Upcoming Exhibition

Alan's View Point

My original mission, as detailed by Nell, was to take my best camera and capture the staff doing what the staff do best – caring for the vulnerable.  The photography aspect appealed to me, the enthusiasm of Nell prevailed and I said I would give it a try.  Not for long!  The first person I spoke to about the project was less than keen, and since there is no possible way I would upset her, the project was cancelled.  In any case, my grandson, a young professional photographer is coming to help Nell with this project.  He has a lot of charm and a nice smile, so my break down the fences!

Instead, I will try to pass the time whilst on respite on the InPatient Unit, in trying to paint a word picture of my Thursday ladies.  Nell tells me this is for the blog, so enjoy reading!

There is a danger that several accusations can be made of my way of seeing things.  Over sentimental, too gushy and the list is endless, but I write as I feel and will do my best to describe a small group of people who form an important part of my life.

My first day at the Hospice Day Service began with me driving though the gates to be overwhelmed by the flowers.  Boxes and tubs of summer annuals and roses in profusion.  A riot of colour that was instantly uplifting.  Step through the entrance and the peace inside was unlike anything I had met before.  In a few moments I found myself in the Day Service Room.  The new boy!

As I sat there trying to take it in, the two first people to come to me were the two Anne’s.  The first Anne was to become a person I always enjoy seeing, she was on a mission to sort out our approval for the days menu.  In later weeks, I really liked these few minutes, not for prospect of the menu to come but I enjoyed seeing Anne.  Only a few steps behind was the other Anne always with a nice smile, anxious to keep me going with a tea or coffee, and together with Tricia, the third volunteer, they were to become a part of my life.  Tricia came after the Anne’s.  Someone with an aura of calm, she asked me if I would like to walk in the garden we talked and picked the gardeners newly grown strawberries.  I took this walk in the garden many times after, even eating the peas as well!

They give up time for others but I can assure them that it is not only the physical back up they provide, serving lunch and drinks and everything else, but the deep affection they inspire.

The next person to grab me was Terri who was going to be my nurse and keep an eye on my health.  Terri produces a pen and pad from nowhere and makes little notes, a bit like a police caution, anything that you say can be taken down and used in evidence against you.  But when Terri makes a note things happen and she remembers.  She reads me very well and is very high in my affections, I owe a great deal to her.

‘Commander’ Nell has the most sophisticated computer I have ever seen, straight from Cape Canaveral.  It helps her cater for our cultural needs and finding projects to enrich our lives, a very clever lady is Nell, with a multitude of skills and boundless enthusiasm.

Periodically Ruth will lead the way for a Complimentary Therapy session, to date I have only had a massage, soft music in the background, two hands waltzing their way across your back.  Another gentle person.

Every now and then an explosion occurs in the room, this marks the arrival of Mo!  Always with a huge smile that lights up the room, so much energy, my conclusion is that she’s atom powered.  Mo has also helped me by attending the Falls Group.  Her job makes it difficult but I wish we saw more of mo.  Now, there is a slogan to chant in the corridors of the hospice, ‘More of Mo!’

Then there is Lissie, and how on earth do I capture this lovely person.  On my first attendance we sat in the garden and talked, as is my weakness, I talked and Lissie listened.  It suddenly hit me that I was with someone who was special. 

Last. But very much not least, is someone who has become a great ‘oppo’.  (In the navy your best friend is your opposite number – ‘oppo’ for short.)  For some reason the first few weeks she seemed to be dashing around and I did not even know her name.  To me she was ‘nurse neat’!  Since then we have talked together a lot, she always finds time for me, and on my first night in respite she popped in to say hello before she went on annual leave.  This has to be my friend Julie, another ray of sunshine.

They say every snowflake that falls on the world if put under a microscope is lovely but totally unique.  The Thursday ladies are all very different personalities but all combined to make the world a better place.

There comes a time in life when few friends are left, to be given a day with such caring people is a very precious gift.

Wendy's Story

I have been attending the Day Service at the Hospice on and off since just after New Year 2014, when I was feeling a little blue.  I have had MS for about 18 years, starting with the relapsing/remitting form, which became secondary progressive about 7/8 years ago.  I have been using my electric wheelchair full time for about the last 5 years and was feeling a little isolated, especially on those deep, dark winter days that drag on once Xmas has been and gone.  I needed to get out, but where?  I cannot keep going shopping!  Then I saw a page in the local paper, Hospice in the Weald wanted to extend their reach, to help people with long term chronic conditions, so I called.  A very nice lady, one of the community nurses, popped in to see me at home, to have a chat about my circumstances and to see if I was a suitable candidate to join the Hospice Day Service.  She said she would discuss my case with her colleagues back at the Hospice and get back to me, which she did a couple of weeks later.  

It was decided that 12 weeks on, 12 weeks off would be a good combination for me and a date was set.  I must confess to being a little apprehensive to start: what would it be like?  I don't know anyone.  Would it depress me?  This isn't me.  Finally the day arrived......oh well, best give it a try......

Well, I needn't have worried; straight away everyone was so warm, friendly and welcoming, and so upbeat and positive.  There were nurses in the Day Service itself, who spent time asking questions and getting to know me and who enquire about any specific problems or concerns I had.  They make it so easy to discuss anything, and pick up quickly if there's a problem.  Then there are our wonderful, chatty, bright volunteers, everyone is so kind.

I haven't looked back!  I've made friends, done various arts and crafts (some good, some not so good), I cycle on the power bike every week when I can, been entertained and am very well fed!  

My 12 weeks were up mid summer when I had a break, but started back at the Day Service in September, when there were some old faces, but also some new ones. Upon returning I enquired about the possibility of some respite care, mainly to give my husband a well deserved break, we all know our health issues affect not only us but the whole family, and I was added to the list.  Mid October I was offered my week of respite, the first since being diagnosed.  Again, I was a little apprehensive, but again I needn't have worried.  The nurses and all the staff on the In Patient Unit were equally as friendly and welcoming.  Nothing was too much trouble, I felt so well looked after and spoilt.

So, a big big 'THANK YOU' to all of the Hospice in the Weald staff; nurses in the Day Service, nurses on the ward, assistants, carers, volunteers, chefs, catering, admin and cleaning staff too! - I hope I haven't left anyone out....oh, the ladies on reception and the ambulance crew!  Oh, and the volunteers who keep the gardens so beautiful. Thank you, thank you for making my life better and more bearable, thank you all.

The Hospice Choir

At Hospice in the Weald’s CSS Community Choir people can come together to enjoy singing. It is open to anyone over 18, whether they have a previous connection with the hospice or not. Singing is good for us, it increases feelings of wellbeing and singing together adds the extra joy of sharing this experience. We rehearse every other Tuesday at the hospice and support hospice events such as light up a life as well as running our own concert to raise essential funds for the work of the hospice.

I asked Marion, a choir member, some questions to find out what she thought about the choir.

Why did you join the choir?

My sister had already joined and we both always loved singing, we were brought up in a musical family, singing round the piano with my mother. Singing has always been part of our lives and my sister said why don’t you join, so I did. And it’s lovely to think that you can do something you enjoy which will benefit the hospice as well. That’s so much better isn’t it.

How would you describe the choir?

It’s friendly, enthusiastic. It’s another way of getting to know people. So, I’d say to people if they’re a bit lonely, it’s a good thing to do. You don’t need to be an amazing singer, you just hold a tune and you’re alright.

What songs do we sing?

It’s a very varied selection. The songs we are singing for the concert coming up are lovely (musicals and popular songs). And the song the chap (a patient) has written for his wife that’s very sweet. It’s a good varied selection. My sister and I like John Rutter, so it was lovely when we sang that at the remembrance service.

What do you like about performing with the choir?

I don’t think of it as performing really. I just enjoy it, just love it.

What is your connection with hospice in the weald?

It’s through my brother in law who volunteers in the hospice day service. He came here first and that’s how we found out about the choir.

What would make the choir better?

More tenors, more men in it. Put out a plea for men!

Would you recommend it to others?

Definitely, definitely, yes! Give it a go, yes. It has been said that there isn’t anybody who can’t sing.

We have an exciting concert coming up: November Notes will be on the 15^th November. Come along and hear us sing. Money raised will assist the work of Hospice in the Weald and the choir are very excited to be supporting the hospice in this way.

Buy your tickets here: November Notes Concert

We always welcome new members – men or women! If you’re interest in joining email choir@hospiceintheweald.org.uk