News (82)
We held a drivers meeting last week and it was great to see so many of the drivers there. They all drive the minibus either to lunch club, for shopping in town, or on our outings but due to the nature of the role we rarely see each other so it’s great for them to put faces to names. We also had 2 new drivers come along who will join the rota this month.
Hats (or aprons) off to Graham who has been covering for our cook Marian, over the past few weeks. He has been cooking some fabulous meals - with clients regularly telling him ‘that was as good as Marian’s’ which we know is the highest compliment he can get. Graham trained as a chef originally and recently cooked for the PACT Christmas day lunch. We are so lucky to have him as part of our team.
Time to start thinking ahead to January, and we have just the class for you to increase your strength, mobility, and stamina. Join our tutor Bobbie as she leads a chair based exercise class. Past attendees have raved about these classes and the difference it is making, so we have created an additional class to keep up with demand. This will start on Thursday 16th January, 2.30-3.30pm, in the Perry Room at the Winton House Centre. Cost is £36 for 6 weeks. Contact us to book a place.
We were delighted this year to have our annual Christmas lunch funded by the DWP Household Support Fund. Marian, our amazing cook, and the helpers (pictured here just before everyone arrived) did a fantastic job serving up 60 delicious Christmas meals to older residents of Petersfield and the surrounding villages. Many heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this event happen.
Over 60 people attended our free Christmas party last Friday at the Community Centre with the very entertaining Debbie singing festive songs, a Christmas afternoon tea, and gifts for everyone. One of our drivers even decorated the minibus with tinsel and lights! There is a lot of work that goes on behind these events and we are very grateful to the band of helpers that make sure everyone has a great time.
Our Newsletter issue 11 (September 2024) is now available and here for you to download.
The new Winter Outings Programme for 2024 is now available for you to download. The programme for 2025 will be available early Spring.
Joyce sadly died on Friday 6th September. I've known Joyce for many years. I liked her a lot. She was remarkably easy to talk to and interested in my life. It was also quite heartening that the very services she supported throughout her life could then give back to her in her later years. She enjoyed coming to lunch club and on our outings, and used our Help at Home service. Joyce had a marvellous sense of fun so when we celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee she was very happy to be our Queen for the day. She played the part beautifully! I shall miss her.
I spoke to Mike Waddington from Shine Radio about her.
The interview is here: Tributes to Joyce Perry, a founder of Winton House for the community
This is a hot topic and I was pleased to talk to Mike Waddington from Shine Radio. Age Concern Petersfield would encourage you to apply for pension credit as this gives you access to the winter fuel payment and other benefits. Call the Govt number 0800 99 1234 and you will be guided through the process, or contact Citizens Advice in Petersfield to help you apply on 0808 278 7901.
The interview is here: Age Concern Petersfield say apply now for your pension credits
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Wow! Our 60th party was absolutely fantastic! The room was packed, we had the wonderful Debbie Cobbett singing 60s songs, lots of people dancing, a delicious buffet, best dressed competition, who could do the best twist. It was so much fun! Lots of guests came dressed in their 60s clothes, and it was great to celebrate our birthday with staff, volunteers and clients all together like one big family.
We were thrilled to be offered free entry to the Petersfield Museum which is also hosting the Peggy Guggenheim exhibition. Clients were treated to a talk and tour, and to try out a classic ‘Peggy pose’ in the deckchair. I think that Jean, one of our lunch club clients, has done a pretty good impression!
I had a lovely surprise this morning when Gabriel Hearst, the treasurer from the Winton Players, said we are the chosen charity for this year’s donation. We run many different services to improve people’s lives and the donation of £250 is greatly appreciated. Here we are in the sunny garden at Winton House. Gabriel is also a volunteer driver for our minibus taking clients into town for shopping, and driving for some of our outings.
McDonald Homecare kindly fundraised for our charity at the recent Petersfield Festivities. The public had to spin a wheel to raise funds for us and other charities. Sheridan received the cheque of £200 which will be put towards running our services for the local older community. Thank you very much.