– SVNL Autumn Edition
I am writing this on October 7 – the first anniversary of the terrorist atrocities that took place in Israel in 2023. The murder of 1,200 people, many of whom were children or vulnerable people, and the kidnapping of hundreds more, had a profound continuing impact on our community as we continue from afar to witness the turmoil and heartbreak brought on by war.
As I write over 100 people are still being held hostage, and we are taking time to remember those being kept from their loved ones and pray for their safe return. We are acutely aware that many of you have close family and friends living in Israel and our thoughts are with you too.
Last year, we spoke of our pride in ourselves as Mancunians, for the strong solidarity between people of all faiths, and the desire for peace, tolerance, and understanding to prevail. As tensions rise and much remains beyond the influence of the average person, it is worth repeating that demonstrating kindness, understanding, tolerance, and compassion is the best way to support each other, our friends and families, and our communities.
The summer months were marked by several excellent events including the staff BBQ, the Fed Farm Day, and our highly competitive sports day.
Generally speaking, the weather was kind for all three. I had not realised quite how competitive some of our work colleagues are! The inquiry into using double-sided sticky tape in the egg and spoon race is not fully completed. VAR is being used to identify the culprits.
Well done to everyone involved; it was great to see so many people out in the garden enjoying themselves. (By the way, we might not be able to use the garden next year for these events as I am seriously considering turning it into a campsite for the Oasis concerts. Needs must, as they say…)
With summer been and gone, our new roof has been tested to the limit and the refurbishment of the dining rooms in our Hamburger and Wolfson (now the Dr Simon Jenkins) households, and the lounge in Wolfson is now complete.We have created a far more uplifting and homely environment with calming, contemporary décor.
Thanks are due to the care teams who worked around the disruption, and the maintenance and housekeeping teams for helping with the work.
The NHS and local councils have not wanted, or been able, to continue to purchase the additional care services based in Eventhall House due to their own budget restrictions., leaving empty floors. We have no immediate plans for their use.
Our long-term plans for the Village have not yet been fully explored, so it is unlikely that we will be able to share our ideas or ambitions for the future with you before next year.
An interesting winter beckons with a likely increase in delays in hospital. These are already being seen, even at this early stage in autumn.
Our financial position remains a challenge, but we are working hard to reduce costs. Thank you to all who have helped us save or raised money.
It is remarkable that the next newsletter will be out in 2025! The Jewish holidays in October quickly herald the countdown to Chanukah and Christmas – which this year arrive on the same day. We have a lot to pack in over the next three months as we continue to shape and re-structure how we work and what we offer, since our D2A Centre closed.
I hope the coming autumn months are the prelude to a calm and peaceful 2025 and, as ever, offer a huge thank you, for your ongoing hard work and for ensuring that we continue to provide outstanding care and support.
-Mark Cunningham
Chief Executive