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Brand New Bathroom thanks to Grant Funding

The latest update to our rolling refurbishment programme is the installation of a brand new wet room in a downstairs room. This has been funded by a generous donation from Nick Oliver, Northumberland County Councillor for the Corbridge Ward – thank you so much!

The bathroom has been completely retiled in a grey marble finish, and refitted with new shower, basin and toilet and is designed to be fully accessible by non mobile residents. John, the resident who lives in the new ensuite room said, “I like the bathroom a lot. I’m very impressed as it’s so smart. And there’s lots of room.”

It makes such a difference to the lives of our residents, when we are able to completely refurbish a room and make it smart, accessible and welcoming. Thank you again to Nick and his team for their generous donation.

Five Star Kitchen Rating!

We were visited by Environmental Health last week for an unannounced kitchen audit. We’re delighted to report that our kitchen passed with flying colours and after the inspection, we were awarded a five star food hygiene rating, which we’re now proudly displaying on our dining room window. The auditor also commented on our “continually high standards”. Well done to Debbie, our Head Cook, and the whole kitchen team for their hard work and commitment!

Brand new sign for Charlotte Straker House

You may have seen the new stone wall appearing at the bottom of our drive. The wall is being built by Ray and Peter from the Northumbrian branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association and will be the base of a brand new sign, to replace the old white board. The next stage is to fit the aluminium sign – the design of the new sign was chosen by our residents, and is extremely smart and up to date. We’ll post more pictures once the whole project is finished.

£5,000 for our Respite Care Bed from the Garfield Weston Foundation

We are absolutely delighted to have received a grant of £5,000 for our Respite Care Bed from the Garfield Weston Foundation. The generous £5,000 grant will be a great support and essential to the future of our respite service, which costs over £52,000 per annum. Berenice Groves, our Chair of the Trustees said “Thank you to the Garfield Weston Foundation for their generosity and kindness in supporting the Charlotte Straker Project. The donation will enable us to continue providing respite care services to our local community, which is a vital support for carers and families at their time of need. Fundraising has been extremely difficult over the last two years and therefore this grant funding is a great boost to our organisation. “

Remembrance Day 2021

On Thursday at 11 am our residents and staff joined those across the UK and took part in a moving two minute silence for Remembrance Day to remember those who have fallen and those who are currently serving that are close to their hearts. The dining room was decorated with a lovely display of poppies, and later on in the afternoon our residents and volunteers sat down to a delicious home made afternoon tea, with wine and prosecco and enjoyed an online concert of popular wartime songs. Everyone loved it! Some residents were dancing with our staff and volunteers and everyone was singing along and having a great time. Colin said “thank you for arranging the tea and music, it was really good fun.” #lestweforget #remembranceday2021

Recycle Your Ink Cartridges and Help Support The Charlotte Straker Project

Did you know that you can help us raise funds simply by recycling your ink cartridges via our Recycle4Charity programme? For each ink cartridge recycled via the programme we will receive up to £2 donation.

If you would like to join in the scheme please go to https://www.recycle4charity.co.uk/InkjetCartridges to check if your printer cartridge brand is accepted.

We have a recycling box in our summer house in the Charlotte Straker grounds – please drop in your ink cartridges and we will send them to Recycle4Charity on your behalf.

If you prefer to send the cartridges yourself but would still like to help the Charlotte Straker Project please click on the following link for full information http://www.recycle4charity.co.uk/Register/C132828

Thank you for your help in fundraising for our charity!

Christmas Crafting

Last week our residents enjoyed an afternoon making Christmas decorations out of festive paper, ribbons and fabric. They had a busy time and enjoyed a chat and cuppa whilst they crafted. Margaret told us “I love making things like this, especially for Christmas”. Our resident Colin is a dab hand at making very intricate models in wood, cardboard and lego and the photo shows his biggest work to date, a fully electric digger! He says “I’ve always loved making complicated models and my family bring in the kits for me so that I can keep making them here.”

Tombola and Cakes needed for Christmas Fair!

Our next event is the Corbridge Youth Initiative’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 13th November, 10am till 1pm at the Parish Hall, St Helens Street, Corbridge.

There will be stalls including toys, cakes, tombola and raffle, crafts and our very own Crafty Women. Santa will also be visiting the Grotto and volunteers will be providing refreshments which will include tea, coffee, homemade scones and soup.

All proceeds will go to the Corbridge Youth Initiative and the Charlotte Straker Project.

Could you help us by providing donations of tombola prizes and cakes? Cakes and bakes can be left at the Corbridge Village Hall on the morning of Saturday 13th November. Tombola prizes can be left at the Corbridge Youth Initiative on Hill Street, Corbridge.

Thank you very much for your support.

Happy 99th Birthday to Cathy

Happy 99th birthday to Cathy, who celebrated her special day with her family last week. Cathy enjoyed a glass of baileys, and a slice of sponge cake and loved blowing out her candles. Cathy’s sons visited, and brought messages from her 10 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cathy said “I had a wonderful, wonderful day, and everyone came to see me. The staff have been so kind. I opened all my presents and cards. It was lovely.” Many happy returns from all the trustees, staff and volunteers!

Celebrating Trustees Week 2021

To celebrate Trustees Week (1 to 5 November 2021) we are taking the opportunity to thank all our past and current Trustees for the contribution they have made to the Charlotte Straker Project.

Anna Blackett has been a Trustee at Charlotte Straker Project since 2000. “Before I joined the Charlotte Straker Project, I knew very little about the organisation and I was worried about what exactly I could contribute. However, I received a warm welcome, and I’ve found it very rewarding to be able to use my business background to support the charity. I’ve always thought that becoming a trustee is an exciting opportunity to really make a difference. It can be a hugely important and exciting role and I’ve forged some wonderful friendships with other Trustees, staff members and residents and their families. Some of our residents have lived in the area for many, many years and it’s wonderful that they are able to stay in Corbridge, close to family and friends and still be part of the village. Over the years I’ve been at the forefront of new developments and it’s a privilege to see how the home has evolved and grown. It’s very rewarding being able to contribute and give something back to the local community.”

Jamie Whelan has been a Trustee at Charlotte Straker Project for two years. Jamie has spent over six years in practice accounting and is currently working as a management accountant for an e-commerce business.
“I’m delighted that I can use my experience in financial management to benefit a local charity. I live in the area, heard all about the important work of the Charlotte Straker home and respite care bed and I knew that I wanted to contribute in some way. It’s been a great way to increase my own experience and learn from other Trustees and I hope that I bring a fresh perspective and energy to the role.”

Berenice Groves, Chair of the Trustees added “There has never been a more important time to celebrate the work our trustees do and the contribution they make to our charity and local society is truly inspiring. Without their commitment and dedication the Charlotte Straker Project simply would not be possible.

We’re also keen to make new connections with potential trustees, who may be interested in using their experience and talent to help us further strengthen our board’s range of skills. Please email on berenice.grove@charlottestraker.org.uk if you would like to know more about becoming a Trustee at our charity, or visit www.trusteesweek.org throughout the week of 1-5 November for more advice and guidance on becoming a trustee.”