THE ASSOCIATION OF TEESDALE DAY CLUBS

THE ASSOCIATION OF TEESDALE DAY
CLUBS
Reg Charity No. 1079248
Barnard Castle - Cotherstone – Evenwood - Gainford – Mickleton –
Middleton - Staindrop - Stainton Grove – Winston - Woodland
Patron: The Hon Mrs Harry Vane
ANNUAL REPORT
AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR
TO
31st DECEMBER 2012
OUR MISSION:
“We will strive to enhance the quality of life for socially isolated people living in
Teesdale through their membership of Teesdale Day Clubs.”
OUR VISION:
“To increase the membership of Teesdale Day Clubs through an excellent service as
perceived by our members and other key stakeholders”.
Contents
OUR MISSION: .....................................................................................................1
OUR VISION: .......................................................................................................1
TRUSTEES FOR 2012.............................................................................................. 2
STAFF FOR 2012....................................................................................................2
VOLUNTEERS FOR 2012 ........................................................................................ 3
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN .........................................................................4
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS .................................................................................. 6
THE VIEW FROM CLAIRE HOUSE ............................................................................6
MANAGER/COMMUNITY WORKER’S REPORT ...................................................................8
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT ...................................................................... 10
CLUB REPORTS FOR 2012 .......................................................................................
BARNARD CASTLE .................................................................................................... 11
COTHERSTONE ........................................................................................................ 12
EVENWOOD ............................................................................................................ 13
GAINFORD .............................................................................................................. 14
MICKLETON ............................................................................................................ 16
MIDDLETON-IN-TEESDALE ......................................................................................... 18
STAINDROP ............................................................................................................. 20
STAINTON GROVE .................................................................................................... 22
WINSTON................................................................................................................ 23
WOODLAND ........................................................................................................... 25
FUNDERS FOR 2012 ............................................................................................ 27
1
TRUSTEES FOR 2012
Mrs Valerie Booth
Mrs Marion Hutchinson,MBE
Dr Peter Wood
Mr David Wilson
Ms Sue Bainbridge
Ms Eileen Bell
Mr Rob Bland
Mrs Gill Brodie
Mrs Jean Burden
Mr Phil Kelly
Mr John Mutum
Mrs Linda Ord
Mrs Rosemary Smailes
Mrs Gill Starr
Ms Tracy Turnbull
Mr Bill Whitfield
Ms Diana Wilkes
STAFF FOR 2012
Mrs Madeleine Walton
Mrs Pat Asquith
Mrs Tracy Taylor
Mrs Gill Ball
Ms Sharon Cudmore
Mrs June Dent
Mrs Eileen Gartland
Mrs Dawn Gibson
Ms Lynne Henderson
Mrs Carole Holliday
Mrs Ann Richards
Mr Richard Robinson
Mrs Allison Sayer
Mrs Carole Vayro
Mrs Linda Ward
Mrs Christine Witton
Chairman
Vice-Chairman
Hon Treasurer
Hon Secretary
Manager/CommunityWorker
Deputy Manager/Financial Administrator
Administrator
Club Leader, Gainford and Mickleton
Cook, Barnard Castle and Woodland
Club Leader, Winston
Club Leader, Barnard Castle
Cook, Cotherstone and Mickleton (from November 2012)
Club Leader, Barnard Castle
Club Leader, Middleton
Club Leader, Woodland
Cook, Cotherstone, Gainford and Mickleton (until August 2012)
Cook, Middleton, Stainton Grove and Winston
Club Leader, Cotherstone, Evenwood and Staindrop
Club Leader, Stainton Grove
Cook, Evenwood, Gainford and Staindrop
2
VOLUNTEERS FOR 201 2
BARNARD CASTLE
Pat Asquith
Molly Butler
Jonathan Coll
Margaret Hodgson
Marion Hutchinson
Jamie McBain
Paul McKitton
Chris Phillips
Georgina Robinson
Lucy Scott
Joyce Wood
COTHERSTONE
Carol Abbott
Myra Atkinson
Maureen Atkinson
Hilda Cleasby
Ghita Harbour
Mary Hardy
Pauline Hicks
Tom Hicks
Angela Hunter
Jeff Lynn
Tina Martin
Ian Moorhouse
Audrey& Roy Siswick
Sue Roberts
Brenda Thwaites
Peter&Anne Webb
David Wilson
Peter Wood
EVENWOOD
Eileen Bell
Shelia Hadden
Sandra Lamb
Lynda Ord
Mary Prince
Carol Sowerby
GAINFORD
Joyce Bainbridge
Gill Brodie
Jean & Eric Burden
Sylvia Coates
June Dent
Judith Dyke
Val Eccles
Mavis Freeman
Hilary Heslop
Betty Hodgson
Denise Jefferson
Carol Jones
Maura Kennan
Margaret Moody
Gill Starr
Joe
Joe&Mona
Watson
MICKLETON
Rosemary Alford
Moss Anderson
Alan&Valerie Booth
Trudy Bosworth
Harry Dick
Michael Gossage
Ghita Harbour
Marion Hutchinson
Elsie Pinkney
Jane Roberts
Anne Routledge
Doreen Scott
Rosie Smailes
Esme Southam
MIDDLETON
Deborah Bainbridge
Mary Bell
DeboraMary
Freda BlundellBell
Muriel Goodman
FreMuriel
Goodman
Doreen
Heyes
Joyce Jackson
Eva Lowes
Joan McLaughlin
Christine Mason
Joan Staley
STAINDROP
Joyce Braithwaite
Katherine Chicken
Beryl Embleton
Yvonne Foster
Pat McCalvey
Margaret Mudd
Gordon Reay
Carol Richards
Rose Scaife
Catherine Scrope
Kathleen Waters
STAINTON GROVE
Amy Bailey
Muriel Bailey
Sue Bainbridge
Lynn Jones
Sophie Metcalfe
Denise Morris
WINSTON
Vera Featherstone
Margaret Hodgson
Violet Parr
Val Raper
Joe&Mona Watson
Caroline Wilkins
Elsie Wilson
Helen Wood
Dot Morris
WOODLAND
Avril Abbott
Allen&Edith Armstrong
Margaret Christensen
Linda Cook
Liz Toes
Audrey Merone
Ann Richardson
Dora Robinson
Dorothy Peckett
Joan Simpson
Margaret Smith
Marjorie Teasdale
Kat
Margaret Smith
3
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR MAN
2012 proved to be a momentous year not only for the
wonderful Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee but also for our
Association. There were two highlights for us in that Marion
Hutchinson was awarded the MBE and, at the end of last year,
we were delighted to be awarded the North Star Memorial
Trophy for ‘Outstanding Contributions to the Community
2012’ by the Endeavour Housing Association.
When Marion (who is currently Vice-Chairman of the
Trustees) was informed of her award she was outwardly
dismissive but, I hope, that she was secretly very pleased. Her
award was much deserved as she has given a lifetime to so many
organisations within Teesdale (including ATDC) and I know that our community is much richer
because of all of her work.
Our award from the Endeavour Housing Association was a tremendous and unexpected
surprise. Those of us who were invited to attend the Awards Ceremony nearly did not arrive at
the hotel as the road conditions were so treacherous but we were glad that we did! In addition
to the actual award the Endeavour Housing Association had already granted us £750 which was
used to help with the costs of Christmas parties for all of our members.
I am conscious that Madeleine Walton has given details of the many and varied activities that
our members have been involved with during the past year and I would not wish to duplicate
her information. However, I feel that I must take the opportunity to thank the many people
who have worked so hard to ensure that our organisation runs smoothly.
First on my list is our manager, Madeleine Walton. I suspect that it has been a steep
learning curve for her as last year was her first full year as manager and she has
admirably coped with so many new situations and tasks. She has always approached her
work with good humour, sound commonsense and plenty of energy. One of her
immediate tasks was to weld her staff into a strong and effective team and this she very
quickly achieved. In the office she has had strong support from Pat Asquith and Tracy
Taylor. Pat has made sure that all the financial work of the Association has been
undertaken and she has always been assiduous in searching for new sources of income
and keeping the Big Lottery informed of our activities to ensure that we continue to
receive their regular contributions. Tracy has demonstrated how efficient and effective
she is whether it is organising staff cover for holidays or organising transport for our
members. Our office is a very friendly and effective and this is entirely due to the work
of the staff.
Of course, our clubs would not be so enjoyable and welcoming if it were not for the
work of the club leaders and the cooks. Whenever I visit a club there is always a very
happy atmosphere and a delicious smell of cooking! The club leaders really care for
4
their members and are constantly on the lookout for ideas for new and imaginative trips
and activities. In addition, the cooks try very hard to meet the needs and expectations
of their members and the results are mouthwatering.
Another, and very important, section of the team is the army of volunteers. Once
again, they do all they can to help the members in addition to serving the meals, clearing
away and washing up. Without them the Association would not survive and we are all
indebted to them.
I must not let the opportunity go by without thanking our trustees who are always so
willing to share with us their experience and knowledge. In the last year two trustees
retired. The first was Rob Bland who was a trustee for many years. At one stage he was
the Chairman and, more recently, he took on the responsibility for health and safety.
This is not an easy task but he made sure that we were always up to date with the latest
Health and Safety requirements and then he ensured that we implemented them! I am
very grateful to him for all that he has done for the Association. The other trustee to
retire was John Mutum who worked hard to look after the interests of the Stainton
Grove club. Once again, I am grateful for his support.
This year saw a visit from our local Environmental Health Officers who inspect
organisations such as ourselves (amongst others) to assess our activities against the Food
Safety and Hygiene Regulations. We saw their representatives as ‘critical friends’ and
they were very helpful when they realised that we were very anxious to work with them
as we wanted the best for our members. However, this did entail an enormous amount
of hard work on our part as every club in every venue had to meet their exacting
criteria. I am grateful to not only the office staff but also to two trustees, Phil Kelly and
Dave Wilson, who spent so much time working on this initiative. It was because of
their hard work that we received excellent grades for the Association.
My final thanks must go to the Treasurer, Peter Wood. In these uncertain times when we are
unsure if our grants will continue as they have in the past it has been so important that we spend
our money effectively and continually update ourselves of grants and sources of income that
might be available. In this role Peter has been outstanding and I am confident that whatever the
future holds he will make sure that the Association will be in the best possible financial
situation.
In conclusion, the Association has had another very successful year and I am very grateful to all
those who ensured that this happened.
Valerie Booth
Chairman 2012
5
Association of Teesdale Day Clubs
Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 31st December 2012
Receipts
Restricted Funds
£
68,295.00
Big Lottery
Durham County Council
DCC Venue Rents
Club Contributions –Transport
Club Contributions - Lunches
Donations
Bank and Building Society Interest
Total Receipts
Payments
68,295.00
Restricted Funds
Wages, Tax and National Insurance
Staff Expenses
Training
Office Administration
Rent of venues
Office Rent
Central Purchasing - Food
A.G.M. Expenses
Club Transport
Club Equipment
Contingency
Office Equipment
Volunteer Expenses
Transfer To Friends
Film Week
Club Trips
Total Payments
Excess Receipts over Payments
£
68295.00
68295.00
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Total
16,778.00
9,500.00
2,136.65
16,012.13
2,000.00
1.05
£
68295.00
16,778.00
9,500.00
2,136.65
16,012.13
2,000.00
1.05
46,427.83
114,722.83
Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,676.37
3,011.73
346.72
2,612.64
10,277.70
1,500.00
503.84
545.10
10,788.90
1,698.60
830.55
109.98
67.50
2,721.00
1,270.00
500.00
38,460.63
Total
£
69,971.37
3,011.73
346.72
2,612.64
10,277.70
1,500.00
503.84
545.10
10,788.90
1,698.60
830.55
109.98
67.50
2,721.00
1,270.00
500.00
106,755.63
7967.20
114,722.83
Valerie Booth (Chairman)
Peter Wood (Honorary Treasurer)
Note
The Trustees are mindful that they have a responsibility to maximize the return on the
Association’s cash reserves. After taking independent professional advice the Trustees
6
closed the Association’s account at the Darlington Building Society and transferred the
closing balance, together with a sum from the Association’s current account, to the
Julian Hodge Bank. The funds invested in that Bank now stand at £60,000.00
Independent Examiner’s Report
I certify that I have examined the accounts of Teesdale Day Clubs as presented on the
previous page without carrying out an audit, but having been given all the information
and explanations necessary, and in my opinion they give a true and fair view if the
financial affairs of Teesdale Day Clubs for the 12 month period ending 31st December
2012
Gillian Harle (Independent Examiner)
Funds Available to the Association at 31 December 2012
Balance in the Current Account
£28,508.04
Balance in the Reserve Account
£2,062.58
Balance at Julian Hodge
£60,000.00
Total Funds Available
£90,570.62
There was a balance of £10,006.06 in the account of the Friends of the Association at 31st
December 2012
7
THE VIEW FROM CLAIRE HOUSE
Manager/Community Worker’s Report
We are ending the year as we started it – freezing and worrying
about the weather and its impact on the members!
On a more positive note we have had a wonderful year with
some interesting trips and events – not least the Golden Jubilee
and our Film Week. The film week involved a lot of unseen
work but meant that nearly all the members were treated to
lunch and a film at Mickleton. This event was subsidised by our
County Councillors, whose contribution towards transport
meant that we were able to offer everyone a lift to the venue.
An added bonus was that members enjoyed meeting new and old friends from other clubs and it
felt like a week long party.
We hosted a number of street parties to celebrate the Jubilee. Many of our members
remembered celebrating the Coronation and welcomed the chance for a different kind of party
– no sign of Spam or potted meat sandwiches! We were a vision in red, white and blue.
Sadly this year Richard left us to concentrate on his own catering business, and we have been
joined by Dawn Gibson – who worked with Richard many years ago. We are delighted to have
replaced one high calibre cook with another – to match our existing team of culinary wizards.
(It really is magic the way they produce quality meals on such a small budget!)
In my role as Community Worker I continue to promote the needs of the members with
partnership working and this year have, for example, organised a series of talks from the
Teesdale Citizens Advice Bureau on the new social tariff for heating. These important links
mean that our members continue to get bespoke relevant information. We continue to act as
conduits for other agencies and are also keen to help with useful consultation.
We were delighted to receive a prestigious award from the Endeavour Housing Group for our
“Outstanding Contribution to the Community”. This is the first time this award has been given
and we were delighted to be its first recipient.
We would not be able to function without our army of volunteers, who continue to turn up
smiling, and armed with aprons and rubber gloves!! Whilst we continue to thank them all at
our annual “do” we are all aware that they are an integral part of our organisation. I like to
think that as well as helping us they also gain something from being at the clubs.
Our staff are dedicated and enthusiastic and, as the members become older, their caring skills
become more apparent. Throughout all the clubs we have become aware of some of the
8
members’ increased frailty and the extra care this entails. This is also reflected in increased
transport requirements and costs.
Whilst we pride ourselves on being a member-focused charity it would be remiss of me not to
mention the commitment and dedication of our trustees. The trustees have all the worry and
responsibility and we are grateful for their unending support and hard work.
I am fortunate to work with two excellent colleagues in the office (Pat and Tracy), who are
dedicated to the organisation and whose help and support enables me to combine the two roles
of manager and community worker. We all work as part of a team and I think this is reflected in
our good working relationship with both the members and partner agencies.
MADELEINE WALTON
MANAGER/COMMUNITY WORKER
Tracy, Madeleine and Pat with the North Star Memorial Trophy
for Outstanding Contribution to the Community 2012
This award recognises the effort and dedication of all the trustees, staff and volunteers who
support the organisation
9
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
2012 was the third year of our Big Lottery grant which pays for our staff salaries for five years.
We have continued to receive support from Durham County Council in the form of a Service
Level Contract which covers the rent of our ten venues and other budget items including
administration, office rent, staff expenses and part transport costs.
We were fortunate to receive donations from D.C.C. Councillors Pauline Charlton, George
Richardson, James Rowlandson and Stephen Hugill. Part of these were used to fund our first
Film week which was held at Mickleton in March for all our club members. The remainder was
used towards our ever increasing transport budget.
Barnard Castle & Marwood Welfare Trust gave us £500 to be used for the clubs in their area
and we were able to fund the transport for a club trip for both Stainton Grove and Barnard
Castle clubs with this generous donation.
A grant from North Star Community Strengthening Grants fund of £750 was received in
December to be used towards Christmas food for all our members. We were able to reduce
the cost of the Christmas meals, whether held in house or at a local restaurant.
Cameron Relief Fund once again donated £100 to be shared between the three upper dales
clubs, Middleton in Teesdale, Cotherstone and Mickleton.
We transferred the remainder of the Fresh Hope Trust grant, received in 2010, to the Friends
of Teesdale Day Clubs account to be used for funding the 2013 film week.
PAT ASQUITH
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR
10
BARNARD CASTLE
This year we have had some of our most
enjoyable outings and created some
special memories. Starting in March we
travelled to Mickleton Village Hall for
the fabulous film shown. There
followed a change of scene the
following month, when due to
renovation at our usual venue we
descended on Marwood Community
Centre. Late summer we visited the
Farmhouse Kitchen at Holwick. In
October we went long haul to the Little
Haven at South Shields. We also checked out the Cricket Club in Barnard Castle and since the
beginning of November this has become our new venue. During December the children from
Montalbo school came to sing carols. Finally on our last club day before Christmas, we enjoyed
a festive lunch at the Red Well, Barnard Castle.
Another success this year has been our themed lunches. We held one to celebrate the Queen’s
Diamond Jubilee in June and then a spooky Halloween event at the end of October.
We have had a couple of interesting speakers, Catherine from Durham Deaf Support and Tracy
from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Quieter weeks see us playing the ever popular bingo or card bingo. We also hold several raffles
throughout the year (a special thank you to Pat Asquith, in volunteer mode, for so successfully
organising these!).
We currently have 25 members attending on a regular basis. A special thank you to Madeleine
and the office staff for their support. Grateful thanks to our volunteers and drivers for their
hard work over the year and to Sharon our cook.
LYNN HENDERSON and EILEEN GARTLAND
LUNCH CLUB LEADERS
11
COTHERSTONE
It has been another busy year at
Cotherstone Lunch Club and we
have welcomed some new members.
Once again we hosted a tea dance,
led by Maurice and Jean Forster, and
it was a huge success. The members
really enjoy doing the old dances and
we even managed to get Richard up
to do the hokey cokey –although he
struggled to shake it all about!
Richard also excelled himself when
we had our jubilee street party, when we amalgamated three clubs for one big celebration. Lots
of wonderful food and dainty cakes and not a bit of spam in sight.
We have had some interesting trips to Northallerton and to Peter Barratts Garden Centre.
Madeleine organised speakers from CAB (Social Tariff/Fuel Poverty) and we welcomed
Catherine from Deaf Support who gave useful tips on products for the hard of hearing.
Peter Wood did his now famous racing day and the members all dressed up and wore their best
hats. We managed to keep the blood pressure to a safe level as the excitement of the races
continued. Fortunately Peter and Joyce make excellent bookies so we had no problems
working out the winnings!
Richard left us this year to concentrate on his own business and we welcomed Dawn Gibson
who has already made her mark with her high standard of cooking – how good she is at the
hokey-cokey we have yet to find out. Special thanks to Christine and Alison who covered for us
until Dawn became available. The children from Cotherstone Primary School came and sang
Christmas carols in December, which is something both they and the members really enjoy.
As always at Cotherstone we are blessed with an army of volunteer drivers whose dedication
saves us a fortune on taxis and our other volunteers who wash up, serve food and help where
and when needed. I know we all say it but it really is true – we could not manage without
them.
A final thank you to the office staff, who are always there to help out in an emergency.
CAROLE VAYRO
CLUB LEADER
12
EVENWOOD
We are running at full capacity at
Evenwood, and still have a few names
on the waiting list. One member who
has moved into a care home still
continues to come for lunch.
We have had a busy year, going on
several trips. We visited Middridge for
a meal, Northallerton for lunch and
shopping and had a lovely trip to Karen
Scott at Holwick.
Madeleine organised speakers from the
Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, Hard of Hearing and a talk on the new Heating Social Tariff
from the Citizen Advice Bureau. Sarah Downs, our Police Community Support Officer, calls in
regularly to keep in contact with the members.
We celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a lively street party and Christine served a
lovely meal.
Peter once again held a Racing Day, which the members really enjoyed, and we dressed as if we
were going to Ascot!
The members of Evenwood are very lively and enthusiastic and will have a go at anything. We
held two tea dances, one of which we invited the members from the Evenwood Care Home.
They were a huge success and our members taught Madeleine and Carol how to do the slosh
(it’s a dance not a drink!).
We continue to work closely with both Ramshaw and Evenwood Primary School. This year
Ramshaw actually changed their timetable arrangements so that the children would not miss
carol singing for us, as they enjoy it so much. This interaction with the local schools means a lot
to the members especially as, for many of them, their grandchildren are in the concerts.
Evenwood members thoroughly enjoyed the Film Week, where we met other clubs, had lunch
and watched a film at Mickleton.
As ever, I would like to thank Christine for her wonderful food and also our loyal volunteers,
who work so hard. It really is appreciated.
CAROLE VAYRO
CLUB LEADER
13
GAINFORD
We got 2012 off to a great
start with 28 members, and
gained three new members
over the coming months.
In January, Kate Alcock,
beauty therapist, came to the
lunch club to talk about the
benefits of massage, and two
lucky people got a hand
massage.
In February, we had a lovely
ride up to the Farmhouse
Kitchen in Holwick, Middleton in Teesdale. We had an excellent lunch, a nice ride out and
even though the weather wasn’t kind to us, it didn’t matter as everyone was in good spirits.
In March, we travelled to Mickleton Village Hall where we joined two other lunch clubs for a
good lunch followed by a film show. It was lovely to meet up with other clubs and then watch
the film, and everyone was grateful for the time and effort that had been put into it by the staff
of Teesdale Day Clubs.
In April, Liz Charles from Durham Rural Community Council came to see us and gave a talk
about heating and energy efficiency; she was very well received, especially when she had some
freebies to give out!! There was plenty of useful information for the members to take away.
Later in the month Catherine from Durham Deaf Support came and gave a talk which was very
interesting and informative.
In May, we travelled to Cotherstone Village Hall to join Mickleton and Cotherstone for a
‘Street Party’ to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. There were 70 members altogether and
we listened to some music from the 50’s and 60’s and then did a Royal Quiz, which everyone
enjoyed. Richard had done a cracking job with the party food and we celebrated with a glass of
Pimms and a cup of tea!!
In July we were invited to a Tea Dance at Staindrop Lunch Club, 10 members and some of our
volunteers went and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. It didn’t matter if you couldn’t dance,
there were lots of people to chat with and to top it off a cup of tea and a scone.
14
In August we travelled to Corbridge and had a very nice lunch at the Black Bull. Afterwards we
had a wander around the shops before we got the bus back. It wasn’t a long day out and
everyone seemed to appreciate that.
Sadly in August Richard hung up his apron and left to concentrate on his own business. Happily
we gained Christine, who has cooked at Gainford before, and everyone was very happy that she
had come back.
In September Angela and Mary came from Cotherstone Art Group to sell Christmas cards to
raise money for Cancer Research. There was a lot of interest and they joined us for lunch.
In October, Canon Neil Russell from Gainford came along and had lunch with us, he then sang
some very well-known songs and we all joined in, whilst he played the guitar. He was having
such a good time that we had to ask him to stop!
In November, Peter from Citizens Advice Bureau came along and gave a very knowledgeable
and informative talk about energy efficiency, there were many questions and some freebies to
give away. Later in the month, Ringtons come along and set up a stand for Christmas. They
were well received and most people bought something and they appreciated the fact that they
were able to get some early Christmas presents.
In December, the children from the primary school came along and sang Christmas carols and
everyone thought they were great. The school children always go down well with the members
and some children recognised people that they knew!! We enjoyed our Christmas lunch the
week before Christmas and Christine did an absolutely cracking job, helped along by the
volunteers. Ernie dressed up as Father Christmas and handed out the presents.
The lunch club ran on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and was very much appreciated and
well attended. We played some fun games and everybody had an enjoyable time.
It has been a privilege to have been part of Gainford Lunch club for another year and I would
just like to thank the many people who make Gainford Lunch club what it is.
GILL BALL
CLUB LEADER
15
MICKLETON
We got January off to a good start and
Liz Charles from Durham Rural
Regeneration Council came to talk to us
about how we can be more energy
efficient in the home.
In February, a folk band called High
Force came to play for us, they sang lots
of popular well known songs and
everyone had a great time.
In March we travelled to Staindrop Tea
Shop and had a fabulous lunch, great company and a good time was had by all! Mid-March we
joined up with Winston and Evenwood Lunch clubs for the Film Show – there were 48 of us
altogether and we all had a great lunch followed by a film.
In May, Catherine from Durham Deaf Support came to talk and demonstrate some of the
equipment she had brought and she was well received. Mark and Jessica from Live Music came
and performed for us; Jessica was a classical pianist and was fantastic. There were some wellknown pieces and some not so well known, but all pieces were enjoyed. At the end of the
month we had the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations at Cotherstone Village Hall.
Nineteen of us went along for an ‘indoor street party’ with the Gainford and Cotherstone
Lunch Clubs. We listened to some 50’s and 60’s music and did a Royal Quiz. It was all good
fun with lots of lovely food, and Pimms and tea to follow.
In June, Rebecca from the Sports Centre came and we did armchair exercises and Boccia ( a
sitting down version of bowling). Everyone took part and enjoyed it.
In August we travelled to Corbridge to the Black Bull for lunch. Lunch was great, we all had a
good time and then had a wander around the town before getting back on the bus to come
home. It wasn’t a long day which seemed to go down well with most of the members.
In September Richard left us to concentrate on his own business and we welcomed Christine
and Alison to cover whilst we awaited our new cook to come. They both did a great job and
were given a warm welcome by the members.
16
At the beginning of November we went down to the Tea Shop at Staindrop again, there were
22 of us, and you couldn’t hear yourself think, there was so much talking going on. Food
great, company great, great time had by all! At the end of November we gave a warm welcome
to Dawn Gibson, our new cook, who cooked a fabulous meal which went down very well with
the members. Rachel Markham from Durham Rural Community Council came to give a short
talk on Fraud, the different types there are and how we should take security measures to guard
against these people.
In December we had a display of Ringtons’ goods and members were pleased they were able to
buy their Christmas presents without going to the shops. In mid December the Editor of the
Teesdale Mercury came to visit us following a study that Newcastle University had done last
year about residents of Teesdale living in isolation which had involved some of our members. A
photograph was taken of us enjoying our food and he chatted with our members and volunteers
and later wrote an article for the paper. After that, the children from Middleton in Teesdale
School came to sing Christmas carols. The Christmas party went well and we enjoyed a
fabulous meal cooked by Dawn. Following on from that we played The Wright Family game
which was good fun, this was followed by a tombola and every member of the lunch club got a
tombola prize along with a Christmas present. At the end of the every month we hold a
Community Lunch which attracts up to 10 guests at a time. All the guests are from Mickleton
and it’s nice to spend some time with these people and to catch up. We have a raffle and once
again all money raised goes into Club Funds.
Over the year the members have taken part in quizzes, played dominoes and, bingo. At the
beginning of every month we have a raffle (all the prizes are kindly donated by the members and
all money raised goes to the Club Funds).
On behalf of the members I would like to thank everyone who contributes in any way to help
make Mickleton the success it is.
GILL BALL
CLUB LEADER
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MIDDLETON-in-TEESDALE
2012 started for us on the 4th of
January with wind and rain, but
every member had a smile on their
face, looking forward to a social
gathering! Many birthday milestones
for our members - Jenny
Smurthwaite, Elsie Macleod, Jack
Sears, Norman Wearmouth, Joe
Robinson and Alan Blumer. Our
stalwart members are amazing in
their view of life, long may it
continue! Where would we be without laughter!
Our travels took us to Mickleton Day Club for lunch and the cinema, and to the Little Haven
Hotel at South Shields for our Summer trip, good weather prevailed that day!
Snow came on the 4th of April resulting in the club being cancelled would you believe! We
celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on the 6th of June with traditional bunting, flags and a
smashing English tea produced by Alison Sayer. Once again Tony Hill treated us to an excellent
sing-along.
My 12 year old granddaughter, Sacha, and I completed the Race for Life in Rugby. I am
grateful to the members and staff who sponsored us in aid of Teesdale Cancer Research.
To raise our profile and encourage new members we organized an open day. Despite our best
efforts with posters and an advert in the Teesdale Mercury we unfortunately did not find any
new members. However, we are constantly looking at new ideas to sustain and increase our
membership.
We have had a number of speakers during the year:
-
Michelle Buck S.O.S. (How to Regenerate the Village)
Catherine Lowson (Durham Deaf Support)
Citizen Advice Bureau (George Lawson and Leslie Dixon – energy talk, various ways to
cut fuel expenditure)
Lexi Parker entertained us with her tales of her career as a Tiller girl, an amusing insight
of days gone by.
We finished 2012 early on the 12th of December, our Christmas Party, not a date to forget! A
smashing day with a great lunch provided by Alison and much commented on by all!! The great
efforts from our marvellous volunteers helped to make the day a success.
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The year has given us the Diamond Jubilee, The Olympics and Para Olympics and the dreaded
digital change over! Luckily we all survived that one!
To end our year we have been given the early presents of a £1,000 donation from the Ralph
Gowling Trust and £33.34 from The Cameron Relief in Sickness Trust.
These donations will pay for the Summer Trip Outing and the Christmas 2013 Party.
All that remains is to thank Madeleine, Tracy and Pat for their support throughout the year, also
to our Trustees, Alison for her lovely cooking and our wonderful volunteers. Last but certainly
not least to Alan Thompson for his much needed help. A Very Happy New Year to you all!
CAROLE HOLLIDAY
LUNCH CLUB LEADER
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STAINDROP
We have had another busy year at
Staindrop, with several trips and meals out.
Due to the refurbishment of the Scarth Hall
we were unable to use the kitchen but
skillful management meant we were able to
continue meeting by using the two cafes
and the pub in the village.
Everyone agreed that this had been very
good but nobody cooks like Christine!
We have had some interesting day trips – Peter Barratts, Northallerton and a very popular trip
to Tesco just before Christmas. Tesco make us very welcome and provide us with tea and
coffee. The members really enjoy this opportunity to have a potter around a large superstore –
especially as staff and volunteers act as personal shoppers for them.
We held two Tea Dances at the Scarth Hall this year and they have both been excellent with
good attendance. This year as well as the usual dancing, brilliantly led by Maurice and Jean
Forster, we had an exhibition dance by Peter and Joyce Wood of a very lively jive. I am always
surprised at how much the members enjoy this event – those who cannot dance just like singing
and listening to the music. As if all that is not enough we finish on tea and cream scones!
We continue to work closely with Staindrop primary school and we enjoyed sharing in their VE
day celebrations. The children arrived dressed in wartime clothes and treated us to a short play
and some wartime entertainment which included the Lambeth Walk (oy!). We also enjoyed
the wartime cakes they had baked although we noticed the lack of sugar and fruit.
We held another racing day and had some very inventive and attractive hats. Again this was run
by Peter Wood and his wife Joyce. We are grateful to Peter as he is a really supportive trustee
who will do anything to help when we need him, from driving, dancing and even shopping this
year at Tesco.
Other events have included card making, a display from Ringtons, speakers from DRCC about
doorstep fraud, and CAB advice on the new heating social tariff.
During the renovations we have had huge support from Maurice Race and his wife Trudy and
we are grateful to them for all their hard work.
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Special thanks to Christine who continues to provide excellent meals on a limited budget and a
final thank you to all our wonderful volunteers – without whom we simply could not manage.
CAROLE VAYRO
CLUB LEADER
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STAINTON GROVE
We welcomed two new members
to the club this year, Cathleen
Norton and Maureen Alcock, and
at the close of 2012 we currently
have 13 members.
We have had two trips to
Staindrop Café, a firm favourite
with the members, a trip to
Whitworth Hall, funded by a
donation from Marwood and
Barnard Castle Welfare Trust,
which was thoroughly enjoyed by
the members. We then finished
off the year with Christmas Lunch at the Bridgewater Arms, Winston, not bad for a small club!
We joined Mickleton for lunch and a film show on March 13th which was a great success.
As usual we hold monthly raffles to raise funds for the club; however with such a small club this
only raises a small amount.
Where relevant we have speakers or entertainers but generally our members are happy to play
dominoes, bingo or just chat amongst themselves.
Denise Morris joined as a volunteer in March and is invaluable as is Sue Bainbridge and Amy
Bailey. We have had many people stepping in to help out including Madeleine, Valerie and
Alan Booth, Marion, Rosie and Jane from Mickleton. Their help has been invaluable. I would
like to thank them all as without them the club would not function.
At the time of reporting we have had no lockouts due to severe weather conditions, let’s hope
this continues into 2013.
LINDA WARD
CLUB LEADER
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WINSTON
Winston lunch Club meets
twice monthly and we have
13
members
and
8
volunteers, four of whom are
also members. Two new
members joined us this year
and have become part of the
family.
Members always enjoy a quiz
and are always enthusiastic.
We occasionally have a
domino drive and bingo, and
we have regular raffles to help with funds.
Outings this year were in March to Strikes Garden Centre at Northallerton where we had lunch
and a look around the store at Spring flowers and plants.
Also in March we had a lovely day at Mickleton where we joined other lunch clubs for lunch
and watched the film, Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, followed by ice cream.
In August we went to Reeth where we had lunch at the Buck Hotel. It was one of the few fine
summer days and allowed us to have a wander round Reeth and have an ice cream.
June was of course the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee so Alison did us proud and we had a lovely old
fashioned tea. Members dressed in Red White and Blue. A prize was given to the most
patriotic. Several were very good, so we put names in a hat and the prize of a Jubilee Cup went
to the lucky name drawn out.
Madeleine organised the following speakers:
-
-
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Catherine Lowden from Durham Deaf Society. She discussed problems related with
deafness and gave useful tips on how to improve quality of life and where to buy gadgets
which could help.
Liz Charles who spoke about energy costs.
Peter Singer from Teesdale CAB also on energy costs.
Our Christmas Party was held at the beginning of January. Again, Alison provided us with a
lovely lunch and Trevor Wood entertained us with music and a sing along.
Thank you to Alison, who continues to provide lovely food, to Madeleine for always being
there, and lifting everyone’s spirits and to the volunteers and members, who make Winston a
happy place to be.
JUNE DENT
CLUB LEADER
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WOODLAND
Another year has passed since my last Annual
Report and I am pleased to say that our
membership remains stable with 18 – 19
attendees each week. Two of our members
needed extra care and are now Nursing
Home residents but we have been delighted
to welcome Jill and Fred as new members
this year.
I consider myself and the Club very lucky to
have so many dedicated volunteers – 12 in all who turn out on a regular basis (and in all
weathers) to help. Margaret Christenson from Hamsterley has now joined us and is a cheery
addition to the team.
Sharon our cook has provided many memorable meals for us and really excelled with ’themed’
lunches at Halloween and Christmas – helping to decorate the hall and dressing appropriately
for the occasion!
Woodland Village Hall has now undergone a ‘facelift’ and the kitchen and toilets are greatly
improved. We are hoping that we will achieve a ‘5’ Hygiene rating when we are re-assessed.
Last year we had a broad-spectrum of speakers and entertainers.
- In February Barbara brought us music and ‘sing-along’.
- In March we attended a film-show at Mickleton Village Hall.
- Catherine Lowson spoke on help available for the Hard of Hearing.
- Rachel Bowie gave some excellent tips on First Aid.
- In April we had a speaker from Butterwick Hospice and Emma Johnson the Curate of
Lynesack Church talked of her work in Africa. Audrey – one of our volunteers - spoke about
the ‘Fish and Chip babies’ in Africa and showed many of the tiny garments knitted for them by
her helpers.
- May saw our Spring outing to Knitsley Mill where we enjoyed a lovely meal in interesting
surroundings. We were very sorry to hear that the Mill has been a victim of the floods and has
been closed for several months. Carol and Peter Holland, two of our members, celebrated
their Golden Wedding in July and shared their cake and wine with us on July 9 th. In the same
month Peter Wood gave a very interesting talk on Teesdale.
- On August 20th we had an outing to Ripley Castle and Knaresborough. The weather was fine
and everyone enjoyed the trip.
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- Dr. Selby spoke to us in September on his fascinating visit to Namibia.
Unfortunately we missed a talk by the C.A.B. and our bell-ringing entertainment because of
inclement weather – our speakers were unable to negotiate the floods!
This year we had a lovely Christmas Lunch provided by Sharon and also one at the March Hare,
St. Helens! Both occasions were well attended and most enjoyable. A small party from the
Club visited the Panto at the Civic Theatre, Darlington and had a great time!
In conclusion, I must thank Madeleine, Pat and Tracy for all their help and support throughout
the year and for stepping in on two occasions to provide an excellent lunch for us in an
emergency. We look forward to a happy and fulfilling 2013.
ANN RICHARDS
CLUB LEADER
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FUNDERS FOR 2012
THE ASSOCIATION OF TEESDALE DAY CLUBS was supported in 2012 by:
DURHAM COUNTY COUNCILLORS: STEPHEN HUGILL, JAMES ROWLANDSON,
PAULINE CHARLTON, GEORGE RICHARDSON
CAMERON RELIEF IN SICKNESS CHARITY
NORTH STAR HOUSING ASSOCIATION
DURHAM EXTRAVAGANZA
The Association of Teesdale Day Clubs
Claire House
Victoria Road
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8HW
Tel. & Fax: 01833 695822
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.teesdaledayclubs.org.uk
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