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LATEST NEWS
New greenhouse and raised beds
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Rotary House has kindly had a greenhouse donated to us! This has been installed in the gardens and two raised beds, for growing vegetables, have also been built. peas, beans, lettuce, rocket and courgettes have already been planted. We are shortly going to start a tenants gardening club, which will be a great opportunity for people to grow their own food. keep watching this page for progress reports on the new garden.
New seating area in memory of Peter & Jill Gosse
On Sunday 19th May, we were pleased to officially open a new commemorative seating area in the garden of Rotary House. Located in a corner of the garden where an old tree had been removed, the seating area was dedicated to the memory of Peter & Jill Gosse, long time supporters of Rotary House and the deaf community in Norwich.
Chairman of the Trustees of Rotary House, Andy De’Ath, welcomed friends and tenants and invited Angela Gosse to reveal a plaque in honour of her late parents. Tea and cake was then served to the guests in the garden
Chairman of the Trustees of Rotary House, Andy De’Ath, welcomed friends and tenants and invited Angela Gosse to reveal a plaque in honour of her late parents. Tea and cake was then served to the guests in the garden
Changes at Rotary House
We are very pleased to announce that Deaf Connexions has taken over the day to day management of Rotary House. They have moved their office from Heigham Street, Norwich to the King Street premises of Rotary House.
The Chairman of Rotary House Management Committee, Andy De'ath said "Having Deaf Connexions carrying out the day to day management of Rotary House, and being on site, will improve the support given to our tenants and the local deaf community whilst providing professional expertise to assist in housing and personal benefits, changes to housing and health and safety legislation and provision of their interpreter service"
The Chairman of Rotary House Management Committee, Andy De'ath said "Having Deaf Connexions carrying out the day to day management of Rotary House, and being on site, will improve the support given to our tenants and the local deaf community whilst providing professional expertise to assist in housing and personal benefits, changes to housing and health and safety legislation and provision of their interpreter service"
Christmas draw
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Once again, the Rotary House Christmas raffle was brilliantly supported by businesses, tenants and family friends of Rotary House. Over 70 prizes were donated this year and the top prize of a luxury hamper - kindly donated by Cambridge and counties bank, was won by one of our long standing tenants - Michael Petchey.
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Shower upgrades
As part of our ongoing programme of improvements, we have started to replace the old shower units in the flats at Rotary House. These upgrades include new shower units, larger, lower enclosures, new tiling and new lighting. So far, we have upgraded 8 flats with more planned for 2017.
Emma Samuel to run 'The Race for Life - 10k
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One of our tenants, Emma Samuel, recently ran the Race for Life - 10k just 3 months after receiving a new kidney!
Thirty two year old Emma, who is deaf and registered blind, has made an amazing recovery from her life changing operation. Until receiving her new kidney, Emma had to attend hospital three times a week for the last three years. Now she is now free to take on new challenges. She is running the Race for Life in support of Cancer Research UK. |
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Paul runs the marathon again!
Our own 'marathon man' Paul Chilvers, once again successfully ran the London Marathon on 26th April 2016. Paul's time this year was 4 hours 31 minutes, despite pulling a muscle! Paul ran in support of SENSE, the UK's largest organisation offering support to deafblind people and their families. So far, Paul has raised a fantastic £1,460.
Paul's Marathon Charity run raises over £800
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On the 11th October Rotary House tenant, Paul Chilvers, completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon in just 2 hours and 4 minutes!
The 39-year-old, father of two, was inspired to run for Sense, the national deafblind charity as he has Usher syndrome, a genetic condition that causes sight and hearing loss. He relies on hearing aids and has tunnel vision, which means his side vision is slowly subsiding. |
He said: "I know first-hand how challenging it can be to cope with both sight and hearing loss. I decided to run for Sense because I wanted to help people like me to get the support they need and achieve their own goals.”
He added “I’m absolutely chuffed with my time! And what a thrilling experience to be running alongside thousands of people, all raising money for good causes.”
He added “I’m absolutely chuffed with my time! And what a thrilling experience to be running alongside thousands of people, all raising money for good causes.”
Strawberries & Fizz
On a bright sunny, warm July afternoon, around 40 tenants, family members and friends enjoyed a Strawberries and fizz event in the garden. The new garden furniture was put tom good use, corks were popped, and bowls of strawberries 9and cream) consumed. There was also a chance for people to look around Rotary House and see the newly decorated main building, updated communal bathroom and new lounge furnishings. The day also supported SENSE by way of collection boxes placed on the tables. final totals are still to be confirmed, but it looks like this was very generously supported.
New Garden Furniture
Now that we are well and truly into summer, we have bought two new sets of patio tables and chairs. The chairs are much more comfortable than the existing metal seats as they have bespoke cushions, and the tables are lighter making them easier to move. They also each come with their own parasol.
Redecorating Rotary House
As part of our on going updating and refurbishment of Rotary House, the corridors and doors to the residents flats have been repainted throughout the building. The more restful greens have really freshened up the building. New double glazed windows have also been fitted in all the corridors and we shall shortly be fitting these in the remaining flats which still have the old single glazed wooden ones
Updating Fire Alarms
We have now finished upgrading our 'state of the art' wireless fire alarms in the Winkles Row properties. These new alarms are connected to a master panel in the Office and will show not only which property the fire is in, but even the actual room. The new detectors next to the kitchens are also 'smart' in that they can distinguish between smoke from say burnt toast and a genuine fire. This upgrade will further ensure the safety of our residents in Winkles Row.
The fire alarm sensors in each of the residents flats in Rotary House have been replaced with a more modern type. All emergency lights within the main building have been replaced with new LED ones, which are much brighter, more reliable and the 'bulbs' will last a lot longer.
The outside lights around Winkles Row have also been upgraded to LEDs to improve visibility and safety around these properties.
The fire alarm sensors in each of the residents flats in Rotary House have been replaced with a more modern type. All emergency lights within the main building have been replaced with new LED ones, which are much brighter, more reliable and the 'bulbs' will last a lot longer.
The outside lights around Winkles Row have also been upgraded to LEDs to improve visibility and safety around these properties.
Laura brings back Bronze
As an international Football player, she is now a goal scoring medal winner representing Great Britain. Laura Wiseman returned from Bulgaria where the Great Britain Ladies football team won a Bronze medal at the Deaflympics in Sofia.
“It was an amazing experience, we had some tough games to play, but we managed to get a Bronze medal, I appreciate all the support that I got from so many people which enabled me to take part in the games” Laura aged 25 scored goals in the matches against Poland & Germany. “We were very proud to be playing for our country”
When they arrived in Bulgaria the GB team were up against Russia in the first round, sadly they lost 2-0, they then went on to beat Germany 2-1 with Laura scoring from 30 yards. GB went on to lose against the team that eventually won the gold, the USA, and in the play offs for 3rd place they came up against Poland, It was 1-1 after full time, and still 1-1 after extra time, so it was down to a penalty shoot out. Laura was amongst those that scored, which then meant that GB brought home the Bronze
“It was a tough game but we deserved the Bronze,” she said, “we are now looking forward to the future with even better results.”
“It was an amazing experience, we had some tough games to play, but we managed to get a Bronze medal, I appreciate all the support that I got from so many people which enabled me to take part in the games” Laura aged 25 scored goals in the matches against Poland & Germany. “We were very proud to be playing for our country”
When they arrived in Bulgaria the GB team were up against Russia in the first round, sadly they lost 2-0, they then went on to beat Germany 2-1 with Laura scoring from 30 yards. GB went on to lose against the team that eventually won the gold, the USA, and in the play offs for 3rd place they came up against Poland, It was 1-1 after full time, and still 1-1 after extra time, so it was down to a penalty shoot out. Laura was amongst those that scored, which then meant that GB brought home the Bronze
“It was a tough game but we deserved the Bronze,” she said, “we are now looking forward to the future with even better results.”
Summer Strawberries & Fizz Garden Party
On Sunday July 21st 2013 Rotary House hosted a Summer Garden Party with Strawberries & Fizz. All the Tenants & Trustees were invited along with family & friends. A light buffet was provided for all, along with a delicious Strawberry Fizz which was purchased locally from Adnams. Whist everyone was there, there was an opportunity to have a look around the newly refurbished Flat, TV Lounge & Office.
Laura selected for Great Britain Deaf Ladies football team in the Deaflympics
Rotary House resident Laura Wiseman has once again been selected to represent Great Britain in the Deaflympics ladies football team.
Laura has played for England deaf ladies in Bulgaria, Greece, Sweden and Switzerland. She has also represented Great Britain deaf ladies in Bulgaria and Taiwan Deaflympics.
Laura says "This is will be my second Deaflympics this year. My dream would be taking part, beating our rivals Russia and win a medal...hopefully a GOLD medal
and make Great Britain proud.
Laura started kicking a football when she was about 3 years old, and went on to play locally at about 12, and at National level when she was 18. She says "I have loved playing football since I was little, and wanted to follow my dad's path with his love of football"
Laura has played for England deaf ladies in Bulgaria, Greece, Sweden and Switzerland. She has also represented Great Britain deaf ladies in Bulgaria and Taiwan Deaflympics.
Laura says "This is will be my second Deaflympics this year. My dream would be taking part, beating our rivals Russia and win a medal...hopefully a GOLD medal
and make Great Britain proud.
Laura started kicking a football when she was about 3 years old, and went on to play locally at about 12, and at National level when she was 18. She says "I have loved playing football since I was little, and wanted to follow my dad's path with his love of football"
Updating Rotary House
The residents have the use of a very comfortable lounge area in Rotary House with tea and coffee facilities, Sky T.V and a pool table. We have now replaced the old carpet throughout the lounge area, added new leather settees and chairs, replaced all of the furniture and given the whole room a fresh lick of paint.
At Rotary House, we also have a bathroom for use by any resident who would like a bath, rather than use the shower provided in their flat. The bathroom has also had a makeover, with new paint, tiling and accessories to provide a bright but comfortable environment.
The extension of the Manager's office, which incorporates a 'break-out' area with comfortable chairs so that, should anybody wish to talk privately to a member of staff, they can do so in comfort, and a complete refurbishment and decoration is almost finished. The carpet will be laid on the 19th July, and the Manager will be moving back in later in the day
The extension of the Manager's office, which incorporates a 'break-out' area with comfortable chairs so that, should anybody wish to talk privately to a member of staff, they can do so in comfort, and a complete refurbishment and decoration is almost finished. The carpet will be laid on the 19th July, and the Manager will be moving back in later in the day
Recent visitors may have noticed that we have done a fair amount of work, both to the Winkles Row gardens and to the area behind Rotary House. The old hedging and poor grass at Winkles row has been replaced by smart new picket fencing and easy care gravel, with some evergreen shrubs for year round interest.
At Rotary House, new paths have been added leading to the pergola, some old hedging has been removed, and a rather awkward bank has been planted up with flowering ground-cover shrubs leading to a new lawn area. Further planting is taking place to add more colour and interest to the borders.
At Rotary House, new paths have been added leading to the pergola, some old hedging has been removed, and a rather awkward bank has been planted up with flowering ground-cover shrubs leading to a new lawn area. Further planting is taking place to add more colour and interest to the borders.