Elizabeth House

NEWSLETTER

Autumn 2014

DEDICATION OF VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED

BY ROYAL AWARD

After twenty five years of dedicated service, our President Wendy Craig stepped down at our AGM in June. “I enjoyed it very much”, she said. “I shall miss it – but will still be popping in”. There are changes to the management team, too: Chairman John Lloyd Parry stood down after three years, staying on as a Trustee. Glenn Maybury takes on the role. Ros Joynes resigned to support her newly ordained husband and Stephanie Diggon takes on her duties as Secretary.

We thank them all for their service to the day centre and to our members.

CHANGES AT THE TOP

Volunteers at Elizabeth House were thrilled to hear that they had received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVC). The award is equivalent to an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for the organisation.

The volunteers clearly impressed the judges – after her visit Lady Catherine Stevenson wrote saying: “We left feeling overwhelmed and somewhat in awe of all the work your volunteers do. The energy within Elizabeth House was truly extraordinary and we felt the citizens of Cookham are extremely lucky to have Elizabeth House in the village.

After talking to some of the members, we were left in no doubt that they appreciate everything you have to offer them.” Chairman John Lloyd Parry says: “I can’t think of more worthy recipients than our amazing band of volunteers who give up their time during the week to make Elizabeth House a ‘home from home’ for our members. We depend on our volunteers for driving, food preparation and serving, washing up, general cleaning duties and for entertaining our members and without them we could not maintain the high standards that we strive to achieve.”

Elizabeth House, Cookham’s Centre for the over 60s. All contact details can be found on page 7.

N E W S I N B R I E F SUCCESS AT COOKHAM

REGATTA

ALL THE FUN AT

COOKHAM’S XMAS FAYRE

Elizabeth House is organising

Cookham’s Christmas Fayre at Moor

Hall on Saturday, 29 November where

there will be something for everyone.

Bring all the family (free entry). Santa’s

Grotto and face painting will be the

main attractions for children. Look no

further for those elusive Christmas

presents - you’ll find new and antique

jewellery; seasonal gifts; furnishings

and decorations; toys and children’s

books; homemade food; greetings

cards; cosmetics and beauty products

and the Elizabeth House tombola. If you

would like a stall in the future, please

contact info@cookhamfayre.co.uk for

more information.

LONDON WELSH CONCERT

Last year’s concert by the London Welsh

Male Voice Choir at Eton School Hall was

a sell out. Under conductor Edward-Rhys

Harry, the choir sang popular and less

well-known numbers in Welsh and

English, thrilling the audience with its

‘wall of sound’. The concert was

organised by Cookham Bridge Rotary

Club (CBRC) who presented us with a

cheque for £8,700. The money has

been spent on double glazing to improve

temperature control throughout the

building and will be used to replace the

dishwasher. The choir returns to Eton

next year and CBRC will again donate all

proceeds to Elizabeth House.

AUGUST FUN AT DORNEY

COURT KITCHEN

Forty of our members enjoyed an

afternoon of cream tea, cakes and

entertainment. Our thanks go to Dorney

Court Kitchen allowing us to use their

marquee, to Bourne End and Cookham

Rotary Club for their generous donation

and Fred Simmons (‘Fingers Fred’ ) for

providing the entertainment.

Fantastic teamwork helped raise over

£720 for Elizabeth House at Cookham

Regatta in September this year. Thanks

to everyone who brought a bottle to the

day centre for our tombola, to those

who helped with the raffle tickets, to

those who helped set up the stall, to

those who ran it and most of all, to

those who supported us by buying

tickets on the day.

We couldn’t have done it without you!

BUDDY, CAN YOU SPARE SOME TIME?

Elizabeth House relies on its volunteers to make the day centre a ‘home from home’ for

members attending daily and we value the time and energy they bring.

If you have as little as 30 minutes to spare, we are always looking for drivers to bring

members to the centre at 10am or deliver them home between 2.30pm-3pm.

If you can spare more time, you could help serve teas, coffees or lunch, organise fun

activities or clean. We also need help with the garden and fundraising activities.

Whether you help on a regular or ad hoc basis, volunteering at Elizabeth House is a really

rewarding activity for local people, as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service shows.

Contact Lynne Hatch or Jill Morris on 01628 527621 or just call in.

LET ME COUNT THE WAYS

It costs around £70,000 every year to keep Elizabeth House running. This money pays

for three part time staff, catering, utilities and other services, maintenance and activities

for our members. Our income comes from members’ subscriptions, lunch money, room

rental and art commissions.

However, this leaves a gap of £40,000 for us to fill with fund-raising activities (see back

page) and donations from local individuals and organisations.

We are deeply indebted to everyone who supports our fundraising efforts or who makes

a donation. You can donate in the following ways:

Online through www.localgiving.com/elizabethhousecookham

Donations at our annual gift day in July and ad hoc donations at any time

Legacies – remember us in your will

Gifts/prizes for tombola and raffles. Local grown produce for our kitchen.

Regular giving – directly from your income via give as you earn

If you are a UK tax payer, you can have your donation gift aided, which increases the

value of your gift to Elizabeth House at no cost to you. Currently, gifts will increase by

25% - so every £1 becomes £1.25 – all you need to do is sign a declaration. If you are a

higher rate tax payer that figure will increase even more if you opt to gift aid your

donation. Why wouldn’t you?

LOOKING AFTER YOUR FEET

Derry Locke practices podiatry at Elizabeth House. He graduated from the University of

Western Sydney, Australia in 2000 and worked in public hospitals there before returning

to England where he works both privately and in the NHS. “Foot care is important for the

over 60s for several reasons,” he explains. “Firstly, routine, regular maintenance of corns,

nails and callouses helps prevent painful feet, letting people to stay mobile and active.

Secondly, keeping feet in a good condition helps with balance, which can reduce the risk

of falls. Feet show warning signs of conditions such as diabetes

and arthritis and regular examination allow for early detection. I

like working at Elizabeth House because the people are friendly

and the atmosphere is positive. By providing this service I can

help people to stay as active and positive as possible”.

Glenn Maybury—Chairman of the Trustees

In this article we explain the main

responsibilities of Trustees and introduce

the Chairman of the Trustees of Elizabeth

House, elected at this year’s Annual General

Meeting. Glenn Maybury and his team.

The trustees of a charity have overall control of the

organisation and decide how it is run. They make

sure they have the necessary finances in place,

control the spending, fulfil all legal requirements and

those of the Charity Commission and adhere to the

rules the charity’s governing document.

Glenn Maybury is the newly appointed chairman of the trustees of Elizabeth

House, having been a trustee since 2011. “Elizabeth House does a great job for

the community and I’m proud to be able to give my time to the organisation. I

derive enormous satisfaction in seeing members enjoying companionship and in

helping to develop a unique atmosphere within this well-loved Cookham facility.”

After a successful 36-year career with Marks & Spencer in store management

and in head office, he retired in 1989 and was seconded to the Police

Foundation as PR director. In 1994 he was appointed as one of the first

independent members of the Thames Valley Police Authority and subsequently

served as chairman of the authority from 1999 to 2001. He was also Chairman

of South East Regional Crime Squad from 1995 to 1998 and a member of the

Police Negotiating Board and the Association of Police Authorities.

Glenn has also been an active member of several charitable organisations,

including Rotary, Lions and Round Table. He also chaired a fundraising

committee that raised £20,000 in 1973 to

purchase new instruments for the local

Salvation Army Band.

He is supported by fellow trustees:

John Bowley (Vice-Chairman); Andrew Chitty

(Treasurer); Steph Diggon (Secretary);

Mike Clark; Val Eckett; John Lloyd Parry MBE;

Julia Mercer and Susie Tremlett MBE. Stephanie Diggon

Mike Clark

John Bowley

Val Eckett John Lloyd Parry MBE Julia Mercer Susie Tremlett MBE

The Gallery, in the dining room at Elizabeth House,

hosts a programme of exhibitions throughout the year

allowing artists to present their own work or to come

together for joint exhibitions. These artworks can be

seen weekdays between 9am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm.

For more information visit:

www.elizabethhousecookham.org/the-gallery/

Rendezvous at Elizabeth House is a meeting place for people with

memory problems and their carers on a Thursday afternoon between

3pm-5pm. Come and have a cup of tea and a chat and meet others.

For helpful advice and information call Rose Coop on 07709 524384.

Our Theatre Club, open to members, volunteers and other

supporters, continues to flourish with regular visits to

matinee performances. Recent shows we’ve enjoyed include

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and Evita and our Christmas treat will be

Dick Whittington, starring Shane Richie, at Wycombe Swan on 23 December.

Contact Lynne or Jill on 01628 527621 for more information.

RENDEZVOUS AT ELIZABETH HOUSE

THEATRE GROUP

ART AT ELIZABETH HOUSE

Satu Vartiainen (left) at the opening

of her art show at the Gallery with

fellow local artists, Stephanie Gay

(centre) and Kay Lamb

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

We are keen for Elizabeth House to be used by the community, as it’s a

great place for meetings, clubs and consultations.

Visit www.elizabethhousecookham.org to see the spacious lounge with easy

chairs and a piano and the dining room, which can be easily configured for

meetings or talks. There are two smaller meeting rooms and a treatment

room on the first floor.

The rooms are available to rent out in the evenings and at weekends.

Contact Lynne or Jill on 01628 527621 for more information.

We are deeply indebted to Ralph Morris who developed our new

website www.elizabethhousecookham.org. You can contact

Ralph on 07793 716210 or www.bubblehubsolutions.co.uk

MEMBER PROFILE Teddy Lomax

Jaguar-driving Teddy Lomax has led a charmed life.

With a background in architecture and physical education,

Teddy has enjoyed a diverse career. Before the war he

helped run dairy farm in Jersey, then lectured on how to start

up youth clubs.

In 1939 he married Marguerite, an accomplished poet,

writer and broadcaster and joined up as a gunner with the

Royal Artillery.

During the war the men under his command prepared vehicles for overseas action, and

his signature was displayed on every one that took part in the D-Day landings. He served

in India, Ceylon, Hong Kong and Egypt and was a staff officer in Singapore under Lord

Mountbatten when the Japanese surrendered.

Back in the UK, he returned to his youth work; became personnel

manager for a car part manufacturer then lectured on management

at Slough College before changing direction once again.

Marguerite sold her business in Eton and they moved to the

National Trust village Lacock where their antique business was

equally successful.

In Wiltshire Teddy took an active interest in politics; was elected

district councillor and chaired the county’s war pensions committee.

Teddy now lunches at Elizabeth House on most days. “The centre

has a very important place in the community”, he says. “It saved my

bacon when my wife went into a home”.

Elizabeth House changes to ‘Sherry House’ on birthdays. Above from left to right, Marjorie Allen, Bridie Puzio and Bob Lewis celebrate their birthdays in style.

BIRTHDAY FUN AT ELIZABETH HOUSE

Teddy & volunteer Andrea Mortimer celebrating the

Queen’s Jubilee.

WHAT IS ELIZABETH HOUSE?

Located in the heart of Cookham, Elizabeth House is the much loved day centre for

the over 60s. The centre was established in 1981 and now has more than 240

members many of whom use the daytime facilities, including a cooked meal every

weekday and a range of activities.

EVERY WEEK AT ELIZABETH HOUSE

Mondays Bingo

Tuesdays Chiropody treatment (extra cost)

Computer tuition

Piano playing

Board games

Wednesdays Hairdressing (extra cost)

Holy Communion (1st week each month)

Hymns (3rd week each month)

Choir (every other week)

Thursdays Computer tuition

Indoor games/Quiz

Fridays S.M.I.L.E. (So much improvement with a little exercise)

Play Reading

Note: The computer sessions are individual, in the morning and £3 per lesson. We also

have a walk-in shower, with special facilities for the disabled, for use by members.

Elizabeth House is open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 3pm.

Membership: £21 per annum

Lunch is available daily for £4. Tea/coffee is 50p.

Contacts:

Manager/Administrator: Lynne Hatch

01628 527621/819224/07929 638986

Deputy Manager: Jill Morris 01628 527621

E-mail: admin@elizabethhousecookham.org

Website: www.elizabethhousecookham.org

Elizabeth House, Station Hill, Cookham, Berkshire SL6 9BS Registered Charity No: 277473

From left to right: Mandy, Barbara & Pam enjoying a ‘Kojak’ lollipop; Nancy & Ron with the M&M cake;

Joan looking pretty in her Easter Bonnet and Cosie & Antonnio showing the plants they had potted.

Lynne Hatch Jill Morris

FUTURE EVENTS SATURDAY 29th NOVEMBER 2014 ELIZABETH HOUSE CHRISTMAS FAYRE

at Moor Hall from 11am—4pm Free entry for all. Come with the family for a wide variety of stalls—

and Santa’s Grotto! Choose Christmas gifts from among the

jewellery, books, handcrafted items, homemade foods, furnishings

and much, much more. Refreshments on sale in the bar. Unlimited

parking. For information email: info@cookhamfayre.co.uk

FRIDAY 20th FEBRUARY 2015 ELIZABETH HOUSE QUIZ

Cookham Dean Village Hall 7.30pm The Best Quiz in Town! Test your general knowledge with regular quizmaster,

John Sykes. Chilli supper included. Licensed bar.

To reserve a table of six, call Lynne on 01628 819224/527621

Tickets £16 per person.

SATURDAY 5th SEPTEMBER 2015 SEE US AT THE COOKHAM REGATTA

An annual fund raising event where we have a bottle tombola stall. Please help

us by donating a bottle for this event. Unopened bottles of beer, wine, spirits,

champagne, soft drinks, perfume, sauces, shampoo, oil etc to be delivered to

Elizabeth House any time before the end of August.

For more information please contact Lynne or Jill on 01628 527621.

SATURDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2015 LONDON WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR

AT ETON HALL, ETON COLLEGE Cookham Bridge Rotary Club presents this great Welsh choir in concert, with all

proceeds going to Elizabeth House. Last year’s concert raised over £8,700.

Reserve a ticket from Elizabeth House Tel: 01628 527621

or e-mail: admin@elizabethhousecookham.org

Bring a group – and book early!

We are extremely grateful to Harwood House in Cookham Dean for sponsoring this issue

of our newsletter. The recently-extended nursing home in Cookham Dean prides itself on

the quality of individual care it provides in a beautiful setting. If you would like to find out

more, we recommend you take a look at their website: www.harwoodhouse.co.uk.

We also thank Print’n’Projects, our new neighbours at 27a Station Hill, for

their printing services and The Odney Club for once again brightening

up the outside of our building with their lovely hanging baskets.

NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Produced and Designed by Elizabeth House—Registered Charity No: 277473 Printed by Print’n’Projects Tel: 01628 521947