www.extracare.org.uk extraThe magazine dedicated to ExtraCare’s residentsli Dec/Jan e 2014/2015

ExtraCare’s awards triumph! p.19-20 Adrian’s WW2 narrow escape p.25-26 Staff and quality – exclusive with NHS education director p.23-24 Stay festive, stay safe p.47 Christmas cake on test p.45

Meet Cleaver The Critics Puzzle Page The History Inspectors Your Letters Recipes Contents Dear Residents, The Merry Christmas! At ExtraCare, we certainly have some reasons to celebrate, as six of our locations have just won top medals at a national extralife housing award ceremony (p.19-20)! Camoys Court won the Gold Medal Team for Best Overall UK Housing Scheme (of any size or type), and further gold Extralife is delivered four times a year medals went to Brunel Court and Yates Court. Broadway Gardens, Lark to residents in March/April, June/July, Hill Village and School Court won silver medals, and St Dominic’s Court September/October and December/January. and Princethorpe Court were also highly commended at the ceremony.

We’ve received recognition in other Elsewhere around the country, As always, we’re looking at the work areas as well, as Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, we’ve been celebrating Village of several important teams around Director of Nursing at Health birthdays (p.16), a 100th birthday ExtraCare: Rowland from the IT Team Education England, visited Hagley (p.27), and even a wedding – our tells us about some useful gadgets Road Village last month and shared congratulations to Arthur and June (p.53-54), the Quality Team share her views (p.23-24), and we have from Willowbrook (p.13)! the latest complaints data (p.41) also recently heard the good news and Training and Development As well as celebrating successes, we’re We’re getting in the Christmas spirit that we have won the contracts Manager Ivan explains the new way also thanking the people that work hard with a festive crossword from Pam at to provide care at our Village and that his team is working (p.39-40). to make ExtraCare what it is. At this Humber Court (p.62), and Betty from Schemes in Stoke-on-Trent for We also hear about the work of the year’s Symphony Hall concert (p.5-6), Rosewood Court (p.46) and Nancy another three years (p.37-38). Residents’ Forum (p.43-44), and we praised the work of the Charity’s from Hagley Road Village (p.60) take an in-depth look at the role of thousands of dedicated volunteers have given us some Christmas- Housing Officer (p.42). (p.33), and many of our great garden inspired poems. volunteers were honoured at the Looking back, Adrian from Brunel Sunley Court’s Olive has shared her Garden in Bloom awards (p.11-12, Court speaks about his experiences recipe for Christmas cake (p.59), or, if p.49-50). during the Second World War (p.25- you’d rather try a store-bought version, The Extralife Team: 26) and a group from Terryspring a group from Verona Court have done Richard Tower, Rose Downing, Lucy Henson and Jon Cleaver Court go even further back, giving us the hard work of seeing which tastes their views on Magna Carta (p.51-52). best (p.45)! For more ExtraCare news, visit our website at Or, if you’d rather forget about www.extracare.org.uk Christmas and plan for the future, why not think about taking up a walking You can keep up-to-date with all the latest news in our challenge like Dorothy from Ryfields newsroom (link at the top right of the page). (p.55-56) or even embarking on adventurous holidays like Marilyn and The newsroom also contains links to our social media pages Tony from Lovat Fields (p.63-64)? – why not join our discussion on Facebook and Twitter, or Whatever your plans, we hope that watch ExtraCare’s latest videos on YouTube? you have a very happy and healthy Our latest photos are available on our Flickr page at New Year! www.flickr.com/photos/extracare. Click on “Albums” to view different events around ExtraCare, or try searching by Front Cover: Best wishes, tag for your Scheme or Village. Congratulations to Camoys Court, The Extralife Team winners of Best Overall UK Housing Scheme at this year’s EAC Awards! Read more on p.19-20! extralife 2 Contents

Contents December 2014/January 2015

ExtraCare News Regulars 5-22 News & Stories 41 Solving Complaints 35-36 Pen to Paper  Symphony Hall The Charity’s latest  Your letters Festivals of Choirs complaints data on flying, Garden in Bloom schooldays and an 25 43-44 Residents’ Forum 5 Village birthdays unexpected visitor! Housing Services Manager Award winners Richard Keeley reports 42 My Job Village development news on the work of the Maria Cutting, one of Residents’ Forum ExtraCare’s Housing 53-54 IT Works 27-31 People in Pictures Officers, tells us about Head of IT Rowland Sandys Christmas preparations, her job award presentations and Features explains how his team much, much more! 46 Wordswork are working to improve 9 25-26 Meet Cleaver residents’ lives through the Betty Chantry from Jon Cleaver talks to Rosewood Court shares a use of technology ExtraCare Issues Adrian Ammerlaan 34 Christmas poem with us 59 Glorious Food 23-24 The Big Question from Brunel Court 47-48 Essential Advice  Sunley Court’s Olive Extralife speaks to 45 The Critics La-hive shares a Christmas Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, Tips on Christmas safety,  Residents from Verona as well as support with fruitcake recipe Director of Nursing at Court share their thoughts claiming benefits Health Education England on Christmas cakes 61-62 Puzzle Page 32 Trustees 49-50 Gardening with Festive puzzles and a 51-52 The History Howard wordsearch from Pam Elam 11  We introduce two of Inspectors Howard Drury gives us his of Humber Court 36 ExtraCare’s Trustees  Terryspring Court residents thoughts on some standout 33-34 Valued Volunteers talk about Magna Carta Garden in Bloom entries  ExtraCare’s Charity Volunteer 55-56 Fit! Co-ordinator Chrissie Morris We discuss the benefits shares how we have been of walking and talk to celebrating volunteers Dorothy Haslam from recently Ryfields Village 37-38 Sort It! 57-58 Well-being Liz Alvey, ExtraCare’s  Lark Hill Village’s 13 Contracts and New Services Chrishanti Blackwood Manager, explains why the tells us about her role as Charity has to tender to a Well-being Advisor deliver care services 60 Veterans’ Voices 39-40 Performance  Nancy Cooper from 56 Training and Development Hagley Road Village Manager Ivan Finney shares a poem about tells us how his team Christmastime in 1914 delivers training 57-58 What is 63-64 Final Feature well-being? Marilyn and Tony from Lovat Fields Village send some blogs from their 18 recent trip backpacking 45 Putting Christmas cakes around Africa! 59 to the test! extralife 4 News SymphonySymphony HallHall Comedy double act

Cannon and Ball What did you think? Mary and former Britain’s Got Talent winners Mary’s view Spelbound joined One of the oldest residents at the concert was 99 year old Mary Reeder 1. 2. ExtraCare for of Lovat Fields, who enjoyed the this year’s Symphony show and particularly the singing. Hall concert. In her younger days, Mary was in an operatic society in Bury St Edmunds, and she also sang in a Welsh Choir when Violinist Gary Lovini also performed a she lived in London. The operatic society performed musicals like The medley of British music to fit in with Mikado and Desert Song and they also held midnight matinees to raise the theme of “Best of British”. money for charity. ExtraCare performers included the She worked as a veterinary nurse before she retired and she has a son and ExtraCare choirs, ably conducted by a daughter and four grandchildren. Her late husband Percival served in Dot Bailey from St Crispin Village, the Royal Navy during the war and was on the famous freezing Russian dancer Nathan Duberry, the Village convoy runs. Activity Facilitator from Pannel Croft, and a trio of ExtraCare singers: Mary said that the concert was smashing and the organisation on the day Chief Executive Nick Abbey, Sunley was wonderful. Her favourite act was the violinist; she remembered all the Court Manager Jane Trimarco and songs he played. She was also very impressed by the acrobatics and said Beacon Park Village Activity Facilitator they were amazing. Keir Pedley. 3. 4. The whole event was hosted by Resident volunteer at St Oswald’s Village, Activities Manager Donna Ball, who Jean Jones, said the show was “absolutely surprised the audience with plenty of fantastic.” According to Jean, the shows get costume changes. better every year and Donna, as usual, did a great job presenting the acts. She felt Spelbound Over 1,000 ExtraCare residents, were amazing and she had to shut her eyes volunteers, friends and staff members because at times she thought they were going were in the audience, and, for the first to fall! David and Jean time, the concert was also attended by prospective residents from Another resident volunteer at St Oswald’s, Earlsdon Park Village, the Charity’s David Edwards, said all the acts were well presented and entertaining and new retirement village which is due to it was obvious the audience was enjoying themselves. open in Coventry in 2016. Edna Worrall from Ryfields Village agreed the show was very good and it was obvious the audience were enjoying themselves. She was impressed with Donna and her dresses. It was the first time Christine Jennings, a volunteer at Berryhill Village, had been to the show and she thought it was very good with an interesting mix of entertainment. She thought Cannon and Ball were 5. 6. During the concert, five excellent and so was violinist Gary Lovini who had everyone joining in volunteer recognition banners with the singing. “There was a real buzz when we got back on the coach were displayed. See more about to go home,” said Christine, who runs a weekly knit and natter class 1. Donna in one of her many dresses throughout the concert: this one was designed by residents from Camoys Court. our volunteer celebration at at the Village. 2. Dot and the ExtraCare choirs. 3. Cannon and Ball. 4. Spelbound. 5. Violinist Gary Lovini. 6. Prospective Symphony Hall on p.33! residents from Earlsdon Park Village. 6 News

An ExtraCare Cheerleaders on the day Recognition for football Barbara tournament Barbara Shaw, a resident of James Beattie House, A group of ExtraCare staff and volunteers took part has received a certificate of appreciation to reward in a football tournament in Birmingham recently. her for her volunteering days at HMP Featherstone Teams from five locations took part in the all-day session: Visitor’s Centre. New Oscott, Hagley Road, Lark Hill, Lovat Fields and Head For medical reasons, Barbara retired from being a volunteer at Office. The final winners were the team from New Oscott the prison some time ago, but for 20 years she spent two days and Hagley Road Village. a week there and was one of the team of volunteers to receive the certificate from the Lord Lieutenant of The Golden Boot went to Dan Height, Fitness Instructor at Staffordshire, Ian Dudson, who also presented the Centre with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Hagley Road Village. Barbara, who is 75 and moved to James Beattie House just over 12 months ago, is proud to have her services recognised. The tournament, organised by ExtraCare’s Income Management The certificate is in recognition of her outstanding achievement as a member of the volunteering team by regularly Officer Stuart Fraser, was held to raise money for the Charity. devoting her time to help others, improve the quality of life and opportunity for others and provide an outstanding The final total of £300 was given to Lovat Fields Village. Stuart voluntary service. explained: “The money is to go towards a memorial for our colleague Lesley Mynett who sadly passed away recently. Barbara explains that she used to greet the visitors and help in the snack bar. “I think a lot of people appreciated our help and a chat at what was a difficult time for them,” she says. Lesley was a caring and brilliant person who couldn’t do enough The winning team to help, no matter how big or small, or how busy she was.”

Cllr Paul Toleman with Mike Jellyman St Oswald’s A School new bus service Court Residents at St Oswald’s Village are celebrating the launch of a new bus service which will take them into Prom! Gloucester and Tewkesbury. Residents, volunteers and staff at School Court will certainly remember the evening Village Activity Facilitator Chloe Robbins said: “We were upset Eric Farr and Teresa James when the bus service was withdrawn in 2011 and now, after when they held a school prom at a years of campaigning, it will mean that our residents can be more ballroom in Hednesford. were appointed Prom King independent and are able to get to the city centre on their own.” Activity Co-ordinator Lorraine Seager said: “We asked Local councillors Paul Toleman and Pam Tracey supported the everyone what their favourite memories were and and Queen. campaign and were on hand when the new service was introduced. most said school and weddings. So we decided to have a day to remember and hold a school prom.” The original service was scrapped as part of a cost-cutting exercise, but Keith Thomas, Managing Director of bus company School Court was built on the site of a former school – which Lorraine attended when she was little – and because Swanbrook, says after a review it was felt that, due to the school proms are now very popular and residents’ grandchildren often tell them about them, this is what they number of residents at the Village, a bus service was required. decided to hold. Mike Jellyman and his fellow residents, supported by the Residents’ The Scheme held lots of fundraising events and raised more than £2,000 to cover the cost of the evening which Association, campaigned for a service when the original one was was attended by VIPs including the Mayor and Mayoress of Hednesford, Councillor and Mrs Pearson, Council Leader abandoned. He met and emailed local councillors to get their George Adamson and Lyn Evans, Community and Liaison Education Officer for Hednesford Park, who has assisted support. He said: “In fact, the new service is a lot better than the the Scheme for a number of gardening projects. original one.” Lorraine said she was proud everyone had made such an effort to dress up for the occasion. extralife 8 News

1. The choir from Beacon Park Village 2. The St Oswald’s choir 3. Choirs performing at Beacon Park Village’s event Festivals 4. Performers from Terryspring Court

The combined choirs 1. 2. of Choirs performing at Lovat Fields

3. 4. The Liz Taylor Memorial Awards ExtraCare held three Festivals of Choirs during October, attended by choirs from 15 ExtraCare Schemes and Villages. Many of you will remember Liz as one of the founding Directors of The first regional event took place at Beacon Park Village where choristers ExtraCare. Each year, Liz’s husband Vernon sponsors personal awards to from five Villages took part: Berryhill Village, Brunswick Gardens, staff in her memory. Lark Hill Village, Reeve Court and Ryfields Village. The awards are given to staff or volunteers who have given exceptional The second event, at Lovat Fields Village, included choirs from Shenley service for residents in some way and have consistently demonstrated the Wood Village, St Crispin Village, Terryspring Court and Yates Court. values of ExtraCare, which are: The third and final Festival of Choirs took place at New Oscott Village and We respect our residents as individuals, who deserve the opportunity to live choristers from four Villages, Beacon Park, The Rose Garden, St Oswald’s safely and healthily in high quality affordable homes. and the host Village, were joined by singers from James Beattie House. We listen to our residents, volunteers and each other so that we can continuously Each choir performed alone during the morning, and after lunch joined improve, always aiming for excellence, in a world of openness and accountability. together to present a fascinating programme of popular music dating back to the early sixties and including hits by the Beatles, Cliff Richard and We embrace diversity, recognising that everyone has something enriching to Alexandra Burke. The programme included The Young Ones, Yesterday, contribute to the vibrant community in which they live and work. Hallelujah, Imagine and Walking Back to Happiness. We value our staff and encourage them to deliver unparalleled person centred To round off each day, the audience joined the choirs to perform I’d Like to services in a caring, consistent and timely way. Teach the World to Sing. We strive to create welcoming environments, where residents, local older The choirs rehearsed under the watchful eye of ExtraCare’s music expert people, volunteers and staff can enjoy each other’s company and feel fulfilled. Dot Bailey, a classically trained musician and a resident at St Crispin More information will be available in January 2015, inviting residents to Village. Dot has been involved in choir developments in many ExtraCare make their nominations. Villages and Schemes for years. The pianist was Ian Harrold from St Oswald’s Village. The winners will be selected by a panel which will include Vernon Taylor. Ian and Dot Nick Abbey, Chief Executive 10 extralife News Garden in Bloom 2014

Judging at Hagley Road Village

1.

2. 3.

This year, ExtraCare held three Oscott), Paul Beard (St Oswald’s), Gillian Crosswell (Sunley Court), regional Garden in Bloom Monica Smith (The Rose Garden), Sue Jamie and Amelia (Terryspring Court), Connaughton (Hagley Road) and Sue Pam Brooks and Maureen Holden events, judged by gardening Fisher (Verona Court). (Willowbrook), Lorraine Metcalf expert Howard Drury. (Yates Court), Katherine Sheriden At Lark Hill, volunteer Tom Lyndop (St Crispin), and Jean and Jim Howard visited all ExtraCare Villages (Camoys Court), residents Joan 4. 5. Matthews (Shenley Wood). and Schemes during the summer Lambert, Shirley Hassell, Barbara as part of Garden in Bloom and he Bottamer and Judy Oakley (Beacon The Howard Drury Cup was presented presented awards during the events. Park), resident Rob Horton (Berryhill), to Beryl Harper from St Crispin Awards ceremonies were held at resident Elaine Kirby (Brunswick Village, and Howard Drury awards St Crispin Village, Hagley Road Village Gardens), residents Irene Foy and were also won by Hagley Road Village and Lark Hill Village. John Benson (Reeve Court), residents and Ryfields Village. Tom and Sylvia Gingell (Ryfields The best overall Village was Lark Hill, At each award ceremony, residents, Village) and residents Kath and John and the best overall Scheme was staff and volunteers were nominated Dexter (Lark Hill) were nominated for Broadway Gardens. for special awards because of their their efforts. efforts. And recommended for the recognition Read more about this At Hagley Road, these were Les awards at St Crispin Village’s award Wheale and Les Baggot (Brunel year’s Garden in Bloom ceremony were Joan (Imperial Court), 6. 7. Court), Roger Smallwood (James James Tomlinson (Princethorpe awards from Howard Beattie House), Jean Smith (New Court), Ginny (Rosewood Court), on p.49-50! 1. Shenley Wood Village. 2. Ryfields Village. 3. Hagley Road Village. 4. Broadway Gardens. 5. Willowbrook. 6. Yates Court. 7. Lark Hill Village. extralife 12 News Lily’s Bushfield Court’s quilting Fundraising Triathlon Challenge masterpiece

People admired her Italian quilting on material decorated Lily with her quilting with a birds in paradise picture so 87 year old Lily said: “Ali has hung it nine of us meet weekly and I think all on the wall in her apartment and I’m of us enjoy the activity.” sure it will always stay in the family.” much that Lily Wall, She moved into Berryhill with her a resident at Berryhill Lily, who has lived at Berryhill since husband Bill but sadly he died soon 2001, is a member of a group of afterwards. She enjoys living in the Village, had it framed quilters who meet every Tuesday Village and has a son, daughter and and has given it to her afternoon. She explained: “Quilting is two granddaughters who live in the The cycling team a form of embroidery and can be used area and can visit her regularly. Beach Zumba! granddaughter Ali. on cushions and bedspreads. Eight or A team of staff, residents and volunteers from Bushfield Court took part in their biggest fundraising challenge recently: Never too old to the Ultra Triathlon Challenge. Fitness Instructor Marie Barley said: “It began on Friday morning when a team cycled the distance from Wolverhampton to Welshpool in the Gym. “On Saturday morning at 5am the team set off to Welshpool in the minibus to start our big challenge! Walking by the seafront “Four members got off at Welshpool at 6.30am to start the long ride through the Snowdonia National Park to the seaside town of Fairbourne, 55 miles away - not an easy task as en route they had to tackle the notorious fall in love Bwlch-Y-Groes Pass, more commonly known by both recreational and Willowbrook residents Arthur Burns and professional cyclists as Hellfire Pass! A member of Staffordshire Search and June Edwards fell in love and got married at Rescue Team kindly offered to be the support team following in a vehicle in the joint age of 173. Arthur and June on their wedding day case of any problems. It is over two miles of relentless climbing on the highest tarmacked pass in Wales. War hero Arthur, 94, and his beloved June, 79, tied the knot on 8 November at Canley Community Church close to Willowbrook. “Tenants supported the cyclists with cheers and chocolate on route and a great The swimming session big cheer at the top. When they arrived in Fairbourne, the bikers were met by Family attended from all over the country along with friends from Willowbrook, joining in their big day of the rest of the group who ran, walked or hobbled two miles along the seafront. celebration. The couple met earlier this year in April when June celebrated her birthday with a party; they hit it off and have been together since. “On completion brave swimmers tackled a very choppy and cold sea for the swim section. Arthur served with the RAF during the Second World War, serving in Ireland, India and Burma. He was demobbed in 1945. “Activity Co-ordinator Scott James rounded the day off with a session of Beach June, who has nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, said: “We first met when we sat down at the same Zumba and it was great to have locals and holidaymakers join in the fun. table for lunch – but it was only hello. Then it was my birthday where we met properly.” “A grand total of £1,300 was raised by the team! A particular thank you Arthur, who is originally from Devon, said: “We both lost our partners six years ago. When you have both been to Dave ‘Bronco’ Bromley who raised a whopping £300 and tenant Linda alone for that long, you can come here and think am I here until my last days. But then we met and hit it off. We Watkinson who raised over £200 which is going toward the Scheme’s latest are like a couple of youngsters again.” garden project.” extralife 14 News A gate to the future Happy birthday!

Reeve Court Village celebrated its tenth birthday recently, with a big party for 150 residents, volunteers and staff. The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens also joined them for the night. Village Activity Assistant Cherie Barrow said: “Guests for the evening were met in the bar by our lovely showgirls Past and present Village and enjoyed a nice chilled glass of bubbly. Managers, Lesley Blowers, “Everyone sat down for the four course meal provided by Jackie Harber and Steve our fabulous restaurant, but before the meal started we Warburton with Mayor had a surprise for the residents, Village Activity Facilitator and Mayoress Geoffrey Josh had put a slideshow together of residents that have and Carol Pearl left us within the last ten years, it was very emotional. “For the main event we had a Las Vegas show complete with the showgirls and the visit to Las Vegas would not be complete without an Elvis tribute show. To finish the evening off in true Las Vegas style the guests enjoyed Residents Irene was the first resident to go playing on the casino tables, blackjack, poker and the Marie Emond The Lord Mayor of Nottingham officially opened the gateway through the gate roulette wheel until late!” and Kath Hall

The first new gateway to Nottingham in centuries was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr Ian Malcolm, at Lark Hill Retirement Village. The opening date also marked Lark Hill’s fifth birthday, and heralds the Phase Two tram extension and the near completion of the Park & Ride site next to the Village. The boundary of Lark Hill Village is also the City/County boundary, Lark Hill being within the City. Lark Hill residents had asked ExtraCare to install the tram-side gateway within its grounds, although it was not in the original plans for the Village. ExtraCare agreed and the tram project developers also contributed by installing a pathway from the gate to the tram stop to make it as easy as possible for residents to use when the extended tram network starts carrying passengers in 2015. Cllr Malcolm said: “I was delighted to open this first new gateway to Nottingham in centuries. I am sure the residents of Lark Hill will make the most of this new opportunity to travel around the city and its suburbs when trams start taking passengers on the new routes.” Resident Irene Goulder, who runs Lark Hill’s ‘Travel with Care’ travel club, said: “Access to the tram will make it so much easier for Lark Hill residents to travel, not only to the city centre and to outlying shopping centres but also to the areas where they lived and grew up, so they can keep in touch more easily with their families and past roots. “For people like me who use a wheeled walker, the tram is fantastic. Obadiah Thompson, Village Manager This is the first new gateway to Nottingham in 500 years or more Julie Talbot, Village Activity Facilitator Joan Woodward and Village Manager Nathan Duberry and Jackie Jacobson and the tram is our gate to the future. In medieval times the gates Paul Roobottom celebrate Hagley Road blow out the candles for Pannel Croft’s were there to protect the city from invasion. The new gate is more of Village’s first birthday! second birthday! an invitation.” extralife 16 News

A helping hand for Shenley Wood’s Rosewood Court calendar Homebase in Wellingborough has been supporting Rosewood Court’s garden Residents at Shenley Wood have produced their own over the last couple of years. 2015 calendar, based on famous films! During October, they organised a group of The calendar contains iconic scenes from films such as Star Wars, volunteers to go to Rosewood and tidy up the White Christmas and the Wizard of Oz. gardens, removing overgrown shrubbery. The idea came from resident Peter Mercer who emailed Village Activity Activity Co-ordinator Rosemary Jones says: “They Facilitator Lauren McMillan a link to a German retirement village who had have been very kind and supported us as part of the done one with the thought that Shenley Wood could do better! And in under local community. six weeks since the email, the calendar was brought to life by a group of residents, Lauren and photographer Ian Cann. “They come a couple of times a year and help with clearing or weeding, anything to help us and our Lauren said: “The photoshoot day was great fun with people running around residents. We cannot thank them enough and really dressed as Harry Potter, The Tin Man and Gangsters. The residents all can’t appreciate their help and support they give us.” wait to see the final images!” Ruth Peploe (pictured third from the left), is the The calendars can be purchased for £9.99 at the Village. All proceeds will be granddaughter of Constance Peploe, Rosewood used to support activities at Shenley Wood Village. Court’s oldest resident. Constance turned 100 over Contact Lauren on 01908 413000, or [email protected] the summer. Rosemary says: “It is really lovely that Ruth and her Before After colleagues appreciate Rosewood.” A day to remember at Imperial Court SeagraveHalloween Court celebrated at Seagrave Court Imperial Court held a busy day to remember Halloween in style this year! recently, open to all residents, staff, families The Scheme held a pumpkin competition, with staff, friends and volunteers. and family taking part. They also had a fancy dress – for both Activity Co-ordinator Ray Fortuin, who organised the day, said: adults and children – and even some live entertainment. “We had entertainment by Steve Perry, which took place in our Activity Co-ordinator PJ Spilsbury said: “Residents, family and dining room. Residents then had the opportunity to take part in children had a great afternoon with lots of dancing – we all our very own Brolly Walk in the garden, and all those who took had a spook of a time!” part were presented with a Brolly Walk badge. “This was then followed by entertainment by an all-female Barber Shop Quartet called ANAGRAM, and the afternoon was completed by afternoon tea and refreshments for everyone. “While all this was taking place, in the Activity Room we had the Animal Lady for the entire afternoon, displaying Snakes, Lizards, Spiders and many more creatures.

The results of the “One volunteer’s lifelong dream was fulfilled by having the pumpkin competition opportunity to hold a tarantula! Muriel dressed up “A great day was had by all those who took part.” for Halloween extralife 18 News ExtraCare’s awards triumph!

At the awards ceremony

Madge Ball, a resident from Anne Saunders, also from Camoys Court, said she was Yates Court, said: “From day one I delighted with the award. Speaking felt this place was wonderful, like a about life at Camoys, she added: close family. I use to go the gym so “Camoys is fantastic and caring, I love going to the gym here. You’re exactly what it is supposed to be. The never alone if you want company staff here are very special people.” but you’ve also got the space of your own home if you need it.” Winnie Forbes, a resident from School Court, said: “It’s as though John Radford from Lark Hill God had some spare angels and Village said: “This award puts Lark dropped them down on School Court Hill on the map as a really good Camoys Court - - that’s what we think of the staff. place to live. Things are being done Stoke-on-Trent They are wonderful. It’s also a small, right here and it’s reflected in this intimate place and we all know each achievement.” Gold Medal for other. Best Overall UK The awards were voted by 3,288 Housing Scheme “My children are thrilled I’m here and residents of 257 retirement joke that these days they have to book schemes across the UK, using a The winners were: an appointment if they want to take card game for residents that is me out to lunch - I’m so busy because designed to stimulate discussions Camoys Court – Stoke-on-Trent there’s always something to do!” and help capture customer satisfaction ratings on design, Gold Medal for Best Overall UK Housing Scheme Dorothy Dorricott from Brunel services, and well-being. (of any size or type) Court said: “I was alone for Yates Court - Evesham Brunel Court – Wolverhampton a while before I moved here. I haven’t Commenting on the achievement, felt so settled for years. I like the Chief Executive Nick Abbey said: Gold Medal for Best Housing With Care Scheme (30-44 homes) Five ExtraCare Schemes team here – they really deserve a “The eight ExtraCare communities Yates Court – Evesham top award.” recognised in these awards should and one Village have won be proud of their achievements. Gold Medal for Best Housing With Care Scheme (60-99 homes) Jean Nicholls from Broadway We pay tribute to all our colleagues prestigious honours at the Gardens said: “We like to achieve across ExtraCare who do so much Elderly Accommodation Broadway Gardens – Wolverhampton at Broadway – we’re proud of our to ensure our Schemes and Villages Counsel (EAC) Housing for Silver Medal for Best Housing With Care Scheme (45-59 homes) community and so proud of our staff. thrive as inspirational communities.” Older People Awards. Lark Hill Village – Nottingham We’re like a big family.” Silver Medal for Best Housing With Care Scheme (over 100 homes) Ken Caldicott from Yates Court Photos from top: said: “I came here six months ago School Court – Hednesford alone and without a family – now Brunel Court – Wolverhampton Silver Medal for Best Housing With Care Scheme (30-44 homes) I’ve got one. It’s marvellous.” Lark Hill Village - Nottingham St Dominic’s Court in Stoke-on-Trent and Princethorpe Court School Court – Hednesford in Coventry were also highly commended. Broadway Gardens – Wolverhampton extralife 20 News

Bournville Gardens Earlsdon Park Village ExtraCare’s fourth Birmingham retirement village opens next year, set in a 10-acre site on Bristol Road South. The £39m project is an ExtraCare partnership with the Bournville Village Trust (BVT) with an additional grant of £1.232m awarded from the Department of Health through the Homes Earlsdon Park Village and Communities Agency. Number of apartments: 262 one The Village’s 212 apartments are available for outright purchase, shared and two bedroom homes. Each ownership or rental. will have its own kitchen, shower The show apartments at Bournville Gardens opened in September. Why not room, bedroom(s) and living room. come in for a look around between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday? A significant number of homes will have their own balconies. Contact Bournville Gardens Phone: 0121 227 8010 Apartment tenure: 95 available Email: [email protected] for outright purchase, 115 for shared ownership and 52 for rental. For more pictures, brochures, maps and dates, visit www.bournvillegardens.co.uk or join Bournville Gardens on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bournvillegardens Founder Member of The ExtraCare Charitable Trust Representatives from ExtraCare and Coventry City Council gathered Hildegard Atherton MBE with Pat Madden New Village News to unveil Earlsdon Park Village’s foundation stone ExtraCare’s Earlsdon Park Village is due to Here’s a quick guide to Longbridge Village Bedford Village welcome its first residents in summer 2016. other ExtraCare Villages Longbridge, Birmingham Wixams, Bedford The Village, a partnership with Coventry City in development... Number of Homes: 260. Number of Homes: 230. Council, is being built on the site of the former Type of Homes: One and two Type of Homes: One and two bedroom apartments, with hallway, bedroom apartments, with hallway, Butts Technical College, occupying three acres kitchen, living room, shower room. kitchen, living room, shower room. of a newly-created redevelopment area close to Facilities: 18 health and Facilities: 18 health and leisure Coventry city centre. leisure facilities, landscaped facilities, landscaped gardens, gardens, parking. parking. Applications to rent or purchase an apartment at the Village Status: Planning submission Status: Planning approved. will open next year, and already over 1,000 households have approved. Construction Begins: Anticipated registered an interest. Construction Begins: 2015. 2016. Work began on site earlier this year, and the foundation stone was recently unveiled. Among the attendees at the Village Opens: Anticipated 2017. Village Opens: Anticipated 2018. ceremony was Pat Madden (66), who is interested in purchasing a home at the Village when it opens. Pat used to work at one of ExtraCare’s smaller housing schemes in Coventry, Princethorpe Court, and now lives close to Earlsdon. Hughenden Village Stoke Gifford Village Solihull Village She said: “I worked there for five years as a carer, and I think it’s great. I know a lot about ExtraCare because of that, but High Wycombe South Gloucestershire Shirley, Solihull obviously it’s changed a lot since then. Number of Homes: 260. Number of Homes: 261. Number of Homes: 260. “I really like that there’s so much emphasis on voluntary work and Type of Homes: One and two Type of Homes: One and two Type of Homes: One and two bedroom apartments, with hallway, bedroom apartments, with hallway, bedroom apartments, with hallway, keeping active. It’s just bang on. I think it’s the perfect time to think kitchen, living room, shower room. kitchen, living room, shower room. kitchen, living room, shower room. Facilities: 18 health and Facilities: 18 health and leisure Facilities: 18 health and about it now, while I can enjoy myself.” leisure facilities, landscaped facilities, landscaped gardens, parking. leisure facilities, landscaped The Village Friends meetings will start in January. By attending the series of monthly meetings, prospective residents will gardens, parking. Status: Land agreeement in gardens, parking. be able to find out about the facilities, activities and care on offer at the Village, as well as learning more about the homes Status: Land agreement finalised. negotiation for potential planning Status: Currently working towards that will be available. Meetings are also a great chance to meet prospective neighbours and ask questions about Village life. Planning permission submitted. application in 2015. submission for planning. Construction Begins: Anticipated Construction Begins: Anticipated Construction Begins: Anticipated Please call 0300 303 2333 or email [email protected] for more information 2015 (subject to planning permission). late 2015 (subject to planning 2016. Village Opens: Anticipated 2017. permission). Village Opens: Anticipated 2018. about the upcoming Friends meetings! Village Opens: Anticipated 2017. To register your interest, phone 0300 303 2333, email [email protected] or visit www.earlsdonparkvillage.co.uk or www.facebook.com/earlsdonpark for more information. If you are interested in living in any of the above Villages, please register your application interest by phoning 0870 777 4800 Keep up with ExtraCare’s latest development news at www.extracare.org.uk 22 The Big Question

Residents and staff celebrated Hagley Road Village’s first Healthier and happier... birthday this October But how?

Professor Lisa Bayliss-Pratt is Director of Nursing at Health Education England. She is passionate about education and training to support a better workforce and healthier customers. Extralife interviewed Lisa Professor Lisa following a recent visit to Hagley Road Village. Bayliss-Pratt

Health Education England’s* constitution cherishes respect, dignity and What did you observe on your recent visit to Hagley Road Village? compassion. How do you deliver compassion? From the moment I walked in, I was really impressed by the environment, Health Education England’s constitution is at the heart of what we do – the gardens, the light, the air. It was incredibly welcoming. it’s the rock we’re built from. So it’s important that people see role models Speaking to residents, the ones I spoke to, they didn’t pull that demonstrate compassion. Some people are more compassionate than any punches - they were clear that they were happy. They others but it’s something you can learn as well. It’s all about checking and felt supported, they knew that there was help and care if they challenging, spotting, and listening to the feedback that people give you. You wanted and needed it. They could live independently and need to keep asking yourself, am I giving good care? Is it helping them live as have the community where they could enjoy one another’s well as they can be? company, doing things like arts and crafts, going to the bar, bingo, or visiting the gym – I thought it was fantastic. In terms of recruiting the right staff, is it the “person first” and The Village staff should be very proud of the service they qualifications later? provide. This Village holds a wealth of valuable experience The right person is absolutely vital so person first and qualifications later. for people who are training for a career in care. But it’s important that people are educated and trained well. Employers have a responsibility to keep inspiring and training their staff. If you end up with a toxic culture processes can happen that are less than optimal and you slip into a poor And so how do we tackle the future healthcare and welfare challenges in our communities? practice before you realise it. Photos from top: In the NHS Forward View** document it says we have got to find ways to help people live with long-term conditions and without always being in hospital. Lisa joins volunteer Barry Wilcox ExtraCare involves residents in recruitment. Is this good practice? in the Gym Yet, in the wider community, older people can die because of loneliness if they’re I think that’s absolutely gold standard. Customers and the public should on their own and becoming demotivated. If you don’t feel like eating and you Lisa with residents at the be involved in recruitment and at the heart of everything we do. At Health don’t see anyone, you end up in a downward spiral. It’s quite shocking. Friday market Education England we’ve put our patients at the heart of all we do and have a patient advisory programme. Our patients are our sounding board - they So, we need more communities like yours to help people stay in contact. We provide us with reality checks, telling us what we need or don’t need. also need your approach to health and well-being. Do you have a Big Question that Here, people can live independently in their apartments and receive care if needs answering? Send us your As well as training staff, do providers also have a responsibility to they need it. Where the health problems and illnesses are long term, people ideas about topical national issues that have an impact on older educate and train older people about their health? might either get better or learn to live with their condition, finding the best combination of health, medicine, exercise and well-being to help them live as people’s lives. It’s interesting. We had a board meeting yesterday where we talked about best they can. the role we have in educating NHS patients and the public. We can afford the The Extralife Team, The ExtraCare NHS if we make some bold decisions: how can we get people thinking about A really great example was when we went to your gym. There was the guy there Charitable Trust, 7 Harry Weston stopping smoking, drinking sensibly, exercising? That’s our thought, and that’s who was a volunteer and another guy came in. He wasn’t a resident but said he Road, Binley Business Park, Binley, why ExtraCare’s approach to health and well-being really impressed me. This was using the gym about three times a week. He was sharing his thoughts with Coventry, CV3 2SN has to be the way forward. We can’t just have a society which depends on a the volunteer there, he had somebody to talk to, and they were looking after or email [email protected] system looking after individuals when they come in for treatment – we have to each other. Just saying “hello” and having someone to talk to when you’re not or call 02476 506011. help people look after themselves too. feeling well, either physically or mentally... that can really help.

24 *Health Education England: www.hee.nhs.uk **The NHS Five Year Forward View was published on 23 October 2014 and sets out a vision for the future of the NHS. It is available at: www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/futurenhs/ Meet Cleaver

Adrian Meet Cleaver

Jon Cleaver interviews Adrian Ammerlaan...

We had just finished Brunel Court resident Adrian Adrian agreed to help. The teenager breakfast when the local Ammerlaan was recalling an incident knew he had put his life at risk, but during the German occupation of his took the pilot back to the farm and market gardener arrived; he father’s dairy farm in May 1943. hid him while he contacted the escape spoke with my father asking route group. “I knew I had to get the Adrian was born on a farm in Den Englishman away as soon as possible,” for me. With a smile, he Hoorn nr Delft in the Netherlands Adrian said, “As the Germans would said: “I’ve got an Englishman on 24th April, 1924, son of Arnold soon visit the farm.” among my tomatoes, and Johanna Ammerlaan, the eldest parachute and all.” of nine children. Adrian went to the It was not long before the Germans village school where he learnt German moved in. Adrian contacted a Mother and English. He was 16 at the time Superior of a Franciscan convent the Germans invaded Holland and who agreed to help. “I got the pilot commandeered his father’s farm. to the convent. As I was leaving, also recalled a time of horror at the Adrian was transferred to England German soldiers with machine guns When the Germans invaded on 10th camp when 100 men were picked out, in 1945 as part of the Princess Irene were arriving.” May, 1940, German paratroopers put against a wall and shot. Brigade stationed at Wrottesley Park, Wolverhampton. It was here landed on his father’s farm. Adrian Adrian, along with many young men, Adrian and several others joined an that he met wife-to-be, Hazel said: “We owned a Friesian dairy was taken prisoner, loaded onto a escape committee. Forged documents Denning. Adrian said: “I knew this herd of 44 cows, but the Germans train and shipped out to a Stuttgart were obtained. After three weeks at was the girl for me. It was love at first demanded meat and slaughtered all prisoner of war camp. Adrian was in the factory, Adrian and some others sight.” They married in Merry Hill, but 25 of them.” a camp of horror. “I saw the hated managed to escape to Switzerland, insignia of the SS. We were lined up Wolverhampton, on 21st September, One morning after an RAF bombing helped by a talented forger. and whipped,” he said. “The brutality 1946. The couple, who were married raid on Rotterdam Harbour, a market of the SS was demonstrated as we Determined to fight on, Adrian joined for 56 years, had four children: two gardener came to the farm asking were being told, “You will be shut in the Dutch Expeditionary Army, boys and two girls. Adrian has eight to speak to Adrian. He the cooler unless you play the game,” fighting with an American division grandchildren and three great- said: “Adrian, I have got an through an interpreter, who translated in the Ardennes. Adrian was in the grandchildren. Englishman in my tomatoes. that “Our spirits would be shut in the Battle of the Bulge, as the Germans You can speak English, will Now aged 90, Adrian moved to Brunel cooler.” This was greeted with howls launched their last desperate attempt you come with me?” Adrian Court in 2012. He said: “I love it here, of laughter and the commandant had of the war. agreed to check and found I am very happy. The staff are very us whipped.” a frightened Englishman Adrian had not been under fire before. dedicated and helpful.” “I was wounded and alone after the in a greenhouse. He told The prisoners were put to work in Adrian worked at Goodyear Tyres Germans had bombarded us,” he Adrian he had come from a factory: “producing anything and from 1950 and was given a bravery recalls. “I was surrounded by dead Birmingham and he was everything,” Adrian recalled. There award for attempting to save the bodies. I kept firing my machine Flight Lieutenant Edmund. were machine guns destined for the British pilot who, it is thought, was gun. Suddenly I heard the sound of Adrian asked for proof, Eastern Front. Adrian knew about captured by the Germans and shot. Photos from top bagpipes; it grew louder as a Scottish the young pilot produced machine guns and managed to Adrian and Hazel Canadian unit marched each side of a Midland Red bus ticket remove all the firing pins from them The Ammerlaan family crest from his pocket. before they were shipped out. Adrian me toward the German lines.”

Do you have a Meet Cleaver story you would like to share? extralife Contact me on 02476 506011 or email [email protected] 26 People in Pictures

Happy 100th birthday to Louise Roddis of Princethorpe Court!

Picture by P. Wolstenholme.

Brunswick Gardens resident Kath Morgan- Cresswell, with the help of Joyce Loveday, Julie Hall, Janet Ireland and Betty Sharpe, organised a fund raising coffee morning in the Village Hall that raised £520 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. people in pictures Broadway Gardens are running weekly festive craft A group from Rosewood Court went to sessions with volunteer Sandra! So far, they have London to see the display of poppies made beautiful gift boxes and outside the Tower of London recently. salt dough decorations.

Pannel Croft Village commemorated Black History Month and the centenary of the First World War with a remembrance service. The service, organised jointly by staff and residents, was attended by West Indian ex-servicemen and the West Indian Regiment, as well as over 100 Pannel Croft residents. Village ExtraCare’s first Short Mat Bowls Tournament Activity Facilitator Nathan Duberry was held recently, a pilot event instigated said: “It is important to our Village and Sunley Court residents, staff and volunteers have been by Derrick Millard, a resident from St Oswald’s. filling and wrapping shoeboxes for Operation Christmas community to celebrate how people The Villages involved were St Oswald’s, St Crispin, from different backgrounds and cultures Shoebox. Residents and volunteers have also been busy Lark Hill and New Oscott. The event was a huge knitting items to go in the shoeboxes - pencil cases, hats, success, and St Crispin Village (pictured) were have made an important influence to gloves, purses and handbags! the winners of this first competition – making Britain what it is today.” congratulations to them! extralife 28 People in Pictures

Balbir Gill (centre), the Locksmith at Broadway St Dominic’s Court held a Christmas Gardens, was presented with a Margaret Butterworth party! From left: Steve Emery, a Award from the Dementia Pathfinders. This award resident who also volunteers to teach is given for excellence in dementia care for care computer skills, with volunteers Ruby ExtraCare’s Wolverhampton Schemes got together to take part in a Memory Walk workers, health care assistants and activity organisers. for the Alzheimer’s Society. Murray, Sandra Bagnall, Sharaya Want more ExtraCare pictures? Belganwar, Robert Hargreaves and Margaret, Jean and Patrick from Sunley Norma Humphreys. Court hard at work knitting for Christmas! Visit our Flickr page at Activity Co-ordinator Gill Crosswell said: www.flickr.com/photos/extracare “Patrick has taken up knitting again together with his wife Jean – they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary this year. Patrick has in the past knitted Fair Isle jumpers, which if you are a knitter will know is very complicated!”

Terryspring Court held a Harvest Festival, and residents, staff and families Pannel Croft Village has been supporting Jason Holden, the grandson of a resident, donated food. Activity Co-ordinator Amelia Anthea Creed and Pauline Knipe from St Oswald’s did a who, after months of preparation, Bourne said: “We held an afternoon of great job collecting £185 for the Village’s Children in Need recently ran the Bupa Birmingham Half Norman from Princethorpe Court turned out activities including entertainment and a charity, the Milestone School in Gloucester. Residents Marathon in 2 hours 2 minutes. Jason is to be a natural at kurling! Activity enjoyed a fun quiz, including a name the person photo round visit from Robin Baker, a local pastor raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society Co-ordinator Sandie Ball said: “He took the – anonymous photos of residents from their childhood! who runs the food bank in Redditch.“ – if you’d like to support him, visit floor by storm and won hands down!” Milestone School is a special school which provides for www.justgiving.com/Jason-Holden children with a wide range of educational needs. extralife 30 People in Pictures Trustees

Meet your Trustees

Berryhill Village ExtraCare’s Board of 12 Trustees are experienced advisors in held a Diabetes housing, health, care, business and finance who give their time Awareness Day. and expertise voluntarily. Here, we introduce two of them… Resident Joyce Shenton with Ellen Jurczak, diabetes Trustee for the MS Trust, a member fundraiser for the Helen Holmes of the Royal Society of Medicine West Midlands. Helen is about to take up a post as Catastrophe and Conflict Forum Legal Director at the Parliamentary and former Chair of the Law Society James Beattie House received an award and Health Services Ombudsman. Human Rights Group. from the Wolverhampton Community Fire She has been Deputy Director Legal Helen is an Essex girl who now lives Service. Activity Co-ordinator Liz Evans said: at the Security Industry Authority, in London with her husband Brian, “It was a great privilege to have a visit from Head of Legal at the Human Tissue who runs a post production company, Wolverhampton Community Fire Service Authority and solicitor and policy and their Pointer gundog. Weekends who we have now formed a partnership advisor at the Royal College of will find her down Portobello market, with. We received the certificate in Nursing. Helen has an MA in Medical having friends and family around for recognition of staff at James Beattie House Law and Ethics and an MSc in Health lunch, or taking long walks in the to improve the safety of our residents.” Policy Planning and Finance. She has Chilterns. She has backpacked a particular interest in the funding through Africa and Asia, and would division between health and social go back to Taiwan or Ghana at the care, and the development of human drop of a hat, although most of her rights law for older people. holidays now are spent on the west Helen is Vice Chair of THET, the coast of Ireland. She hankers to be international health development a beekeeper and is on the waiting charity. She was Chair of RedR, an list for a mentor with the London engineering disaster relief charity, a Beekeepers Association.

Mike Higgs

Mike is a physicist with an honours degree. He also has a background in employment law and finance. During his career Mike has developed and implemented major business change and transformation strategies in the UK and overseas, merger and Margaret Davison from St Dominic’s acquisitions and was Global Deputy CEO and Group Resources Director of Court with decorative Christmas logs a world leading industrial minerals group. that she helped to make along with Money raised by Lovat Fields Village has been donated to Milton Mike’s current and previous roles include: Chairman of large UK Final other residents. Keynes Renal Unit. The fund-raising was organised by Village Salary Pension Schemes; Chairman of the Finance and Audit committees receptionist Teresa Tymofijiw, who regularly attends the unit for of an NHS Mental Health Trust; Group Human Resources Director of an check-ups following a kidney transplant. Maggie Pratt-Heaton, international retailer and logistics group; senior employment law and chairman of the Six Counties Patient Association Milton Keynes employee relations consultant, involved in merges and acquisitions. Branch, thanked Teresa and her volunteers for their financial Mike is currently leading a consortium in the development and support, and the group also received a thank you letter from construction of a Biomass Energy Centre. Kidney Research UK, who received half of the donation. extralife 32 Valued Volunteers Thanking our volunteers Woodwork at Lark Hill at Symphony Hall At ExtraCare, we rely on thousands of valued volunteers within our Schemes, Villages and Charity Shops. Chrissie Morris, ExtraCare’s Charity Volunteer Co-ordinator, updates us on the latest big event to celebrate volunteers… We shared with you the start of the Volunteer Recognition Banner journey John, Mick and Bill Bill, John, Al and Mick with the when it received its first signature summer house of thanks from Nick Abbey, Chief Executive, during National Volunteers Many readers may know across the Village. Bill Hodder, Mick says: “People like to use it. In the Week over the summer. about opportunities to Parker and Al Preston hand out summer time, especially, we had Over the past six months, the banner business cards with their contact some good times there.” volunteer on reception, details on, and they are joined in the has continued on its journey visiting The group can usually be found in serving food or teaching workshop by John Toulson. our 31 locations and capturing over the workshop five days a week. 1,250 signatures and messages a class, but ExtraCare has On any given day, they are in John explains that they have all of thanks. Residents, staff (from thousands of volunteers doing demand to make commissioned worked hard all their lives: “We were Schemes, Villages and Charity Shops), different roles. We talked to a items, fix broken furniture, alter all self-employed before. It took me family, friends and visitors all thanked group from Lark Hill Village… walking sticks and even open tough three years after I retired before I our volunteers for their time, support bottle lids! could sit down after lunch without and their invaluable contribution. So In the Woodpecker woodwork shop feeling guilty!” many people wanted to thank our at Lark Hill Village, a dedicated team One of their biggest projects was volunteers that we had to create four of volunteers is providing valuable building the Village’s summer house In addition to the summer house, new banners to capture all of the services to residents and staff alike from scratch two years ago. They they have produced benches and signatures and messages of thanks! Top of the bill: Cannon and Ball joined the party and also thanked our raised the funds for the planters around the Village, as well volunteers by signing the banner at Symphony Hall materials from residents, as numerous other commissions for The banner also gained some signatures and Bill carved the name of residents and staff. Bill said: “When from volunteers who wanted to thank The banners displayed on the stage at Symphony Hall each person who donated. It people moved in, with the heating other volunteers for what they do and was a big project that was here, some pieces of furniture started some who wanted to express how volunteers represent only four percent Sunley Court Manager Jane Trimarco, really appreciated by other to shrink. We’ve fixed that for a lot much they enjoy volunteering. of our total number of volunteers! sang a song dedicated to them. residents at the Village. of people, and we’ve also done some work in the office.” Six months later, all five banners Of course there were many other During the song, all five banners However, not long after were on display at Symphony Hall volunteers at Symphony Hall, some appeared on stage. it was officially opened, it Word of mouth has led to quite a few at the pre-show celebration of sitting with their friends and some The banners will continue to appear was horrifically vandalised. outside projects as well. They built a volunteering for 120 invited volunteers who were volunteering on the day at locations in the future and gain Bill says: “It was soul bar for Verona Court and have done from locations and charity shops, and supporting others. Many were more and more messages and destroying. There was other work for ExtraCare Schemes enabling them to read the messages wearing a recognition sticker. signatures of thanks. nothing we could use from and Villages. Bill says: “People come while enjoying the entertainment. what they’d done.” visiting, saying they could do with Nick Abbey thanked all of our These volunteers then took up their The banners are available for display something but there’s no one to do it volunteers during the show and, They felt it was important recognition seats to watch the show. It in our locations - contact Chrissie for them – but here we are!” was lovely to see so many volunteers along with Beacon Park Village’s Morris on 02476 506011 or Mick, a former joiner, has just to repair it as soon as possible, and together at one time and yet those Activity Facilitator Keir Pedley and [email protected] completed a mahogany rocking have attempted to make it as sturdy chair for an expectant mother and vandal-proof as possible. Mick extralife 34 Your Letters

Memories of schooldays Star Letter receives £25 voucher An unexpected visitor Dear Extralife, Sunday was a bright sunny day. We had to draw the blind so we could watch the afternoon film on the television. I was just going to make a cup of tea. There was Pen to Paper a thump outside. Pulling back the blind, there on the balcony was a bird, lying on his back looking A selection of your letters... dead to the world – no mark on Ann the window so it must have flown into the wall above. After three-quarters of an hour Just a little too late Ann Basford from The Rose Garden was inspired by the Back to School he came round. The panic set in. – but at least I’m feature in the September edition of Extralife (p.63-64) and sent us some It tried getting through the glass memories of her own schooldays. that goes right round the balcony. still alive! By then I had realised the bird was Dear Extralife, a kestrel so, while it had a rest on my pot of pansies, I collected Dear Extralife, In 1925/26, when I was six or seven, I went to school at Loppington. stools etc, so if it felt like going Last night before going to sleep I read a I remember quite well sitting in the “Infants Room” with Miss Williams as higher it might make it. book by one of the pilots in the Battle of teacher. I remember going out through the door opposite Mrs Probert the head The light was fading and we knew Britain. teacher’s back door to go to the outside lavatories. I used to stop to talk to Mrs he had to go soon. My husband Probert’s dog, which was tied up with a chain in the girls’ playground. I read many such books when I was at managed to come out to us. I school. Spitfire and Hurricane pilots were I recall being in the lower end of the “Big Room” with Miss Evans as teacher, gave a bucket to him and he my heroes and I wanted desperately to she used to come from Wem on her bicycle. scooped the bird up as it slipped down the glass. He then tipped it follow in their path. I did join the RAF as Mrs Probert was in my opinion one of the best teachers ever, we may not have out and we could see it make the soon as I was old enough and passed all become academics, but we were taught the real basics and principles of large trees as the light went from all the tests required to get me accepted each subject. for training as a pilot. the sky. A normal day would be half an hour on Scripture, then a lesson of Arithmetic. If you Mrs Eirlys Caley I was still under training in America when the war ended and I needed to sign on for a further three years in order to look arithmetic up in the dictionary it is a more suitable word than mathematics New Oscott Village complete my training in England and get the coveted ‘Wings.’ By that time, however, the RAF had more pilots than it for what we were learning. We were taught English, spelling, punctuation, needed, so I left and returned to university to get my degree. But the flying bug was still in me, so I joined the University pronunciation, English literature and, very important in those days, where “er” was Air Squadron and gained more experience. used at the end of a word – e.g. Tired, more tired, less tired, not tireder. Towards the end of the three years with them, the RAF invited me to take a three-month course enabling me to be able We had History lessons, Geography, Botany and Music (singing). We took part Please send us your letters to fly jet aircraft. This was the time of the Korean War and the RAF had doubtless been told that they might be called in the Schools Music Festival held at Whitchurch. It was a great adventure (around 150 words*) on upon to provide fighter pilots to participate in that war. The course was enjoyable but at the same time stressful. going to the Station at Wem and travelling on the train. issues local and global! Flying Spitfires first and then Vampire jet fighters, I was filled with admiration for the Battle of Britain pilots. Most had We learned needlework which included sewing, knitting embroidery and we Send your letters to less than two hundred hours’ training. The author of the book I was reading last night had only thirteen hours on the also did drawing and painting. Obviously all of these subjects were not done [email protected] Spitfire before being plunged into battle. I had twice that but felt far from confident that I would have survived long if every day except for Scripture, Arithmetic and English. or Extralife, The ExtraCare pitted against the formidable MIGs. Fortunately the war ended shortly afterwards so I left the RAF and commenced a Charitable Trust, 7 Harry completely different career. My time at Loppington School was very happy and I regret not knowing about the reunion which was held some years ago when Mrs Probert was living. Weston Road, Binley Business Ian Macdonald Park, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2SN Ann Basford, née Hilda Beckett Hagley Road Village *Please note: Occasionally we may The Rose Garden have to edit letters. extralife 36 Sort It!

In this issue Liz Alvey, ExtraCare’s Contracts and New Services Manager tackles the question: Sort It! “Why does ExtraCare Sort It! is a regular have to tender to deliver feature where we pick up on an issue care services?” that rattles readers. What do we mean by Why is this relevant to us? tendering for care services? ExtraCare holds contracts with local Tendering is a term which describes social services departments to deliver the process of bidding for work from care services at most of our Schemes an organisation that is seeking to buy and Villages. These usually cover goods or services from an external domiciliary care delivered to eligible source. Many private and public residents. At a few locations we also sector bodies use this as a means run day services. of trying to obtain the best quality In the past, most of these were agreed for the most competitive price. For by negotiation. However, some example, at ExtraCare, we try to Councils are talking about tendering obtain better value by using national out services to wider competition. frameworks that have been procured This is partly because laws governing Talking About Quality! through tendering. This has led to public sector procurement have been Did you know? In November, Camoys Court was voted Best UK Housing Scheme at the Elderly securing improved deals on things like tightened up recently and partly that Accommodation Counsel (EAC) 2014 National Housing Awards (see picture above). St Dominic’s Court stationery and energy. in the current economic climate, was highly commended. Berryhill Village won an EAC National Award in 2013. See p.19-20! There are usually at least two Councils are under increasing pressure stages to a tender process. Firstly to limit the scope of services in order all interested bidders submit basic to buy them more cheaply. Over a number of months we worked out to tender. It is not inevitable – information to prove that they are We do our best to persuade the Do you have a a bona fide legal organisation that Councils we work with not to tender very hard to put together the best we have recently agreed new funding is financially robust and has all the out the services we provide. We possible bid we could manage. We arrangements in Worcestershire that problem that needs proper insurances and key policies in use evidence from unique services did not hear the result for a long were not tendered. time, but thankfully it was good sorting? If you have place. This is called a Pre-Qualification like our Enriched Opportunities However, we have to be realistic. news; ExtraCare has retained all three Questionnaire (PQQ). Programme® and Well-being Service Councils control the purse strings and another issue that contracts for the next three years. At the final stage, organisations have to demonstrate that living in an therefore can make decisions that needs sorting out, Obviously everyone concerned was to submit very detailed, bespoke ExtraCare location makes it more we don’t like or agree with. We are extremely pleased and relieved. The responses to questions that the likely that people will stay healthier working very hard to make sure that Contact Sort It! Council told us that our bid was the Council poses to test how well the for longer which works out better for they properly understand that the best in terms of quality, although we bidders meet the service specification. the individuals concerned and cheaper integrated nature of our services is Email: [email protected] did not submit the cheapest price. This includes providing evidence like for the Council. However in some unique, and that our emphasis on Phone: 02476 506011 policies, procedures and reports to cases, Councils have made policy It was not a foregone conclusion; well-being and an active life brings Or write to The Extralife Team, support the written statements. The decisions that we can’t influence. another service (not one of ours) was benefits not just to residents but The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, specification is a detailed description Has it happened recently? tendered at the same time, and has to Councils. 7 Harry Weston Road, been awarded to a new organisation of the service being tendered, Our success in Stoke demonstrates Binley Business Park, Binley, Yes. Recently, it happened at Camoys which will take over soon, including Coventry, CV3 2SN covering things like required quality that when we have to, we can win and St Dominic’s Courts and Berryhill transferring staff from the old standards, methods of delivery, staff out over competitors and convince Ideas for new topics are always Village. Stoke-on-Trent City Council provider to the new one. recruitment and retention, business the Council that we should keep welcome – please clearly define the decided that they would put them all continuity in a crisis etc. Bidders our contracts. We will use all this issue, avoid personal comments and out to tender, along with another extra Could it happen at my also have to submit price proposals, knowledge if and when we are faced ensure your local problem is one care scheme operated by a different Scheme or Village? sometimes with information about with similar exercises elsewhere. that has or is likely to affect residents organisation. We argued against it but how the price was calculated. It is hard to predict whether a across the Charity. they had made up their minds. particular Council will decide to go extralife 38 Performance Field Training Officers

Two years ago, we were using a mix of external training providers and our own Field Training Officers. We were steady, but we could see a different way of doing things. We wanted training to be more centred on our vision, mission and values. When we were using external trainers, that was difficult to manage and control. We wanted the training not just to be about staff but about staff, volunteers and residents. We’d already got two Field Training Officers and we know they are making a positive impact. We wanted to bring our regulatory training in house so that Each issue, Extralife looks at we could drive getting our values into everything we did. an aspect of the Charity’s We are now up to four Field Training Officers – Chris, Richard, Steve and Sarah. performance. Here, They are now delivering 100% of the regulatory training. No ExtraCare location ExtraCare’s Training and has used an external training provider in the last six months. Development Manager, Ivan Finney, explains how his team So what has the impact of this been? What training does ExtraCare provide? delivers training… Our programme includes statutory training, which we are legally required Firstly, it has saved us money by not using external trainers. to do, and mandatory, which we feel we should do as part of being an The Field Training Officers have allowed us to be more proactive about effective organisation. training for locations. We can plan more in advance, therefore reducing staff ExtraCare has Investors Every staff member must be up to date with any relevant statutory training. and time costs. We measure and report on this each month. We take it seriously enough in People Silver Status, We can be more customer-focused, delivering local and specialised areas of that staff members can be stopped from working if they’re not up to date on a recognition of good delivering training when they are needed. We can do more of what locations essential training. practice in how an need – defibrillator awareness, for example. Induction is an important part of our training. All new starters have a buddy organisation engages with, We have a wider skills package now that we have a larger team. We can to help them understand how to do their job and also to make them feel enables, develops and provide very immediate and tailored solutions. As an example, Steve welcomed and supported. supports its people (staff comes from a military paramedic background, so he can work to deliver training which we might otherwise have had to get from an We provide training for staff in: and volunteers) to drive external provider. He has trained staff to do oxygen therapy – and Health and safety and First aid at work performance forward. this is something we were able to do immediately after getting the COSHH (Control of Substances Safeguarding phone call that this was needed. We could get him down there the Hazardous to Health) Equality and diversity next day, whereas otherwise we might have had to wait for an Fire Mental capacity act What if I have comments external training provider. Food hygiene Medication on training? Each location has a named Field Training Officer to Infection control Moving and handling support them in delivering training - between seven and Train the trainer We welcome feedback eight locations per person. This helps us to get to know about how staff are the locations’ needs more and tailor the training to their Our courses focus on the practical application of skills and support, not just the theory. The key is in interactive, participative training to have a positive impact working with you. You specific circumstances. For example, Sarah is going to do can feed that back to an awareness session on first aid soon at a street meeting. on participants and their work practices. We can support locations to deliver messages that they We offer relevant training to our volunteers – for example, if you are staff in your Scheme or need to get across. volunteering in the café bar, we provide Food Hygiene, Health and Safety and Village. If you have any We can deliver more training, better and faster. We’re Moving and Handling training. Locations are encouraged to include volunteers further questions about able to be more focused on what ExtraCare is about as an in the same training as staff to enable a good mix of knowledge and experience ExtraCare’s training and organisation – providing better lives for older people. to be shared. Have a chat with staff at your locations to find out when this type of training is scheduled and come along. development programmes, please contact me on We also support people to develop their skills, especially if it will benefit how they work with residents. In the past, this has included British Sign Language, [email protected] counselling skills, Indian head massage or social media training. or call 02476 506011. extralife 40 Solving Complaints My Job

Solving Complaints There were 64 complaints made between August and October. JKL Of these, one was referred to one of our housing partners to My Job address as the matter was within their control. These graphs show the breakdown of complaints in this period. If, following How complaints investigation, the issues raised in a complaint are found to have are used Maria with resident been true, the complaint will be upheld. Information relating to Muriel Jewess complaints is used only Does the complaint 62% 38% a) to manage your 62% 38% relate to a resident receiving care? complaint 62%62% 38%38% Yes...... 38% b) to review and improve No...... 62% our services c) to report to What is the status of 2% regulatory authorities 2% 11% the complainant? 11% 56% (including the sharing 2%2% 31% 56% ExtraCare resident...... 56% 31% 11%11% Relative or friend ...... 31% of your personal 56%56% 31%31% ExtraCare staff member ...... 2% information in certain Other ...... 11% circumstances)

What is the complaint about? Your feedback is Care ...... 34% important to us because Maria Cutting is one of three Housing Officers at ExtraCare, 5% 18% 34% 18% 34% Staff ...... 14% our aim is to provide working across several locations. Here, she tells us about 5%5% 34% 5% 13% 14% Environment ...... 6% 5%5% 18%18%5% 6% 14% the best quality service her job… 13% 5% 6% 14%34%34% Maintenance ...... 5% 5%5% possible. 13% 13% 5%5% 6%6% 14%14% Anti-social behaviour ...... 13% Catering ...... 5% So if you have a complaint, I love my job. I have found homes for It’s a big team effort at ExtraCare. There was a lady who hadn’t been out Multiple ...... 5% we’ll take it seriously and hundreds of people in our ExtraCare There are three Housing Officers of her house for two years after her Other ...... 18% Schemes and Villages and I love including myself. I love what we do. husband died. Her two daughters were respond appropriately. If making a difference to someone’s life. I love going around the Schemes and really worried. She moved to a Village we’ve done something you Villages and meeting the local staff. I and after about seven weeks her 19% I spent 20 years managing pubs, clubs 19% like, please tell us. think most of the time the local staff daughter said she had to telephone 14% 67% and restaurants but gave that up after 14% 67% Who was the don’t realise what a good job they do. her mum to book an appointment to 19%19% my son was born because my partner complaint against? If you’re an ExtraCare I think sometimes they need to be see her! She is volunteering in the café 14%14% 67%67% and I didn’t want to bring him up in resident or relative, please reminded of that. bar and she goes out with her friends ExtraCare ...... 67% a pub. I joined ExtraCare nearly eight on the bus into town. Other residents ...... 14% contact your local Scheme years ago. It makes you feel good to have Other ...... 19% or Village Manager by been able to make life that little bit I’m meeting another lady next week I am Housing Officer for 14 locations easier for people. That makes the job who doesn’t know which way to phone, email or letter in throughout ExtraCare. The job worthwhile. One lady who came in turn. Her mum and dad are not very 12% the first instance. includes meeting new applicants, 12% was very underweight, she was very well and she doesn’t want them to go 21% 42% showing them around the property, 21% 42% Was the complaint upheld? Copies of our Tell Us frail. She now volunteers in one of into a home. I’m going to show her a 12%12%25% going through our waiting lists, 25% 42%42% the shops, she has put on a stone couple of properties, show her what 21%21% Yes ...... 42% How We’re doing forms delivering training, auditing files, and 25%25% and a half in weight and she looks we offer and I can reassure her. It No ...... 25% are available in all of our dealing with residents’ queries about fabulous. She goes around talking to makes me feel good to be able In part ...... 21% Schemes and Villages and housing benefits. I also carry out void everybody, saying how wonderful the to do that. Case still on-going ...... 12% inspections, get involved with policies on our website. place is. Her granddaughter is pleased and procedures and sit in on regular I get a buzz from my job. I get about how well she has done. allocation meetings. quite excited. extralife 42 Residents’ Forum

Gym Membership Some residents had raised in July’s Village Forum a concern that staff were able to use the gym facilities in locations ‘for free’. This is because ExtraCare promote gym use amongst staff as a staff benefit. I gave a presentation to both Scheme and Village Forums and explained that the reason ExtraCare offer this benefit is to promote healthier, fitter staff who in turn can provide a better service to residents. I confirmed that residents and gym members always have priority for gym equipment. I gave the Forum information on how often staff used the gym across a number of locations. After some debate, it was agreed by both Forums that there would be no change to the The last Forum meetings were held in September. current arrangements. ExtraCare’s Housing Services Manager, Richard Keeley, reports... Lloyds Pharmacy Jenny Hemmings from Lloyds Pharmacy gave a presentation to both Scheme and Village Forums outlining a proposed partnership between Lloyds and ExtraCare to offer a medication dispensing service to residents from April 2015 onwards. Jenny explained that residents would have the choice to opt in to the service. It would provide a high quality, safe dispensing service, with same day delivery of medication from local Lloyds Pharmacies.

Health and Safety and Data Protection Policies Vikki Hall (Company Secretary) gave a presentation on the proposed revised Health and Safety policy, and the Data Protection Policy. Vikki explained that both policies were required by ExtraCare to ensure that people who live and Balanced Communities visit our locations, and the information we keep about them, are kept safe. The Customer Scrutiny Group has now finished its report into how ExtraCare Vikki advised that the Health and Safety policy is to ensure we comply with can achieve balanced communities in our Schemes and Villages. A progress the law and that it outlines who is responsible for different aspects of health update was given at September’s Forum, and the final report has subsequently and safety. Vikki also advised that the Data Protection policy is to ensure that been completed. This will be presented to the Forum in December. We ExtraCare protects the privacy of residents and other relevant people. therefore will summarise the report in the next edition, once Forum members have had an opportunity to discuss it. Anti-social Behaviour I gave a presentation and facilitated a discussion on the proposed new Anti- Catering social Behaviour policy. This is to help ExtraCare deal more effectively with At the Village Forum in September, Dave Bosworth (Customer Service Strategy reports of anti-social behaviour, and to help prevent anti-social behaviour Manager) and Rebecca Devaney (Procurement Manager) gave a presentation occurring. I explained the key elements of the policy which included ensuring on changes to catering in Villages. Dave explained that the contract with ExtraCare work with relevant partner agencies (such as the police and Social Caterplus was ending, which would directly affect four Villages - Lark Hill, Services) when investigating and resolving reports of anti-social behaviour. Hagley Road, Pannel Croft, and Shenley Wood. Dave explained that ExtraCare had approached a number of companies to provide an alternative catering You can get further information about meetings from your Scheme or service at these locations. Of these, one provider stood out which was Elior. Village Manager or Residents’ Association representative. Elior provide catering services across the country to organisations such as Tesco and Marks & Spencer. Dave explained that Elior will be providing catering to In addition if you would like further information about the work of the Hagley Road and Shenley Wood, and that ExtraCare will be taking over the Customer Scrutiny Group or Residents’ Forum contact Richard Keeley on running of catering at Lark Hill and Pannel Croft. 02476 507915 or [email protected]. Rebecca Devaney advised that the ending of the contract with Caterplus also meant that new food supplier arrangements are to be put in place. This is because Caterplus was the main food supplier to all Villages. Rebecca explained that there will be two main suppliers, being 3663 and Brakes, who had been trialled at four Village locations to test food quality. Rebecca also advised that local food suppliers may also be used, subject to these suppliers meeting appropriate food safety standards. extralife 44 The Critics Wordswork

Betty Chantry, a former Headmistress who now lives at Rosewood Court in Wellingborough, shared some thoughts on Christmas with us…

Christmasto Verona comes Court early Our thanks to the Verona Court critics: Mary Addison, Doreen Burbridge, Kathleen Warten, Elaine Cope, Dorothy Giles, Elsie Woodbridge, Lilian Bowen, Ken Callear, Margaret Rutherford, Sarah Jadowski, Sheila Lockley and Sylvia Pace!

Morrisons The Christmas cake as we know it today comes from two customs which became one around 1870 in Victorian England. Originally there was a porridge, the origins of which go back to the beginnings of Christianity, followed by a fine cake made with the finest milled wheatflour. This was baked only in the Great Houses, as not many people had ovens back in the 14th century! st How times have changed… go to sticky” and only warranted a score Lidl 1 any supermarket and you will find an of 6, although he did declare that by Purple, red, green – soon array of Christmas cakes varying in taking part in the tasting session he both size and price. Testing the theory was now looking forward to Christmas. ‘you only get what you pay for’, were will be seen, to cheer up Top of the range, from M&S, split the residents of Verona Court. the audience. First to the table and eagerly accepted M&S the festive occasion. Margaret thought it was “very nice” by Kathleen was a slice of cake from and gave it a score of 12/10 but Morrisons. “I’ll give it a good 9,” said Sarah strongly disagreed, saying, “It See more Christmas So join in the fun, Kathleen and, although she later was dry,” and could only award it thought the offering from M&S was poetry on p.60! 3/10. Others thought that, although hard and dry, she was still enthusiastic, come on every one, help it was the only cake to keep its form saying: “I just love any cake!” when sliced, it had too much icing and Are you a writer? Santa to make this The second serving was that from Lidl was a bit hard. The verdict: Would you like to which although the cheapest, acquired Many found the cakes very filling and 1st place with a score of 91 share your talents with some favourable comments. struggled to finish all three, some Morrisons £5.99 Wordswork and see your the best one Dorothy thought it deserved 10/10, deciding to take them away to enjoy work published in the 2nd place with a score of 80 magazine? saying: “I couldn’t have done it better with a nice cup of tea. Lidl £4.35 for all of myself,” Elaine, in agreement, said: Contact the Extralife Team Our thanks to the critics from Verona ”My compliments to the chef.” Ken, 3rd place with a score of 60 on 02476 506011, Court who decided that in this however, thought it was “dry and M&S £15.00 [email protected] us instance all that glitters is not gold! extralife 46 Essential Advice

Wishing you a safe and happy 390,000 Christmas without the benefit support they deserve A report by Age UK Nick Abbey, ExtraCare’s Chief Executive, responds: Please take a minute to read this to help ensure your has found that up to “Age UK are right to call on the Government to look at pensioner poverty. But welfare and the welfare of those around you during the 390,000 older people the fact also remains that so many older people are simply unaware of what festive season… they are eligible to claim and how to claim it. in poverty could have Currently, a significant proportion of our residents (60% to over 99%, All our Village and Scheme homes and public areas are fitted with fire alarms claimed housing benefit dependent on the Village or Scheme area and population) are eligible to receive and smoke detectors amongst a whole range of safety features which we check last year but didn’t. benefits when they move in. regularly. But you can play your part in preventing an accident: Some of our potential residents believe they won’t be able to move to our Check you know the fire procedure for your location. If you don’t please Schemes or Villages and yet when we look at their financial circumstance ask a member of staff for advice. we find they simply didn’t realise that they could claim a whole range of allowances including Housing Benefit, Attendance Allowance, Pension Credits, Make sure your family and visitors know your location’s fire procedure Council Tax Support and Carer Premiums. in an emergency. The issue is particularly acute amongst elder homeowners looking to part- Most fires start in the kitchen. Avoid leaving a cooker unattended. purchase and who have very limited resources – probably the majority of UK Cigarettes are a major hazard and not permitted in public indoor householders over the age of 65. This is why we recruit and train our own areas at our locations – if you do smoke in your apartment benefits advisors to support our residents who have financial concerns. please take care, remain alert and ensure cigarettes are extinguished properly. Currently, our advisors are finding £1.4m in

Candles need to be held firmly upright by the holder Nick Abbey, unclaimed benefits on behalf of older people so they won’t fall over. Never leave candles unattended ExtraCare’s in the local community who move into each or near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch Chief light. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of your Executive new Village that we develop. grandchildren’s reach. So, is it important to look at pensioner poverty? Of course. But more training is Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to “We need to help also vital to identify those in need of support. lights or heaters or place them close to any electrical people navigate the Nationally, we need to be in a better position to help people navigate their appliances or candles. benefits system” way through the benefits system without feeling embarrassed, confused or Check your Christmas tree lights intimidated by the process.” carry the British Safety Standard sign. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed. Never overload your electrical sockets. Are you claiming all you can? Ensuring your safety and the safety of your visitors and your local staff is our highest priority. If you see The ExtraCare Welfare Benefits Team continue Should you require a benefit health check to find a fire hazard or know someone whose safety might to make a difference to our current and out if you may be eligible for help please do not be at risk, please do let a member of staff know. potential residents in identifying and maximising hesitate to contact us through your Village or We wish you all a happy and safe Christmas. potential benefit income. The team allows and Scheme Manager or directly as follows: maintains residents’ financial independence, Natalie James 0787 655 5765 enriches choices and reduces financial worries. Paul Greensmith 0792 081 1482 We really are here to help you. Paul Kay 0772 055 3657 extralife 48 Gardening

Gardening with Howard Drury

Change brings 1. 2. huge success... The change to regional Garden in Bloom award days has proved a huge success…

So, let’s take a tour of your She purchased an old bike, spray- achievements and I am truly sorry that painted it and decorated it along with space prevents me from mentioning many other items relating to the each and every one of you. famous Tour de France cycle race which passed through Yorkshire this year. Let’s start at New Oscott Village where a derelict area has become a I also visited Terryspring Court very impressive garden and much and enjoyed a marvellous, fresh 3. 4. utilised by the Locksmith and strawberries and home-made scones gardening teams alike. I was made very tea. Not that this influenced my 1. Shenley Wood Village Memorial Garden. 2. Beautiful borders at Beacon Park. 3. School Court messages on the welcome at its recent opening. judging in any way I can assure you! St Dominic’s remembers WW1 plants. 4. New Oscott’s team got together to transform an unused area in the Village grounds. I was equally entertained at Sunley School Court continued its good Court where their site had been greatly work between Garden Captains and Supportive Staff in Schemes such as Imperial Court postcards designed by the soldiers And finally (wearing another hat) I improved with the addition of a raised Locksmiths, producing paintings and finding residents coming down to use in the trenches to send back to their was asked to judge Wombourne in sensory bed – part of the site had also At St Dominic’s Court, I was very gardens where residents could express the greenhouse and to join in activities. loved ones. I know that this collection Bloom as part of the Britain in Bloom adopted a First World War theme. impressed with the WW1 bunker, themselves with messages left on of handmade postcards was not only competition. I was invited into the complete with sandbags, genuine structures and plants. Shenley Wood Village has a much unique but valuable, as was an original council chambers and as part of my helmet and rifle (produced by Graham) Unusual Containers improved greenhouse, home to a huge First World War helmet shown at presentation took great delight in and the sensory spoons painted with crop of tomatoes and cucumbers, and, At the regional award days, the flower Hagley Road presentation day. showing the audience pictures of the encouragement from Locksmith Eileen. to commemorate the outbreak of the arrangement in ‘unusual container’ amazing entrance to ExtraCare’s Brunel War they had designed and built their During the eight weeks judging, it proved to be most successful with Projects Beyond Belief Court. Next year, you can be sure own memorial garden. Just down the was fantastic to see so many more some very original ideas. Brunel will enter! I must conclude by mentioning road at Lovat Fields Village they had staff, volunteers and residents coming The imagination and research that Well done to everybody in 2014. two projects which are really managed to tear apart the raised beds around the gardens with me. This was went into some of the activities was May I wish you a happy Christmas beyond belief. and make them a proper size with particularly noticeable at Berryhill with the best I’ve ever seen. Take Shenley and a good growing year in 2015. sensible and ‘safe to use’ vegetable Ben, Reeve Court with Josh and at Wood where residents had traced Firstly, Steven at Humber Court has plots for the residents. Beacon Park Village where Keir Pedley their ancestors and their roles since secured lottery funding and revamped encouraged the residents with the The new Hagley Road Village is literally the First World War, bringing along the site to make it an interesting Brunswick Garden’s Tour de Force! fact he had quietly been looking after creeping! It seems residents’ own small medals and records along with some nature friendly and sensory trail. He Write to me with your an aunt’s large garden and had secret gardens are getting even bigger and memorabilia which included an eight involved various outside organisations gardening stories at: Tour de Bloom? garden skills and planting plans! more and more people seem to be foot long wooden propeller from an and even managed to get At Brunswick Gardens Village one lady [email protected] joining in planting up containers on We should also mention the role of original plane! considerable discounts from various made a tremendous contribution to Or Howard Drury, 8 their patio or balcony. They were also the Locksmiths and Fitness Instructors builders. I am looking forward to the landscape of the Village by literally Rosewood Court brought along (albeit Bagnell Road, Kings Heath, near completing their patio sensory who have worked so closely with the visiting his butterfly house, which will getting on her bike! with a security officer!) a folder of Birmingham, B13 OSJ. garden when I visited. gardening teams and this has resulted be the entrance to his sensory garden. extralife 50 The History Inspectors

The names of the barons who signed Magna Carta

Magna Carta monument at Runnymede

Did you know? We know who signed it, but we’ll never be sure who wrote it. Despite a closing line suggesting the charter was “Given by [John’s] With thanks to the History Inspectors, hand,” Magna Carta was more or less forced on him by the barons. Malcolm, Madge and Andrew King John signs at Runnymede Many historians suggested that the charter was written by one of its most influential signers, Archbishop of Canterbury Stephen Langton. However, the exact wording was likely the product of months of back- Malcolm felt law has changed to such Magna Carta, the ‘Great Charter’, was imposed by rebellious barons on King John. They forced and-forth negotiations between the king and noblemen. him to sign acceptance of a document designed to prohibit arbitrary royal acts by defining law an extent throughout the world that maybe it rendered Magna Carta to the Magna Carta had plenty of precedents. and customs which the King must respect. history files. In 1100, Henry I issued a coronation charter, promising to rule justly, The attempt was made to distinguish between Kingship and tyranny. While failing to Madge said: “This country has lost its offer the church greater financial freedom and reduce meddling in the resolve all problems, it endured as a symbol of the sovereignty of the rule of law, and was of identity because of Europe. Does it mean marriages and family inheritances of his barons. Although he kept few Magna Carta is now null and void?” of these promises, it served as a basis for negotiations in 1215. Magna fundamental importance to constitutional development. Carta was unique in several respects, including its length, detail and June 2015 marks the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. The world is changing rapidly. What Andrew thought it did. He said: the fact that it was less an offering by the king to his nobles than a “Magna Carta is now history because demand by the nobles to their king. status does Magna Carta hold? Jon Cleaver visited Terryspring Court to talk with Madge we are members of Europe and they Tilsley, Andrew Seymour and Malcolm Beaumont. now dictate our laws.” Three of Magna Carta’s original clauses are still part of British law. Magna Carta laid a foundation for legal concepts like the ban on cruel The group concluded that our laws and unusual punishments, trial by a jury of peers and the idea that justice The discussion started with King John’s war between the barons and John in did not like that. He felt it stopped his had evolved over centuries. Magna should not be sold or unnecessarily delayed. But it also addressed specific rule of tyranny, murder, bullying, September 1215. John died on October demanding money from them when Carta had an enormous impact on concerns that don’t quite echo through the ages, including a mandate on blackmail and hostage-taking. John 18. Magna Carta was revised and going to war.” the world, but now Europe would was outraged at the manner with signed by Henry III in November 1216. the proper width for bolts of cloth to make monks’ robes! Malcolm said: “The barons were dictate how laws and rules were which the barons had joined against “It is renowned and respected really only interested in protecting defined. Andrew summed up, saying: When Henry III reissued Magna Carta, its 69 clauses had been reduced him and produced a document he was throughout the world,” Andrew their own rights. They did not think “I think we find ourselves in a King to 27. It remained that way, with minor changes, until the 19th century, forced to sign. said. “The Americans revere it, their twice about tipping the peasant off John situation with Europe which now when parliamentarians set about pruning obsolete laws. The remaining Malcolm said: “King John signed at Constitution is based on it. That’s how his land.” dictates, like him, what we here can laws grant freedom to the church, guarantee the customs and liberties of Runnymede in June 1215 but only important it was.” and cannot do.” London and forbid arbitrary arrest and the sale of justice. How relevant is Magna Carta today? when the barons in return signed an Originally Magna Carta only protected Andrew said: “It’s important only Malcolm added: “I think yesterday’s allegiance to him. Even then John Thanks to Boydell Press of London for a copy of Magna Carta barons who had manipulated it to their for its historical purposes, I think. It barons are today’s politicians, sought support of Pope Innocent III and the England of King John. own purpose. Andrew said: “The barons doesn’t slot anywhere in with human negotiating. What changes?” who, agreeing with the King, declared thought their rights needed protection rights. It doesn’t fit in with the The group were unanimous: Magna What do you think? Tell us your thoughts on Magna Carta! it harmful, illegal and unjust.” Declaring from the King by limiting his power, he modern take on law.” Carta is irrelevant in today’s world. Contact details are on p.2. it: null and void. This resulted in a civil extralife 52 IT Works ITworks

ExtraCare’s IT Team is hard at work, trying to improve residents’ lives through the use of technology. Here, Head of IT Rowland Sandys explains more… Making life easier

It’s called a Magiplug and it can reduce could help make life easier and help We have been working in conjunction The people that came along were The idea is to use the feedback we got the risk of scalding and flooding. The you stay independent for longer. with Staffordshire County Council very enthusiastic and keen to hear to improve the event so that we can ingenious pressure release mechanism and Jim Ellam from the council co- about different products. There were run a similar thing in other locations. In conjunction with Shirley Hall, allows a bath or sink to be filled presented with us. We also had Angela opportunities to ask questions, look ExtraCare’s Well-being and We are also trying to put together a to a specific level and then if left Schulp, District Commissioning Lead at products, and hear about examples Community Manager, and our ‘Box of Tricks’, a treasure chest of the unattended releases excess water to for Cannock, and Councillor Muriel of how they had helped other colleagues in the Well-being Team, most useful and popular items and prevent overflow. It also features a Davis of Cannock Chase District people. There was a real interest in we recently ran an event at Beacon which can be stored at a location and heat sensitive pad that changes colour Council, who came along to look at products that helped in the kitchen, Park Village to raise awareness. The used by local staff as a resource. This when the water temperature reaches what we were presenting. In addition, for example helping to open lids and idea was to explain to residents and would allow the staff to have a stock 36 degrees. This reduces the risk of we had great support from Medequip an ingenious kettle that boils only the staff that there are lots of products of items to show residents and to scalding as the user is alerted that the who supply all sorts of products to water you need for a cup and then out there which can make life easier demonstrate. There’s even a possibility Can you guess what this water may be too hot. It is useful for help everyday living. pours it into your cup. There were and many are inexpensive and easy that the location’s shop could sell those people that forget to turn off also lots of products to help with item might be used for? to access. This will all help to retain We had a Medequip stand some of the smaller less expensive the taps and easily attaches to your getting dressed. your independence, maintain your demonstrating lots of different items so that there is no need to shop existing plug chain. health and also enable you to do ideas and, whilst they were mainly We wanted to raise awareness of what online or find a high street store. This is just an example of the the things in life you want to, there to allow residents to see and talk is available, where you can get things During the day we had examples of equipment, gadgets and gizmos that wherever possible. about products, they ended up doing from and how much the products cost. residents who had already bought some brisk business because people Many of the really helpful things don’t some items and they shared their liked some of the things so much they cost very much at all! experience with the group. So we bought them straight away! This was a trial event and our thanks would also love to hear from anyone To start the session we ran a short to the team at Beacon Park who who already has some equipment quiz. Residents tried to guess what helped us organise and to all the which helps them. Could you the items were for – and in most residents who came along and talked demonstrate at a future event? Or do cases did very well. about the various items and ideas. a review? Or send a picture?

Useful websites Ask Sara provides advice and helps find suitable products to help everyday living: http://asksara.dlf.org.uk Living Made Easy is a great site with advice on daily living equipment: www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk Medequip have an online store where you can search for products. This is their website: www.manageathome.co.uk

If you would like us to visit your location and run a similar event please get in contact with me or Shirley on 02476 506011, or speak to your location manager. extralife 54 Fit! Dorothy’sMarie leads the group story Dorothy Haslam, 82, has lived at Ryfields Village for 12 years, and began walking regularly just for exercise Walking around the perimeter of the Village. She decided to make it official and raise some money for the British Heart Foundation when she heard that her son Reg needed to have a triple heart Walking has been described as the nearest activity to perfect exercise. It can help your heart, bypass operation. your bones, your brain and even your mood – and, even better than that, it’s free! Dorothy’s original target was to raise £500, but she soon passed that figure and a final total of £1,270 has been raised! Dorothy walked six circuits of the perimeter every day from 1st until 30th September – that’s 180 circuits altogether! “It’s a simple fitness regime. I have lost a stone in weight and enjoyed the fresh air and exercise. I was lucky with the weather as every day was sunshine.” Dorothy’s challenge has caught plenty of interest with the residents at Ryfields, and there have been several people who have now started walking every day as well, although not six circuits! She has continued her walking regime, but further afield now. Dorothy says: “Just go for a stroll even, and feel rejuvenated! You will enjoy it!”

Advice from the NHS The NHS suggests that all adults, including those over 65, should do at least 150 minutes (two and a half hours) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. That might include walking, playing doubles tennis or line-dancing. Healthy heart: Any exercise gets strengthen your bones and improve brain shrinkage and preserve You should also try and do muscle- your heart working, and regular your bone density. memory. If you have dementia, strengthening activities a couple of times a walking has been proven to reduce walking regularly is believed to slow Mental health: All types of week. This may include carrying your shopping, your risk of heart disease and progression of the condition. exercise can help to boost your strokes by over 25%. digging while gardening or taking a yoga class. mood, but walking can be Prevention is better than cure: Weight loss: Walking is an particularly good as it’s often a People who walk regularly can Walking 10,000 steps per day could greatly excellent way to burn off some sociable activity. Walking can also reduce their risk of developing improve your health. The average person walks calories. If you weigh nine stone, help you to stay active and certain health conditions such as between 3,000 and 4,000 steps each day Try and do two and a half hours walking quickly for half an hour will independent for longer, meaning colon cancer, asthma, breast cancer burn 150 calories – that’s the that you can avoid feelings of or type 2 diabetes by around 20%. already. Many people can achieve 1,000 steps of moderate exercise each week equivalent of three Jaffa Cakes! isolation and loneliness in later life. if they walk briskly for 10 minutes. All you need to get started is a pair Strong bones: To avoid developing Help with dementia: Regular of comfortable shoes. You don’t Find out more at www.nhs.uk osteoporosis, or to manage the exercise can cut the risk of need to plan a long and complex condition, it’s important to do developing Alzheimer’s disease by route – why not go for a walk weight-bearing activities – and up to 40%. Walking more than six around your Scheme, Village or local If you’re worried about your health, joints or mobility issues, please talk to your walking counts! This can help to miles a week can help you avoid neighbourhood? Well-being Advisor, GP or Fitness Instructor before you start exercising. extralife 56 Well-being

What is What have we done in the last 12 months? 1,327 residents came in for annual assessments Well-being? 417 residents came in for a baseline assessment 167 people were referred to exercise to manage their diabetes or risk of diabetes ExtraCare’s Well-being Service supports all residents 266 people were referred to exercise to help with to be proactive in managing strength and balance related to osteoporosis their own health. Our Well- 191 urinary tract infections were identified being Advisors empower residents to make informed 46 cases of untreated high cholesterol were identified decisions about their lifestyle In addition, 4,813 people attended drop-in sessions and health via well-being between July and September assessments. The Role of the Well-Being Advisor Our overall aim is to promote the health and well-being of our residents and we achieve this by carrying out annual assessments, health promotion sessions and drop-in sessions. Chrishanti Blackwood is the The Well-being Advisors across the locations are allowed to do the following: Well-being Advisor at Lark Take, record and monitor blood pressure Hill Village. Here, she tells us Take random blood sugars (blood sample taken from the finger) what her job is like… Take random cholesterol (blood sample taken from the finger) Measure height, weight and body mass index Take a temperature No two days are the same! And it’s not all about work! My and had been started on antibiotics. Screen urine samples most memorable day was probably I did some tests and found they Today I had my drop-in clinic and 15 Provide first aid my 13,000 foot skydive with one weren’t working for her. I got her residents came along. That’s more Provide advice re dietary intake of our residents. I don’t know why back into her GP, who found those than average; I usually get between Provide advice re chronic health conditions such as hypertension I volunteered because I’m not antibiotics should never have been eight and 12. (high blood pressure), heart disease, asthma, diabetes… and much more! good with heights. I misheard and prescribed for her. She had to go into After my drop-in, I did some resident volunteered and couldn’t back out! hospital to get it sorted. She only All of the above are in line with ExtraCare’s policies. assessments. These are like the little came to me to ask if the side effects Before ExtraCare, I was a nurse at MOTs that practice nurses do. I also she was having were normal. If she The Well-being Advisor is unable to do the following: a hospital. I came here because I work with GPs and organise things hadn’t come to me, how poorly could wanted to work in the community Take blood from a vein like flu vaccine clinics, and run quite a she have got? and see a different side of nursing – Remove sutures or clips to a wound few groups – chair-based exercise and not just statistics, a bed and monitors. That sums up the best part of the job: Manage catheter care or stoma care weight management are both popular. Here, you’re seeing the whole journey. working with the residents, knowing The Well-being Advisor may refer residents to external primary care services Every day is a school day. I’m always that someone has come to me and Every day is worthwhile. I don’t such as a GP or Practice Nurse if they find any significant health issue. learning, whether it’s things that I’ve been able to help. I’ve given them know who will walk into my clinic are changing or new medication my time and made a difference. It’s The assessments that the Well-being Advisor carries out allow them to until it happens. techniques. We have regular meetings, what all nurses want to do. keep an up-to-date record of your overall health. However, it is also and the Well-being and Community When I’d just started, one resident important that you assist us by letting us know if you have had any Manager is quick to email us with came to see me and said she wasn’t significant changes to your health or a new diagnosis. information. We’ve got good links. feeling well. She’d been to the doctor extralife 58 Glorious Food Veterans’ Voices

Cooking for Christmas Day on the Battlefield – 1914 This year, we are War was declared – youths joined up with enthusiasm and pride marking 100 years As they departed, loved ones cried. since the outbreak of No foresight of the horrors ahead And their youthful steps would change to a mournful tread. Olive La-hive, a resident at Sunley Court, remembers the First World War. Christmas To the Western Front, two lines side-by-side helping her parents 85 years ago in the bakery they owned. Nancy Cooper from After school and in the holidays she would be in the bakery Some in close proximity with very little divide. alongside her parents and remembers many favourite times of Hagley Road Village Mud, Tanks, guns and barbed wire the year but especially Christmas. shared with us this Tired men scrambling through the mire. From both sides bodies littered the ground, Christmas cakes were made to order and she would enjoy decorating them poem about that first Many lost forever, never found. with silver balls and pink and white icing (these were the only colours available Christmas on the at the time). Missiles either way they would fire battlefield. Through the trenches and barbed wire. Olive’s parents used their own recipe for their Christmas cakes which did not contain nuts, as they were difficult to get hold of and expensive. The Germans put up posters and hissed: “To the left” and “Ha Ha, you missed!” The black humour extended to conversation Resulting in a meeting and consideration – Olive’s Fruity Christmas Cake To allow each other to bury their dead. Duly carried out and prayers said. Ingredients Method Some Germans had lived in London and spoke English very well 8oz butter Put butter, sugar, dried fruit and That obviously was an advantage and helped comradeship to gel. 10oz dark sugar brandy in large pan together with On Christmas Eve a German came out rolling a barrel of beer, 900 grams mixed dried fruit grated rind of lemon and orange, plus Gave it to the “foe”, that must have brought happiness and cheer! 1 lemon juice of the lemon and orange. Then 1 orange bring to boil, stirring until butter has So there were celebrations on Christmas Eve Dash of brandy melted. Reduce heat and cook gently After the wailing of shells it was hard to perceive. 4 large eggs beaten lightly for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. 10oz plain flour A German band playing “Tipperary” and ending with “God Save The King” Line your cake tin (8” round) with Half teaspoon baking flour Scots playing bagpipes and probably doing a Highland Fling! greaseproof paper then leave mixture Half teaspoon nutmeg to cool for 40 minutes. Opening letters and parcels on Christmas Day One teaspoon of mixed spices Now stir in the lightly beaten eggs into Brings mixed emotions with the messages they convey. Fruity Christmas Cake the mixture and stir well. Now sift in So in the climate so sublime the flour, baking powder, nutmeg and Today they have an extension of more time. spices. Mix gently to combine all flour God gave them this – something they cannot buy or sell well. Pour mixture into tin and smooth So they must muse it well! top with back of spoon. Have you tried this recipe? Do you have a recipe of your own to share with us? Would you like to contribute to the Bake for one hour on low heat, “For all that fury Now Friends, not Enemies, on that Christmas Day next issue of Glorious Food? Do get in touch! approximately gas mark 2 (300˚F breathed in human life Out of the trenches – a football game to play. The Extralife Team, The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, 7 Harry Weston Road, or 150˚C) then reduce heat to gas Saxons won 3-2 Binley Business Park, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2SN mark 1 (275˚F or 140˚C) for a further But in reality they were all winners in that Extra Special Day! two to two and a half hours until There was brotherhood Email: [email protected] Phone: 02476 506011 golden brown. amongst the strife” Nancy Cooper, July 2014 extralife 60 Puzzle Page

Fill in the blanks using the same pictures as the above set. When you finish, there should be WordSearch ? only one of each picture in a row and a column A D V E N T I L A T E R A ? N E E D U S T E U S S I T G N E I T E M P E N O A E ? E E R T S A M T S I R H C L T S P N L L O D D E A R A selection? of? festive puzzles. S C R O O G E Y T N I M A Answers on page 64 A E T E W A Y S S A N E C L O U T F E E S L E D N K M T O O L E S S L N E V E Pam Elam from Humber O O B M A L T A E D E E R Court has produced a Christmas wordsearch. N N A E K N O B B I R L S There are also plenty of other Picture Sudoku W I N T E R O L A D A O T words not listed here – see how many you can find! I P M I S T L E T O E P A Answers on page 64 T O O S E L T T E N D E R ABLE DEN MALT SEE MatchingPairs ADVENT DIN MET SIT ADA DOLL MINT SLED Match the pairs of identical snowflakes (bear in mind that they can rotate!) AIR DON MISTLETOE SNOWFLAKES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. ALGAE EDIT NEED SOOT ANGELS ELM NOT STAR ATE END NUTS SUET AWE ENVELOPE PEN TENDER BASS EVE REINDEER TOOL 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. BELLS FEES RIBBON TOYS BOO IMP ROSE VEERS BOUT LES SALMON WINTER CHRISTMAS TREE LOOT SANE WIT CRACKERS LOUT SCROOGE

extralife 62 Final Feature Backpacking Hello! My husband and I travel all over the world, but not in the “normal” way for over 60s _ we are backpackers! We always travel independently and as we move around we send blogs out to friends and family. Here are some extracts from our last one, that was a long haul. We travelled from Johannesburg, South Africa, in a 4x4 with a tent on top through Botswana, down Namibia and then back across South Africa via Kimberley. Since then, we have travelled with our motorhome across France to the Pyrenees and back up the We came across a big military looking Someone up there loves us; We have made it, covered over Atlantic coast, and never once stayed on a campsite. So never say “no” _ there is barrier… bit early for the border? No, the wheel nuts were cross threaded, 6,000km… sometimes good, it was the veterinary checkpoint! They couldn’t get the wheel off. sometimes bad! Would we do it life in us old ones yet! checked us out, looked in the fridge again? Million dollar question! We Managed to get a garage in the town and found our meat, no raw meat love Africa, but it is a lot of miles to come out to us, they have to break We have lived in Lovat Fields, Milton Keynes, since April. across the line! between each place, with long drives. the nuts, so we hobble into town… India is still our pull, but who knows Regards, “But what about my goat curry?” at least we are safe here! End up where next… Marilyn Hill and Tony Caunt whinges Tony. having to stay overnight on the mine workers’ campsite. So much for saving “Tony, give them the damn meat, for a few bucks, it cost a fortune for a what it cost!” new tyre!

started, what a This argument went on until cracker, just too tired the official said, “You can take Puzzle Page Answers Questions on pages 61-62 so we closed our eyes cooked meat.” Solution to Matching Pairs and slept! So we sat at the checkpoint with me 1 & 11 cooking goat curry amongst other 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Now sat in the pitch 2 & 12 black apart from this things with locals driving past having 3 & 10 one light, being dive- fits of laughter. Hey ho, such is life! 4 & 7 bombed by God knows No rain! Soak up some vitamin D for 5 & 8 6 & 9 what animals… and a couple of days, then time to move 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. loving it. Tomorrow we on. Carry on across the desert with move on to Botswana, quite a lot of wildlife alongside, to a another day… who knows Spa Resort via Fish River Canyon (the what it will bring? second largest after Grand Canyon). Just finished my housework! Swept all Fantastic, awesome, mind-blowing! Solution to Picture Sudoku Solution to Word Search Onwards to South Africa. We In the middle of nowhere we eventually the ants out of our roof tent (ants are A D V E N T I L A T E R A arrived mid-morning, picked up our find something… not sure? Tony has Next morning along the Orange the bane of my life… when I die I want N E E D U S T E U S S I T home for the next four weeks and things to do in the vehicle so sends River Valley on our way to South G N E I T E M P E N O A E to come back as an ant in revenge!). drove off after having done a bit of Marilyn to check it out. Africa. Not a drive for the faint- E E R T S A M T S I R H C L T S P N L L O D D E A R shopping – wine, spirits and beer We left Maun at the bottom of the hearted, but the scenery… out of Walk in and about six guys at the bar all S C R O O G E Y T N I M A plus a great hunk of steak for the Okavango Delta in Botswana, loaded this world! We are now close to the turned, looked at me and said “Where A E T E W A Y S S A N E C barbeque, all good prices, cheaper with a couple of days’ supply. Tony border crossing and in Diamond Area did you come from?” Explaining we are L O U T F E E S L E D N K than back home! Eventually we was in ecstasy – we had found goats’ No 1 – very dangerous! Tony decides M T O O L E S S L N E V E looking for food and a beer, we received found the campsite in the middle of meat, and to keep him happy I said I to drive into the nearest (and last) O O B M A L T A E D E E R the warmest welcome and were even nowhere. would attempt a curry on our one gas town before the border, because N N A E K N O B B I R L S invited out with them today! W I N T E R O L A D A O T ring. He talked about it non-stop on fuel is cheaper in Namibia. Then it Before opening up the tent we go off happened – we had a “blow out”. I P M I S T L E T O E P A Back to the campsite, tent opened the long straight road to the border! in search of food (ready cooked!). Good and bad... we are 8km from the T O O S E L T T E N D E R out… when the storm from Hell town, but not a good place to stop! extralife 64 ExtraCare has around 60 Christmas time Charity Shops offering a quality range of clothing is for giving… household items, books, DVDs and small electrical items. and donating! Our Shops support the health and well-being of residents in our Schemes and Villages by aiding the Enriched Opportunities Programme®, our care service, health and well-being projects and supporting our research programme. We need your help! Time for a clearout? Your local ExtraCare Charity Shop would love to receive your donated items: good quality clothing, fashion accessories, small electrical items, home accessories, books, toys, games, music and DVDs. For shop locations, please visit www.extracare.org.uk or contact our Shops Team on 02476 506011.

We have a shop near you!

Aylesbury Evesham Northampton Sheffield Tel: 01296 394124 Tel: 01386 422888 Tel: 01604 717504 Tel: 0114 264 2622 Tel: 01933 359653 Tel: 0114 233 8260 Birmingham Greater Manchester Tel: 01604 627635 Tel: 0114 254 9109 Tel: 0121 4446794 Tel: 0161 205 0651 Tel: 01604 752457 Tel: 0121 7706354 Shrewsbury Kettering Nottingham Tel: 01743 358809 Bletchley Tel: 01536 517441 Tel: 01773 768265 Tel: 01908 644788 Shropshire Leicester Tel: 0115 966 1236 Tel: 01952 463993 Bromsgrove Tel: 0116 282 5279 Tel: 0115 975 7860 Tel: 01952 614185 Tel: 01527 579294 Tel: 0116 255 3759 Tel: 01623 657 129 Tel: 0116 251 4074 Sinfin Shopping Centre Burton Upon Trent Tel: 01777 708 231 Tel: 01332 774949 Tel: 01283 536300 Leighton Buzzard Tel: 0115 985 9711 Tel: 01525 214792 Tel: 01909 489702 St Helens Cannock Tel: 01744 757138 Tel: 01543 572243 Leyland Openshaw Tel: 01772 458259 Tel: 0161 312 4962 Stoke-on-Trent Castle Bromwich Tel: 01782 289850 Tel: 0121 7484563 Liverpool Peterborough Tel: 01782 837800 Tel: 01512 522 632 Tel: 01733 873173 Chester Tel: 01925 225616 Wellingborough Tel: 01244 348024 Rotherham Tel: 01933 277733 Loughborough Tel: 01709 836267 Coventry Tel: 01509 265180 Wolverhampton Tel: 024 7668 8863 Rugeley Tel: 01902 733166 Tel: 024 7647 1167 Marple Tel: 01889 577444 Tel: 024 7622 3454 Tel: 0161 312 6877 Salford Dronfield Newcastle-Under-Lyme Tel: 0161 737 7258 Tel: 01246 413509 Tel: 01782 660991 Tel: 0161 312 4107

Thank you for your help from everyone at ExtraCare! extralife - the magazine dedicated to ExtraCare’s residents december/january 2014