SPRING 2018 │ 1 Transforming lives through whole person care

Burrswood NewsSPRING ISSUE 2018 No. 86

A focus on hope

For more information about

any of our services visit www.burrswood.org.uk

or call 01892 865988

In this issue:

Visiting musician Gemma talks about her stay at Burrswood p4-5

Coping with Bereavement p10

Light and Colour p12

Burrswood News

2 │ APRIL 2018

Welcome from the CEO

Chief Executive: angela.painter@burrswood.org.ukHR: amanda.kelliher@burrswood.org.uk Finance Director: james.archer@burrswood.org.ukDirector of Business Development & Marketing:rebecca.homewood@burrswood.org.uk Fundraising: fundraising@burrswood.org.uk Reservations Office: reservations@burrswood.org.uk Burrswood News: sophie.minoprio@burrswood.org.uk

Burrswood

The Dorothy Kerin Trust A company limited

by guarantee Registered in England and

Wales No. 4562803 Charity No. 1095940

Design & layout by Sarah Bartholomew Printed by yeomansmarketing.co.uk

Burrswood NewsPlease contact us at:Burrswood, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9PY Tel: 01892 865988 Fax: 01892 863623 enquiries@burrswood.org.uk www.burrswood.org.uk

@burrswood f Burrswood

In this issue:Welcome From The CEO .........2Volunteering ...........................3Hope, Rest and Relaxation .......4 Wellbeing and Spiritual activities and making friends ...6Dates for the Diary… ................8Loneliness and Bereavement .........................10

Light and Colour ....................12Burrswood, a place of relaxation ..........................14Burrswood Bookshop ............15Burrswood Charity Shop ........16Hydrotherapy News ...............17Appeal ..........................18 & 19Burrswood Café ...................20

It is always so encouraging to hear so many of our patients, guests and visitors say that they have found

hope through Burrswood. This new found hope has given a reason to carry on: provided the opportunity to see new possibilities and potential; to glimpse a better life in body, mind and spirit. Gemma’s story in this edition of Burrswood News illustrates this so well.

The new epidemic sweeping across the UK is loneliness, often found amongst older people but certainly not exclusively. In 2017, Age UK reported that an estimated 1.2 million people have ‘chronic loneliness’, which not only

Future hope and present experiencehas a detrimental impact on physical and mental health, but also has widespread social costs to both individuals and the wider society. Loneliness can affect any of us: through bereavement; redundancy; relationship breakdown; a physical or mental long-term condition or a prolonged family carer role. Burrswood has demonstrated over the last year how we can meet such needs, particularly through our supported stays and for those with physical disabilities with or without their carers.Our ever increasing range of wellbeing activities and events help to lift moods and are reawakening interests

and forgotten talents, giving new meaning and value to someone’s life. Our growing number of volunteer befrienders provides support and companionship although we are always looking for more volunteers who can commit to a few hours on a regular basis. We are also looking for more volunteers who can share their skills and gifts as part of our wellbeing activities be it singing, gardening, creative writing…. the possibilities are endless. As you will read in this edition, this can make a real difference not only to our patients and guests but to our volunteers too. We are also always looking for more volunteer chaplains who provide invaluable pastoral support where requested as part of our unique offer. But most importantly we offer healing and hope, for as Henri Nouwen, Dutch priest, professor and theologian said “without hope in the future we cannot live creatively in the present”.

Angela Painter, CEO

Burrswood News

SPRING 2018 │ 3

Volunteering

“On entering the church at Burrswood a few years ago, I instantly felt the tranquil and deep sense of peace that pervades this beautiful place. As I lit a candle in remembrance for a dear departed family member, I was aware of the wondrous blue of the church ceiling above me, the stained glass windows depicting the four Archangels and cross above the alter.

I have returned many times since then, and now my visits include a role as one of the Volunteer Stewards who help the Chaplaincy with the healing services that are held in the church. I feel very much in harmony with this activit y.

Volunteering comes in many forms providing great help in a multitude of ways, not only for the recipients but also for the givers. Retirement can often produce a lack of daily structure that was present when one was working and the opportunity to continue using past skills for good causes can be very rewarding.”

Danielle Park

Volunteering opportunitiesat Burrswood Health

and WellbeingMake new friends, work in an

area of outstanding natural beauty and spend time in an environment of healing and

wellbeing. Just a few reasons why volunteering at Burrswood is good for you (not to mention

those who benefit from your work). We have a variety of

roles available, whatever your interest or skillset.

For more information on how you can be involved please call

01892 865978 or visit www.burrswood.org.uk/supportus/

volunteering

4 │ SPRING 2018

Burrswood News

Hope, Rest and Relaxation

Gemma Lunt is a freelance musician and a member of the British

Paraorchestra, an orchestra consisting entirely of musicians with disabilities - the first ever orchestra of its kind in the United Kingdom. As part of the orchestra Gemma performed at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, performing alongside Coldplay. Gemma

also was part of the Channel 4 We’re The Superhumans (Rio Paralympics 2016 Trailer), playing saxophone as part of the swing band and also recording all of the string parts for the trailer.

Gemma who is 35 and suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is no stranger to Burrswood. In January this year, Gemma joined us for her third visit.

How did you discover Burrswood?Someone I met at a healing service at Harne Hill spoke so highly of Burrswood I thought I should find out for myself!

What has prompted you to visit us for a third time?I was feeling pretty low and experiencing a lot of pain as a result of my condition. I chose to come to Burrswood rather than go into hospital which was looking like a real possibility.

Transforming lives through whole person care

F lexible respite and short breaks to meet your individual needs.

Agree the level of care you require throughout the day or just light touch personal care.

adapted en-suite bedrooms physiotherapy hydrotherapy counselling wellbeing ac vi es cafe guest rooms church beau ful gardens and countryside

Speak to our helpful reserva ons team to discuss the many op ons available.

Call 01892 865988www.burrswood.org.ukThe Dorothy Kerin Trust. Registered Charity No. 1095940

SPRING 2018 │ 5

Hope, Rest and Relaxation

To find out more about stays at Burrswood Health and Wellbeing, call our friendly reservations team on 01892 865988 or email enquiries@burrswood.org.uk

What type of accommodation have you booked?For this visit I am staying in the Guest House. Previously, I have been accompanied by a friend but this time I thought I would come alone.

What are the 3 best things about your stay at Burrswood?Hope. Rest and relaxation. Feeling safe.

Burrswood gives me a real sense of hope. It is such a place of healing that from the first day I arrived I felt more positive and optimistic. I have been able to really relax whether it’s in my room or in the communal areas. I like the fact that I can choose to spend time with others or relaxing alone.

Have you accessed any Wellbeing treatments/ activities during your stay?

This visit I have benefited from some counselling at Burrswood. It really has given me a renewed sense of hope and positivity and has been so useful to me. I have also attended and played my music during the healing services in the church which was a real help and I’ve joined others in some of the Art & Craft activities on offer.

How important is the Christian aspect of Burrswood to you?As a Christian it is key to me. But Burrswood is special

whether you are non-Faith too. There is a special healing presence and great atmosphere at this place which everyone benefits from.

You have some special dietary requirements, has Burrswood met your needs?Totally. I don’t know of another place to get it right so quickly! I have really enjoyed the food and eaten so well. It’s great not having to think about what I’m going to eat and it has helped me in getting some sleep and feeling more energised.

Will we see you again?Absolutely.

Burrswood News

6 │ SPRING 2018

Burrswood News

One of the wonderful things about coming to stay at Burrswood Health and Wellbeing is the opportunity to get to know new people and to share something with them beyond superficial conversation. Many of our guests who come for respite or a supported stay find that in addition to the benefits of being in beautiful surroundings and eating excellent food, they gain great pleasure from meeting other guests with whom they share interests.In the Wellbeing team we are keen to provide as many opportunities as possible for guests to enjoy meeting other people whilst also engaging in spiritual and

other wellbeing activities. We are developing a programme of weekly creative activities which guests can come to and enjoy with others. The recently introduced creative writing workshops have included much laughter, but also some beautiful pieces of writing. Our poetry reading group enjoy sharing poems that are meaningful to them, and on occasions people read poems they have written themselves; it

can be very therapeutic to see other people recognising and responding to what we have written from our own experience. We have several art and craft activities, including altered book workshops and creative journaling, and guests enjoy trying their hands at creative exercises in small groups where there is a friendly and supportive atmosphere.We have many visitors who come to Burrswood Health and Wellbeing primarily for spiritual activities, including our healing services, Christian mindfulness, quiet days and ‘Silent Space’. Many of our regulars now meet with others for refreshments in our café after an event, but there is always space for a new group member and there is a warm welcome for everyone.

Jacqui AveryWellbeingActivities

Co-ordinator

If you are keen to come to Burrswood to attend a wellbeing event and to meet new people, but cannot find a group that interests you, please contact the Wellbeing team on extension 2237 with your ideas for activities and we will endeavour to meet your requirements.

Wellbeing and Spiritual activities and making friends

SPRING 2018 │ 7

Please join us! All those staying at Burrswood are welcome to join these activities at no extra cost. Others are also welcome but we do ask for £6 per

session towards refreshments and materials.

Poetry Reading: Every Monday 2-3pm in the Study Come and join us for tea, cake and poetry reading in the Study. Bring along a favourite poem or two if you like or just sit back and enjoy being read to. Each session will cover a wide variety of genres and will move swiftly between the deep and the humorous, the sublime and the ridiculous.

Creative writing: Every Tuesday 2-3pm in the Study Our creative writing workshops are open to everyone, from complete beginners to experienced writers. Every week we do two or three writing exercises designed to get the thoughts and words flowing

with the emphasis on having fun and enjoying a creative experience with other people.

Journaling: Every Wednesday 2-3pm in the Orangery This is an opportunity to learn a few creative journaling techniques. If you already have a journal then bring it along with you, but if not we can provide you with some materials. This workshop aims to develop our ability to express ourselves creatively, through language and mixed media.

Altered Books: Every Thursday 2-3pm in the Orangery Join our mixed media workshop and create altered book pages. Altered books use existing books as the starting point for a piece of art, poetry or prose. This is a great art form for people scared of ruining a pristine white page and for those who enjoy journaling. You don’t need to consider yourself ‘arty’ to enjoy this workshop. It is open to beginners as well as to seasoned altered book artists!

If you have ideas for other creative workshops, please contact the Wellbeing team on extension 2237 and we will try to arrange something you would enjoy.

Weekly creative activities

8 │ SPRING 2018

Burrswood News

Dates for the Diary…Pop up pottery workshop 1Finola Maynard Friday 6th April, 9am – 4pm in the OrangeryMake your own bowl and vessel on the pottery wheel, have some fun designing your own tiles and learning new hand building skills.£60 includes tea, coffee and pastries, a delicious lunch and cream tea.

Spring Watercolour Painting weekend Julie KingSaturday 28th and Sunday 29th April

Local artist Julie King specialises in flowers and the natural world. Join her and capture Burrswood’s beautiful spring gardens and flowers over this 2-day painting workshop.£225 includes tuition, all meals and one night’s accommodation from 10am Saturday to 4pm Sunday.£120 includes tuition, tea, coffee and pastries, a delicious lunch and cream tea each day. 10am – 4pm daily.

Writing and Poetry workshop 1 Charlie BellTuesday 1st May, 9am – 4pm in the Conference Room Spend a day with Charlie Bell exploring how writing can aid wellness and wellbeing. The day will be largely practical and will give everyone a chance to write and reflect.£50 includes tea, coffee and pastries, a delicious lunch and cream tea.

Drawing for Relaxation 1 Kerry Ingham Wednesday 23rd May, 9am – 4pmLocal illustrator and counsellor Kerry Ingham joins Burrswood to explore the art of drawing for fun and inner peace. Tickets £60 per person to include tuition, art materials, pastries on arrival, lunch and a cream tea (plus good company).

SPRING 2018 │ 9

Burrswood News

Dates for the Diary…Pop up pottery workshop 2 Finola Maynard Wednesday 13th June, 9am – 4pm in the OrangeryMake your own bowl and vessel on the pottery wheel, have some fun designing your own tiles and learning new hand building skills.

£60 includes tea, coffee and pastries, a delicious lunch and cream tea.

Drawing for Relaxation 2Kerry Ingham

Saturday 23rd June, 9am – 4pm Local illustrator and counsellor Kerry Ingham joins Burrswood to explore the art of drawing for fun and inner peace.

Tickets £60 per person to include tuition, art materials, pastries on arrival, lunch and a cream tea. (plus good company).

Poetry and Wellbeing workshop 2Charlie Bell

Tuesday 31st July, 9am – 4pm

In this second workshop, explore how writing can be used to free up the mind and spirit in order to be creative through writing, exercise and discussions. £50 includes tea, coffee and pastries, a delicious lunch and cream tea.

For more information see www.burrswood.org.uk or to book your place please call 01892 865988

Dates for your Diary

Friday 14th September 7pmIllyria will be returning

to Burrswood for an open air production of Merchant of Venice.

Sunday 30th September 3pm

A service of thanksgiving to

celebrate 70 years of health, wellbeing and

ministry at Burrswood.

10 │ SPRING 2018

Burrswood News

‘Cry when you need to…. Laugh when you can’

T he death of a close individual is probably the most overwhelmingly

destabilising event that can happen to us. A close experience with death challenges our beliefs about who we are and the connections we have made with others. The dying process is often associated

Loneliness and bereavementwith hopelessness and despair and in addition to the pain and fear that we associate with grief we can also experience the most terrible kind of loneliness and alienation when we find ourselves separated from our loved ones by a wide unbridgeable gulf. When we experience bereavement we often have the sense that our world has been turned upside down. There are a number of models describing the grieving process but very often these do not translate easily to the

chaos and desperation we are experiencing in real time. Following bereavement, hours may last longer, distances may lengthen, time may feel more precious or drag to a standstill. In the initial stages of grief there may be a flurry of activity and renewed connection with family and friends but all too often the telephone becomes silent and the reality of what can’t be changed sets in. We come to an acceptance that we are facing the world alone. We are often left with a lingering and long lasting side effect of loss – loneliness.Loneliness is experienced both emotionally and physically. It’s an empty bottomless hollow ache, a raw pain that emerges when sadness feels exhausted and there are no tears left to cry. Robert Weiss (1973) describes it as ‘a gnawing chronic disease with no redeeming features’. Loneliness is often experienced as shameful and embarrassing, an incurable thing that is often kept secret and not acknowledged by others. We may feel abandoned by friends and family as we feel the expectation to have ‘got over it’ or to ‘just let go and get on with living’.

CourseHow to Manage Anxiety and DepressionMondays 11.30am - 1.30pm starting 9th April 2018

These group workshops are delivered by a qualified therapist and follow evidence-based interventions using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to help manage Anxiety and Depression.

■ Session One – What is CBT and Self Care?■ Session Two – Depression and Sleep.■ Session Three – Anxiety and Stress.■ Session Four – Thought Management■ Session Five –Worry, Problem Solving.■ Session Six –Assertiveness and Future Planning£200 per person for all 6 sessions.For further information contact: counselling.admin@burrswood.org.uk or 01892 865990.To reserve a place email: reservations@burrswood.org.uk

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We may be handling our grief and loneliness in some not so obvious ways i.e. spending too much time at work or relying on rituals at home to get us through the empty days. As challenging as it sounds, it really is time to mix it up and try not to fall into a daily pattern of isolation. It’s important to try and find others who

understand, maybe by taking up new interests or by joining a support group to meet others who are having similar experiences and are also feeling alone.

In March, Burrswood Health and Wellbeing will be launching ‘Jigsaw’, a group for people who are experiencing loneliness through bereavement. The purpose of

the group is to offer connection with others who may be in a similar situation, over a cup of coffee. This is a place to develop new friendships, share experiences and explore new possibilities. Look out for details on our website!

Look out for details on our website or call 01892 865988.

Julie Shannon,Director of Operations

Burrswood News

The MS Society and Burrswood Health and Wellbeing have joined forces to hold an Information Day for those with Multiple Sclerosis and their carers.

Speakers include:Susan Kohlhaas the MS Society Director of Research

Dr Gerry Saldanha, Consultant Neurologist, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone NHS TrustJessica Pygall, Head of Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy at Burrswood

Dr Anita Rose, Consultant Clinical NeuropsychologistNatalie Homewood from Coloplast will be speaking about Intimate healthcare products and

there will be an introduction to ‘chair pilates’.

Living well with MS Tunbridge Wells andDistrict Group

Enjoy a morning full of great ideasSaturday 14th April 2018

9.30am - 2.00pm

Refreshments will be served during the event and you are invited to stay for a light lunch afterwards where you can chat to the speakers and branch committee and meet Burrswood staff.

Places are FREE but limited so book early to avoid disappointment.Call 01892 865988

Burrswood, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9PYwww.burrswood.org.uk

12 │ SPRING 2018

Burrswood News

Light and Colour

As I write, I am mindful of how Spring brings light and colour. The

darkness and dullness of Winter, as nature ‘sleeps’, so easily becomes a memory as light is in increasing abundance, and colour widens our eyes and bathes our souls. Light and colour can aid healing. The sun gives us vitamin D which aids the absorption of calcium to strengthen bones, the amount of light can also affect our mood – even the colour of the light has been found to have differing effects. Colour is known to evoke varying emotions – no wonder that in the grey months of winter we can feel ‘dull’ and lacking energy.Our gracious Creator has provided many things for our wellbeing – the light and warmth of the sun, the joy of a yellow daffodil and the uplifting smile of a friendly face. It is up to us to receive the abundant life on offer to us. Jesus said: “I have come to give them life in all its fullness.” Other translations say: ‘a rich and satisfying life’ (John 10:10).

We have choice! Of course, around the world there are people in dire situations with very little apparent choice around their safety and wellbeing, but, even people coming out of desperate situations have chosen to use their skills and talents and opportunities presented to them, to completely transform their own lives.At Burrswood Health and Wellbeing we offer a wide variety of opportunities for lives to be transformed – to bring us closer to that ‘’full and satisfying life’ – whatever that might mean for each individual. We do welcome the miraculous, but sometimes as we wait, we can choose therapeutic interventions to bring us closer to a place of healing. The key word here is ‘choose’ – we all face a multitude of

choices each day, from the ordinary and un-noticed, to choices that have a huge impact on us now and going forward. The choices we make have the potential to impact our health and wellbeing. We cannot deny now that the food we eat and the amount of physical activity we do affect both our physical and mental health – other choices affect those too.

During Winter we can feel lonely as the days are so short and time spent at home seems endless – the light and colour of Spring brings with it hope. The hope of longer days and more opportunities to step out and be with others – what choices will bring you closer to ‘life in abundance?’

Carol Morrison, Director of Spiritual

Wellbeing

SPRING 2018 │ 13

Burrswood News

Creative Space Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th May led by Jenny Greenland.This course is for anybody with a desire to reconnect with their own creativity. We will explore ways of nurturing and developing creativity through a series of fun and focused drawing and painting sessions. No previous experience necessary.

£195 includes tuition, meals and one night’s accommodation from 10am Saturday to 4pm Sunday.

Seeing the Bible whole Saturday 5th – Monday 7th May led by Revd Dr Steven Underdown The Bible tells one continuous story centring on Jesus. We will look at the shape of this story and learn how we can take the Bible seriously, without always taking it literally.

£265 includes tuition, meals and two nights’ accommodation from 10am Saturday to 5pm Monday.

Nurturing a heart of forgiveness and compassion Saturday 26th – Monday 28th May led by Revd Dr Steven Underdown A practical course on deepening our response to God’s call to love.£265 includes tuition, meals and two nights’ accommodation from 10am Saturday to 5pm Monday.

Exploring Creativity Monday 4th – Friday 8th June led by Jacqui Avery Discover, explore and develop your creativity in a range of areas using art, word and music. For those who believe ‘I haven’t got a creative bone in my body’ and those who have already had some experience of developing their creative skills.£595 includes tuition, meals (including cream tea) and accommodation for 4 nights from 10am Monday to 5pm Friday. £245 includes tuition, meals and cream tea every day but no accommodation.

Mindfulness in Christian Life Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th June led by Revd Dr Steven Underdown Making space for God. A practical course learning to be more present to God, each other and the world around us.£175 includes tuition, meals and one night’s accommodation from 10am Saturday to 4pm Sunday.

Silent Space Fridays, 10am to 4pm Side Chapel 27th April, 18th May, 29th June

An opportunity to enjoy the beautiful grounds and to explore

lectio, sensio and visio divina.

£15 per person suggested donation

Quiet Days 10am to 4pm, Side Chapel

10th April Brian Woodgate:

Faith and Doubt – friends or foes?

8th MayRev David Flagg:

Living in the dynamic cycle of grace.

June 12thRev Jean Andrews:

Strawberries and cream – exploring how some things work

together and others do not.

Lay aside everyday pressures and enjoy God’s presence in the beauty and peace of Burrswood.

£15 per person suggested donation.

Christian Mindfulness

Everyone welcomeDrop-in sessions every week on Thursdays at 3.00pm – 4.00pm

in the Side Chapel.

Workshops on the last Saturday of the month, 10am-12.30pm in the Side Chapel. £15 per person

suggested donation. For more information see www.burrswood.org.uk or to book your place please call 01892 865988

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Burrswood News

L ast Christmas was a special one for me as it was the first time I had been

at Burrswood Health and Wellbeing over the holiday period and I was able to attend my first Christmas house party. I joined around thirty other people who chose to come here over Christmas in order to share this special time of year with like-minded people. In preparation for the house party, Burrswood had been beautifully decorated and there were presents for all the guests under the Christmas tree (which shed far too many needles onto the drawing room carpet!).Our hosts for the week were James and Janet Archer

who looked after everyone beautifully; somehow Janet could remember exactly how everyone liked their tea and who needed gluten-free cake. There were events and activities every day, but with the freedom to come and go as you pleased. Some guests regularly attended the events and spent all their spare time chatting with others in the drawing room or at the dining table, whereas others chose to spend much of the time in quiet, and focused on enjoying the delicious food and beautiful views.I think some of the highlights were the Christmas carols with All Saints’ church, the children’s nativity sing-song, armchair

Pilates in the Orangery, and Victoria Storey and her husband reading some of her poetry in the study. Some guests enjoyed taking part in craft activities, spending time with the therapy dog, and planting bulbs to grow in our Advent greenhouse on the lawn, whereas others preferred the spiritual activities, such as the messy Christingle and the various church services.The week was a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and, for some, to renew old acquaintances. It was a time of warmth, rest and celebration (and far, far too much cake!).

Jacqui Avery, Wellbeing Activities

Co-ordinator

Find out more about our Guest Stays by calling Reservations on 01892 865988.

Burrswood a place of relaxation all year roundJoin us over Easter, Christmas 2018 or treat yourself to a relaxing break throughout the year. Guests can take advantage of all the therapies and activities on offer during their stay.

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Burrswood News

Christian bookselling is under increasing pressure and many shops are closing

down due to high business rates and on-line retailing. So the Bookshop at Burrswood is pleased to be able to continue to be an excellent resource not only for visiting customers in the south-east but also for our supporters wherever they may be, who can use our mail order service. Manager Cheryl Harrison says, ‘We know that it can be difficult to support friends and family through tough times if they are far away; so sometimes a gift of a book or card with a caring message can bridge the miles and show someone you are thinking of them. My team will always try to find just the right thing for you to send yourself – or we can send directly to the recipient’.Cheryl suggests a little book for those who might be going through difficult times at the moment: God’s Little Book of Hope contains words of refreshment and encouragement, and being pocket-sized can always be at hand to inspire someone in their daily life. (£4.99 plus p&p)

Burrswood Bookshop

The Bookshop also has a wonderful selection of cards suitable for all occasions. Why not send a Thinking of you message? We have packs of notelets from as little as 99p for 4 cards or single cards, with or without Bible texts – many under £2.00 each.

If you visit the Burrswood website on a regular basis you will see our latest book recommendations from our continually refreshed stock. And if you call us we will always do our best to source ‘old favourites’ for you. All our profits go towards the work of Burrswood Health and Wellbeing.

Please visit Cheryl and her team in the Burrswood Bookshop or call 01892 865996 or email: bookshop@burrswood.org.uk

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Burrswood News

It is now over a year since I took over as manager of Burrswood charity shop. What a fascinating

and very enjoyable year it has been too. Supported by Denise, Theresa and 13 dedicated and reliable volunteers we have refurnished, updated and brightened up many a home with our, sometimes fascinating, donations.It never ceases to amaze me how very generous some people are when donating to Burrswood.Perhaps the most generous donation this year was from a former client of Burrswood who donated her collection

of 53 specialist teddy bears, stating that she wanted to ‘give something back’ as Burrswood had been so kind and supportive to her.Generally, the perception of our charity shop is for people to donate furniture and bric-a-brac, however, this is not strictly true. Although we have collected and sold untold sofas, dining tables, wardrobes, books, and dinner services, we have also had some quite unusual items.This year we have sold an accordion, a gramophone and a Victorian typewriter as well as a replica pistol!We have sent 153 first day cover stamps to auction, and

a collection of foreign money including Reich mark which was used in Germany during the Second World War. We are currently auctioning a silver tipped conductor’s baton.

We have just sold a “Goofy” styled plug-in telephone and a cocktail cabinet shaped like a wine bottle!

Our team are very much looking forward to the donations we receive in 2018, and hope that you will spread the word for us, that Burrswood charity shop is not just about dressing tables and desks!

Michelle MeakinCharity shop Manager

Burrswood charity shop

Transforming lives through whole person care

Please contact the shop directly on 01892 613442 or email charity.shop@burrswood.org.uk or come and see us at 5 The Broadway, Crowborough TN6 1DF

Our opening times are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and Saturday 9am - 2pm

Find us on Facebook too! @burrswoodcharity

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Burrswood News

Due to exciting planned refurbishment work the hydrotherapy pool will be closed from

12th March until 22nd April 2018.

D uring the time the pool is closed, the physiotherapy

department are running additional group sessions each day. The extra groups are particularly planned to help regular pool users maintain movement and fitness during the closure, but anyone is

welcome to join in. The groups will take place in our new mini gym. There is a full list of groups on our website; please call the Outpatients reception if you’re interested in attending one on 01892 865989.

The refurbishment is a major project which not only includes upgrading the filtration and

circulation system, but also retiling the pool surround and tub, making our hydrotherapy pool a state of the art facility for existing and new clients.

The newly refurbished pool will be officially opened on Tuesday 24th April at 2pm – join us for a celebratory cup of tea and cake.

Excellent treatment for post-surgery patients with stays and appointments readily available

R ecent research highlighted the importance of getting those with a hip

fracture back on their feet in the shortest possible time. Delays in getting treatment are shown to cause increased chances of ill health and falls.Our reablement unit treats patients following hip and knee surgery and feedback from consultants comments on the excellent progress made by patients who receive a prompt and intensive period of physiotherapy.We provide a comprehensive service for those who wish to stay as inpatients for one or two weeks following a hospital stay. Patients staying on the

reablement unit enjoy 24/7 nursing care, daily therapies appropriate to the patients recovery needs (physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy), full board accommodation in a private ensuite room and all set in a warm and friendly environment in tranquil surroundings.

“You have nursed and cared for me with such love and expertise that I am feeling so much stronger and better than when I arrived after surgery. T hank you for going “the extra mile” so readily, you are amazing.”Alternatively our physiotherapy team can offer land based or hydrotherapy appointments throughout the week where appointments are readily available.Do speak to our helpful Reservation Team on 01892 865988 to discuss availability.

Find us on Facebook Burrswood Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries

AppealBurrswood News

W ith our distinctive approach to whole person

care, we meet people where they are and accompany them on their journey to wholeness and healing, health and wellbeing. We are continuing to make Burrswood Health and Wellbeing more accessible, so that many more people may experience life in

all its fullness. Our extended services now include respite and supported stays and we are continuing to adapt our buildings, modernise our facilities and develop our team to ensure that more patients and guests can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the surroundings, the opportunities for prayer and worship, and the whole person care which makes us unique.

Changes on this scale need financial support from a range of sources. You can join others who have already given us funds for the improving pathways, gardens, facilities and buildings by making a contribution. Your gift will make a difference by bringing wholeness and healing to the many people who come to Burrswood.

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SPRING 2017 │ 19

Gift Aid my donation I would like to Gift Aid my donation. This gives an extra 25% to Burrswood at no extra cost to you

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Find out more about fundraising activities and events at www.burrswood.org.uk. It is also possible to donate online. Thank you for your support.

Registered charity no.1095940

GIFT AID DECLARATION: I am a UK taxpayer and I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

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❏ I would like to make a one-off donation of £___________

❏ Regular Donation £_________________ per month/year Please send information about Standing Order Payments for future years.

20 │ SPRING 2018

Transforming lives through whole person care

To book a table call 01892 865991www.burrswood.org.uk

Burrswood Café

T he café has been refurbished over the Winter and is looking bright and refreshed. Come and enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch with stunning views across our gardens and grounds. Explore the surrounding

countryside on one of the many walks that criss-cross the estate and stop for a take-away tea or coffee or at weekends book in for a traditional Sunday lunch. There is always a wonderful selection of cakes and treats too. The café is open 7 days a week and our sunny terrace is perfect for those with dogs or for children to run about in the gardens and use the play area.

“Love using the café after a walk/cycle and also to

meet friends or just enjoy the grounds.

Really appreciate its position, views and

accessibility”

Pick up a loyalty card and receive your 10th drink for free!