The Kingfisher Clarion is our monthly newsletter, it is a fabulous tool for keeping the families of our residents up to date on all that is going on at Kingfisher Court. We use it to notify families and friends of upcoming events and we publish photographs and tales of all the fabulous activities that have been taking place in the home.

The newsletter has had a bit of a revamp this year and we are thrilled to now be including a column written by one of our residents, Sheila. Sheila is very keen to share stories from within the home, to share her experiences of life at Kingfisher and those of her fellow residents.

We are delighted to be able to offer Sheila this platform to share her thoughts and ideas and equally delighted that Sheila feels so positive about the home and the lifestyle she enjoys here.

Here, in her own words is Sheila’s story:

“I came here in 2019. My husband died the year before and for a while I coped at home fairly well. At that time my elder daughter lived in Canterbury and the younger one in the US and although they came as often as they could, I obviously relied on local help for much of the time. I was already having trouble with arthritis in my hip and knee, but after a fall was hospitalised and subsequently needed care. I was lucky indeed to find Kingfisher and from the beginning looked for ways in which I could use what skills I have to contribute to make it even more superior.

I was a Lecturer in Business Studies at the local College of FE for 24 years and have always been active in music and drama. As a result of having lived all my life in Mansfield there are quite a few circles in which I have been involved.  

I am thinking of my column firstly featuring the back stories of some of the residents - and maybe staff - which I have found fascinating. Then there are local contacts and places I’d like to highlight.”

Sheila and I have been discussing the February issue, she has a wonderful story written and ready to go. Sheila has led a busy and productive life and has held many titles, it’s wonderful to think that from her room at Kingfisher Court she is now able to add journalist to that list.