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Festive Soirée raises £1200

Festive Fundraising Concert Raises £1,200 for Charlotte Straker House

A festive fundraising concert held in Corbridge has raised an impressive £1,200 in support of The Charlotte Straker Project, thanks to the generosity and talent of local performers and the community.

The event, A Festive Soirée, was hosted by the women of Wildflowers A Cappella and took place on Saturday 13th December at Corbridge Parish Hall. The sell-out evening featured a programme of festive carols and well-loved songs, creating a warm start to the Christmas season.

Guests were also treated to a special performance by Eddie Nickson of Tanners Yard Band, who stepped in on the night and helped make the event a success.

Tickets included festive nibbles and a welcome drink, and every penny raised will go towards supporting the charitable work of Charlotte Straker House, which provides specialist nursing, residential and respite care for adults aged over 65.

Steve Adams, Chief Executive of The Charlotte Straker Project, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Wildflowers A Cappella and Eddie Nickson for sharing their talents in aid of our charity, and to everyone who came along to support the evening. Events like this not only raise vital funds, but also bring our community together in support of the people we care for. The generosity shown at this concert will make a real difference to our home and the residents we support.”

The charity would like to extend thanks to Wildflowers A Cappella, Eddie Nickson, and everyone who attended and supported this special event. Community support such as this plays a vital role in enabling Charlotte Straker House to continue providing high-quality care.

Thoughtful Giving: Our Christmas Gift Tradition

Thoughtful Giving at Charlotte Straker House: Our Christmas Gift Tradition

Every year at Charlotte Straker House, our team takes part in a much-loved Christmas tradition: each staff member is given a resident to buy a personal gift for with a budget provided by the home. With this, staff set out to select something meaningful that they know will bring joy when unwrapped on Christmas morning.

What we see each year is just how well our staff truly know the residents they support. Gifts are often incredibly personal and thoughtful, reflecting the individual interests, stories and personalities of each resident. From favourite treats to cherished hobbies, every present shows the depth of connection and understanding built throughout the year.

And in true Charlotte Straker style, many of our team go above and beyond, often adding their own touches or choosing to go over budget to make sure their resident feels special and celebrated. These gestures are never expected but they speak volumes about the compassion and dedication behind the care we provide.

A message from our CEO:

“This initiative is a wonderful reminder of the genuine bonds our staff build with the people who live here. The care and attention they put into choosing each gift reflects the kindness and respect underpin everything we do. I am incredibly proud of our team, not only for the outstanding care they deliver every day, but for the thoughtfulness they show in moments like these. It’s a lovely tradition that brings joy to residents and staff alike, and captures the true spirit of our home.”

A Special Weekend of Remembrance

Charlotte Straker House Marks a Special Weekend of Remembrance

This weekend, Charlotte Straker House were proud to bring our community together for two heartfelt services of remembrance on 6th and 7th December. Both events offered meaningful opportunities for residents, families, volunteers, and friends to honour loved ones and take comfort in shared reflection during the festive season.

On Saturday 6th December, we were welcomed by Tynedale Hospice at Home at St Andrew’s Church in Corbridge for their annual Light Up a Life service.
The service, filled with carols, readings, and moments of quiet remembrance, provided a thoughtful space for all attending to reflect and remember.

Pictured above: Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees at The Charlotte Straker Project reading at the Tynedale Hospice Light up a Life service.

We would like to extend our thanks to Tynedale Hospice at Home for inviting us to be part of such a moving and supportive community event. Their service was enjoyed by all who attended from Charlotte Straker House.

On Sunday 7th December, we hosted our own Tree of Lights service here at Charlotte Straker House. As dusk settled, our gardens became softly illuminated, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere for everyone gathered.

The Tree of Lights has become one of our most cherished traditions. It brings together residents, families, volunteers, staff, and members of the wider community to celebrate memories, honour those no longer with us, and share a moment of unity at this special time of year.

Reflecting on the weekend, Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees, shared “Our Tree of Lights service is one of the most treasured moments in our year. Seeing our community come together reminds us of the deep bonds that make Charlotte Straker House such a special place. It was a privilege to stand alongside everyone as we remembered loved ones with warmth and love.”

We are grateful to everyone who joined us across the weekend and helped make both services so meaningful. We would also like to once again thank Tynedale Hospice at Home for welcoming us into their Light Up a Life service, Reverend David Kennedy for delivering our service, and Lord and Lady Allendale at Allendale Estates for kindly donating the tree to our home.

Pictured above: L-R Berenice Groves (Chair of Trustees), Jackie Kellett (Nurse), Reverend David Kennedy, Gavin Black (Vice Chair of Trustees) and Karen Dover (Senior Carer). 

As we look ahead to the rest of the festive season, we remain committed to fostering a compassionate and supportive environment where memories are honoured, community is valued, and no one ever feels alone.

A Festive Transformation at Charlotte Straker House

A Festive Transformation At Charlotte Straker House

This December, Charlotte Straker House has been filled with festive magic – and much of it is thanks to one incredibly dedicated volunteer.

Adrienne, who gives her time so generously throughout the year, has truly gone above and beyond this festive season. Over the past week, she has spent countless hours transforming our home with beautiful Christmas trees, hand-crafted garlands, and sparkling decorations that have brought joy to every corridor and communal space.

One of the standout pieces this year is her clever hand-made spinning decoration – a unique, creative design that has captured the attention of residents, families and staff alike. It’s something you won’t see anywhere else, and it reflects not just Adrienne’s talent, but the love and care she pours into everything she does for our home.

Our residents have delighted in watching the decorations go up, admiring the twinkling lights, and taking in the festive atmosphere that now fills the building. It’s moments like these that turn our home into a truly special place to live.

Sam, our Home Manager explained “Adrienne brings such warmth and creativity to Charlotte Straker House, and her commitment makes a real difference to our residents. The decorations she has lovingly crafted and displayed have brought so much happiness to the people who live here. We are incredibly grateful for her time, her enthusiasm, and the joy she helps create. Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do, and Adrienne is a shining example of how powerful that contribution can be.”