£20,000 Award from The National Lottery Community Fund to Support Community Respite Care
The Charlotte Straker Project is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support its vital community respite bed, which provides essential short-term care for those in need across Tynedale.
This funding will help cover the costs of delivering high-quality, free respite care for individuals who need temporary support – whether recovering from illness, giving carers a much-needed break, or helping to prevent hospital admissions.
“We’re incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and to all the National Lottery players whose contributions make this support possible,” said Steve Adams, CEO of The Charlotte Straker Project. “Our community respite bed plays a critical role in supporting families and individuals at difficult moments. This funding will ensure we can continue to offer safe, short-term care to those who need it most.”
Over the past year alone, the Charlotte Straker Project has provided more than 5,000 hours of free care to individuals and families in need, a clear reflection of the charity’s deep commitment to the local community.
Importantly, this is the only free respite bed available across Tynedale, and even access to paid respite beds is extremely limited, making this service uniquely valuable for carers and families facing crisis or ongoing pressures.
The impact of this support is clearly seen in the experience of Mike Fyfe, one of the charity’s recent respite residents. Originally from Glasgow, Mike is living with early-stage dementia and is still very active. He’s a former rugby referee with Corbridge Rugby Club, and enjoyed being in familiar surroundings — even discovering that he had once gone to school with the husband of a current resident living in the Charlotte Straker bungalows.
Pictured above: Mike Fyfe and Wife, Margaret.
Mike spoke highly of the care he received, describing his stay as both reassuring and enjoyable. From the friendly staff and homely atmosphere to the well-cooked meals and structured daily routine, the experience offered not just rest, but a genuine sense of security.
“The only complaint I have is there’s too much food. Three meals a day and then the tea trolley comes round!” he joked.
His wife, Margot, was also able to take a short break during his stay, travelling to visit family in Bathgate with peace of mind, knowing Mike was well cared for.
“This is as much a break for Margot as it is for me,” Mike said. “It’s a real weight off her mind.”
Mike’s story is a powerful example of how respite care supports not just the individual, but the entire family unit. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, Charlotte Straker House can continue to offer this essential, free service to local people — helping them rest, recover, and remain connected to their community.
This award is part of The National Lottery’s ongoing commitment to supporting community-focused projects that make a lasting difference to people’s lives.
A Wonderful Day at Our Annual Fete – Rain, Laughter and Community Spirit!
Despite the rain, our Annual Fete on Saturday 20th September was a huge success — and the weather certainly didn’t dampen any spirits! We were absolutely thrilled by the turnout, as residents, families, supporters, and friends came together to enjoy a joyful afternoon filled with laughter, connection, and community fun. Guests enjoyed a true fete atmosphere, complete with:
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Afternoon tea served with delicious cakes and scones
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A packed tombola stall with prizes galore
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Classic garden games, including our crowd-favourite Human Fruit Machine
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A stall full of freshly baked goods
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And even ice creams with Flakes – a summer staple, no matter the weather!
Shelters kept everyone dry as the rain came down, but the smiles never faded. Live music from Charlie’s Choir brought a fantastic soundtrack to the afternoon, creating a lovely buzz throughout the day. We were delighted to welcome Gayle Forster to officially open the fete. Gayle, who runs Vintage at the Tower in Corbridge, was recently linked to the film Mission: Impossible, named a High Street Hero in the National Small Awards, and leads Visit Corbridge. Her support of the local community and of Charlotte Straker House, is truly appreciated.
Pictured: Berenice Groves (Chair of Trustees) and Gayle Forster (Vintage at the Tower).
Why the Fete Matters
Our Chair of Trustees, Berenice Groves, addressed visitors to share the important reason behind the event: fundraising to support our vital services.
As a non-profit charitable care home, we must raise over £250,000 each year to bridge the gap between our operating costs and the funding we receive. This includes:
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£65,000 needed annually to run our vital Community Respite Bed
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An additional £99,000 shortfall between the cost of care and local authority funding
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Rising costs from National Insurance and minimum wage increases
Every donation and every penny raised helps us continue offering compassionate, high-quality care to residents and respite visitors, and supports our mission to serve the wider Tynedale community.
Our Thanks
We are incredibly proud to share that the event raised £2016.42, and every contribution will make a real difference.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the day so special — whether you donated items, volunteered your time, ran a stall, or simply came along in support. Special thanks go to Tesco Hexham for donating a brilliant sweet stall, Charlie’s Choir for their live performance and to all the local businesses and individuals who baked, volunteered or provided prizes for our raffle and tombola.
Your generosity and community spirit mean the world to us.
Charlotte Straker Resident Celebrates 60 Years of Marriage with Family and Royal Recognition
A resident of Charlotte Straker House in Corbridge has celebrated his Diamond Wedding Anniversary, marking 60 years of marriage with family, friends — and a card from The King.
John, a much-loved resident at Charlotte Straker House, recently marked 60 years of marriage to his wife, Steph, with a special celebration with their children, Ben and Lucy.
As part of the celebrations, the couple received a special congratulatory card from His Majesty King Charles III, acknowledging the incredible milestone and decades of love and partnership.
To mark the occasion, the family gathered for a celebratory lunch in Newcastle, made even more special by the arrival of their son Ben and his wife Rie, who travelled all the way from Japan to be there.
John and Steph were first married at the Newcastle Registry Office, followed the very next day by a service at St Thomas’ Church. “We didn’t have the budget for a church wedding at the time,” Steph shared, “so we split it across two days which means we get to celebrate our anniversary twice every year!”
Charlotte Straker House marked the day with congratulations and a home-made cake, honouring John and Steph’s long and inspiring partnership.
“It was such a joy to celebrate this milestone with John and his family,” said Sam Willis, Home Manager at Charlotte Straker House. “Diamond anniversaries are incredibly special, and we were delighted to play a small part in helping John and Steph mark the day.”
The Charlotte Straker Project, a registered charity based in Corbridge, provides high-quality care and support for older people, with a focus on community. The Diamond Wedding celebration was another example of the meaningful moments that make the home so special.
We Won: Your NRG’s ‘Giving Back’ Initiative!
We are delighted to share the exciting news that Charlotte Straker House has been awarded a generous donation through Your NRG’s Giving Back initiative – a nationwide scheme that supports organisations across the UK through public nominations and voting.
Thanks to the overwhelming support of our local community and beyond, Charlotte Straker House received the highest number of votes among a shortlist of worthy causes. The initiative, run by energy company Your NRG, allows members of the public to nominate and vote for organisations making a positive impact.
Pictured above: Chair of Trustees Berenice Groves, Gordon Wallis Your NRG and Steve Adams, CEO at Charlotte Straker Project.
Gordon Wallis of Your NRG commented:
“The team at Charlotte Straker House goes above and beyond to ensure their residents feel cared for, supported, and part of a community. Their dedication really stood out to us and to our customers, and we’re proud to support their mission through the Giving Back initiative.”
Steve Adams, CEO of Charlotte Straker House, expressed his gratitude for the recognition:
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for us in the Giving Back initiative. The overwhelming support from our community truly means the world to us and highlights the importance of the work we do every day.”
“We would also like to extend our thanks to Your NRG for offering this fantastic scheme, which helps shine a light on organisations like ours and enables us to continue making a positive difference. This recognition motivates us to keep pushing forward and supporting those who rely on us.”
The donation will be used to directly benefit our residents by enhancing care services, funding staff training, and expanding our existing wellbeing and activity programmes.
We would like to thank everyone who supported our nomination – it’s your votes that made this possible. Together, we continue to build a caring, connected community where every resident is valued and supported.
We are so proud to introduce some of our amazing runners taking part in the 2025 AJ Bell Great North Run in support of the Charlotte Straker Project. Each of these individuals is running for a reason close to their heart, whether to give back, honour a loved one, or support the vital work we do every day.
Read their stories below and please consider supporting their fundraising efforts. Every donation will help us continue providing high-quality residential, nursing and respite care to those who need it most.
Kadene
Local Hair Stylist at Hair by Kadene, Corbridge, running the Great North Run for the first time!
Kadene is a well-known local hair stylist who regularly visits Charlotte Straker House for hair appointments with some residents. After getting to know our home through these visits, Kadene felt inspired to take on the Great North Run and raise funds for the charity.
“Spending time with the residents really opened my eyes to how special the Charlotte Straker Project is. Running is my way of giving back.”
Kadene is training hard and determined to complete the 13.1 mile challenge. Let’s help her smash her fundraising goal!
Support Kadene: https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2025.enthuse.com/pf/kadene-irwin
Zoe
Running in memory of her beloved grandad, Jim Tait
Zoe’s reason for running is deeply personal. She is taking on the Great North Run in memory of her grandad, Jim Tait, who was cared for at Charlotte Straker House before sadly passing away in October 2024.
“I am running in memory of my grandad, Jim Tait. He was cared for by the staff at Charlotte Straker House, and I want to give something back to say thank you. Supporting the home means more families like ours can continue to receive the same care and support.”
We are incredibly honoured by Zoe’s tribute and are cheering her on every step of the way.
Support Zoe: https://www.justgiving.com/page/zoe-stephenson-4
Eve
Administration Assistant at Charlotte Straker House
Eve works as part of the admin team at Charlotte Straker House and sees first-hand the difference our care makes every day. She’s going the extra mile this September to take on the Great North Run and raise money for the residents she supports through her work.
“Being part of the Charlotte Straker team is so rewarding, and now I want to do even more to help. This run is a great way to achieve something special while also supporting the charity.”
We’re thrilled to have Eve representing our staff on the route this year!
Support Eve: https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2025.enthuse.com/pf/eve-mitchell
These inspiring individuals are giving their time and energy to support our charity and you can help make every step count. Please consider sponsoring a runner, sharing their story, or simply cheering them on as they prepare for race day.
We also have two more brilliant runners on the team – we’ll be sharing their stories soon!
Thank you for supporting the Charlotte Straker Project!
A Fresh Taste of Summer at Charlotte Straker House
We’re delighted to share that our brand new Summer Menu has officially launched at Charlotte Straker House and it’s already proving to be a hit!
Crafted with care by our talented kitchen team, this seasonal menu balances delicious flavours with thoughtful nutrition. It’s all part of our commitment to ensuring residents enjoy meals that not only nourish, but bring joy and comfort too.
Shaped by Our Residents and Families
Ahead of the launch, we hosted a special planning session where residents and their families shared their ideas, favourite dishes, and feedback. We were so pleased with the enthusiasm and thoughtful input we received – and many of those suggestions helped shape the final menu.
It’s just one of the many ways we involve our community in the day-to-day life of Charlotte Straker House, ensuring our services reflect the voices of those we care for.
What’s on the Menu?
The Summer Menu runs on a three-week rotation, showcasing a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Some of the new highlights include:
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Seafood Salad – light, refreshing, and packed with flavour
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Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables – a colourful, healthy classic
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Fruit Pavlova – our ever-popular dessert, perfect for summer
Every dish is prepared with attention to detail, aiming to satisfy both the palate and dietary needs of our residents.
A Big Thank You
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring this menu to life, from our residents and families who took part in the planning, to our hardworking kitchen team who deliver these meals with care and consistency every day.
Corbridge in Full Bloom: Open Gardens Event Raises Over £3,000 for Local Good Causes
Over 330 people were welcomed at the 2025 Corbridge Open Gardens charity event with 17 dazzling gardens open to the public.
The afternoon showcased a wide variety of green spaces from well-established cottage gardens and larger areas to creative smaller plots. All generously opened by local residents.
The event raised £3120 to be shared equally between local charities The Charlotte Straker Project, a non-profit care facility in the village, and the Corbridge Community Partnership. Both charities helped to organise and stage the Open Gardens. Supported by local volunteers and community groups, including the Corbridge Gardening Society and Corbridge in Bloom.
Also welcoming visitors to the Open Gardens HQ at the Corbridge Community Hub where volunteers supplied tea, coffee, cake and savouries. Generous donations from recipients added significantly to the total raised (pictured below).
A popular addition this year was a plant sale run by the Tynedale Horticultural Service (NCC) which provides work experience opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. Their involvement added extra value to the event, reinforcing the community focus and offering visitors the chance to support another local initiative.
Taking place the same weekend as the St Andrew’s Church Flower Festival in Corbridge – one of the many events marking the church’s 1350th anniversary – the Open Gardens also formed part of a wider community celebration. Highlighting the rich heritage and community spirit of Corbridge.
Funds raised for Charlotte Straker will go towards the charity’s Development Fund supporting ongoing improvements to care and facilities. The Corbridge Community Partnership will also benefit. With funds supporting its varied community work based at the Hub in Princes Street.
Steve Adams, CEO at Charlotte Straker, commented “This was a well organised and well supported event that brought the village together. We are grateful to all the garden hosts, volunteers and visitors who made it a success. It was a good example of what can be achieved when local organisations work together.”
David Crompton Chair Corbridge Community Partnership shared “It is wonderful when people make a difference in their community. That is exactly what happened with the Open Gardens event. To the many people who visited the gardens we were thankful for your donations your generosity inspires us every day. For the amazing efforts of all the volunteers and garden owners we appreciate your support more than words can express. Despite the wind and rain your enthusiasm shone through to support our local charities.”
Charity Cricket Afternoon Hits a Six Raising Over £1,100 for Corbridge Good Causes
The sun shone (at times!) on Corbridge as the long-awaited Charity Shield Cricket Afternoon took place on Sunday 1 June, raising an impressive £1,113.74 in support of local good causes: The Corbridge Youth Initiative, The Charlotte Straker Project and Corbridge Cricket Club. After weather-related cancellations in both 2023 and 2024, this year’s cricket afternoon was a resounding success, bringing the Corbridge community together for a day of sport, food, fun and live music.
Hosted by Corbridge Cricket Club, the day featured 8-a-side softball cricket, a lively quoits competition, homemade teas in the Pavilion, and a BBQ and live music running into the evening. Locals turned out in great numbers to enjoy the atmosphere and show their support for local charities.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the charity cricket match such a fantastic afternoon. Special mention goes to Chris Nevis, Trustee of Corbridge Youth Initiative, who played a key role in bringing the day together. The funds raised will be shared between both charities.
We look forward to more events in the future with the success of 2025 setting a new standard, the Charity Shield Cricket Afternoon is once again a highlight on the Corbridge calendar.
A Warm Welcome at Our Community Coffee Morning ☕
We were delighted to welcome so many friendly faces to our recent Community Coffee Morning at Charlotte Straker House.
The event brought together residents, volunteers, and local visitors for a morning of laughter, delicious homemade cakes, and engaging conversation. It was heartening to see such strong interest in the work we do — and particularly exciting to welcome several new volunteers who signed up to get involved.
A special thank you goes to our wonderful team of volunteers, who helped host the morning and shared their experiences of being part of the Charlotte Straker community. We’re already looking forward to the next coffee morning and hope to see even more new faces there!
Interested in joining our volunteer team? Find out how you can get involved and make a real difference: Volunteers – The Charlotte Straker Project
The Charlotte Straker Project
Charlotte Straker, Cookson Close
Corbridge, NE45 5HB
01434 633999
office@charlottestraker.org.uk
