Club involvement with St. Vincents care home

John Young celebrated his 90th birthday on 22 June 2015 A sergeant in the Parachute Regiment , he was dropped over Arnhem Sept 1943, fought at Pegasus Bridge, later in Germany.  After WW2 he served in Korea, and Palestine. Leaving the Army in 1960 he joined the Hampshire ambulance Service, Portsmouth until his retirement.
He became a resident at St. Vincent Care Home in 2013.
 
St. Vincent Care home was established in 1950. The Victorian house was donated by Lord and Lady Brigstock. to cater for 25 ex servicemen, who would be  accommodated in dormitories. Each man had to earn his keep with light chores, kitchen duties, as far as was able .In 1984 The Residential Homes act was passed , and later the community Care Act  to ensure proper standards. Major works were undertaken  in 1996 and by 2006 modernisation was completed, to accommodate 25 Residents.
 
SSAfA  took over the Home in 2000, to 'provide a safe environment for elderly men and women with a service background.'
 
Sharon Atter was appointed as Registered Care Manager, with Lesley her financial administrator. They continue in post.
 
Rotary began a special interest in St Vincent, over 40 years ago . A Ryde Rotarian was named to be the Link. so that any ex serviceman was able to call upon   a visit from a member of the Club to discuss problems, and give advice.  These may have been domestic,  matters or more professional,  a suitably  experienced member would be prepared come along and chat as was a member of the Clergy.
 
Rotary has organised fund raising events including a fete  to help the Home. Visiting on birthdays and special events have been much appreciated  and continue to this day.
 
Thanks to the management Team and their dedicated Staff, it came as no surprise that in 2009 St Vincents was voted the best Care Home in the South of England.
 
In my personal view I believe St. Vincents is the most cherished and successful  Care Home on the     Isle of Wight.
 
Michael Coles.    Hon. Rotarian.