QEQM Hospital League of Friends
We have recently funded at a combined cost of almost £12k the purchase of 18 chairs, all designed & constructed for use in the hospital environment and to be especially comfortable because they can be used for lengthy periods.
Relatives visiting critically ill patients in the Hospital’s Critical Care Unit now have the use of 12 chairs, some of which are shown with Ward Manager Jen and nursing staff Jane, Roseline & Jaison along with our Chairman Sylvia and two of her fellow trustees Sue & Colin. In expressing her gratitude Jen said lots of complimentary comments had already been made about the chairs.
We have also financed the purchase of 6 reclining armchairs for use by women and their birthing partners in Maternity (Kingsgate Ward). These improve the patients & their relatives’ experience during their stay on the Ward by helping them get the rest they need and complement the 3 sleeper chairs there we have also recently funded.
The funding of these items was made possible thanks to our Tea Bar & Shop in the Hospital, which is our main source of regular income. This is staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers and all the profits are ploughed back into benefiting the Hospital – so every purchase there really does help. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekday and is situated in the St. Peters Road wing, above Outpatients & next to Walmer A. We sell at very competitive prices hot & cold drinks, sandwiches, confectionery, snacks, newspapers, cards & stamps. We’re always on the lookout for volunteers to join our team so if you’re interested, please email us at qeqmfriends@gmail com with your phone number and we will be in touch.
For more information about us please visit www.qeqmfriends.com or our page on Facebook.
Chartwell House
Boutique Care Homes is proud to celebrate the inspiring achievement of Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, Jude Coveney, who took part in Mind’s ‘100 Miles in March’ challenge—completing an extraordinary 143 miles and raising over £1,000 to support better mental health.
With participants encouraged to raise a minimum of £150, Jude, from Ramsgate, exceeded this target by nearly seven times. Her motivation was deeply personal, having lost two family members to suicide—an experience that shaped both her professional and personal commitment to mental health awareness.
The nan-of-three said: “Having lost two family members to suicide, supporting Mind was an obvious choice for me. Life is challenging for us all, and I’ve always believed in riding out the lows and making the most of the highs.
“Taking on 100 miles in March has been more than just a physical challenge—it’s been a way to honour their memory, raise awareness, and help others who may be struggling. I hope this not only supports families in need but also encourages more conversations about mental health. Let’s normalise talking about it.”
Jude, 60, completed her target through coastal walks, adding extra miles to her routes at the weekend.
As one of Chartwell House’s Mental Health First Aiders, Jude plays an important role in supporting residents and team members alike. Her challenge was embraced by the entire home and community, with generous donations and heartfelt encouragement offered throughout the month.
Even her dog, though somewhat less enthusiastic by the end, walked many of the miles by her side. Jude was also moved by the wider Mind community, particularly the stories shared by fellow participants online.
Ameet Kotecha, Founder and Managing Director of Boutique Care Homes, said; “We are incredibly proud of Jude. Her strength, compassion and commitment to raising awareness for mental health embody everything we stand for. She has turned personal loss into a force for good—and her efforts have touched so many lives.”
Westbrook Bowls Club
Are you looking at taking up a new hobby and enjoy a bit of fresh air, sunshine, having a bit of gentle exercise, meeting new people and trying something new? If so, then lawn bowls might just be for you and we at Westbrook Bowls Club, Westbrook are holding two open days this spring for you to give this fantastic game a try.
The dates are Sunday 27th April and Sunday 4th May both between 10am and noon and then 2pm and 4pm in the afternoon, all are welcome to attend. Just bring a pair of flat soled trainers or shoes, yourselves and we’ll supply the bowling equipment as well as having members on hand to guide you.
A spokesperson for the club said we are often asked what are the benefits of playing bowls with health professionals recommending playing bowls, particularly for older people as it helps provide them with a number of health benefits, including: –
- Improved fitness
- Improved coordination and skill development
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Enhanced mental wellbeing
- Community connectedness and support
Come along to Westbrook Bowls Club this spring for a bit of fresh air and try your hand at playing the wonderful game of lawn bowls. You’ve nothing to loose and a lot to gain. “
You’ll find the club at Westcliff Gardens, Royal Esplanade, Westbrook, Margate. Kent CT9 5DS
Further details at: https://www.hugofox.com/community/westbrook-bowls-club-15171/home
Copperfield Court
Copperfield Court care home, part of Oyster Care Homes, is proud to celebrate the heartwarming story of Eric and Mary, a devoted couple who have been happily married for an incredible 67 years.
Mary was the first to join the welcoming community at Copperfield Court. Soon after, her husband Eric moved in too – reuniting the pair in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment where they could continue their lives together. Their story highlights the home’s commitment to offering thoughtful care for couples, enabling them to remain close even as their care needs evolve.
Now residents at Copperfield Court, Eric and Mary enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life – taking peaceful walks together around the beautifully landscaped grounds, sharing memories, and enjoying the companionship that only decades of love can bring.
“At Copperfield Court, we know how meaningful it is for couples to stay together,” said Eve Balcombe, General Manager. “Our team is committed to creating a space where relationships can continue to flourish. Seeing Eric and Mary’s connection and how they support one another each day is incredibly special.”
Health and Wellbeing Group Birchington
The podcasts are created by Martin Dickerson, aka stage name Marty Boneidol who joined the Well-Being Group after retiring from full-time employment last December.He is building a project to deliver Mindfulness Meditation in the community of Birchington.
Peace Unplugged, has articles on health and well-being, many of which relate to local issues as well as interviews with guests around the world.
New audio podcasts are released every Tuesday and Thursday. Check out a recent one at: https://podcasts.apple.com/…/parkinsons…/id1786562696…
Find the group on facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/633103746199835
Book release
The Hollies – Elevated Observations: The Graham Nash Years 1963-1968
One of the world’s most successful groups, The Hollies, have had more than 30 UK hits singles, with similar success in the USA, Europe and Australia – hits like ‘Just One Look’, ‘Here I Go Again’, ‘I’m Alive’, ‘Look Through Any Window’, ‘I Can’t Let Go’, ‘Bus Stop’, Stop Stop Stop’, ‘On A Carousel’, ‘Carrie Anne’ and ‘King Midas In Reverse’, as well as ground-breaking albums such as ‘For Certain Because’, ‘Evolution’ and ‘Butterfly’.
Thanet author and music historian Peter Checksfield profiles The Hollies’ most prolific and creative years from 1963 to 1968, including all the singles, albums, outtakes, live recordings, BBC radio, TV shows, cover versions, and much, much more!
Available from Amazon in paperback, hardback and e-book.
