NEWS

Charity Auction a great success (Feb 2010)

Eastbourne College provided a perfect setting for Chaseley's Charity Auction, with 54 lots being put up for auction, all generously donated.  The lots included holiday breaks, signed memorabilia, unique days out, food and drink, and the afternoon raised over £5,000 for the charity.   

Around 100 guests attended, enjoying cocktails and canapes before the auction, and auctioneer Paul Achilleous from Eastbourne Auction Rooms expertly extracted generous bids from guests to raise this fantastic sum.

Everyone at Chaseley would like to offer sincere thanks to all who supported this event.

Quality Certification for Chaseley (Feb 2010)

The Chaseley Trust has achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification.  This internationally recognised standard aims to ensure customer satisfaction by providing a tried and tested framework for a systematic approach to managing the organisation's processes.

Chaseley’s Chief Executive Sue Wyatt commented, “We wanted to find a way to illustrate to both our existing and prospective service users, and to those purchasing placements here, that we provide a quality and consistent service, not just in terms of hands on care for which Chaseley is already renowned, but in all aspects of our business.  Being independently audited for ISO 9001 seemed the ideal route to take, and I am delighted that through the hard work of our staff, we have achieved certification.”

Chaseley was independently audited by ISOQAR, an accredited certification body that is authorised to audit organisations and issue certificates against a variety of management system standards.   As an independent, third-party assessment body, ISOQAR audits a wide range of manufacturing and service companies, both throughout the UK and across many parts of the world.

Mears ‘Heavenly’ visit to Chaseley  (Dec 09)

A team from the local branch of Mears Ltd hosted a Christmas coffee morning at Chaseley recently.   As well as providing seasonal refreshments for Chaseley’s residents, day care guests and staff, the company presented a large ‘Heavenly Hamper’ for distribution to the residents and a cheque for £100 to the charity, raised from a staff raffle.

Mik Strevens, Branch Manager for Mears in Eastbourne, which takes care of almost 4,500 properties in the town for Eastbourne Homes Ltd said, “One of Mears’ guiding principles is that we improve the community in which we live and work. This year we invited staff to run a Heavenly Hampers Coffee Morning and were delighted to be able to host this event for Chaseley.  All our staff members were supportive in putting together the hamper and buying raffle tickets. The team who came on the day really enjoyed mixing with everyone at the Home.”

Helena Barrow, Chaseley’s Registered Manager, added, “This was a lovely morning and we are extremely grateful to the Mears team for making the event so enjoyable, and for the hamper and generous donation.”

Photo: the Mears team (L to R): Gary Pelling, Barrie Poole, Steve Jackson, Mik Strevens, Pete Allistone and Heidi Young.

Award for Chaseley's Physio  (Nov 09)

Senior physiotherapist Rachel Wilson has been short listed for the prestigious Physiotherapist of the Year Award (professional nomination), run by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

The awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the profession by members of the 35,000 strong Society, and at the ceremony held in London on 16^th November, Rachel learned she was joint runner-up in her category.

Rachel is the Therapy Manager at Chaseley, where she is described as being an inspirational team leader, innovative and constantly researching ways to improve facilities and treatments to benefit her patients.  She pioneered out-patient clinics to ensure the specialised equipment available to Chaseley’s residents was also available to people in the local community, with patients seeking help with a wide range of neuro-disabilities including stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy and other severely disabling conditions.

Chaseley’s Chief Executive Sue Wyatt commented, “Chaseley’s residents and respite care guests have long benefited from our in-house physiotherapy department, but thanks to Rachel our specialised equipment and expertise is now available to anyone in the community on referral from their GP.  Seventy per cent of outpatients have rated their experience here as excellent, with the remaining thirty per cent rating it good.   This is testimony to Rachel and her team’s dedication and commitment to Chaseley and we are all extremely proud that the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has recognised this in their annual awards ceremony.”

High Sheriff Visits Chaseley (Oct 09)

East Sussex High Sheriff Bill Shelford, accompanied by his wife Annette, paid a visit to Chaseley recently and also viewed the new bungalows.  He commented, "I was very impressed with the new bungalows which allow the residents not only their own front door, but also a feeling of independence which many people with special needs crave above all.  The provisions and support put in place by The Chaseley Trust allow their residents to live within the Community, and the new build has allowed the Trust to equip the rooms with everything that is needed, including variable height cooking facilities."

Gone Ape Again (Oct 09)

Tony Robins, proprietor of The Ostrich Hotel in Robertsbridge, organised a “Go Ape” expedition at Bedgebury Forest recently and led the way by undertaking the high-wire challenge course in a gorilla suit. 

The sponsored event was to raise funds for Chaseley and just over £3,000 was raised by the twenty staff and customers who took part. After the event, Tony and his wife Rosemary generously provided a barbecue meal for all at The Ostrich.

Chaseley’s Chief Executive, Sue Wyatt, who undertook the Go Ape course with Tony last year said “Hats off to all those who completed the course and raised funds for Chaseley.  I know from personal experience that it is quite daunting being so high off the ground, so we truly appreciate everyone’s efforts in raising such a great sum.”

Art Exhibition a Success (Sept 09)

More than 500 people visited the Eastbourne Open Art & Sculpture Exhibition at Chaseley over the bank holiday weekend and 23 exhibits sold with a combined value of just under £2000.   Many of the visitors also voted for their favourite exhibit as part of the People’s Choice award, and the winner was Derek Baulcomb, with ‘Dusk’.   Derek received £100 in vouchers generously donated by Great Art.  Runner up was Mike Harrison with ‘Crates’, who received £50 in Great Art vouchers.    A raffle raised £178 thanks to Emma Mason donating two Robert Tavener prints, with winning tickets 321 and 356, and the event generated a surplus of just over £530 for the charity.

Chaseley would like to thank sponsors DP Interiors, ESOPS, Great Art and Jacksons for supporting the event.  We also greatly appreciate the organising efforts of Rosemary Drysdale, her husband Robert and her team of stewards.

Pictured are the Mayoress and Mayor of Eastbourne, who attended the preview, with Chaseley's Sue Wyatt and organiser Rosemary Drysdale.

Donation for MS Society (Aug 09)

A 40 km walk undertaken by two staff from residential home Chaseley raised funds for both The Chaseley Trust and the Eastbourne & South Wealden MS Society.   While Chaseley cares for people with all types of severe physical disability, a large number of its service users have Multiple Sclerosis and so it was felt very appropriate that the walk should also benefit the local MS Society branch.

Receiving the £400 cheque on behalf of the organisation, Margaret Barrett said “We would like to send our sincere thanks to Rachel Wilson and Kate Wilkinson for their grand effort and in accordance with their wishes the donation will be allocated to our physiotherapy services which take place at the District General Hospital.”

Photo shows Margaret receiving the cheque from Rachel and Kate, with Chaseley service users Eric, Philip and Hazel in the foreground.

Loyalty Awards for Chaseley Staff (August 09)

Trustees of The Chaseley Trust presided over an awards lunch and ceremony to recognise and reward staff for loyalty to the charity, which is part of the Rehab Group.  Awards were presented for ten and fifteen years continuous service.

The recipient of a fifteen year service award was Mary Ogden, Senior Sister at Chaseley’s main residential home, who is renowned for her expert care and empathy towards her patients, all of whom have severe and often complex physical disabilities.

Those receiving ten year service awards were Noel Chilton, Senior Charge Nurse, Amanda Rae, HR and Training Manager, Gina Smith, Senior Housekeeper, Howard Taylor, Nursing Auxiliary with NVQ3 in Care and Chief Executive Sue Wyatt.  Sue commented, “I am pleased that many of our staff choose to stay with the organisation, and we like to reward this commitment through our awards – it is one way we can give a little something back to them in recognition of their continued loyalty to us.”

Group Picture: All the loyalty award recipients L to R: Noel Chilton, Amanda Rae, Sue Wyatt, Mary Ogden, Howard Taylor and Gina Smith.

Chaseley Staff with the X Factor(August 09)

The votes are in and counted, and an awards ceremony has just taken place to honour the individual employee, volunteer and department who has polled the most votes from residents and other staff members in Chaseley’s annual staff awards.

They don’t have to sing to win, but polling the most votes serves to highlight the care and commitment these individuals and teams contribute to life in the residential care home, and also at Chaseley’s new bungalow development.

Chaseley relies heavily on volunteers to help out with many activities around the home, and is pleased that so many of these dedicated people received votes from those they help and the staff they work alongside.  However, receiving the most votes and named Volunteer of the Year, was Mike Parker, who helps at the home along with his wife Aileen.

Mike is pictured receiving his award from Chair of Trustees Angela Kerins.

The Employee of the Year Award was won by Roy Blackmore who works in the Activities department.  Roy has worked at Chaseley for some years but has recently taken on a more proactive role in organising a wide range of exciting event for residents and day care service users, coming up with completely new ideas and initiatives to make life at the home more interesting and enjoyable for everyone. 

Roy is receiving his award from 'Friends' Chairman Mitch Kerry. 

The Department of the Year Award went to Chaseley’s maintenance team headed up by Estates Manager Geoff Wilding.  The team has been kept particularly busy of late with the culmination of Chaseley’s Diamond Jubilee Appeal project last year and also its new bungalows development this year, and their hard work and commitment clearly didn’t go unnoticed. 

Mitch Kerry and Chaseley’s Maintenance Team, receiving their department of the year award (L to R, Chris Pettit, Michael Taylor, Geoff Wilding, and Mitch Kerry).

Chaseley’s Chief Executive Sue Wyatt commented, “We are grateful to The Friends of Chaseley for sponsoring both the Employee and Department of the Year Awards. It is a pleasure for us to see our staff recognised for the tremendous work they do in circumstances requiring patience and empathy - well done to all our award winners”.

MP visits Chaseley Bungalows (July 09)

Local MP Nigel Waterson paid a visit to Chaseley’s semi independent living community recently, viewing both the first phase of occupied bungalows and the second phase which has just been finished, ready for occupation.

Accompanied by Chaseley’s Chief Executive Sue Wyatt, Mr Waterson chatted to residents and was interested in the facilities and the new model of social care on offer.  He commented, "I was extremely impressed by Chaseley's bungalow development.  They are very comfortable, well designed and above all, homely.  For people with severe disabilities who value their independence, they are the ideal solution."

The bungalows, which offer 24 hour RGN nursing support as well as Personal Assistants on hand to help with everyday activities and personal care, complement Chaseley’s main residential Home in South Cliff which also offers respite care, day care and outpatient therapy services.  For more information or to view the bungalows or main Home, contact Helena Barrow on 01323 744211.

Picture shows Chaseley’s Chief Executive Sue Wyatt with bungalow resident Paul Woods and Nigel Waterson MP.

Garden Party a Great Success (June 09)

Fine but slightly chilly weather prevailed for Chaseley's annual Garden Party but that didn't stop the fun and a very healthy sum of almost £1600 was taken on the day, with a further £300 plus taken in advance sales for the Spring/Summer raffle, drawn on the day.

The Eastbourne Silver Band entertained visitors throughout the afternoon, and there were mini traction engines on display, along with members of Canine Concern in all shapes and sizes (we mean the dogs!) and the gorgeous and very cuddly Frankie, pictured above.  Meads Butchers provided the delicious sausages and burgers for the barbecue, Eastbourne's Allotments and Gardens Society ran their usual fresh produce stall, and we were delighted to have a stall from Eastbourne Beekeepers, who were selling honey and other beeswax products.  East Sussex Fire and Rescue also dropped in with their fire engine, which was a great attraction for the younger visitors (and some of the older) as was the face painting and crafts.

Chaseley would like to thank everyone who participated on the day with stalls and attractions, all the companies who gave prizes for our Spring/Summer raffle and also all those who came along to support this event.  We truly appreciate you spending your time with us.

Mayor and Mayoress visit Chaseley Bungalows (June 2009)

The Mayor and Mayoress of Eastbourne, Greg and Clare Szanto, paid a visit to Chaseley's newly occupied bungalow development where they chatted to residents and staff and viewed the facilities on offer.  As well as seeing the completed first phase of the development, they were also able to view the second phase, which was due to be completed the following month.

The Mayor and Mayoress are pictured with resident Paul Woods, and Chaseley staff Geoff Wilding, Zoe Janda and Sue Wyatt.

Duke of Devonshire visits Chaseley Bungalows   (May 2009)

His Grace the Duke of Devonshire KCVO, CBE visited Chaseley’s new semi independent living project ‘Chaseley Bungalows’ recently, and planted a flowering cherry tree to mark the completion of the first four bungalows, and the arrival of the development’s first residents.   He was accompanied on his visit by the Duchess of Devonshire and The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field and Mrs Field.

The Duke commented, “The Duchess and I were very impressed by the high standard of the work that has been done inside and outside.  It is a wonderful use of a redundant piece of land and the up to date equipment available for residents will I am sure be hugely appreciated.  This is an exciting initiative which is bound to be a great success thanks to all the hard work of the dedicated team at Chaseley.”

Directors from builders Hanover Homes were also present, and the company are now working on the second phase of the development for Chaseley.

Pictured left to right are: Trustee Patrick Salmon, The Duke of Devonshire, The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Peter Field, Chaseley's Chief Executive Sue Wyatt, Warren Medlock from Hanover Homes, Trustee Richard Bugler and Rob Williams from hanover Homes.

A long walk for charity   (May 2009)

Two members of Chaseley’s staff walked 26 miles on 9th May to raise funds for The Chaseley Trust and the Eastbourne and South Wealden MS Society.  Rachel Wilson, Chaseley’s Therapy Manager, and Kate Wilkinson, Psycho-Social Care Manager, joined in with over 700 other walkers in the Just Walk event, which started at Goodwood Racecourse and followed a circular route over the South Downs.   

The pair chose the 40 km or 26 mile option, starting at 8 am and finishing late afternoon in a time of 9 hours and 25 minutes.  Donations are still coming in for the pair, and more would be very welcome.  So far over £1,000 has been pledged for the two charities.  Rachel (pictured left) and Kate would like to thank all their sponsors, whose generosity encouraged them over the many hills to the finish line.

TA get on their bikes for Charity   (April 2009)

Members of the Territorial Army’s 56 Signal Squadron (V) from Eastbourne undertook a gruelling bike ride over 10 days last year, to raise funds for The Chaseley Trust and the Army Benevolent Fund.   Travelling from John o’Groats to Lands End, the team averaged 95 miles a day and were supported by TA units throughout the country who supplied accommodation and meals en route.   When stopping away from civilisation, the team put up tents and endured the Scottish midges!

Representatives of both charities attended a special event this week to receive the cheques, and Chaseley Trustee Colonel (Retired) Richard Bugler and Chief Executive Sue Wyatt received a cheque for £665.90 from Col Paul Willmott OBE TD Royal Signals. 

Pictured are two of the cycling team, SSgt ‘Mac’ McMullen and Cfn Andrew Jarmin.  The other two riders were SSgt John Atherton and Sig Samantha Ambrose and support was provided by Sgt Eric Gardyne.  

Chaseley helps develop wheelchair solution. (March 2009)

A design project funded by the Department of Health and developed between the University of Brighton and Neater Solutions, offers people who have lost the use of one arm and leg, possibly through a stroke, the ability to manoeuvre a wheelchair using their unaffected limbs.

Following a successful trial by Chaseley’s Therapy Department and Outpatient service user Brian Pettit, the wheelchair adaptation will be manufactured by Neater Solutions, a Derbyshire based company specialising in the design and manufacture of equipment to aid people with disabilities.  Pictured with Brian and Rachel Wilson, Chaseley’s Therapy Manager are Jon Michaelis (left) Manufacturing Engineer from Neater Solutions, Dr Anne Mandy, Principal Research Fellow and Samuel Lesley, Development Engineer and Faculty Fellow, both from the University of Brighton.  The wheelchair has now been donated to Chaseley to be used by Brian and other service users.

A Great Year for Chaseley's Therapy Department (Jan 2009)

Last year proved to be a very good one for everyone in Chaseley’s Therapy Department.  Not only did they acquire a newly expanded and refurbished facility with some great new equipment, thanks to Chaseley’s Diamond Jubilee Appeal, but the team were also awarded the title of ‘Department of the Year’.

The award, sponsored by The Friends of Chaseley, is made every year and gives staff and service users the opportunity to vote for those who have made an exceptional contribution to the Home, which cares for adults with severe physical disabilities.

On receiving the award Therapy Department Manager Rachel Wilson commented, “Everyone in the team has personally contributed to us achieving this award. The Therapy Team has been working hard to improve the provision of care for the service users at Chaseley. Over the last year our staff have developed skills in many areas including Cognitive Assessment, specialised seating & postural assessment and splinting.  Our outpatient service continues to expand and we have recently recruited a part time Speech & Language Therapist to the team.   We are very excited about our new facilities and are committed to further developing specialist therapy services for adults with severe and complex physical disabilities”.

Other award recipients include Fundraiser and Public Relations Officer Christine Ellis, who was named Employee of the Year, and Chairman of The Friends of Chaseley, Mitch Kerry, who was named Volunteer of the Year, the latter award being sponsored by Chaseley itself.

Team Chaseley Go Ape and raise over £2,500   (Sept 2008)

Ten intrepid individuals have raised over £2,500 for Chaseley by braving the daunting heights of Bedgebury Forest’s Go Ape course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides.  Both Chaseley staff and supporters took part, the youngest being just eleven years old.  Pictured is Chaseley’s Therapies Manager Rachel Wilson, who enjoyed a hands free approach to the zip slides!

Airbourne enjoyed by all at Chaseley (Aug 2008)

The Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Greg Szanto, joined trustees, residents and other guests at Chaseley last Friday to enjoy the Airbourne flying spectacular from the vantage point of Chaseley’s own garden.

The annual event gives Chaseley’s trustees and management an opportunity to extend a luncheon invitation to friends and benefactors as a thank you for their support, which, thanks to good weather, was enjoyed outside where guests could also view the air show.

Pictured left to right are: Trustee Richard Bugler, The Friends of Chaseley Chairman Mitch Kerry, The Mayor of Eastbourne, Trustees Jeremy Howes and Kate Gammon, Councillor Bob Lacey OBE and Chief Executive Sue Wyatt.

REHAB Awards for Chaseley Staff   (Aug 2008)

At a recent ceremony presided over by Chaseley’s Chair of Trustees, Dr Angela Kerins, who is also Chief Executive of the Rehab Group, a number of Chaseley staff were given Rehab Group awards for their loyalty and dedication.

Chaseley is part of the Rehab Group and Nursing Auxiliary Michael Prescott (pictured left) picked up an outstanding achievement award having been employed at Chaseley since September 1973, working full time on night duty for many years before transferring to day duty in November 2002.  During this time he has seen many changes at the residential care home for people with severe physical disabilities, having started work at a time when all the residents were war pensioners and when the Health & Safety requirements were very different.  He certainly remembers the times when he and colleagues used to physically lift residents from their wheelchairs, a practice leading to many back strains among staff and no longer permitted.  By far the longest serving employee, he outruns Chaseley’s longest term resident by just one month! The stories he can tell are innumerable and, in some cases, hair raising. 

Chaseley’s Chief Executive Sue Wyatt commented, “Mike has weathered Chaseley's storms and shared in the triumphs and continued to be loyal and trusted throughout.  He is well respected and much appreciated and has successfully completed his NVQ in Care levels 2 & 3.  We hope he continues to stay with us for many more years.”

Other long service awards were given to Kate Wilkinson and Ros Staniford for over 15 years service, and Shirley Charman, Justin Dennis, Steven Lacey, David Monaghan, Mary Ogden, Linda Reynolds, Maria Sinclair, Michael Taylor, Elizabeth Gower and Barbara Thompson for over 10 years service.

Going Ape for Chaseley   (July 2008)

Eight members of Chaseley's staff, plus some family and friends, will be swinging through the trees at Bedgebury Forest's Go Ape course on Saturday 12th July, in the hope of raising enough funds to complete our Diamond Jubilee Appeal.

With just over £3,000 to raise, it is a tall order but with the support of the Ostrich Hotel in Robertsbridge, who are also sending a few brave participants along to help out, and will provide a free BBQ afterwards for all those completing the course, it is achievable.

Our fearless team would really appreciate sponsorship and if you could pledge a sum to one of our team, please contact Christine on 01323 744390 or email me  here and put Go Ape in the subject box.  You can sponsor Helena, Sue, Kate, Noel, Rachel, Lynda, Wendy or Sophie, and of course, they must complete the entire course to collect the sponsorship!

Learn more about their task at  www.goape.co.uk 

Chaseley's Garden Party   (July 08)

Traction Engines, Belly Dancers and Bunnies!

Great weather, lots of visitors and just over £2,000 raised towards our Diamond Jubilee Appeal made our Garden Party a huge success.  We are extremely grateful to all the members of the Eastbourne Silver Band who gave their time and talent for free, and also the very entertaining Sea Gypsies Belly Dancers (pictured) who drew quite a crowd.  The traction engines were also a great hit, as were the Cuddle Bunnies and Care Dogs.  Thank you so much to everyone who came on the day and spent most generously, to all the staff and volunteers who helped out, to the companies and individuals who donated prizes and the members of the Eastbourne Allotments and Gardens Society who grew and donated so many fine plants and fresh produce.  A full report will appear in the Autumn/Winter edition of Chaseley Chat.

Chaseley shortlisted for Fundrasising Award  (May 2008)

The Chaseley Trust has been short listed for a National Award organised by the Institute of Fundraising, the UK's professional membership body championing best practice in fundraising.

Entries were judged by a panel of twelve senior professionals from the industry, and Chaseley is one of three charities shortlisted for Best Local/Regional Campaign, for its Diamond Jubilee Appeal that aimed to raise £500,000 in two years.  This appeal was to enable the Eastbourne based charity to make substantial improvements to its residential, respite and day care home for people with severe physical disabilities.   

Chaseley is just £27,000 shy of its target, and hopes to conclude the appeal at its Garden Party on 28^th June.

The Awards ceremony will take place alongside the Institute of Fundraising’s National Convention in July at the Hilton London Metropole.

Going Ape for The Friends of Chaseley   (April 2008)

Two intrepid young ladies, Naomi Clifton and Crystal Greenfield, scaled the heights of the daunting ‘Go Ape’ high wire adventure course in Bedgebury Forest near Goudhurst, to raise almost £1,000 for The Friends of Chaseley.

Organised by Tony Robins, proprietor of The Ostrich Hotel in Robertsbridge, there are two more Go Ape adventures lined up for June and July, with some of Chaseley’s staff participating in the latter.    Sponsors are very welcome for these brave individuals, as are other daredevils who fancy approximately three hours of monkeying around on rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides.   Email Christine to request further information.

Cheers to The Ostrich  (April 2008)

Proprietors Tony and Rosemary Robins of The Ostrich Hotel in Robertsbridge, East Sussex have raised an astonishing £8,779.80 during 2007 for The Chaseley Trust.  With the help of staff, customers and friends, they have put on a number of fund-raising activities and Tony has personally contacted local businesses to persuade them to contribute.   Many of the donations were gift aided, which means the true value to Chaseley will be nearer the £10,000 mark.

Chaseley’s Chief Executive, Sue Wyatt commented “We are extremely grateful to everyone at The Ostrich for such a tremendous effort on Chaseley’s behalf.  The contributions have been put towards our Diamond Jubilee Appeal, which now stands at £473,533 towards the £500,000 target.”

Rosemary and Tony are pictured receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from Chaseley Trustee Patrick Salmon, Chairman of the Diamond Jubilee Appeal, while Vice-President Dr Peter Greenfield and Chief Executive Sue Wyatt look on.

Charity Auction a Great Success (March 2008)

Chaseley would like to give a very big thank you to everyone who participated in their recent Charity Auction, which raised the amazing sum of £5,089 towards our Diamond Jubilee Appeal.

Special thanks must go to Auctioneer Pippa Deeley, whose enthusiasm created a brilliant atmosphere, and also Eastbourne College for allowing us to use their fantastic Big School.  We had some fantastic helpers on the day, with duties ranging from pouring the cocktails, serving the canapes, parading the auction lots, wrapping them up afterwards, making teas and coffees in the interval, washing up, car parking and so on!   We could not put on these events without your help.  

We also appreciate everyone who donated an auction lot and special mention should go to Colin Pitt of DP Interiors.  His fantastic lot of two men, for two days, plus materials to do those DIY jobs around the house attracted two strong bidders, and to avoid disappointment, Colin generously offered a second identical lot to the losing bidder.    

Last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you is due to all the people who turned up on the day and bid most generously on our lots, and also to those absent friends who left bids with us.  Congratulations to all those who won their lots - we hope they give you much pleasure.

Design a Christmas Card Competition (October 2007)

Norman Clark and Roger Blackwell are the winners in our Design a Christmas card competition, and their designs are adorning Chaseley's Christmas cards this year.  Norman's traditional snow scene is 100 x 100 mm approx. in size, and Roger's penguins is 136 x 85 mm.  Both are available in packs of 10, price £3.99, including envelopes.  The message inside the card is 'Season's Greetings', with Chaseley's details on the back.  

Chaseley's Annual Awards (August 2007)

Every year Chaseley invites staff and service users to vote for the employee and department they feel has provided exceptional service throughout the preceding year.  This year the title of Employee of the Year goes to Sharon Cassar, who works in the Training Department, where she has expended much time and effort in carrying out auditing, leading on the review and update of policies as well as conducting regular training sessions.  Appreciation for all that the team in the Training Department has achieved was marked by the fact that they also won the Department of the Year Award, in recognition of their continuing development programme, excellent training opportunities and innovation, as well as the maintenance of mandatory training for all staff. The Volunteer of the Year Award was won by Zak Buckley, a young man who has recently joined Chaseley and who, with his enthusiasm and bright personality, has brought such joy to our service users through the various activities he engages in.  Zak is pictured with (left to right) Sue Wyatt, Mitch Kerry and Kate Gammon.

All Award winners received their prizes and certificates at a small ceremony at Chaseley in August.  Mitch Kerry, Chairman of the Friends of Chaseley who sponsor the Department and Employee of the Year Awards, presided and Kate Gammon, Trustee, presented  the Chaseley-sponsored Volunteer of the Year Award.

Loyalty Awards were also presented to Maria Sinclair, Steve Lacey and Dave Monaghan.

The Spring/Summer 2007 edition of Chaseley Chat is available to download here (the file is 2.2MB).  Alternatively email your name and address here, and we'll post one to you.

Airbourne comes to Eastbourne (August 2007)

Distinguished guests enjoying Eastbourne's annual air spectacular from the vantage point of Chaseley's balcony included (L to R), Group Captain Martin Armstrong RAFBF, Chairman of the Friends of Chaseley Mitch Kerry, Chaseley Trustee Jeremy Howes, Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson, Chaseley Trustee Kate Gammon and (front) Mayor's Consort Olive Woodall, Chaseley's Chief Executive Sue Wyatt and Eastbourne's Mayor, Councillor Mary Pooley.

Balloon Race winner  (August 2007)

Despite the rain weighing down our balloons, most managed to escape from Chaseley and the £100 cash prize, sponsored by G M Monk Ltd and Sussex Cars, was won by Mrs Bartter of Eastbourne.  The balloon made it as as far as Silverdale Road in Eastbourne, which was a pretty feeble effort.  However the finder, Mr Mullens, was rewarded with a £10 Boots gift card.  Winner Mrs Bartter is the grandmother of one of our residents, Sarah Wren, and very generously donated half her winnings back to Chaseley.

Awards For All Grant for Chaseley (July 2007)

Chaseley has been granted £5,000 towards a volunteering project, thanks to the Lottery Fund's Awards for All Scheme.   The grant will enable Chaseley's volunteer coordinator to give talks to local groups about volunteering, fund a training programme for our volunteers, host open days at the home and produce professional leaflets and display equipment to encourage more volunteers to help out with many aspects of the home's activities and outings.

Garden Party survives the rain (July 2007)

Despite appalling weather, Chaseley's Garden Party was well supported and raised almost £1,000 for the charity.  There were lots of attractions, including Canine Concern Care Dogs and Cuddle Bunnies and a demonstration of Tai Chi. (Pictured below).  Chaseley would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the day, including Canine Concern and Cuddle Bunnies, the Eastbourne Silver Band, the Eastbourne Allotment and Gardens Society, the Eastbourne Historical Society, Care Homes Insurance Services, the Red Cross, Falklands Veteran Con Cronin, the Territorial Army, all the local businesses who contributed prizes and all the volunteers who helped out.  A full report and acknowledgement will be in the next edition of Chaseley Chat, due out in October.

Eastbourne Open Art & Sculpture Exhibition a success  (May 2007)

Fantastic variety, great quality and very professional.   These were just some of the comments received about the Eastbourne Open Art and Sculpture exhibition held at Chaseley over the bank holiday weekend.  

Baroness Fookes, who officially opened the exhibition to the public on Friday commented, “I did not know quite what standard to expect and I was very impressed by the quality of the exhibits and their range.  Eastbourne and the county of Sussex can take justifiable pride in the artistic talent on display at the Exhibition.  I hope that it will go from strength to strength and remain an ever more valued event in the town's calendar.”

The prizes, sponsored by PlanAhead Fine Art & Graphics Suppliers, were won by Lorna Holdcroft (Best Professional), Zan Stevenson (Best Amateur), Christopher Furner (Best Sculpture) and nine year old Brett Tatham-Wood (Best Junior).  Highly Commended awards were also given to Jackie Hurwood and Suzanne Rudd for their paintings and collages respectively, St Dunstan’s for their impressive sculptures, and junior entrant Katharine Thompson, also aged nine, for her computer generated artwork.

One of the judges, Roy Donaldson said, “The standard was very high and the professional work was first class.  Some of the amateur exhibits also showed enormous promise, including the winner of the Best Amateur prize.”

More than £2,700 worth of paintings and sculptures were sold during the exhibition and Chaseley will receive a commission on all these works.  Thanks to a community grant from Eastbourne Borough Council, the event raised just over £1,000 for the charity, and Chaseley would like to thank all the artists, sponsors, volunteer helpers and visitors who made the event such a success.

EODS Cheque for Chaseley   (April 07)                                                                

The Eastbourne Operatic and Dramatic Society, a long established Eastbourne institution, raised £500 through sales of programmes during their season of shows last year and decided to donate it to The Chaseley Trust, another organisation with a long history in the town.

Chaseley’s Chief Executive dropped in on the Society’s rehearsals for "Thoroughly Modern Millie" to receive the cheque, which was presented by EODS Chairman Nick Reynolds.  The donation will go towards Chaseley’s Diamond Jubilee Appeal, which will significantly improve the physiotherapy and occupational therapy department, a facility available for both Chaseley residents and the local community through outpatient referrals.

Minister for Veterans visits Chaseley (March 07)                 

Derek Twigg MP, the Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans at the Ministry of Defence, visited Chaseley this week to see for himself the facilities and treatments on offer for ex-service personnel and other members of the community.

Chaseley’s management has been concerned for some time that ex-service personnel are not being referred for rehabilitation, respite or residential care at Chaseley.   This situation has arisen since specialist military hospitals have closed down and war casualties are now being treated under the National Health Service.   The Minister’s visit was therefore an opportunity to voice these concerns and ask that he look into the current treatment of our war veterans, and consider how Chaseley can be kept in mind as one of the few facilities that specialise in the care of all ages of paralysed or brain injured veterans, as well as those with neurological conditions.

The Minister was also informed of Chaseley’s Diamond Jubilee Appeal progress and the additional facilities a successful appeal would create for all of Chaseley’s Service Users.  He was invited to officially unveil Chaseley’s Commemorative Diamond Jubilee Gate, and is pictured with (left to right) Trustee Robin Harrison, resident Mary Tester, and Trustees Patrick Salmon, Jeremy Howes and Kate Gammon.  The Appeal fund is approaching £300,000, with a target of £500,000 and all donations are very welcome.

The Winter edition of Chaseley Chat is available in printed form, which you can order by emailing here and providing your name and address.  Alternatively download a pdf here.

Four stars for Chaseley in Business Excellence Awards.   (January 2007)

As a result of independent assessment under the EFQM Recognition Scheme of Levels of Excellence, Chaseley has attained 4 stars in the Recognised for Excellence (R4E) strata of Business Excellence Awards.

Chaseley’s management has always been dedicated to ensuring best practice is maintained at all levels, and since 2003 they have been using the EFQM Excellence Model as a means of coordinating and focusing an improvement programme.  Having gained the Committed to Excellence award in 2005, managers and staff were spurred on to apply for the next stage in their journey towards recognition as being among the best in the country.

CEO, Sue Wyatt, said 'We are dedicated to the pursuit of Excellence and continuous improvement in all that we do, and it is very encouraging and rewarding to receive this recognition.  Our aim now is to apply for a National Award within the next 2 years. I would like to commend and thank the committed and conscientious team of staff for their hard work; everyone's efforts have really paid off'.

Picture shows Chaseley's Business Excellence Team.

Diamond Jubilee Grand Raffle Winner(Dec 2006)

Many congratulations to the first prize winner in our Diamond Jubilee Grand Raffle, Lynda Boyle, seen here with Chaseley's Registered Manager Helena Barrow receiving her prize.

Lynda runs the Rosedale Hotel in Eastbourne, since moving from London six years ago.

Second prize winners were Mr & Mrs Fryer from Heathfield in Sussex, who win a 5 night cruise for two on the QE2, thanks to the generosity of Personal Service Travel.  Mr & Mrs Fryer are seen here receiving their prize from Nicky Taylor from PST (right), and Helena Barrow.

We are very grateful to East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service who provided some very able bodied men from the Eastbourne Station to perform the draw for us.  They are pictured here with Chaseley's Chief Executive Sue Wyatt and Fundraiser Christine Ellis (left).