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Archived News from the Sheltered Schemes

Mary takes off at 80

Mary Sugden of the Aged Miners’ Homes in Murton enjoyed a surprise 80th birthday that literally swept her off her feet - a helicopter flight in Scotland! The flight, organised by her son, was just one part of Mary’s celebrations. She also had a special dinner with her family and friends in the elegant surroundings of Hallgarth Hotel in Pittington on her birthday on 24th November, 2007 as well as a special tea with her friends and neighbours at Clark House. Mary and her husband Ron celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 2007, (featured in the Spring 2007 issue of The Banner).
Langley Residential Home

Youngsters pool resources for Rutherford House

Young people from Easington Colliery have kindly donated money from pool tournaments to Rutherford House as part of a Groundwork East Durham initiative. The money the group have donated has gone towards Winter tubs for the entrance and a number of spring-flowering bulbs.

One member of the group said that they wanted to give something back to the older people and help to brighten the place up.

Tony Brown, youth worker from Groundwork East Durham said, “It was a great gesture from the youngsters to consider the older generation from their community”.

House Manager Barbara Smith said, “It just goes to show that, contrary to the bad press that young people often have, there are some lovely, caring youngsters and we really appreciate the fact that they have been so thoughtful and kind”.

Christmas Events

Residents of Clark House had their Christmas buffet on 10th December. They were entertained by the ever-popular singer Phill Corrigan. There was also a raffle and bingo. House Manager, Mary Harper, said “ When we asked residents what they wanted to do to celebrate Christmas this year, they said that they thought last year was lovely and want to stay in again and not go out into the cold”.

Bulmer House Manager Rose Kingdom took to the stage on 25th November – in the magnificent SAGE Gateshead no less, to sing as a member of a 300 strong choir at the ‘Sing Swing’ concert! Eight Bulmer House residents went along to experience another one of Rose’s many talents.

Telling tales at Bulmer House

Are you sitting comfortably? Well, it all began in a large welcoming house in South Shields. It was a bright early afternoon and the room was filled with light and happy sound of people chatting away about their families and forebears, life’s journeys, outstanding experiences and episodes and precious memories. It was story time at Bulmer House and the inaugural meeting of the new Bulmer House Story Circle.

There was a buzz in the air as the residents recounted an amazing range of stories.

Former Hexham farmer Mattie Briddock and his daughter Suzette Bell talked about their family’s French connections: a romantic tale worthy of Catherine Cookson. Janet Grant recounted her days in the Women’s Army Corps and her time in Cairo. Gloria Deardon talked about her love of Spain. Stan Schofield told the most amazing story of how, in his navy days, during the Second World War: he narrowly missed going down with his ship when he broke his arm and was transferred to another ship just before the fateful event. Dorothy Smith, the newest resident at Bulmer House, Ada Henderson, Bulmer’s most elderly resident and Elsie Duncan all joined in. House Manager Rose Kingdom also told her story of how she came to England from Canada in search of her roots.

The Bulmer House story circle has been created by Rose, a devotee of literature, poetry and all round enthusiast.

“Our residents love recounting their experiences and telling others about their roots and families”, said Rose. “They have led such rich and interesting lives. They love to recount and share their experiences”. She added, “Story telling is an important way to learn from and understand others and we plan do keep the tradition going”. “It’s also great fun.”

End of an era for Enid

Clarke House resident Enid Harper said goodbye to the popular drop-in centre for the elderly at St John’s Square, Seaham when it finally shut it doors in March, marking the “end of an era” for the elderly of the town.

Enid, 73, who has worked as a volunteer at the centre for 15 years, told the Sunderland Echo:“We are all devastated that it’s closed. I think it will be a big miss for the town”.

She added: “The main thing that affected us was moving the bus stops to the other end of Church Street because people used to come here while they waited for the bus”.

Volunteers used to man the centre form 9am to 1pm and would offer Seaham’s older community a cup of tea for as little a 30p. The centre, which has been a haven for the elderly since 1983, had a dedicated band of four volunteers, had to admit defeat after a fall in numbers.

Developments in the town such as the recently opened Byron Place shopping centre and the appearance of new cafés in Church Street have also had an adverse impact on the pop-in centre for the elderly.

Katy Wheeler, writing in the Sunderland Echo reported that it is believed that the center will be demolished as part of the regeneration of St John’s Square.

It’s been a busy but time at Langley House Residential Home. The construction of Derek Armstrong Court (see page 3) on land adjacent to the Home has brought some significant changes. However, the work and the arrival of new neighbours has been an exciting time for the residents.

Joy Atkinson, House Manager said, “We have had some landscaping work done In conjunction with the building work - removing old bushes and laying new turf.”

“It has made a great improvement, it’s all open plan, uncluttered, with a tidy, open aspect, which we all appreciate”.

However, despite the new works, it has been business as usual at Langley House. During March, staff and residents enjoyed a nice quiet, homely evening having supper at home whilst being entertained by a live ballad singer.

As usual, staff continue to develop their professional skills and knowledge for the benefit of residents, undertaking courses on healthy eating and nutrition and on housekeeping and infection control.

Enid Harper, and fellow volunteers share a final cup of tea at the pop-in centre. Left to right: Doreen Dixon, Christina Hoar, Mayor of Seaham Councillor Bruce Burn, Enid Harper.

A right ‘Royal’ visit to Bulmer House

Members of the ‘Royal’ family, ‘Pavarotti’ and a number of other friends recently joined the residents of the DAMHA community on Marsden Road for an afternoon of music fun and laughter.

Entertainer Paul Ryker kept the good times rolling with his mix of old time favorites, pop songs and sing-a-longs. Relief House Manager Rose Kingdom said, “A great time was had by all and we look forward to another visit from Mr. Ryker in the future”. Above: “One is amused”, the ‘royal’ visitors “Having a larf” with residents at Bulmer House.

Safety workshops at Bulmer House

The Fire Brigade are working with Relief House Manager Rose Kingdom to develop a series of work-shops aimed at educating and helping residents and staff to develop goods habits in the prevention of fires.

Sizzling summer barbecue at Rutherford House

Despite the unpredictable weather throughout the early summer, residents at Rutherford House decided that they would kick-start the summer with a barbecue on July 7th. House Manager Barbara Smith said, “Our residents just decided that they fancied a change from the traditional pie and pea supper”.

Tea Bishop?

June Beadell and Rev. Brian Close of the Church of Ascension, Easington, having tea with “Bishop Tom” (centre)

When the Bishop of Durham, The Right Worshipful Nicholas Thomas Wright spent the Easter week at Easington he specifically asked if he could take tea with the staff and residents at Rutherford House. Understandably, Barbara Smith, the House Manager was anxious about how she would address the VIP visitor. Barbara said, “I didn’t know what to call him so I decided on calling him your grace, then when I met him he said, “Just call me Bishop Tom”. That really set the tone for a very nice and homely tea and chat”.

Barbara Smith with ‘Bishop Tom’ and Rev. Brian Close

Barbara explained that the Bishop has a genuine interest in the old colliery communities and took a keen interest in the work that DAMHA are doing within the mining communities. He said that he found the residents in Easington to be very nice people. Barbara wasn’t surprised that he found it easy to get on with people locally because, “he’s a really genuine caring person”.

A cracking easter egg competition

The annual Clark House Easter egg decorating competition made over £100 which has been added to the house social fund. Mrs Knox won the £10 first prize with her lovely ladybird eggs in their splendid floral Easter basket. Clark House Manager Mary Harper said, “There were some very creative entries as usual but the ladybirds were just so original and seasonal, I am not surprised that they caught the judges’ eyes”. news

DAMHA Executive Committee members A.Marshall Wylde and Norman Hardy who judged the competition, pictured with the winners. From left to right: Mrs Adcock, Mrs Routledge, A.Marshall Wylde, Mrs Alderson, Mrs Knox (winner first prize), and Norman Hardy.

A Magical Turkey & Tinsel Tour

Residents of Rutherford House went on tour of some of the North West’s hotspots for a week in early November.

Travelling by coach on Sunday, 5th November, complete with Mother Christmas on board, alias Julie Smith, the journey was accompanied by bingo on the bus.

First stop was Blackpool where the party stayed at The New President Hotel on the North Shore. Barbara Smith, House Manager of Rutherford House, said that "The staff were great and the food was exceptional. The chef was so good, he had played a part in the making of Princess Diana’s wedding cake when he worked in the army. Everyone loved the turkey and tinsel meal in particular, complete with really nice gifts of manicure sets and photo-frames".

The group went to Fleetwood on Tuesday and shopped at the markets where Barbara bought two new crystal candlesticks for the resident’s communion table at Rutherford House. She said "Our residents really enjoy communion and the new candlesticks will make a wonderful focal point as well as being a nice memento of a fabulous adventure."

On Wednesday, they went on to tour the Lake District staying on at Windermere. And, on Thursday, the party visited the famous M&B stores at Cleveleys.

Barbara said "The whole trip was a terrific success and everyone had a brilliant time. We had loads of things to do during the day and some form of entertainment every night. The journey was fun, with an exceptionally good driver. We all loved staying in Blackpool and everyone had a great time all round".

Party Time at Rutherford House

Rutherford House celebrated its 18th year since opening in 1988. The staff and residents threw a ‘Coming of Age’ birthday celebration party to mark the occasion on the 27th November. Although there is a tradition of holding an annual birthday party at Rutherford House, this one was a bit special marking a ‘milestone’ year. The menu featured roast beef and yorkshire pudding and the recently installed Christmas tree added to the party atmosphere.

The season of celebrations also included Barbara Smith’s 50th on 8th December and the Rutherford House Christmas Party on Wednesday 20th December.

Bulmer House: Stepping out for Christmas

Residents at Bulmer House got into their stride for the Christmas season on 30th November with "A Walk Down Memory Lane"; an evening with Paul Ryker, a brilliant comedy rollercoaster show featuring ‘Spitting Image’ type characters including The Queen, Pavarotti, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, John Major and many celebrities.

More traditional seasonal events included carol singing with members of the congregation of St Peters Church of England at South Shields, accompanied, and fortified by, a little brandy and mince pies.

And, on 22nd of December, the residents made their annual visit to the pantomime. This year it was Babes in the Wood at the Customs House in South Shields.

Thank You Glenys

news After over 10 years service, the Association says a big thank you to Glenys McLaughlan. Unfortunately, due to ill health Glenys is retiring from her position as House Manager at our sheltered scheme (Bulmer House) in South Shields.

Legacy Party

news Residents, staff and friends at Rutherford House held their Legacy party in June to celebrate the legacy donated by Rita Balance's family in memory of the former resident. The bequest paid for tables and chairs as part of recent refurbishment work at Rutherford House and the balance paid for the party, featuring the entertainer Bobby Gill plus a wine buffet and bingo.

Communion Cross Service

The blessing of the new Communion Cross at Rutherford House took place in June which was dedicated to the memory of former resident Norma Raper. The service was taken by Reverend West and attended by Mrs Balances's family, who travelled up from London to attend the service, residents, Rutherford House staff, DAMHA personnel and Mrs Olaman, the DAMHA Chairman's wife.

New look Rutherford House

The refurbishment of the lounge at Rutherford House is now complete and its 'business as usual' with the highly popular coffee mornings and social nights like the recent one in July to celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished lounge, with a fresh cream tea and entertainment. Further decorative work has been underway this summer on the passageways and a new stone seat and water feature have been installed in front hall with a speaker for relaxing music.

Charging Areas

Rutherford House and Bulmer House have installed charging areas for resident's motorised wheelchairs and scooters as part of our planned maintenance programme.

Community Police visits

news Thursday's visit by the Community Police is always one of the highlights of the week for Rutherford House residents. House Manager Barbara Smith said " They have made a real difference to the front street, and their visits bring different news for residents and they are reassured by their presence which gives residents a feeling of involvement and security, good peace of mind.

Happy Birthday Ma'am

news Bulmer House residents and Marsden Road bungalow residents got together to celebrate the Queen's Birthday in South Shields.

There was live entertainment, a 'Queen's Hat Parade', bingo, a prize raffle and other games. Gringo (alias FF Hanson), descibed it as "a wonderful and memorable day".

Go to the news archive.