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Welcome to the September edition of the Tandridge Independent! So, as you may have noticed,...
Care Agencies Success
Care homes have been one of the worst hit communities by COVID-19 in the UK. At least 22,000 residents are reported to have died of the illness. The latest figures show that 45 per cent of deaths took place in care homes.
Meanwhile, in Caterham, at-home care appears to be offering a welcome and seemingly safer alternative to assisted living. Despite reported shortages of PPE and daily visits to societies most vulnerable, local care agency Loving Care has reported no cases of coronavirus in it’s clients or frontline employees.
This is a remarkable victory in the nation’s battle against the pandemic. Weakened by age and underlying illness, the elderly are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. A staggering one in three deaths from coronavirus in Great Britain have been people aged over 85.
Sandra Jenner, owner said “Our 17 staff members follow strict hygiene rules to keep people in the community safe and well and the agency attributes forward planning to their success in protecting all of it’s 50 clients. While gloves and aprons were easily accessible, masks were harder to get hold of. We had increased supplies delivered by local volunteers, so it’s been a joint effort with the local authority.”
During lockdown, families have been unable to visit their elderly relatives. As such, visits from carers may be the only social interaction pensioners have received in the last ten weeks. “Apart from the fact that they’re wearing masks you wouldn’t know there’s a pandemic,” says Jenny Chinnappa, whose mother receives daily calls from the agency. “Throughout all of this, they’ve never let us down. They’ve been well briefed, and it puts me at ease. They’re caring for our loved ones and keeping them safe at this strange time.”
East Surrey Hospital – How have they Coped?
We recently interviewed Michael Wilson CBE, Chief Executive of Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) about the impact that coronavirus has had on East Surrey Hospital. Early March saw the first case of Covid - 19 enter its doors, however Mr Wilson explained that the speed, response rate and extremely unique way the staff reacted to unprecedented circumstances created an immense sense of pride. The support and willingness to go above and beyond their roles and job titles has been fundamental to the hospital’s success in coping with the crisis. To date the hospital has cared for 950 positive cases with there being 245 mortalities following a COVID positive rest result.
Where possible and where their skills have allowed it staff have been moving in-between departments in order to be able to support staff shortages. At its peak 160 nurses moved from their usual wards to be able to support the intensive care staff, and doctors filled in where needed. He said: "Our staff are still working incredibly hard to care for people with coronavirus and on behalf of all of them I would like to say thank you to our local residents. Thank you for your support – it really does lift us in very difficult circumstances. Crucially, thank you for following the national guidance. It is vital that everyone continues to look after each other by keeping a safe distance from others."
He explained that this is the first pandemic which he has experienced in his forty year career and that it has been overwhelming to both himself and the hospital staff and that the hospital has ensured that patient care across the board has not been compromised. Both during the crisis and moving forward the hospital has put many preventative measures into place to protect and reduce the risk of a second wave of the virus returning.
Social distancing within the hospital is of course a necessity and they are ensuring that this is being maintained. There are a reduced number of beds being used in the wards so that the infection risk is eliminated.
Read MoreEast Surrey Hospital – How have they Coped?Where possible and where their skills have allowed it staff have been moving in-between departments in order to be able to support staff shortages. At its peak 160 nurses moved from their usual wards to be able to support the intensive care staff, and doctors filled in where needed. He said: "Our staff are still working incredibly hard to care for people with coronavirus and on behalf of all of them I would like to say thank you to our local residents. Thank you for your support – it really does lift us in very difficult circumstances. Crucially, thank you for following the national guidance. It is vital that everyone continues to look after each other by keeping a safe distance from others."
He explained that this is the first pandemic which he has experienced in his forty year career and that it has been overwhelming to both himself and the hospital staff and that the hospital has ensured that patient care across the board has not been compromised. Both during the crisis and moving forward the hospital has put many preventative measures into place to protect and reduce the risk of a second wave of the virus returning.
Social distancing within the hospital is of course a necessity and they are ensuring that this is being maintained. There are a reduced number of beds being used in the wards so that the infection risk is eliminated.
The Westway Centre – Integral support during the Crisis
October 1st 2019 saw ‘The Douglas Brunton Centre’ finally become ‘The Westway Community Cafe and Wellbeing Centre’ thanks to local residents who together worked to prevent it’s closure. It provides an array of activities, events, facilities and wellbeing services such as hair styling, podiatry, group exercise and art classes (within a safe and welcoming environment) to Caterham residents aged 55 and over and has proved to be an essential hub during lockdown. It also provides transport for residents of Caterham and the surrounding areas who need assistance with mobility via the Dial-a-Ride service. For some it has also become integral in helping with social isolation, loneliness and helping with both mental wellbeing and physical health.
The Four Parishes Hub assists the community in the Four Parishes of Caterham on the Hill, Caterham Valley, Chaldon and Whyteleafe and has aided the Covid-19 outbreak with the introduction of cookery and IT skills through to telephony, working closely with Tandridge Council in supplying and passing on information and directing people to links or contacts for problems or enquiries.
The centre are incredibly proud of its volunteers who through the lockdown have helped immensely by regularly contacting those who are isolating. Many local residents have needed a friendly voice to comfort any worries or issues they may have about the crisis. Volunteers have also helped those not able to leave their homes to obtain essential supplies such as prescriptions, medical supplies and shopping which often includes specialist dietary items. Some residents have had to cope with bereavement, deterioration of mental capacity and of course the closure of social clubs and societies which were previously fundamental to their daily schedule and routine. The voice at the end of a telephone talking to them has helped them cope with the immense change which the lockdown has created within their lives.
The volunteer team has to date, raised £11,000 which supports community transport for the delivery of shopping, prescriptions and visits to the GP. It also supports the provision of telephone support to people with concerns or who are feeling lonely and vulnerable and gives professional help and training to volunteers with the handling of referrals from Tandridge District Council.
Read MoreThe Westway Centre – Integral support during the CrisisThe Four Parishes Hub assists the community in the Four Parishes of Caterham on the Hill, Caterham Valley, Chaldon and Whyteleafe and has aided the Covid-19 outbreak with the introduction of cookery and IT skills through to telephony, working closely with Tandridge Council in supplying and passing on information and directing people to links or contacts for problems or enquiries.
The centre are incredibly proud of its volunteers who through the lockdown have helped immensely by regularly contacting those who are isolating. Many local residents have needed a friendly voice to comfort any worries or issues they may have about the crisis. Volunteers have also helped those not able to leave their homes to obtain essential supplies such as prescriptions, medical supplies and shopping which often includes specialist dietary items. Some residents have had to cope with bereavement, deterioration of mental capacity and of course the closure of social clubs and societies which were previously fundamental to their daily schedule and routine. The voice at the end of a telephone talking to them has helped them cope with the immense change which the lockdown has created within their lives.
The volunteer team has to date, raised £11,000 which supports community transport for the delivery of shopping, prescriptions and visits to the GP. It also supports the provision of telephone support to people with concerns or who are feeling lonely and vulnerable and gives professional help and training to volunteers with the handling of referrals from Tandridge District Council.
Scouting Association Sleepover
At the 17th Purley we enjoy camping and fun. We were inspired to be part of the big camp at home in order to be part of a record breaking camp and make our time in lockdown worthwhile. Although we couldn't be together over 50 members from the group including Beavers, Cubs and Scouts built dens and put up tents at home. The leaders set camp challenges including learning knots, cooking and preparing menus. The first night of camp culminated in a group game of bingo...all virtually of course. We have since found out that there were over 82,000 people camping worldwide and we broke the record.
London Scottish Regiment Piper plans Warlingham VE Day Celebration
Stuart Nicholson is a London Scottish Regiment Piper in ‘The Pipes and Drums of The London Scottish Regiment’ and lives in Warlingham, Surrey.
Amidst the VE Day celebrations, Stuarts’ band were due to participate in a large musical parade along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace to celebrate the occasion, but along with so many others the plan had to be cancelled due to the Corona Virus Pandemic and of course the Lockdown.
On VE Day Stuart has now planned to dress in his uniform and (while adhering to government guidelines) play a few pieces at the Warlingham War Memorial before observing the minutes silence at 3:00 PM.
Virtual Scouting
Along with millions of people who have had to change their lifestyle, Scouts are no different. Scouting across Surrey has been continuing virtually, either by online meetings at the Scout/Explorer age or with challenges given to the Beavers and Cubs in the County.
The first challenge that the County issued was at the heart of Scouting and involved building a den, whether it was inside or outside in their garden, it was open to all.Cubs from every district in Surrey participated in what was a new first for the County.
In addition Bear Grylls, Chief Scout has said:-.
What extraordinary times we’re living in. Our hearts go out to every single family and community that’s been affected by this crisis. It’s really shone a spotlight on the incredible work our NHS and key workers do to look after us – you guys are heroes.
Like you, we’ve been adjusting to life in lockdown. We’ve been keeping our spirits up with family games, keeping to a routine, staying fit and learning new skills – I made a red velvet cake for my son’s 14th birthday (every bit as hard as climbing Everest!)
The Girl Who Gardens
So, we find ourselves in the strangest of times and I know I'm not alone when I talk of the comfort I've taken in the outdoors and especially as I am lucky enough to have my own garden.
Mother Nature certainly knew what she was doing during April – she gave us a balmy Spring to boost morale and the wet, stormy Winter has all but been forgotten!
May is a busy time in the garden with lawn cutting and weeding starting in earnest. We had some well-needed rain at the end of April and that will have given all plants a little of what they need to burst forth and grow and this includes the weeds. The easiest ways to weed are either getting down on your knees with a hand trowel or use by using a hoe to decapitate the weeds. You may use both techniques but be aware of your back and bending over for too long.
If you've been growing any plants from seed or have vegetable plants or Summer bedding to go out into the ground, baskets or pots – HOLD FIRE! Don't be tempted until the threat of a frost has gone otherwise all your tender plants will be at threat from the cold nights that can still be around well into May.
ZAPilates
Structural change: strained a muscle? Something out of alignment? Slipped a disc? If you are experiencing a lot of “new” pain, speak to an Osteopath, Physiotherapist or GP. They may be able to diagnose you via Zoom and help alleviate symptoms so you can move forward with recovery.
Stress: Will we return to work? Workload higher? Juggling kids, partner or confused pets? These can all add to muscular tension we’re not aware of. Find 5 minutes in the day for you to be still and clear your mind. Take a long bath, read a book, listen to music or try meditation.
Changes in lifestyle:sitting more? Trying new exercise or longer sessions? New desk? Looking at screens more? Laying in longer? All of these are changes for your back.
Nearly all of us suffer from over-used upper trapezius muscles in the neck rather than using the larger muscle groups in the back whilst all sorts of muscles support your spine, not just the obvious abdominals and back extensors but pelvic floor and even feet could be contributing to your discomfort.
Ask yourself the questions above then seek help from a movement professional. A qualified instructor, with experience and qualifications of dealing with injuries, will teach you targeted exercises and monitor how you’re performing them. Most lifestyle, stress, muscular and posture issues can be improved with good movement instruction.
Capturing a Community
Local businesses Sarah Olivia Photography and Gillett Training Services have teamed up to raise money for East Surrey Hospital and Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
The project, ‘Capturing a Community’, aims to document the people of Tandridge during lockdown. It involves taking pictures of local residents on their doorsteps, in return for a donation to their Just Giving fund. Participants will receive a high resolution digital copy of the best image: we’ve featured a few here and you can look out for more on our website next month!
Email contact@saraholiviaphotography.com to take part. Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/capturingacommunity
Chaldon Cares
Chaldon Cares has certainly brought the Chaldon community together making it an even more sought after village. Chaldon Cares has revealed the generosity and compassion from its’ residents. Whether it be collecting shopping, a conversation with a neighbour, donating to the newly created hardship fund or helping cook and deliver 180 portions of fish and chips, Chaldon Cares now has over 50 volunteers planning, organising and supporting the village group.
Local pub Landlords Becky & Dave Cox (The Harrow) have been cooking Fish and Chips at their premises every Friday. Volunteers then deliver these to local homes. Becky and Dave have done an amazing job and thank you to Shauna and Sarah who box the food ready for delivery and of course the delivery drivers too.
Lorraine’s Little Jam & Chutney Company
Lorraine’s little Jam and Chutney Company has been running for over 7 years from Caterham on the Hill. Starting out as a hobbie from her home, Lorraine Hewitt has quickly grown this into a thriving business as demand for her homemade products are welcomed by local residents. Some of you may have tried her delicious products at local fairs and events , under normal circumstances her diary would be ‘jam-packed’ this summer!
Lorraine is best known for creating bold and unusual flavours, alongside more traditional fayre such as strawberry jam, orange marmalade and caramalised onion chutney.
During these challenging times, Lorraine has seen her sales rocket as local consumers are avoiding supermarket queues and preferring to shop local. As a result, lots of new customers are enjoying her delicious range as well as repeat customers.
Lorraine is offering a delivery service within a 2 mile radius, or you can collect from her direct. Please call her on 07933 152796.
Can you help bring colour to Caterham?
The Caterham & District Horticultural Society is appealing to local residents to help bring colour to Caterham after lockdown. The group, believed to have been founded in 1886, have several social initiatives underway that will be revived once restrictions are lifted.
The Community Garden and Caterham in Bloom projects aim to unite Caterham through gardening, exercise and companionship; giving people the chance to share their experience, knowledge and skills. The Society encourages people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors: pupils from Hillcroft School were about to help install new planters, bought with donations from Caterham Rotary Club and Sutton & East Surrey Water, in the High Street before lockdown postponed the activity.
Janet Manning, Chairman: “We’ve welcomed three new members since lockdown and we’d love our wonderful Society to grow even more!”
To find out more visit their website: https://caterhamdistricthorticulturalsoc.weebly.com
