NEWS & VIEWS
MARCH 2015
News from Board of Management
The Board approved the Association’s budget for its next financial year ending on 31st March 2016
(2015-2016) at its meeting on 18th February 2015.
The Board also set several special Value for Money targets for the Association. These are noted below
and we shall report to you on our performance against them at intervals in the future. In giving you value
for money, our aim is not necessarily to provide accommodation and services at the very lowest cost, but
to do so economically, efficiently and effectively. Value for money suggestions from residents are
always welcome.
Targets:
1.
In 2015-2016, keep any increase in the costs on which we base sheltered housing service
charges at or below the rate of increase in the Consumer Prices Index for that year whilst
maintaining the same levels of existing services.
2.
Over the two years 2015-16 and 2016-2017 taken together, reduce energy costs across the
Association by 5% after excluding the estimated effect of energy price changes whilst
maintaining the same levels of existing services.
3.
Over the three years 2015-2016 to 2017-18 taken together, keep any increase in our Head
Office costs at or below the corresponding rate of increase in the Average Weekly Earnings
Index.
4.
Achieve a response to our next residents’ satisfaction survey at or above satisfaction levels
expressed in 2013, in particular “that rent provides value for money” (97%) and “that service
charges provide value for money” (93%).
5.
Ensure that the cost of the accommodation and services which the Association supplies
remains competitive with the costs of similar organizations for comparable items.
Our precise targets will respond to any changes in the number of units of accommodation and bed spaces
which we provide and are expressed in rather more detailed language than that used above.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
At last we are beginning to see more daylight, with the promise of Spring just around the corner.
At our last committee meeting we were actively discussing ways in which we could make your lives more
comfortable and enjoyable. If any of you could come up with a suggestion for ways in which we can
achieve this, we would be pleased to hear from you.
I have mentioned in the past, the large number of volunteers that help with the gardening and keep our
surroundings looking so lovely but were you aware that you have twelve committee members and three
co-opted members who are your representatives and would welcome your ideas and suggestions at any
time.
Chairman Friends of Glebe Housing
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REPORTING ON PAST EVENTS:
Dixieland Jazz Band
Wow! What a night! With superb jazz, we were all tapping our feet, singing and enjoying every
moment. The two young boys from Hayes School were amazing and performed like veterans.
Most of us felt quite exhausted by the time we went home, but everyone agreed that it was a
fantastic evening.
Yasmin & Friends
It was great to welcome Yasmin and her friends back for an informal afternoon of music and song.
We all enjoyed singing along and as usual tapping our feet.
This is a good opportunity to thank Yasmin for her help on Wednesday mornings for making the
coffee in the Notley.
THE BENCURTIS WALKING GROUP
Past Walks: Wednesday 28th January: Eleven hardy walkers, led by Ronnie and Gordon, went to
Dulwich. We called in at the beautiful Belair House for a coffee and a warm up and then passed the
Dulwich Art Gallery before walking round Dulwich Park. A sharp, heavy squall persuaded us to retire to
the Weatherspoons in Bromley for a good lunch.
Wednesday 11th February Eleven walkers, led by Christine, went to Orpington and walked through
Priory Park and along the path beside the River Cray to St Mary Cray. The lake in Priory Park contains a
large natural spring which is the source of the River Cray. The level of water in the lake was very high
and had partly spread across the path, but there was still room to pass dry-shod. The party returned by
bus to Orpington for lunch.
Future Walks:
Wednesday 11th March - Leaving at 10am from Willis Court there will be a walk led by Pat and Ernie –
details later.
Wednesday 25th March - walk led by Gordon – Farnborough to Keston. This is the walk which was
postponed from 25th February.
Please check the notice boards in Sarjeant and Willis Courts for further details or changes.
NOTLEY LOUNGE
COFFEE MORNINGS –
AFTERNOON TEA –
10am every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
3pm every day except Sunday
BINGO
7pm ADAMS HALL – WEDNESDAY
TRADITIONAL BINGO
CARD BINGO
4th March
11th March
18th March
25th March
£1.20 per session
£1 per session
NEW PLAYERS WILL BE VERY WELCOME
SO COME ALONG AND JOIN US
WHIST CLUB Adams Hall – Mondays 6.30pm for 6.45 start
We welcome new members
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CHURCH SERVICES
Bencurtis Christian Fellowship continues the second Tuesday evening 7.30pm and will be pleased to
see you, and new members very welcome
St John’s Holy Communion will be held on first Monday every month.
FITNESS LIFE SKILLS CLASSES
MONDAY MORNINGS 10am – 10.55am
IN THE NOTLEY LOUNGE
Fitness sessions are to help with everyday life skills.
Endurance to help with walking & doing activities for longer
Nutrition advice – learn about eating healthy foods –
portion sizes to help towards ideal weight. For more information
Everyday Gentle Exercise Group
Meets in the Chamberlain Lounge 2-3pm Mondays
(excepting first Monday in the month when its 1.30-2.30pm)
Donation of £3 per session per person
BENCURTIS LIBRARY, WILLIS COURT
The Library is open on Tuesday & Friday afternoons 3-4pm
Books and CDs are all available
All residents are welcome to use the library
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Bencurtis Art Group
Mondays
10am Adams Hall
Our art group is thriving under the expert guidance of our art master, a
well known local artist and teacher.
All abilities welcome
DARTS
The Darts group extend a warm welcome to any ladies or gentlemen to join
them on any Monday, Wednesday or Friday 3pm–4.30pm Chamberlain
Lounge, Willis Court.
Just “turn up” and you will be made most welcome – go on give it a try!
We play basic darts and have an electronic scoring board and
Plenty of sets of darts to use
BENCURTIS PARK
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SHORT MAT BOWLING CLUB
NEW MEMBERS WANTED
We play bowls on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Adams Hall and practice and coaching is on
Saturday mornings. The subscription for the year from 1st October is £2 and the “green fee” for each
day’s play is only £1, which includes tea or coffee and biscuits during the interval.
Come and see us and at least try your hand at the game
We welcome new members, including new players of the game, and anyone interested in joining our Club
We hope to be welcoming a team from Bellingham during March – the date is awaiting confirmation.
FROM 9
TH
LINE DANCING GROUP
OCTOBER - THURSDAY EVENINGS
ADAMS HALL
7 – 8.30pm
Everybody invited,
Cost £4 per person per session
Cribbage Club
Adams Hall – Fridays 3pm – 5pm
Everyone interested is invited, whether they are proficient players or learners,
there will be help on hand to teach.
Please do join this band of happy card sharks.
Recorded Music Group
Meetings take place on the SECOND Friday of each month
Friday 13th March
Ron will present
“CALLING ALL WORKERS”
In the Chamberlain Lounge 2–3 pm –Everyone Welcome 30p
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY –
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INFORMATION ON OUR OUTINGS & ENTERTAINMENT
MARCH DATES
Quiz Night
Tuesday 3rd March
Saturday 21st March
Money collected £8 11.00-11.30am Chamberlain Lounge
6.30pm for 7pm Adams Hall. Cost to include Fish & Chip Supper.
Bring own drinks and glasses.
Tuesday 3rd March
2.30pm Adams Hall - Tea & Talk “A Life in Sport”
Wednesday 4th March
Visit to the Clink Restaurant Brixton Prison to include transport
and 3 course lunch with coffee
Wednesday 25th March
1pm – 3pm Notley Lounge. Jayne our clothes lady with her
Spring-Summer collections including nightwear, lingerie etc.
FUTURE DATES
Kill or Cure
Tuesday 10th March
Tuesday 31st March
Tuesday 21st April
Broadstairs
Tuesday 12th May
Tuesday 26th May
Wednesday 10th June
Colchester Gems
Tuesday 31st May
Tuesday 28th April
Wednesday 13th May
Notice on Board
Money collected £38 Chamberlain Lounge 11-11.30am
Visit to London Kill or Cure, cost to include coffee, biscuits and
lunch
Notice on Board
Money collected £16 Chamberlain Lounge 11-11.30am
Broadstairs Trip
Notice on Board
Money collected £38 Chamberlain Lounge 11-11.30am
Colchester Gems, Jams & Bouncing Bombs cost to include lunch,
coffee and blue badge guide
Wednesday 1st April
10 – 11.30 am Notley Lounge. April Fool Coffee morning
£1 entrance to include coffee/tea, hot cross bun.
Friday 19th June
Chichester Trip
Monday 6th July
Hythe-Dungeness Trip
Thursday 30th July
Pianolas-Pilots Trip – Maldon Essex
Wednesday 12th August
Stansted House Trip
Monday 24th August
Country called England Trip, following the Magna Carta - Kingston
& Windsor
Monday 7th September
Eastbourne Trip
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TEA & TALK
Monday 2nd March
2.30pm – 3pm in Adams Hall
“A Life in Sport”
Please join us everyone is welcome
VISIT TO THE CLINK RESTAURANT BRIXTON PRISON
WEDNESDAY 4th MARCH
COST £33
Including 3 course lunch, transport
Depart 10.30am
Lunch 12 noon
Return approx 4.30pm
This will be the second visit to a Clink restaurant, the first being High down Prison, Wallington.
Brixton Clink Restaurant is the third to be opened with the aim of reducing prisoners reoffending. The charity said inmates with six to eighteen months left of their sentences are
selected for training to a City and Guilds qualification.
The launch of The Clink at Brixton is due to the success of the charity and its influence on the
national rehabilitation of prisoners.
Quiz Night
21st March
6.30pm for 7pm Adams Hall
Cost £8 to include fish & chips
Bring own drinks, glasses & nibbles
Tables of 6 people with one person responsible for collecting monies and paying
on Tuesday 3rd March 11am – 11.30am Chamberlain Lounge
Should there be anyone who wishes to be included but has no table please sign
the notice in Sarjeant Court and we will match them on a table who needs to be
made up to 6 people.
APRIL FOOL COFFEE MORNING
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Wednesday 1st April
10 – 11.30 am
Notley Lounge
Join us for a special coffee morning £1 entrance
to include coffee or tea & hot cross bun
Raffle
Bring & Buy
All donations to St Christopher’s Hospice
Outing to London Kill or Cure
Tuesday 21st April
Depart 8.45am – Return 6pm approx
Meeting our Blue Badge Guide in Central London for coffee & biscuits followed by coach tour
tracing 2000 years history of medicine and nursing with creepy tales of body snatchers and
barber surgeons and heroic tales of specific endeavour of inspiring and personal sacrifice.
Going to the pub for lunch included in the tour fee.
The afternoon is devoted to the little known Hunterian Museum hidden behind the façade of
Royal College of Surgeons among the interesting and fascinating mix of glass jars, instruments
and a 7ft 7inch tall Irish skeleton!
We shall leave the museum and walk into Lincoln’s Inn Fields in time to buy afternoon
refreshment before returning to the coach by 4.45pm.
COLCHESTER GEMS, JAMS & BOUNCING BOMBS
WEDNESDAY 13TH MAY
Depart 10am Return approx 5.30pm
We begin this new matinee explorer with lunch, dessert and coffee at midday in the heart of
Colchester, where we show you the best of Britain’s oldest recorded town all very close to the
old pub where you may choose from steak pie, fish and chips, ham egg and chips or vegetarian
meal, desserts including rice pudding and sticky toffee pudding followed by coffee.
A short gentle flat walk to see the castle and the River Colne a little snippet of beautiful Dutch
Quarter where 500 years ago Flemish refugees settled.
Back to our coach for a panoramic tour into the Essex countryside, along the way with our guide
crossing the Abberton Reservoir where the Dam Busters made practice runs with their bouncing
bombs, stopping at Tollesbury to see extraordinarily tall Sail Lofts built to serve the local fishing
fleets owned by the wealthy Edwardians. Our last stop at Tiptree Jam Factory to browse
among the curios in the compact museum and treating ourselves to a cream tea or perhaps just
a cuppa before making the journey home.
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BROADSTAIRS
WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE
Depart 9.30am Reutrn approx 6.30pm
Visiting a different seaside town for a change this year.
There will be unusual places to explore including perhaps a visit to quaint
squares of fishermen’s cottages; the arched walkway beside Bleak House (the
Summer home of Charles Dickens) wander along the promenade with its glorious
flower beds. Rest in one of the many eating places, and look along the
Old-fashioned shops.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------We shall visit Chichester in the Summer and take a visit on the Chichester Ship Canal.
GLEBE COURT NEWS
Dignity Action Day, on 1st February, is a national campaign to inspire health and
social care staff and local people to place dignity and compassion at the heart of
care services, in their communities. Dignity Action Day was a day to celebrate all
that the staff have accomplished in delivering dignified care and is also about
celebrating with our own residents and their families and friends.
At Glebe Court the staff had practical live experiences’ training. For example what
it is like to be hoisted, pushed in a wheelchair and fed. Then, to celebrate with our
residents and their families, Beverley gave hand massages and we enjoyed
delicious cupcakes for our afternoon “Digni-Tea”.
Jamie Steen performed “All You Need Is Love” to put residents in the mood for
Valentines Day and they responded well, joined in and thoroughly enjoyed the
show. Residents’ art work adorned the freshly painted walls of the dining room
and everyone enjoyed chocolate hearts while romantic music played.
Jim came with his wife to give a lovely piano recital and stayed for tea and a chat
afterwards.
We celebrated Australia Day and held a special lunch on 26th January and
residents colouring pictures decorated the walls and flags on the tables set the
scene (although there were no prawns on the Barbie!).
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Next the Chinese celebrate their New Year and for 2015 it is the Year of the
Sheep/Ram and we enjoyed a delicious menu of sweet and sour pork with rice or
chicken in black bean sauce with noodles and again the room was decorated with
flags and pictures and pretty oriental napkins on red and white table cloths, with
Chinese music in the background adding to the atmosphere.
Residents were interested in recent television programmes about Churchill and
the Holocaust as well as the programme Wild Life with David Attenborough.
We have been busy decorating Glebe Court, starting with a lovely warm peach
colouring for the orange unit upstairs then the Dining Room has been brightened
up with creamy walls and a smart “easy clean” wooden look floor. We are
awaiting new tables and chairs to finish off however, we have received very
positive feedback from residents and visitors. The reception area has been
refreshed and the same flooring used. Downstairs the nurses and Pet / Joanna
have new offices, ready for going live on our computer based careplans system.
As always, still more to do!
We welcome back Sue, after her accident, on altered hours for the time being.
Looking ahead, please put Sunday 22nd March in your diaries and join us for:
SPRING AFTERNOON
TEA PARTY
With a show at 2pm
Jamie Steen’s Easter Eggstravagansa
And cakes at 3pm
There will also be a raffle
We look forward to seeing you here
Activities Co-ordinator
Glebe Court Nursing Home Enquiries
Tel no. 020 8462 6609
Fax no. 020 8462 9971
Email: glebecourt@hotmail.com
VOLUNTEERING ONLY:
activities@glebecourtnursinghome.co.uk
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NOTICES
REMINDER - OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES
If you have any urgent problems when the office is closed please contact the warden by using your
warden call alarm or by calling the wardens’ flat. There is an answer phone so please leave a
message if the warden is busy.
Residents please give the above number to your families to use in case of any
emergencies
Suggestions to The Friends
It has been suggested to The Friends that the acquisition of a pool table would be
an asset. If you think this is a good idea please phone:
Notice to All Gardeners
Remember to get your Coolings Community vouchers when you next buy plants.
Please give any vouchers to Normal Cook or Joan Rees.
The clocks go forward 29 March
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