November

 2009

December

PHOENIXNEWS

ISSUE 24

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO OUR READERS

As you can appreciate the news letter takes time to complete and for the past few years we have been publishing it monthly. It does not take to much imagination to think about how much time it takes from, the photographer taking pictures and converting, size and brightness then the reporter gathering the information together and then typing it out. That is not the end as then the editor has to proof read it all and then the IT people upload it to the web site. As from January 2010 the news letter will be published bi-monthly and will contain everything that has happened in the past 2 months. We hope that this will not disappoint our avid readers.

IT'S NOT IS IT

During November it was young Courtenay's 70th birthday and a surprise family meal was arranged for him at the Smugglers Inn nr Holcombe, Courtenay was a bit suspicious as to why he was going out at dinner time but all was revealed on getting to the Inn where his sister, brother in law and niece were waiting for him, the manager Dave and his key worker Debbie were invited also, the highlight must have been the patrons of the restaurant singing happy birthday to him. Afterwards the home celebrated  the happy event with a slap up meal and more renditions of the famous song.

STAFF MEAL

Every year the owners of the home take the staff out to thank them for all the hard work they do throughout the year and especially this time of year and this year was no exception as on the 4th December the happy group of people took a trip over to the Magic Bowl that delivers superb Malaysian / Singaporean Restaurant in Paignton, every year the staff try and go to a different style of cuisine and in the past they have visited Chinese, Indian, Italian and English, the choice is made early in the year and to date nobody has chosen the burger bar and the local DIY superstore. The owner Cindy and Mark cooked up a truly glorious meal. the after meal activities of secret Santa and lucky dip were as usual one of the highlights of the evening. As our pictures show everyone had an enjoyable time especially Jade as we are not sure why she is holding on to Debbie in that manor.

  PARTY TIME

As in previous years the homes Christmas party was a tremendous success when lots of old and new friends called in to celebrate with the staff and residents. Every year we try and do something different and this year was no exception as it was decided to have a fancy dress theme for staff and if the residents wanted to join in they could, and all agreed so we ended up with Elf’s, Esmeralda. Quasimodo, Peter Pan, Robin Hood, Reindeer, Christmas Puddings, Fairy, Christmas Trees, Pirates, Tinkerbelle, Schoolgirl, Pimp, Zorro, Snowman, Harry Potter and a member of Royalty. As usual everyone wanted back Stuart and his accordion who is a homes favourite as he gets everyone involved. As last year we had quite a bite of party food left over it was decided to cut down so it looks like next year we shall be making the same decision. The children were enjoying the entertainment and then got the surprise of a special visitor of Mother Christmas who called in due to the fact that as our picture shows he was caught a little under the weather and needed a good talking to by Mrs Santa. The other pictures shows residents enjoying a good dance and staff who like to pose as well as relatives.

GRUB UP

To get a good meal and a good service is always hard to get but when you get value for money then it’s always worthwhile so we paid a return visit to The Cockhaven Inn at Bishopsteignton. The food was as good as in the past and the service was great nothing was to much trouble. Everyone had there fill and returned to the home happy and content.

I'M HIDING

Always at this time of year there is plenty to do, tabbing clothes, putting up decorations, blowing balloons up or just the usual work so when we could not find Jade everyone suspected that she had tried to escape but instead she was jumping in the bin so we could put more rubbish in it.

      BIRTHDAY'S

January

22nd Stuart

31st Paula (Staff)

February

6th Sarah (Staff)

27th Linda

FESTIVE BRIGHT LIGHTS

Every year Santa comes for the festive season and in the past he has been up ladders. on his bike, on a rope. on the roof and last year in a wheel chair yes this year he was content to sit in his grotto listening to the Christmas carols and looking at the homes display of colourful lights, a few people have stopped and put coins in our collecting tin which will go towards the homes chosen charity of Diabetes Research UK. A few people have decided to sit next to Santa and have there photograph taken. 

THE BIG DAY

Due to the weather conditions Father Christmas was stuck in Luton and unable to call to give the gifts out personally so after a rousing chorus of "why are we waiting" and Everyone calling out that they believe in Father Christmas we heard a sleigh bell ring and the sparkle of fairy dust and very large sacks of presents appeared, the look of happiness of peoples faces was enough to say thanks to the staff for all their hard work.

After a full Christmas dinner everyone settled back either to watch a film or to have a nap.

NEW YEAR

After a very lively busy Christmas the new year was a very quite affair the day was spent relaxing and shopping then preparing for the evening, the residents all said that as usual they would be up to welcome in the new year with mince pies and a glass or 2 of sherry. In the evening there was the usual nibbles and shandy and as the hour approached the mince pies and sherry was prepared only to find that the call of there nice warm beds was to strong and everyone had gone to bed. Then from out side there was bangs and flashes and it was the new year 2010, what will it bring.

The staff, residents and management of Ashdown would like to wish you all Health Wealth Happiness and Prosperity for 2010

FORTH COMING EVENTS

2010 Holiday on Ice

May, Disney land Paris

April, July, September Perranporth

Look no further for your 2010 holidays, whether it's England or Spain that takes your fancy we can help you out so check out the accommodation either on the Costa del Sol or Northern Cornwall we have the place for your break

HOME AND AWAY HOLIDAYS.INFO

If this newsletter has been posted to you and you do have internet access then by dropping a line to manager@ashdowncarehome.co.uk we will add you to the e-mail mailing list.

Download in MS WORD