Page 3 Green fingers across the service
Page 10 & 11 Make plans for your future care
Page 14 Jobs: Turning back the years
Sunrise 2013 - Issue 3
Stepping back in time to the swinging 50s and 60s
Welcome
In this issue...
Hello and welcome to the autumn edition of Sunrise. I hope you made the most of the warm, dry summer by getting out and about in the sunshine.
£1,000 fundraiser
On the buses
page 8
Thank you to everyone who has contacted us with their news and ideas for Sunrise. We’ve received a lot of good feedback as well as plenty of thoughtprovoking material.
Planning ahead
pages 10 & 11
Golden celebrations
page 13
This time we held lively editorial meetings at Ralph Barlow Gardens and Sandby Court where readers provided us with plenty of material.
My first job
page 14
We also talked to several readers about their lives and hobbies – you’ll find these features scattered through the magazine. The Big Issue this time (pages 10 and 11) is a particularly sensitive topic about advance care and end of life planning to ensure that your wishes are met. There’s a strong transport theme running through this issue, with interviews with Stan Fryer about the rural bus route he worked on and Tom Savage, who spent much of his working life driving trains. Gen Glover writes about her recent helicopter flight and there’s a roundup of the Magic Moments trip to the Shuttleworth Air Show. Please keep sending in your news and ideas and let us know if you’d like to be a local reporter or photographer. We’re always delighted to hear from you. Heather Bishop Editor
Summer party page 6
Pedal power page 12
Puzzles page 15 Silver Jubilee page 16
Coming to a scheme near you. The Sunrise team was out and about in July and August to meet readers across the regions. We visited Ralph Barlow Gardens, Kingstanding and Sandby Court in Chilwell, Nottingham, to talk to residents about what they would like to see in the magazine and pick up their stories. We also met customers from several ExtraCare schemes at Broad Meadow’s 1950s/60s themed event. The Sunrise editorial board is an ever-changing mix of people who make sure we cover the issues that you’d like to read about.
Copy deadline Our copy deadline for the next issue of Sunrise is Friday 8 November 2013 2
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The meetings are friendly and informal and you can get involved as much or as little as you like. If you’d like to get involved speak to your scheme manager or email us at: sunrise@ midlandheart.org.uk
Join the team We’re looking for volunteers from across the schemes to act as local ‘subbies’ to collect news items that may be suitable for Sunrise or even take photographs. So far our team includes: Gen Glover – Little Quillet Court, Cam Celia Jones – Fonteine Court, Ross-onWye Lamburth Stone – Jack David House, Tipton Jennifer Holloway – Oak Tree Court, Hall Green, Birmingham Nina Rootes – Clifton Court, Ludlow Audrey Brodie – Timber Mill Court, Harborne, Birmingham Peter Cooper – Reginald Mitchell Court, Hanley Jean Morris – Shannon’s Mill, Tamworth Joan Martin – Whitgreave Court, Wolverhamton Janet Murray – Whitgreave Court, Wolverhamton Yvonne Jarrett – Samson Court, Mike Bennett – Ralph Barlow Gardens, Kingstanding Steve Howard – Ralph Barlow Gardens, Kingstanding Fiona McLeod – Sandby Court, Chilwell If you’re interested in joining the team, please contact Nigel or Catherine at sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk
A good year for growing A Harborne couple are enjoying the fruits of their labour after an exceptional year on the plot. Bob and Sylvia Hurst tend an allotment near their home at Timber Mill Court, growing a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers. “It has been an excellent year,” said Bob, who explained that these days he does most of the digging while Sylvia is in charge of the planting. “Everything we have grown this season has done very well and as well as enjoying fresh food all summer, we freeze some things to last throughout the winter.” Bob got a taste for gardening as a child when he travelled from his Birmingham home with a neighbouring family to work in Pershore, picking fruit during the summer holidays.
Oh, the buzzing of the bees… Andrews House is playing its part to get Britain buzzing! In the wake of publicity about the nation’s dwindling bee, butterfly and insect population, residents at the Lichfield scheme planted a Bee and Butterfly garden last summer. Scheme manager Liz Ferris said: “It has been in full bloom this year and during July and August we have seen bees and many different varieties of butterflies feeding on the flowers. “The residents made donations for all the plants, lights, insect boxes, bird bath and stone steps and the garden was planted by Margaret Israel, who tends it with the help of our gardener Dave.”
Golden glow over Kenilworth gardens Keen gardeners at Willowmeer and Adcock Drive were thrilled to hear they had clinched a coveted gold medal in the fiercely competed Kenilworth in Bloom competition. Proud resident Val Slater (pictured above) told Sunrise: “This is the first time we have entered the competition and we are all so proud. “Those of us who are able try to grow nice flowers to brighten up the scheme. There are many who cannot do their pots and gardens, so the gardeners keep it neat and tidy for them.” The scheme picked up its gold medal in the Communal Living & Nursing Homes category of the annual completion in September. A spokesperson for Kenilworth in Bloom said: “Retired residents at Willowmeer and Adcock Drive had pulled the stops out and there is no doubt that many years of enthusiastic gardening were drawn on to achieve wonderful displays.”
email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540
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Around the sch Why I like living at Ralph Barlow Gardens
Ralph Barlow Gardens in Kingstanding, Birmingham is a complex of 38 selfcontained flats with communal facilities including kitchen, dining room and laundry. The Sunrise team visited the scheme during the regular Thursday coffee morning to meet customers and discover why they love living where they do. This is what they said… “I enjoy living here and have a lot of friends. Ralph Barlow Gardens has everything I need and amenities are close by.” Royston Westwood “It’s a comfortable, e and pleasant place to liv sa wa I is well situated. gin be to little concerned as with because I felt ing into though I was mov me, but an old people’s ho at. It is it isn’t at all like th t of friends.” d I have made a lo
very lively an Richard Walter
Hats off to you ladies “I’ve lived here for 12 years and am very ed but still content. I am retir ence.” have my independ Tom Savage “I like the place. It’s very nice here with a happy atmosphere an d I have made a lot of go od friends.” Alan Talbot
“I have friendship and comradeship at Ralph Barlow Gardens. It’s a community where we help each other. I’m originally from Erdington so living here means I am close to friends and my church.” Steve Howard
New arrivals at Briarwood The green-fingered group at Briarwood in Ettingshall, Wolverhampton, were surprised to make a new discovery in the garden this summer. The keen gardeners, who grow their own fruit and veg, were thrilled to find a hedgehog with three babies nestled in a bag of compost.
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All the thrill of the races came to Lichfield’s Andrews House when residents enjoyed an Ascot-themed evening. Scheme manager Liz Ferris said: “The order of the night was dress to impress which many of the ladies did. There was bucks fizz on arrival and four screened races to enjoy.” What they thought… “It was a good night. I hope it won’t be the last one.” “The racing was good fun.” “A good run for our money.” “We all had a winning time.” “We all felt we were at Ascot.” “Ascot Ladies Day came to Andrews House!”
Seaside trip lifts the spirits Ralph Barlow residents enjoyed an old fashioned taste of seaside fun on an eight-day break in Torquay. The holiday, on the glorious English Riviera, was organised by the residents themselves, led by customer ambassador Mike Bennett. He said: “All 13 residents had a brilliant time. We were lucky to get good weather too.”
hemes Head appointed Sarah Clee, who has been Interim Head of Older People’s Services since 24 March 2013, was appointed to the role on a permanent basis in August. Sara Beamand, who previously held the position, is now Managing Director, Care and Support. Sarah, who has worked at Midland Heart since 2007, has a wealth of management experience including six years in the National Health Service where she gained an in-depth understanding of care and support services. She said: “Working with customers and staff in my interim role gave me a great insight into what is important to address to maintain quality and to plan for the future. “I feel hugely privileged to be asked to lead this service and deliver desirable and affordable quality services that meet the needs of our customers today and into the future.”
Fundraiser tops
£1,000
A charity supporting wounded soldiers has received a massive boost thanks to the efforts of everyone at Ralph Barlow Gardens. The scheme in Kingstanding, Birmingham, held a special fundraising event in July raising £1,000 for the the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine’s (RCDM) Clinical Unit. The unit, based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, is the primary receiving unit for all military patients from overseas and also accepts nonoperational casualties from around the world. The party night, with live entertainment, a buffet and raffles was open to everyone… from family and friends to those in the local community. Michael Bennett, a customer ambassador for the scheme, said: “It was a real team effort; everyone played their part. It was hard work but well worth it. We were delighted to have raised so much money.”
“We always celebrate Armed Forces Day and thought it would be a good idea to donate the proceeds from an event to RCDM.”
The main organising committee was made up of Michael, Steve Howard and Michael Lynes, supported by other residents and staff. Michael added: “We always celebrate Armed Forces Day and thought it would be a good idea to donate the proceeds from an event to RCDM.” Guests paid £1 per ticket and residents raised the cash to pay for food from their weekly coffee mornings. Sandby Court residents were delighted when Mayor of the Borough of Broxtowe, Councillor Iris White, presented the scheme with a cheque for £100 from the Mayor’s Parlour Fund, giving a welcome boost to the social fund.
email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540
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Summer celebrations
Timber Mill gardens look a picture at summer party
Broad Meadow rocks with the spirit of the 50s and 60s
It was the perfect English garden party. The gardens looked glorious, the food tempting and the sun shone all afternoon. Timber Mill Court couldn’t have done it better! The event on 21st August was the idea of Bernard Cooper, Chair of the residents’ committee. With the support of committee members and scheme manager Frances Sherwood, their efforts paid off. With a steel drummer providing music, a raffle and dancing, there was plenty to keep the guests from the scheme in Harborne, Birmingham, very happy.
Broad Meadow stepped back in time to the glamour of the fabulous 50s and swinging 60s at a special Magic Moments themed event.
Bernard Cooper said: “Around 45 residents and their guests attended and everyone had a great time, with the weather holding up well. The ample buffet was complemented with an additional array of cakes made by a resident, Margaret Brownley, and the occasion went down a storm, with plans for a repeat next summer.” A raffle, which boasted 23 donated prizes, raised around £123.00 towards subsidising future functions.
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The 50s and 60s Fun Day on 16 August saw highlights of the two decades come to the Dudley ExtraCare scheme. A pink Cadillac, milk shake bar and singers belting out golden oldies captured the spirit of the age to entertain the crowds. Customers from around the schemes attended the fun-filled event, along with their family and friends. The children were kept happy with face painting and a bouncy castle.
In full bloom - Ken and Edna Sharp’s green fingers produced a riot of flowers this summer.
Several older people’s schemes ran stalls to raise funds including Bric & Brac, Tombola, a clothes stall, lucky dips, crafts, hand-made sweet stall, cake stall & plant stall and more …
Transported back in time
Tom steps back into his past at railway museum
Former train driver Tom Savage was delighted to spot one of the steam engines he had driven during a recent visit to the National Railway Museum in York. Tom, from Ralph Barlow Gardens in Kingstanding, started his working life in the Navy then worked as a fireman on the railways for 15 years before becoming a driver in 1958. Something for everyone on the day... from stalls and competitions to afternoon tea.
He remembered driving the Evening Star, the last steam locomotive built in Britain, on one journey from Rugby to Bescott. “I had an idea that the Evening Star was at the museum and it was nice to see the engine again,” he said. “I enjoyed my years on the railway despite working unsociable hours and I worked on the steam engines until they were replaced by diesel and electric trains such as the Intercity 125. “We didn’t work on particular routes. It was a case of turning up at the depot and driving whatever loco was available. They were good times.” The Evening Star rolled out of the Swindon works on 18 March 1960.
Congratulations to Oakwood Lodge whose stall was voted the best. The scheme in Willenhall, Woverhampton, also won £100 for raising the most money on the day for its residents’ fund… £270. The stall sold sweets, many of which were hand-made, plus healthy alternatives. Customer Tom Banks said: “ it was a lovely day and great to see everyone getting in to the theme of 50/60s. “We did really well on our stall everyone worked really hard to boost the customer funds at Oakwood Lodge.”
It was designed and built for express freight movement and was the only member of its class to receive a name. The loco was withdrawn from service in 1965 after sustaining damage in an accident and because of the popularity of the new diesel engines. The Evening Star is now part of the National Collection and is currently based at the National Railway Museum in York. You can see video footage of the Evening Star on a number of excursions over the Settle and Carlisle line in 1988 on YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXvF1F-3nTU
email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540
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Transported back in time (continued)
Life on the buses Stan Fryer’s childhood wasn’t an easy one, but he looks back to his early years with great affection. He began working as a conductor on the Llangrove to Ross-on-Wye bus at the age of 12, after gaining special permission to miss school. Stan’s sister died when he was just 9 years old and when his mother died, Percy Tummey, the owner of the local bus company, took young Stan under his wing… and so began his lifelong love of buses. “My Dad worked as a gardener so when it was just the two of us, I had to do my share of the housework, cleaning one room of our house in Llangrove every day after work. “Our neighbours were very kind though, providing me with a hot meal each night. Percy Tummey even bought me my first suit.” Stan, who lives at Ross’s Fonteine Court with wife Mary, remembers that it cost one shilling and sixpence to make the return journey. During the war the bus made the journey seven times a day when petrol rationing increased demand. Today only one bus runs from the village to the town each day. In the 1940s the last bus brought people home from the cinema on Saturday nights, waiting at the stop for the film to finish before they could leave. After serving in the RAF for two years, Stan returned home in 1948 and began driving the buses the following year. He married Mary in 1950 and the following year left his beloved buses to become a confectionary salesman and spent many happy years travelling around the area.
Our thanks to G eorge Way of Champions Co urt who put to gether this wonderful montage of th e photographs he took on the da y
Vintage aircraft brighten up the skies Visitors to the Shuttleworth Military Air Show couldn’t fail to be moved by the sights and sounds overhead. The Magic Moments group from Midland Heart spent a tiring but happy day in the sunshine watching military aircraft from yesteryear pass by. The crowd was treated to the wonderful spectacle of the Lancaster and the first sight of the bomber on the horizon began to stir the senses. The group who visited the air show at Shuttleworth airfield, Biggleswade, also enjoyed the Historic Vehicle Parade and visits to the aircraft museum and bird sanctuary. The event attracted customers from across the schemes including Wharf Court in Melksham; Pennybank Court, Rugeley; St Nicholas Court, Coventry; Penmakers Court, Smethwick; Shannon’s Mill, Tamworth.
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Confused by computers? Baffled by broadband? Our A – Z guide of computer terminology will help you to make sense of the wonderful world of technology. In the latest in series, we run through letters J - M J is for jargon
The sky's the limit for Gen Gen Glover took her first helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view of Jersey. The trip was quite a family affair with Gen and her daughter Anne as passengers, and grandson Simon at the controls. Gen, who lives at Little Quillet Court in Cam, Gloucestershire, sent in her report… “My family live in Jersey, in the Channel Islands and my grandson Simon has a pilot’s licence to fly a helicopter. He took my daughter and myself for a short flight round the island. The weather was good, warm and sunny We climbed in, put on our life jackets and strapped ourselves in. Simon started the engine; he requested permission to take off. No racing of noisy engines and speed. Just a gentle lift up into the air. We all had headphones on and could hear the control tower and Simon. We taxied above the runway, taking off over the bay and up into the sky. The aerial views were fantastic. We flew over Gorey Castle and at that point we could see the French coast about 12 miles away. Then over the northern coast which is high cliffs and rocky, with a few beaches. We flew over the long beach, St Ouen’s; used for sand racing, motor bikes and good for surfers.”
Don’t know your URL from your USB? Using a computer means learning another language. Don’t panic - check out the BBC’s Webwise jargon-buster at: www.bbc.co.uk/ webwise/a-z/ K is for keeping in touch Facebook revealed that the number of users aged 64 and older is increasing faster than any other age group. The social networking website enables you to keep in touch with friends and share photos. Don’t ever publish personal details online such as your exact address, home phone number or your bank account details. Do check your privacy settings so you can control who sees your page. L is for learning The internet has transformed learning… all the information you need is available at the touch of a button. Or you can track down courses held locally run by colleges and the University of the Third Age. M is for mobiles Many mobile phones have developed into mini computers with the ability to surf the internet and are commonly known as smartphones or androids. For comfortable surfing, you need a smartphone with a big, sharp screen such as Apple’s iPhone, HTC’s Desire or Samsung’s Galaxy. You will pay for internet connection unless you can connect wirelessly… so do watch out for charges.
email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540
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The issue...
Planning ahead for the end of life No matter what your age it’s never too early to think about planning ahead for the end of life. Whether you have a terminal illness or are mature in years, it may be a good idea to make plans in advance for the future of your care. Advanced care planning involves thinking and talking about your wishes about how you are cared for in the final months of your life. Many people make an advanced plan because they have a condition that is expected to get worse, which may mean they will not be able to make decisions or communicate their decisions in the future. However, anyone can plan for their future care, whether they are approaching the end of life, or not. You may sometimes think about what will happen if you become seriously ill or disabled. Would your partner or family know about the kind of care you would like to receive, or where you would like to die? Would they know if you want to be resuscitated or if you want to refuse any kinds of treatment? These are not easy topics to think about, but by discussing your wishes with your family you could be saving them from making difficult decisions on their own later on.
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Writing a will It is a subject which most people don’t want to think about, but drawing up a will ensures that your wishes will be met. If you don’t have a will the law decides who inherits your estate, which can make a sad time even more difficult for your family. Some people find it easier to sit down and talk to their family about their will to explain what they are doing. By writing a will: • you can be sure your savings and possessions will go to the people and causes you care about. • it removes any doubt about who you want your estate to go to, avoiding any disputes between relatives. • you may be able to reduce the amount of tax you have to pay on your estate. It’s usually best to get advice from a solicitor except in very simple cases because small errors can cause big problems. Make sure it’s absolutely clear what you want to happen to your whole estate. You can make specific gifts to people and then state where the residue of the estate is to go. You can find more information online at: www.which.co.uk/money/retirement/guides/writing-a-will www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/free-cheap-wills www.gov.uk/make-will/overview
Midland Heart new guidelines aim to bring consistency End of life planning is a sensitive topic which not all staff or residents are comfortable discussing. So the new end of life policy, which will be published in the coming months, should bring consistency across the schemes and give staff clear guidelines on advanced planning and the procedures which need to be followed after a resident dies. Midland Heart’s Derek Smith, Village Partnership Manager, and Maree McAndrew, Senior Social Policy Officer, have been working on the project for several months, in consultation with staff and residents.
Be prepared…with an advance statement An advance statement is simply a written statement that conveys your preferences, wishes, beliefs and values regarding your future care. The aim is to provide a guide to anyone who might have to make decisions in your best interest if you have lost the capacity to make decisions or to communicate them. An advance statement can cover any aspect of your future health or social care such as: • How you want any religious or spiritual beliefs you hold to be reflected in your care. • Where you would like to be cared for, for example at home or in a hospital, a nursing home, or a hospice. • How you like to do things, for example if you prefer a shower instead of a bath, or like to sleep with the light on. • Concerns about practical issues, for example who will look after your dog if you become ill.
Who completes an advance statement? You write an advance statement yourself, as long as you have the mental capacity to make these statements. You can write it with support from relatives, carers, or health and social care professionals.
Derek said: “Midland Heart has never had an end of life policy before. There has been a lot of good practice across the schemes but no real consistency. The new policy will give clear guidance which is less ambiguous.” The new guide will include end of life planning as well as providing definite guidelines for staff to follow in the event of a death. “The appendixes will include plenty of easy-to-follow information about cultural and religious differences, how tenancies can be ended and what to do if there is no next-of-kin,” Derek added. “Our staff have always dealt with these difficult situations very well in the past, but having guidelines to follow will make the processes easier and will give them confidence. “Similarly, not all staff are comfortable talking to customers about end of life planning, so again, having structured guidelines to follow should make a very sensitive subject a little easier to handle.”
email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540
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Remarkable residents Pedal power helped David raise £50,000+ for charity David Winsper is a man with a taste for action and adventure and has always refused to let his visual impairment affect his zest for life. The 75-year-old’s bungalow at The Ulleries, Solihull, is packed with photographs, medals and other memorabilia to mark his sporting and fundraising prowess. David estimates he has raised more than £50,000 in the last 30 years for RP Fighting Blindness, the charity he and wife Betty set up with two other couples in 1975. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a disease of the eye that leads to loss of vision and blindness, is hereditary. David’s two daughters are both carriers of the gene and each has one son with RP. David’s eyesight became significantly worse at the age of 30 when he was unable to read print and several years later could only distinguish between light and shade. To raise much-needed funds for RP Fighting Blindness he took up running, completing 11 grueling marathons with his friend and lead runner John Dobson. When John gave up running after 20 years David got on his bike… literally, by joining the Solihull Tandem Club. He now rides regularly with Jonathon Williams his friend from the club for the past 20 years. His long list of mammoth cycle rides include two Land’s End to John O’Groats journeys which proved great fundraisers as well as giving him the adventure he enjoys.
David (left) with Jonathon Williams
completing the route in an impressive 21 hours with friend George Jones “When I was diagnosed with RP at the age of 14, no-one really knew much about the disease,” David explained. “We set the charity up to fund research into the condition as well as offer support to others. “I’ve accepted that it’s probably too late for me now, but I hope the research will help my grandsons. “Sitting around on the sofa was never for me… I still like getting out and about, and while I don’t see myself doing any more big events, I still get out with the tandem club most Sundays. I’ve always fancied tandem skydiving too!” Watch this space!
He also lists the 50 mile Longmynd hike, which covers eight peaks, among his achievements,
David with wife Betty
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Birthday celebrations
Golden celebrations galore There’s a golden glow over Hanley’s Reginald Mitchell Court this summer as three couples celebrate their 50th wedding anniversaries. All three couples married in 1963 in the Stoke-onTrent area. Nancy and Peter Cooper - 31 August at Christ Church, Cobridge. June and Glyn Rutter - 14 September, St. Luke’s Church, Stoke Ann and Eric Trigg, 12 October, St. Luke’s Church, Stoke Congratulations to you all.
Hard work is the secret to a long life Doris Beecham has never enjoyed celebrating her last 90 birthdays after the untimely death of her mother Sarah, on the day she turned nine. But friends and family hope she’ll make an exception on 9th January 2014 to celebrate her hundredth birthday. Doris, the first resident to move into Solihull’s Fernleigh Court 28 years ago, says the secret to longevity is, “hard work, and a lot of it!” The fourth of six children, Doris spent her working life as a landlady of several pubs in the West Midlands, including the Barley Mow in Solihull and The Ring O’Bells in Yardley. The last pub she ran with husband Frank, a former policeman, was The Swan in Yardley (pictured), the largest pub in Great Britain at the time. “They were very happy days,” she remembered. “We worked long hours but the job was lovely. We made so many friends and I would enjoy sitting chatting to customers.” Doris was also an active member of the Licensed Victuallers Association, and organised annual trips to the countryside for poor families in the area. The couple had one son, David, who lives in South Carolina, U.S.A. with his two children, Michael and Sarah. The family enjoy an extended stay with Doris each January She already has a card and letter from the Queen marking her Diamond and Platinum wedding anniversaries to Frank, who passed away in 2010. Now she’s looking forward to getting the 100 year old congratulations from the Queen on 9th January 2014.
Back row from left: Peter Cooper, Glyn Rutter, Eric Trigg Front row from left: Nancy Cooper, June Rutter, Ann Trigg
1963 was the year when… • The Great Train Robbery took place in Buckinghamshire. • The Beatles reached number one with “She Loves You” • Kim Philby was named as the ‘Third Man’ in the Burgess and Maclean spy ring • The ‘Profumo Affair’ shocked the nation • Summer Holiday starring Cliff Richard premiered in London.
email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540
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Turning back the years... “My main job was a stock controller but I also worked as an entertainer and as an extra on Crossroads. It was only a walk-on role but I really enjoyed it.” Gary Metcalfe, Penmakers Court, Smethwick Actor and entertainer
My first job...
The Sunrise team has been out and about talking to readers about their first job. “I worked in the Jewellery Quarter as a wax injector. It was an interesting job because I got to see the jewellers making necklaces, rings and earrings. I also accumulated some jewellery with my wages too.”
“I went to work as a carer for a fortnight… and stayed in the job for 25 years. I was working in a home in Ross-on-Wye and I found the job rewarding and the people interesting. They had so many stories to tell.”
Margaret Clarke, Ralph Barlow Gardens
Keith Price, Ralph Barlow Gardens
“I was a shorthand typist in an insurance office in Elgin, Scotland, when I was 19. There was just me and my boss, who was an old man, working in the office. One of the first things he said was that I should feel free to bring in some knitting to do if my work was done. As I only had to type two or three letters a week, I did a lot of knitting! I stayed there for two years until I married and moved abroad, initially to Sierra Leone.” Elizabeth Fraser, Sandby Court
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“My first job was at Firmin and Sons, which designed and manufactured ceremonial uniform buttons. I worked there for 22 years, painting buttons. I liked it; every day seemed different.” Jean Bisgin, Ralph Barlow Gardens
What are your memories of your first job? Or the best job you ever had? Write in and let us know at Sunrise.
Puzzles
Crossword Across
1 All-embracing (13) 8 Vehicle (3) 9 Yellow flower (9) 10 Poll (8) 11 Word of agreement (4) 13 Pastry cook of old (6) 14 Difficulty - dispute (6) 16 Implement (4) 17 Neat skip (anag) - place of ruthless competition (5-3) 20 London restaurant opened by J. Lyons & Co in 1896, closed 1965 (9) 21 Possess (3) 22 Showing effect of mind over matter (13)
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1 Hiding place (5) 2 System in which prices should be determined by competition (6,7) 3 Refutation (8) 4 Lancashire dish (6) 5 Want - require(ment) (4) 6 Social security payment (6,7) 7 Wipe out (7) 12 Place for developing photographs (8) 13 Break during motor race (3,4) 15 Otherwise than if (6) 18 Jacket (5) 19 Track (4)
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Wordsearch
Congratulations to the winner of the word search in Issue 2 2013 which was Glenda Neale, from Champions Court, Dursley. A £20 Love2shop voucher is on its way to you.
This issue we asked readers about their first job in our ‘Turning back the years’ series. So in the word search this time you need to find the complete list of occupations listed below. There’s a £20 Love2shop voucher for the first correct entry out of the bag, so make sure you send in your Word U M P R R E N G I S E D D C K E Z W I Z Search entry to be in the running. L Z G E R E N E D R A G P A A F D Q N Y Post your entry to: Wordsearch Autumn 2013, Sunrise, Midland Heart, 20 Bath I O C L R V H A H A H R O I M G B N W G Row, Birmingham B15 1LZ N I E L E L G P Y O Y Y E B W B V N R A Please note the competition is only open G O R E H W V Z A G S X Y Y N T E C I R to Midland Heart customers with only one H I T W C K A I U R B A S K W S V X T X entry per customer. Y Q H E A X X T E H G J Z O G A V T E U Final deadline for entries is Friday 22 November 2013 T B A J E F P C G Y G O D P L E L Y R E
Gardener Engineer Train Driver Jeweller Grocer Designer Pilot Name Address
Teacher Writer Lawyer Soldier Photographer Nurse
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Telephone
C H O E S R U N O T D D O D M F C F Z D
email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540
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Silver Jubilee celebrations in Coventry Staff pulled out all the stops to make sure the 25th anniversary of College Gardens didn’t pass unnoticed. The scheme, in Coventry, organised a big party on 21 June to celebrate 25 years of providing excellent accommodation and support. The party was organised by scheme manager Susan Holman, helped on the day by leasehold manager Sharon McAlinden. Customers and their families were invited to a buffet lunch and an afternoon of celebration with Colin and Marianne Hayes crowned King and Queen for the day. Singer Matt Christy kept the guests entertained with classics spanning the decades and the hat design competition was won by Val Clarke. Scheme manager Susan Holman said: “The first residents moved in in June 1988, some of whom are still here.
Picture perfect “They are Kath Gough, Jean Constable, Joan Spriggs, John Bright our centenarian, and Bob Shanks.”
25 years on… “I have seen a lot of changes over the last 25 years lots of them for the better. I am so glad we moved to College Gardens when we did. It’s a lovely happy scheme and there is always plenty going on.” Jean Constable “It was lovely that everyone got together on this special day. I have been very happy living here for the last 25 years.” Joan Spriggs
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email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540
Thank you to everyone who sent in entries for the first Sunrise photography competition. There’s a lot of talent out there! Last date for entries was 31 August 2013 and after a slow start, entries in the three categories flowed in. The entries will be judged by a panel of residents from Older People’s services and other Care & Support customers with the results published in the December 2013 issue. The winning entry in each of the three categories will receive a £50 gift voucher… so keep your fingers crossed.