NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2010

  
WINTER 2010

Another year has almost run its course and we look back with much thankfulness to the kindness and grace of our God in his leading and guiding hand in the work of the Home. We can truly say "Hitherto has the Lord helped us"[1Sam 7v12].

We can also look forward with confidence to 2011(DV) in the knowledge that "The Lord shall be thy confidence "(Prov 3v26) 

THE HOME

The building inside and out is being kept up to a very high standard which always gives a good impression to visitors and potential residents. It is kept nice and warm especially in the severe weather we are having just now. The Gardener has been busy getting the garden ready for the Spring which seems a long way off!

The Lounge is going to be re-decorated along with new carpet in January.

RESIDENTS

There are 19 permanent residents and one person in for respite which leaves 1 room vacant. Please contact the Manager if you know of anyone who would like to come in and enjoy the excellent facilities and fellowship of Summerhill.

Sadly many residents have passed away during the year whom we miss very much.

STAFF

We now have a permanent management structure in place with Lindsey Miller, Manager. Kathleen Baxter and Fiona Duncan, Assistant Officers in Charge and Jan Poots as Administration Manager. This is working very well. Again if any Students or young people are looking for Part-time or evening work please contact The Manager.

KITCHEN

Food is a very important aspect of the Home and the standard of the meals continues to be excellent with a varied choice for the residents to enjoy. Thanks again to the Staff for their hard work. New dishes and utensils have recently been acquired through a very kind donation received.

OUTINGS

Due to the adverse weather conditions recently no outings have been arranged but trips to Mintlaw and "Fine Peace" cafe at the Sheddocksley Baptist Church were enjoyed in the Autumn. Dobbies Garden Centre is also a favorite place to visit. Lindsey also takes some residents out for runs etc while others attend various Church activities in the area.

ACTIVITIES

The Open Night in August was a great success with an excellent buffet prepared by the cook enjoyed by all. There was a clothes display on the 19thNov and a musical concert on 3rd December which went very well. The Christmas Party was enjoyed by all on the 16th Dec with the usual visit of Santa to cheer everyone up. Morning scripture readings along with regular Tuesday night and Sunday afternoon services continue to maintain the Christian ethos of the Home.

FINANCE

It is now 2 years since the building work was completed creating 4 new rooms with en-suite facilities and making the main corridor more suitable for disabled access. Our aim is always to ensure that the operational running costs of the Home are met from the income received from the residents who live at Summerhill. To maintain and improve the Home's facilities we are still very much reliant on the kind and generous giving of the Lord's people. It has never been the wish of the Trustees to make wider public appeals for funding and there is no plan for this to change as we look to the future in the will of God. During 2010 we have sought to make improvements in our technology at the Home to demonstrate to the Care Commission that we are moving towards digital record keeping among other things. The next phase of major development of the Home is on hold as we wait the Lord's guidance as to the most appropriate way to fund such an undertaking. Extensive Bank borrowing is not so easy in the current economic climate. The services provided at Summerhill are both necessary and an important part of caring for God's people in the latter days of their life but the challenges presented by external regulations are not insignificant. We move forward into 2011 with confidence in God and the kind and generous support of the Lord's people.

You can visit our website www.summerhill.org.uk for more details.

We trust that you all have had a happy Christmas and we wish you a very good and prosperous New Year.

With Christian love.

On behalf of the Committee.

Allan L.Gordon