December 2019
As we head to the end of the year and the start of a new decade – the roaring twenties no less – it is always good to reflect on what the year has brought. I hope that for you and your families, it has been a good year.
I am very sad to report the death of two Trustees in the last year – Bill Stothart died in January. He was a legend in Owen Owen and for 66 years he played a very important role in the Group, its pension scheme and the Trust. I am sure that those of you who knew him had huge respect for his integrity and intellectual capacity combined with his no-nonsense approach to business. Secondly, Jackie Stone joined the company in 1973 and worked as the Cosmetics and Perfumery Buyer until her retirement in 2000 when we welcomed her as a Trustee of the Owen Owen Trust and where she continued to work hard for all the beneficiaries. Bill and Jackie are much missed.
It has been another busy year for the Trust. Our volunteer visitors have organised events throughout the year, around the country. We really appreciate and value their hard work and effort in planning events for your enjoyment, as I am sure you do. Our longest serving visitor, Rosemary Williams retired this year, after 32 years tirelessly looking after Shrewsbury, Colwyn Bay and Newport areas. Our Preston and Blackpool visitor Bernadette Wilson is also retiring. Bernadette took on the role with gusto organising numerous teas and Christmas lunches. I am sure that you will all join with the Trust in thanking them both for their dedication and commitment.
This year’s visitor meeting was held in Liverpool where we were joined by Daniel Pattison from the Campaign to End Loneliness. Daniel got everyone talking about how it’s good to keep talking! Taking time to chat and interact can be a beneficial medicine for all, so even a simple smile and saying hello can make all the difference AND it’s good for your health.
We will be holding the usual quarterly afternoon teas in Liverpool next year. At our March meeting, we hope to hold a physio/exercise session to pass on the benefits of keeping moving. If it goes well, we hope to extend this to other areas. We are also inviting Dementia Champion Moira McLoughlin to our June tea. Moira is a member of Dementia Friends – a national organisation offering sessions for anyone who wants to learn a more about what it’s like to live with and care for a person with dementia. To find out more you can visit their website www.dementiafriends.org.uk or speak to the office for more information.
We are excited to announce that in 2020 we will be launching our own website to help raise awareness of the Trust. We have some wonderful photographs from the Liverpool Record Office and other images to publish and would encourage you to send in your own old photographs and memories of Owen Owen. The website will operate alongside our Facebook page which we’ll continue to update with details of forthcoming events.
On a practical note and in view of the growing number of stories of “doorstep scams” please can I remind you to never hand over cash to people who knock at the door offering to do jobs, and never pay before a job is completed. Likewise, the number of telephone scams has increased – remember your bank will never ask you for your bank details or pin codes/passwords in full over the telephone, just ask the caller to write to you.
When you apply for a grant from the Trust, we ask, whenever possible, that you obtain two quotes. This is so that you can see that you are being charged a fair price for the job. If you need something doing at home, ask around for recommendations. Please make sure that you protect yourself and your home from opportunists.
As a reminder, the Trust can help with repairs and renewals, replacement of electrical/white goods and furniture but not with medical expenses (ie glasses and hearing aids), funeral costs, home helps and gardening. However please do get in touch with us if you are considering applying for an additional grant, Karen and Paula will be pleased to talk you through the process. Please also remember to send us any changes to your contact details so we can keep in touch.
On behalf of the Trustees, Karen and Paula, may I wish you, and those close to you, a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Best Wishes
Kay Eggleton, Chairman of the Trustees, Owen Owen Trust, 4th Floor, 151 Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2AH Tel 0151 237 3985
Trustees: Kay Eggleton, John Barker, Len Foster, Sue Mitchell, David Owen, Rosie Lochiel-Owen, Liz Stewardson, Alan Turner and Bob Warren