Presentation from Crediton Town Band
13 February 2020
Following the Christmas Carol concert (see 23 December 2019), Crediton Town Band presented a cheque for £318 to Age Concern Crediton. The picture shows the band chairman Jenna Handsford handing the cheque to our Treasurer John Potter, while band members look on. We are very grateful to the band for their continuing generous support.
Picture courtesy of the Crediton Courier.
Clearance Sale
Saturday 18 January 2020
We held a Clearance Sale in the Age Concern Crediton Day Centre to dispose of surplus items that had been donated to our charity shop but that had not sold. We were not sure whether there would be any takers, but, in the event, a lot of people came by and took away to new homes many things that would otherwise have had to be disposed of. Pleasingly, in return, may people kindly deposited money into our collection boxes and we are very grateful for their generosity as every penny helps us pay for the services we provide to our clients.
Picture credit: Tiverton Gazette
Crediton Town Band Concert
23 December 2019
On a deep and crisp (and mostly dry) evening, but certainly with no snow laying round about, a large crowd turned out to sing the words of the many and varied carols played by the band and to generally have a good time!
Our grateful thanks to Crediton Town Band and to Rotary Club of Crediton (Boniface).
(Photos courtesy of Crediton Courier)
Donation by Unity Lodge, Crediton
7 September 2019
Age Concern Crediton is very grateful to have received a generous donation at a presentation held at Unity Lodge Crediton, at which a number of other local organisations received similar financial support, resulting from the fundraising efforts of Lodge members over the previous year. Accepting the donation on behalf of our charity, Michael Coleman, a trustee, thanked the Lodge for its generosity which will help Age Concern Crediton continue to provide support for the elderly in Crediton and the surrounding district.
Presentation of Cheque by the Crash Box Club
2 September 2019
Following on from the weekend at Powderham Castle on 13-14 July (see above), a presentation was held on 2 September at The Ruffwell, Thorverton where Michael Coleman, one of the trustees, represented Age Concern Crediton and received a cheque in excess of £6,300 from the Crash Box Club. Expressing thanks on behalf of the trustees, staff, volunteers and clients, he told those present that the hugely generous donation, probably the largest of its kind that the charity has ever received, would help Age Concern Crediton to continue to provide the wide range of services it offers to the elderly, both in their own homes and at the charity's Day Centre in Deep Lane Crediton. Age Concern Crediton. He also paid tribute to the organisational skills of the club committee and the hard-work and dedication of its members and volunteers in making the two-day show the success that it had been.
Bingo! More Money Raised For Age Concern Crediton
2 September 2019
Jenny Newbery, one of the part-time drivers of the Age Concern Crediton minibus, organised a prize draw that took place at a bingo evening at Newton St Cyres Village Hall on 2 September. Jenny persuaded and cajoled businesses and acquaintances to donate prizes to be auctioned that evening and the result was a magnificent £274.20, which Jenny then gave to our charity. We are very grateful to Jenny (pictured with our minibus) and to all those who supported her.
Powderham Castle Visit - 46th Historic Vehicle Gathering
13-14 July 2019
We took the new minibus to Powderham Castle for the weekend to participate in the 46th Historic Vehicle Gathering. This is organised annually by the Crash Box & Classic Car Club, to whom we are indebted for their generosity in inviting us to be there and for nominating Age Concern Crediton to be one of the three ‘Headline’ charities that will receive a share of the proceeds of the weekend.
All of our staff and volunteers who generously gave up their free time to man the stand over the weekend enjoyed the experience of participating in what is one of the largest shows of its kind in the West Country. Set in the lovely parkland of the castle with views out over the Exe estuary, there were hundreds of vintage vehicles on display, with steam engines, tractors, stationary engines and motorbikes adding to the huge numbers of assorted cars, many of which were rare and all of which were a credit to the efforts of their owners to preserve and display them. With the Sunday in particular being hot and sunny, the crowds were attracted in their thousands and would have benefited from the warm, family atmosphere that prevailed, thanks to the large number of volunteers who have made the show what its has become, 46 years down the line from the first one.
As well as our minibus, the other eye-catching feature of our display were our faithful yellow plastic ducks, the hooking of which with fishing rods proved a popular pastime for children young (and old!). Donations for that topped £100, money which our charity can put to good use.
CredFest – Picnic in the Park
2 June 2019
The opening event of CredFest 2019 was the Picnic in the Park which took place from 12 noon to 2pm in Newcombes Meadow, Crediton. This was part of the Eden Project’s Big Lunch – the UK’s biggest annual get-together for neighbours and friends. So people came along with rugs, deckchairs and picnic baskets to the park, where, apart from all the other entertainment, the new Age Concern Crediton minibus was on display, as well as games for children to play and our famous Face Painting! In the pictures, the minibus can be seen with Bev, our manager, Lisa, Howard and Sarah, with DD, the therapy dog. The other picture has Sue, one of our team, hard at work painting yet another happy face!
(Pictures courtesy of Crediton Courier)
Crediton Farmers’ Market Minibus Display
1 June 2019
We took our new minibus for its first public outing to the Crediton Farmers’ Market from 10am to 1pm in The Square in the centre of Crediton. We are very grateful to the organisers of the Farmers’ Market for generously donating free space for us to be there to show off the new minibus to the town and to publicise the work of our charity, which provides local support to older local people. Many people came along to say hello and to see our eye-catching new minibus which will be used for the benefit of our local community. This was donated to us recently by the Garfield Weston Foundation, to whom we are very grateful for their generosity. Our display was visited by the Mayor of Crediton, Councillor Frank Letch MBE (seen here on the left, with trustees Michael Coleman and Philip Hutchins and Age Concern Crediton Centre manager Beverley Whaley).
Delivery of specially adapted minibus
On 13 May 2019, we were delighted to take delivery of our new, specially adapted minibus which has been very generously donated to Age Concern Crediton by The Garfield Weston Foundation. We shall be employing two part-time drivers who will use the new minibus to collect and return home those of our clients who need such transport. It will also give us the option of taking our clients out on trips.
The minibus seats either 16 adults on individual seats or, by removing 4 seats in each case, can also take one or two wheelchairs, which are loaded via a power ramp through the rear doors and then fastened securely to the floor inside the minibus.
We and our clients are very grateful to The Garfield Weston Foundation for this wonderful gift, which will significantly enhance what we can offer in Crediton and the surrounding area to those who use our services.
Photos courtesy of Crediton Courier.
Crediton Trefoil Guild happy to help Age Concern Crediton
People often ask “What is Trefoil Guild?” The answer is simply “ Guiding for Adults” and it is open to everyone, not just those who have been Brownies, Guides or Guiders. There is no age limit!
Crediton Trefoil Guild was 30 years old in April 2018 and during those years we have enjoyed friendship, fun and quite often, food! Each Guild produces its own programme and, amongst other things, we like to take part in community events and also support our sister organisation Girlguiding (and Scouting too) when we can. Since 1988 we have raised a considerable amount of money for worthy causes and in 2017 we chose to support Age Concern Crediton.
Eileen Johnston of Crediton Trefoil Guild was subsequently presented a cheque for £300 to Bev Whaley of Age Concern Crediton.
Garden Party was a great success despite the rain
The Age Concern Crediton & District Garden Party at Winswood House in July 2017 was a great success even though the rain may have kept a few people away. Guests attending the fundraising event enjoyed a cream tea with a hot cuppa during the interval. Those who braved the elements sheltered under gazebos and a marquee and enjoyed performances by (among others) members of the Parish Church Choir with soprano solos, duets, tenor solos, a short but extremely funny drama and solos from flute, piano and harp. The music ranged from Mozart and Bach Gounod (among others) through Coward and Sondheim to Rogers and Hammerstein. There were also some light-hearted readings and excellent a cappella renditions by Crediton group Ad Hoc.
The team from Age Concern who organised and ran the Garden Party at Winswood House
John Musty of Age Concern said: "For some of the younger performers it was a first outing at a public event and it was a joy to see such talent blossoming in our midst.
"Fortunately the food store, raffle prizes, and plant stall were kept under cover out of the rain, and the proceeds of these made a significant contribution to the afternoon.
"More than 60 people attended and the final total raised was in excess of £550, which bridged the shortfall needed for us for to commence essential alterations to the Lady Mills Day Care Centre in Deep Lane: these will enable us to provide for more guests on a daily basis and offer a wider range of activities and facilities available for the local Community.
"We are deeply indebted to Richard and Stella Stevens for the use of their beautiful garden, Jo Ward for sound amplification, the helpful staff of Charlesworth Nichol Solicitors, and major sponsor Thomas Westcott."
Bev Whaley (Centre Manager) with Richard and Stella Stevens
John added: "Age Concern is a very friendly community resource, and visitors to the Lady Mills Centre are encouraged to experience our activities at first hand on weekdays between 10am and 2pm. As ever you will find that we are short of volunteers in all of our activities, and hope that amongst Courier readers more will feel the call to step forward."
Blooming Lovely!
Britain In Bloom “It’s Your Neighbourhood” Royal Horticultural Society competition judge, Lynette Talbot, visited 15 voluntary community groups in Crediton to give support, feedback, and recognition for their efforts to green up and clean up their local environment on Thursday and Friday, 13th and 14th July 2017.
The 'It’s Your Neighbourhood' campaign, which is part of the Britain In Bloom programme, is based on three core pillars: Voluntary Community Participation, Environmental Responsibility, and Gardening Achievement. All groups who took part received a certificate of achievement based on five levels of criteria at the Awards Presentation on Thursday 5th October at the Palace Hotel, Torquay.
Guests and volunteers with Sandra Way (Wednesday Supervisor) who manages the garden project and encourages guests to grow their own vegetables .
Soon after that, Crediton groups were invited to a local presentation at the Council Offices in Crediton when a guest presenter from Britain In Bloom attended.
Cllr Szabo said: “Personally, I was very pleased to see the team at Age Concern had used the grant given to them by the Town Council, to invest in gardening equipment, tools and seeds etc, which has allowed the elderly members to get involved in planting and growing vegetables, and harvesting them for their meals, bringing joy to everyone, now and in the future. Outstanding.”
The Red Arrows fly in!
Photos from the RAF Red Arrow Flight Lieutenant Joe Hourston's flying visit to Age Concern Crediton on Monday 22nd May 2017 with Wing Commander Rob Johnstone.
Crazy Bowls at Credfest 2017
Age Concern Crediton ‘Crazy Bowls’ Credfest 2017
AGE Concern Crediton & District hosted a Crazy Bowls event on the Town Square, which raised more than £80 for the charity.
Age Concern Crediton hosted Crazy Bowls on the Town Square, from left, Sandra Way, John Musty, John Potter and Bev Whaley
As part of Credfest 2017 the Crazy Bowls was a great event for families and involved rolling a golf ball into nine holes around a special fun course and keeping count on a score card.
Jayden Baker (10) enjoyed a game of Skittle Hoopla during the Crazy Bowls event hosted by Age Concern Crediton
Visitors also enjoyed Skittle Hoopla and Hook-a-Duck.
Situated in Deep Lane, Age Concern Crediton, is an independent local charity supporting and improving the quality of life for people in the 50 plus age group living in the Crediton area.
Christmas carols from Leapfrogs!
In December 2016 Leapfrogs Nursery came to sing their Christmas carols to the guests
Our thanks to Leapfrogs staff and children. We all enjoyed the singing very much!
Crazy Bowls in the Town Square
Age Concern Crediton ‘Crazy Bowls’ Day - 8th October 2016
At an event to raise awareness, Age Concern Crediton introduced a brand new game for all ages which occupied the Town Square for the morning. Many members of the Third Crediton Brownies came to help keep scores for players, and they added greatly to the level of excitement at the occasion.
The Bowls featured six ‘Crazy Holes’, and although not too difficult to play, the elusive clear round was not achieved: even though over 50 people tried. The game itself proved great fun, and will be a feature of the 2017 Town Festival as part of Age Concern’s contribution to that event.
Age Concern is very grateful to the Brownies and Brown Owl Gill Taylor for their help.
Annual General Meeting 26th September 2016
Report on the Annual General Meeting of Age Concern Crediton, 26th September 2016
‘Social enterprise and lifestyle changes are a better option than pills’.
In a bright and thoughtprovoking presentation at the Age Concern Crediton Annual General Meeting, Exeter GP Dr Niall McLeod explained that 93% of NHS funding is directed towards Treatment of clinical conditions, but that only 7% were targeted towards Prevention. Dr McLeod has made the application of these matters a focus for several years, and suggested that the obvious disparity can be tackled in many ways, among which are found adjustments to lifestyle in terms of how we live, eat, socialise, exercise,and use leisure time. Each is effectively a medical treatment, and can serve to enhance the prevention of ailments. The huge range of options open to us could, he postulated, be linked by a Specialist based in a ‘well-being hub’ as part of local surgeries; the role of the latter he expected to undergo major changes in the foreseeable future. The work of Age Concern Crediton, he affirmed; by replacing sedentary and lonely existence with weekly outings in good company, supported by good food and diverse and relevant activities was a good example of the concept.
Earlier, at the Annual General Meeting, Age Concern Crediton reported that they were focusing activities on ‘Prevention’, to make it easier for elderly guests to reduce reliance on NHS services and enhance their lives at home. In addition they had made the Day Room more dementia- friendly in line with increased awareness in this sector. An increasing aspect of their work was to enable carers to have vital days of respite from a demanding schedule. Over the year the number of guests had increased from 1604 to 2320, and the Charity was now working at a small profit, enabling provision to be made for contingencies. Growth was reported in Fitness sessions at the Leisure Centre, Foot Care, Home Support, and the Art Group. The High Street Shop, as ever, provided a vital source of income, soon to be augmented by the introduction of a Gift Aid system.
Chairman of Trustees, John Musty stated that none of this would have been possible without the tireless dedication of the nine staff and forty volunteers, headed by Beverly Whaley, and to whom a massive debt of thanks is due. He also added that there was always room for more retail assistants, drivers, day centre carers, fund raisers, and even Trustees, to share this onerous load a little. He thanked all of those who attended, and cheese and wine were then offered in celebration of the performance of the Charity over the past year.
A Special Visitor - August 2016
Willow from the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary pops in!
We received a very unusual visitor in August. Willow from the Donkey Sanctuary visited the Centre with her handler James Rogers and volunteer helper Debbie Dean. It was a lovely opportunity for our guests to stroke and pet her. She set off quite a few reminiscences from those who remember donkeys working in days gone by.
We're now open every weekday!
Our Day Service has now reopened on Wednesdays!
Due to increasing demand we've extended our Day Service to include Wednesdays from 20th July 2016.
We'll be open between 10 am and 2-30 pm.
If you've not visited us before, now is the time to try an initial ‘Taster’ day for only £5.00!
This price includes a two course home-cooked lunch and transport to and from the centre.
You would be in the company of up to 12 guests, assisted by staff and volunteers, taking part in light and enjoyable activities during the day.
Our other weekday sessions are always very popular, so we expect this new Wednesday session to quickly fill up. So if you'd like to come for a day out at an initial no obligation Taster session, all you need to do is telephone Bev, our Centre Manager, to book - 01363 775008.
Local MP Mel Stride praises 'excellent' service provided by local charity
Press Article: Crediton Courier - 18th Feb 2016
AGE Concern Crediton met with Central Devon MP Mel Stride on Friday, February 12, to discuss future fundraising for the charity amongst a range of other issues.
The organisation currently runs a day centre, art club and bridge club in Crediton alongside a number of other services for elderly people all aimed at delivering a more enjoyable, safe and sociable retirement for the elderly.
This is funded through donations made by local people and from the profits of their High Street shop. The charity has asked Mr Stride for assistance in seeking further fundraising options.
Mr Stride said: “Having met with Age Concern Crediton several times as an MP I have seen first-hand the excellent services they provide to local elderly residents.
“Raising money for local charities is of vital importance and I was pleased to be able to contribute to discussions about where they may be able to source grants and funds. I will continue to assist where I can going forward.”
John Musty, chairman, Age Concern Crediton, said: “We appreciate Mel’s continued involvement and praise for our organisation and his work in raising our profile both locally and in Westminster.
“We have a very dedicated group of volunteers, workers and trustees and hope that we can continue providing the service we do for many years to come.”
Age Concern Crediton’s main purpose is to help older people stay in their home for as long as possible, whilst providing a safe and social environment at their day centre in the town.
Mr Stride has previously visited on a number of occasions and has held meetings with the charity on a number of issues, including the proposed re-development of the Lady Mills Centre at the bottom of Deep Lane.
20th Anniversary Celebrations
We celebrated our 20th Anniversary and the unveiling of the new name of the centre - "The Lady Mills Centre"
Present in the photo: David Charlesworth, Susan Mills, the Mayor of Crediton - Frank Letch, and Lady Mills' Grandchildren
Crediton Age Concern helped by Local Freemasons
Press Release: Issued 2nd November 2014
As part of an annual programme of charitable giving Devonshire Freemasons have again distributed nearly £20,000 to 21 local charities and worthy causes. The donations were presented by the Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire, Ian Kingsbury, at the Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, Citadel Road, Plymouth to representatives from each of the Charities. One of the Charities benefitting was the Crediton branch of Age Concern who received £1000 to help provide their services meeting the needs of the elderly within Crediton and District.
The donations come from the William Alexander Kneel Endowment (WAKE) Fund which is currently worth approximately £7.2M. It is a charitable fund which has been accumulated by legacies and donations from Devonshire Freemasons and their families. Each year approximately £40,000 is distributed amongst local charities and organisations in Devon. The programme commenced in 2001 and since that date over £510,000 has been donated to nearly 496 beneficiaries.
Whilst the individual sums may seem modest each donation is meaningful and appreciated by the charity or local organisation concerned. Making the presentations, Ian Kingsbury commented “I am delighted that the Freemasons in Devon are able to contribute to these important local causes. Many of these organisations are run on a shoestring by volunteers and these donations provide real benefit and are much appreciated”.
Most of the recipient organisations have been nominated by a local Masonic Lodge, usually where a member has a connection with the organisation.
The attached photo shows Mr David Charlesworth (Chair) and Mr John Potter (Treasurer) receiving the cheque from Ian Kingsbury accompanied by Peter Coleman and Phillip Mitchell of Unity Lodge No. 1332 which meets in Crediton
For further information contact:-
Age Concern Crediton & District, The Lady Mills Centre, Deep Lane, Crediton, EX17 2BX.Devon
Freemasons:- Jeff Bailey, Press Officer, Mob: 07879 670796; email jeff@sidmouth.clara.co.uk