A recent event had a tinge of sadness at Springhill Care Home as we gathered to say goodbye to two long serving and much valued members of our staff team.

Marian Doyle has spent the last 12 years as a healthcare assistant at Springhill caring for hundreds of people who have made Springhill their home. Without exception, both residents and Marian’s colleagues spoke of her kindness, dedication and goodness towards them, always going the extra mile to assist them in every way.

Theresa Swan, general manager of Springhill Care Home, told the audience: “We will be able to replace your role here, Marian, but we will never be able to replace the person you are and all you mean to this community.”

Marian spoke of how much she had enjoyed every minute of her work and thanked everyone for their kind words and gifts which came from colleagues, residents and from Donna Briggs, representing the Springhill Board.

One of the highlights Marian has been able to share in recently was our trip to London for the National Care Home Awards final in November last year. We wish her a long and happy retirement and hope she will be a frequent visitor to Springhill.

Alongside Marian we also said goodbye to Harry Sumner who has also been at Springhill for 12 years, undertaking an important role within the laundry.

As the home expanded, Harry rose to the challenges that came about as the number of residents increase.  He will be missed around all areas of the home and especially by John, one of our residents at Springhill who was his trusty accomplice and quietly supported Harry.

Harry and Marian were overwhelmed by the beautiful gifts, cards, floral tributes and wonderful balloons, and enjoyed a champagne toast to wish them both the very best of everything for the future. A wonderful cake, dedicated to both of them, was enjoyed by all the residents and staff who gathered for this great occasion.

The second of Springhill Care Home’s popular dementia forums has been held recently, with a very special guest.

Peter Anwyl, whose wife Carol was a resident in the home until she passed away, joined us to share his experiences.

The dementia forum is a major commitment from Springhill Care Home, pledging to support not just our residents, but also their friends and families.

Meeting once a month, it is intended to be a welcoming and confidential setting for people to share their experiences of the dementia ‘journey.’

Peter joined us for February’s forum, and really impressed the 14 people who attended, sharing tales of his life and the care his wife received at Springhill

We would all like to thank Peter for his time and for sharing his experiences.

To read 'A relative's experience' by Peter (09/08/13) click HERE

Recently residents, relatives and friends were dancing and singing as we hosted the first concert by Margaret McRae.

A fantastic singer and entertainer, Margaret performed some popular numbers for the watching crowd and encouraged people to join in – dancing and even playing instruments themselves.

Afterwards many in the audience were asking when Margaret would be back. In fact, she was so successful we have booked her to come back every month.

We received one lovely letter from the wife of one our relatives, who said: “Margaret was absolutely brilliant, she encouraged everyone to join in with singing, dancing, playing instruments and hand clapping.

“Margaret performed many lively songs which encouraged people to get up and have a dance! I have to say that I've not seen my husband so animated in a very long time....to the point of him dancing - something he hasn't done in the whole time we have been married!

“I feel sure that other relatives will be of the same opinion that Margaret should be booked on a very regular basis.

“Well done for finding her, we hope to be able to enjoy her concerts for many months to come.”

We had a wonderful surprise this morning when a beautiful poem, framed in gold, arrived at Springhill Care Home.  Local poet Mr Hugh Davies was inspired to respond to the article celebrating Rebecca Cooper’s 105^th birthday, which we celebrated in style on December 27^th.  He has written a very moving poem, which we reproduce here, with permission.

Thank you so much Hugh!

Born 27^th December 1908, enjoys being alive

Life and soul of the party, even at 105

Born the same year as Selfridges opened its first store

A glass of bubbly on her birthday the staff did pour

Rebecca a resident at a care home in Springhill

Her career began at the age of 14, a weaver at a local mill

No moans or groans, still singing and dancing

Sensibly eating, drinking, humorous, all life enhancing

The Mayor, Judith Addison’s presence added to Rebecca’s joy

As a glass of bubbly with her she did enjoy

Rebecca, you are an inspiration for us all to live long

Keep dancing, laughing and bursting into song!

Hugh Davies

Accrington