The AKS Times

the AKS times2015 Issue 1

e Kent Society

www.abbeyfieldkent.orgPlus more news from around the homes.

Care Academy Welcomes New Students

Resident Couples Share Their StoriesWith over 130 years of marriage between them, residents, Ray, Joan, John and Sally share their life stories and advice. Page 9

The Society’s training programme has begun working with a new group of recruits. Page 3

2 the AKS times - www.abbeyfieldkent.org

WelcomeWelcome to the first 2015 issue of the AKS times, The Abbeyfield Kent Society newsletter, which aims to keep you up-to-date on the news from around the Society.

The first installment of the year features everything you need to know about what the Society has been up to since the last issue, in November.

On Friday 27th February, we celebrated the phenomenal success of our Care Academy’s past year and welcomed a new group of students for the year ahead, read more on page 3.

In the run up to the London Marathon in April, we chatted to our runner, Joseph Lovelock, who will be running on behalf of The Wish Appeal, find out what motivates him to run 23.2 miles on page 6.

Since the last issue, we also celebrated Christmas at our annual Lantern Parade, read about what happened at the event on page 5.

In addition to this, we have been working with many of our staff members, so we can tell you about their experiences of working with the Society and how their careers have developed, read Mel’s story on page 4.

After a busy and fun-filled Christmas, our homes are more than ready for the warmer months ahead but there’s no downtime as there has been plenty going on since the New Year!

The Wish Appeal has been operating for almost a year now and we are delighted with how our homes have embraced fundraising and wish granting. Read about the wishes our

The Abbeyfield Kent Society is a registered charity and housing association; providing care and housing to over 500 older people at 14 locations throughout Kent.

The Abbeyfield Kent SocietyThe Old WharfStation RoadCuxtonRochesterKentME2 1AB

Telephone: 01634 723007

Registered in England under the Companies Act No. 908333Registered under the Housing Act 1974 No. H2362Registered Charity No. 254140

You can keep up-to-date on all the news from the Society’s homes and events all year round by visiting the following sites:

staff have granted on page 10.

Plus there are pancake tossing tournaments, romantic revelry on Valentine’s Day and our oldest resident, Victoria turns 105!

As always, we welcome your feedback on the AKS times. Please feel free to contact the media team on 01634 723007 or email [email protected]

Enjoy the issue!

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Care Academy Celebrates Success Stories and Welcomes New Students

Abbeyfield Kent to Host Charity Golf Day

As the Care Academy’s second year draws to a close, The Abbeyfield Kent Society has celebrated its achievements and welcomed a new group of students. The successful students and new recruits joined the Society’s training staff and executive team at Hempstead House in Sittingbourne to kick-start their training as part of this year’s Care Academy and hear some previous success stories.

The Academy was launched in March 2013 and gives training, development and general support to its own staff and external students who are attending courses at college on health and social care subjects.

The Academy has already benefited many of its students, including Helen Cook, Rebecca Chivers and Helen Goulding, who all spoke of their experience in speeches at the event.

Helen Goulding, who is now scheme manager of Watling Court, after joining us as care team leader, said: “I have attended lots of interesting and useful training sessions over the past year and I have learnt so much as well as developing my self-confidence.

“I would like to thank all of the people who have helped me to get to where I am today, I love my job and the people I work with and I wouldn’t swap it for the world.”

The new students spent the day getting to know one another through a range of activities and learnt a bit more about what the year would have in store for them.

The Abbeyfield Kent Society has created fantastic opportunities for career progression within the business and is truly committed to being recognised as a centre of excellence for training and developing their workforce.

Helen Goulding gives her speech at the event

The Society is hosting a charity golf day on Thursday 25th June at Southern Valley Golf Course in Gravesend, to raise funds for The Wish Appeal.

The day will consist of tea and coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf, presentation and prizes and a cash bar and BBQ from 7pm.

Entry costs £55pp for golf and BBQ, £200

for a four ball or £20 for evening BBQ only, partners are welcome for the evening.

The deadline for registration and payment is 10th May, sponsorship and promotional opportunities are available.

For an entry form or to find out about sponsorship opportunities,e-mail [email protected].

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Society news

the AKS times - www.abbeyfieldkent.org


Mel Martin started working for The Abbeyfield Kent Society at our extra care scheme, Watling Court in November 2011. In just three years she has progressed from support worker to care team leader, here she shares her story.

“Before working at Watling Court I had worked in domiciliary care for three years. I lived nearby and watched the scheme being built, I looked it up and thought it looked great, I wanted to be a part of it.”

Mel joined Watling Court in the capacity of support worker; within a couple of years she was promoted to senior carer before joining the Society’s training programme, the Care Academy in February 2014.

“I was very excited about being part of the Academy, I wanted to learn more and progress within the company. Since being here, I’d seen other people go through the programme and knew how it had helped and benefited them.

“The Academy helped me develop my confidence hugely, I also learnt a lot about the Society, what we’re working towards, where we’re going and what the future holds for us. The focus was always on positivity and success, it felt good to be a part of it and the sessions always boosted morale amongst the group.”

In May 2014, Mel was promoted again, to her current role, care team leader. She is now working on her level 5 diploma in leadership for health and social care, which will hopefully see her progress even further.

Working for The Abbeyfield Kent Society: Mel’s Story

“I hope to gain more of an understanding about the role of home managers, I know that

residential homes are very different to extra care schemes so it’d be great to learn more about that side of things.”

“I really enjoy working as part of the Society, they recognised my desire to learn more and progress and have been really supportive of that.

“If you’re looking for a role in which you can progress further and really build a career for yourself, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend The Abbeyfield Kent Society as an employer.”

The Society recognised my desire to learn more and progress and have

been really supportive.

Mel has progressed hugely in the three and a half years she has been at Watling Court

“”

Society news

Abbeyfield Kent Celebrates Christmas with Residents and Associates at Lantern Parade

The Society’s Lantern Parade takes place each December at the picturesque Friars in Aylesford and provides residents of Abbeyfield Kent homes with an opportunity to attend a seasonal service with their close friends, family, staff and contacts of the Society.

Each year, the festive celebration sees the community of Kent coming together during the holiday season to celebrate Christmas with a church service, followed by a candlelit parade around the beautiful grounds as the sun sets.

After the collective parade, guests were invited to warm up and indulge in a mince pie and hot drink in the tearoom, whilst they socialised with other guests and chatted about the event.

Guests lead the parade

Riverview Junior School sung for guests

Gravesend’s Riverview Junior School choir sung a diverse range of wonderfully upbeat and seasonal carols throughout the service, which the residents and guests thoroughly enjoyed.

One pupil also presented a Bible reading from the Christmas story.

Leon Steer, Chief Executive at The Abbeyfield Kent Society said: “Aylesford Priory is a wonderful venue for a Christmas event and it provides a very special backdrop for our Lantern Parade.

“It is incredibly important for the Society that our residents are able to enjoy a special Christmas themed service, and we do all that we can to ensure they are afforded every opportunity.

“This year’s Lantern Parade really was special, everyone at the Society is already looking forward to next year.”

The pupils joined the parade alongside residents

Society news


Society News


In it for the Long Run - Running the London Marathon for The Wish Appeal

Sittingbourne tree surgeon, Joseph Lovelock is taking part in the London Marathon this April, raising funds for The Wish Appeal. We hear from him in the lead up to the event.

What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about running? The level of fitness you have to maintain. I love knowing that I am in great shape and that my hard work is paying off.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about the sport or runners in general?That some people are just ‘natural runners,’ I think anyone can run. It is more about their will power and if they are willing to face the obstacles, both physical and mental, that come their way. You get exactly what you put into it; it certainly isn’t for everyone though!

Describe what your training process is, both mentally and physically?Monday is my only rest day! I am obviously getting a lot of running miles under my belt, I am also cycling a lot to keep the strength in my legs but I have always done that type of training. And of course, I can’t miss my normal gym sessions, but I am just sticking to upper body. I truly think the most important thing to do is to believe in yourself and what you are doing. That pushes me to run at night, early in the morning and in the freezing cold. That really is half the battle, belief. What kinds of things do you think about when you are running?I find running to be a stress relief, as I do with most sports. It definitely feels like it is you against the world. I think about my day

at work, what I have coming up, friends and family, even my chores. I am always thinking something or singing along to a song!

You have done a lot of different types of competitive sports, what is your biggest achievement to date?It is probably the Great South Run. I do it each year, I get to do it with my family – my twin brother - and the support is just brilliant. I must say, my time was pretty quick as well!

Why did you choose The Wish Appeal?Raising money for older people isn’t common, they seem to be forgotten within our community. I think it is important to raise awareness and if I can help make a difference, make a wish come true for just one older person that will be amazing.

To support Joseph and The Wish Appeal you can donate through Just Giving;www.justgiving.com/Joseph-Lovelock

You can also text ‘WISH05’ followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70070, e.g. ‘WISH05 £10’

Joseph has taken on various sports challenges but this will be his first marathon

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Around the homes

...and Watling Court Tenants do too!

Larkfield Residents Flip for Pancakes...Whilst most of us are happy to enjoy just eating pancakes, residents at St Martins decided to put them to a different use on Shrove Tuesday, when they had a pancake flipping competition.

On a sunny spring morning, residents gathered together in the activity room for a morning of pancake related fun.

Each of the residents got involved with the friendly competition, flipping a pancake as many times as they could, their turn ending when the pancake hit the floor.

Upon joining in with the competition, one resident said: “I could smell the pancakes from the other room! It reminded me of when my son makes them, they’re delicious.”

The residents had a great time, cheering one another on and encouraging their opponents to toss the pancake just a bit higher, the

winning ‘flipper’ was the resident who flipped the pancake the most times.

Michelle Sheehan, activity co-ordinator at St Martins said: “The residents loved the competition, there were a lot of laughs!”

Later, the residents tucked into some tasty pancakes, fresh homemade ones that hadn’t been dropped on the floor of course!

Residents, Violet Lucas and Joyce George enjoythe pancake competition

Frying pans and strong arms at the ready, tenants of Watling Court didn’t just eat their pancakes this Shrove Tuesday, they held a pancake flipping tournament.

How many times can you flip a pancake before dropping it on the floor? That’s what tenants at the Gravesend extra care scheme wanted to find out when they held a pancake flipping competition at the home on Shrove Tuesday.

The winning flippers, tenants Ray Haynes and Jess Hutson, both managed to flip their pancake an impressive ten times!

After the competition, the tenants tucked into traditional pancakes with lemon and sugar,

just like they had in their younger days.

Helen Goulding, scheme manager of Watling Court said: “The tournament was great fun and there was even a bit of friendly competition, I think they all wanted to win!”

Jean flips the pancake as Ruby looks on

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Tenants Take Trip Down Memory Lane With Traditional Tea Dance

Day Centre Transformed in to Restaurant for Valentine’s Day

Love was in the air at Woodgate on Friday 13th February, when staff hosted a special pre Valentine’s Day celebration for residents and their partners.

Ahead of the residents’ special evening, staff of the Tonbridge residential home transformed the day centre in to a romantic restaurant, complete with red balloons, flowers, garland and heart shaped napkins.

Woodgate residents with spouses still living at home, were invited to the home’s day centre to enjoy a relaxing evening in each other’s company, something they may not often get the chance to do anymore.

During the evening, the couples enjoyed some quality time together whilst they tucked into a delicious three-course meal, complete with a glass of wine or two of course. They

also exchanged romantic cards, which they had written for each another.

Simon Rowland, care co-ordinator at Woodgate, said: “Whilst many of our residents’ partners visit every day, they don’t often get the opportunity to spend an evening dining together in a private restaurant atmosphere, for that reason it was a really special evening for all involved.”

John and Rhoda were one of the several coupleswho enjoyed the romantic evening

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, tenants at Watling Court in Gravesend enjoyed a romantic vintage tea dance.

Tenants at the extra care scheme always enjoy a good party and whilst they don’t need an excuse, Valentine’s Day provided the perfect opportunity for them to get together, enjoy a tipple and dance the evening away.

Saxophonist and singer, Michael Lack, provided entertainment throughout the evening, performing nostalgic songs from a bygone era as the residents and staff danced.

Helen Goulding, scheme manager of Watling Court said: “We have many couples living

with us here, so it was lovely that they could enjoy Valentine’s Day together. Everyone had a great evening reminiscing about their younger days, when they used to spend their weekends at dance halls.”

Tenants, Lesley and Joan dance with Joan’s daughter, Sue

Around the homes

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Abbeyfield Kent Couples Share Life StoriesIn celebration of Valentine’s Day, two of the Society’s resident couples, who combined, have almost 130 years of marriage behind them, share their stories of how they met and the secret to a long and happy marriage.

Dene Holm residents, John and Sally Lawler first met when they caught each other’s eye across a crowded dance floor in Helensburgh, Scotland on 13th January 1942, John recalls that he asked Sally to dance to ‘What’ll I do’.

It was the middle of WW2 and with John being from southern Ireland, he and Sally were not meant to fraternise. “I was seeing John for a year before I could tell my family!” says Sally.

“I eventually told them and we married in 1945. It was a lovely small wedding and my mother played the piano. We spent our honeymoon sailing in Loch Lomond, it was beautiful and we had glorious weather which was unusual for Scotland!”

Six years later, Watling Court couple, Ray and Joan Haynes met at the opposite end of the country, the Gravesend Clock Tower. It was New Year’s Eve, 1951, when Ray and his friend arranged a double date with Joan and her sister for the following week.

“I was supposed to court Joan’s sister and my friend was going to see Joan.” Ray recalls, “we planned a date at the cinema but only Joan and I turned up!”

Perhaps it was fate that only Ray and Joan turned up for that date, as they married three years later at All Saints Church in Perry Street and the pair recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

“I couldn’t wish for anything else.” Ray says, “If I had to describe our relationship in three words, I’d say live, love and, I don’t know” Joan adds, “live, love and laugh.”

Sally and John will soon be celebrating a very special wedding anniversary too, so we asked, just what is their secret?

“Give and take,” says John with certainty; “We both get on well with our families too.”

Sally agrees, “Yes we both came from a big family and I think that helps. We’re both very alike, we enjoy a good singsong together and sometimes in the evening John sings to me. Every January 13th we celebrate the day we first met and have a little drink. In July, we’ll have been married 70 years.”

“And it doesn’t seem a day too long,” John adds, smiling.Ray and Joan on their diamond anniversary

John and Sally at Dene Holm

Around the homes


Woodgate’s Wish Appeal Grants Seaside Wishes

Staff of Woodgate residential home in Tonbridge granted not one but four residents’ wishes to enjoy fish and chips by the seaside.

On Thursday 20th November, Woodgate residents Esme Caprile, Peggy Wiltshire, Madeleine White and Vicky Nott wrapped up warm and hopped aboard a minibus ready to have their wishes granted.

The residents and their accompanying carers headed to Hastings where they enjoyed a traditional fish and chip lunch, followed by a walk along the old town to the seafront, where they stopped to warm up with coffee and doughnuts.

Esme, Peggy, Madeleine and Vicky wanted to go to the seaside, as they had not been for several years. Resident, Esme bought the carers to tears during the trip, as she was so delighted, she said, “I’m loving this, it may be the last time I ever get to see the sea.”

Staff were able to grant the residents’ wishes as Woodgate staff and associates have been working hard to raise money for their Wish Appeal fund since the scheme launched.

Launched in April 2014, The Wish Appeal aims to grant wishes for residents living in the Society’s homes across Kent. When creating the appeal, the Society found that residents’ wishes were mostly small, such as a trip to the pub or a visit to the town they grew up in. The Wish Appeal is making these dreams come true.

For most of us, if we wanted to take a trip to the seaside this weekend, it could be easily arranged and just as easily executed. But for older people living in residential homes, something as small as a trip to the coast can require weeks of planning, risk assessments, extra staff and additional costs.

For the above reasons, staff in residential homes cannot always take individuals out when they would like to but thanks to The Wish Appeal, that is not the case in the Society’s homes.

If you would like to donate to The Wish Appeal visit,www.JustGiving.com/AbbeyfieldKent or text ‘WISH05’ followed by the amount, to 70070 e.g. ‘WISH05 £10’

The trip proved emotional and nostalgic for all of the residents but provided happy memories

Vicky and Madeleine tucked into their traditional fish and chip lunch

Around the homes


Staff Fundraise with Food Challenges

Wish Appeal Grants Gallery Wish for Former Art Teacher

Woodgate staff continued to keep busy with their Wish Appeal activity when they granted a wish that enabled resident, Eugenie Horgan to visit an art gallery for one last time.

Eighty-two-year-old Eugenie, a former teacher, made a wish to visit a local art gallery, as art was her favourite subject to teach at school.

On Thursday 6th February, staff granted Eugenie’s wish and accompanied her to a gallery in Margate, where she enjoyed browsing the works of art on display and chatting to the carers about her favourite pieces. Eugenie also treated herself to a souvenir from the gift shop, so she can always be reminded of what she describes as her ‘perfect day out.’

Following the visit to the gallery, Eugenie and her carer stopped for lunch at a local

café, where they enjoyed a cup of tea with a beautiful view of the sea.

Simon Rowland, care co-ordinator at Woodgate said: “Eugenie is usually a quiet lady who doesn’t say much but during her trip to the gallery she was chatting away and talking about her time spent working as a teacher. She is still telling everyone about her wish and her face lights up whenever she talks about the day.”

Eugenie described her Wish Appeal trip as her ‘perfect day out’

Tired of traditional fundraising, staff at Woodgate injected a bit of creativity and fun into their methods.

Staff at the Tonbridge home have introduced a monthly monster food challenge to raise funds for the home’s Wish Appeal. Each month staff who want to get involved pay a small fee to enter the ‘Bust a Gut’ challenge and the winner takes a home a small prize, but of course it’s more about the pride.

The first challenge involved eating as many marshmallows as possible in five minutes, care co-ordinator, Simon Rowland, took the winner’s title, managing an impressive 31!

Simon said: “As we are a charity, we don’t have the funds to throw big extravagant events and this encourages us to be creative. The residents love it as they have a good laugh watching us and cheering us on!”

Four staff members attempted the challenge but Simon (top left) took the winner’s title

Around the homes



The Dynes Residents Dine on Personalised Pizzas

Residents of The Dynes gave the home’s chef a night off when they got together for an exciting evening of socialising and culinary fun.

The Kemsing residential home was transformed into a pizzeria for the evening when the residents got together with staff in the dining room to make homemade pizzas for dinner.

After spreading tomato purée on their base, the residents were invited to choose from a variety of tasty toppings for their personalised pizzas. A short wait followed as staff cooked the pizzas but they were soon able to tuck into their homemade creations.

After enjoying his pizza, resident, Claude Fletcher said of the evening: “It’s really nice to be involved with making our tea sometimes!”

Staff at many of the Society’s residential homes have found that residents often like

to be involved with the day to day running of their home, whether that’s assisting with the laundry, sweeping the corridors, or in this case, helping to make dinner!

Nicky Pett, home manager of The Dynes said: “The residents had a great time making their pizzas as it was a really different activity. Many of them still like to assist with household duties from time to time, as they would have done before moving in with us, so they really enjoyed getting involved.”

Activity coordinator, Toni helps Ione with her pizza

Residents Spend Mother’s Day with FamiliesResidents at Rogers House enjoyed a relaxing Mother’s Day with their families and a special three-course meal.

The home was full of residents and their families as everyone came together to celebrate their mums on Mother’s Day.

After exchanging cards and gifts and spending the morning together, residents and their families were treated to a delicious three-course meal prepared by the chef.

Lorraine Laker, home manager of Rogers

House said: “The atmosphere in the home was lovely, it was great to be able to give our residents and their families a special day.”

Resident, Edith Barrett with her daughter, Patricia

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Around the homes

Abbeyfield Kent’s Oldest Resident,Victoria Celebrates 105th Birthday

When Rogers House resident, Victoria was born the First World War was four years away, vacuum cleaners had just become commercially available and the convenience of frozen food wouldn’t be in our lives for another decade.

Born on 1st February 1910 in Sudbury, Suffolk to a big family, Victoria Middlemiss was a middle child of 13 siblings. She spent her childhood growing up in Sudbury before moving to the countryside during the war.

“I married my husband when I was 25-years-old, we were too poor to marry any sooner!” Victoria says. “Shortly after, I had our daughter, Doreen, my husband returned to the army and I remained living in the countryside until the war was over, then we moved to London.”

Victoria, who now has a grandchild and two great-grandchildren, has lived at Rogers House in Wigmore since June 2009. After several short stays during the summer holidays, she decided with her daughter that she would live here permanently, if she could have a room on the ground floor, painted green!

Lorraine Laker, home manager of Rogers House said: “Victoria has lived with us for almost six years and we all absolutely love having her here as she’s such a wonderful lady.

“She doesn’t like a big fuss so her birthday celebration was relatively low-key, we gave her a big bouquet of flowers and had a special lunch. Her daughter came along for the celebration too, so it really was a very special day.”

So what is the secret to living a long and healthy life, a glass of whisky every now and then, not smoking, or perhaps regular gentle exercise?

Victoria pauses to think for a moment and then says, “Oh, I don’t know but I say my prayers every night before I go to bed and when I get up in the morning.”

Of the Society’s 500 residents, 105-year-oldVictoria is the oldest

Staff at the home presented Victoria with her gifts

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Around the homes



Local Photography Student Works With Residents at The Dynes

Sarah Sartori, a student at the University of Greenwich, photographed residents at The Dynes for a documentary project.

Sarah visited the home on 28th November for an afternoon of photographing residents and chatting to them about their lives.

Tasked with a documentary photography assignment, Sarah chose to visit a residential home for her project, as she wanted to find out more about the older generation.

Sarah said: “I think that people who have lived long lives always have interesting stories to tell. I’ve only recently moved to Kent and I wanted to find out more about the people here whilst exploring the areas.”

The residents had a great time acting as models whilst they were being photographed. Resident, Ellen impressed Sarah and the other residents with her rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way,’ whilst another resident, Ione, chatted about her own photography experience from her younger days.

Sarah said, “I’m so glad I’ve been able to come here to meet and photograph the residents. It’s been really interesting. I’ve loved hearing about their lives and learning more about them.”

Sarah’s finished project will comprise a set of documentary photographs accompanied by a snippet about the resident’s life, she is hoping to return to The Dynes to present the residents with copies of their finished photographs.

Ione loved working with Sarah as she used to be a keen photographer herself

Margaret Fisher’s Race Night is Roaring SuccessResidents at Margaret Fisher House avoided the frosty weather and spent an evening in watching the horse racing.

On Friday 6th February residents of the home were joined by friends and family for an evening of games and socialising.

The lounge was full to the brim as everyone enthusiastically watched the races, eager for their horse to win. Inbetween races, residents played the tombola and tucked into a delicious buffet, laid on by staff.

The race evening was a great success raising over £150, which will go towards funding day trips and activities for the residents.

The race night was a great success

Around the homes

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In celebration of National Craft Month and to prepare for the upcoming Easter weekend, tenants of Watling Court extra care scheme in Gravesend indulged in some holiday related creative crafting.

On a bright and sunny spring day, the tenants got together in the scheme’s activity room for a morning of Easter related artistic fun, over a cup of tea and a natter.

The imaginative group were keen to get stuck in, making an array of items from banners and decorations for the home, to personalised hats, for their Easter hat parade.

Helen Goulding, scheme manager of Watling Court said: “Our craft sessions are very popular with our tenants as they love to get together, have a chat and do something fun over a few cups of tea.

“The craft sessions are also great because they are very stimulating for them, encouraging them to be creative, supporting

Tenants Take a Crack at Easter Crafting

hand and eye coordination as well as promoting sociability.”

The tenants will be looking forward to the bank holiday weekend, as staff have plenty of fun activities in store for them. Good Friday will see them tuck into a hot cross bun afternoon tea, followed by their themed hat parade on Saturday, where the best hat will win. On Sunday, they will enjoy a special lunch of roast lamb followed by a fun egg hunt around the home. The eggcellent activities will conclude on Easter Monday with a spot of Easter themed bingo.

Tenants, Sandra and Dorothy enjoy the session

Residents Keep Fit with Weekly WorkoutOn Thursday afternoons, residents at Greensted get together for an hour of moderate, strength building exercises.

The New Year Resolutions haven’t fizzled out just yet for residents, as they have welcomed an exciting and energetic activity.

The exercise class, run by personal trainer Paul, takes place each Thursday and invites residents to get involved and try a number of light workouts that will benefit the whole body, all from the comfort of their chair.

Using enjoyable and innovative activities, including bowling and parachute games, the

energising aerobics are gentle on the joints but effective in encouraging strength.

Rebecca Chivers, home manager of Greensted said: “Gentle exercise is absolutely essential for the health of our residents, its great fun too!”

Greensted residents enjoy the activity

Around the homes


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Around the homes


Golden Retriever, Bailey proved that dogs really are a man’s best friend, when he brightened up residents’ day by visiting them at Greensted in Wateringbury.

Residents were delighted when the home’s activity co-ordinator’s sister, bought her pet dog, Bailey in for a visit. Each of the residents’ faces lit up when he arrived and they all loved making a fuss of him. They enjoyed it so much that he will be coming back to see them again very soon.

Rebecca Chivers, home manager of Greensted said: “The residents loved meeting Bailey, I think they’d have liked him to

move in! We have a cat here at Greensted as we believe that living with pets is relaxing and therapeutic, it has even been proven to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.”

Resident, Sheila was delighted to meet Bailey

Canterbury Drama Students Work with Connors House Residents

Drama students from the University of Kent spent six weeks getting to know residents at Connors House in Canterbury through a range of fun and innovative activities.

The undergraduate drama students who call themselves the ‘Kaleidoscope Performance Company’ have been visiting residents at Connors House each week as part of their course.

The students initially introduced themselves with an interactive session and tea party, over the weeks that followed residents and students enjoyed a number of games as well as festive carol singing.

For their final visit, the students put on an incredible carnival performance. The lounge was transformed into a spectacular scene, with a fabulous arena style big top, hook-a-duck and carousel.

The residents had a great time getting involved with the show and they enjoyed tea and cake with the students afterwards.

Christine Devlin, home manager of Connors House said: “The residents have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the students. It’s great to get different generations together and it’s really beneficial for both our residents and the students to spend time getting to know one another and learning about one another’s lives.”

The residents enjoyed getting to know the students

Residents go Barking Mad for Bailey the Dog

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Around the homes


Volunteers Knit and Natter with Gillingham Residents

A group of dedicated volunteers spend their Wednesdays knitting, nattering and crafting with residents at Rogers House in Wigmore.

The group of loyal volunteers, many of whom have been visiting the residential home for over ten years, get together each Wednesday morning in the dining room for a morning of creative fun and chatter with the residents.

Residents and volunteers get involved with a range of fun projects from knitting and collages to painting and scrapbooking.

Previously, they have enjoyed making their own cushions and blankets, either for their rooms or to sell at fundraising events.

Volunteers come along when they can, meaning the group varies in size each week, but there are always plenty of both volunteers and residents keen to get stuck in and catch up over a cuppa.

The volunteers support Rogers House in their own time too. Laura Kennett has been

visiting the home for 17 years and she regularly puts her knitting skills to use at home. “I’ve made hats, jumpers, blankets, all sorts. We’ve just started our Easter items, which include egg baskets, knitted chicks and bunnies.”

The handmade items are then available to buy in the home’s reception area and at fetes and bazaars to raise money for the residents’ activity fund and The Wish Appeal. Laura isn’t the only one who has been visiting for so long, Christine Baker has been volunteering for 18 years and Ann Chandler for over ten years. So what is it that keeps them coming back, week after week?

“I think we get out as much as we put in,” says Sheila Yard, another of the home’s volunteers. Laura agrees, “I come because I enjoy it, it’s as simple as that. The residents are grateful and it’s just a lovely place to be.”

It’s not hard to see why all involved enjoy the club so much, as they chat over tea and biscuits, whilst setting to work on their latest creative projects.

Resident, Anne is teaching her granddaughter, Jacqueline to knit at the weekly club

The volunteers believe the weekly sessions are as beneficial for them as they are for residents

Around the homes


Canterbury Residents Watch Festive Panto

Staff Spoil Residents with Spa DayStaff at Stangrove Lodge decided to spoil their residents when they treated them to a luxurious and therapeutic pamper afternoon on Friday 6th March.

Nail painting, hand and foot massages and makeovers were just a few of the services on offer, when staff transformed the lounge into a spa and treated residents to a pamper day at the Edenbridge residential home.

Residents put their feet up and relaxed with a cup of tea and biscuits, whilst staff of the home treated them to a range of beauty services, aiming to soothe the residents and relieve any stress or tension.

John Ogbe, home manager of Stangrove Lodge said: “We all love to be pampered every now and then and our residents are no different. Just because they live in a care home, it doesn’t mean that it’s not important

to them to look and feel good. The relaxing activity left them fully refreshed and they are already looking forward to the next one!”

The residents were all left thoroughly relaxed and perhaps a little sleepy, after their tranquil afternoon. As well as giving residents a fun afternoon, the activity had plenty of health benefits too, as the massages reduce muscle tension, increase mobility of joints as well as reducing stress and muscular pain.

The residents are excited for the next pamper day

Canterbury residents took a magic carpet ride to the Far East when they visited their local theatre to watch the annual festive pantomime, Aladdin.

On Friday 9th January, residents of Connors House avoided the wet and windy weather, wrapped up warm and headed to the theatre in Canterbury for some festive fun.

Upon arrival, the group of residents took their seats and sat back to relax and enjoy the eagerly anticipated production.

The residents (and staff!) thoroughly enjoyed the nostalgic afternoon and they loved getting involved with the show, shouting, “he’s behind you!” and booing each time the ‘baddies’ appeared on the stage.

After the production, resident Kathleen said: “I’ve never seen anything like it!”

Trevor Ling, Senior Carer at Connors House said: “The residents loved watching Aladdin; the actors did a great job of getting the audience involved and it was particularly nice to enjoy a bit of seasonal fun when the festivities are over!”

Residents at the theatre with senior carer, Trevor

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Around the homes

Would you be willing to criticise us? It’s not as daft as it sounds! We are looking for volunteers or relatives of residents who would be prepared to spend the odd hour at one of our residential homes – at any time that suits you, day or night – and simply report back to HQ staff (in confidence) what you observed. The idea is that, as a friend, your criticism is taken in a positive way to help us right wrongs and to improve our services. The work is of great importance to us and will help make a

difference to the quality of our work, which, in turn, is great for our residents. Interested? Call 07825 655136 and talk to Laurence or email him at [email protected]

Critical friends!

Residents Meet Some Curious CreaturesMost of us would shudder at the sight of a snake and cringe at a glimpse of a cockroach, but not residents at Edward Moore House, they were delighted to be introduced to a range of weird and wonderful creatures, when Zoolab visited the home.

With a range of exciting animals from guinea pigs and snakes to snails and tarantulas, Zoolab provided residents of the Gravesend residential home with an unusual and very interesting afternoon when they visited on Tuesday 10th March.

Zoolab ranger, Jack presented each of the extraordinary animals to the excited residents, whilst telling them all about their lives. Residents were given the opportunity to stroke them and hold them, if they wished to.

The residents loved meeting the animals and were eager to get involved, asking the ranger questions and learning more.

Edward Moore House activity coordinator,

Yvette Moon said: “The residents were very brave with all of the animals that were introduced to them but I think the guinea pig was probably the favourite, he was so fluffy and soft!”

Residents of Edward Moore House are used to having pets around the home as they have a pet cat, Jinx. The Abbeyfield Kent Society believes being around animals is incredibly beneficial for our residents. Interaction and relationship between people and animals has also been found to reduce stress, promote well being, as well as increasing sociability.

Even the snakes didn’t frighten the residents, who were very brave throughout!


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Around the homes


Betty and Ken Celebrate Almost 70 Years of Marriage and Share Their Story

Betty Ince, a resident at Woodgate and her husband Ken, who will be celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary this year, told us about how they met and shared their treasured memories of their time together.

Betty and Ken Ince first laid eyes upon each other when Ken popped into his local barbers, around 70 years ago. “I was having a haircut at the barbers as usual and there was a young girl in there, she asked me if I’d like to go to a dance in a small village that Saturday night.”

Ken says: “I didn’t know where the hall was and I didn’t actually go to the dance that week but each time I was in the barbers having a haircut she kept on about it, asking me to come, so a few weeks later, I decided I’d go to the dance.”

And the rest is history as Betty and Ken danced the night away and eventually married in a village called Blackmore in Essex, just a short distance from where the dance took place.

“After seven years together we had our first child, a daughter.” Ken says: “I can still clearly remember the day she was born, I had to go to work but once I had heard the news, I was riding my motorcycle through the village, singing at the top of my voice.

“My father, who was a farmer, was working in a nearby field at the time and as I rode my bike past him, he said: ‘I heard that voice singing and I immedietly knew I had a grandchild!’ Three years later we had our second child, a son.”

In their younger days together, Betty and Ken lived in Essex, where she worked in an office and he worked for the fire service. As they grew older, they moved to a village near Tonbridge in Kent.

The couple’s fondest memories are of their many happy holidays spent together and as a family, camping all over the country in some of the most beautiful locations.

“Once, we went camping in the beautiful Loch Lomond in Scotland. We arrived, took our things to the pitch and put up our tents, as we usually would,” Ken says.

“But later on, when we got into our sleeping bags we all rolled over and couldn’t get ourselves out – we had pitched our tent on a very steep hill!”

Upon retirement, Betty and Ken continued to take a number of holidays, around four times a year.

They are now proud grandparents and great grandparents and Ken visits Betty daily at Woodgate in Tonbridge.

Betty and Ken still see each other daily

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Around the homes


Talented Resident Artist, Norman Shares Works of Art

After spending the most part of his life painting, Norman Ward, a resident at Margaret Fisher House in Paddock Wood, told us his story and shared his works of art.

Adorned with pots of brushes and remarkable paintings of everything from tigers and forests to portraits of his late wife and Princess Diana, Norman Ward’s room at Margaret Fisher House is a clear reflection of just how passionate he is about his art.

“I paint every day and I’d paint all day if I could.” Norman says, surrounded by his work. “I’ve loved it for as long as I can remember, I was always utterly fascinated by what could be created with a pencil!

“I can still recall my school days; I’d be so excited for playtime because it meant we could wander off to the marshes with a pencil and paper.”

Eighty-year-old Norman, who has lived in Devonshire, Canterbury and abroad before moving to Margaret Fisher House in January

2015, paints a wide variety of subjects but animals and portraits are firm favourites.

“After my time with the RAF, I spent many years working in forestry so I would often paint landscapes, using oil or pastel. My favourite artist is probably David Shepard; he paints animals a lot, I sometimes attempt painting some of his pieces myself.

“I’ve had some of my work feature in galleries and exhibitions and I have painted portraits for family and friends, of their babies and children, but I never made a living out of it.”

One of Norman’s favourite paintings is of an owl, it took him almost three months to complete. “There is always something more you can add.” Norman says, “you’re never really finished. I love the preparation process too, I suppose that’s because you’re in charge of the whole thing, to me, painting is more than just painting.”

Norman with his owl painting

Norman’s painting of a forest, inspired by his time working in the forestry industry

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Talking Point


Stepping into the UnknownIt’s a big step, deciding to move into a care home, or persuading a loved one that they need the 24 hour care such places provide. For a start, it’s recognising that you can’t cope alone or that your loved one needs expert support. It’s also a sign that the final stages of life have been reached. For some, that’s a tough threshold to cross.

There’s another way to view it, of course. Accepting that you need care is sensible and means that you can continue to enjoy life, with a bit of help from people trained to provide assistance. For relatives no longer able to cope, it means the comfort of knowing that mum or dad will be safe 24/7. Seen from that perspective, it’s a positive development: care, compassion and companionship available all day, every day.

That positive view is one that many find hard to have complete faith in, given the almost relentless criticism in the media about poor care homes. Of course they exist, but the media seem less interested in finding them than in eroding public confidence in the residential care sector, by drip feeding tales of neglect and abuse. On one hand, it’s good that poor practices are exposed and stopped. On the other hand, the negativity makes the thought of moving into a home frightening, especially for older, vulnerable people.

The quality of care is often driven by three things. The first is financial: is the care provider in it to make lots of money? The second is ethos: what is the mission of the care provider if it is not in it for the money? The third is the quality of the staff: are they qualified, trained and supervised staff?The Abbeyfield Kent Society is a charity fast approaching its 50th year of operation. It ploughs the small surplus it makes each

year back into the services it provides. There are no investors or stock-holders sharing a dividend, as is the case in business enterprises. We are not motivated by money.

So what about our ethos, our mission? We remain proudly and resolutely true to the principles of the man who founded the Abbeyfield movement, Richard Carr-Gomm. We apply the Christian values that he did, in providing care and company for lonely older people. We believe that our mission is to provide comfort and loving care to as many people as we can, just as he did.

As for the quality of our staff; they are carefully selected and thoroughly checked out before starting work with us. Throughout their employment, they are trained and supervised very closely. We know how valuable our residents are and we make sure those we employ to look after them treat them as valuable.

You will have read elsewhere in this newsletter about our Care Academy. We don’t have to have it – we choose to have it. It is a hallmark of our clear and transparent commitment to providing care of the very highest quality. And it is a guarantee that coming to us is not a step into uncertainly and risk: it is a positive move to a new lease of life, new friendships, greater independence and the best care available.

Residents at Rogers House in Gillingham


Our homes in KentResidential homesConnors HouseCraddock Road, Canterbury CT1 1YP01227 769774

Dene HolmDeneholm Road, Northfleet, Gravesend DA11 8JY01474 567532

Edward Moore HouseTrinity Road, Gravesend DA12 1LX01474 321360

Greensted16 The Orpines, Wateringbury, Maidstone ME18 5BP01622 813106

Rogers HouseDrewery Drive, Wigmore, Gillingham ME8 0NX01634 262266

St MartinsMartin Square, Larkfield, Aylesford ME20 6QJ01732 842628

Stangrove LodgeManor House Gardens, Edenbridge TN8 5EG01732 864975

The DynesNightingale Road, Kemsing, Sevenoaks TN15 6RU01959 523834

WoodgateTudeley Lane, Tonbridge TN11 0QJ01732 350952

Supported housingDrewery DriveWigmore, Gillingham ME8 0NX01634 364375

Margaret Fisher House30 Old Kent Road, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge TN12 6JD01892 834550

Northwood Road59 Northwood Road, Tankerton, Whitstable CT5 2HA01227 771310

St Mary’s15 The Glebefield, Riverhead TN13 3DR01732 460545

Extra care schemeWatling CourtIfield Way, Gravesend, DA12 5BP01474 352201

Contact details

If you wish to find out more information or would like to book a free sample stay, contact our homes on the

telephone numbers provided

e Kent Society

The Abbeyfield Kent Societywww.abbeyfieldkent.org

www.abbeyfieldkent.orgwww.facebook.com/abbeyfieldkentwww.twitter.com/abbeyfieldkent

01634 723007The Old Wharf, Station Road, Cuxton, Rochester, ME2 1AB

The Abbeyfield Kent Society is a registered charity 254140, Company 908333, Housing Act Registered Number H2362. A member of the National Abbeyfield Society under the Royal Patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales, KG, KT, GCB.

The AKS Times

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