WHAT’S NEW? THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR


AMHERST COURT RESIDENTS Staff at Amherst Court have been taking reminiscence to a whole new height recently, organising regular trips for residents over the River Thames in a sky liſt.


Residents have enjoyed a number of journeys over the River Thames, as some have visited, lived or worked in London previously and have been able to see where they used to live or work. Others just love looking at the views of London. Residents and staff are able to point out historical landmarks, buildings and places of interest, sparking conversations about the past experiences and moments in history.


Edna is one of the residents who has recently been on the sky liſt, and has really enjoyed it, which has surprised staff and family members as Edna used to have a fear of heights. Staff were aware of this but Edna was keen to do it and nothing was going to stand in the way.


Ashley Haydon, Home Manager, said: “I am so happy with how popular the Sky liſt trips have become with residents. We oſten hold reminiscence sessions at the home, with books, photos and the internet, but we wanted to do more than this and add more value and reality. The Sky liſt trips have done just that and residents are seeing exactly where they used to live, work or visit and how London has changed over the years. Books and pictures do not demonstrate this as well as a liſt over the River Thames and seeing it for real!”


Ashley’s 18-month-old daughter, Charlotte, has now become a regular sky liſt rider with Amherst Court residents and is a wonderful distraction for fellow riders, dispersing any fears of heights instantly.


“My daughter joining the fun has been an added feature as she interacts brilliantly with the residents and is a great distraction should residents need it. Charlotte loves the trips so it’s been great to share this with her and for her to engage and entertain the residents,” Ashley added.


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EX FOOTBALLER AND POLICE DOG HANDLER GETS BIRTHDAY


SURPRISE Staff at Coppice Lodge care home in Nottingham arranged a very special visit for resident Gordon Gally to mark his milestone 90th birthday.


Gordon, who has lived at Coppice Lodge for one year, worked for Durham Police K-9 unit as a Dog Trainer and Handler for 30 years and considers his time spent with his police dogs as some of his fondest memories.


The care team worked alongside the Nottinghamshire Police K-9 unit to surprise Gordon with two Labrador sniffer dogs and two Alsatian puppies in training. The group spent the morning discussing fond memories of his time in the force and having lots of cuddles with the pups.


Born in 1930, Gordon leſt school at the age of 15 to undertake an apprenticeship to be a draſtsman at Thomas Firth and John Brown Limited. During this time, he also played football for Sheffield Wednesday’s first team, but was unpaid because of his age.


Gordon was later draſted into the National Service in 1948 where he served as Lance Corporal. Following the war, Gordon returned to his football career, playing leſt wing for Darlington FC where he earned £8 a week.


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Upon leaving the world of football, Gordon went on to have a long and happy career as a Dog Handler and Trainer in Durham county. Gordon particularly enjoyed working with the Alsatians and one dog named Guy stole his heart. Gordon


recalls having an unbreakable bond with Guy.


Samantha Kavanagh, Registered Home Manager at Coppice Lodge, said: "It has been my pleasure to organise this for Gordon, he was so overwhelmingly happy it brought a tear to our eyes. We have such a wonderful community spirit and it was great to have the support from our local police on this.”


Speaking of the experience, Gordon said: “This was something I never expected and I am thrilled to have people around me who go the extra mile to make things like this happen! I have loved meeting the dogs. They were such a huge part of my life and to get to see current dogs in the force means a lot to me– a birthday I will never forget.”


www.idealcarehomes.co.uk/coppicelodge - 7 -


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