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!

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/

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.

Our latest testimonial: from Sophie, niece of recent respite resident Margaret D.
“My aunt needed emergency respite accommodation last year after a fractured water pipe caused a flood which brought a ceiling down. Charlotte Straker came to the rescue and my aunt stayed with them for five months.
I want to thank everyone there for their care and kindness, not just to my aunt, but also to me. When I first made enquiries all the office staff were so helpful, kind and patient with me. It was such a stressful time for me and this kindness meant a lot. I met Pam and Sam then, who were also so reassuring and kind. Sam visited my aunt at the neighbour’s house where my aunt was staying and really put my aunt at her ease.
When my aunt moved to Charlotte Straker she was taken through an assessment by Mary the nurse, who again was so patient and helpful with both my aunt and me. Throughout my aunt’s time there, every time I visited I was met with smiles and friendly greetings from all the staff, inside and outside the building. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble. I met Christian several times, also Ian and Mary again, I know my aunt became very fond of them and I can see why.
I am so grateful to everyone at Charlotte Straker – what a wonderful organisation you are, we are lucky to have you.”