VV_Feb Web 21-compressed

for seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots and
Summer flowering bulbs, due to the uncertainty
regarding lockdown measures and whether we
would be allowed to open. So this year, you will
have to find an alternative supplier for
purchasing these items.
We are already fully stocked with our usual
composts, including peat free, Jacks magic,
manure, strulch and composted and decorative
bark. We also have a full selection of flower and
vegetable seeds, including some new varieties
from Suttons and Dobies.
We are in the process of developing a new
website which will be user friendly for mobiles
and tablets and are currently adding additional
stock items including seeds, so you'll be able to
purchase all goods by the order and collection
system. See our website for current Coronavirus
updates. Peter Pearman (Membership Secretary) 01494
711570 www.hazlemeregardening.co.uk
Alde House
Alde House, like all care homes across the
country, continues to face the challenges
presented by Covid-19. The good news,
however, is that our residents and staff have
now received their first vaccination jab which
will give them greater protection in the future.
Ensuring the wellbeing of all residents has been
a priority over the past 9 months and continues
to be so. It’s great credit to the whole team at
Alde House who, along with the support of the
residents and their relatives, have been able to
maintain a safe environment throughout this
pandemic.
For the residents, however, the constraints on
visiting has been difficult, not allowing the
normal contact with loved ones which is so
important. It has also been a challenging time
for the staff with the need to wear impersonal
PPE or having limited contact with those
outside the home, all making the personal touch
so much more difficult to achieve. If not
addressed this can all lead to a distancing from
both residents and the community which is
sorely missed. It is in this respect that our
www.pennandtylersgreen.org.uk
Village Voice February/March 2021
relationship with www.keychange.org.uk over
the past 18 months has been critical, bringing in
a wealth of experience that the care team can
draw on. Without it this would have been a very
lonely time, not only for the staff, but the whole
Alde House community. The relationship with
Keychange has enabled our residents to join
with other homes, whether it be for an act of
worship or simply fellowship. This has been of
great benefit showing that we are not alone and
building a spirit of togetherness.
Even without the pandemic, with Alde House
being a standalone home, it would be
increasingly difficult to maintain the standard of
service we desire. The relationship with
Keychange has enabled improved operations at
the home which will in turn be of benefit to the
residents. To build on this work, the Trustees
have now decided that in March the
responsibility for running Alde House will be
passed over to Keychange who are a much
larger organisation but with similar objectives.
To all intents and purposes this should be a
seamless transition with the team continuing to
serve Penn and the local community, something
enshrined in the Home’s charitable purpose.
Colin Hutt, the outgoing Chair of the Trustees
said, “we are delighted to have found an
organisation so aligned with our own values and
firmly believe that the expertise and resources
that Keychange bring will support the on-going
success of Alde House in Penn”.
Rosh Milner, the Chair of Keychange
Trustees said “Alde House in its wonderful
setting in the Chiltern Hills is a real gem. We
look forward to continuing the work of
developing a caring community for the benefit
of those in the local area.”
In this the 50th year of Alde House providing
care for the local community, it is significant
that these new arrangements with Keychange
will ensure that first class care will continue to
be offered at the Home into the future. If you
would like to know more about Alde House and
what it can offer contact the manager, Steve
Burton 01494 813365. Tim Marshall
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