North East and Yorkshireand we regularly open our gardens to the public,but it was good to be able to do something in thewider community.”

Eighton LodgeTea DanceEighton Lodge residents were the stars of theshow at the first-ever tea dance organised bythe Home.

Held at the Ravensworth Golf Club andinvolving the whole community, people tookto the floor to do such dances as the Waltz,Charleston and the Tango, before being treatedto a performance by a professional singerand dancers.

The afternoon was rounded off with tea,cakes, biscuits and a raffle, which raised over£280 for the Residents’ Fund.

Christine Green, one of the organisers of theevent, said: “We had tremendous support fromthe community, both in terms of donationsfrom local shops and businesses and by theattendance on the day.

“There were 40 people at the tea dance and itwas nice for our residents to be able to mixwith other members of the community and forthese people to see the kind of activities welike to stage at Eighton Lodge.

“We encourage our residents to be asactive as they can and dancing is a verygood and enjoyable way to keep fit. Basedon the success of the tea dance, it iscertainly something we are hoping to doagain very soon.”

Whorlton grange

Wellburn News 2011Page 8

Congratulationson passing NVQ’sNVQ 2: Anna Solaz, Emma Dickson.

NVQ 3: Kerry Knutson, LeighanneLockyear, Michelle McMurray.

Also to Leighanne Lockyear forbecoming Team Leader.

Pets at home4th May - Whorlton Grangehad a visit from Pets at Home.They brought in rabbits,guinea pigs and hamstersand it was a reallywonderful afternoon.

Story from Sheena Macleod

I am a Lancashire lass and in 1947 I was a pupil at Bacup & Rawtenstall GrammarSchool, Rossendale. Sports Day arrived and somehow I ended up doing the SeniorGirls High Jump for my house. I had never done it before, but I thought I would justrun and jump as best I could. Imagine my surprise when all the other girls knockedthe bar off, but I sailed over! My winning jump was 4 feet 7 inches and it was aschool record. I was delighted! I held the record for many years. My family are reallyproud of my sporting achievement and love the photograph of me in action.

Audrey Ebblewhite’s Record Breaking Jump

Scottish Country Dance music sets my feet tapping. For 60 years my husbandDuncan and I danced with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.

I started dancing when I was at PE college in Aberdeen in my early 20’s and Iwas lucky enough to have the opportunity to dance and to teach ScottishCountry Dancing all over the world.

Immediately after the Second World War, I travelled throughout Europe dancingwith the RSCDS International Team, which was great fun. Then, in betweenworking as PE teachers and raising our family, Duncan and I travelled as far afield as Scandinavia, America, Australia and Thailand dancing and teachingScottish Country Dancing. Sadly I had to hand up my dancing shoes 10 years agowhen I was 80 and my knees let me down, but I still enjoy listening to ScottishCountry Dance music and reliving many happy memories.

Congratulationsto Sam Carron the birth

of her daughter.

Well Doneto Whorlton Grange

for winning Wellburn’s

Got Talent, which was

held at the Irish Club

last November –

everybody had afantastic time

New staffNoreen Doughty –Chambermaid

Michelle Carr – CarerLisa Bunyeat – Team Leader

Vicki Porter – CarerSam Car – Carer

WHERE HASTIME GONE

Time has gone away from me

To look in the mirror, is this

The reflection I am suppose to see

I have changed so much over the years,

I think of my past and what my life was

and I remember my reflection

How it has changed

I have loved and lost, but remember it all

The tears fall, my heart grows weak

Is this the start of another week

My memory fades of life gone by

As I wipe the tears from my eyes.

SHAUN ROSSITER

Craghall

Wellburn News 2011 Page 9

As always Craghall has been thriving with activitiesand events, the highlight of the recent events was ourHalloween and Firework Party. All the staff workedvery hard to get everything ready for the big night.

We had a wonderful entertainer, called Pete Brown,who sang all kinds of music and entertained us for thewhole evening, getting everyone up singing anddancing. The Home was decorated to set the scenefor the spooky night, all the staff were dressed upalong with some residents and guests, some of thestaff looked better in costume than they normally do!

Once the entertainment had finished, everyonehelped themselves to a wonderful buffet, which hada special Halloween soup on the menu! With afirecracker Chilli to match the fireworks, everyonethen moved outside for the spectacular fireworkdisplay led by Emma and Joanna. All the residents andguests had fun remising with sparklers and watchingthe fireworks shoot into the night sky.

Everyone involved worked very hard to make thenight happen and we thank all of the staff, for all oftheir hard work and dedication.

Warm WelcomeCraghall would like to say a warmwelcome to the following new staff:• Katie Duncan – Care Assistant • Louise Anderson – Care Assistant • Esther Mzimbe – Care Assistant • Liz Jackson – Laundry• Jill Vasey – Care Assistant• Debra Hart – Dining Room AssistantBest of luck to Nicole Bowman andGemma Nettleton who are both leavingus on maternity leave.All the staff and residents would liketo welcome the following new residentsinto Craghall and hope they will be veryhappy here:• Marie Herbert • Helen Millard• Arthur Dennison • Marie Stobbart

As a young man in the GCHQ, Mike showed an aptitudefor languages and indeed was put through the sameacademic route via the RAF as “Philby, Maclaine andBurgess” the notorious spies. He became a Russianinterpreter and during the height of the cold war, was inGermany on the Russian border monitoring their flights.It was his job to inform the Allies as soon as the Russianplanes had taken off, giving them advance warning ofpossible conflict.Also during this time Mike became a committed Christian,which was to be a massive influence throughout his life.Mike was a talented football player and playedprofessionally for Southampton for a time.Even after deciding to get a job, rather than play fulltime for Southampton, he played for the EnglishCustoms and Excise against the French – of coursebeating them.During his employment for Customs and Exercise, Mikemoved to Newcastle upon Tyne where he met andmarried Audrey, they went on to have four children, Paul,Keren, Lis and Jonnie.He enjoyed many hours playing board games with thechildren, teaching them to ride their bikes and to swimtoo. They spent some time living in Scotland in Falkirk,where he managed Grangemouth Docks, before movingback to Newcastle where they still reside.

Mike loved walking and could often be found out andabout for walks in Northumberland, combining a dayswalking with visiting the many friends he had in that area.Mike did a lot of travelling around Britain through hiswork and also visiting various churches to spend timewith fellow Christians.Mike was an avid stamp collector, with an extensivecollection of stamps and first day covers. He was also agreat letter writer, keeping correspondence with friendsaround the world, including the USA, which he visitedseveral times.Mike had a special heart for helping the elderly; hewould assist them with shopping, accounts, car journeysand DIY jobs. He has spent a lot of time visiting thosewho were in hospital, or confined to their home andwere in need of company to cheer their day.As a grandfather to ten grand children, Mike wouldregularly visit Jesmond Dene to take the children to PetsCorner to visit the animals, walk through the ‘Wishingtunnel’ to make a wish and throw sticks over thewaterfalls and watch them sail away.Mike loved to educate the children in the names of treesand birds. He enjoyed a great interest in birds andalways kept them well fed in his garden.Mike’s room at Craghall is the perfect location for Miketo look out on the garden and enjoy watching the birdsfeeding from the tree just outside his window.

NEW ActivitiesWe have introduced new activities in to Craghall;our residents now enjoy knitting, polishing oldshoes and buffing the silver ware. Our normalactivities still go on daily, these include our arts andcraft classes, exercise class and regular outings withourselves and Michael the bus driver.One big addition has been the big screen projectorwe had installed early this year, our residents lovesitting watching old time movies on an afternoonwith sherry and popcorn!

Halloween & Fireworks

Michael was born on the 9th March 1933, to George &Rose and was brought up in Crewe. The second of five children, he had an elder sister calledBetty, two younger brothers Norman and Gordon and ayounger sister Hazel.As a boy he used to help at a local farm, fruit picking,milking, egg collecting, potato picking and mucking out,amongst other jobs.

Michael Johnson

Wellburn News 2011Page 10

Not many people get the chance to work for aWorld War Two flying ace, but Rita Steele took

it in her stride.The 85-year-old was secretary to Sir DouglasBader, who during the war was credited with20 aerial victories, four shared victories, sixprobable, one shared probable and 11 enemyaircraft damaged.When war broke out in 1939 Rita initially appliedto join the Women’s Royal Naval Service, but shewas told she would have to work in thecookhouse. Fearing she would be in the kitchen forthe duration of the war and wanting to put herintelligence to better use, she walked out andjoined the Women’s Royal Air Force Service. After undergoing training, she went to an air basein the south of the country where she was assignedto Douglas Bader, who by then was just starting tomake a name for himself as a fighting ace.Rita says: “I performed general administrativeduties for Douglas and he was really nice to workfor, although he loved to swear.“He had lost both his legs in an accident beforethe war, but this didn’t stop him flying, althoughhe would often fall over due to his prostheticlimbs and when he did, he did not let anyonepick him up.”

In 1941 Bader was forced to bail out overGerman-occupied France and was captured. Aftera number of escape attempts he was eventuallysend to the infamous Colditz prison, where heremained until the camp was liberated by theAmericans in April 1945.Rita said: “When he was in prison, the Germanstook his false limbs away from him to preventhim from escaping – he was a real character.”Rita’s adventures didn’t stop when Bader wasimprisoned. She was assigned to British NavalIntelligence, where she met her husbandMatthew and worked there until the end of thewar. One of her last jobs involved escortingFrench ‘sweet-hearts’ to the homes of thesoldiers they had fallen in love with duringthe war.After she left service, Rita moved to northernScotland where Matthew was from. Matthew

Again we won 1st prize in the ‘Sunderland inBloom’, all of the credit has to go to Lee, hedoes and carries on to do, an excellent job atSt. George’s, Residents love the garden areasand have a great deal of pleasure walking thegrounds and discussing the blooms.

Hazel – second from right – at Sunderland in Bloom

joined the Foreign Office and his role involvedlots of overseas travel, so the couple lived inplaces such as Cyprus and Singapore.

Rita says: “Singapore was wonderful. We had aflat in the botanical gardens and each day Iwould walk to the harbour and speak to lots ofpeople. It was here I was given my first 7-Updrink. At first I thought it was a drink with sevendifferent kinds of alcohol in, until I discovered itwas just like lemonade.

“Cyprus was also very nice. We lived on theGreek side and when you went to visit peopleon the Turkish side, you would often find yourcar being shot at – it certainly wasn’t dull.”

Rita, who has three sons and “too many grand-children and great grand-children to count”, hasbeen in St. George’s for eight years and enjoysliving there.

The dam busterWhen Georgina Stobart started work in amunitions factory at the outbreak of warin 1939, she could have never imaginedthat the work she would be doing wouldmake history and even result in a filmbeing made about it.

The 90-year-old was involved in the making ofthe famous bouncing bomb, which wasdesigned by Barnes Wallis.

At the time Georgina, who worked in a factoryin Chorley, Lancashire, had no idea of thesignificance of her work. She was selected forworking in a secret room and putting weightsinto a new prototype bomb.

She had to do this by putting her hands througha glass case (for her own protection) and into apair of gloves. that would allow her to reach thebomb. Each time the bomb would be taken awayand returned with the instruction to add moreweight or take some off.

Unbeknown to Georgina, the bomb was beingtaken away for testing to see if it could bounceon water and it was only well after the eventthat she realised she had been working on aweapon that would make history.

The bomb was designed to bounce to a targetacross water in a calculate manner, in order toavoid obstacles such as torpedo nets and toallow both the bomb’s speed on arrival at thetarget and the timing of its detonation, to bepre-determined.

The bouncing bomb was used successfully forthe first time in 1943, to destroy German damsand years later it became the subject of a film,The Dam Busters starring Michael Redgrave.

Georgina’s daughter Yvonne says: “Mum wasvery proud to have played a part in ensuringthe bouncing bomb was a success andwhenever The Dam Busters is shown, we referto it as ‘mum’s film’.

Georgina met her late husband Ossy whilstworking in the munitions factory and after thewar ended they married and settled inWashington. Georgina moved to St George’s in2010 and, according to Yvonne, she has settledin marvellously, with the help of the managerHazel and her caring staff.

Helping a war hero

to Ranu Sidhu who braved the weather to havethis lovely photo taken with Emma Fallon. Thewhole area around St. George’s was magical,with the snow on the ground and in the eveningwhen the Church lights were on, it was like awinter wonderland, so peaceful and quiet.

Well done

St george’s

Jane Fortune and Ashley Rowlandgave birth to lovely baby boys inApril love and congratulationsfrom all at St. George’s.

Congratulations

Wellburn News 2011 Page 11

What’s been on...20 October Pink Day for Breast Cancer

19 November Fancy Dress for Children in Need

15 December Christmas Fair raised £270for the Residents’ Fund

12 February Craft Fair for Residents and Relatives

18 March Red Nose Day

CongratulationsHelen Charlesworth who gotmarried to Earnest in Cameroonon 24 January.

St Catherine’s residents, Jean Smith and Peter Keech, both sharethe same birthday on the 23rd Feb. Jean was 83 year’s old andFrank, her husband, came in to share the day with her. Peter was89 year’s old and Betty his wife also came in to celebrate. Theyhad a joint celebration and a buffet was laid on for everyone toenjoy. Many Happy Returns!!

Olive was born on the 13thJanuary 1912. Her maiden namewas Olive Bartle and she had anelder sister named Freda, who

was nine years old. They both lived in Baildon, near Shipley, as young girlswith their parents, Arthur and Annie. Olive was a proud and loyal followerof the Girl Guides, she also had flare and grace as a ballerina.

Marie Petty was a friend of the young Olive Bartle and became a life long friend.

Olive’s first and only full time job was at Crompton Parkinson in Guiseley,as a secretary.

Olive was 25 years old, when she married Clem Bates on the 3rd February1937. The ceremony took place in Baildon Parish Church, when she wore awhite velvet dress. Clem’s best friend, Ian Pottter, was their Best Man andClem’s sister, Mildred, was Olive’s bridesmaid. Olive and her husbandenjoyed amateur acting and starred in a play named “Suzanne”, Oliveplayed Mrs Marks.

Olive and Clem had two children, Joyce and Brian and now she has twograndchildren and five great grand children.

Olive began her latest chapter at St Catherine’s on 1st October 2006 andhopefully she will be celebrating her 100th birthday with us early next year.

Residents at St Catherine’s have been given a new ‘leash’ for life, thanksto a visit by man’s best friend.

The residents spent a few hours playing with a golden retriever calledBarley. The visit was courtesy of Pets As Therapy (PAT), a national charitythat provides therapeutic visits to places such as Nursing and CareHomes, with temperament tested and vaccinated dogs and cats.

Helen Charlesworth, Deputy Manager of St Catherine’s, said: “Many of ourresidents will have owned animals when they lived in their own homes andwhilst it would not be easy for people to keep pets in a Care Home, we havealways recognised the importance of maintaining this contact.

From her School DaysI wish I lived in a caravanWith a horse to drive like a peddle manWhere he comes from nobody knowsOr where he goes to, but on he goesHis caravan has windows too and a chimneyOf tin that the smoke comes throughHe has a wife and a baby brownAnd they go riding from town to townChairs to mend and delft to sell he clashes the basin like a bellTea trays baskets arranged in order and plates with alphabet aroundthe Border the roads are brown the sea is greenBut his horse is like a bathing machineThe world is round and he can ride, rumble and splash to the other sideWith the peddle man I would like to roamAnd write about when I come homeAll the people would read my bookJust like the travels of Captain Cook

Olive Bates- Life Story

St Catherine’s staff Tiv andAlison, braved theweather to make a festivesnowman outside thelounge window. All theresidents enjoyedwatching him being madeand Mr Snowman lastedfor a number of weeks.

It’s a dog’s life

St catherine’s

Wellburn News 2011Page 12

In my first experience of a Wellburn’s GotTalent staff show, I supported the headoffice team in our rendition of the BluesBrothers classic, Shake your tail feather. Wedonned black suits, ties and hats and the allimportant dark glasses and with a glass ofwine on board took to the stage and thedance floor.

And guess what, we were not too bad! The dancing andsinging benefited from some key rehearsals led by Cathy andI think we did all right.

Then it was Fame. With some inspired routines using Zimmerframes and walking sticks – truly those guys will live forever!This was followed by bugs, ballet dancers, ghost-busters and,wow, those ladies in the flapper dresses certainly madeWellburn MD Karl’s heart race!

It was one of those evenings that you will remember for years– enthusiasm and talent on show and everyone throwingthemselves into it.

Thanks should go to Rolling Rock who set the place on firewith some great tunes from the charts as well as some oldclassics. The dance floor was full from the start of their set tothe final number. And boy can people dance at Wellburn!

What made me think it was so special was the way everyonetook part – it brought people together and certainly mademe realise what a great bunch of staff work for WellburnCare Homes.

A big thank you to Karen for organising such a wonderfulevent and to Cathy for persuading everyone to take part.

If you don’t believe me, take a look at the photos – they justgo to show what a talented bunch we have got working inour Homes.

By Sheila Beniams

LENTWELLBURN’S GOT

T

Ryton towers

Page 13

Halloween PartyWe held a Halloween Party for our residentsand families. Everyone enjoyed drinks, abuffet and entertainment from singer CarolLee. Staff got dressed up and a few residentsgot into the spirit of things. The eveningended with fireworks.

SnowOur grounds looked fantasticcovered in snow and ourresidents loved taking in theviews. We had our own littlewinter wonderland.

Residents at Ryton Towers showed no fear when they were visited by some very creepy creatures.

The residents got to touch a variety of creatures, both nice and not so nice, including rabbits, spiders anda snake, as part of a hands on workshop known as ZooLab.

ZooLab provides imaginative animal handling workshopsto a wide range of audiences. They are popular with CareHomes, as animal therapy sessions can improvephysical, psychological and social wellbeing.

The stimulating experience also helps promote verbalcommunication between residents and carers andcan sometime rekindle memories of times past, whichis particularly important for people with Alzheimersor Dementia.

Ryton Towers Manager Joy Wylie said: “We have hadZooLab in the home before and the residents always findit fun and stimulating.”

BirthdaysKaren Little 50th 24th AprilRachel Forster 21st 11th MayGlynis Johnson 50th 19th May

BirthsCongratulations to CatherineJohnson and family on thebirth of their baby girl on 21st April.

Welcome to New StaffBilly-Jo Caffrey – N/D Care Assistant

Alison Moat – Chambermaid

Pamela Million – Care Assistant

Welcome to New ResidentsMary Fulton Daphne Carter

Grace Cheesman Elsie Nicholson

Mona Kirtley

NVQJoy Wylie NVQ 4Zena Yates NVQ 3Karen Teasdale NVQ 3Rachel Forster NVQ 2Kerri Vincent NVQ 2

Although a very private person, Margaret Ann Blackburn, known asPeggy, has always been sociable and willing to offer help when needed.

Born in Crawcrook in 1916, she worked at Wylam ‘in service’ until shemarried her husband Bill in 1939. The couple moved to the Ryton areain 1954 and had three children Edward, Joyce and Hazel.

Peggy kept herself busy as a mother and member of the CrawcrookWI and Ryton WI, but suffered heartache in 1971 when Bill sadlypassed away.

Helped by her loving family, Peggy started to adjust to life without Billand the arrival of six grandchildren - Pamela, Pauline, Liesl, Ross, Lauraand Liam – and then three great-grandchildren - Ashley, Thomas andChloe – certainly helped to keep her busy.

Peggy is very proficient in dressmaking, knitting, cake making and decorating cakes and is a memberof the Ryton Methodist Chapel and a member of the Ladies Meeting.

Margaret Ann Blackburn (Peggy)

Wellburn News 2011

WATCH OUT there’s creepycrawlies about!

Rosevale

Wellburn News 2011Page 14

The cost of Tesco...

Rosevale’sBaby Boy Boom?Another arrival from the stork atRosevale. The arrival ofSarah Fearn’s baby boyCallum, born on the24th January 2011.This makes the 4thbaby boy born in justover two years. We arestarting to wonder if it is a certain“staff chair” that people are sittingon? The football team is lookingmore likely now... Jeni Bone startedthe trend off in November 2008 withHarry, followed by the arrival of Robbie toMarie Murfitt in May 2009. Adam followedRobbie in January 2010 making KasiaNidzwieka a proud mother and now babyCallum - who’s next?

Whilst recently visiting Tesco, I noticed thatsome of the residents were very interested inthe prices of the shopping that I was puttinginto the trolley. It was clear to me, whilst onthis shopping trip, how much we take thingsfor granted when it comes to inflation. Thereality of it was, that residents who don’t getout to the shops anymore, or very rarely, losethe concept of how much things are, intoday’s money. What we decided to do atRosevale, was to print and laminate picturesof lots of everyday items like milk, cheese,bread, Oxo and tea (as shown in the picturebelow) and get residents to guess how muchthese cost in today’s money. The staff have toguess how much items cost, pre & post wartime, thus giving everyone a topic to talk about.

Another popular event has beengoing over to the pub on anevening. You should hear the giggleswhen everyone comes home?

WelcomeWelcome to Mrs Cressey, Mrs Mooring, MrsBristow, Mrs Caldwell, Mrs Howe and Mr & MrsMarritt, who have come to live at Rosevale. Weare sure you are going to be very happy herewith us and please tell us if there is anythingelse we can do for you, to make your stay heremore comfortable.

Welcome also to Yvonne Wensley, SophieFoster, Donna Thomas, Lucy Young, NatalieKirrane, Dave Miller, Tara Wallace, whoRosevale welcome onto the work force.

We would also like to congratulate Julie Todd intaking over as Team Leader, as from the 1st ofMay. Julie has taken over from Jane Hogg(Team Leader), who has transferred toGrimston. Whilst we are going to miss Jane, wewish her all the luck and all the best in hernew role. We would also like to welcomeMark Dougan, who has been promoted toDomestic Supervisor.

...and finallyAll the staff and residents would like to saygoodbye to Suzanne, our Area Manager, who is nolonger going to be the Area Manager for Rosevale.Suzanne is going to be greatly missed, as she hasbecome so popular with everyone here. Herbubbliness and enthusiasm will be missed, buther standards will remain only to be improvedupon. However we would like to welcome RichardEllis, who is taking her place and wish him all thebest in his new post.

Well well well... a couple of months agowe got donated 2 Canaries by Alison Rose,one of the training co-ordinators. Now theinteresting thing about this was theircolour. One being ORANGE and one beingGREEN, this obviously has caused a greattalking point for all the residents, who stilldon’t believe they are Canaries?

Birthday cakesThe cook, Sue Galtey, continues to makewonderful birthday cakes and is so muchappreciated by the residents.

IntroducingTango and Cash

The PianoRosevale recently received apiano, donated by GrimstonCourt. It is proving great forresidents and staff alike.Nikki (Home Manager)is having her first pianolesson on the 26th Apriland is really looking forwardto it. Liberarchi? You decide.

Unfortunately Mrs Raven recently passedaway, however we wanted to share thewonderful photograph of Olive’s 100thBirthday on 13th Feb, which she celebratedwith her family, staff and residents.

Residents at Nightingale Hall came to the aidof under-privileged people living in Romania.

The residents, along with their families andstaff, knitted dozens of blankets for New Lifefor Romania, a charity set up to supportfamilies who live in poverty. The blanketsarrived in time for the cold Romanian winter.

At the head of the knitting group atNightingale Hall was Sheila Swinbank, aged80, who has lived in the Home for over twoyears. She was ably assisted by people suchas Joyce Galliers, whose husband Brian is aresident at Nightingale Hall.

Sheila said: “I have knitted all my life, but only really started to do it properly again whenI came to Nightingale Hall. I really enjoyed making the blankets and I am so happy that theyhelped to keep under-privileged people in Romania warm over winter.”

Shirley Snaith, Richmond Representative for New Life Romania, said: “These blankets will goto people who live in corrugated iron shacks, who have little or no heating and they willmake a massive difference to their lives.”

Maggie Guiney, Team Leader at Nightingale Hall, said: “Knitting is a real skill, so it was greatto see so many of residents who can do it, making so many wonderful blankets.”

Jack and Joan– still in love after 58 years

A chance encounter led to Joan and Jack Aldersonfalling in love and 58 years later they have justcelebrated their latest wedding anniversary.

Joan Toker was one of four children from PelawMain in Tyneside. In 1950 she came on holiday,with her friend Ethel, to a cottage in Gunnerside,near Richmond, North Yorkshire. This was whereshe met Jack Alderson, one of 11 children, whowas born and bred in Gunnerside. Joan workedmaking decorative boxes for the Co-operative andJack was a motor mechanic in the local garage.

They courted and were engaged for 11 months.Given the long distance between them (at leastit was long in those days) Jack could only visitJoan once a month, by bus.

They were married in 1953 in Pelaw RC Church,with a busload of guests making the journeyfrom Swaledale, driven by local man GeordieMilner. They moved to Reeth in themid 1950s, to the house in Langhorne Drive,where they lived throughout theirmarried life, raising four fine sons and onelovely grandson.

Joan kept her links with her childhoodhome, as she, Jack and the family enjoyedholidays on the North Eastcoast, mainly in caravans atWarkworth, with its lovelylong sandy beaches. Shealso loved to go back and

visit Newcastle, to see the Tyne Bridge andRiver Tyne and has a large photograph of themon her bedroom wall. Her younger brother, nowretired, lives in Reeth with his wife.

Jack went on to become one of the owners ofthe garage and had worked 50 years when heretired. He combined it with 25 years as aretained fireman in the local fire service. Jackhas a brother and sister living in Reeth, as wellas sister in Newton Aycliffe, Darlington,Northallerton and Richmond. His other sisterlives in Australia and his youngest brotherin America.

Joan and Jack also celebrated their 80thbirthdays in May and July 2010 and we aredelighted to have them at Nightingale Hall.

Nightingale hall

Wellburn News 2011 Page 15

Innovative technology that usesoutside air to provide heat, is beinginstalled as part of a £1.4 millionrefurbishment of Nightingale Hall.

The air source heat pump technology, extractsheat from the outside air in the same way thata fridge extracts heat from its inside. It canextract heat from the air, even when theoutside temperature is as low as minus 15oC.

Heating the building using air pumptechnology, massively reduces the carbonfootprint, as the pumps are 350% efficient,as compared to a normal gas boiler, which is90% efficient.

The installation of this technology, the first timeWellburn has used it in any of its Homes, isjust part of a wide range programme ofimprovements the Company is making atNightingale Hall.

Under floor heating has been installedthroughout the building, which was formerlythe Officers Mess of the Green Howard’sRegiment and the existing bedrooms are alsobeing refurbished to a high standard, with aninterior designer being employed to overseethe work.

A new dining room has already being createdfor residents and work has now also started ona large extension, on the back of the building,which will provide an extra 12 bedrooms.

New technologyat Nightingale

BirthdaysFrank Williamscelebrated his 73rd Birthday on 2nd March.

Margaret Strongcelebrated her 95th Birthday on 8th March.

Sheila Swinbankcelebrated her 81st Birthday on 14th March.

Nightingaleknitters

Riverhead hall

Wellburn News 2011Page 16

As we all know, last winter wehad plenty of snow to have fun in.

We organized an afternoon sothat a few of our residents couldgo outside and have some funwith staff. The staff got the

residents all wrapped up nice andwarm and went into our garden

to play. Whilst the residentswatched, a lovely big snowmanwas made by the staff! When Mr

Snowman was his full height,they put a bobble hat and scarfon him and he stood outside in

the garden for a good few weeks,although he sadly melted away asthe snowy weather faded away.

MusicalEntertainment

On a monthly basis, we try to fit in a Baking Day. We make buns,biscuits and often like to have a go at making our own fresh bread,so the residents can enjoy the smell and taste of fresh bread. Whenthe bread is cooked, the residents enjoy their fresh baking with ahomemade soup, that they have around tea time. As we can see inthe picture, one of our residents Mrs Ruth Abel who celebrated her99th Birthday in December 2010.

Every month we have different types of musical entertainment.However, we have one particular group that the residents really enjoyand they are The Black Cats. They are two brothers from Driffield,who often bring other family members to help them take part intheir act. They sing a wide range of music and often dress up for theresidents! One particular musical artist they like to take on is the oneand only Elvis Presley. On the 8th April 2011, the Black Cats camealong to entertain the residents for the afternoon, which turned outto be a very sunny April day, so they set up outside in our garden.The residents all came outside to enjoy the sun and the Black Catssing to them.

A photograph of Team Leader, Sallie Aitken withresidents Mollie Campbell and Susan Smith enjoying atipple at Christmas.

Monthly baking day

Riverhead Hallsnowy day

Handingout the gongs

We don’t always geteverything right

Winnie was born on the 8th April 1922 to Thomasand Winifred Emmerson and had 12 brothersand sisters; Alex, Tommy, Ruth, Sid, John, Arthur,Norman, Harry, Milly, Mari, Ada and Anne. Atschool, each sibling was taught to play a musicalinstrument. On Sundays it was tradition for allthe family to gather round the organ to play andsing together.

Once Winnie left school, she became a dressmaker until the war broke out and she thenjoined the Womens’ Royal Airforce.

Whilst Winnie was in the Armed Forces, she wasfirst based in Lincoln, then Lands End. Her job

Winifred Young

Wellburn House

Wellburn News 2011 Page 17

Some rather unusual instruments really strucka chord with Wellburn House residents.

Musicians from Gamelan at Work broughttraditional Japanese instruments to the Home.

Residents had a really good time playing theinstruments and making plenty of noise.

Here at Wellburn House, we always try our bestto get everything right, but sometimes it doesnot quite work out!

My last birthday in July 2010 started off with abeautiful 90th birthday card from Managementand staff at Wellburn, delivered by a TeamLeader, who told me I was wonderful for my age.I thanked her and said I should hope so as I amonly 84! She smiled sympathetically and saidwe all feel like that – I laughed and replied, inmy case it was the truth.

The poor girl was horrified at what obviouslywas a small clerical error.

Now I have a great incentive to catch up andnot waste my precious 90th Birthday card – only5 years to go and then who knows – somethingmight inspire me to go for the Century!”

Margaret Burrow - Wellburn House

role included office work, but would also lookedafter the aircrafts. At the end of the war, all ofWinnie’s siblings, except John and Normanreturned in one piece. John was injured whenhis ship was torpedoed. Norman was based inIraq and after a night’s leave, he returned tocamp and failed to answer when the guardasked “who goes there” – so they shot him – heis buried in Bagdad.

Winnie returned to dressmaking once the warhad ended and also worked as a barmaid –this was where Winnie met her husband Cliff,a joiner by trade. They married on the 2ndSeptember 1950 and had five children; Sid,Brian, Elizabeth, Sandra and Winifred. Theylived in Fenham and Winnie carried on workingfrom home, specialising in wedding andbridesmaid dresses.

When the children were babies, Winnie and herfamily took holidays in wooden huts inOvingham and Scarborough. Winnie’s youngestdaughter, Winifred, contracted meningitis whenshe was 13 years old, she survived only to diethree years later of the same thing.

All of Winnie’s children married and she hasfive grandchildren; Tony, Ian, Lance, Julie andDale. When Winnie retired, she spent hertime doing alterations for friends andneighbours, playing the organ and spendingtime with her grandchildren. Winnie’s husband,Cliff, died aged 73. Winnie now has four greatgrandchildren: Brook, Jessica, Max and Lewis.

At Wellburn House, Winnie likes to get involvedin most activities; dominoes, scrabble, outings,reading and most of all music! Put any musicon and Winnie will sing along and even have abit of a dance!

BirthdaysMaisie Fisher 84 12th JanuaryXenia Story 82 21st JanuaryDoreen Rose 87 12th FebruaryMargaret Benson 86 2nd MarchPolly Forster 86 17th MarchEdna Porteous 98 22nd March

New ResidentsWinnie WrattonPolly ForsterDoreen Rose

Ella was born in 1926 in Gateshead andwent to a Catholic School where she was verygood at sports and was chosen to run for herschool. Ella’s dad worked on the railways andthe family moved to Heaton when Ella was 8.Ella’s father would often greet the dignitarieswhen they came to the railways as he was verypolite. Ella’s father retired from the railways at65, he died a year later.

Ella remembers her mum being a great cook –Sunday tea was always set out with sandwiches,cakes etc. When Ella left school, she went intotailoring and mending. Ella also loved to danceand to go to the pictures. Ella was married at 21to Les, who worked on the railways like Ella’sfather and they lived in Heaton. Ella had threechildren; Linda, Patsy and Paul.

Autumn Bazaar & MacmillanCoffee Afternoon – 24th SeptemberEveryone gathered together for our AnnualAutumn Bazaar raising money for MacmillanNurses. During the afternoon, we had theentertainment of Susan Finn – playing a selectionof percussion instruments, which we all had a goat! We then had a selection of stalls, including acake stall as well as a tombola.

Wellburn News 2011Page 18

A Sunday football team has some of the oldest supporters in the league– thanks to a sponsorship deal from Heatherdale.North End Trap has the name of Heatherdale on its shirts. This is the second season thatHeatherdale has donated £500 to sponsor the team, which plays in Division 2 of theMorpeth Sunday League.

Heatherdale Manager Alison Moore said: “It’s nice to be able to provide support to a localteam and everyone at Heatherdale is fully behind North End Trap this season.”

Falling into the sponsorship trap

Heatherdale residents were delighted to receivea visit from the largest wildlife rescue centre inthe North East of England.

As part of the service they provide, they alsobring some of the animals into the communityand among those they brought into Heatherdale,were a hedgehog and an owl.

Heatherdale

Barbara was born on the Wirral, closeto Birkenhead, before being evacuated onthe first day of the second world warto Shrewsbury, where she stayed with alocal family.By Christmas she was back at home, as thepredicted bombing raids of the first fewmonths of the war did not happen – althoughof course much of Liverpool and the Wirralshipyards were extensively bombed later inthe war – and Barbara’s home was alsodamaged by German bombers.Barbara went to Denbigh Howells boardingschool between 1940 and 1943 and then on to StAndrews University for 3 years from 1943 – 1946,obtaining a degree. In 1946, her father died ofcancer at 50 leaving her mother, her sister andherself needing to find work to survive.Her mother had a terrible time after herfather’s death and having never worked in herlife before, was forced to take different jobsincluding one in the Manchester UniversityHostel for Students – a live in job working forthe residents there.Barbara had been due to go to St Jamessecretarial college in London after graduating,but she deferred this, instead taking up ateaching post at a boarding school in Folkstone,despite not having any teaching qualifications. During the summer she worked for a lady whohad been at Cheltenham Ladies College – whoowned a boarding house. It was while she wasworking here, that Barbara met a friend of afriend, who was the Head of an Italian bankand he was looking for a governess for his twochildren – he asked Barbara if she would liketo take the job. As she was going to St Jamesfor her secretarial course Barbara said no, butthen after 4 months and having passed hersecretarial exams she accepted!

The family had a summer house by thesea, where they went for a month anda chalet in the mountain with the mostamazing view of the Matterhorn.In 1950 Barbara moved to Switzerland –having obtained a job with Nestle.Here she met her first husband Mike.Mike had great plans to go to Canada,however when they applied fortheir visas they had complications,which concluded in them having toreturn to London. They returned to the UK and spenta while living here before decidingthat they wanted to go back toSwitzerland – both returning to Genevathis time and literally going in differentdirections to look for a job.

After five years in Switzerland, they returned toEngland and got married in 1955.During this time Barbara and Mike becameenthusiastic mountaineers – climbing all overthe Alps. Together they scaled Piz Palu, whichis 12 900 feet high in 1956 and Rifugio Mantovaat 11500 feet in 1957. They also climbedBreithorn at over 4000m. After their travels, Mike decided to buy acountry pub with some inherited income ofBarbaras and together Barbara and he ran theKings Head near Dorking. Barbara became thechef, preparing award winning food, whichwas very successful. Mike worked as frontof house.Together they ran the pub for 4 years beforeBarbara decided to take another secretarial job, atwhat is now known as, PriceWaterhouseCoopersand was involved in the various takeovers ofTnasley Witt and Andrew Barr, leaving the pubin the hands of Mike and the staff. TragicallyMike had a serious accident when working intheir garden, falling off a ladder, which causedspinal damage. After spending 6 months atStoke Mandaville spinal unit, he remained aparaplegic, but did get back to walking in afashion. When he died in 1976, it transpired hehad probably had a heart attack at the time ofhis fall. Barbara was fortunate to meet Jim, whose ownwife had died and they married in 1978 – Jimwas a Northumbrian and when his health toobegan to suffer, the two of them moved toWarkworth, which was close to Jim’s son. Jimhad been awarded the MBE for services to theFabian Society. Jim died not long after theymoved North and after a few years on her own,Barbara decided to move into Heatherdale.

New ResidentsAlan Rowell, Nan Chambers, John Smith,John Marshall, Jane Grieves andDoris Hearson.

New Staff CarersTrudi, Rita, Sharon and Hayley.

Julie and Julie.

CongratulationsMarjorie Ormston on turning 102 on26th August

Alan on his retirement

to Linda on becoming the PartnershipAlliance Manager

Well DoneTo Susan Belise, Marlene Scott andSarah Barnes on completing their NVQ 3

And to Allison Moore on completing herNVQ 4

A wise old visitor

Barbara Foreman,Heatherdale - Life Story

General news

Wellburn News 2011 Page 19

David hasa food fight

Wellburn’s Development Manager DavidRobinson, recently appeared on the Channel4 show Fern, competing in the Food Fightsegment against his partner Vanessa. Davidcooked a Thai green curry and Vanessacooked a traditional Indian curry.

The couple had to cook for the entireaudience and celebrity chef Paul Rankin,who judged Vanessa’s to be the best, muchto David’s dismay!

When asked why Paul chose Vanessa’s curry,David said: “Two reasons, he doesn’t knowthat a traditional Thai curry should be morelike a broth than a creamy curry andsecondly he fancied her.”

Roast Chicken Breast with Spring Cabbage,Creamy Dauphinoise potatoes & Ratatouille

Dauphinoise serves 6

Ingredients• knob of butter, for greasing • 1kg waxy potatoes, such as Desiree

(sweet potatoes can be used instead or as well as)• 150ml full-fat milk • 142ml carton double cream • 1 garlic clove , peeled and halved • 2 sprigs of thyme • pinch of freshly ground nutmeg • 25g parmesan, freshly grated (any cheese can be used)

Prep 20 mins Cook 1 hr - 1 hr 15 mins

Method1. Heat oven to 160oc/fan 140oc/gas mark 4. Line an 8inch square brownie tin with

greaseproof paper, making sure there are no holes for the liquid to seepthrough and then butter the paper. Peel and slice the potatoes to the width ofa £1 coin and pat dry.

2. Pour the milk and cream into a pan and then add the garlic and thyme. Heatto boiling point, cool a little and strain into a jug. Sprinkle with nutmeg andkeep warm. You can prepare this in advance and reheat.

3. Layer half the potatoes in the tin, overlapping the slices, sprinkling each layerwith a little salt and pepper. Pour over half the liquid and finish layering, thenadd the rest of the liquid and scatter over the cheese. Bake for 1-1 hrs untilthe potatoes are tender and the top is golden. Leave to stand for 5 mins, thencut into 6 portions and serve.

ChickenSeason your chicken breast with salt & pepper and fry in a littleoil and butter until it has a nice golden colour, then pop into theoven to cook on gas mark 6 or 180-190oc.

Meanwhile slice some seasonal spring cabbage and cook in boilingwater until tender, drain and add a little butter and pepper to taste.

Place hot dauphinoise potatoes on a plate with cabbage andchicken breast then add the ratatouille and use some of thetomato sauce to cover the plate. Eat and Enjoy Mary Wilkinson.

Ratatouille• 1 dash olive oil• 2 red onions• 1 aubergine• 2 red peppers• 2 green peppers• 2 courgettes• 2 tins chopped tomatoes• 2 cloves garlic

Method1. Chop all vegetables into 1cm cubes or larger if you prefer2. Heat oil in pan and add onion for 1 minute then garlic,

then peppers, sweat for 2-3 minutes3. Add courgette and aubergine cook for a further 3 minutes 4. Add chopped tomatoes to cover all of the vegetables5. Season with salt & pepper and bring to the boil and

simmer until vegetables are cooked6. You can add some fresh or dried basil, parsley or mixed

herbs to flavour at the end

Here is David’s recipe for his dish:For the Paste2 Teaspoons Coriander Seeds1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds1 Teaspoon Black Peppercorns1 Teaspoon Salt2 Teaspoons Galangal Paste3 Teaspoons Lemon Grass Paste1 oz fresh Coriander leafs and stems2 cloves Garlic20 small green chillis2 oz Basil Leaves

To make the paste, toast the seeds separately, untilfragrant and grind in a mortar and pestle. Add allother ingredients and form a smooth paste, (I usea blender for speed).

For The Curry500ml Coconut Milk

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

of paste that previously made

375g Chicken Breast

60g Aubergine

1 tablespoon sugar

2 Kaffir Lime Leaves

Some Basil leaves

2 table spoons fish sauce

1 fresh green chilli

1 long red chilli

Open the coconut milk and separate the creamytop from the milk, set aside the thinner milk. Ina large wok, heat the thicker cream stirringconstantly until it crackles...

Then add the green curry paste and continuestirring and heating till fragrant for approx 2 mins

Add Chicken and cook until meat is thoroughlycooked through(2-3 mins), add the remainingcoconut milk and bring to boil, add the choppedaubergine and simmer for 5 mins, add sugar andlime leaves, stir in fish sauce.

Remove from heat, serve with rice and garnishwith chillis and basil.

David Robinson

We wish to thank our gardening team fortheir sterling efforts throughout the

year. Autumn and winter is always a busyperiod for our gardeners, because whenthey are not clearing leaves, they arecarrying out landscaping work to ensureour gardens continue to meet our very high standards.

Over the winter we had up to 15 inches ofsnow, which started on 25th November inthe North East through to the start of a coldthaw at the end of December. This was followed byfurther frosts, varying between -10oc and -18oc.Yorkshire & Berwick suffered the same, althoughat slightly different times.All outside areas needed to be cleared and saltedevery day to provide safe access for staff andvisitors, so a big THANK YOU!

GARDEN HOUSEThese gardens arebecoming establishedafter the extensivedevelopment works.Neil’s mass bulb planting during autumn provideda wonderful display of spring colour, both at thefront and on the bank at the rear.We tried putting hanging baskets at the front of thehome in the autumn, however the strong Berwickwinds soon pulled the fixings off the walls and putan end to this idea. Wrought iron planter basketswill be under the windows for summer 2011,providing glorious colour.We are looking forward to entering the 2011‘Berwick in Bloom’ garden competition.

HEATHERDALESecond place in the East Chevington GardenCompetition.Alan Ramsey has retired from looking after thegardens and we welcome Ivan Batch onto ourgardening team. Ivan has started his owngardening business, having previously worked atLinden Hall Golf Course.With his experience, we are looking forward tohaving ‘golf green’ perfect lawns, as well as abeautiful garden.The fountain in the main garden has proved to bea wonderful success and is the central feature formany garden socials.

CRAGHALLThe original idea of using very large ‘barrel’planters, started here in the court yard area. Agreat success, commented on regularly, we are nowusing these in court yard areas at other Homes.The new fencing, which Lee has erected at the rearof Craghall, has improved this area considerablyand the views over the Dene.The established plants and trees survived thewinter very well; walled gardens do seem to bemore sheltered.

WHORLTON GRANGESadly we were not eligible to enter the 2010Northumbria in Bloom garden competition, as wehave won the ‘Ron Grubb’ memorial award theprevious two years. Apparently we can be toosuccessful, but hopefully we will be asked to enteragain in 2011.

Syd & Rod, as usual have provided wonderfulcolour all year. All Homes are benefitting from theinstallation of the automatic irrigation systems. Weforget how much time was spent previouslywatering baskets and pots by gardeners and staff.

WELLBURN HOUSEThe re-designed front garden flower beds areproving to be a great success.

A new rose garden has been established in the reargarden and hopefully Carol (Deputy Manager) willbe entering our blooms in the classes at Ovingtonshow. She told me that in the past we were verysuccessful with our entries.

We have, in 2011, established two charming newwater features of playful otters. This is a bigimprovement on our previous ‘furry’ friends, therabbits, who are now safely on the other side ofthe perimeter fencing.

RYTON TOWERSAwarded second prize in the ‘Britain in BloomCommittee Cup’ garden competition 2010.

There is now a much improved aspect at the rear,since the Leylandii hedge has been removed andnew wrought iron fencing erected.

The new large ‘planter’ barrels, in the lowercourtyard, have transformed this area into a blazeof glorious colour, with especially pleasing viewsfrom the surrounding bedrooms and corridors.

EIGHTON LODGEWinner of ‘Gateshead East’ garden competition2010 and second place in the larger ‘Area’ gardencompetition (winners only to compete).

This year we have been involved, in conjunctionwith the RHS Britain in Bloom and The WoodlandTrust, in regenerating the adjoining Dene, plantingover 400 nature ‘wildlife’ shrubs and trees.The selective clearance and planting has provideda conservation area and wildlife corridorfor birds, small mammals, butterflies, insectsand caterpillars.

Our British Red Cross Open Garden day in July wasagain a success, Mary and her team provided creamteas, which were much appreciated. We will beholding this event again on Sunday 24th July 2011.

ST GEORGE’SAwarded first prize and a Silver Trophy ‘Sunderlandin Bloom’ 2010

A noticeable change this year, is the addition of anoutside patio on the first floor. We haveincorporated this development into the garden areawith pots and hanging baskets.The new rose hedging in the long border, when itcomes into bloom, will provide a ‘vision in pink’well into the autumn.

GLENHOLME HOUSE & DAY CENTREMerit Award ‘Sunderland in Bloom’ 2010This garden proves that large areas are not neededto provide wonderful accessible gardens, which areused regularly by all residents.Jan & Lee have provided summer vegetables fromthe small raised bed at the rear of the Home.All gardening in this area can sometimes be achallenge, being so close to the coast.

NIGHTINGALE HALLWhat a difference a year makes. This springthe front garden has been a blaze of colour.Billy’s mass planting of bulbs in the autumnproved very worthwhile.The front aspect and gardens areprogressing and maturing. Visitors,residents and neighbours are regularlycommenting on the improvements tothe gardens.

Development works, including a new rearextension, are ongoing.

ST CATHERINE’SAwarded a ‘Yorkshire Rose Silver Gilt’ in theYorkshire in Bloom 2010 garden awards

Brian’s winter project has been to lay a new accesspath way across the rear lawn. It is best not to askhow many tonnes were removed, as this was amuch bigger project than was first envisaged.

We are desperately hoping that the fig tree has notbecome a ‘winter’ casualty. Time will tell, but it isnot looking healthy at the present time.

ROSEVALEBuilding works, which are being undertaken, haveled to a major change in the garden design. We arevery pleased with the new garden to date and thepressure is on to make a few further changes tobe ready for our first time entry in the 2011‘Yorkshire in Bloom’ garden competition.

The new water feature is proving a great successand residents appreciate the easy access to thegarden areas.

GRIMSTON COURTAwarded a ‘Yorkshire Rose Silver Gilt’ in theYorkshire in Bloom 2010 garden awards

We held another successful British Red CrossGardens Open Day in August 2010. A sunnyday always helps and visitors were verycomplimentary. As usual, the cream teas, whichPam and her team provided were muchappreciated. We will be holding this event againon Sunday 21st August 2011.

Not all ideas go to plan. In 2010 John planted acrocus walk, which was eaten by the rabbits andthe peacocks enjoyed the marigolds.

RIVERHEAD HALLAwarded a ‘Yorkshire Rose Bronze’ in the Yorkshirein Bloom 2010 garden awards

A much improved vista in the main garden afterJohn had selectively cleared the surrounding area.It is amazing after these works how many bulbsand plants ‘pop up’ which were not visible earlier.

These gardens are an on going project, as it isalways better to wait until the garden evolves, thanto force change.

Another idea, which did notwork last summer, Johnplanted Begonia ‘Non Stops’in the borders and the ducksfrom the adjoining canalcleared them overnight, backto geraniums this year!

Wellburn Care Homes Ltd. Head Office: Tyne View House, 9 Grange Road, Newburn, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 8NDTel: 0191 229 3530, Fax: 0191 229 3531 Email: info@wellburncare.co.uk www.wellburncare.co.uk

Garden News