DECEMBER

 2008

PHOENIXNEWS

ISSUE 15

INSPECTION REPORT

The month started of with the long awaited inspection report arrival, everyone was on tender hooks while it was opened, great we kept our 2 star rating but why did we not get 3 stars so after some further reading it was recommended that the statement of Purpose should be up dated to contain everything in schedule 1 of the act so on further investigation it was discovered that it did, so why !!!!!. Yes during the inspection when the inspector asked for the Statement of Purpose and they was given all 6 pages, if they had asked for the Statement of Purpose folder then they would have got the rest so to save any further problems the folder has been combined with the Statement to make 30 pages, happy reading. As previous inspectors had been happy with this then we must presume national standards does not mean national never mind everyone at the home is upset we never achieved the 3 stars we deserve but there is always next time.

DUBAI VISITOR

At the start of the month we had a most welcome visitor from Dubai, after spending several years in the UK Candy settled down for a new life in the U.A.E and she told us all about the sun, sea and sand as well of the glorious customs they have over there, everyone was enthralled by her tales and especially of being at the opening of the new hotel out there that spent more on the firework display than the Beijing Olympic games and her night at a Kylie concert. Everyone enjoyed her visit and asked her to come again.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Christmas party was held on the 12th of December and as usual everyone had a great time listening to the music, dancing and enjoying the wonderful food, George as usual and after weeks of planning and looking back in her book at what people enjoyed over the last couple of years laid on a spread fit for a king, whether you wanted savoury or sweet items there was something for everyone taste. We always wonder how each year she will be able to beat it the following year but she does. Also on the menu was the traditional festive feast, no not Turkey but one of Cathy's curries which always go down a storm. Some people were looking forward to one of Dave's drunken Chicken Curries but the gathering made do with Cathy's. The entertainment was once again by Stuart with his accordion a firm favourite with everyone at the home, then Mrs Santa arrived and gave out the presents to everyone including visitors and guests who have supported the home this year, to some who it was the first home's party attended it was a shock but an enjoyable one. Mrs Santa then stayed a few more minutes to pick and declare some of the winners of the prizes in the raffle and auction before returning to cook Santa's tea.

STAFF MEAL

Traditions are enjoyable and even though it credit crunch time the staff at the home always enjoy the staff meal and in the past we have had Italian, Indian English (if you can still call it that) so this year it was out for a Chinese meal, a draw was done to see who the unlucky 2 were who would stay at home waiting for a take-a-way while the others enjoyed everything from Hot and Sour Soup to Lemon Chicken, Sizzling Chicken and Toffee Banana. The night started very quietly with everyone behaving themselves keeping up the respectability that the home has achieved over the years, nope it did not last long what with people getting strange boxes in the secret Santa , half opening them, going read and saying "I'm not opening that here" and others showing there expertise in tassel twirling. It was great to see everyone have a great time after the hard work put in during the year.

CONGRATULATIONS

the following people have this month passed the following distance courses

Dave, Caring for People with Parkinson's Disease

CHRISTMAS DAY

The day started with a shock for one of the staff which can be read below while the residents all eagerly awaited the arrival of Mrs Santa, she arrived on foot as the sleigh is having a 1 million mile service. Everyone gave here a great cheer as she appeared and residents and staff marvelled at all the gifts. And then as quick as she had arrived she disappeared as the cooker was on a timer for the Turkey.

21

It's not every day you are 21, well once in a lifetime and some of us it gets very cloudy of events so it was up to us to make it special, she was offered the day of but she has commitment and wanted at first to work her whole shift and after a while she agreed that she would work the am shift as it would be great to see everyone enjoy their Christmas. As she approached the home a bit blurrier eyed she noticed a sign on the car celebrating her 21st and then later a balloon was found floating attached to a chair in the staff room Then Mrs Santa arrived carrying a bouquet of flowers, we then promised that all the surprises were over, not sure if she believed us as after the residents presents were given out Jade was called forward not only to receive her Christmas presents but also Birthday gifts. She was getting worried if this was the end to the surprises and when the word stripper was mentioned she look very worried, as if we would. Afterwards during the coffee break the staff then gave her their gifts to her, she left at the end of her shift carrying the flowers with a tear in her eye.

 FUND RAISING

It has been a busy month with the fund raising, firstly Cyril as he has been named has sat out side in all weathers day and most of the night raising money showing the festive display of lights and raising money in his little tin, we take him in at night just in case he decides to go of on his own

The  5 Golf lessons at Teignmouth Golf Club Silent Auction was won by Arabella Whitehead

The Bear who had forgotten his name was won by Carol from the White House Day Care Centre who guessed Emma

The prizes in the Christmas raffle were won by Catherine Beckett, Margaret Banks-Fay, Su Twigg, Andra, Alex, Jade, Margaret Budd, County Garage, John Woodgates, Joshua Illingworth, Georges Adroit and Ray Illingworth. well done to all the winners.

As there were no bids for the mat or golf day it was withdrawn and will be held later.

HELP US BEAT OUR RECORD

JANUARY'S BIRTHDAY'S

Stuart 22nd

       VISITOR with 4 LEGS

During the month a four foot friend came to visit us and wanted to run around to everyone saying hello yet the one person who is truly man's best friend although she is a lady did not get a look in until the dog's owner sat beside her, as the picture show Jane, Heather and !!!!

SAD NEWS

In today's modern society we here about knife crimes, credit crunch and missing government laptops and it is my sad duty to reveal that we have not been spared, as reported above Cyril has been sitting outside doing his duty since December 1st with his collecting tin and on 31st December he was involved in an attempted mugging between 6pm and 9pm when he was found pushed into the road with his wheelchair lights flashing and suffering from a broken collar bone and broken neck. His collar bone has been replaced and a new head purchased and he will soon be on duty again, he was asked if he could remember his attackers but due to shock he has been unable to inform us.

Further pictures of events can be viewed in the Gallery section of this site

FORTH COMING EVENTS

Do you fancy relaxing in the sun in Spain then look no further      www.relaxingmijas.co.uk

 Bookings taken for  2009

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