Newsletter: Summer 2009 - 2nd edition - By Jackie Lodge – Chief Executive

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T

he summer months are with us and the charity is busy developing its activities and services.

New kitchens at Fenner House A program of work has begun at Fenner House with new kitchens being fitted to all the flats. The work is being undertaken by the charity’s new capital maintenance team headed up by Alan Best. The new kitchens will replace units that were installed when the property was built in 1983.

A bright new future for Hylton Lodge. Hylton Lodge was one of Walton Charity’s three sheltered accommodation houses for older people. As demand for this type of property declined the charity took the difficult but necessary decision to close the scheme in 2006. Since that time the future for this 2 acre site has been uncertain and has been a drain on the charity’s resources. The charity has worked with the local community to find an interim solution and planning permission was given to enable the charity to let 16 of the flats which is helping to offset the ongoing costs. The charity is now in a position to develop plans for a site for new mixed housing. After a selection process the charity has appointed Elmbridge Housing Trust (EHT) as its development agency. EHT will work with the charity to develop a range of options for consideration. These options will be developed over the summer months and consultation with local residents and stakeholders will begin in September 2009. The charity is committed to developing homes for local people and playing a key role as a local social landlord and provider of quality homes.

Allotment Open Day 18th April

The Mayor of Elmbridge gets digging Cllr Nigel Cooper attended the open day for the charity’s allotments on Saturday 18th April 2009. John Brine from WADAGS (Walton and District Allotment and Garden Society) has worked with the charity to help clear over 40 plots. The rain from the previous day cleared and the 60 or more people who attended were treated to home made cakes from the charity’s residential care home for older people – Sherwood House.

Staff and trustee changes Jim Hill retired in May after 12 years of heading up the maintenance team. Hilary Brooks left as a trustee to allow more time to pursue her many interests. Thanks to both for all their work on behalf of the charity. A warm welcome to new staff joining the charity - Andrew Jay (catering assistant), Victor Floyd (cleaner), Pauline Vandenberghe (senior carer) and Lauren Whitmore (care assistant).

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The people who are Walton on Thames Charity
Welcome to our regular feature about the most important part of the charity - its people – residents, beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, supporters and trustees.
Mary Thom recently moved into one of the charity’s sheltered flats at Mayfield House. In her 86 years Mary has accomplished a great deal including being a trustee of the charity for over 27 years in her ‘retirement’. In her earlier life she was briefly in the WRENS and has a degree in modern languages and history. In the 1950s she set up and managed a home for children and her approach can only be described as ahead of its time. She strived to keep siblings together and give them much needed security and her now grown up ‘children’ are clearly her pride and joy. Her care for people is underpinned by her Christian values and Mary is an active member of the blind club and St Mary’s Church. Despite having had to give up driving and sell her car she remains positive and optimistic and says ‘I’ve been so lucky to have so many friends and interests’. For Mary, Walton Charity is ‘such a force for good’ and ‘the community is indeed fortunate to have such a resource’. / Mary Thom ‘A cup half full…..’
Planning ahead for 2011
Walton Charity is an amalgamation of 11 charities the oldest of which dates back to before 1212. To commemorate and celebrate its history the charity will be running several events in 2011. / We are working with Kingston University to help research data and information. We are also planning a range of events. If you’d like to get involved / find out more contact us at .
Contact us

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Walton on Thames Charity

‘Mayfield’

74 Hersham Road

Hersham

Surrey

KT12 5NU

Tel: 01932 220242

Fax: 01932 252603

www.waltoncharity.org.uk

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For more information – contact:

Sherwood House Residential Care Home - Kath White 01932 221170

Mayfield / Fenner sheltered accommodation - Janice Nicholls 01932 262545 / 245213

Allotments - Amina Lawson 01932 220242

Volunteering with the charity - Avril Wilcox 01932 220242

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