The Charlotte Straker Project 30th Anniversary
To celebrate the opening of Charlotte Straker to residents in September 1992 The Board of Trustees had planned a 30th anniversary garden party with entertainment on Sunday the 18th of September for residents, staff and families. Out of respect following the death of Her Majesty the Queen we agreed to cancel this event which will be rearranged for next year. We still were keen to mark this important day therefore at short notice on Tuesday the 20th of September, which was the actual day that Charlotte Straker received its first resident, an impromptu birthday tea party was organised for residents.
Peter Wood, Trustee and ex chair of the Board of Trustees, gave a short history of the Project and along with residents, staff and other Trustees raised a glass of fizz to Charlotte Straker on its 30th birthday. Jesse Smith one of our residents and Janet Briggs our newest member of staff together cut the birthday cake which was then distributed to all residents throughout the house.
Pam Crawley the Registered Manager of Charlotte Straker said, “we are increasingly getting back to normal but still have to be very wary, protecting our frail elderly residents. However, it was wonderful to see residents gathering together in the dining room at this impromptu celebration of our birthday.”
Berenice Groves Chair of the Trustees later commented, “We cancelled the anniversary garden party as an act of respect for Queen Elizabeth; this will be held next spring. However, we felt it important to mark the actual day the Charlotte Straker was opened to residents as we have made such a significant contribution to the care and well-being of local people over the last 30 years. With everyone’s continued support, our purpose to serve our local community remains as strong as ever.”
