Most importantly, as we race into 2019, my belated best wishes for a Happy & Healthy New Year to you all.

I don’t know about you, but I no longer make any New Year’s Resolutions! I’ve decided that if I don’t make any, then come February I won’t feel guilty about breaking them!

I’ve introduced a couple of new features into this Edition, which I’m hoping you will enjoy, and I’ll soon be starting work on the May 2019 RAAI, so if anyone has any items they’d like to be included then please let me know.

Read all about it!The Read House Newspaper

No.41 – March 2019

Tina xPuzzle corner I thought I’d do a topical puzzle for the time of year. As always, I’ll let you have the answers next month!

FIND THESE WORDS: CANDY CARDS CUPID DEAR DOVES FEBRUARY FLOWERS FRIENDS HEART TREATS VALENTINE SWEETHEART RED LOVE KISS PINK HUG

Seated exercises

I know we weren’t meant to be talking about New Year’s resolutions, but just a little reminder that Sheila does a seated exercise activity each Thursday morning in the Day Centre. If you have not yet done so, you might like to come along and give it a try next Thursday?

The thing to remember is that the human body was designed to move, and we all know how stiff we get if we sit in one position for too long!

And of course, the older we get, the stiffer we get – but the very good news is that if you can try to make yourself remember to move your

neck, shoulders, elbows and wrists, your knees and ankles a few times every day, you will be doing yourself such a lot of good.

Never force it – just work gently until your body tells you enough is enough; and try to do the same things left and right; up and down and side to side.

Sitting as upright as you can and consciously breathing slowly in and out is also very good for you. It doesn’t have to be huge deep breaths, or you might make yourself feel dizzy, but just a little bit more, every day will do the trick to get your heart pumping and circulate more oxygen round your body.

Birthdays Club

Since our last Edition of RAAI, Betty Hegarty, Joan Hibberd, Audrey Shiers, Vera Gibbs, Lilian Lazenbury, Joyce Harris and June King have all celebrated birthdays!“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Betty, Joan, Audrey, Vera, Lilian, Joyce and June, happy birthday to you all!!”

Meet our guests….. “Lix Huxley”I thought it might be nice to get to know more about some of our regular visitors. To kick start this feature, I invited Liz Huxley (who comes into Read House every couple of months to give a wildlife presentation) to reveal all……

“I grew up in a small rural village near Chelmsford with the surrounding countryside as my playground, and I soon developed an interest in wildlife. In particular, I enjoyed watching the birds that came into the garden, and those that we encountered on family holidays on the Norfolk Broads; and as a young teenager I was given my first pair of binoculars and field guide.

Over the years birdwatching became my main hobby, and I have been on many "birding" holidays in the UK and abroad (including Majorca, France, Spain, New England, Sweden, Estonia, Belarus, Israel, Lesbos, Cyprus, Greece ...).

However, Frinton is now “home” and East Anglia my "playground"; I have a brilliant “local patch” at Holland Haven.

At some point I decided I'd try to build up a photo list of all the species I'd seen. So began a new challenge and an interest in photography; and also a developing knowledge of other

wildlife groups, particularly butterflies and dragonflies.I spent 15 years working for Essex Wildlife Trust at Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, where I was able to indulge my passion for wildlife and share my knowledge with others. I then set up my business in September 2015 taking wildlife photographs, giving illustrated talks and leading guided walks and courses. I also still work some casual hours for Essex Wildlife Trust at The Naze Centre and Fingringhoe Wick.”

www.lizhuxley.co.ukRetail therapy?

SJ Fashions, the mobile clothing store, will be visiting Read House on the afternoon of Tuesday 30th April. This gives residents an opportunity to try on and (if they decide to) purchase from a range of clothing items within the warmth and comfort of the home. If relatives / friends would like further information prior to the visit, please contact Janet, Kim or Tina.

“You Are Survivors” – an amusing article for those born before 1940

You were born before televisions, before penicillin, antibiotics, polio shots, frozen food, disposable nappies,

contact lenses, videos and frisbees. You were born before radar, credit cards, split atoms, laser beams and ball point pens – before a home was equipped with dishwashers, tumble driers, electric blankets and air conditioning and before man walked on the moon or saw UFOs!

You got married first and then lived together, not the other way around. You existed before “house husbands” and computer dating.

You had never heard of FM radio, tape decks, electric typewriters, artificial hearts, word processors, yoghurt and men wearing earrings!

Before 1940 “made in Japan” meant junk, and pizzas, McDonalds and instant coffee were unheard of, but cigarette smoking was the height of

fashion!

You who were born before 1940 must be a hardy bunch when you think of the way in which the world has changed and the adjustments you have had to make.

Congratulations – you have survived!!

What’s coming up?

I thought I would start to list in each edition of Read All About It, the entertainment sessions planned for the coming few weeks, in case any friends/family would like to join you – visitors are always welcome… MARCHFri 1st – Keith Ashworth Pianist at 3.30pmThurs 7th - Liz Huxley Wildlife talk at 3.30pmFri 15th - Keith Ashworth Pianist at 3.30pmTues 19th - St Michael’s Church Kirby, Handbells Group at 3pmThurs 28th – Samuel Bolton Pianist at 3.30pmAPRILMon 1st - Keith Ashworth Pianist at 3.30pmFri 12th - Keith Ashworth Pianist at 3.30pm

Tues 16th – Vocality Singing Group at 3.30pmThurs 25th – Derek Peachey Singer at 3.30pmMon 29th – Keith Ashworth at 3.30pmTues 30th – SJ Mobile Clothing Store at 3.30pmMinutes of Residents’ MeetingWednesday 20th February at 11am

Present:Kim, Tina, Kate (Housekeeping) Rob (Kitchen)June, Joan Hibberd, Selina, Audrey, Elizabeth, Joan Squibb, Fred, Freda, Jean, Euphie, Doris, Pamela, Valerie, Lilian K, Joyce Harris, Phyliss and MargaretWelcomeKim welcomed everyone to the residents’ meeting, which gives all residents an opportunity to raise questions, express concerns, make complaints or compliments etc. She also reminded all that Residents’ Meetings are held every

6 weeks - where possible on a Wednesday morning.

Minutes of Previous MeetingKim ran through action points from the minutes of the last meeting. Items discussed, are highlighted in the various sections below: MaintenanceKim commented that the new system with David and Mark carrying out a job share of the maintenance role seems to be working efficiently. Residents were asked if they had any current maintenance concerns that needed attention. Many reported a lack of television reception during that week. Kim informed everyone that we are awaiting an outside contractor to come in and see what is causing the problem. (The company attended whilst the meeting was taking place and the issue has now been rectified.)

Kim reiterated to residents that if they are aware of any maintenance issues they should report it to their key worker, who will note it in the relevant maintenance book in Reception. Alternatively, residents can raise any issues with Kim or Tina.StaffingAll seemed happy that Sally, John and Lizzie have all settled in well and also that Dawn (new Night Senior) is extremely helpful and efficient. Shardai is also doing very well in her Senior role. Kim informed the meeting that unfortunately Ellie will be leaving us very soon as she is taking on a different role as a dental technician. All will be sorry to see her go. Kim is therefore now going through the recruitment process again, but as always will wait until the right candidate is found.

Some commented that they hadn’t seen much of Charlotte recently. Kim responded that she is still very much here, but has been doing more “behind the scenes” as Kim’s Deputy Manager has been off so Charlotte has been supporting in that role, as well as providing training for new staff. Carole is expected back soon, so hopefully all will return to normal. The new medication dispensation system seems to be working well and it is definitely making it easier for Kim to monitor medication.This led onto a conversation regarding inefficiencies at the Caradoc Surgery. Kim reported that recently there were two whole days when the phone lines were down and no one was able to get through to the surgery. Many in the local community are unhappy with the poor levels of

service and it is hoped that action will be taken soon.Having two Seniors on each day shift appears to be working well and is definitely proving beneficial in times of emergency.Whilst we were discussing staffing / carers, Audrey raised a concern regarding staff having sufficient time to help her up in the morning, now that this takes her longer. Kim agreed to action a one to one meeting with her and either Val or Charlotte to agree a new care plan. Kim reminded all that we have to be mindful / realistic about how much time one carer can be with one resident when everyone wants to be up and ready for breakfast at the same time.

HousekeepingKate joined the meeting at this stage to cover any concerns regarding housekeeping. Elizabeth reported that she was no longer have problems with receiving the wrong laundry items.All seemed happy with the level of cleanliness in their rooms and around the home in general. They were pleased that there had been a return to having a dedicated cleaner to each floor as this allows them to get used to residents’ individual likes and dislikes.There being no other housekeeping issues, Kate left the meeting.Not related to Housekeeping, but June asked if a bit more care could be taken in the Dining Room when serving food. Sometimes she needs help with items being cut up, and also it is not pleasant when staff members lean across

her meal to serve others at the table. Kim said she would take these comments on board and action as appropriate.Elizabeth then asked if it was permissible for residents to stay in the Dining Room after meals and have a hot drink and a chat before returning to their rooms? Kim responded that it is.ActivitiesTina ran through some of the forthcoming events and mentioned that going forward she will be including details of external entertainers in each addition of Read All About It, so that residents and their visitors are aware of what is coming up. Feedback had been that Tessa Collitt (solo singer) was very popular, so she has been booked again for Christmas time and Tina reminded all that “Rewind” (ukulele player and singing group)

will be in next week so she will be looking to the residents to provide feedback as to whether they should be invited in for further performances.As always, residents were encouraged to make suggestions regarding any activities they would like to see included / excluded from their weekly schedule. Tina ran through a list of forthcoming “National / International days of celebration” and residents voted on those which they would like Tina to prepare discussion sessions. Tina will action accordingly, and feedback will be sought at the next meeting. Kitchen / CateringRob joined the meeting at this point and residents were encouraged to discuss any thoughts related to catering – any

likes / dislikes, suggestions for new menu items etc.Fresh fruit salad – many residents are enjoying the fresh fruit salad and Rob confirmed that this will continue.Audrey / Elizabeth and June would like a better quality yogurt (they feel what is currently provided is too synthetic).Positive feedback was given regarding sweet and sour chicken and chilli con carne and Rob confirmed that these would remain as regular menu items. Doris commented that the food is wonderful and has no complaints.June asked if her food could be displayed on her plate with the main meat item at 6 o’clock and the potatoes at 12 o’clock to make it easier for her to eat (rather than the meat being in the middle of the plate). Rob confirmed this will be done.

Elizabeth reiterated regarding portion sizes; she would like a smaller amount of meat and potatoes but for the vegetable portion to remain unaltered. Rob confirmed that she has just been added to the “extra small” list so she should see some immediate changes to her portions. AOBAll were reminded that copies of the Meeting Minutes can be sent to families / friends if requested.It was agreed that the meeting had been very useful and there were no items raised.Date of Next MeetingThe next Residents’ Meeting will be held on Wednesday 10th April at 11am in the Day Centre.