Welcome to the latest edition of the Abbeyfield Voice - Summer 2024
![Paul Tennant Ii](/media/fyglwjwb/paul-tennant-ii.webp?rxy=0.51171875,0.4135514018691589&width=600&height=350&format=webp&quality=90&v=1da9a40b91c3930)
A message from our Chief Executive
I hope this issue of the Voice finds you well and that you are enjoying the summer. Our cover story for this edition features a timely piece, given that Olympic season has arrived. If you would like to take a short break from cheering on Team GB, I would encourage you to read Sandwood resident Janet’s recollection of her charity work and experience of being a torchbearer for the 2012 Games. It is a welcome reminder of how we can all make a difference to the lives of others, and that the hard work of volunteers seldom goes unnoticed or unrewarded.
There are also articles about garden redevelopments, community partnerships and our latest competition results, plus more stories from inspirational residents and volunteers, and an update on our National Residents’ Panel’s work on digital inclusion.
Finally, I have two pieces of good news to update you on.
First, I am delighted to announce that His Majesty King Charles has decided to retain his Patronage of Abbeyfield. This is a prestigious honour for us.
Second, an Abbeyfield-sponsored inquiry from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Housing and Care for Older People has recently published its report on the regeneration of sheltered housing. This is a great milestone for Abbeyfield, and we hope that the report’s recommendations will be taken on board by the Government Task Force on Older People’s Housing to ensure that policy reflects the needs of our residents and millions more older people nationwide.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.
![Janet Carried The Torch Proudly, Cheered On By Her Family And Friends](/media/3hslvodt/janet-carried-the-torch-proudly-cheered-on-by-her-family-and-friends.jpg?width=600&height=350&format=webp&quality=90&v=1daef20e5ac09a0)
A shining light – Janet’s torch-bearing experience
Janet McCulley, 84, from Sandwood Care Home, relives her inspiring experience as a London 2012 torchbearer.
Abbeyfield Voice Archive
Read previous editions of our quarterly magazine:
- Abbeyfield Voice Spring 2024 (PDF)
- Abbeyfield Voice Spring 2024 (text only .doc)
- Abbeyfield Voice Winter 2023-24 (PDF)
- Abbeyfield Voice Winter 2023-24 (text only .doc)
- Abbeyfield Voice Autumn 2023 (PDF)
- Abbeyfield Voice Autumn 2023 (text only .doc)
![King Charles 2](/media/ulkp1dud/king-charles-2.png?width=600&height=350&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dad9008084dfb0)
His Majesty King Charles III retains role as Abbeyfield Patron
The Abbeyfield Society is delighted to announce that His Majesty King Charles III will continue his Patronage of the charity.
![Tapestry 1](/media/i0vogt3e/tapestry-1.jpg?width=600&height=350&format=webp&quality=90&v=1daef67312d4010)
Ann’s weaving is an outlet for creativity
Ann Ruel, 95, a resident at Girton Green independent living complex in Cambridge, has a passion for weaving. With her work having been exhibited locally and some pieces sold, she spoke to us about her hobby and how it provides an escape from everyday life.
![Maud With Her Book](/media/t2we3i0m/maud-with-her-book.jpg?rxy=0.34962406015037595,0.29887218045112784&width=600&height=350&format=webp&quality=90&v=1daf24aa4c61e80)
Making Hay
We spoke to Maud Shire, a resident at Hill House, about her two-and-a-half years spent in the Women’s Land Army during the Second World War.
![Thumbnail IMG 0225](/media/nq3m50g4/thumbnail_img_0225.jpg?width=600&height=350&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dae5f6e5eab250)
Chas is one of the ‘Survival Generation’
WWII veteran Chas Clegg marks 106th birthday with party at Abbeyfield care home in Winnersh.
![Residents Enjoyed Getting To Know The Four Legged Visitors To Their Tea Party](/media/f3tfkwos/residents-enjoyed-getting-to-know-the-four-legged-visitors-to-their-tea-party.jpg?rxy=0.5166666666666667,0.3453125&width=600&height=350&format=webp&quality=90&v=1daef2f6940b280)
Tesco partnership with Phil Mead House helps residents
Phil Mead House held a Euros-theme tea party in July with cakes and raffle prizes donated by Tesco, as the result of a successful partnership between the home and its local stores in Walsgrave.
![1. The New Garden Is A Sensory Paradise](/media/kdinnsvy/1-the-new-garden-is-a-sensory-paradise.jpg?width=600&height=350&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dae5f43a6ec5d0)
Abbeyfield Belfast completes garden renovation
The Abbeyfield Belfast Society has celebrated the renovation of the garden at Bell Rotary House sheltered housing in East Belfast.