Spring 2015

Transcription

Spring 2015
SPRING 2015 / Issue 14
10
FIRE
SAFETY
TIPS
Simple tips to help you
maintain a safe
environment
Embrace
the change
Here is your magazine...
your stories,
your celebrations,
your achievements.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Your stories
Find out about
what’s been
going on
Page 14
Our new brand
Your guide to
find out more
about FirstPort
Page 28
Your successes
A memorable
November’s day
in Doncaster
Page 46
FirstPort.co.uk
02 | WELCOME EDITOR’S LETTER
FIRSTPORT | 03
Welcome
Editor’s letter
Welcome to Issue 14 of Life&Style, a special
edition of our magazine as it is the first to be
published under the FirstPort brand. We hope you
all enjoy your magazine and find it an interesting
and engaging read. Life&Style is all about you,
our residents and Development Managers, and
we want to highlight and showcase your stories,
achievements and celebrations.
Spring is well underway now and we look forward
to hearing about all your events and celebrations
you enjoy over the next few months as we head
towards what we hope will be another great British
summer. We are always amazed at the dedication
you put into your celebrations and fundraising
events and we enjoy seeing the vast range of
activities you carry out in order to raise money for
great causes. We want to share your special
occasions and stories so don’t forget to write a
letter or send us an email to tell us all about it.
In this edition we have an update from Carol
Crowe, Keith Murray and Steve Howarth, alongside
some health and safety tips, our regular health and
Contents Spring 2015
nutrition articles, a review of our Development
Manager conferences and a round up from the EAC
National Housing Awards, amongst many others.
You will also see that we have included a section
regarding our new brand. We hope this helps
answer any questions you may have.
Finally, we would like to thank you for sending us
your letters and emails for this edition, your
contributions are vital and we look forward to your
stories for Issue 15. If you can’t see your event or
celebration in this magazine, apologies, sadly we
can’t fit in all the submissions we receive, however
we will try to add all of them to the new
FirstPort.co.uk website soon.
36
28
45
All about you
Your letters
Your stories
Let’s celebrate
Richard Steed
Competition winners:
Congratulations to our winners below from
Issue 13 who each won a copy of ‘Wish you
were here’ by Lynn Russell & Neil Hanson,
which told the stories of seven girls who
worked as redcoats at Butlins.
Below are all the details you need to get in touch
with us at Life&Style magazine. We look forward
to hearing your thoughts and suggestions.
ISSUE 14
24
Best wishes,
How to get in touch with
the Life&Style team
Mr John Spragg, Homesmith House, Worcester.
Ms Doreen Barker, The Mallards, Southend-on-Sea.
Mrs Kath Yates, Admirals Lodge, Romford.
Miss C G France, St Georges Court, Great Yarmouth.
Mrs M V Murphy, Timothy Hackworth Court, Eaglescliffe.
Mr C H Adams, Sandringham Lodge, Thornton-Cleveleys.
Mrs Jean Haines, Swan Court, Stratford Upon Avon.
Miss Margaret J Smith, Blenheim Court, Bromley.
Mrs Pam Milling, Hornbeam Court, Guiseley.
Mr T D Houlden, Westwood Court, Ipswich.
22
FirstPort News
An update form FirstPort
An update from Carol...
An update from Steve...
An update from Keith...
Health & safety update
04 & 05
14 – 19
48 – 55
07
11
21
43
12 & 13
Competition
WIN £500 Grand UK Holidays vouchers
Puzzles
41
58
Health & Nutrition
Health advice from Dr Trisha Macnair
Nutrition advice from Lynn Burns
09
38
Features
EAC Art Awards
Our conferences
FirstPort rebrand: an introduction
Retirement Homesearch
EAC National Housing Awards
22
24 – 26
28 – 33
36 & 37
45 – 47
0333 321 4041
lifeandstyle@FirstPort.co.uk
Life&Style Team
c/o FirstPort, 11-12 Centre Court,
Vine Lane, Halesowen B63 3EB
FirstPort.co.uk
Please send us your contributions for the next issue by Monday 13 July 2015
For any advertising related comments within Life&Style please contact Media In Mind Group Ltd, 1B White Street, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 1BD.
Tel: 01371 859 383. Email: info@mediainmind.com. Reproduction in part or in whole without the permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited. The views
expressed in Life&Style are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of FirstPort. No part of Life&Style can be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission from the Editor. Every care has been taken in
compiling this publication, but FirstPort or Media in Mind assume no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss arising from participation in any article,
offer, competition or advertisement contained in this publication or for any misrepresentation in any article, offer, competition, or advertisement.
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
04 | YOUR LETTERS
FIRSTPORT | 05
Your letters...
We love receiving your letters whatever
they may be, so please keep sending
them into us so we can share them
Are there any other
cyclists out there?
I moved into the Bishopsgate development in
Bishopbriggs near Glasgow with my wife Izzy, over
nine years ago at the age of 67. We moved from the
Wirral bringing three bikes with me, a traditional
bike (with flat handlebars), a folding bike and a
tandem. I have enjoyed cycling since the age of
nine and was determined to keep going.
I will keep cycling as long as I can. It means
adventure, discovery and a feeling of freedom for
me. I have had many adventures and challenges
cycling, and we have had many together on our
tandem. The most ambitious being a 9-day tour
into the uninhabited interior of Iceland, in 1970. This
was a circuit around an area within which were two
adjacent ice caps, several volcanoes and a hot
spring area. Along with several other dramatic
features, in the south of the country. One of the ice
caps was called ‘Eyjafjallajokull’, which infamously
erupted a few years ago, with its ash plume
grounding aircraft for some time.
We could not carry all our food for the Iceland trip
as well as our camping gear but were fortunate in
being able to arrange to have food cached for us in
two places on the route. There were no eruptions
while we were there, although two months earlier
the famous volcano Mount Hekla had been pouring
forth lava.
The following day became very windy. At first it was
helpful but as we changed direction to join a proper
road (though still a gravely one), it became a cross
wind and practically against us. The air became
loaded with dust picked up from the interior with
the visibility very poor (essentially a dust storm). We
ISSUE 14
and were introduced to Penny, who was delightful,
warm and caring. I realised Penny had already taken
some photos and then the VIPs walked in, including
our Prime Minster and his wife, other members of
Parliament, Prince Charles and the President of
France, to name a few. At the end of the ceremony,
Penny lead us to the door for a couple of photos on
the way out. I then re-joined the RBL group where we
sat down to be presented to our wonderful Queen
and other VIPs. At the presentation the Queen was
the only Royal and met the 15 veterans with the RBL
in attendance. There were many ceremonies, all
Harold Bradley, pictured in August 2014, representing brought to an end by the Red Arrows. A day of
dedication worthy of the 70th D-Day Anniversary.
the Royal British Legion at the Tower of London
My 91st year, who’d have
thought it, not I...
Neil Hanson on one of his adventures in
Northumberland, 28 February 2012
still had 20 miles to go but it came to a point when
we just could not cycle any further. I saw a barn not
far away and we headed there to spend the night
and completed our journey the next day.
We have had many adventures discovering beauty,
nature and inspiration on the most ambitious and
the most humble of outings. Rather than the 100
milers that I did in my youth, 20 miles is a good day’s
cycling distance for me now (my annual total for
2013 was 1,100). Most excursions are far less now and
usually include some utility purpose – it has simply
become a way of life. I feel very fortunate that I am
still able to keep going, to seek out the quieter
routes, and do some quiet reading in a café shop.
Neil Hanson, resident, Bishopsgate,
Bishopbriggs, Glasgow
“I will keep cycling as long as
I can. It means adventure,
discovery and a feeling of
freedom for me.”
During a four month period in 2014, I have met our
Queen, two Prince’s, a Duchess, been very close
to senior Royals, spent time with Rod Stewart and
Penny Lancaster and also fitted in two interviews
for television. My magical period kicked off on
April 2013. I said to my wife Doreen, I would very
much like to go to the 70th Anniversary of the
Normandy landings ceremony in 2014. I
telephoned the Royal British Legion (RBL), a
young lady asked me a few questions and when I
answered that I was a veteran, she said, “then
why don’t you come with us”. In early 2014, I was
asked if I would mind having my photo taken, and
I was asked if I wouldn’t mind doing an interview
for ITV on behalf of the RBL. The interview was to
be shown during their evening news programme.
Filming occurred on April 2 and I was interviewed
on the promenade for 90 minutes. When the show
was edited it was a two minute segment but still
we were all happy. This wasn’t the end of my TV
career, later in April, the RBL contacted me to do a
second interview this time for CNN. They filmed
me outside of a café. Similarly, a 90 minute
interview occurred with their reporter before they
left and said their goodbyes to Doreen and myself.
During May, the RBL called again and asked if I would
like to help Penny who was working with them to do
a project for Hello magazine. All was agreed and I
was to be contacted when I was in Normandy. Friday
June 6th arrived. Doreen and I were escorted to the
Cathedral of Bayeux, where we had reserved seats
The 7th and 8th of June were taken up with visits
to battle sights and cemeteries, and on the 9th we
headed home, on my birthday. I was now 91 and
having the time of my life. Soon after, when back in
London, the news director from Hello magazine
arrived. We then travelled in a taxi to a large house
with a beautiful garden. There were snacks, tea
and coffee and Penny joined us along with Rod as
well. Our time soon ended and we headed back
having had a wonderful day.
The RBL asked if we were free on Aug 4 and 5.
They asked if we would like to represent the RBL at
the Tower of London and meet Prince William, the
Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. We had
an early start on the 5 and after a lot of security,
we were ready to be presented. In front of us were
thousands of poppies, planted by hundreds of
volunteers. The Royal’s then arrived. The hand
shaking then began from my left, with William first,
who asked me if I was ok after my wait and who I
represented. Harry also commented on my
smartness. There followed the planting of the
poppies. Afterwards, we were invited by the
Constable of the Tower and his wife to the Queen’s
house for drinks and refreshments. It was a very
interesting gathering and they were excellent
hosts. Doreen and I then made our way home, we
reflected and had a coffee. What an end to a lovely
day, as they say, the ‘icing on the cake’.
Harold Bradley, resident, Palm Court,
Westgate-on-Sea, Kent
“I was now 91 and having the
time of my life”
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
FIRSTPORT | 07
The new ‘directory’ of award-winning
Titan ocean and river cruise holidays
A change at FirstPort
– introducing Keith
We are delighted to be able to share with you the news that FirstPort
Retirement Property Services has a new Managing Director, Keith Shields.
Keith joined FirstPort in February 2015 with a wealth of experience as a
senior manager in roles across the services industry, from catering to
facilities management.
140 superb ocean and river
cruises all together in our new
Cruise Compendium brochure
We caught up with Keith to find out a little more about him and what he’s
looking forward to most in his new role as Managing Director.
What was your most recent role before joining FirstPort?
Keith Shields
Managing Director,
FirstPort Retirement
Property Services
My most recent role was as Head of Facilities & Asset Management for a
company called Lend Lease Europe and covered both the Facilities and
Asset Management across their UK business. Throughout my career I
have worked across the services industry from catering and facilities
management to property.
What are you looking forward to most about your new role?
I’m really looking forward to getting to know the business and the various
teams that I will be working with. Given my varied background within the
services industry, I hope to bring the benefit of that experience to the
customers of FirstPort.
What other areas of the FirstPort business will you look after?
In addition to being the Managing Director for FirstPort Retirement
Property Services, I will also be responsible for Retirement Homesearch,
Kingsborough Insurance Services (soon to be FirstPort Insurance Services)
and FirstPort Property Services Scotland and I look forward to working with
their established teams to develop these businesses further.
equest the latest br
Call FREE to book or rrequest
brochure
ochure on
0800 988 5845 quoting LS0 2FC or visit titantravel.co.uk
VIP Service not available on Scottish Isles or Sark. Prices subject to availability at time of booking.
†
In addition to Keith joining FirstPort, Nigel Howell has also been appointed as
Chief Executive. Nigel joined Knight Square, FirstPort’s parent company, in
January 2013 and became Chief Executive in February 2015 following Janet
Entwistle’s decision to stand down from the role. Towards the end of 2014, we
also welcomed Nick Freeth who has joined us as Managing Director of
Retirement Homesearch.
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
FIRSTPORT | 09
Our easy-access showers - Surprisingly
Affordable
Comfortable, safe bathing - Simply Priceless
Your health
We care about your health and
well being, so here is some help and
advice from Dr Patricia Macnair
Try to prevent falls
before they happen
One of the great wonders of the human body is
how we can walk, run and dance with great
agility while our body remains balanced upright
on just those two small plates of muscle and
bone we call our feet. How we achieve this is a
tribute to a complex set of nervous system and
muscular controls. So perhaps it is no surprise
that, every now and then, one of these controls
fails and we fall over. As we get older, more and
more health problems impinge on the controls
and increase our risk of falling. Most fallers
casually attribute their accident to a careless
movement or “a bit of a trip” over badly placed
furniture. However, in most cases there is a
specific factor (or combination of factors)
making them more vulnerable to falling. It’s vital
that these factors are identified so that any
further falls can be prevented.
Our easy-access showers have so
many benefits for you
Low-threshold trays –
1
just 1 /2”
Slip-resistant shower
trays for safer bathing
Safety grab bars
Safe and comfortable
fold-up seats
Easy-clean wall panels
Please send me a free brochure on your range
of easy-access showers and walk-in baths.
Title
PNA235
First Name
Surname
Tel No.
Address
For a free copy of our 44 page brochure CALL FREE now on
0800 542 1526
Please quote reference
PNA235
www.safebathing.co.uk
Postcode
We may use this information to contact you about our
products and pass it to suitable third parties to contact
you about their products and services. Please tick the
box if you do not wish to receive information from us
or third parties . Please refer to our privacy policy for
further details www.bathingsolutions.co.uk/privacy-policy
Post coupon to:
FREEPOST BATHING SOLUTIONS (No further address details required).
The first step is to look carefully at events leading
up to a fall. Sometimes there may be a simple
reason involved but could this mean that a person
is dragging a leg without realizing it or have a
problem with their eyesight? A fall is frequently the
result of symptoms that have been ignored or
unnoticed. Was there dizziness, palpitations or
blurred vision before the fall? A common cause is
low blood pressure, especially when suddenly
standing up. As the blood pressure falls, so does
the delivery of blood and oxygen to the brain. Other
factors include poor vision, painful joints which
limit movement, anaemia, weak muscles (due for
example to lack of regular exercise or low levels of
vitamin D), problems with the balance organs in
the ears, a cluttered environment, badly fitting
shoes and the side effects of drugs.
If a fall can’t easily be explained your doctor may
suggest blood tests to check for problems such as
anaemia or a low vitamin D level, an ECG (which
may monitor the heart for abnormal rhythms for 24
hours or more) and even possibly an ECHO scan of
the heart or CT scan of the brain. Alternatively you
may be referred to the “Falls Clinic” at the local
hospital where you will be carefully assessed. Once
it is clearer what lead to the fall, specific treatment
may be offered.
You can do several things yourself to try to prevent
falls. A good diet rich in protein and vitamin D
(many older people in the UK need supplements)
will help keep muscles and bones strong to hold
you upright. Regular exercise is essential,
especially to strengthen and control muscles and
joints, and maintain balance. Staying well hydrated
reduces the risk of low blood pressure. Get your
sight and hearing regularly tested, and wear
spectacles and hearing aids if advised. Take a
good look at your home environment - your GP
may refer you to the community occupational
therapist who can assess the home with you. Your
doctor can also check your blood pressure and
your medication to look for anything which may
increase your risk of falls (a side effect of many
drugs). The best time to do all this is before you
fall, not when picking up the pieces afterwards.
Trisha Macnair trained at the University of
Bristol Medical School and now works as a
Speciality Doctor in Medicine for the Elderly at
two NHS hospitals in Surrey, looking after
older patients. Her particular clinical interests
include the management of acute crises in
the frail elderly, dementia and ethical issues.
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
FIRSTPORT | 11
Yes, this really is
a hearing aid!
Embrace the
change in 2015
• Stylish
• Compact
• Convenient
Can’t quite hear your wife or husband,
the TV, colleagues at work, or the loving
words of your grandchildren?
Then these spectacle hearing aids could
be the answer if you have a hearing problem.
Stylish frames that cleverly contain and
disguise a digital hearing aid in the spectacle
arms slip easily into your pocket, purse or
handbag. They are a remarkable invention
that overcomes two problems at once.
While most people are not bothered by
wearing glasses, the same cannot be said for
wearing a hearing aid. These specs are
brilliant because you wouldn’t think they are
a hearing aid.
Some people can find it uncomfortable and
unnatural to have a hearing aid in their ear
but that’s not a problem with these as there’s
nothing in the ear to irritate you.
So if you want to have clear vision and
quickly improve your hearing, apply now
for a free information pack by sending
the freepost coupon or by calling
the number below.
Please post me free and without obligation details of the Digital Spectacle Hearing Aids:
For a FREE information pack on Digital Spectacle Hearing Aids
FREEPHONE
0800 740 8680
Please quote ref: TRIP5160
Or go to www.specaids.co.uk and enter TRIP5160
www.hiddenhearing.co.uk
Hidden Hearing Ltd, Maidstone ME14 1BR
Mr/Mrs/Miss ........................First Name
..........................................................
Surname
..................................................................................................................
Address
....................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
Postcode ........................................Tel No ............................................................
(in case we need to confirm your address)
Send coupon today (NO STAMP REQUIRED) to:
Hidden Hearing Ltd, Freepost MA117/003,
Medway Street, Maidstone ME14 1BR
Ref: TRIP5160
It has been an extremely busy but rewarding period of time since our last
issue was published in 2014. I’m sure you will know about our new brand
and the changes within the company. The section on pages 28-33 explains
our new brand and will confirm all the details and hopefully put you at ease
in regards to any questions or queries you may have.
Carol Crowe
Head of FirstPort
Retirement Property
Services
However, let me assure you of what hasn’t changed. We still strive to ensure that
we are committed to delivering excellent customer service. Our Customer
Charter remains the basis of our business and our five key promises are our
commitment to you and we are always dedicated to delivering on those
promises. A major part of improving our service and communications to you has
been the rollout of tablet technology to all of our Development Managers. At
present 99% now have connection and are able to use their tablets to ensure
that processes are quick and correct and provide you, our residents, with a high
level of service. We are also able to communicate with them via their tablets to
ensure messages are clear and received quickly. This year promises to be
challenging but extremely rewarding and we need to embrace the change fully.
Looking back on 2014, I am pleased with the progress we made. Our autumn
Development Manager conferences were an outstanding success and I’m
sure that anyone who attended is encouraged as to the way the business is
moving forward (see page 24). It is always insightful to hear the views of our
Development Managers and it was encouraging to see the enthusiasm
everyone has, right across England and Wales. Thank you to all of the staff
who attended and for everyone who helped with the planning and
implementation behind the scenes. We are also reviewing all the comments
we have received following our customer satisfaction survey we conducted in
November 2014. I look forward to updating you on our progress in the next
issue of Life&Style. Enjoy your magazine.
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
12 | A GUIDE TO FIRE SAFETY
FIRSTPORT | 13
A guide to fire safety in
your development
The safety and wellbeing of our residents is always our
most important priority. To ensure all developments
maintain high levels of health and safety, our resident
guide has some useful fire safety information.
Testing the fire alarms
Where there is a fire alarm system your
Development Manager will carry out a fire alarm
test weekly. They will let you know what time each
week this test is to be carried out.
Communal areas
A development will usually have at least one
escape route. In most cases this will be the main
communal corridors and stairwells, so it’s
important that the escape route areas are kept
clear of items at all times. All other escape routes
must also be kept clear.
Smoke alarms
The majority of properties within our
developments are connected to a main smoke
alarm. However, in some properties battery
powered smoke alarms are still in use. Many local
fire and rescue services offer free home safety
visits, if you would like to take advantage of this
please contact your local fire service.
Smoke control
In the event of a fire, smoke is often more
dangerous than the fire itself. Fortunately, well
before a fire is able to take hold, your smoke alarm
will alert you to a fire, which will give you time to
escape from your property.
What do I do in an emergency?
In most developments there will be a ‘delayed
evacuation’ procedure in place. Local fire
ISSUE 14
authorities support ‘delayed evacuation’ because it
is the safest way to move residents from their
development. Residents not directly affected by a
fire would be expected to remain in the safety of
their property unless directed to leave by the fire
and rescue service. When a fire occurs within a
property, the occupants must make their way out
of their property and the building. If a fire or smoke
is evident in the common parts, anyone in these
areas must make their way out of the building.
Emergency lighting
During an emergency, electricity to the lights in the
communal areas may shut off.
Signs
We recognise that your development is your home
and we only display health and safety signs that
are vital to residents’ safety.
Fire risk assessment
Simple tips to help
you maintain a safe
environment in your home
How good are your electrics?
Fit just one plug per wall socket and unplug
electrical appliances after you have used them. It’s
a good idea to check that the fuses in the plugs to
your kitchen appliances, television, video, radio
and hi-fi are rated correctly.
Are any of your cables worn or taped
up? If so they aren’t safe and they
should be replaced.
Microwaves
Make sure you don’t over-cook food in the
microwave as it can cause fires. Always follow
instructions and keep an eye on your microwave
whilst in use.
Overfilling chip pans
It’s dangerous to fill them more than a third full. If
the oil starts to smoke, leave the pan to cool
before trying to cook food.
The central piece of fire safety legislation in
England and Wales is the Regulatory Reform (Fire
Safety Order) 2005 and in Scotland it is the Fire
Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Heaters
The legislation covers many areas of fire safety
and its enforcement, but most important is a
requirement to carry out fire risk assessments.
We carry out fire risk assessments for all our
developments using contracted fire experts, which
look at the risks throughout all communal areas.
Leaving pans unattended
Space heaters cause fires when they are placed
too close to flammable materials such as bedding
or clothing or fall over and set fire to carpets/rugs.
If you’re called away from the cooker, don’t leave
pans on the heat – it’s the easiest thing in the
world to forget about them. Turn handles so they
don’t stick out.
*Source - London Fire Brigade
Is your cooker clear of
inflammable objects?
Keep wires, cloths and oven gloves away from the
cooker top.
Don’t let fat and other remains build
up – they can go up in flames.
Is your toaster clean and away
from curtains?
It’s a good idea to clean your toaster regularly and
make sure it’s positioned well away from any
curtains.
If you have an electric blanket,
is it damaged?
Fraying, scorch marks, dampness and loose
connections are all dangerous. Don’t leave your
electric blanket on overnight.
If your electric blanket shows any
sign of damage, have it tested or
replaced.
Don’t leave candles or incense
burners unattended
Candles and incense burners should be put in a
proper holder that won’t fall over and on a heat
resistance surface, such as a solid plate. It’s never
a good idea to leave candles burning in an empty
room. Extinguish them carefully and make sure
they are completely out.
Cigarettes
Fires caused by smoking materials - including
cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars and pipe tobacco result in more deaths than any other type of fire.*
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
14 | YOUR STORIES
FIRSTPORT | 15
Your stories...
men in Mr Darby’s apartment at Pegasus Court, by
Sergey Fedichkin, a political officer from the Embassy
of the Russian Federation. “It was one day last week
when I got a phone call and a voice said ‘this is the
Russian Embassy’,” recalled Mr Darby. “I was told I
would be receiving a visit the following Thursday to
present me with my Ushakov Medal. On the day, the
Russian representative made a little speech and
handed a plush, velvet-covered case to David Hill and
me, and inside was this beautiful medal.”
We love to hear your stories whatever
they may be, so please keep sending
them into us so we can share them.
A song over 50 years
in the making
A song penned by a grandfather over 50 years ago
was performed for the first time during the ‘Carols
by Candlelight’ service at All Saints Woodford Wells
Church, in Woodford Green, on Wednesday
December 17. ‘The Legend of the Christmas Rose’ is
a song was written by John Stanley Bishop, in 1962,
after he was inspired by a poem in a Christmas
card. However, the handwritten song was pushed
to one side so that the now 90-year-old could care
for his wife, Christine, who died three years ago
after suffering Alzheimer’s disease.
The retired reinsurance worker – known by friends
as Stan – said before the service: “It is going to be
emotional when I hear the song sung for the first
time. I have never heard it performed after all these
years. I remember writing it like it was yesterday.
The tune came very quickly but the harmonies took
some time.” The father-of-two was band leader for
the Boys Brigade Brass Band in Sutton, Surrey.
On his arrival at the Church, he joined the community
choir ‘Sing!SingSing!’, who rehearse and perform in
the same venue. Stan, who was born in Yorkshire,
sang his song alongside his son, Nick Bishop. The
58-year-old said: “The tune is catchy, it is easy to
listen to and it’s very festive. It would have been a
real shame if this song was never performed.”
Stan has always been musical, having played the
cello, euphonium and piano and his story was
published in the Chingford Times in December 2014.
John Stanley Bishop (Stan), resident,
Village Heights, Woodford Green, Essex
ISSUE 14
Harry Darby (left) from Pegasus Court receiving
the medal of Ushakov
Bishopsgate in Glasgow celebrate their
10th anniversary
The residents of Bishopsgate retirement flats in
Bishopsbriggs, Glasgow recently celebrated their
development’s 10th anniversary. The development
is fully occupied and has recently had a new
Development Manager, Gail Hemp, begin in her role.
Everyone enjoys weekly social activities and events
and the garden, tendered by residents, has received
four awards for its beauty. The Bishopbriggs
Academy visited and played live music, by use of a
fiddle, guitar, piano, and saxophone. There was also
a cake that was a sculpture that was created
mirroring the outside of the development. There
was cakes, cakes and more cakes. Resident’s say
that the happy atmosphere at the complex makes it
a great place to live and adds to their wellbeing.
Residents, Bishopsgate, Glasgow
“It’s going to be emotional when
I hear it sung for the first time.
I’ve never heard it performed
after all these years.”
Arctic Convoy medals for
Market Harborough war
hero Harry Darby
On Thursday 22 January, Pegasus Court, Market
Harborough had a visit from a representative of
the Russian Embassy, he came to present one of
their residents, Harry Darby, with one of Russia’s
highest awards, the medal of Ushakov. Harry was
part of the Arctic Convoy in WWII. The local
newspaper, the Harborough Mail, published the
story, and it was found that two of the survivors,
actually lived in Market Harborough.
Wartime Prime Minister, Winston Churchill called it
“the worst journey in the world”. Even by the
standards of the time, the Arctic convoys of WWII
were uniquely difficult and dangerous. Which is
why – more than 70 years on – a representative
from the Russian Embassy rang the doorbell of
Pegasus Court in Market Harborough. Russian
President, Vladimir Putin has agreed to present the
awards to the small band of Arctic convoy
survivors, and Harry was one of them.
“I feel very proud of the medal,” said 89-year-old
Arctic convoy veteran Harry Darby. “But I’m not a
hero. People ask me, weren’t you frightened? And at
times I was, rather. In fact, at times I was petrified.”
The two medals were presented to the Harborough
*Image and content courtesy of the Harborough Mail
The Arctic convoys sailed from Loch Ewe in
Scotland to Soviet Union ports like Arkhangelsk
(Archangel) and Murmansk to deliver essential
supplies to the Soviet Union during the war. The
route took the little groups of ships around the
north of Nazi-occupied Norway. It was particularly
dangerous because of the mixture of appalling
weather and the proximity of German air,
submarine and surface forces. Due to the northerly
latitudes, the convoys often sailed in either
constant darkness or – even worse – constant
daylight under round-the-clock attack. “We were
cold, wet, tired and sometimes at our wits’ end,”
said Mr Darby, who was on the minesweeper HMS
Hydra, which was eventually struck by a mine in
1944 and had to be scrapped.
The convoys claimed more than 3,000 Allied lives,
when 104 merchant and 16 military vessels were
sunk in the icy Arctic waters. The Ushakov Medal is
named in honour of the 18th century Russian
admiral Fyodor Ushakov who reputedly never lost a
battle. The medal is awarded for bravery and
courage displayed while defending Russia, or the
public interests of the Russian Federation, in
military operations at sea. Most Ushakov Medals
are given to Russian citizens.
Harry Darby, Pegasus Court, Market Harborough*
“I feel very proud of the
medal. But I’m not a hero.
People ask me, weren’t you
frightened? And at times I
was, rather. In fact, at times I
was petrified.”
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
16 | YOUR STORIES
FIRSTPORT | 17
Your stories...
“It’s amazing this all took
place in less than 24 hours.
Thank you Sheila, it made all
the difference to our day!”
We love to hear your stories whatever
they may be, so please keep sending
them into us so we can share them.
Joan Heard (far left) completed an exhausting
task of walking 6 miles for charity
World’s oldest sisters
celebrate their combined
386th birthday
The world’s oldest sisters have been celebrating
and have put their longevity down to staying
cheerful. The foursome reached a combined age
of 386 when the eldest among them, Lillian Brown,
recently had her 103 birthday on January 23.
Together with twin sisters Dorothy Thompson and
Ellen George, both 96, and “baby of the family”
Sylvia Sturgess, who turns 92 in April - they hope
to make it into the record books. The sisters whose maiden name is Clarke - were brought up in
Northampton by Victorian parents. Incredibly,
between them they have lived through 19 Prime
Ministers, 5 monarchs and survived both world
wars. They also have a total of six children, 14
grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and even
one great-great-grandchild.
Three of the siblings, Lillian, Dorothy and Sylvia, all
live in Marshall Court in Market Harborough while
Ellen lives 17 miles away in Northampton. Sylvia
said: “I love every minute of it here, even though
it’s not the little village that I knew years ago.
Commenting on her sister’s birthday celebrations
she explained “we had a lovely time at the party,
although the wine was flying round a bit!”
They also had a fifth sister called Gladys Merritt
who died aged 85 in 2000. Meanwhile their mother
Ellen lived until she was 102. The four siblings are
all widowed and twins Dorothy and Ellen both
worked in fashion and at clothing shops, while
Sylvia was a housewife. Lillian took over from her
husband when he died aged just 40 and ran a pub
ISSUE 14
Joan’s 6 mile walk to
raise money for charity
Lillian Brown (centre) celebrating her 103
birthday back on January 23, pictured with her
sisters Dorothy Thompson and Sylvia Sturgess
as well as a greengrocers before going into
property development.
This amazing story means the Clarke sisters are the
oldest living siblings in the world and they are now
waiting on official confirmation from the Guinness
World Records, as the record is currently open. The
previous title for the world’s oldest siblings
belonged to Jack Stepham, Clara Goldsmith, Belle
Dell and Anne Goldsmith from the Stepham family in
the UK. Their combined age stood at 388 years
before Jack, 94, passed away in September 2011.
Lillian Brown, Dorothy Thompson and
Sylvia Sturgess, residents, Marshall Court,
Market Harborough*
“I love every minute of it here,
even though it’s not the little
village that I knew years ago”
*Picture and content courtesy of the Harborough Mail
Mrs Joan Heard of 25 Sherley’s Court in Ruislip,
successfully completed an exhausting task of
walking six miles to raise funds for Compassion
Service Society of India. (cssi.org.uk) The money
will be used to help in the remote village schools
in West Bengal. Mr and Mrs Heard plan to visit the
slum and village schools again soon.
It was a blistering hot day back in the summer when
Joan undertook this task but her determination
shone through and she raised over £200. Joan
received great support from her Development
Manager Sue and other residents at Sherley’s Court.
Congratulations Joan
Mrs Joan Heard, resident, Sherley’s Court
We celebrated our Diamond Wedding Anniversary
back in September and due to the brilliant efforts
of our Development Manager, it became an even
more special occasion. I was unaware that this
achievement could be marked by receiving a card
from the Queen. My wife Yvonne was aware and
thought that a card would arrive automatically.
Two days before our anniversary we learned that
you had to apply for it. With only 24 hours to go we
thought that, although we might eventually
receive it after some weeks, the possibility of
receiving it on the day was most unlikely.
However, our Development Manager Sheila, used her
new tablet, took a picture of our marriage certificate,
filled in the appropriate form on the internet and sent
the picture and the form through to the website, she
also followed this up with a call to the Palace. Then,
the next morning, our card arrived... on the day of our
event. Sheila had also spoken to the Post Office to
ensure that we got an early delivery. It was amazing to
think this all took place in less than 24 hours. Thank
you Sheila, it made all the difference to our day!
Roy Hodson, resident, Aspley Court, Bedford
Kingsley Court, Aldershot
seen by the nation on
BBC’s Songs of Praise
For Remembrance Sunday November 9, Songs of
Praise was televised on the BBC from The Royal
Garrison Church of All Saints in Aldershot. The
background building that was shown during the
programme was Kingsley Court, our development
and a number of residents were able to attend the
service and were delighted to know that they had
been seen by the nation.
W.E.G. Woods, resident, Kingsley Court, Aldershot
Roy & Yvonne Hodson celebrating their
Diamond Wedding anniversary
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
18 | YOUR STORIES
FIRSTPORT | 19
Your stories...
We love to hear your stories whatever
they may be, so please keep sending
them into us so we can share them.
Colin receives recognition
for his services to football
Colin Fawcett of Millburn Court, Perth was
tutoring children on the basic skills of football at
McDiarmid Park, home of St.Johnstone FC, into
his late seventies. Now, two years after blowing
the final whistle on his community coaching, his
previous incarnation as a referee has seen him
honoured by The FA and Referees’ Association
south of the border. A proud Yorkshireman who
put down his roots in Perth 10 years ago, Colin, 82,
has been recognised for his services to football of
more than 50 years, including nurturing more than
1,000 referees who went on to officiate at all levels
of the game.
His Millburn Court home can barely contain the
awards which have come his way down the
decades and only a handful of the half-century
awards have ever been handed out.
Colin said “A chap came up from the FA in London
to present the award and I have to say that I am
very proud of it. They don’t hand out too many of
these.” The gong officially records the FA’s
appreciation of Colin’s ‘wonderful efforts on behalf
of football.’
Colin Fawcett, resident, Millburn Court, Perth
“A chap came up from the FA
in London to present the
award and I have to say that
I am very proud of it”
ISSUE 14
Colin Fawcett celebrating his recognition for his
services to football honour he received from The FA
Joan Jarvis of Nelson Court, Gravesend, celebrated
turning 100 recently and revealed the secret to her
achievement was a love of exercise. Joan, who
went tobogganing for the first time at the age of
93, celebrated with a party with friends and family.
Having moved to Gravesend when she was four,
Joan was excited to receive her congratulations
card from the Queen. As well as enjoying a family
lunch on her birthday, a large family reunion took
place with relatives travelling from France, Holland
and Canada. Joan’s daughter Valerie Golton
explained, “She very independent, she always has
been and did a lot of exercise when she was young.
Until a couple of weeks ago, she still used to go
into Town.” Joan used to do health and beauty
three times a week before she was married, which
is the equivalent of keep fit classes nowadays and
enjoyed swimming as well. Valerie added, “At 93,
my mother turned to me at Christmas and said
she’d never been on a toboggan. So at 93, she
went on a sledge for the first time.”
Deborah Goane, team member,
Nelson Court, Gravesend
Noel Edmonds wearing the ‘Knit chicks’
designed jumper on Deal or No Deal
Residents at Catton Court admiring the cabbage
that grew near their lounge and kitchen
A special edition of
Deal or No Deal
Residents at Homethwaite House in Keswick,
Cumbria enjoyed a visit and talk about the owls
kept at Muncaster Castle by The World Owl Trust.
Hilary Shaw and a barn owl called ‘Tithe’ gave an
interesting talk and display for all present. Hilary
is the UK Conservation Officer for the Trust.
Resident’s from Alveston Grange in Alveston,
Bristol knitted a jumper for Noel Edmonds to wear
for the filming of a Christmas episode of Deal or
No Deal on Channel 4. The ‘Knit chicks’ were the
team behind the amazing design and despite only
having two weeks to complete the jumper... the
team worked very hard and delivered! The
episode was televised on December 23 2014.
Residents and the ‘Knit chicks,
Alveston Grange, Bristol
We just wanted to point out huge congratulations
to our Development Manager, Margaret Barker,
who has been here for 25 years service now. We
held a party for her that we all thoroughly enjoyed!
Miss Eileen Massen, resident,
Westwood Court, Enfield
We at Catton Court received a surprise when a
‘cabbage’ grew out of a Pansy plant situated in a
flowerbed adjacent to our lounge and kitchen and
not far from our Development Managers office. We
watched with interest as the cabbage grew and
grew. Unfortunately, no one sampled it as
caterpillars beat us to it and the gardeners removed
it thereafter. Sadly, we never got a portion!
Kay Starling, (Secretary), Catton Court, Norwich
The World Owl Centre is open daily at Muncaster
Castle in Cumbria, and the Owl Trust is a conservation
organisation aimed at protecting the world’s owls in
the wild. Funds were raised for the Centre from the
residents fund paying for the visit. An enjoyable day
was had by all.
Residents, Homethwaite House, Keswick
Did you know...
FirstPort filmed a company video during
December 2014 at Village Heights in
Woodford Green, Essex. The residents were
fantastic and very welcoming to us. A thank
you to you all who were involved in the filming
process and to their Development Manager,
Garth Snyman, for his help. At their request,
we have donated £50 to their chosen charity,
Haven House Children’s Hospice.
Share your stories and letters with us
Life&Style Team
c/o FirstPort, 11-12 Centre Court,
Vine Lane, Halesowen B63 3EB
lifeandstyle@FirstPort.co.uk
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
FIRSTPORT | 21
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Steve Howarth
Customer Service
Manager
TO BOOK CALL
0800 368 6744
or visit
www.jetlinecruise.com
How to get in touch
with the Customer
Service team
0333 321 4041
retirementhelp
@FirstPort.co.uk
FirstPort.co.uk
T&C’s: Free car parking is valid for bookings made on Oceanview staterooms and above. Onboard credit is for per stateroom and valid for 1st and 2nd guests sharing a stateroom and excludes 3rd/4th guests. Offers are subject
to availability and can be withdrawn at anytime. Prices are from and are per person based on 2 sharing. Unless otherwise stated transfers, tips, drinks ,excursions and selected personal activities on board ship are extra. No
charge for direct debit card payments and 2.5% for credit card payments (5% for Amex). A deposit will be due at the time of booking - ask for details ; balance payment is due 16 weeks before departure or immediate full
payment due if travelling due within 16 weeks of departure. ABTA J1693, agent for ATOL holder 6153.
As one of our residents, the answer to any of your property management
queries is only ever a phone call or email away. My team, based at our
customer service centre in Halesowen, consist of 43 dedicated staff who
pride themselves on being efficient, respectful and skilled in their work to
provide you the best possible customer service. We are always striving to
keep improving and ensuring that our service to you is the fastest, easiest
and most effective means of engaging with us. We know that you always
have your Development Manager on hand for guidance but my team is
another route by which you can get in touch with us and we are working to
make that contact with you as productive as it can possibly be.
We handle more than 4,500 calls and 3,500 emails every month and we aim
to keep on building upon the team’s knowledge so that, rather than referring
customers to their Area Manager who is not office-based, we can help you
there and then either on the phone or over email. We are trying to offer a
comprehensive service so residents can enjoy the same personal on-site
service a Development and Area Manager provides.
This means that any general queries, complaints and compliments can be
dealt with by my team. We know that we may be your first contact for a
variety of queries and those, which can be resolved immediately, will be. Any
that can’t be, we will definitely find out the best procedure or person to put
you in touch with. We do have a commitment to continuous improvement. We
are gathering data all the time about the type of calls we receive and this is
helping us to understand where we need to improve our communications or
service. We know that our customers can teach us a lot and we are here to
listen to everything you have to say.
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
22 | EAC OVER 60s ART AWARDS
EAC Over 60s Art Awards
The EAC Over 60s Art Awards are
open to artists over the age of 60,
resident anywhere in the world.
We have some very
talented residents...
Having been founded in 1993, the awards are to
encourage and celebrate the artistic talents of
older amateur artists. From our residents, over
97 amateur artists submitted 222 works between
them. Following this, three of our residents won
prizes, and a further 15 were commended, with
four being highly commended.
All the winners and highly commended artists were
invited, with a guest, to a celebratory afternoon tea
event at the House of Lords on 8 October 2014, John
Galvin, EAC’s Chief Executive, reflected on the success
of the ‘Art and Wellbeing’ theme introduced into the
awards. Nearly a quarter of entrants had taken up the
invitation to write a few paragraphs about what led
them to take up art, and what their art means to them.
John Hawkins attending on behalf of William
Hawkins, pictured with Maureen Wade
We promise we’ll never
put down a healthy dog.
Every year, Dogs Trust cares for around 16,000 dogs in
our 20 rehoming centres nationwide. We never put
down a healthy dog. By leaving a gift in your Will,
your love of dogs can live on and help us make the
world a better place for them.
Congratulations to Betty, William and Albert and
we hope a fantastic day was enjoyed by all.
Our three winning residents were:
Betty Alcock, Bay Court, Falmouth for “Grandson
Matthew, Holiday in Australia”, best in the 3D
Work/Textiles category, beginners
William Hawkins, Palm Court, Westgate-on-Sea for
“Wild Roses”, best in the Still Life/Plant category,
beginners
Albert Dyason, Watermill Court, Havant for “After
a Shower”, Angela Farnell Memorial prize for the
best entry from a retirement housing resident
Please promise to help
us with a gift in your Will.
Albert Dyason and Dr Marilyn Dyason celebrating
Albert’s success with his entry titled “After a Shower”
020 7837 0006
or email: infopack@dogstrust.org.uk
For more information call:
Please quote “112681”or complete the coupon below.
Please send me my free legacy info pack
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other
Address
Postcode
Email
The EAC Art Awards website, eacartawards.org.uk,
shows all the artworks submitted this year, and is
searchable by name. Visit the website for more
information about entering the 2015 awards.
112681
Betty Alcock and Alys Lane, pictured at the
celebratory event on 8 October 2014
Please send this coupon to:
Freepost RTJA-SRXG-AZUL,
Dogs Trust, Clarissa Baldwin House,
17 Wakley Street, London, EC1V 7RQ
No stamp required
All information will be treated as strictly confidential
ISSUE 14
www.dogstrust.org.uk
Reg. Charity Nos: 227523 & SC037843
24 | OUR CONFERENCES
FIRSTPORT | 25
Our now former
CEO, Janet Entwistle
(right) presenting
a certificate of
excellence award
in Colchester on
October 7
Our conferences
We pride ourselves on providing your
Development Manager with the training
and information they need.
Our journey from
Darlington down to Devon
We always look to employ and manage staff who
are friendly, courteous and able to do their job to
the highest standards and we invest in training
our staff each year. Our Development Manager
conferences which began in September and
concluded in November 2014, offered all our staff
the possibility to attend and learn more about the Head of FirstPort Retirement Property Services
current status of the business and how we are
Carol Crowe pictured with four winners from the
progressing and looking to the future.
Bournemouth conference on October 1
We covered both England and Wales in providing
your Development Managers’ the chance to come
together with colleagues from other developments
in their area to discuss and provide them with some
health and safety guidance as well as the chance to
be updated on our new brand and a look ahead to
the plans for 2015.
Our commitment
800
to our staff
We toured the length and breadth of
England and Wales towards the end
of 2014 to deliver our conferences
ISSUE 14
DMs in
attendance
Each conference was attended by various Area
and Regional Managers and our Head of FirstPort
Retirement Property Services, Carol Crowe.
Business updates were shared with everyone who
attended the conferences. Members of the
FirstPort marketing team also attended which
provided a great opportunity to meet your
Development Managers and to gain their insight
into their thoughts about the business.
After a brief chance for staff to catch up with
colleagues and friends, we began each conference
with an overview and a look ahead to our changes in
2015. It was the perfect opportunity to advise all staff
about the change in company name and our new
brand which has since occurred. Staff were taken
through the reasons behind the rebrand and what we
are looking to achieve for you in 2015 and beyond.
It was interesting to witness the thoughts and
opinions of Development Managers, into the way the
business is progressing. This was followed by a
business update from Carol, which looked into the
operational side of the business and how we are
progressing. To see the interaction between
Development Managers and our senior staff was
engaging and reinforces our promises in our
Customer Charter to remain open and transparent in
the way we do things. After an informative health and
safety presentation, in which staff were encouraged
to take part and interact, you could see that
Development Managers were relishing the
opportunity to be involved and to voice their opinions.
“As you entered the conference
centre in Oxford, you could
see the bustling excitement of
everyone swapping stories
and insights with one another
about their development”
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
26 | OUR CONFERENCES
To see some of the questions that were posed
highlighted the fact that we have dedicated and
enthusiastic staff in place who are constantly
working hard to deliver the best possible customer
service. Everyone had appreciated the opportunity
to attend, give their opinion and to be informed of
the way the business was looking to improve.
It was also the perfect opportunity to celebrate
the hard work and achievements of all
Development Managers who had been nominated
for their outstanding contribution for delivering our
FIRST values (see page 29) and were presented
with a certificate of excellence.
Working with developments for over 15 years
The new Chief Executive of FirstPort, Nigel
Howell, presenting an award in Cardiff on
11 November 2014
Development Managers receiving the certificate of excellence were:
Southampton, 30 September: Sally Oldridge - Fielders Court, Sola Kassim - Homeworth House,
Bob Wisniewski - Kendal Gardens, Catherine Miller - Trainer & Assessor.
Bournemouth, 1 October: Christine Coley - Wellington Court, Lisa Cooper - Homestour House,
Julie Tyler - Jenner Court, Sue Burns - Park View Court.
Colchester, 7 October: Mr Mike Brady - Hedingham Place, Clare Connolly-Joyce - Clyst Court,
Amanda Ridgewell - Homebush House, Tracey Redfern - Meadow Close, Denis Budd & Maria Doherty - The Dell.
Newmarket, 8 October: Sandie Trollope - Three Crowns House, Olive Stamp - Westwood Court,
Hazel Smith - Austen Court, Trish Barnett - Foredeck, Trevor Green - Royal Arch Court.
Oxford, 15 October: Terence Rimmer - Tumbling Bay Court/Osney Mews, Aileen Railston - Bridge Court,
Linda Ousaid, - Pegasus Grange, Deanne Sterley - Badgers Court & Badgers Lodge, Barbara Lumb - Trinity Court.
Kidderminster, 16 October: Juliane Baker - Bridgewater Court, Annette Creevy - Homehall House,
John Hartley - Scholars Court, Debbie Watts - The Cedars.
Wilmslow, 22 October: Dolly Chesterton - Townbridge Court, Valerie Pattinson - Poplar Court,
David MacDonald - Henbury Court, Julie Marrow - Enfield Court, Catherine McCarthy - Oak Court,
David Stocks - Carnegie Court.
Wilmslow, 23 October: Mary Wildman - Homechase House, Tricia Ellis - Holroyd Court,
Dorne Orpel - Arkle Court, Sue Forbes - Roby Court.
Maidstone, 29 October: Leslie Blower - Paxton Court, Monika Babula - Castle Court, Julie Nicol - Bramley Court,
Susan Thrale - Homepeak House, Lesley Betts - Merryfield Court, Liz Morris - Garden House Court.
Crawley, 30 October: Karen Hart - Pegasus Court, Bob Bliss - Colonel Stevens Court,
Diane Woodward - Merryfield Court, Sue Brook - Homeshore House, Darren Bliss - Pondsyde Court,
Tracy Thompson - Grasmere Court.
Cardiff, 11 November: Rob Ewing - Mumbles Bay Court, Angela Burford - Cwrt Pegasus,
Anwen Fraser - Ty Rhys, Heather Twort - The Empire.
Luton, 18 November: Christine Stack - Bishops Court, Maria Vowles - Trainer Paynes Court,
Linda Bunyan - Homedell House, John Aucock - Pegasus Court & Manor Olney, Judy Smith - Pinetree Court 1 & 2 .
Exeter, 26 November: Judith Smeeth - Pentyre Court, Linda Wood - Admirals Court,
Marlene Davey - Cypress Court, Natalie King - Minster Court.
ISSUE 14
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www.simplysupplements.co.uk
28 | WELCOME TO FIRSTPORT
FIRSTPORT | 29
Let’s embrace the change
Welcome
to FirstPort
A brief guide for you to keep
about our new brand
Why rebrand now?
For Peverel Retirement and Peverel Scotland,
moving to the FirstPort brand marked a significant
point in our history and a big leap forward for our
future. We felt the timing was right to rebrand for
the following reasons:
A great deal of progress had been made in
improving our businesses and the services we
provide for our customers.
Through the Customer Charter, we have
repositioned our business to focus on our
customers – we are a different business today.
We needed to simplify our brand structure to
make it less confusing for customers.
By simplifying our structure it supports our
Customer Charter commitments to make us
easier to deal with as well as open and
transparent.
Did you know?
The idea of the FirstPort name first came about
in our customer research interviews, where a
customer said that they need someone to turn to
as their first port of call.
Our vision
We’re the people that everyone turns to first to look
after their home and community.
Our mission
At FirstPort, we work every day to deliver the
highest standards of customer service. We achieve
this by always listening to people’s opinions and
needs, by investing in the best team, continually
improving our skills and the quality of our ideas
and, above all, by remaining open and honest at all
times to gain people’s trust.
ISSUE 14
Introducing our five values:
Friendly
We look out for people’s best
interests, and show we care by
dealing with them in a warm and
friendly manner.
Inventive
We’re creative and resourceful.
We strive to improve what we do
and how we do it, so we can
provide the best ideas and
solutions to look after people,
their home and communities.
Respectful
We listen, consult and take onboard people’s opinions and
needs. We understand the
importance of the home and
community in people’s lives, and
act with respect at all times.
Skilled
We’ve the qualifications,
experience and take great pride
in our work to consistently deliver
the highest standards and value
for money. We’re informed, and
we’re always building on that
knowledge to constantly improve
our quality of service.
Trustworthy
We’re always professional,
reliable, open and honest.
People can depend on us to keep
our promises and follow through
on our commitments.
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
30 | WELCOME TO FIRSTPORT
FIRSTPORT | 31
Brand transition
We were:
Peverel Retirement
Some of our customers were
unclear on how and who they
should contact for service Peverel Group or Peverel
Retirement?
We were historically the freeholder
or landlord
Key points for you to know:
We now are:
FirstPort Retirement Property Services
This change to FirstPort and the distinct
service name of Retirement Property Services
makes it very clear to you what we do.
Now we will stand out. Our new brand and
values will help demonstrate clearly what sort
of business we are.
Now we will be able to make it clear our core
business is a property services company.
We were:
Peverel Scotland
Our Scottish identity has always
given us a unique ability to
service our customers in Scotland,
appropriate to the property
services legal framework we
work in.
We now are:
FirstPort Property Services Scotland
We are retaining our unique and separate
identity within FirstPort to cater to the needs
of our Scottish customers who have different
legislation, regulation and accounting
approaches and procedures from England
and Wales.
Our new brand gives our team and customers
the professional large-scale membership in
FirstPort that we want and need for our
reputation and opportunities to continue
growing in Scotland.
ISSUE 14
The benefits to residents
We feel that rebranding is a very positive step
for you, by simplifying our structure it is less
confusing for all of our customers, suppliers and
any other people that we have to deal with. Our
new brand represents all that we do best now and
all that we are working hard to improve upon in
the future. So the main benefit is our commitment
to continuously improve and adhere to our new
values, which are: Friendly, Inventive, Respectful,
Skilled and Trustworthy.
Why we are changing
It is important that we have a brand that reflects
the journey that we have been on and the new
organisation that we have become. Our old brand
structure was complicated and confusing. We have
changed and evolved as an organisation so it was
the right time to change our brand.
Our Customer Charter
The launch of our Customer Charter, clearly
outlines our commitment to our customers.
Our Customer Charter promises are:
1. We will give you excellent customer service
2. We will be open and transparent
3. We will demonstrate value for money
4. We will be easy to deal with
5. We will consult with you
FAQs about FirstPort
What is going to change and when?
In early 2015 we made the transition over to
our new brands. We have already introduced
a new interim FirstPort website where you
will find further information on our transition.
The full website will be launched very soon
and we’ll keep you updated about this. Your
invoices are now branded as FirstPort and
any billing will appear on bank statements
as either ‘FirstPort Retirement Property
Services Limited’ or ‘FirstPort Property
Services Scotland Limited’, dependant on
your location.
Does the Customer Charter still stand?
Absolutely, when it was launched in July
2012, our Customer Charter was an important
and significant step for the company as it
outlined the sort of company we wanted to
be, with our customers at the heart of what
we do. Our Customer Charter is in turn
underpinned by our Code of Business
Conduct, which provides very clear guidance
on the way in which our businesses will
conduct themselves.
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
32 | WELCOME TO FIRSTPORT
FIRSTPORT | 33
Do I need to update my direct debit/standing
order details?
More FAQs about FirstPort
Wouldn’t it have been easier and cheaper to
keep the old name?
Brands are expensive to build equity in so it
costs less to have fewer brands. The brand
structure we have now is a result of many
acquisitions of other companies, and this
led to a situation where sister brands within
the Group were performing similar roles.
We have worked hard since 2012 to improve
communication with our customers.
Simplifying the structure and reducing the
number of brand names is the next logical
step to help make us easier to deal with and
open and transparent, in line with our
Customer Charter commitments.
What is the relationship between FirstPort
and Appello?
FirstPort is our property services brand, while
Appello is the technology enabled care
services business made up of what was
CarelineUK, Cirrus and Appello Telehealth.
Appello will continue to provide out of hours
response services, where currently provided
to any of our retirement developments.
When will I start to see the FirstPort branding
used within my development?
We will start to incorporate our new brand
across all of our developments as soon as
possible. There will be a transition period
whilst we look to replace our previous Peverel
Retirement and Peverel Scotland signs
and literature
with our new
FirstPort
branded
material.
ISSUE 14
No changes are required for existing direct
debit mandates. We have written to all
customers who pay by direct debit to advise
them that from 1 March 2015 all direct debits
will be collected in the name of FirstPort and
that this is what will appear on your
bank/building society statements.
Who should residents make cheques
payable to?
All cheques (including those relating to the
guest suites) should be made payable to
either FirstPort Retirement Property Services
Limited or FirstPort Property Services
Scotland Limited, dependant on your location.
In England and Wales, we want to reassure you
that we have the required indemnities in place
with NatWest bank to ensure that cheques for
service charge or ground rent payments can
be accepted in all of our old names e.g.
Peverel Management Services Limited,
Peverel Retirement and as well as in the new
company name, ‘FirstPort Retirement
Property Services Limited’.
In Scotland, we also have the required
indemnities in place with our bankers to
ensure that cheques can be accepted in the
previously used naming conventions of
Peverel Scotland, as well as in ‘FirstPort
Property Services Scotland Limited’.
Do I have to write the full ‘FirstPort
Retirement Property Services Limited’ or
‘FirstPort Property Services Scotland
Limited’ on cheques?
The important element is ‘ltd’ or ‘limited’ so if
you are unable to fit the full company name
on cheques please ensure that you (as a
minimum) address it to ‘FirstPort Ltd’ or
‘FirstPort Limited’.
Will the strategy of the business remain
the same?
Our businesses have been transformed over
the last three years, with improved customer
service, greater efficiency and increased
financial stability. FirstPort now have the
strategy and leadership in place to build a
successful future.
As Janet Entwistle has stepped down as
Chief Executive, can you tell us a bit more
about Nigel Howell?
Nigel joined Knight Square, our parent
company, in January 2013 as Chief Financial
Officer with a wealth of experience in senior
roles, most recently as Chief Financial Officer
of property maintenance business Morrison
Facilities Services Ltd. He also took on the role
of Managing Director of our general residential
property management businesses in March
2014 and has been instrumental in supporting
Janet in transforming our property businesses
for our customers. With his wealth of
knowledge and experience of our business, he
is the ideal person to lead our business under
our new brand of FirstPort.
Has this rebrand been paid for from
development service charges?
No, the rebrand has been paid for by our
business. The cost will not be paid for by
you through your development service charge.
How to Contact Us
Here are some useful contact details for you:
FirstPort Retirement Property Services,
Customer Service Centre,
11–12 Centre Court, Vine Lane,
Halesowen B63 3EB
0333 321 4041
retirementhelp@FirstPort.co.uk
FirstPort.co.uk
FirstPort Property Services Scotland,
183 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5QD
0333 321 4077
scotlandhelp@FirstPort.co.uk
FirstPort.co.uk
If you have any questions we haven’t
answered in this guide, please contact us on
the above channels if you require further
information.
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
36 | RETIREMENT HOMESEARCH
FIRSTPORT | 37
By using our experienced, helpful solicitors
you will:
It’s all about
great customer
service and consultation
The Retirement Homesearch brand will
also be refreshed to make it consistent
with the FirstPort brand
Over 30 year’s experience
and knowledge of
the industry
Retirement Homesearch has been a vital
contributor in helping people find their perfect
retirement property and has over 1,500 retirement
apartments, cottages and bungalows for sale. The
team, based in Lymington, are proud to be Britain’s
number one retirement property specialist and
have helped thousands of satisfied customers buy
and sell their property. Retirement Homesearch is
a service brought to you by FirstPort. They are the
online estate agency we endorse, not just for
purchasing but also to offer advice and deal with
any selling of a retirement property. They offer an
unbeatable range of retirement properties for sale
across England, Scotland and Wales.
Retirement Homesearch follow the same values and
commitments as FirstPort follows. They aim to
provide great customer service, be open and
transparent throughout the whole consultation
process and be easy to deal with. Each of their
Property Consultants is specially trained on the
purchase and sale of retirement properties and once
you make contact with your Property Consultant
they will be your single point of contact throughout
the process. That way you will receive a personal
service and be treated with the care and
consideration you deserve.
ISSUE 14
Avoid the hassle of the legal minefield that
surrounds the sale or purchase of a property.
Be in the hands of specialist retirement
solicitors.
Get a fixed price guarantee from the outset.
Property Consultant, Sue Horwood, at the
Retirement Homesearch office in Lymington
property worth a staggering £202.4m changed
hands last year with the team’s involvement. Over
24,000 new buyers register every year.
The Retirement Property Part Exchange scheme
guarantees to sell your home within a set period
of time. This means you can avoid a situation
whereby you find your ideal retirement property
but risk losing it due to not finding a buyer for your
existing property.
The benefits:
Senior Property Consultant for Kent and Middlesex,
Mandy Bolwell, at the office in Lymington
Easy budgeting - you receive a fixed offer for
your property, subject only to survey and
contract. You avoid estate agents’ fees and
there is no risk to you of adverse house price
movements.
All of their experienced Property Consultants have
been fully trained in estate agency best practice
ensuring that, whether you may be buying or selling,
you can be confident about the agent’s approach in
their dealings with actual and potential buyers and
sellers of residential property or lettings.
Convenience - you can move in a timescale
that meets your requirements and can remain
in your previous home for up to two weeks
after completion in order to organise the move.
Having the Development Manager present, during
the viewing, gives a great opportunity to showcase
any communal facilities, talk through on-site social
activities and events and provide a great insight into
retirement living. They may also be able to invite
prospective buyers to a communal coffee morning.
Retirement Homesearch’s success has been based
on great customer service. The number of enquiries
they receive has risen by 22.3% year on year and
No hassle - you avoid the delays and
disappointment of collapsed chains.
Furthermore, you can avoid the disruption of
viewings as your property will only be
marketed by prior agreement. There are no
hidden fees or extra costs.
The team at Retirement Homesearch know that
buying and selling can be a stressful experience,
so their property conveyancing service is designed
to make your move as quick and easy as possible.
In 2015, Retirement Homesearch will update their
website to reflect their new branding and to
continue to develop their online services utilising
the feedback received throughout 2014. Don’t
forget you can register for property alerts so you
can be the first to hear about UK retirement
properties for sale in your preferred location.
If you are looking to buy or sell your property or
know of family or friends in this situation then
we thoroughly recommend the services and
personal consultation that Retirement
Homesearch can offer.
“What makes us unique is
that, wherever possible, we
will arrange for your property
viewing to be conducted by
the Development Manager.
Because retirement living is
about so much more than
just bricks and mortar, our
advice and guidance in the
buying and selling process is
indispensable”
0333 321 4060 (England & Wales)
0333 321 4070 (Scotland)
retirementhomesearch.co.uk
@David_RHS
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
38 | YOUR HEALTH
Your health
We care about your health and
well-being, so here is some help and
advice from Lynn Burns
Seasonality is something that many of us have
lost touch with. Supermarkets provide us with
whatever fruit and vegetables we want at
whatever time of year. The downside of this
convenience leads to out of season, welltravelled fruit and vegetables, that can lack
flavour and lesser known products are less
available. Seasonal fruit and vegetables,
especially locally grown, can delight the taste
buds and introduce less easily available products
back into the kitchen. As we move through
spring, produce like rhubarb, asparagus, savoy
cabbage, cauliflower and purple sprouting
broccoli will all be at their best.
My definition of ‘superfood’ is a food with great PR!
More often than not a fruit or vegetable, which will
have a high concentration of a particular nutrient
or phytochemical and they are often quite unusual
or expensive (if they aren’t expensive then they are
turned into expensive juices, smoothies or other
products to cash in on using their ‘superfood’
status). Recent popular ‘superfoods’ are beetroot,
pomegranate and goji berries.
I have nothing against beetroot, pomegranate or
goji berries as such. My opinion is that the term
‘superfood’ applies to fruits and vegetables as a
group, be it a humble carrot, an apple or the more
fashionable pomegranate. The key to fruit and
vegetables exerting their superhero status on
your health is the mixture and amount you eat,
there needs to be lots and plenty of variety in
anyone’s diet.
Why are fruits and vegetables known
as ‘superfoods’?
Fruit and vegetables are generally high in fibre,
good for keeping our guts and bowels healthy
and helping us to feel fuller for longer.
They are generally not very energy dense - per
mouthful, and they don’t have many calories but are nutrient rich.
Every fruit and vegetable is a package of
micronutrients but no one package is the
same. There are similarities between groups of
fruits and vegetables. This is why a good
mixture maximises the benefits.
They can displace foods we should be eating
less of, for instance, add lots of vegetables to a
beef casserole then there will be a little less red
meat per portion.
Most importantly they are delicious. Fruit and
vegetables bring colour, flavour and texture
to meals.
Many of us only average 2 or 3 portions a day or
less, most of us know that we should be aiming for
at least 5. Let them take centre stage rather than a
lack lustre accompaniment.
Lynn Burns is an independent Registered
Nutritionist (RNutr), passionate about healthy
ageing through eating well and good nutrition.
With experience gained at the Department of
Health, she now specialises in nutrition in
older people and is a Trustee for a nutrition
charity, The Caroline Walker Trust.
Keeping in touch with
seasonal ‘superfoods’
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Or visit us at
0333 321 4038
www.kingsborough.co.uk
Ter ms and Cond itions*Only applicable to occupiers of a retirement development. **Policy premium standard cost is £4 per annum.
£20 discount applies to the first year only and will be deducted from initial payment. Offer is not available on policy renewal. Policy renewal
is not automatic. You will be invited to renew at the full annual premium prior to your policy anniversary. This offer may be withdrawn at any time.
Any application for a policy under the Offer and any policy under the Offer will be subject to the insurers normal underwriting rules.
Kingsborough Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - FCA Register No. 308484.
A ,OJHIU4RVBSF Company. Registered in England No. 3479579. Registered Office: Queensway House, 11 Queensway, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 5NR.
If you would like us to contact you closer to your renewal date please complete this form and return it to us.
Name .........................................................................................................................................
Telephone number ....................................................................................................
Address
Email address
.................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................
ISSUE 14
......................................................................................................................................................
Your home contents renewal date
Kingsborough Insurance Services, Queensway House, 11 Queensway, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 5NR.
FIRSTPORT | 41
WIN £500 Grand UK
Holidays Vouchers
With spring just around the corner it’s time to start
planning your 2015 holiday! To help you get started,
Grand UK Holidays is offering one lucky reader
£500 worth of holiday vouchers.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing summer
holiday by the beach or an exciting European
river cruise adventure, you can find your ideal
holiday with Grand UK.
With over 30 years’ experience of looking after the
needs of mature travellers, Grand UK is a leading
specialist in escorted tours throughout Britain,
Europe and beyond, exclusively for the over-55s.
With Grand UK you can sit back, relax and enjoy a
hassle-free break. With friendly tour managers, a
complete luggage-handling service and
experienced coach drivers, you can enjoy your
well-earned holiday right from the beginning.
If you’re busy planning your next holiday, Grand UK
has several brand new itineraries to consider,
including:
– Whether you love beautiful landscaped gardens,
have always wanted to see inside ‘Candleford
House’, or are planning an unforgettable coach
trip through the capital cities of Europe there’s a
super selection of holidays to choose from.
– If you are travelling alone you might prefer to
travel with other solo holiday makers – so look
out for the ‘specially for singles’ holiday selection
including European breaks too, or talk to one of
the friendly reservations team on 01603 619933
– Or if you are looking for more of an adventure,
why not try an escorted European river cruise –
there’s no better way to enjoy the dramatic
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For more on these and other
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Entering the competition is easy:
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Life&Style Holiday Competition,
Grand UK Holidays, The Old Bakery,
Queens Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 3PL
Terms and conditions: Prize: 1. Winner will receive £500 worth of holiday vouchers
to spend on a Grand UK Holiday. 2. The closing date for competition is Friday 26
June 2015. 3. All holidays are subject to availability and Grand UK Holidays booking
terms and conditions. 4. Prize is non-refundable and non-transferable, and no cash
alternative will be offered. 5. The winner travelling on a Grand UK Holiday must be
over 55 or accompanying someone who is. Entries: 1. If you do not wish to receive a
brochure please state ‘no info’ on your entry coupon. 2. Competition entries must
be sent to Grand UK Holidays (entry address on this page). 3. The winner will be
selected at random from valid entries, only 1 entry per person.
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
FIRSTPORT | 43
Property to sell?
Considered letting?
Striving to
improve in 2015...
“Without
ut d
doubt
oubt
st property
propert
rtyy
the best
decisionn we
we
have made!”
made!”
e
Girlings can help you generate
an income from your property.
Call for details on:
Discover
Discover the freedom
freedom renting in retirement can bring
55+? Did you know you can rent private retirement property on a Life Long Te
enancy
which gives you the right to remain living in the property for as long as you wish,
with service charges and maintenance included in the rent?
0800 525 184
www.girlings.co.uk
0800 634 0834
Peace of Mind
Independence
Flexibility
Choice
Well, 2014 saw us experience and witness a lot of important events, including
a referendum, the Commonwealth Games, and a particularly busy, but
extremely productive time for us. We have now completed our transition to
become FirstPort Property Services Scotland and it is definitely an exciting
time for us, as we strive to continually improve the service we offer to you.
We have invested heavily in the services we provide, and you will have seen a
good few improvements already. In particular, you will have seen our tablet
technology, introduced for our House Managers, to help assist and improve
communication with residents on site. A highlight for us last year was our staff
training conference, and we also welcomed many new additions to our team.
STRUGGLE TO GET IN & OUT OF YOUR OLD BATH?
NO
WORRIES!
Bath out - Shower in
FITTED IN JUST
ONE DAY!*
NO MESS! NO FUSS!
NO RE-TILING!
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Designed to fit in the same
space as your old bath, the
Shower Module’s unique
construction enables it to be
FITTED IN JUST ONE DAY*
with NO MESS, NO FUSS and
NO RE-TILING either!
GLASS
PROTECTION
Keith Murray
Regional Director,
FirstPort Property
Services Scotland
Protects
against the
build-up
of grime,
lime scale
and stains.
Easy clean tile effect no re-tiling or mouldy grout!
Easy access NEW lower step
Optional seat and grab rail
Assistance pole
Slip resistant floor
Built-in shelving
OVER 20,000
INSTALLATIONS IN THE UK
Fits in
same space
as your old
bath!
Available with full height sliding doors
or half height hinged door and panel
SHOWER STANDING UP OR
SITTING DOWN WITH THE
OPTIONAL FOLD DOWN SEAT.
Half height hinged door and panel option
Please contact me to arrange a FREE no-obligation Home Survey
Please send me a FREE brochure on the Aquability Low Access Shower Module
54535
* Time based on straightforward fitting.
Name
FOR MORE DETAILS AND FREE BROCHURE
FREEPHONE 0800 316 0110
Ask for
Ext. 54535
Lines open 24 hours 7 days a week. Or return coupon to FREEPOST RRGY-AHAX-AHSX,
Aquability UK Ltd, Farnborough, GU14 0NR. Or visit - www.aquability.com
How to get in touch
with the Customer
Service team
0333 321 4077
scotlandhelp
@FirstPort.co.uk
Tel
FirstPort.co.uk
Address
Postcode
Behind the scenes, and following our residents’ feedback, we have also improved
our complaints system, and introduced new health & safety procedures and
audits. A really significant investment will come with the introduction of our
particularly revolutionary, end to end, purchasing system. This will really help us
focus on and manage our suppliers and their prices. We are particularly delighted
to welcome our new customers and developments, and are looking at expanding
even more this year, as we have on-going discussions with both new and
previous customers, including one very exciting new retirement village.
Retirement Homesearch has seen some significant improvements recently and
overall, we have seen an increased level of sales and more favourable movement
on prices laterally in 2014, but the referendum did have a huge effect during this
time. Particularly exciting for us all is the rebranding of the business, this
showcases our commitment to you, to embrace and deliver on our five values.
It is a really motivating and particularly busy time for us as we strive to set the
highest of standards, lead the industry and improve our service to you. I would
just like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support and
feedback, particularly the feedback and comments we received from our
customer satisfaction surveys towards the end of 2014.
EASY, SAFE BATHING
Send to: FREEPOST RRGY-AHAX-AHSX, Aquability UK Ltd, Farnborough, GU14 0NR.
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
FIRSTPORT | 45
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Pictured left to right are Edith Oakes, Sharon Bowen
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Your successes...
We celebrated with four of our
developments at the EAC National
Housing for Older People Awards,
held at Doncaster Racecourse.
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
46 | YOUR SUCCESSES
FIRSTPORT | 47
Your successes...
activities. There are many social events which occur
regularly, from musical afternoons, where residents
play the piano and the trombone, to a Tour de France
party held last year in the front lounge.
On a bright sunny day towards the end of
November we joined some of our residents and their
Development Managers to celebrate their success!
In addition, we had attendees from Hardys Court as
well, Development Manager Jennifer Debenham and
June Burge who is Chair of the Residents Association
were there to pick up their silver award. The residents
at Hardys Court are very proud of their development,
as you pass through its elegant entrance you are
greeted by beautiful gardens. With 38 flats, there is a
warm and friendly atmosphere and residents interact
with each other in a relaxed manner. Socially,
residents organise raffles, fortnightly bingo, afternoon
tea’s, fish and chip suppers as well as coffee
mornings. To also witness our two developments
receiving their highly commended awards was a
pleasure and both, Fairholme Court and Northwell
Place were very worthy recipients.
David Gabriel, Head of Retirement Homesearch,
presents an award at the EAC National Housing
for Older People Awards
Doncaster Racecourse
provided the perfect setting
for a memorable day
The annual EAC National Housing for Older People
Awards ceremony took place in the picturesque
surroundings of Doncaster Racecourse on 25
November 2014. As everyone arrived, they were
entertained by Anita Harris and her wonderful
anecdotes, as well as comedian Barbara Nice and a
live jazz band. A delicious lunch was then enjoyed
Carol Crowe, Head of FirstPort Retirement
by all the guests. The Elderly Accommodation
Counsel (EAC) is a national charity that aims to
Property Services, presenting an award to a
help older people make informed choices about
winning development
meeting their housing and care needs. In total, 35
award winners and 27 commended developments
had been selected from the 257 developments
nominated for the 2014 Awards and over 3,288
residents took part in the UK-wide resident
consultation survey.
The survey, run by the EAC, allows residents to rate
their property, covering a wide range of topics, such
as the quality of the building, accommodation, local
services, lifestyle and many others. The results are
collated to give an overall score. In addition, the
results provide excellent feedback on what residents
think of their properties and where they can improve
in the future. All developments that participated in
the survey before the September 2014 deadline were
automatically entered for the awards ceremony, with
the top 40-50 developments then being selected by
the EAC as finalists to attend on the day, in their
respective categories. The survey itself, is actually
in the form of a fun and engaging card game for
residents to play as a group, whilst actually
scoring their development and contributing to
the awards’ process.
ISSUE 14
The stage awaits at the EAC National Housing for
Older People Awards...
In each development category, there was a Bronze,
Silver and Gold winner, so the tension was high, with
residents and Development Managers in attendance
only finding out on the day, which level of award they
were receiving. We were delighted that four of our
developments who participated in the card game
survey were invited to the awards ceremony, two being
awarded as finalists and two as highly commended.
We are proud of our winners and commended
developments. Our selected developments
invited to the awards ceremony were:
– The Adelphi, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Silver Award winner in the Retirement
Housing Schemes - 60 units and over category
– Hardys Court, Weymouth, Dorset
Silver Award winner in the Retirement
Housing Schemes - 36-44 units category
– Northwell Place, Swaffham, Norfolk
Highly Commended in the Retirement
Housing Schemes - 36-44 units category
– Fairholme Court, Eastleigh, Hants
Highly Commended in the Retirement
Housing Schemes - 30-35 units category
It was a fantastic achievement for all four
developments to be recognised and awarded these
accolades - we are very proud of your achievements
and success. The Adelphi and Hardys Court both
received a silver award and to see the sheer joy of
everyone in attendance highlighted the pride and
dedication all the residents and Development
Managers have. Residents rated both of their
developments particularly high for the community
spirit and friendship.
From The Adelphi, Development Manager Sharon
Bowen attended along with two residents who were
involved in playing the survey, Edith Oakes and
Christine Brennan. Having been recently redecorated
throughout, The Adelphi has a charm and a great
sense of community about it with strong links to the
local school and taking part in many fundraising
All images courtesy of Phil Witcomb
We were delighted to sponsor the awards report and
an award category under our new FirstPort brand,
along with Retirement Homesearch who also
sponsored a category. It was a show of support from
both businesses that we believe and endorse the role
that this survey has in giving us valuable feedback. We
would like to thank all of our developments and
residents who participated in the survey and huge
congratulations to the four developments who
attended and received their awards on that memorable
day in November. It is fantastic recognition for you all
and you should feel very proud of your success.
“There’s a wonderfully friendly
atmosphere at The Adelphi,
we consider ourselves very
fortunate to live here.”
The resident consultation survey (card
game) is well worth playing; it stimulates
interesting conversations between
residents on a variety of important
issues. It also contains notes on how to
help residents play the game without
compromising their confidentiality. For
more information on ordering your card
game for your development, visit
www.housingcare.org
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
48 | LET’S CELEBRATE
FIRSTPORT | 49
Roseburn House
Edinburgh
Residents held a sale and
raffle for Medecins Sans
Frontieres and raised
£400 to buy protective
suits for medical staff to
wear fighting the Ebola
epidemic in Africa.
Let’s celebrate
Fundraising and events...
Here are some of your
special occasions
and achievements...
Fundraising
Havenfield
Cambridge
£300 was raised at a
coffee morning for Marie
Curie cancer charity, with
a raffle and cake stall
Havenfield
Broadway Court
Gosforth, Newcastle
Upon Tyne
On one of our Macmillan
coffee mornings we raised
£417. With lots of thanks to
residents and families
baking fantastic cupcakes
and the boozy Christmas
Cake which raised over a
£100 in the raffle.
Chardwar Gardens
Bourton on the Water,
Gloucester
Resident Mrs Sheila Owen
celebrated her birthday on
26 September by hosting a
tea party and raffle in aid of
Macmillan nurses. A total
of £350 was raised and a
good time was had by all.
ISSUE 14
Homebourne House,
Devon
A big thank you to all who
helped our very successful
Macmillan coffee morning,
we raised £175 There was
cake making and tombola
prizes. Special thank you
to Mrs Sheila Wood,
apartment 39, for
organising this event
Rivendell Court
Hall Green, Birmingham
Each year we do a fund
raising month during July.
In 2014, our chosen charity
was the RNLI and we raised
£850 and we presented
the cheque to Janet Krause
of the RNLI fundraising
team. The money was
raised by various functions
such as Raffles, a tombola,
bingo, a quiz and a
ploughmans’ lunch
Rivendell Court
Manton Court
Manton Court
Horsham, West Sussex
During a Macmillan coffee
morning, we raised £280.35
so a huge thank you to
everyone for their help,
support and donations. We
had ‘guess how many 100s
and 1000s on the cake’ and
‘which cup had the double
espresso in it’ amongst
cakes, cheese scones and
flapjacks.
Alexandra Court
Windermere, Cumbria
£315 raised for Macmillan
Cancer Support by the
residents during the
world’s biggest coffee
morning
Eden Court
Cupar, Fife
Residents held a Macmillan
coffee morning which was
organised by one of our
residents Mrs Anna Farmer
and her husband Bob.
Anna has strong links with
the Macmillan cancer trust
and there was some
competitions for the
residents to get involved
with. Also there were some
generous donations for a
raffle given, of which one
or two came from the
residents themselves. All
in all a very enjoyable
morning was had by
everyone who attended
which raised a magnificent
sum of £230.05
Homestour House
Christchurch, Dorset
The residents raised £305
during a Macmillan tea party,
bringing our total donated
over the past 3 years to
almost £1,000. Thanks and
congratulations go to Mary
Stapleton and her team for
another successful event, to
the Diamond Divas who
provided the entertainment
and to all the residents
Bagshot Court
Milton Keynes
Residents held a coffee &
cake morning in aid of
Macmillan Cancer
Support, with raffles, cake
auctions, a tombola and
donations which helped
raise the sum of £350. A
big well done for the hard
work put in by residents,
friends and family
Pegasus Court, Reading
Pegasus Court
Reading
Millie Simons has been
organising Macmillan
coffee mornings here at
Pegasus Court for the past
8 years. Back in
September, along with her
faithful band of helpers, we
managed to raise £1,250.
Redlin Court
Surrey
We raised a fantastic
amount of £344.50 for the
world’s biggest coffee
morning in support of
Macmillan cancer support.
A large selection of cakes
was on offer as well as a
raffle and a sale.
Springbank
Altrincham, Cheshire
A little fundraising the
residents did on 27
October on behalf of
Genesis (breast cancer
prevention). The sale of
Christmas cards and gifts
made £258 in sales at the
weekly afternoon tea.
Fairways Court
Whitby, North Yorkshire
This year instead of our
usual Macmillan world’s
biggest coffee morning
event, we held a “pie and
pea tea” for residents and
raised £476 which was a
huge success. We also won
two awards in the Whitby in
bloom event as well.
Charlwood Court
Torquay, Devon
Residents and friends
managed to raise £281.61
at a Macmillan coffee
morning with a cake sale,
a tombola, and ‘guess
how many 100s and 1000s
on the cake’ game.
Mumbles Bay Court
Swansea
A varied selection of
donated knitwear,
handicraft items, quilts,
cushions, paintings and
cakes, plus a raffle and
many donations, helped
raise an incredible £800 on
behalf of Macmillan nurses.
Pegasus Court
Harrow
We raised £137 for
Macmillan cancer support
and £33 for St Lukes
Hospice back in
September 2014. We held
a coffee morning with a
raffle and a card sale.
Pegasus Court, Harrow
Anglia Court
Dagenham, Essex
Back in September we held
our first “Coffee & Cake”
morning in aid of Macmillan
cancer care. Residents,
friends and families,
including our lovely
Development Manager Sue,
all contributed to a
successful event! Our
tables were laden with
home-made cakes
generously donated! We
held a raffle, took donations
and even auctioned the
surplus cakes. We thank all
concerned and proudly
announce that our efforts
raised a marvellous
£608.60.
Anglia Court
Royal Court
Teignmouth, Devon
The residents of Royal
Court joined in with the
Macmillan world’s biggest
coffee morning event
raising a total of £660.
Reeves Court
Reeves Court
Camberley, Surrey
The residents, mainly from
our craft group, have been
knitting for the charity
‘Children in distress’ in
Romania (covering life
threatening illnesses and
orphans) from babies to
teenagers. Also £162 was
raised at a Macmillan
coffee morning
Roberts Court
Great Baddow,
Chelmsford
Residents supported the
world’s biggest coffee
morning in aid of Macmillan
and raised £200.
Allandale Court
Burnham-on-sea,
Somerset
Allandale Court were
notified by The British
Heart Foundation that
they had sold furniture and
various other items sent to
them by our Development
Manager and the sum of
£481.23 was raised. These
were items donated by
residents who were
moving out and were no
longer required.
Swn y Mor
Conwy, North Wales
Residents raised a brilliant
£402.61 pounds for
Macmillan cancer support
with cakes, coffee and
a raffle
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
FIRSTPORT | 51
Let us
catch you
if you fall
Moresby Court
Fareham, Hampshire
At the Macmillan world’s
biggest coffee morning
event we raised £475.35.
And Moresby Court won
a Gold Medal at the
Fareham in bloom
2014 event!
Homecrest House
Scarborough
From various fundraising
events, we raised £150
for the Scarborough
branch of the Samaritans,
£129 for Children in Need
2014 and £150 for our
support for Guide Dogs for
the Blind
Sorrento Court
Birmingham
Sorrento Court raised
£280 for St Mary’s
Hospice through raffles, a
bring and buy and a name
the teddy competition
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Ancholme Mews
Brigg, North
Lincolnshire
Residents have a
collection tin and a raffle
at our weekly coffee
mornings where they
raise money for their
local Lindsey Lodge
Hospice. They were
delighted to receive a
letter of recognition
from the Hospice recently
when their regular
donations had exceeded
a total of £1,000
Robartes Court
Truro, Cornwall
We held a fundraising tea
on 20 November 2014.
We are a small
development in the heart
of Truro and we managed
to raised £250 between
25 residents all for The
Royal British Legion
Sandbriggs Court
Garstang
Residents marked the
30th anniversary of the
Ethiopian food crisis in
October by holding a soup
lunch, raffle and book
auction in support of the
Association for
Sustainable Development
in Ethiopia (ASDE), a
charity known to
residents. A video of the
work in Ethiopia was
shown. At the event £331
were raised and publicity
in the town brought in a
further £220 in donations
Events
How you spent your
Halloween...
Millers Court
Millers Court
Shirley, Solihull
Held a Halloween themed
fish and chip supper
enjoyed by all the residents.
The Homestead
Lytham St Annes,
Lancashire
We had a fun and spooky
Halloween evening at The
Homestead. Along with
ghouls soup and bread and
ghostly sayings. A great
evening was had by all
Albion Court
Albion Court
Burnley, Lancashire
We held a fish and chip
lunch to celebrate
Halloween. Some of my
lady residents dressed for
the part and they were
given a small bunch of
roses for their efforts
Eden Court
Cupar, Fife
Residents enjoyed
themselves on Thursday
30 October at their regular
coffee morning by
dressing up in Halloween
costume, certainly one or
two of the residents paid
particular attention to
their own style of costume
which certainly livened up
the day, well done also to
some of the ladies who
participated, all enjoyed
their morning coffee.
Goldsmere Court
Hornchurch, Essex
For Halloween, we
enjoyed a party in the
lounge, with food, a raffle
entertainment and a fancy
dress competition. Lots of
Halloween decorations
were put up and a good
night that turned into the
early hours was had by
everybody
Kensington Court
Formby, Merseyside
There was great fun at
our quiz night, most of
the questions where
based on Halloween or
old horror movies. We
even had Halloween
cakes and some of the
residents made hats at
the craft afternoon so
all in all we had a very
enjoyable evening
Kensington Court
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
52 | LET’S CELEBRATE
Liddiard Court
Stourbridge,
West Midlands
One of our residents,
Jennifer WhiteHouse
dressed for the part
during our ‘Cosy Coven’
celebrations for
Halloween. Our party,
complete with a jacket
potato lunch, was enjoyed
by all.
Avon Lodge
Southbourne,
Bournemouth
Some of our residents
celebrated with a cheese &
wine and bingo evening. A
great night was had by all
How you spent your
Christmas & New Year...
Manton Court
Horsham, West Sussex
On Saturday 13 December
at 7pm in the communal
lounge the residents
enjoyed their christmas
party.
Manton Court
Homethwaite House
Keswick, Cumbria
Years 5 and 6 of St
Herbert’s School, Keswick,
came to sing christmas
songs and other more
modern choices for
residents in the Lounge on
December 12. We also had
some refreshments
afterwards.
ISSUE 14
FIRSTPORT | 53
Pegasus Court
Wantage
We had an amazing
christmas party. Thank
you all so much for joining
in the fun and for your
generosity. Mick the bingo
caller you are a hoot.
Pegasus Court
Eden Court
Cupar, Fife
Residents held our
christmas party on
December 10, a lovely
meal was had by all which
was cooked and served to
the residents by a local
caterer. Afterwards, Mrs
Santa Clause (performed
by Mr Alastair Bett, one of
our residents) arrived at
the dinner and carried out
her duties very well,
entertainment was
provided by two
gentleman who
performed wonderful
tunes on their ukuleles.
Wellington Court
Deal, Kent.
The Warden House school
choir came in and sung
Christmas carols to the
residents. Goody bags
were handed out to all
afterwards along with
some juice and sausage
rolls.
Charlwood Court
Torquay, Devon
Residents enjoyed their
annual “christmas village”.
Constructed by resident
Derek Moorin, the display
and other festivities raised
£121.41 for our charity
‘Let The Children Live’.
A great effort by Derek in
making this.
Charlwood Court
Eden Court
Kimbolton Court
Peterborough
Residents had a great day
out for their christmas
lunch at a local Pub!
Downy Court
Poole, Dorset
We all had a lovely time.
singing carols, eating
food, dancing and lots of
laughing. Thank you to
everyone for their hard
work, to make it a good
evening.
Holly Court
Leatherhead, Surrey
Our residents at our
christmas party, were
entertained by a magician!
Great day was had by all!
Bridewell Court
Farnworth Village,
Widnes
We had our christmas
meal on December 17. This
was the first time that
residents have had a sit
down meal together and it
was attended by 32
residents. We enjoyed a
three course meal, which
they had a choice of
starters and sweets and a
main course of Beef and
Turkey with all the
trimmings, followed by
mince pies and coffee,
also several bottles of
Bucks Fizz, we had our
resident keyboard player
playing seasonal and well
known songs which had
the residents singing and
dancing. Residents and
Development Manager
worked together to
provide a wonderful day.
Let’s celebrate
A quick note to say
goodbye...
In February 2015, we said
goodbye to Nancy Hill who
retired after 26 years’ of
service with us. Nancy was
based in Glasgow and
worked in various roles
during her time, including
being a Retirement
Homesearch manager and
an office administrator. We
wish Nancy all the best in
enjoying her retirement!
103
Birthdays, anniversaries and congratulations...
Here are more of your
special occasions
and achievements...
99
95
Doris Cooper
Woodspring Court,
Swindon
Tom Horlock
Coachman Court,
Rochford, Essex
Birthdays
Werner Stender
Riverside Court,
Pulborough, West Sussex
Dorothy Steere &
Rose Welch
Cedar Court,
Addlestone, Surrey
108
98
Mrs Grace Jones
Pegasus Court,
Broadway, Worcester
Edna Bradshaw
St Georges Court,
Dorset
105
Vera Greenwood
Ranulf Court, Sheffield
Fred Cuddeford
Kingfisher Court,
Isleworth, Middlesex
Arthur Hunter
Maple Grange, Bristol
Hazel Johnson
The Homestead,
Lytham St Annes,
Lancashire
100
Mr Wilfred ‘Glyn’ Morris
Pegasus Court,
Paignton
Francis Fellowes
Francis Fellowes
Laburnum Court,
Leighton Buzzard
Ted Ogelsby &
George Swalwell
Fairways Court,
Whitby, North Yorkshire
93
Gordon Blackburn
Riverside Court,
Pulborough, West Sussex
Joan Capon
The Meads, Windsor
Kate Leaf
Fairways Court,
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Edna Folwell
Riverside Court,
Pulborough, West Sussex
Mrs Hilda Margaret
Lloyd
Kingston Lodge, Surrey
Brenda Morton
Restharrow,
Bournemouth
Mr Wilfred ‘Glyn’ Morris
Fred Robson
Maple Grange, Bristol
Elizabeth (Dinah) Walsh
Old Rectory Court,
Southend-on-Sea
Alice (May) Ramsden
Giles Court, West
Bridgford,
Nottinghamshire
Nancy Hill
Rene Clarke
Tudor Court,
Birmingham
94
Miss Helen Wilson,
Cleeve Lake Court,
Bishops Cleeve,
Gloucestershire.
Rene Clarke
97
Sid Rowley
Cedar Court,
Addlestone, Surrey
Peggy Armstrong
Stoneleigh Court,
Porthcawl, South Wales
96
Roy Dash
Maple Grange, Bristol
Marjorie Shannon
Cedar Court,
Addlestone, Surrey
Bee England, Jean
Renfree & Edie Chalk
Cedar Court,
Addlestone, Surrey
92
Eddie Barker
Riverside Court,
Pulborough, West Sussex
Mr Kenneth Maughan
Abbey Court,
Northumberland
Ted Mullett &
Vivienne Odell
Cedar Court,
Addlestone, Surrey
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
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“Even though my hair is
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have been conscious of
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I tried all sorts of solutions. Creams, which I found
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I tried razors, but I just couldn’t bear standing
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As my desperation grew, I decided to bite the bullet
and booked a course of laser treatments. Up to that
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it was not something I could afford to repeat on a
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Then I noticed an article about the no!no! Hair
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It was the type of result I’d expect to get from a
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FIRSTPORT | 55
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90
Emily Pycock &
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Victoria Place,
Esher, Surrey
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Ken & Mary
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Highfield Court,
Reading
65 years
60 years
Douglas McLaggan
Caiystane Court,
Edinburgh
Anne & Eric Roberts
Oaksmere Gardens,
Ipswich
Audrey Hartshorne
Ridgeway Court, Derby
Roy & Kath Rogers
Ranulf Court, Sheffield
Louise Turze
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Old Rectory Court,
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Ken Riley
Lemon Tree Court,
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74 years
Emily Pycock & Joan Palfrey
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Sandringham House,
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Derek & Doreen Massey
Smithy Court, Stockport
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Ken & Mary Macnaughton
63 years
*
The wide Thermicon tip is for
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Mr & Mrs Brian
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Homedee House,
Chester
Bob & Thelma Buist
Waterside Court,
St Neots
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Mrs Dorothy Gregory
Holmes Court, Kent
Bernadette Hume
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Frank & Veronica
Hough
Buckingham Court II,
Bognor Regis
Ken Riley
Yvonne & Roy Hodson
Aspley Court, Bedford
Development
Anniversaries
Residents celebrated the
10th anniversary by
transforming their lounge
into a dining room to have
a champagne lunch and a
celebratory cake. A singing
couple were invited along,
after the meal, to complete
the occasion.
Smithy Court, Stockport
Residents celebrated the
10th Birthday and had a
cake constructed of the
outside of their building.
Entertainment was
provided by children from
the local Bishopbriggs
Academy, playing the
saxophone, fiddle, guitar
and piano.
Bishopsgate, Glasgow
Your Engagements
Congratulations to Madge
Ward and George
Simmonds, residents at
Hall Barn who recently got
engaged… they found
love at Hall Barn.
Hall Barn, Colchester
Gail Moffat
Development
Manager
congratulations
Development Manager Gail
Moffat was married 29
September 2014 and is now
Mrs Gail Hamp... a great
day was had all round...
congratulations Gail!
Bishopsgate, Glasgow
In November 2014,
Development Manager
Christine Allen retired
after four and a half years.
A lunch was held to thank
her for all her help and
support over the years
and to wish her well in her
retirement. There were 30
people in attendance, a
sign of how well she is
liked by the residents.
There was a collection
made by the residents and
Christine was presented
with a vase, which she
had chosen herself, to
have in her new home.
Woodspring Court,
Swindon
We apologise that we, unfortunately, can’t include all the birthday,
fundraising and anniversary messages we receive, but we will look to
publish them on the FirstPort.co.uk website soon. These are celebrations
which have taken place between the previous issue and this current issue.
Please send your social events to:
lifeandstyle@FirstPort.co.uk
Life&Style Team
c/o FirstPort, 11-12 Centre Court,
Vine Lane, Halesowen B63 3EB
www.FirstPort.co.uk | SPRING 2015
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58 | PUZZLES
The portableyou don’tlift
Puzzles
Time to take five minutes out to complete our puzzle...
Solve this puzzle in which the clues are the
answers with the vowels missing. Once
complete, arrange the letters in the marked
squares to find a COUNTRY.
ACROSS
1. PRNNCTN
8. CD
9. GSTRNMY
10. SRC
11. PPPTRY
12. GDFTHR
14. PL
15. PLY
16. RDRM
20. HZLNT
21. NSST
23. PRPGND
25. LN
26. XTRRDNRY
For the first time ever, the all-new Quingo Flyte offers
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without heavy lifting or dismantling and assembly.
SELF-LOADING & UNLOADING
DOWN
1. PCCL
2. RDR
3. NGNT
4. CS
5. BRPT
6. NNKPR
7. NMRL
11. PRFCT
13. FLWRPT
15. PRR
17. RGM
18. MSNRY
19. NGM
22. SN
24. NR
Remotely loads and unloads in less than 60 seconds yet needs no car modifications or tools
AS SEEN ON
heel
The 5 w ugh
ro
th
Break
ble
in porta
y
mobilit
in less than
60 seconds
BY REMOTE
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From (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)
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ANSWER
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*TERMS & CONDITIONS: All customers must place orders on or before 31st March 2015 and must take delivery on or before 6th April 2015. No other offers/discounts or part exchanges can be used in conjunction with this offer.
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