What’s inside?

Founder’s Day 2014

From Regiment to Royalty

A Child of the Thirties

Backstage at the Autumn 2014 | Edition 2 Bowling for England A newsletter for all residents and staff; families and friends of Whitgift House, Wilhelmina House and the Whitgift Almshouses. What’s inside?

Page 3 Whitgift Care Update

Page 4 - 5 In the spotlight: Founder’s Day 2014

Page 6 - 7 Meet our residents: A message from Martin George and Sylvia Parsons Page 8 - 9 Welcome to the eagerly awaited second edition of Whitgift Care News. Looking Back: This year has certainly been a milestone year with celebrations taking place Margaret Dickens across The . In March, the 400th Founder’s Day Service and Audrey West was an extremely momentous occasion welcoming HRH The Princess Royal Page 10 to Minster and Old Palace, and one that will be remembered for Meet Our Staff: years to come. There has also been plenty of opportunity for Whitgift House Pat Bourne staff and residents to bring out their pearls and dancing shoes to celebrate the Home’s 30th Birthday. The Carers’ Support Centre on George Street has Page 11 also celebrated its first birthday with 16,000 enquiries in the first year of Staff in the Know: opening. Desi Tomassi

The endless variety of activities never ceases to amaze me. Entertainment Page 12 - 13 has included can-can dancers, artists and even a parliament of owls, Activities Focus: with communal areas being transformed into the Caribbean, Spain, Croydon Heritage Festival Commonwealth Games, the seaside and a traditional public house. Page 14 - 15 This edition features just a selection of these wonderful events, as well Events Gallery as your life stories, staff achievements and I welcome you to take part in Frankie’s quiz on the back page. Page 16 - 17 News from The Catherine (Head of Marketing and Communications) and her team are Whitgift Foundation always happy to spend time talking to you about your life experiences, recent events you have attended or any ideas for future articles. Please Page 18 contact her on 020 8256 1579. This newsletter is produced for you; I hope Significant Milestones: you enjoy this edition. Rene Hussey and Ina Wilson With the end of the year fast approaching, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families an enjoyable and prosperous M.Corney Page 19 festive season and New Year. Noticeboard

Martin Corney Page 20 CEO, The Whitgift Foundation Quiz Time

2 Whitgift Care News Round-up

Non-stop activities at Wilhelmina House Since the last newsletter, Wilhelmina House has seen an action packed diary of events. May kicked off with a VE ‘street party’ with patriotic flags being proudly flown around the dining room, followed by a trip to the theatre for a sing along to well known wartime songs. To get in the spirit of summer, June’s highlight was a Spanish Day where Whitgift House and Almshouses residents joined the Home for a memorable flamenco performance. Residents also took part in a variety of Croydon Heritage Festival in-house events. July and August saw a flower arranging workshop (with thanks to the skilful Harold at Whitgift House), a BBQ party, garden centre and Crystal Palace Park outing, topped off with a seaside themed day complete with an authentic Punch and Judy Show! Finally a Caribbean Day helped the Home to see out the summer before gearing up for Harvest Festival and Halloween. With Christmas fast approaching, residents will be eagerly awaiting what festive activities Frankie and Sally next have up their sleeves!

Almshouses get sporty for Garden Party Party fever swept over the Whitgift Almshouses as residents and guests celebrated their annual Garden Party on Saturday 30th August. A live band entertained guests at the Commonwealth Games themed party with classic tunes whilst young and old mingled together. The courtyard was transformed into a hive of activity with stalls selling residents’ homemade jams, chutneys and knitwear, as well as, brick-a-brac, tombola, elephant racing and raffle stalls. This year, residents raised over £1,000 with funds going towards the British Heart Foundation and the residents’ own social fund. Margaret Dickens, Almshouses resident, commented: “Despite the rain clouds threatening, there was a real buzz in the Almshouses courtyard with good conversation across the generations. I would like to thank all who helped out to make the event a wonderful success, with a special thank you to our Wardens for their hard work, commitment and energy.”

Pearls donned at Whitgift House This year, Whitgift House has enjoyed celebrating a special 30th ‘pearl’ birthday. On 3rd February, an evening party complete with a delicious buffet gave the ladies an opportunity to wear their finest pearls. Residents and staff wrote what Whitgift House means to them onto paper bunting used to decorate the room. All enjoyed lively music on the keyboard and many, including some in wheelchairs, were dancing. The celebrations continued at the Home’s Annual Garden Party in July where the lovely weather saw pretty summer outfits and pearls again. Music across the decades was played and a splendid 30th Birthday Cake was ‘cut’ by a former long standing member of staff, Ingrid Quartey, assisted by CEO, Martin Corney. Alison Symonds- Tayler, Activities Co-ordinator, said: “It has been such a privilege to celebrate 30 years in which Whitgift House has gone from strength to strength. We are grateful for the wonderful support by The Whitgift Foundation and look forward to the next 30 years.”

3 In the spotlight: feel aware of the deep roots best quality. Plus there had been A PERSONAL of stretching back no mishaps and I just knew that IMPRESSION OF in time like the sturdy roots of a the day would be perfect and there A SPECIAL DAY great oak whose wide trunk shows wouldn’t be any disasters small or BY LYNDA PESTELL, its age. Yet the branches reach large to mar the day. The Princess WHITGIFT HOUSE far into the air reaching out to us gave a speech, and we took her to and touching the lives of people our hearts because she seemed e all arrived at the Minster, today; the Foundation’s homes and so straight forward and without Wall thirty eight of us, in good schools, and people living their lives pretence. The youngest girls of time. All seated in our pews and now with their hopes and desires. sang a lovely bathed in the sunlight flooding I feel proud and lucky to be part of song about flying free and the through the beautiful arched something good which has purpose beautiful room was filled with stained glass glowing blue and red. and comes from something of so beautiful music. We could see what was going on long ago. at the Alter, the solemnness of the The Princess took her leave and we proceedings and the verger calmly In the Great Hall, we celebrated the moved into the buffet room which leading Canon Boswell and then the 400th Founders Day Service. The had the same air of elegance with to where they high ceiled room with its vaulted its large oval table and large flower made their address. The choir sang; roof and panelled walls was set arrangement in yellow and blue. heavenly voices rang out. There was with elegant large round tables, We collected with residents, and a beauty in that church, the sound, each topped with a beautiful floral while waiting for our transport, we the atmosphere. The smartly arrangement. Every detail had been shared our experiences of the day. dressed congregation all seemed considered and tastefully arranged A wonderful end to this event was lifted. in honour of the celebration and yet to come - the our special guest, The Princess bus that had brought us, suddenly Through to Old Palace, via an Royal. Prawn cocktails, in their tall appeared, unarranged and returned ancient arch, helpful strong arms stemmed cocktail glasses, stood us back to Whitgift House. The assisted with wheelchairs and so like statues with toast soldiers timing could not have been better - our procession arrived. Before in the projecting from them at an angle thank you to driver Peter, it was the Minster, and now in the Great Hall, I and the crisp table linen was the ‘icing on the cake’!

4 Founder’s Day by Sheila Mason Whitgift Almshouses A gentleman called John Whitgift Thoughts on a Laid in 1596, the foundation stones; So characteristic are the buildings Royal Founder’s Day Which are found within the zones.

To mark this special occasion by Wilhelmina A service in the Church, a must; House Residents We entered with great trepidation It’s here one gives thanks to the trust.

The spoken lessons, expressed so much feeling The choirs with their singing excelled; This was a day to remember “I’ve always admired Princess What a blessing, once a year it is held. Ann because when she joins in Home once again to the Almshouses anything she always takes the The swearing in, a mark of tradition; trouble of learning beforehand The service was short, for next on the list all about the event and the A superb meal was held in addition. people involved in it, so when So now as we thank John Whitgift she meets people, she always We also give thanks to our Lord, knows what she’s talking about!” To be mindful of others, help all we can Joan Organ For peace you will find, rest assured. Thanks Sheila!

“I had never seen Princess Ann before. She was wearing a cape “I enjoyed reading the lesson with fur all around the edge. during the service. I knew She looked very nice.” Princess Ann was watching me, Barbara Thomas but I didn’t think about it, as I wanted to stay focused and get my lines right!” Hana Nieminska

5 George & Sylvia Meet our residents: ith 188 years of age between them, 73 years of marriage and George & Sylvia W16 great-grandchildren, George and Sylvia Parsons have a few Parsons, from stories to tell. Before recalling their fondest memories, George admits regiment to royalty that his life started at retirement, he claims, “Although I am 95, I feel that I am actually 70”. Having travelled to most countries around the world and with trips to Hong Kong, Spain and Morocco already on the calendar, this active pair enjoy living life to the full. They’ve met two Popes, most of the Royal Family including the Queen, no less than five Prime Ministers and George is quick to add that he’s even shared a dance with Gone with the Wind’s actress Vivian Leigh. When they’re not on their travels, raising money for charity or at the latest engagement at Buckingham Palace, George enjoys watercolour painting, whilst both love to create scenic tapestries.

6 However, life for Whitgift House raids. However, this didn’t hold residents George and Sylvia hasn’t the couple back, George returned all been a bed of roses. George, the to engineering and became a eldest of eight children, was born company manager, picking up a into post WW1 Britain in 1919 professional qualification; Sylvia where times were tough and hot become a full time mum to their meals were often seen as a luxury. five children. An avid church At the age of nine, George’s goer, George found his calling hard-working flair was already to priesthood and was ordained evident, working at the local in 1968 subsequently being a butchers to earn his family the Priest to a number of churches in Sunday roast. Despite his family Southwark. not being able to accept the scholarship he won to grammar Today George still preaches, from school, George successfully trained old battlefields of the Somme as an engineer enduring 48 hour to remembrance services at weeks without any paid holidays. Westminster Abbey. Aside from In 1937, with patriotism sweeping their large family, with some living the nation and the promise of in far flung corners of the globe, adventure, George enlisted in the one of George and Sylvia’s greatest Territorial Army and, in 1940, passions is raising money for the When asked the secret to a long volunteered to fight against Taxi Benevolent Fund who and prosperous life, the pair agrees the Germans in Norway. A year support disabled war veterans. that it’s important to put back what before, George had already met George helps collect money at train you have got out of life. On one the love of his life Sylvia, who he stations and football stadiums of their recent explorations, they married in 1941 after courting her across the capital to support saw a fitting slogan on a billboard on Tooting Bec Common in war outings for war veterans to places of which they immediately adopted: stricken London. Whilst George interest such as the annual WW2 “Adventure not Dementia!” was in Norway, communication Liberation Parade in Holland. As between the couple was extremely one of the few surviving veterans In October, George and Sylvia limited. When Sylvia’s mother and through this important enjoyed celebrating their 73rd once complained to George about work, they have been invited to wedding anniversary with a the lack of correspondence to prestigious functions at Downing party amongst their friends Sylvia, he was rather perplexed Street and the Royal Palaces. In at Whitgift House. They were that she thought he had time to fact, George was ecstatic when delighted to have received their nip to the nearest post box whilst the Duchess of Cornwall recently sixth card from Her Majesty. he was fighting against the enemy. recognised him at one of the events George went on to become one of and said, “I’ve spoken to you before!” the original Army Commandos As staunch royalists, the Duchess serving in North Africa, Italy and is up there among their favourite Sicily, notably at Salerno and Royals however the Queen still wins Montecassino. Sylvia also did the number one seat. Their fondest her bit for the war effort joining moment was being presented to the the Women’s Royal Air Force as Queen this June at a Buckingham an aircraft fitter with Bomber Palace garden party. Sylvia adds, Command. Sadly, when war ended, “She’s actually quite a short lady both Sylvia and George’s respective but has the softest voice and homes had been destroyed in air sweetest smile that just lights up”.

7 by holding the toasting fork up Station, and like thousands of against the bars. A typical dinner children, were lined up with their would be meat and four portions little suitcases and gas masks of vegetables with roast potatoes wearing a label which stated their roasted in beef dripping, followed name and school. Steam trains by a steamed pudding with treacle took them out of London Waterloo or chocolate and ginger, and and on to Swanage, Dorset. War lashings of custard, which Margaret was declared on September 3rd says were delicious. 1939 and Margaret remembers the atmosphere in the house in The wireless and cinema were Swanage to be tense. It was an an important part of the family’s unhappy time for the girls who life. They would gather around longed to be back with their family. Looking back: the wireless listening to the new A CHILD OF broadcasters, music and current In the summer of 1940, the girls THE THIRTIES affairs. Everyone went at least returned to London to Hanwell WITH MARGARET once a week to the local cinema. Broadway. At the time of the Battle DICKENS, WHITGIFT Margaret’s favourite film was ‘The of Britain they would go down to ALMSHOUSES Lone Ranger’ and she particularly the bomb shelters at night. One liked the actor ‘Roy Rogers’ who morning Margaret remembers argaret was born in 1930 and starred in many other great seeing the vivid glow of fires Mgrew up in South Westerns. News reels such as across central London. They were with her elder sister, Chrissie. In Pathe news accompanied the films. evacuated again to Henley-on- the thirties, Margaret described During the intervals, a magnificent Thames in Oxfordshire. Despite the their world as ‘small, but full of life, organ would rise up surrounded harshness of war time, Margaret colour and movement’. She lived by colourful lights. The family acknowledges that if she had at nine Riverhall Street; the house moved house in 1937 to a flat in been a child from France, Holland, was always busy with people. The Kennington, which had electricity, Belgium or Germany, she might sisters would play on the street gas, their own bathroom and toilet never have survived the war. outside the house with no cars which was a great luxury and the around and only an occasional sisters had their own room. Moving home has been a constant horse drawn cart, or men pushing in Margaret’s life, having moved barrows, selling vegetables or In the lead up to WW2, there was 16 times. Margaret is now an firewood. They spent their days a sense of foreboding; grown-ups integral member of the Whitgift playing ball games, hopscotch and had solemn faces and hoped that Almshouses community where their favourite, skipping. Sometimes another war would not happen. she can be found selling her they would take their mothers The news was full of the worrying amazing range of jams at events or washing line to provide fun for up events happening across Europe. knitting garments and blankets for to 20 children at a time. Soon a Margaret remembers the Prime charitable causes. chorus of mothers would call in Minister, Neville Chamberlain, their children for supper followed promising “Peace in our Time”. The by howls of protest. threat of war became a reality in 1938. Like thousands of children Food in the thirties was cheap and across the country, Margaret and plentiful. Margaret remembers Chrissie were issued with gas her mother preparing delicious masks to be carried at all times casseroles and puddings, all in the event of a gas attack. In slow cooked on the range. Daily early September 1939, Margaret the family would make toast and Chrissie arrived at Waterloo

8 BACKSTAGE AT THE rom arranging and preparing stage props, moving Fspectacular set designs and scenery to the bare FAIRFIELD HALLS essentials of making tea, Audrey West soaked up WITH AUDREY WEST, all the buzz and creative atmosphere backstage at WILHELMINA HOUSE Croydon’s very own Fairfield Halls.

Audrey lived in Streatham for over 30 years but Croydon town centre soon become a familiar place when she became part of The Stagers, working at the . Audrey’s friend Olive was a Prop Master. She asked Audrey to come along to be part of the backstage team at Fairfield Halls, assisting with props and scenery, taking flowers on stage for the performers. Audrey agreed and worked there from 1977 to 1985. She worked on a vast amount of performances and shows, and found the costumes and props interesting and creative. One particular show she remembers working on was ‘South Pacific’ about an American in Thailand during the war and the love stories of the soldiers. Audrey commented on how much she enjoyed the love stories.

Other than working back stage out of the spotlight, Audrey found herself in front of the camera when she joined a modelling agency in West Croydon, modelling for catalogues such as Freemans. Audrey was asked for a test shoot with Film Director and Writer, John Sealy, who worked on films such as ‘There’s a girl in my Soup’ starring Goldie Hawn and Peter Sellers. The film test was at John’s home in , which had beautiful gardens, a swimming pool and where several of the ‘Carry on’ film series were shot. Programmes from some of Audrey’s most vmemorable stage shows

9 Meet our staff: Bowling for England with Pat Bourne

The Whitgift Foundation is proud to boast a number of staff who are international athletes. Sean King, a teacher at Trinity School, won gold this year in the Water Polo tournament at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Whitgift Care also has its very own national sporting success, and that is Pat Bourne. Pat is a Community Assistant at Whitgift House, but she’s also been part of the England Lawn Bowls team for the last three years. Pat first became interested in the sport 20 years ago when she was living in Dundee The Rules of in her native Scotland. Her brother-in-law, thinking it would be a good hobby, Lawn Bowls introduced Pat to carpet bowls – which is played indoors and on a shorter Lawn Bowls is played on mat. After finding she was quite good, Pat gave the more challenging outdoor strips of grass called ‘rinks’. version a go, that was it, she had found her talent! There are variations, but senior Internationals are In 1999 she moved to England and started working at Whitgift House. Pat played over six rinks. kept up her interest in bowls and joined Purley Bury Bowling Club, where she established herself as one of their top players. In 2012 she won the National Each rink consists of two Two-Wood Championship and was put forward to be considered for England opposing teams of four players. Overall there are 24 selection. players to a team. Pat’s enthusiasm for bowls is evident to anyone who knows her, so it’s The aim of the game is to understandable that getting the call-up to the England squad was one of the finish with your team’s bowls most thrilling moments of her life. Pat’s first taste of international bowls was closer to the ‘jack’ than the on the 2012 series which was ultimately won by Ireland. The next year was opposition’s. different, however, and Pat helped England to victory over the other Home The scores of each rink are Nations. England won this year in Jersey to record back to back victories. accumulated; the highest Pat’s rink has never been beaten while she’s been in it, a fine achievement. scoring team is the winner.

10 Staff in the know: A training update from Desi, Training Co-ordinator

I’ve recently started delivering privacy, partnership – and how cognitive impairment can appear ‘Dementia Care Awareness’ to staff at vital a role these equally play when aggressive or challenging. We Whitgift House and will shortly too caring for individuals with dementia explore why empowering people at Wilhelmina. The training covers as well as those without. to remain independent at all times areas such as different types of plays a fundamental role in helping dementia, for example Alzheimer’s I encourage ‘role play’ with staff, them retain, regain and even learn and Vascular Dementia. In sessions, an opportunity to highlight the new life skills. I talk about how personalities and essential need for carers to have abilities play a significant role in empathy, compassion and patience Any staff members interested the way the disease will affect one’s as there is potentially a window for in taking part in Dementia Care behaviour as the disease progresses ignorance to creep in when one does Awareness training, please contact through its stages. not understand something such as me on 020 8760 0472 at Whitgift disease and illness. House or 020 8760 0933 at As with all training which I facilitate, Wilhelmina House. I discuss the importance of This has proved a successful promoting ‘person centred values’. exercise in helping carers relate to These are dignity, choice, respect, individuals who may be confused Desi rights, independence, individuality, or forgetful and as a result of their

Desi’s 5 tips for a Carbohydrates are essential for 4 energy, i.e. starches and sugars, and healthy balanced diet should at the very least make up 50% of our daily calories; the other 50% should be made up from protein and The average person requires four pints fats, the other two main food groups. 1 of fluids per day (water, milk, fruit juice, tea, coffee and even that glass Proteins are found in fish, eggs, cheese of wine with your evening meal!) 5 and meat. Fats such as saturated fats are not so good for us and they can Studies show five portions of fruit increase our cholesterol. They are 2 and vegetables every day is good found in dairy and bakery products, for health. meats and milk chocolate. Stick to Don’t worry! Fruit and vegetables polyunsaturated fats – the essential 3 can be fresh, tinned, dried or frozen. fatty acids are best for health!

11 Activities Focus: Croydon Heritage Festival art workshops by Alison Symonds-Tayler, Activities Co-ordinator, Whitgift House

I had read about the work of Hale moment and returning to earlier Man, who has been appointed memories, so we hoped they artist-in-residence at the Whitgift would feel relaxed. We had enough Centre for a year, and was pleased help to offer one-to-one support when we booked an interactive where it would be beneficial. As session with some of our nursing an ice breaker, we helped folk to and sheltered residents as part create a name badge and to add of this year’s Croydon Heritage some pictures that reflect their Festival. Hale does a lot of life and interests. All the young community outreach work using volunteers soon built up a rapport art. So one Monday morning in with the residents and gradually June, we gathered fifteen folk ready encouraged them to bring out ideas to try something new. and memories from their long lives. A few brought out their talents at I met Hale who is full of energy drawing, while others preferred and enthusiasm. Along with to direct their helper to record for Hale, we welcomed a young team them. of four volunteer helpers from her current project, Elements of Within a relatively short time, Transformation. We all assisted results were appearing. One Welsh Hale in setting up in our spacious lady, in her 102nd year, with her community room, with trestle granddaughter and great-grandson tables in a large circle. Her idea was beside her, sketched out a beautiful to get alongside our senior residents lady in Welsh costume. Later her and encourage them to record granddaughter helped her add their life experiences in different some significant life events around media. Those of us who were art the outside. Although she cannot novices were shown how versatile remember much in recent time, she oil pastels are. happily returned to her Welsh roots. Beside her a retired church minister Soon some of our lovely residents and civil servant produced a lovely were settled at the tables. A few sketch of a church and garden. folk have short term memory loss, Another lady created a very jaunty but enjoy living in the present cyclist, remembering happy times

12 out on her bike, whilst her hubby a sad spell at first for her and her As we drew the session to a close, drew some great ships – recalling husband, but they were then able Hale went around the room, his days inspecting oil tankers. to move into a more positive place. exhibiting results (if the artists Another lady encouraged her helper wanted to – and most did). In some to draw a beautiful ball gown and Every so often Hale brought us cases the residents shared their high heeled shoes, which she used together and shared an image own background to the artwork, to happily wear. Happy evenings someone had created to encourage while others were shared by the of ballroom dancing were revisited. us. She has a positive and creative helpers who had thoroughly Another bright lady with memory manner and we all felt inspired and enjoyed getting to know them. loss loves to recall her early years challenged. Hale had done plenty After I had taken some copies of our in West Africa and how her mother of preparation and was sensitive to work, Hale bore it off to be put up brought her home to England. She the needs and concerns of working in her studio in the . produced a great map of west and with our residents and gave the I look forward to trying these ideas northern Africa. A lady with poor helpers some good advice and with other residents in future or eyesight but a talent for poetry guidance. She had led a successful maybe seeing Hale work with other recalled a moving poem she wrote session at our sister care home, media such as painting in oils and many years ago about coming to Wilhelmina House and was able watercolours or developing her terms with bearing and bringing to cite some examples of positive current project further. up her disabled daughter. This was experiences there.

13 Events Gallery Here’s a selection of just a few of the events keeping our residents busy…

Old Palace Year One visited Wilhelmina House in celebration of Harvest Festival. The girls sang and presented delicious chocolates and gifts to the residents.

A tropical treat at Wilhelmina House for Caribbean Day.

Whitgift Almshouses residents enjoy a spot of wine tasting at Denbies Wine Estate for Dora’s Day accompanied by CEO, Martin Corney.

Joan greets feathered friend ‘Denis Healy’ at Whitgift House’s Owls About Town Event. Harold and Jeanne creating a beautiful flower arrangement for Whitgift House Flower Day.

14 Wilhelmina House resident, Margaret, remembers Croydon from years gone by at the Croydon Heritage Festival 2014 exhibition at Fairfield Halls. Trinity School boys visit the Whitgift Almshouses and resident David Gilbert taught the students interesting and unique facts about the historic building.

Residents of Whitgift House vs Whitgift Foundation staff at the annual croquet competition - a tense game which ended in a draw. Wilhelmina House residents get patriotic to celebrate VE Day.

th birthday celebrations Whitgift House residents were offered the chance to Bill’s 90 explore the magnificent grounds of Whitgift School. at Whitgift House with musical Photographed here with the sculpture of Founder, entertainment and cake. Archbishop John Whitgift.

15 News from the whitgift foundation

Carers Support Centre celebrates first birthday

he Carers Café was filled the person they care for. Carers are Twith sandwiches, scones not just encouraged to drop into get and cupcakes as carers, staff and advice on issues affecting them, but volunteers gathered for a tea party also to meet other carers, have fun to celebrate the Carers Support and take part in many of the social Centre’s first birthday on activities on offer such as a Carers Tuesday 23 September. Café, ballroom dancing and even a The Centre on George Street, laughter workshop. Also available the first high street drop-in every week are free NHS health centre of its kind for carers checks to people aged 40-74. The in the UK, has had more Centre is funded by The Whitgift than 16,000 enquiries since Foundation and Croydon Council opening. Since January, a and run by the Foundation’s Carers’ 20 strong volunteer team Information Service (CIS). including some Whitgift Almshouses residents One visitor commented: “A great (pictured) has supported the day for the Carers Support Centre centre by providing over 750 on its birthday celebration. It is hours of volunteering through well organised and I met many varied roles including: a Mailout different people sharing their Team; Publications Delivery feelings together as carers. A great Driver; Carers Café Welcomer welcome by staff, nice tea, coffee and IT Buddy and Support. and plenty of sandwiches to eat. The atmosphere was very welcoming.” Information and advice is available at the Centre for carers on any If you or anyone you know is aspect of their caring role by phone, looking after someone with a dropping in or through a casework disability, illness or old age, contact service which advises carers of their the team on 020 8649 9339 (option rights, entitlements and how to 1) or visit 24 George Street, CR0 1PB, access services for themselves and 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday.

16 Outstanding rating for Old Palace Nursery Old Palace Preparatory received an ‘outstanding’ rating following an inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). The team highlighted the exceptional educational provision for all girls in Reception and all boys and girls in Nursery. Each child was found to be happy, well behaved and showed genuine care and respect for each other. Inspectors judged each category to be outstanding including the overall quality and standards; meeting the needs of the range of children who attend; provision for the children’s well-being and leadership and management. Carol Jewell, Head of Old Palace School of John Whitgift, commented, “We are absolutely delighted by the ISI report. It is a shining testament to the individual and collective work of all staff at Old Palace for Reception and Nursery. Trinity’s New Pavilion Every parent wants to know their child is happy, within an educational opened by Mark Butcher environment where they will excel, and be surrounded by dedicated and and George Chuter passionate staff.” Cricket and rugby legends, Mark Butcher (Surrey CCC and England) and George Chuter (Leicester RFC and England) honoured their old school with their presence when they returned to familiar grounds to open Trinity’s new sports pavilion. Whitgift School Members of the Trinity community wins London in made up of staff, pupils, parents, old Bloom School boys and governors, gathered last Grounds Category April to celebrate Trinity’s latest Whitgift took part in the London in Bloom – Sow, Grow and Know 2014 sporting facility. The pavilion offers competition. Out of 28 participating schools, Whitgift was delighted to win four changing rooms, a food servery, a gold certificate, and be crowned overall winner. The criteria by which the a function room and viewing gardens where judged were extremely stringent, with categories including galleries from which to enjoy ‘sustainability’ and ‘use of grounds for school curriculum’. After a long rugby, hockey, football and cricket and detailed tour of the School’s grounds, the judges proclaimed that the fixtures. Mark Butcher commented: ‘horticulture and groundsmanship is of an exceptional high quality’, and “The pavilion is a wonderful new that ‘Whitgift School is one of the jewels in the crown of Croydon, London facility which emphasizes Trinity’s and the South East’ - high praise indeed. Congratulations are due to Head commitment to excellence on the Groundsman, Stuart Webber; Head Gardener, Sophie Tatzkow; and their sports field. I am very pleased to dedicated teams, who work tirelessly throughout the year, come rain or shine. have been asked to open it.”

17 Former can-can dancer turns 100 A TRIO OF On her 100th Birthday in April, TH Ina Wilson was transported back to 100 BIRTHDAY her earlier days when she worked as a Bluebell Girl, touring theatres CELEBRATIONS and entertaining troops. To mark the occasion, Whitgift House n 27th June, Rene Hussey was 100 years old with three rather special welcomed a talented young dancer Oelements to the celebrations. When Rene was 90, she received just called Isa, who enthralled guests over 90 cards and her daughter, Elizabeth, thought how wonderful it would including Ina’s son, Peter, with her be if she could have 100 for her 100th. So Elizabeth mounted a ‘publicity spectacular dancing. She wore a campaign’ amongst her relatives, friends from across the globe, as well as traditional white costume, with a neighbours and former neighbours. It was touch and go but the 100 target huge plume of feathers in her hair was reached a few days after her birthday. (We’ll blame Royal Mail for that!) and danced two lively dances. Ina There were no such problems, of course, with THE card from the Queen and was so pleased and was dancing in it’s a lovely picture this year; informal and smiley. her wheelchair. Then after a quick costume change, Isa came out in Unknown to Rene, Dr Nicholas Ford, her former GP of 24 years standing, had the colourful can-can costume, been in touch to say that he planned to visit on the day, bring his trumpet complete with full petticoat and (he plays in an amateur brass trio) and serenade her with ‘Happy Birthday’. bloomers and she danced an And he did – twice. Rene was over the moon; she was always extremely fond incredible can-can dance with Ina, of him, and he of her. once again, so happy. Afterwards, for the photo call, Ina who is still On the 27th there was a big open-invitation party for all residents of the very fit, although unable to walk, home. There were quizzes, charades, party games, a huge cake and lots of showed us how she can still raise laughter. The Mayor of Croydon came for an hour and a former neighbour, her leg like she used to. As Ina’s a professional cake-maker, travelled up from Devon with another beautiful mother used to be a Tiller Girl, both cake. The cake was consumed at a second tea party on 29th June for Rene’s of them must have been very fit. family, attended by 19 of those closest to her. Rene loved every minute of the Ina loves music and revisiting those party. Life has now returned to normal but the cards, messages, photographs happy days and we were all thrilled and memories remain. to share the special event with her.

18 Find out about fraud The Metropolitan Police has Bookworms published a useful guide to raise wanted! awareness of fraud and scams. The Little Book If you live either at the of Big Scams’ is a comprehensive guide on fraud Whitgift Almshouses prevention, explaining some of the most common or the Whitgift House scams in existence, ranging from the simple to sheltered accommodation and would the sophisticated, providing essential advice to be interested in joining our little play reduce the chances of you being parted from reading group here at Wilhelmina house, your money. The booklet is primarily aimed at we would like to hear from you! Please the elderly and vulnerable in society as they are call Wilhelmina House on 020 8760 particularly at risk; but anyone who reads it will 0933 and ask for Edith Terry, resident, or benefit. People from all backgrounds and income Frankie, Activities. levels are targeted by scammers - anyone can fall victim to fraud. To obtain copies of the booklet, including audio or easy reading versions, contact the Metropolitan Police on 020 7230 1228 or visit www.met.police.uk/fraudalert

Friends of Whitgift House needs you! The Association of the Friends of Whitgift House, formed by the then Matron, Sue Turnbull, will be turning 25 next year. The Association warmly welcomes staff, residents, family and friends across all Whitgift Care homes to become members. Its aim is to assist staff by providing support on a voluntary basis for outings or social and fund-raising events at the Home. For example, supporting with wheelchair residents during outings or driving the mini-bus (subject to assessments). We also encourage members to look for new ideas with outings and activities. The Association is managed by a committee formed of residents, non-residents and members of staff who meet four times a year, with the Annual General Meeting held in October.

Annual membership is just £6 and is free to residents and staff. If you would like to join or have any queries, please contact Jenny Bates on [email protected] or via Whitgift House on 020 8760 0472.

19 IT’S QUIZ TIME! Competition

As you may (or not!) know, Wilhelmina House was built 30 years ago, in 1984. So, here are a few questions for you about Wilhelmina House and the year 1984. WIN A BOTTLE OF WINE Question 1 AND A Wilhelmina House is named after Queen Wilhelmina. LOVELY Which country was she the queen of? BOX OF CHOCO- LATES Question 2 How many bedrooms are there currently at Wilhelmina House?

Question 3 Who was the UK Prime minister in 1984? Get the answers right and you will enter a draw to win a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates. Please Question 4 send your five answers Where were the 1984 Summer Olympic Games held? to Frankie at Wilhelmina House, 21 Park Hill Rise Croydon CR0 5JF. Don’t forget to enclose your details. Deadline: Friday Question 5 28th November 2014. Who wrote the novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four”? Best of luck to all!

Have you got news for us? Do you enjoy writing or are you a budding poet laureate? Do you have any ideas for articles in future editions or would you like to share a story past or present? If so, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Catherine Shirley, Head of Marketing and Communications at The Whitgift Foundation on 020 8256 1579, email [email protected] or write to The Whitgift Foundation, North End, Croydon, CR9 1SS.