News, Stories and Smiles from The Charlotte Straker Project
Wind Farm Funding
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Home Highlights
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S U M M E R
Fundraising Champions
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charity number: 1021086 | www.charlottestraker.org.uk
Welcome
from Chair of Trustees, Berenice Groves
As we move through summer, it is a pleasure to share this latest update from Charlotte Straker House. The past few months have been busy within the home and community, and I would like to thank everyone who has supported us during this time. The kindness shown by our residents’ families, volunteers, staff and the wider community means a great deal. Charlotte Straker House has always been closely connected to the community here in Corbridge, and we are proud that our home continues to sit at its heart. We simply could not do this without the support of our residents, families, volunteers and friends of the home. We have had a number of much-loved local events return with a particularly busy June. We are delighted that the Charlotte Straker House Fête once again brought our community together, alongside other local highlights such as Corbridge Open Gardens and the Art and Textile Exhibition. On behalf of the Trustees, thank you again for your continued support and we look forward to sharing many happy moments together in the months ahead.
With best wishes
Berenice Groves
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In this issue...
In this edition, you’ll find highlights from life at Charlotte Straker House over the past few months, along with updates from around the home. We also share some of our recent fundraising achievements and community news, as well as the latest developments from our Community Respite Bed and the difference it continues to make across our local area.
Team Updates Home Highlights Fundraising Achievements Latest News Join our Volunteer Team
Volunteering at Charlotte Straker House
We’re always happy to welcome new volunteers, and there are lots of great ways to make a difference! Whether supporting activities, joining us on trips or simply spending time with our residents, our volunteers are a huge part of our team.
Read more
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Team Update Leadership Team
Steve Adams CEO
Sam Willis Home Manager
Gail Crossey Deputy Home Manager
Karen Cadwallader Office Manager
Jackie Retires after 34 Years!
After 34 remarkable years, Jackie Kellett, nurse and former Deputy Home Manager at Charlotte Straker House, retired. Jackie has been a reassuring presence for residents, families, and colleagues through decades of change, from the home’s reopening in 1992 to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent return of the community respite bed. Jackie has been instrumental in maintaining the home’s high standards and supporting both residents and staff. While she officially retires, she will continue to be a familiar face as part of the bank staff.
New to the team... The Charlotte Straker Project is delighted to welcome two new nurses to our team, recruited from within our existing staff. Filling these roles internally ensures continuity of care following staff retirements and avoids lengthy external recruitment processes.
Nurse, Kellie
We have also welcomed our new Activities and Fundraising Assistant, Anna, who will support the development of activities and events by offering admin and co-ordination support.
Meet Anna! Page 3
Home Highlights A Wonderful Easter Weekend
Residents and staff at Charlotte Straker House enjoyed a wonderful Easter weekend filled with delicious food, thoughtful decorations and plenty of smiles. From traditional fish and chips on Good Friday to a delicious Easter Sunday lamb roast with hot cross buns, there was lots for everyone to enjoy. Volunteer Adrienne added Easter cheer throughout the home with beautiful displays, while Senior Carer Karen and Nurse Angela brought laughter and joy as they dressed up as the Easter Bunny and Chick to deliver Easter eggs to residents across the home.
Special Visit from Birds of Prey
We enjoyed a fascinating visit from the Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre, meeting Tilly, Hazel and Whisper the owls, along with Mark the vulture. Everyone loved seeing the birds up close, learning interesting facts, and asking plenty of questions. The visit was especially meaningful as it formed part of the celebrations for resident Nancy's 100th birthday, reflecting her lifelong love of birds.
Friendship in the Sunshine The recent sunny weather has given residents and visitors at Charlotte Straker House the perfect opportunity to enjoy time outdoors together. George and respite visitors Mike and Graham recently spent a lovely afternoon in the sunshine, sharing stories, laughter and plenty of conversation. From putting the world to rights to discussing the home’s robotic lawn mower, there was no shortage of topics to enjoy together!
A Day at Alnwick Garden
Residents recently enjoyed a wonderful day out at Alnwick Garden, joined by our fantastic volunteers. With beautiful sunshine throughout the day, everyone explored the colourful gardens, admired the stunning seasonal Head Housekeeper Nicola Pick displays, and enjoyed a and relaxing lunch together. our CEO Steve AdamsThe in outing gave residents the new dining room the opportunity to spend time outdoors, socialise, and create lasting memories. George described the gardens as "absolutely beautiful," perfectly capturing the day's enjoyment.
Arm Chair Travels around the World
Our Armchair Travel sessions have been a big hit! With virtual journeys to Australia and the south of France, sharing photos, souvenirs, and stories from his own adventures. Projected onto the big screen, the images sparked laughter, conversation, and memories of past holidays, from spotting kangaroos and koalas to exploring charming French villages. Following David’s route on a map encouraged plenty of reminiscing and lively discussion. A wonderful way for residents to learn, laugh, and share memories together — we can’t wait to see where David takes us next!
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Event Highlights Fashion Show Raises Over £3,700
The Corbridge Charity Fashion Show was a hugely successful evening of style and community spirit, raising an impressive £3,717.08 for The Charlotte Straker Project and Corbridge Youth Initiative. Held on Thursday 23rd April 2026, the event brought together residents, local businesses, volunteers and supporters for a vibrant celebration featuring fashion showcases from a range of Corbridge independent retailers, alongside stalls, a raffle, and refreshments. Organisers have thanked all participating businesses, volunteers and supporters who helped make the evening such a success, with funds raised set to support both charities’ ongoing work in the local community.
Charwallahs and Chilli Night
The Charwallahs and Chilli Night in Corbridge was a hugely successful evening, raising over £2,400 for The Charlotte Straker Project and Corbridge Youth Initiative. Held on Saturday 14th March at Corbridge Parish Hall, the event brought together nearly 100 guests for a night of live music from The Charwallahs, a chilli supper prepared by the Charlotte Straker House kitchen team, and a well-supported bar run by Corbridge Cricket Club. Organisers and trustees thanked everyone who attended, performed, cooked, volunteered and supported the evening, with funds raised set to benefit both local charities and the communities they serve.
Hadrian’s Wall Challenge
Ten members of staff from Charlotte Straker House successfully completed a 20km Hadrian's Wall challenge, raising over £2,000 for the home's Development Fund. After weeks of training and fundraising, the team crossed the finish line with fantastic support from families, friends, colleagues, and the local community. The money raised will help fund future projects and improvements to enhance the environment and experiences of residents. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and supported the team in making this fundraising challenge such a success.
Fete Brings Community Together
This year's Charlotte Straker Fete brought together residents, relatives, volunteers, and members of the local community for a wonderful afternoon of fun and fundraising. Visitors enjoyed a variety of stalls, games, homemade cakes, and a popular tombola, with the event raising over £1,500 for the Charlotte Straker House Development Fund. The money will help support future projects to enhance life for residents. A huge thank you to our volunteers, everyone who donated prizes and cakes, and all those who attended and supported the event. Your generosity helped make the day a fantastic success.
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News Charity of the Year with Tyne Trust Healthcare
We are delighted to announce Tyne Trust Healthcare has chosen us as their Charity of the Year for 2026. Through this sponsorship, Tyne Trust Healthcare will support fundraising events, staff wellbeing initiatives, and the continued development of community respite services. The support reflects the shared values of both organisations and their commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care. We look forward to working together throughout the year and are grateful to Tyne Trust Healthcare for supporting our residents, families, carers, and the wider community.
Iki Yousaff, Director of Tyne Trust Health with Chair of Trustees Berenice Groves and CEO Steve Adams.
Supporting Families Beyond Respite We’re delighted to be developing our free community respite service at Charlotte Straker House, thanks to the generous support of Tyne Trust Healthcare.
As well as providing local people with up to two weeks of respite each year, we’re now introducing a new PostRespite Support Pack, helping guests and their families connect with local services, organisations and community groups once they return home. We’re excited to be working with Northumberland artisan business Lilac & Thyme to provide each respite guest with a relaxing lavender welcome pack on arrival. These new initiatives are designed to ensure our support extends beyond a guest’s stay, helping older people and their families feel connected, supported and confident throughout the year. Read the full story on our website: www.charlottestraker.org.uk
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Respite Support Packs
News
Nutrition and Hydration Scales win praise
Nancy Turns 100: A Century of Adventure
Born on 22nd March 1926, the year of the General Strike, Nancy has lived through a century of remarkable change. Raised in Yorkshire alongside her twin brother Neville and older brother Peter, she attended Skellfield Girls’ Boarding School in Ripon before being evacuated during the war, where she became Head Girl – an early sign of the leadership that would shape her life. After the war, Nancy moved to London before returning north to join the family business. She soon discovered a talent for public speaking, winning first prize in the National Speaking Competition with the Leeds Young Conservatives. Nancy later married Graeme Anderson, and together they built a life full of adventure. The family lived in several places across the UK, raising three children while Nancy balanced family life with her work at Reckitt and Colman and her many interests, including gardening, antiques and dog breeding. In later years, Nancy continued to pursue her love of the outdoors and travel, enjoying birdwatching, gardening and trips further afield – including safaris and hikes in the Swiss Alps. Nancy’s 100 years are filled with resilience, curiosity and achievement. As we celebrate her milestone birthday, we wish her a very happy 100th birthday and thank her for sharing such an inspiring story with us all.
We’re pleased to introduce a new Nutrition Pizza Scale at Charlotte Straker House to help support residents’ individual dietary needs. Based on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), this simple visual system uses small pizza icons displayed in residents’ rooms to clearly show their required food texture – from Level 3 liquidised to Level 7 regular diets. The Pizza Scale works alongside our Ladybird Hydration Scale, helping staff, volunteers and visiting family members quickly understand each resident’s dietary and hydration needs. These visual tools help ensure safe, comfortable and enjoyable mealtimes for all.
5 Star Hygiene Rating
We are delighted to share that Charlotte Straker House has achieved a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 following our recent inspection – the highest possible rating. This fantastic result reflects the dedication and professionalism of our wonderful kitchen team, who work hard every day to provide safe, nutritious and delicious meals for our residents.
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News
Wind Farm Funds Support Community Respite Care in Rural Northumberland The Charlotte Straker Project has received a £10,000 boost from Green Rigg and Kiln Pit Hill Wind Farm Funds, managed by Community Foundation North East. This funding supports the running of the charity’s vital community respite bed, helping provide short-term care while giving family carers much-needed rest. The respite service is especially important for residents in rural areas, where access to care can be limited. One beneficiary, John, explained how short stays allow his wife Jane time to rest, knowing he is in safe, supportive care.
Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees, said: “The support from our local wind farm funds is amazing and highlights the value of our service for rural communities. We are very grateful for this generosity.” Charlotte Straker House provides specialist nursing, residential and respite care, supporting individuals and families across the local area with highquality care close to home.
Egger Community Fund Support The Charlotte Straker Project has been awarded £1,500 from the EGGER UK Community Fund in Hexham. The fund allows employees to nominate and vote for local charities, and Charlotte Straker Project received the most votes. The donation will go to the charity’s Development Fund, helping to sustain and enhance services at Charlotte Straker House, including the free community respite care for older people and their families.
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Respite Bed Facts: Free of charge Available for those aged 65+ Serving Tynedale and West Northumberland Up to two weeks per year per person
Volunteering Celebrating Volunteering!
Our volunteers make a real difference every day at Charlotte Straker House. Through their kindness, generosity, and dedication, they bring companionship, laughter, and extra support that enriches the lives of our residents. Whether they're helping with activities, offering a listening ear, or supporting events behind the scenes, our volunteers are at the heart of our home and wider community. Their commitment inspires us all and reminds us of the positive impact that giving a little time can have. We would like to say a huge thank you to every one of our volunteers. Your support is truly appreciated, and you play an invaluable role in making Charlotte Straker House such a special place.
Volunteering at the Charlotte Straker Project Join Our Volunteer Community Looking to give back, meet new people, and make a real difference right here in Corbridge? We’re inviting people to become part of our Volunteer Community at Charlotte Straker House. Volunteering with us is flexible, rewarding, and open to all ages and backgrounds. Whether you have an hour a week or a few hours a month, your time can have a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents. Interested? Call us on 01434 633999 or pop in to Charlotte Straker House for a chat and a look around. We’d love to welcome you into our volunteer team!
Making Adventures Possible
Our recent trip to Calvert Kielder was a wonderful opportunity for residents to enjoy the outdoors, try new activities and spend time together. Residents took part in accessible archery, enjoyed a buggy ride around Kielder Water and explored the beautiful surroundings.
But days like this wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers! For many of our residents, having one-to-one support means they can take part in activities and trips that might otherwise be out of reach. Our volunteers provide the encouragement, reassurance and practical support that helps make these experiences possible.
Volunteering is about creating opportunities, building confidence and making memories — and we couldn’t do it without you.
Join us! No previous experience is needed
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Fundraising Leeds Half Marathon: Well Done Isaac! On Sunday 10th May, Isaac completed the Leeds Half Marathon in an incredible 1 hour and 35 minutes, finishing 509th out of more than 9,000 runners. Not only is this a fantastic personal achievement, but Isaac has also raised over £1,500 for The Charlotte Straker Project in memory of his Grandma Judy, a much-loved former resident at Charlotte Straker House. We are hugely grateful for his dedication and kindness, and to everyone who supported his fundraising efforts, with all funds helping to support our Development Fund and enhance the lives of residents and families in our community.
Made With Love: In Memory of Mary A special crochet blanket raffle held in memory of former resident Mary has raised an incredible £1,554 for The Charlotte Straker Project's Development Fund. The beautiful handmade blanket was lovingly created and donated by Mary's granddaughter, Bex Campin, with hundreds of people supporting the raffle. The winning ticket was drawn by one of our residents during a special afternoon celebrating Mary's memory and the inspiration behind the fundraiser. A heartfelt thank you to Bex and everyone who entered the raffle. Your generosity will help provide enriching activities and experiences for residents at Charlotte Straker House.
Corbridge Sewing Bee Sashiko Quilt Raffle The Corbridge Sewing Bee has created a truly remarkable 365 Sashiko quilt, featuring 365 individually hand-stitched squares showcasing incredible skill, creativity, and dedication. The quilt was recently displayed at the Corbridge Art and Textiles Exhibition, where it received lots of admiration from visitors. Now complete, it will be raffled over the summer to raise funds for The Charlotte Straker Project and St Andrew’s Church. A huge thank you to the Sewing Bee for creating such a beautiful piece and for their continued support of the local community over the past 10 years.
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Fundraising Updates Fundraise for The Charlotte Straker Project There are many ways to fundraise for our charity, and we love seeing the creativity of our supporters! Whether it’s a sponsored challenge, coffee morning, concert, school initiative, or something entirely new, every effort helps us continue providing high-quality care and support for our residents. If you have an idea for a fundraiser, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our team to talk through your plans and see how we can support your efforts to make a real difference.
Host an Event
Challenge Yourself
Coffee Morning
Charlotte Straker House is more than just a care home We are a charity at the heart of the Corbridge community, and we are so fortunate to be supported by friends. As we celebrate the achievements, events, and community spirit featured in this edition, I want to extend a thank you to everyone who supports The Charlotte Straker Project – from our volunteers and donors to our local partners, staff and families. Your generosity, time, and dedication make everything we do possible and ensure our residents continue to receive the highest quality care in a warm, welcoming environment. On behalf of everyone at Charlotte Straker House, thank you for being part of our community.
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Steve Adams, CEO
Providing excellent quality nursing, residential and respite care in Corbridge, Northumberland www.charlottestraker.org.uk 01434 633999 | office@charlottestraker.org.uk
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