the AKS times2016 Issue 1

e Kent Society

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

Planning Permission Granted for Society’s Planned Extra Care Housing

Society Hosts Seasonal ServiceThe Society celebrated Christmas with its

residents at the annual Lantern Parade. Page 3

The local council has approved plans for the Larkfield and Tonbridge schemes. Page 4

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Abbeyfield Kent Celebrates Christmas With Residents 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 to celebrate the start of the Christmas period, with a seasonal church service, followed by a candlelit parade around the scenic 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.

Pupils from Aylesford’s St Mark’s Church of England School sung a range of seasonal carols throughout the service and one pupil presented a festive reading.

Dene Holm and Woodgate residents and staff lead the parade

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 very important for the Society that our residents are able to enjoy a special Christmas service, and we do all 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.”

St Mark’s School sing carols for the guestsWatling Court tenants and staff take part in the

parade

WelcomeWelcome to the first 2016 instalment of the AKS times, The Abbeyfield Kent Society newsletter, which aims to keep you up-to-date on the news from around the Society.

This year is sure to be a busy one for the Society, as well as Barnes Lodge opening in the summer, we have recently secured planning permission to develop two extra care housing schemes, in Larkfield and Tonbridge. Find out more, on page 4.

In December, we hosted our annual Lantern Parade, inviting our residents and associates to celebrate the start of Christmas with us at the picturesque Friars in Aylesford. Read more overleaf, on page 3.

The start of the year has seen plenty going on with The Wish Appeal too. We have granted three wishes, making many happy memories for our residents and their families, read what they wished for on page 8.

As ever, our homes have had plenty going on. In February, our oldest resident, Victoria Middlemiss celebrated her 106th birthday, read how she celebrated on page 6.

Christmas may now seem a distant memory of over indulgence and relaxation, but for some, it’s just another day. We spoke to care assistant, Sue Ferry, who has worked the past 12 Christmases. Read what she has planned for her first Christmas off on page 13.

Lots of our residents have fascinating stories to tell and we are delighted to include a piece from Gordon Wise, a tenant at The Old Coachworks in Ticehurst, a scheme managed by Abbeyfield Kent, in this issue. Gordon was recently one of only 20 veterans to

The Abbeyfield Kent Society is a registered charity and housing association; providing care and housing to over 300 older people at a number of 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:

receive a very special honour, read his story on page 14.

Plus there’s been Chinese New Year celebrations, trips to a sealife centre and poems about our very own county!

As always, we welcome your feedback on the AKS times. Please feel free to contact the media team on 01634 723007 or email media@abbeyfieldkent.org

Enjoy the issue!

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Tonbridge and Larkfield Extra Care Housing Schemes Get Go Ahead

The Abbeyfield Kent Society has succeeded in ensuring that the needs of the older people in the Larkfield and Tonbridge areas are met. Plans to build two extra care housing schemes have now been approved by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

The Society has identified changes and challenges that the care sector is facing and is redeveloping its residential care home in Martin Square, Larkfield into an extra care housing scheme. The current residential home is unfortunately of an age that means it cannot be modernised economically.

The Society was also recently given the go ahead by TMBC to construct a new extra care housing scheme alongside Barnes Lodge in Tudeley Lane, Tonbridge.

Extra care is a concept designed to accommodate people with a range of needs; it is a popular choice as an alternative to a care home and enables us to actively tackle the issue of loneliness amongst older people,

whilst promoting independent living.

Our Larkfield extra care housing scheme will consist of 74 one and two bedroom apartments, offering over 55s with a care need the option to buy a 75% share through the older peoples shared ownership scheme. A number of apartments will also be available on an affordable rent basis.

The Society has taken their ethos of compassion and companionship even further by ensuring 20 of the apartments are solely available for rent to veterans. For almost 50 years now, The Society has welcomed veterans, along with their spouses, seeking support and friendship and the 20 apartments will be specifically for these people.

The brand new extra care housing scheme has been designed specifically for those with a care need, with both the apartments and communal areas meeting the growing needs older people are faced with today. A restaurant with sun room and terrace, 24/7 staffing presence, hair salon, assisted

bathroom and toilets and a warden call system are just some of the amenities this development will have to offer.

The Tonbridge extra care scheme is to be built in place of our current residential home, Woodgate, once the residents have moved over to their new home, Barnes Lodge, this summer. The housing will comprise 59 one and two bedroom apartments, with 28 available for affordable rent and 31 for market sale.

The scheme and apartments will have similar facilities to the Larkfield housing, designed specifically with over 55s in mind.

Both schemes will provide residents with the independence of living in their own apartment with the added benefit of care, companionship and support. Caring Companions, The Abbeyfield Kent Society’s domiciliary team, will be onsite and will provide tailored care packages to suit residents’ individual needs and requirements.

Leon Steer, Chief Executive of the Society

said: “The charity has been providing accommodation and care for older people in Kent for nearly 50 years and Larkfield and Tonbridge, like all communities in Kent, will be experiencing a substantial increase in the numbers of older people needing long-term permanent care in the coming years.

“This exciting project will create two years of development work and over 150 new jobs, strengthening the economy and relieving the suffering of many vulnerable people.”

Building work is due to start on both sites in the summer of 2016 and is scheduled to be completed by March 2018.

At the end of the process, Kent will have new facilities to meet changing needs in a changing environment and helping to secure the future of care, something of great importance given the growing needs of an ageing population.

To register your interest, or for more information about buying an apartment, contact media@abbeyfieldkent.org.

A computer generated image shows how the housing scheme at Tonbridge will look

A computer generated image shows how the housing scheme at Larkfield will look

Society news Society news

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Around the homes Around the homes

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Abbeyfield Kent’s Oldest Resident, Victoria, Celebrates 106th Birthday

Residents Meet Hair Raising Critters

Abbeyfield Kent resident, Victoria Middlemiss may have recently turned 106, but she still likes to have a joke with the staff at Rogers House residential home, where she has lived for almost seven years.

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 since June 2009. After several short stays during the summer holidays, she decided with her daughter that she would move in permanently, if she could have a room on the ground floor, painted green!

Lorraine Laker, care coordinator at Rogers House said: “Victoria has lived with us for almost seven years and we love having her here as she’s such a wonderful lady.

“She doesn’t like a big fuss so her birthday celebration was low-key, we gave her a box of presents and staff made a wonderful cake and card.”

So what’s the secret to a long and healthy life, a glass of whisky every now and then, not smoking? Victoria thinks 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.”

Victoria with her card made by staff

Residents of Edward Moore House Residential Home in Gravesend, made some slightly unusual new friends when some curious creatures visited them.

Residents were treated to an extraordinary visit from ZooLab, who brought along a range of exciting animals, from corn snakes and cockroaches to spiders and snails. They were introduced to the variation of creatures and told about how they live their lives, before holding them, if they wished too.

The residents were extremely courageous when it came to getting a bit closer to the creatures, proving they were much braver than a lot of the members of staff.

John Ogbe, home manager of Edward Moore House said: “The residents loved meeting the animals, as it was unusual but exciting!”

The benefits of animal therapy are well documented; proving that interaction with animals can significantly reduce pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue in older people with an array of health problems.

The Abbeyfield Kent Society embraces the Eden Alternative principles within its homes, believing that communication with animals can boost wellbeing and eliminate loneliness.

The residents were very brave with the animals

Paddock Wood Volunteers Host Festive Lunch

Residents raise a glass to their hosts

On Christmas Eve, the Friends of Margaret Fisher House got together to host a festive lunch for residents and staff of the Paddock Wood supported home.

Each Christmas, the volunteers get together to make the festive season special for the residents of the home. This year, Sue Barnes

and Kathy Farmer prepared and cooked a traditional turkey lunch, with all the trimmings, whilst also serving up a classic Christmas pudding.

Throughout the meal other friends of the home, including Abbeyfield Kent Trustee, David Taylor, attended to the diners’ every need, topping up drinks and clearing plates.

The residents and staff had a great time getting into the Christmas spirit with one another. At the end of their meal, they raised a glass to thank their hosts for a wonderful meal and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

Christmas Eve was a double celebration for those at the home, as resident, Peggy Williams also celebrated her 96th birthday.

Time for Tea and Cake at Connors House

Residents are spoilt for choice

With the wet weather persisting, residents at Connors House are avoiding the cold and staying in with plenty of tea and cake.

For residents of the Canterbury home, there is no better way to spend a gloomy afternoon than nattering away over a cup of tea and a freshly baked scone.

The residents enjoy their tea afternoons in the conservatory so much, they’re now a regular activity!

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Former Sevenoaks Signalman Gets his Steam Train Wish

With the support of The Wish Appeal, Staff at Woodgate Residential Home in Tonbridge granted a wish for a resident and former train signaler, Tom, to take one more trip aboard a classic steam train.

When he followed in his father’s footsteps working as a signaler at Sevenoaks Rail Station as a young man, Tom Hillier had no idea he would develop a lifelong love for steam trains. Now living at the Tudeley Lane residential home, 93-year-old, Tom is still a big fan of the retro railway, so staff granted a wish for him to take a trip aboard the Spa Valley Railway.

Accompanied by care staff and his son and daughter, Tom made the journey to Tunbridge Wells West Station on the 18th February. They boarded the heritage train and took a scenic journey to Groomsbridge, tucking into fish and chips on the way.

As well as taking in the beautiful countryside and browsing the collection of locomotives and carriages, Tom purchased a baseball cap as a souvenir from his trip, which he hasn’t taken off since he returned home!

After the outing, Tom’s family commented: “We never thought this day would come, especially after dad was so poorly last year. Thank you to everyone.”

Tom waits to board the train

Wish Appeal Reuinites Separated SistersThe Wish Appeal granted a wish for Watling Court tenant, Anne Richardson to have Christmas lunch with her sister.

Ninety-year-old Anne had not had lunch with her sister, who lives in a nursing home on the other side of Gravesend, for a few years, so Jean, a carer at Watling Court decided to surprise her and take her to visit her sister.

On 22nd December, accompanied by Jean, Anne made the trip to visit, Mavis and enjoy a festive lunch and long overdue catch up.

After her wish, Anne said: “I thought we were going shopping but when we drove

through Northfleet, I realised we were going somewhere else. When we arrived at the home, I called Jean a cheeky monkey! We enjoyed catching up and I didn’t want to leave Mavis but it was a beautiful afternoon, I’m so grateful Jean planned this.”

Anne and Mavis enjoy a long overdue natter

Wish Appeal Brings Couple Back TogetherThe Wish Appeal granted a surprise wish on Thursday 28th January, for Watling Court tenant Ray Haynes to be visited by his wife, Joan, who had to leave their home to move into a nursing home.

Sweethearts since they were just 18-years-old, Ray and Joan lived together at Watling Court for several years, before Joan sadly had to move into a nursing home, that could better cater for her care needs. Despite having to take several buses to make the round trip to her new home, Ray does this as often as he can. However, since making the move, Joan hadn’t yet been able to come back to Watling Court, to see Ray and her old friends together.

Recognising that the tenants at Watling Court missed Joan and that Ray would like to have her back at their home, staff at the Gravesend extra care housing scheme decided to grant a surprise wish, enabling Joan to join her old friends at Watling Court for lunch and spend an afternoon with Ray.

When Joan arrived, Ray was delighted and utterly surprised, he commented: “What can I say, I can’t believe it, this is absolutely brilliant; it’s made my day. It’s lovely for her to be able to come and see all her old friends as well.”

Joan had her hair done especially for the occasion and had asked carers to put out her favourite outfit to wear. The pair’s daughter, Wendy, even made the trip from Cornwall for the special event.

Wendy said, “All the girls here do a grand job, much more than they are supposed to. They are not really carers at all, they are more like friends.”

Discussing the idea, Watling Court’s scheme manager, Helen Goulding said: “We decided to grant this wish as Ray misses Joan a lot and we thought it’d be an absolute joy to see them back in their old home together, surrounded by their old friends. It really made their day and their family, the staff and other tenants were all delighted to see them here and spend the afternoon nattering away with them!”

The Wish Appeal is a fundraising initiative created by Abbeyfield Kent in 2014, which relies solely on donations. The appeal aims to grant wishes for residents living in its homes across Kent, whether they wish for a day at a spa, a meal at their favourite restaurant, or a trip to New York, even if that means bringing New York to them.

Find out more about The Wish Appeal and wishes that have been granted so far at,www.abbeyfieldkent.org/the-wish-appeal

You can donate to The Wish Appeal by visiting www.justgiving.com/abbeyfieldkent or text ‘WISH05’ followed by the amount, to 70070 e.g. ‘WISH05 £10’

Ray and Joan were delighted to be at Watling Court together again

Around the homes Around the homes

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Canterbury Residents Stitch, Fasten and Paint to Make Handmade Gifts

Residents at Connors House Residential Home have been busy embracing their inner artists, making an array of handmade gifts to sell within the home.

The Craddock Road home houses a number of creative residents, from accomplished painters to talented seamstresses, but for this activity the home’s activity co-ordinator, Bev, invited all of the residents to find their inner artists and get inspired.

With the weather taking a turn for the worse, the residents have regularly been getting together over a cup of tea and a natter in the conservatory for some craft making sessions, where they work together to create some beautiful handmade gifts.

Accompanied by Bev, the residents have made some magnificent handmade items, including a variety of cards, bird boxes, bookmarks and trinket boxes, which they

plan to sell on the home’s craft stall to raise money for the residents’ amenities fund.

Bev Furr, the home’s activity coordinator said: “Many of our residents here are very inventive and they really love to get involved with artistic activities.

“The group of residents participating is growing week after week, so it’s really proving an excellent opportunity for them to keep busy and be creative whilst socialising with one another.”

Residents of Woodgate Residential Home threw on their coats and hats and took a trip to the famous seaside town of Brighton, for a stroll along the seafront and to visit the Sealife Centre.

Barbara Watkins, Doreen Hardy and Marie Clarke were accompanied by staff of the home for their eagerly anticipated trip to Brighton, to take a walk along the pier and visit the extraordinary Sealife Centre.

The residents had a great time wandering around the world’s oldest operating aquarium and learning about the creatures swimming before their eyes.

After exploring the sealife centre, the residents took a well deserved rest and enjoyed a spot of lunch. They tucked into some traditional fish and chips, before heading to the gift shop to buy some

Animal Loving Residents Visit Sealife Centre

souvenirs and heading back home.

Leah Gale, activity coordinator at Woodgate accompanied the residents on the trip and said: “It’s great when we are able to take the residents on day trips, they had a wonderful day and were so excited to see the different creatures. They were all glowing when they returned. Days like that are so precious and really make me feel rewarded in my work.”

Tenants See in Chinese New Year With Traditional Themed Feast

Tenants at Watling Court in Gravesend, celebrated the Year of the Fire Monkey with a delicious Chinese themed buffet.

Tenants of the housing scheme got together in the dining room to celebrate the turn of the Chinese calendar and tuck into a feast.

Whilst discussing traditions associated with Chinese New Year, the tenants tucked into a mouth-watering menu of culinary delights, prepared by the on site catering team.

The tenants were treated to a full banquet, which included noodles, rice, spare ribs, wings, crackers, spring rolls and dumplings.

Helen Goulding, scheme manager of Watling Court said: “The tenants really enjoyed their themed lunch, for some of them, it gave them the opportunity to try something new too!”

Staff Members Join CEO for Quarterly Recognition Lunch

Stan with his bird boxes

The rain didn’t put the residents off

Tenants, Ron and Marilyn tuck in

CEO, Leon Steer joins the staff members for lunch

Each quarter, members of staff from our homes across Kent are nominated by their line manager for doing a great job.

Three members of staff joined the Society’s Chief Executive, Leon Steer for an informal lunch, followed by some fun and games.

The lunches are an opportunity for Leon to get to know the staff a bit better and say thank you for doing such an excellent job.

Home managers can nominate staff for the recognition lunches every four months.

Around the homes Around the homes

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A Care Worker’s Christmas:Sue’s Story

After working the past 12 Christmases, Sue Ferry, a care assistant at Dene Holm Residential Home, is looking forward to spending her first Christmas Day for over ten years at home with her family.

“This year will be my 13th festive season working at Dene Holm, it’s always a lot of fun,” says Sue. “We have a traditional Christmas, with gifts in the morning, a turkey lunch and films and tipples in the afternoon. I am very aware that some of our residents don’t have any family, so we are their family now. I think it’s just so important to give the residents a happy family Christmas, particularly as for some this could possibly be their last.

“We are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of staff here, who never get down about working over the Christmas period and are always happy to be here. This is their Christmas too, so it’s important that they enjoy themselves and that they are working the festive season in a happy and fun environment.

“Before I worked at Dene Holm I was an assistant manageress at a hotel, so I’ve

always worked Christmas, my family don’t really know any different! My children are grown up now so I never minded volunteering to work Christmas Day if it meant that those with young children could spend the day with their families. Then we’d have our celebration before I went to work, or on Boxing Day, if I wasn’t working then.

“This year it’ll be my first Christmas Day at home with my family for several years so my daughter has requested that we have a traditional day, with turkey and all the trimmings. I’ve even bought new dining chairs especially for the occasion!”

Chris Hutchinson, home manager of Dene Holm commented: “We have such a great team here at Dene Holm, no-one ever complains about working over Christmas, as they are dedicated to making the holiday special for the residents, particularly those residents who stay with us on Christmas Day or do not have anyone else.

“I always come in on Christmas morning with my family and we help the staff on duty to serve lunch to the residents and their relatives who are visiting, we really are one big family!”

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Restaurant Evening Enables Residents to Spend Valentine’s With Loved Ones

Staff at Woodgate Residential Home in Tonbridge gave their residents the chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their loved ones, by pulling out all the stops and hosting a special themed restaurant evening.

Residents of the Tudeley Lane care home were invited to dine with their partners on Friday 12th February, for a Valentine’s celebration at the home’s makeshift ‘restaurant.’

Staff had worked hard throughout the day to transform the day centre into a romantic restaurant setting, by adorning it with themed balloons, red and pink hanging decorations and some rather impressive tableware.

Residents and their partners dined on a choice of scrumptious starters, including prawn cocktail, stuffed mushrooms and homemade vegetable soup. Braised beef, stuffed chicken or salmon and asparagus tartlets followed for main course and the meal ended with a delicious choice of desserts, which included chocolate-dipped shortbread hearts, fresh fruit salad and warm homemade apple pie. The meals were

accompanied with a celebratory glass of fizz, of course.

Many Woodgate residents would be unable to go to a restaurant for an evening with their partner due to their care needs, so it was a wonderful opportunity for them to spend time with their loved ones, in a unique setting.

Earlier in the day, all of the residents were treated to some Valentine’s themed entertainment at the afternoon party. Visiting singer, Jasmine, put on a show performing a number of timeless romantic classics, which took the residents back to their younger days.

Lucy Dixon, home manager of Woodgate commented: “We host a restaurant evening for Valentine’s Day every year now and it’s always a great success, which the residents and their partners really enjoy.

“Our staff really are dedicated to making it special for the residents and their partners. They may no longer live together but it’s still just as important, perhaps even more so, that they are able to spend quality time together, particularly on Valentine’s Day.”

The couples exchanged cards during theValentine’s evening

The couples were taken back to their courting days for the restaurant evening

Sue at Dene Holm in Northfleet

Dene Holm residents make mince rolls at Xmas

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Around the homesAround the homes

Mavis Edwards, a resident at Connors House, has been living with dementia for quite some time at the Canterbury residential home, however, a new addition to the home as bought her a new lease of life.

Staff at the Craddock Road residential home recently introduced a new therapy doll to the residents of the home. Designed to ease nervousness and bring enjoyment and comfort to those living with dementia, the dolls are becoming an increasingly popular way to soothe care home residents who are battling dementia.

Whilst the benefits of doll therapy are controversial, research has proven that it can reduce drug dependency, eliminate feelings of distress and anxiety and improve wellbeing, whilst having a calming effect.

Mavis has particularly warmed to the therapy doll and staff have noticed a change in her

behaviour and wellbeing since she was introduced to her. Mavis has a pushchair and change of clothes for the doll and she is regularly spotted by staff patting her on the back or rocking her to sleep.

Christine Devlin, home manager of Connors House commented: “It is absolutely heart warming to see how Mavis has taken to looking after the therapy doll. She used to feel agitated and unsettled sometimes but the doll has calmed her, now she is often seen with a smile on her face.”

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Ticehurst Tenant and Veteran Presented With Legion of Honour Medal on Armistice Day

Gordon Wise, a tenant at The Old Coachworks in Ticehurst, a scheme managed by Abbeyfield Kent, was presented with a Legion of Honour medal by the French Ambassador in London.

Gordon was one of 20 veterans to be presented with a Legion of Honour, which is France’s highest distinction, for his role in liberating the country during WW2 at a ceremony, which took place at the French Ambassador’s Residence in London.

Gordon and his wife, Marjory, were moved to be in such company and honoured to be in receipt of the award, which President François Hollande vowed all veterans who helped to liberate France during WW2 would receive on the 70th anniversary of D Day.

Being Australian, Gordon was especially honoured to be congratulated by his High Commissioner, the Hon Alexander Downer, whom the Ambassador had invited as well as Australia’s Defence Attaché.

In Gordon’s own words, he recalls his experience.

“As an Australian, I served as a Sunderland

Flying Boat Pilot with 461 Squadron of the Australian Air Force in Coastal Command.

In preparation for D-Day, Air Vice Marshal Sir Sholto Douglas gathered three Squadrons in a hanger at Pembroke Dock where we were stationed. He warned us that probably 50 percent of us would not survive the coming operations.

On our first night in action we saw a U-Boat on our radar, so prepared for attack. Captain Neil MKough called for the flares to light up our target but the flares failed, despite previous testing and the U-Boat submerged.

We lost three of our planes during that first week due to enemy action. We were lucky to survive. Flying at a height of fifty feet along the coast to avoid enemy radar, we felt extremely exposed and we could not turn the plane for fear of dipping the floats in the sea.

We had a fire on board after take-off, when I was accompanying the Squadron Leader. We landed on the water of Milford Haven with 2,000 gallons of petrol on board and bounced home across the bay. The fire went out but the plane was not used again for operations.

Our patrols halfway across the Atlantic Ocean, south to the coast of Spain, north to Sullom Voe and the Norwegian coast, always 13-14 hours of night flying at 1000ft in all weather, continued throughout the last year of the war.

Historians will note that not one of our allied ships was lost due to enemy action during the first week after D-Day.

I was one of the lucky ones.”Gordon and Marjory Wise, Gordon wears his

Legion of Honour

Brownies Join Residents for Festive Carolling

Therapy Doll Relaxes Residents Living With Dementia

Mavis and a staff member admiring the doll

The local Brownies stopped by at Edward Moore House to catch up with residents and get in to the Christmas spirit with a spot of carolling.

Joined by the Brownies, the residents spent an afternoon getting in to the Christmas spirit singing classic carols, before chatting to one another about their plans for the holiday and what they enjoy most about Christmas.

The Brownies have visited the residents a number of times, joining them for gardening activities and sing-alongs as well as earning their baking and entertainment badges.

John Ogbe, home manager of Edward Moore House said: “The Brownies have visited us many times and the residents always enjoy to it. We are hoping to see them again soon.”

The residents and Brownies sung together

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Sons and daughters joined their mothers at Connors House Residential Home on Mother’s Day, where they celebrated with a special afternoon tea.

The Canterbury residential home was full to the brim with residents and relatives celebrating the importance of family with one another on Sunday.

Staff had done an excellent job of decorating the home with banners and balloons, as well as setting the tables with the finest cutlery and finishing with some beautiful flowers.

The residents and their guests were invited to dine on a delicious afternoon tea of freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes and biscuits, whilst they chatted away with one another and sipped on cups of tea.

Bev Furr, activity co-ordinator and Sara Bond, a carer at the home, organised the

afternoon and Sara’s mum even came along to the event, so they could spend some quality time together on Mother’s Day.

Christine Devlin, home manager of Connors House said: “The tea was a great success and everyone who came along had a lovely time. One of the most beneficial things about living in a care home is that when our residents’ relatives visit, they can spend quality time together, not worrying about appointments or medication, it really is lovely to see.”

Sons and Daughters Join Residents for Mother’s Day Tea

Resident, Mary with her daughter, Frances

In Praise of KentA poem by Pauline Burgess

There’s a castle by the RiverAnd a Cannon on the Green

And views of ancient buildingsCharles Dickens must have seen

A lofty spired cathedralA tangled towering tree

Standing guard before its doorsLinked in majesty

The Medway flows so quickly byOnwards to the sea

Where the ships from ChathamSailed to Victory

Go by a Mellow Oast houseWholesome brick & beam

And in the distance, CanterburyTheir Cathedral stands supreme

There’s lush and lovely landscapeAnd worthy leafy greens

Unassuming sea-sidesFresh, salty and serene

We can roam the far off countriesWith wondrous sights to see

But home is where the heart isAnd Kent is home to me

Back in 2015, we shared an interview with Pauline, a keen writer and artist who lives at our supported home in Wigmore, Drewey Drive. Here, Pauline shares a poem she wrote about her home county of Kent.

Excitement Builds at Woodgate as Barnes Lodge Development Progresses

Resident, Doreen whilst out for a walk

Excitement is building amongst residents and staff at Woodgate, as the development of their new home is progressing well.

Work started on site in February 2014 and is now nearing its final few months of construction, with well underway.

“The residents and staff can see the new home being built from their windows, so it’s creating a lot of excitement,” says Woodgate home manager, Lucy Dixon. “They can’t wait to move over now!”

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Talking Point

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Our homes in KentResidential homes

Connors HouseCraddock Road, Canterbury, CT1 1YP01227 769774

Dene HolmDeneholm Road, Northfleet, DA11 8JY01474 567532

Edward Moore HouseTrinity Road, Gravesend, DA12 1LX01474 321360

Rogers HouseDrewery Drive, Wigmore, Gillingham ME8 0NX01634 262266

The DynesNightingale Road, Kemsing, TN15 6RU01959 523834

WoodgateTudeley Lane, Tonbridge, TN11 0QJ01732 350952

Extra care scheme

Watling CourtIfield Way, Gravesend, DA12 5BP01474 352201

Supported housing

Drewery DriveWigmore, Gillingham, ME8 0NX01634 364375

Haines House22 Tower Road, Orpington, BR6 0SQ01689 830470

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

Mary Jones House24 Tower Road, Orpington, BR6 0SQ01689 830470

Northwood Road59 Northwood Road, Whitstable, CT5 2HA01227 771310

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

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

Legacies in Wills -Making a Huge Difference to Small CharitiesTwice a year, in October and March, selected solicitors around the UK take part in Free Wills Month, a charity backed campaign, which offers over 55s the opportunity to have a simple will drawn up for free. Whilst those participating are under no obligation to leave a gift to a charity in their will, it is hoped that they will see it as a chance to support their favourite cause.

Gifts in wills can of course make a significant difference to any charity, but particularly for smaller charities, they can have a huge impact, helping them to achieve things that may not have been in reach without the kind and generous donations left in wills.

A gift to The Abbeyfield Kent Society would support us in ensuring our homes continue to be places everyone can enjoy and where residents can live fulfilled and stimulating lives. Our network of committed staff and volunteers work persistently to care for our residents and provide them with interesting activities, however, without the kind donations we receive, this would be much tougher.

The Society’s fundraising initiative, The Wish Appeal, is proof that your gift, regardless of size, can make a momentous difference to our residents’ lives and indeed, their families too. The appeal launched in 2014 and has already made countless wishes come true for a number of our residents living in our homes across the county. We have reunited couples and relatives and taken residents for days out on steam trains and nights at the theatre, and we have many more wishes planned for the coming months.

Last year, staff at Woodgate Residential Home in Tonbridge granted a wish for a resident to enjoy a day out at the beach, as part of The Wish Appeal. The resident was overjoyed that she could see the sea again, for what she knew could be the last time. The resident sadly passed away in the weeks following her day at the beach, however, the impact the wish and the memories it created had on her family, will stay with them for a very long time.

If you would like to remember us in your will, your gift, no matter how large or small, will be greatly appreciated by the Society and its residents. The Society has recently launched a new legacy brochure, which contains all the information you will need regarding writing and updating an existing will and leaving gifts to charities, including helpful checklists and a codicil form, allowing you to amend your current will.

If you would like a copy of The Abbeyfield Kent Society’s legacy brochure, contact the media department onmedia@abbeyfieldkent.org or call 01634 729161.

Resident, Arvid, was the first to have a wish granted in 2014. He wanted to go to the cinema.

In total, the wish cost less than £100

e Kent Society

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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.