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Springdene Newsletter 12th August 2024

It’s been a great summer for Springdene as we celebrate the 55^th anniversary of our foundation.  We had a splendid party at Springview to mark the occasion, which we all enjoyed, including our Enfield neighbours, who joined in enthusiastically.

There was a multiplicity of activities, including a raffle and a tombola and a sumptuous choice of food and drink. The local fire brigade came along to give a demonstration.

But the high point was an exhibition of vintage cars and commercial vehicles, which sparked lots of golden memories among our residents.  These were laid on by the neighbouring Whitewebbs transport museum, which is one of the hidden jewels of Enfield.  Thanks to them – and we strongly recommend a visit.

One of the joys of the party was raising the magnificent sum of £1,700 for our favourite charity, Medical Detection Dogs.  The charity does marvellous work with its animals which are trained to “sniff out” the early signs of serious illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes.  Our very own sponsored dog Spring, whom we have adopted since he was a puppy, is busy saving saves, thanks to your input.

The cheque was presented at a special ceremony by Mrs June Powell, joint founder of Springdene Care Homes (right, in the picture).  “Our residents and families are proud to play their part in funding the good work of this excellent charity,” said Mrs Powell.

With the recent summer weather, the gardens of the homes are looking splendid.  There are colourful blooms everywhere thanks to our green-fingered director, Stacey-Louise Balcombe.

At Spring Lane, the patio garden has been re-planned and is looking lovely.  At Springview we are keeping our fingers crossed for the results of the Enfield in Bloom competition – and, indeed, one of their inspectors was spotted the other day sussing out our gardens.

Our residents have not only been enjoying the gardens in the summer weather, but they have been getting out and about, too.  Fraser, our dynamic new wellbeing coordinator at Spring Lane, has been busy organising visits, with two memorable outings – to the RAF Museum at Hendon and London Zoo in Regents Park.

So it’s welcome to Fraser, and also to Erika, our new clinical lead who has joined us to support our group operations supremo, Mark Clements.  Mark will now have the time to focus on strategic issues for the future. We are also looking forward to the arrival in the autumn of a new manager at Springview to replace Iva Petrova, who has moved on to a new job.

At Spring Lane, Alex Codrescu continues to hold the fort while manager Lori Vela enjoys maternity leave with her beautiful new baby.

Also at Spring Lane, we are excited with the countdown to the completion of the modernisation programme in the upstairs bedrooms. We’re also getting a lovely new lounge and entrance area, which will enhance everyone’s lives.  Over at Spring Grove the new cinema room is in operation, with enhanced viewing for everyone.

As always, live music continues to flourish in all our homes. Our old favourite Roddy Skeaping continues to entertain with his much-loved singalongs while the Dance Well team keep everyone on their toes.

This involves exploring various movements to music using all sorts of props. The staff join in, and everyone has a good laugh. And we mustn’t forget Lost Chord, who do such good work among those with memory issues.

For us in the management team, the arrival of a new government means some change on the care landscape.  The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has declared dissatisfaction with the Care Quality Commission, the care home regulator, and undoubtedly there will be some changes.  At the same time Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has abandoned the idea of a cap on care costs, although there is talk of a Royal Commission on the subject.

Meanwhile prepare your diaries for a party in the early autumn to celebrate the completion of the works at Spring Lane. It promises to be a great occasion. Until then, enjoy your summer!