Our residents had an ace time as Wimbledon fever hit our homes.

Whitley Bay watched on as Carlos Alcaraz stormed to the Men’s Singles title on Sunday against Novak Djokovic.

And as if our residents weren’t already sweet enough, they enjoyed the traditional tennis treat of strawberries and cream while spectating on one of the best finals of recent years.

Eothen Care Homes trustee Andrew Shepherd has retired after 41 years’ service.

Andrew, the Chair of Trustees, received a personalised photo book from our chief executive Jenny Hearl as a gift for his dedication and commitment to Eothen.

Thank you for everything, Andrew!

Here are some of the quotes from the book:

Dear Andrew

It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve with you as a trustee of Eothen Homes – for almost three decades, now.

Your contribution, especially in your many years as chairman, has been outstanding, and the progress made by the charity owes so much to your cheerful commitment, and to your wise, skilful and good-humoured guidance.

We trust you will now enjoy a long and happy time of retirement, with improved health – although we know you will not cease to be active in the Lord’s service, in other ways.

With deep gratitude, together with our love to you and Mari, and best wishes to the wider family.  May the Lord bless you all richly.

Alex and Iris McIlhinney”

Dear Andrew

It has been many years since we first met and I will always remember you for being warm and caring even when having to make difficult decisions. Your kind and prayerful words have meant such a lot to me both professionally and personally and I thank you for that. Both Stephen and I wish you many happy years ahead spending precious time with your family. 

Take care, with love from Christine x

Dear Andrew

This really is the end of an era!  Eothen trustee meetings will definitely not be the same without you and you will be hugely missed.  Your knowledge spanning decades, your wisdom, your humour – these cannot be replicated.  On a personal note, I have really enjoyed the meals we have sometimes shared together and the wonderful accounts you have given of God’s miraculous working both here and overseas – truly inspiring.  One memorable meal was sitting at a pop up fish bar with you and Louise overlooking Tynemouth! 

I trust and pray that your ‘retirement’ from Eothen will give you more time to spend with Mari, your children and grandchildren and time to engage in some neglected hobbies.  I am sure your life will continue to be lived to the full and Martin joins with me in praying God’s rich blessings on you, on Mari and on your family.

With our love

Maureen and Martin xx

We found fresh and fun ways to keep resident cool across all three of our homes during the recent heatwave!

Paddling pools, lollies, wet sponges and even water pistols were all out in force as temperatures headed into the high 20s.

Thankfully, because of our staff’s innovative cooling techniques, there were smiles – not frowns – all round as we managed to keep the heat at bay.

Two cockapoos helped light up the faces of our Gosforth residents this week!

Lisa, who works in the kitchen at our Gosforth care home, brought in her pair of pooches to meet everyone, much to the delight of staff and residents alike.

Research shows that as well as being generally lovely to be around, pets can help increase activity levels, combat loneliness and reduce stress and depression (https://continuing-healthcare.co.uk/continuing-healthcare-guidance/a-look-at-pet-therapy-in-care-homes/).

We try to have furry visitors as often as possible in our care homes – it is always such a joy to see the happiness they bring to everyone at Eothen.

Residents from our Whitley Bay home had a terrific trip to a local garden centre.

As well as enjoying some shopping, residents had some tasty treats in the cafe and shared lots of laughs with their friends at Dobbies Garden Centre.

We love taking our residents for fun-filled days out, and this was another great experience for everyone from Whitley Bay.

Have a look at some of our other days out here: https://eothenhomes.org.uk/blog/