21/12/2020
Our Latest Newsletter
18th December 2020.
Dear Volunteer,
Life across our Society, like everywhere since March of this year has been very much a roller coaster. The changes in the restrictions are received quite confusing at times and can be very misconstrued by the residents (and many others!) who read and watch the media with interest.
One week, we cannot allow anyone entrance, then we can if they are in the same tier, and then not, hairdressers, no, then yes then again if in the same tier.!! The same restrictions were in place for you wonderful Volunteers. However, lets hope in 2021 we will at last receive more positive news regarding the virus.
So, where are we in Nonsuch now?
We now have 25 apartments filled, totalling 27 residents. (two couples). We have more knocking on the door to be permitted to move in, however, our aim is always to keep everyone safe and healthy, we cannot allow new residents to join our bubble yet. The same restrictions are in place at the houses also.
I am still receiving applications from prospective volunteers and potential new residents which is wonderful. Very positive.
We are still hosting Coffee mornings on a Tuesday morning at 11am, of which is proving very popular with the residents. Its wonderful to watch the progression of “Friend Making” amongst the residents. Some wonderful bonding is merging here.!!
Also, on a Thursday morning, some of the residents get together for a coffee in place of the Boules club. Boules club was popular in the better weather and it was noted how a little bit of challenging each other was starting!! The winner of the matches always bought the coffee!
Thursday afternoons are spent in the Cinema room, we have named this time as “Social time”. It’s not a specific time for one event, its what the residents chose to do; weather it be, Chair based exercise, with TheraBand’s, dance, (teaching Jo how to Jive),,, a quiz, a debate, or a film. All the residents appear to enjoy this time, refreshments are provided with some fab cakes, or pastries made by TNS.
We had a Christmas Carol session this week, which was fun, at first, we had the normal shyness with peoples lacking confidence with singing and it was not long before my warbling was being drowned out! However, it was a fun afternoon with Mince Pies and the hot Chocolate were well received.
The shop is as busy as expected in this climate, with a wonderful stock of xmas cards and seasonal items being sold. They have commented on how great the quality and prices are. The management team have a rota for Saturday to come in and manage the shop and reception on a Saturday. This role will soon be offered to the Volunteers. I already have 4 volunteers on a rota system to start as soon as we can. If any of you would like a role for this during the week, please do let me know. This role is very Social and of course rewarding.!!
We are today hosting the NA Christmas meal for the residents. TNS have worked so hard to ensure that all will have an enjoyable, festive meal. All are very much looking forward to the event.
I have attached for you our very first A*O newsletter!! Very exciting…… a big thank you to Don Fogarty, one of our lovely volunteers for all his help with the editing of the newsletter. We now have them printed and I am in the process of distribution of these for marketing purposes. Not only big thanks to Don, but also congratulations to Don and his wife on the birth of their baby son.!
It would be amazing if you could forward the attached newsletter to your friends, families, contacts, and Clubs.?
I aim to produce the newsletter 4 times a year, so issue two will be distributed in March/ Spring. If you have anything you would like me to add to the newsletter, please do forward or contact me to discuss the item? Each house will be submitting an item to be included in each issue.
I am also keen to involve local small businesses in on the newsletters, for a small fee, they can advertise their business and get a mention. As we all know, advertising can be very expensive, and the fee we will charge would assist in the printing of the newsletters, again, please do cascade this information!
One of our Trustees, Margaret Angus, has asked me to place the below advert in this newsletter. If there is any interest in this role, please do again, let me know and I will pass on your information to Margaret.
“Would you be interested in learning what is involved in being the Secretary of A*O acting, in a volunteer capacity, and able to step in should the need arise? The position involves preparing for meetings, attending, and taking the minutes, organising the AGM and Forum, then completing the Statutory Returns following the AGM. No experience is required but use of a computer is necessary plus a background in administration would be advantageous.”
I very much look forward to 2021 and hopefully the vision of involving you all within the society.
In the meantime, I hope you have a fantastic, healthy Christmas!
Stay safe,
Jo Taylor.
