SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY - 20 Years on Gulf War 1 Reunion

Exactly 20 years to the day after the start of the final 100 hours of Gulf War 1 officers of the 3rd Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Battlegroup gathered for a reunion dinner at the Fusiliers Regimental Headquarters at The Tower of London. The battlegroup fought with distinction in that campaign as part of the 4th Armoured Brigade, earning the Battle Honour of "Wadi al Battin", and playing a key role in the ejection of the invading Iraqi army from Kuwait. It was my privilege to be commanding the 3 RRF Battlegroup at the time.


The reunion was an opportunity for much sharing of stories and catching up with 20 years of news for all the officers attending. Thoughts were of the superb soldiers we were privileged to lead and especially those who lost their lives in the campaign. The lively conversation, jokes and singing of regimental songs lasted into the small hours and most of us staggered off to bed after a tremendous party at about 03.30. There is nothing to match the comradeship and the hugely strong bond of friendship between brother officers who have fought together and this was a truly memorable reunion.

Location:London

THURSDAY 24 FEBRUARY - Our "Rising Stars" Graduate

Today was another "red letter" day for Somerset Care when our first "Rising Stars" programme concluded. Our group of aspiring managers were selected to attend this course a year ago and have been participating in a professional development course organised with great care and skill by Operations Manager Sylvia Stowe and Group Head of HR Sue Baverstock, with support from colleagues in Acacia Training and Development and external facilitators.

Today's "graduation" for our Somerset Care students included their managers and several of our directors. Short speeches were made by each student where they shared their thoughts about the programme. All were highly complimentary about the experience which had included a series of intensive training days, exchanges with other care homes, a day out at the "Care Show" in London and a challenging team building day at the Activity Centre at Cannington College.


The magnificent celebration cake for the event was made by our own Heather Thorne in our Central Office Payroll Department. Many thanks Heather!


Many congratulations to all our "Rising Stars", pictured back row (l to r) are: Leanne Wheatley, Rebecca Palmer, Julie Worthing, Emily Harding, Emma Read and Jane Hellier Front row: Emma Milton, Rebecca Sheppard, Caroline Stevens and Sarah Reynolds. Unable to be with us due to the imminence of paternity was Kevin Mellor. Kevin is the first member of the group to have achieved a manager appointment and is now well into his role as manager of our Halcon House Respite Centre.

We are now embarking on the search for our next group of "Rising Stars". So if you have the aspiration to step up to management and are willing to put your hat in the ring to be a member of our next "Class of 2011/12" speak with your manager and declare your interest!

Location:Taunton

MONDAY 21 FEBRUARY - Arts and Older People with the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

A most interesting meeting took place today in London jointly hosted by the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (WCMT) and the Baring Foundation. Its purpose was to hear reports from the 10 individuals who have been travelling the world over the past year on WCMT Travel Fellowships studying the world of "Arts and Older People". As one of the lucky fellows I was able to report on my sabbatical visits in Canada and USA last year and on my plans for my forthcoming second trip to Australia and New Zealand which starts this coming weekend.

We were joined at the meeting today by Dame Joan Bakewell DBE, who until recently was the Government's advisor (Tsarina?) on Older People and who is now an active working peer, spending much of her time holding the Government to account in the House of Lords.


In the picture, standing in front of an original work of art by Sir Winston Churchill himself, are the 2010/11 WCMT "Arts and Older People" Fellows. Seated are Suzi Digby, WCMT Council Member, Jamie Balfour, Director General WCMT, Dame Joan Bakewell and David Cutler, Chief Executive of the Baring Foundation.

The reports from fellows were without exception fascinating and together the experiences and lessons learned from these travelling fellows are providing a rich body of learning that will do much to help our efforts across the UK to promote the importance of the Arts in all their forms in enriching and supporting the lives of older people. We discussed drama, music, singing, visual arts, art therapy, reminiscence and memory work as well as my own pet themes of storytelling and, from my Canadian experience, drumming for the brain. Reports on all the fellowships will be published later this year. There is clear evidence that the amount of art related activity in older people's services is improving but much more is needed. This is a real challenge in these straightened economic times.

The great news is that this programme has proved to be such a success that the WCMT has decided to continue to fund the "Arts and Older People" programme for a further three years for 2012/13, 13/14 and 14/15 with 10 Fellowships to be awarded each year. This will allow further in depth study of work already undertaken together with new and innovative proposals related to the programme theme. The partnership between WCMT and the Baring Foundation will help to ensure that a significant amount of voluntary sector support will be provided for this important work.

For further information see www.wcmt.org.uk and www.baringfoundation.org.uk.

Location:London

MONDAY 7 FEBRUARY - Taunton Women's Aid Helps Local Women Stay Safe

I was pleased to be invited on Monday to participate in the launch of the "STAY SAFE" campaign by Taunton Women's Aid.

Sadly one in four women will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. The statistics are worrying.

The aim of the campaign is to publicise key messages that have been developed by Taunton Women's Aid to help women recognise potential dangers and to take preventative action before a situation escalates.

The campaign encourages a "body check" approach that can help women to recognise danger signs. The "body check" includes:
- HEAD: Think things through; keep your wits about you.
- EYES: Take blinkers off; notice what is going on around you.
- EARS: Listen to your friends; they will try to protect you.
- HEART: Trust your instincts; if you don't feel safe - you're not.
- HANDS: Your children are precious; don't let their safety slip through your fingers
- LEGS: Don't rush; take new relationships slowly.
- FEET: Know where to go for help; just take the first step.


At the "STAY SAFE" launch with the Mayor of Taunton and other business, sporting and community leaders.

Local businesses are asked to show their support for the campaign by holding a Dress Down day on 16 February and raising some funds for Taunton Women's Aid.

Location:Taunton