Exeter Gateway Centre

The past few weeks have been very busy at the centre, with the members creating an array of items ready for Christmas. Eileen has been overseeing Christmas cake making, whilst the other staff, including our newest addition Jonathon, have been supervising the production of photo frames, embroidery, book marks and calendars just to name a few.

The first batch of cakes have been iced reading for decorating, with the remainder being done in the next few days. Jamie, Brian and Vincent have decided to create an approximately quarter size reindeer (thankfully without sleigh!), whilst Scott and Peter have gone for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Harry Potter themed calendars respectively.

Afternoon bingo is still very popular, especially with the festive prizes on offer, and some days, upwards of a dozen keen ‘bingoers’ can be seen crowded round the tables with their ‘eyes down’!

This week will see the centre being decorated ready for the following weeks’ events-Christmas Karaoke, buffet lunches and a full on Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings. We’re also fitting in a trip to the Northcott Theatre, as it’s Jack and the Beanstalk panto time.

With so much happening, there will be plenty of photos and updates, so watch this space!

Halloween was upon us again, so it was time to decorate the centre and carve the pumpkins! During the day, some members were busy playing bingo (with all manner of Halloween related prizes), while others, including Suzanne and Emma, helped to make props for the evening’s games.

Some members had arrived in their costumes, whilst others changed-a great effort was made to look ‘scary and spooky’ and prizes were awarded for the best dressed members. Both Karaoke and dancing took place over the course of the evening with a particularly impressive rendition of Ghostbusters from Vincent. There were interludes for various games including musical statues and ‘eat the marshmallow off the string’ (no hands allowed).

As well as the entertainment, there was hot food (hot-dogs, jacket potatoes, beans and salad followed by jelly and muffins!).

A big thank you must go to Amy, for organising a treasure hunt around the centre with some very clever clues. A great time was had by all and there were some very tired members the next day!

This week, the members have been busy helping to prepare and then devour some wholesome meals. After discussion, three meals were chosen for each day; Cottage Pie, Past Bake and Quiche with a selection of desserts, including apple crumble. A team of sous chefs helped with the preparation, setting up and tidying. There were up to 20 diners on each day and as usual, nothing went to waste!

On two afternoons, there was also birthday cake as three members, Suzanne, Barbara and Amy were celebrating over the coming days.

As well as the cooking, members have been taking part in karaoke, bingo, word-search games and continuing with their papier-mache/fabric creations. Jamie finished his hand puppet and Anita is now sporting a fine pair of casual trousers!

The past couple of weeks have been full on in the activity department, with members embracing the theme of Under the Sea-  all manner of colourful fish and painted scenes have been created plus the resident mannequin has been transformed into a mermaid! There has also been time to celebrate another birthday (complete with freshly baked cakes)-this time one of the more ‘mature ‘members, Keith.

As well as the ocean linked activities, a Tardis money box has been added to the list of items made recently. Furniture up-cycling is still in progress, with Vincent and Mickie showing their off their sanding and painting skills.

As we move towards the end of October, members are discussing costumes, food and music for the Halloween Party…more to follow!

It seems that every week we are celebrating a birthday at the centre. Within the past two weeks, a couple of the younger members, Julie and Robbie, have enjoyed a freshly made cake and the dulcet tones of the Gateway Choir singing Happy Birthday. 

On the activity front, Peter and Vincent have again been busy with their paper-mache skills, making and decorating a cyber-man mask and army helmet. Other members have made bowls and picture frames.

In keeping with our topic of Under the Sea, Emma and Victoria have created a magnificent underwater scene for display.

Last week saw the final monthly week of barbecues- due to popular demand, the bbq season had started back in April! Over the past few months, hundreds of various food items had been cooked, many of which had been harvested from the greenhouse and planters. As well as the usual burgers and sausages, members had sampled veggie kebabs (using home-grown tomatoes and courgettes) and grilled patty pan. Other fruit and veg had also been used in many other culinary creations including spinach scones and a variety of quiches.

No-one ever goes hungry, and the staff are more than happy to see members enjoying the healthy benefits of our garden area.

After months of meticulous planning and preparation, the day had finally arrived for the Late Summer Gathering-a day’s activities for members of the Exeter, Barnstaple and Taunton Gateway Clubs. The venue was High Bickington Community Centre, where over 100 members, carers, support staff and activity leaders enjoyed a fun-filled few hours.

The centre and its grounds were used for a variety of activities. Inside, there was New Age Curling, mask and jewellery making, Tai-Chi, plus musical instrument workshops courtesy of Wren Music. Outside, members could toast marshmallows over the campfire, engage in story-telling, make all manner of items from felt and willow and take part in various sporting challenges. There were also displays by local bee-keepers, North Devon Falconry, Cadenza Alpacas (particularly popular with Amy!), local vintage tractor enthusiasts and Ellie, (one of Exeter’s Trustees), who brought along a small selection of her hens!

The day’s catering was supplied by the Rapid Relief Team, who, under the expert leadership of Julian, made sure everyone was fed and watered sufficiently; teas, coffees, water, burgers and hot-dogs, salad and desserts! No-one could complain about being hungry! A massive thank you for all their efforts-it added to making the day a success. Thanks also to the members of the Exeter Rotary Club who marshalled the event, Colin from Barnstaple Lions (and his furry friend) and all the other support staff on the day.

No gathering would be complete without the end of day disco, giving those dancers among the groups the chance to show off their moves! It was then time to say a fond farewell and board the transport back home. Everyone had a great day, which would not have happened without the tireless efforts of Eileen Rosamond, the Exeter Gateway Centre manager. We are also grateful to Amanda and Jo from Barnstaple, for their input before and on the day itself.

Of the many activities on offer at the centre, from cooking to pool and computers to bingo, papier mache items are very popular at present. Several picture frames have been designed and decorated plus bowls and even a landing craft!

With the fine weather still with us, Debbie and a few volunteers spent a worthwhile morning cleaning the windows!

This year has been busy in the garden with members choosing, planting and harvesting a variety of fruit and vegetables. In turn, the kitchen has been a hive of activity as the produce  has been used in many a culinary delight!

We have tasted and thoroughly enjoyed a range of recipes, from spinach and cheese quiche to patty pan muffins. Due to the expert watering by Suzanne and Tia, the greenhouse has produced an abundance of courgettes, cucumbers and tomatoes. Most members have chosen to supplement their packed lunches with a bowl of fresh salad. There is still plenty to harvest, so more healthy lunches to come!

On Wednesday 15th August, a group of members travelled (problem free!) by public bus to Westpoint Arena for the Devon Blue Light Day. Hundreds of adults and their carers from all around Devon were treated to a great day out with a host of activities to enjoy. There were staff and resources from all three emergency services, plus interactive displays and workshops.

A great time was had by all, and everyone returned home (again no transport issues!) clutching their goody bags full of various free gifts.

A big thank you must go to the organisers for all their efforts in making the day a success.