December 2014 - Issue 32 Heart&Soul

Jack is HomeWard bound at Live at Home

Contents Adrian’s News Heroes are honoured ...... 4 Fun with strings attached ...... 5 Christmas Front cover: HomeWard member Jack Bonnington . Photo by Emma Fotherby Project News of Rocket Cheese Photography . Hartcliffe is simply the best ...... 6 MHA message Epworth House Everything changes at Cedar Lodge . . . . 12 Stuart Street As this Christmas edition of Heart & Derby DE1 2EQ Soul goes to print, I am looking back Phone: 01332 296200 Volunteers over a really wonderful first nine months Fax: 01332 296925 Thanks are due ...... 8 www .mha .org .uk at MHA. I have now managed to visit Follow us on: getting on for a third of our homes and Seize the Day schemes and I remain inspired, humbled Getting butterflies ...... 10 and encouraged by the brilliant work that

Heart & Soul is the magazine of MHA . all our staff do every day to deliver great If you would like to comment on any item quality care and support to older people. or suggest ideas for future editions, please Fundraising contact Rachel Reeves on 01332 221920, email rachel .reeves@mha .org .uk or write to Community zest ...... 11 I know that there will be many celebrations going on over the coming month; groups her at the above address . from retirement living schemes organising Christmas lunches and shopping trips, care MHA is a charity providing care, accommodation homes planning decorations, parties and Christmas menus and Live at Home schemes and support for older people throughout Britain . New Developments bringing people together in community to enjoy the festive spirit . Our staff hopefully We are one of the most well respected care Looking forward ...... 14 providers in the sector and amongst the largest will be finding some time to enjoy the season of celebration too . charities in Britain, providing services to older people for 70 years . As a Christian, Christmas is obviously special for me – not only does it mark the end of one MHA delivers a range of high quality services Live at Home calendar year and the start of another, but it gives time for all of us who want to, to stop and to 16,000 individuals: Horsforth is HomeWard bound ...... 16 reflect through the carols, tinsel and food on a loving God who is neither constrained by the • 5,000 older people living in care homes – coming and going of the years nor in demonstrating his love for the whole world by sending residential, nursing and specialist Jesus Christ into the world as a baby . dementia care Pause for Thought • 2,000 older people living independently in Reflections on the spirit ...... 18 My hope is that everyone connected with MHA will find something of the joy of a newborn a range of purpose-built apartments with baby in whatever way you celebrate Christmas . Thank you for all your support for MHA in flexible support and personalised care 2014, and a very joyous, peaceful and happy Christmas to you . • 9,000 older people supported via live at home services in the community . Legacies Our services are delivered by 7,000 The gift that lives on ...... 19 dedicated staff members and enhanced by the commitment of 4,000 volunteers . Our mission is to improve the quality of life for Adrian Bagg, Chief Executive older people, inspired by Christian concern . Methodist Homes (MHA) Registered as a Charity – No . 1083995 Company Limited by Guarantee – No . 4043124 Free charity magazine - please pass on to others when you’ve read it. Hartcliffe passes the ‘mum test’ - see page 6

Correction: In H&S 31, the cover image was described as “Northampton residents celebrating after receiving a Lottery grant”. It was in fact a picture of the official opening of Hatherlow House in Southport with the Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton. We apologise for the error. 3 Russia thanks war heroes Like a puppet Winston Churchill called it “the worst journey in breaking ice off the ship to the world .” During the war,the Arctic Convoys prevent capsizing . “The Germans were very took vital supplies to the Soviet Union, in freezing artful, trying to get their on a string conditions and under attack from German forces . submarines underneath the There’s been plenty of fun with strings convoys and destroy them,” 3,000 men died, but Russia see it from the air,” he said . he said . “But we knew what attached at Aughton Park in Ormskirk. has now thanked the men “You wouldn’t survive long if we were working for and we of the Convoys – including you landed in the water .” But did something that helped Puppetry is a recognised therapy Marie even made Mitzy Duncan Harris and Jack when described as a hero, he people out .” for people with dementia, and herself, using a soft toy Godfrey, both of Elmside and said, “Absolute rubbish . We residents both with and without that she found at a car Archers Court in Hitchin – by volunteered and that was the They both also hold the Arctic dementia are now regularly bootsale for 50p . Star, the British government’s honouring them with job we had to do, so we entertained by marionettes Music also accompanies the Ushakov medal, presented just did it .” medal for the men of the thanks to activities coordinator And more are on the way . Arctic Convoys, which was the puppets, such as violin “I have four others that I’m just at the Russian embassy Jack served on HMS Sheffield . Marie Orr . performances for Pedro and in . created last year . perfecting now,” Marie said . He recalls severe storms and Marie loved seeing exquisite songs including How Much is “They can’t wait to meet the Duncan was the navigator in huge waves, and continually marionettes at an annual craft That Doggy in the Window? residents when they’re ready!” a Swordfish torpedo bomber fair when she lived in Altea in for Mitzy . with the aircraft carrier HMS Spain (she had a ventriloquist’s Resident Phil Bottomley said, Campania . “There was so dummy, Archie, as a child) . “Marie is very talented . The much ice about and you’d Returning for a holiday, she puppets are something different be amazed how much sea decided to invest in Pedro, as he – I’m over 90 and I’ve never one convoy filled – you could had won the prize for best craft seen anything like them before . at the fair . His first appearance at They are just wonderful .” Aughton Park was magical . Marjorie Garside described “It was just amazing,” them as “marvellous”, adding, Wilson takes wings Marie laughed. “I started in “They are so human . My Wilson Taylor’s life changed the day he saw He and his family were the dementia wing and he favourite one is Pedro .” a Spitfire shoot down a German ME110 over welcomed home walked up to people and sat Peggy Hurst added, “They’re his home town of Barnard Castle in County at Pilgrims Court in on their knees. Residents absolutely delightful . They are Durham in 1940, with the two-man German Newcastle with a couldn’t wait to meet him, so funny and make us all laugh . crew escaping alive. Aged 15, Wilson pledged surprise party . they kept calling for him to Pippi is my favourite, she dances to become an RAF pilot, signing up three “I longed for my wings come and join them.” about and is very amusing . We years later. for so many years,” After Marie discovered a have a lot of fun with them .” He trained and served in several UK cities, Wilson said . “It was Czech puppet maker on the flying a Tiger Moth in England and American the proudest internet, the family grew to “I’m not at all surprised Cornells and Avro Ansons in Canada . He moment of my life .” include Florrie and Pippi . puppets are increasingly being used in dementia therapy,” earned his Pilot’s Wings just as the war was Years after seeing the ME110 crash, Wilson “Florrie likes to clean ending, but it would be 69 years before he Marie said. “They’re a safe, even traced the Spitfire and the German pilot people’s shoes and glasses,” happy world and bring so would receive them . and exchanged letters . Marie said. “And Pippi is much joy to people. I’m After lengthy correspondence, including a letter “But that’s another story,” he said . very cheeky, she’s always to the Queen (which she answered), Wilson looking to take them to other going into handbags and places now too.” finally received his wings at RAF Linton-on-Ouse on top of hats.” from the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff . 4 5 Hartcliffe is simply the best “They talk about the ‘mum test’ for a care Communion or blessings, up the most air miles, since but he is also available for relatives like to take them on In fact, the standard at home, the question being ‘would you let TOP confidential one-to-ones where holiday . (Cliff is currently in Hartcliffe can be summed PERFORMING people can discuss anything that the lead .) “Oh, they’re a great up in the words of the your mum live here?’ Well, Hartcliffe definitely HOME is on their minds . “Spirituality idea!” laughed Christine . “The Care Quality Commission, passes my mum test – 100% and more!” is about finding meaning,” he pictures prove they’ve had regulator explained . “There is a Hebrew some really wonderful trips!” for health and social care for England. Pam Lloyd’s mother Mary Mary herself described her “And the food is excellent! Mum word, ‘shalom’ . It means Enhancing the staff’s work is Heath is indeed a resident home as “fantastic .” is on a soft diet but the food ‘peace’, but it also has a deeper the volunteer team, overseen “We made the observation meaning to it . So I want to help that people were well cared of Hartcliffe in Bristol . But it “The staff are all so friendly, is presented well with lots of by Volunteer Co-ordinator isn’t just the mum test where variety . Everyone here is always people here find their own Julie Blackmore and ranging for and staff understood so good, and I never feel shalom, as it is for them .” their particular needs and Hartcliffe excels . Over the lonely,” she said. “There’s a looking for ways to make life in age from 16 to 92 . From summer, it was named MHA’s better for residents . They are In addition to spiritual matters, the floristry student who does routines,” also noting the good mix of people and the “happy atmosphere.” Top Performing Home for spiritual side of everything is thinking, not just doing .” there is definitely a sense of flower arranging with residents achieving the highest results good too, which is important Manager Raji Sunil says fun . The staff team includes to the befrienders, every for the internal Standards to me.” the same about her team . two quite distinct members volunteer brings something to and Measures assessments “Without a doubt, the staff – toy meerkats Art and Cliff, Hartcliffe . “The residents love throughout the year – quite an Christine Sampson, daughter of whose pictures appear on the having young people come in resident Joan Purnell, also gives here are exceptional,” she achievement given the charity’s declared. “Their commitment, staff board along with their and see them,” Julie said . “And consistently high standards Hartcliffe top marks for the colleagues . Their uniforms they also enjoy having older mum test . enthusiasm and dedication across all its services . are unquestionable.” For her were kindly made for them people who can relate to them “I’m not surprised,” Pam said . “My mother has had own part, Raji makes sure that by a relative, as they don’t and may have lived on the “You know what kind of place difficult times and is now her door is always open – for wear standard sizes, and same street or worked in it is from when you walk in the very vulnerable,” Christine residents, relatives and staff . they are engaged in a friendly the same place .” door and always get a friendly explained . “She can be difficult “People should always feel they competition for who can rack welcome . There are flowers to care for . But Hartcliffe can talk to me ”. just inside so it smells lovely, was a godsend for her . They are so good at finding Chaplain Peter Slee echoes and the staff would bend over that sentiment . He holds backwards to help you out . We ways to accommodate each person . Mum can’t speak at Songs of Praise services in looked at lots of homes for my the home, and makes regular mother but none was a patch the moment but she is very comfortable . You can tell . visits to residents who cannot on Hartcliffe .” leave their beds to offer them

6 7 The life and soul of Adlington House All the world’s a stage for Liam Sammon . A passionate singer with a lifelong interest and involvement in theatre, he brought his love of entertainment to Adlington House in Rhos-on-Sea – was presented with MHA’s Resident Involvement Award .

Valiant volunteers Starting with group theatre with the chef to arrange themed first visit, said, “I’ve always been One of MHA’s many valued volunteers is Sue Wilkes of The Homestead in bookings, Liam moved on to dinner evenings . Manager Chloe involved in entertainment so I Carterton . Sue has muscular dystrophy and is registered disabled, but she arranging a weekly film viewing Lloyd-Hughes, who nominated wanted to see what I could do still raised £200 for the home by completing an indoor triathlon at her local (with popcorn) and contacted a Liam for the award, said, “He for the people here, who are all physiotherapist who now holds has been a shining star here . lovely . I love doing it and I have leisure centre . regular keep-fit sessions and There was a very good turnout a great time . Do I ever take a She swam 400m in the pool, staff and volunteers alike,” said the past five years,” Caroline instructs residents on use of the for his award presentation, break? Why yes . Tuesday is my cycled 10km on an exercise Manager, Caroline Bruno . added . “She is hugely valuable gym equipment . He restarted a which isn’t surprising because he day off – that’s when I see my bike and walked 5km on a “She is extremely dependable to the team .” weekly quiz that residents had is so highly regarded .” grandsons!” treadmill . She now hopes to and provides an excellent enjoyed, organised outings to Liam, who said he “fell in love” Meanwhile, Ellesmere Port local places of interest and liaised raise even more by swimming service for older people in & Neston Live at Home with Adlington House on his the length of the English Lichfield .” As her self-assurance Scheme was so grateful to Channel (22 miles) through grew, so did Laura’s role – she its volunteers that it took intermittent sessions in is now responsible for the them on a boat trip along the pool . raffle and collecting fees, and the Bridgewater and Trent Get on the bus, Farsley “I volunteer for four charities in is shadowing the scheme’s and Mersey canals . Everyone total,” Sue told Heart & Soul. shopping trip escort with a enjoyed watching the wildlife Farsley Live at Home had plenty to “I find it very rewarding and I view to overseeing this service and there was even a heron celebrate at its tenth anniversary party . As love to see the results, seeing herself in the future . spotting . Not all the volunteers well as an audience with the Lord Mayor smiles on people’s faces.” “Laura has made great strides were able to attend, but thanks and Lady Mayoress of (Councillor David Congreve and Janet Harper JP), it Elsewhere, Lichfield & in her development over were in order to everyone was marking the receipt of its new minibus . District Live at Home who went, as well as everyone Volunteers, staff and scheme members had owes a great deal to Laura who couldn’t . Wicks, its lunch club assistant spent four years fundraising, and with the of five years’ standing . Laura To find out how to support of local businesses and community initially joined the scheme with volunteer or help fundraise groups, they were able to raise the £48,000 a support worker (she has for your local MHA home they needed for this new vehicle, which a learning disability), but her project, or if you are will prove invaluable for trips and transport . confidence has soared over interested in joining a Manager Kate Smithson said the achievement time . “She’s a vital part of the Live at Home scheme, was “astounding” . lunch club and has a great call 01332 296 200 or email rapport with our members, [email protected]. 8 9 Seize the Day Community cares

Shirley wings it Grimsby & District Live at Home netted £2000 when the local Senior Netball League chose it as its charity to support for the year . The league donated its Shirley Neeves was all of a Dawn recalled, “Her eyes entrance fees and proceeds for two tournaments and the raffles held there . flutter when Kingfisher House lit up as butterflies of various in Birmingham got her to seize sizes and colours flew around Manager Ann-Marie Tuplin the day . After a spinal injury, her and settled on to her lap, also chairs the Netball her confidence was very low . hands and head . The whole League, but the decision But Senior Care Assistant Linda experience was so uplifting for to support Live at Home Curtis noticed that she had Shirley and her confidence is was taken by a vote! She a passion for butterflies, with growing now as we plan other said, “To receive £2000 many ornaments of the pretty trips out . This reminds me just was absolutely wonderful. creatures adorning her room . why I enjoy my job so much ”. Keeping services running Linda approached Dawn Shirley said, “It was wonderful and viable is what we are all Hawkins, the Activity from beginning to end, more about at Live at Home.” Co-ordinator, to see how the than I ever imagined. Supermarkets have been in on home might enable Shirley “If I had to choose a word to the act as well . Asda in North Meanwhile, Maple Leaf “The money will help us to celebrate her love of the describe this trip out, it would Hykeham gave its support to House in Ripley had a year to hold even more exciting insects . Thus it was that a be ‘revelation’. My life is not Stones Place in Lincoln after an of fundraising support from activities for our members.” minibus was arranged to take over, there are still things approach from Administrator the local Sainsbury’s, and was Meanwhile, The Limes Shirley to a butterfly farm in that I can see and do.” Bev Murray . Collection tins presented with a cheque for in Newport Pagnell and Stratford-upon-Avon . on the checkouts raised over £3,865 . Manager Sue Wilson £200 and the home was also Willowcroft in Spondon said, “We are absolutely had some fun and games with included in the token drop, thrilled to bits .” and given raffle prizes and a Santander . The banking group at the time, and it gave very musical . He played Down south, Rev Andrew stall to promote itself in the approached them both for its her an idea. the accordion and I started Moffoot and Spondon Live store . The money from the CCWorks community links She arranged a special learning it when I was 11 . I at Home Deputy Manager collection tins went towards programme, offering £250 meeting between Violet and was even in an orchestra, it Julia England will be putting a day out for the residents in each towards an activity where Geoff Stuart, an entertainer was a lovely era of my life . I their best feet forward for its staff could mingle with hadn’t played since I was in Mablethorpe, enjoying fish and for the home, who brought in MHA in the London Marathon residents . Willowcroft held a my 50s, and I have arthritis chips with ice cream . his accordion – which Violet in April 2015 . Andrew, Fun Day with music, games in my right hand . I just played played, even after a 30 the Methodist minister and a cream tea, while something that an 11-year-old year hiatus . responsible for the Tilehurst would, but I enjoyed The Limes challenged and Emmanuel Methodist “Violet looked so excited it so much ”. Santander to a bowls match . Violet plays on when she saw the Churches in the Basingstoke Louise Fleming, Housing with It was during a private accordion,” Janette, who and Reading circuit, hopes to Care Co-ordinator at discussion that Janette has since become the home’s raise at least £3,000 with his The Limes, said, Kenny discovered how Reflexologist, recalled. new running challenge . “Activities like this are much Violet Venables loved “She did struggle a little but “I’ve been a Methodist all “They’ve been so great for residents, meeting the accordion. Janette was she could still play it and she my life, so it’s nice to do supportive,” Bev said. ”It’s new people and building the Social Care Facilitator looked so happy.” something for the family,” important to have these community. Oh, who at Starr Hills in Lancashire Violet said, “My father was he said. Julia, who is raising kinds of local links.” won the bowls game? money for her scheme, said, The residents, of course!” 10 11 All change at Cedar Lodge A renaissance has taken place at a care home in Bearley Cross the team is growing slowly my role is creating this kind of but surely . A Music Therapist enjoyment .” She is conscious in Solihull . Cedar Lodge, as it is now known thanks to its and Chaplain were brought also of the specific needs of twinning with MHA’s excellent Cedar Lawn in Stratford, began in and most senior care staff people with dementia . “With and nurses were trained in dementia, people experience its transformation when it first joined MHA . dementia care mapping – an what feels like a disintegration observational method devised of their inner being,” she said . by Bradford University to “So it’s about making them feel evaluate care and well-being for whole again .” stay at Cedar Lawn . Now, as people with dementia . Manager Rick Bloomer is a Cedar Lodge resident, she In the case of Care Assistant certainly proud of his team . enjoys taking part in worship Christine McDiarmid, Cedar “It’s very important that we services and flower arranging Lodge brought about a have the right people who sessions . personal change as well . “I was understand what our care is The dementia and nursing a volunteer for about three or all about and want residents to “I am with other people and care home even marked its four months,” she told Heart enjoy the best in every day,” the staff are friendly and lovely,” rebirth with the ceremonial & Soul . “And I enjoyed it so he said . she said . “I’m very happy .” It began with an extensive Co-ordinator) regularly takes planting of a cedar tree much, I asked if I could become One could finish, then, with the refurbishment of the building, residents out to places such as and visit from local a Care Assistant . I’ve been one judgement of Stella Crampton, with en suites for bedrooms, a local horse sanctuary, and for MP Nadhim Zahawi. since September . I’m only a whose opinion as a resident is brand new bathrooms and tea dances and lunches . few weeks into my training but “I’m new to MHA, as I the most important . wheelchair-accessible wet “There was one resident I absolutely love it . I just enjoy worked at Cedar Lodge “I shall never forget the rooms, revamped gardens and who has mental illnesses and helping older people and being before it came under MHA,” welcome I had on my first redecorated dining and lounge doesn’t usually talk much,” with them .” Activities Co-ordinator day here,” she said. “It areas . “It looks wonderful,” she said. “But when we went Deb Burrows told Heart Another new staff member amazed me that every Deb said . “And it’s so much out to feed the ducks, he was & Soul. “The change is is Debbie Brockbank, since member of staff who was more relaxing in these brand laughing and enjoying himself, incredible. I think MHA’s big all MHA residential settings on duty came in to say hello, new surroundings ”. and when we got back he plus is its belief in caring for have a designated Chaplain . one by one. I can’t speak It’s the best possible place even asked for tea. It really the whole person, physical, As well as worship services highly enough of it.” mental and spiritual. I feel now for Deb’s activities, such lifted his mood.” and personal one-to-ones, A lifelong Methodist, Stella had MHA has kept what was as gentle exercise, music, Along with the refurbishment Debbie is known for bringing always wanted to live in an good about the home and arts and crafts . Meanwhile, was an extensive programme in her pet guinea pigs, Peppa MHA care home and had been then added so much more.” her colleague Tina Robinson of training and recruitment . Pig and Belle . “Residents adore very impressed with her respite (Social Activities and Training Tina has been working hard them,” she laughed . “Part of Co-ordinator and Volunteer to bring in volunteers, and

12 13 New Developments Building at The Maples, Peterborough Two things are in creation at The Maples in Peterborough – a building and a community. Spreading the The sales office for the upcoming Assisted Living service is now open and structural word of Mickle Hill work is underway, aided by the good weather over the summer. Things have been moving fast The 90 apartments and 78 pleasure to meet so many at Mickle Hill in Pickering. bungalows will offer a choice people whom we might be By summer 2015, the 50 one and two An information day drew of living options for older able to serve at Mickle Hill . I’d bedroom and studio apartments should be crowds of interested guests people in the area, along like to thank everyone who ready for renting . keen to see presentations with landscaped gardens, a came and I’m glad that there A show apartment is on the way and the sales office is busy with queries . Sales Co-ordinator and learn more about restaurant, coffee shop and was such a positive response Derek McNeill said, “There’s certainly a demand for this in Peterborough – a simple all inclusive the upcoming retirement hairdressing and beauty salons . all round . It’s very exciting to package that covers costs including rent, service charge, building insurance, meals, even external community –over 500 people Services Manager Joanne think of all the new services window cleaning, and the daily contact that is important to so many people ”. expressed an interest. Ashworth said, “There was and support we’ll be able to The sales office launch was followed by a well-attended information day that showed how much a great turnout and it was a provide in the area .” interest there is in the area for this new service . As with all of MHA’s residential settings, The Maples will also have a designated Chaplain to A wellspring provide spiritual support in whatever manner each resident requires it . of good at Hatherlow House Planting for good at Fitzwarren Court Sefton Council’s The Fairways marks a Festival of A tree planting Wellbeing was marked the new beginning the perfect completion of the opportunity for roof at Fitzwarren Coming A special Service of Thanksgiving marked Hatherlow House Court, MHA’s the completion of the new apartments at in Southport upcoming Assisted Soon The Fairways in Chippenham. to take itself Living community in Oadby The care home had already been opened, and further into the Swindon. A collection now the community can welcome residents community. of 37 apartments and Five new of the 75 one, two and three bedroom Manager Paula Mudd and Sales Co-ordinator studios, Fitzwarren retirement apartments . With the completion of the Diane Stone held a stall at the festival, alongside Court will share facilities with the existing Fitzwarren House and living with care Stanton Lodge, creating a mini village. village, residents are also able to enjoy a gym, other organisations including MacMillan and the apartments will swimming pool, Jacuzzi, cinema and hair and Alzheimer’s Society . MP for Southport John Len Francis, who will move into Fitzwarren Court when it is finished beauty salon . Pugh gave an address and Diane and Paula next spring, said, “I like the fact that I’ll have a self contained flat and I’ll be available at Chaplain Mike Dilly said, “I’m not sure how had a talk with the Mayor of Sefton, who had be able to do what I want . I have always been an independent person . Aigburth in many people turned up – I stopped counting officially opened Hatherlow House . I also like the fact that there will be neighbours and people on site . Oadby from after 130! We’ve got a proper internal street Paula said, “We had a very good reception “It’s very reassuring to know the help will be there if I need it.” summer 2015 . now, with a bowling green and chess sets. It and it was a great opportunity to get people As an Assisted Living community, Fitzwarren Court provides all looks very attractive. Maybe we’ll have a even more aware of Hatherlow House and simple, all-inclusive packages for residents . Nativity scene there for Christmas.” how it provides a supportive community for couples where one partner has dementia ”. 14 To find out more call 01332 296 200 or email [email protected] visit www.mha.org.uk 15 Jack and Ray are Celebrations From birthdays to anniversaries HomeWard bound to weddings, there’s been plenty to celebrate within MHA . Leaving hospital didn’t mean Jack Bonnington had recovered . In fact, after having a stroke, he found himself going in and out of hospital repeatedly, and becoming isolated . “I was finding it very difficult on my own,” he said . Which was where Horsforth The pair discussed their lives, Horsforth Live at Home Live at Home’s HomeWard families and shared passion for Manager Tracy Brierly is scheme, set up together with sports – both had been very thrilled at the success of May Hunter celebrated her 105th the British Red Cross with active sportsmen . When Jack the scheme, which has had birthday at Lower Johnshill in support from Leeds City decided he wanted to go for numerous referrals from Auchlochan, South Lanarkshire Council, came in . HomeWard, a walk to build up his stamina, hospitals, social workers, whose launch was reported in Ray drove him to the park and GPs and hospital patients At Pilgrims Court in weekend and would be happy Meanwhile, several homes and schemes marked their own the Spring/Summer Heart & accompanied him, both for the themselves . Horsforth Live Newcastle-upon-Tyne, David to do it all again ”. and Rev Joan Thornton anniversaries . Heald Farm Soul, put Jack in contact with walk and the snack afterwards . at Home itself also provides As the Thorntons celebrated marked their golden wedding their successful marriage, Court in Newton-le-Willows Ray Rundle, a Live at Home “Ray’s support helped me to services such as befriending anniversary with a meal celebrated its fifth birthday with member and volunteer who walk further,” Jack said. and lunch clubs for social Rushden Park in Rushden out and then cake with the was toasting the start of many a service of celebration, coffee also had a stroke in 2007 . Ray “His friendship is helping me support . congregation at their local morning and talent show . visited Jack in hospital, and met more . Six staff members – to recover. I’m 85 but I’ve “Isolation is a terrible thing Methodist church . Their Teresa Osborne (Manager), Activities Co-ordinator Chris up with him afterwards . still got goals.” for many older people,” friends and family, including Iwona Lasak-Hughes (Deputy Lynch said, “We’re pleased David’s mother Sheila, who to be here .” Moor Allerton in Ray said, “Having had a she said. Manager), Karen Munns (Care also lives at Pilgrims Court, Assistant), Emma Dexter Leeds had its tenth anniversary stroke myself, I hoped I “Leaving hospital is just one were keen to share their and Dovecotes in Coventry could instill more confidence step on a person’s road to (Kitchen Assistant), Sarah generosity, but the Thorntons Roberts (Senior Care Assistant) enjoyed its 25th . Naylor in people like Jack, that recovery. We’re there to asked that people make and Vanessa Brett (Nurse) all Court in Ellesmere Port we could talk about our help them all the way.” donations to MHA rather than got married within weeks of marked its 30th with musical shared experiences. I wish give them presents . After the each other . Iwona said, “I can’t entertainment, a buffet and a something like this had celebratory weekend, Joan explain what happened, why visit from the Mayor . been around when I was said, “I’m really tired but have we all got married at once . in hospital.” really enjoyed the whole Maybe there’s something in the water!”

experience of churchgoers Churches helping Growing Dementia-Friendly Churches who care for people with by Revd Gaynor Hammond

This book is intended to be a practical guide for all churches who are seeking to be welcoming, people with dementia dementia . If you would like inclusive and nurturing communities to all who enter their doors, including people who have dementia. to share your experience Churches can lead the way to for the research via a short, dementia-friendly society. confidential questionnaire (you do not have to Growing Dementia Friendly Churches is a new give your name when returning it), book by Revd Gaynor Hammond, produced please contact Rev Dr Albert Jewell at by MHA, Faith in Elderly People and the 63 Moor Grange View, Leeds LS16 5BH Christian Council on Ageing, as a practical guide telephone: 0113-278-9438 for this . Research is also being carried out by or email: [email protected] the St Mary’s Centre in North Wales into the 16 17 Pause for Thought – Rev . Dr . Keith Albans One of my favourite couplets from the thousands of hymns that Charles Wesley wrote is in a hymn we often sing at Christmas, but which would never the circle of friends reduces be called a carol . With apologies for the dated and, in a care home, language, it reads: everything one owns may now be contained within Our God contracted to a span, a single room . Likewise, spirituality is not some Legacies: Incomprehensibly made man. modern woolly idea - it is It’s a poetic way of stories; namely that God is grounded in the belief that For , a legacy to MHA was the perfect expression of her while life has a meaning explaining what Christians to be found at home in the connection to the Methodist Church, and an exciting, well-travelled life . mean by the term midst of all the messiness, and a purpose beyond the incarnation – something compromise and constraint purely materialistic aspects of which John’s gospel of human life . our existence, it is precisely Her parents Arthur and developing a course at the do, rather than have done within those aspects that the Muriel Bray had met as Open University, as well as to them.” She added that expresses as “The Word But those words also became flesh and dwelt meaning has to be worked Methodist missionaries earning a Masters in social her mother had been “a resonate strongly with out . amongst us” in a passage MHA’s work on spirituality in China and she and her research and being involved tireless and inspirational familiar from many a Carol and ageing . For many older When Christmas is over brothers had attended a in developing numerous instigator of social change.” Service. people the experience of there is something cathartic missionary school in the community initiatives . Her Thanks to her legacy to The hymn goes on to ageing is an experience of about tidying up and packing country . She was involved in daughter Janet Keeley said, MHA, Barbara continues everything away, but explore one of the key contraction; the lived-in the development of the “Her great skill was effecting this change for messages of the Christmas world becomes smaller, thankfully God is still at home pre-school playgroup in our messiness . encouraging others to older people all over association in the 1960s and realise what they could the country . 1970s, and participated in Christmas Friendship Appeal It should be a time of celebrating friendship, but for many vulnerable older people, Help MHA – by doing your shopping Christmas is the loneliest time of the year. Their friends and family, if they have them, may be far away, and the number of cards they receive can fall year on year. Do you shop online? to MHA when you shop 3,600 stores participate Thousands of stores will with the Give as You in Give as You Live; it If you write just one extra with older people . We will also donate a percentage of Live programme, at no is quick, easy, free and Christmas card this year, it could be showcasing some of the every pound you spend extra cost to you. Over 100% secure. make a huge difference to an runners up on our Facebook page older person in one of MHA’s throughout December . homes or schemes . You could To find out more visit www.giveasyoulive.com/join/mha To purchase MHA’s Christmas or www.mha.org.uk/get-involved/appeals/give-you-live purchase MHA’s own Christmas cards, or to find out more cards, featuring artwork by about the Christmas Friendship the winners of the Christmas Appeal, call Lesley France Art Competition, helping to on 01332 296 200 or email support our important work [email protected].

18 19 You can make a difference to someone’s life this Christmas At Christmas, many older people, especially those feeling lonely or isolated, depend on the generosity of all who support our Christmas Friendship Appeal. You can make a difference to the lives of older people through a donation or seasonal greeting that will support our vital work . It will also help us provide services such as music therapy for those with dementia, or chaplaincy support and befriending for older people living at home alone . Be assured that your donation, no matter how large or small, will be greatly appreciated . Thank you for your kind thought. We wish you and your loved ones every blessing for Christmas and the New Year.

! We’d be very grateful to receive any gift – no matter how large or small. Yes – I’d like to support MHA’s Christmas Appeal Please make cheques payable to MHA . Here is my gift of £______OR I wish to donate by MasterCard/Visa/Maestro/Charity Card (delete as appropriate) Card no:______/ ______/ ______/ ______Security code:______(The last three digits on signature strip . MHA will not keep this) Valid from: ___/___ Expiry date:___/___ Maestro Issue No:___/___ Today’s date:___/___/___ Cardholder’s signature:______Thank you! My details: Title:____ First name:______Surname:______Address:______Postcode:______Email:______We take your privacy seriously . The information provided will be held securely by MHA . We need to hold this data to process your gift . Please confirm your preferences below: If you do not want any acknowledgement of your gift, please tick here I would like more information about leaving a gift to MHA in my Will I do not wish to hear from you again To read MHA’s data protection and privacy policies please go to: www.mha.org.uk Alternatively you can donate online at www.mha.org.uk or by calling Freephone 0800 085 6962 . Please return this completed form to: MHA Freepost 499 Derby DE1 9BR

Gift Aid Declaration Please tick here to add an extra 25p to every £1 you give . Yes, I am a UK taxpayer and I want Methodist Homes (MHA) to claim back the tax on my donations . I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for the current tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for the current tax year . I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify . I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I have given .