Jenny Baxter, resident at Cross Park House in Brixham, was 100 on New Years Day.
A party was thrown attended by 11 of Jenny’s close family. Combined with the New Year Celebrations, a fun day was had by all.

Music and entertainment was by the fantastic vocalist Jim Hopkinson ,who has played a huge part in the enjoyable times we have had at Cross Park over the last year . Jenny received telegrams from both the Queen and the department for pensions .

Cross Park getting in the christmas spirit.

Is this the best Christmas tree in the Group ?

Another fine effort

The day was arranged as part of the ‘Adult Therapy Visits’, which the trust is involved with, whereby they visit nursing and residential homes, and hospices. Cross Park House Care home, also got in on the action by bringing 3 of their residents down along with the manager and carer. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time, asking questions about the Donkey while patting and stroking him.

Frensham House are also thinking of adopting a Donkey at a cost of £15 for the year. This would allow us more regular visits along with a certificate, drawing and newsletters for the residents to read through. The residents can also visit their donkey at Ivybridge if they wish.

Nick Ross, Registered Manager of Frensham House EMI Care Home (owned by Stonehaven Care Group), has been recognized for his efforts and has won a Community Carer Commendation Award from CareAware. CareAware is an Advocacy Service who provide a “one stop” facility to help with the issues facing care residents and their families. Every 6 months they make awards to individuals around the country who have made a significant contribution to the promotion of public understanding and awareness on care issues. Mr Ross was nominated by individuals for this award and received a certificate and a bouquet of flowers from the organization.

The staff and residents of our two Brixham homes, Cross Park and Frensham, had the right idea about brightening up our fairly dismal summer – they held a Caribbean party! Held at Cross park on Saturday 12th July, residents and their families sipped on Fruit Punch Cocktails and enjoyed typical Caribbean food. They raised money with a raffle and cake stall, with proceeds going to ‘Brixham Does Care’ a local charity which aims to combat loneliness, isolation & despair. Some really got into the spirit and dressed up in grass skirts, flower garlands and bright Caribbean colours. Entertainers (Martin & Jim) from ‘Brixham Does Care’ entertained the crowd with some Calypso classics and other favourites from the 1940s/50s/60s. The day was a tremendous success!

On Saturday 31st August, the residents and staff of Frensham House in Brixham were transported back to the 1940’s. Many dressed up in clothes from the era. The kitchen was transformed into the NAFFI where residents helped prepare home baked food enjoyed at that time – steak & kidney pie, sausage and tomato chutney flan, gingerbread cake with golden syrup and for tea, marmite sandwiches! Union Jack flags were waved and the walls we covered in 1940’s newpapers. One of the carers’ daughters came and sang – she was beautiful and her voice was amazing. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by the residents and their families, not to mention the care team!

It was important to create a brand identity that was about being ‘caring’ and ‘family-run’ while maintaining complete professionalism. The challenge was in taking elements from each of our homes in order to give the ‘Stonehaven’ brand its’ real meaning and identity. The process has been longer than anticipated – ideas have developed and perceptions changed, but progress has been made and the results