ISSUE 2
15TH NOVEMBER 2013
Dear Readers,
Welcome to issue 2 and thank you for the positive feedback following issue 1, it was
much appreciated. This issue includes more of the same and a new feature profiling
a resident, first up is the legend that is Mr. George Valentine.
Entertainment / Events
The home has enjoyed some very good entertainment recently, having had a
Harvest Festival, a Halloween Party, an afternoon to remember Honor McFarlane,
a Firework display and a reminiscence afternoon on Toys.
Michelle our activities coordinator has also held some great sessions, playing cards,
quoits, drawing, bingo, musical bingo, sing a longs, quizzing and Scrabble.
It would appear that Victor Bell is the man to beat at Quoits, although our regular
respite visitor Ron Hearn did manage a victory against him. David Greenslade is
also one to watch!!
For the ladies there have been some close tussles between Kitty Hale, Ivy Hassell
and Margaret Hawksworth all with great scores. Well done to everyone who has
taken part, let sport be the winner!!
Our MP3 music library is now up and running in the front reception lounge, with
added bonus of photo slide show of residents events – please take a look, there are
some great photos!
UPCOMING EVENTS
23.11.13
Christmas Fayre 14.30–16.30
26.11.13
The Clothing Lady 10.30-12.00
03.12.13
Carol Singers 19.30–20.30
06.12.13
Xmas Lunch @ The Bull,
Great Totham
11.12.13
Geoff’s Clothes 14.00-16.00
16.12.13
Carol Singers 15.00-16.00
22.12.13
Family Afternoon 14.30-16.30
Santa is coming!
New Residents
We offer a warm welcome to our newest permanent resident Geraldine Tayler
(Gerry). Gerry has stayed with us before and it’s nice to have her back. We have also
had short stays from Ronald Hearn and Joan Hollingsbee. We hope they enjoyed
their visits and are welcome back anytime.
We also currently have Irene Washington on a respite stay, so a warm welcome to
Irene as well.
Departures
Unfortunately, we have also had some departures too. Ken Dash has returned home
after his one month stay, Elsie Baker has returned home after her three month stay,
Peter Lawton has moved on to another home and unfortunately Dorothy Lambert
lost her battle with illness and has passed away - peacefully with family in her room
at Mansion House. Sadly we are also sorry to announce the passing of Hazel Cook.
Hazel had lived at Mansion House since 2002 and will be missed by so many staff
and residents alike. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of both Dorothy
and Hazel.
Hazel Cook 09.09.1919 – 05.11.2013
Hazel would like to thank all those that
helped and cared for her.
Birthdays
Almost unbelievably we have not had any since the last newsletter on 25th September. We currently have no birthdays in
October and our November ones are nearer the end of the month for Ken Inge and Mary Skerry. We would all like to wish
them both a very happy Birthday in advance.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Ken Inge will be 91
and Mary Skerry will be 102
Resident Profile – George Valentine
George Valentine
Age: 98
Fave colour: Red
Fave Actor: Charlie Chaplin
Fave Singer: Bing Crosby
Football Team: Southend Utd
Fave Joke: George said he likes
to hide things from people and
then watch their reactions!
The adorable George Valentine has lived at Mansion House since 11th May
2011. He has two very proud daughters Jillian and Susan who have kindly
provided the following information:
In a magazine issued by the Daily Mail commemorating the Queen’s
Coronation, a picture of George was published that was taken in 1953.
George was responsible for all the artwork of the flags used in London for this
great day. George and his team are pictured (below).
The original flags were all hand painted and adorned the streets.
George also designed the layout of the flags on the procession route.
George spent the majority of his life undertaking this kind of work. One of his
contracts was to produce the pennant for the County Cricket Champions each
year, a commission he held for a very long time. George also painted a flag of
Father Time for Lords cricket ground.
Other work included hand painting the Crown on the flag pole above Buckingham Palace regularly, of course George did
not climb up there each time – this was someone else’s job to hoist up and down using a pulley system.
George’s daughters can even remember the Crown sitting on their table at home!
George has also chatted to the Queen Mother whilst gold leafing at The Albert Hall and he designed the Althorne village
sign which is sited on the green.
George’s daughter Susan can remember her sister Jill doing her best to wreck her dad’s efforts by accidently spilling
drinks all over some finished artwork that he had at home. After downing a large brandy to take away the shock, George
painted all night to restore the situation – you can image he was not best pleased at the time!!
Left
George
celebrating
his 98th
birthday
We do hope you have
Right
George &
his team in
1953
all a Merry Christmas
enjoyed issue 2,
Mansion House staff
would like to wish you
& a Happy New Year
x