Our Registered Manager Pam Crawley hosted a talk about her recent holiday on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. She showed our residents some photos of the beautiful scenery, rolling hills and crystal-clear waters and described the busiest time in the village where she stayed, when the island sheep moved from one side of the road to another! The photos were beautiful and led to a great chat about everyone’s visits in the past and their memories of the island.
We had a very creative afternoon last week when residents and staff enjoyed an Easter session of stone painting. Led by Pauline, a member of our office team, residents Margaret G, Birgit and Margaret S used acrylic paint pens to craft some lovely designs on smooth river stones.
Our Deputy Manager Sam and Registered Nurse Jackie joined in, and helped the ladies paint penguins, bunnies, chicks and more.
Birgit said “I used to paint and be an artist. This is what I love doing. I’m a bit shaky but it’s turned out ok.” Margaret G painted a very cute rabbit design for her daughter Jane and said “Move over Van Gogh! 
I think Pauline and my design is just as good.” Margaret S painted a ladybird and easter chick and added, “these are very cute, although the penguin looks a bit lopsided”.
I think Pauline and my design is just as good.” Margaret S painted a ladybird and easter chick and added, “these are very cute, although the penguin looks a bit lopsided”.As always, our staff made a huge effort to ensure everyone had the support they needed to participate and have fun. The painted stones were varnished and will be proudly displayed in our garden or in resident rooms whilst Margaret G said she will be putting one of her designs in her bathroom
Click below to read our Spring newsletter, packed with the latest news, stories and information! If you would like to receive a print copy please call our office on 01434 633 999.
Our volunteer Peter Wood popped in to give us a very interesting talk on the history of Newcastle city centre last week. He had designed a fascinating presentation about different areas in the city and the history behind them. Peter had also brought along some photos and books from the Discovery Museum plus a wonderful hand stitched embroidery map of the centre of Newcastle. Margaret chatted about working on Grey Street, whilst Margaret G sang a song she remembered about Sandgate. Everyone had their own memories of the city and loved seeing old photos of the Northumberland Street shops from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Thank you to Peter for creating such an interesting talk – he will be back with another presentation on the bridges of Newcastle – we’re looking forward to it!
We all enjoyed an outing to the bowling lanes at the Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham. The bowling staff helped us set up the lanes so all our residents could have a go. Margaret said “I love bowling. I think I’m quite competitive.” As the games progressed, there was lots of friendly banter. Some residents managed full strikes and the staff all had a go as well. For Colin, the outing was a refreshing change of pace. “I never thought I’d be bowling at my age, but it’s been great fun,” he said. “It’s nice to get out and try something new.” John and Colin were over the moon to win special trophies for the bowling competition – check out their smiles below!
Thank you to Tonia Urwin and her beautiful spaniel Belle who regularly visits our residents. Belle is a professionally assessed @WAG therapy dog and is a massive favourite with us all at Charlotte Straker House. She is so well behaved and friendly and loves all the pats and strokes. She met lots of different residents and visited the less mobile in their rooms. Birgit said “her ears are so soft and fluffy.” And Nancy told us that “I used to breed dogs, and I do miss them. But Belle is very beautiful.” WAG is a visiting dog charity befriending older dog lovers in care or in hospitals across the North East of England – more details can be found at their website https://wagandcompany.co.uk/
Isobel is a lovely lady that visits Charlotte Straker House for our Day Care Service. She celebrated her birthday with us last week and loved the gifts we gave her and cards. Isobel has told us she enjoys our day care service very much, especially the home-made lunches, and the opportunity for a chat with our staff and other residents. She also loves our afternoon activities such as the crafting sessions and visiting musicians – and the delicious coffee and home baked goodies!
She’s pictured alongside Jayne, our Activities Coordinator. If you would like more information on our day care services please visit https://charlottestraker.org.uk/daycareservice/ or call 01434 633 999
We have many wonderful links with the local community and one of the most important is our connection with St Andrew’s Church in Corbridge. We’re delighted that we can offer a monthly in-house church service at Charlotte Straker House which is led by Bob and Jo Eldridge from St Andrew’s. Several of our residents choose to take part, and enjoy a bible reading, hymns and a discussion. This month it was all about Spring and the chance of growth and a chat about what it means to our residents. Thank you to Bob and Jo for visiting each month and providing such an important service for our home.
The Charlotte Straker Project
Charlotte Straker, Cookson Close
Corbridge, NE45 5HB
01434 633999
office@charlottestraker.org.uk
